Regenerative Agriculture AUS 22 by Garden Culture Magazine

AUSTRALIA EDITION · ISSUE 22 · 2021

FREE COPY

LET’S GROW ©2020 - MAMMOTH IS A COLORADO BASED COMPANY THAT DEVELOPS SCIENTIFICALLY DRIVEN SOLUTIONS TO MAXIMIZE CROP PRODUCTIVITY. MAMMOTH® IS A BRAND OF GROWCENTIA, INC / FOR MORE INFORMATION MAMMOTHMICROBES.COM

Let’s welcome to the CANNA family:

Available now: CANNA CALMAG AGENT Calcium and Magnesium supplement for water conditioning.

www.canna.com.au

CONTENTS

CULTIVATING HOPE

R MARKETpLACE

egenerative agriculture is a big topic of discussion in growing communities worldwide, but do we know what it means? When we think agriculture, we often picture large fields of crops, tractors, pesticides and fer tilisers. However, the word regenerative bears a hopeful image of flourishing nature,

harmoniously uniting all the elements of the plant, animal and human worlds together. It brings us the muchneeded regeneration par t, the urgency of building back what has been destroyed over the last two centuries or so by conventional industrial farming practices.

The regenerative movement applies to us all, even those who aren’t farmers

WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS!

Taking the

nature

Unless you’ve been in a coma for of Charlie’s homemade contraption, Pandas will go extinct, the last three years, you’re likely we could extract the soil animals and cities will familiar with The Youth Climate from the earth and look under a disappear underwater; Strike, Extinction Rebellion microscope to assess the numbers and many other ‘green’ groups and varieties of life present. The hurricanes and raging shouting the harrowing message ploughed, sprayed soil from a potato fires will be more of the impending doom of the field had none. The one from a common. These are the climate collapse. Pandas will go raised bed had a good presence of extinct, and cities will disappear alarming messages we’re worms, springtails and various mites, underwater; hurricanes and raging but it was the forest floor soil that continuously being fires will be more common. These was reminiscent of a busy London delivered are the alarming messages we’re motorway moving in all directions continuously being delivered. It (as opposed to a clockwise standstill has made me want to fall into like the real one often does). a coma at times because what can I, alone, do about Brazillian forests being cut down? For tunately for my Nature’s suppor t network assures that everything mental health, a different and more positive message is growing on the forest floor works. Trees provide shade spreading; one that inspires change, hope, excitement and shelter for insects and birds; leaves mulch the ground and connection: Be Involved. and prevent it from drying out. Millions of living creatures decompose organic matter, creating organic nutrition for The regenerative movement applies to us all, even those plants and the king of all communications, the Mycelium, who aren’t farmers. Choose a bike over a car for some of which transpor ts sugars, nutrients, and water between your trips and avoid factory-farmed food. Suppor t local all par ties. producers, join a community garden or grow some herbs on your windowsill. Fight for policy change. All these things will yield a better understanding of the situation we’re in and build new, resilient communities open to innovation. But let’s explore what can be done for those who have access to land and may consider being the change in the farming landscape.

Nature’s Approach Soil fertilisers don’t treat fertility; they kill fertility”. - Dr Vandana Shiva.

Having the pleasure of working with one of the UK’s most prominent soil zoologists, Dr Charlie Clutterbuck, I had the chance to see life below the ground in action. We took samples of different soils, one from an arable field, one from a no-dig bed and one from the nearby woods. With the use

LOCAL GROWERS

out of Agriculture 34

I N T H IS ISSU E O F GA R D EN C U LT U R E :

9 Foreword

46 Biodiverse Gardens Improve Pollination, Harvests, and Pest Control

10 Author Spotlight 12 MARKETPLACE Product Spotlights 16 Cultivating Hope - Regenerative Organic Agriculture 22 Incredible Farm: A Model for the Future of Adaptive, Regenerative Farming

52 Wild Strawberries: Medicinal Weed & Superfood 56 LOCAL GROWERS 58 When It Rains, It Pours! 60 Could Regenerative Agriculture Be the Answer to Climate Change?

26 Heavy Metals, Bioaccumulation, and Bioremediation

67 The Case for Calcium

30 Strawberry Containers Forever

70 A Gardener’s Journey to Self-Sufficiency, Health, and Happiness

34 Taking the Nature out of Agriculture

76 Harnessing Nature Through Regenerative Agriculture

42 Taking Liberties: How To Survive Hyperinflation

80 5 Cool Ways Regenerative Agriculture Works

ENJOY YOUR SWEET SUCCESS

Available at all leading hydroponic retail stores.

emeraldharvest.co

Honey Chome is our gold-standard aroma and resin enricher. It is designed to increase the market value of your crops by boosting terpene and flavonoid production for better fragrance, flavor, potency and colour—the qualities most desired by growers. Three sources of carbohydrates boost your yields by fueling growth and flowering and by feeding the beneficial microbial life that build up roots. With Honey Chome, you get sticky, vibrant crops with big roots that soak up nutes.

FOREWORD & CREDITS

FOREWORD

e have always said Garden Culture is more than a growing magazine; our social conscience drives our content. Although we are primarily

a technical indoor growing magazine, we have always taken on critical social issues that involve food and politics.

We have done several organic themed editions, and this time, we included Regenerative Agriculture. Somewhere along the road, commercial farming took a wrong turn. From monoculture and GMOs to the slurry of insecticides/fungicides they dump on our food and the soil it grows in, none of it is good. This subject is as essential to our species’ long term survival as climate change. Many scientists believe that one of the only fundamental ways to reverse climate change is to put the carbon back into the ground. As it turns out, our writers are as passionate about the subject as we are. This edition might be a little light on gardening tips, but it offers a heavy dose of reality. I want to take a line from Taking the Nature out of Agriculture by Evan Folds, our longest standing writer and a true regenerative ag warrior. “The world’s people have become almost completely disconnected from what sustains us – community, food, water, even Mother Nature herself. We have become corporatised and conditioned to a level of normal that is undermining us at every turn. We have unleashed synthetic systems on Earth that are not designed to reinforce environmental and human health, and we are in the throes of experiencing the devastating

CREDITS SPECI A L TH A N KS TO: Alan Creedon, Albert Mondor, Anne Gibson, Caroline Rivard, Catherine Sherriffs, Cody J. Garrett-Tait, Colin Bell and Matthew Wallenstein, Dr. Callie Seaman, Evan Folds, Everest Fernandez, Martyna Krol, and Rich Hamilton. PRESIDENT Eric Coulombe eric@gardenculturemagazine.com +1-514-233-1539 E XECU T I V E ED I TO R Celia Sayers celia@gardenculturemagazine.com +1-514-754-1539 ED I TO R Catherine Sherriffs cat@gardenculturemagazine.com DESIGN Job Hugenholtz job@gardenculturemagazine.com D I G I TA L & SO CI A L M A R K E T I N G CO O R D I N ATO R Serena Sayers serena@gardenculturemagazine.com +1-514-754-0062 ADVERTISING ads@gardenculturemagazine.com PUBLISHER 325 Media INC 44 Hyde Rd., Mille-Isles QC, Canada J0R 1A0 GardenCultureMagazine.com

consequences.”

ISSN 2562-3583 (PRINT) ISSN 2562-3591 (ONLINE)

The road to recovery begins in our grow rooms, gardens and

Garden Culture is published six times a year, both in print and online.

kitchens and ends where and how we spend our money on food. Happy Gardening

@GardenCulture

Eric 3

@GardenCultureMagazine

@Garden_Culture

D I ST R I B U T I O N PA R T N ER S • WHG • HY-GEN • Stealth Garden Supplies

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without prior permission in writing from 325 Media Inc.

GA R D EN CU LT U R E M AGA Z I N E.CO M

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

I’m an avid gardener and love to grow a variety of plants

Author Spotlight Cody J. Garrett-Tait

eet Cody J. Garrett-Tait, another one of Garden Culture’s fantastic contributors! Cody knows soil and his ar ticles offer

plenty of insight on how to achieve incredible yields organically. The owner of High Powered Organics, Cody is based in Australia and loves permaculture, KNF, and biodynamic farming. That makes him not only cool but also this issue’s featured author.

