Organic Gardening

SUNSHINE GARDENING

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 10:05:00 +0000

The biodynamic and organic gardener, they understand alignments, oh yes, those metaphysical and physical aspects that we tend to look away from... If we are not aligned that is.

Where the sun shines and the passage of the sun as it traverses the sky is so very vital, as many plants shun the light as much as so many choose to revel in its rays, those that turn towards the light, and those that like to lie within the cool, damp shade.

The plants themselves will often give us the clues, the information that we need to know about where they should be ideally planted and situated, and at what time they should be planted... And this includes not only seasonal aspects, but also lunar and solar aspects, and even, wait for it.... astrosophical aspects.

A union of the outer and inner universes, combining at our personal interface. Where the outer meets the inner, from an individual gardener's perspective. And whilst some traditionalists wince at the thought of such esoteric nonsense, others might be aware that the more information at one's disposal enables better informed decisions.

For when you plant a seed, when you create the circumstances for growth and potential, the thoughts you have within you mind are, in part, suffused within that which you plant, be it in vibrational form or in a more esoteric manner.

And knowing this, armed with this information, a look up to the skies will add an additional layer of understanding, and a harmonic between the gardener's soul and the universe will be created, and this will affect the manner in which the seed or seedling is gifted to the soil.

It is, in effect, a blessing for the seed. And, what is incorrect about that?

And, for eternity, I salute you, the organic gardeners, with hopes, perfect wishes and prayers.

Grow Organic! Love Thy Organic!

Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME

THE LATEST ORGANIC GARDEN NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

PS We are compiling a organic gardening directory, for suppliers, bloggers, seeds, compost, wormery and websites, and... c'mon, give me your details, and let me help you to be found. That, is part of why I am here...

AN EASTER GARDEN

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 10:11:00 +0000

And, you, the woman - the man, who holds the destiny of future life within the palm of you hand, as a seed, knows that this one seed is the nature of rebirth, and at this time of Easter or Eostra, the elements accept your gift.

For the seed is both alive and yet not yet born, it inhabits a state that is both potential and cessation, for as the seeds ceases, as the seed dies, the plant is born, and you the sower of the seed, affects the growth of the seed, by the manner in which you handle, plant and treat that seed, that spark of life contained, yet dormant still.

And deeper still, you can add the wings of prayer and wishes to the seeds, engaging at the subtle, nay quantum levels, to instill magical energy and potentials within the plant that is yet to be, for should the vibrations of love be ushered into the kernel, that which resides within shall be blessed by your wishes.

And at the time of rebirth, of re-life, know that the season has fully passed into the new cycle, and we in this northern hemisphere of this blue planet have the bounty prepared and enshrined in our future, for spring time is here, for the perfect gardeners of the soil.

And tomorrow, children will find, share and eat eggs, both chocolate and sweet, and in their minds will be happiness and sugars, and the spring lambs in the their innocence will frolic, and seek soft mothers' milk, as we too, the adults of the world, know that new life is amongst us.

And, for eternity, I salute you, the organic gardeners, with hopes, perfect wishes and prayers.

Grow Organic! Love Thy Organic!

Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME

THE LATEST ORGANIC GARDEN NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

PS We are compiling a organic gardening directory, for suppliers, bloggers, seeds, compost, wormery and websites, and... c'mon, give me your details, and let me help you to be found. That, is part of why I am here...

PEACE IN THE GARDEN

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 08:15:00 +0000

Take one seed. Hold it in your hands, and understand that the power of a single action can shift the construct that is our universe... Affects multiply and the feedback effect can loop back inwards, creating astonishing change from the smallest action.

You, the organic gardener hold that opportunity in your hands, today.

Chemicals and health... My Oh My, I truly wonder how many of our health problems throughout the world are a direct result of the chemicalisation of our foodstuffs.

But you, you organic gardener, you organic grower, are part of the solution, and not part of the problem, though to unravel the intertwined poisons of chemicals, industrialisation and commercialism will take many generations, and it may well be that the largest growers will not permit a return to the garden.

But we, you and I, should consider, for our health, and that of our children, choosing foods of lightest impact... So, least packaging, most local, least chemicals. It is a no-brainer really.

