Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Friday, December 27, 2013
Cozy Log Cabin Built For Less Than $500
"Wonderful example of cabin building and craftsmanship from an amateur builder. Who I might add, is no longer an amateur. This build took some time, but you can’t beat it for the price."
Link: Cozy Log Cabin Built For Less Than $500
Link: Cozy Log Cabin Built For Less Than $500
DIY Seed Starting Kit
"I don’t know who first came up with the idea of recycling plastic produce containers into mini-greenhouses. I suspect it was a ‘Necessity is the Mother of Invention’ kind of thing, and thought up by a number of people in different places. So when I came upon these seed-starting kits while out shopping, I had to chuckle. As tempting as they were, I knew better." ~Gardening Jones
Here's the link: Gardening JonesDIY Seed Starting Kit » Gardening Jones
Here's the link: Gardening JonesDIY Seed Starting Kit » Gardening Jones
How to Heat a Small Room for 15 Cents a Day
This is actually a pretty good idea. Here's the link:
How to Heat Your Room for 15 Cents a Day | REALfarmacy.com | Healthy News and Information
How to Heat Your Room for 15 Cents a Day | REALfarmacy.com | Healthy News and Information
Gardening Basics For Beginners (Surviving The Sheep)
Temporary FREE Kindle book on Amazon.com! Link...
Amazon.com: Gardening Basics For Beginners (Surviving The Sheep) eBook: Casey Watkins: Kindle Store
Amazon.com: Gardening Basics For Beginners (Surviving The Sheep) eBook: Casey Watkins: Kindle Store
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Powerful Natural Herbs for Flu and Cold Treatment
You can find plenty of herbal cold and flu remedies in the health-food store, or follow these simple recipes to create your own. In either case, have these remedies available in your medicine cabinet so that once the next cold or flu strikes, you will be prepared.
Link:
Powerful Natural Herbs for Flu and Cold Treatment < Herbs | Organic x Benefits
Link:
Powerful Natural Herbs for Flu and Cold Treatment < Herbs | Organic x Benefits
Friday, December 20, 2013
5 Ways that Biochar is Different from Charcoal
5 Ways that Biochar is Different from Charcoal | Soil Reef Blog
"Can I just go buy myself some King’s briquettes and add those to my garden?
Short answer: NO. Emphatically no."
"Can I just go buy myself some King’s briquettes and add those to my garden?
Short answer: NO. Emphatically no."
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Larry Hall's Gutter Video Gave Me An Idea!
I recently moved into a new home in Tennessee. The new house has what I call a "Mud Room." It's about the size of a large greenhouse, but does not have enough sunlight to be a REAL greenhouse. Anyway, the summers here are shorter (zone 6b) and I live across the street from a lake, which I won't go into (but it complicates things a little). This means I have to start seeds indoors in March/April, then transplant them outdoors in early June. I was going to use my flood trays to start the seeds Aquaponically, on floating styrofoam, but I don't like having to wrestle the seedling roots from the plastic slotted net cups, which breaks the roots and sends the plants into a dangerous shock.
I was watching one of Larry Hall's YouTube gardening videos called "How To Build a Self Watering Rain Gutter Grow System," and here's where Larry's idea gave me my idea. He drills holes in the bottom of buckets, for a slotted net cup that goes into the water. Then fills the bucket up with compost and potting mix. Then plants the seeds way up at the top of the bucket where only a few of the roots (larger plants) grow through the net cups. Why couldn't I do the same with my flood trays?
I could place a batch of buckets on the foam, drill right through both the bucket and the foam. Put some supports in the water to hold the foam up, then place the bucket with the net cup attached back down in the hole in the foam. I could use grow lights in the mud room for "sunlight." Then when the weather is right, I can take the buckets outside daily in May so they get used to being outdoors, then in June I can do the transplanting.
This of course, will be an experiment, because I doubt it's ever been done that way before. But it's worth the time and effort to me to see how this turns out. I'll let ya'll know. LUV U Larry!
I was watching one of Larry Hall's YouTube gardening videos called "How To Build a Self Watering Rain Gutter Grow System," and here's where Larry's idea gave me my idea. He drills holes in the bottom of buckets, for a slotted net cup that goes into the water. Then fills the bucket up with compost and potting mix. Then plants the seeds way up at the top of the bucket where only a few of the roots (larger plants) grow through the net cups. Why couldn't I do the same with my flood trays?
