NE CASC affiliated investigator Jack Waide, USGS, completes project focused on development and application of spatial decision support systems to assist the Landscape Conservation Cooperative (LCC) community and partner resource management agencies across the Mississippi River Basin in addressing Gulf hypoxia. Completed in coordination with the Eastern Tallgrass Prairie and Big Rivers LCC, and other US Fish and Wildlife Service LCCs which collectively span the geographic extent of the Mississippi River Basin.
• Agricultural producers are more willing to adopt conservation practices that improve soil health and prevent erosion, than practices that enhance other conservation priorities;
• The mean weight for reducing soil erosion was higher than for other criteria, indicating that on average, interviewees give more weight to reducing soil erosion when making decisions on practice adoption than to other decision criteria;
• Producers are willing to increase adoption of conservation practices which are already adopted widely in the watershed and which help prevent erosion (e.g.., grass waterways);
• Reducing soil erosion and nutrient loss are more highly weighted by producers than decreasing risks of climate change or increasing biodiversity (wildlife) when making decisions about adopting conservation practices;
• Many of the practices that agricultural producers would increase are practices that interviewees were already willing to adopt; some of these could also decrease or stay the same. This indicates that climate change may not be a motivator for adoption of conservation practices; and
• Results imply that if interviewees are thinking of using conservation practices to address environmental issues (e.g.., water quality), the fact that some practices have more concrete disadvantages may weigh more heavily than abstract benefits.
Written by Communications Intern Mike Crowley


Normally, I send out an article each Monday morning, having written it the night before, but it’s all gone pear shaped. On Sunday, after doing lots of bee stuff, including adding clearer boards to hives, I was too tired. Today has been full-on honey extraction (spring honey crop), followed by adding clearer boards to the hives at the next apiary. We should finish extracting the spring honey by Wednesday evening. Then the supers have to go back out to the hives. Anyway, I was struggling to produce content for today, so I thought I’d see what ChatGPT says – see below – The Fascinating Journey of Honey Bees: Honey Production.
But first, some pretty photos from my holiday in Scotland.
ChatGPT Article (yawn)
Honey has captivated human taste buds for centuries. As one of nature’s most remarkable creations, honey is a complex substance that not only tantalises our palates, but also holds numerous health benefits. However, have you ever wondered how honey is made, and what makes honey from different regions unique? In this article, we will explore the extraordinary process by which honey bees create honey and delve into the properties and composition of honey in the UK, comparing it to other regions worldwide.
Section 1: The Honey Bee’s Journey:
Honey production begins with the tireless efforts of honey bees. These industrious insects play a pivotal role in pollination, ensuring the proliferation of various plant species. The process of honey production can be divided into several stages:
Pollination: Honey bees collect nectar from flowering plants, transferring pollen grains from the male anther to the female stigma, fertilising the plant and enabling it to reproduce.
Nectar Collection: Honey bees use their long, straw-like proboscis to extract nectar from the flowers. The nectar is a sugary solution produced by the plant to attract pollinators.
Nectar Processing: Inside the bee’s honey stomach, enzymes present in their saliva break down complex sugars in the nectar into simpler sugars, primarily glucose and fructose.
Honey Storage: Upon returning to the hive, the bees regurgitate the processed nectar into the mouths of other worker bees. These bees continue to pass the nectar from mouth-to-mouth, further breaking down the sugars and reducing the water content through evaporation.
Honeycomb Formation: The bees deposit the partially dehydrated nectar into wax cells within the honeycomb. The bees fan their wings vigorously to enhance the evaporation process, reducing the water content to approximately 17-18%.
Honey Sealing: Once the honey reaches the desired moisture content, the bees cap the honeycomb cells with beeswax to protect the honey from moisture and other contaminants.
Section 2: Properties and Composition of Honey in the UK:
Honey’s properties and composition can vary depending on various factors such as floral sources, climate, and geographical location. Here, we will focus on honey in the UK and compare it to other regions.
Floral Sources: In the UK, honey bees gather nectar from a diverse range of floral sources, including clover, oilseed rape, heather, and wildflowers. Each source lends a unique flavour and colour profile to the resulting honey.
Flavour and Aroma: British honey exhibits a wide range of flavours, from mild and floral to rich and robust. Varieties such as clover honey are known for their delicate, sweet taste, while heather honey offers a stronger, distinctive flavour.
Colour: The colour of honey can vary significantly. UK honey typically ranges from pale, light amber to dark amber, depending on the floral source. For instance, heather honey tends to be darker, while oilseed rape honey is often pale.
Texture and Viscosity: Honey’s texture can vary from runny to thick and crystallised. The viscosity of UK honey is generally influenced by its moisture content and the floral source, resulting in diverse textures and viscosities across different regions.
Nutritional Composition: Honey is composed primarily of carbohydrates (glucose and fructose) and water. It also contains trace amounts of minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants. The nutritional composition of honey in the UK is comparable to honey from other regions worldwide.
Section 3: Comparisons with Other Regions:
While UK honey possesses its own unique characteristics, honey from other regions also displays intriguing variations:
Climate and Flora: Different climates and floral ecosystems worldwide contribute to distinct flavours, colours, and aromas in honey. For example, lavender honey from France may have a delicate floral scent, while Manuka honey from New Zealand exhibits a robust, distinctive flavour.
Manuka Honey: Manuka honey, native to New Zealand, is renowned for its exceptional antibacterial properties due to its high levels of methylglyoxal. This unique honey has gained popularity globally for its potential health benefits.
Mono-floral vs. Poly-floral: Honey can be classified as mono-floral (derived mainly from a single plant species) or poly-floral (derived from a mix of plant species). The characteristics and properties of honey can vary significantly depending on whether it is mono-floral or poly-floral.
Honey production is an extraordinary process, involving the meticulous efforts of honey bees and the diverse floral sources they encounter. The properties and composition of honey in the UK exhibit unique flavours, colours, and aromas, influenced by the local flora and climate. Comparing honey from different regions worldwide highlights the rich tapestry of flavours and benefits that honey has to offer. So, the next time you enjoy a spoonful of honey, savour its remarkable journey and appreciate the distinctive qualities that make each variety special.
Generic and Boring
My take on the above article is that it’s pretty good, considering I just asked a simple question of an AI. However, the result is a rather generic and boring piece. There are no doubt dark arts that enable one to refine it, inject humour and so forth, but I don’t know about them. To me, this is quite comforting; I reckon I can write something more interesting without much effort. Alas, this time, I’m not going to be able to. I have honey to jar and label before I collapse into a chair and watch an episode of Homeland, then sleep the deep sleep of the beekeeping walrus.
I like to watch a handful of beekeepers on YouTube, but I’m quite selective and stay away from crazy stuff. The trouble is, newcomers to beekeeping don’t know what the crazy stuff is, or even if something is plain bad advice. It’s a tricky area. I like the approach taken by Bob Binnie when he discusses queen introduction. I saw a recent video by him, and he was saying that they use all sorts of different ways to re-queen a hive, depending on the situation, location and what equipment is available at the time. This is the reality of keeping bees; there are lots of ways to do most things, and if you understand bees you will be able to choose one that works. If you are inexperienced, make sure you get your info from a reliable source, preferably in your locality rather than thousands of miles away.


Vegetables, barrels with earthworm, herb garden. These were unusual scenery of the meeting that took place on September 11, 2019 in Ústí nad Labem. The topic of the event, organized by Jan Macháč and Marek Hekrle on behalf of UJEP, was the presentation of the benefits of community gardens in Ústí nad Labem with the subtitle “Or the cultivation does not stop there.”
If you are interested in the previous outcomes of the economic evaluation for individual SMART measures, look here.
You can see if a community garden is working or not in your neighborhood on the community garden map created by Kokoza.
The full text of the news in Czech


Herb garden on the wall! #herbs #garden #gardening #basil #rosemary #chocolatemint #organo #sage #spring #gothgardener
Very nice! Great use of space and they’ll make the wall look lovely!
These are “Lilac” Bell Peppers. I planted them on a whim, and I have no idea how they’ll taste. I don’t care either, because they’re so pretty!
My butterfly and hummingbird garden might just be the project I’ve ever completed. I love sitting on the patio and watching them flutter all around.
Bee on my coriander this evening.
Strawberries are spreading and attempting to invade carrot territory. Sunflowers and zucchini growing together, and beets growing under another sunflower. The garden is in a direct sun area, but here in Texas, the sun can be harsh in the heat of the summer. I thought I’d try some tall sunflowers strewn throughout the beds to provide a little shade and here and there. I figured if they block the sun too much, I’ll cut them back or down.
A collection of flowers to attract and nurture bees in your garden.
Need more bees? Check out this seed collection! They also have one for attracting beneficial insects to your garden. I love the packaging of these seeds; if you open the envelope up entirely, there’s a wealth of information on the inside of the packets.
Doug Bartlett, a veteran teacher with an upstanding record of 17 years, has filed a lawsuit against the school district of Chicago for suspending him without pay after giving a lesson on gardening tools to his second grade students.
I start a great deal of seeds that require warm/cold cycles to break down germination inhibiters.
I usually keep them in baggies with moist vermiculite (in a pinch perlite will work too). I tape the seed pack on the outside of the bag as a label and then write down what date it needs to be moved in and out of the refrigerator.
Sometimes a few seeds won’t wait and will germinate straight away. You can make out a root and a pale green stem in the bottom picture near the two brown seeds.
They’ll carefully be placed in moist potting mix and the remaining seed will undergo proper treatment.
I bought some Lovage seeds a few weeks back. They require a frost in order to germinate. I knew a cold snap was coming, so I hustled to sow them before it hit. We didn’t quite get a frost, but it was close. I’ve been watching patienIy to see if anything happens. So far, I’ve got a whole lotta nothin’. I might be able to use this idea to get them going!


