- grow a typical garden without irrigation or fertilization
- has been demonstrated to work in deserts as well as backyards
- use up rotting wood, twigs, branches and even whole trees that would otherwise go to the dump or be burned
- it is pretty much nothing more than buried wood
- can be flush with the ground, although raised garden beds are typically better
- can start small, and be added to later
- can always be small - although bigger is better
- You can save the world from global warming by doing carbon sequestration in your own back yard!
- perfect for places that have had trees blown over by storms
- can help end world hunger
- give a gift to your future self
raised garden bed hugelkultur after one month
raised garden bed hugelkultur after one year
raised garden bed hugelkultur after two years
raised garden bed hugelkultur after twenty years
It's a german word and some people can say it all german-ish. I'm an american doofus, so I say "hoogle culture". I had to spend some time with google to find the right spelling. Hugal, hoogal, huegal, hugel .... And I really like saying it out loud: "hugelkultur, hoogle culture, hoogal kulture ...." - it could be a chant or something.
I learned this high-falootin word at my permaculture training. I also saw it demonstrated on the Sepp Holzer terraces and raised beds video - he didn't call it hugelkultur, but he was doing it.
Hugelkultur is nothing more than making raised garden beds filled with rotten wood. This makes for raised garden beds loaded with organic material, nutrients, air pockets for the roots of what you plant, etc. As the years pass, the deep soil of your raised garden bed becomes incredibly rich and loaded with soil life. As the wood shrinks, it makes more tiny air pockets - so your hugelkultur becomes sort of self tilling. The first few years, the composting process will slightly warm your soil giving you a slightly longer growing season. The woody matter helps to keep nutrient excess from passing into the ground water - and then refeeding that to your garden plants later. Plus, by holding SO much water, hugelkultur could be part of a system for growing garden crops in the desert with no irrigation.
I do think there are some considerations to keep in mind. For example, I don't think I would use cedar. Cedar lasts so long because it is loaded with natural pesticides/herbicides/anti-fungal/anti-microbial (remember, good soil has lots of fungal and microbial stuff). Not a good mix for tomatoes or melons, eh? Black locust, black cherry, black walnut? These woods have issues. Black locust won't rot - I think because it is so dense. Black walnut is very toxic to most plants, and cherry is toxic to animals, but it might be okay when it rots - but I wouldn't use it until I had done the research. Known excellent woods are: alders, apple, cottonwood, poplar, willow (dry) and birch. I suspect maples would be really good too, but am not certain. Super rotten wood is better than slightly aged wood. The best woods are even better when they have been cut the same day (this allows you to "seed" the wood with your choice of fungus - shitake mushrooms perhaps?).
Another thing to keep in mind is that wood is high in carbon and will consume nitrogen to do the compost thing. This could lock up the nitrogen and take it away from your growies. But well rotted wood doesn't do this so much. If the wood is far enough along, it may have already taken in sooooo much nitrogen, that it is now putting it out!
Pine and fir will have some levels of tanins in them, but I'm guessing that most of that will be gone when the wood has been dead for a few years.
In the drawings at right, the artist is trying to show that while the wood decomposes and shrinks, the leaves, duff and accumulating organic matter from above will take it's place. The artist is showing the new organic matter as a dark green.
raised garden beds on top of sod -
the soil comes from somewhere else
raised garden beds dug in a bit -
note the sod is put upside down on the wood
and the topsoil is on top of that
raised garden beds dug in a bit -
plus paths are dug on the sides and
that sod/soil goes on top too
I find I most often build hugelkultur in places where the soil is shallow. So I end up finding excess soil from somewhere else on the property and piling it on some logs. Presto! Instant raised garden beds! This is usually the easiest/fastest way too. Especially if you have earth moving equipment.
For those times that the soil is deep and you are moving the soil by hand, I like to dig up the sod and dig down a foot or two. Then pile in the wood. Then put the sod on top of the wood, upside-down. Then pile the topsoil on top of that. Even better is to figure out where the paths will be, and dig down there too. Add two layers of sod onto the logs and then the double topsoil.
I have discovered that a lot of people are uncomfortable with the idea of raised bed gardens. They have seen the large flat gardens for years and are sure this is the way to do it. Some people are okay with raised beds that are three to six inches tall - they consider anything taller than that unsightly.
So this is gonna sound crazy, but I hope to convince you that the crazy-sounding stuff is worth it.
If you build your hugelkultur raised garden beds tall enough, you won't have to irrigate. At all (after the second year). No hoses. No drip system. Anything shorter won't require as much irrigation - so there is still some benefit. Imagine going on vacation in the summer without having to hire somebody to
kill water your garden! As a further bonus, the flavor of everything you grow will be far better!
To go all summer long without a drop of rain, you need to build your hugelkultur raised bed gardens .... six feet tall. But they'll shrink! Mostly in the first month. Which is why I suggest you actually build them seven feet tall.
Hugelkultur raised garden beds can be built just two feet tall and will hold moisture for about three weeks. Not quite as good, but more within the comfort zone of many people - including urban neighbors.
Some people will start out with hugelkultur raised garden beds that are two and a half feet tall and plant only annuals. And each year they will build the size of the bed a foot. So that after a few years, they will have the bigger beds and the neighbors never really noticed. And if they've tasted what comes from it - they might be all for it without caring about the big mounds.
Besides, isn't this much better use of the wood than hauling it to the dump, or chipping it, or putting it in those big city bins for yard waste?
I usually build hugelkulture raised garden beds about five feet wide. This makes for some mighty steep beds. Just pack that soil on tight and plant it with a mix of heavy rooted plants to hold it all together. Quick! Before it rains! If you are going to build beds shorter than three feet tall, I suggest that you make the beds no wider than four feet wide. Unless you are doing keyhole style raised garden beds, in which case you should be able to get away with something wider.
standard hugelkultur raised garden beds
narrower hugelkultur raised garden beds
peaked hugelkultur raised garden beds
hugelkultur raised garden beds with a stone border
hugelkultur raised garden beds with a log border
This DVD is part of a 3 DVD set called World Domination Gardening. In this DVD we talk about hugelkultur and terraces. This location gets frost in the winter and can be really hot in the summer. A lot of the surrounding area looks very desert like. We decide to make a hugelkultur bed shaped into a sun scoop. And the angle of the slope is optimized to the level of the sun in winter. We also talk about how swales are excellent at creating frost pockets which works to your advantage in the summer. What type of wood and different variations for hugelkultur are covered. A terrace is constructed to hold the hugelkultur bed.
Here is my video of several hugelkultur raised beds, both small garden scale, and large farm scale - one has nearly a kilometer of hugelkultur!
The hugelkultur raised garden beds below were built in an urban lot between the curb and the sidewalk (sometimes called a parking strip). The final raised garden bed is about two feet tall. The beds are about six feet wide with keyholes. There is rotted maple on the inside and black locust (will rot in about 70 years) on the outside:
(click on an image to see a larger size)
Many more hugelkultur raised garden beds (click on the image to see a larger image, more images and the story for the image):
Here is a video I made of a group of us making a hugelkulture raised garden bed shaped as a sun trap:
Here is another video I made of Mark Vander Meer talking about a three foot tall bed and how little water the riparian species need:
Here is sod that was piled in the spring and had some tomato plants stuck in it. It was not irrigated all summer. The tomatoes not only survived, but they are delicious. Winter frost should hit any day.
My HOA won't allow anything like that, what do I do? (my neighbors would freak out, what do I do?)
There are many possibilities. Some people dig a trench five feet deep, fill that with organic matter and have something that is either flush with the surface or it appears to be only one foot tall (which is in the comfort zone of neighbors and HOA folk). Other people will build something that is 18 inches high the first year, and add a foot each year. Still others will have so many neighbors build them all at once that it is difficult the buck the tide. And then there is always the back yard.
I have standing trees that are about to be cut down. I don't want to have a bunch of logs sitting around until they are old to be used for raised garden beds. What do I do?
The wood doesn't have to be old to be used. In fact, it is even better when fresh!
Do I need a wood chipper/shredder?
No. This style of raised garden beds works much better if the wood is not chipped. So much more peaceful and less smelly too!
How do I till it every spring?
Once the raised garden bed is built, you don't ever till it. As the wood breaks down inside the bed, it will sorta-kinda till its insides itself. And with a really tall, really steep raised garden bed, nobody will step on it, so the soil will not become compacted.
I'm 81 years old. Does this make gardening less work?
More work to set up. But less work as the years pass. Planting and harvesting should be easier since you won't have to bend down as much. On the second year and beyond, all irrigation and fertilization will be eliminated - so that's less work. When combined with permaculture and polyculture techniques, you can even eliminate planting seeds, so that in the end, all you ever do is harvest.
What will this do to the flavor of the food?
It will make for stronger flavor. Especially for fruits. Expect far more flavor in tomatoes and berries.
So I guess a person could think of the wood used in hugelkultur as "wild compost"! Available in twig, stick and log sizes!
So I popped on out to my local hugelkultur store and I saw this:
Yummy! I'm guessing that somebody did some thinning and stacked this to use for firewood in the future. Only they never came back and got it. So the years passed and the wood rotted ...
I took most of it and put it on my tractor:
I left stuff that was so rotten that it would not transport well. Besides, it's going to do some good for the forest if not for my raised beds.
Instant raised bed! Just lay down wood, and cover with dirt! That's all there is to it! Just two easy steps!
That's a hurky big bed! It will probabably be about 1/3 the size a year from now. Then we'll place rocks around it and rework it a little into a slightly more elegant raised bed. This year: potatoes!
More? Comments? See the hugelkultur raised garden beds thread
Artwork by Daniel Van Tassell
Bart and I created a micro documentary for all of the supporters. It is animation rich, and a very polished, professional creation. Topics covered include:
- How to shape your landscape to be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
- Encouraging diversity inside the hugelkultur as well as outside.
- Organic vs. Permaculture
While the full 3-DVD set is for urban gardeners as well as people with acreage, and the full 3-DVD set will contain far more information on hugelkultur, this micro documentary will be focused on gardening and have no focus on projects with larger acreage.
To purchase and download this for $3.00 CLICK HERE.
Now, how do you sign up? Just fill up the form below:
If you like this article, please link to me. Click on one (or many) of the social network links below. Linking to this article from a forum is nice. Or even better, mention this article in a blog!


