Organic Farming And Gardening

Why Should I Consider Organic Foods? by Sarmaad Amin

2009-11-26T08:25:00.003-08:00

There are quite a few reasons why you should consider eating organic foods whenever possible. There are too many types of toxins in most of the foods that are traditionally grown. Sure, they pass the inspections but even when you wash them a great amount of residue can be left behind. So you are eating fresh fruits and vegetables to be healthy overall but that can also release more harmful toxins into your body than you bargained for.

The reason why these toxins continue to increase is that pests and weeds have become immune to what was used in the past. That immunity means that stronger products have to be introduced in order to combat them. To help make more money through the growth of these foods they want to eliminate all the weeds and to keep pests from destroying the crops. Yet those that consume such foods are the ones paying for it with their health.

The environment in which we live also suffers due to these toxins. They end up in the water and in the air we breath. By refusing to buy products that contain them you will be sending a powerful message to those that grow them. They aren't going to want to lose your money and business so they may start to consider the idea of growing organic foods. The more this is done the less damage our environment will have to suffer.

We have to keep in mind that the Earth isn't just here for us to enjoy. It is also something that our future generations also need to be able to benefit from. It would be very nice if we all leave the Earth and it is in better shape for them than it was for us. Right now the problems we have continue to see it going the other way.

In order to prevent the Earth where we grow food from being depleted of nutrients it needs to be cared for. Harsh chemicals can make it harder and harder for foods to grow in given locations. When food is grown organically though it becomes better and better all the time. We don't have to worry that the point will come where we are no longer able to grow anything there at all.

Organic foods don't have any toxins at all which is why they are better for your body. You still get the same nutritional value but since you don't have use lots of it to flush toxins from the body you will be much better off. Organic foods also don't contain any types of additives or preservatives.

These foods are going to taste great regardless of what you read about them. Some will tell you that they taste bland but not anyone that has tried them. In fact, this is a common myth about organic foods that simply won't die. It continues to circulate online and in books. It is possible that the manufacturers of traditionally grown products try to keep it going too. That way they can minimize the loss of business to organic products.

The cost of organic foods is slightly higher than what is traditionally grown. Yet knowing you are offering your family foods that are good for them and don't cause harm to the environment is important. It sends a strong message that you want to do your part to keep things clean. More and more farmers are taking to organic farming so if you find the supply of foods limited be patient. You will start to see more coming your direction due to consumer demand.

About the Author

Organic food not only mean health life but also mean care about the environment. Organic grocer is an online organic food retailer. They can delivery organic vegetables Sydney wide for you.

What are the Environmental Benefits from Growing Organic Foods by Sarmaad Amin

2009-11-26T08:25:00.001-08:00

Protecting the environment is a responsibility that all of us share the burden of. One way that it is helped is when foods are grown organically. There is plenty of value out there involved with it for all of us to benefit from. The growing demand from consumers for organic foods is what is driving the force behind all of it right how. Farmers that were hesitant to be on board at first are now realizing it is the right decision to make.

When foods are grown through traditional methods the soil can take a harsh beating from it. Before you know it the crops start to yield less and less due to soil erosion. There will come a point when that land will become virtually useless to grow anything on it at all. The process of growing organic foods though helps to balance it out through the process of crop rotation. That way the soil doesn't get depleted of nutrients and when the farmer comes back to that area again they will be able to successfully grow on it.

Many experts believe that organic food growth allows for biodiversity among plants and food sources. That helps to keep a very healthy genetic balance to those foods we love to eat. They fear the various efforts of traditional farming are depleting that genetic pool. They also fear it is creating hybrids and mutations that make it hard to get that original quality back if we aren't careful.

The elimination of the use of pesticides and herbicides with organic farming means that the water sources we have are cleaner. It also means less toxins are released into the environment. We breath that air all day long so it only makes sense that we should do all we can to make it as good quality for us as we possibly can. With more people on Earth it means more food has to be grown. Switching to organic methods of growth means that the environment won't suffer with additional planting taking place.

Dealing with the amount of carbon that ends up in the soil also helps to offset serious issues including global warming. This is very serious because that can lead to serious changes and upsets in our seasons and climate. Instead of food being able to grow a drought could roll in and destroy it all. There are many studies about global warming and it is a huge problem that affects every living thing on the Earth.

The process of organic farming helps to reduce the overall levels of pollution out there. As a result both people and the land are able to benefit. Getting that balance back to where it was long ago is very important. There are also higher standards by the FDA for organic farming than conventional methods. That means that the quality of what takes place with the land is better - it won't be compromised now to simply make a fast profit.

It is no secret that we have a limited supply of certain non-renewable resources out there. We need to stop using them in the mass quantities or we will one day run out. The use of organic farming methods helps to slow down the use of them. As a result we will hopefully be able to pass them on to future generations.

Once the process is in place for organic farming it is believed that the overhead costs involved are significantly lower than before. This is a great benefit to farmers so that they can make more of a profit. They don't qualify for government funding when they grow organic foods so that safety net is being pulled out from under them.

About the Author

Organic food not only mean health life but also mean care about the environment. Organic grocer is an online organic food retailer. They can delivery organic vegetables Sydney wide for you.

There is More of a Demand for Organic Foods than you Might Think by Sarmaad Amin

2009-11-26T08:24:00.000-08:00

The idea of eating healthier is one that many people really do like. After exploring the value of organic foods and the fact they can stay away from harmful toxins they are all for it. The fact that organic foods are dropping in price means that more people can afford to buy them. This isn't just a passing trend though that people are taking an interest in. It is their way of eating better and taking a stand against the toxins in foods and their problems for the environment.

There is more of a demand for organic foods than you might think. It continues to spread all over the world. In fact, the United States is one of the areas with a great growth but it is nothing compared to that of Canada and Australia. In a recent survey though 70% of Americans said they occasionally buy organic foods.

More than $25 billion was made by the sell of organic foods in 2005 so you can image what that number is up to today. One of the reasons that many entities want to get involved is that amount of money. Many are also scared that their high sales through traditional growth methods is about to come to a halt. Consumers are showing they want more organic food products. Therefore they want to be able to offer them so they don't lose the loyal customers they have come to rely upon.

With the increased demand for organic foods more farmers are trying to get their land ready for the growing of such products. However, it is a process that takes time to complete. You may not realize it but before the FDA will even do an inspection the land has to be free from the use of any chemicals for a period of at least five years.

For those farmers just now getting involved with this, they have that waiting period to go through. Then they have to get the certification from the FDA, plant their crops, and then have their first harvest. So this isn't a process that you can rush by any means. The good news is that there are quite a few farms in the various stages of that five year term right now. That means each year more and more of them will qualify and earn their certification.

Due to the overwhelming demand for organic foods there has been some talk in congress about changing the requirements. They would be less than they are right now for farmers to become certified to create organic foods. Yet this is something that many are fighting against. They want these tough standards to be in place so that the division between organic foods and those traditionally grown can be clearly defined and not negotiated.

Consumers will find that the cost of organic foods continues to drop though as more farmers get involved. That type of competition to meet the demand means that buyers can find a variety of prices offered. With lower prices the cycle will continue because there are plenty of consumers interested in organic foods, they just can't justify the cost right now.

It is going to be very exciting to see what the future holds in the way of organic foods for the world. This is definitely an idea that is here to stay and that continues to increase. You can be sure we will come up with faster methods to get the planting and harvesting done too. The benefits for our health as well as for our environment through organic farming is something we should all be eager to see move forward.

About the Author

Organic food not only mean health life but also mean care about the environment. Organic grocer is an online organic food retailer. They can do organic vegetables home delivery for you.

The Idea of Organic Farming by Sarmaad Amin

2009-11-26T08:22:00.000-08:00

The concept of organic farming takes us back to the days when the early settlers were growing their foods. They took care of the soil, planted by hand, harvested by hand, and they didn't add anything that was bad for the land or the food to it. Fast forward things though and you have conventional farming methods that allow us to get more food processed in less time.

That concept is one that came from the high demand for producing food in our society. While it has given us lots of benefits it has also led to very strong chemicals being used to keep pests and weeds out of the picture. When crops are destroyed by those types of elements then it cuts into the overall profits.

The idea of organic farming goes back to those early roots when no chemicals were added to the foods. It is a process that continues to grow around the world and to get stronger all the time. There are plenty of farmers out there that want to get involved with it. They strive to make money from it but they also want to offer people the best possible products. They want to preserve the land by using methods of farming that will help to keep the soil as healthy as possible.

When a farmer decides that they would like to be a part of organic farming methods they can't just jump right in and start doing so. Instead they have to follow a checklist of things that need to be in place. The waiting period is at least five years because that is how long the soil must not have any types of chemicals used on it for any reason.

They also have to show a plan of action to show how they plain to meet all of the specified regulations. Detailed records must be kept ongoing and can be reviewed by the FDA at any time. The use of crop rotation methods need to be in place too so that erosion of the soil is as little as possible.

Once the FDA gets involved and does an inspection they will let the farmer know of any things that need to be changed. This can be both expensive and time consuming but the farmer has to compile or the certification will never happen. There are surprise inspections that occur too after that initial certification so that it is known that the farm is still following those strict guidelines.

Today organic farms are found in 49 state of the USA. Yet there is only about 2.5 million acres of farmland in the USA dedicated to organic farming. When you consider that there are more than 8 million acres of such land out there you can see that we still have a substantial amount of room for changes and for growth in the world of organic farming.

Most of the organic farms in the USA are in the Midwest region. A variety of products are produced there. California is the location of the most organic farm area and following right behind is Oregon and Washington. The products grown here are shipped all over the USA as well as to many other countries.

This is an area of farming though that will continue move forward. Even though it can be hard to get all the red tape out of the way it is also a rewarding way for farmers to contribute to the production of quality foods and saving the environment. Making a profit is a side bonus for them to all of that.

About the Author

Organic food not only mean health life but also mean care about the environment. Organic grocer is an online organic food retailer. The can delivery certified organic vegetables to your door.

Elements of Organic Foods you may not be Aware of by Sarmaad Amin

2009-11-26T08:21:00.000-08:00

When you hear about organic foods it is often in the context that it is good for you due to the fact that it doesn't put any toxins into your body. You also hear that it is good for the environment due to those toxins not ending up in the soil, water, or air. Those are the reasons why people don't mind paying more for it. That is also why so many people have decided to even grow it at home in a garden on a small scale.

While there are many benefits from organic foods for these reasons you do need to be aware of some other elements that are lesser known. Some of them you should take note of so you can make changes to how you handle organic foods. Others though are simply rumors that circulate and leave consumers confused and uneasy at the same time. Clarifying these details should help to put your mind at ease.

The main way of fertilizing the soil for organic food to be grown is with manure. It is safe to use this type of material but from time to time it is known to have dangerous contaminants in it. As a result the manure that is used has to be treated through a process that is complex and safe.

Untreated fertilizer can't be used in the last 60 days before the foods are to be harvested. These guidelines are very carefully monitored and tested to make sure there aren't any violations. If they are found to have not followed such rules then the crops won't be able to be sold and the farmer is going to take a significant loss on that profit.

There is a greater risk of different types of mold and bacteria growing on organic foods. This is because the use of chemicals known as fungicides aren't allowed. Generally though these types of risks can be significantly lowered by carefully washing your foods with warm water and a soft brush. You should also inspect organic foods and toss out any that have signs of rotting or mold developing.

The contamination of E. Coli is very serious and it can result in illness or death. There are some concerns that the methods used for growing organic foods can increase the chances of an E. Coli outbreak. However, it is the stand of experts and the FDA that the risk isn't any higher with organically grown foods than with those grown through conventional methods.

This type of information doesn't change the fact that organic foods don't have toxins. Yet it is wise to be well informed about such products. You don't want to assume that they are going to always offer you the best source of nutrients. With these things in mind you can now make better choices about how to handle those organic foods you grow at home or that you buy.

A concern that is also circulating out there is that organic farm land has a lower yield than conventional methods. With more farmers going organic it brings up the question about enough food being grown to meet the overall demand for it. Most experts don't view this as being a problem. They feel that the area of organic farming will continue to move forward and larger yields created.

The developments in the are of organic foods continue to be explored. It isn't a perfect process yet by any means but off to an amazing start. New ideas continue to come to life and to be carefully evaluated.

About the Author

Organic food not only mean health life but also mean care about the environment. Organic grocer is an online organic food retailer. The will do organic fruit delivery for you in Sydney wide.

Start Your Organic Gardening Compost in the Right Place by Clint Sidney

2009-11-10T05:32:00.003-08:00

f you are an organic farming enthusiast, you need a good knowledge of organic gardening compost if you want to grown great tasting vegetables. To an organic farmer, the word compost means fertilizer. A fertilizer is something that you add to the soil to make it fertile. But when you add an inorganic fertilizer, it replaces a natural nutrient with a synthetic nutrient and you are many miles away from pure, nature grown food.

Compost is decayed organic material that is used as fertilizer. It is a natural base for cultivating our food. Having this natural base is essential if you really want to grow organic vegetables. When you use your table scraps for making compost, the scraps should be organic too. Only in this way can you get the finest kind of organic gardening compost.

When they hear the word compost, a lot of people think of shovels and carts. There is an organic compost pile that they cart to where their new garden is going to be. A better idea is to begin making organic gardening compost where your garden will be some time in the future. Although this seems unusual, it has its own benefits. The main benefit is that you are moving your compost to your new gardening location for next season. With this method, you do not need that shovel and cart after all.

You may be one of those who buy a bag of chemical fertilizer or even organic manure from your local store. But by doing this you are not helping the soil to retain its fertility perpetually. By making your own compost you can grow foods that are finer looking, better tasting and very, very nutritious. Compost made right in your garden does make all the difference if you truly want to grow organic vegetables.

Wish you a 'fruitful' gardening!

About the Author

Clint Sidney enjoys writing about gardening the organic way. You can learn more about organic gardening compost, and understand the benefits of having an organic garden fertilizer through the GreatGardener site at eHelpsHome.

Try organic vegetable gardening for delicious fresh food by Gregg Osbourn

2009-11-10T05:32:00.001-08:00

Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organically grown food is often more expensive than conventionally grown food, but if you set some priorities, it is possible to purchase organic types of food and stay within your food budget.

Organic food is good for the health of the planet, as well as people. It is the food that has been prepared sans harmful chemicals, such as herbicides, fungicides and insecticides. A complete organic food also prohibits the use of antibiotics in feeding animals. Organic food is more expensive than conventional produce primarily because of increased labor costs. Many organic farmers hire extra people to deal with weeds by hand, and the labor-intensity of organic farming processes.

Remember that organic food is a conventional food crop (genetically exactly the same plant variety as the regular version) but grown according to a different set of standards. In this sense, organic food is really the same thing as kosher food. Organic food is natural and fresh, and thus, it is tasty. Many people prefer to grow organic food in their home gardens, because, in general, it costs about 20% more than the conventional food. Consumer attitude studies show that organic food consumption in Europe is part of a certain lifestyle, which results from an ideology, connected to a particular value system.

Actually, organic vegetable gardening can be inexpensive, clean and healthy and not nearly as hard as most people would think. Start organic vegetable gardening with a tomato plant or two and a few herbs in a couple large pots/planters. Organic gardens are often havens for bees and other beneficial insects that thrive on the diversity of flowering plants that are available to them. Organic gardeners don't spray long-lasting insecticides that kill pollinators. This is an important thing not to do.

Birds love organic gardens. When we feed - and water - the garden, we feed the garden birds who return the favor by devouring slugs and aphids, scattering winter compost about the garden, and depositing their own rich manure. Organic gardening for beginners focus on gardens that produce plants and vegetables that are grown and handled naturally. There are many people who are understandably concerned about the chemicals that are sprayed on commercial fruits and vegetables and the additives they're given to keep them fresh. Starting your own organic garden is a healthy lifestyle choice and a good hobby. Getting an organic gardening books is also a good way to get started.

About the Author

I have been successful in growing my own healthy organic garden and have learned so much from professional instruction. I applied the techniques I have learned into my real life situation. I found an amazing resource that you can can use to grow your own healthy organic garden right here at www.organicgardening411.com.

Organic vegetable gardening improves your health by Gregg Osbourn

2009-11-10T05:31:00.005-08:00

Organic gardening is the practice of growing vegetables, herbs and fruits relying only things found in nature. An organic gardener aspires to work in harmony with natural systems and to minimize and continually replenish any of the resources the garden consumes. Organic gardening is a simple way to ensure that you are growing the highest-quality produce in a sustainable way that is healthy for the plants and the planet. It is an environmentally friendly, people friendly style of gardening. An organic gardening guide can be utilized by virtually anyone to create and maintain sustainable gardens, in the city or country.

Gardening the organic way is growing without chemical fertilizers, naturally building the soil to support healthy plant life. Chemical fertilizers and additives will, over time, damage the soil's ability to provide what plants need to resist disease, insect attacks, and stress. Organic gardening is the oldest method of cultivation, it's good for your family, and it's less expensive to do! You will find that organic vegetable gardening may become the most rewarding hobby, or lifestyle, you have ever undertaken. Organic gardening is for the spiritually inclined. We know there is something inherently magical about the earths ability to produce healthy food and beautiful plants.

A close sibling to the field of small-scale organic agriculture, organic vegetable gardening is an effective way to grow healthy lifestyle food. When the scientific and industrial developments of the mid to late 18th century began to view soil as a "sterile medium to hold plants" the advent of "chemical farming was soon to emerge. Organic gardening is much more than eliminating the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Gardeners practicing organic techniques strive to work in conjunction with nature, and view their gardens and landscapes as part of a natural system that begins with the soil and includes insects, plants, the water supply, wildlife and humans. Gardening organically is a skill in itself, but you shouldn't start anything without a solid plan. With a good plan gardening will save you the time and expense of shopping.

Organic vegetable gardening is not a new concept, but it is an increasingly popular type of gardening. But organic means different things to different people. Organic gardening is the use of natural compost and manure to fertilize and grow plants and flowers. No harmful chemicals or pesticides are used to protect the plants. Organic gardening is becoming more popular now as people try to live a healthier greener life and spend less money in the process. For those who live in a city or in an apartment or a condo setting with very limited outdoor space or backyards, it has always been difficult to grow their own vegetables. Using planters and minimal effort, you can create a viable all year organic food garden.

One way that you can reduce pesticide use and get nature to help control any pests or diseases is through organic gardening methods. For example, do one or two dandelions or daisies in the lawn mean that the whole lawn needs treatment? Organic gardening methods are important but sustainable principles are far more important on a shrinking planet. A rice farmer in the hot dessert could be certified as organic, but he wouldn't have a sustainable operation because the water needed for growing rice is not free-flowing in the dessert.

Organic gardening methods are characterized by an emphasis on building soil quality, thereby avoiding chemicals to control weeds and pests. An essential element in building soil health is compost. This can be bought at nurseries that supply organic gardening needs. For the urban dweller, organic vegetable gardening can be more of a challenge but the rewards are well worth it. A good organic gardening book is a good way to get started.

About the Author

I have been successful in growing my own healthy organic garden and have learned so much from professional instruction. I applied the techniques I have learned into my real life situation. I found an amazing resource that you can can use to grow your own healthy organic garden right here at www.organicgardening411.com.

Biological standards of organic food by WHO by Ibraham Adams

2009-11-10T05:31:00.003-08:00

Everything thing that we do should be within limits and standards. These limits could be with respect to ethics, quality and quantity. Nothing is an exception to that. Not even science.

World Health Organization (WHO) has its own WHO Expert Committee on Biological Standardization which sets guidelines and gives detailed recommendations on biological experiments, diagnostic tests, manufacturing and licensing of various biological products, etc keeping in mind the human and animal welfare.

There are certain standards set for the manufacturing and production of organic foods too with regards to crop production, animal farming, processing of food and handling, labeling and its storage and transport. Organic food production needs to fulfill certain set biological criteria like for example -

- Organic farming should be conducive and beneficial to the ecosystem.
- Genetic modification of crops, vegetables, fruits and animals should be undertaken.
- A minimum time for the conversion of plants and animals with frequent and regular inspections.
- The animals should be switched from conventional to organic and vice versa.
- Water and soil conservation is extremely necessary.
- Rearing and maintaining of animals should be undertaken strictly following the ethical standards.

Basically biological standards are set so that ethics are not tampered with and also to maintain the ecological balance.

About the Author

I have also wrote information about Eczema Symptoms and Natural Eczema Treatment

Organics Foods: The Facts Revealed By A Recent Study. by James S. Pendergraft

2009-11-10T05:31:00.001-08:00

A world-wide awareness of health issues have resulted in more and more people deciding to go organic especially in terms of the food choices they make when they go grocery shopping for their families. For most people this move is the result of a belief that organic food contributes more to one's health because of increased nutrients. There are many who have also made the switch because of the better taste they believe organic foods have.

Aided by this move and perception, the organic industry last year grew by a whopping 18% in the US alone. Coming on the heels of these 'positive' developments for the organic industry is the latest study conducted in the UK. This study, commissioned by UK's FSA (Food Standard Agency) was led by Dr. Alan Dangour, (who is a Public Health Nutritionist) and a team of experts from the well-known London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

The study took into consideration and examined data that has been compiled over the past 50 years. The results have rocked the world, especially the organic industries and all the consumers who've been forking out more money to pay for what they believe are healthier products. The findings of the research study revealed that vegetables and fruits, as well as dairy products obtained from cattle that are organic-food fed bring no additional nutritional value to humans than their industrially produced counterparts.

Before you take this at face value though, it's important to note that Dr. Alan Dangour is a nutritionist and therefore restricted his study to the nutritional aspect which does not take into consideration the effects of pesticides and insecticides which are ever present in regularly grown or processed food products.

The study revealed that there are minimal nutrient differences between organically grown and chemically grown fruits, vegetables and other processed food products including dairy and meat items. So minimal are these differences that Dr. Alan Dangour believes they're practically irrelevant.

Though a whopping 52,000 scientific papers were looked at in the course of the study, only 162 of them were said to be relevant to the study and that number went further down to 55 as the experts continued to search out those papers that met their quality standards.

The organic industry along with The Soil Association, obviously aren't pleased with this study and its results which they believe hasn't taken into consideration some important factors. Dr. Dangour said that the impact of pesticides and insecticides might be the next area to be studied though there are no concrete plans for such a research as yet.

This, however, isn't the last word on the issue so consumers will have to keep watching and waiting. A second study in this area is now being awaited. This study led by Carlo Leifert, of Brussels is set to be published this very year. Leifert is a professor in the field of Ecological Farming and is currently employed at Newcastle University.

In response to Dr. Dangour's study Professor Liefert has revealed that his study has found organic foods to be richer in antioxidants which he points out are helpful in combating heart disease and cancer.

Looking beyond the nutritional benefits, of organic food, consumers and researchers alike will be able to appreciate the benefits that organic farming has on the environment.

About the Author

Abortion Clinic. Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women's Center in March 1996. Free HIV Testing, physical examinations, family planning and counseling. Free Chlamydia Screening.

Organic Gardening Tips For More Nutritious Foods by Matt Sumerstone

2009-11-10T05:30:00.000-08:00

A fun fact about organic gardening tips is that they are most neglected gardening techniques but at the same time they are the most beneficial. There is clearly supportable evidence that using leaves and grass as an alternative to synthetic fertilizers has the added value of growing healthier plants and fighting dangerous pests and diseases, and it is cheaper. This is not even a new approach to gardening; it has been used for centuries to keep the soil rich, fertile and pest free.

Using materials from your own home supplies you with fresh leaves and grass to incorporate into a fine compost heap that can be used throughout the year. You save a lot of money because you will not have to pay money for the pre-made manure that is sold nowadays, you can even collect sawdust and chicken manure from your immediate community. Once the collected organic matter has decayed in a pit or heap it is when you can take a garden fork and dig it into your vegetable bed. Usually shallow cultivation will do the trick.

The plant environment, the soil, is also kept in good shape by regularly applying manure. Microscopic organisms and termites in the soil feed on harmful pests and diseases are also maintained in good proportions. Believe it or not but this is something very ideal for keeping the soil well aerated as these organisms tend to make their tunnels there and when they die and pass off excrement they also provide nourishing nutrients. Please remember this: micro and macro organisms do great at keeping harmful bacteria and viruses at bay and when they blend with manure the soil is able to retain water sufficiently by promoting drainage.

Another characteristic common to organic gardening is its diversity. Mulching is the application of leaves and grass that are yet to be decayed to the soil surface of one's vegetable beds. Not only does mulch preserve water by easing the rate of evaporation but it also keeps weeds at bay as inadequate exposure to the sun forces them to die or struggle to populate. Your growing plants are guaranteed of enough water throughout the day and when you do forget to water the garden you won. 't be going back to a cemetery.

Now consider what more will happen if you make use of certain plant competencies to further nourish your plants. Bean, clover and peas plants are known to possess nitrogen fixing bacteria that convert inert nitrogen in the soil and atmosphere into usable nitrogen for the garden. Nitrogen promotes the vigorous growth of vegetables and gives them the dark green color typical of healthy plants. This is what you do: randomly throw bean or clover seeds into your carrot patch, wait for them to reach about 10cm in height and them plough them into the soil. Moreover, if you plant pest repellent plants like neem you will also be able to ward off pests too.

More can be done with organic gardening and crop rotation is one of them. An example of this is that you grow onions where you grew beans and grow carrots where you grew carrots. This guarantees you protection from pests and diseases that lie dormant in your vegetable beds, rotation will distance them from the vegetables they associate with. A good thing to do with this is to create an environment that attracts advantageous insects like ladybugs and hover flies that enhance the natural plant habitat, dill and zinnia plants are good at this.

Growing vegetables and flowers using synthetic means can bring with it complications, organic farming is a perfect way to avoid these. If you do find an idyllic place for a garden: exposed to the sun and with good soils, then go right into it and give yourself the peace of knowing that your vegetables are healthy and fit.

About the Author

Matt Sumerstone enjoys writing about many topics, including sports, gardening, and home improvement. Visit his latest web site where he covers what to look for in outdoor party lighting and outdoor party lights.

Organic Farm for the Best Food by Ibraham Adams

2009-11-10T05:29:00.002-08:00

Do you get the best food from an organic farm? According to large population the best tasting and healthiest food comes from a farm that produces organically grown food. Unless it is raised totally chemical free, no pesticides, insecticides or herbicides you will not live to be a ripe old age. Food that has been conventionally grown and raised countless generations is not healthy anymore.

Organic farms limit the use of synthetic chemicals. They use alternate methods such as crop rotation, composting and green manure for pest control and for a better soil. With crop rotation the natural minerals in the soil are not constantly depleted growing the same crops over and over. Rotation gives the land a chance to rest.

The methods used on organic farms are strictly regulated and legally enforced. A person cannot buy a farm, plant a crop and go to market and say they have organic produce. The farm has to be inspected and has to meet standards. There are several organizations that set the standards both nationally and internationally for organic farming. They have outlined what qualifies as an organic farm and what procedures need to be established before a farms product gets the "certified organic" label. In this way you can be sure of getting the best food for you and your family.

About the Author

I have also wrote information about Eczema Symptoms and Natural Eczema Treatment

Organic Food Means Better Health by Ibraham Adams

2009-11-10T05:29:00.001-08:00

The word organic stamped on meats and produce usually mean it is grown to healthier standards. The produce is grown without chemicals, no pesticides or insecticides. The livestock is given healthier food to eat, thereby producing healthier food. But is it really healthier? How can you be sure you are getting the best there is?

Do you have to continue going to the small, family owned farm or store to purchase the healthiest foods or should you perhaps raise your own. If you do your own gardening you can be aware of what you apply to the plants, how the plants are grown. Do you have the room for livestock and the time it takes to care for them? This is not an option for most people.

The government has federal regulations and there are third party inspectors that provide standards for all labeled food items. The produce or meat that is labeled "organic" has undergone testing before it can be labeled. The sellers have provided documentation on their farming practices. This is the best way to be sure of receiving certified organic food.

But is organic food really the best food for you? There is no conclusive evidence that organic food is healthier than food that has been conventionally grown. In taste tests food has been proven to have a better taste and firmness when it has been organically grown. But due to the lack of preservatives it also spoils quicker. With this in mind you can be sure of buying fresher produce in the store since it will also not have a long shelf life.

About the Author

I have also wrote information about Eczema Symptoms and Natural Eczema Treatment

Why You Should Include Organic Foods into Your Diet by Sandi M Lewanika

2009-11-10T05:28:00.002-08:00

A lot of people don't really know much about organic food and have no idea about the great health benefits that they can receive by simply including them into our diets. Not only that, a lot of people are unaware that the methods used during organic production are beneficial to the environment.

Another great thing about organic foods that most people don't realize is that aside from organic foods not being harmful to the environment, they contain more nutrients which are great for ones health, and are free from exposure to harmful synthetic chemicals, which when consumed are harmful to ones health. Here are 10 good reasons why should include organic foods into your diet.

1. Organic foods help boost ones energy levels through the consumption of lower levels of toxins and synthetic chemicals that are harmful and that leave your body feeling sluggish and run down.

2. Eating organic foods helps ones body to be more resistant to disease because they have higher levels of the essential nutrients that the body needs in order to fight off infections and disease.

3. Organic foods are better for fighting a lot of the chronic health problems that seem to be on the increase in our society today.

4. Organic fruits do not contain harmful pesticides; where as the average non organic fruit contains more than 30 different pesticides that are harmful to your health even after being washed thoroughly.

5. Organic food producers are held to a very high standard and are inspected often, so they have to live up to very strict standards and guidelines.

6. Organic dairy or farm produce such as milk and eggs do not have the chemicals, drugs and growth hormones given to the animals, where as non-organic dairy or farm produce do, and are passed on to human bodies when consumed.

7. Children can greatly benefit from eating organic foods because they won't consume so many synthetic chemicals during their most formative years.

8. Organic farming methods are environment friendly. They do not consist of dangerous fertilizers and pesticides that are harmful to the soil and our environment.

9. Organic foods are not genetically modified. A number of studies have revealed that genetically Modified foods can pose serious risks to both humans and animals.

10. Organic foods are pure, all natural and safe to eat. They are not loaded with potentially harmful synthetic chemicals, additives, and pesticides which when consumed are digested and stored in human bodies and are harmful to your health.

For Delicious Organic Recipes and Resources Click Here.

About the Author

Sandi M Lewanika is an Entrepreneur and business owner who has written numerous articles on various topics. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and passion for life.

Tips To Control Soil Erosion by BLOW IT ALL

2009-11-10T05:28:00.001-08:00

Soil erosion is all about the removal or erosion of soil from its place. This mainly happens due to wind, rain, ice or other natural causes. If you have a yard then proper care should be taken to prevent it from soil erosion by taking the right steps on time. Try out the following two tips for controlling soil erosion.

1)Covering Methods: These methods create a protective shield on the ground to prevent it from getting eroded due to rain, storm or any other natural phenomenon.

1)Cover with Plastic Tarp: Cover all the stockpiled soil and the portion which is not much in use with a weighted plastic to protect it from getting eroded.

2)Mulching: When there is bare land between growing plants or beside a sidewalk, it can be covered with a layer of organic matter like grasses, straws, rice husks, wood fiber blankets, straw netting blankets, leaves, etc. This retains the moisture of the soil, stops weeding, adds organic matter, etc. It is very helpful to prevent both soil erosion and rain damage.

3)Vegetative Cover: When the portion of your yard is not in use or it is unfinished then plant something in it temporarily. It reduces the growth of weeds and holds the soil firmly in one place, preventing it from eroding. Annual rye grass and cow peas can be good options for this purpose.

4)Green Manures: Legumes can also be planted to improve the fertility of the soil. These leaves are cut and then spread over the yard as a method of mulching to make the cover. This helps to keep the soil in good condition. When the soil is safe then indeed your yard will also have a longer life.

5)Inter and Mixed Cropping: In this method, different types of crops are grown in alternative rows, or planted alternately. It gives better protection to the soil from rain damage.

6)Planting Early: If you have a yard ready for farming then it is advisable to plant the seeds before the rainy season. This is because the planted crops can hold the soil even in times of rain. if you want to use the yard for gardening then also you can go for temporary planting before the rainy season.

2)Barrier Methods: They are used mainly to slow down the flow of water from a slope. It not only conserves water but also helps to prevent erosion of soil that would have run-off with the flow of the water. Effective use of barrier methods involve following the contour lines.

1)Man Made Barriers: Man-made barriers like terraces are considered to be the most important methods of controlling soil erosion. Building of tough terraces require a lot of skill. It is highly advisable to make terraces surrounding the yard to prevent soil erosion.

2)Natural Terraces: Fibrous grasses can be planted around the yard as their roots hold the soil more firmly and provide a natural terrace all around the land.

Controlling soil erosion is very important, be it for gardening or farming. Hope the above-mentioned tips will help you to control soil erosion.

About the Author

Blowitall.com.au Moves landscaping products, Saves your time and money, provides mulch blowing, Bark blower product and services. Have an immaculately finished garden or ground coverage. Contact now (Email - info@blowitall.com.au Office - (07) 3265 4331).