What is your favourite plant to grow? I’m an avid gardener and love to grow a variety of plants. Orchids are a speciality, and I have been a collector of cacti for years. But what got me into gardening was cannabis, a plant I love and respect for what it helped me with and what it taught me personally. Do you prefer to grow indoors or outdoors? Both! Outdoor grows are great for the soul, adventure, and the challenge; some of the most satisfying harvests I’ve experienced have been grown under the sun. Indoors offers the ability to tinker and play with different crops that wouldn’t cope with the extremes of outdoor cultivation. It’s a different kind of challenge, most of which is resisting the urge to mess with things too much and overcomplicate them. But because you have to essentially build a “machine” to grow your plants indoors, it’s a real boost to see the results!

Do you grow organic? I’ve experimented with a variety of cultivation techniques. But I learned early on that primary factors are governing my choices in a grow: 1. 2. 3.

The end product; I have to be consistently happy with what I get. The amount of effort it takes to achieve it. I like to work with my plants, not constantly fiddle with meters and nutrient reservoirs. The cost input also matters. Not just the upfront cost, but long-term as well.

For these reasons, organic soil grows are my preference. They’re sustainable and are consistently high quality and low maintenance. I genuinely love digging in the soil and trying to improve it continually. I do have a bias, as I make and sell a range of soils I developed for my job now, but for more than a decade before this, it was the way I liked to grow. What is your favourite food? Easy: Kensington Pride mangoes!

Are you interested in writing for Garden Culture Magazine? We’d love to hear from you! Send us an email introducing yourself with a sample of your work. editor@gardenculturemagazine.com

What is your favourite animal or insect? The elusive and incredible Echidna. 3

SuperN+

The Ultimate Nitrogen Solution A potent combination of nitrogen, calcium and magnesium, SuperN+ has the ideal ratios for massive growth. Laboratory-tested and formulated by the Plant Mechanics Research Team (the scientists behind the SuperSi success) in a compliant state-of-the-art manufacturing facility; this is the perfect addition to all fertigation formulations and hydroponic programs. SuperN+ is used during the vegetative cycle to speed up growth, allowing your plants to hit maximum potential in a shorter period. A proprietary blend of macro elements required for healthy, lush, vigorous growth, SuperN+ can be used in hydroponics with any substrate. Use it in soil cultivation for a potent effect due to the three types of nitrogen and unique blending method adding calcium and magnesium. A Nitrogen Boost PLUS essential Macro CalMag. Try SuperN+ and enjoy rapid, lush growth in your garden! Distributed in Australia by Stealth Garden Wholesale Stealth-Garden.com

HortiRawK A one-of-a-kind flowering additive with a specially formulated blend of potassium, HortiRawK can be used separately from your regular feeding program. It is designed to maximise mass and bulk flowers during the bloom stage. Plants lacking in potassium during the later stages of bloom will produce airy and loose flowers. By introducing a 0-0-62 straight potassium formula, HortiRawK ensures you get maximum weight out of your flowers when it comes time to harvest. Potassium is responsible for sugar production and the plant’s ability to store the energy needed for flower development. It also increases the plant’s strength at a cellular level and helps produce sturdy stems to support larger flower sites. These benefits make HortiRawK a must-use for growers looking to get the most out of their flowers in time for harvest. Learn more by visiting WHG.net.au

Bud Booster Bud Booster is a powdered bloom additive that delivers high amounts of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) to your plants. Phosphorus promotes flower formation and increases overall yields during the flowering stage. The added phosphorous aids with photosynthesis and the plant’s ability to uptake nutrients, while potassium helps improve the quality of your plant’s flowers and starch production. Bud Booster also contains boron (B), supporting the plant’s transport of sugars and developing a healthier flower, and nitrogen (N), which plays a significant role in basic plant functions, such as photosynthesis.All this results in an increase in flower mass and overall size to deliver an impressive crop yield. For more great products, visit WHG.net.au

Pinelab 5x5 & Pinelab 5x9 The Best Just Got Bigger Frequently requested, Pinelab specialised grow tents are now available in bigger sizes, with all the same incredible functionality. Offering more features than any other tent, Pinelab grow tents are now available in 5’ x 5’ (1.5m x 1.5m x 2.13m) and 5’ x 9’ (1.5m x 2.75m x 2.13m). Enhanced white film reflectivity internal wall lining, external gear board, smart drainage, waterproof catchment tray, window lenses, controller holder and the CFM kit are just some of the standard features; all included at an affordable price. Designed by growers, for growers, everything has been considered, from port location to duct sizes. The entire range of Pinelab can accommodate DE HID lamps or LED fixtures, making these tents ideal for every home gardener. The Pinelab Grow Tent range will grow with you! Distributed in Australia by Stealth Garden Wholesale Stealth-Garden.com

MARKET

PLACE PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS

See what’s new in the growers MARKETPLACE

visit: GCmag.co/Product-Spotlight

Adjust-A-Wings Advanced 630W DE-CMH Lamp

Exclusive to Adjust-A-Wings, this newly developed 630W DE-CMH lamp features a unique niobium coil coupler for improved harmonic stability and performance. Available in 3K and 4K spectrums, this cutting-edge 630W lamp delivers a rich, continuous output in UV-A, PAR, and far-red bands to drive high production and top-tier quality. Combine with Adjust-A-Wings 600/750W DE-HPS for mixed spectrum applications or run standalone for veg, mother plants, bloom, or full lifecycle. Highest efficiency in its class with unparalleled radiant intensity for deep canopy penetration and elevated production of essential oils and terpenes. More info: Adjustawings.com

BudBox PRO White XL- HL [120x120x220cm / 4’x4’x7’4’’] Industry-leading PAR reflectivity = 20% greater yields over mylar! The BudBox PRO’s frame is the strongest out there, with 25mm powder-coated, tempered steel poles, and 1mm thick walls. Easy to assemble with metal push/click connectors and an uplift irrigation bar. Easy access and excellent visibility: two front doors, two access doors, and eight ports in three sizes, as well as a night vision window. Equipped with screened passive vents, 20% oversized vents for acoustic ducting, and double-cuff vents, proper ventilation is a no-brainer. PRO is built to last and designed to keep the floor space clear; double-stitched seams, a spill tray, three hanging bars, acoustic deadening silicon end pads, three roof hanging straps, main door clips, and the canvas fully unzips! Grow PRO. Grow BudBox PRO. Check out BudBoxGrowTents.com to find a tent perfect for you.

G-Pot Grid Legs MAMMOTH P ®

Turn your G-Pot Grid into a G-Pot stand. G-Pot Grid legs slide directly onto the bottom of G-Pot Grids to turn them into pot stands. G-Pot Grid legs are 170mm high (same as foam bases) and can be cut shorter if required. Environmentally friendly compared to foam pot stands. Both G-Pot Grids and Grid Legs stack together tightly, making shipping easy and inexpensive. Six legs are required per base. Visit WHG.net.au to find G-Pot Grid Legs at a store near you.

MAMMOTH® P is an organically derived microbial inoculant for growing plants that maximises phosphorus cycling to boost growth and increase yield. • University Developed • More Phosphorus • Protects Rhizosphere • Beneficial Bacteria • Safe for All Media • Fully Compatible Go to MammothMicrobes.com to find out more.

TallBoy Chlorashield Like chlorine, chloramines are added to municipal water for biological safety. For growers wishing to remove this biocidal chemical, whether to preserve root biomes or protect reverse osmosis membranes, HydroLogic’s TALLBoy with a Chlorashield filter is the perfect team to take on the task! The TALLBoy is North America’s top-selling hydroponic dechlorinator, capable of producing up to two gallons a minute of purified water. Combined with the HydroLogic Chlorashield filter, the TALLBoy becomes a powerhouse chloramine remover and will even reduce lower levels of iron and sulfur. Check the HydroLogic website for more information. HydrologicSystems.com

Coolsox

Designed to evenly disperse air into your grow space through hundreds of pre-perforated holes, creating a blanket of cool air that pushes the hot air upwards and away from your plants. Coolsox can be snugly fit around right-angle corners, up walls, across ceilings, or woven between your plants. Unlike traditional duct, Coolsox collapse quickly when inflated, which allows you to flatten them to maximise limited floor & crawl space. Available in 150 mm & 250 mm diameters.

