MADHYA PRADESH AGRICULTURE MINISTER DR. RAMAKRISHNA KUSMARIYA’S STATEMENT
The MP Agriculture Minister has noted that a Kisan Swaraj Yatra has set off from Sabarmati Ashram to draw attention to the deep crisis that our farming community is mired in. The Minister also believes that this is indeed another independence struggle, given that our agriculture is going into the hands of multi-national corporations which seek monopolies and control over our food and farming systems, raising questions on our food and seed sovereignty.
It is true that the crisis of farmers is not the crisis of just farmers but of the entire nation. Consumers are ending up consuming toxic food today because of the agricultural technologies that we have introduced in the name of “modern agriculture”. This is having impact on the health of our entire society. Our very productive resources are getting eroded or contaminated, whether it is soil or water.
In this context, the MP Agriculture Ministry also believes, like the ones who have organized the Kisan Swaraj Yatra, that ecological farming is the only “rambaan ilaaj”. Therefore, the agriculture ministry will be announcing an Organic Farming Policy very soon, where resources and institutional mechanisms will be set up soon to take the message of organic farming to all farmers of the state. MP will show the way to the rest of the country on how to save farmers and their farming.
“Being a farmer I personally feel that GM Seeds does not suit with Indian agriculture and farmers of country and state. GM Seeds will jeopardize our biodiversity and our poor farmers will dependent on MNCs for their seed need. In many areas of country farmers are shifting to their traditional improved varieties instead of GM Varieties. For this reason, I believe that enacting a state level legislation against GM seeds is very important. I also oppose current state of legislations like the Seeds Bill and the BRAI Bill as proposed by the Central government. All such legislations should have the main mandate of protecting the interests of farmers.
We also think that protecting the resources of farmers – land and water is important and this is something that the Kisan Swaraj Yatra is also seeking. We endorse this too.
We believe that the crisis of farmers has to be addressed since this is a great ethical issue in front of all of us. There is no time to be lost and I congratulate the organizers of this Yatra for taking up the issue of farmers in this country”.
DR. RAMAKRISHNA KUSMARIYA’S
Minister – Farmer’s Welfare & Agriculture Development, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh


ong the few summer annuals that grow equally well in sun or semi-shade. Plants make a compact, upright bush of eight to twelve inches in height. The pale violet flowers have deep purple blotches on the lower petals with yellow inside. The cool colors are a welcome relief during the heat of summer. Flowers bloom throughout the summer and autumn, and make good companions for hostas, ferns and impatiens.
Torenia needs a warm climate and well-drained, compost-enriched soil. Because the seeds are very tiny and slow-growing, it's best to start them indoors ten weeks before the last expected frost. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and water from the bottom to avoid dislodging the seeds. Transplant the seedlings outdoors at six to eight inch intervals when they are large enough to handle.
Keep the plants well watered, especially in hot, windy weather, but be careful not leave the plants standing in water. Apply soluble plant food regularly to help maintain growth throughout the long flowering period. Watch for slugs. Deadheading is not necessary, and the seedheads are quite attractive. Plants will sometimes self-seed, so watch for the tiny, fragile seedlings in the spring.
full sun or Semi-shade
- Flower Color
- Bloom Time
summer and autumn
- Soil Requirements
well drained, compost enriched
does poorly in cold climates
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- Hindi news
- Drizzle is occurring in the district, maximum rainfall in Gulabganj Tehsil in last 24 hours.
Vidisha7 hours ago
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Rainy season has started again in Vidisha. After two weeks it has started raining since last day. Today, the period of drizzle continues. At the same time, the Meteorological Department has expressed the possibility of heavy rains.
It has not rained in Vidisha for the last 15 days. Because of that the temperature increased. People were bothered by the heat and humidity. At the same time, the lack of rain also affected the harvests. Crops were drying up and outbreaks of pests had increased. Because of which the peasants were very upset. People had prayed to God for good rain. Farmers breathed a sigh of relief when the rains started on Tuesday. The harvest stood up because of the rain.
According to information from the Land Records Branch, 129.4 mm of rainfall has been recorded in Vidisha tehsil in the last 24 hours. While maximum rainfall occurred in Gulabganj tehsil, there was no rainfall in Shamshabad, Pathari and Sironj. 28.0 mm rainfall has occurred in Vidisha tehsil, 13.0 mm in Nataran tehsil, 50 mm in Gulabganj tehsil, 3.0 mm in Lateri tehsil, 10.0 mm in Gyaraspur tehsil, 6.0 mm in Basoda tehsil and 19 .4 mm in Kurwai.


Application of liquid bio-fertilizer reduced the need of chemical fertilizer in black galingale (Kaempferia parviflora) production
Shinto, W. Ardhi
MetadataShow full item record
Kaempferia parviflora Wall ex. Baker (black galingale) is a medicinal plant which has high potential to be developed in Indonesia as medicinal products. Thus, in order to develop appropriate standard operasional procedure in K parviflora cultivation, this research was conducted to study the effect of biofertilizer applicationon late-vegetative growth and yield of rhizome. The experiment was arranged in Randomize Completely Block Design (RCBD), where the treatment were Control (0 L ha-1 of bio-fertilizer and 100% of chemical fertilizer), D1 (15 L ha-1 of bio-fertilizer and 50% of chemical fertilizer), D2 (22.5 L ha-1 of bio-fertilizer and 50% of chemical fertilizer), and D3 (30 L ha-1 of biofertilizer and 50% of chemical fertilizer). The 100% chemical fertilizer application were consisted 300 kg ha-1 urea, 250 kg ha-1 SP-36, and 250 kg ha-1 KCl. The block of the experimental design was based on the shading position of raised bed and difference of sun-lighting time. The result showed that application of 15 L ha-1 of bio-fertilizer and 50% of chemical fertilizer resulted in the best late-vegetative growth (i.e. plant height, leaf number, leaf length, and leaf area) of K. parviflora up to 29 week after planting (WAP). Moreover, application of 50% of chemical fertilizer with various rate of bio-fertilizer resulted in similar rhizome yield compared to those planted with 100% of chemical fertilizer. Thus, application of bio-fertilizer can be recommended to be applied in K. parviflora cultivation since it could reduce the usage of chemical fertilizer (urea, SP 36, and KCl) up to 50%. The potencial productivity from each treatment range from 4.38 to 8.19 ton ha-1. The result also imply that the usage of bio-fertilizer could suppress disease severity of root-knot caused by nematode in the field.


We offer general garden maintenance:
- Lawn mowing
- Lawn treatments
- Fertiliser applications
- Hedge and Edge trimming
- Turf laying
This is not a complete list of our services so please do get in touch. We also offer specialist Estate, horse paddock and large area spraying services with fully licensed operators and modern spraying machinery
We have a selection of nozzles for the spray boom and can also have an electro broadcaster which we can mount on the ATV for over seeding, fertilising and seeding large areas accurately.


Gallagher Retractable Auto Reel Tape - 15 m terra
This set with 15 m of pasture fence tape makes it very easy to create a passage in the fence or a drive aisle. Thanks to the strong spring in the housing, the tape automatically rolls up again when you open the gate. This has the great advantage that the conductor material no longer drags on the ground. The gate pulley set is very easy to install and comes with a mounting bracket and a soft grip gate handle.
The installation is very simple: Screw the goal roll directly to the wooden post or the wall using the enclosed fastening bracket. On the opposite side, you only need to mount a gate handle insulator (available separately), into which you hang the gate handle of the Gallagher gate roller - done!
The integrated pasture fence tape ensures maximum herding safety.
Area of application of the Gallagher gate roller:
- For paddocks, partitions and gate passages.
- The ideal gate system - can be electrified
- Suitable for all animal species
- Quick and easy realisation of a gate in your pasture fence
- Automatically rolls out and in over a maximum length of 15 m
- Easy to hook into the gate handle insulator with the enclosed gate handle
- Includes mounting bracket for installation on a wooden post
- Simple mounting


It’s unmistakably harvest time! Whether you are looking for a step-by-step DVD, the best grilling and barbecuing techniques, recipes for all the great Fall raspberries or what to do with all the great greens - we have the right book for you.
Save 25% when you purchase any of the titles below to help preserve the bounty of the season and nourish you over the winter months to come.
Here at Chelsea Green we strive to produce books that will be a lasting resource. The books below are foundation books that will be trusted references on your bookshelf for years to come.
Happy reading from the friendly folks at Chelsea Green Publishing.
Daughter of Iowa farmers, Missouri homesteader, and mother of five, Diane Ott Whealy never anticipated that one day she would become a leader in a grass-roots movement to preserve our agricultural biodiversity.
In this moving memoir of a life spent saving seeds, the author tells the history of the of Seed Saver’s Exchange, now one of the largest non-governmental seed banks in the United States.