Our family got together, deciding what the community needed was a place to purchase what the supermarkets could not provide, fresh quality vegetables. For several years the farm operated as a small produce stand selling what we grew. After a lot of hard work and dedication to grow the best quality and variety of products, we realized the farm could not support itself on vegetables alone. It also came to our attention that our customers were only buying conventional produce, leaving the many great varieties and other unique vegetables to rot on the vine. Even after trying to convince customers that Kale was good for them, many would say ‘We just don’t know how to cook it’. This temporary set back lead to our next venture, building a demonstration kitchen adjacent to the market. Now we could cook and educate people on how to prepare all of the vegetables produced on the farm. As things continued to evolve our customers were asking to purchase what we were cooking, turned out people wanted a good quality meal made with local ingredients. This revelation lead to our quick service restaurant concept that is the Buckingham Farms Restaurant you can enjoy today, serving breakfast, lunch and Friday night dinners.
One day, while sitting under the oaks next to the restaurant soaking up all the beauty around us, conversation turned to the thought of what it would be like to have a beautiful venue to accommodate all types of celebrations nestled in amongst the trees. That conversation turned into reality and in 2013 the Buckingham Farms Rustic Barn hosted its first wedding. The strings of Edison lights hung in the rafters, mixed with our custom deer antler chandelier and flowing white curtains makes the perfect setting for any type of event. The classic country charm and elegant lighting were unparalleled to anything in this area for hosting parties, celebrations, holidays or family get-togethers. Currently, the Rustic Barn is the only full-service agrarian wedding venue in the area that provides a beautiful rural SW Florida setting with chef prepared custom meals.
Today reaching almost 85 acres including the produce growing areas, the farm is now home to our Dexter cattle herd and over 200 chickens, which provide all of the eggs for our restaurant.
In late 2019 we are pleased to announce Buckingham Farms will be opening a new location in Labelle, Florida. Not only will we provide the same great food and service but will also partner with a local microbrewery so you can enjoy fresh local fare with fresh local beverages.
Today, ten years after purchasing the property, Buckingham Farms is still owned and managed by our family. We are local people committed to providing locally grown, top quality food and service. We invite you out to try one of our hearty breakfast selections, satisfying lunches or chef-prepared entrées today. We also thank you for the support you have shown us over the years. Hope to see you on the farm soon!


Organic food or organic food have boasted of a higher nutritional quality. However, the evidence in this regard is scant.
In recent years, organic food, "bio" food or "organic" food has become fashionable. Or, in other words, their consumption has exploded exponentially with various promises that are often related to each other in a confusing way.
Although it is true that organic foods or with the "eco seal" require stricter control by the health authorities, since without certain requirements it is not possible to obtain said seal, such requirements still fall short of some other failure that should be taken consider. In fact, and although the opposite is often thought, it has not been possible to demonstrate that organic foods are really healthier or have a greater nutritional potential than their non-organic counterparts, as we will see today.
What is organic food
For a food to be part of the organic food group or obtain the famous "eco seal", it must meet requirements such as preserving and caring for the environment, not using fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics or hormones. In addition, at least 95% of the ingredients in this type of food must also come from organic farming.
All this would imply that the way to obtain any ingredient, be it fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy or meat, must involve a good quality of the soil and water used to create a sustainable cycle: it is not allowed to add nutrients to the soil, control pests using artificial pesticides, much less using genetic engineering (so that transgenic foods could not be organic). Yes, it is true that pesticides and fertilizers are used in organic farming, but these are not artificial. This point is important, at least in the United States, where a survey conducted in 2005 came to the conclusion that 70% of consumers of these products buy them precisely to avoid pesticides.
As we can see, when a food is asked to have 95% of its ingredients from organic farming, it means that there will be food preparations that can obtain the eco seal. However, these preparations do not have to be healthier: ultra-processed foods can also be organic foods, as long as their ingredients meet the requirements that we have discussed. And, as is evident, these foods will not be healthier just because they come from organic crops.
One point against the requirements that this type of food must meet is that, among them, there is no point that explains how many kilometers said food has needed to travel to get to the supermarket. In other words, we could be consuming organic food (with all the requirements in order), but from China; its transport will require the use of fossil fuels and travel thousands of kilometers, with all the waste that this entails. And yet, these data are not taken into account in the labeling of these foods.
The supposed benefits of organic food
Regarding the benefits of organic food, there are a series of studies to consider, which have not only analyzed its nutritional potential but also compliance with requirements such as lacking traces of pesticides or residues, in addition to trying to analyze improvements in the taste of this type of food compared to its counterparts without an eco-stamp.
For example, a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2014, after reviewing 343 studies, concluded that organic foods contained higher concentrations of antioxidants and lower amounts of residues such as heavy metals (such as cadmium). In fact, organic food contains up to 50% less heavy metals.
For its part, another study published in the British Journal of Nutrition last year 2016 also determined that some organic foods, such as dairy and meats, contained higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids (supposedly linked to cardiovascular protection). However, this study was pragmatic with respect to its results: the quantities detected do not justify the high prices of eco food, given that a conventional food contains the same nutrients, although in a less significant quantity.
However, both this study and the previous one has leftovers around, such as the fact that they were within the Quality Low Input Food project, a European project that could be completed thanks to funds from a British organization in favor of organic farming called the Sheepdrove Trust. This, in the world of science, is called a conflict of interest, given the risk of bias in its results.
Regarding exposure to pesticides and other residues, it has been shown that organic foods contain less of both, as already demonstrated by a study published in the Journal of Food Science in 2006, and also confirmed by another work published in 2012 a charge of Stanford University.
As for the taste of organic food, another factor that many consumers take into account, there is no evidence in favor either. Said flavor depends on the maturation of the product in question, and on whether it is sold at the right point, whether the product is conventional or organic. And, as we have seen, the legislation allows us to consume eco food from the other side of the world. Likewise, the ripening of organic products in cold rooms is also allowed since 2008, something that in principle would be against the protection of the environment given the energy consumption of the same, but which has been used for a decade.
Organic food is not healthier
Regarding the nutritional quality of organic foods, a study published in 2009 in The American Journal of Nutrition already revealed the scant evidence in this regard: After analyzing 52,471 studies, they were left with the 162 of the highest quality, detecting minimal differences between the content of nutrients, which they attributed to the different production methods rather than to the necessary requirements to call an "eco" product.
Subsequently, another study published in 2012 in the Annals of Internal Medicine also reached a similar conclusion: there is a great lack of scientific evidence in this regard. Although, on the other hand, this study also suggested once again that organic food reduces exposure to pesticide residues or antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
In conclusion, if what we want is to avoid pesticides and other residues in food, it may be relatively advisable to buy organic food. And I say relatively, given its high price compared to its conventional counterparts, and taking into account the "failure" of being able to buy eco-food produced thousands of kilometers away. For the moment, experts advise buying this type of product always in proximity. But, given the scientific evidence in this regard, the factor of "higher nutritional quality" is conspicuous by its absence, for now.
The male enhancement pills we reviewed for this article are all daily supplements that work by changing the body’s chemistry. All of five of our picks are formulated with all-natural vitamins, amino acids, and botanicals that address the causes of sexually related problems (low testosterone levels, low nitric oxide levels, poor blood flow to the penis, etc.), and not just the symptoms.


On Wednesday, February 06th 2019 a SCAUT (Swiss Center of Applied Underground Technologies) consortium commissioned the first 'Underground Green Farming' prototype for a sustainable food production by using aquaponics.
Aquaponic systems combine aquaculture with hydroponics in a symbiotic environment. The system works in a cycle: water from the fish ponds is fed to a hydroponic system and then recirculated back to the aquaculture system.
The SCAUT prototype is situated in the Hagerbach Test Gallery in Flums, Switzerland and is composed of three parts – fish, vegetables and biofilters. The fish are grown in two water tanks. For vegetables, hydroponic gutters and tidal table systems are installed. The processing of the fish water is done by means of a mechanical filtration followed by biological filters converting the ammonia excreted by fish into nitrate well assimilated by plants. For growing vegetables and fruits underground, an optimized lighting installation is provided. Furthermore, a biological waste treatment will be executed to run the prototype in a circular system.
The prototype installation is now used for R&D works according to a specific research program. In parallel, a SCAUT Concept study is elaborated to develop a modular generic underground aquaponic system including an economic assessment, marketing strategy and business model generation.
The SCAUT consortium working on 'Underground Green Farming' consists of the following industry partners: Amberg Group, AMP Aquaponic Management Project, Biomim Innovation, Pacelum, Relux Informatik and Upcycle.
With Underground Green Farming, SCAUT together with industry partners offers a solution that provides an alternative for the lack of arable land through degradation of soil and contributes to providing food security; i.e. a stable 'local' provision of food independent of time and location; in specific addressing the world protein shortage. The systems are based sustainable closed recirculated technologies with the lowest CO2 footprint and non-recyclable waste.
As of now, live demonstrations of the prototype are shown at the Hagerbach Test Gallery (booking: [email protected] or http://www.hagerbach.ch/fuehrungen.php). In addition, the concept of 'Underground Green Farming' is presented by the SCAUT consortium to various interested clients worldwide as well as at special events.


Total area: around 530 acres.
Industrial Area: 335 acres, consisting approximately 610,000 sqm of build-up areas.
Build-up area as of 2013: 330,000 sqm.
Number of employees as of 2013: about 9,500.
Available plots of land: plots for allotment in Har-Hotzvim C (subject to approval of the plan).
The cost of land (per acre): about NIS 550,000 (representing 31% of the value of the land and exemption from a tender) *
Development costs per acre: NIS 400,000 *
Average Rental Cost: NIS 60 per square meter + Management fee (according to the data received from the entrepreneurs).


