When we first built this veggie garden, the big question was – will it receive enough sun? The tested answer was no.
Whilst the patch received enough sun for some leafy greens and some butter beans to grow, it was not enough for them to thrive. It was certainly not enough sunshine per day for any of the flowering crops, such as tomatoes or zucchini, to produce any fruit.
A couple of months ago we had the Leopard tree taken out. In the four years since creating the veggie garden, the canopy of that tree had almost doubled in size, completely blocking any sunshine from reaching the garden.
Now the garden receives full sun for most of the day. Hip hooray! And the field of silverbeet is luscious.
I’m sure there will be some issues around too much westerly sun in the middle of summer, etc. For now, though:
sun + water = delicious home grown food.
We eat at least 4 ‘bunches’ of silverbeet each week. So our self regenerating field of the stuff is a good investment in family health and for the family budget.


IPI FARMS AND CONFECTIONARIES LIMITED
IPI Farms and Confectionaries Limited, was incorporated on the 9th of August 2018, with the sole mandate of food security. It is into mechanized Agricultural practises which focuses exclusively on crops with commercial value and the industrial production of these crops, from planting, harvesting, processing, and packaging of the finished products. The farms are located at Jabbi Lamba, Adamawa state and Jere in Kaduna, having a land mass of 65 Hectare. IPI farm is focused on the planting and harvesting of rice in both dry and wet season. The geographical location of the farms has the advantage of growing FARO 44 grains and Rice milling plant. The estimated number of its current farmers is about 2,000 having verified Bank Verification Numbers. IPI Farms is a subsidiary of the parent company IPI GROUP LIMITED, which have other subsidiaries such as IPI Strategy Partners Limited, IPI Solutions Nigeria Limited, Gloomme Business Connections Limited. IPI Printing and Scanning Limited and they all offer different products as described in the Group’s profile. The confectionary industry, a bakery, already in operation with machines and world standard equipment producing bread, which is the most sort after in Yola, the state capital of Adamawa where it is situated with plans for expansion. Currently is has a total number of 60 permanent staffs and over 100 indirect staffs. We produce a minimum of 15 bags a day with a turnover of about 100 million and above since its incorporation.


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It is imperative to indicate that professional weed control is among the numerous commercial services that are available at your disposal. It is necessary to point out that landscaping as well as lawn care will assure you of weed control. However, you will realize that this will not completely eliminate the problem at hand. There is a need for you to take into consideration professional weed control every now and tehn. You will note that professional weed control will often assure you of a number of benefits. Some of the top benefits will often include the following.
You will note that they will always use professional herbicides. Most of the time, homeowners tend to go for improved products from stores. It is however certain that they will often be characterized with a number of safety concerns. Professional herbicides will often make sure that there is no safety issue within your environment. It is imperative to understand that the soil will often be the cause of these weeds. This is what will make it necessary for the professionals to test the soil. This will ensure that you apply the right fertilizer and even organic products at the end of the day. In fact, you will realize that these professionals will guarantee you of organic enhancements. Organics will often tend to improve the soil’s quality without necessarily destroying the environment. This organic matter will ensure that crops are stimulated to grow.
It is certain that they will ensure that there is proper cutting and pruning. You will learn that there are given recommended grass cutting lengths when it comes to landscaping. These professionals do understand such lengths. This is what will ensure that your lawns are as attractive at the end of the day. You will also find that they often apply effective sprays. These sprays will make sure that the lawns are improved without harming the plants. While at it, expert edging will be carried out. It will be quite easy to control weeds if the right edging is embraced. These professionals will guarantee you of this. In fact, they will seek to ensure that you have awesome mulch beds. These mulch will make sure that there is neither the intrusion nor the penetration of weeds.
You will easily witness that a good number of these professionals will go for a pre-emergent form of weed control. It is often much easier to control weeds before they mature. This method will thence ensure that the problem does not explode to an unmanageable one. You will definitely fall in love with the services of such professionals. Always ensure that you pick the right ones.


farming… IN FARNLEY
Generations of farmers
For hundreds of years the land in and around Farnley Estates has been farmed, in many cases by generations of the same family. When the Estate was bought by the Sykes family in 1968, there were 32 farms on the land. Today, due to the demands of modern agriculture, we have only 2 remaining tenanted farms. However, the home farm, which we own and manage is, and will continue to be, our main interest.
In recent years, we’ve invested a great deal of time and money into renovating many areas of the Estate, for the benefit of both those who use our land for farming and recreational purposes and for the area’s wildlife.
Higher Level Stewardship
Our care of the land, and approach to conservation, led to Natural England awarding Farnley Estates Higher Level Stewardship (HSL) status in 2013. Indeed, at the time we were the only Estate in Yorkshire and Humberside, where home and tenant farms have all achieved HLS or Entry Level Stewardship.
Safe working protocol
As part of our commitment to excellence in farming, the health and safety of colleagues, visitors and other individuals using our land, is paramount.
Read our safe working protocols, which are designed to protect people, wildlife and the environment.
Latest farming news
If you’re interested in discovering more about our crops and planting seasons, click on the link to our farming news page.
Plant and tree health watch
While many people will be aware of Ash Dieback, a deadly fungus that attacks ash trees, there are other plant, tree and animal diseases that can devastate farms, plants and woodland. Find out more about the latest threats to our countryside by visiting our countryside health watch page.
Remember, you can do your bit to help stop the spread of infectious diseases by cleaning boots, vehicles and grooming animals before entering a farming area or woodland. Read more about biosecurity.


Not much to report... The bunnies are doing just fine and today they are enjoying watching the snow fall.
My favorite grocery store was just bought out by my most hated grocery store. However, now they have Earthbound Farm 5 oz containers for $0.99 on the day they expire... I love getting $0.99 quality lettuce for the bunnies. Of course, I carefully check the containers before I buy them and before they are fed. Normally they are still good for 2-3 days after the expiration date. 3 bunnies can eat a whole container in a matter of minutes, so every penny counts for their produce bill.
I'm trying to figure out if it'd be worth it to plant lettuces and other greens for them this spring. I'm going to expand the chicken pen and do grazing pens for them, but I bet I could do the bunny ones in containers? Maybe... Hmm... still time to decide. I'm sure they would love fresh as could be lettuce, basil, mint, and much more. I know they love bell peppers, so they can get some of those too.
Have you done a garden for the bunnies?


From the entrance, at the foot of the stone staircase, the vaulted rooms succeed each other. The monumental fireplace and the château’s medieval kitchen garden offer unique architectural diversity.
Here you can enjoy a hot chocolate served in its copper saucepan at the fireside or enjoy a family meal cooked at the fireplace in the cold season.
The monument’s courtyard, a space for contemplation.
The Chef, Christophe Maury, welcomes you to the “Restaurant de Bouilhac” with its gourmet dishes, prepared with quality local products. They are an invitation to discover the gastronomy of Périgord. A savoursome cuisine full of audacity, evolving with the seasons. The fresh produce comes principally from local sustainable or organic farming.


According to experts at University of California Davis (UCD), California’s environment is excellent for mushroom cultivation.
California has excellent climatic and topographical conditions for growing mushrooms. A variety of mushrooms can be grown from coastal range areas to the Sierra Nevada Mountain forests. Due to the cool moist winter in northern California, mushrooms can be grown outside yearlong. They can be grown indoors in incubation and growing houses. California oak is excellent for growing log mushrooms.
California also offers social and market benefits as more people become health conscious and interested in the medicinal values of mushrooms and other fungi and herbs. There are more than 86 edible fungi species, 42 of which have medicinal value, that grow in the Bay area of California.


By Cathy Huyghe
"You may not think of the greater Boston area as prime agricultural land, but — as Victory Garden demonstrates every day — the gardening of edible fruits and vegetables is a realistic, doable, and increasingly popular endeavor. One local leader of this movement is The Food Project, which gardens more than 37 acres across eastern Massachusetts, including plantings in central Boston, Lynn, Ipswich, Lincoln, and Beverly. Since its founding in 1991, The Food Project has built itself into a national model by engaging Boston’s youth in personal and social change through sustainable agriculture.
It sounds like a lofty goal. But visit any one of the gardens or farms — from Boston’s Dudley neighborhood to Long Hill Farm in Beverly — and you begin to see the elements of the Project’s success. It begins with the people, who work the place, which produces the food, which feeds the hungry. Not to mention the souls of the people who work and visit there.
The photos in this essay were collected during a tour in May of the Long Hill Farm, which The Food Project operates in partnership with The Trustees of Reservations, and continues at the Glen Urquhart School and greenhouse. The photos start, as The Food Project does itself, with the people."
The Trustees of Reservations
Glen Urquhart School
The Food Project


Opportunity: Chipotle’s Aluminaries Accelerator for Food Apply for Chipotle’ new food accelerator. Chipotle Mexican Grill is launching an incubator for food start-ups that are developing technology to solve major issues of sustainability in farming, agriculture, and waste. The Chipotle Aluminaries Project will select eight ventures for a seven-month accelerator program under the direction of the company’s non-profit arm, director of sustainability Caitlin Leibert. Non-profits and for-profits are both welcome to apply. Learn more about it via Cheddar and Forbes.


