Life can catch me by surprise sometimes. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, I get a curve ball that changes everything. This time the change was for for the better. After I retired, I rode my bicycle … Continue reading
Originally posted on Soils Matter, Get the Scoop!:
Question: I’ve heard that mulches can improve water quality—is there a connection? Aren’t they just for landscaping? Photo by Susan V. Fisk Landscape mulches come in wide arrays of colors and textures.…
A year ago I sealed apricots, vinegar, bread, yeast and sugar in a food grade white bucket and stuck it in my HVAC intake vent. With school out, I thought I would pull it out and see what I got. … Continue reading
The Fire Marshall won me over when she patted my manicured creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) like it was a pet dog. Continue reading
Originally posted on Soils Matter, Get the Scoop!:
Hopefully, the ground in your yard has thawed by now (regrets to those who still have frozen ground!). So why is it that when you try to push your shovel into the…
I have had a lot on my plate lately and it shows in my neglected garden. With spring breaking out, I thought I would go out and start preparing for planting. I was in for a happy surprise. I let last … Continue reading
Ok, so I have more jars of canned fruit than I can eat in a year. Does that mean I have enough fruit trees in my yard? Apparently not. There I was riding my tricycle home from my plumbing repair … Continue reading
“What can I grow here?” is common question the circulates among gardeners new to an area. When I first moved into my home, I started a plant list searchable by planting date in Microsoft Access. I got my information by … Continue reading
English violets (Viola odorata) take me back to the most magical days of my early childhood. My mother dipped them in sugar and served them to me as candy. Violets were one of the first plants that I drew through … Continue reading
Caroline M Hudson commented on your post in High Desert Vegetable Gardens. Caroline M Hudson 6:38pm Jul 8 Go right ahead Comment History Mary Dellavalle 6:17pm Jul 8 Thanks! May I blog your suggestion and then try it? I will be … Continue reading
Introduction When it comes to nutrients, plants can be like Goldilocks. For healthy growth and reproduction, nutrient levels have to be just right. Plants can suffer from both nutrient deficiencies and nutrient toxicity. Each species of plants has its own … Continue reading
“Mystery Blogger Award” is an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. Continue reading
After years of drought we finally got good rain in the High Desert. Lupine seedlings started to emerge in December. I have carpets of them where mud puddles collected. Spring is on its way!
Today I am doing some “clean the fridge cooking” prior to going out for major grocery shopping. I had a container of cooked quince puree that I needed to use. Well, it sort of looks like pumpkin pie filling……. So, … Continue reading
The storm blew most of my quince off of the tree and I have a new gluten free baking flour from WinCo bulk section that I just had to tryout. Of course, quince muffins would be my first solution. … Continue reading
Dan Charles Recently posted a story on NPR, As Rains Soak California, Farmers Test How To Store Water Underground about farmers flooding their fields with rainwater in order to infiltrate the water into store the water in soil and replenish … Continue reading
One of the most productive plants in my yard is the quince. Passersby will often stop to ask, “What is that yellow fruit hanging over the fence?” When I answer, “Quince”, their confusion increases. “What is that? What do you … Continue reading
I took a lot of chances on planting California native plants slightly out of their natural range. Most of them didn’t make it. One of the successes, among my favorites, was California fuchsia (Epilobium canun). I planted mine where the … Continue reading
Its a perfect day for planting in the High Desert. We just had a nice October rain and there is 20% chance of rain for the rest of the day. It is warm and balmy with a light wind. In … Continue reading
Rock outcrops show us how lush, green plants such as native cherries can flourish in a desert during a major drought without expensive irrigation water. Continue reading
Originally posted on Soils Matter, Get the Scoop!:
Farmers across the country use “cover crops” over the winter. Cover crops do several things, depending on what is planted: Help prevent erosion and topsoil loss. Their roots, and the plants themselves,…
The resulting salad is spicy hot, sweet and tangy, minty cool, and chewy. Continue reading
What about putting a crispy hash brown exterior on creamy chick pea polenta? Continue reading
Originally posted on Indu's International Kitchen:
Quinoa is so versatile. You can do pretty much anything with it – make quinoa upma, use in salads or even soups and also use to make burgers.! Truly versatile. Plus so healthy…
I just ran into a couple of great looking blogs featuring the use of chia seeds as a thickener to make pudding. The puddings looked like cool tasty treats for hot afternoon snacks, after dinner deserts, or quick, healthy, grab … Continue reading
Originally posted on Caliche Challenge:
Branch Loaded with Apricots. Ingredients 2 cups condensed apricot juice (about 10 cups fresh apricots reduced to 2 cups concentrated juice) 8 cups fresh apricots 71/2 tablespoons low or no-sugar needed pectin 2 tablespoons lemon…
Ingredients 2 cups condensed apricot juice (about 10 cups fresh apricots reduced to 2 cups concentrated juice) 8 cups fresh apricots 71/2 tablespoons low or no-sugar needed pectin 2 tablespoons lemon juice Optional – Sweetener to taste For different quantities … Continue reading
This gallery contains 8 photos.
