The Agriteq agricultural exhibition in Doha, the capital of Qatar, is held every two years. This year was the 5th edition (22-25.03.). The exhibition attracts many exhibitors from Asia, America and Europe, but a university had never participated in it before. How did it happen that the UWM was the first one?
“It happened because of mgr inż. Abdalla Omer Elkhatib, an academic of the Department of Landscape Architecture, who stays in contact with his friend, currently an employee of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment in Qatar, which supervises the Department of Agriculture. This department invited us to the exhibition, but all the expenses of our trip were incurred by Al-Sulaiteen Agricultural Research Study and Training Centre – a private company acting on behalf of the government of Qatar,” explains Prof. Krzysztof Młynarczyk, the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Management and Agriculture (WKŚiR), who was the head of the UWM’s three-person delegation.
At the UWM’s stand, visitors could become acquainted with the research issues of the faculty, the fields of study as well as the UWM in general.
The trip to Qatar was not made in a haphazard way and the fact that the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Management and Agriculture went there was not accidental either. At present, Qatar wishes to develop its own agriculture because it is heavily dependent on food imports. As Qatar is capable of it and has the necessary resources, it is looking for top specialists who can help to reach it.
“They are interested in, among others, such issues as the cultivation of fodder crops, animal feeding, gardening, combating plant diseases, including greenhouse plants and landscape architecture. We are able to advise them on all of these. Regarding animals, this means camels, sheep and goats, i.e. ruminants. Regarding the cultivation of fodder crops, they are interested in, for example, alfalfa – which is well-known in Poland. Protecting greenhouse plants against pests and diseases is nothing new to us either,” explains Prof. Młynarczyk. It turns out that there already are now the first fodder crops in the desert and the first greenhouses in Qatar. This country can afford to desalinate sea water and to send it by pipelines 40 km from the sea.
“I had talks at Qatar’s Department of Agriculture. The Qataris are interested in the research on fodder crops, agricultural consultancy and doctoral studies at the UWM in agronomy, but with research conducted in Qatar. It seems that they treat us very seriously, because Abdullah Sulaiteen, the Chairman of the Al Sulaiteen Centre, accepted the invitation of the Rector of the UWM to visit Kortowo and promised that after Ramadan he would visit the UWM and acquaint himself with everything on-site,” adds the dean of WKŚiR.
Qatar made a strong impression on Prof. Krzysztof Młynarczyk. Qataris are to a great extent an open and tolerant society. There are about 300,000 of them and 1,5 mil. migrants. Women have many freedoms. They can, for example, drive a car or hold offices in administration.
“Our host, Abdullah Sulaiteen, gave us a warm reception; he gave us the red carpet treatment, to be honest. Doha is a very modern city. I was really happy to see that some of the public buildings preserve their Arabian architectural style. There is a lot of greenery, arranged by different companies. Qataris are not completely satisfied with the results because they are offered unified decorative modules. They desire diversity. It is also a chance for us because they are building eight stadiums for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Someone will have to design the areas around these stadiums,” noted the Dean.
Prof. Młynarczyk was also astonished by the investment momentum. The suburban terrains stretching over many kilometres from Doha are one great building site.
During his trip to Qatar, Prof. Krzysztof Młynarczyk, the Dean of WKŚiR, was accompanied by mgr inż Abdalla Omer Elkhatib and mgr inż Sławomir Gromadzki, a doctoral student at the Department of Water Resources, Climatology and Environmental Management, who presented his patents on rainwater retention in the soil. The average annual precipitation in Qatar is around 80 mm. Episodic heavy rains are from December to February. It is a remarkable achievement to collect water underground and then to use it to water crops.


Frost Ridge Maple Farm is the third largest maple syrup producer in Pennsylvania. Their products are all organic and the wood used in their process is sustainably harvested from their own land. Owner Michele Mihailov learned about PennTAP through our website and reached out for assistance in applying for the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant to fund the implementation of a new reverse osmosis system.
PennTAP Advisor Jenn Jones determined the REAP grant would be the best option for the client, but also referred her to a secondary grant program, the Environmental Quality Incentive’s Program (EQIP) through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for additional funding options. Jones evaluated the energy consumption of Mihailov’s current reverse osmosis system and determined the savings to be achieved once the system was upgraded. She also completed the REAP Energy Assessment for Energy Efficiency Improvements Report required for Mihailov’s REAP application.
A grant from the Department of Environmental Protection funded this energy assessment.
“Michele was a pleasure to work with,” Jones said. “Her commitment to sustainably producing organic maple syrup surpasses no other.”
Outcomes and Benefits
Frost Ridge Maple Farm was awarded a REAP grant of $22,565. The maple syrup producer also received an additional $14,000 in grant funding from EQIP for the new reverse osmosis system based on the gallons they produce.
The implementation of the new reverse osmosis system is expected to save 3,218 kWh per year, equivalent to $458 in savings per year. The new system will also save 18 cords or 441 MMBtu per year.
The client has implemented the new system and will begin using the equipment during the 2022 maple syrup season.
PennTAP is committed to helping achieve eight of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Of those eight goals, this project aligned with:
About the Client
Frost Ridge Maple Farm
14611 Dickson St.
Guys Mills PA, 16327
Phone: (814) 337-2483
Industry: Maple Syrup Production


Tragedy of the commons
The phrase "tragedy of the commons" was first described by biologist Garrett Hardin in 1968. It describes how shared environmental resources are overused and eventually depleted. He used the example of the shared resource to a common grazing pasture. In this scenario, everyone with rights to the pasture grazes as many animals as they like, acting in self-interest for the greatest short-term personal gain. Eventually, they use up all the grass in the pasture. The shared resource is depleted and no longer useful.


Scientists are warning of a looming catastrophe, dubbed “phosphogeddon,” as our planet faces the consequences of phosphorus misuse. Overuse of phosphorus could lead to severe shortages of fertilizers, disrupting global food production, and creating aquatic dead zones that threaten fish stocks.
Phosphorus is vital for life on Earth and essential for crop growth. Around 50 million metric tons of phosphate fertilizer are sold globally each year, playing a crucial role in feeding our planet’s 8 billion inhabitants. However, the element’s misuse is causing significant environmental problems, such as algal blooms in rivers, lakes, and seas, leading to the creation of dead zones where few creatures survive.
The overuse of phosphorus also contributes to the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, exacerbating the climate crisis. As climate change progresses, warmer conditions are expected to result in more algal blooms per unit of phosphate pollution, increasing methane emissions.
Phosphorus reserves are found in only a few countries, with Morocco and western Sahara holding the largest deposits, followed by China and Algeria. Traditional rock phosphate reserves are becoming depleted as they are extracted for fertilizer production, raising fears of reaching “peak phosphorus” in the coming years. As supplies decline, many nations may struggle to obtain enough phosphorus to feed their populations, potentially leading to a crisis reminiscent of the 1970s oil crisis.
Scientists recommend improving phosphorus recycling methods and adopting a global shift towards healthy diets with low phosphorus footprints to mitigate the impending crisis. The misuse of phosphorus and its impact on our environment exemplify how human actions are profoundly shaping our planet, causing widespread damage and raising the alarm for urgent change.


County government hands over 270 galla goats
In a move to upscale food security efforts, the County government of Baringo has handed over more than 270 Galla goats to residents of Barwessa Ward in Baringo North Sub County.
The Goats that were distributed across the Ward with each sub location receiving 27 goats, which targets the vulnerable in the society in order to improve their livelihoods.
While officially handing over the livestock, Governor H.E Stanley Kiptis stated that, under his administration’s resilience programme, it will help in improving the livestock breeds in the lower parts of the County.
“These improved breeds will fetch higher prizes compared to indigenous ones thus creating wealth for our farmers,” said the Governor.
Another focus that Kiptis revealed is giving out doper sheep and Sahiwal cattle breeds that can adapt to harsh climatic conditions frequently experienced in these areas.
Residents could not hide their joy while receiving the goats saying that County government should increase the number to accommodate more beneficiaries.
Also at Marigat in Baringo south sub county, the county government has continued to enhance its effortsof improving livestock production by providing quality breeds.
|H.E Governor Stanley Kiptis handing over one of the galla goats to a local farmer in Barwesa Ward.|
The department of Agriculture and livestock distributed 10 two-year old Sahiwal bulls to farmers groups to improve livestock productivity in the county.
CEC for Agriculture, Dr Richard Rotich said the distribution will improve livestock productivity in the identified areas of Kabarnet and Kapropita Wards in Baringo Central, Barwessa and Saimo Soi Wards in Baringo North, Ripkwo Kositei and Kollowa Wards in Tiaty, Emining and Mogotio Wards as well as Marigat and Ilchamus Wards in Baringo South.
"Our department will follow up the beneficiaries and ensure that the ten bulls are well taken care of until the time the project becomes sustainable," said Dr. Rotich.
He noted that the breeds are adaptable in the lower parts the County and are highly resilient to drought where water and pastures are inadequate.
Farmers who benefited from the program have expressed their gratitude towards County government for coming up with such a noble program which will improve their livelihoods.
They promised to take good care of the bulls which will they believe will enhance their economic livelihoods.


