Pollinators in Alaska

Heidi Rader

A Lesson Plan for Gardening in the Classroom in Alaska, by Jessica Mulvey, an Alaska Master Gardener “If the bee disappears from the surface of the Earth, man would have no more than four years left to live.” …. The above quote has been falsely been attributed to Albert Einstein but is the spirit of the quote true? Pollinators, bees particularly, have been in the news over the past decade due to dramatic & devastating population declines. Debates over pesticides and their effects on pollinators are currently being heard in Read More …

Invasive Plants of Alaska

Heidi Rader

A Lesson Plan for Gardening the Classroom in Alaska, by Heidi Doudna, an Alaska Master Gardener Goal and outcomes: Students will be able to list at least 6 noxious weeds commonly found in Interior Alaska Students will identify and collect sample edible noxious weeds Students will demonstrate recognition by creating booklets and matching samples found Subject Area: Science Grade Levels: 4-6 Ideal season for lesson: Summer Time to complete lesson: 1 hour Materials Required: Invasive Plants Profiles Don’t Plant a Problem Fairbanks Invasive Weed Rack Cards Pencil on strings attached Read More …

Subversive Food Plots–Then and Now

Heidi Rader

A Lesson Plan for Gardening in the Classroom in Alaska, by Jessica Mulvey, An Alaska Master Gardener “And he gave it for his opinion, ‘that whoever could make two ears of corn, or two blades of grass, to grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew before, would deserve better of mankind, and do more essential service to his country, than the whole race of politicians put together.’’ -Jonathan Swift A small kitchen garden. Photo by Heidi Rader. Throughout history, food production has been a driving force for Read More …

In Defense of Weeds

Heidi Rader

by Laura Emerson, an Alaskan Master Gardener Chickweed overtakes this garden. Photo by Heidi Rader. Weeds get a bad rap.  But for the observant gardener, weeds can be a wonderful resource. Many offer clues to the condition of the soil before you buy that expensive plant that will not do well where you want it. Many deliver minerals to the vicinity of their growth or to your compost pile or to your pets and livestock or to you, if you choose to eat them. Many have or are reported to have Read More …

“Where grows it not?’ Locally Grown Foods in Alaska

Heidi Rader

A Lesson Plan for Gardening in the Classroom in Alaska, By Jessica Mulvey, An Alaska Master Gardener    “Where grows? Where grows it not? If vain our toil, we ought to blame the culture, not the soil.’ -Alexander Pope The Tanana Valley Farmers Market. Photo by Heidi Rader. Supporting local agriculture is not a ‘new’ idea in American history. For generations there simply were no other options, but within the last century Americans have distanced themselves — literally & figuratively — from local agriculture. As Joel Salatin points out, “the Read More …

Growing Garlic in Alaska

Heidi Rader

by Mary Hinckley, an Alaska Master Gardener in Tok, Alaska Garlic growing outside. Photo by Mary Hinckley. This is the first year we grew garlic. I realized how little I knew about it when I tried to buy the seed last November. I thought I’d be early enough to get a good selection for this year but found that I was too late to get much of anything. I learned that seed garlic is usually only available between August and September and is often reserved even before the spring harvest. Read More …

My Favorite Alaskan Vegetable Varieties

Heidi Rader

by Mary Hinkley, an Alaska Master Gardener   In my short gardening career I’ve found some plant varieties I really like and some I don’t think I’ll try again. Following are some of my favorites, with notes about which worked best in a greenhouse or in my garden in Tok, AK. Savoy Cabbage. Photo by Mary Hinkckley. Savoy Cabbage Last year a friend of ours gave us some Savoy cabbage she had grown. I liked the look of it and when I cut it open I knew I wanted to Read More …

How are Seeds Dispersed in Alaska?

Heidi Rader

A Lesson Plant for Gardening in the Classrooms of Alaska, By Mylinda A. Klein, an Alaskan Master Gardener  Snap Beans. Photo by Heidi Rader.   Subject Area: Science Grade Level: 2nd grade Ideal season for lesson: Fall Materials Required: Various seeds either collected by teacher or by students including an acorn and seeds that have a spine, hooks or a gooey coating. Chipmunk stuffed animal “Seeds: Pop-Stick-Glide’ by Patricia Lauber  Chatty Chipmunk’s Nutty Day bySuzanne Gruber   Goals and Outcomes Students will be able to identify at least three methods Read More …

Garbage for Your Garden

Heidi Rader

by Laura Emerson, an Alaskan Master Gardener   The following is written particularly for those who don’t have a compost for their gardens or if you have a tiny yard or just a patio or balcony with plants on it.    Take NOTE; Take HEART: Even without composting, there are many ways that your flowers and vegetables can benefit from much of the garbage your kitchen accumulates (see alphabetical list below). (I invite other master gardeners to add to this posting). Free. Available. Non-toxic. Gets rid of garbage. What’s not Read More …