In the heart of my apartment balcony and walkway, a small garden thrives—lush with vegetables and brimming with purpose. Watching plants grow brings me a quiet joy, a connection to nature that’s rooted in childhood memories of waking up at 5 a.m. to watch Modern Farmer on TV. That early fascination blossomed into a lifelong passion, one that now nourishes not just my home, but also my work in the food industry. Growing food isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of life that reminds me daily of where it all began.
2026 GARDENBalcony GardenOn Balcony - hanging Strawberry
Cucumbers - Early Girl Tomato - Beefsteak - Husky Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumbers growing on Skelroid the 8 ft Skeleton Walkway to front doorBeefsteak Tomato - Sweet Red Pepper - Rosemary - Lunch Box Orange Pepper - Oregano Jalapeno Pepper - Poblano Pepper - Sweet banana Pepper - 3 year old Italian Parsley
Garden Started 5-16-26
Hanging Strawberry
Berri Basket® Pink.
The Breeder Behind the Plant The original genetics and breeding company behind the "Berri Basket" line is ABZ Seed, a world-renowned Dutch firm that specializes exclusively in gourmet, flavorful hybrid strawberries. Their varieties are distributed and licensed in North America through Ball Horticulture / Ball Seed Costa Farms: One of the largest commercial growers in the country, which fills a massive portion of the seasonal hanging baskets and tropicals for grocery chains in the Northeast. Breezy Meadows / Ivy Acres: Major commercial greenhouse networks in the New York/New Jersey area that supply retail floral and garden center displays. Lighthouse Transplants / Lucas Greenhouses: Large-scale commercial wholesale growers in the mid-Atlantic region that routinely supply grocery storefronts with seasonal hanging fruit and flower baskets. Growing Strong Strawberry Shoots (Runners) and Berri Basket® Pink Strawberries
A Practical Guide for Avalon Gardens Strawberry runners (also called shoots, stolons, or plugs) are nature's way of creating new plants. With proper care, these baby plants can quickly develop into healthy, productive strawberry plants. Step 1: Rooting Strawberry Shoots in Water You can keep strawberry runners in water for approximately 1 to 2 weeks, which is usually enough time for them to develop healthy white roots. While it may be tempting to leave them in water longer, extended periods in water can actually reduce their chances of success after transplanting. Why Not Leave Them in Water Too Long? Oxygen Deficiency Roots that develop in water are delicate and adapted to absorbing oxygen dissolved in water. Over time, stagnant water contains less oxygen, which can cause roots to weaken, rot, or stop growing. Lack of Nutrients Water alone does not provide the nutrients that strawberries need for vigorous growth. Essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients are necessary for developing strong roots, leaves, flowers, and fruit. Step 2: Knowing When to Transplant Your runner is ready for soil when you see: ✅ 3–4 healthy white roots ✅ Roots approximately 1 inch long ✅ A healthy crown with several green leaves This is the ideal stage for transplanting and gives the plant the highest chance of success. Step 3: Moving Water-Rooted Shoots to Soil Because water-grown roots are extremely tender, a gradual transition is important. Use a Light, Well-Draining Soil MixPlant the runner in a small container filled with a quality potting mix containing:
Keep Soil Extra Moist InitiallyFor the first 3 to 4 days, keep the soil consistently moist—almost saturated. This helps the young roots adjust from a water environment to soil. Gradually Reduce WateringAfter the first few days:
Extra Tips for Producing Stronger Strawberry Shoots 1. Keep Shoots Attached to the Mother Plant Whenever PossibleThe easiest way to root runners is to place a small pot of soil next to the mother plant and allow the runner to root while still attached. Once the new plant develops strong roots, simply clip the runner connecting it to the mother plant. This method often produces the healthiest and fastest-growing plants. 2. Use Rooting Hormone (Optional)Dipping the base of the runner in a rooting hormone before planting can speed root development, although many strawberry varieties root readily without it. 3. Provide Bright LightPlace new runners where they receive:
4. Feed Lightly After RootingAfter the new plant has been in soil for about two weeks, begin feeding with a balanced fertilizer at half strength. Avoid heavy fertilization too early, as it can damage young roots. 5. Remove Flowers EarlyIf a newly rooted plant produces flowers immediately, pinch them off for the first few weeks. This allows the plant to direct energy toward root and leaf development rather than fruit production. 6. Maintain Good Air CirculationGood airflow helps prevent fungal diseases and encourages vigorous growth, especially in humid weather. Spotlight on Berri Basket® Pink Strawberries The Berri Basket® Pink Strawberry is a unique variety that combines ornamental beauty with delicious fruit production. What Makes It Special? Beautiful Pink Blooms Unlike traditional strawberries with white flowers, Berri Basket® Pink produces stunning apple-blossom pink flowers with bright golden centers, making it an attractive addition to patios, balconies, hanging baskets, and garden containers. Compact Growth Habit The plants form a tidy mound approximately 6–8 inches tall with a slightly trailing habit. Fruit hangs over the edge of containers, keeping berries cleaner and easier to harvest. Continuous Harvest Berri Basket® Pink is an everbearing variety, producing flowers and sweet red berries continuously from late spring until the first frost. Care Guide for Maximum Flowers and Fruit Sunlight Provide 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best flowering and fruit production. Watering Check containers daily during warm weather.
