Soil, spoons, and Grandma’s stories: Cozy into fall with
poet
next
door Autumn has arrived! Check out our updated comprehensive directory and fall planting guide for your urban agriculture needs
sustainable funky unique vintage handmade river sisters
use code cultivate at checkout for 10% off this fall www.etsy.com/shop/shopriversisters
Table of Contents Cultivate Local 3
Directory
16
Local Business Feature: TLC
20
Local Non-Profit Feature:
Cultivate Tips & Tricks
Gardopia Gardens Gala 49
How to Fix Them
Cultivate Seasons 53 23
Crop Focus
27
Fall Planting Guide
37
Reflections and Rituals
4 Common Plant Problems and
Power Planter Feature
Cultivate Community
for the Autumnal Equinox 56 42
Regional Poetry
Cultivate Health & Wellness 44
Charge Your Day with Plant Power
2 | Fall 2021 | Cultivate SA
How I Found Roots in San Antonio
CULTIVATE LOCAL
Directory stekraM sremraF
the most comprehensive list of local farms, markets, products, and services in all of San Antonio
Products & Services
Local Farms
Cultivate SA | Fall 2021 | 3
Farmers Markets
9.
Farmers Market at Herff Farm http://www.cibolo.org/ 830-249-4616
1.
33 Herff Rd
Alamo Heights Farmers Market
Boerne, TX 78006
alamoheightsfm.com 210-367-4673 255 E Basse Rd Suite 130,
10. Garden Ridge Market http://gardenridgemarketdays.com
San Antonio, TX 78209
602-920-9301
2.
19185 FM-2252
Alamo Ranch Farmers Market
Garden Ridge, TX 78226
http://alamoranchfarm.market
210-446-0099 11.
3.
Bandera Market https://www.banderamarket.com 740-563-2274 11625 Bandera Rd San Antonio, TX 78250
Bulverde Market http://www.bulverdemarket.com 830-438-3111 30280 Cougar Bend Bulverde, TX 78163
Cibolo Grange Farmers & Artisans Market https://www.facebook.com/CiboloGrangeFar mersMarket/ 210-249-6822
Deerfield Farmers Market facebook.com/deerfieldfarmersmarket.satx 16607 Huebner Rd. San Antonio, TX 78248
Encino Farmers Markets www.fourseasonsmarkets.com 972-884-0680 22902 U.S. Hwy N San Antonio, TX 78259
The Farm Connection www.thefarmconnection.org 210-674-2642 1595 S Main St Suite 120 Boerne, TX 78006
4 | Fall 2021 | Cultivate SA
210-420-0488 413 N Main St. Cibolo, TX 78108
13. Legacy Farmers Market
210-420-0488 16103 Henderson Pass San Antonio, TX 78232
www.facebook.com/liveoakfarmers marketonpatbooker (210) 473-0685 8151 Pat Booker Rd
15. Local Sprout www.localsprout.com 603-759-9781 503 Chestnut St
16. New Braunfels Farmers Market www.nbfarmersmarket.com 830-629-2223 186 S Castell Ave New Braunfels, TX 78130
12. Huebner Oaks Farmers Market
San Antonio, TX 78202
8.
Live Oak, TX 78233
7.
Helotes, TX 78203
14. Live Oak Farmers Market
6.
13222 Bandera Rd.
legacyfarmersmarket.com
5.
210-420-4802
www.fourseasonsmarkets.com
4.
Helotes Area Farmers Market
17. Pearl Farmers Market
4. Cielo Vista Farms
atpearl.com/weekend-market
facebook.com/cielovistafarm
210-212-7260
812-453-4396
312 Pearl Pkwy
9260 Weir Rd
San Antonio, TX 78215
Schertz, TX 78163
18. San Antonio Farmers Market Association
5. Fresh Traditions Farm
(multiple locations)
www.facebook.com/FreshTraditionsFarm
sanantoniofarmersmarket.org
210-389-6929
210-204-7939
8975 New Sulphur Springs Rd
100 Jackson Keller Rd
San Antonio, TX 78263
San Antonio, TX 78216
19. San Antonio Food Bank (multiple locations) https://safoodbank.org/ourprograms/farmersmarket-nutrition-program/ (210) 431-8342 5200 Enrique M. Barrera Pkwy San Antonio, TX 78227
20. Spring Branch Market themarketatspringbranch.com 830-709-7262
Farms
1.
Behind the Oaks Farms
facebook.com/behindtheoaksfarms
210-793-1027
Greaves Ln Schertz, TX 78154
2.
Braune Farms www.braunefarmsfreshproduce.com 830-643-9974 1300 Link Rd Seguin, TX 78155
3.
Brehm Farms brehmfarms.com 210-771-3147 8990 Hildebrandt Rd San Antonio, TX 78222
Cultivate SA | Fall 2021 | 5
6.
7.
Garcia Street Urban Farm www.instagram.com/garciastreetfarm
peelerfarms.com
218 Garcia St
210-551-5828
San Antonio, TX 78203
3007 FM 539
Flooresville, TX 78114
Granieri Family Farm
210-333-5184
8.
15. Peeler Farms
16. R Farm
3851 Roland Rd
rfarmchicksandmore.wordpress.com
San Antonio, TX 78222
210-800-4695
1041 Farm-to-Market 2537
Green Bexar Farm
San Antonio, TX 78221
http://www.greenbexarfarm.com 512-216-0033
9.
17. Rising Kale Farms
14997 FM 1346
www.risingkalefarms.com
Saint Hedwig, TX 78152
210-843-1962
2230 Well Rd
The Greenies Urban Farm
Marion, TX 78124
https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2020/10/1
6/greenies-urban-farm-to-demonstrate-
18. Talking Tree Farm
agriculture-in-the-city
http://talkingtreefarm.com
1543 Sherman
210-923-9044
San Antonio, TX 78202
6250 Pfeil Rd
Schertz, TX 78154
10. The Green Microstead http://www.thegreenmicrostead.com 210-501-2185
Products & Services
11.
Miller Farms
Plant Nurseries
millerfarmsrawmilk.com 210-508-1733
1.
Accent Plant Interior 210-648-1303
12730 FM 471 Lacoste, TX 78039
2.
Evergreen Garden Center www.evergreengardentx.com
12. Miss Scarlett's Texas Homegrown
210-735-0669
facebook.com/MissScarlettsTexasHome
922 W. Hildebrand Ave
Grown
San Antonio, TX 78222
30315 Bartels Rd Bulverde TX 78163
13. MT Rabbitry & Poultry Farm sanantoniorabbitsandchickens.com 210-827-4686 1610 Co Rd 5714 Natalia, TX 78059
3.
Fanick's Nursery www.fanicknursery.com 210-648-1303
4. The Garden Center thegardencenter.com 210-648-1303
14. Parker Creek Farms parkercreekranch.com 2956 FM 2200 D'Hanis, TX 78850
1025 Holmgreen Rd San Antonio, TX 78201
Cultivate SA | Fall 2021 | 7
5. Green Gate Nursery
Bulk Materials
830-372-4060 990 S N Hwy 123 Bypass
1. Adam's Supply Co
Seguin, TX 78155
www.adamssupplyinc.com
210-822-3141
6. Milberger's Nursery
1434 E Bitters Rd
www.milbergernursery.com
San Antonio, TX 78216
210-497-3760
3920 N Loop 1604 E
2. Adkins Materials
San Antonio, TX 78247
adkinsmaterials.com
210-649-3836
7. Nature's Herb Farm naturesherbfarms.com 210-688-9241 7193 Old Talley Rd #7
10966 US Hwy 87 E Adkins, TX 78101
3. Barrels for Sale
San Antonio, TX 78253
barrelsforsale.net
559-997-3682
8. Para Para Plants
2610 S East Loop 410
210-809-2487
San Antonio, TX 78222
232 Kathy Dr
San Antonio, TX 78223
4. Buckhorn Soil & Stone buckhornsoilandstone.net
9. Peterson Brothers Nursery
210-695-1911
210-333-6971
10685 W Loop 1604 N
1630 Creekview Dr
San Antonio, TX 78254
San Antonio, TX 78219
10. Rainbow Gardens rainbowgardens.biz 210-680-2394 8516 Bandera Rd San Antonio, TX 78250
.11. SANO Nursery facebook.com/SANOnursery 210-432-4265 285 W Quill Dr San Antonio, TX 78228
12. Shades of Green www.shadesofgreen.com 210-824-3772 334 W Sunset Rd San Antonio, TX 78209
8 | Fall 2021 | Cultivate SA
5.