They’re designed to be controlled environments where we grow our crops.
But the space they occupy could still be used to generate electric energy from the sun.
What do i mean?
Two fields lying side by side.
One is covered with greenhouses used to grow veg, herbs, fruits and flowers while the other has hundreds of solar panels harnessing energy from the sun.
A cool picture ain’t it?
Well it could be better and here’s how…
What if the plastic material used to make greenhouse covers could still be used in converting solar energy into electricity?
Is it possible?
Well yes, thanks to:
THIN FILM SOLAR CELLS
Now for a moment, imagine a solar cell so thin that it can be ‘printed’ onto a plastic sheet
Yes…these are thin film solar cells.
They vary in technology from Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS), to Cadmium Telluride (CdTe), to amorphous silicon – all of which could be tailor-made into translucent films.
This technology was once touted as a possible replacement of the conventional solar cells we know.
But technology advances of conventional solar cells still puts them at the top of the league many many thin film solar cell companies struggle.
But what if this technology is given a twist?
What if we integrate solar cell technology into agriculture?
THE ELECTRIC GREENHOUSE
This idea of solar panels on greenhouses isn’t new.
But what’s unique us when the solar cells are less bulky – less weighty thereby allowing them to be printed onto plastic sheets used to make greenhouses.
That way, the entire surface area of land could be used to grow food and generate energy at the same time.
The energy generated from the surface of the greenhouse could be used to run water pumps, cooling or hearing operations in the farm.
Now take a look at any space that exists around us…
Think how many greenhouses could fit in those spaces.
Now imagine crops growing in those greenhouses.
But don’t stop at that.
Think about the amount of energy converted from sunlight striking the surface of these same greenhouses.
Assume that the energy density of the sun is 50W per square metre.
If your greenhouses occupy 200 square meters, the energy hitting the surface of your farm is about 200 * 50 = 10,000W.
If only half of this is captured at any one time, then 5,000 Watts are at your disposal.
Now assume that your thin film solar cells convert only 20% of the sunlight to electricity.
It’ll mean that beyond farm produce, your greenhouses could generate an extra 1,000W of energy – amount of energy could power 100 low watt bulbs!
You’ll never go wrong with integrating energy with agriculture.


W hile many individuals were gearing up for the annual Athens Halloween Block Party, others were partaking in a unique tree planting that is likely to leave a powerful and positive impact on future generations.
On Saturday, Oct. 25, Bobcats joined forces with The American Chestnut Foundation, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the U.S. Forest Service and many more in the planting of approximately 750 American chestnut seedlings, which contained 30 different family lineages.
The planting was a group effort to restore the nearly extinct American chestnut trees within the Wayne National Forest, while attempting to discover a cure for the severe disease called chestnut blight.
“What killed the American chestnut was a fungus, and the fungus was called chestnut blight. The fungus basically gets under the bark of the tree and it cuts off the trees ability to move fluids and nutrients up and down the tree,” explained Brian McCarthy, the associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “So, basically it cuts off its food and water supply, and so trees die from the chestnut blight.”
After a harsh history of suffering and death from the blight disease that dates back to the 1930’s, there may finally be hope for recovery of the American chestnut tree due to this planting, or progeny test.
“This is the first test going into Southeast Ohio that is what we call a progeny test.” said McCarthy. “TACF has all of these different sort of genetic lineages that they’ve created of American chestnut.”
According to McCarthy, the goal of the chestnut tree planting was to plant these genetic lineages, or family lines, to help find out which lineage will be the most resistant to the blight.
And on Saturday, nearly 70 people joined together to do just that.
Within the Wayne National Forest was a bare plot of land about three acres in size containing what McCarthy referred to as an “eight-by-eight design.”
“There’ll be one member of each family planted in a row and they’ll be eight feet apart in the row. The distance from row to row will also be eight feet,” described McCarthy.
The holes were already marked and dug, so it was up to the many students, faculty, organizations and residents to finish the project by planting the one-year-old seedlings, which amounted to about 10 seedlings per person.
In the end, the goal is to monitor which lines are the most resistant to blight and leave “the largest number of surviving chestnuts,” said McCarthy. “So, in a way, what we’re doing is essentially natural selection, but we’re doing it. It’s human induced natural selection,” he added.
Participants gathered together in teams of three to attack each row after the proper planting technique was explained.
“It’s a good way to meet people and network a little bit,” McCarthy said to the group after asking the contributors to disperse into units of three.
For students like Brandon King and Bailey Hunter, this event proved to be a great way to meet others within their chosen field of study while gathering together to save the American chestnut tree and gain hands-on fieldwork experience.
King, secretary of Hocking College’s student chapter of The Wildlife Society, mentioned that not only was this event a way for his chapter to spread the word of wildlife conservation, but it also served as a great resume builder. “It gets your foot in the door for job opportunities,” he continued. “You make a lot of references. That can be the biggest part of landing a job.
“There’s no class for tree planting,” said King. “It’s a feeling that you won’t get any other way.”
Hunter, an OHIO graduate student studying science in environmental and plant biology, had a more intimate connection to the American chestnut.
“I study American chestnuts so I’m trying to get involved with the American chestnut stuff around here,” Hunter said after mentioning that her thesis revolved around the specific tree.
“There’s probably twice as many people than I thought was going to be here,” added Hunter. “I think it’s awesome because it shows that people care about the American chestnut. It’s a good sign that maybe there is hope.”
Gary Chancey, public affairs officer and volunteer coordinator of Wayne National Forest, agreed that the planting would help benefit and prepare students for their future careers. “This is a good opportunity to get introduced to natural resource work in the field,” he said. “We’ve got people that are working for us now that graduated from Hocking College and Ohio University.”
Chancey also mentioned the great partnerships that arose from the American chestnut tree-planting project, including OHIO, Hocking College, Miami University and several organizations. “Everybody has a common interest today,” he continued. “They care about the future of the American chestnut tree.”
Individuals and groups traveled short and far distances to help save the American chestnut tree, and for many different reasons.
Lee Crocker, a member of the NWTF, explained the importance of the tree for his particular organization.
“Historically it was an extremely important food for wild turkeys. One of the reasons is the American chestnut typically has a good crop of nuts every year.” Crocker said. “We want our turkeys and other wildlife to be healthy going into the winter, so any way they can fatten themselves up and be prepared for the winter makes for a better population.”
David Rosenthal, assistant professor of plant biology, attended the event with different purposes in mind.
“Part of my research involves understanding the response of these hybrids to environmental stress,” said Rosenthal. “One of the reasons that we’re doing this site here is to see the resistance to the blight. Another is to understand which of the genotypes that resist the blight would be better for Ohio, or Vermont, or Georgia. The climates are different.”
Rosenthal will continue making measurements of the tree’s responses to climate change throughout their future growth.
The professor also had another, more personal reason for joining in on the planting. “One of the reasons I came, too, is [because] I really wanted to demonstrate to my daughter what tree planting was about,” said Rosenthal. “She was very excited to come here and plant trees.”
Steve Stone, a member of TACF, had a similar yet distinctive story.
“The national forest is my neighbor. I’m surrounded by them, they’re a good neighbor. We’ve been here and our family’s been here on that farm for 100 years and when my dad was young there were no trees here, there was no national forest,” said Stone. “We were here before the national forest and it’s nice to see what the forest service has done to restore and bring the forest back.”
The American chestnut tree planting project was just one more attempt at restoring the original forest.
“The chestnut tree’s a wonderful tree,” exclaimed Stone. “It’s almost extinct and if we can bring them back from extinction that’ll be a miracle. Absolutely a miracle.”
Like Rosenthal, Stone arrived at the event with an additional, smaller set of helping hands.
“He’s shown and demonstrated a real interest in forestry. He helped me with maple sap collection – maple syrup – and he goes to the forest with me every once and a while,” said Stone in regards to his mentee, Brandon Mayle.
Mayle is a sixth grade student attending Morgan South Elementary School. When asked what he thinks about his first-ever chestnut tree planting, Mayle said, “I think it’s fun. I like planting and being outside.”
Stone explained that the American chestnut tree restoration is about more than just planting trees or bringing the American chestnut back from near-extinction.
“Planting a tree is the ultimate statement of belief in the future. You plant a tree that people that you’ll never know may sit under someday,” said Stone.
“A teacher’s influence never ends, even after the teacher ends. The people that they teach will carry on what they taught them and what they taught will live on forever, it’ll be passed on.” continued Stone. “It’s a way to ensure your own immortality – planting a tree and teaching somebody about it.”


If you have been searching for week 9 flowering stage week by week pictures for cannabis plants, you are in the right place.
The flowering stage of cannabis plants is crucial to the whole life cycle. After the nutrition and germination stage, it enters the flowering stage. It takes up to 7 to 9 weeks before harvest.
We have explained the different flowering stages below.
This is the transition stage where your cannabis plants will grow rapidly, both in height and size. During this stage, you must limit the photoperiod to 11 to 12 hours. Cannabis plants will grow pre-flowers during this stage.
The growth of your plants will slow down as soon as it enters week 3. At this stage, your plants will form buds and require more nutrients. It will also become more sensitive to the environment.
By the end of the fourth week, the stretching period of your plants is over. At this stage, your plants will not grow more leaves. So you need to be careful with the leaves that are left. Also, make sure that your plants maintain proper foliage as it is important for greater yields.
At this stage, the plants will focus on growing buds. Keep a check on your plants to see the buds grow significantly.
At this stage, you will see the pistil and trichome ripening. To be more precise, the trichome will turn milky white and the pistil darkens.
At the end of the flowering stage, you will notice the trichome and pistil change together. This is considered the best time to harvest your plants.
Growing and harvesting cannabis plants all by yourself is tough, but not impossible. If you have adequate knowledge about these plants, you can try growing your supply.


