The Pick of the Batch: The Kale Batch
There’s a cool fall breeze and leaves are starting to change color. At this time of year, as temperatures begin to chill, something miraculous happens on a molecular level across farms everywhere.
As the winds begin to chill and sweep across farmlands across the nation, this touch of coolness actually helps vegetables and fruits grow in sugar content, making them sweeter as they grow ready for harvest.
At Baked Smart Cookie, we are proud to include nutritious ingredients like kale into our gourmet, one-of-a-kind cookie. And we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate the start of fall.
So let’s find out a little more about what kale is, its health benefits, and how it’s included in our non-GMO, vegan, peanut-free, and soy-free treats made especially for those children who avoid eating their veggies.
A Little Kale History
Kale has a deliciously long history dating back over 2,000 years. A member of the mustard family, which includes other familiar veggies like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts, kale was a widely eaten vegetable in the Middle Ages because of its leaves' ability to withstand both extreme hot and cold temperatures.
This toughness allowed the veggie to grow in colder regions and hotter areas of the world.
It’s believed that Red Russian kale was first introduced into the United States and Canada in the 19th century by traders who were crossing the Atlantic.
Full of vital nutrients and easily grown in a wide variety of environments, kale has proven itself to be an important (and healthy) crop in the modern world. In approximately one cup of kale, you can find:
- 42.5 calories
- 4.7 grams of fiber
- 3.5 grams of protein
- 21 mg of vitamin C
- A range of antioxidants and B vitamins
- 0 mg of cholesterol
- 0 grams of total fat
- 329 grams of potassium
- 6 grams total carbohydrate
- 25 grams of sodium
How Is Kale Grown?
When it comes to growing kale, the best time to plant and nurture the vegetable is during fall.
Kale reaches full ripeness when grown in direct sunlight and when the pH balance of the soil it is planted in is slightly acidic, at around 6.5 to 6.8. This helps to ensure that no disease will hurt its growth.
Additionally, farmers typically plant kale in soil that drains well in order to ensure the health of the leaves. The veggie is usually ready to harvest when its leaves are about the size of adult hands.
The Health Benefits of Kale
When it comes to kale, there are a wide variety of health benefits that come from introducing it into your diet.
For starters, the American Diabetes Association recommends eating the vegetable because it is rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants — all of which help to protect against the development of diabetes.
The antioxidants found in this amazing vegetable also help to counteract the negative effects of free radicals, which can increase when an individual is dealing with elevated blood sugar levels.
Additionally, kale is great for digestion. High in fiber and water, which are both great at preventing constipation and supporting a good digestive tract, kale is one powerful veggie that goes well with any number of salads and other recipes.
If you’re still not sold on kale, then consider how great it is for your skin and hair. The beta carotene and vitamin A found in kale are excellent for the growth of your skin and hair. There’s also the vitamin C, which helps contribute to the production of collagen in your body, which is important for skin, hair, and bones.
Finally, kale is great for bone health due to the calcium and phosphorus it contains. These minerals help contribute to healthy bone formation and also reduce the risks of bone fractures.
A Few Fun Facts About Kale
- One serving of kale has more calcium than a carton of milk
- Kale has been used as a medicine in various cultures.
- There are actually a variety of colors of kale (don’t be afraid to try them all).
- It used to be called “Peasant’s Cabbage.”
- Germans have a festival dedicated to kale
- There is such a thing as kale sprouts!
- Kale becomes sweeter after a frost.
- Kale has more vitamin C than an orange.
Find Your Serving of Kale in Baked Smart Cookies
Kale is an amazing superfood that offers nutrition, unbelievable taste, and is a great addition to any recipe. Is it really a surprise that we use it in our family-famous Baked Smart Cookie?
Made from four different fruits and four different vegetables — including kale — Baked Smart cookies are vegan, non-GMO, peanut-free, and soy-free. So why wait? Order your batch of cookies and enjoy them all fall long.


This year’s Lozano Long Conference focused on the relationship between consumerism, environmentalism and sustainability in Latin America’s food system.
The conference, now in its 10th year, began Wednesday with a keynote by Humberto Rios Labrada, 2010 Goldman Environmental Prize winner and regional coordinator of the International Center for Development-Oriented Research in Agriculture. The conference, which is hosted by UT’s Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies, is dedicated to raising awareness about Latin American issues and culture.
“We have speakers from Argentina, Brazil, Cuba (and other Latin American countries) this year,” said Paloma Diaz-Lobos, director of Latin American studies and official coordinator of the conference. “The work they’re doing is great on behalf of the environment.”
According to the Lozano Long Conference website, this year’s theme focused on the contemporary food system in Latin America, and the opportunities and obstacles that have arisen in trying to change its outdated nature. This food system includes farmers, consumers, industry and scientists who are all working to improve access to food. Past themes have included Latin American racism, natural disasters and refugee crises.
“There is an enormous change in the food system in the Americas,” Diaz-Lobos said. “We want to raise awareness of how people, like consumers and producers, are organizing around this issue.”
Raj Patel, LBJ School of Public Affairs research professor, introduced Rios Labrada as the keynote speaker. Patel said transforming the food system through focusing on moving away from a consumeristic mindset is necessary because of the ecological burden of current agriculture techniques.
“In order to understand the magic of agroecology, we need to understand how bad things are in the global food system today,” Patel said.
Agroecology describes the transdisciplinary nature of integrating environmentalism into agricultural practices to increase yields without straining the environment.
According to Patel, by 2048, the last commercial fish catch will be hauled out of the ocean, and by 2050, there will be more plastic in the sea than fish.
In his keynote, Rios Labrada said farmers have power to overcome industry and solve their own problems. To illustrate this, Rios Labrada used the story of his friend, Myko, a Cuban who was charged with revitalizing the agricultural industry after the collapse of the European socialist bloc in the 1980s.
“Myko realized that some small farmers were facing the crisis differently,” Rios Labrada said. “All the small farmers were happy and eating well while the government was in a criss. Myko decided to learn from the farmers.”
He added that Myko promoted an open source model of distributing seeds and farmer experimentation, in which farmers promote seed diversity through their farming practices instead of scientists conducting lab experiments to promote this diversity. Rios Labrada said that before the socialist collapse, most seed diversity experiments were led inside research labs, but after, most were led outside by farmers.
“Most of the public research centers have seed banks that scientists conserve seeds in,” Rios Labrada said. “Myko took out all the seeds from the experimental station and planted it in a huge plot land of land and got hundreds of farmers to plant it. They took the seeds back to their communities.”
Rios Labrada trained farmers, called agrobiodiversity pollinators, to promote diverse crops and carry the best elements of farming-community businesses to others, spreading hundreds of crop varieties and promoting farmer trials across the country. Rios Labrada said this practice encouraged grassroots-led crop rotation and seed diversity, decreasing dependence on chemical fertilizers, and increasing Cuban agricultural productivity.
“The big surprise was that behind every champion farmer, we discovered one or more business models,” Rios Labrada said. “It’s very important that the owner of the problem should become the owner of the solution… People like us, with Ph.D.s, can’t solve the problems of the poor.”
Sustainability studies junior Thalia Bachmann-Padilla said she found the ideas of grassroots science fascinating.
“It’s actually something I seem to hear a lot from people involved in the university field—you can’t just focus on educated people,” Bachmann-Padilla said. “The focus is on the farmers.”
Rios Labrada said he will continue to champion farmer independence and biodiversity, hoping for a more personal and decentralized food system in the future. He added that he believes farmers, not government or companies, should be in control of the future of food systems.
“Innovation doesn’t come from just scientists, Illiterate persons can be geniuses,” Rios Labrada said. “When plant breeders like me are leading plant breeding business, bureaucracy increases and business opportunities decrease. When farmers are leading, crop diversity increases and business opportunities come alive.”


Berries, Fruit and Honey
Farmers know you can “farm a great product”. That’s why all our preserves, jams, fruit spreads, syrups, butters, pie fillings, BBQ sauces, pepper jellies, and vinaigrette are all right on the farm. Our honey bees pollinate our blossoms, and in the summer, we harvest honey for your enjoyment.
When people ask us if we grow filberts, we say, “Yes, they grow on Hazelnut trees.” Hazelnuts have grown in the northwest since the first pioneers planted trees in 1843. Today we grow, harvest, and roast our hazelnuts to perfection. A little salt or smokey flavor, and your family just can’t get enough of them!
Imagine the smell of our hazelnut toffee and caramels cooking in the copper kettle. That’s how we make our famous confections: in small batches. We cook up magic! Handmade chocolate enrobed hazelnuts both in milk and dark chocolate also for your eating pleasure.
Silly Poop Products
More animals than you can count… we package silly animal poop bags filled with our delicious chocolate nut toffee and peanut toffee poop for you and your friends and family to enjoy. Next time someone you know needs a laugh think about their favorite animal and get them some poop… lol.
It’s your name on the outside and our quality on the inside! Your products will feature your brand label on the products you select from our wide array of Columbia Empire Farms products. Name drop designs are available, as well as full custom art to make your product story complete.


2017-2018 Community Garden Chair |
Calling all gardeners and gardener-wannabees! If you like to play in the dirt, this is the committee for you...
Our community garden provides produce to both the school and the local food bank. Each grade level plants vegetables in one of our 8 raised beds and produce bags in the spring and fall and also help tend the gardens during the school year. In the summer time, families adopt the gardens for one week and water and harvest the abundance for the North Coventry Food Bank.
Throughout the year, the teachers have used the gardens for hands-on learning:
- teaching scientific observation skills, qualitative and quantitative analysis
- and area and perimeter calculation
Our garden has even supplied vegetable tastings for Tasty Tuesdays.
Many volunteer opportunities are available for all experience levels, from master gardeners to garden novices and for all time availability — from one class period every now and then, to people who are interested in serving on the committee to help plan the garden activities. If you're interested in helping, please contact Anne Strawbridge.