I could place a batch of buckets on the foam, drill right through both the bucket and the foam. Put some supports in the water to hold the foam up, then place the bucket with the net cup attached back down in the hole in the foam. I could use grow lights in the mud room for "sunlight." Then when the weather is right, I can take the buckets outside daily in May so they get used to being outdoors, then in June I can do the transplanting.
This of course, will be an experiment, because I doubt it's ever been done that way before. But it's worth the time and effort to me to see how this turns out. I'll let ya'll know. LUV U Larry!
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
U.S. Farmers to Get $112 Million for GE Starlink Corn Contamination
U.S. Farmers to Get $112 Million for GE Starlink Corn Contamination
This may have happened 10 years ago, but was anything done to keep this from happening again?
"StarLink shows that the biotechnology industry has to worry about more than consumer sentiment," - Thomas Reddick
This may have happened 10 years ago, but was anything done to keep this from happening again?
"StarLink shows that the biotechnology industry has to worry about more than consumer sentiment," - Thomas Reddick
NAFTA is Underlying Cause of GE Corn Contamination in Mexico
NAFTA is Underlying Cause of GE Corn Contamination in Mexico
Native varieties of corn near Guelatao de Juarez, Oaxaca, where genes from
genetically engineered US corn have been found contaminating the native
corn.
Native varieties of corn near Guelatao de Juarez, Oaxaca, where genes from
genetically engineered US corn have been found contaminating the native
corn.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Food Is Medicine: 20 Natural Painkillers in Your Kitchen
Link:
Food Is Medicine: 20 Natural Painkillers in your Kitchen
"It is easy to fall into the pattern of eating fast, convenient, prepared food, especially in our often frenetic lives. But we are not nurturing ourselves by doing so. Our Standard American Diet (it’s SAD, get it?) lacks nutrients and relies heavily on processed foods that include artificial color, additives, flavorings, and chemically-altered fats and sweeteners."
Food Is Medicine: 20 Natural Painkillers in your Kitchen
"It is easy to fall into the pattern of eating fast, convenient, prepared food, especially in our often frenetic lives. But we are not nurturing ourselves by doing so. Our Standard American Diet (it’s SAD, get it?) lacks nutrients and relies heavily on processed foods that include artificial color, additives, flavorings, and chemically-altered fats and sweeteners."
Widow Faces Eviction in Fla. City For ‘Living Off the Grid’
Widow Faces Eviction in Fla. City For ‘Living Off the Grid’ | TheBlaze.com
Oh brother, can you believe this???
“A code enforcement officer came, knocked on the door then posts a placard that says uninhabitable property, do not enter,” Robin said.
Oh brother, can you believe this???
“A code enforcement officer came, knocked on the door then posts a placard that says uninhabitable property, do not enter,” Robin said.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
How to Catch A Huge Fish Without a Fishing Pole
Guy Catches A Huge Fish Without Fishing Pole
then watch what he does at the last minute!
then watch what he does at the last minute!
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
DIY De-Icer
Recipe for a cheap do-it-yourself de-icer for cars on those cold winter mornings!
Freeze Be Gone - Craft Like This
Freeze Be Gone - Craft Like This
Growing Simple – The Raised Row Garden Way
"This is part one of our four-part series on how to plant a simple garden using raised row beds. We call it Growing Simple. We take you through the process of how we plan, plant, care and maintain our raised row garden – and how to create your own simple garden in your yard – whether it’s a single raised row for some fresh tomatoes and peppers or a full fledged garden."
Growing Simple – The Raised Row Garden Way | Old World Garden Farms
Growing Simple – The Raised Row Garden Way | Old World Garden Farms
Monday, December 9, 2013
Barter Goods - What To Stockpile In Case the SHTF
Below is a list of barter goods considered by experts in the survival preparedness world to be vital for a barter currency in a post-long-term disaster world. Remember, as valuable as goods are, skills will also be very valuable; learn to barber, make soap, about herbal medicine, etc. her is the link:
Barter Goods
Barter Goods
How To Make Rope Out of Dead Plants -- with no tools
Excellent instructions with photos and video!
Make rope out of dead plants -- with no tools
Make rope out of dead plants -- with no tools
Bug Out Bag Checklist
Pretty good article about a beginners list, and an ad for a fully equipped bag...