For as the theories of chaos and turbulence entwine, and though the power of the chemical industries might be flying into the worlds today, each minor cause you create, each action you do, will cause an affect, your seeds will ripen, and in turn they will heal that one small part of your soul, the world and my world too.

Grow Organic! Love Thy Organic!

Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME

THE LATEST ORGANIC GARDEN NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

PS We are compiling a organic gardening directory, for suppliers, bloggers, seeds, compost, wormery and websites, and... c'mon, give me your details, and let me help you to be found. That, is part of why I am here...

THE SPIRITUAL GARDENER

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:08:00 +0000

You who grow the flowers, you who grace our tables with fruits, and you who tend our soil.

The organic gardeners, and the organic farmers, to you the world owes respect, and a sense of shared gratitude. Those perfected beings, whose colour, shape, flavour and texture are free from the chemicalised intrusions.

And you shall be the masters of the Earth. It is you who shall replenish and heal the soil... I have watched a feature about the demise of the city of Detroit, and the agricultural revolution that is taking place, and I am so happy to see that the organic organisms are subverting the machines and industries, acting upon what is called 'waste land' and transforming it with love and wisdom, realising that there is no waste, just adaptations to circumstance and perspective.

For beneath the surface, and a little lower than the soil, lies the source of replenishment, in terms of mineral sources, so much actually arises from deep within the Earth that we do not see, identify or recognise. And those who engage in planting upon the waste land are actually those who are drawing this magic, these elements, from deep within the planets soul.

And with this knowledge, in the heart and soul of you beautiful gardeners and farmers, arises, within your minds, that perfected dream, of an idealised Eden, that which was untouched and untainted, and even though this paradise may be lost, it can and shall return.

With faith in your seeds, in your hands, and in your love of the soil, will arise a single bloom, to represent that moment of the highest grace, when all of innocence was ours to share, and never transgressed by greed and gain.

As in Detroit, so to in our own homes, our shared place of life, our Earth.

Grow Organic! Love Thy Organic!

Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME

THE LATEST ORGANIC GARDEN NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

PS We are compiling a organic gardening directory, for suppliers, bloggers, seeds, compost, wormery and websites, and... c'mon, give me your details, and let me help you to be found. That, is part of why I am here...

EQUINOX GARDENING ORGANIC

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:46:00 +0000

For you who plant and wait for growth, it shall not be in a restless vain, as nature sees and senses light, and maybe warmth to tempt her up, and in to light.

For as the scales of balance change, our Earth Magician casts her spell, she cries and calls with magic word... Shazam! And deep within the kernels nest, aligned with head beneath her wing, our tiny seed knows time to sprout, as lazy eye is cast skywards, through the soil's soul.

For with an Abracadabra the eye is opened, as Vernal Equinox shines her potent of light and growth into our yet to be... For as our plant realises her destiny is to grow, there is no looking back, for only skyward is heaven!

But, with wisdom, there is the knowledge that strength is found below as above, and though obscured from everymans eye, the hidden worlds of dark and moist are as vital as those green leafs that reach for the orb of sun.

Oh magic light, and heaven's breath, do nourish us, and all who share this treasured time, as worlds unite, of dark and light, as seasons change, and she the mother of this Earth, prepares to give us, once again, the nourishment from her divine breast.

Grow Organic! Love Thy Organic!

Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME

THE LATEST ORGANIC GARDEN NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

PS We are compiling a organic gardening directory, for suppliers, bloggers, seeds, compost, wormery and websites, and... c'mon, give me your details, and let me help you to be found. That, is part of why I am here...

THE MAGICIAN'S GARDEN

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 09:14:00 +0000

Lying deep within the soil are the private seeds and bulbs that wrap themselves in their blankets of earth, but for now all their energy has to be focused within, and contained, protective and safe, for awaiting them in this day is the harsh cold and frost that will sever their lives, so keep within, lie low and turn the energetic flow inwards.

For the magician knows as the gardener knows, he is one who observes yet interacts, who allows but controls and who loves yet is ruthless.

The gardener will burn and uproot, cast away that which he does not wish to see, and this with a wisdom that sees the long term consequences of his actions, and our organic magician uses all his skills and talents to the same end.