As we wind up our adventure through Peru, we thought it would be fun to see what this glorious country has given us in terms of inventions. Let’s start with some of the earliest people in the region, the Incan Empire:
Thought this was a clever food storage solution developed by NASA? While they do use this process to keep astronauts sated in space, you might be surprised to learn that the first records of food being freeze-dried was potatoes in the high Andes. Incas would cover potatoes in a cloth and set them outside overnight. When the frigid temperatures would drop below 32° F, the potatoes would freeze. In the morning, the Incas would use the clothes to ring out any moisture from the potatoes and repeat the process until the desired level of freeze-drying was achieved.
These ingenious Incas would use the long-lasting potatoes as lightweight food rations for soldiers and extra was kept as an emergency supply of food in case of natural disaster, crop failure or drought.
2) Rope Bridges
The Andean Mountains are not the easiest to navigate with sheer cliffs and cavernous gorges but like many other adversities, the Incas developed a way to overcome these natural hazards. Using materials abundant to the region such as cotton, grass and wool from llamas and alpacas, the Incas created sturdy rope bridges to help them traverse gaps as wide as 150 feet. These primitive suspension bridges were attached at either side to large stone structures and were often used in the morning to avoid strong winds that could turn the bridge into a hammock. Not ones to forget safety, the Incas would rebuild the bridges each year to prevent the natural fibers from deteriorating too badly.
3) Terrace Farming
Flat fields are not the easiest to come by in the Andes, so traditional agriculture that prospered in other parts of the world was not possible for the Incas. Their solutions…Terrace Farming!
Large stepped levels were created on inclines and clever construction meant that adequate sunshine, fertile soil and drainage let the Incas yield large crops.
The same temperatures that made freeze-drying possible put the crops at risk. The Incas built stone retaining walls around the terraces to not only hold the farmland in place, but also to absorb heat during the day and radiate it through the soil at night to stop the crops from freezing.
To make the most of limited space, “the three sisters” planting method was invented. Corn would be planted and allowed to grow to a satisfactory height before beans were planted. The corn stalks acted as support beams for the beans cling to as they grew. The last step was to plant squash at the base of the beans and the corn. This concoction of vegetation had a symbiotic relationship with the beans adding nitrogen to the soil to increase the nutrient level and the squash acting as a mulch to prevent weeds and lock in moisture.
4) Llama and Alpaca Breeding Systems
These animals were paramount to the Incan Empire’s rise to power and daily survival. They provided fuel, fertilizer and meat. Their hides and wool transformed into colorful garments often worn by nobility. Through selective breeding, these domesticated animals were the ancient version of a purebred poodle. After generations of using this method, the Incas had llama and alpacas with all the specific traits they desired such as finer, softer fibers than traditional llamas.
The Incas were not the only inventive people around. Taking a look at modern day Peruvian inventions, there is the first modern rocket propulsion system by Pedro Paulet and an urban air cleaner that was built in response to the heavily polluted Peruvian capital of Lima.
5) Rocket Propulsion System
Pedro Paulet was born in Arequipa, Peru in 1874 and by 1895 was the first person to create a liquid-fuelled rocket engine. His innovations did not stop there however, in 1900 he built what is now known as a modern rocket propulsion system and became one of the “fathers of aeronautics”.
6) The Urban Air Cleaner
Taking a look at innovative advancements in more recent times, a group of Peruvians seeking a way to combat the ever-increasing smog in their capital city of Lima invented the Urban Air Purifier – 20 (UAP – 20). In February of 2009, over 100 these UAP – 20s were installed in different areas of Lima, each one having the ability to filter 200,000 cubic meters of air per day or the equivalent of what it takes 1,200 trees to do. With air pollution killing more than 2 million people annually, we can all be thankful for this advancement which absorbs carbon dioxide, filters air dust and decreases harmful bacteria.
It is safe to say that Peruvians are an inventive bunch with many of the ancient developments still present in some form of our modern life today. NASA must be especially thankful for the work of Peruvians like Pedro Paulet and their astronauts happy that they have freeze-dried food to snack on in space.
If you would like more information on any of the destinations in our focus this month or on how to organize an incentive trip to Peru through JNR, please contact email@example.com.
By JNR Incorporated
Written by Stephanie Thomas
JNR Incorporated is a results-based, globally recognized leader that specializes in creating custom travel, meeting, event, prepaid card and merchandise programs that motivate, engage and inspire the employees, customers and channel members of our clients. We have over 30 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies of many diverse industries. Our programs are tailored to fit the specific needs of marketing, sales, management and human resource professionals. The unique solutions we apply are measurable and proven to increase performance, loyalty and revenues.
Photo: “Rope Bridge, Peru” by Krystelle Denis is licensed under CC BY 2.0


Picture of George Washington Carver (1864-1943)
taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston in 1906
“I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.” ~ George Washington Carver
The peanut butter packaged and sold by such American brands as Skippy was invented by Dr. George Washington Carver. In U.S. society, Carver is the first person of record to make oil out of the peanut. This is the same peanut oil that can be found on many grocery store shelves today. While many people know about these innovations, they do not know that Carver developed these inventions, as well as hundreds of other derivative products from the peanut, pecan, and sweet potato.
Dr. Carver works included the development of agricultural derived adhesives, gasoline fuel, shaving cream, shampoos, hand lotions, insecticide, glue, bleach, sugar, synthetic rubber, and other innovations from natural agricultural resources. He devoted his life to understanding nature and the alternative uses of a simple plant. He is reported to have extracted medicines from weeds and through the separation of fats, oils, gums, resins and sugars, he found over 300 new uses for the peanut alone.
Photo of the George Washington Carver National Monument, a unit of the National Park Service located about two miles west of Diamond, Missouri. Depicting Dr. Carver as a young boy, this statute was founded on July 14, 1943 by Franklin Delano Roosevelt who dedicated $30,000 to the monument. It was the first national monument dedicated to an African-American and first to a non-President.
In 1864 (exact birth date unknown), George Washington Carver was born into the institution of slavery near Diamond Grove, Missouri. He was kidnapped from his mother by slavers as a baby. As a slave, his early weak condition in body made him of no use in the field. Carver worked in a domestic capacity and gardening became a part of his work. On the plantation he was known as the 'Plant Doctor." Despite the challenge of his birth, Carver applied and was admitted to Highland College in Highland, Kansas from his application submission that did not mention or request his race. When he arrived at Highland College its president, learning then of his skin color, withdrew the college's acceptance.
George Washington Carver in his laboratory.
At that point in his life, instead of college, Carver went into business. He opened a laundry and subsequently worked as a cook in Winterset, Iowa. Saving his money, Carver was the first person of African descent to be admitted to Simpson College in Iowa. He eventually transferred to Iowa Agricultural College (Iowa State College). There he earned a Bachelors and Masters of Science degrees in agricultural and bacterial botany. Carver became the first black teacher at Iowa State College.
George Washington Carver (center, front row) poses with fellow
Tuskegee Institute staff members in 1902 (now known as Tuskegee University)
Upon the invite of Booker T. Washington, Dr. Carver relocated to Alabama's Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute (Tuskegee Institute, now known as Tuskegee University). At Tuskegee, Carver spearheaded the university's Agricultural Department, a dynamic agricultural research department that he served for more than 50 years. There was much farming innovation developed out of Tuskegee during the course of Carver's leadership. This included translating scientific theory into great practical assistance to local farmers, including former slaves, who sought self-sufficiency through farming. Carver assisted many southern farmers, black and white, in producing additional products from their staple crops in an effort to increase family farm income.
Illustration of George Washington Carver by Charles Alston (1943)
Carver's work was a course in sustainable development. His legacy is the original green. This included providing American farmers training in soil fertilization and crop rotation innovations. He introduced southern farmers to new soil enriching plants such as the peanut, pecan, and the sweet potatoe. This diversified the agricultural tradition of farmers in the U.S. southern states whose agricultural economy was based predominantly on cotton production. Carver's work in agricultural recycling is significant in that he introduced southern farmers to practical innovative uses for farm waste. Tuskegee Institute research during this time included scientific works in chemistry, nutrition, plant pathology, and genetics.
Painting of George Washington Carver,
by Betsy Graves Reyneau, oil on canvas (1942)
“Reading about nature is fine, but if a person walks in the woods and listens carefully, he can learn more than what is in books, for they speak with the voice of God.” ~ George Washington Carver
“All mankind are the beneficiaries of his discoveries in the field of agricultural chemistry," stated the late U.S. President Franklin T. Roosevelt. "The things which he achieved in the face of early handicaps will for all time afford an inspiring example to youth everywhere."
George Washington Carver stamp issued on January 5, 1948
by the United States Postal Service
by the United States Postal Service
George Washington Carver received three formal U.S. patents from his peanut inventions. His works, however, includes 118 applications for inventions derived from sweet potatoes, cowpeas, soybeans, and pecans. His sweet potato inventions included 73 dyes, 17 wood fillers, 14 candies, 5 library pastes, 5 breakfast foods, 4 starches, 4 flours, 3 molasses’s, vinegar and spiced vinegar, dry coffee and instant coffee, candy, after-dinner mints, orange drops, and lemon drops.
The National Peanut Board reports Dr. Carver's works to include food products that ranged from "peanut lemon punch, chili sauce, caramel, peanut sausage, mayonnaise and coffee. Cosmetics included face powder, shampoo, shaving cream and hand lotion. Insecticides, glue, charcoal, rubber, nitroglycerine, plastics and axle grease are just a few of the many valuable peanut products discovered by Dr. Carver.”
An African American worker at the Richmond Shipyards, Richmond, California, USA (April 1943) rushing the SS George Washington Carver ship to completion. Black skilled workers played an important part in the construction of the SS George Washington Carver, the second Liberty Ship named for a person of African descent, in the Richmond Shipyard No. 1 of the Kaiser Company (California).
Statute of George Washington Carver