Nile strives to
make authentic Ethiopian dishes & provide a unique dining
experience to its guests. We have a variety of
vegetarian and non vegetarian selections. Our main goal is to provide meals that are nourishing & healthy by using quality ingredients and cooking method.
We make our 'injera'
from 100% teff flour. This tiny grain is loaded with
considerable amounts of protein, calcium, iron and fiber.
The variety of teff ranges from dark colored to very light
ivory. It is believed that teff originated in Ethiopia
between 4000 and 1000 BC. The grain has been widely
cultivated and used in the countries of Ethiopia, India, and
Australia. In Ethiopia It is grown as a cereal crop where it
is ground into flour, fermented for three to four days and
made into 'injera', a sourdough type flat bread that is the
staple food of the nation. Injera is also made from
sorghum, wheat, barley and corn either combined with teff or
by itself. The nutrient value and health benefits of
the teff grain is being more and more recognized and it has
found its way into the health food stores in the U.S.
where it is sold as whole grain or flour.


ETYM AS dile; akin to Dutch dille, Old High Germ. tilli, German dill, dille, Swed. dill, Dan. dild.
1. Aromatic Old World herb having aromatic threadlike foliage and seeds used as seasoning; SYN. Anethum graveolens.
2. Aromatic threadlike foliage of the dill plant used as seasoning; SYN. dill weed.
Herb Anethum graveolens of the carrot family Umbelliferae, whose bitter seeds and aromatic leaves are used for culinary and medicinal purposes.


Peace lilies, also called Spathiphyllum, or Spath, for short, are known for their vibrant green foliage and white flower-like blooms whose curve is as graceful as it is distinct. Though elegant, peace lilies are not delicate. They are hardy, and they can be quite forgiving — both admiral traits in a houseplant. A peace lily will improve the air quality indoors by removing key pollutants, but it will drop pollen on your desk or table, and it may irritate your hands if handled. In this article, we will discuss the key components in caring for your peace lily indoors in medium and low light.
Peace lilies do well as interior plants, and it is best that they do not experience drastic changes in temperature. They thrive when kept within a temperature range of between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and it is not recommended that you place your peace lily where there is a draft or directly under an air conditioning vent.
Soil and Potting
Your peace lily will benefit from being placed in humus-rich soil that has already been moistened. Keep in mind that as your plant grows it will need to be moved to a larger pot. If you’ve noticed a droopy appearance after watering, and if the greenery seems crowded, these are indications that a transplant is in order. A good rule of thumb is to move your plant to a container that is at least 1/2-inch larger than the previous space and generally not to exceed 10 inches across. This is a good time to create new peace lilies by using a knife to divide upward from the roots until you have two separate plants.
Annual fertilizing is usually sufficient for the growth of your indoor plants — apply fertilizer any more than this, and you’re likely to cause brown spots to appear on the foliage. Peace lilies are particular about the fertilizer you use, and it is recommended that you go with an organic plant food such as sea kelp, compost tea or regular compost. Well-balanced liquid solutions can be used and watered down if your plant does not respond well to them initially.
When placed in medium and low light as part of your interior landscape, your peace lily should grow and produce a lovely deep green frondescence. That said, you are less likely to see the quintessential white blossoms the less light your plant is exposed to. Direct sunlight, however, can damage leaves, giving them a burned-out appearance.
It is far easier to harm a peace lily through watering it too much than from watering it too sparingly. On average, you can water your plant once a week and spritz the leaves occasionally to keep them hydrated. Test the soil to see if it is dry before watering your plant, as moist soil is an indication that your plant does not need to be watered. Peace lilies need adequate drainage to prevent the roots from developing dry rot.
Peace lilies contain a toxin in their foliage that can be harmful to children and pets if ingested, so it is good to place your plant somewhere out of reach. You will also want to dust off your peace lily’s leaves periodically and spritz them with insecticidal soap as needed. You can also choose to forgo the watering, fertilizing and planting by placing your peace lily in a vase with water and a single colorful Siamese Fighting Fish also known as a betta fish, making sure to change the water twice a month. The fish emulsion feeds the plant and the plant aides in keeping the water relatively fresh for a single fish.


The Federal Government has clamped down on fake and adulterated fertilizer producers in Kano State, in line with Government’s commitment to ensure quality production of fertilizers and farm inputs, geared towards achieving food and nutritional security.
A statement on Friday from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development(FMARD), explained that a team led by the Director, Farm Input Support Services Department, FMARD, Mr. Kwaido Sanni, along with the personnel of the Police and Directorate of State Services(DSS) embarked on the sealing of these illegal outfits in Kano State.
The statement explained that the operation of the Taskforce took place on Wednesday and Thursday, this week, in various Local Government Areas of Kano State.
The release stated that the raid was in line with the National Fertilizer Quality Control Regulations of 2020, Section 43, Sub-section 1 of the Constitution, which empowers Farm Input Support Services Department (FISSD) to carry out stop sale order on companies defaulting the law against adulteration and sharp practices in the fertilizers sub- sector.
Sanni stated that the National Fertilizer Quality Control Act 2019 and Regulations 2020, would ensure that any individual doing the business must register with the Farm Inputs Support Department of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and also possess the requisite facilities to operate in the sector.
The Director maintained that most of the fertilizer companies did not want to carry out the process because they knew that they were not qualified, which was the reason behind the clamp down on the affected companies.
He therefore, warned those who engage in the illegal business to stop or face the wrath of the law.
In his remarks, the Fertilizer Quality Control Officer, FISSD, Mr. Sunday Oke during the inspection, observed the prevalence of adulterated/ fake fertilizer in the State.
He pointed out that the samples of the fertilizer would be collected and taken to Abuja for laboratory analysis to confirm compliance with the guaranteed analysis.
According to him,”If any individual wants to do business in the fertilizer sector, that individual must be registered under FISSD.
It would be recalled that the Department had constituted the Joint Taskforce Team to monitor various fertilizer producers shops to find out if they producing fake/ adulterated fertilizers.
He said: “This is a field operation, not targeted at arresting people unnecessarily, but we try as much as possible to get the operators to comply with the provisions of the Act to enable them go back to their normal business”.
He stated that the first day, the team identified those shops, investigated and sealed the shops with a view to preserving the evidence found in those shops, “making sure that we come back and tell them what they are not doing right and the violation they have committed.”
Speaking further, the fertilizer Quality Control Officer revealed that the second day exercise was targeted at cases of diversion of government procured raw materials, noting that there was a provision of the Act that specifies that diversion of fertilizer is an offence.
According to him, ‘it is the reason we went to the market and saw cases of government Presidential Fertilizer Initiative, (PFI) raw materials being sold in the open market which is not supposed to be sold “.
He disclosed that those fertilizers were meant for local NPK Fertilizer Blending Plants in the country, revealing that it was a violation of the Act.
In the course of the inspection, the leader of Yandusa Market, Kano, Alhaji Shehu Akarami said, he had been in the fertilizer business for 40 years and needs the Federal Government’s support in the area of grants to boost his business.
One of the defaulters, Khalid Mohammed, Sabon Gari Market, Kano where about 800 bags of Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PTF) were discovered, said that he was not aware of the fact that it was wrong to sell the fertilizers.
Members of the Taskforce team were drawn from the Officials of Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Department of State Security, DSS, Nigerian Police Force and members of the media.
Highlight of the event included the sealing of Al barka Agro Allied & Chemicals Ltd, Zara Limawa Kumboso LGA, Nagarta Agro Fertilizer, Zara town, Kumbotso LGA, Yendusa Market, Dogon-Gida Market, Singa Market, Sabon Gari LGAs of Kano State, among others.


