After a seemingly endless winter, I am (safely?) assuming spring is here.
With spring comes a return to fresh, local produce and farmer’s markets populated with old farmers, young farmers, wannabe farmers, hipsters, foodies, families and everyone else in between.
I probably fall somewhere in between wannabe farmer and foodie/hipster. As a result, my vegetable gardens are entering their third full year in action and it gets more exciting every year. A few of the foods I’m growing include: asparagus, strawberries, tomatoes, spinach, beans (purple, yellow and green/purple), beets, carrots and many others [including flowers].
Now that I have been working full time for almost three months, I cherish my time in the garden more than I did when I would spend all day with my hands in the dirt. Racing home [on the bus] to plant my veggies is on my mind as the end of each day approaches, and when I change out of my work clothes, I realize I’ve planted all I have and can walk around my garden and examine all the small indistinguishable plants that are shooting for the skies.
Gardening and cooking are both very important metaphors for how I look at life. Cooking is the art of working with your ingredients to reach their potential as well as yours, an artful dance around the kitchen as you find another avenue to express your creativity. I see gardening as an exercise of patience and the acceptance that some things are beyond your control. This year, I’m continuing my effort of gardening without chemicals and creating a space that’s attractive for birds, insects and animals. While I look forward to eating my homegrown veggies, I’m more excited to watch things around me grow. Whether they’re plants, people or changes in the dirt, I know I grow with them. I’ll be at the Mill City Farmer’s Market, recharging my creative cooking instinct as well as looking for new ideas of what to grow.
Control vs. Squirrels
Bees don’t discriminate between squash and dandelions.
But Squirrels prefer your squash.
More food posts will come in the next couple days, I just have to relieve my camera of the 100 food pictures it has been so laboriously holding in.


Green Communities 2018 Garden Photography Competition: DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL THE 31st OF AUGUST!
Community Garden Projects have the ability to build and strengthen our community through cooperation, learning, and improvement. Because of this community garden projects have contributed a great deal to quality of life over the last decade, sometimes in unexpected ways. Their contribution towards community interaction is strengthened by community gardening’s inclusivity. Indeed gardening is one of the few activities that people from all walks of life engage in.
- Are you a Gardener, Guerrilla Gardener, Allotment Plot Holder, or a Tidy Towns Landscaper?
- Do you like to document the progress of the season by photographing what can be grown and created on your local green space or garden?
- If so the Green Communities Garden Photography Competition is an ideal way to celebrate the success of your community gardening project in making a greener place for people, plants, and biodiversity.
Entry is free, and there will be prizes for the best photographs across three categories.
The award ceremony will be held at Inspire Gallery, Dublin 1, in September 2018, and the winning images will be exhibited for a week.
Submission Deadline: 31st of August 2018.
Download Application Form Here
Submit Completed Application Form with Photograph Here: email@example.com


The most comprehensive approach to building a modern agronomic service with the integration of all types of data into a single turn-key decision-making system
AgroOnline™ is a service for progressive management of agricultural business. Our online platform is designed for comprehensive management automation and covers all areas at the same time.
Our FarmManagment system started in 2015, which we approached with a sufficient number of developments. Experience in developing software for the agricultural business for more than 10 years. Starting with CRM and tender sites, we gradually came to a complete ERP system for agricultural enterprises. AgroOnline is our conceptual and comprehensive solution, which has incorporated the best of the world experience in agricultural business.
We have gathered around us an entire ecosystem of services and products that bring the activities of the agricultural company to a new level of quality. AgroOnline™ becomes the starting point for the paper-to-digit conversion of the farm.
Detailed accounting of the land bank from the field to the part. Control all relationships with landholders online: terms of leases, financial settlements, CRM relationship management system, payment information, issued/unformed plots, and more.
Understanding the potential of each field. What is the condition of the soils, density, composition. What about micro/macro elements? The economic effect of the field (or part of it). What to improve and how? Mete data - predicted and actual for each field
Control over the movement of all logistics. Not just the paperwork, but the fact that Operatively in phone all rests on all warehouses, planning of purchases and the forecast of budgets. Accounting for spare parts, use of fuels and lubricants
Planning for a year, two or ten, no matter how long. The main thing is to plan the entire production cycle, using the process charts, which have already planned power supply and protection systems. Accurate assessment of both finances and resource load (employees, machinery, units)
Thanks to a variety of sensors and devices today, it is possible to reduce the influence of the human factor to almost zero. This is especially true in such areas as: miscalculation of the amount of work performed, fuel consumption control, accounting of the working time of mechanics, etc.
Advanced approach in agro-production. Work with the field and create job maps for precision farming online: sowing, fertilizer application and crop protection. Loading of the fact of performance of works and yield maps in the context of the field
Operational monitoring of plants using satellites, drones, third-party consultants. New tools to facilitate the timely identification of threats. Agronomist tablet with routing and electronic inspection reports
The dispatcher is the solution to the problem of the lack of qualified specialists on the ground. Operational collection and processing of information, tracking the correctness of business processes, providing recommendations and advice
Full financial analytics, both on the whole farm and in the context of crops or fields. Analysis of various indicators to improve technology and strategy. Various reports both for operational control and for understanding the situation in general
We have developed mobile applications that make it easy to collect and analyze data across the enterprise.
Applications customized for specific tasks.
An application for agricultural business owners who use the AgroOnline system. Manage your business online from anywhere in the world.
AgroOnline's BigBoss is a summary of the company's most important parameters, including asset accounting, crop monitoring and equipment performance.
An app for agronomists who use the AgroOnline system. An agronomist tablet for field reporting, field routing, state fixing with photo/video.
AgroOnline Agronome is the ability to work in the field even when there is no Internet. Viewing satellite images, fixing the state of the field, taking measurements, scouting calendar with planned routes and tasks. The optimal set of tools for the agronomist in the field.
Our specialists will gladly give You a personal presentation at a time convenient for you. This can be a Skype conference with screen sharing, and personal meeting you at the farm or at our office. Simply complete the form below and we will contact you.


Welcome to Sunflower Gardening
We are a family run business based in Cheltenham, and also operate between Tewkesbury and Gloucester and surrounding villages. We have a passion for gardening which started with Fiona's childhood holidays visiting family in Devon and Dorset, and has continued to flourish to the point where her enthusiasm has outgrown her own garden.
With many of us now leading such busy lives, we don't always have the time to keep our gardens looking their best. We can bring our experience, practical skills and gardening know-how to your garden - from beautiful planting schemes to getting you started with your own veggie patch.
So whether you want a complete transformation, an unruly lawn kept tidy, weeds weeded out, a simple make over to help you sell your house, or you yearn for the taste of homegrown fruit and veg, we can help you make the most of your garden.
We firmly believe in organic gardening - best for your garden and the environment. Gardens can also provide a range of micro habitats for local wildlife - and we can help you do your bit so that they can thrive in perfect harmony with your garden.


Achieving African agriculture’s full potential
Agriculture in Africa has the power to drive economic opportunity and positive social change, but much of its potential remains untapped. For example, more than 60% of the population of sub-Saharan Africa consists of smallholder farmers, yet only 23% of sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP comes from the sector.
In addition to this productivity challenge, commodities represent more than 60% of total merchandise exports in 45 of the 54 countries in Africa, with 45% of the world’s commodity-dependent countries located on the continent. This makes them particularly vulnerable to global commodity price shocks and extreme weather events, as well as undermining the continent’s growth and development prospects.
Unlocking Africa’s full agricultural potential will build resilience to these challenges and deliver greater local prosperity. According to analysis by McKsiney, if agricultural development was intensified smallholders across Africa could produce two to three times more cereals and grains. In turn this would add 20% more cereals and grains to the current worldwide annual output of 2.6 billion tonnes.
At the CFC we want to turn this potential into reality. Since 2012 we’ve invested USD 30.2 million in agribusinesses operating in Africa, including USD 3.37 million this year. We have also diversified the range of commodities we invest in, expanding to cocoa, coffee, maize, fruits, vanilla, spices, and more.
We’re also committed to investing in agricultural development that creates economic opportunity and the positive social change that reinforces it. Here are some of the ways we’re doing that in Africa.
Empowering women in agriculture in Kenya
If women farmers in developing countries had the same access to resources as men, they could increase their yields by 20-30% according to the FAO. That is an opportunity we’re attempting to unlock in Africa. We recently invested USD 0.6 million in Kenyan macadamia nuts processor and exporter, Exotic EPZ. Led by three women, it has put supporting women smallholders at the heart of its business. The company provides access to health insurance, mobile payment capabilities and tools that monitor crop yields. They also train women farmers in the latest growing techniques and how to run a business more effectively.
In 2017 we also provided finance to help Kenyan grain business Shalem transition from a grain aggregator to an added-value manufacturer. This has enabled the female-led agribusiness to enter more profitable markets and provide a stable and growing income to smallholders and their families. The collaboration ended successfully earlier this year with the company now able to access local finance which had previously been unattainable.
Developing rice self-sufficiency in Senegal
An over reliance on imported food is an issue many African countries struggle with, leaving them vulnerable to price shocks and shortages. That’s one reason Senegal is working to become self-sufficient in its staple food, rice. To help achieve this objective we’ve invested in rice processor Coumba Nor Thiam (CNT). By providing inputs and irrigation systems to smallholders in the Senegal River Valley, CNT is boosting their productivity, enhancing their incomes and, as a consequence, reducing the country’s reliance on rice imports.
Scaling up coffee production in Rwanda
To positively impact as many people as possible businesses need investment. This is why we seek to provide viable organisations with the means to grow. For example, we invested USD 1.5 million in premium coffee producer, processer and exporter, COOPAC, to enable it to broaden its operations. The loan is being used to construct five washing stations, where coffee beans are processed, in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and source more coffee from Rwanda and the DRC. By 2024 it is expected to be working with 17,000 farmers, a rise from 6,400 in 2019. This expectation is based on the belief that the business wont be exposed to any new forces of geopolitics and/or situations like that of the pandemic.
This is a small snapshot of how we are supporting agriculture in Africa. Looking ahead an estimated USD 600 billion is needed to transform food systems in the continent by 2030. This will take a coordinated approach from both the public and private sectors, including more funding for organisations like the CFC. This new funding will empower smallholders and SMEs to unleash the benefits of impact investing at a local level.