Hope Blooms Community Greenhouse
A project of Fowler Bauld & Mitchell Ltd., designed by Matthew Jarsky
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
139 m² (1 500 ft²)
The Hope Blooms greenhouse is a place to grow vegetables and herbs. It is also a symbol of what can be achieved when youthful enterprise, community spirit, and both individual and corporate philanthropy are aligned.
The greenhouse is located in Murray Warrington Park (at Brunswick Street and Divas Lane), adjacent the Hope Blooms Community Garden. The garden, greenhouse, and nearby kitchen are the infrastructure of the successful Hope Blooms community development initiative.
Hope Blooms is a grassroots project, led by youth, enabling the community to take ownership of their food sources and empowering people to make a difference in their own lives and the community at large. Children, young adults, and their adult helpers tend a garden in North End Halifax whose harvest helps feed their families and supplies herbs for their successful salad dressing business. Sales support a scholarship fund to benefit neighbourhood youth.
Architect Matthew Jarsky designed the greenhouse to support the work of Hope Blooms and contribute to the vitality of North End Halifax. The aim was to make the greenhouse beautiful, functional, and durable.
The project was made possible by the generous donation of time, materials, and expertise by major supporters Build Right Nova Scotia, Aecon Construction, and Lindsay Construction, along with many other builders and suppliers. Fowler Bauld & Mitchell supported the project by providing Jarsky's architectural design services pro bono. Dalhousie University Professor Brian Lilley also contributed valuable ideas and expertise.
Jessie herself calls the building “an amazing work of art!”
Solar-powered vents open automatically when it is hot and close when cool.
The greenhouse features a gravel floor that allows for improved plant transpiration.
The compost bin has a capacity of 19 m³ (25 cubic yards); a volume equivalent to about eighty Halifax municipal compost carts.
When complete, the compost air heating system will collect heat given off by decomposing compost to supplement solar energy during the shoulder seasons.
The greenhouse is glazed with 49 m² (525 ft²) of twin-wall polycarbonate (which insulates 60 times better than a comparable single thickness of glass).
The walls are constructed using insulated concrete forms made from concrete and waste wood (“Nexcem ICF”). At nearly two feet thick, the walls incorporate tremendous thermal mass and high levels of insulation.
Rainwater is harvested from the roof and collected in a storage system located inside the building.


The 16-litre Bokashi Organko composters made of recycled plastic enable easy composting in the comfort of your home. The fermentation process doesn’t provoke unpleasant odours, and by using Bokashi bran you can reduce bio-waste by as much as 25%, obtain a base for first-class compost, a natural and effective drain cleaner and organic fertilizer for the garden and plants.
These indoor counter top composters are perfect for homes, offices, restaurants, cafes, schools, the list goes on!
Our set includes:
2x 16 litre Bokashi Organko Composters (Dimensions: 38 x 27 x 32 cm)
1x 1kg Bokashi Bran
1x Drainage Cup
1x Dosing Cup
2x Drainage Sieve
1x Leveling Trowel
2x Built in Taps
1x Instruction Booklet
Brief explanation of ‘Bokashi’
Meaning ‘fermentation’ in Japanese, this method of composting breaks down food waste using an anaerobic (without oxygen) process. The container is air tight once the lid is on, and around 2 weeks later you will be left with a block of fermented compost that can be mixed with an existing compost bin to accelerate it, or with soil to plant with. Please note, the block will be so concentrated it is advised to not use without being mixed with compost / soil before planting.
The food waste is layered up with a sprinkling of bran that has been inoculated with effective microorganisms which create the fermentation within the compost bin. The bin containers a spigot at the base, which should be used every day to draw liquid off. This can be mixed with water to create a brilliant plant feed, or can be thrown down the drain to keep algae away. The liquid, once drawn off will need to be used within 24hours.
As the container is air tight it produces no foul smell at all, and is small enough to be placed on a kitchen counter. It is an indoor compost bin only that is perfect for limited space or no outside areas.
The 1kg bag of bran will last approx. 3-4 months when used with our compost bins. Refill packs will be available to purchase. The set includes 2 bins so you can rotate, once one is full the lid needs to be kept on tight for at least 2 weeks. In that time, the other one can be used.
All kinds of food waste can be put in the container – see picture. The items below should not be included within the Bokashi compost bin.
Waste not suitable:
If you have any questions or would like more information please send us a message!


It's YOUR turn to grow gorgeous, healthy plants!
In this online course we’ll go over:
All the benefits of gardening, why you SHOULD and how you CAN garden
We’ll help you figure out what you have - no matter what kind of space you’ve got, we’ll get you growing
We’ll talk about what where you are - we’ll look at different growing conditions, how they affect you, and how you can best utilize them
We’ll talk about what you want - we’ll take an in-depth look at different types of flowers and plants and figure out the best way to get you growing what you want
By the end of the course, you will have your personalized recipe for growing what you want, where you are, with what you have!
(No need to take notes; all notes are included for you! Watch and re-watch the course as many times as you would like at your own pace.)


The Viticulture and Enology Association of Squaw Valley-Miramonte is an informal association formed in 2009 by several local wine grape growers. One of our first accomplishments was to earn an American Viticultural Area recognition as the Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA.
Our Mission is to encourage and support grape growers and vintners within the SV-M AVA to grow high quality wine grapes and craft excellent wines.
• Education inside and outside our association.
• Share resources, experiences, equipment and labor.
• Foster a favorable relationship with Fresno County.
• Increase visibility of our association.
Meetings are held approximately every other month. Guests may attend meetings with advance notice. Minimum of 100 planted wine grapevines and a vote by association members is required to become a member.
Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA
Copyright © 2021 Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA - All Rights Reserved.
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Get the most out of your garden with our tips of what to do in the garden each month of the year
It’s cold out there so the main thing to do this month is keep your tender plants and yourself warm. We have a range of greenhouse heaters and we sell bubble insulation and fleece by the metre to help keep the chill off. We strongly recommend warm clothing for yourself too.
With snow a common feature of this month, it’s important to remember our feathered friends and don’t forget if you help help them by providing food and maybe some water they will help you in the summer by eating all the nasty garden grubs & pests.
Brush any fallen leaves off your lawn but only go on the grass if it is not too wet or frozen. Keep a look out for seed potatoes, due in any time from early January. Spring is just around the corner and you will see a range of planted up spring bulbs in our plant area from early January.
It’s plug plants time but don’t forget to keep them in a greenhouse or indoors until the risk of any frost has passed. It’s also time to start thinking about your vegetables, whether it be be seed potatoes or vegetable seed sown in the protection of a cold frame or cloche. Continue to plant deciduous trees and shrubs if the weather permits.
Tidy up the garden and start preparing for the growing season by preparing any new ground ready for planting, or top dress any previous beds and borders with either manure or compost and a good fertiliser.
Continue to feed the birds and they will pay you back in the summer!
Sow seeds in the greenhouse such as Petunia and Marigold, and start growing your plug plants in the greenhouse. Although the weather may be starting to pick up, keep tender plants protected until any risk of frost has passed.
Start growing your hardy vegetable seeds in the garden now, and plant your summer flowering bulbs too.
Divide congested perennials before too much growth develops, and prune Roses now too before new growth develops.
Mulch beds and borders now so that the soil is ready for the growing season, and sweep and rake your garden so that it’s ready for it’s first cut.
Use this time to clean and treat any garden furniture so that it’s ready to enjoy throughout the warmer months.
Now is the perfect time to start seeding any new lawns or over-seeding your existing lawn. Keeping a watchful eye on soft fruit bushes for pests, as now is the best time to start spraying your fruit bushes to prevent pests.
Start feeding your shrubs now that they are coming back into growth, and now that the weather is warming up ensure that any plants in the greenhouse are well watered. Ensure all flower beds are mulched to retain as much moisture as possible ready for the summer.
Early flowering shrubs such as Forsythia and Ribes can be cut back and fed once they have finished flowering.
Remove the flower heads (and only the flower head) off early flowering bulbs, this will help the bulb store energy for next year. Keep a look out for summer bedding packs which start this month.
Start to harden off bedding plants. Do this by putting them outdoors in the day and bringing them indoors for the night, and then plant out once the chance of frost has gone.
Put supports around any floppy herbaceous plants. Keep a watch out for any pests and diseases and start treating now to prevent any major problems as the season gets underway. Prune spring flowering plants to stop them getting too overgrown.
Start weeding your garden and vegetable plot. Harvest early crop potatoes and plant main crop potatoes. Start laying turf but remember to keep it well watered until it is established. Apply a weedkiller to your existing lawn and then seed any patches, keeping them covered to protect from birds.
Ensure your lawn, plants and vegetables are well fed and watered. Hoe off annual weeds as they appear and treat perennial weeds with a suitable weedkiller as and when they appear.
Pests are going to be a major problem if left, so check all plants and vegetables for pests and start spraying at the first sign of any unwanted visitors!
Keep your shrubs well supported so they don’t collapse before reaching their full potential. Now is the time to shade your greenhouse, so use either a shading material or spray on cool glass.
Take some time to sit out and enjoy your garden while the weather is nice and warm, treat yourself to something nice for the garden. We have a range of garden furniture, chiminea, patio heaters and more available in our centres so that you can make the most of your garden.
Continue to water and feed your lawn, and mow it once or twice a week. Dead head your Roses and feed with a specialist Rose fertiliser to get the best out of them. Don’t forget to take good care of your houseplants by watering and feeding regularly. Also don’t forget about your houseplants if you go on holiday, if there is no one to give them a water then consider purchasing a holiday watering kit.
Continue your battle against weeds, using one of the many weedkillers available in our centres, or use a hoe. Ventilate your greenhouse day and night in the hot weather and damp down regularly.
Other than that, make sure you get out and enjoy your garden as much as possible!
Well hopefully the weather has been lovely, but the further we go into August the summer inevitably draws to a close. This means we need to start thinking about autumn in the garden so look out for spring flowering bulbs due in mid to late August.
Continue to water and feed your lawn, mowing once or twice a week. In drought conditions, leave longer between mows to help retain moisture. Continue to deadhead your Roses and feed with a specialist Rose fertiliser to get the best out of them.
Don’t forget to keep taking good care of your houseplants and keep on top of weeds too. Most importantly though, enjoy the garden before the nights draw in. Treat yourself to a few barbecues, we stock a fantastic range in our centre. A chiminea or fire pit will also allow you to enjoy the garden long into the night when it is a bit cooler.
Now is the time to start planting spring flowering bulbs, so make sure you pop in to your local centre and take a look at the wide range of bulbs we stock to add colour to your garden. Plant now to ensure that you get fantastic spring colour.
It’s time to start thinking about raising the cut on your lawn to a medium height, ready for the autumn. If you’ve got any bare patches, now is the time to over sow your lawn. Autumn lawn products are now available and these will help feed the root system, ensuring that they are nice and strong so it survives the winter months.
Try to keep your borders tidy as leaves or other debris can easy spread disease amongst your plants. With the evenings starting to draw in and the weather starting to get cooler, it’s time to think about removing any greenhouse shading and looking into heating it through the evenings.
Winter vegetables are now available in our plant areas, these should be planted now so that they are ready for harvesting between winter and spring.
Autumn is officially here, and winter is well on the way too so it’s important to protect your non-hardy plants from the cold. Bring any tender plants into the greenhouse and make sure it is well insulated.
Now is the perfect time to plant any trees and shrubs, ensuring that they are staked and tied in. Continue to mow your lawn, but raise the cut height.
Spring bulbs are still in their prime so continue to buy and plant these throughout October for masses of colour in spring.
Again it is important to make sure the garden is clear of fallen leaves and other debris to prevent plant diseases.
Winter is here and the clocks have gone back, so there’s plenty of cold nights. To ensure your plants survive it is important to protect them from frost by using some fabric or bubble insulation. Bring any tender plants into the greenhouse and make sure you have some heating in your greenhouse too.
Christmas is just around the corner, so why not take some time to check out our Christmas ranges. Our outdoor decorations and lights are a perfect way to bring festive cheer to your garden. Towards the end of November our real cut and potted Christmas trees will be arriving at our centres too.
Continue to plant trees and shrubs as long as the ground is not frozen. Continuing on from autumn, it’s still important to keep your garden clear of leaves and other debris. A little work now will be rewarded next year.
Your vulnerable plants should be kept in your greenhouse, it’s important to ensure that the greenhouse remains heated too so that the plants will survive. Other non-hardy plant should be covered in fabric or bubble insulation to keep them alive throughout winter.
Keep flowering Christmas houseplants moist, especially any bulbs, Cyclamen and Poinsettia.
If you’ve purchased a cut real Christmas tree, make sure you keep it watered. A real tree can easily drink a pint of water a day so keep it topped up with water. This will ensure it looks good for longer, and stop it from dropping it’s needles too quickly.