US wheat markets fell 3pc overnight. Corn and oilseeds eased a little. The Australian currency gained 1pc.
- Chicago wheat March 2023 contract down US 21.5 cents per bushel to 720c/bu;
- Kansas wheat March 2023 contract down 29c/bu at 819c/bu;
- Minneapolis wheat March 2023 contract down 25c/bu to 887.75c/bu;
- MATIF wheat March 2023 contract down €5.50/t to €279.25/t;
- Black Sea wheat March 2023 contract down US$1.75/t to $306.75/t;
- Corn March 2023 contract down 10c/bu to 666.25c/bu;
- Soybeans March 2023 contract down 16.25c/bu to 1490.25c/bu;
- Winnipeg canola March 2023 contract down C$6.20/t to $806.70/t;
- MATIF rapeseed February 2023 contract down €3.75/t to €529.25/t;
- ASX Mar 2023 wheat contract unchanged at A$375/t;
- ASX Mar 2023 barley contract unchanged at A$307.50/t;
- AUD dollar gained 1pc to US$0.703.
Dry areas of Kansas and Colorado benefited from snow over the weekend and more precipitation is forecast for the Southern Plains this week. The next system is expected to bring relief to dry areas of Oklahoma and Texas.
According to World Weather Inc Argentina received enough rain late last week and during the weekend to provide temporary improvements to topsoil moisture, though more will be needed to break the drought pattern. Argentina will receive more rains over the next week to 10 days, with rainfall this week expected to be greatest in the northwest. Brazil will continue to see mostly favourable weather, though some centre-south areas will remain too wet, and parts of Rio Grande do Sul will stay too dry.
According to data from the Joint Coordination Centre, exports under the Black Sea Grain Initiative totalled about 893,874 tonnes in the week to 22 January (490,825 tonnes exported in previous week).
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) released first projections for 2023-24 production. Canola production is forecast at 18.5mmt (18.2mmt previous year) on a slight increase in planted area and assumed normal abandonment of crop area and trend yields. All wheat production forecast at 34.3mmt (33.8mmt previous year) due to an increase in planted area, supported by strong prices, with yields seen steady y/y. Barley production is forecast at 10Mt, the same as the previous year. Slightly lower yields are expected to be offset by higher sown area buoyed by high prices.
The EU’s Monitoring Agriculture Resources (MARS) January report notes that winter crops were in good condition across much of Europe, and so far, frost damage has been limited. Although, a rapid increase in temperatures toward the end of the year with record-breaking New Year’s Eve temperatures (locally surpassing +20 °C) in eastern France, Germany, Poland and the alpine regions initiated a de-hardening period and melted snowpack over agricultural areas. While winter cereals in Russia, the Baltic countries, and Scandinavia are still fully to almost fully hardened, those in most other parts of Europe are currently only partially hardened. This de-hardening process leads to a higher vulnerability in case of new cold spells. Moreover, alternating freeze/thaw cycles can damage plants, thus reducing their vigour and negatively affecting spring regrowth.
Reuters reports that Chinese importers bought five to six panamax cargoes (60,000 tonnes each) of French barley for shipment in the coming months. The latest sales were believed to have taken place in the past three weeks. The barley was thought to have been sold for livestock feed rather than malt production.
Local markets were flat yesterday with ASX wheat unchanged at AUD$375/mt. Prices were also flat on the boards on the east coast with Geelong APW1 a buck lower. The big falls in Chicago overnight and a stronger AUD are not likely to be a good combination for local markets today.
According to ABS data we exported an impressive 829,745 tonnes of canola in November, the second highest monthly total on record. Germany was our biggest market taking 257,644t, followed by France with 185,570t and Belgium with 125,649t.


