Adventures in Eco-Living

Wild Black Raspberry Hunting

I made a vow this year to pay closer attention to summer's song. To be aware of the slight changes in color, in smell, in temperature that signal yet another season ending and a new beginning. Spring comes and goes in a blink, though her gifts are many, if you are quick enough to catch them. Spring salad, crunchy radishes, snap peas, rhubarb, asparagus, strawberries....here and then all too quickly gone....

I distinctly remember venturing to the edge of our clearing last July and discovering the dried remnants of a bountiful harvest... wild raspberries come and gone. Just like that, I had missed the harvest and would have to wait another year. On top of that, I discovered two or three young mulberry trees, which we did not realize were there, already stripped of their fruits. What a bummer!

But not this summer! Shoko and I ventured out last week to see how the raspberries and mulberries were faring (actually, we have been checking on them twice weekly or so), only to discover the first morsels of black raspberry goodness and mulberries galore. A heavenly treat for a hot summer's day! (who would've thought we'd be in the upper 90s in June??).

Wild raspberries can usually be found on the edge of woods, as they need pretty much full sun, but grow like brambles. Look for arching branches rising above the weeds, but be careful- they are loaded with thorns and, at least where we live, seem to grow in sync with lots of other prickly weeds. I would definitely wear pants and long-sleeves, if at all possible. The berries shoot off of the thorny branches in little clusters, with the top berry usually ripening first. They are quite a bit smaller than commercial raspberries- but that is often the case with wild strains of fruits and/or veggies.

The berries in the photo are not quite ripe yet, as these are black raspberries and will turn a beautiful deep purple when ready. You'll know they are not simply red raspberries if you go to pull off the red ones, and they are still hard and quite stuck to the plant. The ripe black berries will come right off when you pull gently.

Though the harvest has just begun, and we didn't fill but a pint-full, it feels good to know that we are just a little more in tune with the ebb and flow of nature's gifts this year. We are learning so much about each season and how to appreciate its short bounty, by trying to eat only fresh produce, homegrown or local- which means some of our favorite foods in the world have only a small window of availability. But somehow, waiting for fresh strawberries, juicy blueberries, or sweet asparagus all year makes them oh so wonderful when they finally appear!

And nothing beats having a stockpile of frozen black raspberries, picked with our very own hands, in the freezer, waiting for our next smoothie session....

Taking Care of Pig-ness

Our new pigs are sure keeping us on our toes! We are already learning so much about pig behavior, which is good, because we are definitely pig rookies.

We have finally decided on two Japanese names, Natsu ("summer") and Momo ("pink"). A little investigating and we discovered that they are Hampshires (why we didn't ask their pig farmer, I'll never know). Apparently Hampshires are known for being little rascals that like to get into heaps of trouble.

I was a little concerned that our piggies were sleeping too much (at least half the time), but that seems to be somewhat normal, according to what I read. They grunt all the time, much more than I expected. By all the time, I mean pretty much every inhale/exhale, except when they are sleeping. They get kinda crazy when we go into the pen, running around in circles and chasing each other, which the dogs absolutely love- they join in the fun! Momo and Natsu love to bite on our boots, which could turn into a bit of a problem- we might have to train them out of that. But for now, we think it's cute!

Pig poop talk time... so if you aren't up to it, I would stop reading here. Pig poop is the stinkiest poop I've ever encountered! I mean, really, really stinky! We have decided to clean the pig pen daily. Most pigs will poop in the same area, but not so much with our little Hampshires (apparently, this is characteristic). They poop everywhere! They even pooped in their house, which is supposed to be a big no-no with pigs. Maybe they'll learn....

We also are busy keeping their water fresh, because pigs need lots of FRESH water, even more so than they need fresh food. A pig can go longer without food than without water (like humans).

Our pigs have already figured out the electric fence, and only very rarely do they get zapped. (By the way, we tested the electric fence on ourselves- it only seemed fair!)

Pigs will bite and chew on just about anything, including rubber boots. Even when you have powder blue polka dot Wonder Woman boots on....

We are not feeding our pigs table scraps yet. They are still too young. Hampshires tend to have sensitive stomachs, so we were told, especially when they are young. We'll see how it goes.