Top Compact Tractor Loaders. Boesmann’s CTL-1500 is an ideal compact tractor loader. This model has the versatility of a loader with the payload of a tractor.
What is the number one selling tractor?
The #1 selling tractor in the U.S. and Canada is the John Deere 6426, which was produced from 1956-1980 and sold over 4.7 million units. By 1981, John Deere sold more than 600,000 tractors with the same name.
How much hp tractor do I need?
If I drive my tractor, I would just be a normal person, get away with 1000 hp in the right truck. if you are buying a tractor with 1500 hp then you should be in it for a good reason. The engine is strong enough, but it’s so much power that you cannot put it in any truck with this engine.
How often should you change oil in a diesel tractor?
The oil in your tractor should not be removed more than three times per year or as needed by your service center. However, if your tractor is very dirty, it may require up to 5 checks per year and more if there is any engine oil leakage.
How big of a tractor do I need for 100 acres?
A 12- to 15-horsepower engine is adequate for most 1-3 acre applications. However, for larger jobs, the horsepower requirements increase: for a 100 acre or larger job, a minimum of 18 to 30 horsepower is recommended.
How much is a small tractor?
Lawn mower prices range from a small, lightweight lawn mower costing less than $200, to big ones with horsepower ratings in the hundreds of horsepower. On average, most larger-horsepower mowers (in the 200-horsepower and above range) range from $1,400-$2,000.
What does LS Tractor stand for?
Is Kubota the best tractor?
If we’re talking about a tractor that can plow at least an acre and pull more than 2,600 pounds, the Kubota 690 is certainly the number one tractor. It is one of the most powerful and most versatile tractors on the market with the ability to pull more than 6,000 pounds and perform virtually all of the tasks of a traditional tractor.
How many hours does a tractor last?
The typical tractor lasts 10 to 15 years. However, the average lifespan of a tractor is now 10 to 20 years, but that’s not the end of the story. New engines are coming out every year, some lasting a lifetime, some lasting just a few years with a new engine.
Hereof, what is the best compact tractor brand?
If you want a tractor, try to find a John Deere for the right price and you’ll get quality, easy to work with, and reliable equipment. These compact tractors can fit your farm in a place that a bigger tractor cannot! John Deere’s brand has a reputation for being more comfortable, reliable and versatile.
What farm tractors are made in the USA?
The Farmall Tractor M Model is produced by the International Harvester Company.
Is Mahindra a good tractor?
Mahindra is one of the best manufacturers of tractors in India and makes the best of all types of tractors. The Mahindra Tractor range includes tractors, backhoes, excavators, articulated trucks, wheel trailers and other attachments.
How do I know what size tractor I need?
There are many factors to take into account when purchasing the right size tractor. Start by doing a general size comparison between the tractors. If possible, buy a similar model with a similar engine size. For example, if you need a 20-horsepower engine, consider a 20-horsepower model. In general, the more horsepower an engine produces, the larger the unit.
What does shuttle shift mean?
Shuttle shift, meaning shift into an idle condition, is where the computer detects that a vehicle engine running a particular part of the vehicle is not at a pre-set operating state. Such a component must be shut off in order to keep the engine from overrunning (running past the top end of normal range).
How much can a compact tractor lift?
A heavy duty compact tractor with a maximum payload of 12,000 pounds (5,450 kg) is ideal for light agricultural applications. Many heavy duty compact tractor manufacturers currently offer a single axle model with the ability to pull 12,000 pounds (4,950 kg), although it is not likely to be your first choice for heavy agricultural applications.
Do tractors hold their value?
The value of farm tractors depends on many factors, but if you’re looking to invest in a tractor, look for a farm model first. The cost of farming land has gone down. Land for grazing purposes or sale is worth almost nothing in the modern world. You can buy some new, good used equipment that will still be worth something.
What is the most reliable tractor brand?
Deere. The company has made quality tractors for over 100 years. They offer a wide array of reliable and affordable tractors ranging from a simple one-point-two seeder to a 24-tandem. Deere also offers an excellent customer service experience that the customer always comes first.
What is the best tractor on the market?
John Deere’s line of tractors – Deere Green Label series combines are popular, and one of these machines is a 2019 model that has had a strong year of production and is an option that many people consider for their 2019 tractors to buy. Deere offers 3 different models of combines this year, and the 2019 John Deere G3 Series Green Label is the best tractor for the money on the market today.
What is the number 1 selling tractor in the world?
Today, John Deere is the most successful tractor manufacturer in the world, with a global market share of about 32% in 2018, based on BOC’s global product ranking – according to research by BOC Groupe’s industry sources.
Should I buy a used tractor?
The other major advantage of buying a used tractor is the fact that used tractors are generally in better, safer condition. A used tractor is in overall better condition (assuming that the farm has not had problems with the machine). The mechanical parts are all working on the tractor and are usually in better mechanical condition than a used car.


It's the beginning of July and I'm planting seeds. I'm just a little behind. May was crazy busy and June was 100˚ (literally). So it's July and I'm planting seeds. The scene from Steal Magnolias keeps playing over and over in my mind. When asked why she plants tomatoes that she doesn't even eat, Weezer says, "I don't know why. I don't make the rules." Old Southern women are supposed to "dig in the dirt," she says. So here I am...following the rules I suppose.
Here's my over-thinking it, plan it to the max, weeks worth of work:
I've prepared my beds with a mixture of compost and native soil.
I've equipped the beds with drip irrigation set up for daily watering on a timer.
I've carefully chosen and planned my space.
I've followed the directions on the seed packets and tucked those tiny potentials in carefully.
I'm waiting....and watching....and waiting.
The wonder of it always catches me when I do this. How IN THE WORLD will this tiny thing make anything, much less something beautiful or tasty? It seems almost absurd, but it's just basic science.
It's simple. It's basic. It's elemental...and out of my control. I can prepare the dirt, gather the seed, plant and water...and then wait and see what happens. All the rest is the miracle of life that God keeps proving to me over and over. He knows that I need this reminder that He's in control...He provides when I work with Him, not against Him. It's simple. It's basic. It's elemental.
...and it's so hard for me.


Andrew Campbell is the Chief Executive of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and has held influential roles in sustainable agriculture and research management in Australia for over thirty years. This included being Australia’s first National Landcare Facilitator, and was CEO of Land & Water Australia for seven years from 2000. He is Patron of Landcare in Victoria, succeeding the late Joan Kirner in 2015.
Andrew Campbell has written widely on landcare, sustainability and the science-policy interface. He trained in forestry at the University of Melbourne, then in agricultural knowledge systems at Wageningen University in The Netherlands.


Get the coverage and adjustability of a full-sized oscillating sprinkler in a compact design. The MiniMax Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler covers up to 4,000 sq. ft. to water large lawns, growing gardens, or newly seeded areas. The adjustable tripod base takes your watering to new heights by easily adjusting up to 39 inches high, ideal for taller plantings. Avoid wasting water on the driveway or sidewalk with easy adjustments. Change the width and range of the water flow for a small garden or super narrow strip of lawn. With 360-degree adjustability, turn the top of the sprinkler head to water the right area without repositioning the tripod. The unique Zoom feature controls the overall watering area, zooming in to water a small flower bed or out for maximum coverage in the yard. The dependable Dirt-Resistant Drive is key for homeowners with well water. It allows water to bypass the gears and continue watering even when grit is present in the water. The MiniMax Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler has maximum features to keep your lawn and garden growing season after season.


A raw hemp flower can be smoked, vaped, and cooked. It benefits only when you get the best hemp flower for sale. What is it? How can you discover and buy a genuine product to reap the benefits of hemp? In this guide, you’ll learn all those essential things that may help you find and get the best hemp flower.
Cannabis has been an alternative treatment for centuries. Several years ago, people used it to treat a range of physical and mental ailments. Even today, different types of cannabis products are utilized for pain management, reducing inflammation, curing mental disorders, and improving sleep.
Among all the cannabis products on the market, hemp flowers are favorites of many worldwide due to their affordability, fast-facting properties, and a wide range of therapeutic benefits. In addition, high-quality hemp buds for smoking contain less than 0.3% THC, which means they don’t make you feel high. It means you can enjoy hemp without experiencing the side-effects of THC.
However, finding supreme-quality products is complex. Many hemp producers alter conditions to grow the crop fast, which affects the quality. Here are some ways to ensure that you purchase the best hemp flower for sale:
Whether you are searching for a medical or recreational dispensary for hemp flowers, collect information on a dealer and their products. It is essential to ensure that the store is authorized to sell hemp products. Also, check:
If the dealer is a medical or a recreational dispensary
What types of products does it sell?
Does it have different hemp flower strains?
Is hemp legal in your state?
Natural Hemp Flower
After using hemp flower strains, some individuals claim that they do not experience at all. Although these things act differently on different users, experiencing nothing is rare. It happens only when buyers get low-quality products. To get the best hemp flower for sale, ensure:
It is grown organically, which means environmental conditions aren’t altered to grow the crop fast, and pesticides or fertilizers aren’t used to grow it.
The hemp is sourced from reliable farms.
It is a product of a fully vegetated female hemp plant.
Checking how a hemp flower is grown isn’t enough to make sure that you buy top-quality flower strains for your needs, and you also require to make sure it is a tested product. It should be tested in third-party labs by experienced individuals.
A reputed, reliable dealer shares its lab results. If a store does not have lab-tested products, do not buy them. Their results ensure that the products are safe and effective to use. On the other hand, a hemp flower that is not tested can have side-effects.
There is a wide range of hemp strains, including Abacus Strain, Berry Blossom, Jupiter CBD, Sour Space Candy, Lifter Strain, Hawaiian Haze, etc. Learn about these strains and find the best hemp flower for sale to meet your needs.
In the End
Once you’ve purchased a high-quality hemp flower product, it is essential to store it in the right way. Store it in temperatures between 77℉ and 86℉, and away from humidity and UV light. Also, keep it in a glass jar to preserve its effectiveness.


The Justice and Agriculture Departments are launching a series of year-long public meetings to explore if antitrust practices in the agriculture industry are driving up food prices — with the big target being Monsanto, the world’s largest seed firm. Law Professor Keith Hylton, an authority on antitrust law, says the productivity of Monsanto’s genetically engineered seeds must be considered.
“Conventional seeds may have all but disappeared. Because they are so much less productive than the genetically engineered variety, few large-scale farm operations have an interest in them now. This is a question for the regulators to consider.”
Contact Keith Hylton, 617-353-8959, firstname.lastname@example.org


Call Us: 810.348.9880
This page features comments about MicroSniper™ from satisfied customers:
"I have used MicroSniper™ on multiple grows throughout the entire grow cycle from clone to harvest with amazing results.This new product delivers everything that they say it will. I would strongly recommend it’s use to my fellow growers. It works!"
"I picked up a bottle of MicroSniper to use on the white powdery mildew that appeared on my plants. I sprayed it on my plants as directed on the bottle in the evening. The next morning it was completely gone. Not a single trace was left. This stuff works great!


International Symposium Modern trends in agricultural production and environmental protection
The first International Symposium „Modern trends in agricultural production and environmental protection“ was held in Tivat (Montenegro) from July 2 to 5, 2019. The Symposium has announced 40 scientific papers from Serbia, Russia, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Republic of Srpska, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada. Among others, the event was attended by members of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, the Balkan Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, the Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts and the Academy of Arts and Sciences of the Republic of Srpska.
[Slogan] Scientific and organizational board of Symposium consisted of many scientists from around the world. The Faculty of Management gave a great contribution to the successful realization of the symposium. [/ slogan]
The announced works belong to the domain: biodiversity, plant and animal production, as well as environmental protection.


