This year’s watercress sowing from seed was ready to harvest in just 42 days. The seed was sown on 22 April 2013 and was ready to harvest on 02 June 2013. Sowings of watercress seed now should take even less time to reach a croppable size.
This single 25 Litre Plant Pot should provide a lovely supply of fresh, healthy and extremely tasty peppery leaves all summer long. The key is to ensure that the plant saucer never dries out and to keep picking!
In total, I would estimate the cost of production, excluding the plant pot and saucer which can be used year after year, at about £2.00. This cost is based on approximately 25 litres of compost and a third of a packet of seeds. To date, we’ve probably picked in excess of the equavilent of two salad bags worth of watercress in just over a week!
Harvesting the watercress is simply a matter of pinching off the shoots, ensuring that at least two, possibly more, leaves are left on the individual plant. This will readily regrow, producing fresh young leaves in no time.
If you’d like lovely fresh watercress at home why not read our article on How to Grow Watercress from seed.
We’ve also put together a Watercress Growing Kit, just add compost and water!
Plant Pots – The differences between Heavyweight and Lightweight Plastic Plant Pots
Plant pots have been made from plastic for many decades now, taking the place of the more expensive and heavier terracotta pots. Plastic plant pots are available in a huge range of sizes, colours, shapes and weights, making them incredibly versatile, and generally more cost effective than the terracotta pots. In fact, some of the newer, modern plastic patio type pots even mimic the terracotta pots and look and feel incredibly realistic.
Generally, plant pots are used for either starting seeds off, in controlled conditions, ready to be planted out once the seedlings are firmly established or they are used to grow the plant in indefinately. This could be due to lack of growing space, to provide the plant with growing conditions and temperatures that cannot be met in outside conditions or unsuitable soil for particular plants.
Different types of Plastic Plant Pots
The smaller plant pots, used for growing plants from seed, can be made from either vacuum forming or thermoforming, or injection moulding plastic.Vacuum and thermoforming involves heating plastic sheets to make them pliable and then they are stretched over a mould, held in place via a vacuum, before being cooler and thereby taking the shape of the mould. Vacuum Forming is a fast process and is used to produce lightweight plant pots that are bulk manufactured at a relatively low cost.
Lightweight Plant Pots
These plant pots are used extensively by plant nurseries and growers because of their low cost and light weight. Whilst they are intended, when sold with a plant, to be almost disposable in use, they can be cleaned and used for several seasons. These pots can be easily crushed with the hand but also tend to have quite a bit of ‘spring’ and quickly return to shape. They have a soft feel to them and no brittleness whatsoever. They are made from UV stabilised plastic and will not degrade in the sunlight.
Vacuum and thermoformed pots are available in a large range of styles and colours, off the shelf, but due to the thickness of plastic used tend to be used to produce smaller plant pots. Again, many of these plant pots are coloured in traditional terracotta colour, mimicking their clay counterparts.
These plant pots can be custom made but due to setup and production costs it is usually best to use a existing mould. Lightweight plastic plant pots can be produced in any colour but terracotta or black coloured pots are the most common. To have plant pots produced in corporate colours a minimum run of 20-50,00 plant pots is required to make the process economical. These plant pots can also be printed onto, again, to make it cost effective reasonable sized runs help to reduce the unit costs.
These lightweight plastic plant pots are generally made with a high content of recycled plastic and can themselves be recycled.
Heavyweight Plant Pots
The Heavyweight Plant Pots are made from injection moulding. That is, heated plastic is squirted, under pressure, into a mould and once cooled, turned out. This process is used to create plant pots with more strength than vacuum forming and much larger, more durable pots can be produced. Injection moulding is a slower process and more raw plastic is used in the product, meaning that whilst the pot is stronger, there is an increased production cost. The cost of the moulds is also very considerable, ranging from something like £20,000-£50,000.
Injection moulded plastic pots are made in a huge range of sizes and can be made much bigger than the lightweight pots due to the strength of the material.
Heavyweight plant pots can be used many times over and are generally a better choice for those growing and raising their own plants. They too usually have a high content of recycled plastic and can be recycled once finished with.
The Garden Superstore probably offer and sell online more plant pots in the UK than any other supplier and have a massive range of pots in all shapes, sizes and styles.
Should you require any further information on plant pots please contact Daniel at The Garden Superstore.
Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Advance Heavy Duty Bypass Secateurs – 6659BS – Product Trial.
The Spear and Jackson Razorsharp Advance Heavy Duty Bypass Secateurs, product reference number 6659BS, is a very strong, robust and powerful set of bypass secateurs. These Heavy Duty Bypass Secateurs sit towards the top of the secateur range offered by Spear and Jackson, for price, quality and power, or cutting capacity. These secateurs have been designed to be used on a regular basis and to tackle some of the tougher jobs. Here we put it on trial and look into how it fairs in our garden.
Anatomy of the Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Advance Heavy Duty Bypass Secateurs
The Spear and Jackson Razorsharp Advance Heavy Duty Secateurs are on the left. The following shows and labels the different parts and features of this garden tool:
A – This is the sharp SK5 steel blades. The blades of this set of secateurs open very large thus accommodating larger stems and branches. Proportionally the blades, again, are very large.
B – Position B, shows the Safety Locking Catch, designed to keep the secateurs firmly closed.
C – Shows the forged aluminium handle construction. For comfort the handles are coated in a red plastic covering. The lower handle, again for comfort, has finger grooves imprinted.
The overall feel and weight of these secateurs does exude a heavy duty, business-like garden tool, designed for hard use.
Using these Bypass Secateurs
- These Bypass secateurs do have that lovely feel of quality, partly down to the size of them but also due to the weight. These secateurs tip the scales at 259 grams and despite the aluminium handles do feel weighty but definately also very solidly built and business-like.
The locking catch does, very firmly, keep these secateurs safely closed. It is easily applied and released, however, being rather small it is a little difficult to operate with a pair of gardening gloves on. Upon first picking up a pair of these secateurs, and releasing the locking catch, you will notice that these secateurs do open incredibly wide, there is approximately 15cm or 6″ between the ends of the two handles. This is certainly useful for cutting larger branches but would preclude those with smaller hands using them. For those with small to medium sized hands, it is likely to be tiresome using these secateurs over a prolonged period.
- These Heavy Duty Secateurs do not have any built in gearing or ratchet mechanism therefore they simply work on brute force alone. The catalogue proscribes a maximum cutting diameter of 20mm or ¾”. To be honest this is all down to the individual users’ own strength. They will cut larger branches than this but with a bit of effort. When cutting at capacity or under, the cut is very easily applied and is made in a single smooth action. The ease of cut must be attributed to the sharpness of the two blades which is excellent. The cut left behind on the tree or bush is very clean.
- The cutting action, capacity and quality of these secateurs is first class.
We have found the Spear and Jackson Razorsharp Advance Heavy Duty Secateurs to have been excellent both in field trials but also in day to day use. They are a no nonsense set of secateurs with no fancy modern additions or engineering, like ratchet mechanisms or a geared system. This does therefore require a certain amount of strength, but the blades are incredibly sharp, straight out of the packet, and they are also thinner than some, thereby reducing resistance on the cut.
These secateurs come highly recommended as a good all round set that will cater for almost all of your cutting and pruning needs. They are incredibly well built and will undoubtedly, with just a little care, last for many, many years.
I will certainly be using these secateurs as my number one choice general purpose cutters.
This is a very good garden tool and comes highly recommended.
Click to shop for the Spear and Jackson Razorsharp Advance Heavy Duty Bypass Secateurs – 6659BS at The Garden Superstore.
Best regards – Dan
Spear & Jackson Blade Sharpener – 4053BS – Product Trial.
The Spear and Jackson Blade Sharpener, product reference number 4053BS, is a lightweight relatively cheap blade sharpener designed for garden tool use. It is intended to be quick and easy to use on a range of bladed garden tools such as secateurs, loppers, knives and tree cutters. The Blade Sharpener is designed to provide the precise angle required to sharpen a blade without an knowledge of the angles involved.
Anatomy of the Spear & Jackson Blade Sharpener
The Spear and Jackson Blade Sharpener is shown on the left. The following shows and labels the different parts and features of this garden tool:
A – This is the ‘v’ shaped notch that houses the tungsten carbide sharpening blade.
B – Finger Guard – safeguards fingers from harm when sharpening.
C – Non-slip grip handle.
D – Hinged compartment containing oil-soaked sponge.
Using the Blade Sharpener
It is best to get into a regular habit of using a Blade Sharpener little and often. Having just used a pair of secateurs, prior to storing them away, I’m going to use the Blade Sharpener just to put the edge back on the blade. The secateurs would be ideally suited to being held firmly in a vice whilst being sharpened but I’m going to just hold them firmly.
Take hold of the secateurs and have the blade to be sharpened at the bottom. If holding, then ensure a very firm
grip. The Blade Sharpener has a ‘v’ shaped notch where the two tungsten carbide blades meet. Place the ‘v’ shaped notch at the back of the secateurs blade and, whilst applying a firm downward pressure, draw the Sharpener over the blade to cover the whole blade. Repeat this process four to five times.
This process is likely to remove some tiny slivers of metal from the secateurs in the sharpening process.
Once complete, the secateurs blade must be oiled before putting into storage. The sharpening process will have exposed the sharp blade edge to the air and it will probably rust if left.
The Spear and Jackson Blade Sharpener has a handy oil soaked sponge built into a compartment within the handle. This is a great bonus, although over time fresh oil will occasionally need to be applied to the sponge, as it will inevitably dry out.
To complete the sharpening process, just run the oil-soaked sponge over the sharpened blades.
We have found the Spear and Jackson Blade Sharpener to be very simple, easy and quick to use. It has definitely helped to keep our secateurs, scissors and loppers sharpened. To keep the edge on your tools takes…30 seconds.
This is a very good garden tool and comes recommended.
Click to shop for the Spear and Jackson Blade Sharpener – 4053BS at The Garden Superstore.
Best regards – Dan
Gardman Tree Mulch Rings..The Results
After about 3 weeks of use, I decided to lift the Tree Mulch Rings that I’d placed around the base of one of my apple trees to check, firstly, that enough water was getting through to the base of the tree and, secondly, that the weeks were being controlled.
I have to say that I am very pleased with the results. Although the weeds were not entirely killed off, they certainly are on their way, and given another couple f weeks I’m sure that they would have all been killed off. You can see from the photograph that the weeds are definitely on their way out. Underneath the Tree Mulch Ring the ground was wet, proving that water was getting through the substantial thickness of these rubber mats. In fact, there were a couple of slugs under there, which must mean that it was damp.
Rather than wait for a couple of weeks, until all the weeds are dead, I’ve, rather impatiently, now added an inch of well rotted manure to the base of the tree and then re-place the Tree Mulch Ring over the top. I’ll now do this each autumn and spring, to ensure that the trees are keep feed with organic matter.
I’ve always mulched my fruit trees with rotted manure, but with chickens and other animals about the mounds were either getting scaped out by the birds looking for worms or else they became a fertile ground for weeds.
The Gardman Tree Mulch Rings have completely solved this problem. They are heavy enough to not be displaced and I can get a reasonable amount of compost or manure under them to still satisfy the tree’s requirements.
Overall, I’m very impressed with these Mulch Rings and will be, gradually, using them on all the fruit trees I have.
If interested, the Gardman Tree Mulch Rings can be purchased here.
I’m a bit late posting this, but the culprits have finally been caught in the act. I’ve a fenced off area with my vegetable and salad stuff, mostly being grown in plant pots, that was been seriously eaten by something. To determine what was doing the damage I installed a wildlife camera.
The camera has done its job brilliantly. It also has got excellent picture quality, as you can see below:
1st Pest Caught Eating Cut and Come Again Lettuce…
The first pest captured eating my crops was…….. a great big whacking pigeon! I’ve put up loads of homemade bird scarers but it obviously diddn’t bother this chap. The camera has a date/time stamp, so I know that he was muching his lunch at 1155 hours.
I did suspect pigeons but thought that the scarers, including CDs, would do their job.
However, there’s more…
2nd Pest Caught Eating Leeks…
At about 1800 hours on the same day there were several images caught, in failing light, of the second pest eating a variety of my crops, but with a particular taste for baby leeks…
A cheeky rabbit was caught, no doubt out for his tea, eating a tray of baby leeks, which were almost ready for planting.
I had checked the fence, many times, for signs of holes or burrowing but can’t see how they are getting through. It could be that they are so small that they are able to squeeze through the rabbit netting!
I’ve now got two serious pests to content with. I need to come up with a plan to get rid of these pests or to better protect my crops.
If I had the time, which I unfortunately don’t, it would be an idea to set up a hide and try to take these pests for the pot.
Time for a rethink on my pest protection, me thinks
Gardman Tree Mulch Rings – Heavy Duty Rubber Tree Mulch Rings
Why use Tree Mulch Rings?
These Gardman 50cm Tree Mulch Rings are intended to be placed at the base of newly planted trees, particularly useful for fruit trees, where they help to both reduce weed growth and also to reduce water loss. They therefore help the trees, who are no longer in competition with a whole host of weeds, and grass, for nutrients and water from the soil.
I have about 20, or so, fruit trees, probably about 2-3 years old and they would, I feel, definitely benefit from something like this. On some of the trees I’ve weeded out a circle around the base and mulched with manure. However, with little time for maintenance these have become readily infested with weeds; thistles and nettles being the most prominent.
Installing Tree Mulch Rings
Whilst it might have been a good idea to have cleared the ground around the base of the tree, stripping off the grass down to bare soil, I’ve opted for a less labour intensive method, simply placing the Mulch Ring on top of the grass. I’m hoping that by eliminating light, this will kill off, in time, the grass surrounding the base. I did, however, clip the weeds back.
It is my intention, once the grass has been killed off, to apply a inch or two of manure under the mulch rings to improve the soil, which is quite poor and has trouble retaining moisture.
I’ve only put down one tree mulch ring for now, to see how it goes, Unfortunately, the ground around the base of my apple tree was rather undulating but I’ll see. The mulch rings themselves are very quick and easy to install. They have a single slit running from the outer circle into the central circle and are placed in seconds. They are pretty heavy, being made from recycled rubber, and are about 2cm thick. They are supposed to also let rainwater through, whilst keeping sunlight out.
The results of using Gardman Rubber Tree Mulch Rings…
I will keep monitoring the soil beneath the tree mulch rings and hopefully watch the demise of the grass, although I do expect
a little weed growth through the central ring, although do not expect this to be too troublesome.
If these rubber tree mulch rings do work they will save a lot of weeding time as well as providing more nutrients and water to the fruit trees. All in all they should be very worthwhile.
I will report on their progress in the coming weeks…
The Devastation of my Vegetables Continues…
The crops are now being totally decimated and it’s a case of having to take action, or give up. I’ve made a whole host of scarers but nothing seems to be working. I’ve even installed a couple of humane rabbit traps but with so much food available it is going to be impossible to entice anything into the traps.
I’ve now invested in a wildlife camera, hoping to catch whoever’s eating all my salad and vegetables. It looks like a nifty little camera. I’ve seen these cameras on wildlife programmes and they are triggered by animals breaking an infra-red beam. The camera can be setup to either take pictures or video and operates in colour during the day and black and white at night. It cost about £100, but I’m hoping that not only will it help catch the culprits but later on also catch on camera some of the lovely wildlife outside of my fenced vegetable area and also to provide site security.
The camera is now installed on a fence post overlooking the site, and in particular, the most tempting morsels. I installed at at about 0900 hours and I’ll leave it 24 hours before checking it and hopefully get to the bottom of this perplexing and, frankly, vexing episode.
Pest Damage to My Salad and Vegetable Crops in Plant Pots
In my fenced off, plant raising section, I’ve been growing successional crops of mostly salad stuff, cut and come again lettuce, watercress, landcress, carrots and spring onions. These have all be grown in plant pots.
I had been noticing that every day, more and more of these potted vegetables and salad crops had been eaten. But what could be doing this?
The area is completely fenced off and as far as I can tell there are no breaches in the fenceline, so that has ruled out my first thought; rabbits. I’ve now put up bird scarers, of the home-made variety. I’ve placed tin cans and can lids on strings and attached them to the chicken wire fenceline. With even the slightest breeze these rattle around and make a good noise. I’ve also made a couple of CD scarers, sorry James Blunt!
Even so every day my crops are still being eaten and it is totally demoralising. Having spent weeks looking after crops and getting them so close to cropping size, they have now been so thoroughly attacked that I fear some will not recover. Furthermore, I am reluctant to plant any further crops.
The Damage to my Vegetable and Salad Crops…Thus Far
The damage has been widespread and is in danger of not just checking the growth of my vegetable crops but of totally killing them. The following plants have so far been eaten badly:
- Landcress – particularly bad
- Carrots – thoroughly munched
- Cut and Come Again salad crops
- Raspberry canes
It must be either rabbits, pigeons or, at the outside rats. Wahtever it is, it is clear that my homemade protection and scarers aren’t working and I’ll have to come up with something else, and quick!
Work in progress…and open to any suggestions please.


