I haven’t had a problem with ants. Sparingly. They’re a great soil amendment. Hi there. Coffee grounds contain a number of different nutrients including 2% Nitrogen , Potassium and Magnesium – all essential nutrients your succulents need to thrive and grow. Lenny Crowe You won’t want to use nearly as many unbrewed grounds because of the extra acidity and nitrogen. Maybe it would be an on-going project to keep adding the grounds. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from McGill University, a Master of Arts in history from Central European University and a diploma in journalism from Concordia University. Coffee grounds amend soil structure and nutrition in a manner similar to compost, and can even be added to compost to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Coffee grounds contain a few nutrients (which by the way won't benefit the plant until the grounds have decomposed), improve tilth, and … That’s it! I could put the winter’s worth around the rhubarb plants in the spring to give them a jump start. You can mix the grounds into the soil or spread them on top. Yes! Coffee grounds are an excellent free source of nitrogen, an element all plants need. I homestead in a tiny town (pop 60) in the remote woods of Maine. We strongly support local business and are grateful to those who support Tressa & Trudy, our homestead bakery. While coffee grounds can serve as an organic fertilizer, applying them directly to the soil of a Money Tree will cause the soil to retain too much moisture. Leftover coffee grounds contain multiple nutrients that make excellent supplements for growing vegetables, including pepper plants, according to Washington State University. I’ve always put my coffee grounds around my blueberries, raspberries, tomatoes and corn-now I’ll have to try the peppers! A word of caution, however: too much nitrogen can result in beautiful foliage, but low fruit production. We dont drink coffee.. Can i use the fresh coffee instead? I have horrible luck with peppers in the ground, but they do beautifully in black pots on my sunny deck. July 10, 2017. Coffee grounds are a great soil amendment so the vegetable that follows peppers will appreciate it too. If you are unsure of the pH of your soil, you buy a pH soil tester from … Why do roses like coffee grounds? Stunted pepper plants and poor plant development are not always only a result of poor nutrition, so coffee grounds may not be the solution to revive your plants. A delicate warm-weather crop, peppers (Capsicum annuum) thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 1 through 11. At times I carried out some self pollination, only because there did not seem to be enough bees around, and these clumsy hands broke off too … The nutritional benefits of coffee grounds will last for up to two months. You wonder: do cactus likes coffee grounds. I didn’t know snails don’t like coffee grounds. Do coffee grounds attract pests? Coffee grinds make a nice compost for pepper plants. . Since I use coffee pods would unbrewed coffee straight from the can work also? Coffee grounds can also help do double-duty in the garden by managing pests. Pepper plants can become stunted when the plants bear fruit too early or if the plant has been over-pruned. I’m Robin Follette. Robin pkapeckopickldpepprz. According to the EPA, coffee grounds are a safe and effective way to keep pests away. That will work. Explore You could try flooding the ants’ nest to force them to move. Robin Pumpkins Growing in Coffee Compost Pumpkin might be the most successful crop to ever grow in my garden. A plant expert explains what plants like coffee grounds, what plants don't, and how to use used coffee grounds as fertilizer. Too much of a good thing! May 16, 2019, I also put coffee July 26, 2020. Fathima I wouldn’t use as many fresh grounds as used because they’ll have more nitrogen. I never knew that Peppers needed a lot of nitrogen. Did you know that peppers love coffee grounds? Coffee grounds are a great soil amendment so the vegetable that follows peppers will appreciate it too. If the rosemary is pale it should color up with the nitrogen boost. Connie Pepper plants branch out like trees. Roberto Aloe Vera, peppers, watercress, lilac, and lavender will react badly to coffee, so keep your coffee grounds away from those plants. Using free coffee grounds seems like the perfect solution, but some gardeners have found that using coffee grounds directly on the soil has had a disastrous effect on plants. If you have a lot of grounds (I do love coffee…) you can use it as a mulch. So basically u.just spring the coffee on ur sand for watever u.planting..n then water it…how long does mint take to come up…n is coffee good for ants eating the plant aswell..wat about vinegar diluted in water…?…thanks for info. June 6, 2020. Do Cactus Likes Coffee Grounds. Squirrels and many other animals don’t like the smell of coffee, which is great news for humans who want to keep them away from an area. So, I assume my soil is not as friendly to peppers as I would like–perhaps it’s the nitrogen? Like tomatoes and other plants, such flowers will thrive from an extra dose of nitrogen and other nutrients that grounds release into the soil. . Louise All parts of the plant contains caffeine, which discourages insects from eating the leaves etc. 14.May.2019 - Peppers love coffee grounds for the nitrogen. They are happy as long as you gave them the right potting soil, sunlight, watering, and other affordable conditions. Coffee grounds also are rich in fiber, hydrophobic lipids and essential oils, all of which improve soil structure. If you’re getting more new shoots and not enough peppers, stop adding grounds. Great tip, Roberto. As a compost, all the antimicrobial and nutritional benefits of coffee grounds are preserved. However, tomatoes do not like fresh coffee grounds; keep them out of that area of the garden. July 1, 2020. Considering this, which plants do not like coffee grounds? When watering your houseplant with liquid coffee, only do this once every two to three weeks. July 28, 2020. hmmmm I don’t think it could hurt to try but it would take a lot of grounds to make a difference. We also don’t know why the coffee grounds deter deer, other than the possibility that deer do not like the smell. Benjamin Shorter has been a writer for publications such as the "New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal," "National Post" and the "Edmonton Journal" since 2001. Washington State University: Coffee Grounds - Will They Perk Up Plants? It’s the nitrogen they benefit from fastest, and then the added benefit of organic matter to feed the soil. May 17, 2019. Marguerite Coffee grounds are quite fine, and as such they compact easily. Thanks for mentioning that! I’m going to put coffee grounds on them tomorrow. For more tips on growing peppers, follow the link. June 30, 2019. Coffee grounds are rich in a number of nutrients and can help revive ailing pepper plants. What Is the Purpose of Crushed Limestone? Peppers like nitrogen and coffee grounds are full of it. Would it help rosemary? The cooperative extension should be able to tell you what’s wrong with the tree and help get it straightened out in the mean time. Robin The water will disperse the grounds and take nitrogen down to the roots. Don’t go absolutely nuts with the grounds or you’ll have too many leaves and not enough peppers. Jerry suggest harnessing this property to help elsewhere in the garden. grounds on my tomatoes and really nice and lots of beautiful tomatoes, Robin Steve and I hunt, fish, forage, raise and grow most of our food. But you can use coffee grounds for most plants as the acid level is not as high as you would think as a substantial amount of the ‘acid’ is cooked out of the coffee and drunk. Thanks! Award-winning writer and photographer, outdoorswoman, homesteader, and more. Hey, you aren't the only one who perks up after some coffee! Aloe Vera, peppers, watercress, lilac, and lavender will react badly to coffee, so keep your coffee grounds away from those plants. If you try it, place the grounds at the drip line (at the outer edge of the branches where most water falls to the roots). I think it would be fine. One or two applications in a growing season should be plenty unless your soil is severely nitrogen deficient. DON’T Let Your Pets Around an Indoor Garden with Coffee Grounds. I’m in zone 5 (Mass) so I don’t think it’s the weather And I do mineralize according to soil test results. You can mix the grounds into the soil or spread them on top. I’ll have to experiment and see if the coffee grounds help. As we already know, coffee grounds when unwashed and added to the soil, enrich it with an acid content, this acidic level of the … I save coffee grounds year round to use in the garden. Kandi With all the talk about coffee grounds and how it can help plants. I think tea will work just fine. July 26, 2020. Good to know. Thanks. Jennifer Fisk Tree had tons of yellow delicious apples but for some reason some of it’s branches are dieing. Lorna Fresh Coffee Grounds for Acid-Loving Plants Your acid-loving plants like hydrangeas, rhododendrons, azaleas, lily of the valley, blueberries, carrots, and radishes can get a boost from fresh grounds. Edith If you’re looking for an easy way to try to discourage them from digging up your garden or raiding your bird feeders, coffee grounds are an easy and inexpensive thing to try in your yard. Robin June 28, 2019. As a pest control measure, sprinkle coffee grounds when the bugs start showing up, but avoid it otherwise. June 28, 2019. The bag and tea will add organic matter to the soil as well as the nitrogen peppers love. Coffee grounds for Pothos: Like many other plants the Pothos houseplants also find coffee grounds as a good nutrient-rich food option. I’ll add them to the soil when I plant! Coffee grounds are particularly good for acid-loving plants, like tomatoes, roses, azaleas & blueberries, evergreens, camellias, avocados, and some fruit trees. There’s definitely something to this as many have reported success, but we don’t know the science behind it. Not even coffee grounds. July 28, 2020. So keep it simple. Robin Donna Life is good! Coffee grounds for peppers. July 1, 2020, Robin Add used coffee grounds to the compost bin, but don’t over do it. Robin Slugs aren’t the only creatures that don’t like coffee grounds. But if you have coffee made from good Arabica beans - which, admittedly, has become a very difficult thing to come by these days - you really don't want to add anything to it. Good luck! I used a very mild soap and water solution in a mister and the hole boring stopped and new leaves grew healthy. Peppers like nitrogen and coffee grounds are full of it. Coffee grounds can help repel not only mosquitos but also other annoying insects like wasps and bees. I only cut mine back if it is the way of a walking path or reaching my outdoor faucet. June 29, 2020. Cactus is a simple and low maintenance plant. They do best when grown in nutrient-rich conditions since they can be heavy feeders. Coffee grounds are rich in a number of nutrients and can help revive ailing pepper plants. Wondering if it would help my apple tree it seems to be losing a lot of branches which are dying a few at a time. We are a no-food-in-the-trash household. Whether used on its own or as part of compost, the benefits of coffee grounds are preserved in either instance. Providing enough nitrogen ensures adequate leaf growth, and that protects the peppers from sun scald. If the first flowers of the plant set fruit, too much energy is directed toward fruit production, rather than structural development, so not enough energy is left to encourage more foliage growth, leading to stunted pepper plants. Coffee grounds add organic matter to the soil and provide food for earthworms and the rest of the micro herd. I dump the grounds on top. They need sun and like to be watered if it's been dry. However this seems to be linked to using thick blankets of it to mulch around plants and over seeds. Coffee grounds also work well as a mulch, limiting soil temperature changes that could stress the pepper plants while raising the soil acidity. Used coffee grounds do differ in acidity depending on the variety of bean used, however they are generally pH neutral to slightly acidic once decomposed which is perfect for fertilising roses. However, tomatoes do not like fresh coffee grounds; keep them out of that area of the garden. If you have a lot of grounds (I do love coffee…) you can use it as a mulch. Nitrogen is especially beneficial for healthy foliage and stem production. I put coffee around my hydrangeas and also rhubarb, has really made a big difference in my plants, rhubarb is beautiful. I’ve never planted mint from seed. I wouldn’t spray the plants with a vinegar solution as it would likely kill the plants. Rich in antimicrobials, coffee grounds help prevent bacteria and fungi from taking hold. Robin © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. They’re always up early in the spring, usually as soon as the snow is gone. This also applies to coffee grounds. I had an Annabelle and removed it, wasn't doing well in the place it was in. I put the coffee filter in the compost so I haven’t dealt with paper. I use coffee grounds on my succulents it keep the snails from eating them. This will lead to a healthier, sturdier and more vigorous pepper plant, more capable of supporting a large pepper harvest. Annette Marshall June 29, 2020. For more tips on growing peppers, follow the link. That’s good to know. I save my grounds over the winter if I don’t need them in a bed in the high tunnel. We know that coffee grounds for succulents is good but we haven’t answered WHY do succulents like coffee grounds? However, when applied to houseplants bound by the constraints of pots, coffee grounds can do more harm than good. However, coffee grounds have to be used with caution – they can actually kill roses if used improperly. Planting Tomatoes & Peppers Amended With Coffee Grounds, Crushed Eggshells, & Epsom Salt Posted on June 17, 2015 marilynf Posted in Gardening , Gardening Marilyn's Way , Tomatoes , Uncategorized This past winter I had some time to do some research when it comes to increasing my yield and quality of vegetables for the coming season. Flowers like tulips and daffodils that bloom in the spring from bulbs can benefit from a dose of coffee grounds in more ways than one. General Nutrition Rich in antimicrobials, coffee grounds help prevent … July 1, 2019. ... Holes like that appeared in my pepper leaves. When used as a mulch, spread up to 1/2 inch of coffee grounds on the surface of the soil near the bottom of the plants. Jul 10, 2017 - Peppers love coffee grounds for the nitrogen. Thank you! We use the large tea bags and would have allot to use. For my peppers and tomatoes? It’s a service we pay for in our taxes. It was caused by a small orange and yellow beetle or possibly earwigs at night. Every time you prepare to start your day with a pot of fresh coffee, you are brewing a valuable gardening addition. When it comes to using natural remedies in our gardens, it is good to know they are not always harmless. on Peppers Love Coffee Grounds – Gardening Tip, Raccoon (Procyon lotor) – Homestead Predator. They contain between 2 and 10 percent nitrogen, which aids with plant development and growth. In gardening, there are many over-complications of what should be a simple practice, and using kitchen scraps is a prime culprit! With care, used coffee grounds can be added to the vegetable garden soil Coffee grounds are best for Money Trees when used as compost or compost tea. I add grounds to all of my raised beds including the bed with rosemary, sage, lavender, and basil. Peppers like nitrogen and coffee grounds are full of it. GardensAlive: Using Coffee Grounds Correctly, University of Arizona Extension: Backyard Gardener, University of Illinois Extension: Watch Your Garden Grow - Peppers, Harvest to Table: Pepper Growing Problems, The Effects of Seaweed Fertilizer on the Growth of Plants, The Average Soil Nutrients for a Vegetable Garden, How to Get Rid of Blossom End Rot Naturally. Pinch off the first couple of flowers to direct the plant’s energy toward foliage growth. Some say that coffee grounds will also keep the slugs at. I have used Bat Guano to add nitrogen too. I use transplants. Not at all! June 20, 2020. Not sure if that is true as I still see a few in the garden. I’ll try on my peepers and tomatoes though! I don’t like it quite that much so I place two or three cups of grounds at the base of each plant before watering. Your acid-loving plants like hydrangeas, rhododendrons, azaleas, lily of the valley, blueberries, carrots, and radishes can get a … When used on its own, coffee grounds can be mixed into the soil as an amendment or used as a mulch. … Coffee grounds have a strong smell but it’s even stronger when they are burned. June 19, 2020. If the bag doesn’t happen to break down you could either bury it in the soil to let the microherd take care of it, or just pick them up later on. July 10, 2017. Does tea work? I found you via a comment you left on Chiot’s Run . If you are applying coffee grounds before planting, stay away from areas where you are going to be planting Chinese mustard, alfalfa or white clover because it will inhibit germination of the seed if present in large quantities. When used in compost, coffee grounds maintain their high nitrogen content, with a 10 to 1 carbon to nitrogen ratio, according to the Washington State University Extension. I don't do a darn thing to mine and they are huge. July 10, 2017, Sunil Aggarwal July 10, 2017. April 27, 2019, Thanks for your suggestion, will apply and come back again, Aida Scattering brewed grounds in garden beds or sprinkling them on top of potted plants will keep away destructive pests like snails, slugs, and ants. I’ve been composting my coffee grounds with all the rest of the stuff but I’m going to try this. I think the variety matters, for me the Nikko blue is most reliable bloomer. Coffee grounds are highly acidic, they note, so they should be reserved for acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries. Coffee grounds are especially rich in nitrogen. Thanks, Aida! That will work just fine. I’m the wife to a wonderful man and mom to lovely daughters. You can! They’re in the garden and raised beds all the time but they haven’t been eating my plants. I just planted one tomato bush and one red sweet potato on pots. Too much moisture can cause root rot and introduce fungal issues. Did you know that peppers love coffee grounds? They nitrogen will be washed in while I’m watering the plants, the grounds will be worked into the soil by me and earthworms. Well, in simple terms, coffee is acidic and succulents LOVE acidic soil. Keep coffee grounds to no more than 20 percent of the material included in your compost. I still haven’t planted my tomatoes in the high tunnel because it’s so cold. When insufficient nutrients are available, poor plant development occurs, including stunted growth, which eventually leads to a poor harvest. June 5, 2020.