Fall Gardening - A Quieter Time In The Garden? by John McGuire

2008-01-21T01:08:00.001-08:00

In the fall as the nights draw in and the days become shorter many people think that a quiet and restful time for the gardener is approaching and that it's almost time to put the garden tools away in the shed till spring. While this may be true for the lawn mower, there are many other garden tools whose services can still be required during the fall.

For the more serious gardener who wants to continue to grow as late in the season as possible or who wants to optimise his lawn and garden in preparation for next year. There is still much gardening that can be done, both in growing vegetables and preparing and planning your garden for next spring, until well into the fall.

With the constant possibility of early winter frosts many gardeners don't even consider fall gardening. This is a pity as with the right planning, planting the most suitable plants and at the right time of year, the rewards can be well worth the extra work. As often, for example, vegetables, produced in the fall can be sweeter and tastier than those grown in the height of the summer. This can bring a refreshing new dimension to some of the same old varieties of garden vegetables.

It is important, however, to choose vegetables with a short growing season to give the best chance of harvesting before the more severe frosts do make an appearance. Vegetables that can be ideal to grow well into the fall include carrots, beet, lettuce, broccoli, turnips and radish. They should be planted while the ground is still warm and in a place where they are likely to get a minimum of six hours of sunshine.

Fall is also the best time to plant your spring bulbs, especially the hardy varieties such as crocuses, daffodils, tulips and irises and these will do well in either containers or beds. They will flower in the spring so you can look forward to their colourful displays as an early sign of the arrival of spring, which should be ample reward for your additional work and planning in the fall.

Looking after and maintaining your lawn is another task you can be busy with in the fall to enhance your chances of a luscious lawn next spring. It is an ideal time to concentrate on factors like aeration of the soil and clearing debris accumulated over the summer growing season. You should remove any twigs, stones and fallen leaves from your lawns as these can harbour disease and encourage pests. A leaf blower or garden vacuum will make this task much easier and you should, of course, keep all of the organic material for composting.

Aerating disrupts the soil surface by making holes in the earth. This can be done manually with a garden fork or a number of tools can be used to make the work easier, or if you have a larger area to deal with. This allows more oxygen into the soil and water will also gain easier access, rather than simply running off. Earthworms will thrive better in this environment as well as a number of other beneficial organisms. Fertilizers and other top dressing substances will be more effective after aeration and it makes re-seeding, if necessary, more successful.

These are just a few of the tasks that can be keeping you busy in your garden during the fall. So if you want a beautiful garden in the spring it's not quite time to lock away those garden tools just yet.

About the Author

John McGuire is an active gardener and manages his own smallholding with extensive gardens and keeps a range of farm animals. He is also an internet marketer and runs his own gardening information and products website. http://www.TheGardenLovers.com

Six Ticks for Organic Gardening by Sam Tan

2008-01-21T01:06:00.002-08:00

Organic gardening is the way of growing vegetables and fruits with the use of things only found in nature.

Why would one want to indulge in organic gardening?

1.One can easily make compost from garden and kitchen waste. Though this is a bit more time-consuming than buying prepared chemical pesticides and fertilizers, it certainly helps to put garbage to good use and so saves the environment.

2. Organic farming does not use chemicals that may have an adverse affect on your health. This is especially important when growing vegetables. Chemical companies tell us that the chemicals we use are safe if used according to direction, but research shows that even tiny amounts of poisons absorbed through the skin can cause such things as cancer, especially in children.

On the average, a child ingests four to five times more cancer-causing pesticides from foods than an adult. This can lead to various diseases later on in the child's life. With organic gardening, these incidents are lessened.

Remember, pesticides contain toxins that have only one purpose - to kill living things.

3. Less harm to the environment. Poisons are often washed into our waterways, causing death to the native fish and polluting their habitat.

4.Organic farming practices help prevent the loss of topsoil through erosion. The Soil Conservation Service says that an estimated 30 - 32 billion tons of soil erodes from United States farmlands every year.

4. Cost savings. One does not need to buy costly chemical fertilizers and pesticides with organic gardening. Many organic recipes for the control of pest and disease come straight from the kitchen cupboard. Sometimes other plants can be grown as companions to the main crop. An example of this is the marigold, which helps to repel aphids from vegetables.

Mixing 1 tablespoon of liquid dishwashing soap and 1 cup of cooking oil can make a cheap garden pest spray. Put 3 tablespoons of this mixture in 1 quart of water and spray on plants.

5.A simple mulch of pine needles will help to suppress the growth of weeds as well as keeping the moisture in.

6. Organic gardening practices help to keep the environment safe for future generations.

For more - Click Here http://www.organic.8799online.com

About the Author

Sam Tan - Internet Marketer http://www.8799online.com http://www.marketingsecretinfo.com http://8799.blogspot.com

Staying Well - A Gardening And Health Revolution! by August Dunning

2008-01-21T01:06:00.001-08:00

ASAP Plant Minerals is unique, compared to commonly available soil treatments. There is nothing like it on the market today. The formulation of ASAP Plant Minerals organic soil amendment contains all the critical 14 essential minerals plants need to flourish.

Water molecules hydrate the minerals once created by their proprietary process and protect them from degenerating into less bio-available forms. In dry forms, dehydrated minerals recombine into clusters and are far less available for absorption by roots of plants. The action on the minerals by the roots to chemically break them down into sizes that can be absorbed takes life energy and creates an energy deficit experienced by the plant.

Research has revealed a profound difference in the uptake and utilization of ASAP organic soil amendment in flower and crop plants. Their unique form of magnesium is the cause of the double foliage and flower sets, while other minerals move quickly from the soil up into the leaves to the chloroplasts to create phytochemicals to rapidly grow the plant and infuse the fruit with additional nutrients in the pulp and skin.

This is why ASAP is marketed to organic growers. Why offer a way to increase the nutrition in the skin of fruit and vegetables if you have to remove the skins and outer leaves because they are contaminated with petrochemical pesticide. This makes no sense. The consumer gets food that actually feeds them without risking cancers later in life. Disease and genetic aberrations causing cancer is far less confusing than medical science would like you to believe.

There are only three ways to get cancer: radiation, reduced oxygen pressure at the capillaries and environmental toxins. If you don't work in a radiological environment and don't smoke then the last way is the only one that you have to worry about. The individual genetic susceptibility to threshold levels of specific toxins is the tipping point into cancers. Everyone has a different set of sensitivities and is part of the evolved human survival mechanism. Detoxification in this chemical-age is critical and foods grown with ASAP may improve your chances especially by eating organically grown foods. Certainly the phytochemicals found in grape skins, blueberries, black raspberries, strawberries, carrots, aloe vera and cranberries have been identified to help and eliminate the antagonistic chemicals that cause the scales to tip. Why coat food with pesticides and introduce the antagonist with the cure?

Why hydration is so important: It has been shown experimentally that metal mineral water complexes can interact with chromosome DNA like magnesium minerals vibrating at specific frequencies in water.

Researchers in one particular experiment found that microwaves of around 3 gigahertz could resonantly drive a longitudinal vibration mode in DNA chains by electrically coupling with minerals residing on the hydrated backbone of the DNA helix. Therefore the operating theory at this time is that the correct metal minerals could transform a damaged configuration back into a normal configuration to maintain proper DNA function.

This is the exciting part of research. It is certain that ASAP soil treatment will increase yield and nutrient values in organically grown crops fed ASAP, it may also prove to provide foods to eat to help prevent cancers.

But beyond all that, the ASAP grown food just simply tastes better.

About the Author

August Dunning is the head Research Director at http://www.asaporganics.com

Why Mulching Needs To Be Part Of Your Organic Gardening System by Julie Williams

2008-01-21T01:05:00.002-08:00

The word "mulch" comes from the old English word "melsc" - meaning rotten hay. In today's language it has come to mean any material that covers the soil to preserve moisture content, prevent soil erosion and inhibit weed growth. For organic gardening I choose materials that will break down over time, feeding my plants and contributing to the amount of humus in the soil.

Many materials are suitable to use as mulch, such as: leaves, straw / hay, sawdust, gravel / rocks, paper / cardboard, grass clippings, carpet underfelt and even plastic. Each one has its own benefits and disadvantages.

Dark mulches warm the soil, whereas light coloured mulches will keep the soul cooler. In a cool climate a light straw mulch will hold back the development of many hot season vegetables - so take care with your choice of mulch and the time of year you apply it.

I've heard it said that mulches can be a refuge for problem garden pests, but nature balances this with enough predators to consume any rise in pest numbers.

Leaves are the most natural mulch of all. However most of the nutritional content has been taken from the tree before the leaf falls to the ground. Many leaves contain tannins and some have growth suppressants (eucalypts & pine needles for example), so it's better to either add them to your compost heap or place them in a wire container and allow them to decompose for a year or so and become leaf mould, them use as mulch.

Straw / Hay is my preferred method of mulching in my organic food garden. The main advantage over many mulches is that it slowly releases nutrients to feed the plants it surrounds. One disadvantage is that hay may contain weed seeds, but they are usually easy to pull. That is why I prefer pea straw - usually the only weeds are peas and they add nitrogen to the soil. Another problem can be that it may become water repellent. But this is not a problem if you trickle or flood irrigate your food plots.

Sawdust is probably best used by composting it before laying as a mulch as it may rob the soil of nitrogen if your soil is poor to begin with. Also, it can become water repellent. However if you have a good supply it makes an excellent soft, natural looking covering for pathways.

Gravel / Rocks are best used outside of your veggie garden unless you live in a cool climate area and use them around warm climate plants, such as pumpkins and tomatoes. Rocks store heat from the sun during the day and slowly release it through the night.
They can also be used in arid areas around larger plants and trees. Water condenses on the underside of the rocks as they cool during the night helping to keep plants moist. The disadvantage with rocks is that weeds will grow around them.

Paper / Cardboard are both quite useful as mulches. I often use thick layers of newspaper (which I wet before laying) underneath pea-straw or pine bark. The layers need to overlap about 15cm to prevent weeds from coming through. Don't use pages with coloured ink as they may contain heavy metals.
Cardboard can make a great mulch under young trees. You can secure it with rocks in a decorative way in addition to straw or bark. Using cardboard beneath sawdust for your garden paths will prevent most weeds.

Grass clippings can be utilised as a thin mulch under trees and shrubs that will feed your plants as it breaks down. Take care not to pile on too thickly though as you will end up with a water repelling, smelly blob!

Carpet underfelt makes an excellent mulch in your organic garden. It won't blow away, it's easy to cut to insert your seedlings, it allows air to penetrate and it holds moisture very well. You must make sure that it is the older underfelt though, not the modern foam type.

Black plastic has the advantage of being cheap, easy to install and a great weed suppressor, but its disadvantages are many. It doesn't feed the soil, it deteriorates with direct sunlight and doesn't allow the natural gas exchanges between the air and soil.

Whatever your choice of mulch, your organic garden will be more productive and well balanced if you choose a feeding kind of mulch. Remember too that mulches should not come into contact with the stems of you plants as this may cause them to rot.

About the Author

Julie is an avid organic gardener and recycler, living on a small country property in South Australia. Her mission is to encourage as many people as possible to garden organically. Please visit her website for great info Beginners Organic Gardening or Companion Planting Guide
www.1stoporganicgardening.com

Nevada Fall Gardening Checklist by Mark Hostetler

2008-01-21T01:05:00.001-08:00

There are certain challenges when gardening in the Nevada climate, but don't despair; it doesn't mean you can't have a lush green lawn filled with vibrant annuals or spring bulbs. There are however, some maintenance and planting tips that need to be considered during the autumn months.

Here is a handy checklist for those fall gardening to do's:

Reseeding lawns - The hot summer temperatures can do a lot of damage to a lawn; late September is an ideal time for reseeding and repairing that damage. Make certain you don't purchase bargain varieties of lawn seed, such as Kentucky 31 or K31. Most people are disappointed with this grass due to its coarse texture.

A year round green lawn can be obtained by over seeding it with perennial ryegrass versus annual ryegrass.

Give your lawn one last feeding using a fertilizer containing potassium and cut back watering your lawn to once a week in the winter months.

Colorful annuals - Believe it or not, autumn planting is the time to get the most color and longevity from your annuals in the Las Vegas area. They thrive in the milder climate and with some loving care may bloom again next spring.

Here are some ideas for cool-season annuals:

African daisies, alyssum, asters, baby's breath, bachelor buttons, bells of Ireland, calendulas, candytuft, carnations, clarkia, columbine, delphinium, dianthus or sweet William, gaill ardia, hollyhock, larkspur, nirembergia, pansy, petunia, poppies, snapdragons, statice, stocks, sweet peas, verbena, viola, ornamental kale and cabbage.

Compost for your bedding plants - Our dry soil is scarce in organic matter, which needs to be supplemented in the form of compost or peat moss. It provides much needed drainage and oxygen as well as feeding nutrients to the plants.

A recipe for a healthy garden includes:

Spreading 3 to 4 inches of some form of organic material on the bed.

Add two to three pounds of 16-20-0 fertilizer and equal amounts of sulfur per 100 square feet. Work ingredients into the top 8 to 10 inches of the soil with a spade or rototiller.

Get those bulbs planted - Nothing is more uplifting on a cold winter day, then looking out and seeing a bed of brightly colored tulips providing hope for spring. Late October is the time to get those bulbs in the ground while the soil is cool. Normally these bulbs thrive in areas where the ground has been chilly for a long time, but this is a condition we can simulate. Place the bulbs in a paper bag and store them in your vegetable crisper for four to six weeks before planting.

Prepare your beds using plenty of organic matter and ensuring you have good drainage. Once they have bloomed, mulch with at least 2 inches of well-rotted manure. Don't forget that our winter temperatures may be quite warm, just make certain to occasionally dig into the soil to test it for moisture, they may need watering.

Roses - After the fall blooming is over, trim back the canes using a 45 degree angle cut, by about one-third. Do any heavy pruning in the early spring.

Garden clean-up - Make certain to compost any dead vegetables or foliage and rake up any fallen leaves.

Garden tool tune-up - Now is the time to ensure your tools are ready for next spring. Wash them off, sand down the wooden handles and metal parts, wiping them with an oiled rag to prevent rust. It's a bit of a chore, but you'll be glad you took the time.

Gardening in Nevada has its challenges, but a little bit of tender loving care at this time of year will result in happy, healthy plants next spring.

About the Author

Visit welcomehomenevada.com to find current and useful information regarding Las Vegas Real Estate. Don't forget to check the Las Vegas MLS search page for all of the areas MLS listings.

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How To Make Organic Vegetable Gardening More Productive by Paul Courtney

2008-01-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

Organic Vegetable gardening is very different from conventional gardening. A great deal of care and preparation must be undertaken before you get started. You will need to know how best to prepare soil and know how to enrich it and also provide it with adequate protection from insects that can often do a lot of harm to your vegetables.

Healthy soils usually produce healthy plants provided you incorporate the right Ingredients into your preparation there is no reason why you should not produce healthy abundant plants.

To get the right kind of fertile soil for your organic vegetables, you need to ensure that the soil will is as fertile as possible, and to ensure that you need to have proper amount of nitrogen, phosphorous and also potassium. Before doing anything else, you need to have drawn up detailed plans about how you are going to perform your organic vegetable gardening chores; obviously the type of soil that you use will be a major consideration as far as your plans to grow vegetables organically are concerned.

Your plan must decide what you wish to grow, know the space requirements, make a small scale plan and know where to place different vegetables, and also you will need to calculate the right distance between seeds and rows. Once you have your plans sorted out, you will be ready to get the full benefits of organic vegetable gardening which includes giving your taste buds a treat and being able to choose to sow your favorite vegetables.

In order to be successful in your organic vegetable gardening endeavors you should protect your garden from unwanted intrusion by pets or vermin and plan towards well and constantly cared for gardening this requires a strong will if you want to reap the many possible benefits. You will need to mix the soil well and do so at least three weeks before planting, the soil must have been well prepared to take the seeds and even maybe the transplants.

You also need to ensure that the soil has those materials that have plenty of nitrogen and the soil should have pH of approximately 7.0 and temperatures should hover close to fifty degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, the soil must be properly aerated and to prevent soil from turning acidic there should be enough lime present. While irrigating the soil, care should be taken to make the soil thoroughly wet at least once in a week unless it has rained, which will ensure that the soil is moist especially around the root zone.

Go to your local garden supplier they will be able to assist you with local conditions and where to source your organic compost and manures lime and other soil inputs. When you start of with a well prepared patch you will find it easy to control weeds and provided your plants are well fed and healthy you should have no problems with insects and other parasites.. Before you realize it you will be harvestinf your first produce and from then on there is no looking back.

About the Author

Authors biography: Paul Courtney contributes articles to various publications pertaining to Alternative Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Herb Gardens and Organic Food. for more information please visit http://www.organiceandyou.com/index.php

Organic Foods and Supplements by Don George

2008-01-21T00:59:00.004-08:00

Organic food and produce have become so popular, that organic farms are having a difficult time keeping up with the demand. Organic, cage free, fertile eggs are much higher in nutritional value than regular commercial eggs.

Organic foods are better because they have no chemicals, preservatives, or any potentially harmful ingredients. In addition, emerging information about the high nutritional content of grass-fed meat and milk products is raising consumer awareness about the benefits of grass farming.

Nobel Prize winning bio-chemist, Linus Pauling put his finger on the problem when he said "Every disease has a nutritional cause. What we need is "Pasture Perfect Food" where animals are born and raised naturally, they roam free range pasture and have never been confined in a feedlot. Use of artificial growth hormones, preservatives or additives are banned and there is no routine use of antibiotics.

We should eat beef, lamb, chicken, turkey and fish, the things that God intended. The notion of eating foods that have beneficial effects on consumer health above those of adequate nutrition is one that sits well.

Raw food and organic supplements are two of nature's keys to health. Organic supplements have little or no side effects. They are made from the best of what nature has to offer, and are both powerful and earth-friendly. Organic supplements are not common and are expensive, but they do make a difference in our diet.

Organic supplements are much better for you than conventional supplements, and are a great way to complete your diet. Contrary to prescription tablets, organic supplements have no adverse effects and can be obtained without a prescription or expensive doctor's office visit. Eating organic and properly supplementing your diet will ensure a firm foundation for health, and your diet will not lack anything essential. Most all foods today are produced on commercial soils deficient in essential nutrients, or from animals that provide only toxic inorganic sources of nutrients.

Alternative health care supplements have several advantages over traditional pharmaceutic drugs. Supplements are essential in therapeutic all-natural health care programs, but it is a prerequisite that we choose the proper type.

Beware of any health care professional who recommends synthetic supplements. Synthetic supplements benefit the company that produces them; not your health.

Supplements are usually categorized as either natural (organic) or synthetic (inorganic). Since the condition of our body, and the degree of our health reflects the quality of the foods we eat, whole food supplements can do many things for you, such as:

* Boost your energy level * Revitalize your body's natural defense system * Increase your powers of memory and concentration.

Alternative supplements come in different forms, such tablets, capsules, gel caps, syrups, and drinkable liquids. Most people prefer solid supplements because they do not like the taste of herbs, but liquid supplements are generally more efficient.

Common sense should tell us we don't need synthetic (inorganic) supplements any more than we need synthetic food for breakfast. Most synthetic supplements are found in drug stores, pharmacies, department stores, and mail order catalogs.

Natural (organic) supplements are usually found with all-natural health care professionals, health food stores, and some mail order companies. Purchase your supplements from people who know the difference between natural and synthetic.

Organic Gardening

Organic gardening is the practice of producing crops by avoiding the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and growth regulators. Science is constantly discovering in the foods that we eat, new, beneficial substances that enhance wellness, especially if the foods are unprocessed and organic.

Organics For the Skin?

Organics have even made their way into skin-care and cosmetics. Organics keep skin more hydrated, supply more pure ingredients necessary to skin renewal, and give our skin a rest from having to filter out toxins and harmful ingredients. Most people who switch to an organic diet report a glow in their skin and their eyes, a smoother complexion, and fewer skin problems like allergies and break-outs.

The healthy option and the solution to avoiding toxin exposure from your cosmetics and skin care products is to adopt a certified organics approach. Long time exposure to chemicals that are absorbed into your skin can contribute to many health problems.

Buying and Eating Organic

Since organics have gained momentum in popularity, most grocers have devoted specific sections to organic products and carry organic the organic version of some fruits and vegetables.

No longer solely the domain of the granola set, organic food and personal care products have left the food co-op and hit the mainstream. Today, nearly all grocery stores boast organic food sections and consumers are taking notice. If you're new to organics and just want to get your feet wet, so to speak, it's a great time to start gradually overhauling your kitchen cupboards.

There's an organic replacement for almost everything in your cupboard. Many people think that going organic is more expensive, and while you may spend a little more at first, as organics have paved more of their way onto the scene, prices have consistently dropped. An organic diet gives your body the proper nourishment it needs without all the harmful and potentially dangerous additives.

Health

Everyone knows by now that fast-food is the opposite of health food, but many still think that if it shows up in our local super market it is made with ingredients that are harmless to our health.

Almost all foods in the grocery stores today, unless they are specifically certified as organic, come from the big conglomerate owned farms. The routinely use artificial, or inorganic fertilizers. These fertilizers are chemically produced, sometimes from petroleum products. The bottom line for the majority of commercial food companies is profit, not healthy foods for you and your children. Our health pays a high price for this, because each one of these chemicals comes with adverse side effects.

We can only solve this problem when we make life-affirming choices in eating organic nutritious food, drinking plenty of clean pure water, detoxifying and cleansing, exercising, breathing healthy air, and living in harmony with nature.

Minerals

Why All the Fuss About Calcium?

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, vital to the formation of strong bones and teeth and for the maintenance of healthy gums. Magnesium is an essential mineral that must be present in a calcium formula for the body to properly absorb the calcium. Calcium must be from a food source or an organic fossilized source with the proper vitamins and minerals necessary to digest, absorb, assimilate and utilize the calcium.

Bio-availability is an important property since the value of the mineral is wasted if it is not taken up and absorbed by the body. The bio-availability, or amount actually absorbed by the body, of minerals in supplements has been a long-standing concern, and forms of the minerals that are shown through testing to be more bio-available are highly valued by consumers.

Calcium from Other Food Sources

Asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, collards, dandelion greens, turnip greens, kale, and actually any leafy greens are vegetables high in calcium.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral and is present in all the tissues of the body as an activating component of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which has been shown to protect cells from free radical damage.

Of all the nutrient allowances, the allowance for iron is the most difficult to obtain from dietary sources, which is why iron is the most common single mineral deficiency in the world. Zinc is an essential trace mineral that is required in relatively high doses and it is among the best selling individual trace minerals in the health food industry.

Despite the essential nature of zinc, the human body does not store this mineral, so the body is dependent upon a continual external supply. Manganese does not have an RDA, but is included in a number of mineral supplement products.

Vegetables

Of the 8,854 ads reviewed in a study, there were none for fruits or vegetables targeting children or teens. Fiber, an essential for good health, can be found in raw vegetables, fresh fruits, whole wheat bread (not bleached or enriched) and unprocessed grains. Fiber can easily be added by increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. To increase the amount of fiber in your diet, add more servings of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains to your daily diet.

Vitamins

Our body thrives on naturally occurring, whole, complex, real vitamins from foods, because vitamins in this form are more "potent" per milligram than synthetic laboratory fractions of vitamins.

Cleansing

If you're looking for an effective way to flush out toxins from your digestive system, relieve constipation and other lower intestinal problems, improve digestive function, increase your energy, lose weight, and just generally improve overall health, you should consider using a high-quality, organic colon cleanser.

Over time, as these toxins build up, we can gain weight, become chronically constipated, feel sluggish or lethargic, and experience yeast overgrowth, known as Candida. Common side effects associated with bad colon cleansers include:

* Nausea * Vomiting * Increased appetite * Weight gain * Bloating * Distention * Decreased frequency of bowel movements.

The back up of waste in your body can actually cause constipation weight gain even if you are eating less. Compaction can be caused by a number of conditions including:

* Failure to consume enough fiber * Failure to drink enough fluids * Use of pain relieving medication, antidepressants, anti-diarrhea medication, or antacids containing aluminum * Use of methadone typically used to treat drug addiction * Use of medications interfering with nerve and muscle function * Excessive use of laxatives * Undergoing extended bed rest * Kidney disease * Hemorrhoids * Heart disease * Cancer * Conditions limiting movement, such as cerebral palsy or dementia

Organic supplements are another option available for treating fecal compaction. You see, your colon can become quite clogged from years of eating bad foods (fatty meats, sweets, starchy side dishes, etc. But, the backed up waste will actually cause you to put on the pounds rather than lose them, even if you are eating less.

Cancer and Other Common Diseases

Cancer, obesity, allergies, asthma, arthritis, diabetes, alzheimers and heart disease are all symptoms of the 20th century diet. Higher intakes of selenium are needed to help fight heart disease and cancer, and some people, including those with chronic gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohns disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), have trouble absorbing this mineral.

Many scientists agree at least 80% of the 200 different types of cancer known today are related to toxins and carcinogens from toxic and synthetic chemicals. A UK study discovered in breast cancer tumors traces of methyl parabens, which is a synthetic chemical commonly used in washes, anti-perspirants, deodorants, body creams, and lotions. Glutathione is the body's master antioxidant which helps fight off diseases such as cancer, aids, Gulf War Syndrome, fatigue, arthritis.

New research shows vitamin D slashes risk of cancers by 77 percent; cancer industry refuses to support cancer prevention.

Our bodies need natural (organic) supplements as opposed to synthetic (inorganic). Do not be mislead in believing synthetic (inorganic) supplements, with the addition of animal glands and organs, can help correct your health problems.

Organic foods and organic supplements are as close as you can get to what God had in mind. Organic supplements are used by hundreds of health practitioners, clinics and individuals throughout the world.

About the Author

Don George is widely recognized as an authority in the alternative health field. He and his family own and operate http://lavenderisland.com, a popular online supply station for products that are good for you. You may visit there to get your copy of a Special Toxic Dangers Report.

A Lawn is only as Good as its Soil by Ariel Rosen

2008-01-21T00:59:00.003-08:00

A beautiful lawn does not come without some exertion. Depending upon what type of soil you have, the amount of effort will vary. For instance, lawn grasses grow continually throughout the growing season and need an ample supply of both nutrients and water. When growing trees and shrubs, sandy or a gravel base soil is great. Moreover, landscape plants like well drained soiled.

The most vital lawn care tip is watering and fertilizing regularly to keep a lawn beautiful. If you're lucky enough to have a lawn that was originally planted in good rich topsoil, you won't have to work nearly as hard as somebody who has a lawn that has been planted in sandy gravel. This type of soil has little nutritional value, nor does it have the ability to retain any amount of moisture.

Lawns are one part of gardening where a little clay in the soil is a good thing. Of course standing water is not good, but having soil that has the ability to retain some moisture is helpful. If you happen to be installing a new lawn, here's a news flash from my lawn care tips that will make all the difference in the world: Add lots of organic matter before you install your new lawn if you have sand or gravel type soil. The easiest way to do this is to find some good rich topsoil and spread that over your existing soil.

Because most lawn grasses grow so vigorously, they need additional amounts of nutrients added in order to stay looking nice. Just use one of the four step programs offered by the fertilizer companies. Most of these programs also include weed control along with the fertilizer. Here in the north we basically have two concerns with weeds in our lawns.

Homeowners who prize their lawns know that watering is often required. We recommend that you pick up an automatic hose reel to make the task easier. There are many different types of hose reels, we recommend choosing an automatic hose reel for maximum convenience. Implement a hose reel cart solution and you can increase the length of your hose by placing the hose reel cart in positions where it can reach all parts of your yard or garden.

To learn more about automatic hose reels or to get more gardening tips please visit http://www.mygardentips.net/

About the Author

Ariel is a writer for Compucall-USA.com. To learn more about hose reels, please visit http://www.no-crank.com

Think Green in Your Landscape - Organic Landscaping by Kent Higgins

2008-01-21T00:59:00.001-08:00

With a growing population comes more pollution. People are beginning to notice, and they are trying to help in any way that they can. Using landscaping techniques that do not harm the environment is a great way to help. It is also cheap and healthier for you. Using pesticides or fertilizers can be harmful to your health or the health of your children. Organic gardening is safe for everyone. Also, organic gardening can be done with materials that you already have. You won't have to go out and buy chemicals.

Using native plants is a great way to begin organic landscaping. They are used to surviving naturally in the local conditions, so you will have to do less to try to make them survive. They have evolved to survive on their own. Bringing in exotic plants may require chemicals to help them to survive.

The most basic aspect of your landscaping is your lawn. Contrary to what you may believe, you do not need a lot of chemicals to keep pests away. Instead, simply caring for the grass and soil by giving them the proper nutrients and amount of water will be plenty. Organic fertilizer costs a little bit more, but it works so well that it lowers costs in the long run. You won't have to apply the fertilizer as often as synthetic fertilizer, and you will no longer need to buy chemicals.

Besides using organic fertilizer, taking care of the soil and roots through aeration helps grass to grow healthily. Aeration makes soil less compact by adding holes, so the roots will be able to grow deeper into the soil. Also, organisms such as earthworms will be able to live in the soil more easily. This is a good thing, since they create healthier soil and grass. With aeration, your grass will naturally be healthier and more resistant against pests and weeds.

A couple other techniques to organically improve the health of your lawn are top dressing and over seeding. Topdressing is when you mix compost and sand and apply it to your lawn. It strengthens your grass without using fertilizer. Over seeding is simply adding about 1.5 x the normal amount of grass seed. This will help your grass to grow thicker more quickly, which takes up more space in the soil and leaves less room for weeds to grow.

With aeration, topdressing, and over seeding, and composing, you may not need fertilizer at all, even organic. Also, if you create your own mulch out of grass clippings, raked leaves, and pine needles, the decomposition of them will create a very nutrient rich soil. Organic gardening, overall, is healthier for you and your lawn, imagine the smell of stephanotis flowers as you work outdoors. It is the most natural way to enjoy nature and landscape.

About the Author

The wonderful natural scent of stephanotis flowers blooming and climbing up a trellis is about as organic as you can get! It's nature at it's finest! What to discover more color accents and scents for your backyard landscape? Visit www.plant-care.com today!

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Start Market Gardening Right - Right Away! by Scott Kelland

2008-01-21T00:58:00.002-08:00

Are you a gardener? Have you ever dreamed of getting paid for it? More and more people are looking for fresh organic produce from someone they can trust. The Slow Food movement and the 100 Mile Diet have made local food a mainstream idea. There has never been a better time to start market gardening!

But success in market gardening depends on starting out the right way i.e. with a proven approach. Fortunately there is a way to launch a market garden business:

- without a lot of money
- without a lot of land
- and without a lot of expensive equipment

It can be done, but you need to start with the right information and the right model. What is the right model? I will let you in on a little 'secret' about an incredibly powerful method to start-up a market garden

- Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).

What is Community Supported Agriculture? In this model of a small farm or market garden, customers subscribe to the farm, paying in advance to receive a share of vegetables each week throughout the growing season.

Why is this a great model? Here's are some of the advantages:

- Since customers pay in advance for the season, the market gardener gets a guaranteed cash flow to help pay for start-up costs e.g. seed, supplies, equipment;

- Customers are 'locked in' for the season - once they sign up with your CSA, no other marketing required;

- This 'captive market' may also buy other products that you can provide;

- No price competition - it doesn't matter what your neighbouring gardener is selling his produce for - yours is already sold (in advance!)

This is an incredibly powerful approach to launching a market gardening business. The advance cash you receive from customers could allow you to bootstrap your business, with no money out of your pocket (except for the costs of finding those customers in the first place.)

What do you need to do to start a bootstrap market garden? Here are a few steps you should follow (before you throw some seed in the ground!)

- Plan your business - set targets for number of customers you want to have, your desired income, and estimate your start-up and operating expenses;

- Plan your garden - how much of each crop will you have to grow to satisfy your customers? How big will the garden have to be?

- Market your garden - find a likely pool of prospective customers, and get your message out;

- Manage your garden - put in place the tools, methods and labour to grow and harvest your crops;

- Manage your business - set up a system to keep good records, track income and expenses, and garden production. This will help with planning for next year.

If this is your first attempt at market gardening, its a good idea to 'start small'. Perhaps just approach a few friends and neighbours, and ask them if they would like to receive a basket of farm-fresh veggies from you every week. Then follow the steps above to start up your own bootstrap market garden!

About the Author

Scott Kelland is the owner of New Terra Farm and winner of the Premier's Award for Agri-food Innovation. For more valuable market gardening tips, subscribe to Bootstrap Market Gardening Secrets a free e-course.

The Home Vegetable Garden by Roger Hardieway

2008-01-21T00:58:00.001-08:00

Conventional or Organic?

If you are determined to go it alone, there is up-to-date and inexpensive literature existing in the library and on the internet on how to prepare and outline the home landscape. In truth, one of the neatest possible effects from visiting others in their gardens is the generation of new Ideas. Start your garden by partnering with some one at first. My experience with vegetable gardening was with my dad at age eleven. He was invited to use a ten acre tract of land from Ms Studts; a lady who needed someone to keep an eye on the property a few years until her family's estate became settled.