What is Croptober?
Whether you’re in the cannabis industry or simply a personal weed enthusiast, you may have heard the term “Croptober” before. This term refers to the time period when most outdoor marijuana growers harvest their crop, generally reflecting a period from September to the early weeks of November.
While certain strains of marijuana are cultivated as early as the beginning of September, the majority of cannabis grown outdoors is harvested in October– leading to the namesake of this crucial time in the cannabis industry.
Croptober is becoming more known to consumers as well, as the higher abundance of marijuana during the fall can create discounts in dispensaries. This can even impact indoor growers, as the relative demand for cannabis falls with the massive flood of outdoor grown flower that saturates the market in the weeks and months after harvesting season.
Why is Croptober a busy period for the cannabis industry?
Croptober is not just a busy time for the growers themselves in this industry, as the nature of cannabis as a plant for smokable consumption requires that the process from harvest to eventual distribution take place in rapid sequence after the plant reaches maturity.
Buds won’t remain good left on the cannabis plant unattended for too long. This means farmers must contend with bad weather and potential crop ruin as they work to harvest the efforts of their year-long labor. So immediately after the marijuana is harvested, the cultivator must take care to begin the drying, trimming, curing, and, eventually, the merchandising needed to get the product ready for sale. All of this means an influx of (likely temporary or seasonal) labor, which can be difficult to acquire in some markets.
This busy season also naturally impacts other areas of the cannabis industry– which is why it’s so crucial to plan ahead to ensure you have all of your packaging and equipment needs taken care of well in advance of the busy autumn months if at all possible.
Is Croptober as relevant a term as it once was?
As more and more climate-controlled, indoor farms replace outdoor-grown cannabis on the market, the relevance of Croptober will continue to fade, as growing cycles indoors are not at the mercy of nature’s elements.
This naturally means more evenly timed and spaced out harvests taking place multiple times throughout the year, rather than a massive single harvest. Still, the cultural significance of Croptober may continue to linger even as more and more growers move to indoor operations and don’t need to contend with the difficulties the term is associated with.
How can Custom Cones USA help make Croptober less stressful for growers and businesses?
With a surplus of flower comes new possibilities for your cannabis business– have you considered making a pre-roll line with your abundant marijuana harvest?
Here at Custom Cones USA, we are a one-stop shop for everything you need to keep your pre-roll brand compliant and rolling. Whether you need pre-roll machines to help your production process, or customized pre-roll packaging options to help your brand shine on dispensary shelves, we are here to assist you!
Hear more from Custom Cones USA CEO and Co-Founder Harrison Bard on how businesses can more successfully scale their pre-roll businesses below from his talk at Cannacon, and get in contact with a Pre-Roll Expert today if you want us to be your official pre-roll partner this Croptober!


Update: SAU Professor of Science, Dr. Tyrell Carr, Secures Research Grant
Saint Augustine’s University would like to congratulate Dr. Tyrell Carr for his hard work & diligence in securing research funding from the National Science Foundation Research Initiation Award program in the amount of $299,926.
This project, entitled “Research Initiation Award: Identification and Characterization of Cofactor-Linked RNAs in Plants,” is under the direction of Dr. Tyrell Carr. This award starts on May 15, 2019, and ends April 30, 2022.
Carr has an overall research goal of dissecting and rewiring plant signaling in model organisms to enhance crop resilience to environmental challenges such as climate and weather change. Using the plant models Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana, Carr is establishing an undergraduate research program to characterize molecular plant responses to environmental challenges at Saint Augustine’s University. His research background relevant to the NSF award includes M.S. and Ph.D. studies incompatible plant virus – interactions at Iowa State University (2001-2007), postdoctoral studies in plant G-protein signaling at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2008-2011) and external faculty research at Iowa State University, Michigan State University, Duke University and the University of Missouri-Columbia. Summer research at Iowa State University (2012-2014) involved the Expression profiling of potato genes encoding phloem RNA binding proteins and RNA – protein interactions, Profiling the Maize Lipid Metabolome in Response to Stress Stimuli and Characterization of maize embryo transcription factors. Summer research at Michigan State University (2015) involved the Characterization of an Arabidopsis disease resistance gene in mediating drought resistance and identifying proteins that interact with the encoded disease resistance protein. Summer research at Duke University (2017) in high-throughput RNA sequencing and data science and the University of Missouri (2018) in RNA biochemistry were central in developing the NSF proposal to investigate cofactor-linked RNAs in plants.
Past NSF Support for Dr. Tyrell Carr:
• NSF Research Opportunity Award (2014) – $25,122. Transcriptional Regulation of Maize Endosperm Development by IDD9 and IDDveg9 Duplicate Genes. Iowa State University.
• NSF Research Starter Grant (2012-2014) – $50,000. Functional analysis of the Arabidopsis
G-protein beta subunit, AGB1 and putative AGB1-interacting proteins in mediating stress responses. Chowan University.
• NSF Minority Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology (2008-2011) – $189,000. A novel signaling pathway: Sugar-perception through a receptor-like regulator of G signaling protein, AtRGS1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Dr. Carr’s Bio:
Dr. Tyrell Carr is an assistant professor in the Department of Biological & Physical Sciences. Carr obtained a B.S. in Biology (2001) from Elizabeth City State University, a Ph.D. in Genetics (2007) from Iowa State University and completed post-doctoral research (2008-2011) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.


Indoor gardening can transform your home into a green oasis, offering a fresher atmosphere and a more appealing aesthetic. However, maintaining indoor plants requires more than just placing them in a corner and occasionally remembering to water them.
Selecting Your Indoor Plants
The journey begins with choosing the right plants. Different plants have varying needs and tolerances. Some thrive in sunny spots while others prefer shade. Understanding these requirements is key to their survival.
Importance of Quality Plants
Starting with healthy, high-quality plants makes a significant difference. Weak plants are more susceptible to diseases and might not adapt well to a new environment. For top-notch plants, consider reliable suppliers like BloomBox Club.
The Essentials of Plant Care
Caring for indoor plants doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right information and regular attention, you can keep your green friends thriving.
Watering seems simple, but it’s where most people stumble. Overwatering can be just as detrimental as underwatering.
When and How Much to Water
Check the soil’s moisture before watering; if it feels dry a couple of inches below the surface, it’s time to water. Early morning is ideal for watering, setting up your plants for the day’s photosynthesis process.
Sunlight and Your Plants
Sunlight is crucial for your indoor plants, but not all plants have the same sunlight needs.
Understanding Light Requirements
Some plants require direct sunlight, while others need indirect or filtered light. Knowing your plants’ light preferences is key to placing them in your home.
The Necessity of Pruning
Regularly trimming your plants keeps them healthy and prevents overgrowth, ensuring they remain visually pleasing.
Advanced Indoor Plant Care
Beyond the basics, there are practices that can significantly enhance the life and vibrancy of your indoor garden.
The Art of Re-potting
Re-potting rejuvenates plants, providing fresh soil and additional space for roots to grow.
Signs It’s Time to Re-pot
Watch for roots creeping out of the drainage holes, wilting, or a lack of soil, as these signs indicate a need for re-potting.
Importance of Fertilization
Fertilizers replenish essential nutrients, encouraging healthy growth.
Create a small trench around the plant, add the recommended amount of fertilizer, cover it back up with soil, and water the plant thoroughly.
Taking care of indoor plants is a rewarding endeavor that breathes life into your home. By understanding and catering to your plants’ needs, you can create a thriving indoor garden that not only enhances your living space but also brings a sense of accomplishment and peace.
How often should I water my indoor plants?
This depends on the plant species, the climate, and the time of year. Always check the soil moisture before watering.
Do all indoor plants need sunlight?
All plants need some form of light; however, the amount varies. Some need direct sunlight, while others thrive in low-light conditions.
How do I know if my plant needs re-potting?
Signs include stunted growth, roots growing through drainage holes, or the soil drying out quickly after watering.
Can I use regular garden soil for my indoor plants?
It’s best to use a potting mix designed for indoor plants as garden soil can contain pests and might not have the proper drainage needed.
How often should I fertilize my indoor plants?
Typically, fertilizing once a month during the growing season is sufficient. Always follow the specific needs of your plant species.