Redback Step Down Collars Redback Step Down Collars provide an all-in-one solution for reducing multiple duct flanges. Each step-down section provides a 5 mm tapered flange. Cut anywhere along the flange to ensure a perfect fit every time. Quality ABS virgin plastic is easy to cut and resists cracking. Step Down Collars may be cut into three individual collar sizes, divided and used separately. Step Down Collars stack together tightly, making shipping easy and inexpensive. The affordable, single reducing collar option. 305 mm - 300 mm / 255 mm - 250 mm / 205 mm - 200 mm / 155 mm - 150 mm.

For more great products, visit WHG.net.au

Karbo Boost A powdered supplement that delivers multiple sources of naturally occurring carbohydrates, Karbo Boost ensures your plants are getting a clean energy source to support heavy fruiting. An added carbohydrate source is essential during the flowering stage to ensure microbes can help your plants uptake the nutrients they need to produce a healthy and aromatic crop. Healthy microbial life in the rhizosphere helps mobilise nutrients and water and oxygen absorption in the root zone for faster and stronger growth. The result is a significant increase in flower weight, taste, and overall yield. Visit WHG.net.au

Find a retailer near you: WHG.net.au

The Hemp Lady Healing Balm A beautiful mix of Australian-made organic components helps a wide range of ailments and boosts general well-being. The unique Hemp Lady range is made in the stunning Adelaide Hills with hemp seed oil, organic shea, beeswax, tea tree oil, and lavender oils, plus vitamin E and candelilla wax. The Healing Balm is a powerful formula that helps moisturise and soothe skin and is fantastic for treating burns, abrasions, rashes, dry skin and bites. Pure, organic hemp seed oil is a natural moisturiser that nourishes and conditions, reversing the effects of oil loss that causes dry skin. Hemp seed oil has the same EFA (essential fatty acid) profile which mimics skin the closest and contains Omegas 3, 6 and 9. Hemp Lady products are carefully formulated and expertly handcrafted in small, controlled batches. Available throughout Australia. Visit TheHempLady. com.au to check out the entire range of products.

BY MARTYNA KROL

CULTIVATING HOPE

The regenerative movement applies to us all, even those who aren’t farmers Unless you’ve been in a coma for of Charlie’s homemade contraption, Pandas will go extinct, the last three years, you’re likely we could extract the soil animals and cities will familiar with The Youth Climate from the earth and look under a disappear underwater; Strike, Extinction Rebellion microscope to assess the numbers and many other ‘green’ groups and varieties of life present. The hurricanes and raging shouting the harrowing message ploughed, sprayed soil from a potato fires will be more of the impending doom of the field had none. The one from a common. These are the climate collapse. Pandas will go raised bed had a good presence of extinct, and cities will disappear alarming messages we’re worms, springtails and various mites, underwater; hurricanes and raging but it was the forest floor soil that continuously being fires will be more common. These was reminiscent of a busy London delivered are the alarming messages we’re motorway moving in all directions continuously being delivered. It (as opposed to a clockwise standstill has made me want to fall into like the real one often does). a coma at times because what can I, alone, do about Brazillian forests being cut down? For tunately for my Nature’s suppor t network assures that everything mental health, a different and more positive message is growing on the forest floor works. Trees provide shade spreading; one that inspires change, hope, excitement and shelter for insects and birds; leaves mulch the ground and connection: Be Involved. and prevent it from drying out. Millions of living creatures decompose organic matter, creating organic nutrition for The regenerative movement applies to us all, even those plants and the king of all communications, the Mycelium, who aren’t farmers. Choose a bike over a car for some of which transpor ts sugars, nutrients, and water between your trips and avoid factory-farmed food. Suppor t local all par ties. producers, join a community garden or grow some herbs on your windowsill. Fight for policy change. All these things will yield a better understanding of the situation we’re in and build new, resilient communities open to innovation. But let’s explore what can be done for those who have access to land and may consider being the change in the farming landscape.

Nature’s Approach Soil fertilisers don’t treat fertility; they kill fertility”. - Dr Vandana Shiva. Having the pleasure of working with one of the UK’s most prominent soil zoologists, Dr Charlie Clutterbuck, I had the chance to see life below the ground in action. We took samples of different soils, one from an arable field, one from a no-dig bed and one from the nearby woods. With the use

CULTIVATING HOPE

Sheep graze the grass low and trample the soil down, which gives native wildflowers a chance to come up before the grass outcompetes it. In May, the sheep are moved so a hay meadow can grow and provide food for the animals in winter If we were to take a lesson from the forest and apply it to the farm, we would get regenerative agriculture, a system that promotes: • • • • • •

No-tilling Tree planting Cover crops and mulch Animal grazing and crop rotation Composting to rebuild the soil’s organic matter Restoring degraded soil biodiversity

Many studies show how biomass-heavy soil has a much greater waterholding capacity than arable land and how organic crops have better yields than chemical ones

All these practices will produce healthy land to grow our crops and increase carbon drawdown and improve the water cycle. Many studies show how biomass-heavy soil has a much greater water-holding capacity than arable land and how organic crops have better yields than chemical ones. On the topic of carbon sequestration, it’s worth mentioning the new star of the show among organic gardeners: biochar. Any organic matter, be it a tree, water lily or pistachio shells, would naturally be either composted or burned, both resulting in releasing CO2 into the atmosphere. Instead, it can be put through a process of pyrolysis (extremely high heat treatment without the presence of oxygen), resulting in char - a stable, porous carbon structure that ‘locks in’ the carbon molecules and prevents them from breaking down for hundreds of years. The CO2 that would have been released into the atmosphere stays put in the form of char, effectively creating a carbon sink.

Tamzin

How Regenerative Agriculture Looks

StJohn (pronounced ‘Sinjon’) Brown spent his early years as an aquatic consultant specialising in growing coral. Once cheap supply from abroad made it hard to stay competitive, he returned to work the land with his partner, Tamzin Cowens, the equine specialist behind Standing Stone Horsemanship. I met them last year as we embarked on a mission to create a vegetable garden on what was previously a pig run. I observed how they follow the principles of regenerative agriculture and have a healthy relationship with their land and animals.

Their fields have a noticeable presence of dung beetles, a rare sight on commercial farms, as pesticides and animal wormers are lethal to them. Beetles improve nutrient recycling by burying the manure deep down while also improving drainage. They do it incredibly fast, which doesn’t allow the parasitic worms to develop and cause any illness to the animals. Farmers are advised that livestock should be automatically wormed, horses up to four times a year, and that the more intense farming you do, the more wormer you should use. Instead, StJohn sows various anthelmintic plants like chicory, sainfoin, and birdsfoot trefoil, which naturally disrupt the parasite life cycle. Occasionally, some sheep need worming; however, only individual animals that show signs of problems are treated. The rest of the flock stays wormer free, with 99.9% of the excrement on the land remaining safe for the soil animals. Eurasian Curlews, a bird species facing a high risk of extinction and traditionally occupying higher parts of the moorland, has been seen feeding on worms in the field for the first time this year.

StJohn

CULTIVATING HOPE

As we walked through the field The sheep rotate between several The words of an towards one of the ponds, a fields, often alternating with horses, eleven-yeardrinking source for the animals as their grazing habits differ. Sheep old girl sum up and a habitat for common newts, graze the grass low and trample damselflies and dragonflies, I the soil down, which gives native the core message asked which pests are a nuisance wildflowers a chance to come up behind regenerative on the land. These areas aren’t before the grass outcompetes it. In agriculture - it’s overly managed, and voles can be May, the sheep are moved so a hay problematic. However, they are a meadow can grow and provide food the life that’s so food source for the owls. Rabbits for the animals in winter. Various essential to support are only shot if they cause too trees are planted on one of the and sustain on this much damage, their carcasses left fields, and even if the sheep get to for the birds of prey for dinner. some of the trees and nibble them, broken but beloved However, the worst nuisance they grow back as compact shrubs. blue planet of ours is the grey squirrel, which is Tall trees aren’t good for diversity busy decimating the songbird on the farm; dense bushes are more population in the area. Yep, squirrels eat little birds; do beneficial for birds, hoverflies and insects. There are not google that for your sanity. many hawthorn and holly bushes to provide nectar for the hoverflies, predators of all the nasty insects biting As we walked back towards the house, I finally asked what the animals. they think their kids will gain from this kind of life. The reply was a respect for the environment and the ability Alternatives on some farms would be to dip their sheep to survive. Future generations will have the confidence in organophosphate twice a year to kill all the critters. to grow fruit and veg and look after the animals. When I Organophosphorus compounds are very toxic to asked Grace, Tamzin’s daughter, what she likes the most humans, even at low doses, as they travel easily through about living on a farm, she replied, “in the summer, you the skin. can walk around with all the sheep, and it’s a very nice environment; you can see lots of life”. The words of an The field is also full of pignuts, or ground nuts, a tiny eleven-year-old girl sum up the core message behind edible seed with a flavour and shape reminiscent of regenerative agriculture - it’s the life that’s so essential hazelnut. With nuts growing underground and white, to support and sustain on this broken but beloved blue umbelliferous flowers above, they’re a vital food source planet of ours. 3 for Chimney Sweeper moths. At the height of the industrial revolution, the white moths with black specs on their wings were so visible on soot-covered trees that their numbers dwindled. The moth underwent a mutation, turning more black with white spots and Martyna Krol is a vegetable grower, natural beekeeper, and edible spaces designer. She is a lover of all soil becoming invisible to predators. By the 1940s, that and urban farming techniques and is the former head of predation-driven genetic change became the dominant growing at Incredible Aquagarden. strain in this area, and only in the last 20 years has it slowly reverted to its old look. Nature has all the valuable tricks up her sleeve.