FIND YOUR FAVORITE FRUIT
To ensure the best possible eating experience, all fruit is shipped on Tuesday for Thursday arrival.
ALL ABOUT PLUMSICLETM
The Plumsicle is unlike any other plum or plumcot. Not only are they incredibly sweet, they are bursting with flavor. This proprietary variety is available ONLY from HMC Farms and is our absolute favorite of the summer.
You can learn more about this fruit and many of the others we harvest throughout the season in our blog.
Every piece of fruit at HMC Farms is grown with the Earth and everyone who lives here in mind. In order to preserve our land and resources, all fruit is grown sustainably. Which means we protect the land and water as well as the trees, year after year. Our family has been farming for generations and we would like our future generations to enjoy the life we have grown to love.
At HMC Farms we believe fruit should taste good. It seems simple, but it takes an entire year of discipline, hard work and a little luck to produce a piece of fruit we are proud to share with our friends and family.
From our family to yours, we hope you enjoy our peaches, plums and nectarines.


Pier 48 Stevedoring has a unique conveyor system be able to load trucks directly off the conveyor from the barge.
The conveyor at tower two has the structure capacity to receive trucks from a 25 ton semi dump trucks to 40 ton articulated trucks under the conveyor belt.
The conveyor system has built into the structure a 2 way reversing 48 inch belt for future expansion
The Mantsinen material handler and the Imperial Technologies conveyor was designed to handle 800 net tons per hour.
1,800 ton barge of barite weighing at 185 pounds per square foot can be off loaded in 6 hours.
1,800 ton barge of soy beans weighing at 42 pounds per square foot can be loaded directly into trucks in 11 hours.


Pollen was the first allergen to be identified. Pollen is the male reproductive structure of seed plants. Pollen with allergenic significance is small enough to remain suspended in the air. Weather conditions have a significant effect on the intensity and duration of pollination.
Rain considerably reduces pollen concentrations, not only because of the rainwater, but also because of the fewer hours of sun.
The lack of sun can limit the dissemination of the particles, which can prolong the presence of high pollen levels on the ground. The wind also propels large quantities of pollen.
Pollination occurs progressively when the temperature increases gradually in spring, but quickly when temperatures change from 12ºC to 20ºC in a matter of weeks.
Recommendations for patients allergic to pollen:
- Know which pollen causes the allergy.
- Know when the pollen season is and the pollen count relating to your allergy.
- Avoid going out into the open air on maximum pollination days or when it is very windy.
- At home, avoid leaving the windows open when it is sunny and at night. Windows can be opened at dusk. Daybreak is the time when pollen is most abundant.
- Use suitable filters on vacuum cleaners and vacuum once a week.
- Air-conditioning at home is useful. Use the appropriate filters to stop pollen from entering the house.
- Avoid going out to the countryside, walks in parks and gardens during high pollen times.
- Use glasses to protect your eyes from direct contact with the air.
- Avoid open windows during car journeys. Use the air-conditioning.
- Consult your allergist should you need to travel.
- Carry symptomatic medication with you.
- Nowadays it is possible to improve quality of life with immunotherapy (vaccines) and obtain a real and definitive cure.


Sometimes it just takes the seed of an idea to grow and sprout into a communityservice project. And sometimes, it just takes seeds, literally. Seeds that grow community gardens and environmental education, that is. They are the building blocks behind City Green, the nonprofit that got its start in Wyckoff in 2004 and has grown since then into a major gardening initiative.
City Green's mission is to help establish urban farms and gardens in northern New Jersey, while also cultivating education in public health, nutrition and the environment. Executive Director Jennifer Papa says the initiative aims "to create greater access in food-desert neighborhoods to locally produced food with increased community involvement."
In 2004, it began with just that – a community garden in Paterson. Good things have been growing at City Green ever since. It now operates school-based environment clubs, a community of school garden teachers (City Green helps with curriculum, tools and support), and after-school and summer garden programming.
Recently, the group moved its headquarters from Wyckoff to Schultheis Farm in Clifton, a five-acre farm that will be used for children's gardens, community gardens and urban farming.
There are a lot of good deeds in the harvest at City Green. One initiative Papa points to is the annual Go Green Conference held in partnership with Ramapo College's One Step environmental club. This year's theme was Collective Action, and one action that resulted was a playground cleanup and revitalization in a blighted park in Jersey City.
Some of the good deeds also happen to taste good. Take, for example, a school garden in Teaneck. "An entire grade of kindergarten students at Bryant Elementary School in Teaneck grew three raised beds full of lettuce," Papa says. "The teachers were inspired to invite the parents to eat the lettuce with their children who grew it – so they hosted a fitness night."
Children who attend the YWCA summer camp in Paterson, meanwhile, have been growing a garden with the help of City Green for more than six years. "We hold an annual Theater in the Garden production," Papa says. "The children rehearse an environmentally themed production for two weeks, culminating in a performance for their families and neighborhood." The after-party snacks feature, of course, sliced veggies.
It takes a lot of volunteers to make the initiative work, and they come from all walks of life.
"We have great educator volunteers who help with our school fieldtrip programming," Papa says. The group also relies on carpenters, plumbers and electricians for the renovation of the farmhouse, and on landscaping assistance for various projects.
In addition, there is a weekly Wednesday morning volunteer program at the new farmhouse location for people who like to garden and an evening program for working on the farm. City Green also hosts corporate events and teen environmental and school garden clubs.
How to Help
Helping hands are needed in a variety of ways: sharing the story, attending fundraisers, donating funds or plants and materials. Visit citygreenonline.org to learn more. Volunteer coordinator Betty Wiest can be reached at (973) 869-4086.


a farmer who plants only a few seeds
will get a small crop.
But the one who plants generously
will get a generous crop.”
2 Corinthians 9:6 NLT
2 Corinthians 9:6 NLT
The average last frost in the St. Louis area is April 15th, so I usually have my garden planted by now. According to those who seem to know, it takes two weeks of 50 degree nights for the ground to be ready. Those of you who live in St. Louis know our spring this year, for the most part, has been cold and wet. So my garden is late.
I see gardening as working together with God. I plow the ground when He has it ready - plant the seed that He has produced – help with the watering if it doesn’t rain enough – pull weeds and do some mulching, but it’s God who makes His seed to grow – producing vegetables for us and our neighbors to enjoy.
God has set laws in motion that never change. A seed will always reproduce itself – what we sow is what we get. If we are skimpy with the seeds we put in the ground, our crop will also be skimpy. The same principles operate in our lives.
Our life in this world is a time of planting, and also the beginning of reaping what we plant. But the full harvest will be realized in the world to come. If we live life to satisfy our sinful human nature, we will start to reap the consequences – emptiness, lack of peace, no true hope, --- . However, in the world to come, we will fully reap what a sinful human nature will ultimately yield – eternal death - separated from God. On the other hand, as we put our trust in Christ we are born again with a spiritual nature which has the capacity to please God. And as we obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we begin to enjoy the first fruits of the harvest – real love, joy, peace ---. And in the world to come - we will reap the full harvest – eternal life in all it’s fullness in the presence of our Savior - forever and ever!!
Paul says, “Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.” Galatians 6:7 First off, obviously the smartest thing for us to do is to plant good seed which will produce the best harvest in this world and the world to come. And secondly, let’s plant lots of it!! It’s not that hard to figure out.
Father, even as believers, we catch ourselves planting bad seed and taste the bitter results. That’s so stupid. Please forgive us. Help us to plant your good seed and not be skimpy about it.