I thought it was supposed to be spring?! It is so cold out still, I can’t wait for the warm weather… so I can get outside and get some work done. Kylie is very excited this year to plant the veggies in our garden! She will be able to watch everything grow and appreciate where the food comes from. I am looking forward to the plants and doing some landscaping as well this year. Time to work on the plantings around the house that have been neglected! I wish I could take a picture and have one of those shows come out and do it for me. I am sure they have much better ideas! Although I got a new computer (comes today yeahhh) and it has a landscaping program on it! So that will be great! If you have any ideas for outdoor perennials that love all day sun and don’t want a ton of water let me know! No cactus of course. My favorite is white with a splash of color… And alternatively other then hostas what is a great shade garden that doesn’t care if the tree wants all the water!


Superfood Chia - Navitas OrganicsCanada Chia, Chia from Canada Supplier - Find Variety Chia from chia seeds,chia seed price,chia seeds powder, Oil Seeds Suppliers Located in Canada, Buy Chia Made in Canada on Alibaba.com.
New Deals on TruRoots Organic Chia Seeds, 12 oz, (Pack of 6)Our certified organic product line includes popular ancient grains, such as black chia seeds, sesame seeds and poppy seeds.Highly nutritious and extremely energizing, these seeds contain essential fatty acids, protein, fiber, and vitamins A, B, E, and D.
Chia Seeds are one of the most powerful, functional and nutritious superfoods in the world.Chia Seed, also known as Salvia hispanica seed is offered by Starwest Botanicals as part of our extensive line of superior quality natural herbs and organic herbs.
Chia Seeds for Healthy, Beautiful Skin and Body | PerriconeMDOne major downfall that let this brand down significantly was the fact that many people who tried these chia seeds believed that they were contaminated.
These chia seeds from Navitas Organics offers 16 ounces of chia seeds that are USDA certified organic, kosher, non GMO, vegan and gluten free.You would like to know how to differentiate the organic products from their non-organic counterparts.The chia seed is an excellent source of fiber, packed with antioxidants, full of protein, loaded with vintamins and mineral, the richest known plant source of omega-3.
Seeds of Change Organic Chia Seed-07957 - The Home DepotThe oil extracted from chia seeds has incredible beauty benefits.In their swelled form, chia seeds can be used in drinks, as a pudding, and more.When moistened the chia seeds will stick to surfaces where they can then germinate.
Description The Chia plant is an herb belonging to the mint family that grows 1-1.2 meters tall.
6 Side Effects Of Chia Seeds You Should Heed – CureJoyChia Seeds New Organics is proud to offer the traditional crop of organic black chia, which offers a higher level of anti-oxidants than white chia.Chosen Foods Organic Chia Seeds 16 oz to Chosen Foods Organic Chia Seeds 1 lb., Non-GMO, for Smoothies, Juice, Sprouting, Planting and Growing In the average garden you only need to sprinkle a few seeds.This formulation contains 100% pure Chia Seed Oil that is sustainably-sourced, organic, virgin and cold-pressed.Hemp seeds are a complete protein containing all essential amino acids.
Navitas Organics Chia is grown on organic Chia Seed farms in Mexico.All chia seeds are naturally vegan and gluten-free, but check the packaging if you want to buy seeds that are certified organic and non-GMO.Chia seeds contain 5 times more calcium than milk, 2 times more potassium than a banana, 3 times more iron than spinach, and are 3 times richer in antioxidants than blueberries (antioxidants fight the production of free radicals, which can damage molecules in cells and contribute to ageing and diseases like cancer).
Chia Seeds Supplier - Onset WorldwideWe source our herbs and spices from domestic growers and import them directly.
INGREDIENTS Organic yogurt (organic partly skimmed milk (Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D3), organic sugar, organic skim milk powder, inulin, organic vanilla extract, salt, active bacterial cultures, water, raspberries, oats, organic chia seeds, cane sugar, non-GMO cornstarch.There are countless creative ways to incorporate chia seeds into recipes.Chia seeds are harvested from the Salvia hispanica plant, a type of sage in the mint family.Made in Canada Organic Seeds Directory - Offering Wholesale Canadian Organic Seeds from Canada Organic Seeds Manufacturers, Suppliers and Distributors at TradeKey.com.
To ensure quality, flavor and nutritional integrity, our farming partners follow the strictest growing and processing standards.Their main difference is the color Some people prefer the white seeds for certain recipes in which the presence of black seeds would be undesirable.These seeds were grown using environmentally sustainable farming methods, without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides.GOLD Premium members can contact unlimited buyers and SILVER Premium members can contact 50 buyers per week and get access to complete contact details while sending inquiry to buyers.Chia is a fast-growing herb that is actually part of the mint family.Highly nutritious hulled hemp seeds are high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.Chia seeds can be added to baked goods, salads, or topped over foods, such as yogurt, granola, and more.
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With at least 165 wineries and over 100 miles of wine trails, the wine industry in Illinois is thriving and the growth has been exponential in the last 30 years. Illinois is now the 12th-largest wine producing state in the country, which is remarkable considering there were only 12 wineries in the entire state in 1997. Award winning wines in Illinois are made from Native American, French Hybrid and Vinifera grapes, as well as a local fruit. Rose wine is the official wine of Illinois. The number of wineries in Illinois exploded in the 2000s, climbing to 27 in 2001, 63 in 2004, 77 in 2006, 105 in 2011 to now 165 and counting in 2023 according to the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance (IGGVA). Wine-making dates back to 1691 in Illinois in an area just north of what is now Peoria. French descendents built a fort in the area, and the village surrounding it contained a winepress. Vineyards and wineries increased rapidly in the 1850s, and by 1868 there were approximately 225,000 gallons of wine being produced in Illinois. By 1880, over 3,000 acres of grapes were planted and the state was producing over one million gallons of wine, and by 1900 Illinois was the fourth largest wine-producing state in the nation.
Then along came Prohibition in 1919, and that brought almost all wine production to a halt. During this period of time, which lasted 14 years, some vineyards continued to grow table grapes while others uprooted their vines to plant corn and soybeans and never went back to wine production once Prohibition ended in 1933. During Prohibition, the Baxter brothers established the Gem City Vineland Company and remained in business by selling grapes to northern markets for personal wine making and consumption. Once Prohibition ended, the Baxter family obtained a wine manufacturing license and established the first bonded winery in Illinois. Baxter Vineyard and Winery in Nauvoo remains Illinois’ oldest operating winery and is run by a fifth generation of the Baxter family.
The wine industry did not begin to recover much from Prohibition in Illinois until the late 1970s, following a 1976 law that was passed that allowed wineries to sell wine to consumers on site. In the 1980s and 1990s wineries were established in the north, central and southern parts of the state, and in the early 2000s the Shawnee Hills region in Jackson County in deep southern Illinois became one of the largest grape growing regions in the state due to its heightened elevation, well-draining soil and summer breezes that reduced fungal infestation.
And the explosion of wine-making facilities, vineyards and tasting rooms has also brought an increase in quality. At the annual Illinois State Fair Wine Competition, just over 10 percent of wines submitted received a gold or double gold award in 2009. By 2021, that number increased to over 25 percent.
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Hi, my name is Martin Rabl from GIANTS Software developers of Farming Simulator. We are very excited to bring our game which was already played by millions of players to an all new console: the Nintendo Switch. Our game simulates the life of a modern farmer with all the big machines, animals that you can take care of activities on the field, or in the forest and selling your products to expand and build the farm of your dreams. Farming Simulator is a relaxing and deep experience that is played by a very wide audience kids, families, casual gamers, farmers, and hardcore gamers. It’s fun and easy to play for everyone but you can also dive in really deep and play as realistic as possible thinking hard about every step you make. And now with the Nintendo Switch Edition the game is perfect for picking up for just a few minutes or for several hours. Explore a range of huge sandbox environments loaded with farming activities. Whether you want to work on the fields, cut down trees in the forest, or take care of the animals, the game never restricts you, the choice is yours. For our players it’s really important that their favourite tractors look as real as possible in the game. We made strong partnerships with many famous manufacturers to make this happen. There are now over 250 farming vehicles and tools, from over 75 licensed brands in the game. Including the famous AGCO brands : Challenger, Fendt, Massey Ferguson, Valtra, and many more. You can make a fortune by harvesting crops, like sunflowers, soybeans, wheat, canola, and many more. But there’s also livestocks like cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens. You can breed them, and feed them, and make sure they are always happy to be more productive. Stock your products and check the market prices to sell them at the right time to maximize your benefits. And now on the Nintendo Switch you can have a full farming experience at home or manage and expand your farm wherever you go. Farming Simulator Nintendo Switch Edition is coming on later this year. Stay tuned for more information.


