Jason Perdichizzi

Founder & Lead Foodscape Designer

 

Jason grew up in California’s central valley, so farms have never been foreign to him. He relocated to Sacramento to obtain his Culinary Arts Professional degree and that is where the curiosity of where food came from sprouted. He began studying soil ecology, plant propagation, pruning methods, and seasonal planting/harvesting times specific to our region eventually becoming a UC Certified Master Gardener. He developed an intuition and passion for growing the food he loved to cook for others. After realizing the numerous benefits of growing food in raised gardens and desiring to share with the world the same abundance of quality produce, he planted Yard to Fork right here in the Farm-to-Fork capital.

 
 

Favorite food to grow

Romancesco Broccoli, with its extremely detailed fractal pattern, can be just as beautiful and gratifying on the dinner plate as it is being grown and harvested in our garden!

Favorite food to prepare

Thai Curry Pastes that we freeze in ice cube trays for an easy dinner stir-fry with coconut milk over rice - utilizing garlic, shallots, lemongrass, Thai chilies, carrots, snow peas, and more from the yard.

Urban Farmer tip

Harvest early and harvest often. By keeping a garden clean of overripe or even rotting produce, you can minimize all kinds of pest issues, keep your plants healthy, and allow your garden to produce even more!

Garden Design Tip

Have your garden design allow for as much vertical growth as possible. Maximizing sun exposure to the South using trellises, arches, or tiered garden beds will provide you the greatest yield in the smallest amount of space.

 
 

Kevin Landberg

Foodscape Foreman

 
 

Kevin has long been passionate about gardening. Growing up, his parents always kept a large garden and while he was not super into it as a kid, the gardening seed had been sown. As an adult, it was only natural for him to begin his own gardening journey. He started with just about everyone’s go-to crop – tomatoes - then began to experiment with at least one new crop each season. Kevin’s favorite memories in the garden are when his kids join him and he gets to see the joy on their face when they have success growing their own crop. Over the years he found himself more and more passionate about growing food, spending his free time in the garden; reading about plants, composting and soil health; and enjoying the nutritious fruits of his labor. Kevin decided to combine his skills from his years in the construction industry with his love for gardening and joined the Yard to Fork Team.

 
 
 

Favorite food to grow

Eggplant is a beautiful addition to the garden with its striking colors and offers a delicious, savory flavor profile, perfect for a variety of dishes.

Favorite food to prepare

Salsa! It’s a great opportunity to incorporate a number of ingredients fresh from the garden. Delicious tomatoes, spicy (or mild if you choose) peppers, garlic, onion and cilantro create a great base. Try adding some fresh peach or mango for a sweet and spicy twist!

Urban Farmer Tip

Create your own compost! It’s easy to do and has so many benefits for your garden and the environment. Using homemade compost is a natural way to build healthy and nutrient rich soil, putting potential “waste” to good use instead of sending it to the landfill.

Garden Design Tip

Consider sun exposure before setting up your garden space. Think about what you want to grow and pick an area with proper sunlight. Check seed packets or plant labels for specific requirements. General rule of thumb:

Leafy greens and herbs: 4 hours minimum

Root crops (e.g. beets and carrots): 4-6 hours

Fruiting crops (e.g. tomatoes and peppers): 6-8 hours

 

Rachel Harrell

Urban Farmer

 

While living and working on a small farm in the East Bay, Rachel developed a passion for edible gardening and gained hands-on experience managing over 70 fruit trees, practiced canning and preserving, and grew a variety of vegetables to eat and share with the surrounding community. She spent dedicated time propagating a wide variety of edible plants and embraced the lessons and growth that came with each season. Planting a giant pumpkin patch and selling the harvest at the farmstand was just one of many rewarding experiences along the way. What Rachel loves most about gardening is how much there is to learn and discover. Joining the Yard to Fork team has been the perfect way to continue that journey while helping others explore the joy of growing their own food.

 
 

Favorite food to grow

Garlic! It’s low maintenance, and harvesting those beautiful bulbs after months of growth is so satisfying. Plus, homegrown garlic tastes amazing.

Favorite food to prepare

Roasted veggies with kimchi—because kimchi makes everything better!

Urban Farmer Tip

Don’t be afraid to prune! Regular trimming keeps plants healthy and encourages new growth.

Garden Design Tip

Prioritize growing what you eat most frequently and what brings you happiness, and then expand gradually, leaving space in the landscape to explore and try new varieties.