Woohoo! It’s blueberry season!!! Oh, happy day! Sidhu Farms has the first blueberries of the season today. Time to dress up your salads, your oatmeal, your muffins, your pies… time to freeze them so you can enjoy them all winter, too! But wait. There’s more! That’s right. If you act right now and go to Sidhu Farms to acquire fresh blueberries, you may be eligible to purchase some first-of-the-season blackberries, too!
And remember to bring your own bags today, and every Wednesday, as Seattle’s single-use plastic bag ban is now in effect. Also, please take note of our new composting and recycling waste receptacles around your Wallingford Farmers Market, and please make an effort to use them correctly. Each container has what’s okay to put in it pictured right on the lid. Please do not put the wrong materials in, because that drives up the cost of recycling and composting, and it can result in the entire container being sent instead to a landfill. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.
These beauties are beefsteak tomatoes on the vine in one of Alm Hill Gardens’s greenhouses up in Everson, Washington, just a few miles south of the Canadian border in Whatcom County. Clayton tells me they are harvesting lots of them right now, so we should have plenty for you at your Wallingford Farmers Market today. Still… I bet they’ll sell out fast, so don’t dillydally. Oh, hey! We'll also have another great cooking demonstration today at 4 p.m. by Chef Michelle Nguyen of Joule Restaurant. Joule will reopen later this summer on lower Stone Way. In the meantime, we can get a little refresher course on why we love Joule so when Michelle dazzles us with making simple, yet big, flavors explode out of great local ingredients.
Green beans are in! In fact, we may even have some yellow wax beans and romano beans today, too! Yessir. The gang over at Alvarez Organic Farms just started harvesting them last week. Think of the salads, the casseroles, them grilled next to some salmon. Imagine them sauteed with some lovely, smokey bacon from Skagit River Ranch or Olsen Farms. Heck, freeze some for winter, when you know you will really miss them.
Yes, I know I've blogged about Summer Run Farm's broccoli and cauliflower before, but this image of the two intermingling is so enticing, I just had to do it again. Besides, broccoli and cauliflower don't get much better than this! Of course, they've got lots of other great stuff, too, from favas to sugar snap peas to huge heads of lettuce and more!
Shunkyo radishes, like these beauties from One Leaf Farm, are my favorite radishes, and considering what a radish hound I am, that's saying something! Since radishes tend to live on the shoulders of our seasons, not liking it too hot or too cold, I live for the spring and fall radish crops. But once summer really kicks in, we'll be without them for a while. So enjoy them now, while you can!
Eggs. Eggs. Eggs. Eggs. In years past, we have not had a reliable source for eggs at your Wallingford Farmers Market. But this year, we do! Sky Valley Family Farm produces beautiful duck and chicken eggs, and lots of them. One more thing you don't have to get at the Big Box store anymore. We've got 'em, direct from the farm to you! No factory farms. Just happy chickens and delicious eggs!
Meet Andrew, Your Knife Sharpening Guy. It's both his name and his occupation! And he does it the old-fashioned way -- by hand with a sharpening stone. He will sharpen your knives, shovels, reel mowers, garden trowels and whatever else needs a nice, fresh edge on it. So bring them to your Wallingford Farmers Market today, drop them off with Andrew while you shop, and he'll have them ready when you are ready head home. And if it's too big to bring to market, he does make house calls, too!
Of course, this is just a highlighting of what you will find today. There is still plenty of other stuff just waiting for you at your Wallingford Farmers Market this week. For a full accounting of what you will find, check out What’s Fresh Now!


Organic farming stands as a beacon of sustainability in the agricultural landscape, with leaders spearheading a movement towards chemical-free, environmentally conscious practices. In this article, we shine a light on the champions of organic, regenerative farming and permaculture practices, exploring their commitment to sustainable agriculture, advocacy for organic practices, the challenges they face, and the broader impact they are making on the farming industry.
The Organic Farming Renaissance
Organic farming represents a holistic approach to agriculture that prioritizes soil health, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability. Leaders in this movement are not just farmers; they are visionaries committed to reshaping the agricultural paradigm. Their dedication to chemical-free, sustainable practices extends beyond their fields, influencing agricultural practices and consumer choices on a global scale.
The Soil Advocate, Gabe Brown
Gabe Brown, a North Dakota farmer, and author, is a vocal advocate for regenerative organic agriculture. His leadership has transformed his farm into a model of regenerative success. Brown emphasizes the importance of soil health, cover cropping, and diverse crop rotations to build resilience and enhance the ecosystem. His pioneering work has inspired farmers worldwide to adopt regenerative practices that go beyond organic certification.
The Urban Farming Visionary – Will Allen
Will Allen, the founder of Growing Power, is a trailblazer in urban agriculture. His leadership in promoting organic and sustainable farming practices has made a significant impact on food access in urban areas. Allen’s innovative use of vertical farming, aquaponics, and vermiculture has created a blueprint for sustainable, community-centered agriculture. His commitment to teaching and empowering communities has elevated the role of urban organic farming in the broader sustainable food movement.
Vandana Shiva – Seed Savior
Vandana Shiva, an environmental activist and founder of Navdanya, is a prominent advocate for organic farming and seed sovereignty. Her leadership focuses on preserving traditional seed varieties, promoting biodiversity, and resisting the encroachment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Shiva’s work emphasizes the interconnectedness of sustainable agriculture, social justice, and ecological resilience, making her a global leader in the fight for organic practices.
Advocacy for Organic Practices
Organic farming leaders advocate for a shift away from conventional, chemical-intensive agriculture towards practices that prioritize the health of the soil, water, and ecosystems. Their advocacy extends beyond individual farms, influencing policies, consumer choices, and the agricultural industry as a whole.
Promoting Soil Health: The Heart of Organic Farming
Leaders in organic farming emphasize the critical role of soil health in sustaining agriculture. Healthy soils teeming with beneficial microbes contribute to nutrient-rich crops and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. Advocates stress the importance of cover cropping, composting, and minimal soil disturbance to foster a thriving soil ecosystem.
Biodiversity as a Cornerstone
Organic farming leaders actively promote biodiversity by preserving traditional and heirloom crop varieties. This not only protects genetic diversity but also enhances resilience to pests and diseases. The advocacy for diverse crop rotations and intercropping practices is a key strategy to create dynamic, balanced ecosystems within organic farms.
A Call for Non-Toxic Alternatives
Leaders in organic farming challenge the conventional reliance on synthetic pesticides and herbicides. They advocate for integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, companion planting, and the use of natural predators to control pests. By avoiding toxic chemicals, organic farmers prioritize the health of consumers, farmworkers, and the environment.
Empowering Farmers and Preserving Heritage
Organic farming leaders actively oppose the dominance of corporate-controlled seed systems. They advocate for seed sovereignty, empowering farmers to save, exchange, and use traditional seeds. This resistance to genetically modified seeds ensure the preservation of diverse and resilient crop varieties.
Challenges Faced by Organic Farming Leaders
While the organic farming movement has made significant strides, leaders in this field face various challenges that require resilience, innovation, and advocacy to overcome.
Transitioning from Conventional to Organic: The Learning Curve
Many farmers face challenges when transitioning from conventional to organic practices. The adjustment period involves adapting to new techniques, understanding organic certification requirements, and navigating potential yield fluctuations. Organic farming leaders actively share their experiences and provide support to facilitate a smoother transition for others.
Market Access and Consumer Education: Bridging the Gap
Despite increasing demand for organic products, market access can be a challenge for organic farmers. Leaders in organic farming engage in consumer education, promoting the benefits of organic produce and dispelling myths about its affordability and accessibility. Building strong relationships with consumers and advocating for fair pricing structures contribute to the growth of the organic market.
Policy Advocacy: Navigating Regulatory Landscapes
Leaders in organic farming actively engage in policy advocacy to create supportive regulatory environments. They work towards policies that incentivize organic practices, address challenges in organic certification, and ensure fair competition in the agricultural marketplace. This advocacy is crucial for fostering a sustainable future for organic farming.
Climate Change Resilience: Adapting to Environmental Shifts
Climate change poses a significant threat to agriculture, and organic farming leaders actively address this challenge. They emphasize the role of organic practices in building climate-resilient farms, promoting water conservation, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The advocacy for agroecological approaches underscores the importance of organic farming in mitigating and adapting to climate change.
The Broader Impact on the Farming Industry
Leaders in organic farming are catalysts for broader changes within the farming industry. Their practices, advocacy, and innovations have a ripple effect, influencing conventional farmers, policymakers, and consumers.
Inspiring Conventional Farmers: A Shift Towards Sustainability
Organic farming leaders serve as inspirations for conventional farmers looking to adopt more sustainable practices. By showcasing the success and resilience of organic methods, these leaders contribute to a broader shift towards sustainable and regenerative agriculture.
Setting Industry Standards: Elevating Organic Certification
Leaders in organic farming play a crucial role in setting industry standards for organic certification. Their commitment to transparency, soil health, and biodiversity influences the criteria for certification, ensuring that organic practices align with the core principles of sustainability.
Educating Policymakers: Influencing Agricultural Policies
The advocacy efforts of organic farming leaders extend to policymakers, influencing the development of agricultural policies. By providing evidence of the benefits of organic practices and addressing the challenges faced by organic farmers, these leaders contribute to the formulation of policies that support sustainable agriculture.
Meeting Consumer Demand: Shaping Market Trends
The commitment of organic farming leaders to sustainable practices aligns with the increasing consumer demand for ethically produced, environmentally friendly products. Their influence on market trends contributes to a growing awareness of the importance of choosing organic options, ultimately shaping the direction of the farming industry.
Leaders in organic farming are at the forefront of a movement that transcends the boundaries of individual farms. Their commitment to sustainable, chemical-free practices has a transformative impact on the agricultural landscape, inspiring change at the grassroots level and influencing industry standards. As these leaders navigate challenges, advocate for organic practices, and contribute to the broader sustainability conversation, they play a pivotal role in growing a future where farming is not just a practice but a regenerative force for the planet. The seeds they plant today are sowing the path towards a more resilient, sustainable, and organic future for agriculture.