Eco Eclectic is always keeping mindful of the environment. We understand that caring today means a thriving cleaner environment tomorrow. Thats why we always keep our eye out for other business who care as much as we do! Here are some local businesses in the Jacksonville, FL area that we recognize for their Eco-Friendly practices and awesome vibes! Click a photo below to visit the website for any of these Eco-Friendly Local Businesses!
Atlantic Beach Urban Farms grows aeroponic, farm-fresh greens like lettuce, kale and arugula in their greenhouse. They also supply some of Jacksonville’s top restaurants with greens and herbs and carry a variety of seedlings for home gardeners.
North Florida School of Special Education’s Transition students and Postgraduates have embarked on a horticulture journey to provide the greater Jacksonville community with organic fruits, vegetables and herbs grown right at NFSSE on their campus farm, Berry Good Farms.
ESI provides quality responsive services in a variety of disciplines including wetlands, protected species, mitigation services, cultural resource assessments, soil science investigations, environmental contamination, and forest management.
Cultivate is Jacksonville's neighborhood urban supply store with a commitment to eco-friendly, US made, healthy-lifestyle products. Enjoy a hand-curated selection of ethically-made goods for use in your garden, house and child.
Southern Roots Filling Station is a slow food restaurant that serves locally grown, ethically and sustainably made food at a sliding scale so that it's accessible to everyone.


Cracking the Code: Can Manipulating Pheromones Save Crops from Locust Swarms?
The Locust Menace: A Persistent Agricultural Nightmare
For centuries, locust swarms have plagued farmers worldwide, leaving fields barren and livelihoods shattered. The intricate dance of these insects, driven by a survival instinct rather than malicious intent, has baffled scientists for ages.
Understanding Locust Swarming Behavior
Locusts, in their swarming state, exhibit a complex interplay of behavior, neurophysiology, and even color changes. Contrary to popular belief, these swarms are not deliberate attacks on crops but rather a result of locusts fleeing from each other. Cannibalism among locusts during swarms further complicates the puzzle.
The Role of Cannibalism and Swarming
Recent computer models suggest that both avoidance and swarming behaviors serve as a protective mechanism against cannibalism. Individual locusts, it seems, adopt the safety of numbers to avoid becoming a meal for their ravenous counterparts.
Pheromones as a Game-Changer
Enter 'pan,' a pheromone that might just hold the key to disrupting the locust status quo. Scientific studies propose that pan could act as a shield, preventing locusts from turning on each other during swarms. The tantalizing question arises: Can we manipulate the production of this pheromone to our advantage?
Manipulating Pheromones: A Potential Solution?
While the concept of manipulating pan production is intriguing, it's essential to tread carefully. The delicate balance of ecosystems and the unknown repercussions of tampering with nature call for cautious exploration.
- Preventing Swarms: If successful, manipulating pan production could disrupt the locust swarming behavior, offering a proactive approach to protect crops.
- Agricultural Impact: Saving crops from locust devastation could have far-reaching benefits, ensuring food security and economic stability.
- Ecosystem Disruption: Altering the behavior of locusts may have unforeseen consequences on the broader ecosystem, potentially affecting other species and ecological processes.
- Ethical Dilemmas: Playing with the genetic or chemical makeup of locusts raises ethical questions about humanity's role in shaping the natural world.
Conclusion: A Balancing Act
As we ponder the possibility of manipulating pan production to thwart locust swarming, it's crucial to recognize the delicate balance that exists in nature. While the idea holds promise, ethical considerations and potential ecological repercussions demand careful examination.
Perhaps the key lies not only in understanding the science behind locust behavior but also in embracing sustainable and harmonious solutions that respect the intricate dance of life on our planet.


The Buzzz About Mason Bees
• Pollinators help to sustain a healthy environment that supports wildlife and us, too. Approximately 1/3 of all our food
sources would not exist without pollinators. We need pollinators…and pollinators need our help.
• Many pollinator populations are in decline, due to the impact of extensive pesticide use along with the loss of
natural habitats and native food resources.
• We can help pollinators survive and flourish by supporting the creation of a pollinator friendly environment in our
About Mason Bees
• Mason bees are not aggressive towards people. They only sting as a last resort, and the venom is very mild. You
can watch them work without fear of being stung.
• Mason bees are known for being amazing pollinators, especially for fruit trees, such as apples, pears and peaches.
Increasingly, they are being reared commercially, especially for fruit crop pollination. This has led to them to also be
known as orchard bees.
• The mason bee is also a very productive pollinator for spring flowering nut trees, flowering shrubs and spring berry
plants. Mason bees are also generalists that love to visit a wide variety of early blooming flowers.
• Mason bees don’t make honey. But they do make it possible for plants to create seeds and reproduce, for fruit trees
and berry plants to increase their production, and for wildflowers to grace our landscape every year.
• Unlike honey bees, mason bees carry pollen on their bellies rather than on their hind legs, this helps to make them
highly efficient pollinators. A single mason bee will visit between 1,600 to 2,400 blossoms daily, and pollinate over
90% of them. A female visits an average of 75 flowers per foraging trip.
• Successful pollination using mason bees does not require a large population of bees. Backyard orchards of a few
dozen trees may be effectively pollinated with 50 female bees or less.
• Mason bees are tunnel-nesting, solitary bees, which means that unlike the honeybee, every female is a “queen”
who builds her own nest, gathers her own food, and lays her own eggs…all without any help from other bees.
• Although mason bees are solitary, they are often gregarious and will nest near other mason bees.
• Mason bees lay their eggs in tunnel nests that are constructed in abandoned holes created by wood-boring insects,
hollow plant stems or artificial houses and tubes.
• When building their nests, female mason bees use clay to build partitions and to seal the tunnel entrance. This
unique mud-building behavior is what led to the name “mason” bee.
Be a Mason Bee Landlord:
• Mason bees are among the easiest bees to raise, while also being the safest due to their gentle nature.
• Artificial houses provide a very acceptable nesting location for the female mason bees.
• The optimal location to hang a mason bee house is 6 to 7 feet off the ground with the entrance holes facing towards
the east or southeast, preferably under an eave of your house, garage, shed or any other structure that will not
shake in the wind.
• Mason bees only fly about 300’ in search of nectar and pollen, so place the house near your flowering plants and
• Birds and bees don’t always mix, so try not to install your bee house too close to any birdhouses and feeders. If
your feeders are in the backyard, consider placing your bee house in the front or side yard and out of sight of birds
visiting the feeders.
• Offer a plant tray of moist clay or keep a wet patch of bare soil within 25’ of the mason bee house, this will provide a
quick and attractive source for them to use while constructing their brood cells.
• In order to maximize your mason bee production, some references advise you to take down the filled nest boxes
and store them in a dark, unheated garage or shed during cold winter months and then return them outdoors in
early spring. While this will help to safeguard your bees from predators and parasites, rest assured that a majority of
your mason bees will survive if the house is left outside throughout the winter.
• Any mason bee house left outdoors for multiple broods should be taken apart to clean and sanitize it every couple


The company was founded in 1949 by Alcide Muratori, as a small company of craftsmen who repaired agricultural machinery. During the ’50s the company built also small tractors.
The production of agricultural machinery (at the beginning only rotary hoes, but product by product through the years, the line has grown to its present state) began at the beginning of the 1960s. Just a few years later, Muratori began exporting part of its products to nearby countries, beginning its strong export vocation.
The company grew and expanded, and in 1978 a new company was formed, and a new factory , the present company headquarter, was built. Today, after further expansions, it occupies a covered surface of over 6,000 m2.


