Most commercial crops grown around the world are treated with pesticides. But some farms are now switching to organic practices to avoid the risks that pesticides pose to human and environmental health. However, new research shows that past pesticide use can still “haunt” fields that have long been converted into organic farms. Published recently in Environmental Science and … Continue reading Pesticide “ghosts” can haunt organic farms for decades
How do bacteria populations travel through soil layers?
Soil bacteria are important components of the ecosystem. They help improve soil structure and aggregation, as well as recycle soil nutrients and water. Soil bacteria also serve as decomposers that consume carbon compounds and provide large quantities of nitrogen to plants. Nitrogen is a major component of chlorophyll and is essential for the production of amino acids, which are … Continue reading How do bacteria populations travel through soil layers?
Container gardening tips for the urban prepper
Ideally, a home garden should be spacious, with enough room for different plants. But if you live in an apartment without a backyard or if your soil is rocky or sandy, you can still grow various plants through container gardening. (h/t to ThePrepperJournal.com) Even if you have quality soil and a spacious yard, you can still try container gardening. It … Continue reading Container gardening tips for the urban prepper
Natural weed control: 9 Herbicide-free tricks
As a good prepper, keeping your garden soil weed-free ensures that your crops grow healthy and strong. If you don’t want to use pesticides with harmful chemicals, you can protect your plants using natural weed-killing methods like mulching or vinegar. (h/t to HomesteadSurvivalSite.com) The natural methods detailed below can prevent weeds from taking over your garden. Pulling … Continue reading Natural weed control: 9 Herbicide-free tricks
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
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
Want bigger, healthier potatoes? Use straw mulch; it improves soil quality and suppresses weeds
Want to get the most yield and the biggest tubers from your crop of potatoes, protect them from certain pests and weeds, and not use any artificial chemicals? An American study reported that adding straw mulch to the soil around emerging potatoes will result in bigger, healthier tubers. Mulch was also shown to protect the crops against … Continue reading Want bigger, healthier potatoes? Use straw mulch; it improves soil quality and suppresses weeds
Control weeds naturally with vinegar
If you want to use a natural and non-toxic weed killer in your garden or homestead, try some horticultural vinegar. You can use this kind of vinegar to keep your garden free of weeds. It is effective for weed control and it is also an eco-friendly option that does not include any harmful chemicals. If … Continue reading Control weeds naturally with vinegar
Organic farming employs more workers than conventional farms and encourages community development, according to survey
Organic farming has gained steady ground in the U.S. farm sector over the recent years due to the growing demand for healthy food products by consumers. While conventional farming is still the more prevalent type of agriculture – yielding significantly more produce than its organic counterpart – one study suggests that organic farming may present more job opportunities down the … Continue reading Organic farming employs more workers than conventional farms and encourages community development, according to survey
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 