Scopes of Jute Geotextiles for the Stabilization of Over Burden (OB) Dumps of Coal MinesFeb 15, 2017
Presented by Shri Koushik Das, Scientist, IJIRA on 15th Feb. 2017
Methods of coal mining, scenario of coal industry and formation method of over-burden dump had been discussed. Reasons of dump soil erosion and remedial measures had been explained. Efficacy of Jute Geotextiles on OB Dump protection had also been discussed. It was informed that Northern Coal Fields Co. Ltd. (NCL) has numbers of unstable OB Dump and they are interested to apply JGT technology for the protection of the dumps.
Association Mapping for Stem Rot Disease Resistance in Jute PlantFeb 8, 2017
Presented by Shri Kaustav Chakraborty, Project Staff, IJIR Aon 8th Feb. 2017
Genetic mapping of rot resistant character of jute plant had been informed. Techniques related to the genetic mapping had also been discussed briefly.
Biochemical Softening of Hard Root Cuttings of Jute Fibre for Better UtilizationJan 25, 2017
Presented by Shri Biswarup Nandy, Technical Officer, IJIRA & Shri Gopal Mukhopadhyay, Technical Officer, IJIRA on 25h Jan. 2017
The presentation was delivered on efficacy and advantages of using biochemical softening of hard root cuttings of jute fibre. Floor level performance of three jute mills using the technology had also been discussed. It has informed that 10 % - 15% hard root cuttings may be applied successfully on existing batches of sacking quality without compromising quality and performance. Thus the batch cost will reduce substantially.
Standard Methods for Inspection of B. Twill Jute Bag Quality (IS 16186:2014, Amendment 1)Jan 11, 2017
Presented by Smt. Soumita Chowdhury, Scientist, IJIRA on 11h Jan. 2017
Detailed methodology of inspection of B. Twill jute bags and criteria for conformity had been discussed elaborately. Various stages of inspection of B. Twill jute bags; sampling criteria, selection of bags, assessment of fabric & bag fault, measurement of physical properties, determination of breaking strength, etc had also been discussed. The present facilities of IJIRA as well as IJIRA’s experience in jute bag inspection were informed.
Soil Improvement TechniquesJan 4, 2017
Presented by Shri Ayanjyoti Pal, Project Staff, IJIRA on 4th Jan. 2017
The presentation was focused on different methods of soil improvement. Application and function of geo-synthetics for the improvement of soil characteristics also discussed briefly.


The potential impact of coastal grazing on water resources is causing concern. It is suspected that livestock introduce microbes that cause infectious diseases in people, as well as nutrients, into water systems. The concern regarding hygiene effects is partly justified and needs to be studied in more detail. In grazing, some of the nutrients from the vegetation are retained in the growth of animals, and coastal grazing potentially decreases the total nutrient load; however, more research is needed on this. The project’s goals include supplementing the knowledge of the impact of grazing livestock on the hygiene and nutrient status of coastal waters, and dispelling uncertainty concerning the impact on water resources from grazing.
- Variables for nutrients (phosphorus, nitrogen) and hygiene (intestinal and pathogenic microbes) in the water systems in the pastures and comparison areas will be defined, as well as pathogens from manure samples from the pastures.
- The nutrient cycle (phosphorus, nitrogen) through grazing livestock in the pastures will be determined through calculations.
- The estimate of the hygiene risks and nutrient impact on water resources caused by coastal grazing and recommendations on minimizing the risks will be updated.
- An updated estimate of the hygiene risks and nutrient impact on water resources caused by coastal grazing, and recommendations for minimising the risks.
- Nutrient balance calculations (phosphorus, nitrogen) per mother suckler cow and calf: intake, faecal and urinary output and retained.


Over the last decade, our team has traveled the world and worked with top executive chefs to craft superior gourmet blends designed around food pairings, time of day and drinking preferences to make your experience simply phenomenal.
In addition, we're passionate about fair farmer practices that promote equitable and sustainable trade relationships for the farmer, while producing the highest quality green coffees available. In turn, these farmers can provide fair wages, healthcare, education, food, clean water and shelter for their families and workers. This type of care also extends to the land and its surroundings, allowing the farmer to plant, grow, harvest, and package, while taking care of their farm and the environment.
During our travels to several coffee growing countries over the years we've met individual farmers and cooperatives, and created relationships based on fair prices and fair practices. As you may have guessed, creating relationships with small farmers and cooperatives takes a considerable amount of time and cost, and although we pay a premium for going the extra step, it's something that we believe in simply because it's the right thing to do.
At the same time, we donate to and partner with local and national non profit organizations helping to make the world a better place. Here's our secret:
- We roast & package fresh daily
Highest Quality Arabica Beans & Loose Leaf Teas
- We only use the best, no compromises
The Art of the Roast
- Our top chef inspired, handcrafted products are simply better... just try a cup and see for yourself!
Giving Back to Our Communities
- We believe in doing the right thing & helping others
(877) 350-5862 or (303) 292-LUNA
Luna Roasters Gourmet Coffee & Tea
Attn: Customer Service
7295 Washington St.
Denver, CO 80229


Professor of Land and Water Resources
American University of Beirut
Rami Zurayk is a professor of land and water resources in the Department of Landscape Design and Ecosystem Management at the American University of Beirut (AUB), director of AUB's Interfaculty Graduate Environmental Science Program (IGESP), and environmental program coordinator for the University’s Ecosystem Management Program. He is also a policy advisor to Lebanon’s Minister of Agriculture, founder and president of the Association of Lebanese Organic Agriculture (ALOA), and founder of “Healthy Basket.”
Zurayk has worked extensively in the Arab world for a number of international development organizations such as the UNDP, UNEP, World Bank, Oxfam, and the International Cooperation for Development. He has published extensively on issues of environment and development and on sustainable agriculture, indigenous knowledge, and community development. His most recent book, Food, Farming and Freedom: Sowing the Arab Spring, will be published by Just World Books in May 2011. He has also co-authored The Empty Breadbasket: Food Shortage and Farming Crisis in the Fertile Crescent with Tariq Tell, which will be published by Pluto Press in 2012. He blogs www.landandpeople.blogspot.com, is active in Arab civil society, and writes a weekly column on food and farming in the Lebanese daily Al Akhbar. He researches issues at the nexus of food, environment, livelihoods, and politics.
Zurayk earned a BS (in agriculture), a Diploma of Ingenieur Agricole, and an MS (in irrigation) from AUB and a PhD in plant science from Oxford University.
Profile as of 5/18/2011


NOTE: Due to family illness, our store is temporarily unable to fulfill orders. Please come back, we hope to be serving you your favorite granola again soon!
Late Summer Harvest - Lemon Blueberry -
Sun kissed sweet blueberries, perfume of zesty lemons, thick Hawaiian honey glazed oats and a handful of crispy almonds. It's never too late for our late summer harvest of Lemon Blueberry Granola!
Rolled Oats, Canola Oil, Dried Blueberries, Almonds, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Volcano Island Honey (Hawaiian Honey), Vermont or Pennsylania Maple Syrup, Organic Whole Wheat Flour, Organic Wheat Germ, Organic Bran Flakes, Cinnamon, Lemon Oil, Vanilla, Organic Cloves, Kosher Salt


|This article is in need of a clean-up. You can help out The Tekkit Classic Wiki by re-organizing parts of the article, checking grammar and spelling, and doing other helpful things to correct the article.|
To place a Crop, right click on the tilled dirt. A Seed Bag or plant can now be placed on the Crop by right-clicking on the newly placed Crop. For Cross Breeding, right-click to place another Crop on the first one. However, Cross Breeding only works if the Cross-Breeding crop is in-between two other mature plants growing on crops.
Once a plant is fully mature you can right-click to harvest it without destroying the plant. Left clicking the plant will break the plant, and has a chance to drop a Seed Bag. The drop chance for seeds and the items you get from the plant is based on its statistics.
Every plant has a growth, gain, and resist statistic. Each has its own pros and cons.
- Pro: The higher the Growth statistic of a plant, the faster it grows.
- Con: The higher the Growth statistic of a plant, the higher the chance of weeds spawning on nearby Crops.
Note: At Growth stat 24 and higher, the plant begins behaving like weeds, destroying nearby crops. Therefore, a recommended ideal Growth stat would be 20-21, to give a reasonable comfort zone for cross-breeding.
- Pro: The higher the Gain statistic of a plant, the better the drop chance of harvests becomes.
- Con: The higher the Gain statistic of a plant, the lower the chances of dropping Seed Bags.
- Pro: The higher the Resist statistic of a plant, the more resistant it is to weeds and being trampled, as well as greatly increasing the chance of the plant dropping at least one Seed Bag.
- Con: The higher the Resist statistic of a plant, the slower it will cross-breed with other plants.
Note: Crops can still be trampled while sneaking. (Bug/Fixed in 3.1.3)
If an immature crop is trampled, the crop will disappear without dropping any seeds.
You can find out the statistics of your seed bags by using a Cropnalyser


Today more and more people are discovering the pleasures of eating seasonal, locally grown produce, and farmer’s markets are popping up all over the city and surrounding suburbs. However, if you are seeking an even more holistic experience, and would like to meet the people who grow your food or simply want to experience the region’s terroir, take a short trip out of the city to Pick. at Garden Patch Farms!
I was recently invited to Pick. at Garden Patch Farms to visit with Tony and Molly and tour the beautiful farm, so that I can experience and document the various stages of farm production, from seed to harvest! Molly gave me a detailed tour and explained the stages in preparation for the year’s harvest. They started out by sprouting seeds in their large green houses, which will later be transplanted outdoors, which takes place in the second or third week of May.
Pick. At Garden Patch Farms is a farmer’s market situated on 30 gorgeous acres of prime farmland in Homer Glen, Illinois, just 40 minutes from downtown Chicago. The Hiller family has worked this land for nearly a century, and their wealth of experience in growing regional foods is apparent in the quality of everything they produce.
While some guests like simply to browse the extensive farm market, many demand absolute freshness and like to harvest their own fruits and vegetables. For $5 per visit, or $25 for a yearly pass, you can pick your own produce as fresh as you can get, while eating seasonally, supporting a local farming tradition, and even getting to know your grower! This is the definition of whole food.
For the next several months, I will take my readers along on a tour of Pick. at Garden Patch Farms to document all the stages of growth on the way to harvest, and will include recipes prepared with fresh produce from Pick. Be sure to check back regularly throughout the growing season for updates, recipes, and of course lots of photos!
I love the unique system Pick. has setup to grow strawberries. The water flows throughout the pots down into bottom black planters that hold radishes
Sprouted strawberry plant
Below is list of the seasonal produce and when they are available at Pick. at Garden Patch Farms.
Pick. at Garden Patch Farms
14158 W. 159th Street, Homer Glen, IL 60491
Wow! Who knew such a treasure was hiding out in Homer Glen!? Bummed that it’s such a trek from where I live, I think I’d definitely be getting that yearly pass. 😉 It looks amazing.