I found out among the most distasteful of the jobs facing a home gardener is that of eradicating weeds from the garden. However, the home grown tomatoes, greens, squash, melons, strawberries and others were great and were certainly worth the effort.

Tables in guides and catalog list the most serious pests that a home gardener is likely to encounter, along with recommendations for their management. A home gardener is relegated to the use of various plain hand tools for planting, cultivating and maintaining the plot.

I would choose organic gardening over conventional. I think it is the healthy choice.

Park Seed Company is one of a number of suppliers who more or less supplies certified organic seeds that are grown under conditions mandated by the National Standard for Organic Agriculture, performing rigorous soil testing and using only approved fertilizers and pest controls. Some offer fast service and organic seed. Some pay exclusive interest to the qualities a home gardener is looking for; flavor and ease of growing.

The prime gardening tool for a home gardener is a spade, unless your vegetable garden is very large. Then you may need a mechanical tiller or rotary hoe.

It is not just for the leisure class or hippies. Organic gardening is a new thing to me and I hope to learn and share. It is a Fun and Healthy Way to feed your family. It appears to be a Healthy, Safe, Fun, and Satisfying Experience.

Many people who are into vegetable gardening have been asked the question, "Why bother to grow vegetables in a garden when you can simply go to the grocery store and buy them.

It is definitely the way to go. It is the best way to feed your family. It is bringing the initial concept of pure gardening back, and it is obvious why. It is different from conventional gardening in several major ways. It is your one and only answer. It is cheap and easy. It is growing in popularity each year. It is a great way to provide healthy foods for your table. It is different from "conventional" gardening in the areas of fertilization and pest control. It is a way to grow plants without the use of chemicals. It is safer because you are not using pesticides and you are not exposing your crops to poisons. It is a lot of work but it is "fun" work.

Now that you have learned that it is safe, healthy, and a lot of fun, you must ask the question "what am I going to plant?" It is not quite the same as your usual gardening and there are a few differences including how fertilizers are used and how to control pests. With these simple tips, you should find that it is fun to do and will provide good results as well.

Plan Your Space. The first step to it is choosing your location. With some, it is a hobby; with others, especially in these days of high prices, a great help. My personal philosophy is to concentrate on the basic principles. Grow a great garden with fewer or no chemicals. My dad read and subscribed to The Farmers Almanac; one of North America's oldest and most treasured publications since 1818.

Please leave your comments.

my blog: http://roger-hobbytech.blogspot.com

Roger Hardieway is a retired Engineer and amateur radio operator

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roger_Hardieway http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Home-Vegetable-Garden&id=721655

About the Author

Roger Hardieway is a retired Engineer and amateur radio operator http://www.onlineshopelectronics.com http://www.articletrader.com

Great Fall Landscape Tips for Fun and Maintenance

2008-01-21T00:55:00.003-08:00

Invigorating fall .... tingling, misty mornings.... Ah! My favorite time of year for having fun with all the gorgeous colors and for "chores" that actually become enjoyable when the weather is crisp and beautiful!

I love all the charming container gardens you can make in the fall. One idea is to use a pumpkin as a planter for some brighly colored mums, putting small holes in the bottom for drainage (if you're in the cooler regions of the country where it won't go bad quickly). You can also use a pretty weather-friendly manufactured one in the hotter regions.

I also like to hang the pumpkin (or jack-o-lantern) planter on a shepherd's hook (again you can get this at your local gardening supply center) or place it on an extra birdbath. This is the one time I will use silk plants outside -- to place around the bottom of the pumpkin in the birdbath, hanging over the edges or surrounding the arrangement.

Another idea is to use a large, outdoor planter in which you put some sort of bottom filler such as chicken wire or peat moss and then on top of that, arrange maybe some of the beautiful colored winter gourds you can buy at your local market or some small pumpkins with small pots of winter flowers.

Lots of people really love scare crows for the fall -- either sitting on a bench, or used in an arrangement with perhaps a couple of hay bales with pumpkins and/or fall flowers.

__________________________________________________

Some of the "maintenance" items I consider fun are working with stepping stones to make a new walk or place in some of your gardens. Either regular stones from your garden center, or using kits to make your own! There are beautiful mosaic tiles and colored glass you can use just for a few examples of materials. I've seen lady bug stones, flower stones, and many other personalized ones of every type as well.

This is also a great time to build a new patio, arbor or bridge or to make new beds with borders and mulch so you're ready for your gorgeous new plantings when spring comes, and you can just have fun with your new plants!

I also like to do the things that are miserable to do in the summer, but theraputic in the fall months like painting or poly-coating your fences, cleaning out unwanted plants from your gardens to be ready for spring and replacing them with mulch, and anything else that can be unpleasant when the weather is warm or hot.

__________________________________________________

Finally, there are the mundane things you do to maintain a beautiful lawn year-round, such as:

# Mowing
to 1-1/2" to stimulate it's growth in the Spring

# Fertilizing
with a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in late September/early October and then again in November for a thick, beautiful turf, but also for cold-resistance during the winter months.

# Aeration
skip this step, and you will not have a gorgeous, carpet-like lawn in the spring no matter how much you fertilize!

Do this in September or October as well, and then once again in the Spring. Even just a Fall aeration can produce amazing results in your turf. You can rent or buy an aerator, or use an attachment found at your local garden supply store for your mower that will also work well. (Do be cautious with the mower attachment method as it can over-heat your mower if you don't let it rest periodically during the aeration process).

# Watering
It's best to water in three short five-ten minute cycles in the morning. I find that for problem areas or brown spots, hand-watering works best rather than more water.

# Mulching
Mulch is as important in the winter as in the summer. It can prevent root freezing (or burning in the summer), help drainage and water evaporation, and discourage weeds year-round. It also improves the soil quality which creates more nutrients for your plants.

One to three inches of organic mulch such as bark, straw, leaves, compost or even pine tree needles or grass clippings will do fine.

My personal favorite is the red-colored mulch -- especially for the fall months as is it is a deep reddish-burgandy (very fall-looking color), and makes a wonderful contrast for your evergreen hedges, trees and brightly colored fall flowers.

I hope you find these tips helpful and that you will find some things you can do from them that you will have fun with as well. Have a great fall and a magical winter holiday season!

Sharon
www.landscaping-your-own-beautiful-garden.com

About the Author

I'm Sharon, and I have over fifteen years experience in gardening and landscaping and a lifetime passion for beautiful gardens, flowers and landscape designs of every type.

Knowing nothing at all about building websites, I started to create my own site so I could share my passion, experience,and inspiring ideas with fellow gardeners all around the world.

I welcome your feedback, ideas, photos & discussions on my site forum. Come and see me there!

Rose Gardening A Highly Rewarding Pastime by A.Causey

2008-01-21T00:55:00.002-08:00

Rose gardening is an absorbing and highly rewarding pastime. Rose Gardening; is a true and effective way, to beautify your property and the world for that matter.Just think how the world would look if everyone took advantage of rose gardening.Going to work or to town; seeing the beauty of roses everywhere would place beauty in your eyes and even your heart.

Learn rose gardening and you can make a beautiful, and fragrant addition to any home or buisness.And growing roses is not nearly as difficult as you might think. What could be better than presenting a bouquet of roses to someone special, especially when you have not only grown them, but chosen the best, and freshly picked them yourself.So if you want learn rose gardening, start yourself off right with expert hints and tips,with very little effort, and very little expense.

Rose Gardening Tips:

1)It seems that even with the best of prevention techniques and caring for your roses, you cannot always stop diseases and problems from affecting your roses.

2)Check with your local gardening center; or florist for the best type of roses to grow in you climate.

3)There are literally hundreds of types of roses that you can grow in your garden.With such a selection to choose from, it can be extremely difficult to choose the rose that's right for you. When you have the right knowledge, there is no limit to how beautiful a garden or rosebush that you can create.

4)Rose gardening can be a challenging exercise but you don't have to be an expert to grow roses.

5)Roses are grown successfully in gardens in nearly every different type of climate and environmental condition.

6)For planting roses a good garden loam with organic matter is important.It must contain peat moss, leaf mold, compost, rotted or commercial manure, and the bed should be prepared as far ahead of planting as is feasible in order to all.

7)One rose that you may consider is Hybrid tea roses and the original tea rose are the worlds favourite roses; and are available in many gorgeous colors.Hybrid tea roses are among the most beautiful flowers in the world.

Rose Gardening doesn't have to be a complicated thing to do. When you have the right knowledge there is no limit to how beautiful a garden or rosebush that you can create. For more information in creating and learning steps to Rose Gardening go now to: http://www.acauzee.com/Roses/

About the Author

Rose Gardening doesn't have to be a complicated thing to do. When you have the right knowledge there is no limit to how beautiful a garden or rosebush that you can create. For more information in creating and learning steps to Rose Gardening go now to: http://www.acauzee.com/Roses/

Anaerobic Waste Recycling - Use of Gardening Bins and Others by Nowrecycle

2008-01-21T00:55:00.001-08:00

Anaerobic waste recycling or anaerobic digestion is one of the most effective methods of waste disposal, actively using tools like the gardening bins and other types of storage products.

Anaerobic Waste Recycling - The Process

In this sustainable method of waste disposal, the waste is decomposed in an enclosed chamber, unlike in a landfill site, while the digestion takes place in an oxygen-free environment. Using the oxygen that is chemically combined with the waste, the bacteria thrive in this environment and decompose the waste by breaking down the molecules to form gaseous by-products and small quantities of solid residue. It is always helpful to use tools like the gardening bins for accumulation of material for such processes.

Anaerobic digester, the industrial system that harnesses these natural processes to treat waste, also produces biogas that can be further used to fuel electricity generators, provide heat and produce soil-improving material.

Experts point out that the biggest benefit of the anaerobic waste recycling lies in the fact that it has a potential of greatly reducing the amount of organic matter which other wise might be deposited in landfills or waste incinerators.

Application and Usage

The usage of anaerobic digesters has been increasing quite rapidly over the last few years. In fact, they have been quite frequently used for sewage treatment or for the management of animal waste.

Anaerobic waste recycling is an extremely popular and successful method used for disposal of large amounts of waste. Reports suggest that countries like Denmark treat as much as 1.1 million tonnes of waste by anaerobic digestion every year.

Though the use of anaerobic digestion as a sustainable method for waste disposal is quite limited in the UK, its application is now rapidly increasing.

Waster Material

As a method of waste disposal, anaerobic waste recycling can be effectively used to treat a large variety of organic waste, the majority of which can be stored using especially designed gardening bins and stylish bins. These primarily include biodegradable waste materials such as waste paper, grass clippings, leftover food, sewage and animal waste. In addition, for the purpose of increasing the biogas production, these anaerobic digesters can also be fed with especially grown energy crops which will further boost the biodegradable content.

The By-Products

The process of anaerobic waste recycling yields a series of useful by-products that can be further used for the benefit of the environment and economy in general.

These by-products mainly include:

1. Biogas: This is a gaseous mixture which comprises mostly of methane and carbon dioxide, but also contains a small amount of hydrogen and smaller levels of hydrogen suphide.

2. Acidogenic digestate: This is a stable organic material comprised largely of lignin and chitin and a variety of mineral components.

3. Methanogenic digestate: This material is rich in nutrients and can prove to be an excellent fertilizer, especially if the quality of the material being digested is higher.

Tools and products like the gardening bins and stylish bins play an important role in the effectiveness of waste disposal methods like anaerobic waste recycling.

Editors' notes:

NowRecycle.co.uk is a trading style of Plastic Omnium Systems Ltd - a European market leader in waste containment solutions that provides a wide range of waste containers and services including wheeled bins, litter bins, banks, composters and sacks. It is part of the International Plastic Omnium Group, a world leader in contract waste container solutions with worldwide sales of more than £1.8 billion. It employs over 9,000 people in 25 countries, across four continents, in manufacturing and service solutions for the automotive, environment and performance plastic products. Press Contact: Simon Dutta, N European Marketing Director, Plastic Omnium Urban Systems Ltd Telephone: 01952 582 583

About the Author

NowRecycle.co.uk is a trading style of Plastic Omnium Systems Ltd - a European market leader in waste containment solutions that provides a wide range of waste containers and services including wheeled bins, litter bins, banks, composters and sacks. Press Contact: Simon Dutta, N European Marketing Director, Plastic Omnium Urban Systems Ltd Telephone: 01952 582 583

Create Great Compost By Learning What Works In A Gardening Bin by Nowrecycle

2008-01-21T00:54:00.001-08:00

Using a gardening bin to create compost is a great way to get in on the recycling craze. The practice is fantastic for the environment, helps save landfill space and can even keep a gardener's wallet a little heavier. Making compost, however, requires a careful touch. Knowing what to toss into a gardening bin and what to avoid can make a huge difference.

The University of Oxford offers some great suggestions on what can and should go into a gardening bin meant for creating compost. The key to creating a good compost material is to be certain to mix up the variety of items in the bin. Too many grass clippings added at once, for example, can make the compost too wet and slow down the decomposition.

To ensure a solid mix in a gardening bin, Oxford suggests remembering that items beyond garden waste can go into compost. Some of its suggestions include coffee grounds, tea bags, fruit, vegetables, dryer lint, almost any type of string or twine with natural fibres and more.

Paper products are ideal for adding to wheeled containers used for composting. These too should not be overloaded in the mix, however. The types of paper that work wonders in compost include used paper hand towels, the inside of toilet paper rolls, scraps of paper, cardboard and any other non-plastic coated paper materials.

While some locations strongly urge against the use of certain materials in the mix, Oxford is quick to point out that modern gardening bin products help reduce and even eliminate worry about pests, such as rats. If a plastic, elevated gardening bin is used for composting, items such as left over meat products, eggs, cheese and so on can all go into the mix. This does not guarantee the smell level won't be high, but pests will likely be kept at bay. Personal discretion is advised by many on the potentially smellier additions.

Although modern composting enables a broader use of products in the mix, there are certain things to avoid when making compost. The key in creating a nutrient-rich compost material is ensuring the breakdown of the materials. With this in mind, items that are not organic in nature should not be tossed into the bin. This means anything plastic should not be thrown into the mix. In addition, look out for items that appear organic, but that might have plastic coating on them. Some wrapping papers, for example, might not break down as desired. Also, plastic bags used in lunches are a no-go, but paper lunch bags are ideal.

The process of taking organic waste and blending it into a valuable compost material can take some time to happen. Since compost is the result of the decomposition process, some materials are likely to take longer than others. A lot also depends on the heat, moisture level and ventilation involved.

If composting is done correctly, the benefits of the process are worth the effort. This material works well as a mulch, a soil fertilizer and it helps keep rubbish out of landfills. By assisting the process of natural recycling along, those who compost are generally doing themselves, their plants and the world around them a favour. While it might take a little time to realise the benefits of turning a gardening bin into a composting pile, the payoff can be rather large in the long run.

Editors' notes: NowRecycle.co.uk is a trading style of Plastic Omnium Systems Ltd - a European market leader in waste containment solutions that provides a wide range of waste containers and services including wheeled bins, litter bins, banks, composters and sacks. It is part of the International Plastic Omnium Group, a world leader in contract waste container solutions with worldwide sales of more than £1.8 billion. It employs over 9,000 people in 25 countries, across four continents, in manufacturing and service solutions for the automotive, environment and performance plastic products. Press Contact: Simon Dutta, N European Marketing Director, Plastic Omnium Urban Systems Ltd Telephone: 01952 582 583

About the Author

NowRecycle.co.uk is a trading style of Plastic Omnium Systems Ltd - a European market leader in waste containment solutions that provides a wide range of waste containers and services including wheeled bins, litter bins, banks, composters and sacks. Press Contact: Simon Dutta, N European Marketing Director, Plastic Omnium Urban Systems Ltd Telephone: 01952 582 583

Using Human Urine As A Liquid Fertilizer by Julie Williams

2008-01-21T00:52:00.001-08:00

OK, so are you over the shock now??? In the not so distant past, we didn't have the luxury of having a small room in the house where we could flush away our number ones and twos. But did you ever wonder how we managed before the water closet? Not that I want to get into the history of it, but let's just say that before the times of our current throw-away society, people thought of multiple uses for just about everything. Well maybe you didn't know that human urine is the fastest acting, most excellent source of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium and some trace elements. Not only that, but we all have a constant, year round supply of it - and it's free! There's not a lot of effort involved in creating this wonderful organic liquid fertilizer.

Some men I know are more than happy to oblige a tree, bush or lawn (out of view, of course).
Did you know that many toilets use between 50 and 100 litres of water a day to flush around 1.5litres of pee? And the high levels of nutrients in our effluent systems leads to the growth of algae, which ultimately causes the death of plants and animals throughout our waterways.

What are the advantages of using urine as an organic liquid fertilizer?

 If you're not flushing this valuable liquid down the loo, you are reducing your water consumption - good for the environment and your pocket
 You'll be reducing the amount of sewerage runoff
 There'll be less nutrients in our waterways
 Urine as a liquid fertilizer is available in an ideal chemical form for plants to use
 Gardening costs are less as your liquid fertilizer is free
 It is readily available all year round and there are no transportation costs

Just so that you know, fresh human urine is sterile (unless there is a urinary tract infection - this urine should not be used) and so free from bacteria.
I recommend that you dilute urine to 10-15 parts water to 1 part urine for application on plants in the growth stage. Dilute to 30-50 parts water to 1 part urine for use on pot plants as they are much more sensitive to fertilizers of any kind.
Trees, shrubs and lawn should cope well without dilution. Withhold the use of urine liquid fertilizer on all food plants at least two weeks before harvesting. Apply under fruiting plants, not directly on foliage.

Don't use urine older than 24hours on your plants as the urea turns into ammonia and will burn your plants. If it's not fresh, add it to your compost heap. Adding undiluted human urine to your compost heap will help heat it up quickly as it is an excellent activator and will add to the final nutrient value.

As far as antibiotics, vitamin supplements and other medications go, yes they will end up in your urine, but in such minute quantities that I believe to be negligible - especially when it is diluted.

So put this excellent source of free liquid fertilizer to good use in your garden, rather than add to the burden that we as humans cause to our environment.

About the Author

Julie is an avid organic gardener and recycler, living on a small country property in South Australia. Her mission is to encourage as many people as possible to garden organically. Please visit her website for great info Beginners Organic Gardening or Companion Planting Guide
www.1stoporganicgardening.com

Make Your Garden Happy With A Composting Bin by Nowrecycle

2008-01-21T00:52:00.000-08:00

There are a variety of ways to save money and enjoy great results in a garden, but one of the best involves nothing more than adding a composting bin into the mix. This simple addition and its resulting compost saves backyard gardeners money and time while protecting the environment and helping plants along the way.

The practice of creating compost at home is not all that terribly difficult to get started. All that is required is a special place to put organic scraps, such as kitchen discards and plant materials. A specifically designed composting bin serves this purpose well.

Once a place has been designated to make compost, be it a wheeled bin or a homemade box, the trick to making compost is rather easy to master. Just start tossing organic materials into the composting bin or box instead of the rubbish bin. The items that are ideal for making compost include vegetable scraps and skin, nut shells, plant material, paper, grass clippings and so on. Avoid using oils, dairy products and even meats, since these can attract pests, such as rodents.

For the organisms that aid in the creation of compost to do their jobs, the composting bin will need to be kept fairly warm, have ample air and remain moist. Texas A&M University describes the ideal environment as something akin to a wet sponge. If the conditions are correct, compost can be available for use within about six weeks or so.

When the composting bin is left to its own devices with the right recipe of regular, organic waste in the mix, the results can be very beneficial not only for the garden, but also the gardener and the environment. The perks of getting into composting can add up financially, as well.

Compost can be used in place of or as a mulching agent. This means compost fans may avoid having to buy bags of this in abundance. In addition, the practice of composting can also help keep garden and some kitchen waste out of landfills. Texas A&M estimates about 20 to 30 percent of all rubbish involves materials that could be better recycled in composting bins.

The benefits of using compost in a backyard garden are most noticeable with the plants, however. This nutrient-rich material is ideal for helping plants hold in their moisture while adding vital food to the soil. It is ideal for use with flowers, trees, shrubs and vegetables. Some gardeners go to great lengths to mix it into the soil of their potted plants as well. Those who are in love with their lawns sometimes spread compost carefully to assist in growth here, too.

Providing a free and virtually endless supply of mulch and natural fertilizer, composting is a practice highly encouraged in both the gardening and environmental arenas. By recycling organic materials, rather than tossing them into plastic rubbish bags, gardeners help the cycle of life continue, while ridding themselves of the need to spend a fortune on a lot of other products.

From growing roses to creating a backyard vegetable garden, compost can help the process along. All that is really required to get started is a little patience, a composting bin and the willingness to think before throwing out items that work well in a good compost mix.

Editors' notes: NowRecycle.co.uk is a trading style of Plastic Omnium Systems Ltd - a European market leader in waste containment solutions that provides a wide range of waste containers and services including wheeled bins, litter bins, banks, composters and sacks. It is part of the International Plastic Omnium Group, a world leader in contract waste container solutions with worldwide sales of more than £1.8 billion. It employs over 9,000 people in 25 countries, across four continents, in manufacturing and service solutions for the automotive, environment and performance plastic products. Press Contact: Simon Dutta, N European Marketing Director, Plastic Omnium Urban Systems Ltd Telephone: 01952 582 583

About the Author

NowRecycle.co.uk is a trading style of Plastic Omnium Systems Ltd - a European market leader in waste containment solutions that provides a wide range of waste containers and services including wheeled bins, litter bins, banks, composters and sacks. Press Contact: Simon Dutta, N European Marketing Director, Plastic Omnium Urban Systems Ltd Telephone: 01952 582 583

Saving Water In The Garden by Jonathan Ya'akobi

2008-01-21T00:51:00.002-08:00

If you live and have a garden in a dry climate you'll know doubt be wanting to conserve water for the usual reasons such as the amount of water available to you per annum being severely restricted by the local authority; or water use being metered and very expensive; or you just feel bad about wasting water

The third reason may be the most admirable, but it shares something in common with the other two. They are all negatives. It's important of course to be aware of undesirable things, but the trouble with focusing on the negative is that we're liable to do things begrudgingly. "If only we had enough water, we could have acres of lawn", or "I wish my garden was a tropical paradise, but they won't let us use enough water".

Actually, I think there is a very real design reason for dry climate gardeners to make every effort to conserve this precious resource. Let's think of the "standard" suburban garden, with the lawn taking up most of the space, a thin strip left round the perimeter for a hedge, a flower bed, and a fruit tree or two. Considering the water needs of the grass, there's no way that water can be conserved. But who says that a garden should look like that anyway? Whether the garden is in Ireland, Thailand or Southern California, it's just dreadful design, if indeed the term "design" can be applied at all in these cases. I myself choose to look on the lack of water not as a liability to be regretted, but as an opportunity to break the mold, indeed to break the paradigm of the standard garden. The cliché is not something to hanker after, but something to be liberated from, and we dry climate gardeners have been blessed with the incentive to stop copying, and to start designing!

So what are the basic principles on which water conserving gardening is based? Obviously, the amount of water consumed is a function of the type of plants grown and the area they take up. For instance, in a typically Mediterranean climate of say 500 mm annual rainfall, with long hot rainless summers, a lawn is going to require at the very least, 700 mm of additional water. That is 700 liters per square meter a year. Add to that fruit trees and annual flowers and we're talking about a crazy consumption rate.

You've been told, no doubt, to "water by drip irrigation" or to "put on the sprinklers at night", or to plant plants that need "less" water. These instructions should not be confused with principles, for by simply obeying them, either you won't save significant amounts of water, or you will, and the garden will look extremely poor, unless that is, you have some systematic understanding of the subject, and are then able to apply that understanding to your garden. Here is an approach to water conserving gardening, that if applied correctly makes it possible to have a beautiful garden on the one hand, but one that consumes water within pre-determined limits on the other. These principles can be summed up as follows:

* Define in terms of quantity the annual water needs of each group of plants (lawn, shrubs and trees, flowers etc)

* Determine the projected water consumption of the garden. If it's a garden to be, then the design should take this into account.

* Group plants with similar water needs together (crucial)

* Design and set up an irrigation system that supplies the required water to the plants on the one hand, but at an applied rate, which allows the soil to absorb the water, on the other. The system should allow for independent watering schedules for different plant groups.

Calculate the quantities to be applied for each separate group, and for each separate watering, and then set the irrigation controller, or timer in accordance with the amount calculated.

* The use of techniques which do indeed reduce water consumption, such as organic mulches, or collecting rain water.

About the Author

My name is Jonathan Ya'akobi. I've been gardening in a professional capacity since 1984. I am the former head gardener of the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, but now concentrate on building gardens for private home owners. I also teach horticulture to students on training courses. I'd love to share my knowledge and experience with you. So you're welcome to visit me on http://www.dryclimategardening.com

Fertilizer Pumps for your Garden. A few Points Worth Knowing by Jonathan Ya'akobi

2008-01-21T00:51:00.001-08:00

The next time someone tries to convince you that you "have to" install an automatic fertilizer system to feed your garden plants, I would like to suggest that you take into account the following points.

* In many countries it is prohibited by law to pump liquid fertilizer through the drip system, without the installation of an approved back-flow prevention instrument. This instrument has to be checked by a qualified person on a regular basis - usually once per annum. Failure to do so, like driving a car with an out of date license, could lead to criminal proceedings. Please check where the law stands in your country.

* As the liquid fertilizer is usually poured into a 25 liter container (from which the solution is pumped into the drippers),this empties very quickly in anything but a very small area. In other words you spend more time messing about with feeding than if you were to apply compost and slow release fertilizer once or twice a year .

* The tendency for people who use fertilizer pumps is to think that there's no need to add organic matter to the soil. Nothing could be more mistaken in my view. It is essential to build up the percentage of humus in the soil, and this is generally done by the consistent adding of compost at least once a year. While composting, slow release fertilizer, organic or mineral, can be added, without spending significantly more time. Total reliance on chemical fertilizer is liable to cause soil degeneration, and increase disease and pest infestations, and by creating an undesirable soil pH, can actually make some microelements, such as iron for example, unavailable to your garden plants.

* From my experience, injecting liquid fertilizer does often result in more rapid growth in a newly planted garden, but gardens whose soil is enriched organically, catch up after a couple of years or so. Is quick, quick, quick, the last word in good horticultural practice? I don't think so. In fact the only circumstance in a small garden where automatic fertilizing may be intrinsically preferable, is for plants grown in pots and containers, excluding hydroponic culture. So other than container gardening, I suggest you save your money and leave the fertilizer pumps to the plant nurseries where their use is far more relevant.

About the Author

My name is Jonathan Ya'akobi. I've been gardening in a professional capacity since 1984. I am the former head gardener of the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, but now concentrate on building gardens for private home owners. I also teach horticulture to students on training courses. I'd love to share my knowledge and experience with you. So you're welcome to visit me on http://www.dryclimategardening.com

How to Grow a Fabulous Landscaping Hedge by JonathanYa'akobi

2008-01-21T00:48:00.002-08:00

Last week in my article "Landscaping hedges for a dry climate", I outlined the design reasons for growing a finely trimmed hedge. In many garden situations, an informal screen of shrubs is the best design solution, but in circumstances where the hedge has been decided upon as the desired option, it's important to recognize that maintaining it is no easy matter. So here are the principles behind successfully growing a hedge in your garden.

Pruning hedge bushes: When the plants that are to make up the hedge are young, it's vital to give them a light prune now and again, in order to develop dense, compact growth. If say the designated height of the mature hedge is to be 2 meters, then DO NOT wait for the bushes to reach that height before trimming them, rather they should arrive at their final height in stages.

Trimming an established hedge: Here are some crucial points. Trim the sides first before dealing with the top of the hedge. The hedge should taper inwards, meaning that the top should be narrower than the bottom, in order to prevent the higher parts of the hedge shading out the lower ones. Trim slowly in one direction only at a time. It's virtually impossible to trim straight if you clip the sides and the top in one continuous movement.

Watering and feeding: Remember that growing a hedge is highly intensive horticulture. Do not neglect the usual gardening tasks such as watering and feeding. On the contrary, the hedge will require more care than shrubs that are grown as informal screens. The plants should be composted at least once a year, and the application of an additional organic or slow release chemical fertilizer should be considered. Take care not to damage the roots when hoeing in the compost!

Mulching: The spreading of a suitable organic mulch, like wood chippings, is always a good bet for improving the growing conditions for the hedge bushes.

Pest and Diseases: This is more about choosing relatively pest resistant species for the hedge, than anything else. Avoid planting vulnerable plants, in order to keep your pest control regime down to a minimum.

About the Author

My name is Jonathan Ya'akobi. I've been gardening in a professional capacity since 1984. I am the former head gardener of the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, but now concentrate on building gardens for private home owners. I also teach horticulture to students on training courses. I'd love to share my knowledge and experience with you. So you're welcome to visit me on http://www.dryclimategardening.com

Top Vegetable Gardening Tips For Tomato Growing by Alison Stevens

2008-01-21T00:48:00.001-08:00

Vegetable gardening tips for tomato growing are readily available. Most gardeners are happy to share their tomato growing tips and even non-gardeners who attempt to grow tomatoes every spring will offer advice. The difficulty for the novice tomato grower comes in trying so sort the valuable vegetable gardening tips for tomato growing from the old wives' tales.

One of the best sources for vegetable gardening help is a local nursery. Buying plants at a supermarket or a chain store with garden center may allow you to purchase plants at a cheaper price, but it is unlikely that the staff in these stores know a great deal about gardening. For reliable vegetable gardening help, visit a local nursery. Many nurseries carry plants that they themselves have grown from seed, and they will be knowledgeable about each variety of plant and can advise on local conditions.

Local Garden Club

Most towns have a local garden club and meeting together with other gardeners is a great way to obtain vegetable gardening help and improve your knowledge. Other gardeners from your locality will have abundant information about the requirements of vegetables in your zone. When you enlist the aid of gardeners that are local to your area, you will get vegetable gardening help that you can use because these gardeners understand the unique needs of your particular zone.

Local garden clubs often run workshops or classes on topics ranging from composting, to growing a particular variety of heirloom vegetable, to pest control in the garden. Many often sponsor projects such as community gardens which can provide gardening space to those who live in apartments and have no garden space of their own. and taking part in an altruistic endeavor with your fellow garden club members is a fantastic way to learn all sorts of gardening secrets and tips.

Even if you don't join a garden club taking part in some workshops will provide you with an opportunity to meet fellow gardeners and form friendships with people with a common interest.

The County Extension Office

Another top resource for vegetable gardening advice is your local county extension office. They specialize in solving the gardening problems unique to your local environment. They can perform soil tests, identify plants and diseases and sometimes supply free seeds or plants

Once you've gained some gardening knowledge it's time to get your hands dirty.

Tomatoes and other vegetables are easy to grow if you start with good soil. Before you plant your garden, till the soil to about a depth of ten inches and dig in some well rotted compost or other organic material. Complete this step several weeks before you want to plant your tomatoes.

For a larger garden, you can rent a tiller, but for a small garden space you can use a gardening fork to dig in the compost.

When risk of frost has passed, drive a ¾ inch stake into your prepared garden bed. Dig a hole a little deeper and wider than the size of the tomato plant's pot next to the stake, gently place the plant into the hole and firm it in. A trellis or tomato cage can also be used for support in lieu of a stake. These are readily available at nurseries and hardware stores. Use soft twine or tomato ties to tie the plant's stem loosely to the stake or trellis. As the tomato plant grows, check the ties regularly and loosen them occasionally to prevent stem damage. The tomato seedlings should be planted 18 inches apart to allow the sun to reach the ripening fruit.

Feed Your Tomato Plants

Feed your tomato plants regularly using a potassium-based plant food or you can create your own organic fertilizer mix. Planting basil adjacent to your tomato plants will assist in keeping pests at bay.

Watering is as important as feeding. Water your tomatoes regularly with a hand-held hose. Direct the water at the base of the plant and avoid wetting the leaves which can lead to rot.

Never let your tomatoes dry out to the point that they wilt. Although you can usually save the wilted plant by watering it, the dry period will take its toll on the plant and affect the quality of the fruit. Extended dry spells may cause your tomatoes to crack.

Regularly nip out by hand any side shoots that develop between the leaf and the stem. This will help to channel the plant's energy into its fruit.

When your tomatoes have ripened, pick them by bending back the fruit at the notch on the stem. Ripe tomatoes can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Continue to water and feed the plant to help the remaining tomatoes to ripen and mature.

About the Author

Alison Stevens is an online author and maintains Grow Great Tomatoes website to assist anyone who wants to get started growing tomatoes and other vegetables.

Five Excellent Reasons For Mulching Your Garden Beds by Jonathan Ya'akobi

2008-01-21T00:47:00.001-08:00

The use of some sort of material to be spread on the ground to a certain height, which acts as an insulating layer between the soil's surface and the atmosphere, or mulching in short, is a technique being increasingly employed by professional horticulturalists. Some home gardeners may still be insufficiently aware of its importance, so in this article I'll tell you why a mulch layer is so important, then I'll go into the different types of mulch, their various qualities and how they should be used. Amongst many benefits, a mulch on the soil -

* Significantly reduces weeds. This is true of annuals although mulching does not generally prevent the growth of perennial weeds

* Significantly reduces the evaporation of moisture from the soil surface and is therefore an essential part of water conserving gardening

* Reduces soil erosion caused by wind and rain. This is a fantastically important benefit

* Moderates the top-soil temperature. So in the winter a layer of mulch can prevent freezing, and in hot- summer climates, prevent the top soil reaching temperatures that inhibit plant growth

* Is aesthetically superior to the sight of bare soil and irrigation pipes

Taking aesthetic considerations into account, there are broadly speaking two types of mulch which are viable in a garden. Organic mulches such as wood chippings, and natural inorganic mulches such as pebbles. Which is preferable?

