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Solar power required for all new California homes starting Jan. 1
California already generates more electricity from solar power than any other state. But now a dramatic expansion is about to begin as new building codes take effect Jan. 1 requiring all newly...
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Baking it vegan this Christmas | North Valley Vegan
CHICO — With Christmas just one week away, it’s that time once more to roll up sleeves and fling flour around the kitchen with wild abandon. ‘Tis the season to enjoy sugary holiday treats as we wrap up...
View ArticleCrazy cardboard confections with kids | Sow There!
I’m done. I usually hate shopping. When I shop during the holidays, I soon dislike people. I need to buy something for Dad, but he’s likely to get one of those gift cards sold near the checkout at...
View ArticleSeeds planted for botanist symposium
CHICO – Nearly 300 botanists will be attending the 10th Annual California Botanists Symposium at Chico State in January. The theme for this year’s gathering is The Diversity of Northern California...
View ArticleA world of seeds at your fingertips | Sow There!
For yet-to-be-understood reasons, a garden catalog appeared in my post office box. Normally, I’m peeved when I see junk in the box. This time, I was giddy to receive this unsolicited mass marketing....
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School Gardens — teaching kids to love science and soil | The Real Dirt
One of the ways the UC Master Gardeners of Butte County serve our community is through their School Gardens Program. Currently this program serves four schools, reaching 300 children a month in a total...
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Photos: Aaron Rodgers, Danica Patrick buy California mansion for $28M
Sports power couple Aaron Rodgers and Danica Patrick have taken the plunge and purchased a $28 million Malibu mansion, reports Variety. The couple leased the home from English singer Robbie Williams...
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Going vegan for a 30-day trial with ‘Veganuary’| North Valley Vegan
CHICO — With the kickstart of a new year, this is the time when many of us still recovering from a month of indulgences turn to new resolutions about eating. New interest in the possible health — not...
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The fine line that makes a good neighbor | Sow There!
In this compact and complicated world, it’s difficult to move an inch without offending someone. We drive slowly, dress scantily, speak loudly or hang signs in our yard that state our opinion. When it...
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Peace and Justice Center holds community garden event
CHICO — The Chico Peace and Justice Center’s garden is back open for cultivating spring crops, and organizers invited the public to garden together Friday afternoon. People were invited to lend a hand...
View ArticleChico leaf pickup program done
CHICO — The city’s leaf pickup program is finished, with the last sweep of Chico streets underway. According to Skyler Lipski, Chico Public Works manager, Jan. 1 was the last day to put leaves out in...
View ArticleGrapevine wreaths and ring tosses on cloudy days | Sow There!
Nope. I haven’t planted the bulbs. The bags of daffodils and freesia remain — sad and neglected — in a box near the ottoman. I won’t feel badly about myself as a gardener. I’ll get to it tomorrow, or...
View ArticleTeaching kids how to grow their own food | The Real Dirt
“I want them to all feel like they know how to grow food,” says Vicki Wonacott, describing the fundamental goal of the UC Master Gardeners of Butte County School Gardens Program. This program brings...
View ArticleLocal nursery teaches public about the benefit of growing small
DURHAM — Community members gathered around longtime horticulturist Ken Hodge, carefully listening to every single word he uttered about growing fruit trees. The 35-year owner of Hodge’s Nursery &...
View ArticleChico seed swap is Jan. 25 | Sow There!
When you have too many things to remember, it’s fun to set yourself up for a surprise. Weeks ago, I mailed an order for some wacky selections from the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed catalog. I did not check...
View ArticlePresentation on salvias at Chico Horticultural Society meeting
The Chico Horticultural Society will meet Monday, Jan. 20, at the Butte County Library in Chico at 1108 Sherman Ave. The public is welcome. The library is closed on Mondays so please enter the...
View ArticleGardeners, growers explore sustainable food growth
CHICO — Local gardeners shared with hopeful growers about solutions for growing food at home and do-it-yourself composting Sunday. The nonprofit Butte County Local Food Network along with composting...
View ArticleSeed Swap is Saturday
The 11th annual Seed Swap will be held Saturday, Jan. 25 at Trinity Methodist Church, 285 E. Fifth St., and everyone is welcome to participate, whether they contribute items or not. There is, however,...
View ArticleHow to create a sustainable rose garden is Butte Rose Society topic
CHICO — How to create a sustainable rose garden will be the topic at the next Butte Rose Society meeting, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, at the Chico Veterans Memorial Hall, 554 Rio Lindo Ave., Chico. The...
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How to cultivate heirloom tomatoes | The Real Dirt
Heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated varieties which were either introduced commercially before 1940, or grown from seeds that have been passed down at least 50 years through several generations of a...
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