Lewisia is a spectacular flower that's great for rock gardens. It produces big white flowers and does especially well with a lot of moisture. In this article, learn about planting, growing, propagating, and using lewisia.
WHAT'S INSIDE: LAWN & GARDEN
- Lawn Care
- Professional Landscaping
- Trees, Shrubs & Vines
Garden soil provides nutrients, moisture, and support for the plants in your garden. For a successful garden, the content of your soil must be balanced. Learn all about preparing your garden soil.
Persian violet is an easy-to-care-for house plant that will rebloom for three to four months. It is full of blue or white flowers and has shiny, oval leaves. Read more about this pretty rounded plant.


For the first time ever, a Gardeniser Pro training course took place in Austria, in the spring from May 16th - 20th, 2022. Hosted by the Verein Gartenpolylog, the training’s home base was installed in the Viennese Dogenhof, an amazing old building modeled after the Venetian Palazzo Ca d’Oro.
Day after day, 12 eager students pushed the palazzo’s door open to attend the classes given by Rachael Hemmings and Sophie Antonelli from Social Farms & Gardens. The trainers got splendid support by aspiring Gardeniser trainers and recent graduates from the Train the Trainer course, coming from the UK and France.
The participants came all the way from the Czech Republic and Italy, but most of them from all parts of Austria. With every single one of them being actively involved in - partly huge national or local – community garden projects, exchange on shared issues and discussions on various topics have been intense and profound. Besides the lessons delivered, the discussions became an essential part of the training course.
In the afternoons, a total of 8 different community garden projects in and around Vienna have been visited - from social therapeutic projects to urban gardening fields and small neighborhood composting projects.
In the end, everyone left filled with new information, inspiration and input – along with the strong desire to keep in touch in order to continue exchange and strengthen networks. This is for sure what's always worth most, and it is what Gardeniser is all about: connecting urban community garden enthusiasts and professionals to grow together and improve our common living environment.


In the valley and mountain slopes, this family estate offers a range of soils, aspects, and climatic conditions, ideally suited to the quality white and red grape varieties grown here.
The farm’s position provides unique climatic conditions because here is where the Breede River Valley narrows. The funnel effect that is created gives Bergsig cooling winds in summer and sufficient rainfall to require only supplementary irrigation when necessary. This coupled with access to mountain hillsides, means the main ingredients for quality are in place.
The soil is defined by a major geological fault, the Worcester Fault, which runs through the valley. Hills are composed of weathered sandstone and the valley floor is sedimented by a diversity of soil parent materials.
A variety of soils exist and the vineyards have been sited where generations of experience show they produce the best results. Vineyard management is focused not only on ensuring the best possible grape quality, but also on conservation, and the farm is, therefore, IPW certified, as a user of environmentally friendly farming methods. Over 437 hectares of mountain, river, and valley terrain have been restored to its natural habitat through the elimination of alien species.
Mediterranean climate with ± 980mm rainfall per year.
The Estate is located on the upper slopes of the Breede River Valley at 240 – 350m above sea level.
Winters are cold with snow until late in Spring. Temperatures during Spring are low resulting in slower ripening. Harvest usually starts 2 – 3 weeks later than other wine areas. Significant temperature variation with warm days ensures good sugar development while the drop in temperature at night preserves the balance of natural acids in the grapes.


Luiz Paulo de Souza Faria is a 32-year-old married man who lives in São Domingos das Dores, Minas Gerais. He grew up working in coffee farming and currently lives and works on his father’s property.
His father always encouraged him to work with coffee, but he never placed much emphasis on quality. However, after Luiz got married, he started to focus more on the quality of the beans. In 2020, he heard about specialty coffees, something that was difficult to achieve until then. However, he now sees that a simple change in how they harvest the coffee and take care of it on the patio can make a difference.
His father, being older, still does not believe in these new concepts of caring for coffee. But Luiz is confident that he will see his father joining them in this new era of coffee. This coffee is a blend of selectively harvested Catuaí and Catucai coffee, with an 8-day fermentation and finished by drying on a raised patio for an additional 20 days.
In June 2022, he and his wife harvested the coffee that would later become his most prized possession. They carefully selected the ripest Catuaí and Catucaí cherries from the lush trees that grow at an altitude of 920m in São Domingos das Dores.
After the harvest, they applied an anaerobic fermentation process for 8 days, which created the perfect environment for the coffee to develop its unique flavor profile. During the fermentation process, he monitored the coffee closely, ensuring that it was developing as it should.
The result was a coffee with notes of fig, plum, and praline chocolate, a flavor profile that he was proud of. He knew that this coffee would be perfect for specialty coffee lovers who appreciated the time and effort that went into creating a high-quality product.
As he sipped his coffee, he felt a sense of pride wash over him. He was continuing his family’s legacy while also elevating the quality of their coffee to new heights. He knew that this coffee would make his family proud and put São Domingos das Dores on the map as a producer of exceptional specialty coffee.
Profile: fig sweetness and subtle florals, think perfeclty ripe plum and a mouthfeel that is almost velvet and that of praline chocolate.
Great coffee ís grown below 1000 MASL.


Join us for a Glenn Scott Farm Workshop – Growing Garlic!
Growing Garlic can be daunting. It’s basically a full year process starting with seeding, continuing with maintaining, harvesting, curing, cleaning and finishing with choosing from your stock what to re-seed and start the cycle again. Our farm manager, Chelsea Reinhart, has many years of experience with growing garlic. She will take you through the whole process, breaking down each and every step, so you can grow garlic at home with confidence.
Included with your ticket is one glass of wine with additional glasses and bottles available for purchase.


While there is considerable information on the impacts of livestock grazing, much of it is difficult to locate or in a format that is not user friendly. Understanding Livestock Grazing Impacts assembles and presents this information in a way that is both comprehensive and accessible.
Managing rangelands in the western United States has become much more complex over the last few decades. A century ago the goal was to survive as a livestock producer, and rangeland management involved using forage effectively and overcoming obstacles such as predators and shortages of water and feed. Today the successful rangeland manager also needs to consider the diversity and health of the ecosystem.
Livestock grazing can affect riparian areas, sensitive plants, and endangered wildlife. Livestock grazing impacts are not just either/or, impacts will vary considerably depending on the season, intensity, frequency and class of livestock grazing that occurs.
The health of ecosystems can be assessed by using the "criteria and indicators" concept. This entails identifying individual environmental, economic or social indicators that are affected by livestock grazing and that can be described, evaluated and monitored. Environmental indicators include habitat for endangered species such as the kit fox, oak regeneration and water quality, and economic indicators include forage production and calving rate.
While there is considerable information on the impacts of livestock grazing, much of it is difficult to locate or in a format that is not user friendly. Understanding Livestock Grazing Impacts assembles and presents this information in a way that is both comprehensive and accessible. This makes it easier for ranchers and land managers to analyze, compare and choose the grazing strategies that best achieve the goals for a given grazing unit.
Understanding Livestock Grazing Impacts:
- identifies numerous environmental and economic indicators,
- summarizes existing research data and predicts the impact of grazing strategies on each indicator,
- evaluates three components of grazing strategies: grazing intensity, grazing season- of-use, and livestock class/type,
- presents the information visually in grazing impact graphs, and
- shows how the indicators can be measured and monitored.


Conophthorin from Almond Host Plant and Fungal Spores and Its Ecological Relation to Navel Orangeworm: a Natural Products Chemist’s Perspective
Keywords:Amyelois transitella, Aspergillus, conophthorin, fungal spores, navel orangeworm, spiroketal
AbstractThe navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella) is a major insect pest that brings about significant monetary damage to California tree nuts – almonds, pistachios, and walnuts. During their development, larvae of navel orangeworm feed upon the meat of these nuts causing physical damage and ultimately lowering kernel quality. Moreover, the larvae have been purported to vector aflatoxigenic fungi into the food product and thus represent a serious food safety concern. Aflatoxins are toxic metabolites produced by certain aspergilli – specifically for California tree nuts, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Volatiles have played a large role in efforts to control or monitor navel orangeworm moths. For instance, a blend of almond host plant volatiles has recently been found to attract both male and female navel orangeworm moths during field trapping studies. The origin of many of the components within this host plant blend appears to be from the almond host. However, new reports regarding the blend component, conophthorin, imply a fungal origin for this particular volatile. This perspective discusses current investigations directly related to the production of conophthorin, and proposes a new relationship among navel orangeworm, the almond host plant, and ubiquitous tree nut orchard fungi.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.


I don’t know how you feel about chili peppers, but for me, food is not complete without the spicy taste of chili peppers. The hotter the chili peppers, the more I feel enthusiastic to eat the food 😀
As a big fan of chili, this time I will write down about some of the hottest chili peppers on earth and a little bit about the other kinds of the spicy fruits.
A chili pepper was originated in America and has been consumed as a part of diet menu since at least 7,500 B.C. It’s been domesticated in southwestern Ecuador since 6,000 years ago. In Central and South America, it’s become one of the first self-pollinating crops ever cultivated. Christoper Columbus was one of the first Europeans to taste the fruit when he was in Caribbean.
In Asia, a chili pepper was introduced by Portuguese traders for the first…
Lihat pos aslinya 775 kata lagi


The fall is the PERFECT time to start incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet!
Actually, fresh vegetables, when they are grown and picked in season, have the best nutrient quality than any other time throughout the year. When the produce is homegrown (typically within 50 miles of selling) there is less of a loss of nutrients due to transportation and the produce sitting for a while.
Although the Driscoll berries typically look pick and bright red, they usually don't have the best taste, nor are they the sweetest. That's because they are grown out of season, and if you live on the east coast, they are transported across the country to your grocery store.
So, the produce that is in season now and homegrown is going to have THE BEST nutrient quality and amount. These in season produce options will have greater amounts of micronutrients, which means, more nutrient dense!!
So, what is in season right now??
Mushrooms Peppers Tomatoes Cherries Apples Asparagus Greens (swiss chard, romaine, spinach) Cauliflower Cabbage Brussel Sprouts Celery Garlic Peas Squash Onions
And this is just a short list!
So what do you do if it's not season? I urge you to buy it canned or frozen
Why? Because the canned and frozen versions are also picked at the peak of freshness and flash canned or frozen! They will also have a great nutrient profile and even be better than if you bough the "fresh version" that was shipped in across the country. Rinse the canned vegetables to reduce up to 40% of the sodium content too! Both are great options!
So, I want to know...
What's your favorite in season vegetable? Let me know in the comments!