The use of decorative pebbles is often part of an overall design. They are particularly appropriate, associatively, in dry climate gardens. But there are a number of drawbacks involved. Some aggregates such as dark stones of volcanic origin have been found to actually increase the top-soil temperature. Furthermore, adding organic feeds to the soil, something that should be done once or twice a year, becomes difficult and tiresome. The use of a chemical fertilizer pump offers a way round this, but sets in train a number of problems. Relying on chemical fertilizers as the only method of feeding is dreadful gardening! For further discussion on the automatic fertilizer pumps, see a previous article of mine called "The truth about fertilizer pumps."

On the other hand, while wood chippings may in some cases be less attractive, they help to create a better habitat in which your garden plants grow. Organic mulches definitely moderate the soil's temperature, they provide raw material for essential organisms like earthworms, (see article called "The world's greatest gardener!") and as they break down they contribute humus to the soil. All these factors reduce pest and disease infestations, improve the soil's structure, and in the long run help to provide balanced nutriment for the plants

For organic mulches to be effective, they need to be spread to a depth of about 10 cm, after the initial quantity has settled. This means you need to spread about 15cm in order to end up with a layer of some 10 cm, and you'll need to add a bit each year as the chippings closest to the soil's surface break down. Be careful to keep the mulch away from tree trunks and shrub stems. It could cause rot to set in.

About the Author

My name is Jonathan Ya'akobi. I've been gardening in a professional capacity since 1984. I am the former head gardener of the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, but now concentrate on building gardens for private home owners. I also teach horticulture to students on training courses. I'd love to share my knowledge and experience with you. So you're welcome to visit me on http://www.dryclimategardening.com

Rose Garden And Other Flower Gardening by A .Causey

2008-01-21T00:47:00.000-08:00

Rose gardening is becoming more and more popular every day.Roses can brighten everyoneâ€™s day, they smell nice, and are a great hobby. Rose gardening is simple, inexpensive, and loads of fun. Flower gardening can be done for yard decoration, simply as a hobby, or even professionally.

ROSE GARDENING: Rose Garden Tips for the novice and more advanced rose gardener: If you are a novice rose gardener and have never planted roses before, these basic rose garden tips will help you start of. Roses ultimately love sunshine, so provide them with the best spot possible and make sure they receive at least 6 hours of sunshine every day.

Climbing Roses: Climbing and rambling roses are ambitious climbers. You can completely cover a chain link fence with a plant every 2-3 feet. Start with bare-stemmed root stock, and train new growth along the chain links and support frames.

OTHER FLOWERS: There are some decisions that have to be made before even flower gardening can be started. You must decide if you want annuals that live for one season and must be replanted every year, or perennials that survive the winter and return again in the summer. When buying and planting, pay attention to what kind of flowers thrive in your climate as well ass the sun requirements. When flower gardening, you must decide what type of look you want before planting. For instance, mixing different heights, colors, and varieties of flowers together in a â€œwild-plant styleâ€ will give your garden a meadow look and can be very charming. If short flowers are planted in the front of your garden and work up to the tallest flowers in the back you will have a â€œstepping stone styleâ€. You can order seeds for flower gardening from catalogues or buy them from a nursery. Most people will go to the nursery and buy actual flowers and then transplant them. After you have prepared your garden area and bought flowers, it is a good idea to lay the flowers out in the bed to make sure you like the arrangement and that they will be spaced properly. One of the easiest processes in flower gardening is the planting/ if you have seeds just sprinkle them around in the flower bed. For planting transplants dig a hole just bigger than the flower, pull the container off, and set the flower in the hole right side up. Cover it with the loose soil and press down firmly, then water. Maintaining a flower garden is even easier than planting one. Although they might make it on their own, a bag of fertilizer applied in the early spring is a good idea. Pinch back any blooms after they start to fade and keep them good and watered. To save yourself work during the next season of flower gardening, rid your garden of all debris and spread out organic nutrients like peat moss or compost. Donâ€™t forget to turn over the soil to properly mix in the fertilizer and rake smooth when finished. If you have perennials planted be careful not to disturb their roots in this process. Flower gardening is as easy as 1, 2, and 3: simply decide what to plant; plant it, and water, water, water! Flower gardening is undoubtedly gaining in popularity and gives anyone excellent reason to spend some outdoors and test out their green thumb. More Info Can Be Found At: http://www.acauzee.com/Roses/

About the Author

Rose Garden Tips for the novice and more advanced rose gardener: If you are a novice rose gardener and have never planted roses before, these basic rose garden tips will help you start of. Roses ultimately love sunshine, so provide them with the best spot possible and make sure they receive at least 6 hours of sunshine every day. http://www.acauzee.com/Roses/Rose-Garden-Tips.php

Revitalizing Your Body With Organic Whole Food Vitamins by Terry Schierer

2008-01-21T00:46:00.000-08:00

Stressed out? No time for yourself? Your body needs organic whole food vitamins to you the optimum nutrition you need to keep going.

If you're like most people, your schedule is packed and your days are hectic. Healthy meals are often forsaken for the ease of fat-laden fast food and the convenience ingredients found on the shelves of the local supermarket lack many of the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs.

People today are at a higher risk than ever for a number of serious health complications, including several types of life-threatening cancer. The average adult often feels they lack the energy needed to complete their day. Why?

First, commercially produced foods are grown with the aid of pesticides and fertilizers that contain harmful chemicals. Chemical residue is responsible for a number of allergies and illnesses and can absorb the natural nutrient value of the farm soil, resulting in reduced levels of vitamins and minerals in the food.

Further processing of commercial food products detracts even more nutrient value. Most foods contain a very small percentage of the vitamins and minerals they would provide in their natural form. This is detrimental to the human body.

For your body to get optimum nutrition it needs these specific vitamins and minerals. To keep the body going strong nutrients are a must for a busy lifestyle.

With so many processed food choices available, how can you be sure that your family is getting all of the protein, must have nutrients and germ attacking enzymes you need for optimum nutrition?

Whole live foods are foods grown naturally, without the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemically enhanced gardening aids. Certified organic whole foods are loaded with the vitamins and minerals today's fresh foods are lacking and are packaged without additives or preservatives so those vital nutrients are retained for your consumption.

A fast paced lifestyle and rat race living make it almost impossible to get the 5 to 9 portions of fruits and veggies that a healthy body needs. The answer is organic whole food vitamins.

The secret is the use of live whole foods that are loaded with nutrients lacking in modern processed food.

Not only do these whole food ingredients supply a higher level of vitamins and minerals than commercial foods and supplements, organic vitamins can provide the benefits of hundreds of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains in one single serving.

I don't care how diligently you plan your schedule there are those times when convenience food substitutes have to make do. This leaves you body nutrient starved.

Between the teen years and the age of 50, the average American will rarely take in the recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables. Most will not eat 5 servings a day; many will not even consume 5 cups of fruits and vegetables in a week.

The small number of individuals who do eat their veggies will typically consume commercially processed foods, still leaving their body deficient in many crucial nutrients and ingesting a variety of chemical residues.

What if a healthy, vitamin packed diet was simpler and more convenient? What if there was a pill or a smooth, fruit flavored drink that would:

* Give you the pure, unprocessed benefits of more than 70 different power foods?

* Fortify the immune system by eliminating bacteria and germs that cause disease?

* Leverage 80+ must have minerals and essential enzymes?

* Significantly lower your risks of cancer, diabetes, and other ailments?

* Activate more energy allowing you to get more accomplished without feeling run down at the end of the day?

* Intensify your overall health by giving your body optimum nutrition, nutrients lacking in todays processed foods?

Organic whole food vitamins are the answer to modern nutrition deficiencies and the key to achieving a healthy, balanced, nutrient rich diet in today's hectic society.

Better than the typical nutrition supplement, organic whole food vitamins contain pure, unprocessed ingredients with thousands of enzymes, antioxidants, and other vital nutrients that can't be found in most available commercial products.

About the Author

To get the rest of the story on organic whole food vitamins go to the authors website: http://organicfood-guide.com/organic-whole-food-vitamins.html where the second half of the secret to optimum nutrition is revealed.

Do It Natural - Pest and Insect Control Organically by Kent Higgins

2008-01-21T00:45:00.000-08:00

If there are flowers and vegetables in your garden, you can be sure that there are pests as well. Especially if you will be eating vegetables from the garden, you wonÃt want to use chemicals to kill the pests. Luckily, for every pest, you can use a natural means of repellent. Natural pest control is not only healthier for you, your family, your plants, and the environmentï¿½-it is cheaper too.

Approximately 136 million pounds of pesticides are used every year in the home lawn and gardens of North Americans. This is just for individuals, not even for farmers (who actually use 1/3 of the amount as the homeowners). Most contamination and poisonings that occur originate from single family homes. It is very important to use methods of pest control that are healthy to surrounding life and the environment in general.

To avoid adding more harmful chemicals to our soil, you can take the following natural pest control measures.

First, to keep insects from damaging your garden, you should check to see if your garden is healthy in the first place. Is the soil well prepared? Is the pH correctly adjusted? Is there adequate drainage? Is the soil getting proper nutrients from adding compost?

You should remove any weak plants as your garden matures. Dispose of them, any weeds, and compost away from the garden to help keep pests away that would otherwise be attracted to the decaying matter.

Keeping mulch and compost on the top of the garden beds will help plants to grow healthily.

A natural and healthy way to promote quick plant growth is to spray the plants with seaweed fertilizer spray. The spray contains iron, zinc, barium, calcium, sulfur, and magnesium--all which strengthen the soil and aid growth.

You need to keep your garden clean and clear of any debris or objects that can become a breeding ground for pests. Using clean mulch is important as well.

To kill insects that attack specific plants, you should interplant and rotate crops. This will keep insects from spreading and re-infesting the same area again.

Watering the garden early in the morning will give the plants plenty of time to dry. If the foliage is too wet for too long, insects and fungi will take over.

If a plant is infected with a fungus or disease, you should promptly remove the plant. Also, the problem is likely contagious, so you should disinfect your gardening tools before you use them on other plants.

Not all insects are pests. Some of them, like Brachonids, Chalcids, Ichneumon Wasps, Ladybugs, Lacewings, Praying Mantises, and Hover flies, are beneficial to your garden. They can be attracted to your garden or bought in a store and brought to your garden. They help to fight against the insects that are pests.

By using natural organic pest control, it is easy to keep your garden healthy through the whole year while keeping the environment healthy at the same time. Search the internet or ask for more information at your local organic gardening store for information specific to your garden.

About the Author

Taking advantage of organic pest control options helps keep the environment safer and less toxic. Discover a safe natural plant pest control method at http://www.plant-care.com/pest-control-without-pesticides.html

Step by Step Easy Method to Grow Indoor Tomatoes by M.D.Martin

2008-01-21T00:43:00.001-08:00

Step by Step Easy Method to Grow Indoor Tomatoes

Growing tomatoes indoors is not difficult. Anyone can grow tomatoes indoors. All plants require the same basic elements; Soil (medium), light, water and the proper temperature to grow successfully. Of course each plant differs in the type of soil, amount of light, amount of water and the ideal temperatures it requires. Iâ€™ll focus on growing indoor tomato plants for this article by outlining the basic needs of the tomato plant. Followed by the method I use to grow indoor tomato plants and some useful resources to help you.

What Tomato Plants Like:

â€¢ Soil: The soil (medium) can be the usual potting soil mix that contains sphagnum peat, vermiculite and perlite. I like to use peat pellets, for starting my indoor tomato plants, that are available at most gardening stores or from online sources. TIP#1: Want to make your own peat pellets? Check out the article at Mother Earth News. For more in depth information on tomato plants I suggest; Jasonâ€™s Indoor Guide.To much to cover here. http://www.jasons-indoor-guide-to-organic-and-hydroponics-gardening.com/how-to-grow-tomatoes.html â€¢ Light: Indoor tomato plants need to get 8-12 hours of bright light per day and a southern exposure is ideal during the colder months. Just take care to avoid cold drafts or to hot environments. Also if you donâ€™t have good lighting there are many sources for plant lighting available at your gardening store or online. Tomato plants also need a period of sleep (darkness).

â€¢ Water: When you are starting your tomato plants from seeds (this is what I do for growing my plants indoors) keep the soil (medium) moist. When you see the seedlings appear you should adjust your watering to 2 or 3 or more times per week depending on your homes temperature. Donâ€™t over water and let the soil dry out slightly before watering your plants. Misting is a good thing between watering.

â€¢ Temperature: Tomato plants can grow in a wide temperature range, but do much better with warmer temperatures. For example during the day 68 to 80 degrees and at night (when you save energy and turn the temperature down) from about 58 to 68 degrees.

Shopping List: Note: If you have children, this would be a great project to get them involved.

1. Tomato seeds. Iâ€™d suggest that you do not get the ones that produce the very large tomatoes; Itâ€™s to much extra work supporting them. We want this to be easy, right!

2. Some peat pellets or some potting soil.

3. 1, 2 or 3 of those small seedling pots (the ones you saved, but never knew why) The ones that are 2 to 3 inches tall and 1.5 inches across.

4. Small plastic pot tray, about 3â€ will do or a small saucer of any kind. Why so small; See #5

5. A large fishbowl vase or a large brandy snifter. You can find these at your local dollar store for, guess what, a buck ($1). This will be your green house. Just make sure the plastic tray fits into the opening of the fishbowl easily. TIP#2: Your plants need to breathe so make sure that you super glue 4 of those caps, from your bottled water, to the rim of the fishbowl/brandy snifter rim. The super glue is only a buck ($1) also. Can you tell I like the dollar store? ïŠ Note: If you want to go low tech, a small cardboard box with plastic wrap will do the trick also. Remember to have air flow.

6. Some plant food. Not sure, you may find that at the dollar store. I use Miracle-Gro

7. 1, 2 or 3 of those small gift bags. The ones with the handles and when opened they have a flat bottom. You can match your dÃ©cor or just use the boring brown ones. They should not be over say 10â€ tall and 9â€ wide. More on this later as this is an optional step.

8. 1, 2 or 3 large storage or freezer bags. Note: Donâ€™t try using those plastic grocery bags. They are not water tight and when they leak, the bottom of, your designer gift bag breaks open. That splat you just heard was your baby tomato plant hitting the floor. You donâ€™t really need to ask how I discovered that, do you? ïŒ

Letâ€™s get started:

Note: If you have small children, this would be a great project to get them involved. Just stress that they should never handle the fish bowl/brandy snifter or better yet, keep it out of reach.

1. Total time for this project will be about 30 minutes. Longer if you need to go to the dollar store. Put the peat pellets or potting soil in a seedling pot and set them in a saucer of water to let them absorb the water and expand, while you complete other tasks.

2. As I stated above I like to use peat pellets. If you want to use potting soil, thatâ€™s fine. (If I use potting soil I prefer to use small seedling pots. My thought on this is I like to build a strong root system first and repot later). You will only need to have a few plants unless you want to can tomatoes all year long (if all goes as planned, that is).

3. While the pellets or potting soil are absorbing water you can super glue the bottle caps to the rim of you new fishbowl/brandy snifter. Try to get them straight across from one another to have a solid stable base. You can of course use more if you like.

4. Put the tomato seeds into your potting soil or peat pellets. Plant them at a depth of about Â¼â€. Place the seedling pots with your tomato seeds in the plastic plant tray. I always add enough water to cover the bottom of the seedling pot by 1/8â€ of an inch. This is the method I use to water the plant from that point on, feeding from the bottom. Adjust the water height to insure the potting medium (pest pellet or potting soil) is moist but not soggy. I put about Â¼ of a teaspoon of soluble plant food in a gallon of water and water the plants with this, each time.

5. Place the fishbowl/brandy snifter over the plastic pot tray and set it where it can get sunlight or at least very bright light. In 7 to 15 days you should see small sprouts peaking out. Itâ€™s important not to over water from this point forward. Rotate the tray regularly to produce a straight (vertical) plant. Allow the plants to grow to a height of about 6â€ to 7â€ tall.

6. Oh yeah, did I mention â€œDo Not Over Waterâ€? Now you can repot the plants into larger containers or for those of you, who were scratching your heads, wondering what the gift bags were to be used for. I found a unique use for them. After putting potting soil into the storage/freezer bags (about 4 loose cups full) I add the tomato plant, covering the base of the plant just slightly higher than was covered by the potting soil or peat pellet. I slip the storage/freezer bag into the gift bag. The flat bottom makes it easy to place on a table. TIP #3: I found an old coat rack at a second hand store for $12 bucks (not the dollar store). It has 6 hooks around the top and I can now hang the gift bags from the hooks on the coat rack. It makes for an interesting display, takes up less space than a table and the plants can receive more light being above other plants or objects. Also I have the ability to support the plant when it begins bearing fruit. Is a tomato a fruit? Yes, I looked it up.

I cannot stress this enough â€œDo Not Over Waterâ€. The plastic storage/freezer bag will retain moisture. Always check the soil before watering. If in doubt simple mist the plant and water it later. TIP#3: Not sure if the soil is dry or moist. Stick your finger in the soil. If the dirt sticks to your finger; Itâ€™s moist.

With that I am finished. I hope you found some useful information and I do wish you much joy, happiness and success in your life and with your gardening.

MDM www.tgif24-7.com

About the Author

My hobby is gardening and Internet Marketing is my Life. http://tgif24-7.com

Companion Planting for a Healthier Garden by Jason Anderson

2008-01-21T00:43:00.000-08:00

Is your garden overrun with pest insects? Are your plants not growing as well as you would like? Do you want to increase the yield of your vegetables? Then companion planting may be just what you are looking for.

Companion planting is an easy-to-use method that can help plants grow larger and healthier. It's extremely popular in organic gardening, since you don't need to buy or use any chemicals on your plants to reap the benefits. But even if you don't practice organic gardening, you can still use the same methods to get happier plants and larger crops.

The idea of companion planting is extremely simple. Certain combinations of plants, when planted next to each other, will improve the growth of one or both of the plants. This can be due to the effect one of the plants has on the soil, by attracting beneficial insects to the area (for example, attracting pollinators like bees), or even by repelling pests.

There are many plant combinations that work well together. One combination that dates back many centuries (it was originally used by Native Americans) is known by the nickname of "The Three Sisters". This involves planting corn, beans and squash together in the same area. The corn provides a structure for the beans to grow up. The beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which helps the corn and squash grow. The squash performs triple duty â€" it provides a ground cover that restricts the growth of weeds, it helps keep moisture in the soil by acting as a living mulch, and the prickly hairs of it's vines deter pests.

But just as some plants benefit from being planted next to each other, others hate being next to each other. Planting them together can make one or both of the plants grow much slower, and potentially reduce their yield. For example tomatoes hate growing near potatoes or corn. Strangely enough, this hatred doesn't always go both ways. While corn also hates growing next to tomatoes, potatoes don't care if they are planted next to either vegetable (and in fact like being near corn).

Companion planting is an extremely simple idea that improves growth in your plants, but requires no extra work after planting your crops. Why don't you try it the next time you plant out your garden?

About the Author

Jason Anderson invites you to find out more about companion planting and how it can make your garden grow faster, healthier and produce larger crops than you ever thought possible.

Organic Lawns are the Safest to Walk Over in Bare Feet by Rajanmr

2008-01-21T00:42:00.003-08:00

I like going feat barefoot, especially in the summer.

Summertime is an invitation for everyone of us to enter our bleak feet with our selection terrain.

Whether it's using our toes to vantage up blades of gage or wiggling our feet in blonde beaches - there is a pleasurable, intimate, and flourishing unification that we attain with the earth. . . unless it's rotten with unwholesome bacterium or chemicals.

It is not cushy to undergo where to safely place our bleak feet, eliminate in our possess dominated surround same our backwards yards.

Public places are especially arduous to undergo unless they hit the beatific significance to permit grouping undergo if the Atlantic has been aerated with something or if the Atlantic is unsafe.

Beaches crapper hit broad levels of unwanted bacterium (usually e.coli) and we strength not undergo it until the municipality closes it down. Water crapper be vulnerable for tearful and bery bacterium crapper change the shoreline and the sand.

Many lawns and unstoppered sedgelike areas crapper be unexploded with chemicals to blackball band and attain the gage acquire greener and thicker. Sometimes we are forewarned with lowercase albescent flags direction the coupler NO symbolisation over icons of pets and children. In another text -"the chemicals settled on the lawn are harmful".

I am such more alive of this today that I hit my canid Prin whom I achievement in neighborhoods and parks. I revalue those lowercase albescent flags because I undergo when to meet away. I love sight sedgelike areas that hit band and herb where I undergo I crapper safely permit Prin and my unclothed feet separate loose.

I've been datum most nonsynthetic lawn care. Although I hit a uncolored lawn tending assist that is liquid and chemical free, I undergo from my undergo with primary oils and intake cultured foods that there are a difference of structure that we crapper "let nature verify tending of nature".

At the Young Living Farms discover in Mona, Utah, where acres and acres of nonsynthetic job abound, we crapper attestator goats intake weeds. There is a info instruction of primary oils specifically for ending bugs and band which is titled the "ho, ho, ho" formula. If whatever of you HSL readers discover there who are YL fanatics same me undergo what is in this instruction - gratify telecommunicate me. I actually don't conceive it is a info instruction - I conceive YL would be rattling unstoppered to distribution this - but for whatever think it has picked up that reputation.

Now most of us aren't most to go discover and acquire goats, but we strength study composting (compost is a variety of varied decaying nonsynthetic substances utilised for fertilizing soil.

Organic landscapers and professed lawn tending companies who are using uncolored mixtures of compost teas and potions of beatific bacterium are "sprouting up" in different areas.

A 2004 analysis from the National Gardening Association showed that 5% of us are using non-synthetic effectuation for fertilizers, and tracheophyte and ectozoan control. They wait that sort to threefold to 10% by 2009.

About the Author

For best deals in garden furniture and options please visit Konteaki furniture

Mulch In The Garden - The Different Types And How To Use Them by Jonathan Ya'akobi

2008-01-21T00:42:00.002-08:00

There are many reasons for spreading a layer of pebbles or wood chippings on top of the soil around the garden plants, otherwise known as mulching. A mulch layer is said to retard weeds, regulate the top-soil temperature, save water by reducing evaporation from the soil and prevent soil erosion. All this is true in principle, but merely spreading some mulch does not necessarily produce satisfactory results. How then can it be used most effectively?

The use of an inorganic material like decorative pebbles, is often part of an overall design, especially in Mediterranean style gardens. They are best employed as a ground cover, with a few sculptural plants dotted within them. If the bed however is to be covered by plants, then pebbles from my experience, end up being more of a nuisance than a benefit, because they make plant feeding and weed removal amongst other tasks, more problematical.

Let's take then a situation where a prostrate ground cover species is to be planted at a distance of one meter between the plants. The two principle advantages of spreading an organic mulch such as wood chippings between the plants, is that the soil conditions are actually improved, and the temperature of the top layers of the soil are regulated. This is of considerable significance in hot dry climates, where the temperature at the soils' surface can reach 50c and more.

Mulching cannot be isolated from other gardening tasks such as feeding. An excellent way of overcoming the practical inconvenience of feeding the plants through an existing mulch layer, is to incorporate into the soil, massive quantities of compost before planting. If compost is dug in to the soil at a rate of 60 liters per square meter, then together with the wood chippings slowly adding humus to the soil as they break down, there should be little reason to feed for about 5 years! Added to the fact that with a mulch layer, there is no need to hoe and cultivate the top soil, a significant saving in labor can be achieved. One word of warning though. With such quantities only use compost that has been thoroughly broken down and is from a known and reliable source.

Despite its many benefits, it is important to recognize the limitations of mulching. To be effective in retarding weeds, organic mulches should be spread to a net depth of at least 10cm. As at least 5cm is liable to settle, the gross depth of material should therefore be some 15cm. This makes wood chippings a relatively expensive option. Mulches, while significantly reducing the germination rate amongst annual weed seeds, generally have little effect on perennial weeds. With regard to saving water, they are most suitable for drip irrigation, but much less so where sprinklers are used, as the mulch layer absorbs a considerable amount of the moisture dispersed by the sprinklers.

For further information on this topic, click on the link below, and then on the Articles page where the following, arranged alphabetically can be found:

* Preventing Weeds In A Winter Mediterranean Garden

*Five Excellent Reasons For Mulching Your Garden Beds

About the Author

My name is Jonathan Ya'akobi. I've been gardening in a professional capacity since 1984. I am the former head gardener of the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, but now concentrate on building gardens for private home owners. I also teach horticulture to students on training courses. I'd love to share my knowledge and experience with you. So you're welcome to visit me on http://www.dryclimategardening.com

Dogs and Gardens - Enjoy Them Both! by Joy Cagil

2008-01-21T00:42:00.001-08:00

Our Newfoundland lived to be eighteen and was never a problem for our plants even though we gardened intensively; therefore, it was shocking to see a friend's garden wrecked by her tiny basset hound. We practiced organic gardening and our dog was innately sensitive to what was approved of him, but not all gardening practices are the same and neither are the behavior patterns of the pets.

Despite the beauty of the gardens and the docility of our dogs, we may sometimes find them to clash and make our lives bitter. Dogs have certain needs, their own personalities, and their instinctive curiosity for exploring and experiencing the things their owners do.

An unruly dog may need a fenced area away from a tended garden, whereas a tame dog will fit in the garden very well, not only enjoying it with his owners but also protecting it from harm. If the garden is not large enough for a separate playground for the dog, then the plant beds could be fenced off.

Raised beds for flowers also work well for curious dogs who like to become familiar with plants by chewing them. Quite a few plants are harmful to pets. If you have ever caught your dog chewing a plant, then do not plant harmful plants like crocus, yew, castor beans, hellebore, oleander, lily-of-the-valley or foxglove, and dig and eliminate the wild mushrooms if they appear.

Preferring trees and large bushes and pet-friendly plants is an option. In addition, staying away from thorny plants is a good idea, because they can cause eye injuries to the dogs. Before planting anything, you might consider referring to ASPCAâ€™s list of toxic and non-toxic plants.

Even with an obedient dog, you have to consider the dog's instinctual needs and take precautions accordingly. If you use mulch, choose mulch with pieces large enough that will not cling to the dogâ€™s hair. If you have a small yard, find and design a separate space with a marking post as a spot for the dog to relieve himself. Give the dog some space like a deck, an open porch, or a piece of lawn to sunbathe on and a shelter or some room in the shade to rest.

If your dog likes to dig, he needs his own digging area with soft uncovered sand or soil. If you find it difficult to restrain your dog's digging to his space, then mulch heavily around your prized plants and do not leave any open soil.

An important point to remember is to avoid leaving toxic chemicals and fertilizers around in places where your dog can gain entry easily. Put the toxic chemicals and sharp garden tools in a shed with a locked door or a container impossible for the dog to open. A healthy choice can be to practice organic gardening, which is beneficial to people and pets alike.

Not only the gardens can be made fit for dogs, but also, the dogs can be trained to fit the gardens. Spending time to train your dog will enhance your enjoyment of your garden and will strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Learn the difference between unwanted behavior and instinct, so you can have a splendid garden and a happy dog.

About the Author

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets. Joy Cagil is an author in www.writing.com.

History Of The Early Gardens by Elizabeth Jean

2008-01-21T00:40:00.000-08:00

In the beginning there was a garden with natural water fountains. Creation's garden. And life was good. All plants were natives. Food was pure and abundant. Predators and prey were in balance (which is not to say they were equal).

Then people got involved and introduced concrete fountains and many other things. They brought with them their urge for order and control, and a robust curiosity fed by experimentation. Soon, the earth was plowed into furrows and crops planted in rows. The best specimens were selected for breeding.

Yet even after farmers began growing food for whole communities, and pharmacists took responsibility for mass-producing medicine, people continued to tend gardens. For sustenance, yes, but also to create beauty, retain a connection to nature, and enjoy the simple pleasure of digging in dirt. Cast stone fountains were a way to carry water to the gardens. For a clearer picture of what a cast stone fountain looks like visit http://www.garden-fountains.com/Detail.bok?no=61.

For nearly... well...forever, gardeners and farmers grew plants using common sense, careful observation, and the resources nature provided. Today, we call that approach "organic." But that term became necessary only to distinguish those time-tested tactics from the shortsighted chemical practices foisted on the public in the name of progress within the last century. The garden was, and always will be, our connection to the earth. The garden may be the true water fountain of youth.

7,000 B.C. Barley, millet, and lentils are cultivated in Thessaly, one of the Greek isles.

5,000 B.C. The staples of Native American cuisine, corn (maize) and common beans, are cultivated in the Western Hemisphere.

4,0000 B.C. Hello, variety: The people of the Indus Valley (what is now Pakistan and Afghanistan) are raising wheat, barley, peas, sesame seeds, mangoes, and dates on irrigated fields, as well as bananas, citrus, and grapes for wine in smaller plots.

3,000 B.C. Potatoes are cultivated and harvested in the Andes Mountains.

2,700 B.C. The Egyptians already know and grow 500 medicinal plants.

2,700 B.C. Olive trees are raised in Crete.

2,000 B. C. Watermelon is cultivated in Africa; figs are cultivated in Arabia; tea and bananas, in India; and apples, in the Indus Valley.

1,900 B.C. The Egyptian pharaoh Ramses III commissions more than 500 public gardens.

600 B.C. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, are built by King Nebuchadnezzar II (with help, no doubt, from a few thousand slaves). The gardens are laid out on a brick terrace about 400 feet square and 75 feet above the ground. Irrigation screws are designed to lift water from the Euphrates River to the gardens.

301 B.C. In the History of Plants and Theoretical Botany, Theophrastus (considered the Father of Botany) describes plant diseases, such as rusts and mildews, and explains how to hand-pollinate fig trees to maximize productivity.

149 B.C. Cato the Elder, in De Agriculture, urges farmers to plant grapes and olives (because they draw moisture and nutrients from the subsoil) instead of planting drought-susceptible grain.

900 A.D. Tofu becomes a dietary staple in China.

1305 Opus Ruralium Commodorum, by Bolognese agriculturist Petrus de Crescentiis, is the first book on agriculture to appear in Europe since the second century.

1354 The Alhambra, built by the Moors in Spain, is completed. The Islamic-style garden features enclosed courts surrounded by arcades, planted with trees and shrubs and enhanced with tile, fountains, and pools.

1510 Sunflowers from the Americas are introduced to Europe by the Spanish. In many countries they become a major oilseed crop. In others, they are bird food.

1528 Sweet potatoes, and haricot, cocoa, and vanilla beans, are introduced to Spain by Hernando Cortes, who presents some of the beans to Pope Clement VII. Until then, fava beans have been the only beans known to Europeans.

1540 A potato from South America reaches Pope Paul III via Spain. The pope gives the tuber to a Frenchman, who introduces it into France as an ornamental plant. Stay tuned for French fries.

Gardening continued to evolve with the addition of water wall fountains, new vegetables, fruits, flowers and bulbs from various parts of the world. For a distinctive water wall fountain idea visit http://www.garden-fountains.com/Detail.bok?no=66. Machinery and chemicals also evolved as the demand to feed the world increased. Today, we face the overuse of synthetic nitrogen by farmers that causes soil to age the equivalent of 5,000 years. The good news is that composting can replenish depleted soils in just one season.

About the Author

Elizabeth Jean is an outdoor gardening writer and frequent contributor to Garden-Fountains.com, a popular internet destination for water fountains and garden statuary.

Creating a Deer Resistant Garden by Barbara Frerichs

2008-01-21T00:38:00.000-08:00

Each year, more and more homes are using only ornamental grass for their gardens. This may be due to the homeowner's love of grass, but it is most likely a result of homeowners who have just thrown up their hands year after year in exasperation over deer-decimated gardens.

Many homeowners give up after realizing that deer have feasted on everything in their garden, from flowering plants, hostas, standard arborvitae and yew, which are the staples of their diet.

A deer-resistant garden does not have to as bland as one might think. With a bit of time, research and careful planning, a garden can be well-designed, colorful and deer-resistant. A homeowner does not have to surround the property by erecting a twenty-foot high fence, because the goal is make your garden "deer-resistant." And since the deer density in some parts of the country, such as the Town of East Hampton in New York, is 51 per square mile, nothing is completely deer-proof.

There are many old wives' tale remedies floating around, such as placing human hair in a stocking, hanging mirrors and foil or spraying cayenne pepper over the ground, but you could also try a more logical route. The best place to start is with a complete service landscaper or favorite local nursery. Resources and experience have given them a wealth of knowledge. They know what plants are favorite snacks for deer and a good number of plants that they don't eat. They can work with you to develop a wonderful plan for a garden.

