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1. WHAT'S GROWIN' ON IN JUNE

Welcome to summer, everyone!  It's officially here, with all the benefits and challenges to go with it.  There is light in the sky until nearly 8:30 here, which makes for great gardening.  There's also an increase in wilting going on among the plants as days heat up.  With a drought in place in California and other states, conservation is key - mulch, drip irrigation, and watering in the morning or late afternoon are all things we can do to help.

The garden is really coming to life now.  Pumpkins are forming softball-sized green spheres, tomatoes are setting fruit, potato plants are flowering, and the first harvest of Haricot Vert beans made dinner very special this evening.  There is already a fair amount of sharing (a.k.a. off-loading)  zucchini, and we've got plums dropping off the tree.  We hope you get a chance to enjoy the fruits of summer this month.

2. HOME GROWN GARLIC

Back in the October, 2007 Gardenerd Gazette we talked about planting garlic.  We teased and enticed you with the promise of details about the spring harvest and instructions for how to braid garlic.  Last week's Tip of the Week featured how to pick and braid your harvest.  In case you missed it, You can find it at the Gardenerd Blog below, where you can also read about a fanciful trip to the Gilroy Garlic Festival. 

A Stinky Affair

3. GARDENERD TIP OF THE MONTH: Permaculture

We had a great opportunity to sit in on a few organic gardening and Permaculture workshops at the end of May in Santa Barbara.  As a result, you're going to be hearing more about Permaculture in the months to come. Founded by Bill Mollison in the 1970s, Permaculture focuses on creating an ecosystem of self-sufficiency among plants, animals and humans.  To find out more about it, visit the Gardenerd Links Page, under Environmental Resources.  

  

 4. GARDENERD PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: Gardenerd Spaghetti Tank Top

It's getting hot out there, and what better way to enjoy the summer sun than with a fabulous Gardenerd Tank Top.  Available in Lemon, Light Pink, Light Blue and White, this flattering tank top highlights those great gardening arms while keeping you cool as a cucumber. 

 Get your Gardenerd Tank Top Here