BIO

BY ALAN CREEDON

Nick, Farm Manager at Incredible Farm

Incredible Farm

A Model for the Future of Adaptive, Regenerative Farming

INCREDIBLE FARM

t’s a dry spring day at Incredible Farm, a mixed 5-hectare smallholding tucked away in the West Yorkshire hills. The landscape is mostly clay soil and tough grasses, a lumpy, hummocky land that feels exposed. Sheep graze on the hillside – it’s what this property is mostly used for. Few people are brave enough to establish growing sites, but I find myself looking

at tractor tyre nursery beds of grafted apple trees, outbuildings, cows, chickens and plenty of covered growing space. “We had pigs on this piece of land last year, to break it up a bit,” says Mike, head grower and educator at Incredible Farm. We’re standing in a fenced-off veg patch with rows of overwintered brassicas, fruit trees and strawberries. “This will be our first full season of outdoor production in this space.”

Establishing Roots It looks great, with woodchip-covered, raised drills running through what would otherwise be a piece of forbidding looking land. There’s an old dry stone wall providing shelter and warmth for the fruit production, and he’s expecting good yields this season from the space. We walk downhill a piece to their covered growing space, a large polycarbonate and timber-framed structure with rows of cow manure and compost-filled raised beds brimming with salad greens. Nitrogen-rich chicken droppings also get collected and added to the mix, along with some seaweed fertiliser. They also make all their composts and raise their plants from seed. It’s quite a few degrees warmer within the structure as I sit among lush salad greens and rows of newly grown plants, drinking fresh-picked mint leaf tea with Mike and Nick. “I still feel like we’re putting our roots down here, and it feels like early days for me”, Mike says when I ask about the potential of the site, entering their fourth season of production.

They welcome wildlife at the farm; birds fly in and out of the greenhouse, and frogs and newts from a nearby millpond interact with the vegetable garden

“Some things are challenging,” says Nick, the farm manager who conceived Incredible Farm. “For example, because of the hilly land, we can’t grow hay to feed the cattle in winter, so we have to buy in feed, and that’s not ideal.” Despite this, Nick sees the project as an evolution, part learn-as-we-go, part plan – the development of the site is a series of complex connections between animals, people, plants and the natural landscape. He’s confident that the cows’ role will become more apparent as time progresses. They had three years to study the site to understand where the microclimates were before building any structures, thus using the most favourable, sheltered spots for growing spaces in the often harsh, wet and windy climate.

Nick, Farm Manager at Incredible Farm 23

DIGI-LUMEN 600W e BALLAST Best Value

Surge safe

Spare 10A fuse included

600 W DIGI LUMEN eBALLAST • Ultra Reliable Operation • Dimmable and Boostable • 2.7 Amp Power Draw @ 600 W

DIGI-LUMEN COMPLETE LIGHT KIT 600 W DIGI LUMEN LIGHT KIT • Complete Boxed Kit • Ultra Reliable 600 W eBallast • High Output Pro Grow Lamp • 6 Fold Euro Shade (Bat Wing)

) (03) 9335 3310

* sales@whg.net.au

# AUSTRALIAS N0.1 BEST SELLER

INCREDIBLE FARM

Everyone has some knowledge to share The Big Boom The benefit to their system due to COVID-19 is also apparent. Demand for veg snowballed last season, and due to that instant boom, they were able to stretch their growing capabilities, selling almost everything they produced. As a result, they expanded their food growing operation and are sowing with confidence this season, knowing that it will be as likely that everything they grow will sell. All they needed was to tap into the rapid growth by supplying local home delivery companies. “This space turned over £7k worth of produce last season,” says Nick, gesturing to the 140 square metres of covered growing space we’re sitting in. That demand currently shows little sign of easing, helping them continue with their vision for an integrated, local farm.

Encouraging Biodiversity and the Human Factor They welcome wildlife at the farm; birds fly in and out of the greenhouse, and frogs and newts from a nearby millpond interact with the vegetable garden. They make ‘dead hedges’ with tree prunings, encouraging ground-nesting birds such as moorhens and smaller mammals and invertebrates to live there. I ask about the people, as often we can overlook the importance and effect of the human factor within the regenerative model. “We’re trying to work with as many people as possible”, says Mike. “So we’ve got the home education group, we’re working with schools, we have long term volunteers, and we’ve run apprentice courses.”

As they have an open, evolving system, each group feeds into and informs the farm’s development. Besides teaching, they are open to learning from the children, volunteers and the apprentices, as they see the value each person has to contribute to the whole. Everyone has some knowledge to share.

The Lost Generation Nick talks about the “lost generation” and how much patience it takes to help people without the skill to hold a shovel, for example. People who go to the farm on courses or volunteer slowly become part of the place, picking up skills as they go and even taking what they have learned elsewhere. It’s not for everyone, but they have had dedicated volunteers who have set up their own projects upon leaving Incredible Farm. In what is a reciprocal relationship, the volunteers learn how the system works to replicate it in some way elsewhere, and the farm has a dedicated worker for a season.

A Model for the Future Diversification is an essential aspect of any modern farm, and Incredible Farm appears to be adapting well. Sitting on rough, hilly, wetland with heavy clay soil, they create something extraordinary through their dedication to making an alternative that works sustainably. They aim to work with and learn from the landscape, include and create habitat for wildlife and farm animals and educate themselves and others through the day-to-day running of this inspiring project. Despite it still being in its formative years, the seeds of this project have already spread and even taken root, both within the community and even across Europe, making this little project a vital resource for the future of adaptive, regenerative farming. 3

BIO Alan has worked in local food for over a decade and in that time has been involved in retail, wholesale and growing local produce. He is passionate about people working together and enjoys bringing his ideas into the world of veg. He lives in the West Yorkshire hills with his wife, daughter, (and a son soon to be!) dog and cat and loves walking in the hills, sleeping out in the woods, and having a dip in the river (but would sometimes prefer sleeping out in -3 than a dip in the river!). He will be publishing his first book this spring. He has recently qualified as a mindfulness teacher and has also trained as a nature connection guide. He likes to combine the philosophical with the practical. 25

BY DR CALLIE SEAMAN

Heavy Metals, Bioaccumulation, and Bioremediation

HEAVY METALS & BIOREMEDIATION

eavy metals are a significant source of environmental pollution. While they do occur naturally, the large quantities that contaminate the environment are more often than not anthropogenic in origin; they result from human activities. Like many pollutants, they can build up in the food chain to levels

that are toxic to all animals, humans especially so. Plants can be put to work ‘soaking up’ heavy metals in a process called bioremediation, but is it a desire to fix the planet that’s driving this technology or something more sinister?

Heavy Metal Poisoning Several heavy metals are essential to plants and animals alike. Without iron, manganese, molybdenum, copper, zinc, nickel, and cobalt, plants can’t complete their life cycle. Others like lead, mercury and arsenic are exceptionally toxic. Metal ions bond with other molecules to form new proteins and other compounds through the chelation process. Many of these are essential elements of photosynthesis. Still, this chelation process can cause significant damage where metals form poisonous compounds or break down healthy proteins crucial to life.

Bioremediation Plants can be put to work ‘soaking up’ heavy metals in a process called bioremediation, but is it a desire to fix the planet that’s driving this technology or something more sinister?

