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MAY‘s GARDEN


USDA Plant Hardiness Zone (94606)

30 - 35 degrees F

(average annual extreme minimum winter temperature)


Soil testing

Before planting directly in the ground it’s highly advised to get soil testing done to make sure there’s nothing harmful in the soil, like lead or asbestos.


For Lead and Asbestos THIS local lab can test ($45 per sample).

 

For more detailed garden soil testing THIS place in Annaheim (would have to mail samples).


(broken down to three stages)



most of the images link to websites FYI ↓


        

note: start a pile of dead leafs/pine needles to use as mulch in the future, so you don’t have to buy any. Make sure it’s far from your garden as it can attract bugs and other pests intersted in decomposing matter.


I get my potting soil from Ace Garden Center on Grand (I used their soil prices in my calculations.)


There’s free compost delivered at the Berkeley Marina, every Friday at 6:30am.
It can run out pretty fast! 

Exact location:



click for reference ↓

I can give you one of my plants or you could get a seedling from a nurser to start in the long (existing) plant box.



• Plant in the middle of the plant box and let runners replant and spread.
• Plant at the same depth as the potting mix in the container, too deep it can rot, too shallow it could dry out.
• they like mulch around their base, it keeps the soil moist for them and protects the fruit from getting too hot & wet (touching the soil) and rotting. I recommend using garden clippings, dried leafs etc. No weeds with seed heads or flowers that are dried (we dont want to accidently plant weeds and other plants).
• water every other day for 2 weeks. Then once a week or when the first two inches of soil feel dry to your finger.




Check out the California Pipevine for this spot! Or other native plant options from East Bay Wilds Native Plants Nursery.


only open on Fridays 9:30-4PM






I ordered the Softneck Italian Early variety for braiding.

They sell out fast fyi. But if you
forget, reach out, because I might have extra to share. They come with detailed instructions!

*IMPORTANT* Garlic takes 9 months to grow. 


There are many other options for planting, and you can always start with less or more. I hope this is not overwhelming but instead helpful. I tried to combine long term plants like the garlic, with faster growing ones like lettuce and cucumbers, so you get a sense of what kinds are best for your gardening habits and time. 

I’m happy to continue working on your garden with you or give you advice and support whenever you need it, I would be updating this page with the progress.

For now I work by donation, I really want this to be affordable, while also helping me pay rent. I love doing this, and hope I can help you out in the future too, so please don’t hesitate to ask questions or reach out because of lack of funds. I also would really really really really appreciate feedback on what I could do better or different, if this met your expectations or not, and any questions or concerns. Thank you May :)

Happy gardening!

Tell your friends and neighbors about me (it really helps!)


ps. checkout our neigborhood discord page: https://discord.gg/fnZ2S2PU