Organic Food Benefits Blog

The blog for organic food.

   Aug 29

Are You A Purist Or Do You Use What You Have?

Bucket or Box Gardening at Martin County Extension –Florida Do We? — Use Pure or Use What You Have? These are questions that came up recently pertaining to the environment both external and internal.

The quote I follow is, “Take what you can and leave the rest.” Someone I admire once said, “I choose to value any experience I have and learn something from it.”
I had an engaging free lesson at the Martin County Extension which taught me how to use plastic products that you can buy at any hardware store to make a simple yet new system for growing vegetables. I felt this was a gift from the universe, since I have been focusing on making my gardening easier.

“What did you think of their system?” Asked the owner of a nursery I visited that very afternoon to buy coconut palms.

Squeezing my eyes to access her better, I asked, “Do you want my truth?”

“Yes,” she said with intense interest.

Most people are interested in sharing me because I have questions that I ask so that I learn from them. They have their focus and they stick to it. I notice body language that says they are interested only in a particular idea or method that they have learned. Ideas that I mention in the conversation, are to fish for possible interest. Many times I get silence or a change of the subject. I let that go. The fact is I want to honor everyone’s opinions. My position is to love and accept everything I am given as experiences in this life, and that includes everyone I meet. To me all experiences are precious gifts. After the gift is received, I may ask myself what I can apply to my life, and I let go of the rest.

So I said, “My concern is the plastics that are used can leach, and we all need to be aware of the plastic containers that we drink water from or cook with. Glass, clay pots, ceramics are safe. Coming up with an alternative to the plastic buckets is something I will do soon.”

According to the internet “The leaching of BPA from the polycarbonate plastics and the polycarbonate plastic lining of containers is particularly alarming in light of the serious health risks associated with BPA ingestion. More than 200 lab animal tests to date strongly suggest that BPA exposure, even at very low doses, creates risks of dangerous developmental, neural and reproductive health effects in infants and children. Exposure to BPA, even at low and short-term doses, is linked to a staggering number of health problems.”
The nursery owner passionately agreed, since she is a health purist in the organic sense. The controversy of using organic vs. commercial fertilizer and plastics, can be a lively topic for her, is what I sensed.
Over the past three decade, I have observed that those that are passionate about their beliefs can change the world. In my younger years, I didn’t realize that huge changes in consciousness take years to come to fruition. The lesson may be patience.

If you would like to explore this food controversy, read Time magazine’s August 30, 2010, under Health, entitled Who Needs Organic Food? In that article Manny Howard, author of My Empire of Dirt, about his experiences with backyard gardening, says, “If we all had to concentrate on raising our own food, we wouldn’t have time to do anything else.”

In my backyard, I raise fruit trees, plus organic vegetables that keep me eating raw and fresh daily. It takes me an hour per morning to lavish in my hobby of growing my own pure foods. That’s all the time it takes for me to start each day with joy.

Next reviewing Emoto’s research on the effects of words on the shapes of water crystals, I found saying blessings and loving my garden is essential to the beauty of the water crystals within every living thing. If 80% of humans are water, then what is the per cent of water in plants? Read his book and find out how water can be transformed within and without our inner and outer physical environments.

Another piece of the living puzzle is Vibrational Medicine or Energy Medicine. ‘It is based on the scientific principles that all matter vibrates to a precise frequency and that by using resonant vibration, balance of matter can be restored.’

We are what we eat, think, and do.


   Aug 27

Compost Bin Plans – An Easy And Low-Cost Method To Build A New Compost Bin.

Composting is definitely not a new idea, but it’s one that is growing in popularity world wide. If you are interested in benefiting the planet and also making use of nutritious natural fertilizer for your gardening needs, there’s no better method than composting.

It’s not hard to make a compost bin. You don’t require a lot of special skills or experience to make a compost bin and your own compost. Even if you’ve never previously composted, you can start fairly quickly and economically. Technically speaking, you do not even need to make a compost bin to compost, although you may find that it’s more convenient and pleasant to make a compost bin and use it. If you have sufficient space available to you then a compost pile will work just fine. Your compost pile should measure about 3x3x3. A compost pile that’s bigger than three feet in diameter or height will often prove to be too difficult to manage. If you discover that your waste materials will exceed this size then it’s usually best to go ahead and make a compost bin or pile in a second location.

A mixture of various types of materials should be added to your compost. Of course, kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable peelings, eggshells and coffee grounds are excellent additions to compost, but you should also make certain that you add in loads of green materials such as leaves and grass clippings also.