Indoor plants are a great addition to any home, but there is a lot of information out there about which ones work best for different spaces, and it can be overwhelming trying to find one that’s just right for your home. In this blog article, the author will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to find the perfect plant for your home.
Know What to Look For When Buying Plants
With spring rapidly approaching, it is time to start thinking about what type of plants you want to put inside your home. There are many styles of plants that can help with various purposes. The important thing when purchasing any type of plant is that you keep yourself in mind and what will work best for your home.
How To Plant Your Plants Properly
Plants are available in almost any type of soil, but they aren’t just for decoration. They can provide cover, help to control the environment, and even help to remove pollutants from the air. Whether you’re looking for plants that require little care or live outside, there’s a plant that will fit your needs.
Maintenance of Indoor Plants
It is important to know that certain plants are easier to maintain than others. Some are extremely finicky, requiring a lot of attention, patience, and love. Others can be maintained easily by simply watering them when the soil is dry. While you should definitely look at the ease of care for each plant before purchasing it, there are some basic tips for choosing an indoor plant.
Planting for Different Conditions
In choosing a plant, the best thing to do is check if there are any hazards in the area. Some plants require an ideal amount of sunlight while others must have shade from the sun. Plants that grow in moist environments should be planted on a well-drained surface, while those that need dry conditions should be planted on a wet or clay soil. It’s important to consider how your plants will look in location before you purchase them. Consider what type of light or shade that your plant will get, or if the plant should be watered by mist, an irrigation system, or rain. Plants purchased for outdoor conditions will need to be planted in soil; plants purchased for indoor conditions may last longer with no soil. Depending on where you live, what time of year it is, and what type of plants you’re looking to grow, you’ll need to know the right plants for your specific conditions. You should consider your microclimate (the different ways that air currents move within your environment), the sunlight hours available in your area, and any other factors that may affect the plants you want to grow. If you live in a colder location during wintertime, look for evergreens or flowering trees with deep red bark because they will retain heat.
In order to find the best plant for your home, you should be sure to keep a few things in mind. For example, a succulent is a good option if you want a low maintenance plant that can live in any type of environment. If you need something more resilient and able to survive harsh conditions, cacti are a good choice.


We are experts in the production of fresh and healthy ready-to-eat products. We offer a careful selection of salad, fresh vegetables and fruits in various packaging solutions.
Our goal is to find the right solution for you.
As a producer we offer solutions that are tailored to the needs of our customers from retail, wholesale and the horeca industry. We also have an assortment of fresh products with our own brand called “Sun&Vegs”.
We are working with key distributors of the Swiss market and work together with customers from Food Service.
Since spring of 2019, the Josef Müller Gemüse AG has been part of the Foodiverse, a Spanish food company which is a market leader worldwide in the field of healthy nutrition. At the group level we produce more than 200 products. The assortment includes vegetables directly from the field, salads, ready-to-eat or kitchen-ready fresh products, baby food, plant-based products like smoothies, creams and yogurt alternatives.
Thanks to our own agricultural capacity and a strong network of nine production centers in Spain and additional European countries we control the entire production chain.


Palm Oil Free
All Kokoa products are not only 100% vegan, but they are also palm oil free!
Palm oil is ‘an edible vegetable oil that comes from the fruit of oil palm trees, the scientific name is Elaeis guineensis. Two types of oil can be produced; crude palm oil comes from squeezing the fleshy fruit, and palm kernel oil which comes from crushing the kernel, or the stone in the middle of the fruit.’
So if palm oil is similar to vegetable oil, why is it so bad?
Farming of palm oil trees is harmful to the planet, as it is a major driver of deforestation which destroys the habitats of endangered species like the Orangutan, Sumatran rhino and pygmy elephant.
In 2020, WWF also reported that deforestation also contributes to climate change and that there also remains some exploitation of workers and child labour.
Although there are now more sustainable solutions to sourcing palm oil, we completely avoid this ingredient within our products to keep in line with our sustainable, ethical and vegan morals.