|My DrivesTrack your favorite scenic drives by selecting those which you want to take and those that you have taken. Using your free account, simply sign in and select My Drives.
Take Pleasant Valley Road to Howell Living History Farm, where you can visit a working farm using methods employed during 1890-1910. The farm grows a variety of crops including wheat, corn and pumpkins and horses, oxen and steam engines are used to thresh wheat and pull wagons. Buildings, equipment and even breeds of livestock, date back to the 1800s. Visiting the farm is free and produce, honey, flour and more are available for sale. This is a wonderful place for adults and kids alike to learn about the past.
70 Wooden’s Lane
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As April prepares to blossom, so does our dedication to a greener planet. At Femboy Summer, we’re thrilled to announce our new collaboration with Shopify Planet. Starting today, every order you place with us will be carbon-neutral at no extra cost to you, our customers! But how do we achieve this? Let’s delve into the details.
Our Pledge: Reforestation and Soil Carbon Storage
We’re not just about fashion; we’re about sustainability. For every order you make, we’ll donate a portion to two vital projects:
Reforestation: Trees are our allies in the fight against climate change and our friends at Mast Reforestation are helping trees make their comeback! Their reforestation efforts involve planting trees in areas affected by wildfires. These new forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO₂ and restoring biodiversity. With each order, you’re contributing to a greener future.
Soil Carbon Storage: Beneath our feet lies another hero—soil. Healthy soils sequester carbon, preventing it from escaping into the atmosphere. The fine folks at Grassroots Carbon know all about that, so they help farmers adopt practices that enhance soil health, such as planting cover crops and reducing intensive tilling. It’s a win-win for food production and the climate.
[photo from Mast Reforestation]
🌿🌎 Together, we’re not just fashion-forward; we’re Planet-forward. 🌟


|The graphic above outlines the area that is served by the Springhill substation in northwest Bowie County and the Bivins substation in southeast Cass County. This spray provides a cost-effective, environmentally safe and longer-lasting means for managing trees and woody underbrush and is not harmful to humans or animals. The chemical has a “plant-specific” mode of action, which means the active ingredient is absorbed into the leaves and travels to the root system. Not only is the use of herbicides more effective in maintaining the area, but it is also a best practice in the electric utility industry with significant cost-savings. We appreciate your cooperation as this work gets done throughout the next couple of months!


Hello and Happy Sunday! It’s a beautiful day here in Michigan–perfect for checking some things off of my gardening to-do list. My beautiful purple iris have already finished blooming so I cleaned them up a bit. Also trimmed up my Dwarf Burning Bush–much easier in spring before it grows out of control! I am also getting my vegetable bed ready. I am cleaning the weeds out that have been popping up. We need to add some compost and additives this week and get it rototilled. I will be planting my vegetables next weekend. I always do this on Mother’s Day weekend. While a lot of people around here think it is a tad bit early, my beloved late grandma always planted then and I have been too for almost 25 years now. I am happy to say I’ve never lost a plant yet due to late frosts or freezes.
And speaking of planting, I am gonna move on to another subject…As I have previously mentioned, I am very honored to be in the HMC Team’s Bootcamp as one of the initial trainees. It was decided that tomorrow is our final day. Debbie Nowicki has been an exceptional leader and I can never thank her enough for all of her hard work and guidance. While Debbie is an extraordinary bee-keeper and gardener by her own right, she has also sown seeds in each of us trainees, seeds of believing in ourselves and our dreams for our businesses. She has also given us the tools we need to cultivate and nurture them, all the things that we need to grow our dreams into realities.
So I am sending a huge hug to Debbie and want to say THANK YOU! Love you lady!
And I have to tell you all, too, that I am excited to be planting some seeds from Debbies’ lovely shop for pie pumpkins…Here is the link for them for you to check out. You will love her shop!
Have a great day!


