I’m thrilled to be kicking off Earth Month by partnering with Sun Chips to present the world’s first 100% compostable chip bag. In an effort to take a large step in the right direction, Frito Lay has come up with this unique crinkly bag, which actually does compost. I’m a passionate composter – been doing it for years, and I’m just delighted that a large company such as Frito Lay is helping to encourage moms across the country to get themselves a compost bin and start turning their scraps into something useful and sustainable. Labelling of late has become a tad confusing – for example: what is the difference between “biodegradable” Read the rest of this entry »

The Garden Gourmet is the compost bin that I took onto Oprah and demonstrated with Julia Roberts. It really is a good, sturdy bin, which works well across the board. The most useful feature is the hatch door on the front, which you lift up in order to harvest the compost at the bottom of the bin. Keep in mind that the compost at the bottom of this 70-gallon bin will be ready way before the middle and top section.

If you are anywhere near Los Angeles this week, I will be demonstrating how to compost at 12 noon, Wednesday March 31st at 12 noon. I would love to see you!

The Grove
189 The Grove Drive.Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 900-8080

This bizarre looking globe on legs is the best composting bin I have every used. It has been ingeniously designed in every single aspect. First and foremost nothing can get into it – so no more nasty furry surprises for those of us who have a few pesky friends running around our neighborhoods. Little finger like tubes direct oxygen right into the deepest recesses of the actual compost, which considerably speeds up the process. You’ll get good, rich compost in just 4-6 weeks. When you’re ready to get the compost out, you just roll the big green ball to the area of your yard where you want the compost, unscrew the lid and empty it out. It’s made of recycled plastic and is just fun to spin around every time you walk past it. A must-have investment for 2009. You’ll find it at Amazon.

If every American ate just one meal a week that compromised of locally and organically produced food, we could save over 1.1. million barrels of oil every week. It’s amazing to realize that most of the food has had to travel hundreds if not thousands of miles to get to us. Start reading labels in the store and find out where your produce has come from. I really try to avoid buying fruit for too far away, especially overseas – not only does it use a colossal amount of fuel, but also it looses vital nutrients en route and in storage. Why don’t we all make a concerted effort to eat one meal this week that is organically and locally produced?

Spring has sprung and it’s time to get on those fancy gardening gloves and step outside. As soon as it gets warmer, the first things I plant are Arugula, Spinach and various lettuces. These seeds are so easy to grow that a child of three could manage perfectly well! It’s also fun because the seeds germinate quickly – you’ll get to have your organic spring greens in just a few weeks. It’ll also save you quite a bit of cash as those organic greens in bags or in restaurants, cost an arm and a leg.

Go Underwoodgardens and search through their vegetable catalog. They have a great variety of lettuces so just look at the pictures and pick what you fancy.

As soon as the threat of frost is over for your region, simply scatter the seeds in rows about 1/2 deep. Cover with a thin layer of soil, don’t forget to water if you’re not getting much rain and watch your salad grow!

We’re all dusting off that wooden garden furniture right now, getting ready for the months ahead. I need to re-finish mine almost every year. Let’s be super “green” and try not to use varnishes or sealers that contain chemicals that could not only be dangerous for your kids and pets but also for the environment.
I have found a fabulous line of wood stains and sealers that is kind and safe for everyone. Check it out: SoyGuard Wood Protection
info@biopreserve.com

For many of us, it’s time to plant tomatoes. If you are still having really cold weather, wait a few weeks. There are no excuses because even if you live in an apartment, you can grow cherrry tomatoes in a window box.
There is nothing more delicious than warm, home grown tomatoes with a few torn leaves of basil and a drizzle of good olive oil.
Organic tomatos can cost a fortune so I was thrilled to find out how easy it was to grow them.
Your local nursery will tell you whether to plant now or wait and their stock of seedlings will also dictate your decison. Here is Southern California, my nursery and my local WholeFoods, stocks well established little plants that take all of 3 minutes to set into the earth.
The quality of your soil is mega-important. Fill your container or vegetable bed with a few bags of good, organic potting soil and mix with one or two bags of worm castings.
There are only two things that you have to remember in the maintenance of your plants:
1. Remove the suckers regularly – suckers are the little green shoots that grow in the v- of and established stem. You just pinch them out, which is very satisfying. Left to propagate, they will weaken the whole plant.
2. Water – tomatoes need regular water so the best thing is to have a sprinkler set on a timer and remember to turn it off when it rains.

You will need tomato canes or cages as the plants can grow up to 12 feet tall, but I don’t put mine around the plant until it is about 3 feet tall.

While you are at it, buy 2 or 3 basil plants. If you live in colder regions, you may need to wait until May or June but don’t foget them as they require very little maintenance.

In July, you will be able to enjoy a fabulous Tuscan salad right out of your window box or back yard and it won’t cost you a penny.