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Ellen Robinson
Ellen Robinson

25 Articles

Wallingford resident since 2002, Urban Farmer

Seed Starting 101 – Let’s get growing!

Ellen Robinson April 7, 2021 Comments are off

Spring has Sprung (so the calendar says) but these cold nights are still making a bit difficult to get edible crops in the ground.  If you are itching to get started with this years’ planting, starting seeds indoors is the way to go!  Starting your own seeds saves money on plants, and allows you to grow unique varieties that you might not be able to find at the local nurseries. As these cool nights stretch on, starting a few seeds indoors can get your head back in the gardening game for 2021. I like to buy seeds from companies in …

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Gardening in Wallingford – Planning is the KEY!

Ellen Robinson March 12, 2021 Comments are off

After a long, dark winter and a Valentine’s Day snow storm, it is finally time to plan your garden! True vegetable growing die-hards, like me, are already getting our seeds started indoors. For those experienced gardeners and newbies less prepared, it’s time to get planning! My husband loves to quote John Wooden (basketball player/coach) saying,“When you fail to prepare, you’re preparing to fail”! March is the time to prepare for the growing season!

Edible gardening basics to for 2021 What to Plant When Crop selection is critical to early season success. March and April plantings should consist of…

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We are talking about the Birds and the Bees…Support the pollinators!

Ellen Robinson July 15, 2020 2 Comments

Our home gardens in the neighborhood provide support and habitat for birds and insects.  Choosing certain plants that support these “friends” can help you keep the “foes” of your garden to a minimum.   After spending time and energy getting your kitchen garden a.k.a. “Victory Garden” installed, there is nothing more frustrating that seeing crops being stressed by pests and impacting the harvest you have worked so hard to achieve. 

Plant stress and insect damage can be minimized by building your soil, paying attention to the health of your crops,  and keeping a diverse mix of plants in the edible garden.  …

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Gardening in July is all about the water

Ellen Robinson June 30, 2020 1 Comment

June in Seattle started and ended the same way – with gray rainy skies!  We know where the term “June-uary” comes from I guess!  Here’s to summer kicking into gear in the Northwest like it usually does (on July 5th).   The good news is that the gardens are happy and the gardeners are not tired of watering yet!

Keeping your vegetable garden happy in the summer can be a chore.  The long stretches of hot dry weather are a challenge and it requires constant monitoring of the soil moisture if you want to ensure that all the hard work you …

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Beans for the future

Ellen Robinson June 2, 2020 1 Comment

As challenging times continue across the city and the country, getting outside and digging in the dirt can provide a welcome change.  While planting a few seeds is not going to fix the world’s problems, it can provide some solace and satisfaction on an individual level.   Remember the fairy tale about Jack and the Beanstalk?  Let’s all be like Jack and plant some magic beans!

Beans are a mainstay of the summer vegetable garden and they are great place to start an edible garden because they are easy-to-grow!

The seeds are large and easy to handle for direct planting (great …

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Beyond the Tomato

Ellen Robinson May 13, 2020 1 Comment

As I walk around the neighborhood these days I see more and more edible garden beds popping up in parking strips, side yards and containers.  With more time at home folks are taking their chances in the garden which is great to see! 

Almost everyone I know gets inspired to grow a few tomato plants at this time of the year – and why not?  Starter tomato plants are available in many stores around town and nothing beats a homegrown tomato! 

But what about moving beyond the basics this year?  Why not go out of your comfort zone and try …

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Victory Gardens are Trending!

Ellen Robinson April 22, 2020 Comments are off

By now, I am sure all of you have heard about the revival of the Victory Garden. During WWI and WWII Victory Gardens were vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens that were planted at homes and public parks all over the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany during both wars. From coast to coast, even public land was utilized, with gardens installed in both the Boston Commons and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.  People plowed front yards, lawns, back yards, flower gardens and vacant lots to grow their own vegetables.

How much food were they able to grow? 

In 1943 these …

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  • Kathy B on Final lineup for Saturday’s PorchfestSo happy that the Porchfest will be happening again! Just a gentle reminder abou...
  • Tom Mattausch on Wallingford Mosaic Art Tour RecapAmazing artwork! Anyone seen this mosaic? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0...
  • Megan Dulgar Okabayashi on Solstice Parade Returns with New RouteI just looked on their Facebook page and read "There is no 2022 parade. See you ...
  • s j Kurtz on Solstice Parade Returns with New RouteSo when /is? Wallingford Kiddie Parade?
  • cathy wonderful on “Visions of Wallingford” Meet & Greet on Thursday, May 26th"at that thing"?

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