Nutritional and Health Implications of Conventional Agriculture – A review
Copyright: © 2015 Habte TY. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
The ecosystem imbalance imposed by conventional agriculture is characterized by the loss of biodiversity that leads to uneven biological-energy distribution or to the disequilibrium of photosynthesis and respiration. These changes contribute to the excessive greenhouse gas accumulation in the atmosphere followed by global climate change. The loss of biodiversity and the technologies applied in conventional agriculture are additionally involved in the depletion and adulteration of fertile soils and living water systems. The changes in the ecosystem are further implicated in nutrition security and human health problems. Energy-dense diets with low diversity and increasing meat consumption become more frequent. As a result, overweight, and the deficiency of micronutrients and essential phytochemicals with respective health consequences are widespread. Both the environmental and nutritional changes influenced the global human health by increasing the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, anemia, xerophthalmia, cardiovascular problems, the risk of cancer and abnormal growth. At the same time, the risks of respiratory and reproductive problems as well as vector transmitted infectious diseases become more common. The problems and the contexts of tackling the challenges are so complex that some simple tailor-made solutions are unlikely to function. Two-system approach considering globally important issues on one part and regionally or locally more impacting issues on the other part when designed and applied simultaneously appear to be promising. The global approach can deal with green-house-gas emission and climate change, whereas regional and local approach can consider the local problems of soil and water depletion and pollution, as well as the degradation of biodiversity with special attention to its function as carbon dioxide sink and essential micronutrient supplier.
Keywords: Conventional agriculture; Ecosystem imbalance; Malnutrition; Health problems, Two-system approach
Since the middle of the 20th century, conventional agriculture has expanded to tackle human hunger, which was ubiquitous in South America, Africa, South Asia and some parts in Europe. Natural vegetation is cleared to grow high yielding food crops, which express their potential with the application of agrochemicals and irrigation systems. Agricultural diversity is replaced by homogenous production systems that simplify cultural practices and increase labour efficiency. In the years between 1961 and 2005 the global crop production increased by 167%, from 1.8 to 4.8 billion tons while global crop land increased only by 27% . In view of the change of global crop productivity from 1.84 to 3.96t/ha , the gain is largely attributed to agricultural intensification which in essence characterises conventional agriculture.
Following the intensification and expansion of the modern practices the rule of nature which is diverse and self-regulating has been overtaken by conventional agriculture which is homogenous and artificially controlled. Conventional agriculture is primarily endowed with yield maximisation, giving little attention to the ecosystem balance and its services. The neglect of the ecosystem balance compromises the sustainability of food production, nutrition security and public health. It is the purpose of this review to reflect some of these effects so that they get due attention and priority in policy planning targeted at sustainable and healthy food production.
Conventional agriculture is characterized by the production of high yielding, and specialized food crops that express their potential when supplemented with inorganic fertilizers and protected with pesticides. The inorganic fertilizers are produced by employing fossil fuel, the resources additionally used to distribute them and the harvested crops around the world. A good proportion (35%) of the harvested crop is fed to livestock, which are inefficient converters of the food energy to animal products . The cumulative side effects of homogenization, chemical fertilization, fossil fuel burning to drive machineries, and feeding concentrated foodstuffs to livestock and the resultant bulk of waste matter, is the release of excessive and critical amount of greenhouse gases to the environment. Livestock waste matter is both beneficial and harmful depending on the method of disposal and handling. In specialized and intensified livestock production systems where the waste matter is disproportionately high, the fermentation and decomposition processes release excessive greenhouse gases to the atmosphere and leach away nitrogen-containing compounds to water systems polluting and degrading the environment. For example, of the 208 000 tons of ammonia emitted in the Netherlands in 1993, 181 000 tons originated from manure .
About 50% of the nitrogen applied as fertilizer is lost in the soil, the atmosphere and water bodies causing enormous environmental consequences at local, regional and global levels . Since the beginning of the 20th century, an increase of three to ten folds of nitrate (NO3) has been recorded in some water systems close to intensive agricultural enterprises . The level of atmospheric nitrous oxide (N2O) has increased by 20%, from below 270ppb to more than 320ppb since the beginning of industrial revolution; with most of the change occurring starting the 1950s .
Fertilizer production and use as well as fossil fuel burning have caused the global nitrogen cycle to change . The cumulative effect of the disproportional conversion of fossil energy to fertilizer and to mechanical energy that transport inputs and outputs around the world is an imbalance in the ecosystem . The resultant effect on the environment include increase of atmospheric pollutants (e g. CH4, NOx, N2O, tropospheric ozone) and CO2 leading to climate change, soil and water acidification, shifts in species composition and loss of biodiversity, and eutrophication in the coastal marine water ecosystem .
Inorganic fertilizers such as ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate and urea can aggravate the process of acidification on old soils, which have been cultivated for many years. Nitrogen fertilizers produce nitrous and nitric acids (HNO2 and HNO3) during the nitrification process in aerobic soils. A long term study (5 – 10 years) on the effects of nitrogen fertilizers in the soil chemistry in Kenya and West Africa moist Savannah indicated an increase in soil acidity to a level of below pH 5.5 .
Nitrogen oxides and nitrous oxides can be released from intensive agriculture to the troposphere and react with water molecules in the presence of sunlight to produce ozone (O3). Tropospheric ozone is an important component of smog. If the nitrogen emissions from fertilizers are deposited in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, they can cause acidification, eutrophcation and shift in species diversity . Nitrous oxide is the most potent greenhouse gas in trapping heat and contributing to global warming. It is also involved in the destruction of stratospheric ozone, the layer that protects the planet earth from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Leaching of nitrate to water systems can increase its concentration in drinking water and downstream surface water system. Since the beginning of the 20th century an increase in the concentration of nitrate in the range of three to tenfold has been recorded in some water systems close to intensive agricultural enterprises . Leaching nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers to estuaries and other coastal marine environment can cause eutrophication resulting in the blooms of nuisance algae, toxic organisms, and anaerobic condition that are lethal to fish .
Steady increase in agricultural production to feed the ever growing world population has not only been a function of high yielding varieties, fertilization and pest control but also that of continuous supply of fresh water. At global level, 40% of agricultural crops are generated from 16% farmland watered by irrigation systems . Excessive and uncontrolled drawing of irrigation water has lead to water wastage, the decline of underground water and the scarcity in clean and fresh water. In global arid and semiarid areas, uncontrolled irrigation is degrading farm areas due to increased salinization and water logging .
Trees provide organic substrates, maintain soil structure for air circulation and soil water holding capacity, and control soil erosion. Intensive agricultural practices distract the vegetation, soil life and other essential functions leading to the decline in soil organic matter or soil carbon. In agricultural areas of temperate zone the soil carbon declined by about 50% in the last 25 years, the loss in tropical area is more dramatic . Consequently, the soil fertility, water holding capacity and carbon dioxide sink are declining.
High yielding crop varieties are often vulnerable to environmental stresses associated not only to climate change, but also to pest and disease invasion. Some industrial chemicals are applied commonly to control the invasion. The chemicals used for this purpose can destroy beneficial insects. Sometimes resistant harmful pests flourish and destroy the main crops. The loss of biodiversity attributable to these practices can result in the disruption of the ecosystem services including pollination, water retention, nutrient cycle and climate regulation .
As the soil pH decreases below 5.5, the availability of soil aluminium and manganese increases and reach a level of toxicity, which restricts plant root growth and functions, reducing the uptake of nutrients and water . At similar low soil pH, phosphorus reacts with soil minerals such as iron oxide rendering it unavailable for root uptake. Aluminium toxicity and phosphorus deficiency, which can be inflicted by inorganic fertilizers, constrain crop production in acidic soils . A quantitative evidence on the impact of soil acidity on crop yield is not known, but some controlled experiment on the effects of the treatment of acid soils with lime and triple super phosphate in combination with living mulch showed about three-fold increase in yield .
Microbial activity in the soil and in water, produce nitrogen oxides as the result of normal nitrogen cycle. Human activities, including the spread of slurry, the application of N-fertilizer, the combustion of fossil fuel and bio-fuel for energy generation release nitrogen oxide. These anthropogenic activities bring the nitrogen cycle out of balance and result in the accumulation of nitrogen oxides in the troposphere. In the presence of sun light, the nitrogen oxides react to produce ozone. Since the industrial revolution, the ozone concentration in the troposphere has increased by two to three folds . Ozone induces early senescence and abscission of leaves, reduces stomata aperture deceasing carbon uptake or photosynthetic carbon fixation, reduces transport capabilities via phloem decreasing the translocation of nutrients to edible plant parts (grains, fruits, pods, roots), and decreases the ability of some genotypes to withstand climate stresses. As a result, ground-level ozone pollution is already decreasing global crop yields by ~4% for maize, ~10% for wheat and ~12% for soybean . The global crop loss in 2000 due to ozone is estimated at 79-121 Mt, worth US$11-18 billion . This effect is not local to where ozone is emitted, but it spreads across the continents. On global scale, the pollution from South East Asia imposes the biggest impact causing the loss of about 6.7 million tonnes of wheat and 11.6 million tonnes of rice each year .
High-level fertilizer application for boosting agricultural productivity can result in the eutrophication of water bodies and decline in seafood harvest. People are producing increasingly more reactive nitrogen and phosphorus in their daily activity and they induce the in flux of these nutrients to the coastal water at a rate that far exceeds their natural production . This stimulates the fast growth of phytoplankton with the effect that less light penetrates the water body reducing the growth of macro algae and sea-grass, which reduce feed availability, shelter and reproduction provision for small water animals. At the same time, the oxygen availability declines and worsens the negative effect. The cumulative outcome is reduced fish population below and possibly above the oxycline. In addition, some harmful species (marine microalgae and heterotrophic dinoflaglates) bloom in the water body due to eutrophication and can prove lethal to fish, or can have sub-lethal and chronic impacts to both fish and human health. Depressed feeding, impaired reproduction and weak immunity are some of the pervasive effects . Eutrophication is likely to be aggravated where river discharge and fertilizer use increase .
Advances in agricultural technology enabled the production of surplus cereals that can more than satisfy the food energy requirement of the global population. Even though it has been possible to reduce hunger in many countries, about one billion people are still chronically underfed because of the limitations in physical, economic and social access to food . At the same time, the availability of disproportionally high amount of cereals is implicated in the nutrition transition phenomenon characterised by simplified diets and lack of dietary diversity. All leading to what is now known as the double burden of nutrition, which in one part is characterised by overweight and obesity and on the other part with micronutrient deficiency. The fundamental cause of overweight and obesity is energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended. Globally there has been increased intake of energy dense-diets that are high in soluble carbohydrates and fat [28,29]. The consumption of increasing level of food and meat since 1960s [30-32] as well as sedentary life style can be implicated in obesity epidemic. According to USDA (2001) , the Americans consumed 530 kcal/capita/day more food in the beginning of the 21st century than in 1970; and that of 1970 was more than that of 1950.
The overdependence on only a few cereal species for food, particularly in the developing world, caused the neglect and loss of a variety of nutrient rich foodstuffs including livestock products, leading to the spread of micronutrient deficiency problems. Micronutrient malnutrition is an extensive health problem that can be linked to the lack of dietary diversity [34-36] Over two billion people mostly poor women, infants and children, who consume inadequate food, low in diversity including lack of livestock products, are iron, iodine and/or vitamin A deficient; several other micronutrients including zinc, selenium, riboflavin, ascorbic acid and cyanocobalamin are limiting in the diets of a vast number of people in many regions of the world . The puzzling nutritional issue in the world of today is the coexistence of malnutrition (under nutrition) and over nutrition.
The application of inorganic fertilizers to soils could substantially increase crop yield and curve some of the hunger and micronutrient deficiency problems, particularly in the poor regions of the world. Improvement in the dietary situation could additionally strengthen the immune system against parasitic and infectious diseases. The challenge is, however, fertilization imposes changes to nutrients cycle and affects human health well beyond the associated benefits of increased production.
Much of the grain production resulting from conventional agriculture is used for livestock feed and the industrial production of food with intensified soluble carbohydrates. At the same time there has been some increase in both food and meat consumption at regional and global level [30,31] Even though there are some conflicting views, overconsumption could have contributed to the recent development in overweight, obesity, heart and type 2 diabetes problems . Some associate the health problems to the nature rather than to quantity of fat by stating that substituting unsaturated fat for saturated fat can prevent cardiovascular diseases . Some others indicate that the intake of fat including unsaturated fat has been linked to higher risk of type 2 diabetes, but the association is BMI and age dependent . In general, though many hold saturated fatty acids (like the fat from animal origin) as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, some recent studies have produced conflicting results . It is, however, important to note that, the lipids in the muscles of ruminants, though dependent on the animal diet, often consist of higher proportion saturated fatty acids which are supposed to be risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in humans [41-43].
In conventional agriculture, locally available traditional foodstuffs are replaced by easy to prepare crops such as rice, wheat, maize and potatoes [36,44]. Nutrient rich sorghum, millet, wild rice, which involve lengthy preparation and cooking, as well as pulses and vegetables are neglected. As diverse as they are, diets that consist of traditional foodstuffs can cover the requirements for essential micronutrients (vitamin A, Fe, Zn and folic acid) and their bulk minimizes energy concentration and the risk of obesity, cardiovascular problems, diabetes and cancer. The lack of diversity including livestock products is linked to the deficiency of vitamin A, Fe and Zn . Low intake of green and yellow vegetables and fruits [46,47] is associated with inadequate intake of carotenoids, non-nutrient phytochemicals or dietary polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids. These are associated with reduced risks of cancer and the antioxidant property that protect the body against other chronic diseases (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and macular degeneration as well as neurodegenerative disorders) [48-51]. With the reduction in agricultural and dietary diversity, the availability and accessibility of spices decline irrespective of their antioxidant and insulin modulating property with anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic effects [52,53].
Anthropogenic activity leading to increased emission of nitrogen oxides results in the pollution of atmospheric air and drinking water to a level that results in public health problem. High concentration of nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere (>40mcg/m3 which is the European standard for the protection of human health) or long-term exposure to lower concentration can affect the respiratory system . In this regard, Kampa and Castanas  mentioned that symptoms of nose and throat irritation could follow the exposure to increased level of nitrogen oxide. Nitrogen oxides can also increase the susceptibility to respiratory infection in that they decrease the activity of alveolar macrophages that are significant in preventing pneumonia . In addition, they can cause lung damage through peroxidation of membrane lipids or lipoproteins, each of which increases cell permeability, leading to inflammatory injury. Especially in young children, domestic nitrogen oxides can stimulate asthmatic reaction leading to broncho-constriction .
Information about the global groundwater nitrate status is scanty, but high concentration in groundwater with potential serious health consequences is widespread across EU . Agricultural activity counts to the major source of the pollution; in England, for example over 70% of the surface and groundwater NO3 originate from such activities . In developing countries, the possibility of ground water pollution can be associated with increasing fertilizer application. The potential for pollution in irrigated soils of Asia and humid tropics of Africa is high especially if the efficiency of N-fertilization is poorly managed .
Atmospheric nitrogen reacts naturally with rainwater to form nitrate and ammonium ions, which are absorbable and utilisable by plants. Nitrate is common nitrogenous compound that belong to a balanced nitrogen cycle. However, anthropogenic sources such as the application of nitrogen rich fertilizers and concentrate animal feeding operations increase its concentration in groundwater . Levels of nitrates in groundwater in some cases reach a level that exceeds the maximum limit (10ppm nitrate N maximum limit for safe drinking water, or 45ppm nitrate) proposed by EPA  and poses a threat to public health.
The major public health problems that can be associated to the contamination of groundwater with excessive nitrate include methaemoglobinia, reproductive disorders and cancer. Health hazards of consuming water that is contaminated with nitrate are related to the toxicity of nitrite, a molecule that can oxidize haemoglobin to methaemoglobin, a derivative with poor affinity to oxygen. Methaemoglobinia is especially common among infants (“blue-baby syndrome”). In normal conditions, the methaemoglobin is destructed by naturally occurring enzyme the methaemoglobin-reductase. However, this enzyme is not active enough in infants until the end of the first 6 months of age. As a result, infants and young children are more sensitive to nitrate toxicity. In places like India the risk of methaemoglobinia is high because the nitrate concentration in water is more than the minimum contamination level .
Conclusive evidence regarding the human reproductive effects of nitrate toxicity is not available. But some research on animals has depicted that toxic level of nitrate in drinking water can cause abortion, intrauterine growth restriction and birth defects . The mechanism by which nitrate/nitrite influence the fetus is not clear particularly in view of the difficulty of mothers’ methaemoglobin to cross the placenta. Some suggest that nitrate or its reduced form nitrite may pass to the fetus through an active transport system and the fetal nitrate plasma level may exceed that of the mother . In any case, in-vitro studies revealed that nitrite oxidizes cord blood haemoglobin to methaemoglobin at a rate 5 to 6 fold greater than that of adult blood .
There is conflicting information about the carcinogenicity of nitrate or nitrite. Some are convinced that several types of cancer are associated with long time high nitrate intake [67,68]. Nevertheless, others doubt the involvement of the molecules in the aetiology of cancer neither in adults nor in infants [69-71]. Some argue, however, nitrates stimulate endogenous formation of N-nitrosamines, a group of compounds strongly implicated in cancer risk .
High-level anthropogenic nitrogen oxides react with atmospheric oxygen in the presences of sunlight to produce tropospheric ozone (O3). Tropospheric ozone is global air pollutant and an important greenhouse gas, with pervasive impacts on human health and the environment. Harmful levels of tropospheric ozone are shown in Table 1. Exposure to harmful levels of ambient ozone is associated with reduced lung function, exacerbation of asthma and premature mortality .
Source: EPA 2008 [74,75]
Some controlled laboratory studies indicated that lung function decreased after exposure to high level of ozone (160 – 700 mcg/ m3), even though a lower level (<120mcg/m3) could also influence the lung function when the body is stressed by increased physical activity such as cycling .
Despite the efforts to control tropospheric ozone, its concentration has more than doubled to 35 – 40 ppb since the industrial revolution. In some areas of Latin America, North America, Europe and Africa peak values tend to trespass the WHO guideline value of 50 ppb .
The imbalance in nitrogen cycle, which results in the increase of nitrogen concentration in surface water, is associated with some vector borne diseases. In this regard, Townsend et al  have produced some evidences that show positive correlation between nitrogen concentration in surface water and the larval abundance of malarial mosquitoes (Anopheles sp) as well as the carriers of La Crosse encephalitis and West Nile virus.
The problems of nutrition security and health, that are associated with conventional agriculture, as well as the contexts in which the challenges are to be tackled, are so complex that simple tailor-made solutions are unlikely to function sustainably. Two-system approach that deal separately and/or simultaneously with global, regional and local more impacting issues could produce good results. The global approach can consider green-house-gas emission, climate change and related impacts such as earth warming, desertification and over-flooding. The local approach can deal with soil erosion, contamination, underground water depletion, surfaces water pollution, vegetation clearance and loss of biodiversity in microenvironment with special attention to their role as carbon-sink and micronutrient suppliers, and associated problems of nutrition insecurity and human diseases. Both of the approaches analyze the environment and the ecosystems at different scopes; they design management programs that focus on the restoration and conservation of the ecosystems; improve the human nutrition and health status; develop technologies that could curve the problems in a sustainable manner; and establish monitoring and control mechanisms that functions regularly. Even though the global and local systems approach differ in some way, they synergize and support each other in order to reach similar goals of attaining sustainable nutrition security, human health improvement and environment maintenance.
In view of the lack of sustainability of conventional agriculture and its negative environmental, nutritional and health implications, the revision of the current food production systems becomes imperative. The challenges for scientists, policy makers and their institutions li e not only in the fight against hunger and “hidden hunger” but also most importantly in the search of suitable and sustainable links between agriculture, nutrition and human health. In this regard, the role of agricultural biodiversity, particularly in the maintenance of the balance of the nutrient cycle, biological-energy-equilibrium, and the well-being of the environment, human nutrition and health can prove indispensable.
|Figure 1: The impact of conventional agriculture practices on the environment|
|Figure 2: Nutritional health implications of conventional agriculture|
|Figure 3: Toxic and infectious health implications of conventional agriculture|
|Ozone concentration (ppm)|
|8 hours average||AQI||Air quality descriptor|
|0.0 - 0.064||0 - 50||Good|
|0.065 - 0.084||51 - 100||Moderate|
|0.085 - 0.104||101 - 150||Unhealthy for sensitive groups|
|0.105 - 0.124||151 - 200||Unhealthy|
|0.125 - 0.404||201 - 300||Very unhealthy|
|Table 1: Air quality index (AQI) for ozone by EPA|