You’ll also should make sure that your compost pile has plenty of moisture. When you make a compost bin or pile it should not be soggy, but it should be moist. A well mist of water should suffice for watering your compost pile.

Additionally, you have to ensure that your compost has ample ventilation and air circulation. Do not put your compost pile where it’ll be blocked by any other structures.

From time to time you will need to turn your compost. This can be done using a pitchfork. This is one of the reasons that it is not a good idea to build a compost pile that is higher than three feet. Anything higher may be difficult to turn. Turning your compost will ensure it is well mixed and will also provide critical ventilation.

That’s all there is to making compost. With a bit of time you will have learned how to make excellent quality compost for your garden. Keep in mind, this movements can be of significant advantage to the environment, which would no doubt thank anybody personally, if that were possible.


   Aug 26

Microorganisms in Foods 6: Microbial Ecology of Food Commodities (v. 6) [Hardcover]

Microorganisms in Foods 6: Microbial Ecology of Food Commodities (v. 6)

The second edition of Microorganisms in Foods 6: Microbial Ecology of Food Commodities is for those primarily interested in applied aspects of food microbiology. For 17 commodity areas, it describes the initial microbial flora and the prevalence of pathogens, the microbiological consequences of processing, typical spoilage patterns, episodes implicating those commodities with foodborne illness, and measures to control pathogens and limit spoilage. Those control measures are pres (more…)


   Aug 24

Organic Wheatgrass Growing Kit w/ Samson 6 in 1 Electric Wheat Grass Juicer- Grow & Juice Wheatgrass

Organic Wheatgrass Growing Kit w/ Samson 6 in 1 Electric Wheat Grass Juicer- Grow & Juice Wheatgrass

Organic Wheatgrass Kit and Samson 6 in 1 Electric Wheatgrass Juicer which can extract healthy juices from carrots, celery, parsley, spinach, wheatgrass, apple, orange, kale, cucumber, ginger, sprouts, and many other leafy greens. It can also extract juices from aloe and pine leaves which no other existing juicers on the market have ever done before. Fruit Juicer The low-speed screw prevents natural flavors and high nutritional contents from being destroyed. Seasoning Mincer/Cho (more…)


   Aug 24

How Does A Greenhouse Work?

A greenhouse is a construction that is generally made up of glass or plastic which would have either a wooden frame or a metal one.

The sun rays that come into the house are used as thermal energy; this would be converted from the normal solar energy. This would make the warmth in the greenhouse much higher than the temperature outside. This would have the same effect as when you park a motor vehicle outside in the hot sun. When you do eventually come back to your car, you will become aware that it is much warmer than when you left it.

Temperature & Humidity Levels – One of the most important goals of the greenhouse is to make sure that the heat as well as the humidity is well maintained. Once the house has too much heat, your plants will wilt and die. On the other hand, should there not be enough heat in a portable greenhouse, your plants might freeze. Should the moisture be overbearing you will most definitely end up with a mold problem, and should the humidity be too little your plant will then dry out.

Ventilation – The way that high temperature and humidity could find a balance in a greenhouse is where ventilation plays a role. It could be easier to just open a door and a window to allow the excess humidity as well as heat to escape and this would maintain the balance. On the other hand, you could always have a ventilation system installed.

Styles of Greenhouse – There are various types of greenhouses for you to choose from. There is a type for those that do gardening as a hobby. These commercial greenhouses are available in large and small sizes. The commercial greenhouses are made free standing and others could be built on a more permanent structure and could be built as an addition to your house. You may choose either a simple version or a more elaborate greenhouse; this choice is entirely up to you.

Framing – Should you choose a simple layout, this would just mainly consist of a wooden frame and a more permanent covering made in plastic.

Greenhouses are a more natural way to cultivate. As soon as one grows vegetables and other goodies in a greenhouse, it has a better taste than buying it in the supermarket. It will also give you a sense of pride as well as helping with global warming. If you look at it like that you are really helping the planet. With the global warming crisis that is facing us as the human race, we all know what we should be doing to save the planet. Hopefully the greenhouse effect will grab much of your attention. Now remember, Green Is Good!


   Aug 22

Wonderworld Eco-Friendly My Steak Set

Wonderworld Eco-Friendly My Steak Set

From the Manufacturer

The Wonderworld Eco-Friendly Wooden Steak Dinner play set helps children recognize shapes, color and a wide variety of foods. The possibilities for imaginative play are endless and the opportunities for creative growth are plentiful.

