Fall has arrived and so have the last of the homegrown tomatoes we’ve nurtured all summer. Where I am this week– approximately 7000 ft. altitude in the Northern Rocky Mountains, summers are short-lived, very short as in 6 – 8 weeks. This translates to very short growing seasons.
If you reside anywhere in the Northern hemisphere, fall officially began at 10:49 a.m. EDT. Also autumnal equinox (equinox is Latin for "equal night"), it’s one of the two equinoxes in which the Sun crosses the celestial equator so, as a result, the number of night hours and day hours are equal.
So what does this have to do with tomatoes? Simple – as the growing season shuts down in cooler agricultural zones, grab the last of your harvest before frost does. Besides, the threat of frost – already a nightly event here at higher elevations, the decreased daylight hours means your edible bounty probably won’t ripen much more outside.
My solution:Create a “mini-greenhouse” of sorts using 2 clear glass baking pans to nudge along any potential ripening. I placed mine on the kitchen counter moving it, mid-day, to a coffee table near a sunny window. I rotate the tomatoes a bit for an even “suntan.” But that noted, smaller green tomatoes may not ripen at all. Those are the ones I’ve committed to the pickling jar and the soup pot. My mini-greenhouse solution works well for green-peppers that will morph into red after being exposed to extra sunlight. Enjoy your crop and future pickles!


Since 1987 Bellyacres has been a nonprofit educational organization exemplifying the definition of sustainability according to the Hawai’i 2050 Sustainability Plan, “A Hawai‘i that…. Respects the culture, character, beauty and history of our state’s island communities; Strikes a balance between economic, social and community, and environmental priorities; Meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Bellyacres serves as a sustainability demonstration model featuring a community based, community run arts center and many of the world’s best applications of sustainability for small-scale communities. Bellyacres is a sustainability experiment as successful as the famous Earthships Greater World Community (GW) in Taos, New Mexico. Both communities have solar power and rainwater catchment systems and have built low-impact dwellings out of local and recycled materials. Bellyacres’ sustainability goes even further with locally appropriate organic food production, beehives, horses to mow the grass, fertilize and compost with manure, chickens that feed on coconuts and breed the next generation of egg layers; regenerative composting, soil making and planting techniques and SPACE an inspiring self-sustainable community arts center. Bellyacres built over 8,000 sq ft of multipurpose community facilities in 2007 using mostly volunteer labor, inexpensive local and recycled materials on a budget of $340,000 all raised locally and all without assistance from taxpayers or any government.


Our Wine Story
In 1999, we decided to plant vineyards along certain fairways to live out the fact that our beautiful course was in the heart of the wine lands. It was to be a hobby and an attempt to polish our already beautiful estate.
By 2004 we decided to exploit a very small crop from our young Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard and together with a very dedicated team of homeowners, who have been very enthusiastic all along, we picked just under 10 tons of very beautiful grapes. As has become tradition, the grape picking and following party, is usually a great success and we hope will be enjoyed for years to come.
Since our humble 2004 crop, subsequent years have seen much larger quantities of quality grapes being harvested, so much so that the hobby has grown into a potentially large part of our estates endeavours.
Behind the Name
JJ Provoyeur, whose life long dream has been to produce wine of his own, has an accomplished history in the sailing fraternity, having completed the 1994 BOC Around Alone single-handed yacht race.
The Provoyeur wines are thus marketed under the name Broad Reach, an angle in sailing which is the fastest and most comfortable for boat & crew.


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Add some seasonal variety to your diet, enjoy the fresh tastiness of local food and dramatically slim down your carbon footprint.
of all fruit consumed in the UK is imported1.
Powering hothouses and flying fresh fruit and veg around the world uses a lot of energy. By eating local, seasonal food you cut the need for either of these, slicing about 1.3Kg CO2 off each meal.
Both locality and seasonality must be considered: for example, in winter it would be more efficient to import tomatoes from Spain than grow them in a British hot house, but in summer British grown is the outright winner.
Seasonal, local food is tastier too! It’s all about ripeness and storage. Plus, by having to think outside the box, seasonal eating will introduce a wider variety of food and add novelty to your diet.
The key nutrients in your fruit and veg come from their stems; the longer the fruit is left on the plant, the more nutrients it is able to soak up3. Seasonal produce is naturally picked at the peak of its ripeness, while goods shipped from the other side of the world will often be picked days before they are ripe, thus starved of some of their healthy nutrients.
- Check out what’s in season before you shop - Eat Seasonably has great information on this.
- Download this great iPhone app to help you in the shops: The Food Guide
- Give growing a go – the One Pot Pledge and BBC give great tips on growing your own fruit and veg.
- Find your local food producers, using Big Barn's interactive map.
One simple way to always make sure you get your seasonal veggies is to sign up to a veg box. Riverford provide organic veg boxes which can come in a variety of different sizes depending on your household.
Want to do this action? Head over to our list of Doers to find someone to pledge for.
Got other tips or great resources to share? Please email them over to us at firstname.lastname@example.org
2 - Berners-Lee, M (2010) How Bad Are Bananas?
Running a marathon? Getting married? Hosting a Green Week? Start raising DoActions now.


The Sullivans Engineering round bale grabs are heavy duty and have been engineered to give a good positive clamping of the bale without causing damage to the wrap. All pivot points are fully greaseable.
The bale grab can be used on either telehandlers or tractor loaders etc. It is designed so that bales can be stacked on either end or side.
This machine works equally well with silage, haylage, hay and straw round bales, wrapped bales or unwrapped round bales.
Heavy duty construction to withstand the demands of modern telescopic handlers
Smooth pipe construction to protect bale wrap
Can handle silage, haylage, hay and straw round bales
Enables bales to be stacked on the side or on the ends
Tubular constructed arms pivot to ensure maximum grip on different sized bales
Rams, hoses and couplings included
Very compact design to allow easy manoeuvrability
Working pressure should not exceed 200 bar
Pickup available at 32 Corbracky RoadUsually ready in 5+ days
Round Bale Grabs
32 Corbracky Road
Pickup available, usually ready in 5+ days
32 Corbracky Road Portadown BT62 1PG United Kingdom


Gardening in a hot and humid climate is really a tough task but people addicted to it take it sportingly as an adventure or experimentation. People living in zonal area experiences this hot and humid climate. Tropical gardening can be done both outdoors and indoor though here we have stressed in this section on outdoor plant care in tropical weather.
Some outdoor plants in tropical weather
- Miscanthus cabaret
- New Zealand flax
- Cardinal lobelia
- Canary reed-grass (ground-cover)
- Kalanchoe (annual plant)
- Agave (for sandy well-drained soil)
Tips on tropical plant care
- Plants grown on tropics require well-drained soil.
- Choose plants with good roots and loosen the root from the soil when you take off the plant.
- Make a big hole at the ground level of the pot. The roots should be placed well enough and place the plant at the base of the pot.
- In case of the application of fertilizers don't put too much of nitrogen especially on flowering plants. It increases the growth of leaves and decreases the flower blooms.
- Manure should be given to the plants on small quantity and less often. When the temperature is higher the organic manure is easily decomposed. It is done so quickly that the plants are not able to take it so quickly and it goes waste.
- Cow, Horse or Sheep Manure - are the common organic minerals. You can mix these manures with soil or added with the compost if they are the dried ones. If they are fresh they can also be mixed with water and made a solution of manure tea. They are not much nutritious so they have to be applied frequently.
- Urine - It contains high minerals whether it is of human being or animals. The nitrogen content is high is these type of minerals. It should not be given fresh but has to be given after been stored for sometime. You can make a solution of it with water. You can also apply it directly to the soil.
- Among inorganic fertilizer the most important among them are Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potash. Nitrogen helps in the growth of the leaves and stems of the plants. Phosphorus and potash helps in developing the roots protects them from disease and helps in the production of flowers and fruits.