- Whole Corn
Whole kernals of local organic corn are cooked in water with a trace of crushed limestone.
(Fun Fact) The length of time for which the maize is boiled and soaked varies according to local traditions and the type of food being prepared, with cooking times ranging from a few minutes to few hour, and soaking times from a few minutes to about a day.
After being cooked the solution steeps and undergoes a chemical process. The corn softens and gains calcium & potassium
(Fun Fact) Without the addition of powdered lime the nutrients inside the corn are unable to be digested. Settlers trying to copy the ancient technique missed this step and became malnourished trying to eat only corn products to sustain themselves.
The Kernels are washed thoroughly the hulls, starch & other corn matter are removed
Calcium hydroxide is the powder that results from scraping the limestone rocks. The Aztec would grind corn against the lime stone river rocks and figured out it’s beneficial properties this way.
Once the nixtamal is formed you have masa and it can be made into many different food options.
We hope you enjoyed this in depth look at the process behind our famous Mi Tierra Tortillas. Make sure to follow us on our social media for even more great content!


happy earth day with erika spring!
the au revoir simone musician gives us a how-to on composting.
There's no better way to say "I love you" to the Earth than to get in the habit of composting your trash. I know what you're thinking, but you do have time to compost, and we'll show you how with Erika Spring from Au Revoir Simone.
Find out how we're composting our scraps in the slideshow--with easy tips and drop off locations in your city--and celebrate Earth Day right!
UNUSUAL SUSPECTS: The composting basics include food scraps, but did you also know you can compost carrot tops, lemons, egg shells, tea bags, and flowers? So you really don't have any excuse for putting your cold chai teas in the trash anymore.
STORE IT: If you don't have access to a yard to compost in, or don't have the time, don't worry. Take your compost and store it in a plastic bag in the freezer so it says fresh but doesn't stink up your house!
COMPOST IT: You can find a place to drop off your compostable garbage in your city with a quick Google search. In NYC, Green Markets are will take your scraps and turn them into fuel to grow their plants.


A huge number of homeowners have strong interest in the appearance of their front yards and backyards.A good looking lawn not only beautifies a house but also adds value to the house.A home proprietor might only know how to mow the lawn, but there are much more services that one can do such as tree trimming, landscaping and much more.
Since very few individuals can stand to procure proficient lawn services organizations you can do the services by yourself. Lawn mowing is one of the things you can do to make your lawn beautiful. Here are some steps of doing lawn mowing individually.
The removal of stones sticks and debris in the area you want to mow is the first step you should take. Cutting the wet grass on your lawn can cause having your lawn being mowed unevenly thus the importance of keeping away from cutting it. Do not take sharp corners with the tractors while mowing since it can end up digging into your lawn.It is important not to mow in the same direction every time as it will compact the soil.
Professional business that provides these services are in huge numbers. Lawn services vary from lawn mowing services to lawn cutting services.The following are several services that one can do to his or her lawn.
The most perceived and known type of lawn services is fertilization. Fertilization is a procedure of treating your lawn with fertilizers for the grass to grow and stay green. There is likewise the weed control. This is the removal of weeds that might invade the lawn.Seeding and aeration is another type of lawn services that is not well known by people. This involves the eradication of plugs from the earth to increase penetration of water, nutrients, and air to the lawns roots.
The control of pest and insects is one other type of lawn service .This may involve use of pesticides and insecticides to eliminate the pests and insects in the lawn. You can receive guidance from the lawn services companies on the type of pesticides to use for your lawn.
Many homeowners may believe that landscaping is only for aesthetic appearances. Landscaping is far more than the appearance of the yard.Residential Landscaping has numerous benefits. Achieving a maintainable, functional, good-looking landscape is possible.Nowadays the landscape is seen as an art.When you properly plan the design of the landscape you can get maximum enjoyment from the residential landscape.You increase your home value by incorporating a residential landscape. Aesthetic, unity, functionality and harmony are components of an exceptional design.
Landscaping is divided into two. The outdoor landscaping and the indoor landscaping are the two types of landscaping. Indoor landscaping is whereby you decide to add beauty and life to the interiors of your home, and the outdoor landscaping is beautifying the outside region of your homes such as the front yard and backyard. You can use flowers to do this.


Its tomato season — and that means its time to start tying up tomatoes and peppers in the garden! Providing adequate support has a multitude of benefits for a plants health, vitality and longevity. First, it provides protection against the forces of nature. As plants mature and fruit, they become top-heavy and can topple easily in summer storms. Secondly, it also protects plants from disease and pests, keeping foliage and fruit off the ground and out of danger.
When tomato and pepper plants are left to sprawl on the ground, they can become an easy target for pests to attack. They also have a harder time drying out when they are not properly secured.
That can make it easy for all sorts of disease to take hold, from mildew to blight. But no matter what you choose as a support for your plants, it is important to tie them off to the support properly.
And that means using the right materials, and tying off the right parts of the plant. The key is to use a material that is durable enough to hold plants, but still has flexibility. Materials that are too rigid can cut and damage plants as they grow or move in the wind.
Zip ties, plastic ties and even metal wire ties all fall into this category. Although they are easy to work with, they can actually cause more harm to the plants as they grow.
So what works well? Old cotton t-shirts cut into strips and pantyhose are two of the best options.Quick, Natural & Easy Plant Ties for Your Garden - Tieing Cucumber Vine
Both are strong enough to hold limbs securely, but allow for growth and expansion of stems and shoots. They also are extremely budget friendly and can usually be obtained for free. There are of course commercially available plant ties, but they can be a bit costly. It is inexpensive, and works incredibly well on plants for both strength and give. Best of all, if you purchase it in green, it is completely invisible in the garden.
All Tied Up Plant Ties
When it comes to tying up tomatoes and peppers properly, it all begins with good support for the main stem. Start at the base of plants and secure them to your supports by tying off with two tie-downs.
One a few inches of the ground, and another about 6 inches off.Here at Walmart. Your email address will never be sold or distributed to a third party for any reason. Due to the high volume of feedback, we are unable to respond to individual comments. Sorry, but we can't respond to individual comments.
Recent searches Clear All. Update Location. Learn more. Refine by Top Brands. Deliver To Home. Free pickup. Retailer Walmart. Material Wood Metal Bamboo See more materials. Search Product Result. Product Image. Average rating: 0 out of 5 stars, based on 0 reviews. Current Price In-store purchase only.
The 5 Best Ways to Stake Tomatoes
Average rating: 4. Choose Options. Add to cart. Average rating: 1 out of 5 stars, based on 1 reviews 1 ratings. Product Variants Selector. Product Title Mr. Reduced Price. Average rating: 3 out of 5 stars, based on 2 reviews 2 ratings.
Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site. These garden plant ties gently encourage vertical growth without damaging stems. Wrap each plant tie around both stem and stake, then simply twist to secure. Embellished with a flower at each end, ties come in both 5" and 8" lengths. Reusable — use over and over again! Cart 0 items in cart. Gardener's Supply. Search Catalog Search Search.
A force for good. About Us. All Tied Up Plant Ties. Product Actions Add to cart options Quantity. In Stock.
Additional Information Description Attractive, Reusable Garden Ties Keep Plants On Track Soft plant ties won't injure tender stems Use over and over again — will last for years 50 ties in 2 sizes: 5" and 8" These garden plant ties gently encourage vertical growth without damaging stems. Customers who bought this item also bought. Nitrile Gloves. Easy-Squeeze Spray Nozzle.
Green color disappears into foliage. Cart 0 items in cart. Gardener's Supply. Search Catalog Search Search. A force for good. About Us. Product Actions Add to cart options Quantity.
In Stock. Additional Information Description Self-Gripping Ties Hold Plants and More Self-gripping tape can be cut to any length Economical — reuse ties year after year No more struggling to tie knots in hard-to-reach places! Customers who bought this item also bought. Nitrile Gloves. Stacking Tomato Ladders, Set of 6. Tomato Towers, Set of 2. Pocket Snips. Extra-Tall Earth Staples, Set of Deluxe Cucumber Trellis. Garden Tape. Lashing Cord.
Strong, long-lasting Strong, long-lasting lashing cord is ideal for tying bamboo into tepees and trellises. Flat, nylon cord is easy to tie and has a wax coating that grips poles without slipping.If you're growing tomatoes or dealing with ever-drooping flowers, plant stakes, garden trellises, and other plant supports are essential for your growing backyard oasis.
Shop Gardener's Edge for a variety of traditional and innovative plant support products! Many staking solutions and cages for tomatoes, climbing vegetables and flowers. Supports save space and keep your tomatoes clean while reducing rot and insect damage.
Support your growing plants with bamboo, fiberglass and metal garden trellises. Keep your flowers standing tall with sturdy, durable flower supports and plant stakes. Here you'll find a variety of durable plant supports, stakes and garden trellises made from strong materials like heavy-gauge steel, natural bamboo, and welded wire.
These reinforcements are efficient, cost-effective supports that will get the job done and withstand outdoor climates. Whether you're growing vegetables or protecting fragile flowers, Gardener's Edge has the garden stakes and trellises you need for consistent success. Gardener's Edge also carries a wide selection of plant support accessories, including garden connects, twine and plant tiesgarden wire, and more.
These products are must-have essentials throughout the garden and yard, whether you're tying plants or building A-frame trellises. Shop our selection of durable braces, cages and plant supports today and give your precious growth just the right amount of encouragement and reinforcement to thrive! Home Plant Supports. Shop by Category.
Plant Supports If you're growing tomatoes or dealing with ever-drooping flowers, plant stakes, garden trellises, and other plant supports are essential for your growing backyard oasis.
Garden Trellises Support your growing plants with bamboo, fiberglass and metal garden trellises.In a good year, my plants can get enormous and be weighed down with an abundance of fruit. One of the secrets to my success is properly staking my tomatoes. Not only that, but your tomatoes will rot if they lay unsupported on the ground, and critters will have an easy meal.
There are two main types of tomatoes, and you should understand the difference before you get staking. Determinate tomatoes will grow to a defined height and set all their fruit at once, typically early in the year. For this reason, some people skip the support structure. That said, I stake my determinate plants.
You want your plants well supported, especially when the wind picks up, because if you have a good season your tomato plants will have to hold a lot of fruit. Indeterminate tomatoes continue to grow all season and can become massive and heavy. They produce fruit throughout the season, which enables you to pick as the fruit ripens.
You can control the growth by training, removing laterals, and pinching out the main stem; but the moment you stop, the plant continues to grow and get more substantial. Because of this, sturdy staking is a necessity. There are a number of methods of staking tomatoes. Here are the most common ones and when to use them. I prefer single staking for both determinate and indeterminate tomatoes when I only have a few tomato plants. This method requires one stake for each plant.
The bigger the plant, the stronger the stake needs to be. I lost many plants in my early growing experience by using stakes that were too thin to hold a fully laden indeterminate tomato. Dig in a strong stake next to your young tomato plant.
After sinking your stake, tie the plant stem to it as it grows using nylon stocking or cotton cloth. Add more ties as the plant grows, taking care not to restrict the plant and cut off the stem.
Tying Up Tomatoes – What To Use And How To Do It With Ease!
For small determinate tomatoes and cherry tomatoes, a bamboo stake is fine. For indeterminate tomatoes, use a thick wooden pole, straight branch, metal T-bar or similar. You want a stick about 6-feet tall for indeterminate tomatoes. Even small varieties need to be staked in pots. If you have a shallow container, use two or three stakes to share the load.
If you have a nice deep pot, one substantial stake will work well. You do need to have strong stakes, though, because each stake is supporting multiple plants.
Plant your tomatoes in a long straight line. Hammer stakes into the ground, with a tomato plant in between each stake. Once the plants get about 9-inches tall, tie a string to the first stake at the beginning of the row about 6-inches above the ground and pull the string in a loop around the next stake.
Continue this down the entire row, keeping the string taut the entire time. Tie the string securely to the last stake and then return down the line again with the same process. Tie off at the original stake. The string holds the plants, supported by the stakes in the line.
Add new rows of string as the plants get taller. I only use caging with cherry tomatoes in pots.Conventionally grown seeds come from plants that grew in the fields even longer than food crops and are likely to have had even more exposure to synthetic pesticides and fungicides to keep them viable as seed producers. Organic seeds are produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and fungicides.
You can be sure that the crops grown from our seeds are of the highest quality. Our Peaceful Valley brand vegetable seeds are guaranteed to germinate! If they do not, just contact us and we'll be happy to replace them. Close search. Narrow Results Brand Victor. Application Season Summer. Loading Filters. Ground Staples Pack of Sold out. Sold Out Read More.
Plant Supports and Ties
Hemp Twine Medium Ft Roll. Add to Cart Read More. Hemp Twine Thick Ft Roll.
Ground Staples Box of Twist Tie with Cutter '. Twist Tie Garden Wire 55' Roll. Flex Strap Tree Ties 50 ft Coil. Easi-Tie Rubber Tree Ties 12". Zip Tie, 7" per pack. Zenport Tape Gun Tool. Easi Tie Rubber Tree Ties 6" each. Twine in a Can '. Twist Tie Garden Wire ' Roll.
Reasons to Buy Our Organic Seeds.


