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:
- Simplify Gardening: Each month focuses on achievable tasks—planting, operational upkeep, and community building.
- Build Momentum: By breaking the journey into manageable steps, the LeafCycle ensures consistent progress toward your goals.
- Empower Communities: The calendar encourages collaboration with neighbors, schools, and local organizations to expand the reach and impact of urban farming.
- 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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:
- Download the LeafCycle: Available soon on Google and Outlook.
- Join the Movement: Share your gardening journey and inspire others.
- 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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