This harvest season may have you dreaming of owning your own orchard and of the delicious apples or oranges it might produce. Facilitating that dream may be the potential sweet profits it could produce, which is an interesting thought, indeed. And, while it’s not uncommon knowledge that many different types of farm land can generate income, did you know that you can invest in different agricultural assets and earn income for retirement using a self-directed IRA?
Farm land investments combine diversity and the ever-present need for food with a growing population—making these assets a potentially viable, long-term addition to your retirement portfolio.
Self-directed IRAs give you the freedom to choose your own investments—to make those choices based on what you personally know and understand. So, if you have a knack for farming, you have many options to consider if you think agricultural assets are a good fit for your portfolio. You can use retirement funds to invest in horses, cows, small farms, corn and grain fields, apple orchards, and so much more.
The ins-and-outs of farm land investments
Investing in an individual farm (or even a herd of animals) often requires a significant initial capital investment, as well as the continual expense of overseeing agricultural activities, caring for animals, and/or leasing farm equipment. While these assets have the potential to be profitable, it can be quite a bit of work to orchestrate that profitability. As the IRA owner, you are responsible for facilitating the needs your investment requires within the limits of IRS rules and regulations.
For example, you can’t ride the horses or eat the apples owned by your IRA. The benefits of IRA-owned farm land are to be enjoyed when you retire (when begin taking distributions) and not a minute before! You’re also unable to perform any work on the IRA-owned property yourself—your IRA must hire a trustworthy property manager to do so—but you’ll be the one who has to find a good fit. You’ll also have to monitor the expenses incurred by your investment, and ensure there are adequate funds in your account to cover them. Additionally, you’ll need to be somewhat well-versed in farm land assets in order to judge the potential gains and stability to achieve your desired return on your investment.
When you invest using a self-directed retirement plan you gain freedom to invest in what you know best, but you also take on the responsibility of performing due diligence to ensure your success. Plainly put, you reap what you sow.
If the more hands-on approach above seems a bit much, there are other options you can invest in with your self-directed account that are less intensive. You can invest in farm land through real estate investment trusts (REITs), or even simply invest in stocks, futures and exchange traded funds (ETFs) available in the agricultural market. These platforms allow a range of investment possibilities, from becoming a sharecropping partner with a large capital investment to just purchasing a small share in your portfolio.
You’ll still be responsible to perform due diligence to protect yourself against fraud and to make sure the asset(s) you’re considering are viable. But, once you make the initial investment, all you do is sit back and watch your IRA reap the benefits of your choices. You don’t have to worry about operation expenses or paying farm hands, etc., as you would with individual agricultural investments.
Self-direction allows an abundance of opportunities. Seeding your retirement portfolio with farm land assets is an opportunity that can mature and strengthen over time with the proper care. The rule of thumb for investing for any purpose though, is not to put all your eggs into one basket. If you plow all your funds into one specific farm or commodity you increase your risk should the asset prove unfruitful. Diversity is critical to your overall retirement planning success, no matter which assets you choose.
If you’d like to learn more, contact Advanta IRA today.


Happy Thanksgiving Canada!
It is autumn and we celebrate our time of Harvest blending old world pagan rites, middle-eastern abrahamic beliefs, with new world indigenous traditions. Creating something new, and still some how it is something so old that it has bonded with our global melded human DNA.
Here in what we call the Northern Hemisphere, winter is ahead, and we are thankful for the bounty of these lands, and celebrate the kindness of our neighbours. We will weather the storms that are ahead, finding time to play in the cold and the snow, finding time to sing and frolic in the darkening days ahead – until we see again the light returning. Feeling the warmth of the sun stirring our desires to plant the seeds we gathered this harvest. And begin again our place in the cycle of living.
We are each alone on this tiny little planet drifting in the cold darkness of infinite space. And we travel so much lighter when we travel together: sharing ourselves, sharing our stories, sharing our songs, and sharing our gratitude for what we have with those that will have us and hold us.
Remember we reap what we have sown, and here is hoping we take and share the best seeds so that together we can plant the best of tomorrows.
Happy Harvest Canada, and Happy Thanks Sharing!


Tuesday, September 07, 2010
The Argan Tree-Climbing Goats of Morocco
My second poo-related story of the day. Argan oil is a Moroccan delicacy, produced from the fruit of a tree that grows exclusively in the region round the desert of that country’s south-west. Before the nut can be pressed for its oil it must be separated from the fruit. This happens by goats climbing argan trees, eating the fruit and pooing out the nuts, which then and only then the farmers harvest. I am working of a cat-themed variant on this here in Hull, but will have to get back to you on the results (installing sloth-friendly latrines is also proving a problem).


December 05, 2019
Finca El Liquidambar, a new natural process coffee for the curious
Coffee processing, it’s related terms and concepts don’t often make it into over-the-counter conversations with your barista while anticipating your morning brew. That said, coffee begins life as a fruit, and the sequence of events this fruit goes through before reaching you is impactful in terms of the flavour profile. The majority of the world’s speciality coffee is processed in more or less the same way. Ripe cherries are handpicked, pulped, fermented, washed in vast amounts of water and then dried for sorting — at which point are packed for export. However, this washed process is not the only process. And as such, we are excited by our most recent launch — Finca El Liquidámbar from Honduras, which features a natural process. Very few farmers process their coffee this way, we’ll explain this process below. Understanding these nuances in processes, you appreciate your coffee that little bit more.
Washed versus natural coffee process— what's the difference?
Coffee cherries usually contain two seeds, which are surrounded by several layers — the silverskin, parchment, mucilage and pulp. The pulp of a coffee cherry contains quite a bit of sugar. And as such, once the coffee cherries are picked, processing must begin as quickly as possible to prevent fruit spoilage. Processing is, put simply the method used to remove the coffee seeds (beans) from the pulp and skin. And depending on the region, local resources and water access, coffee is generally processed by either the natural method or more commonly, washed method. The natural process is the original coffee processing method.
The washed process removes all the soft fruit residue — both skin and pulp before the coffee is dried. Conversely, natural processing is where the coffee cherry in its entirety is dried, with both skin and pulp intact. And once they reach the ideal moisture level, hulls are removed mechanically to reveal the green coffee seed. This washed process produces a cleaner coffee, with a certain clarity and vibrancy. Natural process passively separates the seed from the pulp, and it is much like drying a grape into a raisin. This variation in processing, eliminating washing means that drying occurs much earlier in the process — just after picking. While both washed and natural coffees undergo some degree of fermentation, extended fermentation periods characteristic of natural processing allows flavours of the cherry to be absorbed further by the beans. Higher sugar content also works to impart natural coffees with complex, intense fruity notes and aromas.
Our natural process coffee — Finca El Liquidambar
Natural processing is experiencing somewhat of a revival in regions outside of Ethiopia, where progressive coffee producers have this ability to experiment. It's also signally a return to more ancient methods of coffee processing. Our Finca El Liquidambar is organic, fairly and ethically sourced from grower Lennon Diáz — as all our coffees are. Diáz has an absolute passion for coffee quality and innovation, and he’s also studying to become a qualified coffee cupper. Diáz entered the coffee industry six years ago, returning to his father’s coffee farm looking for a project he could call his own. His first attempts at producing coffee, for the most part leaving his father’s trees alone were of quality, with a high-scoring profile. Encouraged, he set out to further improve on his efforts. Taking advice from the Fairtrade Organic Honduran cooperative COMSA, Diáz focussed on observation and Innovation — hence this natural processed microlot. He selects only the best cherries and taking the utmost care throughout the drying process.
Naturally processed coffee typically has a heavier mouthfeel, lower acidity level — with Finca El Liquidambar, expect something tropical tasting. This natural process coffee will be quite different from your usual. That said, we think experiencing natural process coffee makes for a coffee experience that is that little bit more interesting. Natural processed coffee best suited to filter brewing.
Coffee Finca El Liquidambar
Origin Microlot from COMSA, Honduras
Varieties: Pache, Yellow Catuai
Region Las Flores, Marcala
Owner Lennon Diaz
Certifications FLO, Biolatina, OCIA
Varieties Pache, Yellow Catuai
Post-Harvest Processing Natural process
Harvest December to March
Aroma Chocolate, Fresh Pineapple
Flavour Milk chocolate, Pineapple and Green Tea
Aftertaste Long and delicate
Brewing Finca El Liquidambar is best suited to Chemex, Plunger and Batch Brew and will not be available as Espresso. To try this very limited edition natural process coffee, ask your local Kokako outpost or grab yourself a bag here.
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Insect protein customers
Black Soldier Fly meal is high in protein and rich in amino and fatty acids suitable for inclusion in diets of a variety of fish, poultry and other farmed animals.
HATCH is working with the aquaculture feed industry to formulate the correct rendered product for dietary inclusion. Providing Australian aquaculture producers with a sustainable, locally produced alternative to fishmeal is one of our goals.
Poultry (layers and broilers), pigs and potentially ruminant producers can also benefit from including BSF meal in livestock diets.
We are working with nutritional experts in the poultry and pork industries to formulate diets for these industries; and our research with ruminant nutrition has commenced.
If you would like to know how your livestock can benefit from our BSF protein and oils, please contact us.