Tomatoes: Multiple Choice Vocabulary Test
It is difficult to (0) A a world without tomatoes. High in the Andes mountains of modern-day Peru, the local (1) _________ have been cultivating and eating tomatoes since prehistoric times, but the food has only become (2) _________ in the rest of the world (3) _________ recently. These days, the bright red fruit plays an important role in the (4) _________ of many cultures and is a key ingredient in many types of fast food, providing both taste and colour to dishes that (5) _________ would be rather ordinary.
The tomato (6) _________ to the nightshade family of plants, many members of which are poisonous. When they were first (7) _________ into North America, therefore, tomatoes were viewed with (8) _________ and people tended to use them as table (9) _________ rather than as food. In Europe, the tomato was first grown in Italy in 1555, although it wasn't (10) _________ with pasta until much later. The first recipe for tomato ketchup dates from 1727 and in the 1800s, tomatoes began to be used more (11) _________ in sauces and soups. These days, as well as tasting good, tomatoes are known to contain substances which are good for our health. Nutritionists point out, however, that many (12) _________ tomato products also contain additives such as salt and sugar which can reduce the beneficial effects of the fruit.
1.C; 2.A; 3.B; 4.D; 5.B; 6.D; 7.A; 8.C; 9.D; 10.B; 11.D; 12.A


The good – The bad – and I don’t know!
This has certainly been a challenging spring at the farm. For a couple of weeks I have been trying to spray herbicide on next years’ fields to try to control weeds and grass. First off, my tractor decided not to start. After a day of looking at the electrical schematic and tracing out wiring I gave up and asked my neighbor Brown to do his thing. He is far better at this than I am. End result was that the starter had somehow got a lot of moisture in it and the brushes had rusted so they didn’t slide forward on the starter armature. A trip to Ebberson in Brewer solved that. So I started with my old, old tractor with no power steering, and narrow tiers. Not a good alternative. Plus, the wind won’t quit and you can’t spray in those conditions.
Then, on May 9, we had 3 to 4 inches of wet snow. Lowbush blueberry flowers bud stages go from F0 to F3. F0 and F1 are bullet proof. We are about 50-50 between stage F2 and F3. With a couple of warm days we will probably see some blossoms. I have no idea what might happen to our blossoms with this situation. I do know that blueberry bushes are a very hardy plants so maybe all will work out fine.
On the other hand, I checked my sprayer pump this morning and it didn’t turn which indicates it had ice in it. This is the third time in my life that I have had this happen.
On the positive side, when you are given lemons you make the most of it. We spent many days last fall clearing brush from the fields and around the edges of the fields. It is amazing how quickly trees or brush grow around the edge of our fields. All of this growth tends to shade the bushes near the edge and restricts the growth of the berries. So on the positive side I was able to burn a pretty big brush pile while the snow was still on the ground.
Like many other groups we have had many events canceled this spring, summer and fall. This will clearly impact us in terms of future revenue.
We have not been participating in farmers markets this winter. The risk just seemed too great for us at our age.
We have been selling our products from our farm throughout the winter and spring and our customers have been very supportive. Folks have been buying our frozen 5 & 10 pound boxes of berries and value added products through out the winter and spring. We have been able to develop a system of distance selling that people have been comfortable with and we truly appreciate their support and the sales.
Like many other farms we are trying to develop policies and procedures that will allow us to be able to operate this summer. Lets hope it all works out.


The Dangers of Soil Depletion: Eating nutrient-dense foods is key to good health. Yet, while many are making a conscious effort to eat healthy foods daily, there is one problem: our soils are depleted of minerals, which makes our foods less nutritious than we realize. This article will discuss the dangers of depleted soils, ways to improve soil fertility, and how to get the nutrients our body needs via supplements.
This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD
The Importance of Soil
Soil is the foundation for our food system and plays a pivotal role in our overall health. Food quality (and quantity) is directly related to soil quality. As the world population approaches a population of 8 billion people, here are a few statistics about soil and its importance:
- Soil provides humans with 98.8% of our food
- The United States is losing soil ten times faster than the natural replenishment rate
- China and India are losing soil 30 to 40 times faster than the natural replenishment rate
- During the past 40 years, nearly 1/3 of the world’s cropland (1.5 billion hectares) has been abandoned because of soil degradation and erosion
- 38% of the world’s cropland has reduced water and nutrient availability
Increased crop production and soil depletion highlight the importance of soil quality and its impact on food supply.
Top Causes of Soil Depletion
There are several reasons for soil depletion. Here are the most common:
- Erosion. Wind and water remove topsoil, which exposes the layer of soil beneath, causing more nutrients to be lost.<
- Soil pollution. The use of heavy metals and agrochemicals reduces soil fertility by affecting the soil’s biological properties.
- Soil alkalization, salinization, and acidification. These can reduce soil fertility, increasing the risk of nutrient imbalances, toxicities, and deficiencies.
- Crop removal. Some crops protect against soil erosion and evaporation. However, this increases the risk of losing water and soil nutrients.
- Excessive irrigation and flooding. Soil can become inefficient when excess water drains nutrients from the earth.
- Excessive cropping. Land that is continuously cultivated without allowing it to fallow can have its minerals depleted. Fallow ground is soil that has been left unplanted for some time. Ideally, the land is taken out of crop rotation for one to five years, depending on the crop./li>
- Reduced soil bioactivity and organic matter content. Reduced organic matter in the soil can lead to soil infertility. Surface soil contains the most organic matter, and plant roots are its primary source.
The Effects of Nutrient Depleted Soil
Researchers conducting studies on soil that has been depleted discovered the presence of Burkholderia pseudomallei, a bacterium that lives in the soil. Burkholderia pseudomallei causes melioidosis, an infectious disease that can infect animals or humans. (Melioidosis kills 89,000 people annually).
The bacterium thrives in nutrient-depleted rice fields and can be transmitted by inoculation, ingestion, or inhalation. Burkholderia pseudomallei has been found in soil with lower levels of iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and potassium.
Nutrient Depleted Soil Impact on Food
Various studies on nutrient amounts in soil note the following reductions:
- Nitrogen: down 42%, Sulfur: down 33%, Phosphorous: down 27%
- Magnesium content of vegetables and wheat: decreased 25%
- Increased levels of the toxic mineral’s aluminum, cadmium and lead, with decreases in the trace minerals in zinc, copper, manganese, copper and nickel.
- Protein content of corn: declined 50%
Increasing Soil Fertility
Increasing soil fertility is critical for increasing nutrient intake from foods. The following are used to help decrease nutrient depletion and increase soil fertility.
- Mulch. Mulch covers the soil, which helps retain water. It also helps to prevent weeds from spreading and soil erosion.
- Animal manure. Animal manure helps fertilize soil due to its nitrogen content. Nitrogen is key to increasing soil fertility. A study on nitrogen fertilizer and soil availability found it to increase plant uptake and the soil availability of essential nutrients.  Note: avoid using manure from farm-factory animals because their droppings might contain unhealthy pathogens. Choose free-range livestock instead.
- Compost. An organic material, compost helps to grow plants and fertilize them. Compost and fertilizer are often used together for best results.
- Organic matter. You can purchase organic matter from most garden shops. It provides nutrients and food to the microorganisms that live in the soil, helping it become fertile. In addition, organic matter improves soil’s water holding capacity by holding soil particles into aggregates.
- Mixed cropping. Planting several different crops in the same field can help decrease soil erosion. Adding deep-rooted vegetables to your mixed crop allows their fertilizing properties to spread across the soil.
The body needs nutrients daily to function at optimum levels, and most of these nutrients come from both plant and animal sources. A person can eat healthy foods, but their body may not get the nutrients it needs because of depleted soils. As a result, the need for supplements increases.
To help the body get the minerals it needs,TCF - Cytominerals (Formerly Complete Mineral Complex) was created. CytoMinerals is made with non-GMO ingredients and includes the following nutrients:
CytoMinerals is iron free and specifically created to help the body replenish these key nutrients. In addition, this product provides chelated minerals for increased absorption. Order your CytoMinerals HERE to help reduce the effects of depleted soils.
Soil is the source for more than 98% of the food we consume. Unfortunately, the minerals in the soil are depleted for a variety of reasons, including excess irrigation, excess cropping, and soil pollution. In addition to improving soil fertility and growing nutrient-rich crops, supplements such as CytoMinerals can help the body get the minerals it desperately needs to maintain good health.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is based upon the opinions of Revelation Health. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Revelation Health and associates. This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD for accuracy of the information provided, but Revelation Health encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
 Peter M. Kopittke Neal W. Menzies Peng Wang (et al). Soil And The Intensification Of Agriculture For Global Food Security. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2019.105078. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412019315855?via%3Dihub#bb0075
 Viriya Hantrakun 1, Patpong Rongkard 1, Malinee Oyuchua (et al). Soil Nutrient Depletion Is Associated With The Presence Of Burkholderia Pseudomallei. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2016 Nov 21;82(24):7086-7092. doi: 10.1128/AEM.02538-16. Print 2016 Dec 15. PMID: 27694236 [PMCID: PMC5118919]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27694236/
 Donald R Davis, Melvin D Epp, Hugh D Riordan. Changes in USDA food composition data for 43 garden crops, 1950 to 1999. J Am Coll Nutr. 2004 Dec;23(6):669-82. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2004.10719409. [PMID: 15637215]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15637215/
 Andrea Rosanoff. Changing Crop Magnesium Concentrations: Impact On Human Health. Plant Soil 368, 139–153 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-012-1471-5. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11104-012-1471-5
 Päivi Ekholm, Heli Reinivuo Pirjo Mattila, (et al). Changes in the mineral and trace element contents of cereals, fruits and vegetables in Finland. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2007.02.007. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889157507000336
 Scott, Marvin. Grain Composition And Amino Acid Content In Maize Cultivars Representing 80 Years Of Commercial Maize Varieties. https://dr.lib.iastate.edu/handle/20.500.12876/5048. https://dr.lib.iastate.edu/entities/publication/cadf6edb-2226-4ad9-96a7-1d430a0b3d47/full
 Heather R Pasley 1, Jill E Cairns 2, James J Camberato (et al). Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate Increases Plant Uptake And Soil Availability Of Essential Nutrients In Continuous Maize Production In Kenya And Zimbabwe. 2019;115(3):373-389. doi: 10.1007/s10705-019-10016-1. Epub 2019 Sep 7. PMID: 32684799 [PMCID: PMC7357727]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32684799/


