HOW TO GROW VEGETABLES IN YOUR

GARDEN

How To Grow Vegetables in your Broom Closet

BY NORA HESTON TARTE

It’s time to hop on a new trend! Hydroponics is a type of gardening that can be done without large amounts of (or any) soil, using instead water-based mineral nutrient solutions. The upside is, this allows avid gardeners to get creative with their plants, not needing a large backyard or vegetable beds to grow their own foods.

Hydroponics isn’t for the faint of heart, but it is easier than you would think. Plants need to be consistently monitored to ensure they are growing well, free of disease. But with downfalls come upsides. In addition to not needing a lot of space, indoor gardening eliminates the worries associated with the elements, such as high heat, unpredictable weather, intrusive weeds and insects, and more. Another bonus is you can use a table to keep plants off of the ground, making gardening more accessible for those with mobility issues.

It helps to start small. Instead of attempting to live off the grid, eating nothing but what you can grow in your “garden,” choose one plant to start—perhaps a tomato or pepper plant. You will have to put some thought into care. Instead of being subject to mother nature, you are in control of light exposure and other factors, so make sure you are catering to the needs of the plant you settled on. The upside is this curated environment helps plants to grow faster, so you’ll be enjoying the literal fruits of your labor soon enough.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO GET STARTED:

A small space dedicated to growing plants Water-based solution Plants or plant trimmings A reliable electricity source Artificial lights on a timer Bubble bucket

WHAT IS A BUBBLE BUCKET AND HOW DO YOU USE IT?

One of the easiest systems to start with is a bubble bucket, which includes a five-gallon bucket, net pot lid, air pump, air stone, liquid nutrients, and (in some cases) a growing medium.

To get started, choose your plant, then, let the system do the work. You’ll make adjustments with lighting and such, but the systems do most of the work themselves, using bubbles to feed the roots the nutrients they need.

SO, WHAT PLANTS GROW BEST IN A BROOM CLOSET?

Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers, and eggplants will all grow well in a bubble bucket. Small plants such as herbs and even florals (using plant clippings) can grow inside.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, give dwarf trees, berry bushes, and shrubs a go.

BRIDAL

Weddings

It's summer, and people are popping the question among friends, family, and sparkly lights. We want to help you craft the perfect memorable moment, and LOCAL WEDDING

SPECIALISTS begin your planning with ease. These local wedding specialists will assist you in every detail needed as you take the very first steps toward the aisle.

Raise your glass, it’s time to celebrate! Sparkling wine is a must when it comes to toasting your nuptials, whether it’s glasses with bridesmaids before you walk down the aisle, a communal toast at the end of a speech, or your drink of choice for the entirety of the night. Choose Weibel Wines for your sparkling drink needs and delight guests with a variety of flavors that can be easily enjoyed on their own or mixed into a signature cocktail. Not only are the flavorful wines sure to delight guests, they also add a touch of local flair to any affair. Brides and grooms who choose Weibel will enjoy an exclusive tasting and 20% off case purchases.

Weibel.com/Weddings

Find the perfect backdrop to your dream wedding at Spring Creek Golf & Country Club, from the moment you exchange vows under a grove of old oak trees, to the reception amidst high beam ceilings and large portrait windows in the rustic comforts of the clubhouse. Experienced wedding professionals provide full planning services, from start to finish. Let them guide you in your bakery, photographer, and DJ selections, ensuring the ceremony or reception your guests will love. From time frames to menus and everything in between— every detail is flexible to meet your every wish and designed to reflect your individual personality.

SpringCreekCC.com

From the tip of your glass to a stroll along the vineyard, Mettler is your perfect companion for an enchanted evening in Lodi’s famous appellation. Enjoy everything this premiere destination holds for your next event. From delicious varietals to seven magnificently sculpted acres, the tasting room and wedding venue is the highlight for many brides as the starting point to a happily ever after!