Eagerly awaiting Day 3 with our new piggies....

Piggies!

Our little piggies have finally arrived! This is a totally new experience for us, from the care and handling required to the moral dilemma involved when raising your own meat.

I have totally written off factory farms- I am simply no longer able to eat animals that are raised in such horrid conditions. And for now, at least, vegetarianism is not something I am ready to go back to. So that leaves one humane and humbling option- to care for and raise our own animals. Humane because we will give these pigs more love than most pigs could ever dream of (aren't they adorable???). Humbling because I have to come to terms with my own mortality, even my own selfishness, before I can take another being's life. But it is a road I am ready to travel, and I'm sure it will bring many intriguing blog posts in the future.

One more thing... we were expecting boys, but received girls.... so Howard T. Lunch and Huey T. Dinner simply won't work. We are currently working on new names, and will let you know when we decide!

Last Chance for Green Father's Day Gifts

Still looking for that perfect gift for dad? It's not too late to send a green gift! Check out some of our most popular:

Wild Man Natural Sassafras Shaving Kit
This cool eco-gift pairs up an exotic and moisturizing natural shaving soap with a natural shaving brush and a hardwood soap dish with cover. Perfect for the dad who loves to shave the simple, old-fashioned way- with a razor and some good, clean suds. Our deliciously spicy shaving soap is made with cold pressed olive oil and organic aloe juice (instead of water) to soothe and soften plus castor oil and calcium bentonite clay for a rich creamy lather. All in a natural burlap drawstring gift bag, too!

 Dynamo Crank Hurricane Lantern (No Batteries!)
This crank lantern is the ultimate eco-gadget! There are no batteries to replace- when you need light, simply wind the crank for a minute, and get up to 20 minutes of light. You will never have to worry about dead batteries again, so it is great for emergencies, like power outages (which is what we keep 2 of these on hand for) and car emergencies. It is also super-lightweight (under 2 pounds), making it great for travel and camping (you don't have to worry about bringing spare batteries!)

Organic, Fair Trade, & Delicious Coffee
Is Dad a coffee lover? If so, then he will truly appreciate a good cup of joe. Equal Exchange features some of the best coffee we have found. Mind, Body, and Soul is a medium roast blend that is smooth, soft, and soulful, with a dark chocolate finish that makes this coffee truly fit for the connoisseur. Yum!

"Make Tea Not War" Men's Organic Cotton T-Shirt
Send a statement of peace with this stylish organic cotton T-Shirt. We love the slogan!

Corn PLA Water Bottle with Filter
Corn is the new plastic! These cool bottles are the first step away from petroleum-based plastics and wasteful bottled drinking water. Made from a corn-based plastic that is compostable in a commercial composter, with no petroleum, and paired with a charcoal filter that allows you to fill up your bottle anywhere you go and still get the peace of mind and clean taste that comes with drinking filtered water.

It's not too late to get your green Father's Day gift, but you need to hurry! Please order by Monday, June 16 to guarantee timely delivery. And check out our website at www.thegreatergreen.com for more cool eco-products!

Blueberries and Pigs and Market, Oh My!

We've been so busy around here (of course, it's spring!)..... here's a few photos of what we've been up to:

After 3 years of wanting blueberries, we finally put 29 bushes in this year.  We picked out a few different varieties that include early, middle, and late maturing berries so that we can harvest blueberries all summer long. We opted for 2-gallon pots, which are  a few years old, so that we get our berries sooner.

To plant the bushes, we dug holes exactly as deep as the pots- you don't want to bury blueberry bushes any deeper than they are potted. We mixed in a couple of cups of peat moss, watered thoroughly, and then built a slight lip around the stem to hold in water. Out bushes look fabulous!

Our 2 piglets will be arriving in two weeks, so Alex and Ron have started working on the new pig pen. Here's Alex laying the cement foundation for the pig shelter. The pigs will also have a pasture, because everything we've read about raising healthy, organic pigs says that the pigs need a healthy amount of space to dig, forage, and wallow in.