- 1 Can Blue Java bananas grow in the US?
- 2 Does Whole Foods sell Blue Java bananas?
- 3 Can you buy Blue Java bananas in Australia?
- 4 Where can you get blue Java bananas?
- 5 What do blue Java bananas taste like?
- 6 What is the lifespan of a banana tree?
- 7 What are the best tasting bananas?
- 8 Are blue bananas genetically modified?
- 9 Is Whole Foods really expensive?
- 10 Can I take fruit from Victoria to Queensland?
- 11 Can you get red bananas?
- 12 How long does it take to grow a blue Java banana tree?
Can Blue Java bananas grow in the US?
While they grow naturally in Hawaii or other tropical regions, more and more people in warm climates are starting to grow their own blue java bananas. Quick Care Guide.
|Common Name(s)||Blue java banana, ice cream banana, Hawaiian banana, blue banana|
|Scientific Name||Musa acuminata x Musa balbisiana, ABB group|
Does Whole Foods sell Blue Java bananas?
So where can you get Blue Java bananas? Well that’s tricky. You can’t pick up a bunch at your local Whole Foods or Walmart grocery. This specialty produce item is only available from select retailers, and you typically have to buy them online (or buy the plants to grow).
Can you buy Blue Java bananas in Australia?
Can I get them in Australia? Unfortunately, you won’t find ice cream bananas at your local supermarket, but it seems you can buy a Blue Java plant online to grow at your own risk depending on what state you live in.
Where can you get blue Java bananas?
The bananas themselves are fluffier and creamier than your typical banana, Huffington Post reported, and you can find them growing in Hawaii, southeast Asia and parts of central America. Though they’re usually found in tropical climates, they’re pretty cold tolerant, as long as they get a decent amount of sunlight.
What do blue Java bananas taste like?
Also called “ ice cream ” bananas because they’re said to taste like vanilla ice cream, these have a bluish-silvery peel that turns pale yellow when ripe. Manzano. Also called “apple bananas,” these short, chubby fruits have a hint of apple and strawberry.
What is the lifespan of a banana tree?
Each pseudostem produces a single bunch of bananas, before dying and being replaced by a new pseudostem. The base of the plant is a rhizome (known as a corm). Corms are perennial, with a productive lifespan of 15 years or more. Scientific classification.
What are the best tasting bananas?
Top 10 Types of Bananas
- Red Banana.
- Lady Finger Banana.
- Blue Java Banana.
- Manzano Banana.
- Burro Banana. Burro bananas have a lemony and tangy taste, which makes them one of the most unique types of bananas.
- Barangan Banana. Yellow with small black dots, the Barangan banana has a sweet, mild taste.
- Goldfinger Banana.
Are blue bananas genetically modified?
Are blue bananas genetically modified? The primacy in this sense belongs to this other variety, the Blue Java which owes its name to the characteristic blue color of the peel when it is unripe. … However, there is no genetic modification, it is all natural.
Is Whole Foods really expensive?
The prices of Whole Foods Market (WFM) have earned the organic grocery store chain the joking nickname, ” Whole Paycheck.” While shopping for groceries at Whole Foods does not usually devour an entire paycheck, its prices are noticeably higher on average than the prices available at other grocery shopping venues,
Can I take fruit from Victoria to Queensland?
Queensland. Movement of plant products into and/or out of areas within Queensland is regulated. The whole of the state is a biosecurity zone for bananas, grape plants, mangoes and sugarcane. Do not take any plants, soil or items that have been in contact with these plants into Queensland.
Can you get red bananas?
Red bananas are a subgroup of bananas from Southeast Asia with red skin. They’re soft and have a sweet flavor when ripe. Some people say they taste like a regular banana — but with a hint of raspberry sweetness. They’re often used in desserts but pair well with savory dishes, too.
How long does it take to grow a blue Java banana tree?
It takes 9 months for the plant to grow in its entirety. If you start to lose patience just keep in mind that some plants take 15 years to bear fruit, so 9 months is not so long. You will know once the bananas are ready to be picked from the tree because they turn thick and blue.


Listen to this obituary
Glover B. Triplett, Jr., 93, passed away on March 30, 2024 at OCH Regional Hospital in Starkville, MS. He was born June 2, 1930 in Crawford, Lowndes County, Mississippi, son of the late Glover B. Triplett and Louise Blake Triplett.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Imogene Crump Triplett.
Glover is survived by a daughter, Dorinda Hickey of Austin, Texas and two grandsons, Patrick and Corey Hickey of the Austin, Texas area, and one great granddaughter. He is also survived by special friends, Jane and Ira Loveless.
Glover attended Mississippi State College (1947-1951) with a major in agriculture and participated in advanced ROTC. He served in the Korean war (1952, 1953) as an Infantry Officer in the Second Division. Following his military service, he returned to Mississippi State and received an MS in Agronomy in 1955. He then attended Michigan State U and received a PhD in Farm Crops in 1959.
He was employed by the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster, Ohio, where he was a pioneer in the development of no-tillage crop production. He and a colleague, David Van Doren, established a tillage X rotation study on different soil types. This study is endowed and continues today. After more than 50 years, there is no indication tillage that will be required to maintain crop productivity. Glover retired from Ohio in 1982 and returned to Mississippi where he was employed by the Plant and Soil Science Department at MSU. There he conducted research adapting the no-tillage practice for crops in the Southern Region.
Glover was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Starkville, a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a member of Lions service club and a member of The American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society, and Soil Science Society. He was named a Fellow of the Agronomy Society and was named as Agronomist of the year in 2007 by the Mississippi Chapter of the American Society of Agronomy.
Glover and Imogene contributed to Mississippi State. He established an endowed Chair in Plant and Soil Science and both contributed to funding of scholarships in Agronomy, Horticulture, and Forestry.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, April 5, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Starkville, with the funeral service immediately following. Burial will be in Bethesda Baptist Church Cemetery in Crawford, MS.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Triplett Endowed Professorship in Agronomy within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, MSU Foundation, P. O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762. Online donations may be made at msufoundation.com and designate your gift for the fund number 501903.
THIS OBITUARY WAS WRITTEN BY GLOVER TRIPLETT IN 2015


The palm oil industry has infiltrated products in different areas of the world. Some products that incorporate palm oil are food, biofuel, and cosmetics. To produce such products, the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is grown on a massive scale in a biodiversity-rich tropical environment. This tree has grown to become a key factor for global food security and economic development. It’s so important that half of the human population relies on palm oil-related products.
Outside of human use, the palm oil industry has been destructible towards the environment. To meet demands, there has been an increase in expansion. This expansion has led to deforestation in many areas like Central and South America. Out of all of the animals across the world, expansion has led to 54% of threatened mammals and 64% of threatened birds. Overall, the industry has allowed 193 species to be a part of one of the following: critically endangered, endangered, and vulnerable.
To counteract what has been done so far, the focus has been on creating more sustainable practices. Moving towards other crops wouldn’t be practical due to the lower yields from those crops. An alternative would be avoiding further deforestation and moving away from the use of palm oil in non-food products.
By Kyra Bassett Marketing Intern AMLY Sustainability
August 6, 2021


Olive oil based products
We import and sell the finest selection of artisan made olive oil based products, and even more…
Who are we?
Nino Melody imports and sells the finest selection of artisan made olive oil based products, and even more… Our roots lay in Italy, but we are based in Belgium.
On top of that, we also give live tasting and trial sessions of our products. In this way, we can show you how to best use our amazing products in ready made meals and dishes.
Sorrento’s Olive Oil
“From the love for the land is born Frantoio Gargiulo, which for more than a century has dedicated itself to the production of extra virgin olive oil. Keeping alive ancient traditions handed down for generations.”
About Frantoio Gargiulo
For over a century the Frantoio Gargiulo spreads the love for a product of superior quality. Keeping the ancient family vocation intact, the Frantoio Gargiulo in Sorrento, in Sant’Agnello locality, carries on a tradition made of passion and respect for the earth’s resources. Even today, the activity of the Gargiulo family is completely dedicated to the production of true gastronomic excellence.


Mineral fertilizing in the spring is applying, first of all, in floodplain and lowland areas (flood meadows), as well as in the processing or digging of the soil. Before you apply mineral fertilizers to the soil, it is important to correctly calculate the amount of fertilizing, avoiding overdose, in the first place, nitrogenous fertilizing.
In the middle regions with high precipitation, so that fertilizers do not wash out, it is better to introduce them in the spring when the soil is cultivated (the third part of potassium-phosphorus fertilizers and all nitrogenous fertilizers).
In autumn, is applying fertilizers more resistant to leaching: lime, phosphoric flour, ammonium sulfate, granular superphosphate or ammonium chloride.
Most often (though not always) it is more useful when both mineral and organic fertilizers are simultaneously applied to the soil. In this case, the dosage of mineral fertilizers should be reduced by about one-third of the normal application rate.