Dabco Stone & Soil
12. Tank Depot
dabcomaterials.com
www.tank-depot.com
210-426-6160
210-648-3866
12625 S Zarzamora St
2702 S East Loop 410
San Antonio, TX 78224
San Antonio, TX 78222
6. Ewing Irrigation (multiple locations)
13. Texas Soil and Stone
www.ewingirrigation.com
texassoilandstone.com
210-828-9530
210-497-1777
1041 N Interstate 35
26950 Bulverde Rd
San Antonio, TX 78233
San Antonio, TX 78260
7. Gardenville (multiple locations)
Edible Landscapers
www.garden-ville.com 210-404-1187
1. Compost Queens
11601 Starcrest Dr
https://www.compostqueenstx.com
San Antonio, 78247
210-640-9468
8. Gretchen's Bee Ranch
2. Two Hoes Gardening
gretchenbeeranch.com
twohoesgardening.com
830-305-7925
210-414-8660
2745 W Kingsbury St Seguin, TX 78155
3. The Landscape Cooperative www.LandscapeCooperative.com
9. Keller Material
210-988-8290
kellermaterial.com 210-967-1300
4. Uprooted Gardens
9388 Corporate Dr
uprootedgardens.com
Selma, TX 78154
210-842-5613
10. Landscape Solutions and Nursery
Education & Advocacy
soil4sale.com 830-985-3747
1.
Bexar Country Master Gardeners / Agrilife
3059 US-90
Extension
Castroville TX 78009
bexar-tx.tamu/edu
210-631-0400
11. New Earth
3355 Cherry Ridge #212
www.newearthcompost.com
San Antonio, TX 78230
210-661-5180
7800 I-10 East
2. Central Texas Mycological Society
San Antonio, TX 78219
centraltexasmycology.com
info@centraltexasmycology.org
12. Quality Organic Products
Circle Acres Nature Preserve
www.qualityorganicproducts.com
Grove Blvd
210-651-0200
Austin, TX 78741
15497 Lookout Rd
Selma, TX 78154
Cultivate SA | Fall 2021 | 9
10 | Fall 2021 | Cultivate SA
3. Central Texas Young Farmers Coalition
12. National Center for Appropriate
centraltexasyoungfarmers.org
Technology
info@centraltexasyoungfarmers.org
ncat.org 210-265-3905
4. Cibolo Creek Nature Center & Farm cibolo.org
San Antonio, TX 78230
830-249-4616
140 City Park Rd
5.
118 Broadway
13. Native Plant Society of Texas
Boerne, TX 78006
npsot.org/wp/sanantonio
npsot.sanantonio@gmail.com
Eco Centro
2809 Broadway
ecocentrosatx.org
San Antonio, TX 78209
210-486-0417
1802 N Main Ave
14. Palo Alto College
San Antonio TX 78212
alamo.edu/pac
210-486-3000
6. Festival of Flowers
1400 W. Villaret Blvd.
safestivalofflowers.com
San Antonio, TX
210-380-3532
1330 N. New Braunfels
15. San Antonio Botanical Gardens
San Antonio, TX 78209
sabot.org
210-536-1400
7. Food Policy Council
555 Funston Pl
foodpolicysa.org
San Antonio, TX 78209
210-365-7175
18202 Main Ave
16. San Antonio Herb Market Association
San Antonio, TX 78212
sanantonioherbmarket.com
866-923-2226
8. Garden Volunteers of South Texas gardeningvolunteers.org
17. San Antonio Seed Exchange Library
210-251-8101
facebook.com/groups/sanantonioseed
1254 Austin Hwy
exchange
San Antonio, TX 78209
10. Gardopia Gardens
18. San Antonio Stockshow and Rodeo sarodeo.com
gardopiagardens.org
210-225-5851
210-478-7292
723 AT&T Parkway
619 N. New Braunfels
San Antonio, TX 78219
San Antonio, TX 78202
11. Green Space Alliance
19. San Antonio Water System gardenstylesanantonio.com
greensatx.org
210-704-7297
210-222-8430
2800 US-281
108 E Mistletoe Ave
San Antonio, TX 78212
San Antonio, TX 78212
20. Sowing Strength sowingstrengthsatx.wixsite.com/sowing
strength-satx 318-426-6109
21. Texas Nursery and Landscape
7. Moore's Feed
Association
mooresfeedandseedstore.com
tnlaonline.org
210-532-6328
grow@uprootedgardens.com
3721 Flores St San Antonio, TX 78214
22. Yanwana Herbolarios yanawanaherbolarios.org
8. New Braunfels Feed
210-872-8005
nbfeed.com
830-625-7250
Feed & Seed
810 TX-337 Loop New Braunfels, TX 78130
1.
Alamo Feed 210-733-8211
9. Ramirez Feed
2230 Blanco Rd
ramirez-feed-store.edan.io
San Antonio, TX 78212
210-977-8993
3819 Nogalitos St
2. Bulverde Feed
San Antonio, TX 78211
bulverdefeed.com 830-438-3252
10. Rudy's Feed
29110 US-281
rudysfeedstore.com
Bulverde TX 78163
210-223-2832
1801 Nogalitos St
3. David's Garden Seeds
San Antonio, TX 78225
davids-garden-seeds-andproducts.com
11. St. Hedwig Feed
davidsgardenseeds@outlook.com
sthedwigfeed.com
5029 FM 2054
210-667-1346
Poteet, TX 78065
540 E FM 1518 S St
Hedwig, TX 78152
4. Locke Hill Feed lockehill.com
12. Strutty's Feed
210-691-2351
struttys.com
4927 Golden Quail Ste 105
830-981-2258
San Antonio, TX 78240
28630 IH 10 Frontage Rd
Boerne, TX 78006
5. King Seed Co dkseeds.com
13. Wildseed Farms
210-661-4191
wildseedfarms.com
4627 Emil St
830-990-1393
San Antonio, TX 78219
100 Legacy Dr Fredericksburg, TX 78264
6. Mini Ranch Feed miniranchfeedstore.com 210-628-1535 10103 Moursund Blvd
San Antonio TX 78221
12 | Fall 2021 | Cultivate SA
Green Space Alliance Garden Directory
1.
2.
3.
4.
Alamo Heights Community Garden
6.
CIELO Community Garden
403 Ogden Ln.
10226 Ironside Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78209
San Antonio, TX 78230
Beacon Hill Community Garden
7. The Circle School Just Love Garden
1133 W. Gramercy Pl.,
217 Pershing Ave.
San Antonio, TX 78209
San Antonio, TX 78209
Bethany Community Garden
8. Collins Community Garden
500 Pilgrim Dr.
200 N. Park Blvd.
San Antonio, TX 78210
San Antonio, TX 78204
Blessed Sacrament Academy
9. Dellview Community Garden
Early Learning
1902 Vance Jackson Rd
Sensory Garden
San Antonio, TX 78213
1135 Misson Rd. San Antonio, TX 78210
10. Denver Heights Community Garden 300 Porter St
5.
Cable Elementary Community Garden
San Antonio, TX 78210
1706 Pinn Rd. San Antonio, TX 78227
Cultivate SA | Fall 2021 | 13
11. Doral Club Community Garden
23. Jardín de la Esperanza
7750 Culebra Rd.
2806 W. Salinas, San Antonio
San Antonio, TX 78251
TX 78207
12. Eastside Sprouts/Ella
24.
Jardín del Barrio
Austin Community Garden
2121 SW 36th St.
1023 N. Pine St.
San Antonio, TX 78237
San Antonio, TX 78202 25. Jardín del Sol 13. Eco Centro Community Garden
400 N. Frio St.
1802 N. Main Ave.
San Antonio, TX 78207
San Antonio, TX 78212 26. Jefferson Community Garden 14. El Dorado Community Garden
2350 W. Gramercy Pl.
2606 Prima Vista St.
San Antonio, TX 78201
San Antonio, TX 78233 27. Labor Serena Community Garden 15. Garcia Street Urban Farm
1246 Chalmers Ave.
218 Garcia St.
San Antonio, TX 78211
San Antonio, TX 78203 28. 16. Garden of Hope Therapy Garden 2303 SE Military Dr.
Lakeview Community Garden 1202 Plaza Lake Dr. San Antonio, TX 78245
San Antonio, TX 78233 29. Landa Library Gardens 17. Gardens of St. Therese 906 Kentucky Ave.
233 Bushnell Ave. San Antonio, TX 78212
San Antonio, TX 78201 30. Mahncke Park Community Garden 18. Gardopia Gardens 619 N. New Braunfels Ave.
330 Funston Pl. San Antonio, TX 78209
San Antonio, TX 78202 31. Mainland Square Community Garden 19. Gilbert Elementary Community Garden 931 E. Southcross Blvd.
Mainland Sq. & Pavilion Pl. San Antonio, TX 78250
San Antonio, TX 78214 32. Mission Library Community Garden 20. Green Bridges Community Youth Garden 4114 SW Loop 410
3134 Roosevelt Ave. San Antonio, TX 78214
San Antonio, TX 78227 33. Oblate School of Theology Gardens 21. High Country Community Garden 16418 Cypress Park St.