In Spring 2022, I organized a meeting with the California Central Coast Rangelands Coalition on grazing management and soil carbon sequestration at Paicines Ranch in California. I presented on the results of my dissertation research, organized quest speakers including Chelsea Carey from Point Blue Conservation Science and Jeanne Merrill from California Climate and Agriculture Network, and coordinated field demonstration sites showing how soils are sampled, how adaptive rotational grazing is practiced, and monitoring needs. 150 people, primarily ranchers, registered for the event and more than 100 people attended -- making this the best-attended CCRC meeting in history.
I began my research by talking to ranchers, and I used this as a way to end my dissertation work by also talking to ranchers.
I spent the first 3 years of my PhD work networking and building community with ranchers in California. For too long, academics have neglected the needs, realities, and local ecological knowledge of farmers and ranchers, creating distrust. I do my best to involve ranchers throughout the research process: beginning by understanding their operations and contexts, incorporating their observations and questions, and communicating back my findings. Throughout my dissertation work, I worked with groups of ranchers to do just that. In addition to building my research around their questions and sampling on their working ranches, I am also publishing a paper centering their voices and quotes to highlight the importance of their experiences.


The City of Rexburg offers Community Gardens, located at Riverside Park in front of Rexburg Rapids, from April 15th-November 1st. There are 15 large beds and 13 small beds available for rent (#1, 14, and 25 are unavailable due to the sprinklers that are located there).
Registration begins both online and in-house on April 16th. It is recommended to wait until the last frost to start planting, but you may begin planting on May 1st. All plot must be cleared out by November 1st or you will not have your deposit refunded to you.
We are excited to offer this great opportunity to the community, and hope that if you have any questions or concerns that you will feel free to contact us at (208) 372-2560 or send an email to firstname.lastname@example.org.
Refunds will not be given after May 1st.
Find more information and register for a spot here.


no mow grass seed no mow grass seed home depot mowing grass seed heads no mow lawn grass seed reviews.
cleome plant cleome plant yellow leaves cleome plants for sale cleome plants for sale uk.
lockdry aluminum decking lockdry waterproof decking lockdry aluminum decking where to buy lockdry aluminum decking price.
seedless tomatoes seedless tomatoes varieties seedless tomatoes walmart are there seedless canned tomatoes.
costco memory foam topper costco memory foam topper double costco memory foam topper full size costco memory foam topper california king.
fish fertilizer for tomatoes fish fertilizer tomato plants fish heads fertilizer tomatoes is fish fertilizer good for tomato plants.
lastiseal lastiseal penetrating brick concrete sealer lastiseal lowes lastiseal satin.
antifungal shampoo for dogs homemade anti fungal shampoo for dogs yeast infection shampoo for dogs uk prescription shampoo for dogs with allergies.
sunpatiens seeds buy sunpatiens seeds sunpatiens seeds for sale can you buy sunpatiens seeds.
rowe furniture sectional rowe brentwood sectional sofa rowe furniture brentwood sectional reviews rowe furniture sectional reviews.


The effect of the farmers’ protest is starting to show. The procurement of paddy, the main Kharif crop in Punjab and Haryana, will start from today i.e. October 3. . The states said that the central government has accepted their request in this regard. Earlier, the Center had postponed the procurement of paddy till October 11 due to heavy rains. It was strongly opposed by the farmers of both the states. After this the Center changed the decision.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal said that Union Consumer Affairs Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey has accepted our request. Farmers demonstrated at many places. The Haryana government is also of the view that procurement should start on time. He said that the paddy crop has reached the mandis. Keeping in view the interests of the farmers, Ashwini Choubey was requested to start the procurement at the earliest.
Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi raised the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. He said that this decision would bring relief to the farmers and ensure smooth procurement without any hindrance.


(Picture of our listing 959 N. American Street)
Just because your yard gets lots of shade doesn’t mean you can’t have a garden. There are many varieties of plants and flowers that thrive in a shady environment. In fact, when the weather is at its hottest, plants like shade just as much as people do! If you’d like to create a shade garden in your yard, follow the guidelines below and in no time you’ll be relaxing in your shady, green oasis!
There are different variations of shade, so it’s important to know what kind of shade you have in your garden. Your shade conditions may also change with the season – such as when a tree loses its leaves – so make sure you understand just how much shade you’re dealing with before you choose your plants. For shade gardening, shade is determined by just how long the area goes without sunlight.
Partial Sun/ Partial Shade
Used interchangeably, these terms mean 3 to 6 hours of sun a day, usually in the morning or early afternoon. If a plant as listed as partial sun, it means it’s more likely to need the minimal sun requirements, so keep that in mind when choosing. If listed as partial shade, it likely needs a break from the sun in the hottest part of the afternoon, either from a tree or by planting on the east side of a building.
Dappled shade is the shade found under a a deciduous tree. Woodland plants prefer this kind of sunlight over the direct sunlight they would get in a partial sun/ partial shade environment.
Full shade means less that 3 hours of sunlight a day. It does not mean no sun at all. There are few plants that can survive in the dark. If you fear a location has no sunlight, consider removing lower tree branches to let more light through.
Shade plants have evolved in woodland environments, so the type of soil these plants will prefer is the type found there which is slightly acidic from decaying leaves. Since dead plant life is not removed in a woodland situation, there is always a nice, thick layer of natural mulch conditioning the soil. Try to recreate these conditions with rich soil and organic mulch.
Shady areas attract snails and slugs, so be vigilant about controlling them or they’ll eat your plants in no time. You can hand pick them throughout the growing season or apply an organic insecticide such as Sluggo, found at your local garden center.
Choosing plants that will survive in shade is obviously important. Some varieties that will do well include Monkshood, Columbine, Astilbe, Blackberry Lily, Bugbane, Bleeding Heart, Barrenwort, Primrose, Meadow Rue, and Bluebells. Ferns and hostas are also great plants found in woodland environments that will thrive in your shade garden.
The bottom line is – if you have a shady garden or a shady spot in your yard, don’t despair! It’s possible to have a beautiful garden even in the shadiest conditions if you keep the guidelines above in mind when choosing plants and creating your garden.


We guess you know these wine names. Could you guess they're all coming from the same Italian region?
The name Piedmont comes from latin “ad pedem montium”, meaning at the foot of the mountains, and it’s considered worldwide as one of the most important wine-growing regions in the world. Whilst the region champions a number of varieties, Nebbiolo is the most spectacular, ethereal and capable of producing truly profound wine such as Barolo and Barbaresco, whose names come from small villages of the Langhe region. However, the most cultivated variety is Barbera, from which lighter, fruity wine is produced, typical of the Monferrato area. In the case of white wines, the Gavi is number one. Here, the Cortese di Gavi variety produces delicate, flowery plants, while the Arneis is more likely to have a fruity-spicy, honey-like bouquet.
Wine of Piedmont is of its own character, as many of the local grapes are either not grown in other parts of Italy or play a comparable qualitative role there. This applies to the Nebbiolo, the Grignolino, Dolcetto, Cortese and even the Barbera does not quite play the role in the rest of Italy as in Piedmont.