Castello Di Tassarolo
The Tassarolo Castle
The Spinola family has owned the Tassarolo castle since the 14th Century. It was built around a Roman tower built in 250 A.D. and has been enlarged and renovated several times since, particularly during the Renaissance. The slightly separated structure on the lower left is the mint, where the Spinolas minted money until the 17th Century.
In a report commissioned by the Emperor Ferdinad III in 1656 on his imperial fiefs the castle of Tassarolo is mentioned as belonging to Count Filippo Spinola, “…it is a beautiful and strong castle, five miles from Seravalle . It has about eighty hearths (families), but not subordinates . There is good wine, every sort of bread, a good quantity of hay, meat and every kind of cheese…” (from the State Archivas, Vienna).
The Spinola Family
The Spinola family, one of oldest in Europe, dates back to the 8th Century, In terms of importance comparable with the Medici in Florence, it numbers ship-owners, cardinals, doges of the Republic of Genoa, bankers and army generals among its past and present members. Tassarolo Castle rises at the centre of the ancient forts which once defended the large estates belonging to the Spinola family, Spinolino state.
For many centuries as emissaries of the Austrian-Hungarian Emperor the Spinola family used these forts to control the only road between the Republic of Genoa and the European continent. Their economy was based on the tolls raised on the rights of passage. Large sums of money were collected and the Spinola family financed numerous enterprises and expeditions. Christopher Columbus was engaged by the Spinola Company in Lisbon and the Spinola family contributed to half of the costs of his journey to the discovery of America.
The Winery Estate of Castello di Tassarolo is situated in the comune of Tassarolo in the heart of the Gavi, in Piedmont and consists of 20 Hectars of vineyards that circomnavigate the winery. The variety of vines cultivated on the estate are "Cortese di Gavi", Barbera and some Cabernet Sauvignon. The cultivation of the vineyards is the biodynamic agricultural method that gaurantees the maximum respect for nature and the environment.
The practice of biodynamic principles in agriculture were first developed on the estate of the Count and Countess of Keyserlink by an introductory course held by Rudolf Steiner in 1924, following a request by the local farmers with regards to the deteriorization of product quality and the developing corrosion of the soil, desertification.
Within the course were seminated many of the principles that guide the biodynamic farmer of today, with regards to the "forces of life" and the fertility of the soil, the importance of livestock and deeper insights into the forces and dynamics that nature reveals to the developed and discerining eye.
In 2006 the estate began developing biodynamic methods of viticulture which in practice is based on the development of humus and the health of the vines, by the use of green manure, compost (made at home), and the use of preparations such as the dynamization of cows manure and silica.
Technology and tradition
The winery is the responsibility of our oenologist Vincenzo Munì with the assistance of our cantiniere Miri velli who overlooks the process of vinification to bottling. Vincenzo considers himself to be an assistant of nature.
Of primary importance has always been the production of the highest organolectic quality of wines, of the highest proffesionalism and wines that are a pleasure to drink. The focus being the cultivation of good quality grapes that led to the development of biodynamic agricultural methods, we have a saying “ that good wine is made in the vineyards” before it arrives in the cantina. All the wines are made from grapes cultivated on the estate which surround the cantina allowing the grapes from the harvest to arrive in optimum condition within an hour, avoiding problems of oxidization which further allows us to produce the best non sulphite added wines to be found in Europe today.
In the winery are wed biodynamic culture with modern technology in harmony and allow us to develop the best of quality. After the harvest, manually by using perforated chests to a maximum of 17 kilo’s each, the grape juice is put into stainless steel vats that are temperature controlled that allows us to ferment under strict temperature variations and regularity. The whole process is conducted under the strictest temperature controls and the highest standards of hygene.
One of the factors of most importance in the winery is experimentation because from experimentation one discovers and develops. In fact experimentation allowed us to develop our range of non sulphite wines.


With a deep agricultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit, Alberta is ready-made to play a leading role in Canada’s brand-new cannabis industry. Licensed cannabis producers in Alberta are growing their businesses along with innovative community connections.
Battling the Black Market One Bud at a Time: Acreage Pharms is creating community in small-town Alberta. Acreage Pharms Ltd. is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, near the rural hamlet of Peers.
Shop Acreage Pharms
Aurora’s Northern Lights Shine Globally: Alberta just makes sense for international business. With branches that reach around the world, Canada’s largest licensed producer of Cannabis enjoys showing off its Alberta roots. Read more
BOAZ Craft Cannabis
Craft Cannabis Growing in Alberta: BOAZ Craft Cannabis taking on a big industry in small batches. One of Alberta’s cannabis producers is proud to be playing a small part in the cannabis marketplace. Read more
From Cucumbers to Cannabis: Sundial’s Alberta roots run deep. In 2006, a small agriculture business sprouted just north of Calgary in Alberta’s Rocky View County. The founders invested in the space and cutting-edge grow light technology to grow … cucumbers.
Family Business With Alberta Roots: Viridis Cannabis’ small-batch business is about gardening, not manufacturing. Located in Edmonton's west end, this craft grower is focused on a hand-grown, holistic approach.


The program’s target market is limited to individuals, corporations and partnerships that engage in commercial agricultural businesses. Activities include the areas of agriculture, aqua-culture, horticulture, mari-culture, commercial fishing and other related areas. The program enables bonafide farmers and commercial farming enterprises to obtain a line of credit financing for working capital needs and to provide funding for the purchase of supplies and inventory.
- Individuals must be U. S. Citizens or permanent resident aliens who are residents of Guam for at least 3 years.
- Applicants must obtain a written certification and recommendation from the Department of Agriculture and UOG Agriculture Natural Resources (ANR), Cooperative Extension Service (CES) identifying them as a “bonafide” farmer or commercial farming enterprise. Bonafide farmer(s) are individual(s) who are registered with the Department of Agriculture who commercially grow and harvest agricultural products for profit.
- The business must meet one of the following criteria:
- Creation of employment
- Replacement of imports
- Reduction of consumer prices
- Creation of a vitally needed facility
- Applicants must be a registered business and have a valid Guam business license.
- Declination letters ARE NOT REQUIRED.
- Interest rate is fixed at 4%
- Purchase furniture, fixtures, equipment
- Leasehold improvements
- Working Capital
- Business and personal assets
- Personal guarantees
- Real Property
- Processing & Legal fees may be applicable


Light Exclusive Clay Aggregate (LECA) ideal for supporting seedlings and also quite aesthetic for potted plants. which is also known with other names in global market like Expanded Clay Aggregate, Ceramsite, Leca, clay aggregate Hydroton, Hydrocorn etc.
Has high water Adsorption Capacity and can hold Water 50% more thus Reducing the Watering Cycle by 3 Times.
Has long life, high durability & can be reused.
Contain 12 necessary element for plant growth
Good ventilation, never soliding to a hard board
Clean, no dust, no pest, inert and hygienic and do not stain flooring if spilled.
Keep the required amount of moisture in soil in pots for long time, save water and maintenance cost
.Well Draining: if placed in the bottom of pots and flower boxes, are indispensable to ensure proper drainage.
Mainly used for indoor containers and flower boxes
Green vegetables cultivation.
Used for flower beds in large buildings and complexes where great importance is given to cleanliness, aesthetics, functionality and easy maintenance.
How to use:
Can spread over the soil surface as a mulch
Can place in the bottom of pots for drainage
For effective mulching, apply a 2-3 cm deep layer (20 to 30 L/m²)
BD: 550 gm / lt
Size: 12 - 18 mm
Material - LECA is made by baking pure natural clay at 1200 degrees Celsius for 3 hours in rotary kilns; the end product is pH neutral, doesn't degrade and is autoclavable. Capillary action on the surface of the lightweight pebbles allows it to absorb 40% of its weight in water and also allows for efficient evaporation to help maintain a constant humidity level.
Physical Properties - this versatile medium has hundreds of tiny pores that retain moisture. Large 8 to 16 mm average diameter size allows for maximum oxygen to the roots while providing a stable base for plant roots grown in active hydroponic systems or passive hydro culture applications. It holds water extremely well and transmits it effectively to the plant roots. The pellets are uniform in size and have an attractive, natural appearance.


Transylvania Farmer’s Market
With a focus on the bounty that Transylvania County has to offer, the Transylvania Farmers’ Market boasts more than sixty vendors offering fresh, locally-grown produce, meat, eggs, honey, goat cheeses, vinegars & mustards, mushrooms, plants, herbs, cut flowers, baked goods, jams & jellies, breakfast and coffee, prepared foods, and a variety of handcrafted and artisan items from local producers. Everything at the Transylvania Farmers’ Market is grown or produced within 100 miles of Brevard!
The Farmers’ Market also hosts weekly live music and events that include a kids’ corner, recipe sampling, health & wellness, educational classes, local food and agriculture awareness, and other community-oriented festivals.
Located in downtown Brevard (just off East Main Street behind Comporium at the corner of Johnson and Jordan Streets), the Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays year-round with 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. hours from May through November and 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. hours from December through April. Learn more here.


