By Coach Mark Smallwood Originally appeared at www.mariasfarmcountrykitchen.com When it comes to growing food, it takes a village. But not the kind of village you might think. While inviting friends and neighbors over to help plant in the spring, harvest … Continued
Dig Deeper
microorganisms
Life in the Soil: Paper and cardboard in compost?
Rodale Institute Chief Scientist Dr. Elaine Ingham answers your questions and talks about what is going on under our feet nationwide. Charlie W. asks: My friend did some research on paper and cardboard, and found that these products often contain … Continued
Not all compost is created equal
By Coach Mark Smallwood Originally appeared at www.mariasfarmcountrykitchen.com Just as the statement “milk is milk” is patently not true, so is the idea that all compost is created equal. Dictionaries and encyclopedias simply define compost as “rotted organic matter made … Continued
Turning compost by temperature
By Richard Mitchell Farmers, municipalities and home gardeners alike understand the concept and value of composting but may not understand how to make good compost. The National Organic Program (NOP) offers guidelines for composting to eliminate pathogens and weed seeds. … Continued
Soil Life: Microbiology on the farm
By Mary Edmonds and Natalia Pinzón Rodale Institute Seasonal Research Technicians The diverse ecosystems that are found in soil determine the productivity of our land. Without the billions of bacteria, millions of fungi and protozoa, and the thousands of other … Continued
Cutting-edge compost
By Troy Hinke National Organic Program (NOP) regulations require certified organic compost to be turned five times in 15 days. The assumption is that temperatures will remain above 130-degrees F long enough to kill pathogens and weed seeds and give … Continued
Using the ordinary to cultivate the mysterious power of indigenous microorganisms
By Lisa M. Hamilton Originally posted in April 2004 Who wouldn’t be suspicious? Right from the get-go this workshop is promising cure-all concoctions that bring new life to everything they touch. The potions work in ways that are difficult to … Continued