Bug Out Bag Checklist - SHTF Preparedness
Bug Out Bag Checklist - SHTF Preparedness
How To Make Your Own Seed Envelopes with Spout!
Here's a link Seed Savers might be interested in...
Seed Envelopes
Seed Envelopes
Fishing Hole Troubleshoot
Fishing Hole Troubleshoot - New Pioneer Magazine
Simple solutions for the five most common farm-pond problems!
Simple solutions for the five most common farm-pond problems!
Homemade for the Homesteader
Homemade for the Homesteader - New Pioneer Magazine
Unsatisfied with his career, he apprenticed to a traditional Japanese knife and tool making shop, where he spent the next 12 years learning to craft superior quality blades.
Unsatisfied with his career, he apprenticed to a traditional Japanese knife and tool making shop, where he spent the next 12 years learning to craft superior quality blades.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Friday, December 6, 2013
Kerchief the forgotten versatile kit (+playlist)
Water filter, neck warmer, arm sling, poke, ear muff, carrying device, camo, butt pack, signaling device, and many more ideas. Great vid.
EAT M E A T !!!
Every day, countless numbers of innocent plants are killed by vegetarians. Help end the violence... eat MEAT!
US corn rejected by China due to GM regulations
US corn rejected by China due to GM regulations｜Economy｜News｜WantChinaTimes.com
China’s quality watchdog announced on Wednesday that the nation has recently rejected 120,643 tonnes of corn imports from the United States which contain unapproved genetically modified content.
China’s quality watchdog announced on Wednesday that the nation has recently rejected 120,643 tonnes of corn imports from the United States which contain unapproved genetically modified content.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Use JotForm To Build A Simple Opt-In Form (And Your Buyers List)
Create your first form for lead generation, for your newsletter, blog, etc. Here's how, using JotForm.com
Soup up Postlets Ads
Create some really nice ads on Postlets (this one is for real estate, but you can tweek it for anything).
Automate Craigslist Prospecting with ifttt
Ever wish you didn't have to constantly be checking CL for an item you're looking for? Set this up and they will be eMailed to YOU!
Winter Gardening
Surely the winter season holds no hope of producing a garden
full of healthy plants, right? Wrong! There are several things you can do to
extend the time which you can plant a successful garden. The winter even
provides some benefits such as natural pest control, which will help your
garden reach its maximum potential. In addition, by carefully choosing plants
that are durable and frost-resistant you can ensure that they will survive
through some undesirable conditions and be ready for harvest in the late fall
or even mid-winter.
It’s probably a good idea to sit down and start planning out
all of the aspects of your garden on paper, to provide you with a solid
blueprint you can reference when it comes time to purchase supplies and start
doing the dirty work. The types of plants you choose to grow will affect most of
the other decisions you will need to make about your garden, so it is advisable
to take care of this first. There are many types of vegetables that will suit
your needs for a fall and winter garden. Some of the more popular ones include lettuce, broccoli, carrots, cabbage,
onions, spinach, and turnips. All of these vegetables have been known to be
frost-resistant, and therefore make perfect candidates for the garden.
Once you’ve decided what types of plants you want, head over
to the local nursery to purchase some seed packets of the vegetables you want
to grow. Make sure to take a look at the number of days required for them to
mature. This information is on the back of the packet.
Once you’ve got the number of days, simply backtrack from
the projected date for your region’s first frost, and plant the seeds. Your
garden should already be prepared for its new inhabitants. That means replacing
the nutrient-depleted soil from your spring garden if necessary. Soil drainage
must be excellent in the wintertime. If the water cannot pass through the soil,
it will freeze and damage your plant’s roots. If you are concerned about
drainage in your garden, adding sand can improve the situation.
When planting the seeds, make sure you are giving the plants
more room than you would normally. This will improve air circulation and ensure
that fungus and mildew won’t be taking advantage of any dark, damp places
you’ve unintentionally created by sticking your plants too close to each other.
Successful gardening in the winter is all about planning and
protection. If you’ve chosen plants that are durable and frost-resistant,
you’ve already got an advantage. By carefully planning out your garden, you can
improve air circulation and prevent harmful fungus or other pests from finding
a home with your plants. Basic protective layers will help your plants survive
unusually cold, frosty nights. Follow these basic guidelines and you should be
able to enjoy your garden all year round!