Various - compost dreihundert - freshly composted vol. 3
Martin Brodin, producer and DJ, start up with Sweden’s deep-house label „Deeplay Music“ in 2005 he decided to go back to his roots and founding the label MB Disco in 2010. Influenced by his collection of dusty and rare vinyls, which comes from the Seventies to mid Eighties. He will release his debut album „Bla Bla Bla“ fall/winter 2012 on MB Disco. Previous release on Buzzin Fly, Mood Music, Gomma Dance Tracks, Mullett Records have been hammered by the likes of Aeroplane, The Glimmers, Tensnake and Erol.
It’s a good idea to give your new pile a jump-start to get the process started. There are several great activators that are ready to go right out of the box. No need to mix it in well. Fold in a couple shovelfuls of garden soil rich in organic matter and let the natural process begin. (See moisture below.)
If you shop at any of the stores below, please initiate your purchase from All About Jazz. When you do, All About Jazz will receive a sales commission.
late 14c., compote , from Old French composte "mixture of leaves, manure, etc., for fertilizing land" (13c.), also "condiment," from Vulgar Latin *composita , noun use of fem. of Latin compositus , past participle of componere "to put together" (see composite ). The fertilizer sense is attested in English from 1580s, and the French word in this sense is a 19th century borrowing from English.
Microsoft Store vil slutte å selge musikk den 31. desember. Last ned sporene dine og les Vanlige spørsmål for å finne mer informasjon.
The windrow method and compost windrow turners were developed by Fletcher Sims Jr. of the Compost Corporation in Canyon, Texas. The Windrow Composting system is noted as a sustainable, cost-efficient way for farmers to manage dairy waste.
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Brewing compost tea is easy. The brewer comes with instructions. Compost tea can be applied from a watering can, sprayer, or irrigation system. It is applied as a both foliar and a soil drench. It is important to use water that has no chlorine.


The Yuanyang province is an agricultural region known for its crops of rice fields. Perched between 1400 and 2000 meters, many generations of the Hani minority have sculpted the fields relief to implement the own special irrigation technique.
The Duoyishu village is an extraordinary example of this kind of farming that has now become an amazing tourist place. Hundreds of visitors – and lots of enthusiastic photographers – come at dawn time to throng over the balconies built in few strategic place on the hill side. They all share a few inches of the unique viewpoint.
These balconies were built by a private company, together with the restaurants and a big parking space to host the many tour buses. The area is delimited and you need to buy a ticket (RMB 180, AUD 38, USD 28) to access the main five viewpoints. You can also decide to bypass the Duoyishu village all together and, although you will miss an awesome view, you will probably feel less guilty in knowing that none of this entrance fee is actually going to the local farmers, subjects of million of photos.
Can people access the rice fields? The answer is yes, although it took a long legal fight by the Hani farmers which can now host some of the tourists arrived here to admire their unique rice fields
Today, most the local farmers have a guest house and the rice plantation is no longer their principal income. There are many guest houses in front of the rice fields and these are the best places to stay during your photography trip. From here you can wander around and discover your unique photography spots.
The best time to come here is March, when the rice fields are full of water. However, if you are in the region in the other months of the year, I would definitely plan a visit anyway, you will have a different view, a different way to discover this area
[videos file=”http://youtu.be/LJJFsWSz-0E” width=”700″ height=”400″][/videos]
The Yuanyuang region is mostly populated by the Hani minority. In most of the days they have a market in the villages around Douyishu. My favourite one is in the Sheng Cun village.
Travel Photography tips
- come here in March, when the rice fields are full of water. However, if you are in the region in the other months of the year, I would definitely plan a visit anyway, you will have a different view, a different way to discover this area
- stay with the local farmers and you will be able to wander around with your camera
- do not miss any sunrise and sunset when here. They are both great opportunities for you photography
- if you have a DSLR and you are travelling light just plan to take with you a lens to cover between 18-20 and 110-120mm. This will help to take some fantastic landscape shots as well as portraits and life style photography at the local markets
- check the map for all the major points to visit


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He's been talking about it for years, that man of mine.
He's been dreaming about how wonderful it would be if he could do this, since we've lived in this home.
He's been driving me crazy with ideas and the outcome.
He doesn't talk about a vacation to some exotic locale (but I do),
he doesn't dream about having the hair on his head back (but I do),
he doesn't lust after a shiny, red, mid-life-crisis convertible (but I do).
No, it's much more berserk than that.
He's been talking about planting an organic vegetable garden in our yard.
He's crazy with the idea that by mid-summer, he can make his own fresh salads from his own garden.
And I told him I had no wish to make and plant and tend to a garden.
You see, when we were growing up, we had a garden in our backyard.
It was huge!
It took up
an entire city block the whole center of our backyard where the above-ground pool used to be.
I mean, my parents took OUT the pool to make a garden!
What parents, knowing the heat and exhaustion from running around the neighborhood in hot, sunny Florida, and knowing how the pool made me so very popular because we were the only house on Brookview Drive South with a pool, would remove such a crucial piece of my teenage existence?
I was truly bummed. (I forgive you, now, mom).
Not only was my whole world turned up side down, but that Spring,
I learned how to till for days, pull out grass, avoid fire ant piles (I didn't do too well at this),
pull out grass, spread manure from 1,000 cows, make long row mounds for the seeds to go into,
avoid fire ant piles, pull weeds, put seeds into those long mounds until I couldn't see straight,
cover the seeds, and wait.
Did I also mention that I had the job of turning on the sprinkler for an hour every day after school?
This cut into my social schedule.
Anyway, the seeds began to sprout.
The rain, the sun and God did their miracles.
I still had to go out every few days and pull out the weeds (our whole family took turns doing this)
that found their way into the nursery.
But the babies were growing! And boy, how they grew!
When the tiny sprouts first came up, it was hard to differentiate between plants.
But the miniature leaves grew larger, until the leaves actually had shapes that differed from one another!
Within a month or so, some plants were ready for harvest!
We had crop after crop of vegetables.
What could we do with the "leftovers" after my mom canned or we ate them, but give them away?
At church, my parent's workplace, to neighbor's and friends.
How grateful the others were for the gifts! Their smiles and gratitude made the effort worthwhile.
We were told how delicious and fresh the vegetables were, and given many recipes to try.
Months of work (and ant bites) proved to be a rewarding way to spend my Spring and Summer.
All of this I recalled when Mark came home with a bag of seeds, starter pots and huge bag of dirt.
My daughters were excited about planting and planning and so then was I.
I spared them the story of my terrible Spring and we began.
Of course, Mark, being a geek, he had to make a spreadsheet
of how many seeds yield how many plants per person, space for growth,
days to germination and harvest, and planting depth,
oh! also Sarah wanted to make sure the plan included which plants liked each other and which didn't:
Of course, I had to measure and lay out and plot a design:
All the while, the beautiful day outside watched us inside:
We planted tiny seeds in tiny pots, watered them, covered them, and are waiting for them to grow.
Whew! That was hard work! We even got attacked by a rolly polly.
I know that when the plants sprout and begin to grow, we will all beam with pride at our babies.
We will marvel at the miracle of life.
We will watch them through the days as they begin their growth into a harvest of good food for us
and our neighbors and friends.
We will decide that the effort is worthwhile, when we and others are grateful for the fruit of our labor.
Mark will relish his first bite of his first salad grown in his first garden.
Months of work will prove to be a rewarding way to spend our Spring and Summer.
Honey, have I ever mentioned that I have always wanted fresh eggs?