If the homeowner prefers to be more hands-on with the gardening, there are several fantastic resources available online. Both the Cornell Cooperative Extension and Rutgers University have lists of landscape plants rated by deer resistance, which are specifically relevant to our region and environment.

In addition to the wide variety of ornamental grasses, there are many trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals available, which will safely add color and depth to any garden. Taking into account the soil and sunlight, along with water availability, one can create an amazing area and keep Bambi at bay.

It seems that highly aromatic plants deter deer, as do those that just taste bad to them. They are creatures of habit and experience, so they stay away from plants that have bothered them in the past. Anise, Aster, Daisies, Lemon Balm, Lily of the Valley, Irises, Ornamental Onion, Russian Sage and even Peonies fall into these categories.

Say goodbye to deer and hello to butterflies with a colorful Buddleia, commonly know as a Butterfly Bush. They are now available in a wide variety of colorful blooms. Even the beloved Hydrangea, a symbol of summer, and although not on the lists mentioned above, is deer resistant* and readily obtainable in so many different varieties. Look at Cranesbill, Coreopsis and Campanula for instant color. How about Winter Gem Boxwoods and Japanese Barberry? These are two shrubs that will add color and depth to a low hedge or garden backdrop against a building or structure.

If there is a plant that you simply adore and must have in your garden, there are several ways to accomplish this. Erect some tall deer fencing around your property or garden and plant it in the midst of plants that deer do not like. This creates an aromatic or taste-camouflaged barrier. Also, purchasing a spray-on deer repellant will increase the chance of keeping those plants from being eaten.

There are several repellants on the market, including Deer Stopper, which is all-organic and actually smells good. Deer Out is a natural product as well as Liquid Fence. Although one may last longer than another, no product is continuously effective. They all must be reapplied on an ongoing basis to offer protection. Any one of these procedures, including selective planting, would need to be carefully monitored in order to work well. Remember what works in one area may not work in another.

With the combination of the current deer overpopulation and ongoing land development in many areas, the situation we face with many hungry deer will not dissapear anytime soon. Instead of being exasperated by the situation, we can take some time to plan and develop beautiful gardens.

*I get alot of grief for this one. Deer have been known to eat the new buds off the plants, and the leaves in the fall. However, the more you have, the less damage they seem to do. It has become hit or miss with the hydrangea lately.

About the Author

Barbara Frerichs, CLP, is a Certified Landscape Professional who is a true entrepreneur. She brings this entrepreneurial spirit to Lion Landscaping of the Hamptons, www.lionlandscaping.com and The Landscaping Calendar, www.landscapingcalendar.com, where her love of plants and the environment can help others achieve beautiful lawns and gardens.

The Garden Soil - Look After It If You Want To have A Garden In The Future! by Jonathan Ya'akobi

2008-01-21T00:36:00.004-08:00

It is generally accepted by historians and geologists that a number of once flourishing ancient civilizations in different parts of the world, declined and disappeared, as it became increasingly difficult to grow sufficient plants for food, clothing and industry. This is known to have occurred for example in parts of the Middle East, India and California. Over time, not only did the soils' fertility decline, but they degenerated to the point where agricultural practice actually became impossible to sustain.

The culprit is believed to have been the ever increasing build up of salts in the soil, caused primarily by the practice of irrigation. The problem of rising soil salinity is liable therefore to become acute in any climate dry enough to require consistent and persistent irrigation. What happened in ancient Babylon, could and indeed will happen to you if common gardening tasks are carried out in a certain way.

Perhaps in 15 years time, some of your most treasured trees will start to show unusual signs of stress, while a number of years before, the flower beds declined. "Nothing grows in this bed anymore" is a common refrain. The soil, and therefore your garden could be saved however, if a holistic approach is adopted towards the soil, whereby the routine gardening tasks are performed not just to extract the most from the plants, but also to preserve, protect and develop the soil as well.

Why then is soil salinity a question of such paramount importance? The answer becomes apparent when the factors that determine a soil's health are understood in chemical, physical and biological terms.

*From a chemical standpoint, certain mineral salts, including trace elements required by the plants like iron, are poisonous when found in high concentrations. Furthermore, in accordance with the laws of diffusion and osmosis, increasing salinity decreases the plant's ability to take up water from the soil.

*Physically, the soil structure, that is the way the soil particles are arranged together, determines the amount of air available to the plants' roots. The soil structure can of course be damaged mechanically, such as by the affects of heavy traffic on wet, clay soil, known as compaction. However, certain chemical reactions, most notably when high sodium percentages are present, also destroy a soil's structure, and sodium percentages rise in accordance with the generally increasing salinity of the soil. Sodium soils are typified by "panned" layers which become impervious to the exchange of gasses and to water, meaning that they are soils chronically lacking in oxygen. They can take hundreds of years to recover.

*The soil's biology that is the quantity and variety of living organisms present, affects both the chemical and physical aspects, and is also affected by them. The more earthworms existing in the soil for instance, the better its aeration, as the earthworms' activities help to develop a healthy soil structure. While as the salinity increases the population of earthworms and other organisms declines. The extent and variety of life in the soil also has enormous implications as far as pests and disease are concerned. The more life, the more balance is created between the various organisms. In this way, the populations of potentially pathogenic organisms, whether they be insects, fungi or bacteria, are kept in check.

So what can we do to improve the soil? The answer as mentioned before lies in the way we carry out routine activities.

*Watering directly affects the salt concentrations in the soil. As irrigation water in dry climates is invariably saline in any case, it follows that each time we irrigate, we effectively add salts to the soil. If the irrigation schedule is based on small quantities applied frequently, then the salt concentrations will build up. It is necessary therefore, particularly in heavy, clay soils, to water infrequently, using large amounts each time. By so doing, excess salts are periodically leached out, leaving the winter rains to do the rest.

*Fertilizing of course entails the adding of mineral salts to the soil. Moreover, the regular application of chemical fertilizer, adversely affects the population of earthworms and other organisms. Thus although the plants may benefit at first from the ready supply of mineral nutrient, the long term implications for the health of the soil, are liable to be highly detrimental.

*The alternative to chemical fertilizers is the steady, consistent adding of organic matter to the soil, by way of compost or humus. Compost breaks down to release mineral salts slowly and in relatively small quantities. Except perhaps in the first year or so of a new garden, these quantities should be entirely adequate to supply the nutritional requirements of the plants. But the two principle benefits of compost are both related to the positive affects on the health of the soil. It directly increases the amount of oxygen available to the plants' roots, by improving the soil's structure, and by so doing improves the conditions for organisms like earthworms (which further in the development of good soil structure) and also provides them with the raw material necessary for their existence.

*The short term benefits of mulching, such as weed control, are well known. In the long term, an adequate mulch layer performs the vital function of protecting the top soil from rain and wind erosion.

About the Author

My name is Jonathan Ya'akobi. I've been gardening in a professional capacity since 1984. I am the former head gardener of the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, but now concentrate on building gardens for private home owners. I also teach horticulture to students on training courses. I'd love to share my knowledge and experience with you. So you're welcome to visit me on http://www.dryclimategardening.com

Creating a Deer Resistant Garden by Barbara Frerichs

2008-01-21T00:36:00.003-08:00

Protecting Your Garden From Deer

Each year, more and more homes are using only ornamental grass for their gardens. This may be due to the homeowner's love of grass, but it is most likely a result of homeowners who have just thrown up their hands year after year in exasperation over deer-decimated gardens.

Many homeowners give up after realizing that deer have feasted on everything in their garden, from flowering plants, hostas, standard arborvitae and yew, which are the staples of their diet.

A deer-resistant garden does not have to as bland as one might think. With a bit of time, research and careful planning, a garden can be well-designed, colorful and deer-resistant. A homeowner does not have to surround the property by erecting a twenty-foot high fence, because the goal is make your garden "deer-resistant." And since the deer density in some parts of the country, such as the Town of East Hampton in New York, is 51 per square mile, nothing is completely deer-proof.

There are many old wives' tale remedies floating around, such as placing human hair in a stocking, hanging mirrors and foil or spraying cayenne pepper over the ground, but you could also try a more logical route. The best place to start is with a complete service landscaper or favorite local nursery. Resources and experience have given them a wealth of knowledge. They know what plants are favorite snacks for deer and a good number of plants that they don't eat. They can work with you to develop a wonderful plan for a garden.

If the homeowner prefers to be more hands-on with the gardening, there are several fantastic resources available online. Both the Cornell Cooperative Extension and Rutgers University have lists of landscape plants rated by deer resistance, which are specifically relevant to our region and environment.

In addition to the wide variety of ornamental grasses, there are many trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals available, which will safely add color and depth to any garden. Taking into account the soil and sunlight, along with water availability, one can create an amazing area and keep Bambi at bay.

It seems that highly aromatic plants deter deer, as do those that just taste bad to them. They are creatures of habit and experience, so they stay away from plants that have bothered them in the past. Anise, Aster, Daisies, Lemon Balm, Lily of the Valley, Irises, Ornamental Onion, Russian Sage and even Peonies fall into these categories.

Say goodbye to deer and hello to butterflies with a colorful Buddleia, commonly know as a Butterfly Bush. They are now available in a wide variety of colorful blooms. Even the beloved Hydrangea, a symbol of summer, and although not on the lists mentioned above, is deer resistant* and readily obtainable in so many different varieties. Look at Cranesbill, Coreopsis and Campanula for instant color. How about Winter Gem Boxwoods and Japanese Barberry? These are two shrubs that will add color and depth to a low hedge or garden backdrop against a building or structure.

If there is a plant that you simply adore and must have in your garden, there are several ways to accomplish this. Erect some tall deer fencing around your property or garden and plant it in the midst of plants that deer do not like. This creates an aromatic or taste-camouflaged barrier. Also, purchasing a spray-on deer repellant will increase the chance of keeping those plants from being eaten.

There are several repellants on the market, including Deer Stopper, which is all-organic and actually smells good. Deer Out is a natural product as well as Liquid Fence. Although one may last longer than another, no product is continuously effective. They all must be reapplied on an ongoing basis to offer protection. Any one of these procedures, including selective planting, would need to be carefully monitored in order to work well. Remember what works in one area may not work in another.

With the combination of the current deer overpopulation and ongoing land development in many areas, the situation we face with many hungry deer will not dissapear anytime soon. Instead of being exasperated by the situation, we can take some time to plan and develop beautiful gardens.

*I get alot of grief for this one. Deer have been known to eat the new buds off the plants, and the leaves in the fall. However, the more you have, the less damage they seem to do. It has become hit or miss with the hydrangea lately.

About the Author

Barbara Frerichs, CLP, is a Certified Landscape Professional who is a true entrepreneur. She brings this entrepreneurial spirit to Lion Landscaping of the Hamptons, www.lionlandscaping.com and The Landscaping Calendar, www.landscapingcalendar.com, where her love of plants and the environment can help others achieve beautiful lawns and gardens.

Choose Better Gardening Tool for Celebrating in Green Lawn by Steve Buchanan

2008-01-21T00:36:00.002-08:00

A beautiful lawn always looks astonishing and charming. Everyone loves to have a fascinating and well maintained lawn in their house. There is no doubt that a garden increases the beauty of your home but sometimes it becomes really very difficult to maintain it properly.

That's why a number of people don't like to a have a garden in their house. Nowadays there are various types of equipments which really help you to maintain your garden properly and lawn mower is one of them.

Reliability, durability and efficiency are the most important factors when you look for a new gardening tool. It gets difficult to make a final decision on which mower to choose. What size are you planning to maintain? A fact to have in mind is the size of the area to mow. If you have a large grass to mow, then you should consider investing in a commercial lawn mower.

These mowers come in such a variety of sizes, types, and price ranges that you should do some careful research before purchasing one. There are a whole range of things to consider, such as the kind and size of your lawn, what you can afford, how long the mower will last, and even your mechanical abilities all garden cleaner need some maintenance.

Following are some important features of a lawn mower:

1. It is very efficient equipment.

2. It is very effective tool.

3. It is really very cost effective

4. This equipment also saves labour. 5. A lawn mower is really very easy to operate.

6. Its maintenance cost is zero.

To take good care of your garden you need to make sure you are mowing with sharp lawn mower blades so you cut rather than rip at the grass and ensure you do not set the blades at too low a level as you do not want to cut it back lower than is recommended for your particular species of grass. Cutting too low on a regular basis is the easiest way to do lasting damage to your lawn.

If your lawn has become too overgrown then do two or more passes with your mower rather than trying to take it right down to a desirable length straight away and never cut grass when it is wet. Grass clippings may be left or raked as you please if you do not have a garden cleaner with a grass collector. Left clippings do not automatically lead to thatch, this is only occurs when there is too much dead organic matter to be broken down and a few clippings actually add nutrients back into the soil.

Besides all these things maintenance of this equipment is also very important. Poor or improper maintenance can easily increase engine emission outputs of Hydrocarbons. If for no other reason, proper maintenance is critical to protect a frequently costly investment. The key to any maintenance schedule is to recognize that regular, proper maintenance is the best insurance against premature failure and wear. Any maintenance schedule is an average determined through years of experience by a manufacturer. Engines with more frequent maintenance last longer as well as maintain reduced emissions levels.

About the Author

Steve Buchanan writes article for http://www.lawnmowersfact.com/honda-lawn-mowers.htm and http://www.lawnmowersfact.com/john-deere-lawn-mowers.htm

The Secrets to Easily Growing your own Herbs at Home have been Revealed! by Kate Carpenter

2008-01-21T00:36:00.001-08:00

There's nothing that gives a recipe rave reviews than adding fresh herbs. Despite all the great things herbs have going for them, so many people think the only way you can really get herbs easily is by popping into the local supermarket and buying some! But buying them at the grocery store can put a real dent in your pocketbook! Not to mention, you have to purchase way more than you're going to need and still have them fresh, and you really don't know what kind of environment they were grown in. And dried herbs just don't add the same taste that fresh herbs do. For the price of just a few bunches of fresh herbs from the grocery store, you can grow your own, use only what you need when you need it, add to your decor, and enjoy the subtle fragrant aroma herbs have. Indoor organic herb gardens have the advantage of being year-round, giving a continuous supply of fresh herbs. An indoor organic herb garden can be as small as a few pots on a window sill or as large as a greenhouse filled with containers of aromatic organic herbs.

What do you want to grow?

You may simply grow a few herbs that appeal to you. Or a theme herb garden may appeal to you. There are many ways to decide which herbs to include in your organic herb garden. Here are some ideas:

1. Italian Herb Garden: Plant rosemary, oregano, basil, fennel, and chives. Terra cotta containers will make your indoor organic herb garden look authentically old world.

2. French Herb Garden: Begin with lemon basil, marjoram, and parsley, and add other herbs you like to use in French cooking.

3. Fragrant Herb Garden: Choose angelica, bergamot, catmint, chamomile, thyme, lavender, lemon balm, mint, and sage. This organic herb garden is a natural air freshener.

4. Tea Herb Garden: If you enjoy herbal teas, your organic herb garden might focus on appropriate herbs for your tea: catnip, chamomile, lavender, lemon grass, mint, and peppermint.

Containers

Many herbs are well-suited to container gardening, but you will want to choose containers according to the herbs you intend to grow.

1. Those tiny herb peat pots sold in discount stores give the wrong idea. Your indoor organic herb garden will not last long with such small thinking.

2. Begin with containers a bit larger than those in which the live nursery plants were purchased. This will give your plants room to start growing.

3. Once your herbs are stabilized and growing well, transplant them into larger containers.

4. Basil, mint, oregano, and sage are examples of herbs that can be grown in pots of about 8 to 10 inches.

5. If you want a large crop of herbs that is constantly being replenished in your organic herb garden, use 3 to 5 gallon containers. This will assure you of having plenty of rosemary, basil, etc. when you want it.

Container Soil

Indoor organic herb gardens call for building organic soil. Your soil should have a pH of about 7, since herbs prefer a more alkaline soil. If yours is too acid, add some calcified seaweed. Be sure you use only organic fertilizers to build your soil.

Indoor Lighting

An indoor organic herb garden will need lighting, especially if your room is not sunny. Lighting is especially important for year-round indoor gardens.

Different plants have different light requirements, some preferring bright sun and others preferring shade. Most herbs prefer full sun, but there are exceptions, so learn what each of your herbs needs.

Incandescent lights, even though called "grow lights", are a poor choice for your indoor organic herb garden. Fluorescent lights are better, and have the advantage of being inexpensive, easily available, and easy to set up. The best choice for lighting your indoor organic herb garden is high intensity discharge lighting, often called HID lights. These are even more affordable and efficient.

Useful and Beautiful

An indoor organic herb garden can be both useful and beautiful. Herbs are generally eager to please, and require little maintenance. Simply give them the right food, water, and sunlight, and they will reward you abundantly.

********************* The Herb Handbook!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you've ever entertained the thought of growing your own herbs for cooking and/or improved health, you must read this!

The secrets to easily growing your own herbs at home have been revealed! Now you can create your own herb garden and enjoy all the benefits herbs have to offer thanks to a comprehensive and easy to read step-by-step guide! Click Here!

About the Author

Kate Carpenter loves to garden and grow things. Having an indoor garden of herbs year around is a joy and comforting. Read more about growing and the healthful uses of fresh herbs www.squidoo.com/HerbSecretsRevealed

Gardening As An Art Form by Kate Riding

2008-01-21T00:33:00.000-08:00

Gardening is the practice of growing plants for their attractive flowers or foliage, and vegetables or fruits for consumption. Gardening is a great activity for reducing anxiety and reducing stress as you feel yourself getting closer to nature. Your gardening zone determines what plants will survive in your garden. Indoor gardening is concerned with the growing of houseplants within a residence or building, in a conservatory, or in a greenhouse. However, if you've tried your hand at indoor gardening, it's not as easy as bringing the plants indoors. With every season comes a new set of gardening chores and outdoor projects. The gardening season is relatively short ranging from early June to mid-September for most flowers. Organic gardening is a simple healthful way to convert living organisms into carbon compounds in a way that considers the whole of nature and its integral place in that scheme. When the weather restricts the gardening we can do, it's nice to start the year feeling active.

Gardening as an art-form?

Gardening is an art which needs skill and an aesthetic sense of creativity. Gardens come in different varieties like the plants you find in them. Gardeners in cold climates can still enjoy colorful flowers in the garden as early as March and even February in some areas, even when there is still snow on the ground. Gardening is closely related to the art and science of horticulture, a branch of agriculture specializing in growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, shrubs, and trees. Designing a garden that is not based on peoples' ability to walk through it to admire its beauty is useless; especially when the garden exists near a house, office or is considered part of a public space. A striking bamboo screen, geometric in design, is a pleasing and innovative way to gain privacy in the garden. Many gardeners say they'd rather use alternative or natural products to fight weeds or damaging insects. Today there are fewer and fewer paper garden seed and plant catalogs. Non -organic fertilizers also tend to leave chemical residues that can accumulate in garden soils and harm not only the plants but the gardeners as well. Organic gardening is a simple healthful way to convert living organisms into carbon compounds in a way that considers the whole of nature and its integral place in that scheme. A small herb garden is an essential part of any country kitchen. Grow your own organic vegetables and herbs, in attractive containers to create a mini kitchen garden that will defy space and time. It's peaceful in the garden; you're surrounded by lush greenery, cool moist soil, and colorful explosions of flowers. Welcome butterflies to your garden with a Butterfly House. A window sill, a patio, a balcony or a doorstep will provide sufficient space for a productive mini-garden. Vegetables grown in containers can be attacked by the various types of insects and diseases that are common to any vegetable garden. Everybody says, I want a low maintenance garden, but the reality is a garden is something that you're always interacting with to improve or even just keep the same.

About the Author

Kate Riding is a lawn mower UK expert

Going Green In Your Garden by Barbara Frerichs

2008-01-21T00:32:00.000-08:00

No doubt, it has taken on a few meanings over the years, it could be gardening, it could be money, it could be being environmentally conscious.

These days, when discussing landscaping, it means all three.

Does being environmentally correct mean that we need to put up with weeds or brown lawns and dying gardens? Do we have to spend a ton more money than we already do to keep our lawns and gardens beautiful and lush?

We get these questions all the time lately. Particularly when we suggest anything organic. The answer is usually, "I don't want to be un-PC, but will it still look the same?"

The answer is the same as it has always been, "It all depends."

The first part of the answer is the climate and conditions of the micro-environment that we are looking at. If the plantings are in tune with the area, such as the USDA hardiness zone or native plantings, and the climate doesn't go out of the normal range, then you may not have to do anything more than a little more weeding than usual and feed it organically according to the directions of the product.

The other part of the answer is that, yes, currently, unless you make your own compost and have a good source of manure, the cost is a bit higher to go organic than to use chemical fertilizers. Those costs are coming down, and more quickly lately than before, as more and more companies start to introduce organic lines in addition to their standard one.

Another thing to remember is that most of the plants you purchase are not organic. They are still planted and nurtured in what has become the traditional way. So, unless you check the label carefully and it states "organically grown," you are probably introducing chemicals into your garden.

In the following articles, we will bring you information on where you can get organic materials and plants. In the meantime, happy gardening!

About the Author

Barbara Frerichs, CLP, is a Certified Landscape Professional who is a true entrepreneur. She brings this entrepreneurial spirit to Lion Landscaping of the Hamptons, www.lionlandscaping.com and The Landscaping Calendar, www.landscapingcalendar.com, where her love of plants and the environment can help others achieve beautiful lawns and gardens.

Organic Sprouts by JF Sprouter

2008-01-17T23:23:00.001-08:00

It is believed that Organic sprouts pose plentiful health advantages to the people that add these items into their daily diet. Organic sprouting is the process by which organic seeds are soaked in a chemical free solution for a period of 12-25 hours, drained and then rinsed until they mature into sprouts. You have many choices of seeds that can be sprouted. The following outlines a few of the most common: Cabbage, Cauliflower,Alfalfa, Mustard, Garlic,Radish,Peas,Wheat,Soybean and onion.

Health professionals everywhere agree that sprouts are essential in providing the body with key nutrients. These nutrients, such as various vitamins, proteins, important amino acids, and minerals, are the building blocks of life for the various functions within the body. Furthermore, when sprouting is performed in an organic manner, the seeds are not introduced to any common chemicals. This means that when they are consumed, dangerous toxins are not introduced to the body.

Organic sprouts are a very successful element to the raw diet. As the raw food diet continues to grow in popularity doctors and dieticians have agreed that it is safe and effective. When a person consumes a diet that consists of raw foods, they are less likely to experience a variety of disease, sicknesses, and other similar conditions. It has been said that these foods can assist in weight loss, preventing heart disease, as well as preventing many different kinds of cancers.

You can grow your own sprouts for a faction of the cost of buying sprouts in the stores. Growing your own sprouts can be enjoyable as well. To begin you may want to try the East-Sprouter. The East-Sprouter is an inexpensive tool that allows anyone to grow sprouts.

The Easy-Sprouter creates an ideal environment for growing for a wide variety of seeds. There is no need to have a strong knowledge of sprouting and you can grow healthy sprouts with no experience. I believe, using this method of sprouting, you are saving yourself a lot of time and money and making a useful contribution to the environment.

For those of you who are interested in the added health benefits linked with organic sprouting, there are several ways to obtain them. You can pickup sprouts at your local grocery store. You can also check the health food store. I prefer to grow my own. If you choose this method, I believe, it is best to use the Easy-Sprouter. The Easy - Sprouter will make doing your own raw, organic sprouting easy and convenient! If you have no experience with growing sprouts then this particular sprouter is what you should start with.

About the Author

Before you purchase something about-line, be sure you read the outstanding free articles about Organic Sprouts and the Easy Sprouter.

History Of The Organic Farming by Alex Moller

2007-10-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

History principal Article: History of biological agriculture the organic movement started like reaction of the scientists and the agricultural farmers against the industrialization of agriculture.

The advances in biochemistry, (nitrogen manure) and technology (the internal combustion engine) at the beginning of the 20th century led to the major changes of the leasing. Produced hybrid seed research of selecting of plants. The fields developed in the face and the emblavage became specialized to make the effective use of the machines and to derive the advantages of the green revolution. Technological progress during the incited Second World War the innovation of post-war period in all the aspects of agriculture, having for result of the advances such as the irrigation on great scale, the fertilization, and the use of the pesticides. The ammonium nitrate, used in ammunition, became an abundantly cheap source of nitrogen. The DDT, at the origin developed by the soldiers with the disease-bearing insects of order among troops, was applied to harvests, launching the era of a widespread utility of pesticide. In Germany, the spiritual bases of Rudolf Steiner for the renewal of agriculture, published in 1924, led to the popularization of the agriculture of biodynamics.

The first use of the biological agriculture of limit is by Northbourne lord. The limit is derived from its concept "of the farm like organization" and that it exposed in its book, glance with the ground (1940), where it described holistique, approach ecologically balanced with the leasing. The British botanist, Mr Albert Howard studied traditional husbandries in Bengal, India. He came to consider practices such as the superior with modern agronomic science and recorded in its 1940 book, an agricultural will and adopted the terminology of Northbourne in its book "the ground and health: An organic study of agriculture" in 1947. Mrs Eve Balfour, author of traditional of organic materials the organic soil, established the pilot experiment of Haughley to her farm of Suffolk into 1939 which functioned during more than 40 years.

With the USA, J.I. Rodale popularized the organic gardening among consumers during the Forties. The Japanese farmer and author Masanobu Fukuoka invented has no-jusquau system for the production of small size of grain which it called Natural Farming. At the beginning of the Forties.

In 1972, the international federation of the organic movements of agriculture (IFOAM), was founded in Versailles, France. IFOAM was devoted to the diffusion of information on the principles and the practices of organic agriculture through national and linguistic borders. In the Eighties, the various groups of consumers of farm and in the whole world started to encourage the payment of government of the organic production. This led to the standards of legislation and certification being beginning issued in the Nineties. Since the beginning of the Nineties, the market with the detail for biological agriculture in developed economies increased approximately 20 percent annually the due one to an increasing request of the consumer.

While the small producers and independent consumers led at the beginning the rise in biological agriculture, while waiting like volume and variety of "organic" products develops, production is more and more on a large scale.

About the Author
You can find more info in the Glue Guns portal, which is administrated by the author of this article.

Where To Look For Organic Food Shop? by Aida Farron

2007-10-25T00:59:00.001-07:00

One of the best things about living in this century has most definitely got to be the fact that you have the ability to eat healthy organic foods without having to sound like someone just let out of bedlam. Although you might not be able to find an organic food shop around every corner, you can still find at least one in your city or town, and if that fails, you also have recourse to the internet.

This means that with the aid of twenty first technology you have the ability to bring the organic food shop to you, and not the other way around. Of course, these very wonders and marvels of modern technology are the reasons that we need to have an organic food shop to begin with. Just think about it.

If it wasn't for the fast paced modern lifestyles we lead; the conventional mass farming methods we use; and the unhealthy dietary habits that we have adopted over the last half a century there really would be no need at all for an organic food shop. Our grandparents and their grandparents were all eating fine organically produced foods. There was no need to especially define it, it was a fact of life.

All that aside, it does still stand that we do need to have an organic food shop in our lives. And even if we're not yet fully committed to going completely organic in our lives, at least we can make it a regular occurrence if not a frequent one. The way I figure it, if we keep at it, we're bound to see some kind of change in our dietary habits as we slowly proceed.

To find an organic food shop however might not be as easy as you could want it to be. For instance if you live in an area where there is absolutely not a single organic food shop around, you will almost definitely need to resort to using the internet to find your organic foods.

You might also find that even with an organic food shop around the corner from you, that you prefer to use an online organic food shop instead to deal with your daily organic food needs. You will find that the benefits you get by going organic are only enhanced when you do it on a daily basis.

And there is no better way to get the weekly shopping out of the way and get your daily dose of organic foods, than by using an online organic food shop, they allow you to get the week's shopping out of the way with ease, and without having to brave harried people whose minds are most definitely not on whose feet they go over with their shopping carts.

About the Author
Learn More About Natural And Organic Food Products Here at http://naturalandorganicfood.wordpress.com/

We are, what we absorb, not what we eat by Mich Crawley

2007-10-25T00:59:00.000-07:00

Our modern diet is so far removed from the diet our ancestors ate, and from nature that many of the essential chemicals our body needs to maintain itself are missing.

Ancient hunter gathers would have lived on a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and fish. In comparison our diets are full of over processed carbohydrates, salt, sugar, fats and a huge number of chemicals in the form of colours, additives, preservatives, artificial flavorings - to name just a few.

It has long been recognised and acknowledged by the medical profession that to maintain a healthy lifestyle we need a balanced diet which includes all of the basic elements - minerals, vitamins, amino acids and various enzymes.

Many people are finding that despite eating healthily they cannot source the nutrients needed. Due to the consumer demand for cheap food, we have encouraged and pressurized the food industry, from farmer to supermarket, to mass produce our food. From battery poultry farming to mass growing fruit and vegetables, most of the products we buy to consume are produced on a large scale.

The side effect of this mass production is food with poor or no nutritional value. On the television last night I watched a report on the news which highlighted that most of the western world are consuming thousands of calories a day while suffering from more malnutrition related diseases than ever.

The reason is down to our food production. We have depleted the soil by over farming and the use of modern farming techniques - which no longer include crop rotation but do include a vast number of fertilizers and pesticides. Because we source a vast amount of food from out of the country, which requires travelling great distances - the produce is picked before it is ripe and before it has reached its nutritional potential.

This is also happening in our livestock production. It has also been reported on the news recently that turkeys are slaughtered at the age of 12 weeks. You might ask why - this is because we, as the consumer want a succulent smaller turkey - which means younger underdeveloped poultry. This results in a lack of nutritional value and for the more discerning consumer - a lack of taste and flavour.

In the last few years there has been more awareness of what we are eating, where it has come from and how we are abusing our power as consumers. The changes have been slow to start with but there is now a more noticeable change in the food being stocked in the supermarkets.

Initially the changes related to organic produce and there have been many discussions about the best not always being beautiful !!! But with more awareness of nutrition values there has been a swing away from organic food, to food which is locally produced and sourced. It is now well known that the longer it takes for your food to reach your plate from its source, the less nutritional value it will have. Obviously with some foods we have no choice - this country does not have the suitable climate to grow citrus fruit, bananas and olives etc.

As well as the nutritional benefits of a shorter chain from producer to shop, there are less transportation costs and the carbon footprint is minimised. Also consumer confidence is increased as labels often clearly show the farm where it was produced.

Fish has also been affected by consumer demand with fishing restrictions and quotas common place as we have come very close to wiping out some species with over fishing. The knock on effect for the consumer is that this once cheap and abundant food has become more expensive, consequently less fish is now being eaten.

This consumer awareness has also led to a growth in the nutritional supplement industry, which is now worth billions. This industry had traditionally been led by the vitamin pill, which has received substantial amounts of bad publicity. Because of the content of many of these tablets our body is unable to break them down and absorb them. There have been many studies and it is estimated that only 10-20% of each of the pills we take are absorbed. So 80-90% of what you paid for your tablet supplements is flushed down the toilet.

Most tablets and capsules have been designed and tested to dissolve in the stomach but not all pills and capsules produced in the same way. Some are compressed at extremely high pressures during manufacturing and do not break down properly in the stomach. I found an interesting fact about this - in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA - each month the filters of their sewage system gets clogged with over 150 gallons of undigested supplement pills.

As with all industries, there is ongoing research and development, and technological leaps forward - the nutritional supplement industry is no different. With the realization that tablets aren't effective and the consumer becoming aware that they are flushing away their money - new delivery systems have been developed.

Now you have multiple options - there are capsules, liquids and gels.

Capsules - these are normally herbal based supplements that can easily be broken down by the stomach acid and absorbed. An alternative method that can be used, is to split open the capsule and add it to another food product such as juice or smoothie.

Liquids - these are a great way to absorb vitamins and minerals, you body can start absorbing them as soon as you swallow as it is already in a form that does not need to be broken down by your digestive system. Liquids are also becoming more popular because a lot of people either don't want to swallow pills or they are unable too, which makes this a more attractive option to older and younger people. Gels - there are the latest delivery system to hit the market. Nutritional supplements are most effective when ingested according to the optimal timing guidelines for each individual supplement. Some nutrients are better absorbed when taken with meals. Others are best when consumed at pre-determined intervals prior to food ingestion in order to maximize the effect of their active ingredients, or to avoid conflicting uptake mechanisms with other food particles. Gel supplements are packaged in convenient gel packs that are highly portable, allowing availability at the appropriate time--no matter when it is. In addition, the gel can often be ingested without water, which means you can take them out and about with you, where ever you go. By encouraging and allowing the correct timing and ingestion of food supplements, gel technology enhances the absorption and utilization of each nutrient. The introduction of gel technology means all nutrients remain in their natural state, optimizing bioavailability, and increasing the absorption and digestion of essential vitamins and minerals. In a nutshell, Gel supplements have the potential to change the way we take nutritional supplements. By increasing the ease-of-use and enhancing absorption, gel technology widens the scope of supplementation--allowing a wider audience to benefit from dietary and nutritional improvements.

