Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical widely used in manufacturing plastic products, has long been associated with a host of adverse health conditions. BPA is classified as an endocrine disruptor and is tied to various diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and abnormal liver function. Experts have looked into using chemical substitutes such as Fluorene-9-bisphenol (BHPF) … Continue reading BPA replacement chemicals found to disrupt hormones much like BPA
Mexican marigold essential oil holds potential as powerful natural herbicide
The Mexican marigold (Tagetes erecta) is a beautiful flowering plant from Central America. It has been used as an ornament, edible food, a source of dye, and herbal medicine for many centuries. Thai researchers reported that its essential oils are a natural herbicide for some of the most common weeds that plague farms. Cockspur grass (Echinochloa crus-galli) is one … Continue reading Mexican marigold essential oil holds potential as powerful natural herbicide
A natural herbicide that really works
Every homeowner wants to keep their gardens weed-free, but it’s always better to use natural weed killers that won’t harm the environment. One such option is a natural mix that contains distilled white vinegar and some salt. (h/t to AskAPrepper.com) Vinegar for home gardening Unlike commercial herbicides with toxic chemicals, distilled white vinegar is natural and won’t damage the … Continue reading A natural herbicide that really works
Scientists: Long history of fertilizer use on land is threatening our water quality today
Imagine you’re driving down a long, straight road through rural farmland. One either side of you are beautiful green farms. The produce being grown on these farms looks healthy and appears to be thriving. Now picture the land beneath those farms as massive sponges. Like all sponges, put enough liquid in and eventually the absorption … Continue reading Scientists: Long history of fertilizer use on land is threatening our water quality today
Irish researchers detail a potential solution for tackling plastic waste
Every day, the average American churns out a lot of plastic garbage that takes forever to decay. Over time, the nearly-indestructible waste piles up and contaminates the surroundings, causing serious harm to the environment and human health. This prompted Irish researchers to look for a way to manage the ever-growing mountains of plastic waste we … Continue reading Irish researchers detail a potential solution for tackling plastic waste
Soils treated with organic fertilizer are healthier; produce stronger plants
Come to any local gardening center and you may see rows and rows of plant- and animal-based fertilizers that boast of faster growth, beautiful blooms, or abundant produce from your plants. But which type of fertilizer can actually deliver these promises? A study published in the journal Biological Agriculture & Horticulture assessed the effect of plant- and animal-based soil amendments in the … Continue reading Soils treated with organic fertilizer are healthier; produce stronger plants
Organic fertilizer can be used to increase crop yield in plants grown in rotation
A study published in the journal Biological Agriculture & Horticulture assessed soil nitrogen oxidation through field incubation, and analyzed the rate of nitrogen release by commercial fertilizers compared with farmyard manure compost. For the study, a three-year organic crop rotation was set up in a field with sandy loam, with a cover crop of rye and vetch for green manure. In the … Continue reading Organic fertilizer can be used to increase crop yield in plants grown in rotation
Use horticultural vinegar as a natural herbicide
Weeds are a home gardener’s nightmare. There are many ways to eliminate pesky weeds, from old-school hand-pulling to using herbicides, but there is a natural and effective alternative that is worth considering. If you are facing a weed problem in your garden, try using horticultural vinegar as an alternative to store-bought herbicides that may contain toxic chemicals. How … Continue reading Use horticultural vinegar as a natural herbicide
A guide to planting fruit trees in poor-quality soil
Growing your own food is an essential skill when living off-grid, building your own homestead, or even when bugging out. In this endeavor, one of the things you must consider is the type of soil where you will grow your produce. Choosing the best ground for planting is crucial to the survival of whatever plant or tree you want to … Continue reading A guide to planting fruit trees in poor-quality soil
For the organic farmer: Grow healthier plants with organic fertilizer mixed with compost tea
A study published in Biological Agriculture & Horticulture confirmed what many organic farmers and gardeners have known for so long now: The benefits of biochar can be enhanced by amending it with compost tea. Biochar is charcoal used as a soil amendment. It’s very popular among organic farmers and gardeners, some of whom amend it with compost tea, … Continue reading For the organic farmer: Grow healthier plants with organic fertilizer mixed with compost tea
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 