The Department of Agriculture (DofA) has finalised the seasonal measures for the 2019-2020 high risk season.
Measures are effective for ALL Sea freight shipments exported on or after the 1st of September 2019 and that arrive in Australian territory by 31 May 2020 (inclusive).
For detailed information please download the Rohlig BMSB Seasonal Measures Flyer click here.
Please contact your Rohlig customer service representative for the most updated information.
Detailed information released by the Department of Agriculture can be found here.


Unveiling the Rich Heritage of Cyprus Shami Goats For Sale: A Comprehensive Guide
Cyprus Shami goats, revered for their robust nature and valuable contributions to the agricultural landscape, hold a significant place in the heritage of Cyprus. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the characteristics, historical relevance, and current status of Cyprus Shami goats. From their adaptation to the Mediterranean climate to their role in sustainable farming, this article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these remarkable goats.
The Origins of Cyprus Shami Goats:
- Historical Roots: The Cyprus Shami goat, scientifically known as Capra aegagrus hircus, has a deep-rooted history in Cyprus. Its origins can be traced back to the Middle East, where the Shami breed flourished in countries like Syria and Lebanon.
- Adaptation to Cyprus: Over the centuries, Cyprus Shami goats have adapted to the unique climate and terrain of the island. Their resilience to the Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters, has played a pivotal role in their survival and thriving population.
Distinctive Characteristics of Cyprus Shami Goats:
- Size and Conformation: Cyprus Shami goats are of medium to large size, with a sturdy and well-proportioned conformation. They typically exhibit a strong skeletal structure, making them well-suited for various agricultural activities.
- Coat Color and Pattern: The coat of Cyprus Shami goats is diverse, ranging from solid colors like white, black, and brown to multi-colored patterns. Their coats may also feature unique markings, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the breed.
- Horns and Facial Features: Most Cyprus Shami goats have distinctive, spiraled horns that contribute to their striking appearance. Their facial features include a convex profile, expressive eyes, and a prominent jaw.
- Adaptability: One of the standout characteristics of Cyprus Shami goats is their adaptability to challenging environmental conditions. Their ability to forage efficiently in semi-arid landscapes makes them valuable assets to farmers in Cyprus.
Role in Sustainable Agriculture:
- Milk Production: Cyprus Shami goats are renowned for their milk production, providing a valuable source of dairy for local communities. The milk is rich in nutrients and is used to produce traditional Cypriot dairy products.
- Land Management: The foraging habits of Cyprus Shami goats contribute to sustainable land management. Their ability to graze on a variety of vegetation helps control invasive plants, preventing overgrowth and maintaining ecological balance.
- Resilience to Harsh Conditions: The resilience of Cyprus Shami goats allows them to thrive in conditions where other livestock might struggle. This resilience is particularly beneficial in regions with limited water resources and fluctuating temperatures.
Challenges and Conservation Efforts:
- Genetic Diversity: Like many traditional breeds, Cyprus Shami goats face challenges related to genetic diversity. Conservation efforts are underway to preserve the unique genetic traits of the breed and prevent the loss of valuable characteristics.
- Changing Agricultural Practices: As agriculture evolves, the role of Cyprus Shami goats may face challenges. Balancing modern farming practices with the preservation of traditional breeds is a key consideration in sustainable agricultural development.
Breeding Programs and Conservation Initiatives:
- Cyprus Shami Goat Breeders Association: The establishment of the Cyprus Shami Goat Breeders Association reflects the commitment to preserving and promoting the breed. The association plays a crucial role in implementing breeding programs, genetic monitoring, and educational initiatives.
- Collaboration with Research Institutions: Collaboration between breeders, farmers, and research institutions ensures a holistic approach to the conservation of Cyprus Shami goats. Research initiatives focus on genetic diversity, health management, and sustainable breeding practices.
In conclusion, Cyprus Shami goats stand as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of traditional livestock breeds. Their historical significance, distinctive characteristics, and role in sustainable agriculture make them a valuable asset to the cultural and agricultural heritage of Cyprus. As conservation efforts continue to gain momentum, the future looks promising for the preservation and promotion of Cyprus Shami goats, ensuring their legacy endures for generations to come.


Take a Tour at ECHO Global FarmJun 06, 2023 08:00AM ● By Anne Marie O-Phelan
Enjoy a walk through ECHO Global Farm in North Fort Myers. Image courtesy of ECHO.
Whether you are a gardener, a plant lover, or interested in learning about many types of worldwide farming, the ECHO Global Farm Tour located at 17391 Durrance Road in North Fort Myers is an experience unlike any other.
“Summertime is known for its hot, humid, and rainy days; yet, it is a great time to visit. Mornings can be spent seeing tropical crops taking advantage of all that sunshine before you spend the afternoon indoors. Come and see the winged bean, longevity spinach, pineapple, mango, and lychees in season. Our rice paddy is planted in June and is at its peak during July and August,” states spokesperson Danielle Flood.
The farm has eight different regions where crops, techniques, and animals worldwide are used for demonstration purposes. Moreover, ECHO is home to one of the largest collections of tropical food plants in the United States.
Docents lead guests on a 90-minute walking tour of the ECHO Global Farm. During the tour, visitors experience farming at its most creative, with unique demonstrations showcasing how discarded items can help build a garden, how nutritional plants can sustain the elements, and techniques that are designed to assist farmers and urban gardeners in developing countries. Tour guests learn about sustainable and nutritional plants such as the fast-growing and highly nutritious Moringa Tree. They also witness how to effectively grow crops with little or no soil in the Urban Garden area—a tour standout.
Tours are open to all ages and are a great learning experience for parents, grandparents, and children. Tours run Tuesday through Saturday at 9:30 a.m. (May through November), and Tuesday through Friday (December through April): 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and Saturday at 9:30 a.m.
“The tour path is perfect for a jogging stroller for our littlest guests, and ECHO has golf carts to ride on if a member of your group cannot walk the farm,” explains Flood.
Another option is the ECHO Appropriate Technology Village Tour, where guests learn how simple technologies can assist farmers and growers worldwide. Also on-site is the Market Garden stand that is open every Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., selling fruit in season. There’s also a bookstore and a nursery open Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ann Marie O’Phelan is a SW Florida resident and a regular contributor to TOTI Media.


After last years semi-successful experiment, it's time for part two, the sequel. The all important second album.
Hopefully not a re-run, hashed up mix of year one.
It's getting to that time of year again. Well nearly, last year I was late in getting started, so I missed out on being able to plant a lot of vegetables as there just wouldn't be enough of a growing season for them. I need to to make a plan and me, I'm good at starting stuff like this but really crap at finishing it. Just like I was meant to blog about how the veg experiment was going. I think that lasted all of three posts! Hopefully this year I'll be better but please don't hold your breath!
I might as well give a quick recap of how year one's growing went. That's if I can remember what I planted, most of I can. I think. Well hear goes. This is what was in my main planters.
- Cabbage - grew well but just never seem to come to anything.
- Swede - grew well and gave a few away as I had too many. Even gave away seedlings that went to harvest.
- Spring Onions - Went well. Lost a few to the rain, the survivors were good and flavourful
- Beet root - Was a mixed of my own batch only two survived to be eaten. Seedlings I gave away went on to be harvested.
- Lettuce - Very successful until I let them go to flower and seed, died after that but got much enjoyment out of them during the summer
- Carrots - Complete failure for some reason, sprouted, died.
In smaller pots and planters I had a few herbs and vegetables as follows.
- Parsley - of the curly variety, grew well and is still clinging on even in this atrocious weather.
- Thyme - same as the Parsley.
- Basil - grew brilliant and have re-potted in doors and is growing strong
- Peppers - Just can't grow them outside in Scotland, just didn't work
- Chillies - Exact same problem as the peppers. Probably need a green house.
I'm possibly missing a couple of things which means they unfortunately didn't make it to harvest. Yes, it's a bit of and eclectic mix there but on the whole it worked.
I'll need to do some ground work this year to recharge the soil in the planters, in preparation of that I've got myself some chicken manure to dig in and turn over once the snow and ice melts on the balcony.
Also I will have to look out my seed packets and find out exactly what I have. don't want to go buying seeds I already have. No point in that.
I really enjoyed the process. Maybe it's me as a country boy getting back to my roots, pardon the pun. I grew up around people growing stuff. I remember my Gran growing grapes in her greenhouse and used to make myself ill by gorging on them. I also remember being in tears in primary school after the teacher told me I was silly and you don't grow grapes in a greenhouse. She wasn't the only one. Tomatoes used to and still do get passed over the fence.
It's great and I get immense enjoyment out of it. It is also something I want to continue and grow (sorry). I have grand plans but I me need a garden for that or at the very least an allotment but that won't happen in East Kilbride. I recently applied for one, £26 for an entire year and was informed that I was in a waiting list that was currently running at over 50 years. They're aren't many and it would appear to be very popular.
If anybody as any suggestions or knows what vegetables grow well in pots please leave a comment. However do remember I live in Scotland so we tend not to get great sunshine in the winter but my balcony faces a south easterly direction and therefore gets what sun there is the vast majority of the day.