About the Author
Mich Crawley is an Independent Distributor for Neways Products, a long established company which manufactures powerful nutritional products, all of the products Neways produce and sell are free from toxic chemicals and harmful carcinogens, and are endorsed by the Cancer Prevention Coalition. Find more about our range of Products from Unreasonable Risk, Neways distributors.

Compost - Healthy Soil, Healthy Plants by Darrell Feltmate

2007-10-25T00:58:00.000-07:00

Organic matter is crucial to healthy soil. Wherever plants grow they deposit leaves, stem parts, dropped fruit, and spent roots to the soil around them. This mass of material decays to become accessible organic matter for other plants to use. Eventually it returns to the simple end products from which it began; carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and so on; but in the meantime it becomes and important part of the soil ecology.

Compost becomes the easiest way in which a gardener can add the precious organic matter to the soil. The very nature of the making of compost encourages the growth of certain microorganisms such as beneficial bacteria, molds and actinomycetes. These microscopic creatures give benefits far beyond their proportion by weight. As far as they are concerned their main function is of course to eat, drink and make more microorganisms. As far as the gardener is concerned their function is to break down that organic matter and transform it into something plants can use. In fact, if they did not break down that matter, we would be over our heads in it in no time and not caring because all the carbon dioxide would be gone from the atmosphere since it would be converted to plant material.

Soil health is linked to the number of microorganisms per cubic foot because their microbial activity acts in ways that modern agricultural chemicals do not. Chemical farming is concerned with feeding the plants. As the soil is fed with compost and other organic matter, the number of beneficial microorganisms increases dramatically and they are able to chew up and destroy many of the disease causing organisms. Studies have shown that soil which is filled with healthy flora will prevent disease organisms from becoming established in sufficient numbers to harm plants. Quite simply healthy soils grow healthy plants.

The easiest way for the home gardener to grow healthy soil is to add compost. When the season is not yet begun, layer it on the garden and then dig it in. Soils vary but about 3" the first year for a garden and 1" each year thereafter is often used as a rule of thumb. Once the garden is growing the first inch of mulch could easily be compost and the worms and microbial growth will carry it down for you.

About the Author
Is making compost a mystery? Darrell Feltmate is an avid gardener who has been composting and gardening organically for over 25 years. His gardens have ranged from small flower beds to a half acre fruit and vegetable garden. All have been fed with compost. Come to Compost Central and have your best garden ever.

Organic Meats From Online Organic Food Stores And Suppliers by Muna wa Wanjiru

2007-10-25T00:52:00.001-07:00

Not everyone knows about the fact that you can get not only organic produce but also organic meats. This enables you to change your entire dietary lifestyle if you so wish, without having to compromise on such things as organic meats and organic dairy products, substituting the non-organic stuff instead.

In fact, if you do your grocery shopping in a place where organic foods are readily available, you will find the organic meats and dairy products to be readily available alongside their stock of organic fruits, vegetables and processed foods. This is also true, maybe especially more so, of online organic food stores and suppliers.

So what is the deal with organic meats? Well for one thing, organically reared animals are treated to a different regimen than animals reared on normal farms. For one thing, these animals are only fed organic foods.

This means that they don't have any non-organic foods in their diets at all from the very beginning. They are only fed on high quality organic produce. There is also the small factor of not having any antibiotics pumped into these animals as well as not being subject to other potentially harmful toxins.

Just because you prefer organic foods, it doesn't mean that you have to become vegetarian or even vegan. You can still enjoy the same sumptuous foursquare meals that you're used to without loss of vital ingredients. This is where knowing where to get your organic meats can come in handy.

And part and parcel with organic meats, come organic dairy products. Since animals reared in an organic farming environment will also produce organic dairy products as well, you have that assurance that you can still enjoy your port and cheese!

All that aside, when you're looking at organic meats, you will also want to look at the various processed organic foods as well, that contains meat. Unless it has been specifically stated that the ingredients within the packaging s 100% organic you might find yourself faced with only some of the items being organic.

This applies to any meats to be found in the product as well. Unless it has been stated specifically that the meats contained are organic meats you might want to think twice before buying these types of processed foods.

If you're having trouble finding not only organic meats but organic fish as well, you might want to try your hand at finding an organic foods supplier online. You will more than likely have better luck at these places finding, and purchasing, your organic meats, fish and dairy produce.

About the Author
Muna wa Wanjiru is a Web Administrator and Has Been Researching and Reporting on Organic Foods for Years. For More Information on Organic Meats, Visit His Site at Organic Meats

Tea: Growing Quality Green Tea by Marcus Stout

2007-10-25T00:52:00.000-07:00

There are literally hundreds of varieties of green tea, each with its own distinct flavor and characteristics. Green tea is grown in several countries throughout the world, but the vast majority of it is grown in China and Japan.

Most tea gardens, particularly those in China and Japan have been around for many years. It takes time to develop a quality tea garden, along with knowledge, patience and the help of Mother Nature.

Different kinds of green tea and green tea gardens in different countries require different care and attention. For an example, we'll look at the year round work required to maintain a high quality tea garden in Japan that produces Matcha, Gyokuro and Sencha, three popular varieties of Japanese green tea.

Spring - The All Important First Harvest

The first work of the year begins in March, when the tea plants are pruned. The first pluckings will take place in May. Different regions of Japan will harvest these first pluckings at slightly different times, depending upon the climate.

Twenty or thirty days before harvest, the teas used to make Gyokura and Matcha must be covered with curtains. These special curtains shade the trees, ensuring that they don't receive any direct sunlight. Ensuring that the trees receive only diffused light during the last 20 days before harvest means that the tea will have fewer tannins, making it less likely to have any bitter flavor.

The color of the Matcha and Gyokura teas will be a light green and will have a sweet taste.

The tea plants used for growing Sencha will not be covered. Allowing them to receive full sunlight during the last days before harvest gives Sencha green teas a golden green color, a light and refreshing fragrance and makes the flavor a bit stronger with a little bitterness.

Tea leaves should be gathered when the plant has three to five sprouts. Missing this exact time by a day or two in either direction will cause problems. Tea leaves harvested too early will provide too little tea; if it's harvested too late, the quality of the tea will be compromised.

The best Gyokuro and Matcha are still picked exclusively by hand, because using a machine will not allow the farmer to remove the old and damaged leaves.

Once the tea leaves are plucked, they must be processed. It is important that the leaves be processed the same day of harvest. For Gyokura and Sencha, there are three steps to processing: steaming, drying and shaping. The steaming step is the most critical, and requires the most skill of any portion of the tea producing process.

Tea leaves that are not steamed for the right amount of time will not produce the right flavor. With each batch of tea, the processor must select the right amount of steaming time based on the size, thickness and texture of the leaves. Steaming time varies between 30 and 60 seconds.

For Matcha, the leaves are steamed, dried and then sorted. Next the tea must be finished. Finishing for Gyokuro and Sencha includes sorting the leaves and stems and then putting them through a final drying process. Most are dried for a short period of time.

However, some tea is roasted longer to give it a roasted aroma. This finishing is common for some Senchas, in particular. For Matcha, the leaves are sorted, dried and ground with a stone mill. Matcha musts be ground to a very fine textured powdered. It is said that it can take as much as one hour to grind 40 grams of matcha.

Finally, the tea must be stored. Green tea, because it has not been oxidized, is a bit more difficult to keep fresh. It is imperative that it be stored in airtight containers and that no moisture is allowed in.

Summer - Subsequent Harvests

During the summer, green tea growers may produce a second, third, and sometimes even fourth harvest. Tea gardens will continue to harvest tea until frost. However, it is the first harvest of the year that produces the finest quality green tea. Subsequent harvests will always be a lower grade of tea. During the summer, the tea gardener will also do battle with weeds and insects. Since the best tea gardens are organic - meaning no herbicides or pesticides are used, keeping the gardens free of weeds and pests can be very labor intensive.

Fall and Winter in the Tea Garden

Autumn is when tea trees go through their heaviest period of growth. During this time, gardeners will amend and aerate the soil and fertilize the trees. By October, the tea trees will need to be pruned again before the winter sets in. Pruning must be carefully timed to ensure that the spring buds will appear at just the right time.

During winter, many tea farmers spend a good deal of their time preparing areas for new tea gardens. However, they must also pay careful attention to any tea trees in their gardens that are less than four years old. If the weather is very cold, for example, the farmers will have to mulch the trees to help them survive the cold temperatures.

As you can see, green tea farming is labor intensive, particularly among the farms that produce the very best in green tea. All of the elements of a proper harvest must be essentially adhered to in order to create the finest green teas for the market.

Though there are some differences based on the climate of the region and the differences in the tea produced, the best tea farms in other countries go through the same labor intensive processes that the Japanese farmers undertake. Growing the best green tea does indeed take skill and patience. No shortcuts are allowed if you wish to produce the best green tea in the world.

About the Author
Marcus Stout is President of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, wholesale tea and black tea go to http://www.goldenmoontea.com

Organic Herb Gardening, Grow Herbs Organically. by Carmel Baird

2007-10-25T00:50:00.000-07:00

Organic herb gardening, for those who don't have enough time to devote to the garden or maybe you are a new gardener, is the garden to start with. If you have a small area, then an organic herb garden is ideal as it need not take up much room. Organic Herb gardening is a popular hobby and is so simple and easy to do, the children can get involved and grow to love gardening.

Herb Gardening Organically

As a hobby herb gardening the organic way, gives you a way to use what you have grown in your favorite recipes and add great flavors. You will find that organic herb gardening supplies are not expensive and your local garden center will have everything you need to get started. Herbs are so easy to grow and can be very rewarding for the home hobby gardener. There is nothing more satisfying than to be able to go out into our own gardens and pick something so fresh to add to our favorite dishes. With organic herb gardening what is planted can be used so well and the organic type of gardening is much healthier.

Herbs And What To Grow

Herbs have so much value, they are not just aesthetic, although herbs will add a wonderful fragrance to the gardens. There are several types of herbs that you can grow, why not start with the varieties for a particular type of cooking like, Italian or Thai. These types of herbs are called the culinary herbs. Why not research the different types of herbs that can be grown in your area. Once you start using your home grown herbs, from your very own organic herb garden, there will be such a difference in the flavor they add to your cooking that you will never want to use the dried herbs again. That is unless they are the dried herbs that you have dried yourself, as these taste so different to the commercial ones you buy in the grocery stores.

Herb Plants

If you start with the herb seeds, make sure you read the instructions on the packet first and follow them. Some seeds can be sown directly where they are to grow, others need to be raised in seedbeds and planted out later when they are a certain size. Organic herb plants are easy to take care of and are not bothered by too many pests. The mint variety should not be planted out into a garden as it will become almost like a weed and take over everything. But by all means, plant mint in a pot, I would plant all types of mint in pots, regardless of their variety. Organic herb plants can be grown in a window box, all types of containers, amongst other plants and flowers. Make sure that wherever you plant your herbs they have the right growing and soil conditions and of course, drainage. These organic herb plants have so many options for you, use fresh, dried or extract the oils. Oils from herbs have so many uses.

Organic herb gardening is all about growing herbs using the same methods as for organic farming. Organic herb gardening can be less expensive than other methods. The key to being successful with organic herb gardening is working with nature, this is better for you, your family and your pets. There is plenty of information today on how to treat common garden pests organically. Much of this information can be found on the Internet with recipes for getting rid of different types of pest and these recipes can be made with products you may already have in your pantry and all helpful to the environment. When you garden, your compost bin becomes your best friend, sounds strange I know, but once you get into organic gardening, it will become so clear. For the organic gardener there is nothing like a good compost bin.

If you are a person who likes to keep up with what is happening around you, then get into organic herb gardening as using fresh herbs in your cooking is just so "in" as people are finding out how much of a difference they make to our cooking. So if you want to use herbs for cooking, medicinal or even the wonderful aromatic value they have, then get your organic herb gardening started. Not only is it a great hobby but once you get into herbs there is such a wide variety to learn about, it can be such a fascinating pastime

About the Author
©2007 CTBaird. Carmel Baird contributes to Online Gardening Information where you will find information, tips and hints with new articles about many aspects of gardening added every week. Find out more about organic gardening here

Organic Coffee: It's Only Fair by Debbie O'Meara

2007-10-25T00:48:00.000-07:00

Organic coffee is not only healthier than the coffee grown using conventional methods - it's tasty, too. It protects the natural environment by making as few changes to the natural vegetation as possible. Coffee is a special plant - it must grow in shade and on fragile and fertile soil. Coffee regions are highly biodiversified. Organic coffees are grown on fragile soils, and often on steep terrain highly susceptible to erosion. This delicate balance makes coffee-growing areas extra-susceptible to damage from human intervention.

Nature provides her own alternatives to the chemicals used by many commercial growers. To prevent the nutrients from the topsoil's being bleached by the sun, organic growers plant trees such as banana, plantain, mahogany, guava palm and others. Not only do these trees protect the soil, they provide wildlife habitat even for migratory birds that lost their natural habitat because of deforestation.

As with all organic foods, organic coffee it is grown without any synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which is enabled by inter-planting of other food and cash crops along with coffee into already existing ecosystem or by creating a multi-layered coffee plantation. The leaves falling from the trees, along with compost made from the mulch of coffee cherries, cattle manure, and residues from inter-planted crops, are natural fertilizers. Birds and insects control pests. These practices make for healthier soil, preventing water pollution as well as improving the ecosystem of the farm. Pollution is further minimized by reducing water use during coffee processing.

Coffee companies also care for the community by providing educational, healthcare and nutritional programs in their partner coffee communities. They also give jobs in poverty regions in the harvest time.

Packages of organically-grown coffee carry certificates that prove their pedigree. When a farm is a member of a "fair trade" co-op, buyers can be certain that they're buying true organic fair trade coffee. This means that the certified organic coffee was bought at a fixed price from cooperatives of small farmers and importers and roasters purchased the coffee on fixed contracts directly from the cooperative.

There are areas where organic farming led to actual increases in bird diversity. Producers provide a wide whole variety of coffee products - they may come in a range of blends and roasts you can choose from, differing by their aroma, body, or region of production.

Buying organic coffee means supporting farmers and a great care for the environment. It means thinking globally - beyond your own cup.

About the Author
Debbie O'Meara is the owner of www.organic-food-and-drink.com, full of resources and information about organic food and beverages, including coffee. Get the free newsletter for organic specials and updates, plus a free ecourse on wine!

Food for the Organic and Natural Lifestyle by Ajeet Khurana

2007-10-25T00:47:00.001-07:00

There really is no getting away from artificial flavoring. The last I heard, they were using artificial colors to turn processed ham pink. Being in the pink of health acquired a new meaning with that revelation. Should we really steer clear of artificial foods and flavors in all their forms? For years we have been hearing complaints about the deteriorating quality of the food we eat. Most often, this deterioration has been attributed to their chemical content. This raises one question: is it possible to live life in a completely organic way?

A few years ago it may not have been possible to go completely organic. However, these days we have access to stores that specialize in organic food. We do not need to keep on slowly poisoning ourselves. An organic diet is far more nutritious than the diets that we have been depending upon for decades now. One of the factors that add to the nutrient value of organic foods is the fact that these are completely natural. Organic foods represent a return to Mother Nature and a repudiation of the hundreds of chemicals that have been poisoning our foods since the start of the factory system.

The proponents of organic food claim that nothing could taste more delicious. Moreover, the fact that organic food is completely free of chemicals suggests that it is healthier. Cattle that are raised in the organic way are less likely to have been fed all sorts of chemicals. Hence, one can assume that dairy products made from their milk will be significantly healthier. It is stated that vegetables and fruits that are grown on organic farms are healthier as they contain far more nutrients than are contained in veggies that are intensively farmed.

There are many benefits to going the organic way. Organic farming is far less harmful to our environment. In this day and age, when the environment is under grave threats from all quarters, even a small step towards incorporating its well-being into our lifestyle should be appreciated. As a result of its non-reliance on chemical fertilizers, the farm hands on organic farms are less likely to suffer health problems. The respiratory diseases that strike workers on the conventional farms are quite rare among those on organic ones.

However, are we really ready to go natural in a big way? Organic food usually costs significantly more than the food grown on conventional farms. Are we willing to add to our expenses by going completely organic? Now, that is the question we should be asking ourselves.

About the Author
Organic Food is the way to go. Learn about Organic Clothing and Organic Skin Care.

Do Organically Grown Foods Offer Significant Benefits Over Conventionally Grown Foods? by Dr Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D.

2007-10-25T00:47:00.000-07:00

Summary: There is a perception among consumers and the general public that organic foods pose some added property of increased quality, nutrition and safety. But, are these perceptions accurate, truthful or justified? Organic foods are foods that are grown in manure and/or soils treated or found to be free from pesticides and other harmful residues. Using manure from animals could pose a health risk, since there is a real possibility of disease organisms being transferred from infected animals or carriers to plants through their feces. It is therefore scientifically feasible that organic foods may pose the same health risk to consumers when compared to conventional foods. They are no more nutritious than conventional foods, and may even contain pathogens that may have been internalized in the plant tissues that may be difficult to remove through normal cleaning and sanitizing and may therefore pose a greater threat to human health and well being. Introduction: Organic foods are defined as foods grown under controlled conditions in the absence of pesticides, artificial fertilizers and genetically modified organisms, using good agricultural practices in the planting, growing and harvesting of crops and livestock. Organic foods are quite different from foods labeled as "natural" since natural foods are not grown under the USDA organic requirements and guidelines and may contain non-organic preservatives, artificial colors and flavors.

Organic Certification: Organic certification is the process of verifying the standards used in organic production in accordance with the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. There are three main requirements to the certification process: 1. The Organic Plan. This plan purposes how the organic farmer and/or processor will meet organic standards while raising their crops or producing their processed product. It would describe in detail all processing methods and all ingredients used, as well as storage, cleaning and waste disposal methods at the facility. 2. Record Keeping. This provides an audit trail for inspectors and competent authority to verify material and methods used in growing or processing organic foods. It allows for traceability and enables a food on the store shelf to be traced back to the processing facility and farm. 3. Annual Inspections. This is done by authorized personnel of the USDA or other certifying agencies that monitors and ensures compliance with the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990.

Organically Labeled Foods: In order for a food product to be labeled organic it should contain at least 95 % of certified organic ingredients. This means that the other 5 % could be minerals or products which are natural but simply not available in organic form. Foods containing organic ingredients can be labeled with the words "organic" meaning that the food contains at least 50 % of the ingredients that have been certified as organic. However, foods containing less that 50 % of ingredients being organic cannot be labeled as such.

Are Organic Foods more nutritious than Conventional Foods? There is presently a growing body of conflicting data that suggests that organically grown foods may not be more nutritious than conventional foods. The nutrient content of plants is determined primarily by heredity. The mineral content of plants may be affected by the mineral content of the soil. If essential nutrients are missing from the soil the plant will not grow or grow very poorly. Experiments conducted to date show that there is no significant difference in the nutritional content of organic and conventional grown foods.

Are Organic Foods more Safer than Conventional Foods? Food safety is the assurance that food when consumed in its usual way will not pose a threat to human health and well being. There is a perception that organic foods may be safer because they have lower levels of pesticide residues. This may not be true since, the FDA set tolerance levels in foods and conducts frequent market basket studies. These studies have shown that 60 % of fruits and vegetables had no detectable pesticides and only about 1.2 % of domestic and 1.6 % of imported foods had violative levels. Most studies since the early 1970s found that the pesticide levels in conventional foods were similar to organic foods and they were basically within the accepted international and Environmental Protection Agency Standards.

Are Organic Foods Tastier than Conventional Foods? Organic foods are not inherently tastier than conventionally grown foods. Organoleptic properties of foods are influenced by freshness and storage conditions; that is, how the product is shipped from farmer to consumer. Consumer reports found no consistent differences in appearance, flavor, color or texture between organic and conventionally grown foods.

Are Organic Foods more Environmentally Friendly than Conventional Foods? There may be some benefits of growing organic foods in terms of preserving the environment. Organic farming utilizes a number of methods that are environmentally friendly, but these methods are also used in growing conventional foods. Some of these methods include: crop rotation, which ensures that one crop does not deplete the soil of the nutrients that it uses most; cover crops to protect against soil erosion; the planting of special crops known as "green manures" that are plowed back into the soil to enrich it and; the addition of aged animal and plant wastes, also known as compost to the soil.

Does Organic Foods have any special Healing Powers? Organic foods do not offer any significant healing powers over conventionally grown foods. In, fact both organic and conventionally grown foods are nutritious and can provide equal benefits in providing nutrients needed for growth, repair and maintenance of bodily functions.

Other Areas of Concern Regarding Organically Grown Foods:  It is purported that the genetically modified ingredients are subjected to DNA testing and documentation from ingredient suppliers, but how is the presence of genetically modified ingredients tested and what documentation are requested from suppliers? What measures are taken to protect organic foods from the prevalence of genetically engineered crops in the environment and increased use of genetically modified ingredients? Can organic foods be considered as being 100 % free of genetically engineered ingredients? There is a real possibility that organic foods may contain genetically modified ingredients either through pre or post harvest contamination.  Organic foods are deemed to be free from pesticides. What does "free from pesticides" mean? Is there a zero tolerance level? Is this pesticide level the same for conventional foods? Have sufficient scientific studies been done to compare pesticide residues in organic and conventional foods?  Are the organic standards consistently maintained for all organic foods?  Is the Organic Food Production Act of 1990 suitably enforced and are there adequate surveillance measures in place to detect deviation from established procedures and guidelines regarding organic food production?  Is the increased cost of organically grown foods justifiable and affordable especially for the underprivileged and poor or needy populations?  Is organic food production sustainable for supplying food to a growing population in the 21st century, in light of increased pest resistance, hardy environmental conditions and world wide climate changes, in particular global warming?

Conclusion: Organically grown foods are perceived as being more nutritious, healthier and safer than conventionally grown foods. This perception is not accurate since organically grown foods may have a shorter shelf life, have the same nutrition content as conventional foods, may have the same minimum levels of pesticide residues as required by the FDA and USDA and there is a possibility that they may contain genetically modified ingredients depending on where they are grown, harvested or processed. Consumers and the general public should be aware that organic foods are not necessarily better than conventional foods and evidence-based decision should always be exercised in selecting and purchasing foods to ensure, maintain and promote human health and well being.

References:  FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Pesticide Program: Residue Monitoring1999, August 2000.  Boume D, Prescott J. A comparison of the nutritional value, sensory qualities, and food safety of organically and conventionally produced foods. Food Science and Nutrition 42:1-34, 2002.

 Newsome R. Organically Grown Foods: A scientific status summary by the Institute of Food Technologist's expert panel on food safety and nutrition. Food Technology 44 (12):123-130, 1990.  Organic Produce. Consumer Reports 63(1):12-18, 1998.  Organic Food Standards and Labels: the facts. USDA Web site.  Pattron, D. Recent Research in Public Health. Scientific Publishers: New York, 2004.

About the Author
Dr. Pattron is a Public Health Scientist and Scholar.

Organic Coffee: Does It Taste Any Better? by Scott A. Wilson

2007-10-25T00:46:00.003-07:00

Traditional coffee like Folders and the popular Spanish brand Nescafe have maintained that familiar, consistent great taste over the years. Despite pesticides and fertilizers harvested in the large, commercial coffee plantations they grow on, it manages to suit an average person's tastes as evident by its sales. In justifying the high prices for organic coffee, many people point to its tastes as one of the main reasons. Does organic coffee taste better than traditional coffee?

To begin, organic coffee tastes better than traditional coffee because of the growing methods farmers use. Factors that weigh heavily with improved taste include shade grown and organic farming methods that are in force today that promote healthier soil, clean water, and habitats for birds that provide pest control. As an added bonus, organic coffee receives a taste boost if it is high-grown. Organic coffee under shade trees are the definition of 'premium' in that fewer coffee cherries are produces unlike traditional coffee that grow under the sun. Because of this, organic coffee cherries grow slower and finer, and the difference is passed on to your I Love New York mug.

Another reason why organic coffee tastes better is because of the incentives farmers receive for producing it. With an average of 15 cents more per pound, producers are more inclined to keep their trees in top shape and harvest them better. Organic coffee producers also place a higher emphasis on harvesting, many of which is done by hand to assure the best beans are processed. This is a must, considering coffee trees have cherries going through different development cycles. The harvesting process also separates regular beans from the finer ones. All in all, because of the more intricate care placed with growing organic coffee, taste is improved tenfold.

For more information on organic coffee or for organic coffee recipes

About the Author
Scott Wilson has been a importer and roaster of organic coffee for over a decade.

Africa's Miracle Plant-The Untold Story of Raw Shea by Claire Pearson

2007-10-25T00:46:00.002-07:00

Just below the Sahara Desert, in a vast expanse of African Savannah land, sits the Nasia Village. Outside of the rainy season, this is one of the most unforgiving, dry, dusty places on earth. Brutal sun, wind, and Hamatan dust create dire consequences for exposed skin. For centuries, women of Nasia have used oil from the nut of the native Shea tree to combat these extreme conditions, turning the oil into raw shea butter for their skin.

Raw shea butter, a thickened oil extracted from the nut of the Shea tree, is an extremely versatile product, containing both carotene and alantoin for excellent moisturizing, soothing, anti-aging, and healing treatment. Women and men all over the world have caught on to this secret-of-the-savannah and use shea to combat all types of skin conditions.

One of the most significant uses of raw shea butter is as an anti-aging treatment. In a remarkable six-month anti-aging study performed by F. Renard, 30 participants used raw shea butter as a daily moisturizer. Within a few weeks, the dull, grayish complexion of most participants had vanished, and smoother, clearer skin was revealed. Wrinkles caused by prolonged sun exposure were visibly diminished for half of the study's participants. Because of shea's unique ability to reactivate collagen synthesis, by the study's conclusion, evident skin regeneration had occurred in all participants. Anti-aging is only one of the several conditions raw shea butter remedies, others include:

Dry skin Rashes Peeling Blemishes Itching Skin cracks Wound healing time Scarring Sunburn Insect bites Rough skin on feet, elbows and knees Frost bite Chapped lips However, according to Lynne Killey, founder of Queen Bee skin care, not all shea is created equal. "Most consumers don't realize that a refining process is typically used to make shea butter. This manufacturing process adds chemicals to the oil, then heats it to a point where most of the nutrients are killed off - virtually eliminating all healing properties of the original nut."

Raw shea butter (also known as unrefined shea) undergoes a traditional production method. In this process, the shea kernel is picked, cracked, grilled and pounded. It is then boiled in water until the fresh butter rises to the surface, which is scooped into gourds and left to set. Performed by hand, this extraction method uses no conventional processing techniques that will strip the finished product of original nutrients. At no point of production are dangerous chemicals or synthetic agents added to this shea butter.

More commonly found in retail outlets, refined shea butter goes through an entirely different production cycle than its natural counterpart. In an effort to speed up the extraction process, increase profits and alter the smell and texture of shea butter, most manufacturers have adopted a refining method which destroys much of the natural integrity of the shea nut. In this process, the seed oil is extracted from the kernels using a highly flammable, gasoline-like chemical known as Hexane, which usually remains in the product in trace amounts.

Side effects from exposure to hexane include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, weakness, unconsciousness, and abdominal pain. Production by-products containing trace amounts of hexane are commonly sold as animal feed, and excessive amounts of hexane are thought to cause anemia in livestock - transferring to the meat consumers' purchase. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Hexane compounds are carcinogens and are classed as a hazardous substance. Hexane also poses a serious environmental threat - implicated as a polluter and producer of harmful ozone build-up and air pollution when vented into the atmosphere during the flash-off (burning) cycle of manufacturing.

The side effects and environmental concerns surrounding the use of hexane are serious problems of refined shea butter production, yet other aspects of this refining process are equally as damaging to consumers. To remove the characteristic nutty smell of shea, the extracted oil is exposed to 450 degree heat and sodium hydroxide and carbonate chemicals are added. To change the texture and appearance of the product, it moves through an acid-treated filter and is bleached. Known carcinogens (BHT & BHA) are added to refined shea butter to enhance the shelf-life of the finished product.

"Refining shea butter removes natural essential fatty acids, valuable proteins and important minerals, leaving consumers with a questionable, ineffective and potentially dangerous product. In no way similar to refined shea butter, raw shea butter is significantly richer in vitamins, phyto-nutrients and UV absorbing factors. Raw shea is more difficult to find [than refined shea butter], but is well worth the effort," states Killey.

The American Shea Butter Institute agrees, "While altered shea butter may smell nicely or [when mixed with less expensive ingredients] appear cost-effective, it has lost significant health-properties....poor quality shea butter is ineffective in healing most conditions that raw shea treats."

To ensure your shea butter is raw, make sure it is beige or yellow, with a creamy texture and a nutty smell. If your shea butter has no smell (or a fragrant/floral smell), is white or is grainy, it is refined shea and does not hold the same healing properties of authentic shea. Because of several naturally-occurring antioxidants, raw shea has an indefinite shelf-life; however, refined shea has a maximum two-year shelf-life.

Shea butter is truly a remarkable, one-of-a-kind skin care product, treating wrinkles, stretch marks, scars, burns, muscle soreness and everything in between - every household should have a jar on hand. However, raw shea produces results that are far superior to those of refined shea.

Raw shea lotion bars and tubs can be purchased at www.QueenBeeSauce.com. The most popular Queen Bee raw shea product is the Tub O' Raw Shea, a $26.00, 4oz jar of 100% unrefined shea butter, with nothing else added. Queen Bee raw shea is sourced from a U.S company that directly teaches sustainable farming and eco-friendly handling of shea to the women of Northern Ghana.

Founded in 2004, Queen Bee offers simple, natural skin care products to health-conscious consumers. With a focus on personalized products and service, all Queen Bee products are homemade, by hand, from scratch, using natural and organic ingredients. The Queen Bee motto 'Made with Love' represents the philosophy of founder Lynne Killey that "each bottle or jar of product is made with attention to quality of ingredients, harmony with nature and care for the person who will be using our product."

To learn more about Queen Bee, raw shea butter, or any other product, visit www.QueenBeeSauce.com, call 970.731.3690 or email QB@queenbeesauce.com.

About the Author
Specializing in public relations, Website and marketing copywriting, Claire Pearson is a versatile, quick thinking writer with an enviable grasp of the English language. Claire thinks creatively and conceptually to craft compelling headlines and engaging body copy.

About Free Trade And Organic Cotton by Everett Sizemore

2007-10-25T00:46:00.001-07:00

The organic cotton industry has make huge strides over the last few years, and many retailers are beginning to see the value of buying materials made with organic cotton, such as clothing, bedding and accessories. Still, most consumers do not know the difference between "organic" cotton and "regular" cotton. Therefore, they cannot justify paying more for one or the other. This article explains the difference in hopes that more people will opt for the organic alternative to mass-produced cotton.

What is Organic Cotton?

Organic cotton, like most "organic" crops, is grown using methods and materials that have a low environmental impact. The growing of this type of cotton usually focuses on two things: eco-sustainability and fair trade.

Eco Sustainability

The idea of sustainability is that the practices used in producing a product replenish natural materials at equal to or greater than the rate of depletion, and reduce the use of toxic fertilizers and pesticides to the point of being equal to or less than the rate that such materials bio-degrade or become harmless to the environment. In other words, the idea is that we can go on with such practices without "making things worse" than they already are.

Fair Trade

It is common practice in a capitalistic, powerful society like the United States for major corporations to use their buying power to reduce the price of goods, which they may or may not pass on to the consumer. The problem with this practice is that often these goods are already being obtained at the expense of third-world workers, who are providing them at an extremely low profit margin in the first place. It forces them to make a choice between working for near-slave-wages, or not working at all. Fair Trade Cotton and other fair trade products ensure that workers, regardless of which country they live in, are compensated at a fair, living wage.

Because organic farming practices and fair trade purchasing decisions are more costly, a higher price tag usually ends up being passed on to the consumer. We, as consumers, must then ask ourselves whether it is worth the cost to buy organic cotton over "normal" cotton.

Cost is More Than Just Monetary

The cost of traditionally produced cotton may take a few cents less out of our pockets, but it costs us dearly in terms of the destruction of our environment and the exploitation of our brothers and sisters in the "third world". Whether you believe in karma, a just God or just the idea that your actions play a role in your happiness, there is also a high spiritual/mental payout to buying organically produced, fair trade cotton.

Find out More:

http://www.sustainablecotton.org/ http://www.ota.com/organic/mt/organic_cotton.html http://community.gaiam.com/gaiam/p/id/CAT00004 http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/products_cotton.htm http://www.gaiam.com/retail/2/Bedroom http://www.organicconsumers.org/

About the Author
Everett Sizemore reviews products on his brand comparison website at Compare The Brands . He writes about topics that interest him in his spare time.

Organic Food Products by Russel Esquibel

2007-10-25T00:45:00.000-07:00

For those who are planning to go on a raw food diet there are lots of organic and raw food products available these days. Before, these types of foods were only available on natural food stores. Nowadays, there are more organic selections than ever before.

There are lots of organic and raw food products available on the internet. All you have to do is browse on numerous organic and raw food online retailers. Majority of these online retailers have useful information that will you learn more about organic and raw food products. Most of these online retailers inform you on the specific food values of the said products.