Alex even has plans to make a watering hole for the piggies to play in. Happy pigs make healthy meat!

And here we are at the Allegan Farmer's Market selling our organically raised heirloom and open-pollinated seedlings. It's been a great success- so many people are interested in healthier, more natural living. We offer not only a wide range of unusual heirloom varieties, but also fish and kelp fertilizer, sustainably harvested cutting boards, and handmade dream catchers. Very soon we will be adding gorgeous, fresh-picked heirloom lettuces, spinach, and chard as well.

We've been so lucky to meet so many wonderful people who support what we are doing. Thanks to all who have made our market days so successful!

More Baby Chicks!

We decided that 5 chickens were simply not enough, so yesterday we headed over to Belle Feeds (where we bought our chicks last year) and picked out 10 more pullets (female chicks). If I remember correctly, we chose 5 Barred Rocks, 2 Aracaunas, and 3 Rhode Island Reds. Hopefully none of them will turn out to be a rooster (Speckles was supposed to be a pullet), because there is no way we could keep two roosters together here.... and that means one of them would have to become dinner....

They are just the cutest little rascals ever! They are so new to the world, everything is an adventure for them. I could just sit and watch them for hours as they learn how to drink, find pockets of spilled food, and peck at anything and everything (eyes, wings, poop). Little busy-bodies, fluffy and soft as can be.

For their new home, we set up a large Rubbermaid bin with a thick layer of hay on the bottom, a long red feeder, and a stainless waterer.  A heat lamp is suspended over the bin, and can easily be raised or lowered, depending on the chicks needs. It's easy to tell if they are uncomfortable: too hot, and they will all spread out and remain very still. Too cold, and they will all huddle together right under the light. Just right, and then will be moderately spaced, moving fairly actively, and busily investigating their new world. They do have to rest sometime, of course, but usually a few rest at a time, and the rest are up and about.

The water has to be changed a few times  each day, because they poop in it a LOT. I also check on them 5 or 6 times a day, just to make sure I have the heat lamp at the right height, to make sure they haven't spilled their water, and of course to laugh at their little antics. They won't be this small for long! Pretty soon they will start growing, lose their fluff, and become very ugly adolescents caught in a less-than-flattering, half-feathered tween stage.  Chickhood is all too short!

It's Morel Mushroom Hunting Time!

Our neighbors, Kenny and Ricky, just called us over to their place.... they had discovered a bunch of morels back in their woods, and invited us to join in on the bounty. It was our first mushroom hunting experience, and what fun!

Of course, this was more like an Easter Egg Hunt... they already knew where the morels were, and sent us off in the right general direction to see what we could find. But that's what you have to do for beginners like us. And even though we already knew where the morels were supposed to be, we still had the darnedest time finding them. You really have to train your eye!

From the end of April thru the beginning of May, morels start popping up in unexpected places, especially right after a big rain. It is difficult to predict where they will show up, as they seem to jump from place to place year after year. I guess that's why they are considered such a delicacy- a spot that produced hundreds one year can turn up totally dry the next....

We found the most morels under and near some apple trees and back in the woods around some wild cherries. Kenny thinks that the rotting fruit that's fallen to the ground creates good conditions for the morels. But it's just so hard to say for sure....

Though we didn't find too many, it's just enough for a yummy sauteed mushroom and free-range egg brunch for Mother's Day. It'll be a nice treat for my mom, who's never had them before. Maybe Alex's mom will read this and be enticed to come up for a visit, too! :)

Now I'm off to clean and soak my morels in salt water until Sunday. Ricky says I have to slice them in half, rinse 'em off real well, and let them soak in the salt water (to kill any bugs, bacteria, etc.) til we're ready to eat them. Can't wait!

Can We Plant Yet?

A lot of people have been asking us if it's too early to start planting their garden, so I thought I would give a summary of what we've done so far, here in Michigan.

Every area is different, though, so you can start by looking up your last frost date. Around here, it's usually mid-May, which means we are almost there. Looking back at my gardening journal from last year, however, we had a couple nights of frost during the last week of May. So the important thing to remember is anything can happen when it comes to weather (Mother Nature obviously does not read the Farmer's Almanac!).