Amaranthus, collectively known as amaranth, consisting of more than 50 species, some of which are cultivated for use as cereals, vegetables and ornamentals, and others of which are considered weeds. Amaranth grain is one of the most ancient forms of cultivated food. It is named from the Greek word amarantos which means ‘the never fading’. Amaranth has broad green leaves which are used in cooking and it produces bright flowers of purple, red or gold colors that maintain their vibrancy even after they are harvested and dried.
Amaranth is a pseudocereal crop. Cereals are grasses while pseudo-cereals are non-grasses that are used in the same way as cereals. Amaranth is classified among the pseudo-cereals due to its content of saccharides (62%) which is slightly lower of that of common cereals but with a higher digestibility. Different from the other two pseudo-cereals, quinoa and buckwheat, it is not necessary to remove the seed coat of amaranth. Hence, the seed can be used directly in most cases.
Amaranth grain is characterized by relative greater levels of proteins and lipids and lower starch contents than the major cereals (maize, rice and wheat). Amaranth grains contain high levels of nutritionally favorable proteins which have an amino acid composition close to the ideal protein. It has a digestibility score much higher than soy, milk and wheat. Amaranth also contains an unusual type of starch and high-quality oil. Due to the content of potential health-promoting compounds such as rutin and nicotiflorin and peptides with anticarcinogenic and antihypertensive activities, amaranth is considered as a ‘natural biopharmaceutical’ plant that could increase human health. For these reasons, amaranth has been attracting worldwide attention as a high potential new crop with multiple uses.
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Top 10 Health benefits of Amaranth
A protein powerhouse
The nutritional value of pseudo-cereals is mainly due to their protein content and amaranth has higher protein content than buckwheat or quinoa. Amaranth contains 16-18% protein, compared with values of 14% or less in wheat and other cereals. Amaranth seed protein is especially noteworthy due to its excellent balance of essential amino acids that the human body cannot manufacture. Amaranth protein composition is near to the ideal protein according to FDA requirements for adults.
In particular, amaranth contains an unusually high percentage of the amino acid lysine, which is present only at low levels in wheat, corn and rice. Lysine is an essential amino acid that facilitates absorption of calcium and synthesis of collagen, elastin, hormones and antibodies in the human body. An adequate amount of lysine in our diet is important and you can increase your lysine intake by replacing normal grains with amaranth grains.
Gluten free grains
In contrast to most common grains, the proteins in amaranth are composed mainly of globulins and albumins, and contain very little or no storage prolamin protein, which is the major components of the gluten protein fraction. The prolamin proteins are the main storage proteins in cereals and also the toxic proteins in coeliac disease. For people with celiac disease, amaranth is a good choice of dietary grain source. Amaranth contains more protein than any other gluten-free grains.
Rich in minerals and vitamins
Amaranth contains more than three times the average amount of calcium and is high in iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Amaranth ranks the second in calcium content among all the grains, only lower than teff. One cup of raw teff contains 347 mg of calcium while amaranth contains 298 mg. In contrast, one cup of white rice only contains 52 mg of calcium. Amaranth is also a good source of magnesium. One cup of amaranth contains 519 mg of magnesium, followed by buckwheat and sorghum. In comparison, one cup of white rice only contains 46 mg of magnesium. Moreover, amaranth is the only grain contain vitamin C. It also contains a similar amount of vitamin E as the olive oil.
High in dietary fiber
Amaranth grain contains a high level of dietary fiber. One cup of raw amaranth contains 18 g of fiber as compared to the 2.4 g of fiber in an equal amount of white rice. More than 70% of amaranth’s fibers is insoluble. These fibers are non-digestible in our gastrointestinal tract and play an important role in stimulating bowel movement and eliminating constipation, bloating, cramping and even colon cancer.
A good source of omega-3 fatty acids
On average, amaranth grains contain 6-8% oil. The oil of amaranth grain is characterized by a high degree of unsaturation so it is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Linoleic acid is the most abundant fatty acid in amaranth (more than 50%) followed by oleic acid (25%) and palmitic acid. Increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids is shown to be beneficial. It reduces the biomarkers associated with many degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers and inflammation. Also, the current omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid intake is 14:1 to 20:1 in western countries which is far from the recommended 5:1 to 10:1 ratio. Hence, an increased intake of food high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as amaranth, is highly recommended.
Health blood pressure
Amaranth contains peptides that inhibit the activity of angiotensin and lower blood pressure. Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure as well as in cardiovascular function. ACE generates the powerful vasoconstrictor that leads to the development of high blood pressure with its accompanying pathological symptoms. The anti-ACE activity of bioactive peptides of amaranth makes it a good natural cure for hypertension.
Amaranth grain has been shown to effectively reduce blood glucose levels and increase insulin levels in diabetic rats, which suggests that amaranth grain could be beneficial in the correction of hyperglycemia and prevent diabetic complications. Amaranth flour can be used to partially substitute wheat flour or other cereals and can make the low-GI diet more nutritious in terms of amino acid pattern and minerals.
Great for your heart
Amaranth lowers blood cholesterol level and reduces the risk of the cardiovascular disorder. A study of USDA showed that the healthy oil in amaranth could significantly reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in chicken. Later studies found that it is the rich dietary source of plant sterols (phytosterols) of amaranth having the cholesterol-lowering properties. Phytosterols have a very similar structure to cholesterol but cannot be absorbed in the human intestine. It inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption thereby lowering plasma total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
Calcium is crucial for bone health. Amaranth contains more than twice the calcium content of milk. Amaranth is also a good source of lysine which helps the body absorb calcium and reduce its lost in urine. Hence, eating amaranth could help prevent bone loss associated with osteoporosis. Moreover, studies also suggested that the combined intake of lysine and arginine makes bone-building cells more active and enhances the production of collagen.
Amaranth contains squalene, a natural anti-inflammatory substance. It is related to a number of bioactive compounds, including carotenoids, coenzyme-Q10 and Vitamin A, E, K. Researches have demonstrated that squalene and its related substances have significant roles in the management of inflammatory conditions and is efficient in terminating the inflammatory responses. In addition, amaranth oil, which contains high levels of unsaturated fatty acids and squalene, is also an effective natural antioxidant supplement which helps to reduce the inflammation.
Side effect of eating too much Amaranth
Amaranth has no known toxicities and is good for general consumption. However, it should not be eaten raw because it does contain certain natural anti-nutrients components, such as oxalates and nitrates, which can be eliminated by boiling and proper preparation. Precautions should be taken by people with special conditions:
For people with intolerance to lysinuric protein, eating amaranth may cause diarrhea and stomach pain. Moreover, another side effect of lysine increase body’s calcium absorption, and bring free, damage-causing amount of calcium in the body. So avoid taking large amounts of calcium and lysine at the same time.
For people with hypoglycemic concerns, eating too much amaranth could be potentially dangerous because of its ability to lower insulin levels. Care must be taken in this instance.
10 fun facts of Amaranth
- Amaranth was called ‘everlasting’ in Greek because of its flower buds retain vivid color even after drying.
- The flower ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ is an amaranth species, Amaranthuscaudatus.
- Amaranth is an ancient grain. It was a staple food for Aztecs 6000 to 8000 years ago.
- Amaranth was used in various religious ceremonies in Aztecs culture. A deity’s image was created from a combination of amaranth grains and honey in many ceremonies. They were worshiped before being broken into pieces and distributed for people to eat. Annual grain tributes of amaranth to the Aztec emperor were roughly equal to corn tributes.
- There are only three commercially important species out of the 60 species of amaranth. They are Amaranthuscruenus, Amaranthushypochondriacus, and Amaranthuscaudatus.
- Amaranth leaves are nutritionally similar to spinach but are much superior because of its three times higher content of calcium and niacin.
- Amaranth flowers are clusters of densely packed flowers which transform into large, heavy seed heads.
- The leaves of amaranth are edible and used in Asian cuisine.
- The seeds of amaranth are traditionally consumed with honey and sugar during Mexican’s festival ‘Day of the Dead’.
- Not all amaranths are valuable. Some of them are called pigweed and area considered as weeds.
For every 100 g of cooked Amaranth grain, you will get the following macro- and micro-nutrients:
|% Daily value|
|Calories 102 kcal||5%|
|From carbohydrate 75.6 kcal|
|From fat 13.2 kcal|
|From protein 13.2 kcal|
|Total carbohydrate18.7 g||6%|
|Protein 3.8 g||8%|
|Total Fat 1.6 g||2%|
|Cholesterol 0 mg||0%|
|Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 0.0 mg||0%|
|Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.1 mg||6%|
|Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 0.2 mg||34%|
|Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) 0.9 mg||1%|
|Vitamin B6 0.1 mg||6%|
|Vitamin B9 (Folate) 22.0 mcg||5%|
|Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) ~||~|
|Calcium 47.0 mg||5%|
|Iron 2.1 mg||12%|
|Magnesium 65.0 mg||16%|
|Phosphorus 148 mg||15%|
|Potassium 135 mg||4%|
|Sodium 6.0 mg||0%|
|Zinc 0.9 mg||6%|
|Copper 0.1 mg||7%|
|Selenium 5.5 mcg||8%|
The percent daily values are based on 2000 calorie diet
Amaranth is native to South and Central America. It was a staple in the Aztec diet and used in religious rituals.It was cultivated on a large scale in Mexico and Central America until the early sixteenth century.Amaranth was a major crop for the pre-Columbian cultures in Latin America. The religious use of amaranth in Aztec culture was seen by the Spanish conquistadores as a dangerous imitation of the rituals of the Catholic Mass, and its cultivation was therefore prohibited and the cult was banned. Since then, levels of amaranth cultivation remain very low.
Amaranth grain is now finding its way to baked goods and breakfast cereals in other parts of the world. It has recently come to be considered as a promising food crop owing to its resistance to stress and high potential for biomass and grain yield. It is cultivated as a minor crop in Central and South America and some areas of Asia and Africa. Beside Latin American countries, amaranth is now produced in the USA, India, Africa, China and Eastern Europe and Russia. The cultivation of amaranth to sue the grain or leaves as food has also become established in Africa and Nepal, and it is a re-emerging crop in Mexico. Since the 1980s, grain amaranth has been grown commercially in the USA with a fair degree of success. The largest production area of amaranth from 2001-2010 is China where it is harvested as swine food rather than for human use.
In many South American countries, amaranth is sold on the street as ‘popped amaranth’. In India, Mexico, Nepal and Peru, it is made into breakfast porridge. There is a Mexican confectionary snake called ‘algeria’ (means joy in Spanish) that is made from popped amaranth mixed with sugar and honey.
Generally, amaranth products are sold in speciality/organic food stores, in the health food section of grocery store, or through direct marketing. Cooking amaranth is simple: gently boil the grains with water for 15-20 minutes with occasional stirs. The cooked amaranth does not lose its crunchiness completely. It maintains the integrity outside and becomes soft inside.
Commercial Amaranth Grain
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**IN STOCK IN STORE**
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Available in 1 Quart, 1 Gallon, or 5 Gallon containers. Calcium, magnesium, & iron.
BOTANICARE CAL-MAG PLUS ™
**IN STORE PICK UP ONLY!! PLEASE SELECT 'IN STORE PICKUP' AT CHECKOUT***
CONTACTLESS/CURBSIDE PICK UP AVAILABLE. PLEASE CALL 838-4113 TO ARRANGE. CONFIRMATION EMAIL REQUIRED.
Cal-Mag® Plus provides a precise balance and optimal ratios of the calcium, magnesium, and iron that are critical throughout all stages of growth, especially in heavily fruiting plants and fast blooming annuals. Cal-Mag Plus is fortified with a proprietary blend of select trace minerals to help maximize yields in fruiting and flowering plant varieties, prevent blossom end rot in tomatoes and peppers, and reduce tip burn in lettuce. When used in combination with nutrient solutions Cal-Mag Plus functions as a catalyst to increase the uptake of essential minerals.
N 2.0%, Ca 3.2%, Mg 1.2%, Fe 0.1%
For hydroponics, soil and container gardens:
- Use with any crop (tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, fruit and flower bearing plants). Use with Botanicare Nutrients or preferred nutrient programs. Always use to supplement reverse osmosis water or when growing in coco coir.
- Use with every watering as needed. Mix well and adjust pH accordingly.
- Shake well before each use.
- Add 1 tsp (5ml) per gallon of water, Mix well and adjust pH to 6.2-7.0 before application.
- Can be used as a foliar spray to further enhance growth. 10-15 mls per gallon.
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The East Demerara Sugar Estate (Enmore) is way behind its production target for the first crop of 2017, and this could possibly result in a shortage of sugar on the local market.
This information was relayed by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) Komal Chand, sometime last week.
“There will be a shortage of sugar on the local market, because (at Enmore) they needed to produce 1200 tonnes of sugar from the time they closed the crop some days ago,” Chand disclosed.
GAWU was, last week, asked to intervene to resolve a dispute between the workers and the management of GuySuCo, after management had closed the crop and wanted to restart it in the last week of May.
The workers had already made up their minds that the crop was closed, and therefore demanded that GuySuCo give them their out-of-crop benefit — holiday with a week’s pay. Although workers agreed to return to work, adverse weather conditions and the poor state of the dams along the cane fields served as major impediments to the estate’s target being met.
“They will not be able to make the target to ensure that the local market is adequately supplied with sugar. They are far from realising it…there is a massive deficit at Enmore Estate,” Chand again emphasised.
Chand said the only estate that remains in operation at this time is Enmore, and its production as at April 22, 2017 stood at around 8000 tonnes of sugar. Thus, he said, the overall production across the sugar industry would be severely curtailed.
Accordingly, GuySuCo’s first crop set target of approximately 74,000 tonnes of sugar may not be realised.
“(GuySuCo’s first crop production) most likely would not surpass 50,000 tonnes. (It was) at 49,000 tonnes with only Enmore operating. Production will be significantly curtailed by over 24,000 tonnes. (GuySuCo) might just make 67 percent of the sugar production (target),” Chand explained.
It was revealed in early May that Uitvlugt Estate, located on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD), had missed its first crop production target by just over 1300 tonnes. This estate has reportedly produced 7031 tonnes of the projected 8339 tonnes of sugar, representing a shortfall of 1308 tonnes of the projected target.
A number of factors were reportedly responsible for the estate’s shortfall in production, two of which were: rat damage to crops, and cane shortage to facilitate production. This publication learnt that much of the canes from several locations on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD) could not, in fact, go to Uitvlugt for processing.
Finance Minister Winston Jordan, in his 2017 Budget presentation, had indicated that the status quo in the sugar industry could neither be sustained nor maintained. He explained that, as currently structured, the industry would require Government’s support to the tune of $18.6 billion for 2017 and $21.4 billion for 2018.
He elaborated that, based on the CoI, it was concluded that any money injected into the sugar industry in its current state was money wasted.


Land covers just over 29 per cent of the earth’s surface. But about two thirds of the land is too cold or too dry for farming. Of the remaining land, only one-third can be used for crops and the rest is grazing land. Will this be enough to feed the world’s population as it soars towards 10,000 million? Experts think that food yields can be increased in two main ways. First, scientists are producing new and more productive varieties of food crops. Second, farming can become more efficient if farmers use more modern mahinery and follow better farming techniques. In many developing countries, wooden hoes are often more common that metal ploughs.


You Might be wondering why a banner on a vegetable farmers website, is a picture of a flower. The reason behind it, is that the Shooting Stars in the picture, were my Grandfathers favorite flower. He took me to the pasture with him when I was young, and pointed out all the different flowers. For my whole life, I have been passionate about plants and their place in our lives. Being a farmer, helps me to connect plants and the food they produce, to the people in my community. I'm blessed to be able to spend hours helping my family raise cattle and crops, and growing vegetables on our multi-generation family farm. Growing nutritious, and fresh, food for my plate, and yours, is what drives me to continue to grow and seek new ways to improve my farm. After my second year operating the CSA, I decided to take the leap and build a bigger greenhouse and that was the most rewarding decision I've made yet! Being able to start tomatoes in February, and eat fresh, vine ripened, beefsteak and cherry tomatoes all the way until the end of October, is an experience like no other, and I'm ecstatic when people tell me they love them as much as I do. I have an education in horticulture, and seven years experience operating this CSA. I've struggled with learning marketing, but have thrived on interacting with new customers. My family has been on this land for generations, and starting up the CSA was a way to allow me to continue to steward the land that has provided for us for so long. Educating the public about where their food comes from, and the process it takes to get that food on the plate, is extremely important to me. Meeting people who are as passionate about where their food comes from, as I am about growing that food, helps make a special connection. What started out as a simple lesson in native plants, has turned into a CSA that provides vegetables for up to 30 families in the Olds area every year. I'm not sure if that's what my Grandfather thought would happen, but I'm sure glad he pointed out those flowers, all those years ago.


