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UrbanFig is pleased to introduce you to Colby Eierman. He’s a horticultural consultant, an author , a wine growing specialist, a biodynamic consultant, a landscape designer and a home food production expert to name a few of his talents. He lives the dream – managing several edible gardens in Napa Valley for restaurants and wineries.
He’s a leader in the sustainable movement and we’re proud to feature him here on UrbanFig.
NUMBER OF YEARS URBAN GARDENING:
19 years
FAVORITE THINGS TO GROW:
Something new! Also, baby lettuces/arugula, sprouting broccoli, frying peppers, okra, melons, beets and carrots.
URBAN FARMING LOCATION:
Various gardens and farms around Napa and Sonoma, CA
GARDENING ADVICE:
Be patient, know your climate, hang around the “old-timers”, make friends with chefs
YOUR OWN GARDENING TIPS AND TRICKS:
When I need to protect a crop from pests (rodents, birds, insects) or frost, I make mini-tunnels to support the netting or frost blanket. To do this, start with #9 wire which you can find at most large hardware stores It’s the tension (top) wire that is used for chain-link fencing. Cut the wire to lengths that will work for your beds and space them every 4-5’. You can give the structure some added rigidity with a wooden stake at either end of the bed and a string looped down the ridge line. You can then use jute stakes to secure your covering.
WHY DID YOU FIRST START GROWING YOUR OWN ORGANIC FOOD?
I was a junior in High School and it was my best friend’s idea. His mom was a writer for Sunset and we grew up running around in her garden. We thought she was a little nuts, but soon found out why she loved her garden so much. We mostly liked working outside with our friends and honestly the food was nice bonus.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO COOK OUT OF THE GARDEN?
These days I’m frying a lot of peppers and okra. It’s not much of a recipe, but here it is (click here to view recipe)
WHO TAUGHT YOU HOW TO GARDEN (OR HOW DID YOU LEARN)?
I read a lot of books, but nothing compares to working along side a pro. My first mentor was my best friend’s mom, Janet Sanchez. Richard Britz and Ann Bettman were my teacher at the University of Oregon’s Urban Farm class. Orin Martin, Jim Leap and Cristof Bernau shared countless tips while I was an apprentice and UC Santa Cruz. Jeff Dawson brought all of my previous training into focus and prepared me to make a living as a gardener.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR BEGINNER GARDENERS?
Be patient, know your climate, hang around the “old-timers”, make friends with chefs
HOW MANY HOURS PER WEEK DO YOU SPEND IN THE GARDEN?
I’m a full-time garden manager for about 6 different garden or farm sites here in wine country. I spend the majority of my hands on time in the greenhouse and rely on a lot of highly skilled Hispanic labor in the field.
HOW MANY MINUTES PER DAY?
All day, everyday .
HOW MUCH SPACE ARE YOU USING TO GROW YOUR OWN FOOD?
I bring home most of our produce from my client’s gardens, but we do mix in quite a few edibles into our home landscape. Edibles take up around 200 sg. ft.
DO YOU RAISED BEDS, CONTAINERS, THE GROUND OR A COMBINATION OF WHAT?
Most production is in the ground, with some raised beds.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THE GARDEN?
I spend a lot of time thinking about timing and trying to make sure that we are ready for the next piece of ground that will be available for planting. One of my gardens serves a 25 member CSA and that takes the most planning and attention to detail.
WHAT ARE YOU GROWING RIGHT NOW?
Countless herbs, fruits and flowers, beets, carrots, radishes, oka, mashua, onions, leeks, lettuce, arugula, swiss chard, melons, watermelons, summer and winter squash, various peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, okra, green beans, dry beans, soybeans, malabar spinach, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, cabbage, belgian endive, radicchio, etc.
HOW HAS GROWING YOUR OWN ORGANIC FOOD AFFECTED OR CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
It is my life. I can’t imagine doing anything else.
WHY DO YOU THINK IT´S IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE GROW THEIR OWN FOOD?
It’s good for the soul, it connects us to a place and if we’re lucky to each other.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST FAVORITE THING ABOUT GARDENING?
I have to say it’s the personal connections I’ve made in the garden.
ANY GARDENING “TRADE SECRETS” THAT YOU´D LIKE TO SHARE?
I plant year-round but focus on 3 major planting seasons in my climate: early spring, late spring and late summer. In mild climates this means I always have something to harvest.
OTHER THOUGHTS OR COMMENTS?
Invite kids to spend time in your garden.
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