Design and Production
We take care of our realizations in all their phases: from the design, which may involve customizations designed to meet every specific need, to the realization phase with techniques refined by the experience developed over the years.
Research and Development
One of our main objectives is to continuously improve every detail of the solutions adopted in our facilities. This result is only possible constantly repeating the stages of Research and Development.
Experience has taught us that producing quality solutions requires great care in the choice of suppliers and materials used.
Thanks to our production process, automated in accordance with Industry 4.0 guidelines, we are able to track each package sent to each of our customers.
The relationship with our customers is not interrupted at the delivery of the structure but continues over the years, strengthening in the most delicate after-sales phase.
Producing solutions that meet the ever-increasing needs of the markets requires compliance with the highest quality standards imposed by industry certifications.
Med Group is a young company, but it is based on 10 years of history.
hectares of greenhouses installed
This is what we have done so far, from tomorrow we are ready to satisfy every new greenhouse project of yours.
The number doesn't say much, the satisfaction of our customers, vice versa, says it all.
Med Group, based in the heart of the Mediterranean, has shown over the years a great attention to the domestic market but also a strong propensity for international markets.
Ton of steel processed per year
We purchase only certified Italian steels and work them to build your structures.
What they say about us
AZIENDE AGRICOLE ASSOCIATE GERACE E RUSSOTTO - S. Croce Camerina (RG) Project Features: 10 ha of greenhouses model Multiart. For our nursery where we produce garden plants, flowers and aromatic herbs we needed a technological greenhouse that would guarantee our plants the ideal microclimatic conditions. The Med Group, proposing the Multiart model, has been able to interpret and satisfy our needs in the best way possible.
COLLE D’ORO Società Consortile Agricola - Ispica (RG) Project Features: 50 ha of Multimed and Multiart greenhouses We needed a company that could also supply us with non-standard greenhouse structures and Med Group was able to interpret all our needs in the best possible way, guaranteeing the necessary flexibility and quality in the construction of our plants.
F.LLI BAGLIERI SALVATORE & AGOSTINO S.R.L - COMISO (RG) Project Features: 3.4 ha of greenhouses model Multiart. We wanted a partner who could provide us with a turnkey solution. Off-ground cultivation, ridge cover and double inflated curtain walls, shading system, opening automations and climate control. With Med Group, it was like speaking the same language.
AGRICOLA DON CAMILLO Società Consortile - Ispica (RG) Project Features: 8.5 ha of Multimed greenhouses. From Mantua we wanted to invest in the SOUTH for the production of our melons, finding, in Med Group, a reliable supplier that has provided us, on time, facilities with an excellent quality/price ratio.
VIVAIO MONDO VERDE - CASSIBILE(SR) Project Features: 5 ha of greenhouses model Multiart. For my new nursery I needed to install shade greenhouses and create areas for processing products. Thanks to the collaboration with Med Group, what we had designed is now a reality.