NorthStar High Flow Best ATV Sprayer with Boom
Ironton ATV Spot Sprayer Best Budget Sprayer
BE AGRIEase 90.700.150
ATV Sprayers are most commonly used in spraying pesticides in the field. It’s an easy and safer option than others. For large gardens or farms, spraying is always difficult, and that’s why we have created a list of best ATV sprays in the market.
We know that spraying is part of the job and we need to make sure that we can cover more areas in a short time. That’s why it’s important to find the best ATV sprayer so that it will reduce your work and complete the task.
In this article, we have added some of the best sprayers in the market. Most people prefer a rear-mounted ATV sprayer, so we have a focus on that, but we have also included pull behind ATV sprayer as well so that everyone can find what they are looking for.
Best ATV Sprayers 2020
Chapin is one of the best and reliable companies when it comes to ATV Sprayer. It’s made to fit any ATV or UTV and even on lawn tractors. It’s easy to use and has a dripless sprayer for better ground coverage. It has a 15-gallon tank that is chemical resistant and made from non-corrosive material and that’s why we have added Chapin 97300 in our best ATV sprayer list. This ATV sprayer tank is translucent and has a big 5-inch opening for filling, mixing, or draining and cleaning of the tank.
The sprayer has a 2.0 GPM rate of spraying and a 12v diaphragm pump that can deliver a maximum pressure of 60psi. That helps the sprayer to spray at 30ft vertical and 26ft horizontal distance. It has a double filtration system that stops anything that blocks the nozzle which makes its lifespan last longer. It has a 15foot reinforced hose and a 7foot coverage spray boom. This ATV sprayer comes with a manifold with a pressure gauge and a Comfort Grip lock. To make sure that this ATV sprayer tank stays stable, it comes with 5-foot ratchet straps.
For someone who has a big farm or larger space to spray, they need a bigger tank, and that’s why we have included NorthStar High Flow in our best ATV sprayers. The tank itself has an extra-thick walled polymer tank design that offers superior crack, leak, and chemical resistance. One of the biggest advantages it has is 5.5GPM flow for continuous spraying without any downtime waiting for the motor to cool. Patented DXS-3 pump valves are made with chemical-resistant Viton that is faster priming, better performance, and longer life Regulator. It comes with a pressure gauge and deluxe trigger spray gun for fine-tuning of spray pressure.
This ATV sprayer also comes with Boom spray which can be attached for spraying at wider spaces. It has a 7-nozzle boom sprays which ranged at extra-wide 11.7ft. The pattern is wider with selective left/center/right boom control for full broadcast, narrow strip, and perimeter spraying. NorthStar High Flow also comes with a spray gun that can deliver up to 22foot maximum vertical spray height and 33foot maximum horizontal spray distance. The tank has a 7.5-inch big lid for easier filling and the bottom mount tank drainer helps you clean the tank in no time.
Not everyone is looking for big tanks with more gallons, some people are looking for smaller tank sizes and Ironton ATV Spot Sprayer is the best ATV sprayer for them. It has an 8-gallon tank which is UV-proof and works with all kinds of chemicals. With this tank, you will get an Ironton pump that has durable chemical-resistant Santoprene and Viton components. The tank has a gallon marker on the surface so that you can monitor the liquid amount.
For ease of use, it has an in-line switch so that you can turn on/off without moving from your seat. Tank size is measures 22*13*10 inches and weighs only 10lbs. It has a 3.5-inch big lid so that you can fill it, mix formula in it or drain it. For better drainage, it has an easy empty bottom drain. A spray gun is also included with Ironton ATV Spot Sprayer, which has a 12 foot vertical and 20-foot horizontal maximum spray distance and sprayer nozzle adjuster.
Precision Products is one of the recognized names in gardening and farm equipment and their ATV sprayer tank is no different. Precision TCS15 has a 15-gallon capacity and is made from durable polyethylene material that is non-corrosive. Also, it has a gallon marker molded outside so that you would always know how much is in the tank.
The sprayers have 1.0GPM flow rate and 12V Shurflow pump that can generate pressure up to 60psi. It also has an 8-inch detachable power harness and clamps for use with the 12v battery. It has Thumb control with adjustable tips and 15′ hose. We have added this to our best ATV sprayer list because of all these features and ease of use.
BE AGRIEase is specially designed for agricultural uses. It can be mounted on any lightweight vehicle such as ATV, UTV, or minitractors. Because of its compatibility with the various vehicles, this is one of the best selling ATV sprayers in the market. It has a 15-gallon tank made out of heavy-duty polyethylene material and weighs around 18lbs. The size of this ATV sprayer is around 35*16*13 inches which is a perfect size to mount easily on the back of an ATV.
A spot wand is also included and has an adjustable tip and hose. Now when we talk about ATV Sprayer, we also need to look at the specifications as well. It has a 12V pump that can generate 1.0GPM. It has a 15-inch handgun hose, 18-inch lever handgun, and adjustable cone spray nozzle. The BE AGRIEase 15-gallon tank also comes with alligator clips for battery, large lid for filling, and drainage at the bottom for cleaning.
We have talked about mounted ATV sprayers, now let’s talk about tow behind ATV sprayer. NorthStar Tow-Behind Trailer is one of the best ATV sprayers in the market in the Tow-behind category. One of the biggest advantages it has is, there is no need to put it on the ATV. most customers always complained about how their ATV sprayer is loose and doesn’t quite fit properly. To eliminate that problem, Tow-behind is the solution. Once we eliminate the mounting problem, we can buy bigger tanks, such as this one which has a 21-gallon capacity.
Now we don’t have to worry about fitting as this one is a proprietary tank design. It has an extra thick wall with UV resistance and compatible with any chemicals. It has a 12V pump that can deliver up to 2.2GPM and 70psi maximum pressure. It has Honeywell MICRO SWITCH for enhanced durability and efficiency. It has an inbuilt Boom that can cover 120inch spray width and 80inch width, you can also attach your boom for more customization. Northstar has control system pressure and fluid agitation with regulator and pressure gauge.
There is a spot sprayer gun also included with this ATV sprayer which has gun nozzle adjusts from cone to stream and shoots 19foots vertically and 30foots horizontally. When we talk about tow behind ATV spray, we also need to address the Rugged powder-coated steel cart with a large 12in. pneumatic wheels that can withstand any place.
Buying Guide for Best ATV Sprayer
We have mentioned some of the best ATV sprayers in the market, but if you are still confused about which one to buy, for them, we have created a buying guide just for that purpose. Here are some of the facts and features you need to look for before you buy any ATV sprayer.
Basically there are two types of ATV sprayers in the market.
Tow behind or pull behind
This type of ATV sprayer will tow behind your ATV and spray on the ground. no need to find the perfect size as it won’t be mounted on the back of your ATV. you can purchase a bigger size as now you can just tow it behind. many other features come with it. Most people have a problem with this type of sprayer because it’s more expensive and uses more towing power.
This type of ATV sprayer is just simply mounted on the back of your ATV. you need to make sure that you pick the perfect size of the tank to fit on the back. you can easily manage to spray around your property and make changes without worrying. they are more affordable than others.
Frequency of use
If you are using this ATV sprayer two or three times per year then no need to buy expensive and others. but if you use them more often, then make sure to go for a more durable ATV sprayer. thick plastic, UV-resistance, and heavy-duty made is the best choice.
If you have a smaller place, you can go for any ATV sprayer with spot spray and make do, or small Boom. but if you have a bigger farm or property, then go for a bigger tank, bigger boom. you can work with a smaller tank but you also need to fill it often and a smaller boom will not cover the maximum area.
Most ATV sprayer comes with a 12V pump which is perfect for every use. However, you can go for better pumps as well or better specifications, such as psi and GPM.
Pressure and Flow rate
As we talked about it in the pumps, you can find the perfect ATV sprayer by finding your need first. For a bigger area, you need more pressure and flow rate. A higher flow rate means more area covered and a short time.
How big is the place we are talking about? if it’s too big then find a bigger tank, if it’s smaller than a medium tank can make do. a medium-size tank can hold up to 15 or 16 gallons and that is sufficient. if you need bigger than go for a 25 or 26-gallon tank. We suggest that for a small farm, 8 or 10 gallons is enough.
It’s important to know which type of accessory you will be using on your ATV sprayer. dripless booms, trigger, or spot spray. Sometimes you will find the best ATV sprayer with all this attachment in one box or sometimes you need to buy it separately. make sure to check the box content before buying it.
Last but not least is durability. We know that it will be mounted behind or tow behind an ATV and go through some rough terrain, so make sure to buy a good product with durability. also for sprayers and hose, sometimes they crack after uses, never go for a cheap one, always buy a better product.
Best ATV Sprayer FAQ
1.What is the best ATV sprayer?
Chapin 97300 is one of the Best ATV sprayers in the market right now. It’s one of the most trusted companies and delivers some of the best features which can be used everywhere.
2.Best Budget ATV Sprayer?
Ironton ATV Spot Sprayer is one of the most affordable and budget-friendly ATV sprayer in the market.
3.What is the Best ATV Sprayer with Boom?
NorthStar High Flow is considered the best Boom ATV sprayer. It has 7 nozzles and covers 11.7 foot wide area.
4.What is the Best ATV sprayer pull behind?
NorthStar Tow-Behind is one of the best in the market when we talk about pull behind ATV sprayer.


IMA studio are chosing pure and natural LINEN
wich emphasise our identity and attitude is our way of life
Linen is made from the fibers of the flax plant. Flax is one of the oldest textile fibers in the world. Currently more than 75% of the flax fibers that are used worldwide in linen textile industry come from France, Belgium and the Netherlands. This region, with its rich soil and mild North Sea climate, offers the perfect alternation of sun and rain so that the flax can grow at a natural rate and the fibers can steadily gain strength.
The flax growth process is very short. Barely 100 days elapse between sowing in March and harvesting in July. When the plant is fully grown at the end of June, it has a golden yellow colour. When the plant is in bloom, entire fields turn elegant blue, white or lilac. Unfortunately, this scene is short-lived, as each flax plant only blossom for one day.
Up to 6 weeks flax is rooted to separate the fiber from the plant. Depending on the amount of sun, rain, dew and the influence of the earth during the rooting process, the gray-brown colour of an natural linen yarn is always different.
In terms of ecology and sustainability linen is the champion. Linen cultivation relies only on the weather - the plant requires no irrigation during growth and little to no crop protectors. The fiber is extracted by natural processes and all other parts of the plant are used to produce food, paper or insulation material - there is no waste.
Linen softens over time and through washing is a comfortable and breathable material. It can absorb up to 20% moisture before it feels damp and has the natural ability to prevent bacterial growth combined with high thermal conductivity.