Bioaccumulation Bioaccumulation is the gradual build-up over time of a chemical in an organism. In the case of plants, they can soak up these substances faster than they’re able to expel them.

Bioremediation turns the potential problem of bioaccumulation into a solution. Using plants and microorganisms that bioaccumulate can extract heavy metals and other pollutants from the environment, in both the case of everyday waste and a disaster on the scale of Chernobyl.

Greener city initiatives aim to grow more plants in urban areas to clean the air, particularly around highly congested roads where idling cars produce frighteningly high levels of toxic gases. This is a relatively new practice, though. Although it’s an encouraging move in the right direction, there’s still a lot of work to be done to correctly document and refine its effectiveness concerning air pollution.

Phosphate ions are particularly inclined to bond with metal ions. Plants use so much phosphorous; the heavy metals that once spread out throughout the soil now accumulate in the plant. These levels are potentially further elevated when many plants are brought together to be processed into a single product.

Some people argue that increasing the number of plants in an urban environment merely gives the illusion of a cleaner city. They’re yet to be definitively proven wrong. However, we all feel better for being around plants as they produce oxygen, which we cannot live without.

Pollution

Phytoremediation

Oil spills often make the news, most people are aware of the frightening scale of plastics polluting the oceans, and we’ve all (hopefully!) heard of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. But how many people consider everyday waste management or the centuries of rubbish and pollution that we buried or left when we, for the most part, didn’t know any better?

Microbial bioremediation has been in use for decades, predominantly to clean contaminated soil and groundwater. Phytoremediation – specifically, the use of plants to manage pollutants – is a relatively newer set of technologies, though.

It’s easy to imagine pollution being the fault of faceless corporations cutting corners to increase their profit margins – which they undoubtedly do! But that narrative fails to consider just how much waste we all generate on a day-to-day basis. Effective, long term solutions to the global pollution problem have to take this into account.

In using the plants themselves, some phytoremediation techniques utilise the symbiotic relationship between plants and microorganisms that live in the soil. Compared to alternative methods, phytoremediation is generally cheaper, more effective where the contamination level is relatively low and significantly better for the environment.

WATTAGE: 680W

PPF: 1919 umol/s

AMPERAGE: 2.75A

PPE: 2.82 umol/ j

SAMSUNG LM301H & OSRAM HYPER-RED LED DIODES

HEAVY METALS & BIOREMEDIATION

Techniques Phytodegradation and phytovolatilisation use plants to break down organic pollutants, which are then either metabolised or released into the air in a less harmful form. Phytostimulation uses plants to supply nutrients to microorganisms in the rhizosphere, which breaks down organic pollutants. Phytostabilisation uses plants to immobilise contaminants, making them less available to other plants, such as food crops.

It’s essential to keep all this in mind when discussing bioremediation; for all that we want to improve the planet and fix past mistakes, the market economy continues to win out over our good intentions Phytoremediation strategies

credit: ResearchGate

Finally, phytoextraction uses hyperaccumulator plants to remove pollutants, par ticularly heavy metals, which are then stored in the roots or body of the plant. This is the most popular technique from a commercial perspective because it allows the pollutants to be extracted and reused.

Money, Money, Money Metals are a definitively valuable commodity. The more we extract from the ear th, the less we have in store and the higher the value goes. Heavy metals, in par ticular, buck the trend of our newfound desire to be kinder to the planet. Nearly four billion people on the ear th have a smar tphone, all of which contain precious metals, as do the batteries in electric cars. Mining them is an incredibly destructive process, with shockingly small amounts being extracted relative to the size and scope of the mines they come from and the amount of pollution they generate. Amongst that pollution is the very same heavy metals that bioremediation seeks to extract from the environment.

Helophyte filter Dr Callie Seaman is a leading expert of the UK hydroponic industry and became passionate about medicinal cannabis when she was diagnosed with epilepsy over 20 years ago. After obtaining a Biomedical Sciences degree at Sheffield Hallam University, she completed a PhD titled “Investigating Nutrient Solutions for Hydroponic Growth of Plants”. During her PhD, she became a founding director of Aqua Laboratories Ltd – a formulator and producer of specialist hydroponic nutrients. In October 2018, Callie became a non-executive director of a home office licenced medicinal cannabis facility within the UK. She consults with a wide range of other licensed producers worldwide as they look to set up their facilities.With numerous scientific articles, book chapters and peer-reviewed papers to her name, Callie is an experienced professional in the field of medicinal cannabis, cultivation and fertiliser science.

credit: Sustainable Sanitation and Water Management Toolbox

Stranger still, asteroid mining isn’t a pie-in-the-sky concept anymore; significant sums of money are already going into making it a reality. They’re after metals over everything else. It’s essential to keep all this in mind when discussing bioremediation; for all that we want to improve the planet and fix past mistakes, the market economy continues to win out over our good intentions. That’s not to say it isn’t a wor thwhile science with an enormous potential for good. As ever, it’s a question of how we choose to use it. 3

Instagram: @dr.callieseaman Facebook: @DrCallieSeaman Twitter: @dr_CallieSeaman LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-callieseaman/ Website: aqualabs-uk.com and cbdhempire.co.uk

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ALBERT MONDOR, HORTICULTURIST AND BIOLOGIST

STRAWBERRY CONTAINERS

ou can easily grow and harvest sweet and delicious strawberries in a container on your

On a patio or a terrace,

terrace or patio!

the easiest way to grow strawberries is in containers

Some strawberry varieties produce fruit mainly in June, while other cultivars, like Delizz®, fruit throughout the summer. There are also attractive varieties of strawberries with red, pink, or white flowers. Cultivars ‘Gasana’, ‘Rosalyne’, ‘Ruby Ann’ and ‘Toscana’ have pink-coloured flowers that turn into sweet-tasting conical fruits. Berried Treasure®’ Pink’ and ‘Red’ produce magnificent double pink flowers all summer long, turning into tasty red fruits. I also recommend giving alpine strawberry a try. This floriferous strawberry plant continuously produces from late spring through fall. The berries are delicious and are elongated and red or yellow, depending on the variety. This compact perennial does not form runners like other strawberries and is hardy up to zone 3. credit: gardenia.net

Often called pineberries, ‘Keoki’, Natural Albino® and ‘White Carolina’ are quite unusual strawberry cultivars that produce white fruits covered with tiny red seeds in early summer. Some say the flavour of these fruits is reminiscent of pineapple. This strawberry type is not self-fertile, so it is necessary to plant it with one or two other strawberry plants to ensure pollination.

Strawberry ‘Ruby Ann’

Some people are allergic to red strawberries. White strawberries lack the protein that constitutes the red pigment responsible for allergies, so a person affected with such aversions can likely eat white strawberries. Be careful and make sure that you test this theory under medical supervision.

Adaptable Plants Strawberries are very adaptable plants that can grow in various soil types as long as they are light, cool and well-drained. When planted in clay soil, it is best to add compost to lighten and soften the growing medium. Slightly acidic soil will provide better harvests.

credit: Proven Winners

You can prune the rhizomes – a sort of creeping stalk emitted by most strawberries – to prevent plant depletion and improve yields.

Strawberry Berried Treasure®’ Red

Pineberries

GA R D EN CU LT U R E M AGA Z I N E.CO M

727 938 94910

01949 839 727

lanigiginal i r O eht r e th O

!!!efas r

!!! e f a s ewoﬂ o r e w o ﬂ s o lA Als.yarp . y a r p s no sth s n o s t giL Ligh !!!stcudorp ruoy evol I

No Damage No Burning No Residuals !ffuts siht evol Ready To Use !skrow yllautca enil railof citpo ehT & Concentrate ym ni ecnereffid elbisiv a deciton I yawa thgir ecnereffid a deciton I

ylhgih I .syad 2 nihtiw stnalp .tcudorp siht dnemmocer

!!taerg .SB on esu tsrﬁ retfa stluser waS yrt a ti evig tsuj

reisae X01 enituor ym ekam stcudorp ruoY htiw yarps ot elba gnieb reisae x01 !NO STHGIL

I love your products!!!

egI noticed ama D oN a difference right away gninruB oN slaudiseR oN love this stuff! esU oT ydaeR The optic foliar line actually works! etarItnoticed neca n oC & visible difference in my plants within 2 days. I highly recommend this product.

great!! Saw results after ﬁrst use no BS. just give it a try

10X easier Your products make my routine 10x easier being able to spray with LIGHTS ON!