Market report by Neupert Ingredients.
The first reports on the current psyllium harvest in India are now available and there seems to be a 10% increase compared to the previous year. This has led to a short-term recovery in prices, which have recently been at a very high level.
The harvest forecast is estimated to be about 1.7 million bags of psyllium seeds of 75 kg for the current harvest. The total demand for 2016 was 1.9 million bags. Due to remaining stocks from previous harvests, the demand carry over has so far been intercepted. This is likely to be difficult this year, however, as the overall demand for psyllium continues to rise.
The prices have fallen in the last days for the first time since March 2016. We are concerned, however this development will be short-lived. As soon as larger contracts are concluded and large customers from the pharmaceutical industry are on the market, prices will surely rise again.
We therefore recommend to cover your needs for 2017 soon.


- 1213 Main West Coast Road
- West Melton
- RD 1
- Christchurch 7671
- New Zealand
Wilfield Sheep Stud
- +64 3 347 8939
- +64 21 158 3866
About the Stud
Wilfield Sheep Stud lies on the fertile Canterbury plains, just 20 minutes drive from Christchurch. Our speciality is in Corriedales—but we also produce award-winning Hampshire-Texel & Suffolk-Texel “MEAT” sheep.
Founded in 1992 by Robin, Pip and Gavin Wilson, Wilfield is now New Zealand’s Premier Corriedale sheep stud. Our main focus is in the breeding of “Corriedale 2.0,” a breed based on 130 years of development for both meat and wool production. We also breed award-winning sheep of the Hampshire-Texel and Suffolk-Texel varieties—our MEAT sheep! Wilfield genetics carry with them an assurance of quality, whether it be semen or rams.
We believe we are the most innovative Corriedale Stud farm in New Zealand specialising in Corriedale 2.0 rams - The Sheep for the Future.
Drought Resistant and Long-Living
We bring together the use of traditional breeding practices of good stockmanship with modern technologies of objective measurement and analysis (Sheep Improvement Ltd) and gene marker technology (footrot, extra muscling, cold tolerance and worm resistance) to identify the most productive and profitable animals for meat and wool production. These sheep known as CORRIEDALE 2.0 (based on the computer analogy for upgraded version) are open headed, more fertile, better milking, meatier and finer woolled sheep, bred for putting more money in sheep farmers pockets.
Fast Growth and High Yields
We introduced our MEAT stud 10 years ago, crossing high performing Texel rams over Hampshire ewes and Suffolk ewes. The benefits are the early maturity of the Hampshire and Suffolk progeny, coupled with the vigour and improved hind quarter of the Texel.Return Home View Catalogue
We just want sheep that can go out on the hill and survive and produce and that’s what they do. They’ve got grunt; the Corriedale is the only sheep that still has that fantastic muzzle, strong jaw and bone.
I have been using Wilfield stud rams for several years now during which time my flock has become less labour intensive due to much easier lambing and better foot control. The improvement is both noticeable and welcomed. Wilfield Corriedales also score well with my wool classer!
I have been buying the Wilfield rams for approximately 10 years now. We have always been impressed with the quality of the sheep and the selection available. With our flock being on the finer side, I have always managed to find what we have been looking for. I have also found the mothering instincts of the ewes have improved along with the hardiness and survival of the lambs. And know with the DNA testing for footrot coming further through into our ewe flock, we are looking for big improvements in that area.
Today's dual purpose sheep must be just that: a ewe that can cope with the extremes of our climate and grow a fleece of excellent colour, crimp and staple formation with high fleece weight; and a ewe that has high fertility and successfully rears lambs through to weaning in minimal time. The recovery of mid-micron wool prices and consistently improving production traits (Goldmark scheme) combined with DNA testing for footrot resistance, sees today's Corriedale breed as the ideal choice for many farmers.
My clients who use Wilfield Corriedale rams are achieving excellent results. It is a stud making significant genetic gains in all of the above criteria. I have found them to be rams that shift well, to varied climates - another important attribute.


(Author: Ki. Rajanarayanan Translation: Radha Soundar & R.S. Saha Editor: Suchitra)
(Original Novel : கோபல்ல கிராமம்)
In that forest they ate the fruits they were able to forage such as palm fruit, tindora, cactus fruit, and ghee tomato.
The weapons they had used to protect themselves from thieves and bandits were now perfect for clearing undergrowth and chopping down trees.
They built many small mud huts before the rainy season arrived. The first thing they built was an Amman temple. They built the roof’s frame with the branches of manjanati, puvarusu, and neem trees tied to palm fibers. They cut tall grasses and dried them before weaving them into the frame to finish the roof.
They struggled with the expanse of cacti. Any cacti they cut and threw elsewhere would take root and grow there instead of drying up. It seemed impossible to make a few clear patches before the rainy season arrived. Their enthusiasm began to wilt. The cacti had to be taken out with their roots and dirt. Huge stones had to be removed as well, leaving behind holes that had to be filled.
When they dug they found tubers and roots they didn’t recognize, making them wonder if any of it was edible. In some spots they found korai tubers that had a thick, earthy smell. There were many varieties of healthy, wild spinach. Along with all that, they had the eggs of wild birds to fry and eat as a side dish.
They saved the grains they had carried with them, hoping to eventually plant it all. Because of that, they ate whatever the forest gave them.
A few cut aloe and washed it to cleanse the bitter taste before eating it.
“This is divine food that can cure any stomach problem,” Grandmother said.
The water was like nectar. Traced with the taste of the soil it came from, it quenched their hunger and gave them energy.
They hunted birds and animals. There were beehives amongst the cacti that they collected many pots of honey from. They roasted the animal meat and spread honey on it to eat.
Sometimes there was leftover meat. It was cut into small pieces, salted, dried, and stored away to be eaten in the rainy season.
They realized, due to many good reasons, that they had to burn the forest.
The rainy season was fast approaching.
They were growing tired from dealing with an unyielding forest.
How long could they handle cacti with their bare hands?
But a few were against this and they had their own reasons.
It was easy to burn a forest down but was it possible to grow a new one if needed?
If the rain was late, they could at least depend on the forest for food. What would they do if they burned it all down?
The wind had to blow steadily or the fire would spread and surround them.
The more they talked, the more overwhelmed they became.
Grandmother came up with an idea that was like a cure-all. “We must make a large, empty gap between the land we want to use and the land we want to burn down.”
She used her forefinger to draw her plan in the dirt. First, she drew a square and said it was the whole forest. She then drew a second square inside it and said it was the land they needed. After drawing out future wide roads in the four corners, she indicated that they would burn the gaps in between.
The elderly Nallaya laughed. “Whatever we remove and place to the side will dry up and get easily caught on fire. What then?”
“Whatever we cut we should toss into the inner square and not on the paths.”
Most thought that they might as well try.
Except for a few who were keeping watch, the rest discussed the idea until they fell asleep.
The children slept immediately after their evening meal which happened at sunset. Their days were spent playing with the wide variety of insects they found in the forest. The older children helped clear the forest. Or they would watch over the children sleeping in cradles against any foxes or wolves.
The night guards who slept through the day woke up. Whenever the fire in the pit grew dim they fed it dry wood to keep it from going out.
Agni, the God of Fire, gave them light when they had no lanterns. It gave them protection against beasts and kept them warm.
What a wise and brilliant lady is Mangayatharu Ammal? Her precise and perfect plan to a construct a fertile land by destroying forest by fire is well narrated!! Mused myself thinking of the word வெஞ்சனம் we use for a side dish !!
Rising nostalgic feelings !!


50 Years Ago
From the Herald and Democrat in 1968
Firing the best golf of the year, the JBU Golf Team swept the first annual Ozark College golf tournament at Joplin, Mo. "When every man on the squad improves anywhere from 10 to 25 percent during the course of the season, you know it has to be a thrilling and exciting climax to pull off a victory in the first tournament the team has ever entered," exclaimed Coach Parker.
Members of the team were Larry Alexander, John Young, Duane Brandsgaard, Stewart Springfield and John Herman. Brandsgaard did not participate in the Ozark Tournament as it was a four-man team tourney.
30 Years Ago
From the Herald-Democrat in 1988
Once Benton County was known as the home of the Big Red Apple.
Between 1890 and 1910, this county produced more apples than any other county in the United States, and Siloam Springs and vicinity did its part to contribute to the record crops.
In 1895, over 30,000 bushels of apples were shipped out of Siloam Springs and in 1904, 187 railroad cars left the local depot loaded with the fruit. And, in addition to apples shipped out by rail, many bushels were processed at local evaporators, vinegar plants and cider plants. At one time the world's largest apple cider vinegar plant was located in Siloam Springs. The plant burned in 1916.
The Era of the Big Red Apple began to come to a close in the 1920s when disease invaded many of the orchards. The depression of the 1930s saw many orchards abandoned; there were few markets for produce, prices were low and funds were not available for sprays and other production costs. But, the Siloam Springs Museum's new exhibit served as a reminder of the time when apple and other fruit production was a mainstay of the local economy and Benton County was known across the country as the home of The Big Red Apple.
10 years Ago
From the Herald-Leader in 2008
Grace Nast, 13, of Siloam Springs, received third prize in the February 2008 Cricket League photography competition of Cricket magazine.
Each entrant was asked to submit a magazine cover photo. Nast's photo, "Waiting for Spring," appeared in the May/June 2008 issue.Community on 05/16/2018
Print Headline: JBU golf team wins first tournament


Piece Count: 504 unique shapes (if 500 is good, 504 is better!)
Finished Size: 42.0 x 59.4 cm (16.5 x 23.4")
Perfect For: Weekend at the cottage
Recommended Pairings: Mimosa or a Rose Hip Tea
The Steele, Briggs Seed Company was founded in 1873 by Richard Steele and Sylvester Briggs. The company’s success was partially due to the fact that it developed seeds specifically for the Canadian climate and short growing season. While other seed companies based in the U.S. were plentiful, it was critical to find seeds that were proven to grow in the colder, shorter season in Canada. The mail-order seed catalogues published each year were beautiful, eye-catching works of art that were eagerly sought after. Plant on!
Reproduced in vivid wide-gamut colour, and mounted on genuine Eska board.
The Occurrence. Made in Haliburton, Ontario!