The National Climatic Data Center has a handy reference tool that tells you not only the predicted last frost date for your area, but the probability that it will be within a certain date range. Our range here is from April 22-May 30.

It's normal to want to get an early start when it comes to gardening. After all, we've been stuck inside all winter, and are craving those gorgeous, sweet fresh fruits and veggies that only summer's sunshine can bring. The first thing to consider is whether or not you are willing to go out to your garden every night, if necessary, and cover any tender crops. And I mean every night- if the weather dictates. You cannot snooze on even one night of frost if you've put a frost-tender crop in the ground, or all of your efforts will be for naught. It is a hard lesson to learn- and trust me, we've done it- to lose a plant in one night that you've been doting over inside for a month or more.

Around here, there is no longer much danger for frost-tolerant crops like onion, garlic, and peas. It is most likely safe also for the cold-hardy crops like broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, spinach, some lettuces, mustard greens, chard, carrots, beets, and the like.  I say most likely because if we were to get, say, a freak snowstorm, they might not make it. But a crisp evening dipping into the thirties should be no problem.

Most of the rest of your veggies must either wait to go in the ground, or have some sturdy protection, like a cold frame. We even use gallon milk jugs with the bottom cut off, and set those over tender crops each night this time of year. But you can't forget to take them off during the day, or your plants will sizzle! The idea is to provide a barrier between the outside air and your plant that will keep it even just a few degrees warmer inside than out, to keep your baby above the critical temp.

We haven't put any of our warm-weather crops in yet, like tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, beans, cucumbers, and squash, but we will be starting next week. And we will have all the gallon milk jugs, floating row covers, and cold frames ready for any cold spell that still comes (and I'm sure there will still be frost, most certainly!). It would be garden suicide to attempt these crops without necessary arrangements.... The critical temp at which we start to get concerned for these crops is about 43 degrees F. We have had our greenhouse dip that low without killing any of our plants. But I can tell they didn't like it, especially the peppers, so I would suggest not even allowing warm-weather plants to be in air quite that chilly. If at all possible, they will be most happy if they can stay in the 50s.

Finally, don't forget to harden-off your plants before setting them out into the garden if they've been growing inside. This means setting them out during the day, but bringing them in at night for at least a week to allow them to get used to the chillier air outside. When hardening off, let the plants stay out a bit in the evening as the air gets chillier. Leave them out a little longer each day, but bring them in as soon as the temps dip into the 40s. After a week of this, they should be ready for the outside world!

Busy Spring Days

I just realized it's been so long since I last posted! That is a testament to busy spring days, when the world is suddenly coming alive at lightning speed, sunny days find themselves sandwiched in between far too many rainy ones, and the desire to get out, be out, and play in the sun just about makes us crazy (especially on all those rainy days!). We are so fortunate that none of our land is flooded. This has got to be the rainiest spring in years, and since it followed a very snowy winter, we are having horrible flooding around here. That's not good news for all the farmers- you can't do much until the fields dry out....

We have planted our first field. Everything is growing very slowly, very tentatively, not quite sure if these warm days are just a tease (which they are, so I'm glad my plants are holding back still). We laid down paper and hay mulch today in all the aisles- a task we didn't finish last year until nearly July, so we are feeling good about our timing. We already have lots of cool weather veggies coming up- peas, onions, spinach, chard, broccoli, cauliflower, strawberries, asparagus, mustard greens, beets, carrots, leeks, and cabbage. 

Our greenhouse seedlings are doing great! We are hoping to sell 1,000 or so this year, mostly peppers and tomatoes, all heirloom and all gorgeous! If you live in the southwest Michigan area and are looking for something fun and quirky for your garden, send us an email! We have everything from striped tomatoes to white eggplant.

Alex also built a new larger chicken pen with a higher fence. Our neighbors have not been too thrilled about our free-range chickens free-ranging over there, so we now keep them in their pen for most of the day, and then let them out in the evening about two hours before sunset to get their fill of bugs and other goodies. That way our eggs are still bright orange and chock full of nutrition, but the chickens don't pester everyone so much. They are very self-sufficient, and put themselves back in the coop when the sun goes down, so all we have to do is close and lock the door to keep those sneaky raccoons out.