MettlerWine.com

With a click of a button, Briggs Photography captures tangible memories you can share with friends and family—transforming special moments into a piece of history you’ll relive time and time again. Make each smile, laugh, and embrace something that can endure the years. As a photography team, Richard and Shawna promise to bring out the depths in your relationship that began long before the initial “I Do”. As the couple explains, Richards humor creates a relaxed approached to put couples and guests at ease, while Shawna’s artistic eye and attention to detail ensures that both the style and personal moments of your day will be perfectly captured.

BriggsPhotography.com

Proudly serving San Joaquin since 1983, family owned and operated Gary J. Long Jewelers offers the finest merchandise to accompany your milestone moments. Whether it is an engagement, anniversary, birthday or “just because,” the seemingly endless, unique inventory is sure to wow any blushing recipient. Founder, Gary Long, is truly dedicated to providing stunning pieces at a reasonable price. As a member of the American Gem Society and the California Jewelers Association, he stocks his handpicked display cases with only the top designers and manufacturers in the field. Deeply involved in our community, Gary and his staff treat each customer like family.

GJLongJewelers.com

your jeweler for life’s celebrations Let K&T Lights illuminate your big day. The family-owned lighting company specializes in wedding lights for both indoor and outdoor receptions to bring a twinkle to your happily ever after. The company website is overflowing with inspiration guaranteed to make your wildest dreams come true, including dangling fairy lights flowing from tree branches to larger orbs set to light up a dim tablescape. Customers rave about K&T Lights’ handiwork for more than the finished project—Kyle May and his team are experts in customer service and design, working one-on-one with anxious brides to create a magical space primed for your biggest day yet. When you’re standing at the altar, you deserve to look your best. And when it comes to finding the right shape and style, color and accessories, no one can suit your needs better than Tuxedos of Lodi. Decades of experience have honed their craft into an artform, accented with just the right tuxedos and suits, vests and ties, suspenders and shirts, right down to the pocket squares. This downtown Lodi location even offers custom bespoke suits and tuxes to make your dreams a reality. Find your tux or the perfect rental among designer fashions and know, when the big day arrives, you’ll be putting your best foot forward.

KandTLights.com, @kandtlights209 Facebook.com/TuxedosOfLodi

Charleston French Quarter

ESCAPE

South Carolina Getaway

CHARLESTON, HILTON HEAD, AND MORE

The Charleston Pineapple Fountain

With summer travel wide open, the possibilities feel endless. And while that is a freeing feeling for those of us plagued by insatiable wanderlust, it can also pose a bit of a problem. With the world as our oyster again, how will we ever decide where to go? If you’re weighing your options between food-centric travel, educational and cultural opportunities, or your classic ass-in-the-sand journey to an island somewhere, then we may just have the perfect solution.

South Carolina offers a little of it all. There is a lot of history in Charleston, where slaves once poured in by ship and were auctioned off on the cobblestone streets. There’s also an abundance of southern cuisine sure to have your mouth watering. And, lastly, a quick drive from the city center can land you in Hilton Head, an island paradise prime for beach days, golf, and that slower pace of life we all crave once in a while.

Charleston, South Carolina is one of America’s older cities, like nothing we have out West. Discovered in 1670, the port city is perhaps best known for its cobblestone streets, pastel antebellum style houses, and rich history. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, but you can certainly learn a lot and fit in some more uplifting times as you explore The Battery Promenade, Waterfront Park, Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter, and more.

The history of it all…

Let’s start with the big stops. If the Civil War fascinates you, no trip to Charleston will be complete without taking a cruise to Fort Sumter. Known for producing the first shots of the war, the seafort was built on an artificial island to protect South Carolina during battles. Visit the national monument to learn more about the American Civil War and the Battle of Fort Sumter. A knowledgeable guide tells tales of why the island was built and what happened during the War of 1812. Plus, you’ll have time to explore on your own, taking in the views as well as original canons and other structures that still stand today.

