The Backyard Gardener

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A Gardening Blog for the East Side

The climate of the Eastern Sierra is very different from most of California and so gardening here is different, too!

In this blog we examine some of the quirks of gardening on the East Side, and cover horticultural issues that are important locally. Note that if you're visiting our site from the outside our little corner of California, you may find this information may not apply to your area.

Articles are written by local UC Master Gardener volunteers or the local Farm Advisor.

And a website...

The Inyo-Mono Master Gardeners also have a website with local gardening and soil information. Visit it to learn more about our program and gardening.

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Field Bindweed - Take it Seriously!

May 9th, 2022

Although I'm familiar with bindweed from past experience, for some reason it had never put in an appearance in my West Bishop garden until three years ago.

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Wet soil with several small worms present.

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Tubular Invasion

April 15th, 2022

Blessed with good soil, I usually grow all of my vegetables in the ground, but this year I was tempted to create a raised bed for strawberries with space for some vegetables too.

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Labels come in all shapes, sizes and styles.

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New Plants? Hang On To The Labels!

April 12th, 2022

It is important to keep plant labels, preferably inserting them next to where the plant was put. But failing that, at least keep the label in a safe spot a box or envelope or suchlike so that it can readily be accessed for future reference.

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Planting Bare Root Strawberries

March 20th, 2022

Everbearing, or daylight neutral, bare-root strawberries become available for planting at this time of year. Successful growing is dependent on careful soil preparation. They need a sunny position in slightly acidic, well-drained soil with a lot of organic matter, and regular irrigation.

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