FREEDOM RUN LAMB
Katahdin hair sheep, an American Heritage Breed, are raised on pasture where they are in fresh air and sunshine - the way they were intended to live. Through a partnership with other like-minded shepherds, The Freedom Run Farm lamb consortium provides a premium lamb product.
Operating from their current farm since 1913 and raising and processing fresh turkeys since 1953, a strong sense of pride, tradition and integrity results in only the finest quality meats being placed on consumers’ tables across the country. Far from being just another meat processor, Kuck Farms prides itself on producing only meats that are truly special, unique, and of the highest quality.
OHIO VALLEY FOOD CONNECTION
Ohio Valley Food Connection believes in the importance of a thriving local food economy. They are dedicated to connecting the best farmers to a network of active wholesale buyers and chefs.
CARRIAGE HOUSE FARMS
As a registered Ohio Sesquicentennial Farm established in 1855, Carriage House Farms produces whole and milled grains and honey, and grow and forage fresh vegetables, fruits, greens, herbs, and edible flowers. They are a host to a series of on-farm dinners and local food events, as well as a participant in food events throughout the Midwest.
BLOOMS & BERRIES
Loveland’s own fourth-generation farm has been part of the Probst family since 1939. They nourish the earth so it can nourish us and our community with acres of beautiful, delicious fresh and local produce.
Braveheart Black Angus Beef® redefines premium beef, setting a higher bar for quality, tenderness and taste. Their beef starts with cattle born on family farms in the U.S. and raised in the Midwest with an emphasis on humane practices and sustainability. They are processed in state-of-the-art facilities that focus on quality and consistency.
In 1893, Samuel and Katharina Wüthrich immigrated from the Swiss Alps on Mt. Horber to Wisconsin to pursue the American Dream and continue their family dairy cattle ranging and cheese making traditions. Five generations of American Dairy tradition later, and Grassland Dairy Products, Inc. maintains the Wuethrich family legacy with more than a century of churning cream into delicious butter.
80 Acres delivers tasty and fresh produce all year round, locally grown, 100% clean guaranteed, and with no dependency on weather or climate through indoor farming technology.
MadHouse Vinegar is committed to creating world-class artisanal vinegar by using products that would have traditionally been poured down the drain. In partnership with local breweries, cider houses, vineyards, distilleries that all pump out delicious drinks that speak to the taste of this region they utilize access and make the tastiest vinegar you’ve ever tried.
Allegiance comes from the top 20 percent of hogs available in the United States. The hogs raised on their family farms are bred from Duroc males and Yorkshire/Laundrace females. Allegiance uses the PathProven® program, which enforces exacting specifications and animal welfare audits to ensure best practices and premium quality.
Omar Garcia lifelong dream of starting a food business dates back to where grew up in Michoacan, Mexico on a farm where his family grew corn. Following the harvest, the Garcia family cooked and ground the corn to make masa - the dough used to make tortillas. Omar’s grandmother Enriqueta, and his mother Dolores ,taught Omar the recipes that are used at the Tortilleria and inspired Omar to share this delicious tradition with you.
Waterfields leverages local capacity to realize healthier and more prosperous neighborhoods through employment of local residents at livable wages to generate rooted wealth in struggling urban areas. Waterfields brings the missing paints to the chef’s paint palette. With microgreens, edible flowers and other specialty produce, Waterfields delivers powerful and unique flavors, textures and colors to the kitchen. Waterfields provides local, social-serving ingredients that bring glow to a chef’s so
Authenticity is a hallmark of Geechie Boy products. Heirloom corn is used in the antique gristmills, which preserve the natural oils and flavors of the corn resulting in the most flavorful grits. Raymond L. Tumbleston, was known as the “Geechie Boy” where he continued the legacy of farming the rich soil of Edisto by growing, packing and shipping tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelons, cantaloupes, grains and winter greens for over 40 years.
More than 20 years ago, Horizon Dairy’s founders helped pioneer the organic dairy movement and became the first company to supply organic milk nationwide. They realized early on the responsibility that comes with producing food for America’s families, and their commitment to the organic movement and values like health, community and environmental stewardship have never wavered.
Bacio is specially crafted in a state-of-the-art cheese manufacturing facility in the San Joaquin Valley of California, one of the nation’s leading milk-producing regions. This valley is known for the quality and consistency of its dairy farms. They believe being exceptional doesn’t mean being the best most of the time, but every single day, with every single customer, and every pound of cheese.
A family of cheesemakers crafting award-winning specialty cheese for more than 150 years. Inspired by their Swiss heritage, they proudly call the rolling hills of Southern Wisconsin home. The milk comes from dairy farmers down the road, always 100% rBST-free. They’re hands-on every step of the cheesemaking process—from cutting the curd, washing the rind, hand-rubbing spices and obsessing over every important detail. The result? Award-winning specialty cheese.
DIETZ & WATSON
Dietz & Watson Originals is a collection of products featuring No Antibiotics Ever, Organic deli meats and all-beef frank options, as well as rBGH free cheeses. They worked with their farming partners to bring these rare proteins and cheeses, all with the same superior flavor you’ve come to expect from every one of their products.
KING ARTHUR FLOUR
All flour is not created equal. The best baking starts all the way back in the wheat fields. We take pride in our responsible sourcing, our "never bleached" guarantee, and our carefully calibrated protein content, which means our flour gives you the same results, every time you bake. That's a difference you can taste, and a product you can rely on.
Sea Watch International is reliant on the health of our global environment because their business begins with the wild harvest of two species of clams (Atlantic Surf Clam and Ocean Quahog). The first order of business as a leader of the offshore clam industry is to work closely with the National Marine Fisheries to manage their fishery in a sustainable manner.
MICHIGAN SUGAR CO.
Since their founding, more than a century ago, when six independent sugarbeet companies merged, Michigan Sugar Company has perfected the process of turning one of the region’s largest cash crops—the sugarbeet—into pure, all-natural sugar.


Lawn Service Houston, TX
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Houston's only Gold Star John Deere Dealer. Brookside Equipment Sales, Inc. sells John Deere lawn & garden equipment, tractor packages, skid steer loaders, Stihl chainsaws, and other products.
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Buchanan's Native Plants is Houston's largest garden center devoted to Texas native plants and organic gardening 611 E 11th Street, Houston, TX 77008, 713 861 5702 ... Texas native plants, lawn care services, Buchanan's Native Plants, lawn services, houston nursery,...
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Scarification/ Stratification: None
The most effective manner to sow seed
is to use a well-drained substrate. It is not necessary to cover the seed with
anything. Just keep the substrate moist to stop germinating seedlings from
drying out. Whilst the seed is germinating, use a very fine mister when
watering. The seeds germinate relatively quickly. In just under a year, they
are ready for transplanting.
Lithops are plants. This
may seem a rather obvious statement but the most often asked question when
people first encounter these little wonders of nature is “What are
they”? Commonly known as “Living Stones” they seem capable of
fooling humans as well as animals. They belong to the plant family
Mesembryanthemaceae (Aizoaceae). The word “lithos” is Greek means
“stone”. Lithops originate from South Africa and Namibia where they
have become highly adapted to conditions of extreme heat and drought. About 200
varieties and cultivars are presently known. Lithops make an ideal plant for
the collector. They are one of the most popular of all the succulents. Their
small size and slow compact growth, means that an impressive collection can be
grown in a relatively small area. They make ideal houseplants. Lithops can
under ideal conditions live for about 50 years in cultivation. The fascination
and interest provided by Lithops comes from the considerable variation in the
patterns and colors of the plant bodies. Some varieties can exhibit
considerable variance within themselves, so along with hybrids that are often
available the number of different plants for the collector is almost limitless.
Their shape, size and color cause them to resemble small stones in their
natural surroundings. The plants blend in among the stones as a means of
protection. Grazing animals which would otherwise eat them during periods of
drought to obtain moisture usually overlook them. To minimize any evaporation
the leaves have become so truncated that they have lost the appearance of a
normal leaf and have become rounded like a pebble. There is no stem as such,
but rather the taproot joins abruptly at the base of the leaves. The leaves are
thick to store enough water for the plants to survive for months without rain.
They have patterned and colored top surfaces like those of stones in the
surrounding area. The flattened top part of the leaf (apice) is window-like.
This window performs a very important function, allowing light to enter the
plant body where the sun’s rays activate cells which assist with the
photosynthesis process. Another interesting phenomenon is during extreme
droughts, Lithops plants can pull themselves into the soil to such an extent
that they become semi-subterranean. In this way they are not exposed to the
harsh outside elements that could dry them out even further. When the plant
starts to flower, the bud emerges through a groove in the middle of the
fissure. The fissure is the spilt between the two leaves. Flowers are solitary
and are borne on a short stem. The majority of Lithops produce their flowers
during autumn and early winter. They are daisy-like and yellow or white
depending on variety. They first open during the afternoons of sunnier days.
The flowering of the plants is related to the amount of light they receive
during the spring and summer months. Lithops usually must be three to five
years old before they begin flowering. The flowers of many of the Lithops
species have a spicy-sweet scent. Hardiness zones 10-11, (1°C/35°F, 4°C/40°F).
Lithops should not be exposed to temperature lower than 40°F (5°C). Lithops
should be left totally dry throughout winter and early spring. During this
period the plant will generate a new body. The new body will consume the
moisture and nutrients of the previous body as it completes its growth. This
process should be visible by early spring. Throughout the winter and spring
keep the plants cool but avoid freezing. Watering can commence once the remains
of the old plant body are shriveled and drying. The remains of the old bodies
and any flower stems can be carefully removed when they have become thoroughly
dry. This can be any time during May to July depending on variety. When
watering soaks the compost fully. The soil should be allowed to dry out between
waterings. In late spring or early summer, the plants will begin to go dormant.
In habitat, it is necessary for their survival to rest during the long period
of intense heat and little or no rainfall, using what water they have stored
previously to last the summer. In the fall, usually in August or September, the
plants will begin growing. Nearly all problems occur because of overwatering
and poor ventilation. They need a good amount of direct sunlight when grown as
houseplants. Usually, a southern window is the best location, unless it exposes
the plants to full sunlight most of the day, which should be prevented. The
soil mix should be a type that drains quickly. Pots that are about 3 – 5 inches
deep are recommended to allow the roots adequate room to grow. Any
general-purpose compost with some added grit to help drainage is suitable or
any of the propriety cactus composts is ideal. An occasional feed as for
houseplants is permissible but don’t overdo it, Lithops require little in the
way of nutrients.
All seeds will come in a resalable
plastic zip lock bag wrapped in a protectant so the seeds are not damaged by
shipping machines. All seed packets contain no fillers or other weeds or seeds
mixed in. Most have been harvested by hand & all test at a high germination
All seed counts should be considered estimates as the seeds is
packaged by hand, there is 2-3 more or less in a bag. We do our best to
ensure accuracy and will often add extra seeds. However, all estimates are
Seeds will ship without tracking numbers. Items
will be shipped 1-3 business days of receiving payment. Plants will be shipped
via USPS. Shipping usually takes anywhere from 3-5 days.
If you do not satisfy with the purchase, please do not leave
negative/neutral feedback. Contact us for solution, We’ll try our best to
fix the problem as soon as possible.
Important! Please Read!
All seeds have been test sown to ensure germination.
Please familiarize yourself with growing conditions and instructions for your
seeds before you plant them, as all seeds are different. Basic growing
instructions can be found under each listing.
We Cannot Guarantee how much you will be able
to grow, as too many variables come into play, soil condition, your ability to
garden, weather etc. I guarantee that they arrive as described and are in good
viable condition and the germination rates are accurate.