Why organic

So why go for organic and raw food products? In order to come into a decision, you must first understand what organic foods are. Organic foods are produced that are grown or raised without the used of chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Organic foods are considered a lot fresher and has flavorful.

So why go organic? The reason for that is because the human body processes everything that you consume and removes what it cannot absorb. If the food you consume contains toxins from chemical pesticides and fertilizers, your body will then eliminate it to get rid of the toxins. And if the body is unable to remove the toxins immediately, the toxins will be accumulated. Accumulated toxins can bring about several health predicaments.

Most of the pesticides and fertilizers that are used in farming contain carcinogenic elements. These particular elements are known to cause serious health problems, such as cancer. If you minimize the intake of these types of foods and consume organic and raw products, it will most likely improve your health.

Although there are some individuals that are able to remove toxins in their bodies better than other people, the human body must exert more energy just to remove these toxins rather than spending that wasted energy on other essential bodily functions such as healing damaged cells and tissues, combating harmful viruses and bacteria

Those who are able to withstand or eliminate toxins better than others will feel considerably healthier if they consume organic and raw food products. While those who are sensitive to these harmful elements will feel much better and will be able to eliminate toxins much better.

Today, removing these harmful elements is much easier because of the greater selection and more diverse variety of organic and raw food products that are available in the market.

About the Author
Russel Esquibel is a nutrition oriented expert. He is a writer of Eat-Raw-Food.com, a site where you can find information, tips and advice about raw food, vegetarian, vegan and more.

Organic baby clothes are on the must-have list for concerned parents by WEBCERTAIN PR TEAM

2007-10-25T00:41:00.000-07:00

Award-winning children's clothes designer and retailer, Vertbaudet, report that the popularity of their organic baby clothes range has exceeded expectations.

Available from www.vertbaudet.co.uk the range includes bodysuits, blouses, t-shirts, dresses, cardigans, and other clothes for baby girls and boys.

The new Autumn / Winter collection "Organic BB. Bio" has just been announced in the new catalogue, this is a mini-collection of modern and elegant organic baby clothes.

The range was designed in response from demand from parents for ecologically sound baby clothes that are safe for even the most sensitive baby skin. Vertbaudet designed the baby clothes with babies' comfort and parents' convenience in mind.

The clothes for baby girls and boys are made from pure organic cotton and are available for newborns (1 month) to toddlers (18 months). All products are easy to wash (machine-washable) and have no scratchy labels as the washing instructions are printed inside.

Parents are far more concerned about the use of chemicals and artificial ingredients in food and clothes for children that they were five years ago. For example, sales of organic food grew by 30% in 2005 alone.

Susanne Atkins-Krueger of Vertbaudet explains: "In addressing the demand from parents for organic clothes for babies we were extremely focused on providing practical, as well as environmentally-friendly products."

"The clothes are very comfortable for babies as the fabric is pre-washed for a softer feel to protect delicate baby skin from irritation."

"Any parent will tell you that life is a lot more difficult to deal with when your baby's clothes are scratching them!"

Not only is there a general concern about the use of unnecessary chemicals, but the incidence of childhood eczema and skin allergies among children has increased in recent years.

All the organic cotton baby clothes from Vertbaudet are hypoallergenic and use natural dyes.

Vertbaudet's summer sale means it's now possible to save up to 70% selected spring and summer childrenswear, full details can be found at www.vertbaudet.co.uk along with details of all their fashion collections for children.

Overall organic farming is better for wildlife, causes lower pollution levels from sprays and produces less carbon dioxide.

Vertbaudet organic baby clothes range includes: Organic cotton Bonnet and bootees set - from £7.99 Pure organic cotton in striped woven-dyed or plain poplin - from 11.99 Fleece cardigan - from 14.99 Girls top and bloomer set - from 12.99 Boys t-shirt and trousers - from 14.99

The new Organic BB. Bio range includes: Cardigan and trouser sets - from £17 Polo shirts from - £9 Sleepsuits - from £12

About Vertbaudet Vertbaudet is one of the leading brands in the Redcats Group which also includes La Redoute and Empire Stores. Redcats is a member of the PPR Groups whose brands include Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. Rated "Number 1 for Baby and Children's wear" in an independent survey of mums who shop from home. Kids Superbrands - one of the UK's Best Children's Brands 2006 Prima Baby Reader Awards 2006: Eco-Friendly award winner for the Organic Cotton range Tommy's Parent Friendly Awards 2006 - Best Maternity Wear and Best Online / Home Delivery Service - runner-up.

About the Author
WEBCERTAIN PR TEAM - Jenny Simpson / Laure Mondon 01904780030 Laure.mondon@webcertain.com Jenny.simpson@webcertain.com

How to Find Reliable Organic Herb Suppliers by John Wishley

2007-10-25T00:40:00.002-07:00

Herbs have been essential in cooking for centuries because of their flavor, scent and healing qualities. Simple food can be turned into a gourmet meal by adding little bit of herbs. Medicinal herbs have been used for healing a number of ailments and proved to be very effective. Herbs are often added to candles, soaps, used to scent linens, and for many other purposes. If you use a lot of herbs, finding a good organic herb supplier is vital.

USDA Organic Certification

If you are looking for a certified organic herb supplier, you should be familiar with the USDA organic certification process. In order for an organic herb supplier to use the term "organic," he or she must grow the herbs in accordance with USDA standards, must keep extensive records, be inspected regularly and pay a certification fee. If your organic herb supplier displays the USDA Organic symbol, he or she has gone through this process, and you can be 100% sure that the herbs are purely organic.

However, many organic herb suppliers prefer not to go through the lengthy USDA certification process. They may have some other certification such as "Certified Naturally Grown" or they may not have any certification at all. Some organic herb suppliers use the term "natural" instead of "organic" - though the herbs they supply may still be organic, just the supplier didn't acquire the USDA certificate in order to label their herbs "organic".

In case you are not sure if the organic herb supplier is a genuine one, talk to them. Ask about the farming practices they use. It might turn to be useful to visit the farm and check it out for yourself. If you take the time, you will find out which "natural" herb growers are actually uncertified organic herb suppliers. Farmer's Markets

The best way to find an organic herb supplier is to check out your local Farmer's Market. The Farmer's Market allows the farmer to sell produce directly to the public. Purchasing food directly from the farmer has more benefits like no middle-men and lower prices; besides, it is more beneficial for the farmers as well since they get higher income.

The Farmer's Market also allows you to interact directly with organic herb suppliers. You can ask questions about how they grow the herbs. They usually have a wealth of knowledge about how to use the herbs they sell, too. You could learn how to make a medicinal lavender tea to soothe your nerves, or how to make thyme jelly to serve with an organic pork roast.

CSA's

Another way to find an organic herb supplier is to check out local CSA's. A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a local farm, usually a small farm that sells "shares" of its produce. You usually buy a "share" and pick up whatever vegetables, herbs and other products the farm produces at specific intervals. A CSA share usually provides enough vegetables for a family of four.

Check out the CSA's in your area carefully - chances are you will get an excellent organic herb supplier for your needs. Visit the farms; ask what kinds of produce you can expect to receive and how much they usually supply. If you are specifically interested in the CSA as an organic herb supplier, check out their herb garden and ask what kinds of herbs they grow.

Of course, you can find an organic herb supplier that ships dried herbs over long distances. But getting herbs from the Farmer's Market or buying a CSA share helps support the farmers in your area.

About the Author
For more information on Organic herb supplier check out http://www.myorganicgardeningsecrets.com. you'll find answers to questions many others in your situation have asked before.For a limited time you can get your very own copy of our award winning Organic Gardening Software at absolutely no cost.

Organic Herb Farms - A New Trend in Agriculture by John Wishley

2007-10-25T00:40:00.001-07:00

Getting into organic farming might seem to be quite a tough task, but it is not so if you start gradually and develop your knowledge and experience step by step. Starting with organic herb farm is easier than any other kind of organic farm. This is because herbs are easier to grow organically than many other crops; besides you don't need much land for them. A few acres of good land are enough to have a profitable organic herb farm. Consider a few things before buying land for your organic herb farm.

Climate

First of all you have to research what kinds of organic herb farms already exist in your area. Talk to the farmers and find out what the climate is like, and which herbs grow best there. Ask for their advice; they are experts; treat them well and they can help your organic herb farm to be a success.

Market

Make your research about the local market for your organic herb produce. How are other organic herb farms doing financially? Is there a large enough market for one more organic herb farm? How do others sell their produce? Do they sell herbal products as well as herbs? What equipment is needed to make those products?

These are the basic questions to you will need answers to. Just as you would with any business, do a thorough market analysis before deciding to start an organic herb farm.

Land

Prior to looking for land, decide a few things first. How much land do you need? Do you want cleared or wooded land? Do you want previously cultivated land? Is there an existing organic herb garden for sale?

You may choose to live on your organic herb farm - in this case, you have to make sure there is a livable home on it. Check out the outbuildings to make sure they are adequate for your needs. If you are currently a city dweller, don't forget that you need to find out about water supply, electrical supply and septic.

Since you plan on starting an organic herb farm, try to find land that has not been treated with chemical additives. For this matter try to get the history of the land and get to know everything that has been done to it, at least for the past five to ten years. You will need this history in order to get organic certification for your organic herb farm.

Crop

With an organic herb farm you have a few options regarding the crops. Be aware that monoculture farming sets you up for disaster. It is better to have more than one kind of crop in case one doesn't do well.

You can grow perennial herbs on your organic herb farm, such as lavender, rosemary and thyme. You can harvest and sell the herbs directly to consumers, to food producers or to cosmetic and other industries. You can make herbal products, and sell them, as well. Popular culinary herbs, such as basil and oregano are grown hydroponically these days. You can also grow them in the ground. Culinary herbs proved to be a good cash crop.

The market for native or naturally growing herbs is expanding. You can harvest "high value native plants" wherever they grow on your land. Many of these herbs grow best in wooded areas, and you can interplant them in your woodlot. Ginseng, goldenseal, cohosh and Echinacea are all examples of native herbs that have commercial value. Most native herbs are used for medicinal purposes.

You don't have to possess a degree in agriculture to start an organic herb farm and become a successful organic farmer. Of course, you will have to learn a lot and put a lot of efforts, but you can start your organic herb farm with a relatively small investment and still achieve great results.

About the Author
For more information on Organic herb farms check out http://www.myorganicgardeningsecrets.com.you'll find answers to questions many others in your situation have asked before.For a limited time you can get your very own copy of our award winning Organic Gardening Software at absolutely no cost.

Major Advantages of Organic Gardening and Farming by John Wishley

2007-10-25T00:38:00.000-07:00

Organic gardening and farming have a number of advantages for both people's health and the environment. Here are three major aspects making organic gardening and farming so beneficial for us.

Safer Water

Organic gardening and farming keep toxic pesticides out of the water supply and food chain. Pesticides are notorious for being harmful to humans; it includes birth defects, cancer, allergies and other health problems. Pesticides now are so widespread that they contaminate nearly every square inch of the ocean and land mass of the world. Pesticides are not excreted by plants or animals, so they become concentrated as they move up the food chain. People are at the top of most food chains, so we bear the brunt of the damage.

Organic gardening and farming are based on non-toxic ways to control pests. Pesticides are rarely used, and when they are, the pesticides are made from naturally occurring plant oils and minerals. Organic gardening and farming always use the least toxic method possible to control pests.

Soil Biomass

Organic gardening and farming maintain the soil biomass. Biomass is the total amount of living material present in an area; this includes microorganisms, insects, small animals and plants. Good living soil is rich in biomass, as all this helps maintain soil productivity and fertility. We also need this biomass for good nutrition. For instance, no plant or animal on earth can manufacture vitamin B12. All vitamin B12 is originally produced by bacteria that live in the soil.

Industrial agriculture relies on chemical fertilizers to add specific nutrients to the soil to increase productivity of monocultural plantings. If you are growing only soybeans on a particular piece of land, you don't need to add the nutrients necessary to grow corn. Chemical fertilizers are known to sterilize the soil. Much of the commercially farmed land will not grow anything without adding fertilizer because the soil cannot support growth on its own. Plants don't even decompose into the soil because there are no bacteria or insects to help break them down. Organic gardening and farming practice maintaining the biological content of the soil.

Healthier Food

Organic gardening and farming provide us with healthier food. If we suffer when the soil and water are contaminated with pesticides, but we suffer even more when those pesticides are in our food. You can't wash all pesticides off; many plants take the chemicals in and they become part of the food we eat. Apples are a prime example; commercially grown apples nearly always contain traces of pesticides in them.

Besides, organically grown food is more nutritious. Scientists are now studying phytonutrients - previously unidentified substances in plants that are necessary for their health - and for ours. Organic gardening and farming restore the soil to its natural, living state to preserve all the essential nutrients, whether we can identify them yet or not.

About the Author
For more information on Organic gardening and farming check out http://www.myorganicgardeningsecrets.com.you'll find answers to questions many others in your situation have asked before.For a limited time you can get your very own copy of our award winning Organic Gardening Software at absolutely no cost.

Simple Organic Garden Tips for Beginners by John Wishley

2007-10-25T00:37:00.000-07:00

If you are new in organic gardening, the abundance of information may be overwhelming. Don't get hyped, though - just keep it slow and steady. Organic gardening has its own rhythm, so you don't have to do everything at once. Start out slow and learn in the process - you will be successful in not time! These five simple organic garden tips will help you get started.

1. Start with the Soil

The soil is the source of life for your organic garden. One of the problems with chemical gardening is that it sterilizes the soil, stealing the life from it. Organic soil is living and has lots of living matter in it. One of the main organic garden tips regarding the soil is - use compost. Buy it until you can make it.

Compost is created out of living vegetable matter. You just save all your vegetable scraps, lawn clippings and other fresh vegetable matter (green material) and mix it with dead grass and leaves (brown material) and let it decompose. You want a compost heap to generate heat, because it decomposes faster that way. It needs to be at least 3'x 3'x 3' to get good and hot. A hot compost heap that is turned frequently (so that it gets air into it) will make compost in a matter of weeks. However, if your compost pile is not that big or doesn't get very warm, it will still create good compost just in a longer period of time.

Compost should be added to the soil at least twice a year. Dig it into the top six inches of soil, and you will have rich, dark, productive soil within a couple of years, even if you started out with sterile, gray, chemically treated dirt.

2. Biodiversity

When you grow the same crop in the same soil over and over again, it depletes the soil of specific nutrients and causes serious damage to the soil. Monoculture farming also tends to gather the bugs and weeds that prey on that particular crop.

Therefore, biodiversity is another organic garden tip you should follow in order to achieve best results. Biodiversity means growing lots of different things. This protects the soil and the crops. Companion plants provide nutrients and pest protection for each other. Crop rotation keeps the soil rich and doesn't attract as many insects; besides you have a greater variety of produce for your table or for sale.

3. Water Carefully

Indiscriminate watering practices waste water and wash soil components into the water supply. Using water carefully prevents waste and discourages weeds. Water early in the morning and use a soaker hose to keep water on the plants and nowhere else.

4. Control Weeds

Organic gardening allows easy weed control, in case you follow these organic gardening tips. Use mulch around your plants to keep weeds out and water in and to give them extra nutrients. Compost is great mulch. Using plastic barriers during growing season will help keep weeds out of your crops. Cover the entire area with plastic during the winter season to kill off weed seeds. Regular weeding doesn't let root systems develop or go to seed.

5. Control Pests

Organic garden tips on pest control include only non- toxic intervention, so you have to be creative here.

Planting wisely, i.e. using companion planting and crop rotation should discourage pests before they arrive. If pests are already there, remove them by hand, if possible. Tomato hornworms, potato bugs and other larger insects can be controlled by hand. Use barriers, like diatomaceous earth, coffee cans or netting. Insect control is one more natural way to control pests, for example, releasing ladybugs, lacewings or praying mantises into your garden. If all else fails, use an organic insecticide, such as soap.

These five simple organic garden tips should be enough for you to get started. In a year of practicing organic gardening you will be an experienced gardener, and then you may want to try some different approaches. As a beginner, just follow these organic garden tips and your first year organic garden will be productive and successful.

About the Author
For more information on Organic garden tips check out http://www.myorganicgardeningsecrets.com. you'll find answers to questions many others in your situation have asked before. For a limited time you can get your very own copy of our award winning Organic Gardening Software at absolutely no cost.

Your Sources of Organic Gardening Advice by John Wishley

2007-10-25T00:36:00.002-07:00

Being new to organic gardening, you may be seeking some good organic gardening advice and wondering what's the best place to get it. Some of the organic gardening advice you get is confusing, and when you hear about the USDA rules, organic gardening sounds impossible. However, organic gardening is not that complicated; in fact, it is very easy once you get the hang of it. But at the beginning you will need to have a good source for organic gardening advice.

Books

Books are that ideal source to begin with when you are looking for organic gardening advice. There are several good organic gardening advice books on the market. You could borrow them from the library or choose one or two that you want to own. Rodale's Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening is a good, basic organic gardening book you might wish to buy.

Magazines

Special magazines on organic gardening will provide you with plenty of information you require. Some target specific types of organic gardening, such as raising organic vegetables or organic berry farming. Again, the library is a good place to start. Go through several organic gardening magazines, and choose one or two to subscribe to. You will be getting lots of up-to-date organic gardening advice on a regular basis.

The Internet

The Internet is, of course, one more invaluable source of organic gardening advice. It is a great place to find both information and products. You can get great organic gardening advice on organic gardening forums and blogs, too. Check out Cornell University's website (www.gardening.cornell.edu) for organic gardening advice. They even offer an online class in organic gardening.

Cooperative Extension Office

These used to be called County Extension Offices, and were a branch of the US Department of Agriculture. Now the services are offered in cooperation with local universities; they are a wonderful source of organic gardening advice. If you can't find a telephone number or website for your local Cooperative Extension Office, check with the USDA. They keep a listing of all the offices in the country, and can help you find the Cooperative Extension office closest to you.

Parks and Recreation

Local parks and recreation departments often offer organic gardening advice. They often hold workshops and classes on organic gardening subjects from composting (with or without worms) to companion planting. These classes are taught by local experts, and you can make great gardening friends who can be one more excellent organic gardening advice source for you.

Friends and Family

Perhaps, you think that nobody from your family and friends knows anything about organic gardening, but you could be wrong. Ask around and you will almost certainly find friends, neighbors and family members who will give you organic gardening advice when you ask them for it.

Join lots of people who chose organic gardening, because it is fun, easy and beneficial for health and the environment. There are plenty of sources for organic gardening advice!

About the Author
For more information on Organic gardening advice check out http://www.myorganicgardeningsecrets.com.you'll find answers to questions many others in your situation have asked before.For a limited time you can get your very own copy of our award winning Organic Gardening Software at absolutely no cost.

Choose Organic Flowers and Save the Environment by John Wishley

2007-10-25T00:36:00.001-07:00

Growing organic flowers implies considerable reduction or complete eliminating the use of any chemicals. As a result, your flowers grow in an entirely environment-friendly way including naturally nourished soils and no chemical poisoning at all.

Although you may think that organic flowers are just types of fancy flowers, you should realize that chemicals you use for gardening are very harmful for nature and dangerous for people's health. The main problem with chemicals like pesticides is that they do not stay on soil; they drift and contaminate water supplies, gardens, homes and eventually, affect people's health.

The use of chemicals, especially pesticides, in gardening has always been associated with ozone depletion and the increase of cancer rate. For this reason, growing or buying organic flowers can help and support the environment as well as prevent serious health risks.

Planting organic flowers allow you to enjoy all aspects of gardening without any risk for environment or your own health. It encourages gardeners to use organic products and follow natural practices, like enriching the soil naturally. As a result, toxic chemicals causing disease and pollution are considerably reduced or eliminated.

If you like giving flowers to your loved ones choose organic flowers and support your farmers and organizations that practice organic farming. These organizations and farmers that grow organic products usually sell their items for humanitarian or charitable purposes.

Growing organic flowers on your own, you don't have to worry about toxic chemicals affecting your health. Mind that having no protection from harmful chemicals while gardening automatically allows toxic chemicals to spread onto your clothes and body, which in turn affects the health of children and other people close to you. Dermatitis, caused by chemicals is very common among gardeners and farmers who get affected by these chemicals in their planting process. Planting organic flowers can help you avoid the dermatitis on your hands.

If you care for the environment, you may want to switch from chemical gardening to planting organic flowers. Using toxic chemicals for gardening poisons the soil and groundwater. As the chemicals sink into the soil, the poisoned plants become part of the food chain, making it dangerous for small animals to eat. In addition, the chemicals you use evaporate into the air and become part of rain or snow.

Organic gardening deserves to be supported and promoted by increasing number of people. Not only it prevents the occurrence of serious health conditions, it also saves the environment from pollution. Organic flowers, costing the same as chemically grown flowers, are definitely a far better choice.

About the Author
For more information on Organic flowers check out http://www.myorganicgardeningsecrets.com. you'll find answers to questions many others in your situation have asked before.For a limited time you can get your very own copy of our award winning Organic Gardening Software at absolutely no cost.

Are Organic Products Really That Much Better? by Cecilia Valenzuela

2007-10-25T00:31:00.002-07:00

Most everyone has heard the term, "organic," but are these products really better for consumers?

Organic Products are defined by The Organic Trade Association, as a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers. These foods or products have been processed very little without any artificial ingredients or preservatives, which more and more people are looking for.

Americans are becoming more and more environmentally aware these days and you likely have noticed that organic products are becoming more popular everywhere you seem to go.

The term organic also includes other items other than foods or organic products, such as personal care products like shampoo, soap, toothpaste and more that are also available in organic form. Organic products don't stop at foods, either. You can also purchase cosmetics, mattresses and even pet products that are considered organic.

Although there are a few laws that govern the personal care ingredients within personal care products, most personal care products are exempt from strict guidelines, so you really need to check the labeling to see what the ingredients are before choosing something that may not be all that beneficial.

The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) allows products that contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients to display the the organic label. Certainly, there are organic farms that exist here in Arizona, but one of the more popular organic farms is Shamrock Organic Farms. I don't know about you, but I personally believe that it can be quite confusing when looking for organic products.

Here's the USDA Definition of Organically Produced Organic Products Regulations and tips to help you decide if these products are right for you.

In order for products to be able to display the USDA Certified Organic seal, each product is required to contain 95 to 100 percent organic ingredients.

Products can be labeled 100 percent organic if they contain 100 percent of organic ingredients.

In order for an organic label to be displayed on a product, the item must contain at least 70 percent but less than 94 percent of organic ingredients to make the statement that organic ingredients make up the product. (These products cannot use the USDA Certified-Organic seal, however)

Stiff penalties as much as 10,000 dollars can result for any violators misusing these organic labels.

Farmers need to do their homework if they are to display an organic label. Farmers are required to document and prove that their products and farming operations actually comply with these USDA guidelines. In addition, farmers are required to submit their farming system plans along with their well documented records in order to remain compliant with the guidelines. Inspections are required on the farms and the farmers understand that they can have their goods inspected at any time.

The reasons why so many people are choosing organic food and organic products are probably the same set of reasons that people prefer organic in any other state or country.

More and more Americans are in agreement that organic food and products made without pesticides and fertilizers are the best thing for the future. Many consumers and environmentalists firmly believe that going organic isn't just about promoting better health. They also believe that organically grown food is good for the soil, the environment and certainly our children and others for many years to come.

Many people believe that eating organic foods is healthier because these products contain very little, if any, pesticides or chemicals that will harm you or your children.

Many people believe that choosing 100 percent organic products benefit consumers because these items do not contain any chemicals such as fertilizers or pesticides or any growth hormones and antibiotics.

Many people will agree that by supporting organically grown products, we are doing our part for a healthier environment for everyone. Organic crops do not require any fertilizers because of the fact that they are rotated, which in turns replenishes the essential nutrients needed for healthier and more nutritious fruits and vegetables.

To know whether you are really purchasing something that is said to be organic, look for the organic certification. If you do not know the difference between organic and sustainable, you are not alone. It can be very confusing trying to decide whether or not food without pesticides are better.

Just keep in mind that, organic farms must be independently certified every year and then approved by the USDA, to be officially identified as an organic farm.

Organic products may not be a priority to some people, but there is one thing that cannot be disagreed upon. Fertilizers are not used with these products which is always a benefit when it comes to pollutants that enter our rivers, lakes and streams.

About the Author
Cecilia Valenzuela is a full time online entrepreneur and supporter of small businesses. Valenzuela supports other online business owners hoping to become successful, too. More information about organic products including resourceful information about the state of Arizona and the desert southwest is available at: http://www.my-arizona-desert-living.com/Organic-Products.html

Politics and "Organic" Partnership or Conflict by Linda Sones

2007-10-25T00:31:00.001-07:00

A recent report from Mintel consumer, media and market research analysts has disclosed that ethical shopping has reached new heights with rising demand for organic and fair-trade products, and also many more shoppers recycling packaging. This growing trend reflects consumers concerns about global warming and the exploitation of developing countries.

In June 2007 representatives from the United Kingdom organic sector urged the Environment minister David Miliband not to allow organic food to be contaminated by genetically modified organisms. It is evident according to the Food and Drink Federations organic group that one of the main reasons consumers buy organic is to avoid eating food contaminated with G.M. The government is proposing to increase the threshold for G.M. contamination of organic food from 0.1% to 0.9%. This move is fiercely opposed by the Soil Association who argue that it is not economically sensible for the government to tamper with current regulations given that the organic market is one of the fastest growing areas of the U.K. economy. It has been confirmed by the Soil Association and Organic Farmers and Growers however that they would maintain the current non G.M. Standard of 0.1% whatever is decided by government. The government's stance is in line with the E.U. regulation recently adopted. Although G.M. companies were consulted by government it was reported that no direct contact was made with an organic business. Which might lead us to conclude that 'money' talks.

Whilst the organic food industry is growing fast the same can be said for the global market for organic cotton which is reported to be booming. Consumers are no longer simply eating organically they are wearing organic clothes, using personal care products and equipping bathrooms and bedrooms with textiles made from organic cotton. The fashion industry has an enormous impact on the environment in terms of textiles used; and it could be argued that it is very positive for ethical consumers that designers such as Katherine Hamnett and Stella McCartney are including organic cotton garments in their collections. There is now a greater choice of organic cotton clothes than ever before. At Sonesuk we have an exciting range of baby and children's clothes designed in the U.K. Organic cotton production is estimated to increase over the next three years as more farmers join existing projects and further planned projects reach fruition. Farming organic cotton is based on a system that maintains and enriches soil fertility without the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers and genetically modified seeds. All of this is generally good news for consumers that are aware of both what they put into their bodies and what they clothe themselves and their children in. But we should be aware of strong market forces determined by profit and market domination seeking to pursue their own interests to the detriment of others.

About the Author
Owner of an online shop selling organic cotton baby and childrens clothes and pure and natural baby skincare

The Rise In The Natural Organic Food Market by Mike Selvon

2007-10-25T00:30:00.000-07:00

Natural organic food has become a staple in local health food stores and in most grocery stores. Almost all food stores now carry a special section of natural and organic food. Consumers are demanding more and more certified organic foods and this has put a strain on the market.

Sales are growing faster than any other segment of the food industry. Annual sales in the United States are topping anywhere from $16.3 billion to $29.7 billion.

Several reasons exist for both this increase in demand and the hinder of growth. If one understands these, a larger understanding exists of how the natural organic food market will help consumers.

Three reasons exist for the increase in sales of it, however, the main reason is quite simple. Obesity and heart disease are among the prevalent health related deaths of individuals.

A way to avoid both of these is to stay fit and healthy. Natural organic food offers individuals the choice of products lacking in toxins as well as far healthier foods than those previously available. It is for these reasons demand has increased dramatically.

With the increase of E coli, salmonella, and Listeria, people are becoming more aware of the food they put into their bodies. Consumers want to be healthy at all costs and natural organic food offers the assurance of no pesticides or toxins.

This assurance will decrease the amount of infections from occurring due to the lingering affect of chemicals.

One other reason people are choosing such food is because of the demand for environmentally friendly materials. Organic food products are not only free of toxins, but they are also packaged in "green" materials that can easily be recycled.

With the planet trying to take a stance on taking care of the environment, any type of material that can be recycled is a plus.

Even though several reasons exist why natural organic food is a plus, a few reasons do exist that seem to be hindering the growth of this type of market. In organic farming, labor shortages are a great setback.

Farmers are increasing the production of crops and livestock yet a shortage of qualified inspectors is on the rise. With limits in inspections a lack of consistent supply to the markets is starting to occur.

Since demand is increasing, a consistently short supply is the worst thing that could possibly happen to the natural organic food industry.

The market for natural organic food is definitely increasing. The revenue organic foods are generating is on the verge of breaking records. People are trying to become healthier and avoid sicknesses thus the demand for natural organic food is growing by the day.

However, organic farmers are slowly decreasing and effecting the supply of food. With an increase in certified inspectors and farmers once again returning to the fields, natural organic food demand and revenue will continue to rise.

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To be or not to Be Organic: That is the Question by Mike Selvon

2007-10-25T00:28:00.001-07:00

Everywhere you look in a supermarket there are items marked "organic". There is a lot of confusion at exactly what determines an item is organic food.

As consumers become more and more health conscious, organic food has increased in popularity exponentially. The future will see more and more products being marketed as organic food.

Where are organic foods found?

Organic foods can be found all over the world. Many people can find organically grown produce at their local farmers market as well as grocery stores. Organic foods are marked with a special USDA sticker certifying that the product is organically grown. Other countries employ a similar governing agency to regulate the growing procedures of animals, vegetables and fruits.

Why is there such an explosion of organic foods in grocery stores?

With medical technology keeping us living longer, there has been a renaissance of finding foods that are good for us. That includes vegetables, tomatoes and animal products that are free from possibly dangerous pesticides, growth hormones and antibiotics.

Do all farmers have to have USDA seal of approval to label their foods organic?

No. Only farmers seeking certification through the USDA have the right to label their foods organic. If a non-organic grower markets their product as organic, huge fines can be given.

How does the USDA determine what constitutes organic food?

There is actually a very complex method to determine if a farmer or co-op can market their foods as organic. A division of the United States Department of Agriculture analyzes the composition of the land, record keeping, and a documentation of any herbal or chemical pesticides used on the plant, vegetable, fruit or animal.

After passing the certification to label the farm as "organic" the farmer can then be free to use the USDA Organic seal on its produce.

What price do consumers pay for organic foods?

Organic foods are higher in price in grocery stores than those that are not. Farmers must make more per pound than their competitors due to losing more crops to outside forces than the conventional farmer will.

Do organic foods contain pesticides?

Organic foods do not contain any man-made pesticides. There are some growers who use natural chemicals found in plants and insects to protect their crops.

Why is there such a controversy over organic growing?

The controversies that have arisen involve food shortages and the toll organic farming takes on the land. With larger tracts of land being used, and less being produced due to loss, there is a shortage of available food or any surplus to be sent to countries in need of aid.

Another debate is the use of pesticides found naturally in nature. Organic farming forbids the use of man-made pesticides. Unfortunately the naturally occurring pesticides are not regulated or tested to determine if they have long term harmful effects.

About the Author
Enrich your knowledge further by reading more great organic food articles from Mike Selvon portal. We appreciate your feedback at our organic cooking blog where a free gift awaits you.

Organic Food Bars for Kids by Mike Selvon

2007-10-25T00:27:00.000-07:00

Organic food bars are an easy way for people to take healthy snacks anywhere they go. Not only are organic food bars for adults, but the organic industry has branched out and is offering parents the chance to feed their little ones certified organic food. Food is an essential part of all human existence. If that food is free of pesticides, this world may be a little bit more healthy. If our children can become healthier at a very young age, then perhaps the obesity epidemic can be stopped one day.

Organic food bars are made for toddlers by many reputable baby food companies. One such company that makes special organic food bars for toddlers is Earth's Best. According to the companies web site, the company started when two brothers, Ron and Arnie Koss began the organic food company in 1985. The reason that they began the company was because "they wanted babies to begin their lives with wholesome and safe food diets based upon organic farming practices designed to enrich Earth's soil and water supplies for future generations." Included in their product line are special organic food bars that come in various flavors and are sure to tickle the taste buds of little ones.

Another type of organic food bar that is available for older kids is a CLIF ZBaR. These are organic energy bars that are baked whole grain bars without any sugar or high fructose corn syrup. They are also made without using any trans fats. These organic food bars are perfect right before the big game or a family outing. They help to keep the energy level of children up, and the company also has a line of food bars for adults. These bars can be found in the company's organic foods online store at CLIFZBaR.

Organic food bars for kids are now widely available. If they cannot be found in the local grocery or organic health food store, a person can always find several different brands online. With childhood obesity at an all time high, now more than ever, kids need to eat healthy. Lifestyles are busier today and people are constantly on the move. With the convenience of organic food bars, children can remain healthy and eat healthy as well. This in itself is the best reason to eat organically.

About the Author
Enrich your knowledge further by reading more great organic food bars articles from Mike Selvon portal. We appreciate your feedback at our organic cooking blog where a free gift awaits you.

4 Little Known Organic Garden Compost Secrets by Glen Barnhardt

2007-10-25T00:26:00.000-07:00

A little known secret about organic garden compost is that it's really not that hard. You can use these 4 steps to easily make great organic compost.