In the fascinating story of the sustainable food revolution, an environmental journalist and professor asks the question: Is the future of food looking bleak—or better than ever?
AgBookClub’s April selection, The Fate of Food, What We’ll Eat in a Bigger, Hotter, Smarter World by Amanda Little, takes a look at modern agriculture through the lens of an environmentalist. What does a changing climate have in store for agriculture? Will agriculture rise to the challenge of feeding everyone when the world’s population is growing faster than ever before? Can agriculture leverage the technology and tools of today to become a climate-resilient industry?
Here’s what you need to do this month:
Get the book. Buy it, borrow it, download and listen to it, read it over your neighbor’s shoulder — we don’t care. But don’t steal the book.
Read the book.
- Week 1: Introduction and Chapters 1 – 2 [pages 1 – 56] (Twitter chat on 4/1)
- Week 2: Chapters 3 – 4 [pages 57 – 109] (Twitter chat on 4/8)
- Week 3: Chapters 5 – 7 [pages 110 – 168] (Twitter chat on 4/15)
- Week 4: Chapters 8 – 10 [pages 169 – 228] (Twitter chat on 4/22)
- Week 5: Chapters 11 – 13 and Epilogue [pages 229 – 287] (Twitter chat on 4/29)
Join the chat (#AgBookClub) on Wednesdays at 8:00pm Central on Twitter. Learn how to participate in a Twitter chat here. While we hope you can participate in our discussion every week, we know that everyone has busy schedules. We always include general questions following the topic(s) of the book that can be answered by anyone, so please don’t hesitate to jump in the Twitter chat if you didn’t have a chance to read the section we’re discussing. We welcome any and all to join the discussion!


My grandfather loved his vegetable gardens. He had two; one in the back yard and the other one beyond the gate and on a strip of land between the fence and the edge of the hill that sloped down to the highway below.
I don’t know if that strip of land belonged to him or not. Granddaddy wasn’t the kind of man who’d let a little title dispute stand between him and a crop of sweet corn.
When I could tear myself away from reruns of Captain Kangaroo, I’d head out to the garden and watch him work in his blue and white overalls and floppy hat that kept him shaded from the hot Texas sun. He would talk to me about the importance of chopping the weeds out and making sure the plants were well-watered. I’d nod and sit on the grass and complain about the heat and generally be flighty and unhelpful.
When my grandfather died, I felt the need pick up the garden mantle and thus directed Mr. CPQ to dig up a patch of grass in the back yard and plant some seeds for me.
I’m all about outsourcing whenever possible.
We had a great little garden for several years that grew carrots, peppers, squash, tomatoes and herbs and then we moved to our current house which is unfenced and resides smack in the middle of a deer migration path. Sadly, I have been unable to plant a thing in the yard that hasn’t been munched within twenty minutes of sticking it in the dirt.
Undeterred, I’ve moved to planting annuals in pots on the back deck and since the weather has just warmed up enough to get past freeze warnings, this weekend Mr. CPQ and I went to Lowes for the our annual Selecting Of The Flowers Day.
While we were there, I met Rachel who recognized Mr. CPQ’s distinctive white head of hair and my pink jacket from last week’s post about my Starbucks’s clown encounter and she came over to introduce herself as a blog lurker. She was beautifully dressed with perfect hair and she could not have been more gracious and I was so discombobulated that I forgot to ask her if she also was a blogger because I would have loved to link to her blog if I could.
And by the way, Rachel, I’m glad I ran into you right after church and not three hours later when I was wearing planting clothes and had dirt in my hair.
And you created a monster because there’s no living with Mr. CPQ now that he’s been recognized.
After she left, I was kicking myself that I didn’t ask her for gardening advice because while I may stick a few seeds in the ground and call myself a gardener, let’s face it, I’m no Mr. Green Jeans. We ended up bringing a variety of flowers home and the only two I know by name are geraniums and marigolds. The rest we’re just calling “that purple one” or “the yellow wavy thing”.
My grandfather would be so proud.
Have a nice day.