285 Oblate Dr. San Antonio, TX 78216
San Antonio, TX 78247 34. Olmos Park Terrace Community 22. International Community Garden 4242 Bluemel Rd. San Antonio, TX 78240
Garden 201 W. Mandalay Dr. San Antonio, TX 78212
40. Southtown Community Garden
35. Pittman-Sullivan Community Garden Dakota St. & S. Palmetto Ave.
1012 S. Presa St.
San Antonio, TX 78208
San Antonio, TX 78210
41. Spicewood Elementary Community Garden
36. Reconciliation Oaks Community
11303 Tilson Dr.
Garden8900 Starcrest Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78224
San Antonio, TX 78217
42. Sutton Oaks Community Garden
37. River Road Community Garden
2818 I-35 N.
E. Huisache Ave. & Allison Rd. San Antonio, TX 78208
San Antonio, TX 78212
43.
38. Roosevelt Justice Community Garden
Terrell Heights Community Garden 670 Greenwich Blvd.
Mitchell St. & Mission Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78209
San Antonio, TX 78210 45. YWCA Olga Madrid Teen Garden
39. Roots of Change Community Garden
503 Castroville Rd.
1416 E. Commerce St.
San Antonio, TX 78237
San Antonio, TX 78205
For
inquiries
about
the
Green
Space Alliance garden network of community gardens, please email us To
at
community@greensatx.org.
learn
more
about
Green
Spaces Alliance, you can email us at
info@greensatx.org
or
call
our
office at (210) 222-8430.
Cultivate SA | Fall 2021 | 15
LOCAL BUSINESS FEATURE
The Landscape Cooperative
by Megan Lowder Before the Industrial Revolution, lawns
The result of this generational
were seen as a sign of wealth. It took
terraforming of the native landscape
multiple men and many hours to
has resulted in a manicured lawn in
maintain a manicured lawn. During the
almost every yard. Mowing and
Industrial Revolution, lawnmowers
maintaining the lawn are now deeply
became available to anybody, and
ingrained in our culture. These useless
millions were sold. These mowers
lawns make up an urban “food desert.”
transformed the native landscape,
This is especially true in highly
rendering it useless to the community.
populated communities where food
Invasive species of plants and grass
security is needed the most. After the
were imported and marketed as “exotic”
pandemic hit in 2020, the founders of
to homeowners. Most of these exotic
The Landscaping Cooperative (TLC)
grasses and plants which persist today
came together to address this issue in
are not adapted to the climate of the
San Antonio. The cooperative was
area and require more maintenance than
founded to fulfill the need for
native species. The monoculture lawn
sustainable landscapes in the San
requires dangerous chemical treatments
Antonio and surrounding area.
and copious amounts of water just to stay green. It also does not serve any
The Landscaping Cooperative provides
productive purpose.
the services to design, build, and
16 | Fall 2021 | Cultivate SA
maintain edible, pollinator, native and hemp gardens. TLC stewards residential and commercial land one space at a time to provide a sustainable landscape that feeds the planet and the people. More than simply building gardens, TLC responds to the tradition of unsustainable and harmful landscaping practices.
Together, the founding members have more than 50 combined years of garden experience and are confident that you will be satisfied with the quality of their work. Their gardens are built sustainably and efficiently using the best materials from supplies to soil. In doing so, TLC facilitates an environment that encourages biodiversity and balance.
Having your own garden—whether edible, pollinator, native or hemp—is nourishing in so many ways. The Landscaping Cooperative’s trusted members walk you through the healing journey of stewarding your space. They provide the tender love and care it
garden and your new mindset. The
takes to facilitate growth of your
Landscape Cooperative was founded for the community, by the community. Become a part of something bigger and better for you and the planet. Call for your free consultation and we will work with you to make your landscape dreams come true. Kiss your unsustainable, high-maintenance lawn goodbye and say hello to TLC!
To get started on your TLC lawn visit landscapecooperative.com today! Cultivate SA | Fall 2021 | 17
LOCAL NON-PROFIT FEATURE
Gardopia Gardens Inaugural Garden Gala by Stephen Lucke
August 11th, 2021, was a day to remember in the annals of Gardopia Garden’s history. The event represents the 6-year-old grassroots non-profit’s growth from being dead broke to hosting a large fundraising event.
In 2018 and 2020 this feat was attempted but with little success. In 2018 Gardopia did not have the staff or cash flow to pull off an event half the size of the inaugural garden awards gala. Then in 2020, the pandemic canceled any thought of having large events.
18 | Fall 2021 | Cultivate SA
With the right mix of board members, two full-time staff members, community awareness, available venue space, enough liquid assets to fork out thousands of dollars upfront, and faith in both individual and corporate support, the stars aligned as the event unfolded in front of our eyes.
The night celebrated local urban agriculture by honoring the best gardeners and farmers in the city. While San Antonio has a robust urban agriculture industry, not enough is done to highlight these outstanding businesses and organizations who often go against the grain of the industrial food system and all that entails.
The Gala featured an amazing lineup of MCs and guest speakers, including Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert and Community Activist Nneka Cleaver. The two of them created a great atmosphere of support and leadership during the night’s festivities. They were supported by a cast of civic leaders, including COSA World Heritage Office Director Colleen Swain, Young Mrs. International Kimberly Quijana, and COSA Metro Health - Healthy Neighborhoods Manager Anna Macnak.
The final and pivotal speakers included SAISD Woodlawn Academy Principal Andre’a Pitts and COSA Office of Innovation Director Brian Dillard talking about the new SMART Farm at Young Women’s Leadership Academy: Primary!
20 | Fall 2021 | Cultivate SA
The Garden Awards Gala was a culminating event that included the Spring Garden Competition, an online data entry event with the objective of collecting information on food production in the San Antonio metropolitan region. The competition was followed by the youth garden games, a garden centric field day with activities such as potato sack races, egg relays, spelling BEE, and garden designing.
When the night was over, all of the silent auction items were sold, envelopes of donations were filled to the brim, and a cloud of inspiration and hope filled the room. When the pennies were counted, Gardopia had 160 guests in attendance and successfully raised $7,000 after all expenses were paid. The night sowed seeds for a bright future, coalescing and championing urban agriculture for many years to come!
Cultivate SA | Fall 2021 | 21
2021 Garden Award Winners Community Garden 01 Heavenly Gardens
02 03 04 05 06 07 08
School Garden Young Women's Leadership Academy Primary
Farmer's Market Pearl Local Farm San Antonio Food Bank Urban Ag Business Rainbow Gardens Educational Organization San Antonio Botanical Garden Pollinator Garden Garcia Street Spring Garden Competition Jeremy Batsche
Volunteer of the Year 09 Miguel Reyes
CULTIVATE SEASONS
CROP
FOCUS
Food for thought with an up close look at four seasonal veggies
by Amanda Micek
Basil History Basil is native to India and other tropical areas of Asia. It is believed the herb has been cultivated for around 5,000 years. Basil quickly spread across Europe and Asia, making its way to Britain in the 16th century and from there to the Americas. Basil has a wide array of cultural meanings because of its rich history in multiple
Fun Fact In India, basil is seen as a powerful protector and is planted near graves to protect loved ones in the afterlife. Similarly, basil has been found in Egyptian sarcophagi. Additionally, Jewish folklore holds that basil promotes strength while fasting, while European lore says basil is a symbol of Satan.
locales. See the fun fact for more info!
Growing Tip
Recipe
Although best grown outside, basil can be grown inside as long as it is kept in a
Easiest Basil Pesto
well-drained area with strong sunlight. Yellow leaves indicate the plant needs
Ingredients
more sun. Water often. 1 cup basil
Health Benefits
⅓ ⅓
cup olive oil cup parmesan cheese
2-3 tbsp pine nuts
Basil has antioxidant and anti-
Salt & pepper
inflammatory properties. It has also been found to help treat diabetes and heart
Combine ingredients in a food processor
disease.
and blend until desired consistency. Enjoy over cooked pasta! Cultivate SA | Fall 2021 | 23
Pumpkin
Recipe Pumpkin Soup
History Ingredients
Pumpkins were first grown around 7,500 years ago in the Oaxaca region of Mexico, making pumpkins one of the first vegetables grown in North America. Christopher Columbus brought pumpkin seeds back to Europe in the late 1400s and by the 16th century countries like Spain
One pumpkin (about 4 pounds), Yellow onion Olive oil 4-5 garlic cloves 4 cups vegetable broth ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk
and France were growing pumpkins on a
Desired seasonings like salt, pepper,
large scale.
cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves.
Growing Tip
Preparation
It is best to plant pumpkins in the early
Preheat oven to 400° F.
summer as they take 75-100 days to grow before they are ready to harvest.
Cut pumpkin into fourths, discarding seeds. Place quarters inside down on baking tray, pumpkin flesh facing down.
