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By Kimberly Sevilla
Christmas comes a few days after the Winter Solstice, which falls on December 21 or 22. Ancient Romans, Egyptians, Celtic Druids, and Vikings decorated their homes and temples with evergreen branches during the solstice season as part of celebrations dedicated to various gods for the days becoming longer and spring returning. Objects like gold and silver balls, candles, and fruit and nuts were used as part of the decorations.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on May 13, 2010. We’re re-publishing articles in this series so that we can share the wonderful Kimberly Sevilla’s knowledge and experience with you, because, hey, it’s spring! Again!
Photo by Jessi Bautista
Q: I’d like to create a garden, and I have a small balcony, what can I grow?
By Kimberly Sevilla
Owner of Rose Red & Lavender, and life-long gardener
I remember my first “rooftop garden,” in a walk-up on Avenue D in Manhattan. I attempted to grow some tomatoes in five gallon buckets, nothing fancy, and certainly not pretty. I quickly discovered that on hot summer days tomatoes drink a lot of water, and over a long weekend vacation, get destroyed. Hauling water up three flights of stairs and hanging out on a hot rooftop was no fun. My first year as a rooftop gardener was a big disaster, and I learned that no amount of love can revive a crispy tomato plant. I retreated, to my terrestrial garden, where the elements were a little more forgiving, and put my rooftop endeavor on hold for a few years.
Local Master Gardener Kimberly Sevilla answers your questions!
What are some things I can do to enjoy my garden year-round, and to save heirloom and favorite plants?
It’s still a little warm outside and in a few weeks it will be the perfect time to sow your fall and winter crops. Until then, you can prepare your favorite plants for gardening all year long by taking cuttings for next season. Taking them now will ensure that the plants are actively growing and have not started to slow down, you will get better results than if you take them later in the season. Cuttings are a great way to propagate plants and to extend your season. It is also a great way to share your plants with friends and family.
Heirloom Tomatoes
Help, tomatoes abound! What do I do?
Yep, it’s been a bumper year for tomatoes, and anyone lucky enough to have grown their own, no doubt have plenty, but for everyone else, the Farmers Market is the next best thing.
What do you do with all those tomatoes? Can them! Canning tomatoes is easy and they last a long time. You don’t need much in terms of special equipment, and by wintertime, they make wonderful housewarming gifts. This recipe makes a rich, canned tomato that can be crushed for sauce or eaten as is, they are delicious.