According to the latest report by IMARC Group, titled “Agricultural Adjuvant Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2023-2028”, the global agricultural adjuvant market reached a value of US$
3.6 Billion in 2022. Agricultural adjuvants are agents that are used to enhance the efficiency of pesticides, such as fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides. Some of the most common ingredients included in adjuvants are surfactants, oils, salts and emulsifiers. They are known to modify the properties of the spray solution to control or eliminate unwanted pests and plant disease by improving the ability of the pesticide to penetrate and protect the target organism. Agricultural adjuvants are also utilized for boosting properties such as spreading, adhesion, penetration, droplet size and the wettability of spray droplets. This can further aid in the penetration of the active ingredient into the target species, which improves the herbicide activity and pesticide absorption into plant cells while minimizing herbicide photo-degradation. These additives can be directly added to the spray tank or incorporated in the formulation along with a pesticide.
Global Agricultural Adjuvant Market Trends:
Agricultural adjuvants are utilized for improving crop productivity. An increase in the demand for efficient agricultural practices to meet the global demand for food has impelled the uptake of these agents. In addition to this, the emerging trend of precision farming, which extensively utilizes adjuvants, is contributing to the market growth. Apart from this, the growing demand for eco-friendly products has provided an impetus to the demand for bio-based adjuvants, which are safe and biodegradable in nature. Furthermore, governments of several countries are focusing on sustainable development, which in turn, is propelling the demand for naturally derived adjuvants. On account of the aforementioned factors, the market is projected to reach a value of US$
5.1 Billion by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of
6.24% during 2023-2028.
- On the basis of the type, the market has been bifurcated into activator and utility adjuvants. Amongst these, activator adjuvant accounts for the majority of the total market share.
- Based on the crop type, the market has been categorized into cereals and oilseeds, fruits and vegetables, and others.
- On the basis of the application, herbicides exhibit a clear dominance in the market. Other major segments include fungicides and insecticides.
- On the geographical front, Asia Pacific holds the leading position in the market. Other major regions include Europe, North America, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa.
- The competitive landscape of the market has been studied with the detailed profiles of the key players. Some of the major players operating in the market include Akzo Nobel N.V., Croda International Plc, Corteva Agriscience, Evonik Industries AG, Solvay SA, Huntsman International LLC, Nufarm Limited, Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC, Wilbur-Ellis Holdings, Inc., and Brandt Consolidated, Inc.
IMARC Group is a leading market research company that offers management strategy and market research worldwide. We partner with clients in all sectors and regions to identify their highest-value opportunities, address their most critical challenges, and transform their businesses.
IMARC’s information products include major market, scientific, economic and technological developments for business leaders in pharmaceutical, industrial, and high technology organizations. Market forecasts and industry analysis for biotechnology, advanced materials, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, travel and tourism, nanotechnology and novel processing methods are at the top of the company’s expertise.
Follow us on twitter: @imarcglobal


The Michigan Ag Today Sugarbeet Planting Report is made possible by Betaseed: where research breeds confidence.
Last week, Michigan Sugar wrapped up its 2020-2021 slicing campaign with some pretty sweet results.
According to Jim Ruhlman, vice president of Michigan Sugar, there were two main highlights of the campaign.
“We had absolutely phenomenal storage this year—the conditions were almost perfect,” he says. “We had a climate where our piles really never froze hard. It’s best when it’s a refrigerator and not a deep freeze because when you get that deep freeze and the thaw during late February or March, our beets start to deteriorate.”
The other highlight was the sugar content.
“During harvest, we saw sugar content in our sugarbeets that were extremely high, and we had 19 to 20 percent sugars during our permanent piling period which is late October through November 15,” says Ruhlman. “When you have sugar content in your beets that high, it means your impurities in the beets are lower, and the processing of that raw material is much easier. As a result, a very favorable payment to our grower-shareholders.”
Showing off some of the fleet pic.twitter.com/GjCVA0XWZk
— Clint Hagen (@cmdchagen) March 23, 2021
Ruhlman says the same week the campaign ended, producers were back planting this year’s crop. Preparation for planting in late-March happened over the winter.
“You go from one season to the next,” he says. “While we’re processing beets, we’re preparing for beets. All winter long, our agronomy group is meeting with growers, talking about seed recommendations—one of the newer things we have taken on over the last couple years is prescription planting recommendations.”
The ground could use a little more moisture in some areas, but Ruhlman says he’s glad the new season is underway.
“I’m glad the new season is underway,” he adds. “Our growers are in good spirits—their passion for sugarbeets and their agronomic practices are second to none.”
Ruhlman expects beet growers will plant roughly 160,00 acres this year.


And the Council predicts that global soybean consumption will jump 8% y/y as well.
Led by expectations for a bumper world corn harvest, the IGC sees total grain production rising by 1% in 2023-24.
Although wheat output will be smaller y/y, the crop is still expected to be the second largest on record. Higher feed demand is expected.
“Changes from October include an upgraded outlook for maize [corn], tied mainly to reports of better than expected US yields, as well as an increased wheat figure, reflecting the latest updates for Ukraine, Russia and Turkey.”
Grains: Weather remains a watchpoint
Meanwhile in its latest review of the agri-commodity sector, the AHDB observes that grain markets were pressured towards the end of last week due to an improved weather outlook in Brazil.
Weather over the coming months will remain a watchpoint, said the analysts.
“Forecasts of much needed rain in Brazil over the next seven days is expected to ease concerns over the area of the Safrinha corn crop due to be planted early next year.”
The Safrinha crop follows the soybean harvest and comprises roughly three-quarters of Brazil’s total corn production.
Looking to the Black Sea region, and the AHDB report found that despite the expiration of the UN-brokered Black Sea grain deal in July, there is a continual flow of Ukrainian grain exports via sea lanes. Last Friday, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported that an estimated 151 ships have used the new ‘humanitarian corridor’ since it was set up in August.
“With focus beginning to turn to Northern Hemisphere new crops, officials suggest Ukraine could potentially harvest between 18 Mt to 20 Mt of winter wheat in harvest 2024. This is in comparison to the 22.2 Mt harvested in 2023.”
Elsewhere in Europe, wet weather in France is delaying planting progression of winter wheat, reads the AHDB outlook. On Friday, FranceAgiMer reported that 71% of the expected soft wheat area had been planted by November 13 with it stating that the continuous rainfall over the past month would likely lead to a drop in area and damaged yields. “European plantings and crop conditions over the next few weeks will be a key factor to watch.”
Oilseeds: Dryness in Brazil, rain in Argentina
The north of Brazil is experiencing dryness, a typical impact of El Niño weather events, said the UK analysts.
“The Brazilian soybean crop is expected to be a record currently, however, the dry weather in the north means some forecasts have been cut. The consultancy AgRural lowered its forecast for 2023-24 to 163.5 Mt, down from October’s forecast of 164.6 Mt and announced that new cuts were possible at the end of this month depending on the weather. It is also reported that, in parts of Mato Grosso, some farmers have turned from soybeans to alternative crops like cotton.”
In Argentina, it’s the opposite. Recent rainfall across the north of the country means the soybean area is increasing. “The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange last Thursday increased its soybean area projection to 17.3 Mha, up from the previous 17.1 Mha forecast.”
Largest US soybean crush on record
Demand is strong for soybeans in the US, according to the AHDB review. The US National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) estimated October soybean crush at 5.2 Mt, the largest crush on record.
“This is up 14.7% from September, and up 2.9% year-on-year. The end of month US soy oil stocks also fell to the lowest point in nearly nine years. Soaring demand for feedstocks for biofuels has ensued a large expansion in crushing capacity.”
Furthermore, there was large export demand for US soybeans, remarked the UK grain and oilseed market specialists. The USDA reported sales (to week ending November 9) at 3.9 Mt, this the highest weekly volumes sales since 2012, with a surge in Chinese buying.
Soybeans are largely going to drive the sentiment of oilseed markets, including rapeseed, going into 2024 and longer-term pressure is expected, they added.
However, as the focus turns towards rapeseed areas being planted for harvest 2024, initial estimates suggest area reductions in the EU.
Germany’s winter rapeseed area is expected to fall 4-7% from 2023, to an estimated 1.09 – 1.13 Mha.
“A combination of market prices and challenging weather conditions have contributed to the reduction in area. A rainy summer prevented an early start to planting, followed by a very dry autumn,” commented the AHDB team.