And now we're off to camp in our woods. Alex just built a new tent cabin, since we don't seem to have time to go on a camping trip, but have dying for our "camping fix". Can't wait! Will be cooking a big pot of chili and some organic pork tenderloin over a campfire... a nice relaxing evening in the woods is just what the doctor ordered!

 

Earth Day Message from Senator Stabenow

Happy Earth Day Everyone!! This is the moment to celebrate the beauty of our planet, enjoy the natural diversity that nature has to offer, and to ponder the legacy which we will leave behind for our children and our children's children. Although I do believe Earth Day should be everyday, today is a great time to stop and re-focus our energy for the upcoming year, to think about how far we've come and figure out how much further we can go. "Living the green life" has never been so meaningful and necessary!

I came across this Earth Day message from one of Michigan's Senators, Debbie Stabenow, and thought I would re-run it here in my blog. It is well-articulated and relevant, here in a state that is suffering from the highest unemployment rate in the country. Green is not just a trendy fad, but a way to help revive our economy. Read on for Senator Stabenow's take on how green jobs can revitalize our nation.

The Hill, a Washington newspaper, today ran the following column from Senator Stabenow as part of their Earth Day special edition. Senator Stabenow lays out her plan for energy and climate legislation that will be focused on creating new jobs and revitalizing our economy.

Green jobs can help boost economy

By Senator Debbie Stabenow

"My state of Michigan is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders you will ever see. Of course, we are surrounded by the Great Lakes, the largest freshwater system on Earth. We are also home to some of the most breathtaking vistas in the world, from the Sleeping Bear Dunes on the coast of Lake Michigan to the Pictured Rocks on the coast of Lake Superior. People from Michigan understand the importance of protecting our environment. It is so central to who we are, it might as well be in our DNA.

We are also in the midst of a terrible economic crisis. Michigan has felt the pain of this economic crisis far longer than any other state. Our unemployment continues to be the highest in the nation, a dubious distinction we have held for 34 months.

This Earth Day, as we consider new policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we need to create a workable solution that will protect the environment and create much-needed jobs.

We cannot sit back and do nothing.  Our economy cannot move forward while chained to the same old dependence on foreign oil and pollution that harms both our health and economic interests.

If we approach this issue in the right way, we have a significant opportunity to create new jobs and spark an economic transformation. Our climate policy must work for the working people in this country, whether they are farmers, manufacturers, or clean-technology engineers.

Happily, with new energy solutions come new jobs and new industries. America has always led the world in innovation and invention, and we can do it again with clean energy. Yet, the economic crisis has made it harder than ever for firms creating those technologies to get financing. Unfortunately, traditional lenders are wary of making investments in untested new technologies.

That is why the federal government must be willing to support these emerging industries. I have joined with Senator Jeff Bingaman in calling for a Clean Energy Fund to provide financing for these cutting-edge industries. The Senate version of the budget included this fund, and it will likely be included in the energy bill we will take up later this year.

A Clean Energy Fund is absolutely critical so that we do not trade a dependence on foreign oil for a dependence on foreign technology.

Is there any wonder that as manufacturing jobs have vanished, so too has our middle class?

Other countries are investing heavily in green technology. Unfortunately, the United States has been behind the curve. The good news is that we are beginning to catch up - the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included $2 billion for advanced battery research and manufacturing; it also included a new tax credit to encourage the manufacture of renewable energy products. Those are the kinds of investments we need to continue making to help create a clean energy future while also saving and creating manufacturing jobs in America.

A balanced energy policy can revitalize America's manufacturing sector, creating good-paying jobs and strengthening our middle class.

A wind turbine contains over 8,000 individual parts: nacelles, rotors, rotor blades, gearboxes, brakes, generators, yaw mechanisms, electronic controllers, hydraulics systems, cooling units, towers, anemometers - even simple wind vanes. Why not build those right here in America? In fact, we can! I am proud to say we can build all 8,000 parts in Michigan.

