Here’s the Lowdown (the Four P’s) on where to garden in Davis!

Experimental College
The popular EC Garden is a very cost effective place to garden. The EC Garden is a non-profit garden run by the Experimental College where you can get yourself a private plot or find a group to garden with. This is a great place to interact with new people, as gardeners in the community frequently gather for group pot lucks or other social events. This garden is probably the best option for a newcomer to the gardening world as they are very willing to answer any of your gardening queries. Tools, mulch, manure, and water are included, so all that is really needed are seeds and a little elbow grease for you to start growing your own food!

Photo by Remy Moens

Photo by Remy Moens

Photo by Remy Moens

Photo by Remy Moens

The Lowdown
Place: On Orchard Park Drive nestled between The Domes and the Student Farm, across from the greenhouses…a very sustainable area
Price: Can join at any time. Cost is $30 per year, unless purchased between September and February, when the price is $20.
Plot Size: 200 square feet
Perks: With the price of your plot you receive mulch, manure, water, use of tools…and gardening advice! Plot owners also have the opportunity to work off the price of plots by working around the garden.
Contact Information: Email ecgarden@ucdavis.edu

This is another great place to get yourself involved in gardening. Whether a first-timer or a green thumbed veteran, anyone is welcome to get a plot here for a small fee. Although more expensive than the EC Gardens, the plots here are almost twice the size. The biggest differences and possible deciding factors between this and the EC Gardens is location, whichever is closer to you would be the easiest to maintain. With your plot rental, you are provided water and tools to get your garden going.

Photo courtesy of daviswiki.org

Photo courtesy of daviswiki.org

The Lowdown
Place: 1825 5th St. between L and Pole Line Road
Price: Full plot – $54 for annual registration plus a $30 one-time cleaning deposit.
Half plot- $27 for annual registration plus a $15 one-time cleaning deposit.
(Deposits are returned if once the plot is vacated, it is left free of debris and weeds).
Plot Size: 360 square feet
Perks: Water and use of tools are included with plot price.
Contact Information: (530) 750-7943

Solano Park Garden
This garden is a great opportunity for residents of the Solano, Orchard, or Russell Park apartments. These plots are the biggest and cheapest you can find around Davis (not including the rent paid as a resident). With a plot, tools and water are available for your use.

Photo courtesy of daviswiki.org

Photo courtesy of daviswiki.org

The Lowdown
Place: 4400 Solano Park Circle; Located just east of the Environmental Horticulture building
Price: Full plot- $20; Half plot- $12
(Only residents of Solano, Orchard, and Russell Parks can apply).
Plot Size: 600 square feet
Perks: Membership in the association comes with access to gardening equipment such as, wheelbarrows, shovels, and weed trimmers. Also, this garden offers the largest initial plot area.
Contact Information: (530) 752-3958

Want to receive the fruits of others’ labor? (Literally) There are opportunities in Davis to do just that.

Salad Bowl Garden
This garden is located near Veihmeyer Hall on UC Davis campus. It is sponsored by the Plant Sciences department and harvested by the Fruit Core, a group of Davis citizens concerned with the harvest and proper use of all edible plants. The purpose of this garden is not only to provide all passer-by with the opportunity to pick some veggies or fruits for use in their own “salad bowls” at home, but also to promote sustainable gardening in general. The salad bowl also hosts events like its salad bowl lunches, planting days, and a spring celebration every April. If you would like to become involved, you can check out their website at: http://saladbowlgarden.ucdavis.edu/ or email Margaret Lloyd at mglloyd@ucdavis.edu

Photo by Brighid O’Halloran

Photo by Brighid O’Halloran

Photo by Brighid O’Halloran

Photo by Brighid O’Halloran

Photo by Brighid O’Halloran

Do you want to study in, picnic at or just enjoy a quiet, peaceful, earthy environment? Do you want to feel in touch with nature? Or are you just interested in getting the garden vibe? You can also visit the Central Park Gardens as well as the Student Tri Co-ops.

Central Park Gardens are located in Davis’ Central Park along B St., between 3rd and 4th.

Photo courtesy of centralparkgarden.com

Student Tri Co-ops garden is located behind the Co-op houses off of Regan Hall Circle.

Photo by Brighid O’Halloran

Photo by Brighid O’Halloran

Photo by Brighid O’Halloran

Photo by Brighid O’Halloran

Photo by Brighid O’Halloran

How to Garden:

Steps

1. Test soil; soil needs to have a viable pH level in order for plants to be able to grow
   1. Most common pH range is about 6.2- 6.8, a neutral range.  Check the plant or seed packaging if any specific pH recommendations
   2. Prepare soil; soil needs to have plenty of nutrients, this can be achieved through adding compost or manure to soil.
   3. Planting: it is best to pick a day with weather that will be the least stressful on your new plants
      1. Pot to soil
         1. Day before, water plants in their pots
         2. When plants are ready to be transferred from pot to soil, gently remove your plant and massage
         3. The hole dug should be about the depth of the pot.  Cover plant gently with soil and water in order to let plants settle.
         4. Watering needs may vary amongst the choice of plants, suggested check tags for instructions on needed water.  Generally your garden will need at least one inch of water per week. Watering may also need to be adjusted according to climate, i.e. more during hot summer weeks.
         5. It is best to have a marker or some kind of record for what has been planted and where.
   4. Seed to soil
      1. Growing a garden from seeds is less expensive than buying grown plants.
      2. Extra care and attention is need to the soil quality and watering in the beginning of planting.

Seasonal Choices

Fall/Winter: leafy greens, broccoli, onions, beets, and radishes

Spring/Summer: tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, basil, melons, cucumbers, squash and sunflowers