The present research expands the debate on environmental sustainability in the wine industry. Since the literature on sustainability and wine is relatively recent, current results do not cover all the practices that can be implemented along the wine supply chain. Thus, the paper presents a classification of environmental practices specific for the wine industry, according to the increased attention that has been paid to this topic in recent years. Moreover, it investigates the adoption level of these practices with reference to Italian wine producers.
The research presents a systematic literature review including papers published in academic journals during the past 30 years and in Italian specialised magazines. This methodology is useful to provide a clear overview of sustainable practices that can be adopted along the wine supply chain. Therefore, an empirical study based on the results of an online survey shows how wineries approach environmental sustainability.
The literature review provides a definition and classification of environmental practices in the wine industry, as well as identification of those that require further attention in the literature, suggesting future research paths. The results of the online survey give an overview of the adoption level of environmental practices and highlight widespread attention to all the listed environmental practices, including those not adopted.
From a theoretical point of view, this paper fills a literature gap in terms of the definition and classification of environmental practices that cover all wine supply chain processes, also providing a useful instrument for wine companies' managers. Moreover, the results of the empirical research give an overview of the adoption level of environmental practices in one of the most relevant countries in terms of wine production and highlight widespread attention to all the listed environmental practices, including those not adopted.
Bandinelli, R., Acuti, D., Fani, V., Bindi, B. and Aiello, G. (2020), "Environmental practices in the wine industry: an overview of the Italian market", British Food Journal, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-08-2019-0653Download as .RIS
Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited


The best insecticide for cocoa in Nigeria is Belt Expert insecticide. This insecticide is effective for all kind of insects, mirids, beetles and flies that affect the cocoa trees.
There are other insecticides that are very effective for the control of insects and associated pests that affects cocoa crop. You should use insecticides that have both contact and systemic action.
Contact insecticides kill insects at contact while systemic insecticides stay on the plants for a while, so any insects that bite the plants will die.
Without the use of insecticides, your cocoa farming venture may not succeed.
The Best Insecticide for Cocoa
The best of insecticides for cocoa in Nigeria are explained as follows:
Belt Expert Insecticide
Belt Expert insecticide has active ingredients of Flubendiamide + Thiacloprid. Belt Expert has contact and systemic action on pests.
Belt Expert insecticide can kill lepidopterous insect pests like Tuta Absoluta, Spodoptera Exígua and Helicoverpa Armigera. It also has an excellent activity against sucking insects (Jassids, aphids and white fly).
This insecticide is also very effective for cocoa mirids and worms.
The rate of use of belt extra is 0.084 litres per 10 litres of water.
Tihan insecticide has active ingredients of Spirotetramate and Flubendiamide. This insecticide sticks well to the leaves and stem surfaces of the cocoa tree. It is an insect growth regulator that can lead to the death of insects on cocoa and other crops.
Tihan has good killing ability on cocoa mirids.
The rate of application of this insecticide is 0.2 – 0.4 litres of Tihan insecticide per litre of water. 2 – 3 application of this insecticide should be done within 2 -3 weeks.
Confidor insecticide has an active ingredient of Deltamethrin. The target of this insecticide is Caterpiller, Fruit Borer, Maggot, Earthworm, Grasshopper, Locust, Army Worm, Tuta Absoluta, Bollworms, Lepidoptera, Aphids, Heteroptera, Thysanoptera, Thrips, Diptera, Coleoptera and Orthoptera and Leafworms etc.
Confidor can be used to address mirids problems in cocoa farming.
Confidor is a contact insecticide.
A sachet of Confidor insecticide should be added to 15 – 20 litres of water. The mix should be sprayed to the leaves and other surfaces of the plants upon sighting of insects, beetles and flies.
The active ingredient of Laraforce insecticide is Lambda-Cyhalothrin. It is a contact insecticide that is effective for the killing of pests that affects cocoa crop.
Laraforce insecticide can be used for a lot of crops including cocoa, cashew, oil palm, rubber ad vegetable crops etc.
Laraforce insecticide can be used to address lepidopterous insect pests issues (Tuta Absoluta, Spodoptera Exígua and Helicoverpa Armigera) and sucking insects (Jassids, aphids and white fly).
1 litres of Laraforce insecticide should be added to 100 – 200 litres of water. The mix should be sprayed to the leaves and other surfaces of cocoa plants.
Neem oil is extracted from neem nuts of neem trees. Neem oil is an organic insecticide, fungicide and miticide for cocoa and other crops.
Neem oil works slowly but it can be very effective. It has a preventive and curative action for insects that affects cocoa trees.
The active ingredient of neem oil is Azadirachtin.
Do you want the best insecticide for your cocoa? If yes, kindly contact us on 08025141924.
Read our latest post on the best fungicide for cocoa here.


If you've ever wondered why your neighbour's grass looks so healthy and green, almost like a golf course, then it's probably because they mulch their lawn.
Mulching is an excellent way to recycle your grass clippings and use them as organic matter on your lawn to help your grass grow. These recycled grass clippings are simply left on the lawn rather than collected.
We've composed a guide below which will cover everything you need to know about mulching your lawn, from how it works and the benefits to when not to mulch your lawn.
Let's get into it!
Before we can get into why you should mulch with your lawn mower and the advantages of doing so, let's first cover what mulching does and how it works.
Mulching is simply the act of leaving grass clippings on your lawn rather than collecting them in your grass box, mulching allows these grass clippings to return to the soil, releasing 30% of the lawn required nutrients back into the lawn and helping to keep moisture in the soil, therefore allowing the mown grass to become healthier.
Mulching works by basically blocking the chute in the mower which normally takes clippings up to the grass collector chute, therefore the clippings have no choice but to keep being cut until they fall into fine or 'mulched pieces' back into the lawn.
There are endless reasons to mulch your lawn but some of the main ones are that firstly, it saves you time rather than collecting the clippings or emptying your grass box and secondly it improves the health of your lawn naturally without much effort required!
Now we know all about mulching and how it works we can get into the benefits of mulching and what it can do for your lawn.
Mulched grass clippings are great for your soil and for creating organic lawns, this is because clumps of grass have high water content and are high in nutrients, the decomposed grass then forms humus which is a plant-usable organic matter helping to improve hard soil and water back into the ground.
Normal chemical fertilisers are not so great for the environment, having plastic packaging and producing lots of waste for them to be manufactured.
Mulching however is all natural fertiliser and does not have any negative effects on the environment.
Mulching saves you a lot of time, firstly you can cut your lawn and fertilise it at the same time and secondly you do not have to keep going to empty your grass collection box when it gets full.
Buying chemical fertiliser can become very expensive over time, if you use your clippings in your green waste bin this also saves you money from having to pay for the bin!
Mulching regularly allows you to keep the microbial activity in your lawn high, this in turn can help to break down and reduce lawn thatch.
Most people assume that grass clippings will smother the lawn and make thatch worse but this is far from the truth, the only time grass clippings can cause thatch is if they are not broken down properly by the mower, this could be if the grass was too long, wet or the mower is blocked up with clippings.
After learning about all the benefits of mulching your lawn, you might be eager to get started, however, there are times when you should not be mulching your lawn.
We've listed the times when mulching your lawn isn't a great idea down below.
Never mulch your lawn if it has weed grasses, this is because weed grasses like meadow grass and dandelions can spread easily in mulch through their seeds, making your weed problem 10x worse.
Always bin your lawn clippings if your garden has a lot of weeds.
Mulching your grass should never be done when it's wet this is because it causes the grass to clump up rather than spread in fine pieces.
Mowing should also be held off until the grass is dry again, consequences of mulching wet grass can lead to the chute becoming blocked and stressing out your mowers engine/motor.
Trying to mow a grass length that is too long can cause the mower to overwork and block up, this can result in a grass length that is too short or mulched grass that hasn't been broken down properly.
This could then cause smothering and thatching on your overgrown lawn, making it more prone to diseases.
Mulching is best done during the drier months of spring and summer since it supercharges your lawns nutrients with added moisture. Simply just leave your lawn clippings to decompose on the grass rather than collect them.
To mulch your lawn you will need to make sure that you have a mulching kit with a plug for your mower since this is what will block the chute and prevent it from being stored as lawn clippings in your grass box.
You can also buy mowers that are specifically for mulching lawn clippings, these types of lawn mowers differ from the typical lawn mower since they often come equipped with special mulching blades and the options of side or rear discharge depending on where you want your lawn clippings to fall.
If you want to give your lawn a break from mulching, you might be wondering if there are any other useful ways you can use your lawn clippings rather than just throwing them away.
We've listed a few other options for recycling your garden waste below.
If it's your first time mulching your lawn clippings you might be wondering how to avoid problems like thatch build up and get the best coverage for your lawn.
We've got you covered with some of our best mulching beginner tips down below.
When should I bin my lawn clippings rather than re-use them?
It's better to bin your lawn clippings if they have been treated with pesticide or herbicide, you should also get rid of lawn clippings if your garden has a lot of weeds, otherwise, they can spread.
How often should I be mulching my lawn?
Typically, during the drier months of summer and spring, mulching should be done once a week on your lawn to keep it in the best condition.
What is the difference between mulching and side discharge?
Side discharge mowers spray the grass clippings out of the chutes on the side of the mower as you cut, mulching mowers do not have this chute and instead, the grass falls out under the blades and undercarriage of the mower.
What are the drawbacks of mulching for my lawn?
Some notable disadvantages to mulching are that it can suffocate your lawn and stop plants from growing, it is also a great place for insects to hide.
Should I be mulching my lawn before winter?
Yes, mulching your lawn during autumn and the summer months can give your lawn an added layer of protection over the winter months and help protect it from colder temperatures.
Can I mulch taller grass?
No, you should first cut down your grass a few times to a shorter length than mulch, trying to mulch tall grass can lead to blockage in your mower and release it in clumps, suffocating your lawn.
Overall, mulching has a lot of benefits for your grass helping it grow and maintain its moisture and nutrients. We would not recommend mulching your lawn however if it has weeds or if the grass is too long.
Mulching is best done in the drier months once a week when you mow, make sure your grass isn't too tall before you start mulching, we recommend cutting it down 1/3 a length at a time till your desired height then mulch.