Fertilizing Feed every 2–4 weeks with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer to support continual flowering and fruit production. Managing Runners If your goal is larger berries and continuous fruit production, remove runners as they appear. This directs the plant's energy into producing flowers and fruit rather than creating new plants. If you'd like more plants, allow a few selected runners to root before separating them from the mother plant. Harvest Tip For the sweetest flavor, allow berries to remain on the plant for one additional day after they turn completely red. This extra ripening time often improves sweetness and aroma. Avalon Gardens Pro Tip For the strongest new strawberry plants, root runners while they are still attached to the mother plant, provide consistent moisture, and transplant when roots reach about one inch long. A little patience during the rooting stage will reward you with healthier plants and larger harvests throughout the season. 🍓🌱 Avalon Gardens — Growing Beauty, Flavor, and Sustainability One Plant at a Time. 2-21-26
Dec. 12, 2026
Getting close to moving the herbs indoors
Ripening tomatoes in a paper bag is a classic trick that works because it traps ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Steps to Ripen Tomatoes in a Paper Bag
✅ Pro Tip: If you have a lot of tomatoes, you can use a cardboard box lined with newspaper instead of multiple paper bags. Guarding the Garden Adventures of Skel and his friends Eggplant Roma Tomato Husky cherry Tomato
Lily's Cumbers
Pickling cucumbers can be eaten raw. They are not just for pickling; they are also delicious fresh, especially when young and deep green. Pickling cucumbers are known for their firm texture and fewer seeds, making them a good choice for salads or snacking.
Here's why you can eat them raw:
Bonnie Plants Big Boy Tomato Live Vegetable Plants click on photo to buy on Amazon
The start of my planting season March 20th indoor to start
In Bergen County, NJ, the best time to start planting vegetables depends on the last frost date, which typically falls around mid-April[1]. Here are some general guidelines:
Are you planning to grow any specific vegetables this season? 🌱 References [1] Planting Calendar for for Places in New Jersey | Almanac.com [2] Planting Calendar for Bergenfield, NJ | Almanac.com [3] new-jersey-vegetable-planting-calendar - Urban Farmer 2025 SeasonIn Rockland County, NY, the best time to start planting vegetables outside depends on the type of vegetable and the average frost dates:
References [1] First Planting Dates - Cornell Cooperative Extension [2] 2025 Planting Calendar by Zip Code | The Old Farmer's Almanac [3] Vegetable Planting Guide Growing vegetables in pots or containers is a great way to maximize space and enjoy fresh produce. Here are some of the best vegetables for container gardening:
Buy Eggplant plants on AmazonWinter 24-25Spring - Summer 2024
8 Tomato Plants 1 Roma, 5 Cherokee Purple and 1 Husky Cherry 2 Red Peppers, 1 eggplant, 6 cucumbers and 4 pickling cucumbers 1- Basil 1- Curly Parsley 2 cilantro 1 Italian parsley Balcony Tomatoes The Old Farmer's Almanac Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook (Old Farmer's Almanac (Paperback) Common culinary herbs are essential ingredients in various cuisines around the world. Here are some of the most frequently used herbs and how they can elevate your dishes:
For more detailed information on cooking with fresh herbs, you can explore this guide from EatingWell2. The Ultimate Raised Bed & Container Gardening Guide For Beginners: Grow Your Own Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Cut Flowers Rutgers
Tomato Varieties Search Tomatoes There are more than 15,000 varieties of tomato varieties in active cultivation worldwide and 3,000 heirloom or heritage tomatoes. I have very strong ties to New Jersey, even though I now live just over the border in Rockland County. I would not want to see the official Nickname of the state be changed away from the " Garden State" Not only so much of the history of the state and its deep connection to food and nourishing large parts of the region and country.
