Nature Connections: Fall Programs 2009

Great events and seminars are always happening in and around San Diego. The San Diego Natural History Museum is hosting a whole lecture series in helping us develop more sustainable local foods. The lectures are only $5.00 each and I think that we should all support these types of events. The lectures begin October 6th and run monthly to May 2010. Check their calendar. Slow Food SD is giving some of the lectures. 

If you look on our right nav bar you will notice we added these organizations to our favorites. Plus, Victory Gardens SD, SD Food not lawns and SD Master Gardeners Association. These are all really great local organizations that need our support. Those listed are but a few in San Diego (and there are many more) so get involved. 

If you don't live in San Diego, look around your local area for similar organizations that you can participate in (or start one if none exists). It's a lot of work, but it's worth it. 

-Tyler

Beneficial Wildlife

I was out gathering some tomatoes when I discovered this little guy. He was just watching me and staying real still trying not to be discovered. Some other helpful insects and animals are bats, bees (pollination), centipedes (eat soil pests), chickens (eat insects and slugs and fertilize soil), birds (depends on crop), ground beetles (eats cutworms, slugs, snails), ladybugs (eats aphids, mealybug and scale), frogs and spiders to name a few. Ants are considered beneficial as well, but I don't like them when they try moving in the house and eat my cupcakes.

Todd

Currant Tomatoes

I was scrolling through the seed section from Southern Exposure Seed Exchange today and I think I found out why the tomatoes that Naomi has been growing are so small. It seems like they are a type of Currant Tomato. From what I remember of what I ate and saw; the descriptions sound right on. 

I googled around a bit and I read that the currant tomato (South America) is an indeterminate plant, and all of the sites I found seemed to echo the same: "a tiny tomato with huge flavor". It cross-pollenates easily with other tomatoes, so make sure not to plant it close to other varieties if you are a seedsaver. 

Sorry for the lack of pictures on these from the swap. I'll do better next time. 

-Tyler

CropSwapper Combines Forces

Well...we tried. However, due to lack of Swappers at the Rancho
Penasquitos CropSwapper, we have decided to join forces in Del
Cerro...at least until we get more people who want to meet there. We
are trying to best meet the needs of all interested groups so let us
know what you think in the comments section below. Thanks in advance
for your understanding and support. See you in Del Cerro!

Sincerely,

Todd