I just want to share my experience and hope that it helps others. Barb Johnson from Alaska's Kenai Peninsula on May 19, 2015: Anxious to have my own ongoing celery supply, at least till fall. When it is ready to move the plant outside after the last frost, make sure hardening it off first, by gradually move it outside for an hour on the shade, and move it back inside, then next day increase the time to two hours, keep adding time and gradually put the plant on the bright sunny day every day up to two week. Required fields are marked *. Eat the celery stalks or use them in other recipes. I like to place mine on the windowsill above the sink where I can easily access it. Celery likes it nice and cool with wet and fertile soil. ;-). We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. A quick and easy way to get celery plants started is growing celery ends. Water, I use reverse osmosis water, because I have softened water, I find that using reverse osmosis water is better for this, the water from drinking bottle is also good. Voted up and more. Your email address will not be published. Watch it grow. Thanks for the beautiful pictures and information. You can begin to harvest your celery when you see stalks that are about 3 inches (7.5 cm.) As new growth appears, the outside leaves will start to get soft and die off. Place the celery bowl on a sunny windowsill or near a window. It annoys me how Australians are now pulling their fruit trees out of the orchards because we are importing from other countries. Wow, this is so amazing! Can´t wait to grow my own celery!!! Celery grown from home is supposed to blow grocery store celery out of the water. Here's How. It makes a nice "eye candy" of a view too and surely brightens the kitchen. Fertilize regularly with a well-rounded fertilizer. Thanks!!! That's it! It's good to see celery likes moisture - rain is something we have plenty of. Regrowing celery from the base part, which is often thrown away or composted, is an economical way to grow celery from what would otherwise be discarded. In about a week, you may see small stalks and leaves, and tiny roots emerging around the base. They should be ready for harvesting in the fall. Kim Lam (author) from California on March 20, 2014: Thank you for taking the time to leave such wonderful comments! I love the easy to follow instructions. 1. Celery is a favourite in our house because it's so versatile - you can use it in salads, soups and 'raw' as a chewing stick! When you're ready to start cooking, chop off the bottom 2" at the base of the stalk. The best time to plant is as soon as the intense summer heat has left. In the next few days, you will notice the new leaves shoot is coming out, and in about 7 to 10 days there will be some roots forming. Read on to find out different varieties of celery and things to look out for. Growing Florida Cranberry (Roselle) in Florida. Among the pesticides are neurotoxins that are known to cause havoc in our body. Celery seeds are also difficult to start because they need constant moisture. North Florida will have the best luck. Put the celery base cutting on the glass so it will sit on water. I don't have a green thumb but am really trying. Thanks so much! So, we must choose faster-maturing varieties. Can't wait to give it a try! While not... Best Plants to Plant around Your Florida Pool. But I actually love the celery leaves better. I'm going to try this next year directly outdoors. If you still waiting for spring coming and would like to keep the celery plant inside, you can plant it on the small container so it will fit on the windowsill or countertop, but always get sunshine for few hours a day. It needs moist soil, but the ground shouldn't be overly wet. Thanks for the hub. Eileen- thanks for sharing. Jeannie Marie from Baltimore, MD on March 09, 2014: I will give this a try. Sondra Rochelle from USA on August 04, 2014: This is a great idea. I'm adding this to my Pinterest page. This is one of the reasons that the germination rate on these seeds are low. This is normal. CrisSp from Sky Is The Limit Adventure on March 24, 2014: Love celery and will definitely do this. Turtle Women I am going to try this and let you know how i do. I always put celery on my weekly grocery shopping list. To grow celery from the stalk, start by cutting the bottom root from the stalks, at about two to three inches. If the celery plant has enough roots already, prepare your planting medium, a good potting soil is enough for this. for this reason, most home gardeners will avoid planting celery. Meredith Loughran from Florida on March 20, 2014: Normally my growing/gardening projects die (I've killed bamboo shoots and cactus). wish me luck #1sttimegardener, Your email address will not be published. You will have a fresh supply of organic celery all season long, up until late fall. Why is it only going to grow "until Fall"? Celery needs day time temperatures to be around 70°F in order to thrive. Nothing is happening to my onion seeds. We don't want you to be accused of being a stalker now.;-). Rinse it really well with water. Thank for posting. Ensure that celery stays well watered throughout its whole life. Celery doesn’t like the heat but it also doesn’t like the cold. I juice celery quite often this is a great way to save money and have organic celery just outside my door. Keep harvesting stalks or allow them all to mature and pull up the entire plant. When starting from seed its best to just sprinkle them over the top of your soil. my 4 year old has asked if she can have a garden so a fun way to start!! The post How to Regrow Celery from Scraps appeared first on Taste of Home. No matter, I'm SO doing this when I get a chance. The whole base of the stalk needs to be buried in the soil. Ben Zoltak from Lake Mills, Jefferson County, Wisconsin USA on March 20, 2014: This is awesome, can't wait to try it, had no idea it could be done. Simply break it off.


RSPO - Introduction
Vegetable oil production around the world totals 95 million tonnes per year, of which over 28 million tonnes are produced by the oil palm, the world's second largest oil crop after soyoil.
Palm oil is an important and versatile raw material for both food and non-food industries, which contributes to the economic development of the producing countries and to the diets of millions of people around the world. Although palm oil is entirely GM free and has the highest yield per hectare than any oil or oilseed crop, it is recognized that there are environmental pressures on its expansion to eco-sensitive areas, particularly as oil palm can only be cultivated in tropical areas of Asia, Africa and South America. It is vital that production and use of palm oil must be done in a sustainable manner based on economic, social and environmental viability. The role of RSPO is to promote sustainability in our palm oil industry.(source - http://www.rspo.org/)
RSPO Certified Palm Oil
RSPO Certified Palm Oil is now introduced and the first shipment has already left from Malaysia to EU, arriving Nov 11, 2008. Palm Oil certified by RSPO also gives a 10% higher value compared to normal CPO price.
Mandatory use of Biodiesel by Govt
What is Biodiesel? Biodiesel is an alternative fuel for our diesel cars which is environment friendly. It has 0% carbon dioxide emission, 50% less co emission and almost 0% other forms of emission & can be blended directly into our diesel cars without any change of engine parts.
In Malaysia our govt has recently imposed a mandatory use of biodiesel starting with govt. vehicles and full nationwide implementation by 2010. The result is that 500,000 tons (approx 30%) of our palm oil production will be used for our local consumption alone.
Impact of new developments on Palm Oil demand & CHGS
With the introduction of RSPO & mandatory Biodiesel, our palm oil industry will have many decades of sustainability besides its other major use ie. vegetable oil for consumption. With 6.5 billion population growth yearly the demand for palm oil for food as well as non-food industry will continue to increase every year & with biodiesel getting more widespread usage, our palm oil farmers and owners of today will be the oil tycoons of tomorrow. As long as more people need to eat and use vehicles, there will be more demand on palm oil.
For CHGS investors, we stand to reap the benefits of the increased demand for palm oil the price our our land. With more demand on palm oil land vs land scarcity, the price of palm oil land also appreciates.


Despite the many benefits of hiring lawn care services, you might wonder if you really need them. Lawns require maintenance to remain lush and green. Lawn care services can help you manage the maintenance of your lawn, from weeds to insects. Listed below are some tips for choosing a lawn care service:Have a look at Augusta GA Lawn Care Association for more info on this.
Regular mowing is essential for a lush lawn. Professional lawn care providers have special equipment for mowing different types of grass, and know what height is best for each type. Lawn edging is also an important aspect of lawn maintenance, creating walkways without touching the grass. Edging your lawn allows for more creativity and beauty. Lawn mowing is only the start, though. You can always add decorative touches to your yard with the help of a lawn edging service.
Whether or not you hire a lawn care service depends on your preferences and your budget. Some customers want to save money by not purchasing lawn care tools, while others are interested in the quality of work. Consider the size of your yard and your time commitment before choosing a service. If you’re a busy parent, you may be better off hiring a lawn care service than trying to maintain a beautiful lawn on your own. If you’re too busy to maintain your lawn yourself, consider hiring a lawn care service.
Before hiring a lawn care service, make sure you research the company’s reputation and industry standing. Read the reviews of customers who’ve hired a company before. This will give you a good idea of how reliable and competent they are. If you’re not sure about the quality of their work, ask if they offer a guarantee. Make sure that they’re certified and educated. A certified lawn care company will be able to identify potential problems and offer solutions.
While pricing varies widely, you can expect to pay an average price per square foot. Keep in mind that the cost per square foot you pay will depend on the type of lawn and the length of time it takes for mowing the lawn. Also, the size of your property, terrain and obstructions will influence the price. Once you’ve decided on the budget, look for the right Lawn Care Services in your area. There’s no substitute for quality, and it’s worth looking for a service provider with a positive reputation.
Before hiring a lawn care service, do some research to learn about the products and methods that they use to treat your lawn. While all lawn care services may claim to provide similar results, the products and schedules vary widely. Some offer packages, which include specified treatment plans. Others may only provide one-time treatments. When selecting a lawn care service, make sure you get a quote in writing. And most importantly, be sure to ask about their billing procedures.
In addition to lawn care services, there are also other types of services. Lawn maintenance services focus on maintaining the health of your lawn. Some of these include landscaping and removing debris. If you’re a new homeowner or you just want your lawn to look as healthy as possible, hiring a lawn maintenance service can be a good idea. There are many benefits to hiring a lawn maintenance service. However, make sure you understand the difference between lawn care and lawn maintenance before you hire a professional.