The seasonal balance and shift that effects through the planetary and universal cycles are those which are engaging with the plants and fruits and riches that are to be enjoyed of this Earth, without harm, and as the gardener sees this, so too does our magician, as he wishes to be in harmony with the natural cycles and rhythms of this life we all share.

Are the farmers the greatest practitioners of Earth Magic, is this the responsibility the farmers and the gardeners have? Yes, it is, for you, an organic grower, you are the hands that hold the protection of our very basis of life within your hands, and this arises, magically, from your mind.

For what might be more to life than supporting and nourishing life? Encouraging and engaging in life cherishing in all its manifestations, flora and fauna, for we all share this sacred and holy place, and need to relate as the powerful folk we all are, creating with wish and dream, considering the heaven that lies ahead, should we choose to follow our true destiny.

Grow Organic! Love Thy Organic!

Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME

THE LATEST ORGANIC GARDEN NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

PS We are compiling a organic gardening directory, for suppliers, bloggers, seeds, compost, wormery and websites, and... c'mon, give me your details, and let me help you to be found. That, is part of why I am here...

THE MAGIC OF EARTH

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:01:00 +0000

There is no other place for us to be, to live or to exist... We are inhabitants of Planet Earth, there is nowhere else for us.

I can get into a philosophical debate about the nature of reality and how things 'truly' exist, but thought these are perfect and ultimately thoughts of freedom, in the short term we all need to eat... or die.

The magic of the place we live in, is that everything is here, perfectly aligned for our survival. The balance of gravity against our skeletons, the moisture in the air for our breath, the amount of daylight and dark time, and so it goes on, the chemistry, physics and elemental balances are just perfect.

And, it has taken billions of years to get it thus far, this perfect, so we, mankind, should respect this great, great, great (x 1,000,000) grandmother of ours and see that what she lays out for us, is indeed what we require, after all, mother does know best.

There is a popular debunking of magic, alchemy and mysticism, but can any gardener, organic or not, tell me what a plant is, and how it functions... and... why? The symbiotic relationship with all plant life on this planet it to a larger extent, more important than the relationship we have with the animal life we share the Earth with.

From the beauty of a sunflower's yellow, to the divine scent of a rose, we might be able to tweak and tease change (a little), but can we create anew? Not a chance! Never I think, it simply is beyond the ken of man, for that task is left to magic, or nature, or God perhaps, and who are we to prod about in this garden planet to harm and destroy what is so perfectly laid out in front of us?

Be organic, be biodynamic, be natural and get back into the garden...

Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME

THE LATEST ORGANIC GARDEN NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

PS We are compiling a organic gardening directory, for suppliers, bloggers, seeds, compost, wormery and websites, and... c'mon, give me your details, and let me help you to be found. That, is part of why I am here...

US AND THE EARTH

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:29:00 +0000

For without the Earth, we have no life. Our relationship with that upon which we depend has become so distorted, as we grow disenfranchised and separated from our natural mother, that we almost fear contact with her.

And what does this fear arise from? A lack of familiarity. We walk upon hard soled shoes, upon hard paved areas, with hard hearted steps.

Change, take the step, and place your feet upon the soil of this Earth, it is not dirty, it is comprised of the same elements as you and I, and go one step further and immerse you hands into the moist soil, and allow the magic to enter your blood, soul and spirit.

For how many gardeners do you know that are truly unhappy? And how many have told you that they are happiest whilst working in their gardens, not only digging and weeding, but eating the fruits of their labours and casting an eye over nature's beauty, as each flower grins back.

For this is the very essence of organic gardening, it is that which brings the symbiosis, the direct relationship between the soul of the gardener and the soul of the earth. We both benefit.

So, a rest from the technicalities, and a chance to get your hands muddy, moist, wet and earthy, you can always wash them later...

Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME

THE LATEST ORGANIC GARDEN NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

PS We are compiling a organic gardening directory, for suppliers, bloggers, seeds, compost, wormery and websites, and... c'mon, give me your details, and let me help you to be found. That, is part of why I am here...

BACK TO THE GARDEN

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:08:00 +0000

By the time we got to Woodstock we were half a milllion strong... Time to get back to the garden...