I know a lot of my posts have been about Winter and Christmas recently but it’s never too early to be thinking about Spring. We have had some lovely blue sky days but I’m already longing for warmer weather and longer days – give me back my evenings!
Anyway, we’ve been getting the garden ready for Winter and part of that was forward thinking to Spring bulbs. Today we planted our Miffy tulip bulbs which was very exciting.
After 15 years of cross-fertilisation and patient cultivation, Dutch tulip breeders have finally produced a variety to represent the Netherlands’ most famous children’s character, Miffy. The official Miffy tulip is a deep red colour. It matches exactly the shade used by Dutch illustrator Dick Bruna.
The cultivation process started back in 2001 when the tulip-breeder Lighthart Bloembollen cross-fertilised two varieties to achieve the right shade and form required by Dick Bruna’s publishers, Mercis. Then there was a wait for the vegetative reproduction to take place!
This year, there are only 2500 Miffy bulbs in existence, some of which have been planted in the world famous Kerkenhof Gardens in the Netherlands. Open from March to May you can see the Miffy tulips growing in Kerkenhof’s Walk of Fame and also in the Miffy garden located within the park.
Hopefully next year there will be some Miffy tupils in west London too – I will let you know what happens to them. They can be planted anytime between September and December and should hopefully bloom in April-May.
You may be interested in some of our other Miffy blog posts:


IJC’s Great Lakes Water Quality Board Releases Lake Erie Nutrient Management Report
The Great Lakes Water Quality Board has released a report, Evaluating Watershed Management Plans – Nutrient Management Approaches in the Lake Erie Basin and Key Locations Outside of the Lake Erie Basin, which presents recommendations on how watershed management plans should be used to control nutrient pollution in Lake Erie. The report identifies several key success factors that should be included in these plans to achieve meaningful nutrient load reductions.
This report was developed by its Legacy Issues Work Group and is the result of their efforts over the past two years to develop advice and recommendations to the IJC regarding legacy contaminants.
The findings and recommendations from this report, along with the expected outputs from the Science Advisory Boards’ project to assess the contribution of fertilizer and manure use and their implications for nutrient management and the International Joint Commission’s ongoing watershed nutrient source mapping project to identify causes of eutrophication, support the Commission’s work under its Lake Erie Ecosystem Priority (LEEP). They can also be useful to the Parties and others in their efforts to achieve a 40% total phosphorous reduction in the western basin of Lake Erie.


Vitaline StudLine (Meal)
100 in stock
100 in stock
Vitaline Studline (Meal)
nReproduction requires additional nutritional demands from the brood mare, stallion and young growing horse. High quality protein, with added essential amino acids lysine, methionine and threonine ensures good milk production in the mares, as well as good muscle development and growth in the young horses. The feed is specifically formulated with a combination of energy sources: extruded maize, extruded barley and oats, high levels of cold pressed oils and digestible fibre to ensure a “slower energy release”. A very comprehensive supplement, balanced and with highly available minerals, trace minerals and vitamins is used to encourage strong overall skeletal development. Recommended for broodmares, weanlings, growing youngsters to the age of 3 and stallions.
|Ca:P = 1.8:1.0 to 2.0:1.0|
nOats, maize, extruded maize, barley, wheaten bran, hominy chop, lucerne, sunflower seeds, sweet lupins, soyabean oil cake, full fat soya, canola oil, liquid sugar cane molasses.
nSalt, feed lime, mono-calcium phosphate, Vitamins A, D, E, K, B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, choline, magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc, copper, cobalt, iodine, selenium, organic selenium, chromium, potassium, lysine, methionine, threonine, live yeast, mould inhibitor and anti-oxidant.
nFeed Dry Mares 2-3kg, Pregnant Mares 3-4kg, Lactating Mares 6-8kg, Yearlings 4-6kg, Weanlings 3-4kg, Stallions in breeding season 5-8kg daily according to body weight, condition, metabolism, reproduction stage, growth rate and forage quality. Feed concentrated feed with ad lib good quality hay and/or pastures. Hay should be fed at a minimum of 1-2% of body mass.
nIntroduce any new concentrated feed gradually over a period of 10 – 14 days.
nThese feeding instructions are meant as a guideline; please contact the manufacturer for more individualized feeding recommendations.


According to the Guinness World records: “The banana (Musa sapientum) together with its relative, the plantain (Musa paradisiaca) is the most consumed fruit in the world. They are the fourth most important staple food worldwide and the fifth most important agricultural commodity in terms of international trade after cereals, sugar, coffee and cocoa.”
Do you know that Somalia was once a major hub for banana exports? It’s true! From the 1970s to the early 2000s, Somalia was a major exporter of bananas to countries all over the world. Somalia grew to become a thriving hub for East African banana exports, with produce headed to Europe and the Middle East. The industry employed an estimated 120 thousand workers and Somali bananas were known for their superior taste and quality.
Not only are bananas an essential part of Somali cuisine, but they can also provide great nutritional benefits? In this blog post, we’ll explore the nutritional benefits of bananas and why you should use them to add an exotic Somali vibe to your meals.
Somalis have been incorporating bananas into their diets for generations, often eating them with unexpected foods like rice and stews. Even meals of rice and meat or chicken and spaghetti often include a banana for added flavour and nutrition.
In order to explore more about the role of bananas in Somali cuisine, let’s take a look at the nutritional benefits they provide.
Bananas are a staple in Somali cuisine, but they also provide many nutritional benefits. Bananas contain a high concentration of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke. They are also full of dietary fibre, which can help reduce cholesterol levels. Additionally, bananas are a good source of vitamin B6 and magnesium, both of which help support healthy nerve and muscle function. Finally, bananas provide important antioxidants that can help protect against cell damage and disease. Eating a banana each day is a great way to get your daily dose of essential nutrients and keep your body running smoothly.
From Ugandan matoke to Italian plantations in southern Somalia, bananas have played an important part in Somali cuisine. Not only are these fruits a versatile and delicious addition to any meal, but they also offer significant nutritional benefits. From increased energy levels to improved digestion and reduced risk of disease, adding bananas to your diet may be beneficial for your health. So why not give it a try and see what unexpected dishes you can enjoy with this amazing fruit!


Anybody that is involved in landscaping or other particular care of lawn and property understands the dire need to keep the area free from weeds. Weeds will do a lot to damage the fruitful growth of flowers, shrubbery and other greenery on a landscape. There is a contractor that does Weed Control in Spokane, Washington who has information about how to help customers with such control. Here is some of the information customers may want to know.
What is the Problem with Weeds?
Seeing a few weeds in a yard is not a major problem and they usually can be pulled out with little problem However, if the yard or landscape continues to have problems with more and more weeds, this is an indication of a top soil problem, and will have to be treated aggressively. The presence of a lot of weeds in a landscape indicates that the land is having problem with soil moisture, too much shade, lack of nutrients for the soil or soil compaction.
Problems to Watch Out for when Trying to Maintain the Weeds Personally
If a person is going to try to handle the weeds himself or herself, there are a few things that need to be kept in mind. The first thing is that it is never a good idea to apply too much herbicide to try to control the weeds. The second thing to keep in mind is to remember when the best time is to remove the weeds and to over seed the lawn, if necessary. A third thing to remember is to be careful with using any herbicide to treat the lawn or landscape. All in all, it is usually better to go with a professional.
Who to Call in Spokane, Washington
Spokane Pro Care has been providing landscape and lawn care solutions for customers in the Spokane, Washington area for thirty years. In addition to lawn and landscape care, the company also does pest control, sprinklers installation and repair, and the removal of snow and ice. If a person is interested in Weed Control in Spokane, Washington, the company is available. Contact Spokane Pro Care at the website, http://www.spokaneprocare.com/.
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“The seed of your dream will blossom in its appropriate time. Discouragement is expecting your harvest before it is due.” -Dr. Mark Chironna
Sometimes it is difficult to be patient and wait for our harvest to develop. We sow seeds throughout our life into different areas expecting to reap a harvest. We sow into our children and their future, our finances (savings and investments), education, career advancement, passions, dreams, etc. When we sow our time, money, and effort into these areas of our lives, at some point we all expect a return, but when, that is the real question.
Just like farming or gardening, if you harvest too early you most likely will end up with fruits and vegetables that are not ripe, small in size, and not very flavorful. I remember as a kid picking apples off a tree mid-summer. I knew the apple was smaller in size, but I expected the flavor to be the same. When I bit into the apple, my lips puckered tightly and my eyes watered as it was the sourest apple I had ever tasted. So, I ended up throwing the apple to the ground completely disappointed.
As we sow into our garden of passions and dreams, it is just at the right time, if we are faithful to do our do diligence in maintaining and caring for them, they will blossom, flourish, and bring about great fruit. It is only in our expectation and lack of patience in the process, that we become discouraged; forgetting it is in the very process where growth, maturity, and beauty come.
Be encouraged today, at just the right time, “the seed of your dream will blossom,” and you will reap the most amazing harvest, the fulfillment of a lifetime. Psalm 126:4-6 states, “Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy! …Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.”
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Opening new markets, forging new friendships and strengthening existing relationships is an ongoing challenge. It requires a consistent effort over time and rarely shows imediate results. Done with honesty, openness, fairness and perseverance it does pay off.
In that way, it's not unlike planting a vegetable garden. After fertilizing and tilling the soil (often after last year's harvest to allow it to sit and take and then again before planting), you put seeds and newly sprouted plants in the soil at the start of the growing season. You tend to the land for months watering and weeding and chasing out pests and generally maintaining the plants themselves. Finally the plants start to produce things we can eat and the joy of the harvest continues. Done right, even a reasonably sized plot can provide a family with food not just through the harvest months but through the winter as well ... when you get to start the process over again.
For those living in warmer climes where the growing season is year-round, it's even more practical to just till and till through the year. Making such a "tropical climate" is every organization's goal when it comes to relationship development, though reality is that not everyone gets to live in the tropics. =)
Harvest festivals are common throughout the world because it gives a well needed "Huzzah!" to the end of a long stretch of work that is done for future gain. It reminds the people that their hard work did pay off, that they should continue planting to make food and that they should be grateful for the bounty they receive.
Ok .. where am I going with all this? Well, a couple years ago at Akademy 2006 in Ireland we put together a speaking track and arranged meetings around the topic of KDE and FOSS in Asia. The soil was being tilled and fertilized.
People came from China, Korea, India and beyond representing both community and companies. We met, we talked, we forged relationships, we exchanged business cards and email addresses. Seeds were being planted. It was the first time I'd personally been able to meet with several of them, including people from Red Flag. We talked about how to draw people from cultures rather different in terms of computer usage, social norms and communication patterns closer to the KDE upstream community. Everyone agreed that working together more would benefit us all, and that simple things like having people send patches upstream would be great.
Red Flag people sent a raft of patches directly after Akademy 2006, but as usual with large patch drops some were already done upstream, some no longer applied cleanly, some were incorrect ... a couple made it through though and that was an interesting first step. Seedlings poked their first leaves through the soil.
Over the next two years, people on the Asian continent continued to work on the communities, such as the awesome KDE India community while others continued to work hard even on their own. When Sung-Jae joined KDE e.V. as a member this year and expressed with great heartfelt emotion his efforts and struggles for FOSS in his country of Korea, it was very evident how hard he'd been working on the KDE garden plot at his home. ASUS hosted a couple of Linux developer events and KDE people flew to Taiwan to participate.
Then about a week ago I noticed something: I was seeing patches for KDE 4 posted to mailing lists from Red Flag employees (plural!) using their work email addresses. Besides signaling that they were working on a KDE 4 based release of their operating systems and preparing the move from 3.5 to 4.2, this was new: they were working on sending their patches upstream as they were working on them.
Yesterday, a Red Flag developer got his KDE svn commit account. This told me that finally we were in the harvest time. The seeds planted in 2006 had sprouted, bloomed and were producing fruit.
I hope this is just the first such harvest and that we continue to build strong bonds with those in Asia. This has been a huge challenge for us, being largely Amero-European, due to the differences in culture and language. Both sides have been learning and growing in the process, but I am thankful everyone has stuck with it through the growing season.
I don't think it's unreasonable to suggest that those involved take a moment to step back and appreciate the progress we've all made in Asia over the last 2 years with a bit of a harvest celebration, so to speak.
After all, a new growing season is upon us and we'll need to sow new seeds, expand our garden plot a bit further and look forward to our growing harvest in the next year.