Most of you may have read my previous post of a critter invading my garden plot. A woodchuck heartily devoured a whole row of broccoli, leaving behind a scant amount of broken leaves and the stem in the ground. Luckily my dad gave us some metal fencing ( similar to chicken wire but much more sturdy ) a few weeks ago. We were visiting him and my stepmom and the conversation touched on deer and other animals getting into gardens. He proceeded to his garage and showed us a spool of metal fencing and said we could have it.
Sunday afternoon Tom and I worked together to put up the fence. As a team, it went up easy and it was gratifying to see the results. We ran out of fencing to do the whole garden but it’s a good start. When we can, we’ll buy more fencing and totally box it in. In the meantime I have dowels with string strung around the border, hopefully enough to deter our furry hungry friend. I also sprinkled pepper around the borders.
Somewhere once I heard that fences keep peace.This fence keeps peace and goodness in, resembling a nature sanctuary. In the beginning it was to keep wild ones out but now it serves a bigger purpose. It’s a closed in place to go to think, dream and work. My garden is already get away but now, fenced in, its even more! Is that crazy?
The day after the fence installation, it was a bright sunny morning with promise of a nice day. While I was busily weeding in my garden, I felt the ultimate tranquility within the boundaries of the fence. This fenced in plot is filled with happiness as I work with a steady passion. It’s a haven of goodness with bright green living plants, providing veggies for our family.
Besides a store of vital organic food, it fills my cup. It’s the best therapy you can receive. My fenced in garden is a peaceful place to retreat to when the chaos of the world gets me on overload. A garden is an escape from everyday problems and worries.
If you are able to, try your hand at gardening. You can start small, plant in little cans in a bright window or start with a plot on your land. If you live in an apartment, try planting on your building roof or your outside deck. It doesn’t matter where it is or what size, as long as you spend time gardening. Enjoy the escape and promising world it introduces you to.
All My Best,
Heart and Soul ❤🌺


What is in Season This October? The Best Fruits and Veggies to Consume this Month
October growing season is bountiful with lots of wonderful fruits and vegetables coming into season this month. Find out which ones are in season and what makes them thrive.
As we transition into fall, you may think the best fresh fruits and vegetables were left in summer. October brings a bountiful harvest for farmers across the country. October is also a good time for gardeners to plant hardy bulbs and vegetables to prepare for the spring. However, the real fall fun comes with familiar favorite fruits and vegetables.
What’s in season?
For a lot of people, October is synonymous with pumpkins and squash. However, these are not the only vegetables in season this month. You might notice brussels sprouts taste less bitter this month. This is because as brussels sprouts are stored, they lose sugars making them taste more bitter. So, when they are in season, the distance from farm to table is cut, making them taste better.
Celery and celery root are also in season this month. When it is in season, celery has a much stronger taste and firmer texture. Celery-root also will taste stronger and makes a great addition to fall soups and salads.
Many associate summer with fruits and berries, but many actually get better in October rather than during the summer. This could be due to many reasons. Whether it’s the time left on the bush, tree, or vine, or the fruit evolved to thrive in cooler weather, fall fruits come in abundance.
Apple trees come into season in October. This month is ideal for the fruit because they thrive I colder temperatures with higher humidity. This is why the most apples in the country are grown in Washington State. The cool fall nights and humid atmosphere provide the perfect home for apple trees.
Blackberries also come into season during October. The berries tend to grow in late summer and break down more starches making berries sweeter as they are left on the bush. By October, the berries will have developed more and therefore taste better.
Growing in October
In many parts of the country, October marks the start of a great fall growing season. The milder temperatures and humid conditions are ideal for many fruits and vegetables.
The cooler October allows plants more peaceful growing without as many bugs and pests. There also are less extreme hot days in the month letting the plants thrive. This is one of the reasons we are able to grow ‘heavier’ fruits and vegetables in the cooler months.


نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
1 دانشآموخته کارشناسی ارشد جنگلداری، دانشکده منابع طبیعی، دانشگاه کردستان، سنندج، ایران
2 استادیار گروه جنگلداری دانشکده منابع طبیعی دانشگاه کردستان، سنندج، ایران
عنوان مقاله [English]
Different ecological factors influence on forming, development and sustaining of plant communities, among which physiographic variables are the most important ones. Physiographic factors including altitude, slope and aspect can impact on qualitative and quantitative characteristics of soils. The purpose of this study was determination of relationship between slope, altitude and canopy on soil chemical properties. The study was carried out in Tang-e-Dalab in Ilam province which is situated in southern Zagros. Three transects were sampled in oak stand (Quercus brantii). In each transect, samples had 50 meters interval. Soil samples were collected from soil surface (0-20 cm). Ten samples separately were located inside and outside of canopy in each transect. Totally, the number of 60 samples were selected. In each sample, altitude and slope percent was recorded. The results showed concentration of absorbable P, total N and organic C were decreased by increasing of altitude and slope percent in both inside and outside of canopy. Cumulation of soil nutrient has inverse relationship with altitude and slope. Phosphorus accumulation in soil showed the most correlation with altitude in both inside and outside of canopy but amount of N showed the less correlation with altitude and slope outside of canopy.


In March 2012, The West African regional workshop facilitated by the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) marked the very first registered commercial biological pesticide. NRI and its collaborators initiated a long-term research on safe and effective biological pesticides, which was funded by the Research Into Use (RIU) program of the Department for International Development (DFID). This event only proved that cost-effective and organic pest control solutions are now gaining momentum in agricultural applications.
The country members of the European Union are among the pioneers in developing biological pest control management in Asia. This is understandable as high proportion of its member country’s organic produce is imported. According to the International Trade Center (ITC), 40 percent of the European countries’ organic food is imported from the third country list of the developing countries in the Southeast Asia region.
In over ten years, the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) has sponsored organic farming training programs in several developing countries in Southeast Asia. Thailand and its neighboring countries received programs for training farmers, trainers and consultants with certification for accomplishing all the standard requirements in the applications of new biological approaches to pest control. As part of the organic value chain promotion, the said programs were focused in increasing yield through the use of organic farming and pest control measures. This way, some select Asian countries may earn organic farming certification, which can help them connect to the flourishing domestic and export markets of organic produce.
Biological pest control or the use of natural predators in controlling and eliminating the population of a variety of insect pests has gained the interest of most of the progressive agricultural countries in the Southeast Asia region. In augmenting the use of natural pest enemies, farmers were introduced a new and chemical-free approach in pest management that does not require regular or periodic investment.
Apparently, the Southeast Asia region has secured an available source of large numbers of natural enemies. Biological pest management companies have started building ‘insectaries’ to produce a variety of predatory insects such as lady beetles and preying mantis. In line with this, the biological pest control companies have already developed microbial insecticides, which deliver insect pathogens to target parasitic insects.
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Rumah Tempe Zanada
Quality & Safety
Applying Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles, we ensure that the equipment used in tempeh production adheres to food safety standards
We use the finest soybeans because healthy and delicious tempe comes from high-quality soybeans.
Tempe, a culinary heritage of Indonesia since 1800, reflects the richness of cultural and local food traditions that are an integral part of the archipelago’s culinary heritage.