Under the blanket of snow covering the country, lies a vast collection of dormant energy, awaiting arousal from its winter hibernation, these hidden, quiet treasures are the bulbs, and seeds that whisper time into the space around them, shrugging off the attention of the early calls, for this is the world of the the plant.

It might be time for an organic gardening book, or maybe not, perhaps it will be better to use the knowledge, or wisdom that you carry within yourself, that which is not separate from yourself, for, just as a seed is of the earth, and not separate from all, so too are you, for you have this seed, this dormant capacity within you, awaiting the light of spring, and the warmth of summer.

You don't need to start from a serious or studious attitude, by taking courses or buying supplies, just start with your eyes,and your heart... Breath with the garden, and it will become you, the gardener.

Be the seed, be the energy within the seed, and consider what she/he would want, what would make you thrive in those conditions, and in this way you will see and you will learn. Sure, we can gain knowledge from those wise and experienced ones, and this will help, but tune in... And watch what others do, and ask questions, questions that have meaning, that will help you gain profound insights into the growing circumstance, and here we can help you, with our listings of specialists from around this world.. Dive into the directory - to your left...

Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME

THE LATEST ORGANIC GARDEN NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

PS We are compiling a organic gardening directory, for suppliers, bloggers, seeds, compost, wormery and websites, and... c'mon, give me your details, and let me help you to be found. That, is part of why I am here...

YOUR ORGANIC GARDEN

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 11:12:00 +0000

So, you wish to start, with your own organic garden.

It will be a journey, that will take time, years even, to unwind the soil and its life essence, to purify and transform it from its chemicalised state... Wash away the years... You will need to learn how to compost, how to watch the seasons and sky, and learn the pulse and rhythms of life.

Yes, that which we have separated ourselves from this past 50 years or so. We have to become what we naturally are, bio-dynamic humans, living by and with nature, not in aggressive confrontation with it.

So to grow your own organic vegetables and fruits, you are going to have to look inside at who and what you are, and how you relate to your universe. You will become a gardener of life, your life, and also the lifes of those around you... No quick fix here, sorry!

Finding the way back to the natural path, the organic gardener of your own experience will take humility and time, so over the next few months I will start to show you how you might find that direct relationship of the old ways, magic even...

Do you want to be that person who relates to the world, truly? Organically?

Written and Published by Mark Golding - The Organic Home

THE LATEST ORGANIC GARDEN NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

COMPOSTING TIPS..

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 10:39:00 +0000

A month by month calendar was shown on the screen in the couple's living room. Sustainable ways to live were listed and included projects like cutting firewood, cleaning the chimney, planning the vegetable garden during the winter.

In the winter with little local produce available, Jodi and Johnny Palmer, of Pataskala, wanted to learn about growing their own food. They once owned land in Blue Rock but sold it because they did not know what to do with it, Johnny said.

'I want to learn what to do in the winter when the farmers markets are closed. I want to learn about organic gardening,' Jodi said.

After the workshop Johnny felt he 'could live off the earth or close to the earth because it's better for you.'

Learning more about composting drew Nancy Hughes, compost and recycling coordinator of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, to the workshop.

'We're looking to expand our compost area. It's just too small right now. We're hoping to get to zero waste. I've been learning about all these things (green living) and was thrilled to see workshops like this in Ohio,' Nancy said.

Composting interested Rick Fascione, of Medina, who has been recycling for many years and would like to see a solution to the amount of garbage America is shipping out.

'I'm going to do my part to reduce waste and start composing,' he said.

Having recently written a book, 'Green Technology,' for the Marcraft Corp. that is available at marcraft.com, the Warmkes shared their knowledge with the group. Looking for education and a concern for lost knowledge, Richard Cundff of Hillsboro was attending workshops so he could pass the information on to his grandchildren.

'I'm concerned about knowledge being lost for things we need to survive. This way they'll have the knowledge I have,' he said. 'I'm wanting to get away from electric, too.'

Each person had their own reason for attending the workshop but each wanted to help make a contribution to saving the planet, creating less waste and consuming less.

'There's a lot of people who've decided they want to be more sustainable in their life but don't know where to start. This (the workshop) gives them the opportunity,' Jay said.