We cannot just use green technologies; we have to make them in the United States. Recent history has shown what happens when we rely primarily on foreign sources of energy: we subject ourselves to less-than friendly international governments who can manipulate supplies to increase prices and hurt the American people. If they can do it with oil, they can do it with wind turbines. We must not allow it.

The health of our environment is the legacy we will leave to our children. The solutions to our current problems must be equitable and fair. More importantly, they must create new opportunities for innovation and new, good-paying jobs. If we do this right, we can leave our children with a planet - and an economy - that is in better shape than we found it."

Jump-start Your Day with Blackstrap Molasses

I've only recently started discovering the health benefits of molasses, although it seems others have been using it for hundreds, even thousands of years.

A quick peek at the nutrition label on our bottle of molasses reveals some fascinating figures: one mere tablespoon contains 20% of the US Recommended Daily Allowance of Potassium, 15% of iron, 10% of Vitamin B6, and 10% of calcium. This is one power-packed sweetener! Additionally, one tablespoon has only 60 calories.

Molasses is also high in magnesium, manganese, and copper, all important for proper functioning of our physiological systems. And if you browse the internet and read some of the molasses testimonials, there are people out there who swear it has cured everything from cancer, to constipation, anxiety, acne, and arthritis, and even reversed graying hair (possibly because molasses is high in copper?). I even found a home remedy for two teaspoons of blackstrap molasses a day to treat acid reflux (which my husband is dealing with, so we're giving it a try!).

I've found the best way to incorporate molasses into breakfast is by cooking up 1/8 cup of 10-grain cereal in about 1 cup of water (I like to cook it until it's pretty mushy, so use more or less water, depending on what consistency you like). I add one tablespoon brown sugar, one tablespoon molasses, a dash of cinnamon, a handful of chopped walnuts, a handful of dried cranberries, and a dash of salt. This is one of the most nutritious breakfasts I can think of!

On EarthClinic.com, we found this recipe for iced molasses, as well as some testimonials about molasses curing various ailments:

EARTH CLINIC'S ICED MOLASSES RECIPE:
1 TBLS Blackstrap Molasses
Hot Water
3/4 cup Milk or Soymilk
Ice

Add molasses to a glass and add just enough hot water to cover the molasses. Stir until dissolved. Add ice and then top off with either Milk or Soymilk. Avoiding milk?'Try vanilla or chocolate soymilk. Even yummier is to blend the whole concoction.

You can also add a tablespoon of molasses to a fruit smoothie for a healthy kick. Molasses has this deep, rich, bitter-sweet taste that adds unusual flavor and sweetness to whatever it is paired with.And if you're a coffee or tea drinker, I just got a tweet (on Twitter) from someone who uses molasses instead of sugar. Great idea!

So what is molasses, exactly? According to my bottle, "Blackstrap molasses is the dark, syrupy liquid that remains after the crystallized sugar has been extracted from the cane." Hmmm.....didn't know that!

Blackstrap is actually the third boil, whereas regular molasses is the first or second boil. Apparently the third boiling to make blackstrap creates a more iron-rich molasses.

Around here, we are trying to get away from relying on daily vitamin pills to provide our nutrient requirements, as vitamins just can't provide the complete and readily absorbed nutrition that you get from whole foods. Molasses is one way we have found to add some vitamin-kick to our diet!

And, by the way, if you do need to take daily vitamins, recent research has suggested that the most easily absorbed vitamins are gummy vitamins. Check them out HERE.

Starting Seedlings on Grow Shelves

Our grow shelves are up and running, in preparation for spring planting, which is just around the corner. We were able to construct each grow stand for about $125 from Menard's. This price includes 8 shop lights, 16 fluorescent 34 watt T12 bulbs, and the necessary plywood and 2" x 4"s to make the frame. Not bad for a stand that holds 1200 plants and will last for many years!

Right now, the only seeds we've planted outside are onions and peas, as there is still too much risk of frost for anything else. In a few weeks, we will transplant our cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and mustard greens to outdoor plots, but we will have to watch the forecast closely for a frost alert. If a frost is expected, we will cover everything with old milk jugs to protect them from freezing weather. Shortly thereafter, we will be adding lettuce and other greens to the garden, hopefully before the end of April (or else our lettuce won't be ready for market in early May!).