I live in Copenhagen, but the garden is located by our holiday home, 1h45m outside the city by public transport.
We have 1250 square meters of land, bordered by free-growing hedges with interspersed trees on three sides and a small stream at the back of the house. At present the garden is mainly lawn, surrounded by a few borders, but I plan to expand the borders and reduce the lawn while also making room for a small vegetable garden.
I have very little gardening experience, but I grew up in a house with a garden and I seem to have picked up a bit of knowledge through my childhood, so it doesn’t seem to be entirely new territory.
Many of the plants in our garden were there when we bought the summer house, but we have added a few ourselves, both purchased plants and plants inherited from my parents, my grandmother and my husband’s grandparents’ allotment.


Be Taught Exactly How We Made Natural Supplement Last Month
While gravel does not add nutrients to the soil, it does help to manage moisture ranges and impede evaporation. The tightly packed particles keep water from exiting the soil, which will be problematic for some types of plants. It's made from wooden chips, tree bark, leaves, yard waste and lots of different kinds of natural materials. Most topsoil blends contain between 2 and 10 p.c natural supplies, making them very nutrient-dense. Organic supplies like mulch or compost may be added in with the sand to keep moisture and nutrients in place. Compost will improve plant growth in nearly any kind of backyard. She is going to open and close her fists, and her transparent pores and skin will acquire several layers. It's not possible to fully avoid air and water pollution, however by following these simple steps, you can cut back the harm pollution causes to your pores and skin. When working or cleaning, wear gloves to guard your pores and skin and nails from harm -- use vinyl gloves for wet work and cotton for dry work.
Dry clay is pretty easy and smooth, while wet clay is heavy and arduous to work with. So that you wouldn't need to operate heavy equipment or drive an automobile whereas underneath the influence of that remedy. A superb source of potassium citrate, tomatoes will help to lower your blood stress while they're protecting your bones. The diet focuses on protein and avoids carbohydrates, particularly these with a excessive glycemic index (foods that elevate blood sugar levels the most). Additionally, just as sightseers and ecotourists hunt down pure wonders and wonder, so too do agritourists hunt down a chance to discover where some of their favourite foods come from or see individuals residing off the land. A very powerful issue to good heath is a nutrient wealthy weight loss program which consists of as few processed foods as potential, nevertheless deficiencies should still happen. In unfastened, sandy soils, compost helps to bind the soil collectively to retain moisture and nutrient ranges. Compost is generally kept in out of doors bins, the place it's given time to decompose before being applied to the backyard. In keeping with the Smithsonian Institute, "at any given time there are some 10 quintillion (10,000,000,000,000,000,000) individual insects alive." Recent estimates suggest there are more than 200 million insects for each particular person on the Earth.
There are customized-made devices like the AquaJogger that strap around your waist. While there are more PHEVs set to go on the market than ever earlier than, Fisker has added just a few twists to differentiate the Karma. Henrik Fisker imagined this stuff, and then determined to make his dream a actuality -- the Fisker Karma. This lack of air space and high level of compaction make clay the heaviest and densest kind of soil. While silt is usually chosen for its capability to be easily compacted, this tight compaction can even result in problems with drainage. The sand content material keeps the loam open so air, moisture and sunlight can attain the plants, whereas the clay and silt content material slows down drainage and evaporation, holding water and nutrients in place. This may permit excess moisture to circulate down under the root ranges, which may keep plants rising efficiently. High levels of progesterone, for instance, lead to clean-muscle relaxation, slowing down the digestive course of. Hydroponics, or soil-much less gardening, is the strategy of rising plants in water moderately than soil.
Mulch helps keep the surface of the soil porous, allowing water and air to achieve the roots of the plants. 4) It helps enhance your body’s absorption of iron. Difficulties with the digestive tract might be improved fairly a bit do you have to slowly enhance your intake of high quality nutrients. While loamy soils can vary balance of nature their specific makeup, they're normally easy to carry into stability by utilizing easy additives. The topsoil can present very important nutrients, steadiness pH ranges and help management moisture and evaporation charges. Because they're so tremendous, the particles in silt will be compacted very simply, which helps hold moisture and nutrients in place for long intervals. This loose soil base tends to allow moisture to drain rapidly. While silt holds water effectively for lengthy durations, it could actually generally be tough for air and water to enter the soil to access the roots. To remedy this, at all times mix in your topsoil with the existing dirt in order that water can move freely between the two., requires no soil in any respect. At that scale, we can manipulate particular person molecules.


Offering only the best to you!
You can count on Martin's to bring you the very best produce every day of the year. Whether it's from the local fields and farms of the Midwest, or specially chosen specialties from around the world, your Produce purchases are guaranteed 200%.
When you see an item marked with the Buy Fresh Buy Local mark, you know it comes from fields or farms in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Kentucky. We're proud to feature the bounty of our local suppliers.
When your kids join free Martin's Kids Club, they'll get a free featured produce item chosen just for them, every month! Plus, the Kids Club will announce free local events and activities with them in mind. Check the details here. Cashiers at any Martin's checkout can quickly get you Kids Club Cards.


wine starts in the vineyard. It is here that the flavour,
colour and tannins are produced. Although winemaking input
can modify these characters the major influence is the season.
Weather plays a huge part in the flavour outcomes of the grapes.
It's all about the complex interactions of elements such as
sunlight, temperature, soil moisture, nutrients and canopy
management. With all this in mind we strive to produce the
best possible grapes because you can't make good wine from
fruit for Hawkers Gate wines is obtained from two different
sources within McLaren Vale: The Hastwell & Lightfoot
vineyards are on sandy soil with low nutrients, which is actually
a benefit as it allows good control over the amount of water
and nutrients the vines receive. The vines were planted between
1988 and 1994 and are trained to a two-wire sprawl system.
Hawkers Gate sources both Shiraz and Chardonnay from here.
Hawkers Gate also has a management contract on the Ashcroft
vineyard on the flats between McLaren Vale and Willunga. Here,
the vineyard was planted to Shiraz on own roots in 1999. The
vines were originally trained to a modified Smart-Dyson trellis
system; however the vines are now trained to something resembling
the halfway point between Smart-Dyson and a single-wire sprawl.
This is to achieve the right balance of exposure and protection
of the fruit. The soil ranges from a light brown sandy loam
to black clay, with each soil type contributing its own characters
to the complexity of the wine.
Hawkers Gate we have just planted a trial block of Saperavi,
which from others' accounts has the potential to make great
varietal red wines in the spirit of Shiraz. It will be a
few years before a wine is ready however. As far as we're
aware there is only one other planting of this variety in
McLaren Vale, so it will be very interesting to see just
how the variety grows in this climate.
Plans are to plant a total of three to four acres of vines
on the Hawkers Gate estate. This property has deep, well-drained
sandy soil, which makes for good wine quality potential.