See the controversial history of it's nickname https://www.state.nj.us/nj/about/facts/nickname/ Why is New Jersey Called the Garden State? Urban Agriculture: Learning from the Past to Build a More Resilient Future
In our high-speed, hyperconnected lives, the ancient art of cultivating our own food often seems like a distant memory. The simplicity yet profundity of sowing a seed, lovingly nourishing it, and witnessing its transformative journey into bearing fruit, has become an arcane knowledge. But as the specter of climate change casts its long shadow over us, it becomes imperative, now more than ever, to reignite our bond with the very soil that sustains us and realize the profound potential of urban agriculture. This article, which is developed from my TEDx Talk in partnership with Thought For Food, makes the case for why the past has already taught us why every city needs urban agriculture. A Glimpse into the Past: The Rise of Urban Agriculture Urban agriculture, a term that may sound fresh to some, is actually steeped in a rich and vibrant history stretching back to the cradle of civilization. We often developed our homes cities around local food production sources. Picture the ancient metropolises of Rome, Babylon, and Athens - bustling centers of culture and knowledge, yet also powerhouses thriving on the food supply within and near their city limits. Urban agriculture, born out of sheer necessity, was the cornerstone in transforming these cities into more self-sufficient entities. Far from being an afterthought, this practice of urban farming was deeply woven into the fabric of city planning. The Decline of Food Production Knowledge Historically, the majority of the population was involved in food cultivation. In 1840, a staggering 70% of the US population was engaged in farming. Fast forward to today, and that number has dwindled to less than 3%. The rapid technological advancements of the 20th and 21st centuries have made food abundant and easily accessible. As the Industrial Revolution took hold in the 19th century, and after the Green Revolution in the mid-20th century, urban agriculture faced a decline. Rapid urbanization and industrial growth prompted a shift away from small-scale local food production towards centralized agriculture far far away. The resultant disconnect between people and their food source grew, as city dwellers began to rely on distant, large-scale farms for their sustenance. Lessons from the Past: Building a Resilient Food Future Urban agriculture's rich past offers invaluable lessons for our present and future. It underscores the potential of urban spaces to contribute to food security and foster community cohesion. Drawing from this history, we can help cities build their own urban agriculture initiatives. By understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of urban spaces, we can devise of strategies to maximize productivity and foster engagement among community members. As we stand at the crossroads of climate change and food insecurity, let's seize this opportunity to create a resilient food future, guided by the wisdom of our past. The lessons from history are clear: urban agriculture is a viable, resilient method for cultivating food during times of crisis. But how can we harness the power of urban agriculture for a more sustainable food future? Historical events have shown us the resilience and adaptability of urban agriculture: 1. Victory Gardens during WWI & WWII: During these challenging times, countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany promoted the idea of Victory Gardens. These gardens, cultivated in homes, churches, and public parks, played a pivotal role in supplementing food during global shortages. By 1944, an impressive 40% of all US vegetables came from these gardens. 2. Cuba's Urban Farming Revolution: The 1980s saw Cuba heavily dependent on imports for its agricultural needs. But the collapse of the Soviet Union led to a drastic 85% reduction in trade, pushing Cuba to the brink of a food crisis. The solution? Urban agriculture. By 1994, Havana alone boasted over 8,000 city farms, producing half a million tons of food by 1998. 3. Pandemic Resilience: The recent global pandemic highlighted the fragility of our food systems. In Nairobi, lockdowns led residents to turn to urban farming for sustenance, from dairy goats in backyards to vegetable patches in public spaces. Similarly, in Chiang Mai, Thailand, unused lands were transformed into urban farms to support the vulnerable, producing a range of crops from eggplants to bananas. 