"Carrotmob is a method of activism that leverages customer power to make the most socially-responsible business practices and also the most profitable choices. Businesses compete with one another to see who can do the most good, and then a big mob of consumers buys products in order to reward whichever businesses made the strongest commitment to improve the world. It is the opposite of a boycott."
CSA - (initialism for Community Supported Agriculture)
Community members purchase shares in a local farm's seasonal harvest and receive weekly portions of that harvest directly from the farm. Members provide financing for the farm and share in the risks and abundance of the annual growing season.
Slow Food- from SlowFoodUSA.com
Slow Food is an idea, a way of living, and a way of eating. It is a global grass roots movement which aims to link the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment. Slow Food is good, clean, and fair.
Good food is delicious food created with care from healthy plants and animals.
Clean food is good for the planet, good for the body, produced by methods
with positive impact on local ecosystems, and promotes biodiversity.
Fair food is accessible to all, regardless of income and produced with safe and just
Paleodiet- blending from Paleolithic diet
or caveman diet, Stone age diet, hunter-gather diet
Paleodiet is a nutritional plan based on the premise that modern humans genetically evolved to be adapted to the human ancestral diet available during the Paleolithic era. Generally, the majority of the foods in a paleodiet are those which were available to humans at the rise of agriculture. (ie. fish, wild meats, nuts, and berries)
The concept of the Paloediet was first introduced by the gastroenterologist Walter L Voegtlin.
Rawism- or raw-foodism
The practice of eating a diet where 75-100% of the foods consumed are uncooked and unprocessed.


If your lawn has dry, brown patches of grass, it might be home to an overpopulation of grubs. These greyish white worm-like creatures can ruin a pristine landscape in less than a week. Here, Edmond lawn care experts from Damon Johnson Tree & Lawn offer information on grubs and how to get rid of these […]
Rapid temperature fluctuation in the winter takes its toll on trees throughout Edmond. Lawn care, especially for trees, changes during the cold season. Here, professional tree technicians from Damon Johnson Tree & Lawn offer advice on caring for trees through the snow and ice.
According to these Edmond lawn care professionals, cold stress is a […]
In Edmond, lawn care is taken seriously. No homeowner wants to be known as the one person on the block with unsightly weeds. Here, the experts at Damon Johnson Tree & Lawn Company answer questions about those pesky weeds and why a pre-emergent herbicide is the best way to battle crabgrass.
Q: What is a pre-emergent […]


Fennel is a versatile vegetable that plays an important role in the food culture of many European nations, especially in France and Italy. Its esteemed reputation dates back to the earliest times and is reflected in its mythological traditions. Greek myths state that fennel was not only closely associated with Dionysus, the Greek god of food and wine, but that a fennel stalk carried the coal that passed down knowledge from the gods to men.
Fennel is composed of a white or pale green bulb from which closely superimposed stalks are arranged. The stalks are topped with feathery green leaves near which flowers grow and produce fennel seeds. The bulb, stalk, leaves and seeds are all edible. Fennel belongs to the Umbellifereae family and is therefore closely related to parsley, carrots, dill and coriander.
Fennel’s aromatic taste is unique, strikingly reminiscent of licorice and anise, so much so that fennel is often mistakenly referred to as anise in the marketplace. Fennel’s texture is similar to that of celery, having a crunchy and striated texture.
The scientific name for fennel is Foeniculum vulgare.
How to Select and Store
Good quality fennel will have bulbs that are clean, firm and solid, without signs of splitting, bruising or spotting. The bulbs should be whitish or pale green in color. The stalks should be relatively straight and closely superimposed around the bulb and should not splay out to the sides too much. Both the stalks and the leaves should be green in color. There should be no signs of flowering buds as this indicates that the vegetable is past maturity. Fresh fennel should have a fragrant aroma, smelling subtly of licorice or anise. Fennel is usually available from autumn through early spring.
Store fresh fennel in the refrigerator crisper, where it should keep fresh for about four days. Yet, it is best to consume fennel soon after purchase since as it ages, it tends to gradually lose its flavor. While fresh fennel can be frozen after first being blanched, it seems to lose much of its flavor during this process. Dried fennel seeds should be stored in an airtight container in a cool and dry location where they will keep for about six months. Storing fennel seeds in the refrigerator will help to keep them fresher longer.
A Few Quick Serving Ideas:
Healthy sautéed fennel and onions make a wonderful side dish.
Combine sliced fennel with avocados, and oranges for a delightful salad.
Braised fennel is a wonderful complement to scallops.
Next time you are looking for a new way to adorn your sandwiches, consider adding sliced fennel in addition to the traditional toppings of lettuce and tomato.
Top thinly sliced fennel with plain yogurt and mint leaves.
Fennel is a match made in Heaven when served with salmon.
Fennel is not a commonly allergenic food, is not known to contain measurable amounts of oxalates or purines and is also not included in the Environmental Working Group’s 2010 report “Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides” as one of the 12 foods most frequently containing pesticide residues.
Fennel is an excellent source of vitamin C. It is also a very good of dietary fiber, potassium, manganese, folate, and molybdenum. In addition, fennel is a good source of niacin as well as the minerals phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, and copper.


Harvesting Herbs for Rabbits and Making Herbal Preparations
Information contributed from members of the Herbal Rabbit group.
Individual acknowledgements are shown.
“I dry mine for all summer use and winter use, just because they are suppose to be harvested before fruit ripens or flowering to maintain their medicinal values. It’s best to dry them in a hot area not in direct sun. Store the dried leaves in a dark area or cupboard. Brown glass jars are recommended. The less light for storage the better.” – Cheryl
Making Herbal Preparations
Information provided by Cheryl
Extraction of the medicinal or flavor elements of plants by soaking in cold or hot water. Used for leaves, stems and flowers. For internal and external use. I prefer using hot water, since it works better and faster.
Extraction of medicinal constituents by gently simmering the denser parts of plants for extended periods of time. ie. roots, barks, seeds, berries, etc. – dried or fresh. To make, add 30g dried or 60g fresh herb to 750ml of cold water. This reduces to around 500ml after simmering. Store in a covered container in a cool place or in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Don’t make more than you need. Internal and external use.
Medicinal or Beverage Tea
Prepared by placing the herbs in a vessel of boiling water (preferably distilled). Stir, cover and let steep for 10-15 minutes.
Fresh or dried herbs mixed with enough liquid to make a thick, pasty consistency for external application to the skin and muscular injuries.
Syrups are generally made by simmering fresh or dried herbs down into a concentrate. Honey, glycerin, Sucanat, Nutri-Cane, maple syrup, rice syrup or other natural sweeteners are added, then simmered down until the mixture reaches the desired consistency. Quick syrups can also be made by adding herbal extracts to the sweetener, with the advantage of not using heat. This method best preserves the volatile (best) constituents. It can also be done with a infusion or decoction. Use 500 ml infusion or decoction and 500 ml honey or unrefined sugar. Can only be stored for approximately 3 months.


Watch Rain Rancher's Debut on YouTube! Have you ever wondered where your food comes from and the conditions our food is grown? Most of us don't want to know but one way to be sure where of its origin is by raising your own chickens to produce your own food. See The Video»
US Drought Monitor
Regions that are vital to our country's food production are experiencing unprecedented droughts that parch our farm lands and drive up the cost of food. Read More»
100 Ways to Save Water
Direct water from rain gutters and HVAC systems toward water-loving plants in the landscape for automatic water savings. Check Out #76»
Why Do I Need to Save Water?
An investment in Rainwater Collection will reduce your water bill and
pay for itself in a very short period of time. With Texas being in the
worst drought in history and lake levels critically low, water can no
longer be taken for granted. The cost of water and restrictions of
usage is rising and will continue to do so over the next decade as
global warming rapidly increases our daily temperatures, which leads
to costly evaporation losses.
How Can Rain Water Help Me?
Rainwater collected and used on-site can supplement or replace water
used for irrigation. With the use of filtration and disinfection water can
also be made potable to be used for toilets, showers, dishwashers, and clothes washers.
Our rain has been scarce, but if you have a collection system
in place, you can collect 600 gallons of free water from just
1” of rain on a 1,000 square foot roof.
Harvesting rainwater for home landscaping:
Saves you money by reducing your water bills
Reduces demand on the municipal water supply
Makes efficient use of a valuable resource
Reduces flooding, erosion and the contamination of surface
water with sediments, fertilizers and pesticides in rainfall runoff
Ask the Experts - Raising Your Own Chickens. Watch Rain Rancher's YouTube Debut!
If you're interested in more information about what systems would best fit your needs, you can go to our request info page, or you can contact us directly:


Thursday, May 6, 2010
TLC really works!
I just wanted to post today and say I have not fallen off the planet into the abyss of not painting. I have been taking some great drawing classes and trying to get back into figure drawing after 25 years. Nothing worth posting just yet. I have also been spending a lot of time getting my garden into shape before everything is over run and the ground turns to a solid rock. I hope to do a lot of painting studies as soon as I finish catching up. One more week I think. The weather is holding and we are getting enough rain to make it some what easy (it's all relative) to pull out the enormous weeds. I wish the flowers would grow big and the weeds would stay small. Anyway I love my garden and this time of years it needs it's TLC to get a good start. I also have three beautiful new raised 4' x 8' veggie beds filled with organic compost, vermiculite and peat moss. Now I just need to find some worms and add them to the mix. I hope to buy my plants this weekend and start hardening them off for planting in a week or two. I did start some heirloom seeds inside but they are looking pretty punk and may not survive. We'll see. I'll post pictures soon. PS 6/25 - here's the results of the TLC