Wolfskill Ranch established
William Wolfskill, a native of Kentucky, came to California in 1831 and settled in Los Angeles in 1836, where he soon met and married Magdalena Lugo, daughter of Jose Ygnacio Lugo. In March 1838, Wolfskill purchased a 100-acre lot bounded by 3rd to 9th streets and San Pedro to Alameda streets, which he named Wolfskill Ranch, and built a large adobe (known as “Wolfskill Adobe”) located at 239 Alameda, between 3rd and 4th streets. This land is located a few blocks away from Azusa Street on the other side of the L.A. River.
In 1839, Wolfskill became a major grape producer when he planted the first vineyard of table grapes in California. Two years later, in 1841, he planted his first 2-acre plot of citrus behind his adobe, between 4th and 6th streets east of Alameda. In a short period of time, Wolfskill’s farm had increased to 28-acres of planted citrus with over 2,500 orange trees. By 1862, he owned 3/4 of all the orange trees in California and was the biggest orange grower in the United States – for which he is considered the father of early California citrus industry.


Quinoa looks back on a long history: Possibly the Incas understood it as a food plant, their seeds will be therefore known as Inkakorn or Inca ice. It is not grain at all – and therefore a favorite alternative for those who do not need gluten. As a result of great vitamins and minerals quinoa is also a great food for sportsmen and vegans.
Thousands of years back, the unpretentious, heat-loving quinoa plant was cultivated in a lot of SOUTH USA, today it really is almost specifically cultivated in the highlands in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia – a consequence of the Spanish conquest. It grows at heights as high as 4500 meters and serves as a staple foodstuff for the mountain peoples living now there. Since just a few food plants thrive as of this altitude, the quinoa plant is usually of great importance.
Due to the high vitamins and minerals and the low needs on soil and weather, the cultivation in poorer mountain areas ought to be promoted. In 2013, the UN quinoa declared plant of the entire year. Meanwhile, she actually is grown in Nepal, among other things.
How would you pronounce that?
The right pronunciation of “quinoa” is more often disagreement. The brand originates from the South American terminology Quechua and is subsequently pronounced kienwa. In Spanish, however, they state kinóa and today both variants happen to be widespread.
Is quinoa healthier?
Quite clear: yes. The inconspicuous, only a few millimeters huge granules bring a lot of valuable nutrition on the plate. Quinoa scores with:
– Vitamin E
– different B vitamins
It is also abundant with vegetable protein and is probably the most nutritious vegetables – specifically interesting for vegans who usually do not consume animal proteins. But even persons who do a large amount of sports and thus have a higher protein requirement should vacation resort to quinoa benefits more often. Also, the magnesium articles of the Andean plant is definitely impressive and makes it likewise for vegans and sports athletes to an interesting food.
The seeds consist of all the essential proteins , especially lysine, which otherwise occurs primarily in animal food. When and when a portion of quinoa might help prevent deficiencies.
The essential fatty acids, including the important omega-3 fatty acids, are predominantly, namely 70 percent, unsaturated. That is also a plus for vegetarian and vegan diet.
Quinoa is therefore an extremely healthy, satisfying meals, which with its nutritional value has various grains in advance and can round off a well-balanced diet, specifically for vegans and vegetarians. The Andean plant has about doubly much protein as rice and a lot more than wheat. In iron content, it simply competes with millet.
Quinoa also gets a plus in calories. Even though the small seeds have therefore many nutrition, they possess fewer calories than rice, pasta or couscous and so are therefore also fantastic for a calorie-conscious diet. On 100g cooked quinoa come only 104 kcal – in comparison, rice here makes at least 130 kcal.


Impacts of plant protection products on biodiversity and ecosystem services
Collection(s) Matière à débattre & décider
Ean : 9782759237487
Date de parution : 14/09/2023
Résumé : As part of the Ecophyto II+ plan, INRAE and Ifremer were in 2020 commissioned to conduct a collective scientific assessment of the impacts of plant protection products on biodiversity and ecosystem services. The results, released in May 2022, confirm that plant protection products contaminate all types of terrestrial and aquatic environments, all of their compartments and most of their organisms.
Disponible, expédié sous 2 à 6 jours


Fresh From The Farm
Wade's Farm to Plate (WFP) is not just a name, but a way of life. As a third generation farmer, WFP's founder Henry T. Wade produces top quality, never frozen, products with exceptional taste without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, ionizing radiation, antibiotics, or growth hormones. We believe every family should not only know where the food comes from, but that our animals are raised the way nature intended.
Wade’s Farm to Plate’s mission is to create sustainable farms that produce high quality, all-natural and organic meats and produce by controlling every aspect of production from incubation, gestation, and delivery to growing feed, veterinary care, and humane processing.
"Your family deserves the freshest, healthiest food possible and we look forward to serving you!" - H. T. Wade


A profitable farming operation
requires knowledge of production practices, marketing, agricultural
finance and accounting; not to mention new technology regarding
equipment, seed, fertilizer, herbicide and the best soil type
for your farm.
As you are aware, owning
farmland is a big responsibility, but you're certainly not alone.
Almost 45% of all U.S. farms and ranches are owned by people whose
chief occupation is not farming. There is a lot to know about
farming, especially today. Farming is a risky business - it is
complicated and rapidly changing.
Another important issue that has invaded the farm scene
in the past ten years is environmental concerns. It is critical
to the owner of farmland to know that no one uses or allows to
be used any chemicals which may cause any present or future contamination.
Chemical restrictions must be adhered to and sometimes what is
in the owner's best interest may be overlooked by an unsupervised
You can enjoy the security of farm ownership, yet not have to
deal with the worrisome problems that can be associated with the
day-to-day operations on the farm.
As your farm manager, you and your farmland are given our personal
attention. This kind of service is what our present landowners
appreciate and expect. It has helped to make Mid-America Land
Company, Inc. the preferred choice in farm management.
This is an invaluable service that we can provide for you. A service
that will make your ownership of farmland less worrisome and more
enjoyable. We will manage your property according to your wishes
and according to the methods that will generate the greatest return.


Do you want to spend a beautiful day planting seeds and seedlings in a lovely garden? Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference for your community? Did you know that research shows that spending time outdoors volunteering to make the world a better place is one of the best ways to ensure your own happiness? If so, come help out at the UW Tacoma Giving Garden Earth Day event! Saturday April 25th, 11 am to 4 pm, in the UWT Giving Garden, at the corner of 21st and Fawcett. Free pizza to volunteers!
The UWT Giving Garden is a student-run garden that donates produce to St. Leo’s Food Connection. We will be planting from 11 to 4 so stop by any time. Bring your family and friends—great fun for kids, and the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day.