4. Conflicts and Refugees: Refugees, including those from conflicts such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, often engage in urban agriculture. Our family and our neighbors, who are Ukrainian refugees, jointly maintain small greenhouses and raised beds at our country house. This not only reduces costs but also strengthens our bond during difficult times. Coming Full Circle: The Revival of Urban Agriculture Today, as we grapple with climate change, food equity, and food insecurity, there is a growing realization of the need to revisit our past. The re-emergence of urban agriculture is a testament to this. Cities across the world are redefining their relationship with food by encouraging residents to grow their own produce, transforming vacant lots into vibrant community gardens, and integrating agriculture into urban planning. Embracing Urban Agriculture Urban agriculture is not a monolithic concept. It ranges from small-scale kitchen gardens to large commercial urban farms, from rooftop beekeeping to hydroponic systems in basements. This diversity allows urban agriculture to adapt to a wide variety of urban landscapes and climates, thereby maximizing its potential for food production. To fully exploit this potential, policymakers, urban planners, and citizens must acknowledge and embrace the various forms of urban agriculture. Urban agriculture requires significant infrastructural investment. This includes the provision of suitable land or space, access to water, energy, and the zoning amendments necessary to integrate innovative agricultural technologies such as vertical farming or aquaponics. Policymakers can support urban agriculture by enacting legislation that promotes its incorporation into urban planning. Financial investment in urban farming infrastructure can not only bolster local economies but also promote food security. Urban agriculture thrives on community participation. From cultivating Victory Gardens to transforming unused lands in Chiang Mai, community engagement has been a driving force behind the success of urban agriculture. Encouraging citizens to participate in urban farming not only fosters a sense of community but also instills a deeper understanding and appreciation of food production. The Modern Urban Agriculture Movement While the past offers inspiration, the present is equally promising. Modern urban agriculture is witnessing a blend of historical farming techniques with cutting-edge technology. Greenhouses, vertical farms, and hydroponic labs are sprouting up close to cities, making food production more efficient and sustainable. Schools are integrating farm labs into their curriculum, ensuring the next generation understands the value of food and its production. With agriculture and technology more connected than ever, urban agriculture is especially exciting for certain youth. Avalon Gardens 2019-2018
Berkeley Gardens |
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Skel's Holiday Adventure Paperback – Large Print, January 9, 2026
Click on Book Cover to buy on Amazon |
Print your own SkelClub.com Code of Behavior Bookmarkers Skel loves Halloween, but now he wants to celebrate every holiday ! Skel is a happy skeleton who can’t wait to celebrate Halloween each year. But he dreams of getting to take part in the festivities for every holiday. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, and the Fourth of July—there’s so much fun to be had! Skel has a plan for the Skeleton Crew to join in on the celebrations together. Skel and the Skeleton Crew enjoy spreading messages of positivity and good values. Children can laugh and read along with their adventures while learning important messages for growing up. Bring home Skel’s Holiday Adventure and let your kids get a jump start on reaching for the stars! This book is ideal for young kids between ages 4 and 8. It will draw them in with the fun characters and teach them about friendship, kindness, respect, inclusiveness, and positivity. Skel's Holiday Adventure makes the perfect gift for birthdays and special occasions. |
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Lily's Big Sister Surprise Paperback
Large Print, July 7, 2025 by John R. Fugazzie (Author), Matthew Fugazzie (Contributor) A Big Surprise Brings Even Bigger Joy! Lily is a young girl whose life is already full of love and adventure. But one sunny morning, everything changes with Mommy and Daddy’s special announcement: Lily is going to be a big sister! Follow Lily as she prepares for her important new role. With help from her loving family, Lily discovers that being a big sister isn’t just about sharing toys—it’s about sharing your heart. A tender, charming story about the joy that a new sibling can bring. It’s perfect for growing families ready to celebrate a new arrival! |