Sidestreams - 500 Gardens

In a world of so much doom and gloom it's great to see local leaders continuing to carve new and resilient paths forward of local agriculture and food production. Congratulations to the workers at Mustard Seed Farm CSA www.mustardseedfarmer.com on their transition to Big Table Farm Cooperative! They have a CSA pick up in Hyde Park.. check them out!
https://www.citybeat.com/food-drink/womens-farm-co-op-to-remove-fences-to-food-access/

Mustard Seed Farm CSA Farm Shares Cincinnati CSA Farm Local Organic Farm near me

If you want to see more butterflies in the garden make sure to care for them all year! We all love a good garden clean up in fall, but some areas may be maintained to support the local pollinators. 🦋🦋🦋

Bruh.. 🤤

Would you like to see more composting options in Madisonville?

City pilot offers free on-site recycling at several Cincinnati apartment buildings Curbside recycling is available for single-family homes with no extra fee, but multifamily properties have to pay for the service.

If you get a chance to stop by Civic Garden Center to pay some respects to the beautiful Weeping Hemlock, we're sure Mother Nature will appreciate it! Let's start 2026 by enjoying what our beautiful world has to offer before it's too late.

Remember folks, just as we are trying to stay warm and bundled up in our homes during the winter, our ecological neighbors are doing the same in our yards. Don't disturb their homes so we can all thrive together in the spring!

Many native bees spend winter asleep in stems, leaves, and underground burrows. A quiet garden helps them wake up in spring!

🌱 Leave dead plant stems standing; they shelter mason and leafcutter bees.
🌍 Avoid disturbing bare soil; mining and sweat bees rest underground.
🍂 Keep some leaf litter; bumblebee queens seek shelter for winter.
🚫 Skip winter tilling; dormant bee larvae stay safe when undisturbed.
🌳 Leave soft, aging wood; cavity-nesting bees use logs for protection.
🌾 Go light on mulch; open patches help ground-nesting bees emerge in spring.

These winter guests are often the first pollinators in your garden each year! 🐝

Proof that community makes everything warmer ❄️➡️🔥
Sidestreams Holiday Party highlights—thank you for showing up and celebrating with us. 🎁✨

2025 through the Sidestreams lens 📸
So much growth—plants, people, ideas, and moments that reminded us why community care matters.
Thank you to everyone who showed up, shared space, got their hands dirty, laughed, learned, and dreamed with us.
We’re carrying all of this into what’s next. Can’t wait to see you there!🌱✨

Propagations from the same plant show us how much we are impacted by the conditions around us. If you’re having a hard time growing right now, consider your conditions - something may need to change 🌱

Sidestreams Foundation Holiday Open House
Part 2: The No-Snow Edition

Mother Nature tried to steal the show last time… but we’re back!
Join us for Part 2 of the Sidestreams Foundation Holiday Open House, where the roads are clear, the greenhouse is warm, and the community vibes are flowing.

This is your chance to explore the greenhouse without battling a snowstorm and to see all the exciting changes happening in our space.

🌱 What to Expect:
✨ Guided greenhouse tours
✨ A closer look at our hydroponics systems
✨ Preview of the new aquaponics system under construction
✨ Classroom and seedling start stations
✨ Raffles
✨ Kid's Craft Corner
✨ Community connections and conversation
✨ Light bites & refreshments
✨ Holiday cheer—no boots or shovels required

Whether you missed the first Open House or just want to come back for more, this is a perfect moment to gather, learn, and celebrate the season together.

📍 Sidestreams Foundation Greenhouse Holiday Open House – Part 2 Snow-free edition
🌿 All are welcome

Come see how the greenhouse is growing, changing, and becoming a hub for learning, food, and community once again.
We can’t wait to welcome you—warm and dry! 💛🌿

Did you know that you can keep your garden growing all winter long by planting your favorite culinary herbs in containers on a sunny window sill? Some are Annuals (one season) and some are Perennial (multiple seasons) and can be transplanted outdoors in the spring!

Great herbal options for small containers include:
🌱 Basil - Annual
🌿 Oregano - Perennial
🌱 Mint - Perennial
🌿 Rosemary - Perennial
🌱 Thyme - Perennial
🌿 Parsley - Annual/Biennial
🌱 Cilantro - Annual

TIPS for growing the windowsill garden:
☀️ Make sure that your windowsill receives plenty of sunlight - at least six hours of light each day.
💧Ensure good drainage by using pots with holes to prevent waterlogged soil and rotten roots.
💦 Water according the the plants needs - moist by not soggy!
✨Use an all-purpose liquid fertilizer every few weeks to nourish your herbs.
✂️Harvest your herbs regularly to promote growth and keep them from becoming leggy.

Plants these lovely, fragrant, and NUTRITIOUS plants from seed or starts and keep your kitchen going all winter long! ❄️🪴