Mostly grown for its seeds, fiber, or core (part of the stem), today hemp is opening up to new textile applications. Learn about the secrets of European hemp, from its agriculture background and history to new developments.
Hemp is grown in Europe, the world's second largest producer (France number 1), after China. Its bast fibers are used in paper products or the textile industry, and its core is prized in building construction. A superfood, its seeds are also popular as an ingredient beauty products.
Also known as hemp or cultivated hemp, Cannabis Sativa is an herbaceous perennial plant of the Cannabinaceae family, which also includes hops. Originating in Asia, it is one of the earliest domesticated plants in the world. It is characterized by large stems, leaves separated into long, toothed leaflets, and very rapid growth: plants reach maturity within three months on average. In the bast fiber family, hemp contains over 75% cellulose and 10-12% lignin (compared with 60% and 30% respectively for wood). Selected for its low THC* content (<0.3%), Cannabis sativa is the species grown in Europe for industrial hemp.
Currently, the Alliance for European Flax-linen & Hemp is working on organizing the hemp sector, which has often directed its growth towards non-textile segments, in order to develop an additional offer of plant fiber. Historically, the Alliance has focused mainly on the technical applications (e.g., composites) of the natural fibers of Cannabis sativa.
Hemp is subject to drastic French and European regulations (harmonized since 2004). These only allow varieties in the European Union that contain less than 0.3% THC. Seeds used for cultivation must therefore be certified and listed in the European catalogue. Each bag of seeds thus bears an official label from the SOC (official control service). Each year, in August, the THC level is checked in 30% of cultivated areas via samples sent to the laboratory.
Also known as Indian hemp or marijuana, Cannabis indica is a subspecies of Cannabis sativa. Originally from the Himalayas, it is a shorter plant with wider leaves, and an even shorter flowering phase (45-65 days). It is also different from sativa because of higher THC* content, placing it outside regulatory framework. In France, its cultivation and “recreational” use are illegal.
*THC : tetrahydrocannabinol, a psychoactive substance.
From the seed (hempseed) to the stalk (core) by way of the fiber and flower, everything in the hemp plant has its use! It is no wonder that this Swiss knife of plants is so popular in food, cosmetics, textiles, paper products, and construction.
This is the name given to the seeds produced by hemp. Known for its exceptional nutritional qualities, this superfood is consumed at the table in the form of whole or shelled seeds, flour, oil, or food items (hemp does not contain any known allergens). The cosmetics industry is also interested in hemp oil for its hydrating properties. As for aviaries and fisheries, they are also large consumers of hempseed: it is a favorite food of birds and fish alike!
For centuries, it has traditionally been used in ropemaking and to produce special paper, but also in textiles, in which it is currently experiencing a resurgence. Hemp fiber is also used in insulating wool and composite materials, such as bio-based plastics.
This is the central part of the stalk, the woody part of the plant. It is used as garden straw and in animal litter. It is also becoming increasingly popular in construction (lightweight particle boards, hempcrete, etc.) thanks to its ability to insulate, as well as its temperature and energy performance.
This powder (or dust), which occurs during decortication, is made up of fiber particles, the core, or mineral substances. It is normally used as a source of (green) energy, especially in compressed form as granules or bricks, but also as compost in the manufacture of compost.
Since December 29, 2022, the Council of State has allowed the sale of flowers and raw hemp leaves with maximum THC content of 0.3%. This cannabidiol has no psychoactive effects and is mostly used as a pain reliever for medicinal purposes and to improve well-being.
*barring exceptional circumstances
From seed to stalk, flower, and debris (dust), nothing is lost, and everything is processed in the production of hemp fibers.
A spring crop, hemp fits well in a rotation with fall crops. Generous, he leaves a land of excellent quality to his potential successors.
Cannabis sativa, cultivated within the framework of European legislation, is guaranteed to be GMO-free.
Mainly mechanical processes
The process of transforming straw into fiber is entirely mechanical. It therefore does not require any chemicals.
source : Terres Inovia Institut Agricole
Ever since the Neolithic, humans have used this rustic, beneficial plant to advance civilization. A journey through the history of hemp takes us to the earliest paper and medicinal texts, sea exploration, and the green revolution.


Composting Services & Food Decomposition
Composting of Organic Waste
Composting is the natural process of decomposition and recycling of organic material into a soil amendment known as compost, which is a dark, humus-rich, crumbly, earthy-smelling mixture. Compost can be made from materials that most households throw out and composting biodegradable items is one of the easiest, most effective first steps your business or household can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. And, it turns what would be “garbage” into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be used to restore farmland and promote sustainable agriculture.
The composting process occurs naturally and is a critical component of soil health. When plants and animals die, bacteria immediately begin the work of decomposition. Once the decay process is completed, what's left is compost. The living organisms involved in the decay process thrive in an environment of the right combination of air, water, nitrogen, and carbon. The better these conditions are, the faster the composting process happens.
Composting Benefits For Your Company
According to statistics, a typical restaurant and commercial kitchen waste stream consists of 65 percent compostable organic material, 30 percent recyclables such as cardboard, glass, tin and aluminum cans and 5 percent garbage, which is potentially destined for landfills or incinerators. Reducing, reusing, recycling are therefore critical to helping to divert organic materials away from landfills and/or incinerators, consequently helping to protect human health and our precious land, air and water resources. By utilizing Suburban Carting's composting service, your company will benefit by:
- Significantly reducing your hauling costs by reducing waste services frequency
- Food waste no longer has to be maintained on your premises
- Sanitation, safety, and work flow conditions are streamlined
- Trash and recycling containers stay cleaner and dock stations remain dryer
- Reduces odors on site
- Knowing that you are actively contributing to the preservation of the environment, taking pride in being an organization to which environmental stewardship is pursued in a tangible, genuine way and by helping to create an environmentally sound future for the generations to come.
Composting of organic materials from the solid waste stream not only provides a valuable benefit to nutrient deficient soil, but also reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or incinerators. Composting organic matter also increases the amount of beneficial soil organisms such as worms and centipedes, suppresses certain plant diseases, reduces the need for fertilizers and pesticides, prevents soil erosion and nutrient run-off and assists in land reclamation projects. Composting also reduces pollutants, saves energy, conserves resources and reduces the need for new disposal facilities.
What Can be Composted?
To facilitate the processing of organic waste, Suburban Carting is using the newest technology available – the GOHBio 1001 Series Organic Waste Decomposition Machine. The GOHBio 1001 uses a highly refined formula of microorganisms to breakdown organic waste into a liquid which can be safely disposed down the drain, completely eliminating the waste, and ultimately allowing the effluent to return to the ecosystem as water. Within 24 hours the GOHBio 1001 will safely and quickly decompose virtually all organic food waste including: meat, poultry, fish, fruit, vegetables, rice, pasta, bread, noodles, grains, eggshells, and dairy products.
Suburban Carting also works with New Milford Farms in New Milford, CT to turn your organic waste into usable compost products for residential and commercial use.
You can follow the path of the organic matter from collection to composting to final packaging below:
Municipal Composting Services in Westchester and Putnam Counties
Composting benefits your community because:
- Leaves take up too much space in landfills-many communities now ban leaves from landfills.
- Many householders do not have the time or space to compost large quantities of organic waste, such as fallen leaves.
- Composting is environmentally safer — leaves in landfills generate dangerous greenhouse gases; burning leaves creates smoke pollution and is unlawful in many communities.
- Some communities will accept leaves and other yard wastes for community compost heaps. Finished compost is usually available free to residents. Find out what's happening in your area. If no program exists, urge your community leaders to put one in place.
For your community . . .
- Composting could remove more than 15 percent from the solid waste stream, if everyone participated.
- Many communities now ban leaves from landfills forcing residents to find other alternatives. Some communities have started composting programs.
- Composting recycles nutrients by returning them to the soil.
For more information, click on the link New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
What can be composted?
Simply put, if something can be eaten or grown in a field or garden (or your pet can eat it), it can be composted. Among the items that can be composted are:
- Coffee Grounds and Filters
- Dairy products
- Floral Trimmings
- House Plants
- Meats and Poultry
- Paper Plates
- Pet Foods
- Potting Soil and Soil Amendments
- Seafood (no entrails)
- Tea Bags
- Unbleached Paper Napkins
What cannot be composted?
- All plastic bags
- All types of metal, including aluminum foil
- Any other types of non-compostable packaging
- Electronics, glass, aluminum cans or containers, plastic bottles
- Magazines or advertising materials printed on coated stock (slick) paper, like newspaper inserts
- Personal health care products, including pharmaceuticals
- Plastic flowers, pots and packaging
- Rocks and stone
- Styrofoam products
Since landfills are the largest human-related source of methane gas in the United States, accounting for a third of all methane emissions, diverting organic materials away from them through recovery and recycling efforts like composting can help considerably to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The organic material from your site goes to an industrial composting services facility, where giant compost piles can reach temperatures of up to 150 degrees, facilitating the breakdown of the waste. This process also destroys pathogens, making it safe to compost paper towels, tissues and raw meat. Within four months, this waste can be returned to the earth to feed plants or improve degraded land.
Suburban Cartings Offers Affordable Composting Services
If you are interested in composting and require our services, call Suburban Carting at (914) 698-4300 or visit our contact page.