That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
How I would grow a garden…
I don’t know much about gardening, but I really admire people who can make beautiful flowers or delicious vegetables grow. I’ve always wanted to plant a garden, but I’ve never gotten around to it. Whenever I think of it, I think of all the work and effort it would take. Just imagining it makes me tired! One of these days I will give a it a try. When I do, I’ll tell you exactly how I would go about planting my beautiful garden:
First, I would use Google to research the basic steps of flower gardening. I would look up what flowers grow best here in Pennsylvania, and I would also research which ones were the heartiest. Second, I would go to the bookstore and buy several books on gardening. I would find something like Gardening for Dummies, and I would read those books from cover to cover. I would use a highlighter to mark important sections. Next, I would track down people I know with beautiful gardens. I would ask them how they do it, and I would write down their advice. Finally, I would take all the information that I learned I would attempt to plant my flower garden.
Christ’s gardening instructions…
Did you know that Jesus gives us gardening instructions? In Matthew 13:1-23, Jesus tells us a parable. Parables are precious stories that teach us something. In this week’s parable, Jesus teaches us about planting good seeds.
In this story, Jesus tells us about a farmer who doesn’t use Google or go to the library to do research before planting his seeds. He doesn’t try to find the most effective way. Instead, this gardener goes out and throws seeds EVERYWHERE! Instead of carefully planting seeds in good soil in neat little rows, this farmer goes outside and just starts throwing seeds all over the place.
It would be like if I tried to plant my flower garden by taking seeds and tossing them around the parsonage. Imagine it: I would just throw seeds everywhere! Seeds on the sidewalk, seeds on the parking lot, seeds in the backyard, seeds under the tree, seeds beside the garage, seeds in the street!
For this sower, it seems more about quantity of seeds than anything else. He just throws them everywhere!
What do you think would happen if I planted my garden this way? Do you think it would grow? Do you think I would get beautiful flowers or tasty tomatoes? If I heard about someone gardening this way, I would say that they were wasting seeds. Why bother throwing seeds where they will get scorched by the sun, eaten by birds, or choked out by weeds?
The Parable of the Sower
But here is why the parables of Jesus are precious—no matter how many times we hear them, they teach us something new about the world around us.
In this story, Jesus tells us that yes—some of the seeds failed to grow. Some were eaten by birds or choked out by weeds. Others took root but were quickly scorched by the sun. But the seeds that did grow blossomed and took root, they were more fruitful than anyone could have guessed. They were thirty times fruitful, sixty times fruitful, a hundred times fruitful!
This is the part of the story that doesn’t make any sense. This is the part of the story that you wouldn’t expect. It defies all logic:
Essentially, the sower goes outside, throws seeds everywhere—and instead of ending up with nothing, he ends up with bushels of tomatoes, tons of zucchini, and countless bouquets of flowers.
In this story, the Sower is Jesus planting the word of God. Remember—the Father and Jesus are One. Why would God waste God’s time on seeds that no one expects to grow? Because when it comes to God’s love, the only thing we know for sure is that we need to expect the unexpected.
The Word of God turns the world upside down. The first shall be last, and the last shall be first. A baby in manger becomes the Savior for all Creation. This parable encourages all of us to go out and throw seeds of faith around everywhere. Although the world feels scary and unsettling right now, I would like to encourage you to keep sowing seeds of faith everywhere and anywhere. You never know what will take root.
This day, I’m encouraged by the Parable of the Sower. May we all plant our roots deep. May we sink them into the soil of Christ. May we bloom where you are planted, and continue to sow hope and love wherever we walk.
Until Next Time,
This post is part of the series, “His Encouragement: Thursday Thoughts to Strengthen Your Soul.”
Now, it’s your turn! What Scripture verse is inspiring you this week? Let me know in the comments below! I’m excited to join with a group of blogging friends in order to offer you a weekly devotional which will be posted every Thursday.
Please be sure to check out the other great bloggers involved in the His Encouragement weekly series!
Andi @ Radiant Light
Leslie @ Words of Hope
Claudia @ By Claudia Moser
2 thoughts on “The Parable of the Sower (His Encouragement)”
I agree with you. Every time we re read the Bible we learn something new.


Christopher L. ShopePostdoc
At Hydrology until 09/2012
Post Doctoral Researcher at Department of Hydrology, University of Bayreuth, Germany
Winter 2009 to August 2012
Integrated modeling of water and solute fluxes throughout a small catchment is simulated using the spatially-distributed SWAT2005 model. Field-based meteorological conditions, hydrology, biology, solute and sediment transport, and social and land use pattern data are being collected in the Haean-myun Basin in South Korea. The field data are used to parameterize and calibrate several local scale process based conceptual, topographic, and numerical models. The key processes that regulate both water quantity and quality are examined to simulate sediment, nitrogen, phosphorous, and dissolved organic carbon outputs in this highly agricultural region.
Several integrated experimental strategies such as monitoring of soil water dynamics and sediment transport measured within run-off plots during extreme event periods are being used to calibrate the soil water and erosion module in SWAT. Topographically variable, spatio-temporal surface water and groundwater elevation and concentration datasets are being collected. Temporally varying land use patterns and agricultural management practices are being implemented.
The modeling framework described is used to perform scenario simulations examining temporal changes in land use practices and climatic effects on water quantity and quality in complex terrain. An important part of this work is examining the social relationship between land management practices and the value of sustainable resources. A link between the small catchment population structure and these management practices to the resultant ecosystem services provided is being pursued. The water quality and sediment results from this catchment in conjunction with stochastic estimates from the remainder of the watershed impact the Lake Soyang reservoir, a drinking water supply to Seoul. Future work includes extrapolation of several catchment results with differing land use patterns to quantify potential nutrient loading within the Lake Soyang reservoir.
Joint Summer 2011 Hydrology Field Campaign in Haean Catchment
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- NEW ARRIVALS
- BEAUTY & WELLNESS
If you’re a coffee drinker, chances are you’ve had a Colombian coffee. Probably several Colombian coffees, in fact. The nutty flavor profile lends itself well to an everyday cup, making it a popular choice for most coffee heads. Our Frontera De Planadas is everything we love about Colombian coffee - baking spice warmth and caramel sweetness with a light, tangy acidity. This is a coffee for the long haul, a Colombian coffee with complexity and character to boot.
Planadas is a young place. The town itself was established in 1966. Now, just over half a century later, Planadas is a bustling commercial center with a healthy market for farmers from neighboring farm towns to sell and distribute their crops. One of the most prolific crops in the area is coffee, grown easily thanks to young trees, warms days, and the ideal elevation of the Central mountain range’s foothills. Our partners at Collaborative Coffee Source took a trip to the district of Tolima, Colombia. While there, they sought out quality lots from farmers in the Planadas area and put together a blend that was made with Methodical in mind - an approachable coffee that will stay with us for a long while.


(Family Features) Gardeners typically understand plenty of water, good ground and a steady stream of sunshine all play vital roles in the food production process.
However, on those hot, dry days when there isn’t any rain in sight, harvesting rain and storing it may be a perfect solution. A tried-and-true gadget like a rain barrel allows for the collection of rainwater from a home’s gutter system for later use.
Not only are rain barrels budget-friendly and good for the environment, they’re also good for your plants and crops. Rainwater is chemical-free, non-chlorinated, naturally soft, oxygen rich and warmer than water coming from the hose or sprinkler. That means flowers, trees, vegetables and shrubs may be more vibrant and hearty when irrigated with rainwater.
The nuts and bolts of making a rain barrel are simple. All it takes are three holes cut into a 55-gallon barrel and a few supplies from the hardware store:
- A small hole is cut into the side of the barrel, just 2 1/2 inches from the bottom. A brass adapter is then inserted so a hose can be attached for easy watering.
- The second hole allows excess water to drain away if the barrel gets too full. It is made approximately 4 inches from the top of the barrel, directly above the hose adapter.
- Drill a large hole into the top 2 inches from the side of the barrel. This hole must align with a downspout in your home’s guttering system. It is often fitted with a screen to filter out sticks, leaves and other debris.
Instead of a rain barrel, create a simple collection system by placing any recycled, water-tight container directly under a downspout. Buckets, trash cans and large pots make for easy collection containers.
Find more solutions for your garden at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash


Click & Collect is now available. Check out in the usual way and select
'Collect in person' from the delivery options. We will contact you when your order is ready to pick up at a convenient time to you. Last Online orders for Christmas delivery 11am 18th December. You can still click and collect from us until the 24th December.
Simply Sussex seedlings!
April 29, 2014
Here is a picture of our greenhouse seedlings and plants coming up and looking healthy. These will go to make our 'Ant's anti-fouling chilli Jam' our 'Legless Rambler ale chutney' and our 'strawberry shortcake jam' amongst others that will be featuring later on in the year. Long may the sun continue to shine and the rain come to fill the water butts too!


Have you tried Grain Berry Cereals, yet? From their website, their “whole grain cereals are the first and only to contain Amazing Onyx Sorghum. This powerhouse plant is sun-activated; the more sunshine it gets, the more it fights free radicals, slows sugar absorption and develops plant-based fiber.” To make it even better, their Onyx Sorghum is grown right here in Texas - Plainview to be exact.
They believe that Texas is the friendliest state in America, and they are very proud to have a product that uses grain grown in Texas. They were founded in 2008, and have continued to grow ever since. They describe their product as “the healthiest cereal you can get, that doesn’t sacrifice taste.”
Be sure to give Grain Berry a try next time you’re in the cereal aisle!


“Mandala Travel offers environmentally friendly tours of Sicily aimed at encouraging the relationship between travels and local farmers. Organic food and renewable resources are used to ensure the sustainability of the earth and raise awareness of environmental issues.”
Trekking and cycling are featured adventures and provide travellers with a scenic and eco-friendly way of seeing Sicily. A few days to a week, Mandala offers adventures varying in length with the option of self guided or guided by one of Mandala's very own tour guides. See the countryside without harming it and experience the tastes of organic farming.
Mandala focuses on travels in and around Sicily.
Mandala provides various adventures for environmentally friendly travelers, specializing in trekking and cycling through the countryside, while improving and encouraging the relationship between the travelers and local organic farmers.
The lone individual exploring the world or the adventurous family, Mandala is for anyone who wants to explore Sicily and loves the earth and the environment.


Agricultural ConsultantsIs this your business? Claim now!
Clickemin Farm, Matfen, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE20 0RY
Welcome to Maughan Agricultural Contracto. We are an experienced agricultural consultants based in Newcastle upon Tyne. We...
* Agricultural Consultants
Agricultural MachineryIs this your business? Claim now!
Tyne Mills Industrial Estate, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 1XL
At Thomas Sherriff in Hexham, we have a wealth of knowledge and experience in Agricultural Machinery. Here at Thomas Sherriff, we...
* Agricultural Machinery


I know that I mentioned it before, but there really is nothing around Windhoek, but rock, dirt and low growing trees. I find it magnificent, but it also explains why no one lives there. It’s as green right now as it’s ever going to get and with no rain for the next 6 months it’s going to get pretty dry. Most of the land is used for cattle grazing with little land available to be used for farming. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the country.