~Brad Fraser
Bees 101 – And the Bees Were Snuggled All in Their Beds « Extension Master Gardener
Bees 101 – And the Bees Were Snuggled All in Their Beds « Extension Master Gardener
In the cool autumn weather, when the temperatures outside drop into the 50′s, big changes happen in the honeybee hive. The worker bees stop the Queen’s laying of eggs. That means, the eggs that have been laid must sustain the hive for the cold winter months...
In the cool autumn weather, when the temperatures outside drop into the 50′s, big changes happen in the honeybee hive. The worker bees stop the Queen’s laying of eggs. That means, the eggs that have been laid must sustain the hive for the cold winter months...
Free Plans for a Roadside Stand
http://www.lsuagcenter.com/NR/rdonlyres/932B7907-8CB5-413E-9000-64BCC1ABAA96/14669/5192RoadsideStand.pdf
Use for selling your home-grown veggies, honey, canned fruit, home-made bread, crafts, flowers, whatever!
Use for selling your home-grown veggies, honey, canned fruit, home-made bread, crafts, flowers, whatever!
High Fiber Recipes for cookies, cakes, and breads.
Hi-Maize High Fiber Recipes for cookies, cakes, and breads.
National Starch has provided these great holiday recipes with a twist. Each delectable treat is tasty and has a good amount of your daily recommended allowance for fiber.
National Starch has provided these great holiday recipes with a twist. Each delectable treat is tasty and has a good amount of your daily recommended allowance for fiber.
The Art of Gravelling a Driveway
The Art of Gravelling a Driveway
Hey, I live in an old farmhouse 300 feet from the road so the gravel driveway with a grass centre strip is the "traditional" look at Stonehaven. Other than clearing it with the snowblower in the winter and mowing the centre strip in the summer it’s pretty much maintenance-free. But every ten years or so it needs a new "coat" of gravel. It’s fast, it’s cheap and fun to watch.
Hey, I live in an old farmhouse 300 feet from the road so the gravel driveway with a grass centre strip is the "traditional" look at Stonehaven. Other than clearing it with the snowblower in the winter and mowing the centre strip in the summer it’s pretty much maintenance-free. But every ten years or so it needs a new "coat" of gravel. It’s fast, it’s cheap and fun to watch.
Can Portable Generators Damage Home Appliances?
Can Portable Generators Damage Home Appliances?
Choosing a portable generator should be pretty easy shouldn’t it?
Uh, NO, actually. Read this to find out why...
Choosing a portable generator should be pretty easy shouldn’t it?
Uh, NO, actually. Read this to find out why...
Keeping Warm During a Power Outage
Keeping Warm During a Power Outage
It may be just a few isolated locations or it can affect a large area, plunging millions of people into the cold and dark – possibly for several days. And the frequency and impact of extreme weather is expected to get worse in the coming years.
It may be just a few isolated locations or it can affect a large area, plunging millions of people into the cold and dark – possibly for several days. And the frequency and impact of extreme weather is expected to get worse in the coming years.
Extreme Weather – 5 Home Protection Tips
Extreme Weather – 5 Home Protection Tips
The 2014 tornado season ramps up in March in the southern US, and gathers momentum as it moves north throughout the spring and early summer – about the time Atlantic hurricanes start setting a course for the North American east coast. Here are some ideas you can work on BEFORE that time hits!
The 2014 tornado season ramps up in March in the southern US, and gathers momentum as it moves north throughout the spring and early summer – about the time Atlantic hurricanes start setting a course for the North American east coast. Here are some ideas you can work on BEFORE that time hits!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Scientists reveal chicken nuggets are less than 50% chicken meat
Scientists reveal chicken nuggets are less than 50% chicken meat
Just another reason to grow your OWN!
Just another reason to grow your OWN!
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Beekeeping 101 Online Class
Beekeeping 101 / Penn State Extension
Penn State has lowered the rate to $129 for the holidays.
Note: This is an online course.
Penn State has lowered the rate to $129 for the holidays.
Note: This is an online course.
Kroger - Recipes
http://www.kroger.com/in_store/recipes/Pages/peach_bourbon_chicken.aspx
Wow! This sounds and looks SO good!
Wow! This sounds and looks SO good!
COMPLETE HYDROPONIC GARDENING BOOK
Amazon.com: COMPLETE HYDROPONIC GARDENING BOOK: 6 DIY garden set ups for growing vegetables, strawberries, lettuce, herbs and more. (Lifestyle) eBook: Kaye Dennan, Jason Wright: Kindle Store
Amazon has this book in their Kindle section, for a short time, for FREE!