!skrow yllaer tI

Over 22 year experience ecneirepxe raIt eyreally 22 rworks! evO !!!!.SKROW YLLAEproviding R YARPS SIHT guaranteed SPRAY WORKS.!!!! railof dfoliar eetnaraug THIS gnid ivorREALLY p n i a g a y u b l l i W Will buy again spray solutions snoitulos yarps

SALES@OPTICFOLIAR.COM MOC.RAILOFCITPO@SELAS

STRAWBERRY CONTAINERS

Strawberries Everywhere, Even On Walls! Since strawberries don’t need a lot of space, they can be grown in a hanging basket, in a flower box, or even on a green wall!

Gray mould, a common disease

On a patio or a terrace, the easiest way to grow strawberries is in containers. Plastic or terracotta pots can do the trick, but in my opinion, it is best to plant them in geotextile pots. These thick fabric containers provide better insulation for the roots during winter.

To prevent the onset of this disease, space plants appropriately to improve aeration. Reduce watering or install a drip irrigation system that will not wet the foliage. In the fall, cut the stems and leaves of affected strawberries and throw them in the garbage.

In Canada and the northern parts of the US, increase your strawberry plant’s chances of survival by watering thoroughly in October. Rather than leaving them on the balcony or terrace, move them to the ground before the end of November. Covering them with fallen leaves or snow acts as insulation.

The following spring, add compost to any strawberries that have been affected by botrytis. If grey mould reappears during the next summer, limit the spread by spraying the plant two or three times with a copper-based fungicide, such as Bordeaux mixture. Although this fungicide is tolerated in organic farming, the copper sulfate in the Bordeaux mixture is toxic. Use as a last resort only.

Although necessary to replace some strawberry plants every three years – or every year if they have not survived the winter – it is best to provide them with a rich, high-quality growing substrate made of compost and sphagnum peat moss. 3

credit: Line 17QQ

You can buy upright cylindrical containers with multiple holes, called strawberry towers, in which strawberries grow exceptionally well. You can easily make a strawberry tower yourself from an old, reclaimed plastic pipe.

The greyish-white mould covering the foliage and fruit of some plants is a symptom of a disease called grey mould, caused by a fungus called Botrytis cinerea. This disease, which develops in humid weather, is prevalent in strawberries.

credit: Agrotonomy)

Strawberries grown on a wall.

Strawberry towers

BIO Passionate about environmental horticulture, urban agriculture and extreme landscape design, Albert Mondor has practised his craft for over 30 years and created numerous gardens in North America. In addition to teaching courses and lecturing at conferences across Canada, his weekly gardening column has appeared in the Journal de Montréal and the Journal de Québec since 1999. In April 2018, Albert Mondor published Le nouveau potager, his tenth horticultural book. He is a regular guest and contributor to radio and television programmes and his hosting The Trendy Gardener spots broadcasted on Météo Média and online. You can also read his blog called Extreme Horticulture at albertmondor.com. Follow Albert on Facebook: fb.com/albert.mondor

GA R D EN CU LT U R E M AGA Z I N E.CO M

BY EVAN FOLDS

Taking the

nature

out of Agriculture 34

NATURE & AGRICULTURE

The solutions are the easy part; the challenge is in generating the social and political will to change the systems

he world’s people have become almost completely disconnected from what sustains us – community, food, water, even Mother Nature herself. We have become corporatised and conditioned to a level of normal that is undermining us at every turn. We have unleashed synthetic systems on Earth that are not designed to

reinforce environmental and human health, and we are in the throes of experiencing the devastating consequences. When it comes to human nourishment, we have lost our logical way man-made materials do not grow living things. To compound the problem, we have collectively walked away from our responsibility for what nourishes us and our imagination for the scope and interconnections of the living systems that sustain us.

Seeing the Forest for the Trees

The way back is easy enough, but given the generations of deceit and the fact that it is much more profitable for the powers to keep people and society sick so they can continue to invent seeming solutions, we have a lot of work to do. We can level up by stepping into our creative agency and prioritising systems thinking or, as they say, seeing the forest for the trees. Put another way; we cannot solve dynamic problems with linear thinking. Agriculture is a perfect application for the power in this concept. Agricultural threefolding moves us beyond farming and integrates the buying power of how and what we eat and the approach and impact our growing methods and diet have on the environment and our individual and public health. This focus on food, farming, and health has profound implications on our ability to drive a healthier way forward. For example, pesticides generate human disease at an enormous social and economic cost. Still, when establishing commodity prices, the markets do not factor this impact into their bottom line. If they did, markets would respond to the actual cost, making it more expensive for consumers to purchase things that are degenerative and extractive, and we would have a mechanism for making common sense. Another example is eating a fast food meal that has been engineered to be delicious and subsidised to be (fake) cheap. Did you know that a fast-food cheeseburger is estimated to cost more than $10 without federal subsidies? Incredibly, more than 36% of adults consume fast food on a given day. Do you think

the average fast food eater considers the impact this has on our individual and collective health? Or the support they give to factory farming that is polluting our drinking water?

We Have A Solution

The basis of my work is that the significant challenges the world faces – climate, health, hunger, poverty, etc. – can all be solved by a healthy and righteous application of regenerative agriculture. Looked at from the other side, it is the misguided application of agriculture that has generated these big problems in the first place. Herein is the riddle; agriculture is the source of the problem and the solution. The modern agricultural system is failing us. Why? Nature is being removed from agriculture – artificial fertilisers, food science, genetically modified organisms, field robots, pharmaceuticals first, toxic pesticides, and more. The status quo of agriculture is synthetic and not sustainable. The soil is being treated like a sponge rather than a living organism. Too many of us are eating food for the wrong reasons; we live to eat rather than eat to live. And farming is not being conducted to nourish people. Not only is 99% of farming conventional and using inordinate amounts of ecocides and genetically modified protocols, but the very biodiversity of our food system is being lost.

Lacking Diversity The FAO estimates 75% of crop diversity was lost between 1900 and 2000. That is an incredible number, as these are varieties the Earth will never see again. Much like the monocrops in our agricultural fields, our diet is becoming globalised and homogenised. For example, a study in the journal PNAS tells us that, while wheat has long been a staple crop, it is now a key food in more than 97% of countries. The soybean is now significant in the diets of almost 75% of nations.

GA R D EN CU LT U R E M AGA Z I N E.CO M

NATURE & AGRICULTURE

A cooperative business, or co-op, is, effectively, a for-profit organisation with a non-profit mentality There is no incentive for diversity or The Poverty Problem We can bring about the food quality in our farming systems. We live in a world where three men abundance on Earth that Instead of nutrient density, food marown as much total wealth as the botkets are driven by price, yield, appeartom half of Americans. According to we all know in our hearts ance, and shelf life. Combine this with the World Bank, most people live in the fact that the average American poverty. The stats are striking; 85% is possible. Regenerative sugar intake is three times recomof the world live on less than $30 per mended levels, and a whopping 61% of day, two-thirds live on less than $10 agriculture is the way the American diet is ultra-processed per day, and 10% of people live on less foods that have had Nature completethan $1.90 per day. Of course, hunger ly removed. It is no surprise that the U.S. health care system is and poverty are connected and most acute among rural agrarby far the most expensive in the world. Meanwhile, Americans ian small family farms that, despite the greenwashing of Big Ag, continue to live relatively unhealthier and shorter lives than grow more than 70% of the global food supply. peers in other high-income countries. We don’t have a capitalism problem; we have a capitalism conThe American way of eating is wreaking havoc on all of humanstruction problem where the profits trickle up. More specifiity. More than enough food is grown to feed us all around the cally, we have a corporatism problem, where specific interests world, And yet, an increasing number of people are trying to have control over government policy and global markets. This lose weight while 690 million people go hungry. Is this alone not is accomplished and maintained through a focus on outputs a failure of action and imagination in agriculture? instead of outcomes. Markets are flying blind to the invisible hands and overwhelming externalities of our collective actions. We have normalised this to such an extent that it beThe Healthcare Crisis comes difficult to see the solutions. Round and round we go. The crisis developing in our health care system is an even more immediate threat. We may be living longer, but are we living better? The numbers don’t say so. According to Dr Phil An Agricultural Act Landrigan and Dr Zach Bush, in the 1960s, an estimated 6% of The great Wendell Berry reminds us that eating is an agriculthe population was diagnosed with a chronic disease. In 1986, tural act. He also said, “People are fed by the food industry, which it was 12.4%, and now, the number is 54%. Further, in 2000, 1 pays no attention to health, and are treated by the health industry, in 150 children was diagnosed with autism, compared to 1 in 54 which pays no attention to food.” children as of 2016, and more than 50% of all people on Earth will now develop cancer in their lifetimes. We need to start viewing the problems and solutions through this broader definition of agriculture. We must commit to the These sobering statistics can be explained by empty food, poor idea that food, farming, and health systems do not live in isolatdiets, sick care, conventional farming, and environmental toxiced silos but, instead, operate in a tangled and dynamic web of ity. Meanwhile, the experts of the world have no answers. This, life that is the foundation of the history of human experience. my friends, is the classic definition of a failure of leadership and Then, we can start to see new solutions. a criminal racket.