Founded in 1922, Wish Farms is a fourth-generation, family operated company based in Plant City, Florida. An international year-round berry grower and marketer, the company supplies strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries to retailers across the country and abroad.
Feel Good. Eat Berries. Make A Difference. It isn’t just a catchy phrase, giving back is engrained in the company culture. Through the Wish Farms Family Foundation, a portion of profits are dedicated to their three pillars of giving: Food Insecurity, Youth Education and Community. With a defined mission, they hope to make the world a better place.
Gary Wishnatzki is a Tampa native. He is the third-generation owner of Plant City based year-round berry company, Wish Farms. Gary has been instrumental in his family business since 1974. Today, with growing regions across the United States, Canada, Central and South America, the company has a 52-week supply of all four berries offering both conventional and organic options. In 2013, Gary co-founded the start-up robotic company, Harvest CROO Robotics with a mission to solve the problem of labor shortages through automation. Gary is actively involved in advocacy efforts with a number of produce industry trade associations, including the Center for Produce Safety, The United Fresh Produce Association, The Produce Marketing Association and The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association.
Primary Contact: JC Clinard
Type: Board Member
- 4905 W. Laurel Street, Suite 100, Tampa, FL 33607


It was a sunny but windy day and a hectic one too. We finally got around to getting some vegetable plants to grow. The first step was to buy the plants from the garden centre. We had left it too late to start with seeds.
The grass is finally mown, its amazing how fast it grows! Its good to see it cut again, looks so much smarter.
We had to get some tools too, a spade and fork.
Our neighbour was very generous. They lent us one of their garden tools, as our small collection weren’t quite strong enough, so they kindly lent us a hard core very strong one (see below).
The soil was very hard and took some tackling.
A pair of robins were very active too, flitting around wherever the soil was tilled and the new compost was laid.
Lots of colourful pots sprewn around the place, isn’t it pretty!
The roses in the garden are doing well. Isn’t this red rose pretty 😉


3 edition of Fungicide application for management of potato late blight found in the catalog.
Fungicide application for management of potato late blight
Dennis A. Johnson
2001 by Washington State University, Cooperative Extension in [Pullman, Wash.] .
Written in English
|Statement||[by By Dennis A. Johnson and Philip B. Hamm].|
|Series||Extension bulletin -- 1923., Plant disease, Extension bulletin (Washington State University. Cooperative Extension) -- 1923., Plant disease (Pullman, Wash.)|
|Contributions||Hamm, Philip B., Washington State University. Cooperative Extension.|
|The Physical Object|
|Pagination|| p. ;|
old man & the devils.
Mental health social work in context
Research priorities for aquatic invasive species
Science, religion & reality
Standard guide to San Francisco and the Panama-Pacific International Exposition
Sacred philosophy of the seasons.
Subscription book used 60 years ago
The New-Jersey, almanack, according to the new-stile. For the year of Christian account 1753.
Advances in forestry research in India
On the relative behaviour of the H and K lines of the spectrum of calcium.
cloister and the hearth
Fungicide mixtures and targeted application based on late blight forecasting Host resistance is the best option for management of late blight of potato and it is eco-friendly developed for. crop season to find out suitable fungicide(s) to combat the late blight disease of potato.
Altogether 13 fungicides viz. Amcozeb, Coromil Mz, Dithan e M, Filthane M, Mancozeb, Metaril, Melody. Potato farmers will have to rethink their blight programmes this season after the dramatic increase in a new strain of blight last year that is resistant to a key fungicide.
Almost one-quarter of. Last month, Syngenta Canada launched Orondis Ultra, a new fungicide that promises to deliver up to 21 days of residual control for late blight in potatoes.
The product is registered for control of. The best fungicide for tomatoes, or any other kind of plant, is prevention. Fungicides can protect a plant if they are used before any kind of fungal infection begins.


Press Release: UK PULSES FORMED BY SENOVA AND WHERRY & SONS (12/04/16)
UK Pulses, a newly formed joint venture between Senova and Wherry & Sons, is to specialise in the development, production and commercialisation of pulse crops.
The new company will combine the strengths and expertise of the two private businesses, so that best use is made of Senova’s marketing and commercial skills, leaving Wherry & Son free to concentrate on its international pulse trading operations. As a result, pulse varieties previously marketed by Wherry & Son – including the top selling winter bean Wizard and the very high yielding newcomer Bumble - will be transferred to UK Pulses, which will be managed by Senova.
According to Dan Wherry, the alliance will allow the new company to gain critical mass, which is especially important with minor crop species.
“By adding our germplasm and variety experience to Senova’s specialist seed activities, UK Pulses will be able to access and make good use of new breeding technologies.”
“A breeding alliance with IBERS in Aberystwyth is already up and running, with good effect, and the first results of this will be evident when new varieties are released in the next few years.”
Senova’s commercial director Jeremy Taylor points out that strengthening the company’s involvement in the pulse seed sector is a good move, with peas and beans having an increasingly important place in farm rotations.
“This alliance comes at just the right time. We will be able to offer a good portfolio of winter and spring pulse varieties, with various end market uses.”
“Looking further ahead, there are going be plenty of exciting opportunities for protein crops. UK Pulses will be well-placed to take advantage of those.”
That’s a view shared by Doug Harley of the Alexander Harley Seeds Group, Senova’s parent company, who adds that increasing the company’s pulse market share had been a goal.
“We are delighted to be joining forces with Wherry & Sons, as we have a firm belief in the future of pulses and their place on UK farms.”


As a teacher, mother and politician, I have always been committed to youth; and as an MEP, I have made helping youth an integral part of my mission in the European Parliament.
Supporting entrepreneurship in young farmers
One of the ways that I have tried to open doors for young people is by acting as the Croatian Ambassador to the 2nd EPP Group European Congress of Young Farmers in the European Parliament.
My office organised a contest to find the best young farmers in Croatia and the top three participated in the Congress, which offered a wonderful opportunity to promote and support the work of young farmers in the EU and their importance in the agriculture sector. The young lady that won first place as the best young farmer in Croatia is Martina Petrović, with a project related to the cultivation of Black Slavonian pigs, a native Croatian breed.
Martina is a great example of why we need to support young farmers in Croatia and the EU. She is young, entrepreneurial and she has chosen to develop a family business that is extremely important for the equitable development of agriculture in Croatia. She is a great example of a young, educated person with a strong business idea, based in agriculture and strongly tied to the development of the local community and her hometown.
Family farms contribute to the development of rural areas
Family farming is important for the European Union because the majority of the EU's 12 million farms are family farms, passed down from one generation to another, and they greatly contribute to the socio-economic and environmental sustainability of rural areas. We must strive to support family farming because socially, it strengthens family values, solidarity, continuity and commitment, while economically, it improves entrepreneurial skills, strengthens business ownership, management and individual achievement.
In Croatia and in the EU, family farming is often more than just a professional choice. The decision to be involved in family farming reflects a lifestyle based on beliefs and traditions about living and work. For Croatia, it is important that we support these young people because their choices will benefit not only the agricultural sector, but society as a whole.
The EU supports young farmers through the Common Agricultural Policy and by facilitating cross-border cooperation between farmers.
It is our job to continue to help and to support young entrepreneurs like Martina. I believe in young people like her and in the future of agriculture in the EU.


FIELDS, MORRIS & VERDIN IS A SPECIALIST WINE IMPORTER AND DISTRIBUTOR SERVING THE UK’s RESTAURANT AND RETAIL TRADES.
Santa Celina Pinot Gris
Santa Celina Malbec
Over a decade ago, Jacques and Francois Lurton bought 225 ha of land in Tunuyan in Vista Flores south of Mendoza at an altitude of 1,100m, and in Barrancas on the plateau to the east of Mendoza at an altitude of 600m. These terroirs were selected for the quality of the soil, climate and quantity of water available. As the vineyard area had never been previously cultivated the soils were totally free from chemicals. The soils are calcareous and the lack of organic matter happily restricts vigorous vine growth. The result is wines full of personality and varietal character.