So for now, our garden is just indoors. we used a seed starter potting mix of coconut fiber coir, peat moss, composted bark, and composted chicken litter (purchased, not our own). We've got about 1400 seedlings going, and I am expecting a germination rate of about 90% or so. I hope to add another 1000 seedlings before mid-April. Most of these seedlings will be moved to the greenhouse in about a week or two, once we feel confident we can keep nighttime temps well above freezing with our tiny wood stove.

WOndering when the right time is to plant your vegetables for your area? Check out Mother Earth News' article: "Know When to Plant What"

Earth Hour Tonight!

Don't forget to join the international movement in support of ending global warming! Earth Hour is a global action event, and its organizers are hoping to rally one billion people worldwide to "Vote Earth" by switching all lights off for one hour tonight. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support!

It's easy! All you have to do is turn off your lights from 8:30 to 9:30pm (your local time). Plan something fun and make an event of it: a campfire, playing cards by candlelight, flashlight tag.... the possibilities are endless! We'd love to hear your ideas- please share!

Check out the Earth Hour website for full details.

Have fun and Happy Earth Hour everyone!!

Time to Start Preparing the Garden Beds

I can remember a few years back, when we first started gardening, coming across the advice "prepare the garden beds as soon as the ground can be worked". I distinctly recall wondering exactly what that meant.... well, as you can see from the photo, at least here in Michigan, the ground can now "be worked".

We have been studying a new method of organic gardening known as the "Grow Biointensive" system. It is a closed system of gardening, ultimately relying only on composting, companion planting, and crop rotation to provide all of the soil and nutrient inputs needed (that's right- no fertilizers, etc.). Since this is our first year, we will be adding some outside fertilizers and soil amendments, but within a year or two, with some serious composting, hopefully will not need to.

We have decided to switch from rows to beds for a number of reasons. Our plants will be spaced much closer together in an attempt to create a "mini-climate" under the leaves. We also maximize planting space with beds, because rows end up leaving almost 40% of the space as empty aisle space. And instead of plowing more fields, we decided we should just maximize the efficiency of the fields we already have.

This digging business is serious work. After a winter spent mostly indoors and not so active, I am definitely going to have to work myself back into shape. But if I can dig garden beds, anyone can! I have been digging two beds a day, each 5' x 10', to a depth of about 16 inches. We intend to dig approximately 40 beds, so if I were to dig them all myself (which I am not), then it would take approximately three weeks. With some help, our beds will be ready in a week or so.

We are going to add compost and peat moss to the beds before planting. The aisles will be covered in hay to suppress weed growth, which will break down and ultimately provide organic matter to enrich the soil. Our first cold-hardy plants will go in the ground in a few weeks under a cold frame (which Alex is building, and which I'll blog about when it's done). Right now our seedlings are sprouting under grow lights inside.

So even though we are guaranteed to get more freezing days, and probably even some snow, it's not too early to start preparing. Before we know it, we will be waking up and spring will have sprung!

If you would like to learn more about the Grow BioIntensive method of organic gardening, visit the Bountiful Gardens website, where they sell the "bible" on this method- How to Grow More Vegetables, written by John Jeavons.

Support "Know Your Milk Action Day" to Get rBGH Milk Out of Schools

We have previously posted about the dangers of rBGH in our milk supply (which has been lurking now for a decade and a half, mostly unknown to the general public). Public food safety groups are stepping up their campaigns to keep rBGH out of our kids' milk now with an upcoming "Know Your Milk Action Day", sponsored by the Food and Water Watch.

On Wednesday, March 11, thousands  of people will be calling their Congressmen, urging them to take action on keeping school milk rBGH-free. Please consider hosting a call-in party... all it takes is a few minutes of your time!

Click HERE to learn how you can sign up to receive an action packet, giving you all the information you need to get together with friends, family, co-workers, or neighbors and make a difference. My packet is on its way- can't wait to see what's inside!

Click HERE to visit the Food and Water Watch website to keep up-to-date on food safety news, including the latest on the peanut recall.