Today we welcomed Prime Minister Tony Abbott back to our part of the state for a big announcement – one so many people have worked so hard to secure.
Mr Abbott came to one of our local Evandale farming properties to announce $60 million funding for Tasmania’s proposed tranche two irrigation schemes.
Three of the schemes will be built in Lyons – the Southern Highlands Scheme, in the Bothwell region; the Swan Valley Scheme, near Swansea, on the East Coast and the North Esk Scheme, near Evandale.
Tranche 2 will deliver nearly 40,000 extra megalitres of water to landowners and communities across Tasmania generating more than 150 direct fulltime jobs.
It is great news for farmers both in the North and South of the state who are looking for the magic ingredient – water – to expand and diversify.
This week we’ve also had news of an extra $7.7 million for councils in Lyons to help with service delivery as well as $330,000 for the Break O’Day Business Enterprise Centre for the next three years.


Lawn Service Back to Services
We offer lawn care and routine maintenance to keep your lawn looking pristine. There are fewer active lawn diseases during fall, and weeds tend to taper off, meaning your grass won’t have to compete as much for access to sun and water. Sunlight begins to increase during fall as the tree leaves begin to drop. Moisture is key to growing a healthy lawn of grass, making spring the second-most popular (but less ideal) season for seeding.
We are committed to enhancing our clients’ most important investment by exceeding their lawn service needs with reliability and value. Imagine quality family time, rest and relaxation, and leaving the dirty work up to us.
Your business is just as important as ours. Like any other turf, the lawn around your business requires attention and service. Our flexibility and ability to customize a lawn care program for your property allows your business to make a great first impression.
The worth of well-tended lawns and gardens is measured in quality of life and home resale value. The costs associated with building and maintaining a lawn will vary depending on the size and extent of the work.
Our Lawn & Landscape service include
FREE ESTIMATES: Every lawn is not the same. One price not fit all, since we won’t skimp on your service. We provide exact, honest, and reasonable estimates. LAWN MAINTENANCE: We will maintain your property twelve months out of the year. You will not have to look for us, because we will be there.
Brush and Hedge Trimming. We’ll leave behind your bushes looking gorgeous and sculptured the way you will like. We.
Our crew blows leaves to an area of your choice ie: woods, garden, or compost pile. Don’t like to.
With work routines and the every day requests of family life, there now and again there aren’t sufficient hours.
1 386 586 7323


Persevere in watering the garden of your life, and you will reap rewards from the good seeds you plant
Planting seeds and caring for the plants as they grow has gifted me some epiphanies and wisdom. We plant all kinds of seeds in our own lives with our actions, and we water those seeds with our daily habits and the things we spend our time on. Those seeds will grow and be ready for harvest one day, so we should be mindful to plant good seeds in our lives, and to properly care for them as they grow.
Late last year, I started a garden of sorts at my house. I knew just a tiny bit about the mental health benefits of gardening (working with your hands in the soil can actually make you happier — for real! Look it up!), but my main motivation was just for something to do in the yard.
I had a number of planter pots and seed packets left over from a previous abandoned attempt at making a garden. I resolved to take proper care of the plants this time. I bought some potting soil and thought about which seeds I should plant. I had flower seeds and vegetable seeds.
Flowers or vegetables? One looks pretty but is functionally useless. One looks ugly but will provide food. I decided to plant the flowers, thinking they’d be easier to care for, and they might help the bee population too.
Keep on Watering
I filled the pots with soil, planted the seeds, and set them in places where they’d get plenty of the sunlight they needed. I watered them every day, usually in the late morning. Unless it was raining (that is God watering the seeds), I watered every day with no exceptions.
Keep on watering the seeds, even when there isn’t any visible growth.
Some seeds didn’t show signs of growth for a month! But I never stopped giving them the water they needed. Finally, I noticed tiny little sprouts of green in those slow-growing pots, and I knew I had done right by continuing to nourish them even when I could see no results at all.
If you have some project or dream you’re working towards, that is a seed too. You need to keep watering those seeds if you want them to grow, if you want to harvest something from them later. You have to keep…


Le Carline has been involved in organic viticulture since the beginning of its adventure in the world of wine, which dates back almost 30 years ago, and this production and life philosophy has meant that Le Carline has always been synonymous with certified wines organic, vegan and without added sulphites.
Now the time has come to take a further step forward in the field of experimentation and research, a step forward that will take us beyond organic.
It is precisely for this reason that Le Carline has enthusiastically joined the Veneto Region project, put into practice by the Venetian Agency for innovation in the primary sector, which aims to study the agronomic and oenological behavior of the most recent vines in the Veneto territory resistant PIWI (an acronym that comes from the German pilzwiderstandfähig which means “fungus-resistant vines”), registered in the National Register of wine grape varieties, with a view to more sustainable viticulture.
After 3 years have passed since the planting of the vineyard, in 2017 we have the first significant harvest of the grapes obtained from all the varieties planted and foreseen in the project. In collaboration with Veneto Agricoltura, pure micro-vinifications of all varieties were carried out, in order to be able to register them in the Regional Register of wine grape varieties.
A bit of history…
Since the 2000s, these crossing programs have received a notable boost from the information deriving from the sequencing of the vine genome (2007) and from genetic studies on the control of the main traits, including resistance. Today there are around 370 resistant varieties registered in Europe and, of these, numerous are those authorized by the various administrations and actually cultivated in the EU and outside the EU.
Talking about ‘resistant’ vines is a necessity to convey to the public the concept that these vines are ‘different’ from traditional ones, because they need a limited number of treatments and they are vines that adapt well to organic viticulture, because they contain genes specific resistance to downy mildew and, in many cases, powdery mildew. These are obviously different resistance genes for the two cryptogams.
There are numerous vine diseases and for each of these it is necessary to identify the specific resistance genes and work to introduce them, through controlled crossing techniques (traditional and, if we want, natural, given that this is the method that nature uses to create genetic variability useful for plants to face the challenges of the ‘struggle for survival’ (Darwin) or through genetic transformation techniques (cisgenesis or genome editing, according to the most modern visions).
We present our new RESILIENS line of PIWI wines
This name embodies a very deep meaning and the very nature of these wines which have made resilience their distinctive character: they are in fact born from grapes capable of resisting adversity, obtained after various crossings between Northern European vines, which have demonstrated the better characteristics of resistance to fungal diseases and among ancient vines that have always been present in our territory, which allow us to maintain the typical and native varietal characteristics.
“Thanks to the resistant PIWI varieties – states Daniele Piccinin – we have created vineyards which, in addition to the high level of quality, also allow for high environmental sustainability, a theme that has always been at the center of our company mission. In fact, these vines are mainly resistant to downy mildew and powdery mildew, the two vine diseases most feared by winemakers and therefore require only a few treatments”.
Le Carline is associated with PIWI International, an association that brings together the producers of PIWI wines.
In 2019 the line is enriched with a sweet sparkling wine, from resistant PIWI grapes of Aromera and Muscaris. Dessert wine with a bright straw yellow color with creamy and persistent foam. When tasted it offers sweet notes of yellow peach and rose petals, with a perfect balance between flavor and freshness.
In 2022, the first pure wine of the line was also born, the Sauvignon Nepis, and something new is coming…
Our goal was to bring together tradition, science and innovation in the vineyard and cellar:
Our RESILIENS wines are the fruit of this success.


Last week I visited a local charity, Green Team, who offer a gardening service to East Riding elderly and disabled people within a 10 mile radius of Goole.
It was a pleasure to meet Paul and Elaine who jointly co-ordinate the Green Team in Goole. They took me to meet some volunteers (pictured) that were busy clearing the garden of a local elderly resident. Green Team really do offer a valuable service to local people.
The team kindly presented me with one of their vegetable bags, made up of vegetables grown on their allotment site which is used as a training base for the group's volunteers. My bag included tomatoes, beans, a pepper and even a melon! I heartily recommend the bags and I made good use of mine.
As with all charities, the Green Team are always looking for extra volunteers so please get in touch if you would like to lend a hand or wish to know more about the gardening or vegetable bag service. They can be contacted on 01405 837126 or at www.thegreenteam.org.uk


since spring is here and time for planting, I thought that some herbs to plant with veggie gardens would be nice.
Sage with Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower to repel cabbage moths and black flea beetles.
Hyssop with cabbage and kale to deter cabbage moths.
marigold with tomato help repel nematodes, aphids, whiteflies, and hawk moths
Chervil with radishes and carrots improves the flavors of the root crops.
Chives with carrots and tomatoes to improve the flavors of the crops.
Garlic with rose, deters the tiny bright green aphids that can infest roses.
Hope this helps you all with pest.


Grow & Sow Planting Wall Calendar
This A3 wall calendar is the perfect gift for anyone with and interest in growing veg, from the most experienced green fingered masters to complete newbies. It showcases when each British vegetable needs to be planted, whether sown indoors or direct outdoors, and gives you an inspiring overview of the planting year ahead. Whether you are an allotment keeper, or a windowsill wizz.
Size A3 297 x 420
Printed on recycled paper & made to order to reduce waste.