Wonderworld My Steak Set Wooden food play set featuring realistically colored steak, French-fries, tomato, baby carrots and lettuce and wooden knife. Helps child recognize shape, color and wide variety of (more…)


   Aug 21

Lean To Greenhouses – Built A Backyard Greenhouse

The lean to greenhouse is good for a smaller backyard. The lean to greenhouse can also have a part of it reserved for a sun room to sit down and luxuriate in the silence and quiet together with the gorgeous plants that you are growing.

Lean to greenhouses are attached to an existing structure therefore having only three sides. Having merely 3 sides makes the lean to greenhouse somewhat cheaper than some other sorts of greenhouses. Build the lean to onto your residence having trouble-free warm access to it during the wintry weather. Build the lean to greenhouse onto your garage or shed in addition to keep the backyard greenhouse tools close at hand.

All you would need to start your lean to greenhouse is a basic carpentry set and basic carpentry abilities. You do not have to be a skilled professional to do this.

You will want to build your lean to greenhouse wherever the sunlight is largely prominent during the late and early growing season. Typically that is the south wall along the existing building you desire to build the lean to greenhouse to.

Clear the site for your lean to greenhouse and mark it by measuring it out as well as placing stakes everywhere you wish your corners to be. Then dig a trench on all three sides from your existing building out to the corner stake to the next corner stake in addition to back to the structure. It may make it quicker and keep your trough straighter to place a string line from stake to stake and follow the string while digging the trough. Only dig deep enough for the lumber.

Using pressure treated posts which are 8X8. Situate the lumber within your trench and use a square to make sure the wood is at right angles. Your lean to greenhouse needs to be approx. 7 ft tall this means you will want wood long enough.

Now put together your framework from your wooden foundation. Put up the outside wall of the lean to greenhouse first. When the outside wall is prepared add your rafters for the roof and then frame the side walls.

Decide which side you desire your door to be on to go into the lean to greenhouse. If you are building the door then attach a thin strip of plywood around the lower door frame for further strength. Fasten the hinges next hang the door.

You will need vents for proper ventilation. One of the best place to put them within a lean to greenhouse will be the west wall and the center of your roof.

Now enclose your lean to greenhouse securely with polyethylene film, glass, plexiglass, fiberglass, or polycarbonate. Put together your enclosure precisely to make sure you have no gaps or leaks for the chilly outside air to get through.

Next you will be able to grow plants along with sit and enjoy them even in bad weather conditions. Get step by step detailed instructions for your lean to greenhouse at http://BackyardGreenhousePlans.com

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   Aug 21

5 Tips For Organic Vegetable Growing

If you are worried that organic vegetable gardening is like too much labour and too time consuming then all you need to do is follow these 5 tips and you will be well on your way to harvesting your very own amazing organic vegetables in no time at all. Try not to be put off by people who say that it is not worth the time or effort because when you collect your very first crop of vegetables you get a fantastic feeling of joy, and when you sit down to eat them it is even better.

Grow Veg That You Like Eating

Now this may sound pretty straight forward for some people but it’s surprising how many people grow food that they don’t particularly like the taste of, just because they are easy to grow or someone they know grows them. Although you must always make sure that you choose veg that will grow well in your part of the country.

Give Your Vegetables Plenty Of Sun

Making sure your plants are in a position in your garden that receives the most amount of sun is very important in order to have the healthiest and tastiest vegetables.

Organic Fertilizers

When you have to use an organic fertilizer it is a useful idea to make sure that it is a slow releasing fertilizer, that way your vegetables will get the most benefit from it.

Get Wildlife on Your Side

Attracting the right kind of insects and other animals to protect your vegetables from unwanted bugs is extremely important when it comes to organic vegetable gardening. A few of these animals that you want in your garden are, hover flies, garden spiders, frogs, hedgehogs and ladybirds. Some of the things that you can do to attract this helpful wildlife is by planting certain flowers such as pot marigold, californian poppy, daisy or golden rod just to name a few. Also you could start by putting up bird boxes or you could even think about adding a pond into your garden, if you have enough space of course.

Make Your Own Compost

To make the most out of your soil it is a good idea to make some of our own compost. This is a fairly straight forward job but it does take a fair amount of time, so there is no time like the present to begin. If you are not sure where to start when it comes to making your own compost then you can take a look at this post on my site – My guide to compost
If you follow expert advice and don’t make things over complicated, then organic vegetable growing is a very fun and rewarding thing to do.