At Bareburger, people are sometimes puzzled to hear that little of what we do is actually 'new.' Since the dawn of farming, people have eaten the same organic, all natural, free-range, grass-fed meats; organic and all-natural cheeses; and organic vegetables that we offer. By partnering with local artisans and working with sustainable farmers, we're returning to an old-fashioned emphasis on quality. It’s tastier, it's better for you, and it benefits our community.
We have a separate upstairs event space available
Check our calendar occasionally for our own entertainment events


By P.J. Huffstutter
CHICAGO (Reuters) – As Iowa heads toward its fourth year of drought, grain farmers prepping for planting next month are facing mandatory water restrictions and livestock producers are searching for supplies.
The nation’s top corn-producing state is seeing one of its driest periods going into a growing season, according to Thursday’s update from U.S. Drought Monitor.
Such dry conditions will allow farmers to plant quickly this season, a bearish move for grain futures that have already been trending downward this year. The U.S. last year harvested a record corn crop despite drought conditions in some areas, and corn prices have hovered around the lowest in more than three years due to plentiful global supply.
Iowa had enough sub-soil moisture that farmers were able to produce a bountiful yield last fall with timely rains, said Don Roose, president of Iowa-based U.S. Commodities.
“This year, we’re running on empty, moisture-wise,” Roose said.
About 23% of Iowa’s corn acres and 19% of its soybean acres are in an extreme drought, according to Gro Intelligence, a New York-based data and analytics firm that analyzed Thursday’s drought update and U.S. Department of Agriculture data for Reuters.
In comparison, less than 2% of the state’s corn and soybean acres were in an extreme drought during the same time a year earlier, Gro Intelligence found.
Though forecasts for spring rains could temporarily improve Iowa’s situation, weather models predict that drought conditions in northern and eastern parts of the state will intensify going into the summer, said Brad Pugh at the National Weather Service’s (NWS) Climate Prediction Center.
Drought concerns prompted Iowa’s Poweshiek Water Association to issue a mandatory water conservation order this month to customers in eight counties and surrounding areas.
Among other things, it warned that, starting April 1, crop farmers wanting to spray diluted chemicals or other inputs on their fields may need to source water from private wells or outside the service area.
That order will impact Cordt Holub. Last year, his cattle were able to drink at a nearby stream – until it ran dry. Water restrictions could mean shifting his crop farming practices later this season, which may impact yields.
“Come summertime, if the water isn’t there, we’re going to have to skip on a fungicide pass, maybe an insecticide pass,” Holub said. “We need water to farm.”
NWS scientists also are tracking how a potential shift to a La Nina weather pattern this summer may impact interior river levels this fall – when U.S. grain harvests hit the global markets.
(Reporting By P.J. Huffstutter in Chicago.; Editing by Marguerita Choy)


Athiri is a white-wine grape variety of ancient origin grown exclusively in Greece. It is best known for its use in blends, particularly as a foil for the steely Assyrtico grape variety in the PDO Santorini wines. Athiri's softness and low alcohol makes it well suited to this purpose, and it is rarely found as a varietal wine.Despite Athiri's relative obscurity, it is one of Greece's most widely planted grape varieties, covering vineyards in the Aegean Islands as well as on the mainland. It has been said that Athiri is a modern name for Theriaki, an ancient grape variety appearing in many historical wine-related documents.
Location: The hilly countryside in central Makedonia.
Soil: Bright sandy loam, rich in minerals.
Climate: Continental, with sufficient humidity.
Varietal composition: The noble Greek indigenous grape variety Athiri.
Classification: Protected Geographical Indication Makedonikos
Viticultural techniques: An integrated farming system is applied.
Harvest: Late August.
Vinification techniques: The vinification is made in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with cooling jackets, where the alcoholic fermentation takes place at a low and constant temperature to preserve the aromas of the grape.
Character: Clear yellow with hints of green; a youthful wine, flowery, pleasantly aromatic with a crisp finish.
Serving suggestions: A wine recommended with grilled fish, seafood, chargrilled vegetables, light cheeses and fruits.
Serving temperature: Best served at 10 – 12 oC.


You know us for our quality feed, but we’re also an excellent source for the industry’s best farm hardware and equipment. That’s why CPC has teamed with the nation’s leading manufactures. CPC proudly offers our customers a full line of products from the following:
Additionally, we offer a variety of CPC-branded products to meet the needs of any farming operation, regardless of type or size. We strive to be a competitive, quality source for the staples you search for. Contact us for product and pricing inquiries.
The following offers a glimpse of what we have available:
High Tensile Wire
Cattle Hay Rings
Horse Hay Rings
Rubbermaid® Water Tanks
Personalized Lettered Gates


The EU FLEGT Facility has published a story describing how farmers in Thailand are starting to reap the benefits from international timber trade talks between Thailand and the European Union.
Until recently, forest laws put limitations on farmers around the harvesting and transportation of certain tree species. Organisations such as the Private Forest Plantation Cooperative Limited – a cooperative of tree growing farmers and private land owners – used the trade talks to push for amendments to forest laws to improve the situation for farmers.
In 2019, the Thai Government changed regulations regarding the use of trees on private land. Farmers can now legally harvest all trees on their land and get additional income from them without burdensome paperwork and/or field inspections.


Here in Vermont, we grow basil in the garden through to mid-September. Truly, there is nothing like fresh, warm from sun basil wrapped in a sandwich roll-up or around a crisp cucumber. I dry a bunch for the spice jar too. Mostly though I make pesto; whatever we don’t eat in a couple days goes into the freezer for the coming winter when vibrant green pesto is most welcome!
When this soaking step is skipped, then inhibitors inside the nuts and seeds can prevent your gut from absorbing nutrients in this otherwise nutrient-rich food. These inhibitors can weaken digestion, steal nutrients from you, and cause food sensitivities. If you already struggle with poor digestion or a health condition like osteoporosis then you’ll want to do all you can to keep your gut strong.
The most efficient way to minimize these harmful enzyme inhibitors and toxins is to make your own nuts and seeds with the recipe below.
This nutrient-dense pumpkin seed butter contains no sugar or icky added oils. It’s also a safe alternative for “nut-free” schools and kids. We spread this one on flax crackers, roasted nori sheets, green apples, waffles, and celery sticks ?
First we eat, then we do everything else. ~ M.F.K. Fisher
Pumpkin Seed Butter
Makes: 1 1/4 cup
Onions are a main ingredient because they have antibacterial properties that stimulate gastric juices to get things moving. Sound yummy?? They are …. and they can make your belly happy too 🙂
I created this recipe while practicing stage


We Help You Grow!
We give you only the best quality products and we guarantee it. You can use them without issues for a long time and you will be pleased by the high quality material they are built using.
We believe you deserve to use the latest available agricultural equipment's and we are here to provide them to you. From the manufacturers of the best products, we deliver the cutting-edge technology to your hands.
We care for your product even after we sell it. Have no delays in your work and ensuring you get the best parts and high quality repairs. Our service team awaits for your call to serve you anytime of the year.
Our company at a glance
Saradha Lanka Agro Company, established ourselves as an agro product oriented organization in the year 2006. We manufacture , Import and distribute a wide range of high quality machinery and equipments with advanced techniques for sustainable agriculture which help farmers achieve better quality crops and harvest.


Mateusz is the Production Manager for the Extraction plant in Poland. He has been a part of Olimax since the beginning of the company, as he is the son of one of co-founders of the enterprise.
His knowledge of hemp industry in Poland is very extensive. He has many contacts in the industry and has many years of experience in farming and cultivating hemp.
Mateusz set up the extraction facility and is currently managing the Polish production process to include the production of new CBD end products.
His personal interests in both the vehicles industry and hemp industry encourage him to develop innovative improvements into farming equipment.