GA R D EN CU LT U R E M AGA Z I N E.CO M

NATURE & AGRICULTURE

Our opportunity, if properly leveraged, is to use our human superpower of logic and consciousness to implement regenerative methods that will allow us to think and act our way out of the circumstances we have generated over the last 50-60 years. We can bring about the abundance on Earth that we all know in our hearts is possible. Regenerative agriculture is the way.

We live in a world where we edify people like Elon Musk, who offers a $100 million prize for the ‘best’ carbon capture technology when this device lives for free under our feet in the soil food web

This is not just high-brow language. How do we fix health care other than healthier people? How do we combat the catastrophic impacts of conventional farming without reversing backwards incentives and implementing true cost accounting? How do we fight hunger or poverty without making the moral and financial commitment and building a socioeconomic system that ensures people have enough food and essentials? We live in a world built for the winners. We live in a world that values profit over people. We live in a world where we edify people like Elon Musk, who offers a $100 million prize for the ‘best’ carbon capture technology when this device lives for free under our feet in the soil food web. Other than the ocean, there is no more potent source for sequestering carbon than living soil. It is precisely the conventional methods of farming that have been championed in the modern age that have mitigated the soils capacity to act as a carbon sink, contributing further to the carbonisation of the atmosphere. We are even taking Nature out of climate change.

Just Imagine

The most frustrating part is that there is so much we could be doing. We could stop subsidising fast food and corporate farmers and provide incentives for family farmers that grow the cleanest, most nutrient-dense foods. We could create a policy to end food deserts that would pay for itself in short order through improving the social determinants of health. We could prioritise local whole foods in schools and ensure all children know how to grow their own food. We could allow cities and counties to enact excise taxes on fast food and sugary drinks. We could call for a federal Farm Core for all Americans that provides a step up for those engaging in an agricultural experience and provide incentives for locally-led urban regenerative farms in all cities. The solutions are the easy part; the challenge is in generating the social and political will to change the systems. If we are to thrive on Earth, we need a new set of priorities that generate a new set of solutions. We cannot ignore the results of our failed attempts to compensate for our disconnection from Mother Nature and assume we can think and invent our way out of the value that she brings to human life. To thrive on Earth, we have to be brave enough to take ownership of the central importance of agriculture for all humanity. To thrive, we must trust our gut and listen to our Mother. 3

Bio

Evan Folds is a regenerative agricultural consultant with a background across every facet of the farming and gardening spectrum. He has founded and operated many businesses over the years - including a retail hydroponics store he operated for over 14 years, a wholesale company that formulated beyond organic products and vortex-style compost tea brewers, an organic lawn care company, and a commercial organic wheatgrass growing operation. He now works as a consultant in his new project Be Agriculture where he helps new and seasoned growers take their agronomy to the next level.What we think, we grow! Contact Evan at www.BeAgriculture.com or on Facebook and Instagram @beagriculture GA R D EN CU LT U R E M AGA Z I N E.CO M

BY EVEREST FERNANDEZ

Taking Liberties:

How To survive

hyper

inflation

“Your people are driven by a terrible sense of deficiency. When the last tree is cut, the last fish is caught, and the last river is polluted; when to breathe the air is sickening, you will realise, too late, that wealth is not in bank accounts and that you can’t eat money.” – Alanis Obomsawin (probably based on Native American sayings.)

HYPERINFLATION

yperinflation is coming. Look up the financial collapse of the Weimar Republic or Zimbabwe if you need some historical reference points. There’s a big difference this time, however, as it’s the almighty U.S. dollar that’s going to hit the skids, not some minor currency. Of course, as the U.S. dollar is the

world’s reserve currency, it will take the entire global financial system down with it. Around a fifth of all U.S. dollars in circulation were created in 2020—that’s over 9 trillion dollars. While official inflation rates still hover under two per cent, the cost of real “in-demand” goods is already sky-rocketing. Lumber, for example, a staple building material in the United States, is up 193% compared with last year. Where is all this heading?

It ’s all about ABC—Any thing But Cash. It’s only a matter of zily through their dressing gowns each It may be fifty years since Nixon “temmorning and watching doe-eyed at the time before the rest of porarily suspended” the U.S. dollar’s miracle of electricity passing cyclically us catch on and realise convertibility into gold, but now the over a bunch of silicon nano-transistors, colossal Ponzi scheme known as the de that our paper or digital I strongly suspect that bitcoin’s price is facto post-Bretton Woods global finanmore a reflection of the dollar’s bloated IOUs represent nothing cial system is entering the final stages demise and less a veritable statement more than a ridiculous, of its inevitable demise. Too many debt of bitcoin’s actual value. I liken it to dollars have been created, and the comparing the stench of Santa’s breath unpayable debt growth of goods and services cannot with a unicorn fart. We’re making it all possibly keep up—nor would any ecoup! What started as an interesting idea logically-minded person want it to! It’s only a matter of time (decentralised currency) has sadly been speculated to death. before the rest of us catch on and realise that our paper or Suffice to say; bitcoin is not an intrinsic solution to our very digital IOUs represent nothing more than a ridiculous, unpayhuman problem of greed. However, it has—at the very least— able debt. This “money,” as we call it, is essentially worthless. shone a torch on our wrongheaded relationship with money in Now, as our collective belief in this fiscal fantasy evaporates, the first place. Money isn’t about getting rich for sitting around Main Street is figuring out that the game of fiat currency is up. and doing nothing—it’s about exchanging real value. Not as Good as Gold

Of course, the rich are busy spending their winnings before the proverbial plebeian penny drops. And wouldn’t you? Let’s say you were sitting on a million bucks—sorry, that’s rather 1990—let’s say a billion bucks—and you knew that the purchasing power of your unfathomably large stack of 100s was shortly going to be reduced by 99.99%. Wouldn’t you look to quickly swap them all for something more valuable, persistent, and stable? So far, a large amount of surplus cash has found a temporary home in stock market speculation—hence the apparent “boom” even though many businesses have been unable to operate or have faced huge supply chain issues during the last 12 months. Given the challenges we’re all supposed to be facing right now, you might be forgiven for wondering why the Dow Jones index has risen 45%. But history tells us that stock market bubbles invariably precede a crash as the cashrich hastily convert their liquid capital into whatever assets they can find—not just stocks, but also property, land, fine art, and commodities. It’s all about ABC—Anything But Cash.