Iowa's premier weekly crop reports 8/12/20
“We’ve been holding on with small rains here and there. I think the crops here really have a lot of potential if we get a few more,” Peelen said Aug. 6. Corn is in the milk stage, and soybeans are setting pods, he said. Peelen just finished up his third cutting of alfalfa. “It’s turned out to be really nice hay for a field that really had only an inch of rain in the last 30 days,” he said.
North Central Iowa
“I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but we’re dry,” Anderson said Aug. 6. Soybeans...
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Why Are My Snake Plant Leaves Falling Over? More about Snake Plants
Are the leaves on your Snake Plant toppling over?
Do you have any mind to stake snake plant?
We’ll explain why in this section.
I’ll also show you how to use leaf cuttings to prune and propagate snake plants.
Mania with Snake Plants I’m sure I’ve got it.
How to avoid snake plant falling leaves?
To keep them from falling over, you should prune and propagate, after that you should do some snake plant stake.
What are your thoughts?
Sansevierias or Mother In Law Tongues are other names for them.
Whatever you call them, they’re one of the toughest and most straightforward houseplants you’ll ever come across.
I’m not referring to a large number of leaves; just one or two every now and then.
It’s probably due to overwatering if you notice a lot of the snake plant leaves falling over.
Water is stored in the leaves, roots, and rhizomes (the underground horizontal stem by which they spread).
The leaves will mush out at the base, crease, and eventually fall over.
What can you do about falling leaves?
It’s quite straightforward. All you have to do now is prune and propagate.
If you prefer, you can cut the leaf into smaller sections, but I always go the route outlined below.
Snake Plants Grow – Getting Ready To Propagate
Source: Getty Image
To avoid a jagged cut and/or infection, make sure your pruners are clean and sharp.
I removed the bottom 5–10′′ of the leaves.
The amount depends on how thin the leaf bases are.
You’ll want to get rid of the weaker lower half of your body.
Make sure your cuts are straight and clean.
If you want, you can always propagate snake plant on the lower leaf sections.
Simply put the ends that were growing out of the potting soil into the propagation mix, not the other end from which you cut the top portions off.
After a portion of the bottoms have been cut off, the Zeylanica (L) and Laurentii leaves.
The lower portion of the leaves is thin and curled in here.
Above that part of the leaf, I make the cut.
I let the bottoms of those leaves heal for two days before planting because they contain a lot of water. Anywhere between 3 and 7 days is acceptable.
While propagating, you want the stems to heal so that the cut ends callus over and protect them from rotting.
Because it’s so hot in Tucson right now, I only needed to heal mine for a day or two.
By the way, I let the leaves heal for a month or so before propagating them.
You won’t notice any roots growing. After they’ve been planted, they’ll form.
What Causes The Snake Plant Leaves Falling Over?
I’ve been asked why a leaf will fall over at random and what to do about it.
Because this was happening to two of my plants, I decided to strike while the iron was still hot, just in case you were wondering.
It doesn’t happen very often to my Snake Plants, perhaps once or twice a year.
This occurs in my experience with the taller growing varieties, such as my darker Sansevieria trifasciata “Zeylanica” and the yellow-edged Sansevieria trifasciata “Laurentii” shown here.
Because the leaves grow tall (some can reach 5′), the weight of the middle and top parts of the leaf pulls it down if the base cinches in.
This wonderful plant’s nature is to have random leaves fall or lean over.
Back in the corner, a leaf has completely fallen over.
Best Time for Propagating Snake Plant
Source: Getty Image
Propagation is best done in the spring and summer.
I do it by putting the leaf back in the pot with the mother plant, which is the one it came from.
If you want, you can put it in a separate pot with succulents and cactus mix or propagation mix.
What Can We Do If It Won’t Stay Still?
This is the recipe I use to make my own succulent and cactus mix.
In either case, you’ll probably need to stake the leaf to grow straight until the roots form, and it can stand on its own.
I let the mixture dry for 3-5 days before watering it.
Plant the Zeylanica leaf, stake it, and tie it to the mother plant.
Should you repotting snake plant?
Repotting a snake plant is an important part of keeping it healthy and thriving.
It should be done every two to three years, or when the roots have outgrown the pot.
When repotting, make sure to use a pot with drainage holes and a well-draining soil mix.
Be sure to stake the plant if necessary, as this will help keep it growing straight and prevent it from toppling over.
Additionally, make sure to water the plant thoroughly after repotting and provide adequate light for optimal growth.
Snake Plant Stake!
Staking Indoor Plants for Support
Indoor plants are quite common.
Plants are exposed to wind and competition from other plants in their natural habitats…
…both of which encourage them to grow quickly and develop strong support structures.
Plants that are kept indoors, where there is little wind…
…frequently outgrow their support system and develop weak stems.
It may be necessary to stake your plants in these situations.
Indoor houseplants aren’t just for the sake of rapid growth.
Some plants are naturally top heavy and, in order to be grown as grow straight plants…
…they must be staked even outside.
One such plant is Bougainvillea.
Other plants, on the other hand, are natural climbers and require support to thrive.
This group includes many of the most beautiful philodendron species, as well as ivy, jasmine, and tropical plants like monster.
The type of plant you’re growing determines how you should stake it.
Snake Plant Care – How to Fix the Snake Plant Leaves
Source: Getty Image
The outer leaves, I’ve discovered, are the ones that fall over.
If the middle leaves are densely packed, they can support each other.
As your Snake Plant matures, it may fall over a few times a year.
Depending on how tall and heavy your leaf is, you may need to tie it to the stake to keep it anchored.
Jute string is one of my favorite materials because it is durable, inexpensive, and unobtrusive.
Keep Your Snake Plant Grow Straight With Simple Straight Stake
This is the most basic type of staking, and it’s best for single-stemmed plants with a lot of top weight.
Flowering plants and plants that have quickly outgrown their stems are examples.
This method of staking involves simply tying the plant to a single stake…
…which is usually a bamboo rod pushed into the soil.
Be careful not to tie the plant too tightly when tying it off.
As the plant grows and the tie cuts into the stem, this can cause injury.
Use a stretchy tie, such as nylons or special plant ties, to avoid this.
Wire or Shaped Support
This is ideal for creepers or plants that need to be trained into a specific shape.
Indoors, jasmine, which grows with long branches that flower profusely but can’t support their weight…
…is a good example.
A simple piece of wire, or even a wire coat hanger twisted into a loop…
…can easily be used for this type of staking.
Place both ends of the wire support in the soil and loosely tie the plant to it as it grows.
This has the added benefit of producing a beautiful and sculptural hoop-shaped support.
This is ideal for multi-stemmed plants that are too heavy at the top…
with blooms or foliage to stand on their own. This type of staking can be done in a variety of ways.
A simple wire cage can be used to surround the plant, or several stakes with twine strung between them can be used to form a support system.
In these cases, tying the plant to the support is usually unnecessary because the cage will support the plant’s weight.
Rather, ensure that the plant has enough space to spread out within the cage.
When to Stake a Snake Plant
Source: Getty Image
When to plant stake? It’s best to stake the plant when it’s still young and actively looking for support, regardless of the type of stake you’re using.
Also, rather than placing the stake in the pot’s center, it’s a good idea to place it near one of the pot’s edges.
Instead of letting the plant grow wild, this will give it more room to grow and make it easier to display the plant with a “good” side or growing straight.
Finally, most staked climbing or vining plants will need to be trimmed on a regular basis.
Check individual plant profiles to see if yours needs to be pruned.
See, having a Snake plant is a good choice for you! It’s cool, it’s famous, it’s easy to have and care!
What else do you need? In this pandemic time like this, is a good choice for you to have a new activity…
…and having a snake plant is a good choice for you to have!
Snake Plants are the ultimate “set it and forget it” houseplant, which appeals to both novice and experienced gardeners.
For a snake plant care, you don’t want to overwater a Snake Plant, so go easy on the liquid love.
Here’s how to take care when Snake Plant grow indoors. If your Snake Plant leaves occasionally fall over…
…lean, or droop over the side of the larger pot, don’t be discouraged. It’s just the plant grow more feet tall than other species and varieties are built.
This has happened to my Snake Plants a few times. Fortunately for us, they reproduce quickly especially when it is growing season!
Good luck with your gardening!
Frequently Asked Questions Around Staking Snake Plants
Should I Stake My Snake Plant?
Staking a snake plant is not necessary, but it may help to stabilise the plant and grow straight.
If you choose to stake your snake plant, make sure that the stakes…
…are long enough so that they don’t touch the ground.
You can also wrap sturdy string around the plants’ trunk several times to secure it in place.
Why is My Snake Plant Leaning Over?
If you are noticing that your snake plant is leaning over, it could be because of one of the following reasons:
- Your snake plant is getting too much water and not enough air. Try watering only half-way or less to see if this solves the problem.
- You may need to repot your snake plant. Snake plants require a lot of moisture so it’s important to rehydrate them every 2-3 months by giving them fresh soil and plenty of water. If repotting does not solve the issue, then you might have a root system imbalance which can be corrected with organic amendments like compost or bone meal (a supplement made from animal bones).
How do You Prop a Snake Plant?
If you’re looking to prop up a snake plant, there are a few different ways that you can do it.
The easiest way is to use chopsticks or an other long object.
You can also hold the pot in place with one hand and support the rootball…
…of the plant with your other hand.
And finally, you can use a small rock or brick to prop up just one side of the pot.
Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important…
…to find something that works best for your needs.
Choosing the wrong props could lead to your plant falling over or becoming damaged…
…so make sure to test out each option before choosing finalize ones!
Do Snake Plants Like to be Root Bound?
A lot of people are unsure about this, but the answer is yes – snake plants like to be root bound.
This is because a pot with good drainage will cause less waterlogging…
…and therefore less stress on the roots.
Additionally, it makes it easier for you to take care of your plant since…
…you won’t need to constantly check on its watering needs.
Should I Cut Drooping Snake Plants?
Drooping snake plant is an Old World Climber that may be experiencing a dry spell.
If this continues, you may want to consider cutting the drooping part…
…of the plant in order to help it regenerate faster.
Snake plants are hardy and tolerant of low light levels and occasional water loss.
However, if your plant becomes seriously droopy or dies altogether…
…it is probably best to remove it completely and replant with a more suitable species.
How Do You Fix a Bent Snake Plant Leaves?
If you notice that a snake plant leaf is bent or out of alignment…
…the first thing to do is check to see if there is any water present.
If so, wait until the root system has recovered and then remove as much…
…of the water as possible with a watering can.
Next, use an established stem to straighten out the leaves while holding down one end.
Finally, secure in place with soil and Water lightly every few days until it reaches its desired form.
Can I Tie Snake Plants?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as it depends…
…on your preferences and the type of snake plants growing.
Some people prefer to tie their snake plants tight so that they will grow straight…
…while others simply enjoy the look of a loosely tied plant.
As long as the roots are secure and there is minimal water loss…
…experiment until you find a way that works best for you.
Is it possible root rot can cause droopy leaves?
If your snake plant’s leaves are drooping, it might have a case of “root rot”.
This happens when you water it too much or when the water doesn’t go away fast enough.
The roots end up sitting in the water for too long and get sick from germs.
To keep your snake plant happy, only water it when the soil mix is dry and make sure the water has a place to go.
Hello, I am Yoseph, in my spare time I become a gardener and music composer♬.
I love gardening because it is a wonderful way to feel grounded, calm and connected to the earth. There are many things about gardening that I enjoy; picking flowers in the summer, planting vegetables in the fall, and harvesting produce in the winter. I also love how beautiful my garden is, watching plants grow into tall trees or being able to see all of my hard work unfold every year??.
Its really help me to killing time and its also relaxing.