A natural element, essential for human healthPhosphorus (P) is an essential element for all living organisms: man, animals and plants. In man,
phosphorus is necessary for human health : phosphorus compounds make up the structure of bones and
teeth and are fundamental to the transfer of energy within cells, and thus to all body functions, from thought
through to motion. Phosphorus is an essential element in DNA (genetic material) and in many proteins.
Phosphorus is naturally present in foods and is taken into the body as phosphates, the minimum intake
requirement for adults is approx. 0.8gP/day but the actual dietary uptake is generally closer to 2-3 gP/day.
Phosphates are also added both to animal feeds and to certain baby foods to improve their
In plants, phosphorus plays an essential role in photosynthesis and all energy recovering processes.
Phosphates are also one of the main nutrients in almost all agricultural and garden fertilisers, because they
are crucial for plant growth. It is because phosphates contribute to plant growth that, in certain particular
circumstances, their release into surface waters (lakes, rivers, coastal waters …) may result in the
Phosphates are generally a “good thing” for both animals and plants, and their use in detergents certainly
poses neither a health nor a toxicity risk : almost uniquely amongst chemicals, because of their natural role in
the body, there is safety confidence.
· Download the entire document
· Téléchargez le document complet


The Excellence of Irpinia in the World
A success lasting thirty years
The Salvatore Molettieri winery was founded in 1983, giving entrepreneurial dignity to a long farming experience and a winemaking tradition that dates back at least four generations. From that year on, Salvatore, owner of the company, chose to no longer sell his grapes to third parties and to start producing the wine he sells in bulk. This first production obtained important successes already on the occasion of the Wine Festival of Montemarano, its country of origin, ranking first in the years 1985-1986-1987-1988. In that year Salvatore also included the bottling process in his business, giving life to the Taurasi DOC Riserva 1988. A long work in the ancient family vineyards and thirty years of business experience have implemented the knowledge of Salvatore, winemaker in the field and producer in the cellar, leading the company to occupy a prominent position on the national and international wine market. Since 1983 the company has evolved considerably, while retaining the original identity of a farm intact which is also maintained in the cultivation of about two hectares of olive groves where different cultivars (frantoiana, leccina, ravece) are bred for the production of an oil blend for family consumption.
Family: a tradition that is renewed
Salvatore is flanked by his four sons, Giovanni, Giuseppe, Luigi and Paolo, in the management and management of the company, and the discreet and collaborative presence of Mrs. Angela, guardian of family traditions, especially in the kitchen. Taking advantage of the specialist advice of his son Giovanni, an oenologist, Salvatore Molettieri can say with satisfaction that he has reached the goal he had set himself: bringing the name of Montemarano outside the borders of Irpinia, tying it to a high quality production appreciated by connoisseurs and experts of the sector.
Philosophy: care and love for the land
Quality is the word that defines the company philosophy, and at the same time represents the goal the company aims at, also making it its distinctive character. Lower quantity of grapes produced for the benefit of a high quality, which Salvatore and his four sons are never satisfied with. The careful care of the vines, with the continuous improvement of the breeding techniques, a usually late harvest, as in the best Irpinia tradition of the production of Taurasi, still carried out manually using harvesting boxes, are flanked by modern winemaking techniques such as crushing and destemming soft and the use of cutting-edge technologies such as maceration in steel tanks at a controlled temperature. Strict controls aimed at maintaining high quality standards are carried out on all stages of production and aging.
There are over 13 hectares of land kept as vineyards, lying at about 500/600 m. on the hills of Montemarano, one of the towns belonging to the Taurasi DOCG area. The territory is particularly suited to viticulture, allowing the production of Irpinia DOC Aglianico and Irpinia DOC Campi Taurasini, Irpinia DOC Rosso, Taurasi and Taurasi Riserva DOCG, and the whites Fiano DOCG and Greco di Tufo DOCG. Located in the Iampenne district, the “Cinque Querce” vineyard reached 20 years of DOCG harvest in 2012, and boasts a selection of Aglianico vines, some of which also date back to the pre-phylloxera period and still ungrafted. From the radial system, we moved on to spurred cordon and modified guyot breeding, renewing the system layouts to make the production qualitatively better. The company also owns the "Ischa Piana" vineyard, intended for the production of Irpinia DOC Rosso. "Renonno" has been producing Aglianico grapes for over 70 years, and the replanting that took place partly 5 years ago and partly still today contemplates the renewal of the vineyard through the use of cuttings from old vines, some of which are still ungrafted.
In the world: from Montemarano to Japan
On the regional and Italian market, the Salvatore Molettieri winery is now very well positioned and its labels evoke full-bodied, savory, well-balanced wines, with vintages reaching peaks of excellence. It is present in the wines chosen by the Enoteca d'Italia in Siena. The international market has also appreciated and continues to request Salvatore Molettieri's Irpinia wines, with significant presences in the USA, Japan, England, flanked by Russia, China, Poland, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Australia.
From father to son, tradition and innovation.


This week, we began developing our Business Model Canvas, which helped my team start thinking about the resources, partnerships, and steps we need to make this system a reality among refugee camps. As we talked, I realized how vital customer feedback would be to us and to the open-source design community over time. I think that developing positive and strong customer relationships would be a key aspect of getting this project to work in the long-run. In OSD, because so many communities are adapting and changing the same concepts, communication is crucial. Without communication and sharing of information between the relevant actors (such as the designers, manufacturers, and users), progress cannot be made as effectively or efficiently as it would otherwise.
When we put together our Value Proposition, we were considering mainly the ways which our hydroponics system could benefit the refugee camps and the refugees themselves. But, as Professor Bevin pointed out, we should have included the ways that value could also be created for the businesses and OS designers we would partner with. For example, partnering with us by supplying our project with some of the resources we need to build the systems could booster a business’ CSR. We would also be creating value for the open-source hydroponics community by contributing to the innovation conversation and by offering firsthand feedback from the refugees on the effectiveness of different types of hydroponic systems across varying climates and landscapes. Thus, value would be created for not just our team and the refugee camps, but also for our partnering businesses and the OS community as well.


Johnson County has many plans for Two Horse Farm
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Erin Melloy sold 83 acres of her family’s land to Johnson County this year hoping her conservation team can be good stewards of the special plot.
Johnson County purchased Two Horse Farm from Melloy and her husband Brian this year and is already preparing the woods, farm and meadows for public use. County plans are as diverse as the land itself: conservation efforts, an Airbnb, hiking trails, offices for county staff, and wild bird rehabilitation. Seven additional acres were offered to the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska as part of this agreement.


What should a community do with its unused land? Plant food, of course. With energy and humor, Pam Warhurst tells at the TEDSalon the story of how she and a growing team of volunteers came together to turn plots of unused land into communal vegetable gardens, and to change the narrative of food in their community.
Bees are dying in droves. Why? Leading apiarist Dennis vanEngelsdorp looks at the gentle, misunderstood creature’s important place in nature and the mystery behind its alarming disappearance.
Pollination: it’s vital to life on Earth, but largely unseen by the human eye. Filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg shows us the intricate world of pollen and pollinators with gorgeous high-speed images from his film “Wings of Life,” inspired by the vanishing of one of nature’s primary pollinators, the honeybee.


Vietnamese rice is an essential part of Vietnamese cuisine and culture, and its price has significant importance for the country’s economy. In this article, we will discuss the factors affecting Vietnamese rice prices, its current prices, and future predictions.
1. Current situation and future prediction of Vietnamese rice prices
This part will discuss the current situation and future predictions for Vietnamese rice prices.
1.1 Current Vietnamese rice prices
Vietnam’s domestic rice prices have been relatively stable in recent years due to government interventions, such as providing subsidies to rice farmers and controlling rice exports. However, international rice prices have been volatile due to global market conditions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- In 2020, Vietnamese rice prices increased due to high demand from countries such as China, the Philippines, and Malaysia, leading to a shortage of supply. The average export price of Vietnamese rice was around $488 per ton in 2020, which was higher than the average price in 2019 ($435 per ton).
- However, in 2021, Vietnamese rice prices have been declining due to increased competition from other rice-producing countries such as Thailand and India. Additionally, the suspension of exports to the Philippines, one of Vietnam’s biggest rice importers, has affected the market. As a result, the average export price of Vietnamese rice in 2021 has been around $447 per ton, which is lower than the average price in 2020.
- Despite the fluctuations in international rice prices, Vietnamese rice prices have remained relatively lower than other Asian countries due to lower production costs. This has made Vietnamese rice an attractive option for importers looking for affordable rice.
Vietnamese rice prices
1.2 Future predictions for Vietnamese rice prices
The future of Vietnamese rice prices depends on several factors, including global market conditions, production costs, and government policies.
- Experts predict that Vietnamese rice prices will continue to increase due to rising demand and increasing production costs. The increasing demand for rice in Asia and Africa is a significant driver of rising rice prices. Vietnam is one of the largest rice exporters in the world, and as global demand increases, Vietnamese rice prices are likely to follow suit.
- Another factor that could affect Vietnamese rice prices is climate change. Vietnam’s rice production is heavily dependent on favourable weather conditions, and any changes in weather patterns could lead to lower yields and higher production costs. This could lead to an increase in rice prices in the future.
- The Vietnamese government has taken several initiatives to support rice farmers, such as increasing subsidies and promoting organic farming. These measures are likely to help increase rice production and reduce production costs, which could stabilize or even lower Vietnamese rice prices.
- Finally, farmers are working to increase production and reduce costs through innovative techniques. For example, some farmers are switching to organic farming methods, which can improve soil quality and reduce the need for expensive fertilizers and pesticides. These innovations could help to reduce production costs, which could lead to lower Vietnamese rice prices in the future.
2. Factors affecting Vietnamese rice prices
Several factors affect Vietnamese rice prices, including natural factors, economic factors, and government policies.
- Natural Factors: Climate and weather are critical natural factors that affect Vietnamese rice prices. Vietnam is prone to natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and typhoons, which can damage rice crops, leading to lower yields and higher production costs. Soil quality is also essential for rice production and can affect rice prices. Poor soil quality can lead to lower yields and higher production costs, resulting in higher rice prices.
- Pests and diseases are other natural factor that affects rice production and prices. Pests and diseases can damage rice crops, leading to lower yields and higher production costs, which can cause rice prices to increase.
- Economic Factors:
- Supply and demand are the most significant economic factors affecting Vietnamese rice prices. When the demand for rice is higher than the supply, rice prices increase. On the other hand, when there is more rice than demand, rice prices decrease.
- Production costs are also essential economic factors affecting rice prices. Production costs include the cost of inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and labour. If production costs increase, rice prices are likely to increase.
- Export and import regulations are also critical economic factors affecting Vietnamese rice prices. Government policies that restrict or encourage exports and imports can affect the supply and demand of rice in the market, which can impact rice prices.
- Government Policies:
- Government policies play a significant role in determining Vietnamese rice prices. The Vietnamese government intervenes in the rice market to control rice prices, provide subsidies to rice farmers, and regulate rice exports. For example, the government may buy rice from farmers at a fixed price to stabilize rice prices. The government may also provide subsidies to farmers to reduce production costs and promote rice production.
Factors affecting Vietnamese rice prices
3. Viet Agri Wholesale offer low Vietnamese rice prices
If you intend to buy Vietnamese rice, you can choose Viet Agri Wholesale products. The reason is Viet Agri Wholesale offer low Vietnamese rice prices.
Viet Agri Wholesale may be sourcing rice directly from rice farmers, cutting out intermediaries and reducing the cost of rice. By sourcing rice directly from farmers, Viet Agri Wholesale may be able to negotiate lower prices, leading to lower rice prices for customers.
As a wholesale supplier, Viet Agri Wholesale may be able to purchase rice in larger quantities, leading to economies of scale. This can help reduce the cost of rice per unit and enable them to offer lower Vietnamese rice prices.
Viet Agri Wholesale may have efficient supply chain management systems in place, enabling them to reduce costs and offer lower prices. For example, they may have streamlined logistics systems, reducing transportation costs.