To get there, schedule a tour. Cruise ships through Fort Sumter Tours take off from Liberty Square where small televisions give background on the history of the island and its role in protecting Charleston from naval invasion on the ride over. 340 Concord St., Charleston

Another way to get a history lesson—one perhaps better and likely more accurate than those achieved in grade school—is to tour one of South Carolina’s plantations. There are a few expansive estates that offer a glimpse into life on the plantation for both whites and blacks, with audio tours and other extras. Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens is one of the most popular. The house on-site is famous for appearing in movies such as The Notebook (it was Allie’s parents’ summer home in the film), but it’s the grounds outside that offer the most insight into the lives once lived. Slave quarters remain largely unrenovated. Videos and audio recordings describe

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

crowded houses where too many people lived with too little. 1235 Long Point Rd., Mt Pleasant, SC

In addition to the more disheartening aspects of the tour, the grounds are maintained and remain beautiful. In addition to house tours, visitors can stroll the gardens, walk through the tunnel of trees, and enjoy a quick lunch on site. There is also a beautiful presentation of the Gullah Culture, the culture adapted by African slaves who lived on plantations.

Another historic building in Charleston is The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon (a.k.a. the Custom House or The Exchange). It’s the site of former slave auctions. Tours are inexpensive ($12 each for adults) and include a self-guided walk-through of the top two floors where the most famous American figures once stood as well as a guided tour of the dungeon where slaves were once kept, led by docents dressed up in period attire. 122 E. Bay St., Charleston

One of the best places to learn about slavery in early America and the slave trades is to visit the Old Slave Mart Museum. It was once the home to slave auctions and has since been turned into a museum that details much of the events surrounding slavery in the early days of America. The original building was constructed in 1859 and may be the only remaining original slave auction facility in South Carolina. 6 Chalmers St., Charleston

Old Oyster Factory

Haunted Jail Tour

Historic Charleston City Market

Another kind of tour

With the startling history of Charleston, it’s no surprise many believe much of the city to be haunted. Ghost tours can sometimes be considered a cheeky form of entertainment, but here we promise the tours are high-end productions. Tours tell historic stories with often gruesome endings as groups walk through some of South Carolina’s more notable sites. One of the most thrilling aspects of the tours offered by Bulldog Tours is that you’ll gain exclusive access to cemeteries otherwise closed to visitors at night. And pssst if you want to be really freaked-out we’ll share this detail with you: many dead bodies are buried under the streets you’re walking on throughout the city. 18 Anson St., Charleston, SC

If you’re not easy to scare, the Haunted Jail Tour is the spookiest ghost tour on the schedule. I’m going to break the fourth wall for this one. A fan of ghost tours, I’ve attended them in most big cities I’ve visited with varying degrees of gore and historical context. The jail tour is hands-down the scariest ghost tour I’ve dared to go on. The stories are real and truly horrid, and—not sure about my ghost believer status—this tour has me convinced I experienced otherworldly activity. So, there’s that.

Old Oyster Factory

Cooper River Bridge

Time to have some fun

Now that we’ve got the serious stuff out of the way, it’s time to explore the more modern parts of the city.

If you’ve ever seen the famous pineapple fountain in photos, this eight-acre Waterfront Park right on the water is where you find it. The space is perfect for strolling and even includes large wooden swings where you can look out to the water while enjoying each other’s company. Kids may be running up and down the dock, or patrons may be milling about the nearby businesses. Vendue Range, Concord St., Charleston

Nearby The Griffon is a good spot to grab a drink any time of the day. The walls of the English pub are covered from floor to ceiling—well, including the ceilings really—in dollar bills decorated by visiting patrons. We suggest leaving your mark while enjoying a pint. 18 Vendue Range, Charleston

If that’s not the type of pint you have in mind, skip the brew and fill up on gelato at Belgian Gelato, just steps away from both the waterfront and The Griffon. 8 Vendue Range, Charleston

For late night, The Gin Joint is perfect for pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap. The swanky cocktail bar serves up a gin-heavy cocktail list at cozy tables filled with people who look like they are enjoying an intimate date night. The setting nods to the 1920s but is a speakeasy only in style and not practice. 182 E. Bay St. #2169, Charleston

If you’re looking for a little bit of nightlife, Downtown Charleston has plenty. You can basically catch an Uber—or a pedicab, which is likely to run you less—to the area and bounce from place to place. Choose between a laidback Irish pub or a raucous taco and tequila bar. We definitely suggest stopping by Carmella’s Café & Dessert Bar before heading home. You can continue the party with wine, beer, and cocktails, but the real treat is the rotating dessert list, including gelato, sorbet, mini-pies, and decadent single-serving cakes. 198 E. Bay St. #100, Charleston