For much of the country, it’s the END of gardening and canning season. And many of us are ready for a break from the endless gardening, (watering!) harvesting, and preserving we’ve been doing these last few months. But it’s never too early to start thinking about, and planning next year’s harvest. I have a few ideas to share with you on how to better face the future challenges coming our way in regards to continuing to produce quality, healthy nutritionally sound food for our families. We are all going to have to become more efficient with, and better stewards of, our resources as the perfect storm of weather, rising food prices, and economic “stresses” loom ahead.
So join me, Renée (aka Michigansnowpony) and my co-host Katzkradul this Thursday night, October 25th on the “Homestead Honey Hour” as we talk about not only streamlining our gardens for optimal results and nutrition, but also introduce to you the idea of “rotational canning” (and dehydrating) to help fill your pantry without the stress of trying to get it ALL done every year.
Whether you garden in the ‘burbs, on a country homestead, or get your produce from the local farmers’ markets to can and preserve, tune in and together, we can help make next season even more “fruitful”!
Related video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ml9u4AgNVSA
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Managing manure: PA issues new manual
November 16, 2011 —
The Wayne Conservation District (WCD) board of directors learned at its meeting on November 9 that a new Pennsylvania manure management manual has been issued and is now in effect since its publication in the PA Bulletin on October 29. Those who handle animal manure must complete plans based on the new manual.
Peter Tarby, DEP Water Management and Chesapeake Bay Program nutrient management specialist, who provided the information, stressed that the focus right now is on education and outreach to those who will need to complete plans. “We’re not out to go after anybody,” Tarby said. DEP is encouraging conservation districts statewide to be proactive and develop Agricultural Compliance Policies to inform agricultural operations of their obligations under Chapter 91.36 (manure management planning).
Concerns that the new manual may alarm the farming community were raised during the meeting.
Wayne County Commissioner Brian Smith worried that the process could seem overwhelming at first, and urged WCD staff to offer training and assistance. “The sooner the better, before there’s a fear factor that spreads through the farm community and everybody’s agitated,” said Smith. “We need to let them know that the district can offer assistance in writing new plans.”
WCD staff responded that they are planning educational sessions for farmers, stables, commercial operations and hobby farmers with just a few animals. Special outreach will target the needs of the horse community. The sessions are expected to occur in December (contact WCD at 570/253-0930 for more information).
In Pennsylvania, statewide regulations require that any person who handles animal manure must have a manure management plan. People who own animals addressed in the manual—such as chickens, hogs, cows and horses—must complete a current plan using the new manual and its workbook. Those who own animals not addressed in the manual, such as sheep and goats, can use the book’s values in preparing their plans.
The new manual is designed to be user-friendly and contains a sample plan that farmers can follow and complete by themselves. Broken into seven sections, it focuses on basic farm information, manure application rates and timing, record-keeping, mapping, manure storage structures, pasture management and more.


Most Bhutanese farms are small in size, and terraces are used extensively to raise crops on hillslopes. A dry climate is characteristic of the Great Himalayan region. Journal of Bhutan Studies. In his speech, the King said that television was a critical step to the modernisation of Bhutan as well as a major contributor to the country's gross national happiness ,  but warned that the "misuse" of television could erode traditional Bhutanese values. Agricultural produce includes rice, chilies, dairy some yak, mostly cow products, buckwheat, barley, root crops, apples, and citrus and maize at lower elevations.
It used to be an obscure hard-to-find ingredient, but recently the Internet has exploded with websites selling weight loss products based on an extract of the fruit and it even got some decidedly hucksterish treatment from Dr. Oz, a TV personality made famous by Oprah Winfrey. The fruit is known in India as gambooge. It is apparently also an ingredient in some weight loss products as hydroxycitric acid.
Oz promoted it and continues to assert that garcinia cambogia is an effective aid to weight loss.


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Indian farmer experiments with dragon fruitsAn innovative farmer from Nalgonda -in the Indian region of Telangana- is cultivating ‘dragon fruit’, a desert plant, to set an example for other farmers in the canal area of the district in yielding greater profits with less water and fertilisers.
Kompally Yadagiri, a Science graduate with a keen interest in agriculture, began cultivating the fruit on his 1.5 acres of land on an experimental basis in July 2016. He was expecting to be able to harvest after three years, but surprisingly got the first yield in just a year, earning 30,000 rupees.
Yadagiri told Telangana Today that his dragon fruit farm would give the full yield in the next two years and that it might be around four to six tonnes.
He further said that the type of sand and weather conditions in Telangana are quite suitable for the cultivation of dragon fruit and that its plants even survived 45o Celsius temperatures during summer.
Publication date: 12/22/2017
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Happy New Year friends! We hope you’ve enjoyed the holidays and have found time to reflect on the past year and your hopes and goals for 2017.
We are enjoying the quieter, slower pace of winter here at the farm, and getting ourselves organized for the upcoming season. We have hired our first apprentice and are interviewing for the second position. Chris continues to steadily work on the finishing touches of the greenhouse which includes building a sliding front door, and the more difficult tasks of running electrical outlets throughout the house and wiring the heater, fan, and shutter.
I spent the past rainy Monday ordering all of our seeds for the year, including the new crop we are adding this year: microgreens! Our friend Jean has grown microgreens for our On Farm Market the past few years, but she’s passed the production of these tiny, super nutritious greens onto us. We are looking forward to the challenge of learning how to grow a new crop, and excited to add such a nutrient dense food to our market and CSA boxes. (Recent studies have shown microgreens to have up to *40 times* more vitamin E and 4-6 times more other vital nutrients such as vitamins C and K than mature plants!).
We do still have a nice selection of winter food growing in the hoophouses, so throughout January and February we will open the On Farm Market from 9 .m. to 12 p.m. on the following dates:
January 11th, January 25th, and February 8th.
I will send a list of what will be available before each market via this newsletter.
We look forward to seeing you at the farm this winter, or at the Columbus Market when we return there first of April. CSA will also begin early April, more details to come soon!
Take good care,
Jenny and Chris


Cyper-Grass, or Cyperus, L. a genus of plants producing seventy-nine species, of which the following are the principal :
1. The rotundus, or Round Cy-perus, a native of the East Indies : its imported root is knotty, surrounded with tough, fibrous strings, of a brown colour externally, but grey internally ; and of a pleasant odour, especially when fresh and well dried.
2. The esculentus, or Eatable Cyperus (earth-almonds), growing wild in the East, in Italy, and the South of France. Its pulpy and mealy root is agreeably sweet, not unlike chesnuts, and might be advantageously cultivated in this country, as an occasional substitute for bread.
3. The papyrus, or Paper-Cy-perus, a native of Calabria, Sicily, Syria, and especially of Egypt, on the banks of the Nile. From this noble plant, the ancients manufactured most of their paper, their sail-cloth, mattresses, ropes, nay, even their apparel. Perhaps, we may soon be enabled to import an abundant supply of this valuable vegetable, in British vessels.
4. The longus, or Sweet Cyperus, or English Galingale, a native plant, which is chiefly found on the isle of Purbeck, where it flowers in July. Its root is of the size of an olive, full of little knots or specks, of an obLng figure and grey co-lour} of a warm, somewhat bitter taste; and almost destitute of smell, when newly taken out of the ground.
In medicine, the roots of the first, or round cyperus, as well as those of the English galingale, arc-esteemed cordial, diuretic, and cephalic; they occasionally have afforded relief in nephritic disorders, as also in colics; and may be taken either in powders, or in a decoction. The production of the latter, or native species, however, is at present seldom used ; though we presume it is in no respect in -ferior to some of the more costly medicines imported into this country.