Secret 1 - The Container

To create organic compost you don't have to have a container but it does make it much easier.

A good size compost pile should be between 4 - 6 feet. To put this into perspective you could use 4 shipping pallets nailed together. You can also buy compost bins at your garden store or get plans that show you how to build one. You should have a cover to keep the rain off and the heat in. You will need ventilation as air needs to reach the contents.

Secret 2 - The Contents

You can put just about anything that comes from organic matter into your compost pile. The thing you need to watch out for is the smell.

If your pile is away from the house and you won't smell it then you can put horse manure, cat and dog droppings and leftovers from the dinner table. But be cautious as this will also draw rats.

The ideal compost is a mixture of grass and sticks. Grass piled by itself will smell quite a bit but mixed with sticks will allow ventilation and not have that smell. If at all possible shred the sticks and larger wood as it takes much less time for the compost to decay with smaller pieces.

Egg shells and other kitchen scraps will leave your compost looking a bit funny (little white shells all through out) so another option for creating excellent organic matter from those is a wormery. I will talk about worm farming in another article.

Secret 3 - Starting and Maintaining your Compost Pile

Winter has now passed and you are coming into spring when the sun is shining and everybody wants to start working in their yard. You pull weeds, trim the bushes and now you have to mow the yard twice as much. All this leads to the beginning of this years compost pile.

Start your compost pile by putting sticks in the bottom so that you have ventilation. next you can put in your grass clippings and weeds. If you have a large lawn you may want to throw a little bit of woody material in between the loads of grass clippings.

From the kitchen you can add potato peels and other vegetable leftovers but be sure that they are not too wet. Too much water in the pile will slow the process.

What will happen now is your compost pile will get hot as the contents begins to decay. It will then cool. At that point you will want to turn the contents.Having a second bin or a compost barrel that turns makes this much easier.

Otherwise, you will need to pull the contents out of your bin and mix it thoroughly. If it is totally dry use a watering can and sprinkle a little water in as you are mixing the contents.

Your compost pile should stay warm. What I mean is that the decaying process causes heat. Periodically take a stake or cane and run it down into the pile and let it sit for five minutes. When you pull it out it should be warm. If it is cold you will want to turn your pile again and sprinkle with more water.

Organisms are decaying the matter. You can accelerate this by purchasing compost accelerators at your local garden shop. All these accelerators contain more organisms to help quickly decay the compost.

Secret 4 - How it Works

The whole compost process is done with bacteria. Organisms that decay the pile. There are basically two kinds of bacteria that you could have in your compost pile areobic and anareobic. Areobic bacteria like the warmth and air they are a dryer bacteria. They like it moist but not wet. Anareobic are the bacteria like you would find at the bottom of a pond. They like it wet and dark.

I'm sure you have already figured out that we want the areobic bacteria in our compost and not the anareobic. This is the reason we do not want our compost to get too wet. You do want it moist but not wet.

These bacteria will eat away at your compost pile which is why it is hot and you may even see steam coming from the pile and this is good. But after all the yummy food is gone the bacteria will take a nap. This is when you need to turn the pile. And if the pile has become too dry sprinkle some water to make it moist. If you cannot get the heat then you will need to use accelerator.

But if you have ever raked grass clippings that are moist from the morning dew into a pile and let it set it gets really hot. So if you use grass clippings in your mix you know you will get a good start.

This is basically how it works. And depending on your garden and lawn size you may do several compost piles a year or only one.

If you apply these 4 secrets then organic garden compost will be a breeze.

About the Author
Glen Barnhardt is the Worlds #1 Organic Gardening Consultant
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Change Your Entire Dietary Lifestyle With Organic Meats by Shabi

2007-10-25T00:24:00.000-07:00

Not everyone knows about the fact that you can get not only organic produce but also organic meats. This enables you to change your entire dietary lifestyle if you so wish, without having to compromise on such things as organic meats and organic dairy products, substituting the non-organic stuff instead.

In fact, if you do your grocery shopping in a place where organic foods are readily available, you will find the organic meats and dairy products to be readily available alongside their stock of organic fruits, vegetables and processed foods. This is also true, maybe especially more so, of online organic food stores and suppliers.

So what is the deal with organic meats? Well for one thing, organically reared animals are treated to a different regimen than animals reared on normal farms. For one thing, these animals are only fed organic foods.

This means that they don't have any non-organic foods in their diets at all from the very beginning. They are only fed on high quality organic produce. There is also the small factor of not having any antibiotics pumped into these animals as well as not being subject to other potentially harmful toxins.

Just because you prefer organic foods, it doesn't mean that you have to become vegetarian or even vegan. You can still enjoy the same sumptuous foursquare meals that you're used to without loss of vital ingredients. This is where knowing where to get your organic meats can come in handy.

And part and parcel with organic meats, come organic dairy products. Since animals reared in an organic farming environment will also produce organic dairy products as well, you have that assurance that you can still enjoy your port and cheese!

All that aside, when you're looking at organic meats, you will also want to look at the various processed organic foods as well, that contains meat. Unless it has been specifically stated that the ingredients within the packaging s 100% organic you might find yourself faced with only some of the items being organic.

This applies to any meats to be found in the product as well. Unless it has been stated specifically that the meats contained are organic meats you might want to think twice before buying these types of processed foods.

If you're having trouble finding not only organic meats but organic fish as well, you might want to try your hand at finding an organic foods supplier online. You will more than likely have better luck at these places finding, and purchasing, your organic meats, fish and dairy produce.

About the Author
Author's Sites: Home Remedies , Natural Beauty Tips and Aromatherapy

Organic Matters by Tatsumi Yoshioka

2007-10-25T00:21:00.000-07:00

By choosing organic versions of the foods you eat most often, you're not only reducing your own pesticide exposure, you're also voting with more of your food dollars. In an ideal world, we'd always eat fresh, healthy, organic food. All things being equal, I know I'd choose certified organic for my family every time. But sometimes I find myself waffling before a splashy display of conventionally grown strawberries on sale and a bin of picked-over organic ones. How do I weigh the healthiest choices for my family--and the planet? Because ultimately we can't very well protect the former without the latter.

To help make choices while shopping, I carry along a printout of the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) "Dirty Dozen", the 12 fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residue, and a list of the cleanest 12--generally the healthiest conventional choices to make when necessary (see "Is Your Produce Packing Pesticides?").

Avoiding pesticide residues is a great place to start. But it seems like the big picture keeps getting bigger. What about growth hormones and antibiotics? Or genetically modified foods? (None are allowed in certified-organic foods; see "Organic Labels, Decoded") And are organic foods actually more nutritious? Which crops are most harmful to our planet? To get some answers--and the latest research--I called on experts. Here's what I learned.

Milk

Whenever you buy organic milk, you're casting a powerful vote to help transform an entire agricultural system. Organic cows eat organic feed and graze on pasture during the growing season. Voilá, you just reduced the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers on millions of acres of worldwide farmland dedicated to growing livestock feed.

At home, you're avoiding pesticide residues. This is especially important for young children, who generally drink a lot more milk in relation to their body weight, and whose developing bodies are particularly vulnerable to toxins. In 2004, when the USDA's Pesticide Data Program began testing milk with more sensitive equipment, it found worriesome pesticide residues in all 739 samples.

With organic milk, you're also saying no to bovine growth hormone, rBST or rBGH, the effects of which have not been adequately studied. Ditto for the routine use of antibiotics, which scientists warn will lead to treatment-resistant bacteria.

Some initial research also has found that on average, organic milk contains more omega-3 fatty acids (essential for heart, brain, and cardiovascular health) when compared with conventional milk (Journal of Dairy Science, 2006, vol. 89, no. 6). However, the body of research on whether, overall, organic foods are more nutritious remains small; many more studies are needed to confirm these and other early positive outcomes.

Ask for organic milk at your kids' schools and favorite restaurants.

Beef

Like organic dairy, buying organic beef helps change a whole system and an inefficient one at that. To add just 1 pound of cattle weight, it takes about 7 pounds of corn (according to the late food geographer Georg Borgstrom) and nearly 2,500 gallons of water, per a widely cited report from Sacramento's Water Education Foundation. Eliminating pesticides--as well as overused antibiotics--from that equation is a smart beginning.

At the 2005 international congress on Organic Farming, Food Quality, and Human Health, Newcastle University agriculture professor Carlo Leifert, PhD, testified that grass-based organic cattle diets reduce the risk of E. coli contamination, whereas grain-based conventional diets increase the risk. Some initial research also suggests that eating grass-fed beef may be healthier than conventional beef because it's generally leaner and is a richer source of omega-3 fatty acids (Journal of Animal Science, 2002, vol. 80, no. 5).

Apples

If you can pick only one organic fruit, apples may be your best choice. They're Americans' second-most loved fresh fruit (after bananas). Unfortunately, they also rank the second highest on pesticide-contamination lists, after peaches.

Apple orchards commonly are sprayed with organophosphate pesticides, nerve agents that studies link to decreased intelligence and increased attention problems in children (Pediatrics, 2006, vol. 118, no. 6). "Apples appear regularly in the cafeteria of every North American school," says Ronnie Cummins, national director of the Organic Consumers Association." It's unbelievable they haven't made the switch." According to EWG analysis of USDA and FDA data from 2000 and 2004, more than 93 percent of conventional apples tested positive for pesticide residues. One out of every eight times a child under age 6 eats an apple, the group estimates, he exceeds the Environmental Protection Agency's reference dose for organophosphates.

In taste tests, organic apples score higher--and preliminary findings, such as those presented by Warsaw Agricultural University researchers at a food and farming conference in Germany last spring, indicate they may be higher in phenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C.

Although conventional apples rank high in pesticide residues, apple juices tend to rank lower, according to a 2000 Consumers Union report.

Potatoes Potatoes are truly an all-American staple. Not only do white potatoes account for almost a third of all vegetables consumed by adults, they also are the top vegetable eaten by children. And most often, these beauties are enjoyed as--you guessed it--french fries.

Although they're sprayed above ground, potatoes growing underground absorb the toxins. To avoid mold growth during storage, they're often sprayed again with fungicides, which can disrupt endocrine systems. "White potatoes have the highest average pesticide load after washing and peeling than any other fruit or vegetable," says Alan Greene, MD, of Stanford's Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, noting they are the only peeled item to make the EWG's Dirty Dozen list. A recently published review also found" moderately strong and consistent data" supporting that organic potatoes are richer sources of vitamin C than conventionally grown potatoes (Nutrition Journal, 2007, vol. 32, no. 2).

Sweet potatoes are more nutritious than white potatoes--and generally have fewer pesticide residues. Try slicing them and tossing in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and baking at 400 degrees until crispy--yum!

Ketchup

It's hard to mention french fries without ketchup--and why not, when organic ketchup is such an easy, healthy switch? (Yes, it still contains sugar but generally in smaller amounts.) A 2004 USDA study found that on average, organic brands packed in as much as 57 percent more lycopene (a potent antioxidant) than conventional brands (Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, vol. 52, no. 26). Just eyeballing the two bottles gives you a visual clue: Organic varieties tend to be a deeper red color, indicating higher lycopene levels.

This is a high-impact choice because ketchup is America's most used condiment, especially by kids. (Remember Ronald Reagan's bid to get the stuff categorized as a vegetable on school menus?)

While you're at it, consider switching to organic pasta and pizza sauces.

Corn

At the time you bite into a fresh ear of conventional corn, it has one of the lowest levels of pesticide residues. Unfortunately, it left plenty of chemicals in its wake. Because the United States grows so much of it, corn is our top polluting crop and the biggest user of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, the runoff of which contaminates rivers and streams. Corn also is one of the most genetically modified U.S. crops: More than half the corn planted in 2006 was genetically engineered (see "Why worry about GMOs?").

Most often, we eat corn not fresh from the cob but as an incognito ingredient in sodas, baked goods, and snack foods.

Avoid GMOs by opting for an organic product when you see the following terms on an ingredient list: corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, corn sweetener, dextrose, glucose, cornstarch, modified cornstarch, vegetable starch, corn solids, or corn oil.

Soy

Behind corn, soy is the biggest source of pesticide contamination in our countryside. According to USDA data, it's the domestic crop most contaminated with controversial organophosphate pesticides. Soy also leads the pack in genetic modification: 89 percent of the U.S. crop, and growing.

"A lot of people don't think they eat soy, or eat very little soy," says Greene. "But the great majority of soy consumption in the United States is not in what would be identified as a soy product." Most of the U.S. soy crop is crushed into soybean oil--some of which is partially hydrogenated (think trans fat)--that makes its way into chips, cookies, crackers, and even infant rice cereal.

Look for organic soy products, such as soy milk and veggie burgers, made from organic whole soybeans.

Cotton

"This one surprises people," Greene says. "Most of us don't realize that about two-thirds of the cotton crop actually goes into the food supply in the form of cottonseeds that are made into oil. "

Often listed as vegetable oil, cottonseed oil is used in salad dressings, peanut butter, and many snack foods. A cheap protein source, the leftover cottonseed meal is fed to dairy cows and is even starting to make its way into the human food supply.

Unfortunately, cotton is by far our most chemically intensive crop. According to the Pesticide Action Network, cotton accounts for less than 2.5 percent of the world's agricultural land--but an astounding 25 percent of all insecticide use. Along with corn and soy, cotton also ranks in the top three genetically modified crops.

Check ingredient lists on packaged foods. If you see cottonseed oil--or an unidentified vegetable oil--make sure the product is organic. And try to buy organic-cotton clothing and linens--even Levi's. You'll pay a bit more, but it's a choice that makes a big impact.

Berries

These fragile wonders are perhaps the most intuitive of fruits to buy organic. You can't peel them, and they are best washed only gently just before eating. For me, berries are the ultimate midsummer treat, and I don't want a nagging worry about pesticides sliding down my throat along with all that delectable juice.

You may want to be especially wary of imported produce, including grapes, strawberries, tomatoes, and sweet bell peppers, which average nearly three times higher organophosphate pesticide residues than domestic varieties. According to the EWG, strawberries rank sixth highest for pesticide residues. Tests done by the USDA and FDA between 2000 and 2005 detected combinations of up to 38 different pesticides in samples of conventionally grown strawberries; 92 percent tested positive for pesticide residues.

Organic strawberries may be as much as 19 percent higher in antioxidants than conventionally grown (Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, 2003, vol. 51, no. 5). Because plants naturally produce phenolics--the family of molecular compounds that includes antioxidants-- to help defend against nibbling pests, researchers theorize that chemical pesticides may lessen the need to generate these powerful compounds.

During nonpeak berry season, stock up on frozen organic berries. Toss in smoothies; on top of cereal, yogurt, or oatmeal (still-frozen wild blueberries are the best); and serve alongside simple desserts (thaw and serve whole, or blend with agave nectar to make a delicious coulis).

In life, and in the grocery store, perfect choices are hard to come by--and sometimes budget or convenience take precedence over the best of intentions. Rather than feeling badly about some choices, it's more important to feel good about every organic choice we can make. The next time I'm waffling in front of a produce display, I'm going to follow the pragmatic advice given by Organic Trade Association spokeswoman Holly Givens: "Choose what you use most. It's where your dollar will make the most impact." Consumer demand for organics sends a powerful message. And it's probably the quickest way to an agricultural revolution that will benefit our families and our planet.

About the Author
A native of Japan, now living in Washington State, Tatsumi Yoshioka is the owner and administrator of The Healthy Living Message Board - Vitamins - Herbs - Nutrition. A free to join discussion community for those interested in Healthy Living.

Webmasters are free to re-publish this article as long as they include the resource box with all text and links.

What Is Organic Breads? by Shabi

2007-10-25T00:20:00.000-07:00

Not everyone who likes to eat organic foods has the chance to do so on a daily basis. Most people will have to settle for the more mediocre fare of the same foods they have been eating for most of their lives. Other more fortunate people however, are able to enjoy organic foods on a more regular basis, and some of these people have also been blessed with the ability to bake, which gives rise (excuse the pun!) to organic breads.

Now you're wondering what on earth organic breads are, and whether they really do taste as if they were fresh sprung from the ground along with the carrots and the potatoes, there's only one thing that I have to say, Ha! Organic breads don't taste any different from your normal average everyday breads. In fact more than tasting different, people who eat organic breads and organic foods in general believe that they taste better to those of the normal non-organic, pesticide filled food varieties!

This is of course a hotly debated topic, because how can any one person truly accept what the taste buds of someone else are saying? They have to taste it for themselves and if they're trying to compare the tastes of organically grown produce with that of conventionally grown produce there's always bound to be some differences.

That aside however, organic breads taste the same as normal breads and they are made in the same manner as normal breads. The main difference lies in the ingredients used to make the organic breads. Only organic flour, butter etc would be used when making organic breads. Essentially the recipe stays the same, it's only the ingredients, or rather the manner in which the ingredients were produced, that is changed.

"Organic" for those of you who are unaware of it, is a term, or a definition of a farming process which shuns conventional methods of farming. Things such as chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers are put away in favor of natural pesticides and fertilization methods. More over, genetically plant organisms are also rejected in the organic farming method. And in organic animal farming you will find that use of steroids and antibiotics is banned, and the animals receive only organic foods for themselves.

Therefore when someone tells you that they regularly bake organic breads, don't stare at them as if they had just grown two heads. All they have done is to continue on with their normal baking routines substituting organic products where necessary to make the organic breads.

On the other hand, if the person has never lifted a single finger in the kitchen before this, and they calmly announce that they have baked a batch of organic breads, you might do well to stare and be suspicious. Oh, and reach for the roll of antacids as well!

About the Author
Author's Sites: Herbal Home Remedies , Anxiety Information and Heartburn and Acid Reflux Home Remedies

Buying Organic: The Right Choice at the Right Time by Isabella Samovsky

2007-10-25T00:19:00.002-07:00

There are an increasing number of consumers becoming concerned about the chemical ingredients found in their products. The demand for organic products is growing because more people are choosing a healthier lifestyle. Today, it is becoming much easier to include organics in everyday life.

A Toxic Environment

Chemicals found in manufactured foods, personal care products, industrial agriculture foods, and chemically treated water, have been linked to many health problems. Chemical ingestion, inhalation, and absorption into the body have shown to increase birth defects, rates of cancer, neurological conditions, and behavioral and developmental problems in children.

New evidence also shows pesticides in a woman's bloodstream can be passed to a fetus in the womb. Most of these toxic chemicals are so cheap that they are used in very high concentrations in many personal care products. Industrial agriculture use excessive amounts of water, power, and industrial chemicals which has increased soil, water, and atmosphere contamination. Herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers, and animal waste are accumulating in ground and surface waters.

Benefits of Buying Organic

Eating an organic diet decreases chemical and pesticide exposure. Organic farming eliminates the use of chemical additives and the produce is high in nutrients, low in nitrates, and free of artificial preservatives. The role of organic agriculture, whether in farming, processing, distribution, or consumption, is to sustain and enhance the health of ecosystems and all of its creatures. Organic based ingredients contain more vitamins, nutrients and cancer-fighting antioxidants than non-organic ingredients. Using organic products such as skin care products can help you take better care of your skin.

The Salt Factor

Table salt is different from salt from natural sources such as the ancient Himalayan salt mines. Table salt has been processed to remove most of the natural elements. Grocery store salt consists of mostly chemical sodium chloride. If the sodium chloride is too high, re-crystallization of the table salt takes place. It poisons the system because those substances cannot be eliminated. A natural salt like Himalayan sea salt can provide good health. It also eliminates from your body so there is no toxic build up. Natural Himalayan sea salt contains up to 84 natural minerals.

Great Things Come In Small Batches

Handmade organic products are carefully made with the body and environment in mind. Handmade products have no artificial ingredients and unnecessary chemicals normally used to produce colour, fragrance, and texture. When using these products every day in your bath or shower, you receive the benefit of naturally helping to protect yourself from disease. Natural anti-bacterial action is gentler and more holistic than chemical anti-bacterial action. A person can be exposed to many bacterial infections and viruses. Hand made organics help to protect the body naturally. There many benefits when using organic body care products. It leaves the body feeling clean and soft. They contain natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. As well, they are free of chemicals, petroleum-based products, and artificial fragrances.

Economic Benefits

By complying with social and environmental standards, fair trade organizations such as the 100% natural cottage industry crafters, further an equitable and sustainable structure of production and trade that benefits people and their communities. They support living wages and safe and healthy conditions for workers. Fair Trade Organizations link low-income producers with consumer markets as well as educating the public about the importance of purchasing fairly traded products. They provide resources and networking opportunities for its members. As well, members are screened for their full commitment to fair trade.

Building a Brighter Future

By choosing organic products, you are supporting a sustainable, chemical free world and providing a healthier and cleaner planet for our children.

About the Author
After doing research, Isabella learned how beneficial natural salt is and about it's many uses, this prompted her to create http://www.solaywellness.com and eventually launch her own top-selling product lines for the home, health, beauty and living well utilizing natural salt and other organic sources.

Alternative Medicines and Organic Medicines by Franchis Adam

2007-10-25T00:19:00.001-07:00

There are an increasing number of consumers becoming concerned about the chemical ingredients found in their products. The demand for organic products is growing because more people are choosing a healthier lifestyle. Today, it is becoming much easier to include organics in everyday life.

A Toxic Environment

Chemicals found in manufactured foods, personal care products, industrial agriculture foods, and chemically treated water, have been linked to many health problems. Chemical ingestion, inhalation, and absorption into the body have shown to increase birth defects, rates of cancer, neurological conditions, and behavioral and developmental problems in children.

New evidence also shows pesticides in a woman's bloodstream can be passed to a fetus in the womb. Most of these toxic chemicals are so cheap that they are used in very high concentrations in many personal care products. Industrial agriculture use excessive amounts of water, power, and industrial chemicals which has increased soil, water, and atmosphere contamination. Herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers, and animal waste are accumulating in ground and surface waters.

Benefits of Buying Organic

Eating an organic diet decreases chemical and pesticide exposure. Organic farming eliminates the use of chemical additives and the produce is high in nutrients, low in nitrates, and free of artificial preservatives. The role of organic agriculture, whether in farming, processing, distribution, or consumption, is to sustain and enhance the health of ecosystems and all of its creatures. Organic based ingredients contain more vitamins, nutrients and cancer-fighting antioxidants than non-organic ingredients. Using organic products such as skin care products can help you take better care of your skin.

The Salt Factor

Table salt is different from salt from natural sources such as the ancient Himalayan salt mines. Table salt has been processed to remove most of the natural elements. Grocery store salt consists of mostly chemical sodium chloride. If the sodium chloride is too high, re-crystallization of the table salt takes place. It poisons the system because those substances cannot be eliminated. A natural salt like Himalayan sea salt can provide good health. It also eliminates from your body so there is no toxic build up. Natural Himalayan sea salt contains up to 84 natural minerals.

Great Things Come In Small Batches

Handmade organic products are carefully made with the body and environment in mind. Handmade products have no artificial ingredients and unnecessary chemicals normally used to produce colour, fragrance, and texture. When using these products every day in your bath or shower, you receive the benefit of naturally helping to protect yourself from disease. Natural anti-bacterial action is gentler and more holistic than chemical anti-bacterial action. A person can be exposed to many bacterial infections and viruses. Hand made organics help to protect the body naturally. There many benefits when using organic body care products. It leaves the body feeling clean and soft. They contain natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. As well, they are free of chemicals, petroleum-based products, and artificial fragrances.

Economic Benefits

By complying with social and environmental standards, fair trade organizations such as the 100% natural cottage industry crafters, further an equitable and sustainable structure of production and trade that benefits people and their communities. They support living wages and safe and healthy conditions for workers. Fair Trade Organizations link low-income producers with consumer markets as well as educating the public about the importance of purchasing fairly traded products. They provide resources and networking opportunities for its members. As well, members are screened for their full commitment to fair trade.

Building a Brighter Future

By choosing organic products, you are supporting a sustainable, chemical free world and providing a healthier and cleaner planet for our children.

About the Author
Read out Natural herbs . Also check out for pregnancy diet and aloe vera capsule

NATURE'S MIRACLE: Gardening 'green' by not using polluting toxic chemicals. by Dennis Copson

2007-10-25T00:15:00.000-07:00

NATURE'S MIRACLE: Gardening 'green' by not using polluting toxic chemicals. by Dennis Copson

Gardening here in San Diego County and around the country is more than just a weekend seasonal hobby. Homeowners are devoted to making their yards beautiful year round and they are increasingly looking for ways to maximize their efforts. Most importantly, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is becoming less attractive to those who garden. They seek alternative ways to grow their plants, trees, and lawns without the use of toxic chemicals. They are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of these products. Yard runoff goes indirectly to the sea and/or the underground water supply and these folks know it. Chemicals pollute. Thus, people are becoming more 'green' minded. Hence an increasing demand for organic products. Worm castings and 'worm tea' are two of those products.

Worm castings are nature's miracle fertilizer. They are the product of specialized worms eating and digesting an organic source such as manure compost. The end product is worm castings, or more simply put, worm manure. These 'castings' are rich in multiple nutrients and provide plants with a variety of elements found in nature that they need to grow. They are also an effective soil enhancer. And most importantly, they are all- natural and toxic chemical free.

In order to see first hand how this process works and how castings develop from a compost pile to market I visited Legacy Ranch for a first hand look. Legacy Ranch is secluded in the mountains of Campo, California about 50 miles east of San Diego owned and operated by long time rancher and horse aficionado, Lonnie Sole. Lonnie is a 'cowboy' in the old fashioned sense and looks every bit like one. Lean and wiry, Lonnie is a no nonsense guy when it comes to ranching. He loves the solitude and beauty of country living. He is at home listening to the coyotes and other wild creatures that roam his ranch by night and attending his horses and Texas long horned cattle by day. Doesn't really like city life at all. Now in his 60's, he still rides horses regularly and his horses know him by sight.

More than four years ago, Lonnie got the idea of producing worm castings for local commercial sale. I believe he did so out of curiosity, somewhat from the challenge, but mostly due to his growing concern over the use of polluting chemicals and their effect on the increasingly fragile soil and limited fresh water supply of our good earth. "My worm castings and 'tea' are nature's miracle for growing beautiful flowers, plants, shrubs, trees, and lawns safely without toxic chemicals. Plants love it; insects hate it" says Lonnie.

It has not been an easy journey. He started from scratch and has built his operation into a major endeavor. He now estimates he has millions of worms 'working' for him. It is an intensely interesting operation and one full of details and watchful care. Worms can be finicky little creatures. The wrong temperature in the beds, inappropriate food, or any little annoyance can send them scurrying away. And you don't want to see your investment leaving home. Constant attention is required to feeding, moisture content of the compost, and the well being of the worms themselves.

Presently, Lonnie and his workers have three old converted chicken barns that house his worms and the castings. He has installed sprinkler systems and various pieces of equipment to minimize labor. However, worms require an intense amount of attention. There are lots of hand tools around, too.

He begins by laying out windrows of moistened composted horse manure. Each is about four to six feet wide and the length of the barn, about 200 feet or so. To this he adds his specialized worms, India Blue. They begin work immediately eating and digesting their favorite food. More compost is added to the top of the row as required and as the worms consume what they had initially been fed working their way from the bottom to the top of the windrow. Within four to six weeks they have converted a row of compost to rich and valuable worm castings. It is now harvest time.

Harvesting castings is done largely by hand. A new windrow of composted horse manure is laid down adjacent to the first. Feeding and watering of the initial windrow is terminated. The worms, seeking food and water, migrate from the first windrow to the new one rather rapidly. What is left in the first windrow is the sought after results of the worms 'work': rich and beneficial worm castings along with the eggs left behind to hatch later and replenish the stock.

Once the castings are harvested, they are moved to the processing barn where they must be screened. This process removes the clumps that may contain eggs and any uneaten hay or the like from the castings. The final product is a dark, rich, brown, granulated, soil like material. That is the sought after nutrient rich plant food. It has no obvious odor except that of the forest floor or a rich humus soil.

Worm castings may be bagged for direct sale or mixed with a compost to use as planting medium. They are an excellent fertilizer and soil enhancer and are 100 % organic. They are becoming increasingly more popular in the organic gardening movement.

Last year Lonnie began a process of brewing a 'tea' with his castings. This is a liquid form of dry castings using natural spring water and other organic ingredients. He brews this concoction for about twenty-four hours in special tanks. He has developed a unique product and it is presently on the market under his own label "Nature's Big Bud Liquid Worm Castings, Premium 100% Organic Liquid Plant Food ". He also sells to other independent distributors, farmers, and plant growers. His product is high in microbial content attributed, according to Lonnie, to his use of pure, high quality worm castings, natural spring water and other organic ingredients he is reluctant to discuss. Trade secret. But I know that natural yucca extract is one of them. His 'worm tea' is becoming a widely sought after gardening product.

His use of natural unfiltered mountain spring water makes his product unique. He may be the only brewer doing so. This water, coming straight from a natural spring on the property, is pure and full of natural minerals unlike city water. It contains neither chemicals nor additives. That may be one key to his product.

Lonnie swears by his 'tea' and he is not alone. A brief surf on the Internet and one can view hundreds of sites pertaining to worm castings and worm 'tea'. These informative and interesting sites all have one thing in common to the gardening buff: they are gleeful in their endorsement of worm castings and 'worm tea'. Testing has shown these unique organic and natural products to be highly beneficial. Many noted soil experts are further studying the phenomena, but most agree that there is merit in the claims even though they don't necessarily know exactly why. Worming castings and 'worm tea' work! And work well!

Recently, hydroponics enthusiast have been touting the use of liquid worm castings in their type of gardening as an alternative to chemicals.

Lonnie is currently working on a new product which will be composed of castings, composted horse manure, and dry yucca extract. He hopes to market it soon and initial tests have shown it to be an excellent planting medium. Also, he touts natural yucca extract as good for the soil and plants and will soon begin marketing that as well.

I spent many hours with Lonnie discussing his love of his worm farming efforts. Several things were evident. Lonnie knows worms. He loves producing a product that is going to help people garden more efficiently and in a manner friendly to the environment. He is not an environmental fanatic, but he knows that chemical free gardening is pre-ferable and somewhat inevitable. He loves even more the fact that he is producing a product that will be environmentally friendly.

Lonnie loves the land and by all accounts, the land loves Lonnie. His worms are promoting a healthy, chemical free environment and that comforts him.

Me too!

(Written by Dennis Copson, Oceanside, CA. Contact him at denniscopson@cox.net. More information about Nature's Big Bud Liquid Worm Castings is available on their website, www.naturesbigbud.com.)

About the Author
Dennis Copson is a retired USMC Major who served twenty years in that service. He is now the Director of Sales and Marketing for Nature's Big Bud Worm Castings,Inc. He is an avid gardener and a proponent of organic solutions to gardening problems vice chemicals.

Why Organic Baby Bedding? by Beatrice Stephenson

2007-10-25T00:14:00.002-07:00

Well, the question is quite easy answered by those parents who's children are suffering from allergies of different kinds. In most fabrics of today there are thousands of toxic substances and colors, that can be very harmful for your baby, especially if she's allergic or has allergy in the family, and therefore easily could develop it.

Organic bedding products automatically provide relief from allergies. Well documented scientific research and documentation has proven that organic cotton and wool help to reduce discomfort and skin rashes, that you can get from normal fabrics, if you have allergy tendencies. The benefit for your baby is the softness and quality that only organic cotton can provide, and it is one of the top reasons people choose organic cotton for their baby's delicate skin. Cotton grown in conventional ways is poorer and weakened by the chemicals used in growing, processing and dying of the cotton. All these things break the fibre down creates a much weaker and reduced product in the end of the production line.

But there might be other reasons for wanting your baby or toddler to sleep in organic sheets or even wear organic clothes. Small children's skin are quite thin and not really use to all the toxins and poisons that is in the environment around us. To give a baby organic food and let him wear organic cotton, can be a soft way to start off in this world, before he gradually is used to environmental circumstances. We can't always keep the baby as safe as we want to, there are air pollutions where ever in the world you are staying, unnatural growing fertilizers in our foods and the list goes on and on. But maybe we can make the first time in the little ones life a little better, a little easier for a small body to adjust to.

When it comes to organic cotton, north America produces excellent organic cotton and wool, meeting all the international standards for quality and safety. And there's an ethical point to it all. Ecologically produced cotton is fair trade, meaning that ecological cotton from India are in most cases produced under human conditions, with absolutely no child labour and with a fair salary to the farmers. Cotton farming is a very high factor to pollutions in the world, and organic farming turns those bad numbers upside down. Did you know that: ecological farms have 44% more birds on their lands than other cotton farmers? More that five times as many wild plants? Only that information should tell us something.

When you think of organic beddings you might think about boring watery colors in beige and natural white only, but that couldn't be further from the truth! There are many environmental ways of colorings these days, and you can get great looking products, even if they are ecological. So, why don't do your little one a favour and let him or her sleep in some environmentally and physically friendly sheets!

Want to know more about ecological bedding. Please visit this site for more information

About the Author
Beatrice Stephenson is a freelance writer on health and recreation issues.

Why Organic Baby Bedding? by Beatrice Stephenson

2007-10-25T00:14:00.001-07:00