Lela Designs is putting the green in ladies golf! Our fashion forward designs have been on the forefront of the eco luxury golf niche for years and each season we better our practices creating more choices for the earth loving consumer.
Cotton is one of the most popular fabrics in the world. It has traditionally been grown with mass use of pesticides, chemicals, and water. The chemicals used in conventional cotton production are some of the most harmful known to woman/man. Every year new chemicals are created to spray on cotton crops as insects that invade the cotton plants become immune to the current chemicals used.
Organic cotton is cotton that has been grown for at least three years without chemical pesticides and defoliants. Fertilizers that are used include compost, manure, naturally derived mineral and plant fertilizers and crop rotation. Insect controls involve the use of beneficial insects and natural pesticides certified for organic crops. Organic cotton is also processed without oils, chemicals, and pesticides. It does require a great deal of water to grow.
Organic cotton feels softer, smells cleaner, and is less likely to trigger allergies. The sustainable farming practices used to grow organic cotton do not pollute groundwater, surface water, soil, or air. In fact, soil quality is actually improved by the production of organic cotton. Organic cotton is safer for farmers, for you, and for the environment.
PET fabric is made from recycled clear pop bottles. It is very strong, yet lightweight which makes it great for active wear. By using PET we help divert disposable plastic containers from our landfills.
Organic textiles are grown in controlled settings with no pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals. Only natural fertilizers are used and the soil and water are monitored. If a fiber is “certified organic” its growing conditions have been monitored and certified by an agency from one of the several organic trade associations worldwide.
Eco fibers are fibers that do not require the use of any pesticides or chemicals to grow. They are naturally resistant to mould and mildew and are disease free. Hemp, linen, bamboo and coir are eco-friendly fibers.
There are also eco fibers created from the end product of other processes, generally from food wastes. Such fibers are produced from soy, coconut, milk, corn and chitin (crab shell). For example, soy fiber is made from the hulls of soybeans used to make tofu and other soy products.


Hello there! How was your weekend? We had SUN here and it was wonderful, the first real Spring weather we've had this year. Everyone was starting to recover after the horrid stomach bug that hit our family the previous week, and we were able to get out and enjoy some mellow time in the sunny garden!
Before I share a few photos of our little garden, I'll show you a couple of other projects that were inspired by this lovely Spring weather. This morning, we had a "crafty playdate" with our friends. The kids painted mini-birdhouses I picked up for $1 a piece at Joann's. They had a great time and I loved seeing how each birdhouse came out differently. So cheerful and a perfect little Spring decoration.
I unfortunately forgot to take a photo of the group of them, but here's one of Ben's:
Isn't it cute?
During a quiet moment this past weekend, Ben also worked on the Wind Sock project from his latest Kiwi Crate. We'll have to do a proper review of Kiwi Crate in the near future, but I really only have great things to say. This project was well-planned, the instructions clear and the supplies great quality. Ben's Wind Sock is now swaying in the breeze on our back balcony and telling us about the weather.
Here's the view from my kitchen door (horribly back-lit, sorry!):
But the most fun we had this weekend by far was getting our little potted garden ready for planting, then getting seeds and starts planted. Ben and I spent some good quality time down there, getting our hands dirty and our bodies their much-needed fill of Vitamin D. Bring on the warm weather, our garden is ready for some growth!
We are renters here in Seattle, but get to enjoy a little backyard that we share with our downstairs neighbor. He gardens as well, and gets the beds on the other side of the house. Since we don't know how long we'll be living here, and because the landlady has someone come and take care of landscaping, we didn't want to plant our garden in the ground. So 2 years ago, we started a potted garden that we've been expanding a little every year. When it's time to move, we'll just take our pots with us, and the beds will go back to being mostly mulch and weeds as before!
Here is the extent of our little garden, occupying the North end of the small backyard. It is actually the most perfect spot, as it gets a bunch of sunlight (when it's sunny...).
Here are a few more details:
Mostly culinary herbs like mint, cilantro, oregano, lavender, sage, etc, and some strawberries!
Right by the door to the basement where I do my laundry, there's some lacinato kale. There are also seeds for red winter kale planted in the middle. This is a giant container, so hopefully we didn't overcrowd it.
Parsley and chives in the long pot, then seeds planted for lettuce and peas (snap and sweet) in the next 2 pots. The 3rd pot will host cherry tomatoes when our starts are ready to be transplanted.
Here are our starts: cherry tomatoes, marjoram, more lettuce and kale -- in case what we planted outside doesn't sprout.
And that's it! I have tried to learn from our lessons in the past couple of years and plant things that should do well in our climate, as well as things we will easily pick and eat. I know that the kids will pick tomatoes, peas and strawberries and munch on them when we play in the yard, which will be great. I ended up buying a lot of starts from our local nursery, which I've never done before. We've had mixed results with starting from seed in the past, and I think that being sick and tired made me lazy, ha!
While I was weeding the beds around the pots, I dug up all the rocks I could find. For some reason, there are tons of river rocks in there, they must have been used for some decorative purpose in the past. I am saving them all for a little project that is garden-related. Can you guess what it is?
And just for fun, here are some sweet and some silly photos Ben and I took of ourselves and each other when we were done gardening.
How did you spend your weekend? Any gardening happening in your neck of the woods? How are you celebrating the arrival of Spring? I'd love to hear all about it in the comments.


Plant Care Basics
No green thumb? No worries! If you’re looking to either step up your plant care game or learn the basics you’re in the right place. Follow these basic guidelines and I promise your plants won’t hate you.
First off… don’t overthink it.
This is the number one thing I always recommend. Most houseplants really just want to be left alone! Give them time, give them space, let them do their thing, and learn when to step in to give the right attention they need. It’s all about time, balance, and attention.
Aerate the soil:
So easy to do and 100% recommend doing this once a month. Aerating the soil allows for the plant to breathe better. Over time the soil tends to become compacted, sometimes you’ll even notice big, dry clumps of soil even though you just watered. Aerating the soil is a great way to check the plant for moisture, loosen up any clumps, and get that plant to take a take a breath of fresh air.
Find something that is long, skinny and sturdy (coffee stirrers work) and puncture the entire surface area of the soil. Use your makeshift soil probe to puncture the soil around the sides of the plant, in the middle of the plant, and get the soil probe to go down as far as you can comfortably get it. Be careful as you do not want to cause too much damage to the roots. You may notice that even though you thought your plant might’ve needed water the soil was actually still quite saturated!
Watering a plant after aerating the soil makes a huge difference, the plant will feel heavier having absorbed more water. This is a great thing for the soil, great thing for the roots, and will absolutely make your plant happier.
This is honestly the hardest part of the plant care equation. How do you know if it’s too much water or not enough? I wish there was an exact answer for how much water to give and when, but there’s so many factors involved in determining this. Lets first start with this…
Check to see if the soil is dry. Stick your finger in (or soil prod) a few inches to check for moisture (get your mind out of the gutter), if the soil is very dry it could probably use a watering, if the soil is still saturated I would definitely hold off. Watering a plant that is already saturated can lead to fungus gnats, lots of yellow or brown leaves, moldy soil… you name it!
Be consistent. Pick a day out of the week when you water all of your plants or get your plants on a 10 – 14 day watering cycle and try to stick with it. Plants will learn your watering habits and can learn when to expect the next watering. If you splash little bits of water on your plant a few times per week your plant is probably thinking “bro, can you please just be consistent?” Coach House likes to do thorough waterings every 14 days.
Use lukewarm water. Cold water is no fun unless you’re a freak or it’s like 100 degrees out. Ice cold water can cause some plants to go into shock. Think about what you would like to be watered with… lukewarm is a must!
Does your plant have a hole in the bottom?
Drainage is healthy! This allows for the plant to adequately drain water and dry out before the next watering. If there is a saucer underneath the plant you’ll want to give the plant enough water until you see some water trickling into the saucer. If there is a little bit of water in the saucer, don’t worry, the plant will drink that up. If after 20 minutes water is still sitting in the saucer I would dump the excess water out as this means the plant is very saturated and does not want to drink anymore.
Does your plant NOT have a hole in the bottom?
This means the plant is planted directly into a container. You’ll want to be a bit more careful in this instance as it is easier to over-water plants with no drainage. Plants with no drainage keep all of the water at the bottom of the container and have to drink it all back up again. This is totally normal to see plants planted directly into containers, it just takes a bit longer to figure out exactly how much water they need and when. Keep a close eye! Give the plant less water than you would for your plants with drainage, if after a few days the soil is already dry and the leaves are droopy you’ll want to increase the water amount. Over time you’ll find the perfect amount of water to use.
Imagine showering every day but never washing the upper half of your body. That’s what it’s like when a plant’s leaves are not cleaned. Gross right?! Over time indoor leaves collect all sorts of dust and oils. When leaves get dusty bugs can make comfortable homes in the intricate crevices of leaves and stems. Leaves are also able to absorb more light when they’re free of dust. Misting, spraying, or wiping the leaves clean of dust and oil will ensure a better chance of a pest free and happy plant.
Wipe the leaves down. Put a tiny dot of dish soap on a wash cloth and lather, wipe the top and bottom of each leaf. This is time consuming, but your leaves will look brand new and want to give you a hug. Make sure to not use a heavily soaped up rag as this may cause damage to more sensitive plants, just a dab’ll do ya.
Stick the plants in the shower. This is a great way to simultaneously water the plants while ensuring the leaves are clean of dust. We at Coach House will leave our plants (with drainage) in the shower for a sumptuous 20 minutes. Really up to you in terms of minutes, but don’t leave them in there for an hour because that is just an irresponsible amount of water to be use.
Mist it. Misting is another way to protect against dust. We at Coach House like to dilute a drop of dish soap in our misting bottles and really mist down a plant. This is a good way to give the plant a little bath, just keep a washcloth handy to wipe down any access water or soap on the leaves. Misting a plant with regular water helps rid the plant of some dust and creates a brief moment of humidity, but isn’t really the end-all-be-all solution for cleaning the plant. Sometimes you may need to mist the plant and then thoroughly wipe it down. Regardless of what you do, always keep an eye on the leaves to make sure there’s no dust collecting.
Want to make a huge difference? Feed your plants! Sure, using lukewarm tap water is better than nothing, but over time the soil will be stripped of its nutrients from unbalanced PH levels and too much fluoride in the water. Using organic plant food ensures the soil stays healthy and replenishes much needed nutrients. After a few weeks of use you will absolutely see new growth and even greener leaves.
Our favorite to use is organic liquid concentrate. It’s easy to pour a cap-full into our watering cans and feed all of the plants an equal amount.
Another recommended organic plant food is worm castings. Worm castings are the manure produce by earth worms, yes, worm poop. I’m telling you… this is such an amazing nutrient rich plant food, your plant will feel like its had a spa day every day. You can either mix the castings in with the soil or add a fresh layer on top.
Add some fresh top soil. Sometimes the quickest and easiest thing to do is just putting some fresh organic soil on top. Watering your plant regularly will cause soil to drain out the bottom, over time you may notice there’s quite a bit of soil missing on top. Adding a fresh layer of organic soil on top is easier than easy.
Give it a haircut! Just as we need to give our hair a trim, plants need the same kind of care. Some plants may grow lopsided, grow leaves that are causing it to topple over, or have leaves that are yellow or brown. This would cause for a pruning. Pruning a plant allows you alter its length or shape, allow for new growth at the bottom, and even create new plants out of its clippings.
Have any yellow or brown leaves? Cut those suckers off! If you have a few leaves that are yellow or brown and about 95% of the plant is looking healthy and green there is nothing to worry about, this is life, you’re doing a good job. You can either cut the entire leaf off at the stem or cut the brown/yellow tip off and cut the leaf into its original shape.
Pruning is somewhat of a work of art and specific plants will call for different precautions and recommendations. For instance, you’ll want to be careful pruning some ficus plants as their sap can cause skin and eye irritation. I would search online for specific information on how to prune the plant / get new clippings. There’s tons of helpful videos and articles that can show you where to make the right cuts.
Ever fall asleep at the beach and wake up with sun burn all over your front or back? Just as we need to rotate and even out a nice sun tan, plants also need to do the same. Plants grow towards the light. If a plant is never rotated you may notice it looking lopsided with a lot of growth on maybe one side of the plant. Simply turning the plant around allows the plant to grow evenly on all sides.
Coach House is looking out for you, but most importantly looking out for your plants! Follow these basic guidelines and I promise you’ll see some really great results. If you have any questions along the way, schedule a 30 minute virtual plant care consultation, we’ll be happy to lend more expertise your way. Schedule a session here.