BY PATRICIA A. WEST-VOLLAND

THE LATEST ORGANIC COMPOST NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

COMPOSTING THAT ORGANIC TREE

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:38:00 +0000

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is reminding Ohioans that their Christmas trees can be recycled for a variety of uses including mulch, compost and wildlife habitat.

'Mulching, chipping or composting Christmas trees after the holidays is a wise alternative to just throwing them in landfills,' said David Hanselmann, chief of the ODNR Division of Recycling and Litter Prevention. 'Many Ohio communities are making it easy for residents to recycle cut Christmas trees by offering convenient drop off locations and curbside pickup.'

Many local park districts and communities shred Christmas trees for mulch and compost. Trees can even be transformed into wildlife habitat, providing shelter for some creatures during the winter months.

Before disposing of a live cut Christmas tree, remember to remove all trimmings including tinsel, garland, lights and ornaments. Be sure you have proper permission before discarding your tree on public land, private land or in ponds. Discarding trees without permission could result in a litter violation.

Individuals living in communities without recycling programs might consider chipping and composting their holiday trees. Adding compost to home gardens improves soil quality, stores moisture and reduces weeds. Using Christmas trees to create outdoor brush piles makes ideal homes for wildlife. Trees can also be weighted down and sunk in farm ponds to attract fish and increase habitat.

Call your local solid waste management district for information on where to recycle live cut Christmas trees in your area.

By WTV09

THE LATEST ORGANIC COMPOST NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

GREEN COMPOST BINS

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 06:20:00 +0000

As a former resident of Ottawa, I have been composting for nearly 20 years. Those residents are doing this but are opposed to paying for the new green bins, need to realize how much more they will be able to compost. Virtually all kitchen waste, including animal fat and bones, can be placed in the green bins. There are many other household items, thereby reducing the amount of weekly family garbage to a small amount. I would gladly pay an additional fee for such service.

By Alyson Hercus

THE LATEST ORGANIC COMPOST NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

ANOTHER COMPOSTING PLANT

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:49:00 +0000

Just in time for holiday leftovers, a Delaware firm plans to open a high volume food and mulch composting business Monday near the Port of Wilmington, a $20 million venture that would be a first along the East Coast.

Peninsula Compost Co.'s Wilmington Organic Recycling Center expects to take in about 150 tons of yard waste, food castoffs and other goods from around the region to start. Volumes are expected to grow to 500 tons a day and 160,000 tons a year, company spokesman Scott Woods said, nearly a third of the annual total sent to Cherry Island Landfill in east Wilmington.

The site, along Christiana Avenue, will decompose blends of woody and food wastes in long, narrow rows under a high tech cover made of Gore fabric sandwiched between special plastics. The 'Gore Cover' system, said by Gore to be used at 150 composting sites around the world, allows moisture and carbon dioxide to escape as waste breaks down into compost, while trapping odour producing gases for removal and filtration.

By JEFF MONTGOMERY

THE LATEST ORGANIC GARDEN NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

COMPOSTING LEFTOVERS

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 06:19:00 +0000

For many Americans, Thanksgiving is a time of overindulgence. Not only do we stuff ourselves silly on stuffing and pumpkin pie, but we also produce an excessive amount of household waste. According to RecycleWorks, household waste increases by more than 25 percent from Thanksgiving to New Years Day.

THE LATEST ORGANIC COMPOST NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

A GARDENING DEATH

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:58:00 +0000

One of our favorite gardening magazines, Chicagoland Gardening, has announced it's going out of business. I think there are several issues bringing down an interesting and entertaining gardening magazine. Of course, the lousy economy is probably the immediate culprit; advertisers are having to cut back like everyone else.

But I suspect something else is happening here. Just as most magazines and newspapers in this country are losing subscribers and readers, Chicagoland Gardening failed because gardeners are more and more going to the Internet for their information.

There are well more than 50 garden-related Web sites out there including our www.yardener.com. More than 50 lawn and garden businesses have Web sites with extensive gardening information, at least related to their product line. And then there are the forums and the blogs. I know of at least 20 active garden related forums and I've read that the number of gardening blogs exceeds 150. All those sites on the Internet represent an incredible amount of gardening and yard care information increasing every day and it is all free for the most part.