Health Benefits Bake about 40 minutes, until pumpkin is
Pumpkins are high in fiber, potassium,
fork-tender. Remove pumpkin to cool.
and riboflavin, and contain vitamins K, B6, C, and E.
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil for about 6-7 minutes. Peel skin off cooled pumpkin, and add pumpkin flesh to the pan. Add
Fun Fact
spices and stir for about 2 minutes, breaking down the pumpkin skin
The jack-o-lantern tradition comes from the Celtic holiday Samhain. On this day, it is believed that the wall between the alive and dead crumbles. At night, people left carved lanterns on their porch to show
Add broth; bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Then, remove from heat and stir in cream or coconut milk.
their departed loved ones the way home. Turnips and other root vegetables were often used as lanterns, but pumpkins are traditionally used today.
Allow to cool for a bit before transferring to a blender and blending until smooth. Tip: for additional sweetness, stir in some maple syrup.
.
Fun Fact In traditional Chinese medicine, black beans are used to lessen knee and back pain.
Recipe
Black Bean Tacos
Ingredients
1/2 pound black beans Chopped yellow onion
Black Beans
Sliced jalapeño Teaspoon cumin ½ tsp paprika 2 tbsp tomato paste
History
½ cup water Salt,
pepper,
and
olive
oil
to
taste.
Black beans date back over 7,000 years
Tortillas and desired toppings for the
and are native to the Americas. They
tacos
were a staple in the diets of indigenous peoples across the continent. Black beans
Preparation
were introduced to Europe when explorers brought them back home in the
Soak beans in water overnight or for
1500s.
8 hours.
Bring beans and 2 cups water or
Growing Tip
broth to boil; reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about an hour.
Black beans need a warm climate, making Texas a great home for your Sauté onion, garlic, jalapeños, cumin,
bean plants! It is recommended to paprika, salt and pepper for 4-5
have a trellis so your vines have room minutes. Add mixture and tomato
to expand and climb. paste to beans, water. Stir well until the paste dissolves, about 2 minutes.
Health Benefits
Cook until beans are tender, about two hours. Scoop beans into warm
Black beans are very high in fiber,
tortillas and top with desired fillings
folate, protein, antioxidants, iron, and
like: shredded lettuce, cheese, sour
vitamin B
cream, salsa, etc.
Carrots History
Fun Fact Wild rabbits do not eat wild carrots!
The earliest carrots are from the 900s and are native to Central Asia. It is believed that
Recipe
the first carrots were purple and white. The domestication of carrots in the 1100s brought about the orange, leafy varieties
Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots
we have today. The first orange roots are said to have grown in Western Europe,
Ingredients
perhaps Germany, in the 15th or early 16th century.
16 oz baby carrots ½ cup water 2 tbsp butter
Growing Tip
2 tbsp brown sugar
Carrots do best when the temperature is in
Preparation
the low 70s. Make sure your plants get 6-8 hours of sun and are in well drained soil.
Pour
You can cover the soil near the plants with
heat and bring to a boil.
everything
in
a
pan
over
medium-high
a burlap sack or similar material to keep the soil moist.
Cover and reduce heat to low to simmer for about 5 minutes. Return heat
Health Benefits
to medium-
high and stir until liquid has evaporated, about 8 minutes.
Carrots have calcium and vitamin K for Enjoy as a snack or side dish!
bone health, as well as vitamin A to improve your eye health!
.
FALL PLANTING GUIDE USDA Zones 8b / 9a Planting Range Plant Type
Sept
Artichokes
|
Oct
|
Companion Plants
Nov
|
Dec
S------O------N------D------
Peas, Sunflower, Tarragon, Brassicas
Basil, Marjoram, Asparagus
S------O------N------
Parsley, Tomatoes
Corn, Cucumber, Beans
S------O
Peas, Rosemary, Stawberry, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Thyme, Sage
Beans, Lettuce, Beets
S------O---
Marjoram, Onion, Potatoes
Blackberries
S------O------N------D
Bee Balm, Borage, Rue, Hyshop, Mint
Broccoli
S------O------N------D------
Brussel
Oregano, Barrsicas
Dill, Lettuce, Radishes S------O------N------D------
Sprouts
Sage, Spinach, Turnips
Cultivate SA | Fall 2021 | 27
Cabbage
S------O------N------D------
Garlic, Nasturtium, Sage
Beets, Brassicas, Chard, Cauliflower
S------O------N------D------
Spinach, Cucumber, Chard, Radish
---O------N------D-----Carrots
Beans, Lettuce, Onion, Pea, Pepper, Radish, Tomato
Celery
S------O------N------D------
Beans, Lettuce, Onion, Pea, Pepper, Radish, Tomato
Collards
S------O------N------D------
Potatoes, Onions, Cucumber
Beans, Cucumber,
Corn
Dill, Melon, Parsley, S---
Peas, Squash, Sunflower, Sage, Thyme
Beans, Corn, Dill,
Cucumber
S---
Lettuce, Onion, Peas, Peppers, Tomatoes, Thyme
Beans, Marjoram, Eggplant
S--Potatoes,
Garlic
S------O------N------D------
Dill, Beets, Kale, Spinach, Potatoes, Carrots, Egglplants
Beans, Garlic, Lettuce, Herbs
S------O------N------D------
Onions, Peas, Thyme, Sage
Cabbage, Dill, Potatoes Kale
S------O------N------D-----Rosemary, Sage
Onions, Beans, Lettuce
S------O------N------D------
Peppers, Sage, Thyme, Strawberry, Tomatoes
Leeks
S------O------N------D------
Brassicas, Tomatoes Beets, Lettuce
Mustard
S------O------N------D------
Celery, Chamomile, Corn, Dill, Garlic, Mint, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Yarrow
Beets, Chamomile, O------N------D------
Onions
Cabbage, Carrots, Chard, Lettuce, Strawberry, Tomatoes
Beans, Cabbage, Beets, Peppers
S---
Coriander, Dill, Marigold, Marjoram, Peas
Beans, Cabbage, Beets, Potatoes
S------O
Coriander, Dill, Marigold, Marjoram, Peas
Peas, Lettuce, Radish
S------O------N------D------
Cucumber, Beans
Beans, Brassicas, Spinach
S------O------N------D------
Cilantro, Eggplant, Peas, Strawberries
Corn, Lettuce, Melon,
Squash
S------O------N------D------
Peas, Peppers, Sage, Thyme, Marigold, Nasturtium
Beans, Garlic, Lettuce,
Strawberries
S------O------N------D-----Onions, Peas, Thyme, Sage
Sugar Snap
S------O------N------D------
Peas
Beans, Carrots, Eggplant, Tomatoes
Swiss Chard
30 | Fall 2021 | Cultivate SA
S------O------N------D------
Beans, Brassica, Onions
Asparagus, Carrot,
Tomatoes
S------O------N------D------
Celery, Cucumber, Onion, Parsley, Pepper
Turnips
S------O------N------D------
Peas
Sources Texas A&M Agrilife Windowbox.com Gardenstead Idep Foundation One Creative Mommy Afristar Fanick’s Garden Center Frost Date SFGate Urban Farmer
If you have questions, contact Gardopia at info@gardopiagardens.org
Cultivate SA | Fall 2021 | 31
Reflections and Rituals for the Autumnal Equinox A creative essay by Victoria Houser I love the dark hours of my being. My mind deepens into them. There I can find, as in old letters, The days of my life, already lived, And held like a legend, already understood.
-Rainer Maria Rilke, “Love Poems to God”
The autumnal equinox provides a space for
acknowledge the events that have not
us to reflect on the past, meditate in the
been entirely peaceful, and have even, at
present, and imagine for the future. The
times, been incredibly painful.
autumnal equinox is about paying tribute to what has passed in the early parts of the
This year was fragmented by intense
year; it is a time for observing both the joys
oscillations between creativity and
and sorrows of the year. Often, this time of
stillness. Creativity is hard to find in pieces.
moving from light to dark provides spaces
Sinéad Gleeson wrote this about her book
for us to practice gratitude and extend
Constellations: “Some stories [can’t] be
peace over what we’ve experienced during
told in an amorphous chunk of text…
the year. But this has certainly not been a
Sometimes the world steers you towards
completely peaceful year. We continue to
the broken apart, the work that refuses to
live and work in a pandemic, fires ravage
be glued together, that basks in its un-
the West Coast, drought has demolished
ness.” This year was a year of pieces. I
crops in South-Central Texas, and there
have a folder on my laptop titled, simply,
does not seem to be enough time or energy
“Writing.” All kinds of things make their
to face these tragedies and practice habits
way to this folder. Here are some titles of
of gratitude. Time has felt slippery, tossing
pieces that made it to that list:
us back and forth between people and
“Washington 2017,” “August 10,” “Sheets,”
places. When the time comes, we must
and “bone.” I’ve thought a lot about the
rest, listen, and let the heart catch up to all
person who wrote each of those pieces,
the little losses floating around the totality
and the year that she experienced. She
of the body. But it is equally important to
wrote a dissertation during a global
Cultivate SA | Fall 2021 | 35
pandemic. She trained for a marathon. She
Goddess of the Autumn Equinox: Persephone’s
ran to wear herself out so she could loosen
Story
the knot of anxiety around her body. And still it is difficult to imagine how these pieces
In Greek Mythology, Demeter and her
of a life come together. In reflecting on the
daughter, Persephone, are characterized as
seasons of spring and summer, I have found
the two goddesses of spring, known for
it helpful to release the life I thought I would
creating life and bestowing fertility. During
be living now. The equinox invites us all to
the spring equinox, Demeter is celebrated
loosen our hold on the events of the past
for renewing life after the winter season.
and to open ourselves to new possibilities.