Small scale regenerative agriculture
Fox Holler is a tiny, ecologically designed and focused community-based farm in Northeast Missouri. We live and grow food off-grid, utilizing rain-water catchment, solar energy, and other radical forms of nutrient and material cycling. Our goal is to provide nutrient dense food on human scale while regenerating soils and reducing carbon emissions.
We practice no-till/low-till farming that incorporates management intensive rotational grazing harmoniously with annual vegetable crops and perennial agroforestry. We are focused on providing more and more of our animal’s food needs with tree crops such as nuts and fruit.
We do not use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or fungicides, and are working to minimize our reliance on fossil fuels.
Seasonal heirloom produce grown without pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or fossil fuels available throughout the growing season.
Pasture-raised eggs, ducks and turkeys. We are taking orders for beyond organic heritage breed holiday turkeys now!
Rotationally grazed, acorn fed heritage pork available again this fall.


17 Dec Illuminations: Highlighting the design by Heritage Restorations
Greg Godsey, a partner in Heritage Restorations, is passionate about historic timber-frame barns. The company keeps 50 to 70 historic barn timber frames in storage lots in Texas and Montana, and it’s Godsey’s job to find the right frame for the right family.
At the Lucky Boy Ranch, west of Fort Worth, Texas, Godsey found an 1820s English-style barn frame with a swing beam. “This was a grain barn, so these frames were dedicated to threshing and storage,” Godsey says. “They would thresh the grain in the barn with a flail.”
The barn was positioned so the broad side faced the prevailing winds. Farmers would winnow, then throw the grain in the air. When they’d open the barn doors the wind blew the chaff out of the barn, and the grain, which was heavy, would fall on the floor. But that method was labor intensive and time consuming, so farmers developed a different way using oxen to stomp the grain.
“They’d tie an ox to the center pole and he would tread the grain, instead of flailing it. That’s where the swing-beam barn comes from,” says Godsey. “The biggest challenge in all the projects is trying to discern the customer’s vision for the barn. In this case, they wanted me to design a home they can farm and ranch in.”
The client was also revitalizing a pecan orchard that had gone to weeds and they wanted to live sustainably. “We put the house in the middle of the grove, where one dead pecan tree had been, and did not interrupt any of the living trees,” Godsey says. “That part was fun, looking at the slope of the land and finding the best spot to place the house.”
The 2,340-square-foot first floor and 455-square-foot loft consists of a guest room, a reading room and a master bedroom and suite as well as two-and-a-half bathrooms.
Godsey explains that people who want a historic timber-frame barn restored usually find them, as Heritage Restorations keeps a healthy inventory. “There are people in the organization scouting 300 to 400 frames a year,” Godsey says. “Yet they only bring in 10 percent of that. We’re well known in Ontario and upstate New York.”
If they don’t have the right timber frames in stock, they will go out and try to find the perfect frame for a client. “Once we have the frame, we talk about the kind of spaces they want,” Godsey says. “Usually, I go visit the customer for two or three days to understand their daily routine. What draws them together and what their family is like — routine, lifestyle — then I can put something together that really fits their needs.”
In the case of Lucky Boy Ranch, the owners also wanted to live sustainably. To that end, Godsey introduced the client to a concept called the “keyhole” garden, to help her grow her own food. A keyhole garden consists of a round raked garden bed, made of stone, with a notch cut out where you stand to tend the waist-high plants.
“You drop the compost in the compost hole and it feeds the garden,” Godsey says. “It was really satisfying to connect the clients with this feature, and we even connected them with an expert who ended up doing a seminar about the keyhole garden at their ranch.”


In 2000 we left our secure jobs in Lisbon and immersed ourselves in what has become a family adventure, our version of sustainable viticulture and authentic winemaking. The transition from our urban lifestyle was as natural as we could expect.
Mouraz, situated in the heart of Dão region, is António’s birth place, where his family have farmed vineyards in a holistic and ecological way for many generations. This is also a place where the landscape and terroir is shaped by its people and geography, old and new vineyards coexisting with the pine, oak, chestnut and cork trees in a wild forest. This diversity is reveals itself in the personality and complexity of the CASA de MOURAZ wines, and reflects our own love of the place.
Our farm is spread over several parcels with different soils (granite and clay) and altitudes ranging from 140 to 400 meters. Our most important indigenous grape varieties are Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alfrocheiro, Jaen, Baga and Água-Santa for the red wines and Malvasia-Fina, Bical, Cerceal, Encruzado and Alvarinho for the whites.
All the vineyards that are part of CASA de MOURAZ gained ECOCERT’s Organic certification in 1997. In 2006 we began working with Biodynamic preparations and practices.
In the cellar, the vinifications are done by vineyards, usually planted with many different varieties, seeking for the essence of each terroir.
In 2009 we joined the prestigious group of biodynamic producers La Renaissance des Appellations


VidaXL Solid Fir Wood Raised Garden Bed with Greenhouse Outdoor Patio Planter. This wooden raised garden bed with greenhouse is a perfect choice for DIY gardeners looking to grow flowers or plants to their gardens.
The raised planter is made of fir wood, making the planter weather resistant. The removable greenhouse, whose top can be opened, offers warmth and protection to your plants. The planter features an understated, rustic design and will add a touch of natural charm to your outdoor living space.
The planter provides ample space for your flowers and plants. When everything is flourishing, this wooden planter will make an eye-catching addition to your garden or yard. Please note that wood is a natural product and may show imperfections. This raised garden planter is easy to assemble.
Color: Gray Material: Solid fir wood Overall dimensions: 47.2" x 21.3" x 47.2" (L x W x H) Greenhouse dimensions: 47.2" x 20.5" x 7.9"/11.8" (L x W x H) Garden bed dimensions: 47.2" x 21.3" x 35.4" (L x W x H). Overall dimensions: 47.2" x 21.3" x 47.2 (L x W x H).
Greenhouse dimensions: 47.2" x 20.5" x 7.9"/11.8" (L x W x H). Garden bed dimensions: 47.2" x 21.3" x 35.4 (L x W x H). Our customer service will be happy to help. VidaXL is a rapidly growing international online retailer.
Our success is based on our belief that things can always be better and cheaper: âExpect moreâ. Because nobody likes to pay too much for products.We are continually expanding our product range and offer the best products for the best price. We like to go the extra mile for our customers by improving popular products and making them even cheaper. The item "VidaXL Solid Fir Wood Raised Garden Bed with Greenhouse Outdoor Patio Planter" is in sale since Thursday, April 1, 2021. This item is in the category "Home & Garden\Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living\Plant Care, Soil & Accessories\Baskets, Pots, Window Boxes & Saucers". The seller is "vidaxl-us" and is located in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
This item can be shipped to United States.


The type of landscaping that will utilize the vertical area is typically referred to as the vertical gardening. Here it has been noticed that when vertical gardening many people will make use of various containers. It has been evident that the number of people in various parts of the globe is increasing at high speed. As a result, most of the available space will be used by the people to bring up their homes and other structures. In the end, this will restrict farming around the home. Here in this modern globe a lot of people have come up with multiple ways to ensure that they are farming around their residential area. Despite the limited space vertical gardening will ensure that people plant stuff around their homes. Here it will be advantageous to the person that will look for more info concerning the vertical gardening. To source the best vertical gardening info it will be advisable that you look into the following factors.
When in need of the leading vertical farming info it will be good to ensure that you source the info from an expert who has been in this area for many years. Such a professional will have a reasonable level of expertise in this area. Here in this modern world many of the professionals that are at the top at the market in their various areas of expertise are the ones that have been in the market for a long time. The factor behind this is that such experts will have been able to figure out the most valuable skills to avail their services in the market. It will be therefore profitable to the person that will make sure he or she has asked the well-experienced expert in this area of vertical gardening. After doing so, one will be sure of getting the leading harvest from the vertical gardening.
Now, when in need of the useful vertical gardening info it will be good to make use of the well-trained expert in this area. Nowadays most of the experts that are at the top of the market have one thing in common, most of them will have undergone intensive training. Here an expert who has acquired the best training will at most of the time have figured the most effective way to attend to the needs of his or her clients. Now sourcing info from a well-trained expert in this area of vertical gardening will ensure that you get the best info in this area. In the long run one will be useful in the vertical gardening.