You can be sure that life partner Nancy Szerlag and I are paying quite a bit of attention to this phenomenon. We are taking a somewhat new approach in running our information business.

Both of us, hopefully, will continue to write our two columns a week for the Detroit News Homestyle section. While the recent columns are archived on the Detroit News Web site, www.detnews.com/homestyle, within a few months they are no longer easily available.

So we have set up a new blog called Nancy's Garden Blog (http://nancysgarden.wordpress.com). Each week, we will post last week's gardening and yardening columns. You can keep up with our weekly words of wisdom even if you are in Seattle. Our columns can now be retrieved for years. However, there is a twist that we feel makes our blog even more valuable.

In virtually every post on our blog we will link that post to additional information on the same topic found in our Web site, www.yardener.com. We have more than 3,500 pages of detailed plant care, gardening, lawn care and landscape care information on that Web site. Most of the files in the Web site have links to the manufacturers of any tool or product that is discussed in that file giving the reader further information on their topic of interest.

We hope you all will find this method of communicating gardening information useful. Now we have to figure out Facebook and Twitter.

By Jeff Ball

THE LATEST ORGANIC GARDEN NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

FREE COMPOST FACILITY

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 06:13:00 +0000

Free community compost is available from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the Rancho Las Virgenes Compost Facility at Las Virgenes and Lost Hills roads in Calabasas. The facility will be closed Nov. 28, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2.

Autumn and winter are an ideal time to apply compost to soil because it replenishes the nutrients before the growing season, said Carlos Reyes, director of resource conservation and public outreach.

Community compost is available free to homeowners and businesses. Customers must bring sealable containers, plastic bags or covers for pickup truck beds. Shovels are provided, but containers must be self-loaded.

The composting facility is operated by the Las VirgenesTriunfo Joint Powers Authority, comprising Las Virgenes Municipal Water District and Triunfo Sanitation District.

By The Acorn

THE LATEST ORGANIC COMPOSTING NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

MORE ON COMPOSTING

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:39:00 +0000

Laurelbrook Farm is a third generation dairy farm in East Cannan, Connecticut. The Jacquier family owns 275 acres, and rents an additional 2,500 acres for cropping, to support a herd of 830 cows. The family began composting three years ago as part of the farm's nutrient management plan, as well as to determine the market for compost in the area.

'In 2003 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) regulations, and an advisory board was put together in Connecticut,' recalls Bob Jacquier of Laurelbrook, which is considered to be a CAFO. 'Studies were conducted on nutrient management for the state to determine how many acres were available for manure spreading. Based on the results, which showed that there wasn’t enough land, we decided to investigate composting as an option for managing and exporting our nutrients.'

Besides regulatory issues, the Jacquier family had several other interests in exploring composting. The cost of transporting manure for land application was climbing, in part because of odor concerns in the rapidly populating area. 'We also wanted to enter a value added market,' says Jacquier. 'The price for milk is set by the market, and has been declining in recent years. With composting, we'll be able to charge a tip fee for incoming materials, and produce a valuable soil amendment.'

By Rhodes Yepsen

THE LATEST ORGANIC COMPOST NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

GARDEN WISDOM

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:47:00 +0000

It's time again for this writer to share a new crop of 'pearls of wisdom' as they pertain to the field of horticulture. One of my writing hobbies is to be on the constant lookout for new pearls throughout the year.

What is a pearl of wisdom? It is a nugget of wisdom with two or more contrasting ideas, one directly related to another. The longer one lives, the more you realize the immense dependence among living things.

Today's column totals 428 pearls since these annual columns began in 1989.

1. The earlier in April for fruit tree buds or flowers to develop, the greater the danger for frost damage. Most tender are buds or flowers of peaches and apricots.

2. The younger a houseplant, the easier the adjustment to a new indoor environment such as from a greenhouse or outdoors to indoors.

3. The larger a tree cavity, the greater the risk of trunk or limb breakage. If a cavity is over 75 percent of the trunk or limb area, the risk of wood breakage is high.

4. The cooler the fall temperatures for ornamental cabbage and kale, the more colorful the foliage.

5. With impatiens, the closer the space between plants, the taller the growth. The greater the space, the shorter the growth.