Amazon has this book in their Kindle section, for a short time, for FREE!
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Big Brown Bats
Whatever you do, however ferocious he may look, DO NOT KILL this fine creature that helps us balance nature and the human need to kill bugs! His food consists mainly of beetles, but also other flying insects including houseflies, mosquitoes, flying ants, wasps, leafhoppers, and moths.
Tennessee Watchable Wildlife | Big Brown Bat
Tennessee Watchable Wildlife | Big Brown Bat
Find a Farmer's Market Near You!
This app on the USDA website will help you find out where the closest Farmer's Markets are...
Agricultural Marketing Service - Agricultural Marketing Service - Home
Agricultural Marketing Service - Agricultural Marketing Service - Home
Fraudulent Organic Certificates
You can find a list of Fraudulent Organic Certificates here...
Agricultural Marketing Service - NOP Fraudulent Certificates
Agricultural Marketing Service - NOP Fraudulent Certificates
Certified Organic Operations
The National Organic Program (NOP) oversees USDA-accredited certifying agents and their certification of organic production and handling operations. In January of each year, the NOP receives information on certified operations from certifying agents. This list shows all certified operations as reported to the NOP on January 2, 2013. Click on the "Operations" button to get them in Alpha order.
Agricultural Marketing Service - Home
Agricultural Marketing Service - Home
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Friday, February 1, 2013
SOIL HEALTH by Tami Schlies
SOIL HEALTH by Tami Schlies
Our guest speaker at the Alaska Pioneer Fruit Grower’s Association in January, Mr. John Evans of Palmer, got me thinking about soil. He created Alaska Bounty, a "soil stimulant system" that replaces natural bacteria and fungi lost in chemical fertilizing, harvesting, and even tilling the soil. His unique system breeds microorganisms by aerating a special compost tea, versus the organisms found in such things as "soil soup" or even regular compost tea, and he claims this is better for the soil. And better soil means better plants.
Now, first of all, what do these microorganisms do exactly for us gardeners? Well, first of all, they break down the insoluble nutrients in the soil, as well as in the organic fertilizers we might use. In this process, they release the nutrients into the soil in soluble form for our plants to use. And their little bodies hold on to a continuous supply, like a slow release fertilizer, as long as we keep them – ie. our soil – healthy.
You cannot use too much according to John, because it is not a fertilizer and will not burn plants. Used along with organic fertilizers, it will reduce fertilizer use by up to 70% because the organisms utilize the nutrients and improve the overall soil structure.
According to John, this allows the plants to grow not only larger, as his many giant vegetables attest to, but also sweeter. He regularly uses a refractometer to measure the sugar levels in his produce as well as the produce in the grocery stores for comparison. And the plants are better able to shrug off diseases and pests, and even neglect or drought.
Mycorrhizae
After John’s visit, I decided to do a little bit of research on mycorrhizae in particular. Remember, fungi do not create food on their own, like plants do. Mycorrhizae is a type of symbiotic fungus that interacts with plant roots, exchanging absorbed mineral nutrient ions for the sugars the plant produces.
Mycorrhizae also increases a plant’s effective root system by up to 700% by breaking down and absorbing nutrients farther away - up to 30 feet away. Mycorrhizae not only distribute nutrients, but also depress many root diseases caused by pathogenic fungi and nematodes. When you disturb natural soils, by digging or rototilling, you break up mycorrhizal systems and force them to start over, interrupting the absorptive area they share with the native plants. More than 99% of the earth’s plants utilize this fungus to their benefit. There are six types of mycorrhizae, but only two are more considered major types, so that is what I will cover here: ectomycorrhizae and endomycorrhizae.
Ectomycorrhizae
Ecto is the suffix for outside, so ectomycorrhizae tend to grow on the outside of the root tips. They penetrate the spaces between to cells of the root’s outer layer, covering the root like a glove, and then fungal hyphae (hair-like filaments) grow outward from the roots into the surrounding soil. These gather water and nutrients and share them with the plant. They have been shown to be particularly good at absorbing phosphate, potassium, and alkaloid metals.
Ectomycorrhizae also seem to be able to protect a plant from soil born diseases and pathogens. They do this by producing a sort of antibiotic that keeps bad bacteria at bay, rather like penicillin. The "glove" they form around the roots may also act as a physical barrier against invasion.