What we do
Creating specific seedballs for specific tree species
To ensure the highest possible germination rates, seeds are primed using a series of treatments to soften the seed coat. Once treated, only the seeds that have responded to the treatment are selected in readiness to be added to the seedball.
The treated seeds are loaded into our proprietary seedball production machine which brings together the substrate mix (which is formulated for the tree species in question) and a consistent quantity of seeds per seedball. The combination of multiple treated seeds and the substrate mix used for the seedball ensure the highest germination rates once planted.
The CEED ‘Rover’ is a bespoke autonomous unmanned vehicle with the capacity to carry thousands of seedballs. The Rover uses waypoint navigation to move across the identified planting location. The spacing of the trees is set and the Rover is then commissioned to start planting with no human intervention required.


We are now growing our own plants for landscaping upgrades at our housing schemes, thanks to a new polytunnel project.
Estate Services Team member John Breame, who has led the project at The Elms in Norwich, explains:
We had great success last year growing our own bedding plants, and the polytunnel was a key part of the plan. The hope is to be self-sufficient in all the plant material we use within two years.
The tunnel, which arrived in February this year, measures 7 metres x 4 metres and has an automatic watering system. However, it hasn’t all been plain sailing, as John explains:
We put it up during a particularly stormy part of the year. I was quite concerned it might blow away! I was also concerned because of the outbreak of Covid-19 and the impact on our work. We could have lost everything we had already grown.
During lockdown the Estate Services team has been able to continue maintaining our communal gardens by keeping a safe distance to protect themselves and tenants.
Propagating all year round
However, the polytunnel is only part of the story. The Estate Services team has also repurposed the bowls hut at The Elms, which was unused, turning it into a propagation and potting shed. The hut has a heated propagator and grow lights, fitted by Broadland’s electrical engineers. The facilities means that the team can propagate plants all year round.
The potting shed will constantly replenish our stocks, with the polytunnel giving weather protection and excellent growing conditions.
Tenants at The Elms were kept informed throughout the project and the team has received some very positive comments:
We have spruced up the old bowls hut and we think people are pleased it is being used.


What are Microgreens?
Greens harvested just after the cotyledon leaves have formed are called microgreens. Nutrition, visual enhancement, and flavor and texture enhancement are all possible with these ingredients. Microgreens can add sweetness and spice to foods.
Meccasia Microgreens is a sustainable company that specializes in healthy, nutrient-packed microgreens and gourmet mushrooms. When Taj Mosley, our owner, learned about microgreens more than 3 years ago, growing them became his hobby. It then became his passion. Under his leadership, we focus on improving the diets of individuals in the community of Chicago, Illinois through our products.


In developed and developing countries all over the world, indigenous farmers and communities hold traditional knowledge, expertise, skills and practices related to environmental management and food security as well as to agricultural production and diversity.
Traditional farming, fishing, pastoralism/herding, foraging and forestry are based on long established knowledge systems and practices that help to ensure food and agricultural diversity, valuable landscape and seascape features, livelihoods and food security.
For millennia, these have provided rural communities with the necessary resilience to counter challenges and ensure survival. However, traditional livelihoods and indigenous plant varieties, landraces and animal breeds are now increasingly endangered by factors such as large-scale commercialization of agriculture, population dynamics, politico-economic discrimination, land-use/cover changes and the impacts of climate change.
Cassava cultivation and production of food resources from the raw material have been part and parcel of the Kalinago experience for a very long time.
There is no evidence to suggest that cassava was known to the Old World before the European conquest of the New World (Americas). To support the indigenous entitlement to the produce, there is archaeological evidence of two major centres of origin for this crop; one in Mexico and Central America, and the other in northeastern Brazil.
The historical records reveal that the first Portuguese settlers found the native Indians in Brazil growing the cassava plant. Pierre Martyr wrote in 1494 that the “poisonous roots” of a yucca were used in the preparation of bread.
It is therefore logical to propose that the Kalinago people transported the Cassava plant to Wai’tukubuli from the Southern continent over a thousand (1000) years ago. In every sense of the word cassava was among the most valued food of the Kalinago people, and was always an important part of their daily diet.
The Kalinago people employed various methods of preparation of Cassava according to the specific purposes and thus the crop can be roasted, boiled or baked. Nonetheless, it is most commonly used to make Cassava Bread through a traditional process, and to make Farine; the fiber of the Cassava after the starch was removed.
Types of Cassava
There are two varieties of cassava – sweet and bitter. Both contain Prussic acid (hydrocyanic acid), which can cause cyanide poisoning. Cooking or pressing the root thoroughly removes the poison. Cassava can never be eaten raw.
Bitter, or wild, cassava contains enough acid so that it can be fatally poisonous if eaten raw or undercooked. To escape the Conquistadors, the oppressed natives were known to commit suicide by eating raw cassava.
How is Cassava Prepared and Eaten
Cassava is incredibly versatile; it can be boiled, baked, steamed, grilled, fried, mashed or added to stews. Frequently, it is served with meat, sprinkled with salt, pepper and lime juice. Many recipes call for it to be grated. When cooked, it turns yellow, slightly translucent, a little sweet, and chewy.
The root can also be made into a ground meal or flour by washing, peeling and grating it, and then pressing out the juice and drying the meal. The meal can be bought already prepared and frozen. On the French influenced islands, cassava meal is known as farine, a shortened form of farine de manioc.
Grated bitter yuca is used to make casabe, which is a traditional crisp, unleavened, flat bread popular in the Dominican Republic. In the United States, casabe is sold in specialty markets because bitter cassava is not available and it takes time and skill – a true Caribbean artisan bread; it’s as crisp as a cracker. The bread is sold in plastic bags or wrapped in paper and tied with a string. In the French speaking islands the bread is called pain de kassav and in the Spanish speaking islands it is called pan de casabe.
The indigenous people developed a method of extracting poisonous Prussic acid from the bitter cassava to make the bread. It involves peeling, washing, grating, and pressing using a matapie (hanging sack). The pressing removes the poisonous liquid. Once separated from the juice, the pulp is dried in the sun and then made into bread or wrapped in banana leaves for storage. The process was laborious and whole villages would take part in the preparations. The poisonous liquid was then used to spike their hunting spears and arrows.
It has been proposed that cassava was introduced to the western coast of Africa in about the 16th Century by slave merchants. The Portuguese were said to have brought it later to their stations around the mouth of the Congo River, and it then spread to other areas. In 1854 the explorer Livingstone described the preparation of cassava flour in Angola, and subsequently Stanley described its use in the Congo. Cassava cultivation appeared to increase after 1850 in the east African territories as a result of the efforts of Europeans and Arabs who were pushing into the interior and who recognized its value as a safeguard against the frequent periods of famine.
In the Far East, cassava was not known as a food plant until 1835. In about 1850 it was transported directly from Brazil to Java, Singapore and Malaya. When the more profitable rubber plantations were started on the Malay Peninsula, cassava growing moved to other parts of Indonesia where it flourished. During the period 1919-41 about 98 percent of all cassava flour was produced in Java, but during the Second World War Brazil increased and improved its production.
The cassava plant is a perennial that grows under cultivation to a height of about 2.4 metres. The large, palmate leaves ordinarily have five to seven lobes borne on a long slender petiole. They grow only toward the end of the branches. As the plant grows, the main stem forks, usually into three branches which then divide similarly. The roots or tubers radiate from the stem just below the surface of the ground. Feeder roots growing vertically from the stem and from the storage roots penetrate the soil to a depth of 50-100 cm. This capacity of the cassava plant to obtain nourishment from some distance below the surface may help to explain its growth on inferior soils.


Well it seems to me (as a very amateur gardener) that not all grow your own seems to be worth the effort, because for some crops you need an awful lot of land to make a big impact on your weekly grocery bill. However some fruit & veg definitely do give a great return not only on the financial investment of buying the seeds/bulbs/plants in the first place, but also in terms of the amount of food you can harvest per square inch of garden. I also like the ones that have gorgeous flowers as I grow my food in the flowerbeds, not in an allotment or miles away from the house.
Tip number one, buy things that you like to eat. Sounds obvious, but a couple of years ago I grew massive cabbages and because I was the only one in the house who liked them I quickly got sick of them. So last year I was led by what I spend a lot of money on, and in the top ten was garlic.
Growing Your Own Garlic
On impulse, I bought two bulbs of “Aglio Rosso” alongside my shopping one week, and then simply read the instructions on the packet and planted them exactly as it said: so you split each bulb into cloves, and plant the cloves about 5cm deep in the soil, spaced about 8cm apart. You can plant them any time from October to April and they are ready to harvest from June to August; I planted mine in November 2012.
I’ll be honest, I got a bit impatient and tried harvesting them in August 2013. A couple looked like proper bulbs of garlic but most weren’t quite as they should be so I just stuck them back in the flowerbed and wondered if I had killed them.
Within a few weeks the garlic turned into swan-like plants with white flowers on the end of the stalks and so clearly I hadn’t killed them, but I was convinced I had totally messed it all up and that the garlic was now purely decorative and I had left the harvest too late this time. Beautiful, but not really how it was meant to be as all the books said wait until the leaves go brown & start to droop before harvesting, but none mentioned letting them flower.
But ah well, too late, so I tried digging some up and, miraculously, they looked like real garlic! So, very relieved and rather impressed with myself I harvested the lot – and from 2 original bulbs of garlic I now had 36. That, even using my basic maths, is a pretty impressive return on the original investment.
So, is it worth growing your own garlic? I would definitely say yes. In a few weeks’ time I will be planting some more, but in the meantime I am letting my harvest dry out in the last of the summer sunshine before using it in my cooking. The flowers also taste amazing so I’m just pulling them apart and sprinkling them on top of food. In fact if you look closely you will see that yet again I have been impatient and used some cloves before they have had a chance to dry properly. Some people never learn, myself included!
Soul Nutrition provides 3 interactive online tools to help people find their own path to a happier, more balanced life. This unique website invites you to enjoy a 30 day free trial so that you can take your time to explore The Happiness Calendar, the life coaching model SHIFT, and the reflective, photographic food diary ‘Nourish’.