6. For large sweet onions, the closer to fall conditions when they mature, the longer the storage into winter. They must be pulled before 32 degrees F or suffer frost damage.

7. The longer the white portion of a leek stalk, the greater the yield of edible vegetable.

8. The sooner a search begins for a lost hand tool, the better the chance for recovery. Memory declines with each passing day.

By RICHARD POFFENBAUGH

THE LATEST ORGANIC WISDOM, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

VOICE OF THE GARDEN

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:46:00 +0000

'Try as we may, there will be failures. Moving a plant to another part of the garden sometimes makes all the difference, but enough is enough: getting a garden together requires a measure of ruthlessness.' Pamela J. Harper, 'Designing with Perennials',

THE LATEST ORGANIC GARDEN NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

IN AN ORGANIC GARDEN

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:42:00 +0000

When the Pilgrims and Native Americans gathered for the first traditional Thanksgiving meal more than 400 years ago there was truly a reason to celebrate. We have all heard the stories of the bitter winters the early settlers had to endure, disease that claimed the lives of many of those in the New World and the unforgiving landscape that posed countless challenges for the new residents. These accounts often evoke admiration for the Pilgrims’ determination and persistence in surviving what must have appeared to be insurmountable obstacles yet the role of the Native Americans often goes overlooked.

Its no secret that the land the Pilgrims adopted as their new home was less than ideal for survival. What has remained fairly hidden is just how these newcomers not only survived the early years but eventually thrived.

In his new eBook 'Squanto's Secret Garden' Bill Heid, president of Solutions from Science, brings to light the critical role the Native Americans played in the Pilgrims progress. More specifically, Heid details the Native Americans understanding of how to properly tend to the poor soil that would eventually provide life sustaining food for the Pilgrims.

Native Americans didn't have chemical based fertilizers or the newest gardening gimmick at their disposal when they planted their crops, instead they were left with an organic approach to gardening and it was this technique, passed along to the Pilgrims, that proved to be the real reason for their survival.

Heid outlines the techniques used by Native Americans in the first half of 'Squanto's Secret Garden,' pointing to the implementation of fish fertilizer as the 'secret' that produced bountiful harvests and eventually the first Thanksgiving. By utilizing fish fertilizer soil is provided with vital nutrients like calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur. When the Pilgrims learned and benefited from the use of fish fertilization and techniques like small gardens and 'companion planting' their future blossomed.

These techniques not only assured the Pilgrims of a future but also produced healthier and tastier food than what many of us today eat. Heid reveals in his free eBook that because the soil was provided with the essential nutrients naturally the harvest produced foods full of nutritional value, something that much of today's food supply lacks. This is a fact that Heid addresses in the second half of his book, outlining how anybody can turn to organic farming to produce their own healthy fruits and vegetables.

Heid takes the reader through the necessary steps to create and maintain a successful organic garden, borrowing from the proven techniques first introduced by the Native Americans. There are also suggestions for companion planting to maximize crop success as well as layouts for traditional Native American gardens.

To access your free copy of Bill Heid's eBook 'Squanto's Secret Garden' and learn more about organic gardening techniques for healthier and better tasting fruits and vegetables go to: www.FirstThanksgivingGarden.com

THE LATEST ORGANIC GARDEN NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

COMPOSTING ADVICE

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:59:00 +0000

A proposed biogas and composting facility in the Tongue Creek area west of High River has had some area residents concerned in the last few months and recently a mediation meeting was held by the Environmental Appeal Board (EAB) to try to address the concerns.

The details of what was discussed on Oct. 30 between EcoAg Initiative, the company behind the project and the group of appellants are confidential but the involved parties agreed to release the memorandum of understanding reached by the two groups.

The memorandum calls for a Community Advisory Panel to be formed by representatives from EcoAg, the community and Alberta Environment, who issued the original decision to allow the facility to be built.

Gilbert Van Nes, lawyer for the EAB, said there is very little he can discuss about the mediation but said that this type of panel has come up in their mediation agreements before.

'It certainly is used in other cases,' he said. 'In large scale projects it's common and it comes out of mediation from time to time.'

He said the involved parties have to come to an agreement regarding the parameters of the panel, including how much weight its decisions would have.