Rice is the predominant source of nourishment each day for more than 1.6 billion people around the world, from Asia to Latin America to Africa. First domesticated in India and Southeast Asia, people have been growing it for thousands of years. Research shows that Japan first began consuming rice around 100 BC. During Portuguese trade expeditions, it was brought to South America. Rice requires a warm, humid climate for survival and flourishes in floodplains. China, Indonesia, and India are the biggest cultivators. Today, rice makes up 16.5% of global caloric intake
Among the most famous varieties grown in Pakistan include the Basmati, known for its flavor and quality. Pakistan is a major producer of this variety.
For export Basmati & IRRI 6 are exported. Basmati being the Queen of rice. IRRI 6 is widely exported due to price playing a key factor.
IRRI-6 is a non-basmati but white long grain rice but is shorter in length and width comparing to IRRI 9 Rice. This variety is cultivated in Sindh and Punjab provinces of Pakistan. IRRI-6 Rice Varity is exported to Africa, Eastern Europe and Middle East and is non-aromatic rice.
A Thirty-Year Relationship That Builds Trust and Value For Our Customers.
Having a 30-plus-year relationship pays huge dividends in the commodity business and especially in Rice. Knowing the same Rice milling family in Pakistan for decades, builds enormous trust, that you just can’t buy !
We recently sent one of our directors to visit with the mill to break bread and further our relationship of more than 30 years. Not only will we have SGS Certification inspection certificates, but we also do our own factory visits when required.
A few facts for you:
In 2020 Pakistan exported $2.1 billion of rice. Making them the third largest exporter after India & Thailand. Believe it or not a lot of this was sold to China, who is the worlds number one grower & consumer. In perspective China consumes 149 Million tons as of 2020.
Pakistan produces 7.5 million + – tons annually and is ranked the 10th largest producer in 2019
Rice is the second most consumed food globally.
If you are considering, purchasing rice, then please let us have your firm enquiry, all matters are held in the strictest confidence.


The Fruit of the Root
In our industry, rootstock is used to establish superior orchards. The process involves planting rootstock suited to the orchard’s site, soil conditions, and disease pressure. Once the rootstock is established, the scion of the desired cultivar may be grafted onto the rootstock. In the global citrus industry, for example, sour orange rootstock has been used to produce many kinds of citrus – from grapefruit in Texas to oranges in Florida.
Roots are the system of the plants that hold the plant stable, properly access the moisture and nutrients from the soil to feed the plants, trees and or vines that produce the fruit or nuts. Therefore the health of the fruit and life of the plants entire structure has everything to do with the health and structure of the root system. Good rootstock helps ensure a tree will bear fruit for its expected, normal lifetime; the choice of rootstock mismatched to the orchard site, climate or variety can result in the tree bearing less fruit than desired.
It is easy to make a comparison between the need for right rootstock and the contrast between short-lived companies and those with longevity (multi generational profitability) in our industry. The health and life of a company begins with its roots. What was the passion of the founder? What did he create? Where did he gain his competency? How has the passion and vision been passed on to the generation to follow? Most of us, outside the companies, see the fruit of the root.
Like the scion grafted onto rootstock, an organization’s infrastructure is built upon the company’s roots. Organizational infrastructure must be sound and carefully constructed so that, once sales gain considerable traction, there is not failure to deliver quality products. This is the fruits of our labor.
So how can you evaluate if you are doing a good job building on your company’s roots? What does fruit look like? What differentiates healthy fruit or unhealthy fruit?
1. Healthy means giving the customer what they are looking for. Be a good listener.
2. Healthy means good arrivals not only to distribution facilities but to the restaurant unit or retail grocery store. You should be proud to see the condition of your product if you are the consumer in their units.
3. Healthy is a pleasurable eating experience enjoyed at consumer level.
4. Healthy is loyal customers and repetitive business because they appreciate what you have to offer and want to repeat their experience.
5. Healthy is controlled growth so that cash flow is properly maintained. Financial stability is required to maintain excellent payable practices. This requires timely invoicing and collecting within payment terms.
6. Healthy is when the business makes it all about the product and customer and not about egos.
7. Healthy is when people are your greatest asset. People and relationships with employees, vendors, and customers are all equally valuable.
Companies, even those with the best roots, have to monitor issues like these to make sure the fruit of the root results in long-term profitability.
What makes this an imperfect
illustration is this: even the best rootstock can become susceptible to forces outside its control. As I write this, Florida’s citrus industry continues to face disease pressure affecting much of the rootstock historically preferred there. Citrus growers there are making hard decisions about what to do with those
As in any business, those businesses able to
adjust and adapt – perhaps even establishing new roots suited to the changing environment – will continue to be successful in the long run. And it all goes back to making sure the roots are staying healthy and resistant in
a changing environment.
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Monday - Friday
6AM - 3PM
6AM - 12PM
*ROAD SALT & SAND
AVAILABLE 24 HOURS
|Fertilizers/Grass Seed|| |
J & J Landscape Supply offers a complete line of fertilizers and grass seeds from the best manufacturers in the business. We carry premixed grass seeds but can also provide you with a custom seeds blended to your specifications. Delivery is available and we offer bag and palette pricing.
OFFERING BAG AND PALETTE PRICING. CALL FOR DETAILS.
DELIVERY IS AVAILABLE -
WE WORK WITH YOUR SCHEDULE - EARLY MORNING DELIVERY
CAN BE ARRANGED.
CALL TO SCHEDULE.
The following table details the J & J 5 Step Lawn Program, perfectly tailored to the needs of the New England growing season. Don't see what you need below? Additional herbicides and fertilizers are available on request. Give us a call and we will get you what you need!
|Step||Application Timeframe||Product Composition||Coverage per 50lb bag |
|1||April 15 - May 15 ||18-0-5 25% MESA Dim..09% fertilizer with crabgrass control. View Label ||12,000 sq ft|
|2 ||May - June||19-0-7 Confront. fertilizer and broad leaf weed control. View Label||12,000 sq ft|
|3||Mid June - Early August||21-0-4 50% SCU Grubout .2% fertilizer and grub control||14,000 sq ft|
|4||End of August - Mid September||20-0-5 30%XCU 3%FE straight fertilizer. View Label||10,000 sq ft|
|5||October - November||12-24-10 25%XCU winterizer/starter fertilizer. View Label||12,000 sq ft|
Solu-Cal treated calcitic lime
Pure, ultra fine ground pelletized calcium carbonate (38%) is impregnated with PHCA, a proprietary organic acid. When applied, PHCA reacts with the insoluble calcium both in the soil & on the particle & Converts it into Solucal, making the calcium immediately available for plant uptake & pH adjustment.
Total Calcium (Ca)----------------------------38%
Total Magnesium (Mg)------------------------.4%
Calcium Carbonate Equilavent (CCE)-----91%
Corrective Applications: Apply 12lbs. per/1000 sq. ft. or 500 lbs. per acre
Maintenance Applications: Apply 5 lbs. per/1000 sq. ft. or 220 lbs. per acre
|4,000 sq ft|
Other Fertilizer Products
|Starter Fertilizer||Newly seeded lawns. Ensures a proper foundation and provides both weed control and nutrients for optimum turfgrass growth.||View Label|
|Preemergent Herbicide||All lawns. Prevents the germinating weeds from |
establishing in the lawn.
|Landscapers Green Supreme||25% Exacta Perennial Ryegrass|
25% Kentucky Bluegrass
25% Pathfinder Creeping Red Fescue
25% Affirmed Perennial Ryegrass
|Quick establishing formula sun & shade|
30% Charismatic Perennial Ryegrass
25% Exacta Perennial Ryegrass
20% Pathfinder Creeping Red Fescue
15% Champagne Kentucky Bluegrass
10% Ambassador Chewings Fescue
30% Sonoma Kentucky Bluegrass
25% Charismatic II GLSR
25% Exacta II GLSR
20% Bordeux Kentucky Bluegrass
|Athletic Turf and Home Lawns|
Other Seed Products
Seed Aide combines cellulose & wood fiber mulch, organic tackifier and bio-stimulant for superior turf establishment. Apply Seed Aide by hand, with a high-volume drop spreader or with a large-opening broadcast spreader. Tests prove that its granular properties and texture result in greater water absorption and soil coverage than competing brands.
- Organic tackifier reduces soil erosion, water runoff and seed washout.
- Bio-stimulant increases root mass and stress tolerance for better grass establishment.
- Ideal for small area repairs or as a leave behind for touch up work on larger, hydraulic mulch projects
Professional Turf and Lawn Car Products
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company