Master Gardener Classes 2019
Would you like to become a N.C. Cooperative Extension Master Gardener?
Cleveland County Extension will offer classes in 2019.
The Extension Master Gardener program is an educational program designed to enhance public education in consumer horticulture. It provides educational assistance to the citizens of the county concerning lawns, fruits, vegetables, trees, and ornamentals through the utilization of a trained and supervised volunteer staff.
Under the guidance and support of Extension agents, selected residents of a county enter a specially designed training program in horticulture. Participants in the program must complete the training program, pass an examination, and volunteer a minimum of 40 hours per year (20 hours in subsequent years) through the local Cooperative Extension Center.
The Extension Master Gardener program allows the local Extension to extend education to an ever increasing gardening audience. It also provides the local center with a highly visible way to meet the public demand for information and to develop a strong clientele support group.
North Carolina Cooperative Extension increasingly utilizes trained Master Gardener volunteers to meet the constant demand for consumer horticulture information by the citizens of our state. Seventy three counties offer the Extension Master Gardener program. Many of our county programs are relatively new. There are currently over 3,000 active Master Gardener volunteers.
If you would like to become an Extension Master Gardener, you will need to fill out, print and return the 2019 Master Gardener Application to:
Extension Master Gardener
130 S. Post Road, Suite 1
Shelby, NC 28152
If you have any questions, please give Julie Flowers a call @704-482-4365 or
2019 Class Dates:
August – 20, 22, 27, 29
September – 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26
Each class will run from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost is $55.00


Creating Shared Value
Agrodite assists companies in realizing CSV programs that are able to provide economic value for the company while providing environmental and social values for communities.
Agrodite provides qualitative and quantitative research for three sectors:
2) Climate Change Adaptation
3) Disaster Risk Reduction
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
At Agrodite, we are specialists in monitoring, evaluating and drawing lessons from programs in agriculture, climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
Design and Implementation of Programs
Agrodite designs and implements programs from the needs of farmers and donors.
Agrodite trains farmers on:
- Integrated sustainable farming systems
- Good Agricultural Practices
- Climate Smart Agriculture
- Embracing new technologies and innovations
Contact details Agrodite
APL Tower (T9 - 16th floor)
Podomoro City (Central Park)
Jl. Let. Jend. S. Parman, Kav 28
Jakarta 11470, Indonesia
Thomas van Rossum


On Friday morning last week, I got a text to be free for the next day and to check my Facebook message for the plan. The plan was to go to a permaculture farm and do a pilot session on a new project, Pailaharu, by a friend where we would take a stroll around the farm and write, read, doodle. I immediately agreed, one – because I was free, two because I love the idea of ‘farm’, three because I love the writing session conducted by this friend and four, because she would bring orange-chocolate cake and you know, you can never say no to a cake (or any food with chocolate in it, or at least I can’t).
We were supposed to meet at Sitapaila Chowk at around 11:15 but then by the time everyone arrived, it was past 11:30. Seven of us then walked from Sitapaila Chowk towards Sunrise Permaculture Farm, which is located on the way to Ramkot. There, we met Prabina didi, whose dad owns the farm. She gave us a tour as well as gave us information about permaculture and her farm.
Sunrise Farm is small for a farm while large for a keba, kitchen garden. Divided into three storeys, the farm grows mixed fruits and vegetables and also have shed for dairy. There are few rules in the farm – not to step on the dyang and walk only on kholcha, not to pick fruits from trees but the ones fallen on the ground are allowed to be eaten, to observe without any expectation and just to enjoy the stroll. After the first tour, we sat down to discuss the idea of the session and later roamed around the farm on our own. From the cold breeze to tall trees, from fruits to ants and bees, the session made us think about how we are connected to the land and nature.


Kendall County master gardener Steve Wolf shows Josephine Breyne of Yorkville how to test germination of seeds Saturday, Feb. 2 in Yorkville. The event allowed community members to share vegetable and flower seeds in the third annual Seed Swap by the University of Illinois Extension in Kendall County.
Gunnar McKinley of Elburn asks the master gardener and master naturalist volunteers a question about native seeds, such as milkweed. During the seed exchange event, master gardeners answered questions and demonstrated a seed-starting system. To learn more about University of Illinois Extension in Kendall County, visit go.illinois.edu/extensiondkk.


- Certification/Grading: FT, Organic
- Roast: Medium
- Tasting Profile: Salted caramel, silky sweet, citrus
- Grower: Cooperativa Agricola de Servicisios Norandino
- Variety: Caturra, Bourpon, Catuai, Pache, & Catimor
- Region: Piura, Amazonas, Peru
- Altitude: 1100-1700 M
- Soil Type: Clay Minerals
- Process: Gully washed and dried in the sun.
25% of all profits from this coffee are donated to causes that help support low-income coffee growers and alleviate child poverty
A fresh bag of coffee will be delivered every 14 days.


You might be interested inSee more
Common Organic Legume Seed for Sale. Tap Root Alfalfa, Single Cut Red Clover and Alsike Clover. Available in 50 pound bags. 306-382-1299 Saskatoon Sk.
Silage covers, net wraps, twine, silage/grain bags, silage bale wrap. All items in stock! Call for pricing. New Vision Agro (306) 225-2226. www.newvisionagro.com.
Bulls For Sale Black Angus & Polled Hereford Yearling bulls. Pick your bull now. Bulls will be semen tested & delivered in the Spring. Call or text Zane @ 306-268-8884 or Mark @ 306-268-5577, McKerricher Cattle Co., Ogema, SK.


Most home gardeners will find growing this unique plant rewarding.Popular types of indoor bonsais include the Ponytail Palm, Sago Palm, Gardenia Bonsai, Golden Gate Ficus, Jade Bonsai, and the Hawaiian Umbrella Tree.These glossy, dark green cycads have been growing and thriving since dinosaurs roamed the Earth.Cycads are palmlike plants that belong to a group called gymnosperms, which means cone-bearers.
Outdoor Bonsai Care Instructions 1) Water outdoor bonsais daily during spring, summer and fall seasons.However, most parts of the plant, especially the seeds, are found to be poisonous for humans as well as animals.The Tropical Connection - Wholesale foliage and palm nursery.
Palms vary in size from relatively small Windmill and Sago Palms, to giants like Royal Palms and Queen Palms which, when grown, may tower fifty feet in the air.
While the whole tree is poisonous, the seeds (nuts) are the most toxic.Make sure to use palm food fertilizer to rejuvenate them, or mix 1 cup epsom salts in 5 gals. water. They only need this about every six weeks during the growing season.You can propagate sago palm tree from seeds which is a lengthy process.This sago palm is suffering from a classic case of manganese deficiency.Sago Palm Growing Instructions Grow sago palm in medium or bright light.
Care Instructions Each Michael Aram metal object undergoes a series of grinding, buffing and polishing techniques.
Even though this article is on the importance of pruning (trimming) your palm trees always remember that Palm trees are still low maintenance trees.If placed too far from natural sunlight, a sago palm will distort its growth pattern trying to reach the light.Like all plants, it requires a lot of care for proper growth and nutrition.
The Sago Palm Plant, although not a true palm, offers a look into what life looked on prehistoric Earth.While not a true palm, this easy care plant does have the same palm-like appearance to its fronds of leaves.Many think regularly trimming palms will help them grow when in fact just the opposite is true.It will be better to acquire a thorough knowledge about sago palm care, so as to grow these plants properly.However, this can keep your trees looking neat if you follow the proper instructions.


FALSE CLAIMS BY VP OSINBAJO…
SOME REASONS WHY SOWORE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE DEBATE…
Below are some of the reasons they don’t want Sowore to take part in the Presidential debate. He’ll definitely expose their many lies…🤷♀
During the televised debate of vice presidential candidates of the PDP, the APC, APCN, ANN and YPP they stated their plans and answered questions about the economy, corruption among other topics. During the debate, which was largely adjudged to have been won by the PDP candidate Peter Obi, VP Osinbajo of the APC made some claims that are factually incorrect.
Claim One: Nigeria is producing 7000 Megawatts of Electricity (FALSE)
According to the umbrella body of the electricity distribution company in Nigeria Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), While there is an available capacity of 7,000MW, what Nigeria presently generates is not more that 5,000MW. This is because there is insufficient gas to power the thermal plants due to gas line limitations.
Claim two: Nigeria produces 90% of the rice it consumes (FALSE)
Despite the APC government’s promised agricultural revolution, Nigeria is still perceived to be the world’s highest importer of rice according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Also, Rice farmers in Nigeria have recently reported a drop in output since last year due to higher input costs, insecurity and widespread flooding in the main growing regions.
Claim three: (FALSE) The Cost of fertilizer has reduced.
In a July report, Business Day newspaper reported that the average fertilizer prices across the states increased by with Urea rising by 0.64% and SSP recording an increase of 4.67% compared to average fertilizer prices of June, 2018.
Claim Four: (FALSE) Nigeria is one of the fastest
A World Economic Forum GDP forecast for 2017 listed Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Djibouti as the only African countries in it’s world’s fastest growing economies list. Nigeria did not make the list.
Claim Five: (UNVERIFIABLE)Nigeria has built six innovation hubs.
While speaking at the launch of the NorthEast Innovation Hub in Yola in June, Professor Osinbajo stated that the Federal Government would establish six innovation hubs across the country but yesterday said the FG had established six of such hubs. However, this claim remains unverifiable as there is no report in the media to back this claim that six innovation hubs have been built by the government. .


FGDC Soil Data Subcommittee Activities- FY 1997
|Planned Activity 1 |
-- Receive review comments from the public review of the Soil Geographic Data Standard. Based on these comments, a working agenda will be developed to prepare the draft standard to final endorsement by the FGDC as an official standard.
Planned Activity 2
-- Begin the development of a standard dealing with soil data from a specific location on the Earth's surface -- point data.
Progress: Due to the length of time consumed by finalizing the endorsement of the above standard, this phase of our work was not started during the year. It will be addressed in 1998.


WHO WE ARE
Bolson has extensive knowledge and a wide network of partners worldwide who share the same notion in their agricultural and production practices: belief in promoting ecological balance and sustainability to ensure a better world for the future.
WHAT WE DO
Bolson provides organic food products and sustainable goods of the highest quality. We began with one of the primary food groups, in Turkey, and have now expanded to distribute and export 30 diverse food products – encompassing four of the five primary food groups-, and sustainable manufactured goods from Turkey to the GCC region. Our objective is to continue to grow our production and network to satisfy the demands of consumers worldwide. What Bolson means for your business: products of superb quality and value backed by on-time delivery and customer satisfaction.
Get a free quote Today!
Have any questions in mind?