'The agreement will set up the rules for the committee and one of the terms that has to be agreed upon is to what degree their recommendations are binding,' he said.

The second term the parties agreed upon is that EcoAg has to conduct an environmental impact assessment, which is different than an environmental assessment, which has been previously done.

'An assessment is less organized, it's a whole bunch of reports on different issues,' he said. 'The big difference is that it's smaller in scope and it's more technical information presented in a technical way. An impact assessment tends to be a bigger picture and wound up into a tidy package. It's not as common.'

Right now the interior facility is up and running at the property and a second approval is required from Alberta Environment regarding the exterior business the company wishes to conduct.

By Evan Careen

THE LATEST ORGANIC COMPOST NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

SELLING ORGANIC COMPOST

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:10:00 +0000

Selling compost from MSW and biosolids can be profitable when the facility uses a proven technology, focuses on quality end product and implements a successful marketing strategy.

Marketing of compost has come a long way over the past 15 to 20 years. Today the word 'compost' is almost an everyday household term and the use of compost is now a preferred way to garden. With the ever increasing product awareness of the benefits of compost, it has become easier for compost manufacturers and marketers to sell their products. At least this is the case for those companies that are marketing the more commonly accepted kinds of composts, derived from by products such as yard trimmings, agricultural manures and food waste.

Then there are two types of composts derived from less popular by products: biosolids and municipal solid waste (MSW). It may not be the most glamorous product, but biosolids compost has grown in popularity in the United States over the past 20 years as more end users become educated about the advances in the wastewater industry, reduction of heavy metals to background soil conditions and its overall product use benefits. Understanding the rigorous testing that takes place with biosolids composting has also helped with its acceptance. In addition, the benefits of utilizing biosolids compost have been well documented, with engineers and landscape architects increasingly specifying the use of it for high end turf establishment projects.

By Brian C. Fleury

THE LATEST ORGANIC COMPOST NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

GOLDEN COMPOST

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:27:00 +0000

While water conscious residents are opting to replace rolling lawns with drought tolerant plants, many still maintain small areas of grass for those summer days when walking barefoot on the green is too irresistible.

But as Mother Nature adorns trees in the yard with riotous reds, vibrant yellows and exotic oranges, it's easy to get swept up in the romance of the fall season, until those leaves turn brown, drop from the branches and litter the lawn. Then hours of backbreaking raking loom.

This autumn, try mulching those leaves instead of raking, bagging and condemning them to a landfill.

Leaf mulching is a timesaving, environmentally friendly way to deal with fallen leaves. In addition, many communities have cut back on collection services due to the economy, so mulching can solve the dilemma of what to do with leaves littering a lawn.

'It doesn't make sense to rake leaves and bag them, just to have them end up decomposing in a landfill,' said Dr. Phil Dwyer, senior scientist at the Scotts Miracle Gro Company. 'Leaf mulching recycles a natural resource and enriches the soil of your lawn for free.'

In fact, turf benefits by receiving more nutrients when fall leaves are mulched back into the lawn instead of raking them, according to a study by Michigan State University turfgrass researcher Thom Nikolai and ScottsMiracle Gro scientists. Recycling fallen leaves saves time and money, adds nutrients to the soil, speeds spring greening and reduces weeds.

By ARA Content

THE LATEST ORGANIC GARDEN NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER

KEEP ON COMPOSTING

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:08:00 +0000

I never used to roll my eyes when gardeners talked about their compost, describing texture and smell of their 'black gold.'

That was before I turned my first compost pile for the 7th time and found out that I, too, had completed compost, that I had made my own black gold.

It sounds lame to be excited about something like compost. But if you think about it, it's really cool. You put coffee grounds and leaves and rotten celery and the stems from a bouquet in a black bin. And you water, maybe. And you wait. And you get high quality garden soil.

When you add compost to your garden, grass and around your trees and shrubs, you're helping to improve your soil. But new research shows compost also makes a good natural food. And if you spread your compost around plants once or twice a year, you can reduce or eliminate the need to feed. Cool huh?

By CONNIE NELSON

THE LATEST ORGANIC COMPOST NEWS, FROM THE ECO GARDENER