Ectomycorrhizae also produce growth hormones and regulators which can alter the metabolism and growth of the roots themselves, encouraging healthy growth. This type of fungus tends to colonize coniferous trees and hardwoods.
Endomycorrhizae
As you may guess, endo is the suffix for inside, therefore endomycorrhizae grow mainly inside the cells of the plant root’s outer surface, rather than between the cells. These do not form the glove around the plant root like the ectomycorrhizae, and therefore are impossible to see without a microscope. But they do send out a net of hyphae to gather water and nutrients.
John talked about using "BioVAM" in his compost aeration mixture, and now I know what VAM stands for. It is short for vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae – two structures formed by endomycorrhizae within the cells of the root. 90% of the world’s higher plant types have a relationship with this kind of mycorrhizae. Arbuscules are bodies made up of hyphae that take carbohydrates from the cells and increase until they fill the cell completely, then they break down and release their stored nutrients to the host plant. The mycorrhizae then moves on to another plant cell. Little is known about vesicles, but scientists suspect that they play a role in propagation.
VAM in particular are good at absorbing phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc and calcium, plus some potassium, though this is highly affected by the balance of calcium, nitrogen, and potassium levels in the soil. This type of fungus tends to favor turf grasses, ornamentals, hardwoods, and fruit and nut trees.
Other Facts
Another interesting theory about mycorrhizae is that it allows plants to communicate with each other. There are cases where a plant is stripped clean of foliage by insects faster than it can regrow the leaves. As soon as one plant becomes infected, the other plants in the area change chemistry and begin to secrete toxins to keep the insects from preying on them. Scientists believe mycorrhizae may
play a role in this communication.
Though most mycorrhizae are invisible to the naked eye, there are a few that produce fruiting bodies. Small fungi that appear near birch, hornbeam, larch, and spruce may be a type of ectomycorrhizal fungi. Believe it or not, truffles are also a type of ectomycorrhizal fungus.
Ectomycorrhizal trees
Arborvitae
Aspen
Basswood
Beech
Chestnut
Birch
Cottonwood
Fir
Hemlock
Hickory
Larch
Oak
Spruce
Willow
Endomycorrhizal trees
Ash
Buckeye
Crabapple
Dogwood
Ginko
Huckleberry
Hawthorn
Holly
Horsechestnut
Locust
London Planetree
Magnolia
Maple
Redbud
Sycamore
Walnut
Yew
Our guest speaker at the Alaska Pioneer Fruit Grower’s Association in January, Mr. John Evans of Palmer, got me thinking about soil. He created Alaska Bounty, a "soil stimulant system" that replaces natural bacteria and fungi lost in chemical fertilizing, harvesting, and even tilling the soil. His unique system breeds microorganisms by aerating a special compost tea, versus the organisms found in such things as "soil soup" or even regular compost tea, and he claims this is better for the soil. And better soil means better plants.
Now, first of all, what do these microorganisms do exactly for us gardeners? Well, first of all, they break down the insoluble nutrients in the soil, as well as in the organic fertilizers we might use. In this process, they release the nutrients into the soil in soluble form for our plants to use. And their little bodies hold on to a continuous supply, like a slow release fertilizer, as long as we keep them – ie. our soil – healthy.
You cannot use too much according to John, because it is not a fertilizer and will not burn plants. Used along with organic fertilizers, it will reduce fertilizer use by up to 70% because the organisms utilize the nutrients and improve the overall soil structure.
According to John, this allows the plants to grow not only larger, as his many giant vegetables attest to, but also sweeter. He regularly uses a refractometer to measure the sugar levels in his produce as well as the produce in the grocery stores for comparison. And the plants are better able to shrug off diseases and pests, and even neglect or drought.
Mycorrhizae
After John’s visit, I decided to do a little bit of research on mycorrhizae in particular. Remember, fungi do not create food on their own, like plants do. Mycorrhizae is a type of symbiotic fungus that interacts with plant roots, exchanging absorbed mineral nutrient ions for the sugars the plant produces.
Mycorrhizae also increases a plant’s effective root system by up to 700% by breaking down and absorbing nutrients farther away - up to 30 feet away. Mycorrhizae not only distribute nutrients, but also depress many root diseases caused by pathogenic fungi and nematodes. When you disturb natural soils, by digging or rototilling, you break up mycorrhizal systems and force them to start over, interrupting the absorptive area they share with the native plants. More than 99% of the earth’s plants utilize this fungus to their benefit. There are six types of mycorrhizae, but only two are more considered major types, so that is what I will cover here: ectomycorrhizae and endomycorrhizae.