The Lettuce Grow Farmstand is worth your investment. It takes up a small footprint in your yard or home, is simple to maintain, and provides continuous fresh greens. The Farmstand creates a controlled environment in which the plants have plentiful water and nutrition, and the Grow Rings provide optimized lighting.
Everything you need to know about weekly maintenance - in under 60 seconds! Thanks @garden_marcus.
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The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District partnered with the Clemson School & Community Garden program earlier this week to install a Lettuce Grow Farmstand hydroponics system at Hopkins. If you like the idea of a vertical or stacking garden for vegetables, lettuce or herbs, you may want to take a look at 2 similar garden kits. First is the Lettuce Grow Farmstand. This freestanding planter comes in a variety of sizes, where you can grow between 12 and 36 plants in less than 4 square feet of ground space.
What is the Lettuce Grow Farmstand? Lettuce Grow is a company founded by actress Zooey Deschanel and Jacob Pechenik of The Farm Project. The company's primary product is the Farmstand — a vertical.
Lettuce Grow farm stand; Credit: Julia Keim. Lettuce Grow sends members biweekly deliveries of living baby plants, so their farm stands are always fully stocked. Growing plans are curated based on.
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Our interns, volunteers, and WWOOFers perform much of the day-to-day work on the farm. Individuals and couples of all ages, from all walks of life, and from all over the world have found their way to Olana Farm to work-trade for a few months to a few years. Each have come seeking something a bit different from their experience, but what they have in common is a desire to grow a community around good healthy food.
At Olana Farm we offer a limited number of Resident Internships for folks looking to live on the farm and experience the day to day activities full of rich learning opportunities.
Additionally we offer Non-Resident Internships where folks exchange their help on the farm for fresh food and the satisfaction of connecting with the earth, the source of our wonderful produce.
Resident Internships at Olana Farm
We are regularly seeking individuals or couples interested in long–term, in–depth internships in tropical gardening and small scale farming.
Our intention is to provide a rich educational experience — from seeding, planting, weeding, and propagation to composting, bed preparation, farm maintenance, and farm product marketing.
There is ample opportunity to learn practical methods of healing the earth and sustainable agriculture in a tropical environment. We are looking for positive and enthusiastic individuals to assist with the stewardship of our land and the marketing of our products. Four to six volunteers are needed on a year-round basis since it is warm and growing activity is continuous. We have a two week mutual trial period where we can each check out the arrangement and see if it is a good match. If so, we will discuss what type of commitment we can each agree upon.
In exchange for 20+ hours of hard work per week, volunteers have access to a rustic cabin or Bungalow (accommodations depend on availability), outdoor shower, indoor toilet, cooking facilities, fresh food from the farm, and high-speed wireless internet access. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate children or pets. We ask that you refrain from using tobacco products while working/living on the farm.
If you are interested in being a part of this growing community, please contact Tim O’Connor at firstname.lastname@example.org well in advance of your visit.
Please understand that we receive quite a few applications so we may be slow to respond during busy times. We prefer longer-term commitments (3-9 months) with the right individuals.
Olana Volunteers Say:
Non–Resident Interships at Olana Farm
We regularly welcome individuals or groups interested in experiencing our farm first hand by volunteering a few hours work, not residing on the farm, in exchange for fresh fruit and veggies.
There is ample opportunity to experience practical methods of healing the earth and sustainable agriculture in a tropical environment. Regular tasks include planting, weeding, harvesting and much more.
If you are interested in a non-resident internship, please contact Tim O’Connor at email@example.com so we can schedule the best time to come by and help.


In the mid 1950's, Ralph C. Pivonka and his son, Mike, designed a propane torch for burning weeds and brush on their Kansas family farm. As word spread about their flaming equipment, Ralph and Mike found themselves building more and more torches to satisfy a growing local demand. The Pivonkas soon out grew their farm workshop and went into full production establishing the company known as Flame Engineering, Inc., which now has expanded into national and international markets with the popular Red Dragon product line.
Over the years Flame Engineering, Inc. has been recognized for achievements in the LP Gas industry. The development of liquid spray flaming, a unique patented process, attained widespread acceptance as a method of controlling weeds and insects on farm lands. The Red Dragon Engine Preheater was developed especially for Alaskan bush pilots who required a compact, portable preheater for starting their aircraft engines in the frigid northern climates.
In the early 1980's, at the suggestion of several customers, Flame Engineering introduced the Red Dragon line of Roofing Torches specifically designed to satisfy the needs of professional roofers applying modified bitumen. The superior quality of the Red Dragon line was quickly recognized by contractors and is now the preferred choice throughout North America. Flame Engineering continues to expand the roofing line with wagons, roof dryers, seam finishers, cylinder dollies, spud bars, and accessories.
In addition, Flame Engineering was the first manufacturer to help the American Gas Association and Canadian Gas Association Certification write a standard for hand held, LP torches, used with a remote fuel supply.
In recent years, Flame Engineering, Inc. has developed an entire line of outdoor leisure products including Patio Lights and the Weed Dragon® Torch. In addition, it has expanded the agricultural flaming line with the development of the Red Dragon Alfalfa, Row Crop and Berm Flamers. This diversity has allowed the company to grow regardless of market highs and lows.
From a single torch, developed for use on the family farm, Flame Engineering, Inc. has expanded its product line to over 100 items. Check more information out @ www.flameengineering.com


Sunday, 6 December 2009
Back On The Farm
I've been back on the orchard in Shepparton for a couple of weeks. With harvest of the pear crop not due to begin until late january, I've been doing other things, including counting fruitlets for crop estimates, and thinning apples. The pear crop this year is a little light, while the peach, apricot and apple trees are absolutely loaded with fruit. I'm staying in my usual accomodation on farm, and as is usual for this time of year, the pickers quarters are all vacant. With the new contract labour hire arrangements they may remain so this season.


It’s been a pretty busy spring and summer this year, but we’ve still had time to have a fine and successful square-foot garden experiment on the side of the house. Back in mid-April, it was pretty much just a plot with dirt. Now here we are in mid-July, and the garden is going mad. Here’s a link to the set so far; a few highlights:
- The peas Will and I planted from seed back in late April/early May have come and gone– we got two good meals worth of stir-fried snow peas (with other things, of course).
- The lettuce was great too; I think we must have gotten at least a dozen salads out of that. We’re about to leave town tomorrow, but I think that Will and I are going to plant a mix of green beans and carrots after we get back.
- And those tomato plants are freakin’ huge! We’ll see what the actual tomatoes look like though.


Using samples collected during the Apollo lunar mission, scientists planted plants in lunar soil. This is the first time a plant has sprouted and grown from the soil of another celestial body on Earth.
The research could lay the groundwork for growing plants that provide oxygen and food on the moon, which is a timely consideration, as NASA’s Artemis program hopes to land the first women and the first people of color at the lunar south pole later this decade.
This was the first time a plant sprouted and grown in lunar soil, laying the foundation for planting plants that provide oxygen and food on the moon.
“Plants helped determine that soil samples brought back from the moon did not contain pathogens or other unknown components that would harm life on land, but these plants were only covered with lunar weathering and actually never grew in them,” said Anna-Lisa Paul, co-author of the study and professor of horticultural science at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Rob Ferl, assistant vice chancellor for research at the University of Florida and one of the study’s co-authors, said: “This is a key finding – plants grow in lunar soil. It’s very shocking because plants have never been to the moon and seeds have never adapted to living there. ”
“For longer space missions in the future, we may use the moon as a hub or launch pad,” Ferl said in a statement. “So what happens when you plant plants in lunar soil, which is completely beyond the evolutionary experience of plants?” What do plants do in lunar greenhouses? Can we have moon farmers? ”
It’s been a long-simmering experiment, 15 years after the researchers first proposed and requested lunar samples, which was finally approved 18 months ago.
The team asked NASA to provide 4 grams of lunar soil collected during the Apollo 17 mission. Ryan Zeigler, NASA’s Apollo sample curator, saw the scientific value of providing more samples from different Apollo missions, ultimately providing 12 grams of lunar soil collected from Apollo 11, 12, and 17 missions.
“This allows us to study the effects of the lunar regolith on plants more deeply, which is greater than we could have done,” Paul said.
The researchers used utensils commonly used to grow cells as “flower pots,” filling each grid with 1 gram of lunar soil, adding nutrients and water, and then sprinkling some Arabidopsis seeds.
Arabidopsis thaliana is a small flowering plant native to Eurasia and Africa, and it is an attractive plant specimen for researchers because it has been thoroughly studied and its genetic code has been mapped – which allows researchers to study how exotic soils affect plant gene expression.
At the same time, arabidopsis seeds were also planted in synthetic material and volcanic ash that simulated lunar soil in order to compare with plants grown in lunar soil.
Good news and bad news
The good news is that all the seeds have sprouted and started to grow.
But the bad news is that after the first week, the roughness and other properties of the lunar soil put so much pressure on these plants that they grew slower than seedlings planted in simulated lunar soil.
Arabidopsis seedlings show signs of struggle in adapting to lunar soil. Plants sown in lunar soil grow slower, smaller, and show more signs of stress, such as pigmentation and expression of stress-related genes, compared to plants that grow in simulated lunar soils.
While plants grown in lunar soil are sprouting and growing, plants grown in the Apollo 11 sample perform worse than those in the Apollo 12 and 17 samples, suggesting that there are also differences between lunar soils.
The Apollo 11 sample was exposed to solar and cosmic radiation for the longest time. The researchers speculate that the effects of long-term high-energy bombardment may have made the lunar regolith particularly sensitive to biology. The lunar surface is often bombarded by cosmic radiation and the solar wind, as well as iron particles and tiny glass shards, all of which affect plant growth.
The researchers hope to conduct follow-up studies to understand how growing plants in the lunar environment changes the lunar soil and how to activate lunar greenhouses.
Further research could also help researchers determine the most effective way to grow plants in lunar soil. The researchers also wanted to get a clear picture of the nutritional value of these plants and whether they were affected by the soil.
Although Arabidopsis thaliana is edible, it is not tasty and is not considered a food crop. But it belongs to the same plant family as broccoli, kale, turnip and cauliflower.
NASA’s chief scientist in space biomimicry Sharmila Bhattacharya considers the discovery of plant growth “quite exciting” and said the study offers scientists many follow-up opportunities.
He wrote in an email: “We need to look at how to make plants grow better in the regolith matrix. For example, do we need to add other components to help plants grow and, if so, what are they? Are there other plants that better adapt to these weathered matrix, and if so, what characteristics make them more adaptable to these environments? ”
“That’s where science is exciting, with each new discovery leading to more unique and transformative outcomes that we can then use to help improve the sustainability of our future space exploration missions!”
Ideally, scientists say, future astronauts could use the moon’s available soil resources for indoor cultivation, rather than building a hydroponic system. Growing plants on the moon is key to a long stay on the moon, not only providing food for astronauts and other visitors, but also helping to provide clean air and water.