Pierogypocket – It feels familiar when we hear about the Covid-19 pandemic. This virus, which can attack anyone, has been scaring people for a year. Once the Covid-19 pandemic lasted, it had a negative impact on human survival. The profession of ‘just staying home’ hinders many activities, such as hindering the teaching-learning process, hindering the buying and selling process, and even many other jobs are hindered so that many people lose their jobs.
What about the activities that take place in the agricultural world where agricultural products are a basic need for all people?
According to the news I read, farmers also experienced bad consequences from the Covid-19 pandemic, such as slowing down the food supply chain and shortages due to the disruption of the agricultural logistics distribution, reducing farmers’ incomes because the space for farmers selling their crops has become very restricted due to the implementation of PSBB (Large Scale Social Restrictions) and declining selling prices due to increased supply but lower purchasing power. It can be concluded that the activities of farmers were not hampered during this pandemic, but that the farmers’ income decreased.
Similar to the activities of young farmers in Central Kalimantan, they do not feel the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on their activities in agriculture, because they continue with activities on the land as usual. Since I have a friend who works as a young farmer in Central Kalimantan, I asked him about his activities with his colleagues during this pandemic.
The thing that makes them actively work on the land is because, according to them, their food needs must be met during a pandemic, and the existence of this pandemic has interrupted the import activities while Indonesia produces its needs for mocafel meal from cassava, mostly through imports , fulfilled. . Therefore, these young farmers in Central Kalimantan continue to grow cassava so that their need for cassava can still be met.
All parts of the cassava plant can be used such as the leaves for vegetables in the human diet and as animal feed, the stems which can be used again as seeds and the tubers which are used as mocafemeal. Fortunately, the crop from the cassava they plant will be bought later by an institution. They therefore feel no loss in the material sector in the agricultural world during this pandemic.
Here are some of the activities they do:
Together they did soil preparation using a tractor and made raised beds and checked the land to find out if the land was ready to be planted with cassava seeds.
After the land is ready, they also prepare the seeds that are ready to plant. They also prepared other necessities like fertilizers and pesticides.
Planting cassava they do is considered large scale so their activities are more semi-mechanical. Apart from that, the young farmers also eat with other farmers who are there and they do a little refreshing by looking for entertainment in the country.
This is not because they do not care about the Covid-19 pandemic, but they also think about the needs of every human being. Fortunately, my friend and other young farmers there are still healthy.


WaterMyYard.org helps homeowners to water only when needed
From staff reports
With the lifting of watering restrictions today, North Texas residents can now water their lawns up to two days per week. But most residents probably don’t need to! Instead, they can save money and time by signing up at WaterMyYard.org. This website provides people with customized recommendations on the best ways to keep a healthy lawn.
WaterMyYard.org’s service to North Texas residents is made possible by a partnership between the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service (AgriLife). WaterMyYard.org uses data from weather stations based throughout the NTMWD service area. These weather stations gather local climate conditions, including rainfall, temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, and solar radiation. AgriLife analyzes the weather station data — along with each subscriber’s sprinkler system specifics — to formulate a customized irrigation recommendation.
“When it comes to how much to water your lawn and when, WaterMyYard.org takes the guesswork out of the equation,” said Denise Hickey, NTMWD Public Relations and Water Conservation Manager. “AgriLife’s science and weather-based technology helps homeowners determine when it’s necessary to turn on their sprinklers and when it’s better for their lawn to keep their sprinkler system turned off. An important part of keeping lawns healthy is to water only when needed and to use cycle-soak for greater saturation.”
Hickey continues, “Through our unified efforts, we can use water wisely and efficiently to sustain healthy lawns while continuing to protect our resources for the future.”
To learn more about what NTMWD is doing to preserve the region’s water resources, visit http://northtexaswateriq.org/ and discover additional ways to help your community use water efficiently.


See how to set up your outdoor areas for more enjoyment this year and make them a bit more earth-friendly in the process.
Gardening can be a great way to accomplish common resolutions like eating healthier, getting more active and reducing stress while doing something you enjoy. To take your garden
to the next level, consider adding some of these garden-specific goals.
1. Plant a fruit tree.
This New Year’s resolution for your garden might top the charts for maximum reward for the effort. A fruit tree — whether it gives you sweet cherries, peaches, apples, pears, figs, plums, nectarines or persimmons — sets up you and your garden for years of enjoyment, if not decades.
To get started, choose a fruit tree that will produce well in your region. This is largely determined by your soil type and “chill factor” (number of hours the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, or 7.2 degrees Celsius, between November and February) of your region. Source fruit trees through a local nursery or reputable online source, rather than a big-box store, to ensure that you’re receiving trees that are appropriate to your climate and grafted on root stock that will thrive in local soil. Fruit trees all grow best and produce the sweetest fruit in areas with at least six hours of full sun.
2. Revamp your side yard.
Often a neglected area of gardens, side yards can be transformed into beautiful winding walkways, private seating areas or — if you have enough sun — areas for growing veggies and herbs.
You can get started right away in mild climates by planting, clearing the space and installing new walkways or features like arbors. In snowy climates, bookmark ideas for your side yard now and wait until the ground warms up to start digging.
3. Try a new planting combination. As you embrace change in other areas of your life, consider switching up your planting routine as well. Instead of annual flowers for color in beds, try perennials that will come back year after year. Play around with planting combinations at the nursery, putting plants next to each other that take the same light and water requirements, and seeing how they complement each other. You may be surprised by the combinations that work well.
For example, consider this dramatic pairing of ‘Morning Light’ coast rosemary (Westringia fruticosa ‘Morning Light’), with its silver foliage, and a ruffled pink echeveria. Although they come from different sections of the nursery, both plants thrive with low water and full sun, and the differences in foliage color and form make for a stunning combination.
4. Hone your gardening skills. Whether you’re new to gardening or are a seasoned pro, there are always ways to broaden your knowledge of plants and design. Sign up for a class or lecture on a topic of your choice, such as container gardening, water gardens, pruning, orchard care or how to create an espalier. Master Gardener programs, garden clubs, community colleges and local botanical gardens are great resources for classes at a variety of price points.
5. Convert part of your garden to native plants.
Working native plants into you garden can help cut down on water and fertilizer use and provide habitat islands for native birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
You may not be ready to trade in your existing garden for an all-native landscape, but consider adding some native species to mixed beds or devoting a section of your backyard to native, pollinator-friendly plants.
6. Plant a climbing rose. Increase the charm of an arbor or outbuilding by planting a climbing rose, such as this David Austin ‘Bathsheba’ variety, to ramble up the side. The vigorous plant sends out 10-foot-long canes with apricot-colored flowers that have a classic tea and floral fragrance. You’ll want to order your roses soon, as new varieties sell out quickly, for planting between January and mid-May, depending on your climate.
7. Hang a bird feeder. Help feed native birds and winter migrants by setting up a feeder in your yard, when food sources are increasingly scarce in winter. Also, think about providing a water source. In cold climates, available water can be frozen and unavailable to birds. Set out a plant saucer filled with warm water as a drinking and bathing spot.
8. Try farm to table. Grow some of your own fruits, veggies and herbs and bring down both your carbon footprint and your weekly grocery bill. A few to plant this spring for a quick reward: lettuces, chives, snap peas, carrots and radishes. If you don’t have much room, try a pot of culinary herbs on your back step or a sunny windowsill, or experiment with a new ingredient like lemongrass.
9. Try one new earth-friendly gardening practice. There are plenty of ways to help your garden have a lighter environmental footprint, such as ditching chemical sprays, starting a compost bin, switching to organic lawn fertilizers, planting natives or investing in a rain barrel. Commit to trying one or more of them this year.
10. Cut down the size of your lawn. If cutting down on maintenance or reducing landscape water use are on your priority list, reducing turf grass can be one of the best ways to reach your target. Replace areas of lawn with mixed low-water plantings, walkable ground covers or permeable surfaces like gravel or bark.
11. Make it easier to get outside.
We all need an extra incentive sometimes. Whether it’s the hope of finding something tasty to eat, the pleasure of picking herbs for a recipe or the lure of a cozy outdoor fireplace, we often need concrete reasons to get out of the comforts of being indoors.
While adding a luxe outdoor living feature such as a fire pit, outdoor kitchen, bocce court or pool can provide a reason to get outside, often simple add-ons can help entice us out as well. Colorful throw cushions on the seats and backs of this L-shaped brick bench, for example, make the seating area far more inviting with or without the fire pit.
12. Visit your local botanical garden for inspiration. Although botanical gardens are at a larger scale than most of our home gardens, many of the ideas can be replicated on a smaller scale. Take a stroll through your local botanical garden and look for pleasing plant pairings, great foliage plants or ideas for low-water plants. Aim to re-create one of the planting ideas in your home garden.