Our Hot Streets Are an Opportunity

...eet was 120.8º F (49.3º C). Being a crank I have two conclusions: 1. Let’s plant trees. 2. How about instead of painting streets gray we do something really radical and pull them up entirely and start cooling people rather than serving cars? According to the Los Angeles Times, “Recent research has found that when manufacturing emissions are taken into account, most cool pavements hurt the climate more than they help.” So, as is typical for our may...

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How’s that Tomato Grafting Project Going?

...in different sizes. That would give some flexibility in when to graft the plants. Despite my cascade of errors I still have tomato plants (though probably not grafted ones) and I learned some valuable lessons should I attempt this project again next year. I’m thinking that instead of tomatoes, which have done fine in our garden in the past, I might try grafting peppers or eggplants which we have had trouble growing. How are your tomatoes doing th...

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San Pedro Cactus Blooms

...oud of bees was working the nectar and pollen. Around 9 a.m. some figeater beetles (Cotinis mutabilis) showed up. Figeater beetles like cactus fruit so I’m guessing they were attracted to the smell. The green parts of the plant contain mescaline which is used in Andean traditional medicine. It also makes an edible and (non-psychedelic) fruit. The plant is easily confused with the more common Peruvian torch cactus (Echinopsis peruviana)....

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What Does California’s Prop 64 Say About Home Marijuana Cultivation?

...by normal unaided vision from a public place. (3) Not more than six living plants may be planted, cultivated, harvested, dried, or processed within a single private residence, or upon the grounds of that private residence, at one time. (b)(l) A city, county, or city and county may enact and enforce reasonable regulations to reasonably regulate the actions and conduct in paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 11362.1. (2) Notwithstanding parag...

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095 Bean Holes and Deep Fried Turkeys with Eric Rochow of Garden Fork

...in a hole or deep frying your turkey? I discuss these topics, plus how to plant garlic with Eric Rochow of Garden Fork. Eric’s got some great how-to videos: Bean Hole Baked Beans 10 Tips on How to Fry Turkey Cooking Steak on Charcoal How to Plant Garlic Source for garlic: Filaree Farm Build it Better Yourself (Rodale) Make sure to subscribe to the Garden Fork Youtube channel! If you’d like to leave a question for the Root Simple Podcast please ca...

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