Originally posted on Caliche Challenge:
Yummy! If you could eat it with a corn tortilla, you could eat it with a chick pea tortilla. “No more white stuff,” my cardiologist sternly warned me. I took to the internet for Ideas.…
Chick Pea Crust for Open Pies I found this recipe for a pie crust made with chick pea flour embedded in a chickpea quiche recipe. For now, I need a wheat free recipe to make pies out of my abundant … Continue reading
This blog has a mixture of recipes that I tried and recipes that look tempting all organized in one place. I have a mountain of plums to can and quick! They are falling off of the tree faster than I … Continue reading
Originally posted on The Daily Post:
We all need to let off steam sometimes, and what better place than the internet? We certainly advocate for thoughtful, reflective posts, but the odd rant can be a lot of fun to write —…
April 1, 2016: The Global Pulse Confederation (GPC) and its Partners around the world continue their celebrations of the UN-declared International Year of Pulses with the launch today of the World’s Greatest Pulse Dishes, a collection of 60+ pulse-based … Continue reading
Originally posted on Happy Harvest Farm:
Well hello, and welcome back to “The adventures of the bicycle life”. I am pleased to report that my love for the human powered machine has continued to grow. This past week I have…
Lyn Shirley is teaching an Environmental Horticulture Lab class at Victor Valley College during summer session of 2016. Below is her message. Be there or be square! Hello folks. I am teaching a class this summer called AGNR 60 Environmental … Continue reading
A simple way to start a compost pile is to create a wire basket. Take a sheet of mesh fencing such as chicken wire, hardware cloth, or chain link fencing that is readily accessible. Overlap the sides of the mesh … Continue reading
Good scavengers for the backyard composting include pigeons, rabbits and chickens. Continue reading
These muffins are fragrant, spicy and flavorful. They make a great grab and go breakfast or snack. The use of unrefined sugars provides a caramel flavor. The basic recipe uses drained quince sauce, which is similar to apple sauce. When … Continue reading
Steps to Do Tomorrow
Cut Rabbets for Top and Bottom
Check Fit
Glue Box Together
Trim Ends Continue reading
This gallery contains 16 photos.
Originally posted on Mind Your Dirt:
Now here’s a project that doesn’t take too much time and is simply perfect for the whole family. The materials used for this are all items you can hunt for in parks or woods…
According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, compost is “a mixture that consists largely of decayed organic matter and is used for fertilizing and conditioning land.” Simply put, compost is what is left behind by organisms that eat dead things. Biologists call these … Continue reading
My introduction to compost was a gift from my Dad. As a farm boy and soil scientist, he had an avid interest in compost long before it became trendy. Some of my earliest memories were of him turning and tending … Continue reading
My mother introduced me to Matilija poppy when I was a teenager. She planted one in her front garden. The poppy didn’t exactly like where she put it, so it literally moved. It spread by underground stems to where … Continue reading
California Herps Page for Yellow-backed Spiny Lizard – Sceloporus uniformis I was quite surprised to find a friendly visitor in my dining room this afternoon. A rather calm lizard was basking on the tile floor. My cat walked by … Continue reading
My parents came to visit when my home was relatively new. I showed my little vegetable garden to them with requests for advice. One problem that I was having was that seeds would germinate, and then disappear within a day … Continue reading
Turning the desert into an ‘oasis of healthy eating The Victorville Daily Press released an interesting article about a local gardener who uses hydroponics to grow his vegetables. Good read. By Rene Ray De La Cruz Staff Writer Posted … Continue reading
Shortly after applying the last batch of cement, observations of mice droppings went from common to briefly incidental. My best hunter, Apricot, suddenly put on weight. Her egg production went from intermittent to slightly over one egg per day. Continue reading
If you are tire of spending money on plants that don’t belong here and ultimately die, a local nursery operated by horticulturists with expertise in the local ecosystem is a wise investment. For what I spent taking risks on plants that never stood a chance, I would have been better off spending more money per plant on plants that do well under local growing conditions. Continue reading
I purchased a “fixer upper” that needs lots of work. Now that I am retired, I have the time to take a basic woodworking class. I intend to build a gate for my final project. Ambitious for a beginner, I … Continue reading
My new pullets needed to learn to not be afraid of humans. I really needed to spend time with them for socialization training. I also have a backlog of homework and studying from a series of medical issues in my … Continue reading
Originally posted on Cooking Without Limits:
Yeah!! Finally I found a recipe for my boy for cupcakes without flour and sugar. They called it Paleo recipe, I call it a very healthy and with a great taste recipe for cupcakes.…
