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Spend Saturday at the Farm with Soil Born


Visit the Soil Born Farms farmstand for fresh produce during "Saturday at the Farm." (Photos: Kathy Morrison)

American River Ranch offers fun, food for all ages

Enjoy a beautiful June day while getting in touch with your inner farmer at Soil Born Farms' "Saturday at the Farm."

From 9 a.m to 1 p.m. June 8, Soil Born's American River Ranch will host a bevy of farm-style fun for all ages. Temperatures will be in the low 80s on Saturday morning; mild compared to the heat ahead. This is a great chance to experience Sacramento's oldest continually working farm and a slice of the American River Parkway, too. Admission is free.

Kids can play under the pines, explore a labyrinth made out of fava beans, learn to make music and explore the fairy and gnome garden. Crafts include how to create twig boats that float.

Stevie Mello will provide live music while visitors stroll through the farm, take part in workshops or shop the farmstead, greenhouse and gift shop.

Hungry? The Culinary Arts team is serving lunch ($8), starting at 11 a.m. All proceeds benefit the program.
Take a walk through the grounds between activities.

Speaking of cooking, learn how to make farm-fresh early summer recipes during three cooking demonstrations using Soil Born produce. Tastings and samples will be offered throughout the event.

Take home some fruits and veggies, too. According to Soil Born, available Saturday from the farmstead: Gem lettuce, Dino kale, salad mix, baby bok choy, chard, Spigariello, kohlrabi, Piracicaba broccoli, cucumbers, salad turnips, summer squash, fennel, scallions, garlic scapes, clip top garlic, bay leaves, rosemary, mulberries and cherries. Also find local honey, jams and fresh eggs.

Located on the American River, the farm also offers a chance to see native plants, wildflowers in bloom and lots of birds on self-guided walks.

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Dig In: Garden Checklist

For week of March 24:

In between cloud bursts, try to catch up with early spring chores. 

* Attack weeds now! Get them before they flower and go to seed. Take a hoe and whack them as soon as they sprout. Aim for 1 inch below the soil line.

* Start preparing vegetable beds. Spade in compost and other amendments.

* Prune and fertilize spring-flowering shrubs after bloom.

* Feed camellias at the end of their bloom cycle. Pick up browned and fallen flowers to help corral blossom blight.

* Feed citrus trees, which are now in bloom and setting fruit. To prevent sunburn and borer problems on young trees, paint the exposed portion of the trunk with diluted white latex (water-based) interior paint. Dilute the paint with an equal amount of cold water before application.

* Feed roses with a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10, the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium available in that product).

* Prune and fertilize spring-flowering shrubs and trees after they bloom. Try using well-composted manure, spread 1-inch thick under the tree. This serves as both fertilizer and mulch, retaining moisture while cutting down on weeds.

* Cut back and fertilize perennial herbs to encourage new growth.

* Seed and renovate the lawn (if you still have one). Feed cool-season grasses such as bent, blue, rye and fescue with a slow-release fertilizer. Check the irrigation system and perform maintenance. Make sure sprinkler heads are turned toward the lawn, not the sidewalk.

* In the vegetable garden, transplant lettuce and cole family plants, such as cabbage, broccoli, collards and kale.

* Seed chard and beets directly into the ground.

* Plant summer bulbs, including gladiolus, tuberous begonias and callas. Also plant dahlia tubers.

* Shop for perennials. Many varieties are available in local nurseries and at plant events. They can be transplanted now while the weather remains relatively cool.

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