Maintaining a garden is one of the most costly and challenging and popular practices among many people in the world today. Just like any other field of specialisation, gardening requires considerable skills, knowledge and experience as well as tools, equipment not forgetting the right supplies to accomplish the tasks and have the best results in the end. With the right supplies and knowledge in place, one considerably cuts on the amount of money they spend on the process. It is also vital to identify all the supplies that one needs for their gardening tasks and project as well as the dealer that can deliver at the lowest price possible.
Similar to taking care of one's pet at home, the plants in the garden also need tender love, care and attention for them to grow strong and healthy in the end. One of the essential ways of caring for the plants if providing them with the right and quality gardening supplies such as coco peat block that are essential for their growth and development. In addition to knowing the best type and quality of gardening supplies that one needs, it is also vital to know which gardening supplies dealer will offer them at the best and most attractive prices possible in the market. Most gardening supplies also come in various packages that are suitable for different kinds of gardens such as the hand-held shovel as well as the ditch digger, for instance, are appropriate for different gardens.
One does not need a lot of money to purchase some tools and equipment such as the specialised watering system when they can afford a water sprinkler that can serve the same purpose. It is always essential to remember that the gardening supplies that one needs at the end of the day depend on the type of garden that one is maintaining. It is also vital to remember that the client has to know the best place where they can buy the supplies they need at the most affordable prices in the market and without compromising on the quality on the other side.
Finding and working with the right dealers also ensures that one has the help they need in selecting stacking planters as well as advice on the methods and techniques to apply for pest management and control in the garden. The internet can also help clients to find the best gardening supplies dealers, it saves time and effort and also helps one to find cheaper options as well.
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Modelling the Impact of Key Pests of Watermelon on its Performance Using Linear Regression Models
Walailak J Sci & Tech
Despite the economic, health, and nutritional values of watermelon, insect pests remain a key limitation to its production globally. However, there has, hardly been any research that has statistically modeled the impact of insect pests on its performance. Therefore, this study aims to determine the relationship between the performance of watermelon and the density of its key pests with the aid of correlation and linear regression models, thereby presenting models for forecasting crop performance vis-à-vis pest density for optimum pest management. Data were collected from 40 m2 plots grouped into 4 replicates (10 plots/replicate) in field experiments (arranged in a randomized complete block design) in the early- and late-sown crops of 2016 and 2017 in the Research Farm of Federal University, Wukari, Nigeria. Plant survival rate (%) negatively and significantly (P≤ 0.05) correlated with each of mean number leaf-feeding beetles (r = −0.80, R2 = 63.5 %, Y = 92.023 – 3.145x; r = −0.79, R2 = 62.1 %, Y = 95.986 – 5.975x), A. gossypiidensity (r = −0.67, R2 = 44.9 %, Y= 184.048 – 50.444x; r = -0.65, R2 = 42.4 %, Y= 131.852 – 14.618x), and B tabacidensity (r = −0.67, R2 = 45.2 %, Y= 188.832 – 11.138x; r = −0.66, R2 = 43.3 %, Y= 178.738 – 3.701x) in both the early- and late-sown crop of 2016, respectively, with a similar trend in those of 2017. All parameters significantly (P ≤ 0.05) fitted the linear regression model. Densities of all major pests consistently correlated negatively and significantly with fruit yield. Student’s t-test detected significant differences between the early- and late-sown crops of both years. We therefore conclude that watermelon experiences multiple pest infestations whose compositions and intensities vary between seasons, and that their influence on agronomic performance, as shown by the coefficient of determination (R2) values (which were indicative of the reliability of the models with respect to the effect of pests on crop performance), were largely close or > 50 %.
Flower sex ratio, Generalized linear regression, Leaf-feeding beetle, Leaf injury, Nigeria, Food tech and research, Benue University, kano, ACE: Food Technology and Research


Unique Cannabis Grow Process
A main driving force behind our growing style is health derived ethics. We have developed a top-notch soilless growth process which includes the very best organic nutrients available. In the cannabis industry, like other industries such as agriculture, healthcare, and even beauty, the word organic is not accepted. We use the term “natural” to showcase the best methods, replicating how cannabis grows in nature. Each plant is carefully hand watered and inspected daily for quality and health. We strive to get a non-pesticide run and if infestations do occur, we use only organic pesticides.
Throughout our drying process, we monitor for temperature, humidity, yeast & mold. We also employ UV air cleaners to ensure that the product is clean and healthy. This stage of production lasts 2-3 weeks. After the cannabis has dried, we cure it for another two weeks in jars. At High Level Health we have 4 grow facilities in Colorado and are working on expanding to other states. The members of our grow team were selected because of their passion for the cannabis plant, health, and sustainability.


- OUTDOOR WORKSTATION: This garden work table is perfect for preparing flowers, vegetables, and herbs to plant in your garden. With its rustic and simple design, this potting bench with sink is ideal for the patio, garden, backyard, and more.
- SPECIAL FOR PLANTING: This garden potting station has a built-in bag with a cover for helping with tasks around the garden. The 5 top hooks are included for hanging planting tools, while a grid pattern shelf allows water to drain away.
- SPACIOUS STORAGE: Featuring a large tabletop and a bottom shelf, this potting benches for outside provides more than enough storage for your gardening supplies, soil, pots, and other accessories.
- HIGH-QUALITY MATERIAL: This outdoor potters bench is made from metal, which helps fight against the weather. This sturdy potting bench is durable enough to stand up to the elements and give you years of use.
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN: The raised height of this outdoor potting bench helps save gardener's knees and back by providing you with an easy to access the gardening tables for outdoors. Perfect for long hours working in the garden!
Details: This garden table from Outsunny has flexible functionality to create the ultimate garden workstation experience. Lovingly crafted from metal, this work table will look great in any outdoor setting. The raised height of this potting bench saves your back and knees during those long hours spent working outside. Add this utility table to your outdoor space and experience the charm and convenience for yourself!
- Made of sturdy and durable metal
- Spacious worktop surface for any garden task
- Built-in bag makes potting plants easy and helps keep the workspace tidy
- Open tabletop, bottom shelf offers large storage room
- Grid backboard for easy access to most-used tools
- 5 top hooks are included for hanging planting tools
- The grid pattern shelf design allows water to drain away
- The raised height helps save gardener's knees and back by providing you with an easy to access workstation
- Ideal for porch, patio, garden, yard, or greenhouse
- Color: Black
- Materials: Metal
- Max Load: (Tabletop) 66 lbs, (Bottom Shelf) 44 lbs, (Hook) 4 lbs, (Bag) 4 lbs
- Overall Dimension: 33.5" L x 17" W x 47.25" H
- Tabletop Dimension: 32.5" W x 16.25" H
- Tabletop Height: 30.25"
- Bottom Shelf Height (to Floor): 4"
- Bag Dimension: 11" L x 11" W x 7.5" H
- Net Weight: 22.88 lbs.
Item Condition: New


Roses are Budding Up!
My roses are budding up and I should start getting roses in the next couple weeks. I have had some leaf issues but we installed fans and have opened the end walls up during the day and that seems to be solving the problem. Wayne got the root zone heater set up and so far I'm impressed how much farther ahead my roses in the hoop house are compared to the roses planted outside. We have the root zone heated up to 60 degrees. It has been an unusually cold and wet spring and


In the beginning Degania worked the entire 3,000 dunams which she had acquired east of the Jordan, but when settlement in the valley expanded, she was left with an area measuring a mere1,500 dunams, small in comparison to any national scale. She did, however, enjoy a different advantage – she was not limited in the quantity of available water. Thus, there developed the system of irrigation by gravitation in the narrow and wide furrows and ridges of the fields. The leveling of the area and the delivery of water by way of canals were on a par with the standards in California. Weather conditions and unlimited supplies of water made possible intensive and exclusive agriculture as well as the cultivation of crops such as the banana and the avocado.
The acclimatization of the avocado was begun by Mordechai Pecker and was completed by Benjamin Ilan.
Degania A’ also played a part in the acclimatization of the date.
The date is one of the seven species for which the land of Israel is renowned, but over generations it disappeared and became extinct. It was reintroduced into the land of Israel at the beginning of the thirties.
Degania was known for her cowshed. Miriam Baratz was the first female dairy worker. It was she who appropriated that work from the men. She went to Holland for further study and upon her return, she labored over the development of a modern dairy farm. For many years, work in the cowshed was the realm of the women.
At the end of the War of Independence there reigned a period of austerity during which the state of Israel needed to produce food. Degania geared herself to this effort with the aid and encouragement of the government and began setting up other agricultural branches.


IoT, Sensors and Tracking
Application of IoT in agriculture could be a life changer for humanity and the whole planet. Currently, we witness how extreme weather, deteriorating soil and drying lands, collapsing ecosystems that play a crucial role in agriculture make food production harder and harder.
IoT and Sensors in Equipment
Much like the technology within the field, sensors are being placed on agricultural equipment to track the health of the machine and more. Using the term “precision agriculture” tractors and other farming equipment are being manufactured with navigation systems and a variety of sensors. Some of these sensors are built with the capability to compensate for uneven terrain using GPS. Some are built for yield mapping and harvest documentation, right from the cab of the implement. While others are monitoring when tractors need to be serviced. All together, these sensors are reducing the amount of downtime machines experience.
RFID Sensors and Tracking
After crops are harvested, RFID sensors can be used to track food from the field to the store. The end user, or the consumer, will be able to follow a detailed trail about the food they consume from the farm it came to the location where it was purchased. This technology could increase trustworthiness for manufacturers and their responsibility to provide fresh produce and goods.
These tracking systems could reduce apprehension regarding allergens and health requirements for consumers. As for the farmer, the idea that their goods are being tracked will bring about a sense of relief. After all, they can ensure their products are making it safe to their consumer’s table.