It takes quality ingredients to create quality food. That’s why we source from purveyors we know and trust. We are transparent about the origin of everything on our menu and work with suppliers who share our commitment to growing a sustainable food system.
100% Grass-Fed Beef
We source 100% grass-fed beef from 4K Ranch, which raises cattle on green, open pastures in Montana. The cows live their entire lives grazing on grasslands, free of stress, focusing just on being cows. Natural grazing promotes soil and water conservation and reduces pollution. A grass-grazing diet creates more flavorful meat that is high in Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E and lower in saturated fat and calories than conventionally raised beef. No hormones or antibiotics are ever given.
Diestel Family Turkey Ranch raises all-natural turkeys that live holistically and enrich their surrounding ecology. The turkeys get plenty of fresh air and are free to roam and peck both indoors and outdoors. Each bird is allowed to grow slowly (almost twice as long as conventional birds) which means that they can develop premium texture and flavor naturally. Turkeys are fed a premium diet and never given animal by-products, antibiotics or hormones.
Elk & Wild Boar
Durham Ranch knows what it takes to raise quality animals sustainably. That is why we partner with them on a seasonal basis to supply us with elk and wild boar. Elk graze on lush, nutrient-rich pastureland and Wild boar feed on acorns and brush. These diets enhance the leanness and sweet, nutty, robust flavor of the meat. No vitamin supplements, growth promoters or antibiotics are given.
Colorado’s Great Range all-natural bison is raised sustainably on lush pastures in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The animals are not domesticated and spend their entire lives grazing on pesticide-free grasslands, creating nutrient-dense meat which is naturally lean and robust in flavor. Amino acids are the building blocks for protein, and bison delivers essential amino acids that our bodies need. The animals are never given antibiotics, chemicals or hormones.
Since 1978, Pacific Coast Baking Company has been creating outstanding artisan bakery products. Led by "Wild Bill", the bakery produces fresh bread from scratch every day.
We source organic dairy from Straus Family Creamery, a pioneering family farm committed to sustainable, environmentally forward practices. All dairy cows are milked morning and afternoon, and spend the rest of the day out on pasture. The cows are fed a balanced, vegetarian diet consisting of fresh pasture grasses, silage and hay, as well as feeds that are 100% certified organic and Verified Non-GMO. The animals are never treated with hormones or antibiotics.
Fair Trade Coffee
Born in Portland, Oregon, Stumptown Coffee Roasters has been at the forefront of the “third wave” of coffee, in which cultivation, roasting and brewing dominate. Recognized for its sustainable, fair-trade ethos along with its bracing beans, Stumptown works to improve coffee by offering incentives to farmers for growing better, cleaner crops.


U.N. Assistant Secretary-General Ahunna Eziakonwa says inflation and trade disruption have put countries in a “very precarious situation.”
This is particularly true for most African countries.
In 2021, for example, Kenya imported almost 30 percent of its wheat from Russia and Ukraine. A supply disruption would affect the production of bread in Kenya, which Eziakonwa noted is the third most consumed food item in that country.
Cameroon imported 44 percent of its fertilizers from Russia in 2021.
Why should you care?
Read Ashish Kumar Sen’s post on usip.org


Bitter cherries, tree-ripened cherries, pie cherries, and extra are prepared for the choosing, however don’t wait—the season for cherry choosing in NJ is fast. Opening day for cherries sometimes begins in mid-June, and it may possibly final briefly in some places (whilst brief as every week), so when you’re trying to choose your individual, now could be the time to make a plan. And when you miss the cherries, don’t fear—there are extra PYO fruits and veggies all summer season (try our information to Choose Your Personal Farms in New Jersey and natural U-pick Farms for information). Able to cherry choose these delectable fruits? Listed below are the perfect places for cherry choosing in NJ. (featured photograph credit score: istock/Yana Tatevosian)
9 Locations for Cherry Selecting in NJ:
Wednesdays-Mondays (closed Tuesdays)
Choose your individual bitter cherries together with strawberries, peaches, and nectarines through the summer season. Preserve updated on choosing occasions by following the Battleview Orchards Fb web page.
91 Wemrock Highway, Freehold, NJ 07728
Fruitwood Orchards Honey Farm
Name for up-to-date choosing data
You’ll be able to choose your individual tree-ripened cherries right here but additionally search for PYO strawberries and native honey.
419 Elk Highway, Monroeville, NJ 08343
Chesterfield Natural Orchards-Chesterfield
Verify their Fb web page for hours
Choose your individual cherries can be found in early summer season together with choose your individual raspberries, blackberries, snap peas, currant, grape, and plum tomatoes, flowers, snap beans, edamame soybeans, okra, sizzling peppers, herbs, and tomatillos.
258 Crosswicks-Ellisdale Highway, Chesterfield, NJ 08515
Chesterfield Natural Orchards– Pennington
Verify their Fb web page for hours
You’ll discover the identical PYO because the Chesterfield location, which incorporates cherries in addition to raspberries, blackberries, snap peas, currant, grape, plum tomatoes, flowers, soybeans, okra, sizzling peppers, herbs, and tomatillos.
8 Elm Ridge Highway, Pennington, NJ 08534
Lee Turkey Farm
Mondays-Sundays, Cherry season is anticipated to start in June. Observe them on their Fb web page for extra updates.
Lee Turkey Farm affords delectable cherries for selecting in June. However don’t fear when you miss it—there are strawberries, broccoli, watermelon, cantaloupe, candy corn, and loads of different vegetables and fruit so that you can choose all through the summer season season.
201 Hickory Nook Highway, East Windsor, NJ, 08520
Temper’s Farm Market
June via September, name forward for precise dates and occasions
You’ll be able to choose your individual candy cherries and pie cherries at this farm. Blueberries, pears, white seedless grades, apples, and extra are additionally accessible to choose all year long.
901 Bridgeton Pike Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Verify the Fb web page for updates
In just a few weeks, the primary orchard could have Candy Crimson cherries, Yellow/Crimson Blush Rainiers, and Bitter Pie cherries so that you can choose. And don’t miss their selfmade cherry pies accessible on the farm retailer.
295 Greentree Highway, Glassboro, NJ 08028
Saturday and Sunday begin in June
Candy and bitter cherries can be found to be picked in June and July. Stoneyfield additionally affords pick-your-own strawberries, peaches, plums, apples, and pears.
5 Orchard Avenue, Belvedere, NJ 07823
Verify the web site for selecting updates
Choose your individual candy cherries in mid-June and tart cherries in late June. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, apples, greens, flowers, and extra are additionally accessible.
330 Chilly Soil Highway, Princeton, NJ 08540
Do you intend to go cherry choosing in NJ? We’d love to listen to all about your expertise!
Turn into an NJMOM Insider! For all the perfect issues to do with your loved ones round New Jersey, you should definitely join our weekly publication delivered proper to your inbox every week, and don’t overlook to tag your photographs #NJMOM and @njmom for an opportunity to be featured on our social media.


Choosing the Right Grass
One of the first steps in achieving a healthy and green lawn in Texas is choosing the right type of grass. With the hot and dry climate in many parts of the state, it is essential to select grass varieties that are drought-tolerant and well-suited for the local soil conditions. Some popular warm-season grass options for Texas lawns include Bermuda grass, St. Augustine grass, and Zoysia grass. Looking for a more comprehensive understanding of the topic? Check out this carefully selected external resource. Explore this detailed study, dive deeper into the subject matter!
Proper Watering Techniques
Watering your lawn correctly is crucial for its overall health. In Texas, it is recommended to water your lawn deeply but infrequently. This promotes deep root growth and makes the grass more resilient to drought conditions. A good rule of thumb is to water your lawn early in the morning to reduce water loss due to evaporation, and to avoid watering during the hottest parts of the day.
Fertilization and Soil Health
Regular fertilization is important for maintaining a healthy and green Texas lawn. Before applying any fertilizers, it is advisable to conduct a soil test to determine the specific nutrient needs of your lawn. This will help you select the right type of fertilizer and ensure that your lawn gets the nutrients it requires. Additionally, aerating the soil can help improve its health by increasing oxygen flow and allowing nutrients to reach the grassroots more effectively.
Proper Lawn Mowing
Many homeowners overlook the importance of proper mowing techniques when it comes to lawn care. In Texas, it is recommended to mow your grass slightly higher than in other regions, as this provides shade to the soil and helps it retain moisture. Additionally, keeping the mower blade sharp and mowing when the grass is dry can help prevent tearing and damage to the grass blades.
Weed and Pest Control
Keeping weeds and pests at bay is essential for maintaining the health and vibrancy of your Texas lawn. Regularly inspect your lawn for weeds and apply pre-emergent herbicides as needed to prevent their growth. For pest control, consider using eco-friendly and organic options that are safe for children and pets. Additionally, promoting a healthy lawn through proper watering, fertilization, and mowing practices can help reduce the risk of pest infestations.
Overall, maintaining a healthy and green lawn in Texas requires a combination of proper grass selection, watering techniques, fertilization, mowing practices, and pest control. By following these tips and staying attentive to the specific needs of your lawn, you can enjoy a lush and vibrant outdoor space that enhances the beauty of your home and provides a welcoming environment for your family and guests. Should you wish to learn more about the topic discussed, Texas Lawncare Maintenance https://alltexaslawns.com, explore the thoughtfully chosen external material to supplement your study and broaden your understanding of the subject.
For more information, check out the related posts we suggest to supplement your research:


Southeast Soils in Sumter County, Florida may be a relatively new business, but their expertise is rooted in years of experience, technology, and research. As a result, the compost and soil amendments they produce are highly desired not only for their nutrient value but their ability to ultimately reduce costs. “Compost and soil are not often thought of as a cost reduction variable, but we have helped numerous customers improve their operations and increase profitability by using our product,” explained co-owner and vice president of operations Matt Biegler.
With more than 26 years in the industry, Biegler cut his teeth making potting soil, landscape soil, and compost for a major soil company; but the bureaucracy and politics of big business eventually drove him out. After a few years with another compost operation, Biegler and his partner left to start Southeast Soils. With its close proximity to Orange County, and all the economic development and activity that comes with it, their access to quality organic feedstock and the density of agricultural growers to sell to, Southeast Soils had tremendous momentum right from the start.
“We bring in clean feedstock: green waste and clean wood waste, as well as class B biosolids,” Biegler shared. “We then turn that material into an AA classification that can be applied in any application. Our core business is derived from a combination of these composted biosolids, clean wood waste and horse bedding, which we transform into an enriched soil that provides huge protective benefits to citrus farmers.” Studies have been conducted through the University of Florida to help identify means through which citrus disease can be prevented. What has been discovered is that with so much farming across the state, the native soils have become weakened and much more susceptible to disease. “The enriched soil we produce contains a very high concentration of beneficial bacteria that helps replenish soils,” continued Biegler. “So the most immediate benefit is that a watermelon farmer, for example, can apply our product to his fields and can continue to grow produce year-round, instead of having to wait 3-4 years for the soil to become naturally rejuvenated.”
Of course, watermelon growers (and the rest of the commercial agriculture industry in Florida) are hardly the only beneficiaries of their product. Southeast Soils also works closely with landscapers, sod farmers and the horticulture industry as well. “For the hort guys, our product allows them to reduce the amount of synthetic fertilizers they use, which reduces their cost and helps them create a better product to sell. They’re struggling with costs all the time — aside from labor, soil is their highest expense, so we’re really able to help them with that.”
The ‘secret’ to Southeast Soils’ advanced product performance is a derivative of the process they use to cure their compost, and the bacterial catalysts they add at the beginning. “About six years ago I became aware of the Harvest Quest technology, and flew out to Colorado to tour an operation there that had been working closely with them in research and development,” said Biegler. “Harvest Quest provides a formulation of bacteria that is added to the windrow when they are first formed; within hours it spreads across the entire row from just one single application point. Literally! And our windrows are about 750 long; the microbial activity is really quite amazing.”
The resulting kick start raises the windrow temperature to near 140° in less than 72 hours without turning. “By employing Harvest Quest’s MSAP [modified static aerobic pile] method, the bacterial pulls air from the outside in and colonized the entire windrow almost immediately,” Biegler detailed. “Their presence is what provides huge benefits which helps fruit growth — a big deal down here in Florida especially.”
An additional benefit to Southeast Soils is the reduction of required turns during the cure time of their compost. In typical weather, they see complete curing in 45 days and only turn twice: once after 30 days, and again 15 days later at which point the product is finished. “The reduction in necessary turning provides a dramatic control over our variable cost of production for sure!” Biegler said enthusiastically. “So not only are we able to produce a vastly superior performing product, but we can do it at a cost point less than a more traditional composting method.”
Annually, Southeast Soils produces more than 100,000 yards of finished material, a sizable volume for any operation, let alone one that is so new. And with a strong demand for what they are creating, much of it is distributed throughout the state of Florida — a very large geographic market for a compost and soil company. Still, Biegler sees even more growth potential in the future. “We just got certified nematode-free, so the nursery business is coming … once they use our product they really see the benefits. So it’s coming!” In addition to some large nursery trials, Southeast Soils is also pushing into the golf industry as well. “We’re helping superintendents reduce fungicides, insecticides, fertilizers and counterattack nematodes, so we’re getting well entrenched there too.”
With about 32 windrows in rotation at any given time, Southeast Soils is eying an additional 10 acres of production in the near future. “We are being mindful of growing too quickly,” admits Biegler. “We want to be sure we don’t lose sight of what we do well. But at the same time, there is a huge amount of opportunity out there, and we are looking forward to partnering with these industries to help provide a solution to the challenges they face every day. Most people don’t think of compost and soil as a solution, but when our customers see the results we’re able to help them achieve, the outcome really does speak for itself.”


We have worked with both Olivaverde in the UK and Festivaldelgusto in the Italian region of Le Marche on many projects and festivals over several years, and in the process making some fantastic new contacts with small artisan olive oil producers in Italy . Where possible concentrate on building links with olive oil producers who are also members of Slow Food in Italy, an organisation that we have very close contacts with in both the UK, Italy and Malta. Because of our passion for spreading knowledge about good olive oil, their producers and how they are made we now can offer one or two day intensive oil appreciation courses at our dedicated Olive oil schools in London, Norwich, Le Marche, Sicily and Malta.
In the UK we run courses in London, in the city of Norwich and also Cambridge in the east of England. In Italy we have our courses at the beautiful Castello Di Monterado in Le Marche also at two beautiful venues on the Island of Sicily and also on Malta. As we are members of Slow Food where possible we will concentrate on fine extra virgin olive oils only produced by olive oil farmers that are members of Slow Food, we believe that their passion for their oils as well as following the ethos of Slow Food allows them to produce some of the best extra virgin olive oils that are available to the public.
Our specialist courses are held over one or two days and with a maximum of ten students, this we believe allows for close interaction between the students, our chosen olive oil producers and the teachers. Classes consist of learning about the history of the olive, focusing on the main olive oil varieties used to produce olive oil, visits to the olive groves with tutored tours by the olive producers and tastings of several different oil oils, in both normal and blind tastings.


Love of Dahlias - Digging up- July 2019
For the love of Dahlias. What is known to some as an old ladies flower, this beauty is making a come back. Loved and lusted over by many, this flower is now being grown by florist farmers all over the world, bringing it back to life after many years of being the Nanna in the garden. The passionate farmers and gardeners are unleashing a colour spectrum like no other, with new seedling varieties happening every year. Dahlias have perfectly arranged petals that uncurl and fold with precision. The colour range is overwhelming and the different flower shapes are numerous. These flowers are the bees knees and the more you pick them the more they flower.
Today I am looking ahead to summer when the dahlias are in bloom, It’s July now and it’s time to lift the tubers. This is a muddy, messy, heavy job, digging around the tubers and calmly lifting so as not to break any necks as you lift them out. Under each plant there are approximatly 6/9 new plants, from 1 to 6 new plants in one growing season. The aim is for there to be no more grass at our place, just flowers.
From the brown to full colour, these plants love to be fed, love water and well drained soil. Full sun and a stake to protect them from windy weather. This sequence of pictures shows the lush colourful plants in summer/autumn, what happens after a frost in the winter, after the cutting back of the dead stems and digging them up out of the ground. These clumps will sit in the shed till the stems fully dry out. Then I will divide and store them, ready for planting in about October. Still very much learning about the dividing and storage stage, last year was a bit of a disaster, can only improve. The last picture is a bit of fun, always a florist. What do you do with all the broken tubers, make an arrangement and enjoy the beauty. Apparently you can eat them, haven’t as yet.
The pictures underneath are from the flowering season just passed. Can’t wait till it starts all over again xxx