I am putting this recipe on my must try list! The author got the idea of testing this recipe after her success with her cheat version of coconut macaroons. Doce de grao (check recipe) is a staple sweet made for weddings, Christmas, … Continue reading
For all our stunning scientific advancements, listening to grandparents talk about traditional ways is well worth while. Sure, some traditions worked out better in the long run than others. As we push the limits on technical advancements, we are learning which traditions are keepers. Native American agricultural practices that endured through thousands of years without environmental collapse are worth in-depth study. Continue reading
So, I’m not the only crazy person out there who sees free irrigation water in “flooding problems” I found a great series of links to videos on stormwater and rainwater harvesting. If you want to grow more than rocks in … Continue reading
This is the part of the world where I live. I have passed many of these places while working as an Environmental Scientist for the State of California. Edge of Humanity Magazine Photographer Caroline Lessire is the Edge of Humanity … Continue reading
I found an appealing recipe for Lentil Apple Muffins on the internet. Only one problem, it was a few days before payday, and I needed to cook with ingredients that I had in the pantry. I was out of lentils … Continue reading
Benjamin Vogt of Monarch Gardens contributed a well written article that presented features to consider and benefits of earth friendly gardens. My favorite, was his use of swales. 5 Ideas for a More Earth-Friendly Garden https://www.houzz.com/jsGalleryWidget/gallery/65260850//title_on=yes/width=620
I maintained the grade of the roadside swale and added landscaping to solve problems: flooding of the intersection, unauthorized “off-roading” across my front yard, and unauthorized cement laying in my corner. An additional benefit has been free irrigation water in an area where water is very expensive. Continue reading
Source of wonderful ideas. THE DIRT Wild by Design / Island Press “Combining ecological function and design is now mainstream,” said landscape architect Margie Ruddick, ASLA, in a talk at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. “It’s no longer … Continue reading
Mojave Aster, is easily one of my favorite plants. It features large blue flowers with a yellow center. When it opened it’s flowers in my garden this morning, I had to share it with you. My Experience Growing Mojave Aster … Continue reading
Superadobe or earth bag building was developed by Nader Khalili, an Iranian American architect, writer, and humanitarian. He developed the superadobe system in 1984, in response to a NASA call for … Source: The Art of Superabode Cal-Earth has … Continue reading
Keyhole gardens are basically raised beds with an access path and built in compost column. After I published Keyhole Gardens are a Proven Strategy for Working With Caliche in Arid Regions, I got a ping back from Mr. Jon Moore … Continue reading
I have had both good success and expensive failures growing fruit and nut trees in my garden. My Tillman Apricot is by far my best producer. Other trees failed to survive the first year. We can have warm winters and … Continue reading
None of the iris that I purchased bloomed so far this year. The iris that were given to me, on the other hand, have been spectacular. When I compare iris that thrived to iris that either died or failed to … Continue reading
This gallery contains 5 photos.
these sculptures have potential for high end green houses, keyhole tops and chicken coops. ……… Continue reading
I learned some wonderful strategies for working with caliche layers under poor soils from the local gardening community. Keyhole gardens are one of the approaches. I have seen several interpretations of the keyhole garden posted on Facebook. Then some Julie … Continue reading
I needed a quick and affordable way to house my chickens at night. I got wire cages from a pet store, put them up on tables under the eaves of my home, wrapped them with bubble wrap insulation, and clamped … Continue reading
By request, I am posting images of my chicken’s home. It is still a work in progress. The aviary, made with materials that happened to be on hand, provides protection to my chickens, but it isn’t exactly pretty. I took … Continue reading
Their assigned duties will include (with time) egg laying, nutrient processing, compost processing, pest control, chicken therapy and general entertainment. Continue reading
Little green apricots are showing up on my trees. Not a heavy set, but more than enough for me to want to find new recipes. This one looks yummy. I can’t wait to try it. I could even use marzipan … Continue reading
Yummy! If you could eat it with a corn tortilla, you could eat it with a chick pea tortilla. Continue reading
worlds-greatest-pulse-dishes-photos features an amazing, mouthwatering photo gallery of dishes made with pulses. These labeled pictures are a wonderful one stop idea shop for inspiring web searches for new recipes. See a photo you like? Copy paste the name of the … Continue reading
“Pulses:
• provide plant-based proteins and amino acids,
ensuring food security.