Ectomycorrhizae
Ecto is the suffix for outside, so ectomycorrhizae tend to grow on the outside of the root tips. They penetrate the spaces between to cells of the root’s outer layer, covering the root like a glove, and then fungal hyphae (hair-like filaments) grow outward from the roots into the surrounding soil. These gather water and nutrients and share them with the plant. They have been shown to be particularly good at absorbing phosphate, potassium, and alkaloid metals.
Ectomycorrhizae also seem to be able to protect a plant from soil born diseases and pathogens. They do this by producing a sort of antibiotic that keeps bad bacteria at bay, rather like penicillin. The "glove" they form around the roots may also act as a physical barrier against invasion.
Ectomycorrhizae also produce growth hormones and regulators which can alter the metabolism and growth of the roots themselves, encouraging healthy growth. This type of fungus tends to colonize coniferous trees and hardwoods.
Endomycorrhizae
As you may guess, endo is the suffix for inside, therefore endomycorrhizae grow mainly inside the cells of the plant root’s outer surface, rather than between the cells. These do not form the glove around the plant root like the ectomycorrhizae, and therefore are impossible to see without a microscope. But they do send out a net of hyphae to gather water and nutrients.
John talked about using "BioVAM" in his compost aeration mixture, and now I know what VAM stands for. It is short for vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae – two structures formed by endomycorrhizae within the cells of the root. 90% of the world’s higher plant types have a relationship with this kind of mycorrhizae. Arbuscules are bodies made up of hyphae that take carbohydrates from the cells and increase until they fill the cell completely, then they break down and release their stored nutrients to the host plant. The mycorrhizae then moves on to another plant cell. Little is known about vesicles, but scientists suspect that they play a role in propagation.
VAM in particular are good at absorbing phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc and calcium, plus some potassium, though this is highly affected by the balance of calcium, nitrogen, and potassium levels in the soil. This type of fungus tends to favor turf grasses, ornamentals, hardwoods, and fruit and nut trees.
Other Facts
Another interesting theory about mycorrhizae is that it allows plants to communicate with each other. There are cases where a plant is stripped clean of foliage by insects faster than it can regrow the leaves. As soon as one plant becomes infected, the other plants in the area change chemistry and begin to secrete toxins to keep the insects from preying on them. Scientists believe mycorrhizae may
play a role in this communication.
Though most mycorrhizae are invisible to the naked eye, there are a few that produce fruiting bodies. Small fungi that appear near birch, hornbeam, larch, and spruce may be a type of ectomycorrhizal fungi. Believe it or not, truffles are also a type of ectomycorrhizal fungus.
Ectomycorrhizal trees
Arborvitae
Aspen
Basswood
Beech
Chestnut
Birch
Cottonwood
Fir
Hemlock
Hickory
Larch
Oak
Spruce
Willow
Endomycorrhizal trees
Ash
Buckeye
Crabapple
Dogwood
Ginko
Huckleberry
Hawthorn
Holly
Horsechestnut
Locust
London Planetree
Magnolia
Maple
Redbud
Sycamore
Walnut
Yew
Preparing For SHTF
Link to Website: Preparing For SHTF
"Be prepared for SHTF! Knowledge is the key to survival when shit hits the fan!"
"Be prepared for SHTF! Knowledge is the key to survival when shit hits the fan!"
Amazing Wood Gas Camping Stove
Kindle Book: The Amazing Wood Gas Camping Stove
FREE for a short period of time.
FREE for a short period of time.
Disaster Preparedness Basics [FREE Kindle Book]
Link: Disaster Preparedness Basics
How to prepare for natural disasters and emergencies [Kindle Edition]
FREE for a short period of time.
How to prepare for natural disasters and emergencies [Kindle Edition]
FREE for a short period of time.
How to Make a Cold Frame
Transplant your seedlings into a Cold Frame to harden them off to the outdoors. Might be a good place to bury a waterproof gun safe.
Homemade Whole-Grain Bread
Article Link: Homemade Whole-Grain Bread.
Learn techniques to save time and money while boosting flavor and nutrition in homemade whole-grain bread. All it takes is adding whole-grain flours and sprouted grains.