Kew GardensÂ was a great experience of highlights that reined throughout the day.
ThisÂ dense and humid greenhouse was filled with loads of exotic trees and plants; someÂ of which are, theÂ cacaoÂ tree, (which makes chocolate) and papaya trees, which produce yellow, mango looking fruits.
The cacao is a type of palm tree, which then is made intoÂ chocolate. Cacao plants can also be made into different moisturising.
Papayas are soft, sweet, yellow fruits, that can be make into medicines, to cure diseases.Â In the rainforest, animals like monkeys, can eat the seeds, but humans cant because theyÂ are poisonous, and you would get a bad tummy ache.
Poo. It is a very useful thing in the rainforest. What happens is an animal comes along, (in this case, a monkey,) and eats the whole fruit. Later on, it swings along the branches of trees, and poos. Then the seed uses the poo as fertiliser, and starts to grow. It becomes nice and healthy.
Some of us were able to spot some peacocks, going towards the badger sett. You had to keep an eye out because they were more commonly spotted by bushes. Despite seeing them, we got the chance toÂ see their feathers come out. The feathers were very colourful and pretty. As you would have gathered, it was a memorable trip.
By Keira Harvey


My garden has had some interesting changes…not all good.
Something is eating my Cilantro. I am actually angry. The Cilantro did not take off like I had hoped and I only have one little bunch growing. I went out there yesterday and noticed that all the leaves were stripped off! UGH!
I looked up from the herb garden and found that I had a new melon grown and it was pretty sizable! That makes 4 growing on the trellis and one on the garden bed. Yum… In fact we picked our first melon the other day. First Fruit!


In March I had the opportunity to attend the Good Food Festival in Chicago.
The Good Food Festival was created for food lovers concerned about the future of our food supply.
“The purpose of the Good Food Festival & Conference is to link some of the best local farmers and family-owned producers of food and farm products with the public, trade buyers and leaders in the field to foster relationships that facilitate the growth of local food systems. FamilyFarmed.org now works with many of the nation’s largest buyers of local food including Whole Foods Market, Sysco, Compass Group, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Goodness Greeness, and others to connect them with local food sources.”
My kids, my mom and I attended the Exhibit part of the Festival on Saturday, March 17, 2012 and we walked away from it looking forward to next year.
There were so many great organic food products, organic product growers and all sorts of local food resources and information. There were product samples, demonstrations and many booths allowed you to purchase the products you were sampling, which was great for me because not only did I get to try something before I bought it, where I live these types of products aren’t as readily available as they are in the city. Hopefully that will change soon!
The event was held at UIC (The University of Illinois at Chicago), which is where I spent 5 years studying Architecture and obtained my Bachelor’s degree. It was great to go back and visit the campus and learn more about my passion for clean and organic eating.
It was sponsored by Chipotle, my favorite restaurant in the entire world and the exhibit floor was filled with great local and semi-local companies all there sharing a common passion for transforming the way we eat.
As I mentioned earlier, there were product samples, demonstrations and they made sure that the kids had a great time too. Purple Asparagus sponsored a children’s area where they learned about composting (and Abby fell in love with worms), planted tomato seeds and made puppets.
I can’t even begin to describe the great food I came home with!
My mom and I both are looking forward to next year.
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LANDRETH SEED CO., INC., D.
650 N. Northpoint Rd., Baltimore, Maryland 21224 , USA
since 1784, the d. landreth seed company has been providing its customers with one of the most extensive selections of fine lawn and garden seeds in the world.
Products & Services:
Web Site Results
9th Annual Heirloom Plant Sale At The Warehouse in New Freedom, PA Featuring the Largest Collection of Heirloom Tomato Plants in the US Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19, 2013 9:00 AM... - 4:00 PM The 6th Annual Heirloom Flower Bulb & Garlic Sale Featuring the Largest Collection of Heirloom Bulb Varieties in the US Saturday and Sunday, October 19-20, 2013 9:00 AM... Festival, Howard City, MDMay 04 - May 05Blandy Arboretum Arbor Fest, Boyce, VAMay 11 - May 12Garden Party & Heirloom Plant Sale, Sharon Springs, NYJun 01 - Jun 02Newport Flower...
D. Landreth Company Heirloom Seeds and Open Pollinated Seeds 1-800-654-2407 Holiday Gardening Gifts Special Collections Bulbs & Tubers Cold-treated Bulbs Seeds Seeds In A Sack... beloved flowers and vegetables known today including the Zinnia, the white potato, various tomatoes, and our own Bloomsdale Spinach. We have become the oldest seed house...
650 N. Northpoint Rd.
Baltimore, Maryland 21224 , USA
- OREGON CITY FARMER'S MARKET INC, THE Oregon City, Oregon
- LANDRETH SEED CO., INC., D. Baltimore, Maryland
- LUCINI ITALIA CO. Miami, Florida
- VERRILL FARM LLC Concord, Massachusetts
- OLIVIER NAPA VALLEY INC Saint Helena, California


The Search for Bt Click on the link to see our lab in action!
We extracted DNA from tortillias, fritos, gummy bears, chicken feed, popcorn,cheerios, polenta and jam. We used PCR to amplify the corn invertase gene (to show we had corn) and the Bt toxin gene (to see if the food contained genetically modified corn). We used agarose gel electrophoresis to see whether the corn invertase gene and the Bt gene had been amplified. We showed that corn DNA was indeed present in everything except gummy bears, jam, and cheerios; but we didn’t amplify the Bt gene. Apparently none of the corn in the foods we studied was genetically modified.


Stefano Accordini’s family involvement with wine started early in the 20th century when Stefano’s father Gaetano Accordini bought 5 ha of vineyards in the hills between Verona and Lake Garda. Stefano continued his father’s passion for producing Valpolicella wine on their family vineyards all his life and was followed by his sons Daniele and Tiziano (pictured). In turn, the current generation of Accordinis; Giacomo, Paolo, and Marco, have inherited the love for Valpolicella and a place in their family enterprise.
It might seem like stating the obvious, but you get something really special when four successive generations dedicate themselves to producing and refining one particular style of wine. With a total of 10 ha under vine, the Accordindis know every inch of their land intimately. The vineyards have south-eastern exposure and a balanced soil composition perfect for growing the Corvine, Rondinelle and Corvinone grapes that go into the Accordini Valpolicellas.


Grass and Wildflower seed in bulk
We carry a wide range of native grass and wildflower seed in bulk and aim to have most of the seeds listed below available throughout the year. If you do not see the species you are looking for, please contact us as we may be able to order it for you.
During the planting season (late fall to early winter) we try to keep all seed on hand to fulfill your order as quickly as possible, but as with our plants, we highly recommend that you call us first to check on availability before you make a trip out to the nursery. All prices are market prices and are subject to change without notice.
To ensure that the seed you buy is appropriate for your location, all seed orders are custom made and can take some time to put together. Please try to give us at least 48 hours notice if you need a seed order put together. This way, we can save you time by having everything ready when you arrive. When you contact us to place an order or to discuss a custom mix, it would help us greatly if you have answers to the following questions:
- What is the size of the area you want to sow? (in square feet or acres)
- Where is the site you are sowing?
- What kind of soil do you have? e.g. sandy, clay, dry, moist, etc.
- Is the area in full sun or partial shade?
- Will the area have supplemental irrigation or just winter rains?
All seed orders are put together at our Moss Landing nursery. If you order seed it needs to be prepaid (Due to the amount of cancellations in the past).
We also sell our wildflower seed in pre-measured presentation packets. These cost $4.00 (tax included) each and are an ideal size for sowing smaller areas. They also make great gifts and stocking stuffers!


When a Friends member heard that honey bee hives were coming to Crooked River State Park in coastal St Marys, she suggested to Park Ranger, Tracy Worsham, that a one-acre mowed field be converted into a meadow of local native wildflowers and grasses. The new habitat would provide nectar, pollen, native seeds, forage and shelter to honeybees, native bees, bumblebees, wasps, flies, butterflies, birds, gopher tortoises, and other wildlife that live in the park. Her idea was well received. Thus began a collaboration between Friends of Crooked River State Park, where both Elizabeth King and Gail Farley are members, and the park.
The park called it the "Pollinator Restoration Project." Friends of CRSP were given the responsibility to plan and implement the project. Gail Farley volunteered to lead the effort. Step one was to stop mowing the one-acre field so that existing vegetation could grow up. By Fall 2019, little bluestem grass, Schizachyrium scoparium, had emerged as the dominant flora. Shortleaf blazing star, Liatris tenuifolia, appeared and grew in in drifts. The best surprise was clumps of wiregrass, Aristida stricta, that surfaced once mowing stopped. We collected seeds of little bluestem and Liatris. Gopher tortoise burrows and wiregrass clumps were tagged so they would not get bush hogged.
We decided to tackle just one-third of the site in 2019. Once the site was bush hogged, volunteers removed as much of the existing vegetation as possible. Our goal was a cleared site that would offer the best native seed to soil contact. While not ideal, we chose to have the park use their tractor to disc and harrow the site. Our volunteers then spent many hours manually raking and removing plant debris from the sandy soil. The hills and valleys created by the tractor's work had to be smoothed to a flat soil surface. Before seeding, a mulched trail was created to weave its way through the site. We then seeded the bed with more than three dozen species of local ecotype native wildflowers and grasses, most being purchased from Florida Wildflowers Growers Association. We didn't have the luxury of collecting desirable seeds earlier. The bed was then rolled to press the seed into the soil. Finally, we spread a thin layer of longleaf pine straw to help keep seeds and moisture in place. With the seeds put to bed, we then walked away and hoped for the best. We knew that many of the seeds required rain and cold temperatures to germinate. And some seeds take 2-3 years for the seed coat to wear down enough for roots to grow. The site is not irrigated, relying exclusively on natural rain. When we say, "Hope it rains soon," we mean it! Plans for 2020 include removing nonnative species from another one-third of the area through solarization this summer, then during State Parks Day, rake out the area and prepare for seeding. We will need volunteers! Please join us on Saturday, September 26, for Your State Parks Day at the Pollinator Restoration Area.