Persephone, who is also known as a goddess of fertility and life, is celebrated at
The autumn equinox offers us moments of
the autumn equinox but for entirely
deep relationality. To put it another way, it
different purposes. Persephone’s fateful
offers a collision of the “self” with the world
story is an important, though tragic,
during a time of waning light and energy.
backdrop for understanding how sorrow
The word equinox refers to the time when
and joy mingle at the heart of the autumn
night and day are of equal lengths as the
equinox.
sun crosses the earth's equator at a moment of liminality. At two moments in the
According to ancient mythology,
year, once in March and once in September,
Persephone’s beauty caught the attention of
the world is held in perfect balance. The
Hades, god of the underworld. When Hades
moment of now. Do you feel the suspension
first sees Persephone, he is overcome with
of time resting in the atmosphere? It is a
desire for her and begins to scheme about
space rich for understanding the myriad
ways to possess her. In the lineage of Greek
histories of our connections to each other
gods and goddesses, Hades—the brother of
and to the earth. As you reflect on the
Zeus and ruler of the afterlife—is one of the
harvests of creativity, perseverance, and
most powerful. Hades tells Zeus of his plan
growth in the present moment, also reflect
to abduct Persephone, and Zeus offers him
on the difficulties that brought you to this
full support and agrees to not disclose any
infinite “now” and what lies ahead as we
information to Demeter before or after the
move into the winter season. Let this
abduction. The two most powerful male
equinox be a present moment formed
gods in ancient mythology formulate a plan
around our fragments from the year of
for abducting a young female goddess, and
“work that refuses to be glued together.”
it works. Hades lays a trap for the unsuspecting goddess by placing an
The autumn equinox invites reflection on
ethereal flower in a field. When Persephone
three key themes: the story of Persephone
goes to examine and pluck the flower,
(the Greek goddess of the autumn equinox);
Hades opens the earth and abducts the
the shifting energies in our bodies as they
young goddess, making her his queen of the
are connected to the world around us; and
underworld.
the alignment of our energies toward generosity, goodness, and love. While the
After the abduction, Demeter cannot find
autumn equinox encourages us to direct our
Persephone in the field or anywhere on
attention to healing and abundance, to do so we
Earth. Overcome with grief, Demeter
must also understand how sorrow threads its
removes life from Earth. In her scholarship
way through these tapestries of grace.
on Greek mythology, Edith Hamilton writes,
Persephone’s story offers a foundation for
“in her terrible grief Demeter withheld her
meditating on these themes of the autumn
gifts from the earth, which turned into a
equinox.
frozen desert. The green and flowering land
was ice bound and lifeless because Persephone had disappeared.” Eventually, Zeus (the most powerful god in Greek mythology) convinces Hades to return Persephone to Demeter, but before she leaves, Hades tricks Persephone into eating a pomegranate seed that will force her return to the underworld. To avoid death, Persephone returns to her place with Hades at the same time every year—the autumn equinox.
When Demeter seeks justice for what has happened, the gods offer her scheduled visits with her daughter. When these visits end and Persephone makes her annual descent back to the underworld, the earth returns to a state of dormancy. Plants and crops quietly withdraw to begin the long season of rest, anticipating Persephone’s return in the spring.
Hades’ abduction of Persephone has been retold many times, and in some instances is even told as a great love story in which the couple must overcome great obstacles, such as Demeter’s controlling parenting, in order to be together. These are highly speculative accounts of the original story, but in every
opportunity to reflect on concepts of bodily
retelling, questions about gendered violence
autonomy and what it means to listen to
and bodily autonomy remain central.
our bodies in the moment of suspension.
Persephone has no control regarding the
The symbolism in Persephone’s story is
decisions made about her marriage to
connected to a larger history of bodily
Hades or her return to the earth to be with
autonomy, one that sets the stage for the
Demeter. The symbolic nature of the myth
Supreme Court cases regarding abortion
raises important questions about power,
laws. Regardless of individual political
control, and violence. The time of the
positions on the recent Texas law banning
autumn equinox, when Persephone
abortions after six weeks, we can
prepares to return to the underworld, opens
acknowledge that the work around
space to consider these questions as central
reproductive autonomy is an ongoing
topics in our social sphere.
concern across contexts. At this moment of equinox—in reflecting on the story of
The Autumn Equinox as a Time to Reflect on
Persephone—I turn to the history of women
Bodily Autonomy
healers to provide some insight to the struggle for bodily autonomy. In many
Persephone’s story, as the symbolic fulcrum
ways, these stories are representative of
for the autumn equinox, offers a unique
what Persephone experienced when Hades
Cultivate SA | Fall 2021 | 35
.
robbed her of her bodily choices. The
a woman without a voice in her story. The
equinox hour is a time for us to consider
reader hears of her plight through the lens of
healing, and there is an entire history of
deities considered more powerful than her,
women healers that has been historically
such as Zeus and Hades. Persephone has
silenced for centuries. In the early 1970s,
been rewritten many times in contemporary
Barbara Ehrenreich and Deirdre English
contexts, but we still have no clear picture of
wrote a book titled Witches, Midwives, and
her—we can only surmise her character
Nurses: A History of Women Healers. In this
through the lens of others. In line with the
text, Ehrenreich and English explain that in
spirit of the autumn equinox, I encourage you
the 1400s women were ostensibly banned
to do the challenging work of seeking out
from the medical world through laws that
historically marginalized voices, like those of
prohibited women from attending
women healers in the late 20th century.
universities. Of course, this has since
Research, listen, and reflect on the
changed, but for several centuries, women
experiences of those on the margins.
healers were forced out of all decisionmaking regarding women’s health, including
Listening to Our Bodies at the Hour of Equinox
their reproductive health. Essentially, a system was put in place where women’s
Persephone has much to teach us about the
voices were not present in the issues that
energies of change that color the equinox.
most concerned them. With the advent of
Joy and sorrow mingle in our reflections on
laws that stopped women from receiving
the summer. Bodily movement perhaps felt
medical training, a huge limitation was placed
lighter and somewhat easier to navigate as
around the roles women could occupy in the
we eagerly moved through spring and
medical world during the latter half of the
summer with the happiness of seeing loved
20th century. Despite these laws, women
ones and spending time outdoors. At the
healers worked on the fringes of the
same time, the early summer months
profession and found ways to learn, practice,
brought incredibly long periods of drought in
and develop health care strategies.
South-Central Texas and record-breaking heat waves in the West. Massive wildfires
Much like the symbolic structure of
once again spread across the West Coast
Persephone’s story, there has not been
and COVID cases certainly did not disappear
much room, historically, to listen to the
despite the eagerly anticipated vaccines. The
stories of women negatively affected by
tensions between our bodies and the world
insidious power structures. Persephone was
continue to stretch and tighten across small
36 | Fall 2021 | Cultivate SA
joys and sorrows. As the equinox
shifts in energy that come with the autumn
approaches, the possibilities of beauty
equinox. Let this be a time for you to
twinkle in the fading summer light—present
embrace the vitality that is so wholly yours.
still, but certainly mixed with the tragic loss
The universe can be seen in one liminal
of burning wilderness, parched farmland,
moment of exposure. It can be felt in the
and increased numbers of COVID cases.
bluest moment of your body pressing against the cold. And it is your business to
Much of this year has centered on letting my
keep it, to embrace it, and to move with it.
body exist in the world with trepidation and
When there is an opening in the twilight
care. I started teaching last week, and I
hours of summer, take it. Don’t brush past
found myself confronted with sixty students
the pain you carried this year. Let your body
whose last thought was whether their mask
move with the vitality that is inextricably
was covering their nose. This was their first
your own. No one else can create or care for
week away from the familiarity of home. My
the constellations that make up your body,
task is to teach these students about writing
your feeling, and your movement. Cherish
and composition—where do we even start
the universe that exists in your bones.