Institution: Wageningen University & Research
Start Date: At your own pace
Learn how to solve the ‘Rubik’s cube’ of systems thinking with this free online course named as“Sustainable Food Security: The value of systems thinking”. This course is offered by the Wageningen University & Research.
After successful completion of both practice and graded assignments related to this course, you will:
- Understand the complexity and diversity of food production systems
- Understand the principles of system analysis and apply it to environmental issues in food production
- Understand evaluation methods for the environmental impact of food production systems in different contexts and levels (eg farm, regional and global) Be able to evaluate the environmental aspects of environmental sustainability
- Be able to contribute to a discussion about environmental sustainability and food production and ask relevant questions
You may join the course at your own pace.
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Commitment: 8 to 10 hours per week
- Subject: Biology and natural sciences
- Institution: Wageningen University & Research
- Languages: English
- Price: Free
- Session: At your own pace
- Requirement: None
- Certificate Available: Yes
Who Developed the Course
The Wageningen University & Research is a Dutch public university in Wageningen, Netherlands. It consists of Wageningen University and the former agricultural research institutes of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture.
The course is available for students who want to acquire knowledge about environmental sustainability and the way to think systems in decision making in the complexity of food production.
Where Could This Lead You
After completing this course, you can apply for jobs in the given fields:
Food Production Associate
Get Extra Benefits
Get a verified certificate to highlight the knowledge and skills you acquire (₹ 3356 INR)
- Official and approved-Get a certificate with the logo of the institution and the signature of a professor to show your achievements and increase your professional prospects
- Easy to share-Add the certificate to your résumé or resume, or publish it directly on LinkedIn
- Proven motivational measure-Give yourself an additional stimulus to complete the course
How to Join This Course
You can register yourself here.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
- The concept of environmental sustainability and identify the main issues associated with food production
- The basics of systems thinking and understanding how the different aspects of a system influence one another and how a system itself is affected by its context
- The relevance of crop and livestock production for environmental sustainability
- The environmental indicators and how to measure the environmental impact of food production at farm, village or regional level
- Decision-making and life assessment assessment
- Helpful tools and their strong and weak points
Who Will You Learn With?
- Gerrie van de Ven: Plant Production Systems Group, Wageningen University & Research
- IJM de Boer: Lead, Animal Production Systems, Wageningen University & Research
- Carolien Kroeze: Professor, Environmental Systems Analysis Group, Wageningen University & Research
- Eddie Bokkers: Associate Professor, Animal Production Systems, Wageningen University & Research
- Martin van Ittersum: Professor, Plant Production Systems, Wageningen University & Research
- Importance of Course: This environmental studies course enables participants to apply the principles of a systems approach to food production with a focus on environmental sustainability.
- Importance of Certificate: By the Certificate of Achievement you will be able to prove your success when applying for jobs or courses. You can display it on your LinkedIn or CV.
For more information about the course, you may visit the Website.Apply Now


Exceptionally tasty, no exceptions
The journey from a carefully selected seed is filled with love and sunshine, and of course, precisely controlled temperature and humidity. Small wonder the result is great tasting fruits and veggies.
We began a mission to reliably provide great-tasting, fresh produce that is sustainably and locally grown.
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In the world of coffee, where subtleties in flavor and aroma reign supreme, the pursuit of quality is akin to an art form. Specialty coffee, with its diverse array of bean varieties, unveils a rich tapestry of flavors, inviting enthusiasts on a sensory journey that transcends the ordinary. From the renowned Bourbon and Geisha to the lesser-known Pacamara and SL28, each variety contributes its unique essence to the world of exceptional coffee.
At the core of this intricate world lies the Arabica species, revered for its nuanced taste and aromatic qualities. Within Arabica, different varieties emerge, each distinguished by factors such as origin, growing conditions, and genetic characteristics. The Bourbon variety, originating from the Bourbon Islands in the Indian Ocean, captivates with its balanced acidity and nuanced sweetness, often regarded as a hallmark of quality.
In contrast, the Geisha variety, hailing from Ethiopia but gaining global acclaim from Panama, exudes an exotic allure. Renowned for its floral and tea-like characteristics, Geisha coffee entices with its vibrant and complex flavors, often fetching premium prices in the market due to its sought-after taste profile.
Exploring beyond these renowned varieties unveils Specialty coffee beans hidden gems like Pacamara, a hybrid of Pacas and Maragogipe. This varietal boasts a larger bean size, offering a unique flavor profile characterized by a full body and distinct fruity notes. Its rarity and distinctive taste have garnered attention among aficionados seeking novel coffee experiences.
Furthermore, the SL28 variety, originating in Kenya, has made its mark with its exceptional cup quality. Known for its bright acidity, wine-like flavors, and hints of blackcurrant, SL28 exemplifies the diverse range of flavors that can emerge from a single bean variety grown in a specific terroir.
The journey of specialty coffee bean varieties extends beyond geographical boundaries, with factors such as altitude, soil composition, and climate playing pivotal roles in shaping their distinct characteristics. High-altitude regions often produce beans with enhanced acidity and complexity, while volcanic soils contribute unique mineral nuances to the final brew.
Moreover, the meticulous processing methods applied to these beans further elevate their quality. From the washed process, which accentuates clarity and brightness in the cup, to the natural process, intensifying fruity and full-bodied flavors, each technique showcases the diversity of tastes inherent in these specialty varieties.
The allure of specialty coffee bean varieties lies not only in their exquisite tastes but also in the stories they carry—the tales of generations cultivating these plants, the artisans processing them, and the connoisseurs savoring their intricate flavors. Embracing the diverse spectrum of coffee varieties offers enthusiasts an opportunity to embark on a sensory expedition, discovering and celebrating the nuanced essence of quality encapsulated in each cup.


I always eagerly anticipate gardening season but it has been a cold and rainy spring where I live! It has been hard to get my garden started this year but I am planning to start this weekend. Gardening is a fantastic way to introduce your child to nature. And a great way for you to get some outdoor time too. Today I want to share with you some of the amazing benefits of gardening, along with some simple, projects for the beginning (or seasoned!) gardener.
Some of the many benefits of gardening include:
Provides Education – By allowing children to participate in gardening from seed to plant, they can learn the basics of seed growth and what plants need to thrive. How a Seed Grows by Helene J. Jordan is a great beginner book to supplement your gardening (and great for rainy days, too!).
Fosters Responsibility – Taking care of a plants takes work. It is a great way to introduce jobs. Kids of all ages can plant seeds, water, and pull weeds. Not only can kids learn how to take care of family plants, by learning how things grow, they can also see their part in the bigger picture of nature. Gardening can be a first step towards learning to be good stewards of their environment.
Provides Diverse SENSORY Input –This is a particular favorite of mine! Kids need sensory input of all kinds to foster healthy development. Getting their hands in the dirt, gives great tactile input (and builds healthy immune systems – Really!).
By selecting herbs and flowers, they can experience a variety of smells. Fruits and vegetables taste great right out of the garden. Beautiful colors are a welcome sight when you plant easy growing flowers, such as zinnias. Let’s not forget hearing – how about making some simple wind chimes or listening to the variety of birds and bugs that may visit your garden! Or make a fun activity of working together to make this adorable set of wind chimes.
The final two senses that are often unknown – proprioception (awareness of where body is in space) and vestibular sense (balance) are both challenged through digging, bending and reaching.
Promotes healthy eating –Studies show that kids are less likely to be picky and more likely to eat fruits and vegetables if they are grown at home. Who can’t resist eating a tomato right off the vine?!
Improves mental health – Scientific evidence abounds that show the benefits of gardening for all ages. Participating in gardening has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, decrease aggressive behavior, improve attention and increase empathy. For more information on this check out the book, Therapeutic Gardens by Daniel Winterbottom and Amy Wagenfeld
Fun Gift Idea!
Looking for something different and creative?
How about making a gardening basket?! A packet of seeds, a trowel and set of kids gardening gloves is sure to be a hit. To personalize it, paint the child's name on the trowel with acrylic paint. Put it in a little bucket from the dollar store and you are good to go!
Here are some fun and ideas to get your family start gardening!
Grow some potatoes in a plastic bag. No need to dig a bed. Buy some seed potatoes found in garden centers this time of year. Follow the directions in this link. At the end of the growing season, dump up out the bag and be surprised by the potato harvest!
Grow sunflowers. What child wouldn’t love a flower that towers over their head? Although sunflowers come in all sizes and a variety of colors, children will be love the giant varieties. Cathy James in her book, Garden Classroom, recommends starting the seeds inside and letting them grow until they are about 8 inches tall. This prevents them being gobbled up by birds and squirrels. If you have enough space, you can plant them in the shape of a playhouse.
Theme gardens are a fun way to make gardening interesting. They can be done in a container or directly in the ground. Maybe a pizza garden with tomatoes, spinach, basil and oregano. Or a salsa garden with tomatoes, peppers, and onions. Rainbow gardens create a feast for the eyes with flowers and foliage in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Butterfly gardens encourage the study of insects. Moon gardens contain flowers that only bloom at night. Ask at your local nursery for suggestions of local varieties.
Challenge: Plan a garden activity with your child or grandchild. Begin with a visit to a local nursery or garden center.


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"American Harvest" It may be winter but my mind drifts to fall. One of our favorite things to do is to drive around in the evening and see the farmers ending what I am sure is a long and tiring day. It brings back memories hearing the equipment late in to the evening harvesting beans and peaking out the window only to see a faint glow in the field and often the added honk of the geese flying over. We count ourselves blessed to live in an area where we can see and appreciate the work that is done by our local farmers and acknowledge the goodness they bring to all of us. Hope this image brings back a good memory for many of you and a BIG thank you for all of those who have farmed or continue to carry on!