During the day, the Historic Charleston City Market is one of the best ways to take in the local culture and to stuff your suitcase with a few souvenirs. It’s been running since the 1790s and stretches four city blocks. You’ll weave your way in and out of buildings as you peruse artwork, small trinkets, hand-made jewelry, and hand-woven sweetgrass baskets. 188 Meeting St., Charleston

Where to stay

Depending on where you want to concentrate your time, there are a lot of options for hotels in Charleston, including The Vendue Hotel. Located on the same city block as Griffon’s and Belgian’s (mentioned above), the hotel is just steps from the waterfront. Breakfast is divine here, and the rooftop bar offers nightlife without roaming far from your overnight digs. Open until midnight on weekends, you can enjoy an imaginative craft cocktail with city views at night or enjoy lunch midday. 19 Vendue Range, Charleston

Hilton Head

After you’ve done it all in Charleston, it’s time for that R&R you were promised. Hilton

Head is a common escape for east coasters that feels like

Maui on the continental U.S.

People come here for the warm

Atlantic ocean, slow-paced beach town vibes, and of course, the golf. While you’re here, visit the iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse. On the south end of the island, you can go up inside the Harbour Town Lighthouse. Not only

D SALTY DOG CAFÉ

are there stunning views from the top, but the lighthouse itself acts as a museum with cool artifacts lining the walls. 149 Lighthouse Rd., Hilton Head Island

The surrounding area is also fun to explore. Part of the ritzy Sea Pines Resort, shops sell clothes, knick-knacks, beach items, and other wares. There’s also a cool outdoor bar in the center, which is an ideal spot to grab a beer or a cocktail midday and enjoy the warm weather.

Southern fare to stuff your stomach

While in the Sea Pines Resort area you can also stop off at The Salty Dog Café, kind of a must-do when visiting Hilton Head. The indoor/ outdoor eatery serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, best enjoyed on the outside patio when the weather is nice, and another location in Bluffton is worth visiting, too. 232 S. Sea Pines Dr., Hilton Head Island

If you came for the southern fare and seafood, however, Old Oyster Factory is the place for you. The waterfront restaurant is oversized and rustic but chic, sporting an impressive menu of seafood. You can dine indoors or on the private pier, ordering up plates of scrumptious Fried Green Tomato Caprese, Smoked Shrimp Deviled Eggs, and Hushpuppies served with whipped butter before diving into the raw bar or tasting some baked oysters instead. The long menu carries a little bit of everything and a whole lot of fish. 101 Marshland Rd., Hilton Head Island

If you’re looking for another eatery right on the water, Poseidon embraces the coastal lifestyle with

delicious grub in a laidback setting. Grab a seat at the bar and make good use of the drink menu. There are a few ways to enjoy the space including the downstairs bar area, the main dining room, and the rooftop bar, the latter of which stays open late and often offers up a DJ and dancing. 38 Shelter Cove Ln. #120, Hilton Head Island

For drinks, support the locals. Hilton Head Brewing Company has a range of beers to choose from, plus food, in a laidback indoor facility. 1 Cardinal Rd #13, Hilton Head Island

If wine is more your beverage of choice, the homey feel of The Other Sister’s Wine Bar is a big draw for visitors starting to get homesick. Still enjoying a casual atmosphere, the fare is elevated and the wine list both extensive and impressive. 13 Harbourside Ln. B, Hilton Head Island

Harbour Town Lighthouse When it comes to Hilton Head, there’s a few things you shouldn’t leave the island without doing. One of those is taking a dinner cruise on the water. Vagabond Cruise offers sunset dinner reservations with top and bottom deck options. You’ll take in views of the water as you mosey around the island, enjoying champagne and dinner along the way. The atmosphere is friendly as neighboring tables mingle and you glimpse vacation homes along the waterfront. If a dinner cruise isn’t your preferred activity, you can also hop aboard a dolphin cruise or take a boat to Daufuskie

Island.