Q: What is Genesis Grain & Fertilizer LP?
Q: Why was Genesis created?
Genesis was also created in response to recent combinations of mergers and acquisitions among the traditional input companies that has left inefficiencies and confusion in some cases. Other considerations included:
• The need for a fertilizer supply and distribution system for ProjectN
• Substantial increases in the MPower product line from AgraCity
• The changes in grain transportation and handling, from the privatization of the CWB and issues related to shipment of grain by rail.
Q: What is the vision for Genesis?
Q: How does Genesis fit in with ProjectN, AgraCity and FNA?
Q: Who can invest in Genesis?
Q: What geographies do you intend to operate in?
Q: What are your current construction plans?
A: Our plan is to start construction at Belle Plaine in spring of 2020, with operations in the fall of 2020. We remain committed to the project, and continue to work with building contractors and financial institutions. In tandem, we are continuing to look and plan for the future Genesis sites.
Q: Will the farmers who invested in the ProjectN fertilizer plant automatically be part of Genesis?
A: No. Investors in ProjectN’s manufacturing facility (through the FNA Fertilizer Limited Partnership – FNA FLP) will not automatically become investors in this supply and distribution business, and will not be forced to invest in it. With or without grain handling, FNA’s plan has always recognized a need to develop a standalone supply and distribution business to market and deliver the products of the nitrogen fertilizer plant.
Q: Do I have to be an FNA Member to participate?
Q: How much capital are you trying to raise?
Q: How many farmers need to get involved? How much of the new company do you want farmers to own?
A: We will need somewhere between 2,300 and 10,000 farmers to participate, depending on the average size of individual commitments. This is being offered to FNA Member farmers only. Farmers will own the majority of the business.
Q: Where did you come up with the dollar amount that is required to execute this strategy?
Q: What are my guarantees?
A: The initial offering has closed, however, we can continue to attract farmer investors. All money remains in escrow until we start construction. All project development work to date has been funded by the promoters.


130 acre field and container plant nursery located on the North Fork has full time positions available. We are looking for applicants to assist in our growing operation. Duties include loading trucks, operating farm equipment, pruning/plant maintenance, planting, harvesting, etc. Perfect job for those that love the outdoors and have an interest in agriculture/horticulture.
We are also seeking a pest management professional with a NYSDEC Pesticide Applicator License or looking to work towards it through an apprenticeship. Duties would include scouting, identifying pests, and performing targeted applications on affected plant material.
Wage will be dependent on previous experience and skill set.
Our work week runs Monday through Saturday averaging 45 hours with up to 60 during peak seasons. Work required in fields when plants are wet with dew and rain, and may be required during light rain, moderate winds, direct sun, high humidity and temperatures ranging from 30 to 90 F.
* Prior experience working on a nursery or similar setting handling both manual and machine tasks associate d with commodity production and harvest activities.
* Lifting requirement of up to 50 lbs.
* Repetitive movements and frequent stooping.
Pay is subject to experience.


Yes, cooked rice can be composted. Composting cooked rice is a great way to reduce food waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. When added to a compost pile, the rice breaks down and decomposes, providing essential organic matter that improves soil structure and fertility. However, it is important to properly mix the rice with other compostable materials to ensure a balanced compost pile and avoid attracting pests. So, instead of throwing away your leftover rice, consider composting it for a sustainable and eco-friendly solution!
How to Compost Cooked Rice Effectively
Composting is a great way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. While many people are familiar with composting fruit and vegetable scraps, there are other food items that can be composted as well. One such item is cooked rice. In this section, we will discuss how to compost cooked rice effectively.
1. Cool the Rice
Before composting cooked rice, it is important to let it cool completely. Hot or warm rice can attract pests and cause unpleasant odors in your compost pile. It is best to store the leftover rice in the refrigerator until it is completely cooled.
2. Break Up Clumps
If your cooked rice has clumped together, it is important to break up the clumps before adding it to your compost pile. This will help the rice decompose more quickly and prevent it from forming a compacted mass in the pile.
3. Mix with Other Compostable Material
To ensure the rice breaks down properly, it is important to mix it with other compostable materials. This can include items such as fruit and vegetable scraps, yard waste, and coffee grounds. The mixture should have a good balance of greens (nitrogen-rich materials) and browns (carbon-rich materials) for optimal composting.
4. Add Moisture
Cooked rice tends to be dry, so it is important to add moisture to your compost pile when adding rice. You can do this by spraying some water onto the rice or adding moist greens, such as freshly cut grass or kitchen scraps with high water content. Maintaining the right moisture level is crucial for the decomposition process.
5. Turn the Compost Pile
Regularly turning your compost pile will help speed up the decomposition process and ensure that all the materials, including the cooked rice, break down evenly. This can be done using a pitchfork or compost turner. Turning the pile also helps with aeration, which is important for the growth of beneficial composting organisms.
6. Monitor the Temperature
A well-maintained compost pile should reach a temperature between 135°F and 160°F (57°C and 71°C) during the active decomposition phase. This high temperature helps kill pathogens and weed seeds. Use a compost thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the pile if necessary.
7. Harvest the Compost
Once the composting process is complete, which usually takes several months, it is time to harvest the finished compost. The cooked rice should be fully decomposed and unrecognizable. Use the compost to enrich your garden soil or potting mix, and enjoy the benefits of nutrient-rich soil for your plants.
In summary, composting cooked rice is a simple and effective way to reduce food waste and create valuable compost for your garden. By following these steps, you can ensure that the cooked rice decomposes properly and contributes to the overall health of your compost pile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Composting Cooked Rice
Composting is an excellent way to reduce food waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Cooked rice, being a common staple in many households, can be composted too. However, there are some common mistakes that people make when composting cooked rice that can hinder the composting process or even attract unwanted pests. In this section, we will discuss these mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Adding Too Much Rice
One of the biggest mistakes people make when composting cooked rice is adding too much of it to the compost pile. While rice can be composted, it is important to remember that it is high in starch. Too much rice can lead to a compacted compost pile and create an environment that lacks airflow. This can result in anaerobic conditions, leading to a foul odor and slow decomposition.
To avoid this mistake, add rice in moderation to your compost pile. Aim for a balanced mix of carbon-rich (browns) and nitrogen-rich (greens) materials. Rice should be considered a green material, so be sure to balance it out with enough brown materials like dry leaves or shredded paper.
2. Not Breaking It Down
Another common mistake is not breaking down the cooked rice before adding it to the compost pile. Clumps of cooked rice tend to compact together, making it difficult for microorganisms to break it down efficiently. This can slow down the decomposition process and result in a longer composting time.
To avoid this mistake, ensure that you break down any clumps of cooked rice before adding them to the compost pile. Use a fork or your hands to separate the rice into smaller pieces. This will make it easier for the microorganisms to access the rice and speed up the decomposition process.
3. Forgetting to Cover It Up
Composting cooked rice can attract pests such as rodents and flies if left exposed. These pests are attracted to the smell and can cause disruptions in your composting system. Therefore, it is crucial to cover the rice with a layer of compost or other organic materials to deter pests.
To prevent pests, cover the layer of cooked rice with a layer of carbon-rich materials like dry leaves or wood chips. This will help to mask the smell and discourage pests from coming near the compost pile.
4. Ignoring Moisture Levels
Moisture is a vital factor in the composting process. Too much moisture can lead to a slimy, anaerobic environment, while too little moisture can slow down the decomposition process. When composting cooked rice, it is important to monitor and maintain proper moisture levels.
Avoid adding overly wet rice to the compost pile. If the rice is already moist, you may need to balance it out with dry materials to maintain the right moisture level. Regularly check the moisture content of your compost pile and adjust it as needed by adding water or dry materials.
5. Not Turning the Compost Pile
Turning or aerating the compost pile is crucial to ensure proper decomposition and prevent unpleasant odors. When composting cooked rice, it is important to regularly turn the compost pile to distribute oxygen and promote the breakdown of materials.
Make it a habit to turn your compost pile every few weeks to enhance the decomposition process. This will help the microorganisms break down the cooked rice and other organic materials more efficiently.
Composting cooked rice can be a great way to reduce food waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. However, it is important to avoid common mistakes that can hinder the composting process. Remember to add rice in moderation, break it down into smaller pieces, cover it up to deter pests, maintain proper moisture levels, and regularly turn the compost pile. By following these guidelines, you can successfully compost cooked rice and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable environment.
Alternative Uses for Leftover Cooked Rice
Leftover cooked rice is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into delicious dishes, saving you time and minimizing food waste. Instead of throwing away your excess rice, consider trying these alternative uses that will not only add variety to your meals but also help you make the most out of your ingredients.
1. Fried Rice
One of the most popular and satisfying ways to use leftover cooked rice is by making fried rice. This dish can be customized to your taste preferences by adding vegetables, protein, and your choice of sauces. Simply sauté your favorite veggies and protein in a pan, then add the cooked rice and stir-fry until heated through. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and any other desired seasonings for a quick and flavorful meal.
2. Rice Pudding
If you have a sweet tooth, turning your leftover rice into a creamy and comforting rice pudding is a great option. Combine the cooked rice with milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Simmer the mixture until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes soft and creamy. For added flavor, you can include raisins, cinnamon, vanilla extract, or even a drizzle of honey.
3. Stuffed Peppers
Leftover rice can be used as a filling for stuffed peppers, creating a nutritious and satisfying meal. Cut the tops off of bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. In a separate bowl, mix the cooked rice with cooked ground meat, diced vegetables, herbs, and spices. Stuff the mixture into the peppers and bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
4. Rice Salad
For a refreshing and light meal, transform your leftover rice into a delicious salad. Combine the rice with your choice of chopped vegetables, such as cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers, and herbs. Drizzle with a simple dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. You can also add protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, to make it a more filling option.
5. Rice Balls
Rice balls, also known as onigiri in Japanese cuisine, are a portable and fun option for utilizing leftover rice. Simply mix the rice with your preferred fillings, such as cooked fish, vegetables, or pickled plum. Shape the mixture into small balls or triangles and wrap them with a strip of nori (seaweed) for an extra touch. Rice balls make for a great snack or lunchbox addition.
6. Rice Soup
Leftover rice can also be added to soups to make them heartier and more substantial. Whether you’re making a vegetable-based soup or a chicken noodle soup, adding cooked rice can bring a unique texture and flavor. Simply stir in the cooked rice towards the end of the cooking process and let it simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors of the soup.
7. Rice Fritters
If you’re looking for a crispy and indulgent treat, consider making rice fritters out of your leftover rice. Mix the rice with beaten eggs, grated cheese, chopped herbs, and spices. Shape the mixture into small patties and pan-fry them until golden and crispy on both sides. Serve the rice fritters with a dipping sauce of your choice for a delightful snack or appetizer.
8. Rice Casserole
Create a hearty and comforting meal by turning your leftover rice into a flavorful casserole. Combine the rice with cooked protein (such as chicken or ground beef), vegetables, and a creamy sauce. Top with cheese or breadcrumbs and bake until the casserole is bubbly and golden. This is a great way to utilize various ingredients you have on hand and create a satisfying one-dish meal.
In summary, leftover cooked rice can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes that go beyond the typical rice and curry. From fried rice and rice pudding to stuffed peppers and rice fritters, get creative with your leftovers and enjoy a new culinary experience without wasting food.
Tips for reducing food waste and composting cooked rice
Food waste is a significant problem that affects both the environment and our wallets. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), about one-third of all food produced globally goes to waste. Reducing food waste is not only crucial for sustainability but also for saving money and resources. In this section, we will provide some practical tips for reducing food waste and specifically focus on composting cooked rice.
1. Plan meals and grocery shopping
The first step in reducing food waste is planning. Create a weekly meal plan and make a shopping list based on your planned meals. Avoid impulsive purchases and buy only what you need. By planning ahead, you can minimize the chances of buying excess food that might go to waste.
2. Proper storage and organization
Proper storage and organization play a critical role in extending the shelf life of food. Make sure to store perishable items like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products in the refrigerator. Use airtight containers to prevent spoilage and freezer bags to store leftovers. Keeping your pantry and refrigerator organized will help you keep track of what you have and avoid food going bad unnoticed.
3. Practice portion control
Practicing portion control is an effective way to minimize food waste. Serve smaller portions and encourage family members to take only what they can eat. You can always go for seconds if needed. Additionally, when eating out, consider sharing meals or taking leftovers home to avoid food waste.
4. Get creative with leftovers
Leftovers often go to waste because people find them unappetizing. However, with a little creativity, you can transform leftovers into delicious meals. Use leftover vegetables in stir-fries or soups, and repurpose cooked rice into fried rice or rice pudding. By getting creative, you can minimize waste and enjoy new flavors!
5. Composting cooked rice
Composting is an excellent way to reduce food waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. While most types of food can be composted, cooked rice can be a bit tricky due to its tendency to clump together. Here are a few tips for composting cooked rice:
- Allow the cooked rice to cool down before adding it to the compost pile. This will prevent it from forming a sticky mess that is difficult to break apart.
- Mix the cooked rice with other compostable materials like fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and dry leaves. This will help create a well-balanced compost pile.
- Avoid adding large quantities of cooked rice at once, as it can create clumps and slow down the composting process. Add small amounts gradually to ensure proper decomposition.
- Turn the compost pile regularly to aerate and facilitate the breakdown of the cooked rice and other organic matter.
By following these tips, you can successfully compost cooked rice and contribute to reducing food waste while enriching your garden soil.
In summary, reducing food waste is a collective effort that starts at the individual level. By implementing these tips, you can make a significant impact in minimizing food waste and its environmental consequences. Additionally, composting cooked rice can be a great way to repurpose leftovers and create nutrient-rich soil for gardening. Let’s work together towards a more sustainable future!
Can cooked rice be composted?
Yes, cooked rice can be composted. It is a biodegradable material that will break down easily in a compost pile or bin. However, be sure to mix it well with other compostable materials to maintain a balanced carbon-to-nitrogen ratio.
In conclusion, cooked rice can indeed be composted, making it a great addition to your compost pile or bin. Composting cooked rice helps divert food waste from landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The high nitrogen content in rice aids in the decomposition process, resulting in nutrient-rich compost that can enrich your garden soil. Remember to mix the rice with other organic materials and maintain proper moisture and aeration levels for optimal composting. By composting cooked rice, you are not only reducing waste but also contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.