Under a new program launched by the Ministry of Agriculture, a huge afforestation program has launched in several cities and settlements across Hungary.
The 86-municipal program contributes to climate protection by increasing the country’s afforestation, thereby binding thousands of tons of carbon dioxide. In order to motivate farmers and municipalities to plant trees, the funding for afforestation applications has been increased by 80 to 130 percent in recent months.
The program started with a symbolic planting of four saplings in Esztergom. In Debrecen and Nyíregyháza, mayors and state secretaries also drew attention to the importance of the program and climate protection by planting trees in public spaces.
István Nagy, Minister of Agriculture, has highlighted how Hungarian forests absorb four to five million tons of carbon dioxide annually. He also added that in addition to maintaining the existing two million hectares of forests and maintaining their health, forestry is responsible for increasing carbon absorbing capacity.
Péter Zambó, State Secretary for Land Affairs, said that in order to plant some 25,000 hectares of forest in the country over the next three to five years, about 100 million seedlings would need to be planted.
Finally, to allow schools, kindergartens, municipalities and NGOs to participate in the afforestation program, special tenders have been launched to cater specifically for these institutions.


Paul Sellew had a vision for New England – a locally grown salad that was available year-round. As the founder of Backyard Farms, Paul mastered the growing and distribution of flavorful, greenhouse-grown tomatoes. He put his salad plans on the back burner while he built his next company, Harvest Power, into the largest organics recycler in North America. But after leaving Harvest Power in 2015, his interest in locally grown produce was once again piqued and he began to research the best lettuce growing systems in the world.
Paul took to designing the most sustainable technology for growing lettuce in New England. In Fall 2015, Paul was joined by Tim Cunniff, Backyard Farms’ former EVP of Sales and Marketing. Realizing the opportunity to revolutionize the West Coast-dominated lettuce industry, Paul and Tim broke ground on the first phase of their 10-acre greenhouse development and began to line up customers.
Today, Little Leaf Farms is proud to have built the most technologically-advanced, lettuce growing greenhouse in the world. And Paul and Tim are excited to share with you the freshest, best tasting baby lettuces available in New England.
Our team has a shared passion for producing the best lettuce for local consumers, while ensuring our business practices support our belief of protecting our environment.
PAUL SELLEW, CEO
With over 30 years’ experience developing and leading successful companies, Paul has built a career on his belief in sustainable agriculture. As the founder of Backyard Farms, he brought locally grown, greenhouse tomatoes to the East Coast market. Paul also founded and served as CEO of Harvest Power, North America’s largest processor of organics. Paul holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Cornell University.
TIM CUNNIFF, EVP of Sales
Tim brings 25+ years of produce industry sales and marketing experience to his role at Little Leaf Farms. He was instrumental in bringing Backyard Farms premium tomatoes to New England retailers and consumers. He has built strong relationships with grocery and food service buyers throughout the Northeast since his days with the Oppenheumer Group, Pepsi and Delmonte.
PIETER SLAMAN, Head Grower/Manager
A fourth generation greenhouse farmer, Pieter came from the Netherlands to lead our growing operations. Prior to joining our team, Pieter managed the largest organically-certified greenhouse in the world. His passion for organic and sustainable agriculture is matched only by his desire to grow the best tasting lettuce.
MATTHEW MEISEL, CFO
Matthew joined Little Leaf Farms as CFO after five years in strategy and corporate development at Harvest Power. As an avid backyard gardener and composter, Matthew is excited to be involved in bringing fresh, local produce to the New England market. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and Chemical Biology from Harvard University.
ALFONSO GARCIA, Operations Manager
Alfonso brings great experience in operations to keep our greenhouse running smoothly and efficiently. He honed his skills while working at Earthgro and The Scotts Company and brings a real passion for producing great tasting, locally grown food.
CHRIS SIGMON, EVP of Operations
Chris Sigmon brings 30 years of experience as a strategic operations leader to Little Leaf Farms. He has extensive expertise with multi-site manufacturing and global management of engineering and operations in the Medical and Food related industries. Chris has completed five successful private equity rollups with companies like CMP, Dispensing Dynamics International, and Medplast, Inc. Chris is committed to the Little Leaf Farm’s vision of changing the way food is grown throughout the world with Controlled Environment Agriculture.
We use top-quality glass to harness the power of natural sunlight to grow our greens. We supplement sunlight with efficient LED lights that use 40% less electricity than conventional grow lights.
The spine and ribs of lettuce provide dietary fiber, while vitamins and minerals are concentrated in the delicate leaf.
Hydroponics is the practice of growing plants without soil. Growing hydroponically protects our natural topsoil from the soil erosion that is caused by conventional farming practices.
We nourish our greens with 100% recycled rainwater - captured on the greenhouse roof, sanitized by UV lights, and stored. With this approach, we use 90% less water than field grown greens.
Over 95% of all U.S. lettuce is grown and processed in California and Arizona. West Coast lettuce travels 3,000 miles to the East Cost and can spend two or more weeks on a truck. This process results in food waste, shorter shelf life, and less nutrition.
We use a sustainable heating system that recirculates CO2 to optimize plant development.
We never use GMOs, harmful chemicals, or pesticides on our greens.
Our tender baby greens are harvested at their peak of flavor and delivered to stores within 24 hours.
On average, Americans eat 30 pounds of leafy greens and lettuce every year.


Compost isn’t dangerous if followed properly and doesn’t contain dangerous chemicals. However, it can become a breeding ground for harmful microbes, such as worms excrement fungi, and some animals like rats. If this happens, simply add some new compost.
Can I compost directly in my garden?
It probably won’t hurt your plants if you add them to a compost heap and the compost mix has been turned thoroughly or aged for several months. You can certainly add your compost directly to a garden bed or to a container plant that’s been transplanted there.
What is the benefit of composting?
Benefits of composting on the environment. Composting reduces the amount of waste materials that your household throws away— and in the process saves money. You can use it to supplement garden soil or improve the soil on your property. Composting is good for your plants.
Is mold in my compost OK?
While mold is a common part of composting, it should be at the compost bin surface rather than growing in the mixture. Composting is the process of converting organic waste (like grass clippings, food trimmings, animal manure and household garbage like plastic, aluminum and Styrofoam) into a nutrient-rich soil-like material that feeds the plants in your garden.
What disease can you get from compost?
If you put things in your compost that can get sick, like eggs, raw meat, or live plants, you can get a disease called giardia. If that happens, you could get diarrhea, stomach pains, and a strong urge to defecate.
What should you not put in compost?
Beware of non-vegetable scraps, like breadcrumbs, pasta, meat, and bones, that can attract pests when they decompose. So unless you’re adding chicken manure to your compost, it’s not good for your garden.
How long does it take to compost?
If you do it right, the entire composting process can be completed in 12 to 16 weeks. It’s okay to take compost and store it in the garage for a while to give the bugs a chance to eat it. But you don’t want to go back to the farm and use it too quickly.
Can you put cheese in a compost bin?
The compost bin can either be a container or an existing pile of leaves, straw or grass clippings, or even leaves with pine needles. These are all good things to add to the compost bin that will break down better than other items that the compost bin may not be designed for.
What do you do with finished compost?
For those who wish to reuse their compost, use only the finished product and toss it into the garden. Just make sure to place it a few inches away from the edge of the garden bed. This will make decomposing easier because less heat and less oxygen are needed to break down the compost quickly. This is the ideal method of composting your finished compost.
Should I have bugs in my compost?
Mixed and layered compost. If you are in a hot climate, you can use a compost pile with some leaves mixed in to cool it down faster when you add materials to the pile to start the composting process. If you have a colder climate, wait until the weather is suitable for the first turn you add.
Regarding this, can compost kill you?
Compost is a natural substance made up of dead things: a variety of plant and animal matter. However, for most people, adding household compost to their garden is perfectly safe. However, eating compost can be a different story.
Can I use wet compost?
Can I use organic and inorganic Compost? You can use the compost, like adding cow manure or grass to the garden and mixing with garden soil. That is the best organic and inorganic compost – a mix of the two.
Also, what happens if you eat compost?
If the compost was sprayed with a pesticide, the active ingredient, it’s not good for you. A pesticide like permethrin, which is now banned in America and much of Europe, causes problems for some people, according to a 2017 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
How often should I turn my compost?
Keep your compost bin in a nice and warm place away from drafts, sunlight and rain. The best time for making compost is between the months March to October, from 8AM to 8PM. If you live in cooler climates or where it freezes in winter, you can use a freezer to collect compost.
Why is composting bad for the environment?
When you compost compost, the materials break down into nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. In addition to these nutrients, compost provides energy to soil organisms. As the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are consumed, soil levels are depleted, making the soil less fertile for growing new crops.
Can compost kill plants?
Composting is a process that breaks down a mixture of garden waste, such as grass clippings, leaves, branches, etc. In a process called anaerobic digestion, anaerobic microorganisms transform the garden waste into a natural fertilizer.
How do you kill weeds in compost?
Apply the compost to the surface of your lawn. Weed killer is usually more effective when it’s on the soil surface and less so when it’s mixed with some of the compost. Use a good quality, broad-spectrum weed killer such as glyphosate, or a broad-spectrum herbicide, such as a product that kills both broad and targeted weeds.
How do you keep bugs out of compost?
“To keep bugs out of the pile, you simply need to add some type of predator attractant, such as fruit peel or a piece of apple. Then you just need to sit back and wait for the little bugger to show up. Then scoop it out with a teaspoon or spatula.”
Can compost start a fire?
A compost pile can heat up well above room temperature and if not burned in a while, is a great source of heat for compost.
Also, what are the negatives of composting?
Composting is good for organic waste. For this reason, it’s a good practice to compost everything. The composting process helps reduce waste, so you can reduce the amount of waste you produce.
Is it OK to compost weeds?
Worm compost. This is NOT a good idea. The fact that it decomposes quickly causes it to have a higher worm population. You want a natural, slow-acting decomposition process, which is where soil worms like a good compost tea. Composting with lots of weed seeds is more of a problem.