when the tasks of writing seem so far away from our bodies? First, we must talk about
During a recent long, grueling run in the
care. Before we can begin the task of writing
forest, I came across a biker stopped by the
about our bodies in the world, we must first
side of the trail adjusting something on his
think about what it means to care for our
tire. Before thoughts of my aloneness
bodies. This is the greatest task of the
clattered into my brain, we made eye-
writing classroom, and to say it has been
contact and he held my gaze for a moment
amplified during the pandemic is a gross
then simply said, “Are you all right?” There
understatement.
was no accusation or assumption in his tone, no mark of antagonism or even weariness of
My own body has felt unbearably heavy, in
strangers—a bright, clear concern for what I
both a metaphysical and literal sense.
was doing extended through his words
Depression lives in the body. In March, April,
toward my accelerated state of being. His
and May, I was energized by the tasks of
small question shot through me, and I
finishing my dissertation and planning a new
paused to say, “Yes. Yes, I think I am okay.
job. I pushed my body to do extraordinary
You?” He smiled and raised a single fist in
things in isolation, and I was genuinely very
the air to signal that he, too, was okay. I
happy with my preoccupation. Now that the
turned back to the trail and carried myself
dust has settled and I have time to look
back through the well-traveled paths of my
around, the weight of the year’s work is
being, and in that moment with the sun on
bearing down on my muscles. Even simple
the lake, I felt honest, whole, and all right.
tasks seem to take up all my energy. When the world begins to quiet during autumn months
My hope for you, reader, is to place you
and the twilight deepens, I feel the nearness of
exactly here. Where there is no past or
new energy. It is a vitality that I anticipate with a
future. Where everything that we know of
deep joy. When the summer heat dies down
life, love, and death are wrapped into one
somewhat, I feel my body start to long for
infinite moment. The place of “now” with no
movement. I yearn for the rush of cold air
beginnings and no ends. In the closing
ripping through my lungs as I run. I can feel
section, I offer some simple rituals that can
my blood start to circulate with new force as
be performed at the time of equinox as a
I expand and move through the world with
method of welcoming healing and preserving
autumn’s energy. Pay attention to the soft
peace on the threshold of change.
As the time for the Harvest Moon cycle draws near, I encourage you to think about ways you might take advantage of the early moonlight and reserve that time for reflection on and gratitude for the harvests of this year. Practicing rituals designed for personal healing and growth might seem trivial when the world is in chaos from a raging pandemic, dying crops, and increasing social inequities. At the same time, the mundane events of our everyday lives do affect the social conglomerate. Much of the change that we dream of seeing in our lifetimes originates from a need to slow down, stop over-consuming, and learn how to dwell with the earth and with each other in more meaningful ways.
Of course, we could wait for a more opportune moment to develop practices of gratitude and reflection, but we would be waiting a very long time. To whatever extent possible, even if you find yourself incredibly The Harvest Moon: Rituals for Healing and
busy or weighed down, developing some
Preserving
rituals for reflection and gratitude can open avenues for healing in big and small ways. I
The autumnal equinox is also associated with
believe it is also vital for me to acknowledge
the Harvest Moon, a moon cycle that makes
that, practically speaking, not everyone has
it possible for farmers to have extra time for
the space to dedicate time or energy to
harvesting. The Old Farmer’s Almanac
meditative practice. There are large
explains this phenomenon: “Normally, the
inequities in our systems of labor that
Moon rises about an hour later each night,
render quiet time virtually impossible for
but around the time of the fall equinox, the
some, but the reflection rituals that I will
angle of the Moon’s orbit and the tilt of the
share here are simple practices that you can
Earth line up just right and cause the Moon
perform in a few minutes and with relative
to rise only about 20 to 30 minutes later
ease. I’ve organized these rituals around the
each night for several nights in a row”
crystals dedicated to the autumnal equinox:
(almanac.com). With the moon rising earlier
topaz, amber, and lapis lazuli. You do not
in the evening, farmers are provided “extra
need to have crystals to practice these
daylight” hours to harvest crops before
rituals, but if you have them on hand feel
winter sets in. Also, according to old folklore,
free to place them in positions nearby.
frost that occurs in darkness will kill any buds or crops, but frost that occurs under
Topaz: healing, stimulation, alignment
moonlight will not, making the Harvest Moon very important for the preservation of crops
For this meditation, write a list or hold in
as cold weather approaches.
your mind three areas of your life where
38 | Fall 2021 | Cultivate SA
you seek healing. Practice breathing in for
“Shallows” by Daughter). Once you have
four seconds, holding for five, and then
everything set up, place your hands (and/or
releasing for four seconds. As you release
feet) into the water and think about how
your breath, observe your thoughts about
your skin feels against the element. Center
one area where you seek healing. Let go of
your thoughts on what you feel in your body
any thought patterns that are not leading you
for several seconds. Listen to your breath
into alignment with your body as you dwell
and ease into the experience. For three to
on this area of your life. Repeat this practice
five minutes, meditate on experiences that
for every item on your list.
have made you feel loved and cared for this year. These can be experiences you’ve had
Amber: relieves stress, promotes creativity
with others or times that you have dedicated to caring for yourself. Hold these in your
Find a quiet place (preferably outdoors) and
mind and think about the harmony and
lie on your back with your feet outstretched.
continuity of the water against your skin.
Close your eyes and place your hands on
Remind yourself of your capacity to love.
your stomach or near your heart. What do
Holding these thoughts in your mind,
you feel in your body? Focus on relaxing the
contemplate ways you can extend that love
muscles in your neck, then your shoulders,
toward others.
down to your back, and eventually your legs, and finally feet. Rest here for several
This is your harvest. Experiencing and
minutes. Let your imagination roam. Follow
sharing compassion with yourself and others
ideas that spark your curiosity. Consider the
as the twilight deepens into night and the
harmony at play between your body, spirit,
world settles into the quiet of winter is
and mind. Thank your body for the unnoticed
significant work. Be present for the equinox,
work of nurturing, protecting, and healing.
the suspension of time and light, that is
When you are finished, take a minute or two
happening around and within you. Let it sink
to write down some of the thoughts that
deep into your being, down to your bones.
arose as you let your muscles relax.
And continue to extend harmony as best you can to those around you.
Lapis Lazuli: Compassion, peace, harmony References For this ritual, you will need water. You can either find a secluded lake to put your feet in
Gleeson, Sinéad. “Fragmented Narratives Are
or simply fill a bowl with water. Light a candle
Broken, Independent, and Honest.”
(if you have one on hand) and put on a quiet
LitHub. 2020.
song that you enjoy. (I recommend the song
Hamilton, Edith. Mythology. Little, Brown and Company, 1942.
40 | Fall 2021 | Cultivate SA
regional poet
h
arvesting fresh thyme
Patrick Harvey
from the bush out by the creek fingers smell like soup
remembering Thanksgivings air thick with steam and stuffing
sage and rosemary violet and peppermint,
s
grown in pots out back
ingle falling leaf
joining the autumn cascade
herbs drying by the window
one among millions
for kitchen magic and cooking
covered in elm leaf bedding
adding lavender
lives digging in for winter
to an old tea recipe how will that work out?
a thin line between soil and sentient beings
healing passed from age to age
burrowing for warmth
hand to hand in a warm cup
crossing through the boundary
recipes remembered
to fall and become new earth
through all these generations smiling through the steam
days are shorter now wrapped up in our old bedding
slow wisdom of iron pots
nights getting colder
soil, spoons and Grandma’s stories
up early for meditation refuge is a thick sweater
boundless gratitude to factory ancestors who made it so warm
bows to the retail workers who sold it at a discount
passed like buddha’s robe perfect gift of morning warmth through countless kind hands
another fall day begins sudden gust of cold north wind
42 | Fall 2021 | Cultivate SA
G
oodbye to old Grandmother Rosemary,
Tangled Queen of one corner of our nest, ‘til lost in deadly cold last February, Today her bare bones gathered to their rest
Garden gloves bear reminders of perfume, Traces of green wisdom steeped into teas, Hot stews whose rich aroma filled the gloom With springtime wildness, deep in winter’s freeze
And now the tangled bundle’s laid aside, Her little patch of royal ground will sing A new Queen, enthrone the next green-clad bride, Fills September breeze with perfume like spring,
Tomorrow is Rosemary’s, gowned in green, The Queen has departed, God save the Queen!
Cultivate SA | Fall 2021 | 43
CULTIVATE WELLNESS
Charge your Day with
PLANT POWER Recipes & Nutrition by Stephen Lucke
Smoothie Smoothies are a great way to get a quick, nutrient-dense, tasty meal, or snack on the go! These blended super meals can be made to your heart's desire, being heavy or light on the digestive tract. Below is a well rounded recipe for a morning meal replacement smoothie that contains plenty of hydration, fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, carbs, and plant protein! It’s so good that you can think of it as fruit-flavored ice cream breakfast!