My favorite garden I’ve ever grown was filled with weeds. Bindweed is the name of the plant that weaved itself around my carrots, kale, cauliflower, okra, and squash. It’s such a pest that a professional gardener I know asks if a person has it in their yard before taking any seedlings. The seeds can live for hundreds of years and the roots can grow to depths of 10 feet. You have to tip your hat to a plant with that kind of audacity.
But like I said, it was my favorite garden. By far the most productive and the one that gave me the most joy, even when I was obsessively weeding it.
Plants are the sacred givers of the world. They unconditionally want to feed us, and not just our bellies. Bindweed taught me this:
Always pull things out by their roots.
It’s harder than you think to get to the roots.
Bindweed requires daily maintenance to keep in check. Just like us.
The dreaded bindweed. Courtesy Oregon State University Extension


In the everyday life of scientists around the world, the saying goes “one more day, another way of applying graphene.” Team Sherwin Kabiri from the University of Adelaide has learned to use this miracle material as a container for fertilizer of the future, with the prospect of becoming a “high-tech manure” of the nanotubes themselves. For the first time in history, plants will begin to receive nutrients on schedule without using human or machine labor.
The modern fertilizer industry has two pressing problems. Firstly, there is no ideal basis for pellets, which would ensure first preservation during transport, and then an effective return of nutrients to the soil. Secondly, in most cases, active substances are transmitted within 12-24 hours, whereas plants need supplementation on a flexible schedule, from day to month. Instead of the “poured and forgotten” principle, one has to watch what happens on the beds.
Team Sherwin Kabiri designed capsules of graphene dioxide, a material with a very large surface area and high strength. It does not break down, does not degrade in transit, can carry much more useful substances at the same granule size. But what is even more interesting is that the structure of the graphene capsule can be designed so that the substances leave it in the soil at a given time, for example, after 5-6 days from the time of introduction into the soil. Even as the seeds have already sprouted and need nutrition.
Australian scientists successfully tested graphene capsules as carriers of microelements based on zinc and copper, now they are preparing experiments with phosphorus and nitrogen. In the future, they want to ensure that the graphene itself in the earth breaks down into useful humic acids, does not pollute the soil with excess carbon. Commercial prospects for technology are so promising that the development company The Mosaic Company has already been puzzled by the issues of licensing know-how.


Ausdrain’s FlushMax™ system is an innovative inspection, cleaning and maintenance system designed to provide permanent access to Ausdrain EnviroModule™2 modular tanks. The system offers designers, builders and property owners a cost-effective and practical solution to enable the long-term maintenance of EnviroModule™2 tanks.
FlushMax™ modules are supplied pre-assembled and are easy to install. The modules create continuous rows of 300mm perforated pipes that run in either single or multiple rows throughout the tank. The flow rate of the inlet pipe(s) can be matched to the number of FlushMax™ modules required. For pipe dimensions greater than 300mm a manifold system can be designed to match the inflow rate of larger inlet pipes.
Stormwater entering the inlet pit will first be filtered by a Gross Pollutant Trap (GPT) or maxi mesh screen attached over the inlet to the FlushMax™ row. In the event that silt or debris enters the FlushMax™ row, secondary filtration will occur as the first flush carries any suspended solids into the outlet pit where they can be easily removed.
Any solids that remain within the FlushMax™ row will settle on the base where they can be flushed out by a high pressure hose via the inspection pits at maintenance intervals.
In addition to the benefits of permanent tank access for maintenance, FlushMax™ also provides an efficient and even discharge of water throughout the Ausdrain tank and draw down of water to external pump systems for irrigation purposes.
Download our our FlushMax™ Product Brochure:FlushMax™ Brochure


Lawn care doesn’t end when winter comes. Although lawns
don’t require much attention in the coldest season of the year, there are still
some things you need to do to ensure your yard remains healthy.
In the southern part of the country, lawns are typically
overseeded to maintain grass growth. In the north, it becomes too cold for
anything to grow on the lawn. Either way, there are several essential steps you
need to take to maintain a healthy one throughout the winter.
Before the first frost comes in, make sure to aerate your lawn to let it breathe before the grass becomes dormant. If you don’t have any experience aerating your lawn, read this article to learn more about it. Not confident with your knowledge or skills to do it yourself? Contact commercial landscaping services in Anchorage to have it professionally done.
2. Fertilize It
After aerating your lawn, take some time to fertilize it.
Fertilizing your lawn before the winter will give it enough nutrients to
withstand the cold weather and reflourish when spring comes around. Doing this
will make sure your grass is green and lush early in the season.
Use a spreader for fertilizing your lawn, which will allow
you to shoot the fertilizer pellets into the ground easily. Read the
manufacturer’s instructions carefully and make sure you don’t use too much
fertilizer to avoid burning your grass.
3. Use cool-weather grass seed
In parts of the country where the winters are mild,
cool-weather grass seed is used to maintain a healthy lawn. If you live in the
south and other places that experience mild winters, buy cool-season or
cool-weather grass seed and spread it over your lawn in the same manner you
used in fertilizing. As much as possible, avoid spreading grass seed unevenly
so that you don’t have clumps of grass growing on your lawn later.
4. Rake and water
After spreading the fertilizer pellets and seeds, drag a
rake across the lawn to cover the pellets and seeds with a bit of soil. After
that, water the lawn liberally and keep the soil moist before the first frost.
Make sure not to let your lawn dry out to prevent the ground from cracking in
5. Avoid stepping on the lawn
Too much lawn traffic can cause dormant grass to become
weaker and weaker as the winter goes by. During the winter, avoid stepping on
the grass as much as you can and limit snow activities in certain parts.
6. Cut your grass short before winter
In the last few weeks leading up to winter, make sure you cut your grass short (not scalped, just short). Long grass in the winter can end up causing diseases or becoming smothered by itself in the cold.
7. Clean your lawn
Make sure your lawn is spotless before the first snowfall.
Leaves, debris, toys, and other things left on the lawn can smother the grass
and attract pests that are looking for warmth and food.
Don’t leave winterizing up to the last minute or when your
lawn is covered in snow. Before winter rolls around, the tips above are the
best ways you can prepare your lawn for the cold weather and make sure it grows
back in full bloom during spring.