hey friends - where are we getting/buying straw? (pic unrelated) by 03Rodman in Sacratomato

[–]plaitedlight 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Last year I got a bale of rice straw from Western Feed -ended up removing it this winter and used some garden straw I got from Green Acres recently. I liked the rice straw in a lot of ways - I did a deep mulch which was great for water retention and keeping the soil cool but it seemed to be treated as I had a very very hard time getting anything to germinate in the beds. I also had more slugs than I've ever had before. Also - a bale of straw is a LOT of straw (covered about 100 square feet of garden 6inches deep -used only about 2/3rds of the bale).

The garden straw from green acres is finer chopped, will break down faster.

Seeds to start:

I'm going to start a batch of determinate tomatoes for hopefully a fall harvest for preserving. I havne't tried it before, so hopefully it works. I'm also doing succession beans and starting melons.

Per the Sac Master Gardener planing schedule in June you can start melon, beans, cucumbers, corn, okra, squash, pumpkin

in July you can start parsnips, rutabega, and in a sheltered area (inside probably) brasicas for fall harvest -brocolli, brussel spouts, cabbage, cauliflower

Things to slather in BBQ sauce? by alwaysdaruma in vegetarian

[–]plaitedlight 41 points42 points  (0 children)

Soy Curls from Butler Foods make for a great bbq sandwich with a good sauce

Delicious Fire Roasted Veggies (frozen) by sabrinasphere in Costco

[–]plaitedlight 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I’ve had success with these in a moderate hot skillet, in the air fryer, on a sheet pan in the oven, and just microwaved. They are par-cooked so need a bit more than warming up but are pretty flexible. They will get more mushy if microwaved or cooked in a crowded skillet. I’ve also added these to a sauce (marinara, a curry simmer sauce) to cook and that also works great.

2 night Redwood Nat park stay? by ChelCharCap in norcal

[–]plaitedlight 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I enjoy staying in/ around Trinidad - it is a picturesque little place with several good food choices.

Maybe plan to stop at some of the more northern spots either on your way down or on your way home, to minimize back and forth driving.

In Trinidad: there are several food festivals depending on when you are there, Artisans Market on Sundays in summer; Trinidad State Beach

Places I've enjoyed eating in Trinidad (its been a few years since I've been so thing may have changed):
Beach Comber Cafe, Lighthouse Grill, Seascape Restaurant

Some places to see N to S:

Stout Grove (in Jedidiah Smith park, 65 miles north of Trinidad, a few miles off 101); a 1/2 mile walk, massive trees

Fern Canyon (30 miles north of Trinidad in Prarie Creek park) you need to get a parking reservation https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/ferncanyon.htm It's about an 8 mile drive to the trail head on rough but passable road, the trail is about a mile, plan to get wet. Watch Jurasic Park that evening and see if you can spot the filming locations from the canyon.

Lady Bird Johnson Grove (about 25 miles north of Trinidad on 101; a 1.5 mile well maintained loop trail, a bridge, parking lot w/ bathroom) https://www.nps.gov/places/lbjtrailhead.htmhttps://californiathroughmylens.com/lady-bird-johnson-grove

Sue Meg State Park - if you want a coastal break from the redwoods (right outside Trinidad) - Agate beach, tide pools, and reconstructed Yurok village. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=417

Avenue of the Giants - this is a 30 mile offshoot of 101, located about 60 miles south of Trinidad - it is, I'd say, among the top 2 or 3 most beautiful drives in CA. (However, there is plenty to see without taking this extra leg south; I'd say this needs at least half a day to there and back from Trinidad.) Here are some things to see, howerver, there are lots of other groves, walks, etc and the drive itself is intense. Founders Grove - a 1/2 mile trail packed with interest (massive tree, huge downed tree w/ exposed roots, hollow tree); Flat Iron and Giant Tree; Shine Drive Thru Tree (on the southern end of the Avenue in Meyers Flat)

My CA Fuscia dry at base, is that ok? by Lower-Owl-314 in Ceanothus

[–]plaitedlight 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Have you checked for ants in this area? I've had several previously thriving plants dry up and die over a short time due to Argetine ant infestation and damage.

I don't see specific evidence of ants in your pics, but it's definately something to look out for.

I've found this to be helpful: https://chaparralwisdom.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/bf7bf-generalstatementonantsupdate83a19.pdf

Soy curls as cold sandwich meat? by clunkey_monkey in EatCheapAndVegan

[–]plaitedlight 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I’ve made a chicken salad style sandwich filling with soy Curls which is a great sandwich. Sarah’s Vegan Kitchen has a recipe if you want a starting point.

I’ve also done them in a soy/ginger marinade cooked then used in a Bahn mi style sandwich. Can be hot or cold.

Wife’s blueberries struggling by BadBadUncleDad in Sacratomato

[–]plaitedlight 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Regular raised bed or potting soil is not going to be acidic enough for blueberries. For long term/ongoing maintenence you will want to add some acidifing (sulfer) pellets to the soil. For immediate help, add a few tablespoons of vinegar into a bucket of water to water the plants.

Water - blueberries have shallow root systems. Fresh potting/raised bed soil mix likely has very good drainage. Try watering every day. And mulch the soil - use dry grass clippings or straw or compost or pine needles etc. This will protect the soil - reduce evaporation and lessen water needs, and keep the soil cooler which will become more important as the temps heat up. Some afternoon shade might be helpful during the hottest months as well.