Choosing the Best Reel Mower in 2018
When mowing your garden with a motorless mower, the lawn does not turn yellow after the mowing because the blades cut the grass smoothly and accurately like sharp scissors, minimizing the damage to the cutting site.
When using other types of lawn mowers, the grass is not cut but is torn by fast rotating blades or a fishing line. However, it is possible to use reel mower for Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, St. Augustine, etc.
In addition, with the help of some models of powerless lawn mowers, you can make a striped lawn.
Traditionally let’s consider the arrangement of mechanical mowers, their technical characteristics, safety techniques, the pros and cons of such devices, and tips on how to choose the best reel lawn mower in 2018.
- 1 The arrangement of mechanical lawn mowers
- 2 Specifications
- 3 Safety during operation of mechanical mowers
- 4 Recommendations for the selection of mowers
- 5 3 Best Reel Mowers – Our Pick
The arrangement of mechanical lawn mowers
The arrangement of mechanical lawn mowers is quite simple. They consist in the general case of a body, two wheels, a set of blades, and a handle. In the mowers of this type, there is no motor.
The motor, in this case, is the person who, by pressing the handle, pushes the rotary mower forward and thereby activates the mechanism of the mower.
And this is a short video on comparison rotary mower and reel mower:
The blade block
The blade block consists of one fixed blade and several moving blades. The fixed blade is made of high-quality steel and fixed in the lower part of the body closer to the surface of the lawn.
Movable blades have a special spiral shape and are mounted on a drum, which has the ability to rotate on a horizontal axis. Movable blades are also made of steel, but their hardness is lower than that of a fixed blade. This is done specifically so that the movable blades could get sharpened against the fixed blade.
This is true only for contact blade blocks, in which the blades slightly touch each other during the cutting. There are non-contact designs of blade blocks as well, in which there is a clearance of about 0.05 mm between the fixed and movable knives during the cutting process.
Lawnmowers with contactless blades are less noisy, lightweight, but require careful adjustment and are more expensive than similar mowers with contact blades.
Wheels are leading and that’s why their size and pattern of the tread are of great importance. When moving the non-powered mower, there should be no slippage of the wheels as this will disrupt the operation of the grass cutting mechanism.
The diameter of the wheels is calculated when designing the product in order to ensure the optimum speed of rotation of the drum with blades.
A handle is used to push the lawn mower forward, thereby providing the process of cutting (mowing) lawn grass. Often the handle is foldable for easy carrying and transportation of Fiskars lawn mowers.
A body is usually made of steel or plastic, protects the man from rotating blades and mowed grass.
Principle of operation
The man pushes the mower forward, causing the wheels to rotate. Rotational movement of the wheels through the step-up gear (gears) is transferred to the drum with blades. The drum rotates several times faster than the wheels.
Grass as it was captured by curved movable blades and pressed against a fixed blade – the cutting process takes place. The grass is cut as if with scissors.
Due to the simplicity of self-propelled mowers, they don’t have a lot of characteristics. Here are the main characteristics:
- Cutting width (in cm) – from 30 to 40
- Cutting height (in mm) – from 12 to 55
- Number of adjustment positions – from 3 to 7
- Number of movable blades – 4 or 5
- Weight (in kg) – from 6.4 to 9.8
- The recommended lawn area (in square m) is from 100 to 500
Safety during operation of mechanical mowers
Mechanical non-gas mowers in comparison with electric and gasoline John Deere mowers are the safest devices.
They are not connected to an electrical network and hence, there is no danger of electric shock. They do not contain batteries so there is no danger of fires, chemical burns, or danger in the process of charging batteries. They work on no gas so there are not all those dangers that are inherent in mowers with gasoline engines.
The basic safety rules for reel mowers include:
- Before starting to work, carefully read the instructions (manual) for operating your lawn mower – there are all the safety rules when using it.
- Do not allow dangerous contact between your legs and fingers with the blades.
- Do not allow children and persons unfamiliar with the operating instructions to work with the non-electric mower.
- In the immediate vicinity of the operating mower, there should be no strangers or animals.
- Before starting work, check the lawn and remove strange objects (toys, stones, branches, etc.).
- During work, use safety goggles, non-slip shoes, durable long pants, and gloves.
Recommendations for the selection of mowers
Let’s start with the pros and cons.
- Cheapness – due to the simplicity of the construction, these mowers are cheaper than gasoline, electric or battery lawnmowers
- A mechanical pull behind mower does not require any consumables such as gasoline, oil, fishing line, batteries or electricity.
- A long cord, an extension cord, is not required like in electric lawnmowers.
- They are ecological and silent – a manual grasscutter doesn’t emit gasoline exhaust gases into the atmosphere and is not noisy as gasoline and electric mowers.
- They are light and have small dimensions – such lawn mowers are easy to carry and transport.
The cons include only two points:
- Reel lawn mowers are great for small yards with a smooth, well-groomed lawn since it works due to the muscular efforts of a man.
- A task force mower is designed for small lawns. If the lawn is more than five hundred square meters, then you will have to buy a lawnmower with an engine – electric or gasoline, cylinder vs. rotary.
Also we have a read on How to Select the Best Grass Lawn Mower. Check it out!
Choosing reel lawn mowers is not very difficult. Follow this advice when buying the best push reel mower for the money:
- Ask the seller for what area of the lawn this or that model of lawn mower is recommended and compare with your area. The recommended lawn area is usually indicated in the instruction manual.
- The lawnmower wheels are mounted either on sleeves or on bearings. Bearings are more reliable and durable, but also more expensive.
- Pay attention to such characteristics as cutting width, mowing height, lawn mower’s weight, and compare it with your needs and physical capabilities.
- Check with the seller if there is a special shaft in the construction of the lawnmower that mows the grass. This is for those who like to have their lawns striped.
- In some models, you can additionally install a grass catcher, which must be purchased separately. Check with the seller if this device is of interest to you.
3 Best Reel Mowers – Our Pick
Here is the list of three best reel mowers for your garden based on reel mower reviews and customer experience.
AL-KO 112539 Soft Touch Comfort 38 Plus
This is a fairly light mower (7.2 kg) with two-wheels and a cutting width of 38 cm. There is a central adjustment of the cutting height – 4 levels within 14–35 mm. The kit includes 5 self-sharpening blades. It is suitable for a clean area (without garbage, branches). The best price-quality ratio. It is important to adjust the blades before working.
The main advantages:
- It is convenient to use
- Interesting design
- Foldable handle for easy transportation
- 4 levels of cutting height
- Very thick grass should be cut twice
The cutting width of this rotary push mower is 40 cm. The mowing height is adjustable within 12–38 cm. It is maneuverable and works well in a limited area. It creates a beautiful smooth pattern. Ideal for a flat area with short grass to eliminate flaws when mowing with a trimmer.
The main advantages:
- Gives a clean, uniform cut
- Easy setup
- Easy to disassemble and clean, does not require complex maintenance
- Poorly grabs leaves and grass, adjacent to the ground (burdocks, dandelions)
- Long grass is wound on the shaft
Gardena 400 Classic
According to manual push mower reviews, this is a more affordable model with a drum. It has a non-contact operation principle of the blades. The manufacturer guarantees a stable and easy processing of the lawn in an area of up to 200 square meters.
The 400 Classic reel mower is equipped with a horizontal counter blade and a cutting cylinder, which ensures a neat and even cut of grown grass areas.
The work elements are made of high-quality steel so there is no need for a sharpening of the cutting edge.
For the convenience of use, a folding handle is provided. This will greatly facilitate the work and the storage of the tool.


Increase in yields of
100 percent and more
possible with out any harm to the environment
Above-average yields are only possible with above-average root formation!
Strong, well-developed roots result in:
Even in the case of cereals (wheat, rye, oats and barley),
farmers estimated an increase in root mass of approx. 40 - 70%.
The table below shows a few examples of how root mass
after treatment with Plant Power 2003®.
There is no need to explain how important healthy leaf development is, particularly in open field agriculture, Substantial differences were also found here with the application of Plant Power 2003®. The following data were recorded with the previously mentioned strawberries of the Korona type shown on the graph.
In tropical countries, a well developed leaf mass for water intake and the provision of shade is a precondition for a good harvest. For instance, banana plants must have at least 7 leaves in order to produce a yield. On our test plantation in Costa Rica we achieved an average of 11 leaves. Experiment with genetically identical plants (Pictures below): .
Untreated control sample click me Treated with Plant Power 2003®
This is the visible difference in four days (experiment with genetically identical plants).
Banana plants produce only one yield. The trunk is cut down after the haryest.
The sapling develops to bear the fruit for the following harvest.
These photographs also show genetically identical plants. Please note the
height of the sapling. The genetically identical parent plants were
planted on the same day.
In open field tests in Central America, yield increases of 80% were achieved with Plant Power 2003®. In practice, an even higher yield can be expected, as the fructification of the second crop was so far advanced that it could be harvested approx. 6 weeks earlier than the control plants.
Yields with Plant Power 2003®
Click on the different Plants to see the yield results!