• fight obesity due to their high fiber content.
• prevent and help manage chronic diseases such
as diabetes, coronary conditions, and cancer.
• are an important source of plant-based protein
for livestock.
• fix nitrogen, increasing soil fertility.
• are sustainable, using less water than many
other protein crops.” Continue reading
Article features what to consider when planning: Vegetable Garden Backyard flock of Chickens Backyard farm animals Compost Pile Backyard bee keeping Backyard clothes drying Backyard Orchard
When I am selecting plants that I am not familiar with, knowing which zone my garden is in, can be really handy. Continue reading
Source: Milkweed Can Be Bad For Monarchs?
Asclepias Tuberosa – Carefree, long-lived N. American native both deer and drought resistant, and the only plant the monarch butterfly will lay her eggs on. Source: Asclepias Tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) Hello Yellow | Milkweed Plant | Plant For Monarch Butterflies
Although years of drought and over-pumping have depleted groundwater in Arizona and California, a new study shows the situation has created underground reservoirs where extra surface water can be stored. Source: Storing Extra Surface Water Boosts Groundwater Supply During Droughts … Continue reading
Happy Easter! Continue reading
Source: Matilija Nursery – California Native Plant and Iris Nursery | Supplying: Public & Private Gardens, Commercial Landscapes, Restoration Projects I stumbled on this in Facebook. I am marking it for a place that I want to visit. Looks … Continue reading
Native to California, the holly leaf cherry is a tough shrub to small tree that provides dense evergreen foliage, food for birds, shade, and depending on the location, privacy. Continue reading
Of all the plants that I have purchased to date, firecracker penstemon has given me the biggest bang for my buck. Continue reading
On the weekend of April 2nd and 3rd, nearly 10,000 plants and more than 600 varieties will be available for you to purchase. Continue reading
Peace, Love and Soil – Composting improves soil, gardens, moods, and relationships. Continue reading
“Angelita Daisy”, (Tetraneuris ivesiana Greene), provides color and food for bees almost year round. Continue reading
I looked up a source for red pumpkin seeds to grow the pumpkin listed in the following recipe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVxSXc_221g&google_comment_id=z13jwdkbkvz5glk3u22ezheofnjwg3ale&feature=em-comments I am currently looking for ways to eat without “white stuff” per instructions from my cardiologist. There are a lot … Continue reading
• By Faith Pineo • We like to try something new each gardening season and decided to give this a shot a few years back. But this method was only new to us, as our grandfather used to plant this … Continue reading
Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden is a great place to view and purchase plants that grow well in Southern California. Their collections and nursery include plants that do well in the Mojave Desert. Their botanists are also a great resource. … Continue reading
These tasty treats are quick, cold, and help my body handle working and gardening in the high desert heat. Continue reading
The Straight Dope: Are apricot seeds poisonous?.
Inspired by Share Your Cool & Easy Recipes for Surviving The Desert Heat by Paulette L Motzko, this donut recipe is a low heat alternative to baking bread in the summer. The donuts are deep fried on an induction burner that can be … Continue reading
I started to blog about “My Caliche Challenge” in 2013 because I felt a need to connect with others who also garden or farm in the Mojave Desert. I was fortunate that some of my neighbors have extensive training and experience farming, … Continue reading
“We are all Americans.” Thanks Dad for telling me the story and putting it all together for me. Continue reading
Yuzu Tree. Add this one to my wish list! I didn’t know about Yuzu Trees until I read Cast Iron Dan’s blog. Click on the Yuzu tree link to see his blog. Had to laugh about the lime tree in his bedroom. … Continue reading
Pomegranate Jelly. Pomegranate is one of the plants on my wish list. Click on the link to see Cast Iron Dan’s blog.
via Just the Basics… | Simply Made Kitchen and Crafts.
Plum Jam and Jelly We are enjoying a nice harvest of Santa Rosa Plums. Today’s Project is preparing plum jam. I ran a brief web search to review that basics. The Steps in Processing Jams and Jellies proves to be … Continue reading
Master Gardener, Steve Turlo, presented information on Integrated Pest Management On June 22, 2013 from 1 – 3 pm at the Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library located at 14901 Dale Evans Parkway, Apple Valley, CA 92307. Introduction to … Continue reading
Caliche Challenge 
You must be logged in to post a comment.