I recently stumbled upon a book (All New Square Foot Gardening: Grow More in Less Space! by Mel Bartholomew) with an interesting gardening method called square foot gardening, and decided we would give it a try.I’ve always thought the idea of having a vegetable garden would be a lot of fun. Walking out to your square foot garden and picking a fresh tomato for tonight’s dinner appeals to the self-sufficient nature of most frugal individuals.
I know just enough about gardening to know that I am not very good at it, and that it is a lot of work. My kids have always been fascinated with the idea of growing things, but our soil and our dog make planting anything in the yard impossible. Enter square foot gardening.
What is Square Foot Gardening?
The idea behind square foot gardening is that you can plant fruits, vegetables and flowers in raised beds, above infertile soil and even out of the reach of pets. Seeds are planted in 1X1 square foot plots, and when harvested a new plant is installed in the square. Raised beds can sit directly on the ground, or include a bottom layer and be placed on patios, decks or porches. Because of a bad back, and a dog with a propensity to dig up our new plants, we decided to build a 4×2 foot table-top design.
Materials Needed to Set Up a Square Foot Garden
Material costs are variable, depending on the size of garden you plan to build. I personally opted for a 4′ by 2′ configuration because it fit the table we were planning to use. Most people typically start with a 4′ by 4′ design for their first square foot garden. I’ll share with you what materials I used, but keep in mind the pricing could be higher or lower depending on your local costs of lumber, soil, etc.
(1) Sheet untreated plywood – $0.00 (leftover scrap from a previous home improvement project)
(2) 2x6x8 pieces of untreated lumber – $7.38 Don’t get treated lumber because treatments can seep into the soil and contaminate your planting area.
(8) #8 x 3″ Wood Screws (or deck screws) – $2.94 Use these longer screws to connect the corners of the 2×6′s after cutting to the desired length.
(8) #6 x 1″ Wood Screws – $0.98 These were used to anchor the nylon line to create a grid system for the 1×1 planting plots. I also used a few to fasten the sheet of plywood to the 2×6′s to create a bottom to my container.
(1) Pack of Twisted Nylon Line – $4.43 I used this and the smaller screws to create a grid system on top of the container, in 1×1 square foot patterns.
(2) 2cu ft. bags of Miracle Grow Garden Soil (for flowers and vegetables) – $13.54 There were more frugal recipes here for soil, such as 1/3 compost, 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 vermiculite. However, I could not find the ingredients packaged locally and the individual ingredients bought separately at the larger home improvement stores were more expensive the bags of Miracle Grow. If you have some compost to mix, such as soil generated from a Mantis ComposT-Twin composter, it would really help your soil.
It was my daughter’s idea to use popsicle sticks to mark the type of fruit or veggie planted. We will fill in the remaining squares after we eat another round of popsicles!
Since we decided to go with raised beds on a table top I checked the dimensions of the table and came up with a suitable size for our square foot gardening container. Four feet by two feet would allow for eight square foot plots for planting. First, cut the 8ft. long 2x6s down to size. Next, position the 2x6s on the table in a rectangular pattern, alternating corners to make the “inside box” dimensions four feet by two feet (I chose not to alternate corners because the table I was working with was only 45 inches wide, so I needed it to be a little narrower). Fasten the sides using the #8×3″ wood screws. If you have trouble with the wood trying to split you may want to first drill pilot holes.
With the sides now fastened it is time to attach a bottom to the container, unless you are planning to put the raised bed directly on the ground. If this is the case, use some cardboard or weed blocking fabric to discourage grass and weeds from coming up through the soil. In my case, the container will be placed on a table top so I needed to attach a bottom to hold the soil in place. Fortunately, I had some untreated plywood I ripped to size. The bottom doesn’t have to be thick, so 1/4″, 3/8″ or 1/2″ plywood would do just fine. Fasten the bottom to the container using the #6×1″ wood screws (assuming you didn’t use 1″ plywood).
Plan for drainage by raising the box up a couple inches. I ripped a couple scraps from the remaining 2x6s and used them to attach four 2″ feet for each corner of the box. I also drilled a few 1/8″ thick drainage holes in the bottom of the box to allow standing water to flow out the bottom.
Create a grid system on top of the square foot gardening container using nylon line and #6×1″ screws, spaced a foot apart across the width and length of the container. Drill the screws about half way into the top of the 2x6s, leaving enough room to tie a knot of nylon line around the screw. If the end of the nylon line frays after cutting (as mine did), use a lighter to gently melt the ends to prevent further fraying.
Irrigating a Square Foot Garden
*Unless you already have a drip line and timer prepared for your garden, you’ll have to water manually early on to improve seed germination. If the air is particularly dry, or hot, you will need to constantly keep the soil moist until seeds have sprouted and taken root. One economical way to do this is to fill used water bottles and poke a small hole or two in one side of the bottle using a safety pin. Use your finger to dig a 1/2″ deep trench the length of the bottle and lay the bottle on its side, pin-prick side down, over the trench. The water will slowly drip into the trench, keeping the soil moist for several hours. Obviously when sprouts begin to appear above the surface you want to be sure not to position a bottle directly on top of the struggling plant.
Perform this routine first thing in the morning so soil gradually soaks and then dries throughout the day, and is driest overnight. This reduces the chance of fungus or diseases developing. This is even more important when the plants begin to develop leaves – avoid wetting leaves at all costs as it encourages disease.
*I’ve since improved on this irrigation system as I became more aware of the dangers of heated plastic leeching bad things into the soil
I’m not sure what to expect from this effort in terms of food yields, but just the process of building the box, filling it with dirt and planting seeds with my kids was worth the $40. If the small garden yields a few fruits and veggies during the spring and summer then all the better. Who knows, if we can cultivate a good crop we may build more boxes next summer and section off an area of the yard so the dog does not eat our produce.
I think over time it will help my kids understand the true value of things. Those strawberries don’t just wind up in the produce section of our local grocery stores. As I pointed out to my daughter today someone has to plant the seeds, water the plants, harvest the crops, clean the strawberries, package them, and transport them to a distributor.
Money Lessons Learned By Square Foot Gardening
#1 – Create a conducive environment for growth. The most important step in gardening is to prepare a bed of fertile soil for your plants to grow.
Money lesson: Similarly, investments require an environment where they can thrive. Faithfully contributing money to bad investments, or a bad brokerage, will do nothing but increase losses over time. Take some time to investigate the various brokerage houses and fund managers before deciding where to invest.
#2 – Select the right mix for optimal growth. Some plants tend to do better when surrounded by other certain types of plants. Some plant varieties are good are warding off insects (such as marigolds). Carefully selecting the right combination of plants could improve the entire garden.
Money lesson: Selecting the right types of investments makes for a more balanced, well-diversified portfolio. With my own finances, I have a blend of tax-free and tax-deferred retirement accounts from both my employer, and things I have opened on my own. I also have a couple cash accounts for short-term savings goals, and conservatively invested taxable funds for longer term goals short of retirement.
#3 – Tend to yoursquare foot garden often, but don’t over-do it. Plants need two basic things to grow – water and sunlight. However, many new gardeners with good intentions kill crops by over watering, or watering too frequently. These overactive gardeners would see improved results if they backed off a bit. Deep watering plants every few days encourages a deeper root system as plants dig down through the soil in search of water.
Money lesson: Overactive investors who constantly make changes to their accounts likely see diminished returns when compared to those who buy and hold for the long term. A few active traders can beat average market returns, but keeping up with single investments requires a lot of homework. If you are like me we have other things competing for our time, so a healthy dose of long-term investments set on auto-pilot lowers the hassle factor.
#4 – Be patient – results don’t come overnight. It took nearly two weeks of faithfully watering and tending to my square foot garden before I began to see green sprouts poking through the soil. It would be unrealistic to expect juicy, plump tomatoes to magically appear two days after planting the seeds.
Money lesson: It is also unrealistic to expect double-digit returns on investments in only a couple months. Select a strong portfolio, contribute to them often and check up on them every few days, but don’t obsess over the results in the short term.
#5 – Keep invaders out. The biggest threat to a square foot garden is from outside invaders, namely insects. Aphids, moths and slugs can wreak havoc to a vegetable garden, chewing away on leaves and fruits.
Money lesson: “The Tax Man” can take chunks out of your profits by eating away at your returns. Be careful when selecting investment vehicles to be sure you are not overly exposed to taxes. Taxes are a part of investment life, but some careful planning can reduce the amount of “fruit” you have to share!
#6 – Don’t be afraid to harvest profits. When fruits are ripe for the picking you must be ready to harvest them. Nothing spoils a garden faster than over-ripened, spoiled fruits and vegetables hanging from the vine. You’ve worked hard to produce these crops, now enjoy the fruit of your labor.
Money lesson: When investments, particularly those outside of retirement accounts, produce a sizable return you need to ring the register and take those profits. It is tempting to let the investments sit to try and earn even more, but this plan usually fails when the investment begins to make a declining correction.
#7 – Prune back overachieving crops. In one of the garden squares (top right) I planted sugar snap peas. They took off! So much so they soon were crowding out my tomato plants. I pruned them back a bit, but they came back with a vengeance. I realized that they were probably not the best crop to plant in a square foot garden, so I transplanted them and planted squash in the empty square.
Money Lesson: It is a good idea to rebalance your portfolio at least once a year, particularly if one of your funds has grown significantly. For instance, when the real estate sector was booming a few years ago many investors saw the value of REITs, or similar real estate related investments, increase considerably. These investments quickly represented their largest fund asset. To rebalance their portfolios many fund owners sold off a portion of REITs, investing in other funds to bring individual fund balances back in line with their desired asset allocation mix.
#8 – Get rid of poor performing crops. Poor performing crops take up space and provide low yield. My strawberry plants were not producing, while other crops were taking off. I ultimately made the decision to cut my losses and remove all but two strawberry plants (lower left square), making room for new investments in a variety of peppers.
Money lesson: Many times investors hold on to poor performing investments for too long, either because they don’t want to record the loss officially, or because they hope the investment will regain some value and lessen the financial hit. When you are stuck holding an investment you no longer believe in, cut your losses. Use the loss to offset some gains you registered from another investment. Use the proceeds to fund a new investment you have researched and feel confident will be a winner over the long term.