Article of the Year 2020
Organic Compounds: Contents and Their Role in Improving Seed Germination and Protocorm Development in OrchidsRead the full article
International Journal of Agronomy publishes research focused on crop production and management, crop science and physiology, crop disease and protection, and agroclimatology and soil science.
Chief Editor, Dr. Othmane Merah, is an Associate Professor at the University of Toulouse Paul Sabatier, France.
Latest ArticlesMore articles
Genetic Variability, Correlation, and Path Analysis of Thai Commercial Melon Varieties
In the selection phase of melon breeding programs, genetic variability is a critical component for yield improvement. The goals of this study were to discover the variables that affect melon fruit weight and examine genetic variability, correlation, and path analysis of eight melon varieties. The experiment was arranged as a completely randomized block design with 4 blocks. It was conducted between July and September 2021 at the School of Agricultural Technology, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. The result found that stem diameter and length, leaf length, width, number, and chlorophyll, day to 50% male and female flowering, and fruit perimeter, height, and weight were highly significant across the varieties. The genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) of observed variables were all lower than phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV). Fruit weight (15.462 and 19.865%) had the highest GCV and PCV. High broad-sense heritability was linked to high (H) or moderate (M) genetic advance as a percentage of the mean from stem length (67.606%: H and 21.992%: H), fruit weight (60.586%: H and 24.793%: H), fruit perimeter (76.395%: H and 12.258%: M), and fruit height (69.828%: H and 12.122%: M). The maximum and significant genotypic correlation value was obtained between leaf length and leaf width (r = 1.000). Fruit weight is positively correlated with fruit perimeter (r = 0.940) and fruit height (r = 0.831). According to correlation and path analyses, stem diameter and length, leaf chlorophyll, and fruit perimeter and height were considered variables for fruit weight improvement in the breeding programs. It suggests that the increase in traits with a favorable direct influence on fruit weight may directly contribute to fruit weight.
Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Rhizobium Inoculation on Growth and Yield of Glycine max L. Varieties
Biofertilizers are preparations containing living cells that help crop plants in the uptake of nutrients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of coinoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Rhizobium species on the growth and nutrient uptake of three varieties of Glycine max: Belsa 95, Afgat M5, and Nova E3, in the greenhouse and the field. These varieties were obtained from the Gambela research center of Ethiopia. Commercial Rhizobium inoculants were obtained from the Menagesha Biotechnology Institute (MBI), and the previously isolated indigenous AMF inoculants were mass-produced using Sorghum bicolor as a trap plant. Two kilograms of sterilized soil and sand in a 2:1 ratio were used for greenhouse treatments, and 2 m × 3 m plots were used for field treatments. In the greenhouse trials, for all the three varieties was recorded better yield plant−1 in coinoculated treatments with fertilizer application and without fertilizer application, respectively. The highest root number plant−1 (10.0 ± 1.2 and 10.0 ± 1.7) was recorded for variety 1 with the application of only fertilizer and fertilizer + Rhizobium, respectively, and the highest values (8.7 ± 1.9 and 4.7 ± 0.8) were recorded for coinoculated treatments with fertilizer application for varieties 2 and 3, respectively. For sole mycorrhiza-inoculated treatments in the greenhouse was recorded higher dry biomass (16.67% for V1, 42.20% for V2, and 22.18% for V3) as compared with the control. Moreover, for combined inoculation of AMF + Rhizobium and AMF + Rhizobium + fertilizer were recorded 27.01% and 66.99% for V1, 42.20% and 70.33% for V2, and 36.84 and 80.20% for V3, respectively. That means tripartite interactions favor the growth response in association with higher P and N uptake. Finally, it is recommended to apply biofertilizers as the plant-fungi-Rhizobium interactions may have a bigger potential role in maintaining sustainable agriculture with effective environmental resilience.
Effect of Sorghum Mulches on Emergence and Seedling Growth of Beggarticks, Goose Grass, and Sesame
Rotation of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) with sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) in drought prone areas of Zimbabwe has raised concerns on whether these two crops are compatible in the rotational system. This is because sorghum is known to exhibit strong allelopathic effects on both crop and weed species. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the effect of soil incorporated sorghum residues on the emergence and seedling growth of sesame and weeds. The emergence and early seedling growth of sesame and the weed significantly increased with increases in the amount of soil incorporated sorghum residues. Incorporating 27.7 g of the ground sorghum herbage caused a stimulatory effect on the emergence and early seedling growth of the test species. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed the presence of 6 probable allelochemicals in sorghum residues, namely, 4-methylaminobutyrate, C16 sphinganine, oleamide, tauroursdeoxycholic acid, pisatin, and anhalonidine. From this study, it can be concluded that dry sorghum residues do not have an inhibitory effect on sesame emergence and growth at mulch rates that retard emergence and growth of weeds.
Changes on Sugar and Starch Contents during Seed Development of Synergistic Sweet Corn and Implication on Seed Quality
Synergistic sweet corn equipped with multiple-recessive genes encoding sugar synthesis is proposed through hybrid breeding to improve the balance eating quality including flavor, texture, and aroma. However, the drawback on seed quality occurs such as low germination and poor seedling vigor. This study aimed to investigate the changes of carbohydrate contents on seed quality of five sweet corn genotypes differing in the number of equipped recessive genes during seed development. Seeds were sampled at 4-day intervals from 18 to 46 days after pollination (DAP) and analyzed for seed germination, sugar, water-soluble polysaccharide, and starch. Then, their relationships were analyzed by using time series regression analysis. Although there were significant differences among 5 corn genotypes in their seed germination and carbohydrate contents, some genotypes showed responses in similar patterns. The optimal time to harvest seeds was genotype-dependent, which were 38 DAP for triple-recessive gene (btbtsh2sh2wxwx) and single-recessive genes (BtBtsh2sh2WxWx and Sh2Sh2susuWxWx) and 42 DAP for double-recessive genes (BtBtsh2sh2wxwx). The regression analysis revealed that seed germinability could be predicted by total starch content in synergistic sweet corn lines during seed development stages; however, this prediction seemed to be negligible in sweet corn genotypes equipped with a single-recessive gene. Implications and further suggestions for establishing an effective seed production technique and seed quality of synergistic sweet corn are discussed.
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Yield and Yield Components as Influenced by Herbicide Application in Kaffa Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia
In order to identify the effect of herbicidal weed control practices on yield components and yield of wheat, the study was conducted at Kocha kebele in Chena district of Kaffa zone, Southwestern Ethiopia. 2,4-D amine salt (0.5 kg ha−1, 1 kg ha−1, and 1.5 kg ha−1) supplemented with one hand weeding 30 days after chemical application, clodinafop-propargyl 6% + fluroxypyr 12% (0.5 kg ha−1, 0.75 kg ha−1, and 1 kg ha−1) supplemented with one hand weeding 30 days after chemical application, pyroxsulam (0.4 kg ha−1, 0.5 kg ha−1, and 0.6 kg ha−1) supplemented with one hand weeding 30 days after chemical application, 2,4-D amine salt at 1 kg ha−1, clodinafop-propargyl 6% + fluroxypyr 12% at 0.75 kg ha−1, pyroxsulam at 0.5 kg ha−1, two hand weeding 30 and 45 days after crop emergence, weed-free check, and weedy check (unweeded) were the weed control treatments. Fifteen treatments were used for the trial and arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments had a significant effect on weed community, dry matter of weeds, parameters on weed control, phenology and growth parameters, and yield components and yield of wheat. The minimum total weed dry biomass was recorded in plots treated with clodinafop-propargyl 6% + fluroxypyr 12% at 1 kg ha−1 + one hand weeding at crop harvest. The highest weed control efficiency (93.30%) and herbicide efficiency index (27.06%) and the lowest weed index (14.18%) were recorded with the application of clodinafop-propargyl 6% + fluroxypyr 12% at 1 kg ha−1 + one hand weeding. Higher number of grains per spike (57.9), 1000-grain weight (39.4 g ha−1), grain yield (3635.6 kg ha−1), biological yield (9004 kgha−1), and harvest index (40.23%) were recorded with the application of clodinafop-propargyl 6% + fluroxypyr 12% at 1 kg ha−1 + one hand weeding 30 days after chemical application, next to weed-free check. Managing weeds with the application of clodinafop-propargyl 6% + fluroxypyr 12% at 1 kg ha−1 + one hand weeding contributed maximum (50,745.2 ETB) net benefit. The application of clodinafop-propargyl 6% + fluroxypyr 12% at1.0 kg ha−1 plus one hand weeding can be recommended to acquire high grain yield of wheat and high economic return in the study site.
Influence of Treated Wastewater on the Percentage of Protein Content during Fodder Intercropping
This study aims to explore the potential use of treated wastewater in irrigating fodder crops and its effects on protein contents. A comparison of the protein contents in intercropped fodder plants irrigated with fresh water, and rainfall water, against those irrigated with treated grey water was performed under Palestinian climate conditions. Field experiments with different intercropping mixing ratios were carried out in 2017–2019 at the National Agricultural Research Centre in Palestine (NARC). Measurements of the nutritional value of each mixture specifically the protein contents were carried out to get the optimal and best conditions for preparing animal feed crops with three different water sources used. For alfalfa with vetch, the best result for protein percentages was (on average) obtained from the rain-fed experiment (17.1% protein) followed by the freshwater experiment (12.9% protein) and then by the treated grey-water experiment (12.6% protein). It appears that the best result for alfalfa with barley for protein percentages was (on average) obtained from the treated grey-water experiment (13.0% protein) followed by the freshwater experiment (11.1% protein) and then by the rain-fed experiment (10.5% protein). Statistical analysis of the data showed that percent protein for each specific mixing ratio resulted in significant differences in the protein % for the those irrigated with fresh water compared with the other types of water. The highest protein % was found to be for that irrigated with fresh water (31.9 for 10/90 alfalfa/barley ratio) followed by that irrigated with treated grey water (28.4 for 20/80 alfalfa/barley ratio) and then for the 30/70 ratio irrigated with treated wastewater (22.5%), and then for the 100/0 ratio of alfalfa/barley irrigated with rainwater (19.0). Overall, results of this study showed that cereal-legume intercropping irrigated with treated grey water can be used as a suitable management strategy for producing high-quality and high-quantity forage. Furthermore, the use of treated water can reduce the already strained demand on fresh water due to increase in population among other factors.