It’s near impossible to throw a golf ball in any direction and not hit a pin. The island is crawling with courses, some more difficult than others. Our best advice is to grab something with good views that matches your skill level. And then, for practice, hit the mini links. Mini golf is a big attraction on the island for kids D THE HILTON HEAD ISLAND VCB and adults. In between activities, don’t forget to schedule some downtime. Staying at a fancy resort with an outdoor bar and pool is a must, especially when it’s on the water. Dive into the ocean before dipping back in the hot tub. The Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa offers just that, but it’s not the only one of its kind on the island.

The Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa

&dinewine

RESTAURANTS | WINE | DRINKS | SWEETS

THE DISH

SUMMERTIME SIPPING

ENJOY MUSIC ON THE PATIO AT MACCHIA WINES

BY SUZANNE LEDBETTER / D SUZANNE LEDBETTER

If you love music and Lodi wine, we’ve got great news: Macchia Wines is the spot to enjoy both this summer. Macchia, which literally translates to “the spot” in Italian, is continuing their summer tradition of Music on the Patio throughout the month of June, turning out the quintessential summer activity to enjoy with both friends and family.

Macchia Wines, recently named Winery of the Year from the prestigious Monterey International Wine Competition, is known for their bold, flavorful red wines with fun names like Outrageous, Serious, and the top-selling Mischievous. But just in time for summer, the winery is releasing two summertime sips that will keep you cool during valley heat waves.

Although the idea of having a white wine at Macchia might seem ludicrous, the team created this fun new white wine, crafted from French Columbard, just in time for summer. Complete with a wax enclosure, the Ludicrous French Columbard is a beautifully refreshing, high acid wine with flavors of crisp pear, green apple, and a hint of white peach. And at 8.9% alcohol, this white wine is an easy sipper you’ll crave while enjoying the grounds at Macchia.

If white wine isn’t your thing, there is also the Ridiculous Rosé. Rose gold in color and made of mostly Grenache, the wine is light, crisp, and perfect to sip while savoring charcuterie and cheese for a summer picnic. With flavors of ripe strawberry, pineapple, and a nuance of white nectarine, the rosé is summertime in a glass. Even the bottle is festive, encased in frosted glass with bright colors of salmon and peach that sets the scene for the season.

And since June is the beginning of summer here in Lodi Wine country, Macchia is the perfect escape for an afternoon spent soaking up the sun while sipping a glass of wine and listening to live music. Each Saturday and Sunday, the winery hosts a different band from 1-4 PM on their charming and spacious patio. You can opt for a spot in the sun, take a seat under an umbrella, or head to the shade beneath the covered patio. Grab your favorite bottle of Macchia Wines and get ready for a show with talented musicians, a lively crowd, and even dancing.

“When we started hosting live music it was during COVID, where guests could only partake in wine tasting outdoors," says Lani Holdener, owner at Macchia. “We continued to offer music after the restrictions were lifted to give our customers a relaxing and enjoyable experience.”

Macchia’s newly renovated picnic area has brought locals and tourists together in their love of music, Macchia, and the great outdoors. Their famed tag line, Its All Good, is etched on wineglasses and printed on promotional materials, but perhaps most notably, it perfectly describes the winery’s vibe.

Guests might notice that the winery is truly a family affair. With Lani hosting events alongside her children Tanya, Jonathan, and Tyler. “We just had our 20-year anniversary last year but were unable to celebrate it due to COVID restrictions,” Holdener says. “We look forward to celebrating this milestone anniversary at our Fall release party later this year.”

MACCHIA WINES

7099 E. Peltier Rd., Acampo (209) 333-2600, MacchiaWines.com

CATCH A SHOW

June’s Music on the Patio Schedule

JUNE 4 ARG

JUNE 5 James Michael Day

JUNE 11 Tommy Palmer

JUNE 12 Sweet Taunts

JUNE 18 Rob Stevenson

JUNE 19 She Calls Him Wilson

JUNE 25 Paul Blakemore

JUNE 26 Sylvia