History of the Winery L. A. Cetto
This work goes back many years ago, when in 1928 a visionary man, Mr. Angelo Cetto, with great conviction and strength, sows the noble European wine tradition in fertile lands of Baja California. Mr. Angelo used his skills and knowledge acquired in his native Trentino, Italy.
In 1951, a second generation followed the footsteps of the founder of our company. Mr. Luis Agustín Cetto, who was faithful to the tradition developed by his father, consolidated the brand company in the privileged Valle de Guadalupe, place that gladly welcomed the engineer Camilo Magoni, from Morbegno, Italy, in 1965. This talented winemaker quickly reached maturity and success in winemaking.
The quality characterized by many years rendered its greatest fruits in 1983 when they launched their first L.A. Cetto varietal line, that were soon sought after by the most demanding palates. After years of dedication and dreams fulfilled, in 1983, the third generation of the family joined this task: Luis Alberto Cetto, who entrusts the purpose of reinforcing the growth of the company and strengthen the history of the group, also contributing to the opening of international markets for Mexican wines, while continuing to expand the circle of consumers in our country, more info here.
His second son, was born in Mexico: his name is Luis Agustín Cetto. Mr. Angelo kept buying grapes from the russian families to make his wines. Mr. Angelo acquired his first ranch: La Escondida, located between Tijuana and Tecate, where he planted seasonal vines, like the Zinfandel, among others.
Commercial plantation of grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Nebbiolo, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc began, combined with those already cultivated like Montepulciano, Barbera, Aglianico, Dolcetto y Nebbiolo, among others, seeking the optimal characteristics to produce the best wines. In addition, production and technology systems are modernized.
After a careful process of selecting the best grapes and the best vines, the decision to launch to the market an exclusive selection line under the name Don Luis Cetto, is made, as a tribute to Mr. Don Luis Agustin for his 50 years of dedication and vision to the art of wine making.
Cetto goes International, with exports to Cuba, Czech Republic, Slovenia and Japan. Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Cetto family, a great wine named “Angelo Cetto Platinum Reserve”, made with an exotic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo and Montepulciano, is launched to the market as a sign of the great quality of the Cetto group.
With more than 80 years of quality and tradition, more than 260 international awards and exports to more than 27 countries, we consolidated as the most important wine company in the mexican industry. We also celebrate, the 25th anniversary of Nebbiolo, result of a successful work.
Valle de Guadalupe, Valle Redondo, San Vicente, San Antonio de las Minas and Tecate are the valleys where the great vineyards L.A. Cetto are located.
This great extension allows to enjoying microclimates and different soils that benefit from the winds and sea breezes. Our great vineyards are not only recognized by their great beauty but also because they have allowed to obtain great quality wines from the 14,000 annual tons of grape that are harvested in the 1,200 hectares that hold them and where there are vines up to 80 years old.
Valle de Guadalupe is unique, magical and mysterious. It contrasts the ancestral with modern, the traditional with innovative; the green from the vineyards and ocher; the roast of the hills and mountains. L.A. Cetto had the privilege of knowing this valley, (as well as the San Vicente and Llano Colorado), when viticulture was still the traditional seasonal viticulture and vines, as its name says, pruned as vines. The winegrowers were communal landholders or spoke Russian; we were fortunate to be part of that total renovation, which started in the early 70s and still continues, with the introduction of new varieties, new viticulture techniques and new irrigation systems. L.A. Cetto collaborated to open part of the East of the valley to the vine, and was also a participant and fundamental piece in the construction and development of the wine houses that provided image, prestige, boom and projection to Baja California.
de las Minas
Max. 32 C,
Min. – 5 C.
This great extension allows to enjoying microclimates and different soils that benefit from the winds and sea breezes. Our great vineyards are not only recognized by their great beauty but also because they have allowed to obtain great quality wines from the 14,000 annual tons of grape that are harvested in the 1,100 hectares that hold them and where there are vines up to 80 years old.


11.11.2021Ruth Schnell::KAIROS. Recall of Earth, exhibition at the Angewandte Innovation Lab
Vernissage on 11.11.2021
Exhibition from 12.11.2021 to 21.01.2022
05.11.2021Ruth Schnellin the kitchen- Visions of Media Art 10
Exhibition at Medienwerkstatt Wien from 05.11.2021 to ...
Exhibition : »Autoinducer_Ph-1 (cross cultural chemistry) - 2006
bio-artificial ecosystem for growing rice«
Autoinducer_Ph-1 (cross cultural chemistry) exploits a traditional rice cultivation technique from SE Asia where Azolla is grown in large quantities a...


The term biomass refers to organic matter which can be used as fuel or for industrial production. For example, plant matter such as dead trees/ branches, yard clippings and wood chips can be used to generate electricity. Biomass can also include plant or animal matter used for production of fibres, chemicals or heat and biodegradable wastes that can be burnt as fuel. It excludes organic substances such as coal or petroleum. Biomass production is a growing industry fuelled by current interests in sustainable fuel sources.
Industrial biomass can be grown from numerous types of plants, including miscanthus, switchgrass, hemp, corn, poplar, willow, sorghum, sugarcane, and a variety of tree species, ranging from eucalyptus to oil palm (palm oil). The particular plant used is usually not important to the end products, but it does affect processing of the raw material. Other sources for biomass fuel can include forestry residue, farm waste, slaughterhouse and fishery waste, and organic municipal solid waste.


Fred Holasek & Son Greenhouse was started over 40 years ago by Fred W. Holasek. After working for another greenhouse in high school, Fred started his own business on the corner of County Road 6 and Old Highway 12 near Long Lake, MN. The property in Lester Prairie was purchased in 1978. Our DBA name, Holasek Flower Power, was adopted in 2011 for our retail division. We are a family-owned business which strives to provide the friendliest service and highest quality product possible.
Wholesale and retail sales have always been a part of our business. Our trucks deliver to professional gardeners and garden centers locally owned within approximately an hour’s drive from Lester Prairie. Our greenhouses provide over 70,000 square feet of growing space for our crops, and our retail garden center is open year-round.
Main crops grown are: High quality annual, vegetable, and herb plants, including many unusual and heirloom varieties, for all seasons; A full line of perennials and shrubs; 3” fairy garden plants and succulents; and Poinsettias. Our retail greenhouse also offers unique pumpkins, gourds, and squash for fall decorating and spruce tips and outdoor winter greens in November and December. There is always something growing here at Fred Holasek & Son Greenhouse! Any product we do not grow on site is sourced locally within a 20-mile radius from us.
To help take care of our earth, Fred Holasek & Son has installed 48 solar panels, all American-made, to provide us with clean, renewable energy and lower the demand for electrical companies. Each year, we recycle tons of plastic pots and flats used in our growing process. In addition, a “Sharing Shed” in our parking lot is available to our retail customers 24 hours a day for sharing and recycling used garden pots and packs.
Active member of the Minnesota Nursery Landscape Association.


THE ENDURO - PLUS LINE IS CISCO'S OWN BRAND OF FORAGE PRODUCTS
Enduro-Plus consists of only the best forage varieties available. All varieties in the Enduro-Plus product line have been developed and tested for forage quality, yield, and persistence. These products have been designed to give you higher relative feed values, which translates into more milk per acre, more beef per acre, or more energy for horses.
We sell Enduro-Plus products only through trained seed dealers. We know forage producers want quality products from people who can keep them up-to-date with the newest and best information available. That’s why we work closely with our dealers to keep them trained on the best forages available. You can be assured every Enduro-Plus dealer has the knowledge to help you be more profitable.


Grown in the land rich with volcanic soil, soaring heights, and natural old-growth forests, Indonesia offers highly prized coffee beans. The country provides the ideal growing environment for coffee beans known for bold characteristics, full-bodied, dark chocolate notes, warm flavors, spices, earthy tones, and exotic aroma. As a result, experienced coffee drinkers most highly regard Indonesian coffee beans.
Known as the world's largest Robusta exporter, Indonesia also produces specialty coffees with 20 internationally recognized Arabica beans varieties, such as Sumatera, Java, Sulawesi, Bali, and Flores. Indonesia specialty coffees attain high quality and unique taste because they are produced primarily through traditional farming methods of manual harvesting and screening.
- Sumatera Coffee is some of the world's finest premium gourmet coffees distinguished by their full-body, more earthy than Java Arabica, and low in acidity.
- Sulawesi Coffee has a cleaner and smoother finish with low acidity and creamy texture. And its aroma is nutty and chocolaty, while the flavor notes fruit, dark chocolate, and spices.
- Bali coffee is the first Indonesian local coffee to obtain “geographic indication” certification.
- Flores Coffee is known as a rich coffee with a thick body, mild acidity, woody fragrance, and cocoa flavor
|Packaging Type||Jute Bag|


Many, many years ago my Scout Troop would go out to a farm owned by one of the kids in the troop's Father.
Farm was out around Columbus, Texas, which is one of the prime pecan trees areas in Texas.
We helped lay out a new pecan tree grove on the property.
Planted sixteen trees, in four rows, with 80 feet between trunks.
Dug a 4 inch hole next to each tree, at 3 ft out and 4 ft deep and inserted a 3 inch schedule 40 perforated pipe vertically and filled with gravel for a drip irritation system.
Ran plastic tubing to each pipe with a drip valve.
Watering system to the trees was gravity fed.
There was a large water tank about 12 feet across an 10 feet high that had a cone shaped roof that was upside down and looked like a big funnel to catch rain water.
Tank opening was covered by hardware cloth and window screen to catch the big stuff and keep the tank from becoming a mosquito hatchery.
Water tank could be filled three different ways, by rain fall, float system connected to a well pump, or a gas powered pump that pulled water from the creek.
I'd plant a pecan grove and watch the money grow on the trees.
Declare it a tree farm and take the tax credits (I think it is still possible).