~Mother Earth News
Learn techniques to save time and money while boosting flavor and nutrition in homemade whole-grain bread. All it takes is adding whole-grain flours and sprouted grains.
How to Choose the Right Woodstove
Article Link: How to Choose the Right Woodstove.
Why not heat with wood? It's a green heating option that also makes you more self-reliant.
~Mother Earth News
Why not heat with wood? It's a green heating option that also makes you more self-reliant.
How to Build a Winter Shelter
Article Link: How to Build a Winter Shelter
Learn how to survive blizzard conditions by crafting a winter shelter out of snow, space blankets, fallen branches, cave openings and more.
~Mother Earth News
Learn how to survive blizzard conditions by crafting a winter shelter out of snow, space blankets, fallen branches, cave openings and more.
~Mother Earth News
Feinstein’s Bait-and-Switch Anti-Gun Legislation
AUDIO LINK: Feinstein’s Ultimate Bait-and-Switch Anti-Gun Legislation with Michael Hammond – Episode 142 - Off The Grid News
"Today's guest on Off the Grid Radio is asking listeners not to be fooled or sidetracked by anything coming from the anti-gun camp, including universal background checks, which he says is the ultimate bait-and-switch ploy. Michael Hammond, legislative counsel to Gun Owners of America, says that we're at a crossroads in the history of America, and how we respond to this recent attack on constitutional liberties may well decide the fate of the nation going forward.
Please join hosts Bill Heid, Brian Brawdy, and Michael Hammond on this week's episode of Off the Grid Radio.
"Today's guest on Off the Grid Radio is asking listeners not to be fooled or sidetracked by anything coming from the anti-gun camp, including universal background checks, which he says is the ultimate bait-and-switch ploy. Michael Hammond, legislative counsel to Gun Owners of America, says that we're at a crossroads in the history of America, and how we respond to this recent attack on constitutional liberties may well decide the fate of the nation going forward.
Please join hosts Bill Heid, Brian Brawdy, and Michael Hammond on this week's episode of Off the Grid Radio.
Your Home, Your Fortress
Your Home, Your Fortress BOOK: $29.95+$6.95 s/h
"The Definitive Guide To Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe From Felons, Blood Thirsty Thieves, and Roving Bands Of Looters."
~Off The Grid News
"The Definitive Guide To Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe From Felons, Blood Thirsty Thieves, and Roving Bands Of Looters."
~Off The Grid News
Watering Devices: DIY for the Garden
Article Link: DIY Watering Devices
Make these easy watering devices for your gardens.
~Old Farmer's Almanac
Make these easy watering devices for your gardens.
~Old Farmer's Almanac
Rain Barrels: Water-saving Gardens
Article Link: Rain Barrels Water-saving gardens
If you have an engineering degree, you can build a cistern. Lacking that, think of ways to save water in large containers that can be covered.
~Old Farmer's Almanac
If you have an engineering degree, you can build a cistern. Lacking that, think of ways to save water in large containers that can be covered.
~Old Farmer's Almanac
Plants that Clean the Air
Article Link: Plants that Clean the Air
Finding plants that clean the air could make your lungs healthier and put you in a better mood.
~Organic Gardening
Finding plants that clean the air could make your lungs healthier and put you in a better mood.
~Organic Gardening
11 Healthiest Whole Grains
Article Link: The 11 Healthiest Whole Grains
Don’t nix carbs. Just make sure you’re eating the good ones and eliminating the bad.
~Organic Gardening
Don’t nix carbs. Just make sure you’re eating the good ones and eliminating the bad.
8 Weeds You Can Eat
Article Link: 8 Weeds You Can Eat
One person’s weed-filled lawn is another person’s salad bar.
~Organic Gardening
One person’s weed-filled lawn is another person’s salad bar.
~Organic Gardening
Thursday, January 31, 2013
VIDEO: The Secret is in the Soil
The Secret is in the Soil
Nine-time Guinness World Record breaker John Evans, gives his hints as to what makes his garden grow so well. He says it's his compost tea, healthy plants, and of course, the soil. Watch, as he gives you a tour of his garden in Alaska.
~YouTube by escapeearthnet
Nine-time Guinness World Record breaker John Evans, gives his hints as to what makes his garden grow so well. He says it's his compost tea, healthy plants, and of course, the soil. Watch, as he gives you a tour of his garden in Alaska.
~YouTube by escapeearthnet
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)