Take a seed sign at farmers market

The LeafCycle Calendar: Your Monthly Guide to Building a Thriving Food Forest

At Braga Farms, we believe in the power of structure and intention. Whether you’re new to urban farming or a seasoned gardener, a clear plan can make all the difference. That’s where the LeafCycle Calendar comes in—a month-by-month roadmap to help you transform your urban space into a productive, sustainable food forest. It’s not just a guide; it’s a vision for a greener, healthier community.

Why the LeafCycle Matters

The LeafCycle is more than a calendar. It’s a blueprint for change, designed to:

  1. Simplify Gardening: Each month focuses on achievable tasks—planting, operational upkeep, and community building.
  2. Build Momentum: By breaking the journey into manageable steps, the LeafCycle ensures consistent progress toward your goals.
  3. Empower Communities: The calendar encourages collaboration with neighbors, schools, and local organizations to expand the reach and impact of urban farming.
  4. Foster Sustainability: Following seasonal rhythms helps you work with nature, ensuring healthier crops and a lower environmental impact.

The LeafCycle aligns with our mission to turn Dallas-Fort Worth into a food forest, one garden at a time. Here’s how you can use it to grow food, build connections, and create lasting change.

Month-by-Month Breakdown

January: Laying Plans

  • What to Do:
    • Test soil for nutrient levels and start a compost system.
    • Begin planning your garden layout, including crop rotations and companion planting.
    • Start seeds indoors for winter greens like kale and spinach.
  • Why It Matters: A strong foundation is key to any successful garden. Soil health and proper planning set the stage for a productive year.

February: Waging War

  • What to Do:
    • Sow hardy crops like lettuce and broccoli indoors.
    • Prune fruit trees and clear old plant debris to avoid pests.
    • Host a seed swap to strengthen your gardening community.
  • Why It Matters: February is about preparation and protection—eliminating potential problems before they arise.

March: Attack by Stratagem

  • What to Do:
    • Transplant cool-season crops and sow carrots, beets, and radishes.
    • Set up rain barrels for water conservation.
    • Organize a community planting day.
  • Why It Matters: March is when your plans take root, both literally and figuratively. Collaboration is key to growth.

April: Tactical Dispositions

  • What to Do:
    • Plant tomatoes, peppers, and herbs.
    • Install drip irrigation systems for water efficiency.
    • Conduct workshops on irrigation techniques.
  • Why It Matters: Building infrastructure early saves time and resources later, ensuring a smoother growing season.

May: Energy

  • What to Do:
    • Add companion flowers like marigolds to attract pollinators.
    • Sharpen tools and prepare for a busy season.
    • Share seedlings with neighbors to encourage more gardens.
  • Why It Matters: May is about energy—both in your garden and your community. Engaging others helps sustain the movement.

June: Weak Points and Strong

  • What to Do:
    • Plant heat-tolerant crops like okra.
    • Address nutrient deficiencies and monitor soil moisture.
    • Create a buddy system with other gardeners for mutual support.
  • Why It Matters: By assessing strengths and weaknesses, you can adapt and ensure the health of your garden during the summer heat.

July: Maneuvering

  • What to Do:
    • Rotate crops and diversify plantings to maintain soil health.
    • Prune garden beds and shade delicate plants.
    • Host a garden party to share produce and connect with others.
  • Why It Matters: Flexibility is key to overcoming challenges like extreme heat and pests during the peak growing season.

August: Variation in Tactics

  • What to Do:
    • Experiment with new techniques like vertical gardening.
    • Donate surplus produce to local food banks.
    • Reapply mulch to conserve soil moisture.
  • Why It Matters: Innovation keeps the garden exciting and ensures your efforts benefit the broader community.

September: The Army on the March

  • What to Do:
    • Plant cover crops to replenish soil nutrients.
    • Preserve the summer harvest for future use.
    • Partner with schools for educational gardening programs.
  • Why It Matters: September is about sustainability—preparing for the next season while building connections.

October: Terrain

  • What to Do:
    • Plant garlic and shallots for spring.
    • Collect leaves for compost and organize a cleanup day.
    • Research plant varieties for the next season.
  • Why It Matters: Understanding your environment and preparing for the colder months ensures your garden thrives year-round.

November: The Nine Situations

  • What to Do:
    • Collect and share seeds with your community.
    • Prune dormant perennials and clean tools.
    • Adopt a daycare or school to start a seed vault project.
  • Why It Matters: November is about sharing knowledge and resources, strengthening the gardening network.

December: The Attack by Fire & The Use of Spies

  • What to Do:
    • Plan planting strategies and organize supplies.
    • Share gardening books and resources to inspire others.
    • Use digital tools to map your garden for next season.
  • Why It Matters: Reflection and preparation during December pave the way for a successful year ahead.

Call to Action: Start Your LeafCycle Today

The LeafCycle Calendar is more than a guide—it’s a commitment to sustainability, community, and growth. We invite you to:

  1. Download the LeafCycle: Available soon on Google and Outlook.
  2. Join the Movement: Share your gardening journey and inspire others.
  3. Adopt a Community Project: Take the first step by supporting a local daycare or church garden.

Together, we can make Dallas-Fort Worth a thriving food forest, one month at a time.

👉 Learn More and Get Started Here!

 

 

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📍 Location: 123 Taylor St, Dallas, TX 75201

🛒 When to find us: Saturdays and Sundays at the Dallas Farmers Market

📅 Plan your visit: Check out our Leafcycle calendar

 

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Join the Movement 🌎

Be part of a community that’s revolutionizing local food systems and creating sustainable solutions for the future.

  • 📘 Read The Gardener’s Art of War: Learn More
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