Ingredients
Nutrition Facts
1-2 cups Coconut Water or Almond Milk
485 Calories
1/2 cup Spinach or Kale
45 g Carbs
Frozen Banana (½ medium)
28 g Fat
1 cup Frozen Berries and Pineapples
15 g Protein
1 tsp Cacao Powder
264 mg Sodium
1/2 cup Hemp Seeds and/or Walnuts
29 g Sugar
2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
Cultivate SA | Fall 2021 | 45
Fruit & Yogurt Parfait Fruit and yogurt parfaits are a light meal or snack great for pretty much any time of the day. With a hearty serving of fruit, yogurt, granola, coconut shavings, and seed powders, it’s almost like a poor man’s acai bowl...minus the acai! With ample complex and simple carbs, this dish will provide plenty of energy for a morning or afternoon garden sesh!
Ingredients
Nutrition Facts
1/2 cup Mixed Fruit
582 Calories
1/4 cup Coconut Based Yogurt
48 g Carbs
1/4 cup Granola
39 g Fat
1/2 tsp Chia Seed Powder
11 g Protein
1/2 tsp Flax Seed Powder
153 mg Sodium
18 g Sugar
46 | Fall 2021 | Cultivate SA
Lemon Water & Dates Feeling a little sick or constipated? Need to ease your body into the day? Try drinking a large cup of filtered water with lemon juice to soothe the gastrointestinal system! In addition to instant hydration and dose of vitamin C, drinking lemon water has been shown to help with weight loss as well. If you need a little substance, then add a few dates for sugar and to satiate the stomach grumblings!
Ingredients
Nutrition Facts
Filtered Water
72 Calories
2 tsp Lemon Juice
20 g Carbs
2-4 Raw Pitted Dates
0 g Fat
1 g Protein
29 mg Sodium
15 g Sugar
Green Juice Green juice is a refreshing and hydrating beverage that is good for any time of the day. The combination of leafy greens with sweet fruits in a highly concentrated form allows you to ingest a day’s worth of vitamins and minerals in a compact liquid form! In addition to a meal for you, the juice pulp can be used for compost or feeding livestock!
Ingredients
Nutrition Facts
2 cups Leafy Greens
148 Calories
1 medium-large Apple
36 g Carbs
1/4 cup Celery
0 g Fat
1/2 cup Coconut water (½ cup)
3 g Protein
1 tsp Lemon Juice
195 mg Sodium
22 g Sugar
nutritional info from: myfitnesspal.com
CULTIVATE TIPS AND TRICKS
Plant Trouble Got You Down? 4 Common Problems and How to Fix Them
by Georgianna Wells
Sometimes despite all our best efforts, plants struggle. Identifying issues early and knowing how to fix them can mean life or death for your garden. But no need to stress, because this article is here to help. From overwatering to nutrient deficiency, here are some of the most common issues and how to deal with them:
Too Much Water or... Your Garden is Drowning
Overwatering, either from being too attentive or excessive rain, can be detrimental in many ways. With this year’s wetter and cooler weather, one sign of too much water has been mushrooms in the garden. Mushrooms will pop up after heavy rains, even when the garden shows no other signs of overwatering. Mushrooms are signs of healthy soil and not a cause for alarm. However, mushrooms can be toxic, so please do not eat them or let pets eat them unless you are absolutely certain they are safe.
Troublesome signs of overwatering include limp yellow or brown leaves, mushy or unstable plant stems, and soil that smells rotten or has a greenish appearance. If these signs appear and the plant is in a pot, stop watering and repot it if possible. Proper drainage is key and may require drilling a few holes or placing stones at the bottom of the pot to prevent too much water from drowning the roots. For in-ground plants, longer-term solutions may be needed including altering the slope of a yard, finding ways to divert water into a rain barrel, or building up low spots with a mixture of soil and compost. Cultivate SA | Fall 2021 | 49
Not Enough Water… or Your Garden is Thirsty
Underwatering is easier to correct if caught in time. Leaves will be yellow or brown and crispy. The plant's overall appearance will be wilted and the stem may be brittle. To correct, water slowly and deeply. If the pot can be moved, take it to a shady area and put it in a larger container of water. Leave the plant for a few hours or overnight to allow roots to soak water and soil to feel moist to touch.
If your garden is frequently stressed from too little water, it may be time to reevaluate plant placement and watering schedules. Some plants are more thirsty than others and need partial shade to survive San Antonio summers. Irrigation systems may be worthwhile, especially if smart features like rain sensors are used. If it is hard to handwater potted plants regularly, try using a slow drip system, such as a plastic water bottle with punched holes to release water as needed. Another trick is to try to water at the same time each day and use the time to quietly reconnect with nature.
Not Enough Nutrients ... or Your Garden Is Deprived
Nutrient deficiency can lead to stunted plants that do not produce fruits, vegetables, or bloom. For a garden to thrive, appropriate amounts of macro and micronutrients must be available. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the three fertilizer ingredients holding the key to a happy plant.
Nitrogen deficiency will result in yellow leaves from the bottom of the plant up, while lack of potassium will cause browning or yellowing on leaf edges. Lack of phosphorus causes older leaves to have a purple or bronze underside and is responsible for a lack of blooms.
Diagnoses can be based on symptoms or a
few days. Slugs and snails leave small to
soil test. Soil tests are worth the investment,
medium holes in the middle of leaves while
especially when moving into a new home or
cutworms tend to leave bigger holes in many
starting an in-ground garden for the first
plant leaves. Cutworms also eat through the
time. They will reveal the soil pH, the levels of
stems of seedlings almost at the soil line.
both macronutrients and micronutrients,
Damage from aphids is evident by twisted,
available organic material, and explain the soil
curling, yellowed leaves.
texture including how well it will drain. San Antonio has alkaline soil that is very rocky.
There are several approaches to combat
Although improvements can be made, raised
insect damage. At one extreme are
beds or containers may be better than in-
pesticides that will kill indiscriminately, upset
ground gardens.
the balance of helpful garden critters, and cause vegetables to be unsafe for
If you choose to have an in-ground garden,
consumption. At the other extreme is a do-
nutritional deficiencies can be countered
nothing approach based on the realization
using organic methods. Soil should be
that some loss is going to happen. The best
amended with compost on a regular basis.
solutions are somewhere in the middle. Pest
Coffee grounds, composted manure, banana
control may include introducing beneficial
peels, and eggshells are all-natural fertilizers.
nematodes, ladybugs, or lacewings in an
Ideally, these would be composted first but
attempt to counter harmful insects as a
can be applied directly if broken down into
preemptive measure.
small (pea size or less) pieces.
Not Enough Defense ... or Your Garden is Bugged
Entire books have been written on the various insects that can wreak havoc in the garden. Slugs, cut worms, and aphids are three of the most common creatures that can destroy weeks of work in just a
Cultivate SA | Fall 2021 | 51
Another option is to treat problems as they arise. Once you identify the offending insect, you can specifically eliminate it through the following methods:
Slugs - Bury shallow pans of beer at ground level so slugs fall in and drown
Roly-polies and cutworms - Spread diatomaceous earth around the base of the plant so they can't get to delicate stems
Birds and squirrels - Apply netting to prevent them from reaching into your prized fruits and vegetables
Aphids - Spray affected areas with soapy water or neem and orange oils
Tomato hornworms - Spray BT (bacillus thuringiensis) spray immediately after spotting to interrupt their life cycle. Some adventurous gardeners go so far as to hunt down and squish these offenders. Since they can devour an entire tomato plant in a day, it can be particularly satisfying to turn them into chicken treats
If, despite all of these suggestions, the garden is still struggling, it may be time to step back and reevaluate. Some areas may be too sunny or too shady for plants to thrive, and not every plant is going to do well in South Central Texas. Check out the planting guide on page 26 to select the right plant at the right time of year. Be sure to check plant sun requirements. Seek advice from fellow gardeners and make adjustments as needed. Do not be discouraged if you have some hiccups. With proper water, the right nutrient balance, and a healthy balance of good and bad insects, your plants will thrive!
Gardening Gains with Garden Tech:
PRODUCT FEATURE
Power Planter
by Dominic Dominguez
As the weather changes and years go by, the end of each growing season yields the additional opportunity to reflect on lessons learned. As a practitioner of horticulture, I ask myself three questions that aid in critiquing the outputs of the closing season. What new strategies or technologies went well? What techniques or systems can be feasibly improved for the next growing cycle? And how might we plan for these improvements or new implementations?
This past year, Gardopia Gardens was gifted several pieces of new garden technologies from our friends at Power Planter. Power Planter is a family-owned business located in Illinois. The company designs, manufactures, and distributes highquality augers of varying sizes and models for any and all gardening needs. All augers operate as attachments that can be fixated to
Cultivate SA | Fall 2021 | 53
any at-home hand drill, making the Power Planter auger one of the most versatile tools in your garden kit.
