USDA hardiness zones were updated in 2023 to establish new growing zones within the US at a more granular level. This map, shown as a screenshot from URL https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/ shows the Ridgecrest area as containing three zones within our boundaries, ranging from zones 8b to 9b. The link itself takes gardeners down to being able to establish zoning within the block that you live on.
If you had considered yourself a part of zone 9 and now see that you are listed as zone 8b, there is no need to worry. The way we create microclimates within our garden can change our growing abilities regardless of the zone listed. If you haven’t previously heard about microclimates, Epic Gardener explains them as a smaller climactic region that you can create within your garden space. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP3qrTE6DRc This video from Epic Gardener explains in detail the way you can use microclimates to grow your plants or assure that your plants are situated optimally to take advantage of naturally shaded spots, warm walls and different watering levels.
Planting plants next to a stucco, cement or brick structure, can raise the temperature for plants if it is south facing and keep plants from the freezing temperatures in the winter. Planting plants next to a similar structure that is facing northeast can provide a more temperate climate in the summer by protecting plants from the harsh summer afternoon heat, giving them the morning sun before the heat intensifies.
At the Ridgecrest Community Garden, raised beds are set aside for subscribers for a small fee to cover expenses of soil, water and plants/seeds. Beds are up for renewal beginning 1 March and will continue at a price tag of $80 per year, or $45 for a six month period. Please click the link below to renew your subscription or reserve one of the beds that are currently available. https://www.holisticdivineinnovations.org/subscriber-program
Tip Top Arborists has sponsored the Ridgecrest Community Garden with woodchip drop-offs to assist us with gardening and raising money to pay our garden expenses. We are offering woodchips for a donation of any amount of $5 or more. Spring is a wonderful time to acquire woodchips to start preserving moisture and enriching the soil in your garden. Follow these simple steps when needing woodchips.
1) Donate desired amount through Holistic Divine Innovations at this link https://www.holisticdivineinnovations.org/donations or scan one of the QR codes below to support
2) Send Ridgecrest Community Garden a message on Facebook to designate how many bags are needed
3) Community member will then be given instructions and address for pickup in the response. Woodchips are at a separate location from the garden due to space constraints.
Zen out, Ridgecrest!