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   Aug 20

The Whole Organic Food Book: Safe, Healthy Harvest from Your Garden to Your Plate [Paperback]

The Whole Organic Food Book: Safe, Healthy Harvest from Your Garden to Your Plate

Something is being done to the food we eat. Much of our food is being bioengineered with genes from other life forms and presented to us without identification and with almost no examination of possible consequences. The Whole Organic Food Book provides insight and inspiration for those wanting to grow and eat food that is pure and natural. Whole-food guru Dan Jason encourages and instructs us on ways to regain control of our food supply through sensible, natural gardening techn (more…)

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   Aug 20

9 Steps How To Build A DIY Greenhouse

Why build a greenhouse?
Let’s face it you most likely have dreamed about owning a diy greenhouse, at least once in your life. They are fun, extremely relaxing, healthy, and have many other benefits. Well, the time to turn those thoughts into reality is now. The fact is our environment is in trouble, everyone knows it. It needs people like you to help give back the gift of life.

You may not have ever thought about building your own greenhouse, most likely because you thought it would be extremely difficult. Well, I am here to tell you that it is easier than you think. Building a greenhouse from scratch is not rocket science, it is actually very simple and is something to be proud of. I have compiled this list of 9 simple and key steps to take when building your own greenhouse. Don’t worry or think you can’t do this, because you can! With that said, lets get into it.

The 9 Steps:
Use Salvaged Materials In Greenhouse Construction
Step #1 Think about using salvaged materials if you want to build a large greenhouse – this will keep costs lower, so more resources can go into heating and irrigation systems.

Greenhouse Temperature and Shade
Step #2. Take your climate into account. If you live in a temperate or cold region, then you’ll want to build an insulated greenhouse. If you live in a warmer climate, then you’ll want to have shade control as well – and in a desert region, you’ll need both!

Ventilation Greenhouse Plans
Step #3. Be sure to plan for adequate ventilation and air circulation as well as heat and humidity control. Think about the plants you plan to grow in your greenhouse and design a climate accordingly. Greenhouse ventilation is easy to do and something that is truly necessary, or your plants may suffer.

Choosing Greenhouse Location
Step #4. Build your greenhouse is a spot where it will receive plenty of sunlight. You’ll want to give your greenhouse eastern and western exposure, especially if you plan to grow vegetables and fruits. This will provide ample sunlight to ensure fruiting in these plants. Semi-shaded areas won’t hurt anything, if that is your only option.

Greenhouse Construction Materials
Step #5. Decide on a siding for your greenhouse. The best materials are glass (which can be expensive) or fiberglass. Both of these materials offer greater durability, since they do not break down as quickly as plastic siding. These materials will also make for a warmer, more humid greenhouse. You could also pick out greenhouse polycarbonate panels, which are shatter proof and nearly impossible to break. They are extremely safe and can withstand some pretty strong winds.

Picking Your Greenhouse Base
Step #6. Choose your foundation. You can use concrete, which offers a stable foundation. You can also go for a simpler foundation using salvaged materials such as railroad ties. Your foundation will affect the cost of your greenhouse, so keep your budget in mind when deciding on this.

Additional Greenhouse Heating And Greenhouse Irrigation
Step #7. If there’s room in your budget, add elements which will make your greenhouse more convenient and comfortable for you as a gardener. Heating and irrigation systems are a great addition and are in fact essential in some climates. Adding benches so you can relax and enjoy your greenhouse is also a great idea – you can even have a garden party in the dead of winter!

Using Greenhouse Pest Control
Step #8. Use organic pest control methods such as introducing natural predators which can keep the population of problematic insects down. Also, quarantining a plant which is infested with pests can control the spread of damage from these pests.

Plan Greenhouse Construction Space For Storage
Step #9. Be sure to plan some space for storage. You’ll want somewhere to keep your tools, fertilizer and potting soil. Think about getting a small greenhouse if you have limited to no extra room. Consider placing a tool rack and a bin to keep soil and fertilizer near your potting bench for convenience. You could also use buckets or specially designed tool holders to keep your equipment handy for when you’re puttering around the greenhouse. Small greenhouse grow racks work awesome in situations where people are tight on space, I highly recommend looking into those.

Why a do it yourself greenhouse?
There are so many reasons but it is cheaper than buying one, environmentally friendly, relaxing, and really it is something you can take pride in. Wouldn’t you like to brag to your neighbors about your awesome hand build greenhouse? Also will be jealous of your garden in no time, its a fact!

Why should you follow these 9 steps?
These steps are the 9 most important and biggest problems people face when a building DIY greenhouse. Not taking these steps into account could very turn into a huge inconvenience. All you have to do is stick to these guidelines and you will be GROW ing wild in no time!

Whitney Segura is a expert at building, buying, and using Mini Greenhouse Kits and Rion Hobby Greenhouses.

Feel free to send a message if you have any need some help or have any questions at all. You can never have enough friends, that’s for sure!