While teaching the concept of plants, our tiny tots carried out hands on activities to grasp the concept of ‘water travelling from the root through stem and up to the flower’. The children loved mixing edible colors in water and placed white carnations in the same. The activity continued to the next day when they came back and discovered that the carnations had imbibed the color of the water. Next, the string of activities was continued by sowing seeds in the pots. The facilitators, along with the help of school gardeners, helped them in sowing real seeds in four different pots. The little ones kept out two pots in the sunlight and two under shade. They are now noticing and looking forward to the changed patterns in their growths.
The tots then collectively created a craft depicting plants and their needs (sunlight, air, water and soil) to exhibit their learning outcome.


On April 15, 2016, the alternative school and GREEN-PR Hub ASPIRA-Carolina, inaugurated its rain garden as part of the elective course “Green Infrastructure,” sponsored by a GREEN-PR mini-grant. The project was designed and built by the students of the class and with help from other members of the school community that joined as volunteers.
As part of the class, students learned how to conduct residential water audits in order to measure the level of water consumption in their homes, as well as strategies they can implement to reduce water use. They also learned how to calculate the rainwater collection potential of a roof for non-potable uses according to its size and location. Students applied their knowledge by designing a rainwater collection system to water plants in the rain garden.
While building the rain garden, students became familiar with the benefits of this type of green infrastructure, including flood prevention, habitat creation, and the prevention of untreated discharges into our bodies of waters. Students first conducted a percolation test to determine the absorption capacity of the soil, then adjusted this capacity by removing clay soil and adding gravel and sand, which are more permeable. The rain garden, situated in the central green area of the school, now collects rain that was usually discharged by storm drains near the entrance to the school.
As an added benefit, the green area doubles as habitat for plant and animal life. Among the garden’s features are mosquito repellent plants like citronella and lavender. A small pond that harbors aquatic plants is situated on the lower zone of the rain garden, which helps to oxygenate the water. The pond also consists of shrimp that consume decomposing vegetative material and fish as method of biocontrol in case mosquitoes lay eggs on the water. In addition to beautifying school grounds, the rain garden has turned into an urban oasis for different species of reptiles, amphibians, birds, and insects, including important pollinators like bees.
The Arq. Brenda Martínez served as course professor.
The garden is not the last step for this school community, as they are already working on a green wall with vertical planting and an expansion of the garden, including an area for composting some of the organic materials generated at the school, among other initiatives being led through the science class.
Similar to initiatives taking place at ASPIRA, the UPR Elementary School—also part of GREEN-PR—started a green infrastructure project to remedy an erosion problem caused by bad management of rainwater. The project, led by participants of a summer camp at the school, includes the collection and reuse of rain water, a school garden, and a composting operation. Participants learned about the importance of water and soil quality, as well as the nutrients required to have a healthy environment capable of sustaining life. Projects like the ones in ASPIRA-Carolina and the UPR Elementary School serve as examples and can guide other institutions in Puerto Rico that want to identify ways to improve our environment.


I spent the day at the last Northwest Flower and Garden show yesterday. www.gardenshow.com. It was a gardening smorgasbord. There are fabulous display gardens and lots of art and craft vendors. It's amazing how much you could spend on your yard! I'm really excited to get started on my gardening this year. I'm going to have a vegetable garden. There is nothing like eating fresh veggies out of your own garden. In the picture above I'm holding an adorable felted carrot.


The BIMOSYN project focuses on investigating the degree of synergy between bio-active antioxidants and conventional biocidal products with a view to producing more environmentally-friendly pesticides.
The BIMOSYN project, developed with EU support under the Seventh Framework Programme, focuses on investigating the degree of synergy between bio-active antioxidants and conventional biocidal products with a view to producing more environmentally-friendly pesticides. The goal is to use natural plant extracts with the potential for use as biocidal assistants in the chemical sector.
The study focuses on the inclusion of antioxidant assistants of natural or synthetic origin n the formulation of commercial insecticides and fungicides for domestic use and in pesticides for professional use. The natural assistants in question are derived from plants, fruit and plant waste such as pine bark, grape pips and extracts from medicinal plants. Including these assistants enables the proportion of biocidal products usually used in these formulations to be cut back, thus providing pesticides which have less impact on the environment. The area of application envisaged is urban pest control, specifically insects and the protection of wood against fungi and wood-boring pests.
The main goal of the project is to study the synergy between antioxidant bio-active molecules of different types and synthetic biocidal products included in the new European Biocidal Products Directive (BPD) 98/8/EC with a view to developing new pesticides that can be clearly distinguished from other products on the market. The idea of this strategy is for the pesticide to be competitive with others already on the market in financial terms and in terms of effectiveness while avoiding the problems associated with the high toxicity of rival products.
The main tasks of the project include the compilation of data on all basic antioxidant materials, extracts from medicinal plants and biocidal products required to conduct research into synergies between them. Formulations will then be drawn up that include the antioxidants and biocidal products selected so that their effectiveness can be assessed against the various European and international pest control regulations and standards. Finally, data will be obtained on semi-industrial treatments using the final pesticide formulations and cost analyses will be conducted in an effort to bring down the price of the final formulation.
Participants in the project: BERKEM, DTS OABE S.L., LINOTECH AB., QUADRIFOLIO, RUTLANDBIO, SLU, TECNALIA CIDEMCO
Project conducted with the support of the European Union’s 7th Framework Programme, led by the REA – Research Executive Agency.
REA(FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement nº


Harvesting Fun with the Living Dead
Summary: One of the most popular gaming applications for the iPod Touch these days is Zombie Farm.
Having its roots taken from addictive Facebook games such as Café World, Cityville, and Farmville, this iPod Touch game allows you to harvest crops, and yes, the living dead that you can use to invade neighboring farmlands and claim them as your own.
One of The Most Popular iPod Touch Apps
Zombie Farm has indeed become one of the most popular iPod Touch applications. With Facebook games making its members hooked on entrepreneurial-based games such as Cityville, Café World, and Farmville, this zombie-inspired farm game is definitely the iPod Touch counterpart. With the popularity of these creatures who are of the living dead, the number of downloads of this application have been rampant all over the world, and its popularity has also attracted a lot of new players.
Playing Zombie Farm on iPhone and iPod Touch
In Zombie Farm, the players are provided with a plot of land, and their task is to transform this piece of land into a goldmine that is infested by zombies. This is done by checking back on the application frequently in order to ensure that the crops are tended to, especially those that require a certain harvest schedule.
Zombie Farm has two major activities. First is maintaining your very own farm, and the other is invading the real estate of your neighbors. The first activity involves a tedious task of having to plant, plow, and harvest your crops. The zombies that you reap immediately become a part of your zombie army, which is used for the mentioned invasions. The other crops grown are used for gold that can be used to purchase items used in the market.
Zombie Farm is known to resemble Farmville on a visual basis. But this iPod Classic game is very creative and remarkable, as it is proven to be a hit amongst iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad users. It is nevertheless an exercise of your management skills, using the living dead of course.