Do you know Fergie, Will.I.Am, Taboo, and Apl? Yes, they’re Black Eyed Peas aka. BEP, the American pop group which is famous with their songs such as “Where is the love”, “Pump It”, “Let’s Get It Started”, and “Don’t Lie”.
Where is their group’s name “Black Eyed Peas” come from? do you know that black eyed peas is a kind of beans?
Here we are going to reveal the mystery of black eyed peas…
Black-eyed peas (Vigna unguiculata) are a variety of the cowpea and are part of the family of beans & peas (Leguminosae or Fabaceae in the USA). Although called a pea, it is actually a bean. Both peas and beans are legumes, and both have edible seeds and pods. According to the Penguin Companion to Food, bean is a “term loosely applied to any legume whose seeds or pods are eaten, not classed separately as a pea or lentil.” Beans traditionally were in the genus Phaseolus, but now some of the species, including the black-eyed pea, are in the genus Vigna. Peas are in the genus Pisum.
The common names of beans and peas are not consistent; other legumes popularly called “peas” are the butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea), the chickpea (Cicer arietinum), pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan), and the winged pea (Lotus tetragonolobus). As legumes they are extremely nourishing vegetables, both to people and to the soil. They are able to fix nitrogen, meaning nitrogen from the air is taken in by the plant and bacteria living in the roots convert it to a useable plant nutrient. Because of this process, nitrogen-fixing plants improve soil quality by adding nutrients back into the soil.
Fun Facts about black-eyed peas:
Cultivated since pre-historic times in China and India, they are related to the mung bean. The ancient Greeks and Romans preferred them to chickpeas.
Brought to the West Indies from West Africa by slaves, by earliest records in 1674.
Originally used as food for livestock, they became a staple of the slaves’ diet. During the Civil War, black-eyed peas (field peas) and corn were thus ignored by Sherman’s troops. Left behind in the fields, they became important food for the Confederate South.
In the American South, eating black-eyed peas and greens (such as collards) on New Year’s Day is considered good luck: the peas symbolize coins and the greens symbolize paper money.
They are a key ingredient in Hoppin’ John (peas, rice and pork) and part of African-American “soul food.”
Originally called mogette (French for nun). The black eye in the center of the bean (where it attaches to the pod) reminded some of a nun’s head attire.
- B is for Black-Eyed Peas (Univ. of Calif., Cooperative Extension Alameda Co.) – Activities for children using black-eyed peas illustrating math and diversity concepts.
- African-American Registry: “Soul Food” – a Brief History! – Includes long list of ingredients and dishes commonly associated with soul food.
- Peas, Black-Eyed – USDA fact sheet on storage, cooking, nutritional facts, and a couple of recipes. PDF – 209KB (The freely available Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view and print this resource.)
- Black-Eyed Pea Pests Bear Watching – Insect pests and plant disease are threats to commercial growers.


Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Notes From A French Winemaker
While at the International Malbec Days event in Cahors, France, we had plenty of activities to keep us busy and sipping. We had morning seminars and guided wine tastings, but I really wanted to see the vineyards, where the grapes are grown, feel the soil. Luckily I was able to have that opportunity. One of the guys that was on the trip with me, Fred Minnick spoke with Phillipe Vincens of Chateau Vincens and he agreed to take us to his vineyard to give us the grand tour and maybe even sample a few.
As we rode to the vineyard with Philippe, Fred was interviewing him in the front seat. Clearly I was able to hear what he was saying and I was able to learn quite a bit about Chateau Vincens and their winemaking process. One thing of note is that there seemed to be a new generation taking over the vineyards of Cahors. The parents are passing down the winery operations to their children, which is infusing the wine and also the region with newer winemaking techniques and innovative labeling and marketing ideas. Chateau Vincens is right on with that trend, Philippe Vincens is 29 yrs old and has only been in the wine business for 2 years. He studied business and finance at a school in Paris and learned winemaking in Bordeaux. Him and his brother now run the vineyard that they inherited from their father, who inherited it from his father. And although some of the winemaking techniques are new things that Philippe is trying, most of the techniques that he is using come from his grandfather.
Chateau Vincens makes 4 wines using mostly Malbec grapes, Le Prestige is 20% Merlot. The vineyard is in St-Vincent Rive d'Olt and sits on 36 hectares of land. The vineyard is settled on a hillside on a 300 meter plateau which allows for better water drainage and sun exposure. The ground between the vines alternates between grass and soil (ie, grass, vine, soil/rocks, vine) because too much grass makes the vines suffer by taking minerals and nutrients away from the vines. But, the vines and the ground still need the grass for water retention and heat hence the alternating. Chateau Vincens is not a certified organic vineyard but minimal pesticides are used for grape growing. Grapes are picked by mechanical harvest but sorted by hand. Grapes are then fermented in stainless steel tanks and put into new and old oak barrels for aging. The oak comes from different makers and also different barrels in order to impart a distinctly different flavor into each style and vintage of Chateau Vincens wines.
After the tour of the vineyard, winemaking facility, cellar, and bottling area, Phillipe gave us a barrel sample from the 2009 simple Malbec. This particular wine was meant to be young and sees no oak. Very earthy and leathery on the nose with a strong fruit flavor of dark cherry. Strong gripping tannins and full body melt into a great fruit flavor. This is a great expression of Malbec and I can't wait to import this to DC!
Philippe walked us into a room that overlooks the cellar to taste a few of the wines he currently has on the market.
If this were in the states right now, it would sell like hotcakes. More malbec producers should push their roses into the market more to get Americans to buy into their heavier tannic malbecs. This is a great one to start with! Salmon pink in the glass, crisp and refreshing to the taste. Not fermented to dryness, this wine has a bit of residual sugar which lends to a sweeter more honeyed peachy flavor.
2007 Le Prestige
Truffle, earth, dark berry fruit on the nose balanced by medium acidity and dark berry fruit on the palate. May need another year or 2 for this wine to fully develop into complete magnificence, but you can drink it now if you can't wait.
Light tobacco notes on the nose with ripe cherry and black currant on the palate. Such a strong fresh fruit flavor that was not overpowered by the oak aging.
2002 Les Graves de Paul
A little tight at first, but after a few minutes in the glass a few swirls...this malbec opened right up. Fresh fruit and licorice met strong tannins to finish in a perfectly round and well balanced wine
I had an amazing afternoon touring the vineyard, learning about winemaking techinques, and sipping wine with new friends. I can't wait to import Chateau Vincens wines to DC. Look out for them in a store near you soon!!


- Being an agriculture preferred area & touched from Haryana, Uttar-Pradesh, the economy of Bharatpur
district is dependent to a large extent on agriculture and its products. The main crops grown are wheat,
mustard, millet and potatoes. There are many OIL mills in Bharatpur due to mustard grown in large quantity
in Bharatpur & in the surrounding areas. Bharatpur is famous for its Sweets & Milk Production.
- In some areas of Bharatpur District like- Hindaun & Karauli etc. stone quarrying is also practised. Many of
nearby State's Forts like The Red Fort of Delhi, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikari were built using local stone.
- Bharatpur also gets an amount of its Economy from Tourism due to Keoladeo National Park & many Hindu
Temples also due to better connectivity to UttarPradesh, Jaipur, Sawai-Madhopur by Road & Railways
Key Rulers of Bharatpur


Goldbridge Farms Limited is an integrated farming system company that specializes in cassava processing, poultry farming, rearing of snails, grass cutters, and pigs and feed production under a mechanized, controlled and hygienic environment with the aim of feeding the society.
Look no further, we nourish lives with quality foods
Goldbridge Farms will follow these principles in order to achieve success in its market:
- Processed Cassava products(Garri & Garri flour)
- Packaged Eggs
- Poultry birds (Pullets and Broilers)
- Big Snails
- Low cholesterol poultry meat
- Grass cutters
- Consultancy services
- High level of hygiene and structured system.
- State of the art mechanized plant
- Robust market chain management, optimum inventory level and upholding “customer is king” perspective.


|What’s not to love about New England in autumn? The panorama of changing fall colors, the smell of apples in the orchard, the humor of carved pumpkins and decorated lawns, and the crispness of the air combine to delight the senses. Yes, of course, there are also rainy days and leaves to rake, but overall, it’s been a beautiful season.
However, the recent drought has played havoc with some of the maple trees. Without changing color, their green leaves showed dark burn patches before dropping to the ground. Whether those trees have kept their ability to generate sap in the spring for the maple syrup sugaring season remains to be seen.
Now it’s the end of October. Many trees have lost their colorful leaves and become sentinels covered with leafless branches. Yet the mixture of still changing trees with the bare, ready-for-winter trees creates a lovely scene as I drive down the streets and by ways admiring Mother Nature.
A few weeks ago, I made a wonderful discovery. Applecrest Farm Orchards is about 5 miles away and sells delicious homegrown vegetables along with an abundance of over 40 varieties of apples, jars of homemade pickles, pies, cider doughnuts, and breads. They even have a bistro with a menu that includes “soup of the minute”. When I asked what that soup was, I was told that whatever was freshest picked became the soup.
Applecrest is the oldest continuously operated orchard in the United States, begun in 1913. Now 4 generations of the Wagner family have continued maintaining the orchard which grows about 40,000 bushels of apples each year. You can buy apples in a bag already gathered or pick your own. Apple pie, anyone?