Dorset Sustainable Palm Oil Community
Local Food Links support the use of sustainably sourced ingredients including the use of sustainably sourced palm oil and palm derivatives. When we use palm oil, we commit to using sustainably sourced palm oil or palm derivatives. There are a number of supply chain options to demonstrate the use of 100% sustainable palm oil and therefore compliance, which are approved by the RSPO. We are therefore committed to asking for and purchasing ingredients with sustainable palm oil only. We know that by doing this we are helping to support livelihoods, flight climate change and protect wildlife around the world from the impact of unsustainable agricultural practices.
Local Food Links has become a Dorset Sustainable Palm Oil Champion and has audited all suppliers to check that only sustainable palm oil products are being used.
29 April 2022


Compared with wheat, in particular pasta, rice has the following advantages (and no disadvantage):
- Rice contains a higher level of essential amino acids (those the human body cannot produce and therefore has to intake through nutrition). As a matter of fact, 100 g of refined rice contain 7-8 g of protein,4.1 - 3.8 g of essential amino acids of 9 different types. On the other hand, 100 g of pasta, with a content of 7 to 8 g of protein, provide only 3-2.8 g of essential amino acids. Therefore, 8 g of protein derived from rice have more biological value than 12 g of protein derived from wheat. Given the fact that the daily bodily requirement in essential amino acids is about 12.7 g, 100 g of rice cover approximately a third thereof.
- Rice proteins possess higher developmental qualities: they are more plastic or plasmatic and it is for this reason that among the products administered during the first period of infancy rice and its derivates stand out. In wheat proteins, two essential amino acids are missing which instead are present in rice: isoleucina and valina. In all the other cases, amino acids of rice have a higher percentage than the ones present in wheat.
- Rice has the lowest content of IPA (aromatic polycyclic carbohydrates, as of now prominently present in Italian soils and air) among all cultivated food products of a vegetal nature. For instance, quantities between 28 and 207 mcg/kg have been encountered in cereals. In wheat flower the average quantity can be put at 39 mcg/kg. The quantities referred for rice, on the other hand, vary from 1 to 13 mcg/kg, with an insignificant average. The higher purity of rice is due to the cleansing effects of the waters in the rice fields, and to the biological structure of the plant which possesses a system of aeration and filter channels in the above ground parts as well as in the submerged roots – this renders rice largely immune against the risks some authors attribute to the diffusion of IPA in foods.
- Rice is genuine and almost natural, and cannot be imitated, therefore unique as a foodstuff. “Natural” agricultural products are defined as those which have not undergone any treatment; “genuine” are called those which have only undergone technological treatments of transformation. Refined rice, being nothing else than the central inner part of the raw rice grain, has a cellular composition and structure still intact. It therefore adds its natural quality to its genuineness in a way few other refined products do, and therefore is superior to wheat pasta. Obviously, rice cannot be imitated since it is not a “fabricated” product having been put together from more than one ingredient.


Limmi is part of the B&G company, founded almost 30 years ago in Perugia. It originated from a family united by their passion for the fruits of the earth, excellence in food production, and innovation. It originated from the idea that the juice of a cherished fruit like the lemon could be captured in a bottle, like a magic elixir. Exclusively Sicilian lemons, with their unique, intense aroma, grown, selected and pressed: from the plant to the bottle. Since then, a desire for innovation, an urge to put the spotlight on Italy’s prized food crops, and a drive to broaden our horizons and our markets have led us to extend our range of condiments.
Limmi lemon juice is made from freshly squeezed Sicilian lemons, the very best in the world. They are carefully selected from prized cultivars and harvested only when fully ripened and at the peak of their flavour. Limmi packages its juice in bright, specifically designed to protect the product from environmental agents and tampering. The neck of each bottle is fitted with a special capsule containing essential lemon oil. The tiny dose released upon each use gives the product its distinctive fresh citrus aroma.
The practical PET containers used for packaging were specially designed to be recyclable and most of all guarantee the long shelf life of the product. A splash of freshness and goodness, rich in calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamins C, B1 and B2, readily available in the 125 ml size ( the juice of 3-4 lemons), 200 ml size (the juice of 8-10 lemons), and a 500 ml size (the juice of 18-20 lemons).
The product range also extends with Limmi: Lemon juice, Limmi Lemon and Ginger, Limmi IGP Lemon Juice, Limmi BIO, Limmi Sweet, Limmi Sorbet and Limmi Lime Juice. Limmi lemon juice in itself is extremely useful as a condiment to brighten up the flavour of first, second courses, salads and desserts, but can also be used to create gourmet dressings and sauces. It is excellent in fruit salads, with strawberries, hot camomile or traditional tea.
For almost 30 years, we have grown alongside you. Every company begins with a dream and a mission. Ours carry the scent of the sun, and of nature. B&G srl is located in Perugia in Umbria.


Support local farmers and enjoy health benefits from eating fresh, seasonal produce.
Madison College is proud to partner with Troy Community Farm to deliver CSA boxes to the Truax campus on Fridays from June 6 to October 24.
New "Market Share" options are also available for those who would like to pick up produce at the Dane County Farmers Market. For example, Harmony Valley Farm now offers a CSA Market Share with $40 and $100 punch cards redeemable at the Saturday Farmer's Market. This qualifies for wellness reimbursement through GHC and WPS.
Our CSA delivery partner, Troy Community Farm, is part of Community GroundWorks, a non-profit that seeks to connect individuals with urban agricultural and natural lands within a diverse learning community. They have been growing certified organic food on Madisonʼs North side since 2001. The farm is located at Troy Gardens, a unique 26-acre development that includes restored prairie, woodlands, trails, and community gardens, as well as a 5-acre farm. Members are welcome to visit and walk through Troy Gardens at any time. A self-guided tour brochure is available at the kiosk at the front of the land.
CSA Membership - Troy Community Farm:
How to sign up: submit the 2014 CSA Membership Form directly to Troy Community Farm. Share prices are as follows:
How to make it more affordable:
GHC and WPS members can get reimbursed $100 to $200 for CSA memberships. Learn more about wellness reimbursements here.
If you have any further questions, email Employee Wellness.


Seriously. Can I plant my four year old's bean stalk in the garden yet? I don't want to kill the darn thing.
We have a magic window sill that can grow just about anything. Two years ago, A's preschool bean stalk grew up to the top of the window, so tall that I had to support it with straws taped together. I moved it out to the garden and before I knew it, it was over my head (maybe there's some truth to that Jack story ;) We were eating beans off it for a couple of months.
Now J has one too, and it's looking like it wants to go outside. I honestly don't know if he remembers A's beanstalk, or would even care if his went outside and died, but it would bug me.
So I ask you, yet again, southern BC weather peeps, are we DONE with the cold and snow already???


Have you started your garden yet? I’ve been working on mine, here are some updates…
I enlarged my small garden from last year to about double the size. It is still quite small, compared to what I grew up with (a 50 acre farm!) but now that we’re renting, we make due with what’s available! This proves that even if you only have a small amount of space, you can still grow a great variety of vegetables!
I started by digging up the lawn space that I wanted to convert into garden. I then added fresh top soil and organic manure.
My new space was then ready to start planting! If you’re not sure where to begin, just read the directions on the seed package to know how deep the seeds should be planted, and how far the rows need to be apart. Just use a hoe or your hand to make a shallow line about 1 inch (2.5cm) deep and put the seeds a couple of cm apart. Just imagine how large carrots or beets grow, or a head of lettuce, and plant accordingly. Then cover the seeds over with a bit of dirt, again, approximately 1 inch deep, so the garden is level. Then, lightly water the seeds with a sprinkling water can, not the garden hose! It might be too forceful, and make the seeds float around out of their rows.
I chose a variety of high-nutrient vegetables, mixed with my favourites! Golden beets, kale, chioggia beets (pink) (I find red beets too hard on my system), cherry tomatoes, parsely, dill, basil, carrots, spinach, 4 kinds of lettuce, onions, zucchini and cucumbers. I purchased my seeds from www.Veseys.com. They have an excellent variety of choices of each vegetable, depending on what styles you like best, your growing area and weather conditions.
I also added colourful gladiola bulbs right below each of the bamboo fences. As they grow taller, I will tie them to the fences for support. I also put small fences over the kale, because as the kale gets larger, there are white moths that lay eggs on the kale leaves that produce little worms. I will drape a small mesh netting over the fences to protect the kale from the moths. This is a great way to use organic methods, instead of using a chemical pesticide to kill the worms or moths after they have arrived.
These are my strawberries! They are an everbearing variety that I got from Home Depot last year! I transplanted them from their pots and into the ground last year and they did really well. This year, they have grown quickly, and already have many blooms! It will be six weeks now until we have red berries! I can’t wait 🙂
I also added extra bamboo fences around the cherry tomatoes, while they are still small, because sometimes the birds nip the plants off at the ground! For no reason. They just slice them off with their beaks and leave them there to die. So I hope the fences protect the small plants until they are larger and the birds will leave them alone.
Here, you can see the fences a little bit better.
Some updates in June…
We built a fence around my strawberries because I don’t like sharing with the birds, squirrels and mice when we have such a small amount to harvest!
Please let me know if you have any questions about planting or growing a garden. I’d love to help you get organized to grow an organic vegetable garden in your very own backyard!! (Grow food, not lawns!)


Aspirator Harvester - Ciclope
The CICLOPE aspirator harvester is designed to extract small fruits from the ground or directly from the plant without damaging them.
Its height-built structure allows it to enter the orchard without touching or damaging the fruit plants while, with long pipes of 5mt (or 10m), operators can also pick up the farther fruits.
The ability to regulate the aspiration of the machine opens up the possibility of aspiring even the heaviest fruits or to pick them directly from the plant before they fall to the ground. The fruit contact details are all made of stainless steel so they can be washed without any problems.
The use of this equipment makes it possible to greatly increase the harvest while maintaining a high quality of the harvested product.
In addition, the harvester can be used as a floor cleaning machine to prevent crop rotation and production of pathogenic bacteria or pathogens that are harmful to the crop.
TECHNICAL DATA Mod. C-001
- Work position: On back plate with distributors
- Utilities drive: Hydraulic system driven by PTO
- PTO speed: 540 g/min
- Machine weight: 1050 Kg
- ractor power requirement: >35 Cv
- Ø Aspirator pipe: 100mm
- Aspirator pipe leght: 5000mm / 10000mm
- Aspirator pipe: 2
- Sifting system: INOX wire belt