How many times have we done the following routine: lifted our 30-pound shovel, drove our shovel into the earth, and repeated this motion well over one hundred times to prep our garden space for planting? This story is all too familiar for the average gardener who would typically spend one to two hours performing this activity. At first use, Gardopia Gardens staff noticed that the auger made digging more efficient by combining the downward motion commonly utilized by a shovel with the ingenuity of the spiral feature provided by the Power Planter auger.
Think about it. When commercial engineers are breaking ground for new development, they are typically using large automated drills for digging; even though the at-home garden is a smaller project, this same efficiency principle holds true. This past spring at Gardopia Gardens, the staff watched three volunteers plant over half of the community microfarm in less than five minutes. They
We see these tools, practices, and resources as enablers for people to obtain increased selfsufficiency, nutrition, and environmental stewardship through gardening.
accomplished the same task that used to require fifteen or more volunteers working an entire hour in just a fraction of time.
Dr. Joseph Pluta, Professor of Economics at St. Edward’s University,
Get your power planter today! https://powerplanter.com
once wrote, “technology is tools plus human know-how.” Quality tools like the Power Planter auger paired with the research-based horticulture education provided by Gardopia Gardens make a strong case for our learners of all ages to use the best garden tools for their success.
For more information on this topic, contact Dominic Dominguez, MA LEED Green Associate ddominguez@gardopiagardens.org
BECOME AN ANNUAL SPONSOR OF GARDOPI A GARDENS
By donating to Gardopia on an annual basis you are directly supporting programs that address unhealthy lifestyles and environmental degradation. Over 80% of every dollar goes directly into boots and shovels on the ground! From academic programming to community outreach, your company's donation sows a tangible impact for positive change, Corporate giving is a critical piece of the equation to help alleviate some of our communities' toughest challenges. As a grassroots local nonprofit, we are able to expose your brand In non-traditional ways that can create new pathways towards future customer engagement. Help us grow a healthier San Antonio and market your brand at the same time!
Garden-Based Learning
Urban Agriculture Magazine
Classes, workshops, and courses
Quarterly series highlighting city growers
Community Volunteer Days Weekly at Gardopia
Farmers Market Seasonally at Gardopia
CULTIVATE COMMUNITY
How I Found Roots in San Antonio's Urban Ag Scene, Plus 24 Places to Get Your Own Start! by Hannah Rhodes In the summer of 2020, we all experienced something big. The pandemic, including its threat to our individual and collective health, left many of us isolated, lonely and scared. Summer protests over the murder of George
Flowers from Garcia Street Urban Farm
Floyd galvanized many of us to connect in new and old ways, whether on social
These moments of experiencing
media or masked and in the streets.
Steven’s city were so special when we
Amidst these and other crises, I planned
were getting to know one another, but I
to move from Austin to San Antonio.
could not see how San Antonio would be
Even though San Antonio was just down
my home now that we would be living
the road from Austin, I was uncertain of
together, especially in the middle of a
how I could possibly find a meaningful
pandemic.
community during this time. I was excited at the prospect of a new With my boyfriend Steven, I made plans
city and the next chapter of my
to move to San Antonio early in 2020.
relationship with Steven, but I also felt
Steven was born and raised in San
nervous. Like others, when the pandemic
Antonio, and he moved back after we
began, I spent my time either in my
graduated from Texas A&M, where we
apartment, or within just a few steps of
first dated. I enjoyed visiting him and
it. The summer passed slowly and then
growing close with his family, and I loved
all at once as the world seemed to erupt
learning to see San Antonio through his
around us. I planned to move during
eyes. He was giddy to drive me around
what seemed the most uncertain of
his former school and take me to eat at
times, but the move fell into place.
his family’s favorite restaurants.
Steven and I found a place to live, and
56 | Fall 2021 | Cultivate SA
after following La Botanica, the Instagram algorithm suggested more San Antonio accounts for me to follow. I quickly realized the city has a robust community of people, organizations, and activists doing meaningful work. I was overjoyed to see the ways the community addressed food apartheid, environmental racism, and created safe, progressive spaces. With my fears that surrounded moving and settling into a new city, I found myself excited by the prospect of being part of a community that seemed to care about so many of the things that also mattered to me.
Thanks to Instagram, I learned so much about the urban gardening scenes in San Antonio, that by the time I moved in Turning food into compost with the Compost Queens
October, I already had plans to get connected. I knew I would visit Garcia Street Urban Farm, a community farm
before I knew it, I packed my apartment
feeding and educating east side
and tried to figure out the logistics of
residents. The farm often sells produce
working from a new home in a new city.
and fresh flowers at their Wednesday
The anxious feeling remained. I still could
market when it is in season. I Insta-
not imagine how I would find my place
researched the vendors at the Pearl
and settle into a city that was completely
Farmers Market and learned that Talking
shut down.
Tree Farm, which uses permaculture practices to cultivate a truly sustainable
My path to finding myself in the city
and restorative farm, would be at the
started when my good friend in Austin
market weekly. I also discovered that
recommended La Botanica, the now
Compost Queens partner with Talking
closed queer, WOC-owned vegan
Tree Farm to turn community-collected
restaurant and performance space that
food scraps into nutrient-rich soil to
lived on St. Mary’s from 2015-October
support the local food cycle. I signed up
2020, as a place for great food and good
for their residential composting services,
vibes. I followed them on Instagram one
essentially stopped producing food
late August afternoon before moving and
waste in my new home overnight, and
spent some time scrolling through their
was able to easily drop my compost
feed. I loved that, even during the
buckets off over at Eco Centro, which I
pandemic, La Botanica hosted outdoor,
learned partnered with the Compost
masked drag shows, offered online
Queens and the San Antonio Housing
cooking classes with Chef Rebel
Authority to break ground at Garcia
Mariposa, and sold produce boxes to the
Street Urban Farm back in 2019.
community. Cultivate SA | Fall 2021 | 57
Within a few more weeks of internet sleuthing, my realization of and connection to the urban agricultural scene grew. I discovered that Green Bexar Farms offered a fall communitysupported agriculture (CSA) box with personalized farm-fresh produce. Before long, I picked up my produce at Wong’s Bodega each Friday afternoon. I quickly grew fond of Wong’s, which carries all sorts of local, vegan goods. It was also at Wong’s that I discovered Akhanay Coffee Roasters, which is owned by a husband and wife team sourcing coffee beans from South East Asia. I could not believe that in just a few weeks of living in San Antonio, I made so many connections that shaped my daily life!
While I heard the Gardopia Gardens buzz from Instagram urban agriculture accounts, I did not make my way to their community garden until the Spring of 2021 when I prepared to plant my own garden. After months of absorbing so much good information about gardening and the abundant resources San Antonio has to offer, I was ready to get my hands
CSA Box from Green Bexar Farms
dirty. Gardopia offered free mulch to the community, and when Steven and I pulled up one Saturday morning, we were met
are making sure San Antonio eats well
by a team of folks working in the garden,
and equitably. As summer fades to fall
ready to help us scoop the mulch into the
once more, I cannot help but feel amazed
back of the truck. We were thrilled!
at all I have learned and experienced in
When we mentioned that we intended to
the community. By simply following La
buy soil that day, they kindly turned us
Botanica’s Instagram page and feeling
on to Quality Organic Products (QOP). I
energized by the inclusive space
was grateful all summer long as I bit into
centered on community health, I found
juicy tomatoes from the plants I bought
people and organizations that taught me
from Talking Tree Farms and grew in a
how to become part of a robust
mixture of QOP soil and Compost Queens
community. Although the pandemic was
compost.
still all around us, and I was still coming to terms with having left behind familiar
Within weeks of living in San Antonio, it
faces and places in Austin, San Antonio
was apparent that San Antonio has a
practically begged me to establish roots
deeply intertwined community of folks
and grow in my new home.
centered on the thing that connects all of us: food! We all must eat, and these folks
Steven and Mickey Planting Talking Tree Tomato Plants in Gardopia Gardens Mulch
If you are looking to connect to San
Green Spaces Alliance
Antonio through food, gardening,
Hew by Akhanay
activism, sustainability, and community-
La Botanica
led efforts to make this city one where all
Real Farm on Fest
people can thrive, check out these
Roots of Change
Instagram accounts that have helped
San Antonio for Growth on the
keep me informed, updated, and excited
Eastside (SAGE)
about our community:
San Antonio Housing Authority Sowing Strength SATX
Behind the Oaks Farm
Talking Tree Farm
Care Team San Antonio
Terra Preta Farm
Chef Cooperatives
Two Hoes Gardening
Community Fridge SATX
Wong's Bodega
Compost Queens Culinaria Eastside Market San Antonio Eco Centro SATX Ethical Networks of San Antonio Gardopia Gardens Grain4Grain Green Bexar Farm
Cultivate SA | Fall 2021 | 59
Thanks to our 2021 - 2022 Sponsors & Grantors
Cultivate SA | Fall 2021 | 57
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