Thursday, February 21, 2008
Maylin and I planted marigold seeds in these recycled plastic cups on January 28th. They first sprouted on Friday, February 1st. With daily misting and lots of sun (before this rainy week), the plants have been growing happily. This simple activity requires about a quarter cup of potting soil in each plastic cup, three seeds on top, a little extra soil to cover the seeds, and a little compression using your fingers. Water gently with a mister daily. Marigolds are very hardy but do prefer full sun. Watch them grow and watch your kids grow in excitement, too.
Posted by Caroline Jou Armitage at 10:43 AM


Seasonal Work Opportunities to complete your 88 days
Here at The Globe Backpackers we aim to ensure you complete your 88 day regional work as quickly and efficiently as possible. We will assist you in finding work from day 1 right to day 88, making it a breeze and an enjoyable experience. See below to find out the types of seasonal work available in Griffith.
Griffith is located 635 kms west of Sydney (5 hrs by road) following the Hume Highway, Sturt Highway and Irrigation Way. Griffith is the geographic, production and industrial hub of the rich Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) in central NSW.
Australia’s largest citrus producing area, The MIA produces over 230 000 tonnes of citrus each year. A large viticulturist area, it produces more than 20 per cent of Australia’s wine, and rice has also become a significant crop in the region.
Griffith is Australia’s largest poultry and egg producer as well as significant amounts of stone fruit, cotton, sheep, wool, canola, fruit and vegetables including gherkins for the McDonalds franchises. With all that said there's plenty of farm-work available.
A Seasonal Guide to Farmwork in Griffith NSW
Jan - March
Fruits: Grapes, Plums, Watermelons
Vegetables: Zucchini, Cucumbers, Tomatoes
Fruits: Apples, Pears, Persimmons
Vegetables: Pumpkins, Carrots, Broccoli
Fruits: Citrus (Oranges, Mandarins, Lemons)
Vegetables: Spinach, Kale, Cauliflower
Fruits: Cherries, Apricots, Peaches
Vegetables: Green Beans, Corn, Capsicum (Bell Peppers)


Fresh Studio Innovations Asia, Inc. is an international consulting, research & development, and trade company. We are passionate about the world of fresh produce and aim to be the most recognized initiator and developer of unique value chains, and accelerator of innovations adopted by the industry.
Fresh Studio offers the expertise and creativity needed to add value to the products, services and processes of companies active in the entire value chain for fruits, vegetables. Together with our clients and partners, we work on a wide range of strategies in the areas of pre-harvest, post-harvest and marketing.
To strengthen our team in the Philippines, we are in need of:
Post-Harvest Research Assistant – responsible for conducting trials related to post-harvest operations of banana and other crops production.
- BS Agriculture major in Horticulture with post-harvest study as field of specialization;
- 2-3 years of relevant experiences in handling post-harvest projects of fresh fruits and vegetables;
- Must have a depth knowledge on banana packing house and postharvest operations;
- Adept in research tools and techniques; knowledge in Total Quality Management, Problem Solving Tools and banana farm practices.
They will also assist in the smooth running of the company’s projects, ensuring appropriate inter- and intra-departmental communication thru effective day-to-day administration and coordination.
Our fresh and creative work environment offers many opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
Interested applicants must also be:
- A hands-on team player, who can work under little supervision;
- Strong leadership with firm decision making;
- Flexible, enthusiastic and eager to learn;
- Systematic, disciplined and result-driven;
- People-oriented and alert to customer’s needs;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills;
- Can work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment.
If you think you can be an asset to our team, you can send your motivation letter to:
2/F Dana Corporate Offices
1 Ladislawa Ave., Buhangin, Davao City 8000
Tel. No. (082) 227-6776
Or you can send your resume to:


Anne Sijmonsbergen moved to Ibiza ten years ago into a 450-year-old farmhouse, Can Riero. The farm now supplies local organic produce to top restaurants and private chefs across Ibiza.
Over the course of a decade, the farm has gone from near fallow to producing dozens of varieties of fruits and vegetables, including over 40 types of heirloom tomatoes.
Meanwhile Anne has dedicated herself to studying Eivissa's food culture, meeting cheese-makers, bakers, bee-keepers, fishermen, herders and the fellow farmers who are leading Ibiza’s burgeoning sustainable food movement.
El Portalon brings together all these projects into one place, serving sustainably grown and sourced food, in a way that fits seamlessly with the island of Eivissa.


What are Georgia’s leading wine-producing regions?
The whole country produces wine, and the particular grape varietals all have their specific micro-zones scattered across the national territory. However, the most well-known region for producing Georgian wine is Kakheti, divided into the two micro-regions of Kvareli and Telavi. Then comes Imereti, Kartli, Svaneti, Adjara, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, and Abkhazia.
What are some of the most important grape varietals and wines in Georgia?
Ojaleshi is grown on the mountain slopes above the banks of the Tskhenistskali River, particularly in the Samegrelo region of Western Georgia.
Saperavi produces rich dark red wines suitable for extended aging – up to fifty years. It can provide high alcohol levels and is used widely for mixing with other lesser types. Saperavi is one of the essential grapes used in Georgian red wines.
Mtsvane, or green in English, is another very essential grape varietal in Georgian winemaking. It is often mixed with Rkatsiteli to add an aromatic, fruity balance to the wine.
Usakhelauri translates into English as “without name” or “nameless” and is an indigenous grape varietal. The name translates with the meaning of “priceless” or “beyond words” and perfectly describes the exceptional and unparalleled quality of the grape. Grown on the mountain slopes of Lechkhumi, the cultivation process is quite difficult and is characterized by a low harvest volume. Each year, only three tons of grapes can be harvested, leading to Usakhelauri wines being very expensive.
This is another very important grape varietal highly used in Georgian winemaking. Rkatsiteli also grows outside of Georgia, particularly in former Soviet countries.
Alexandreuli is considered to be one of the oldest grape varietals in Georgia.
Chinuri, or Chinebuli, translated into English as “excellent” is grown in the Kartli region. It reaches full maturity in late October and is usually used in sparkling wines by mixing Goruli Mtsvane and Aligote.
What are the most common Georgian wines?
1. Tsinandali is a white wine made from a combination of Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane grapes from the micro-zones of Kvareli and Telavi in the Kakheti region.
2. Tvishi is a naturally semi-sweet white wine made from the Tsolikauri grape.
3. Alaznis Veli is a white semi-sweet wine made by mixing Rkatsiteli, Tsolikauri, Tetra, and other grape varietals grown in Western and Eastern parts of the country. The wine has a straw color and a harmonious taste.
4. Mukuzani, a dry red wine made from only Saperavi grapes grown in Mukuzani and Kakheti, is matured for three years in oak to give it flavor and complexity. It is one of the best dry red wines made from Saperavi.
5. Kindzmarauli is a high-quality naturally semi-sweet wine with a dark red color and is made from Saperavi grapes grown on the slopes of the Caucasian mountains in the Kvareli district, in the Kakheti region.
6. Khikhvi is a white dessert wine made from the Khikhvi grape cultivated in Kardanakhi, which has been producing wine in Georgia since 1924. The wine is an amber color and has a delicate taste.
7. Akhasheni is a naturally semi-sweet red wine produced from the Saperavi grape cultivated in Kakheti. The dark pomegranate color wine has a velvety taste with a chocolate character.
8. Khvanchkara, a high-end, naturally semi-sweet red wine is the blend of Mudzhuretuli and Alexandria grape varietals grown in the Khvanchkara vineyards in Racha. The wine has well-balanced tannins with a raspberry flavor. This dark ruby color wine is one of the most famous Georgian semi-sweet wines.