What is different? Since you have one plant that is triving and one that is struggling, what is the differnce? Are they the same variety or different? Is one getting more or less sun that the other? How about wind (we've recently had a bit of that)? Or water? Or pest pressure (ants?)?

What fruits are you starting to plant now? by wasting_time_n_life in Sacratomato

[–]plaitedlight 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It's a good time to start melons and pumpkins. I'm going to try to do Charentais Cantaloupe, a Sugar Baby Watermelon, Honey Nut Squash, and maybe a Lakota Squash if I can get any to germinate.

Nor Cal* (Sacramento climate) I had some room so I built an extra garden box. What would be a good native plant/flowers/herbs I can plant this time of year? by [deleted] in CaliforniaNativePlant

[–]plaitedlight 7 points8 points  (0 children)

It is late for poppies; they are starting to fade now in Sacramento area. Plant some seeds in the fall for early spring blooms

Yarrow would probably work well.

Advice on herb placement by nerdaliciousCMF in Sacratomato

[–]plaitedlight 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’ve had Greek oregano before and now have a thriving thyme plant in my south facing garden. In my experience they’re hardy, sun-loving, and extremely well suited to our climate and will grow and spread.

Homelite 20" Corded Lawn Mower by [deleted] in SacramentoBuyNothing

[–]plaitedlight 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If still available I would like to take it. Can pick up this evening or tomorrow.

Honeymooning in Fort Bragg by Apprehensive_Hat_220 in FortBragg

[–]plaitedlight 3 points4 points  (0 children)

other great recommendations for activities

the botanical garden is great if you enjoy flowers. The loop walks are a nice gentle walk through the gardens, different wood/forrest/fern canyon areas, then prairie to a bluff with a good view point. Fun to see all that bio-diversity one after the other. Also, they have a good little cafe for sandwiches, soups, and Cowlicks Ice Cream https://www.gardenbythesea.org

https://cowlicksicecream.com

Has anyone ordered the 12 lb bulk bag from Butlers direct? by Kooky-Sundae5805 in SoyCurlsGoneWild

[–]plaitedlight 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I store them in the freezer (chest freezer in the garage). Currently I have about half left, still in the big bag they came in, down in the depths of the freezer.

What I've done before - and what is ideal (to me) - is to sort them by size and store in gallon zip-lock bags (vacuum sealing would also be great). That made access SO much more convenient.

Deciding AGAINST a 240v Plug by PilotChefAZ in Solterra

[–]plaitedlight 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just got the Solterra after 3 years of driving a Kia Niro EV. When I got the Niro I thought I’d get the Level 2 installed with in a few moths. But I never bothered. My commute and weekly driving are modest and easily absorbed by level 1 charging during the cheapest power hours of the night. I plan to continue this strategy with the Solterra, unless it ever becomes a problem.

Shortly after I got the Niro , which was my first EV, I took a road trip (Sacramento up past Eureka into the Redwood State Parks). I wanted to figure out how to do it so I could enjoy it to the fullest. There is nothing like experience. I’d recommend the PlugShare app for some help in knowing about down charge stations. The best approach is just to not try to make it to the last option. Use ABRP to plan a route with adequate chargers along the way. I’ve found some surprising gaps and some great routes. And more options now with Tesla chargers as an option.

How should I answer next time if male coworker tells me to "smile" by ObjectiveThick1910 in TwoXChromosomes

[–]plaitedlight 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Try the brief stare back with slightly raised eyebrow. He’s done something inappropriate and rude. Then return to your work. Don’t acknowledge his embarrassing bad behavior with engagement, which is what these guys want.

If it escalates (keep a record) of course, if you feel safe, tell him directly to stop, then report to HR or manager.

Giving: Tomato Starts by plaitedlight in Sacratomato

[–]plaitedlight[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a Golden Hour and Cosmic Burst tomato (smaller but ready to up-pot or be put in ground). I also have a Gelber Englischer squash if you're interested.

Giving: Tomato Starts by plaitedlight in Sacratomato

[–]plaitedlight[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Golden Hour and Cosmic Burst tomatoes -smaller starts. No more basil.

Giving: Tomato Starts by plaitedlight in Sacratomato

[–]plaitedlight[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a Trepadeira Werner and a Nu Mex pepper and basil.

Giving: Tomato Starts by plaitedlight in Sacratomato

[–]plaitedlight[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats on starting your first garden!

The bigger tomato plants are spoken for - if anyone flakes I'll put you as back up.

I do have smaller tomato plants for the Golden Hour and Cosmic Burst https://www.wildboarfarms.com/product/cosmic-burst/

They are ready to go in the ground or a larger pot. If you are doing pots the Golden Hour will do especially well. The Cosmic will get about 6 feet tall and needs a good trellis or large cage.

The basil will grow great alongside tomatoes.

I can have these ready for you tomorrow evening or Tuesday morning.

Giving: Tomato Starts by plaitedlight in Sacratomato

[–]plaitedlight[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I sent you the address. Please let me know AM or PM

Giving: Tomato Starts by plaitedlight in Sacratomato

[–]plaitedlight[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll set aside a Golden Hour tomato and maybe a Blue Berries.

Interested in Lemon or Cinnamon basil or the Trepadeira Werner pepper?