What about Bitcoin? Already, some canaries are taking suspiciously long naps in the coal mine. One harbinger of the coming craziness could well be the rise in bitcoin’s value (as expressed in dollars). While some crypto-enthusiasts are frothing with glee at the notion of “getting rich quick” in return for scratching their balls la-

But wait—what do everyday people like you and me do when our national or regional currencies’ purchasing power has been reduced to near-zero and the paltry $350 languishing in our checking accounts won’t even buy a scattering of sesame seeds, let alone a loaf of bread? Our respective governments and central banks are well aware of the coming collapse. They are busily preparing a new global financial system based on digital, state-backed cryptocurrency to replace the dying dollar. A single global currency? Maybe—certainly all “new money” will be digital and issued by central and commercial banks. Every transaction on the planet will be trackable and traceable; no more cash. As such, you will be required to possess a global electronic ID to buy or sell anything. This will yield an unprecedented level of societal control to governments, technology firms, and banks. Not fully up-to-date with your family’s vaccination schedule? That’s unfortunate—so let us nudge your behaviour in the right direction by amending your tax rate from the end of the month. Oh, and don’t worry, Siri has already booked you an appointment at the local “health clinic” next Tuesday. We’ll send you a reminder when it’s time to leave. Whether or not the above scenario gives you the eschatological heebie-jeebies is another matter. What we need to understand right here and now is that there is another solution to our monetary crisis—we’re just not being told about it. Instead, the new monetary order will be framed in ecological,

HYPERINFLATION

Our respective governments and central banks are well aware of the coming collapse. They are busily preparing a new global financial system based on digital, statebacked cryptocurrency to replace the dying dollar

airy-fairy, sharing terms to give us a fuzzy feeling that we’re all going to enjoy a life upgrade. Alas, the real solution isn’t quite as appealing as getting rich from bitcoin because this ancient monetary system is based on … wait for it … actual demand for real goods and services. As such, it’s intrinsically linked to the finite resources of our planet. What about barter? For example, I’m holding a spare pound of wheatgrass, and you’re looking to unload a surplus of two dozen eggs. Perfect if we both see them as equally valuable. But it rarely works out like that in practice. Typically, you baulk at the taste of my wheatgrass (Ewww, mids!) or, even worse, I’m a virtue-signalling vegan who—for some bizarre reason—has an objection to consuming chicken menstruation. But what if, as a producer of something valuable, I could issue myself with digital tokens—backed by, and redeemable for, my product— based on actual and proven demand—and trade with those instead?

Money as Self-Issued Credit Imagine money not only backed by eggs and wheatgrass but also haircuts, electricity, massages, bricklaying, psychiatric therapy, weed suppressant, copywriting services, even financial advice! In short, imagine a form of money backed by real things that regular people need every day. Store it all in the blockchain if you like—and yes, we would need a global, unmoving scale of value upon which to quantify these goods and services. But if we can already think in terms of bitcoins and dollars, is it much of an ask to conceive of such a scale and thousands of currencies measured on it? After all, why should banks continue to enjoy a monopoly over money creation? It’s easy to scoff at the idea of corporations creating their currencies—but the power it would put into consumers’ hands is truly awesome. Don’t like the way a company conducts its business? Stop accepting its currency. It’s as simple as that. A common objection is a fear that a given corporation will print too much of its own money. But it can automatically adjust its value to reflect the actual demand for its goods or services. Self-issued credit is not a new idea. It’s just that we have been hoodwinked for centuries into handing our innate money power over to the banks. These days, we are so accustomed

to our monetary slavery that we are blind to the simplicity of the solution staring us in the face. The monetary reformist, Edwin Riegel, detailed it all for us in his salient text “The New Approach to Freedom”, and I highly commend it to you. As I repeatedly tell my eight-year-old son, “YOU ARE THE MONEY!”. You represent the true value in this world: your time, your productivity, your energy, your skills.

Start Producing and Networking When hyperinflation comes, we won’t be able to afford anything, least of all to think like victims. I don’t want to receive hungry emails, “But Everest, I don’t own any land to grow my food!” (As if a title deed is the only thing standing between you and self-sufficiency.) Ask yourself instead, “Where am I going to grow some food?” and realise that somebody must have a small parcel of land they don’t mind you improving with compost and chicken manure! (Find some local seniors. You may be surprised how enthusiastic they are about the prospect of you working their land.) This is a time for revolutionary levels of optimism and togetherness - it’s the only mentality that will see us through this tricky epochal shift. If you’re interested in learning more, then please watch the YouTube movie by Canadian artist Paul Grignon, entitled “The Essence of Money” and also don’t miss his excellent three-part series “Money as Debt” for the full “red pill” experience. More resources listed below. This is supposed to be the age of in• moneyasdebt.net formation, after all. Ignorance • beyondmoney.net is no longer a reasonable ex• newapproachtofreedom.info cuse. 3 • milliongardensmovement.org

Bio

Everest Fernandez lives in a small commune in the south of France in the foothills of the Pyrenees. If you’re interested in finding land or housing in the area, you can email him: just4growers@gmail.com

45 45

BY ANNE GIBSON

Biodiverse

gardens improve pollination, harvests and pest control

BIODIVERSE GARDENS

biodiverse garden has a wide variety of plants, food crops, birds, insects and other living species. Such diversity enhances our sensory pleasure, health and wellbeing. Bird song, colourful

perfumed flowers, exciting flavours and plant textures are just a few of the benefits of a biologically rich garden.

Why is Biodiversity Important? Many gardeners struggle with low yields, poor soil or pollination and pest insect damage. However, increasing the biodiversity of plants and wildlife has been found to help these issues. The plants and living creatures inhabiting our gardens are interconnected in the web of life. The absence or loss of one species may not make a huge difference. However, these common problems often occur where species numbers (abundance) and varieties (speciesrichness) are minimal. Species biodiversity helps improve crop productivity, resilience and stability in our garden ecosystems.

Effecting Change I moved house a year ago from a biologically-rich garden to a compact urban block. I surveyed the insects in my new backyard to identify which species were present. I was shocked to count just four native bees of the same species and very few other insects or inver tebrates. Not only was the soil devoid of worms, but there were no buzz pollinators to fer tilise my Solanaceae crops like blueberries, eggplant and tomatoes. No honeybees were pollinating the citrus, and I observed no beneficial predatory insects like ladybirds, hoverflies or dragonflies. My food garden was going to struggle to achieve productive harvests.

“The fearless bolstering of biodiversity isn’t a mere act of conservationism, but rather articulates an embracement of the wellbeing of all living things in every scale of habitation.” - Amir Schlezinger

Bird song, colourful perfumed flowers, exciting flavours and plant textures are just a few of the benefits of a biologically rich garden I had to work fast to change the scarcity of species in this yard into a biodiverse ecosystem that could suppor t a highly productive food garden. With careful plant choices and positioning, I made a massive positive impact on biodiversity in a shor t space of time.

Benefits of a Biodiverse Garden With the introduction of each new plant, I noticed a corresponding increase in biodiversity in a matter of days. Creating a biologically rich garden is a profoundly rewarding experience for our wellbeing and the living creatures who provide ecosystem services for us. These include pollinators, decomposers and pest controllers.

Pollination The vast majority of homegrown food crops rely on fer tilisation services by insects like bees, butterflies, ants, moths, wasps and hoverflies. However, many other species, including birds, bats, beetles and small mammals, also pollinate various plants.

GA R D EN CU LT U R E M AGA Z I N E.CO M

Pollinator biodiversity is vital in nature and our gardens. One study(1) found some plants have complex relationships and codependence with insects. Some crops like the Solanaceae family require specific insects like buzz pollinators, while generalist feeders pollinate others. One of the missing puzzle pieces I had to overcome was the lack of flowering species as a food source to attract pollinating insects. By introducing flowering perennials, many in portable pots, I could locate them where pollinators would ‘crop hop’ and fertilise my edibles. For home food gardeners, protecting, restoring and creating native habitats to support pollinator diversity and abundance is essential for not only their lives but ours.

Honey Bee flying towards white flower pollen sacks

Decomposition Arthropods like beetle larvae and ants, flies and earthworms play an instrumental role in soil health. These decomposers convert decaying plant matter into fine particles that soil microbe communities further break down. This nutrient cycling results in soil fertility via bioavailable minerals and trace elements, improved soil texture and structure, aeration and higher waterholding capacity. Soil microbes, including fungi and bacteria, also play an essential role in disease suppression; small but mighty ecosystem services vital for healthy new plant growth!

BIODIVERSE GARDENS

Creating a biologically rich garden is a profoundly rewarding experience for our wellbeing and the living creatures who provide ecosystem services for us

Planting a diversity of species encourages beneficial insects and minimises pests and diseases in an organic garden

Another improvement to my backyard diversity resulted from recycling food waste into the in-situ worm farms I installed. This significantly increased the numbers and biodiversity of worms and arthropods, microbes and black soldier flies, who now provide valuable decomposition services.

Pest Management Insect Predators Biocontrol pest control is an incredibly effective alternative strategy to using chemicals in our gardens. Rather than adopting an ‘us vs them’ approach to dominate and destroy insect pests, integrated pest management relies on the vast number of beneficial predatory insects that feed on other insects. They help maintain a natural balance by regulating pest populations. We think of aphids as ‘pests’, but they’re simply dinner to a predatory species like ladybirds! Around 10% of all insects are parasitoids. These insects spend part of their larval stage either inside or on another host organism, feeding on the host as it develops and eventually causing its death. Predatory wasps, for example, lay eggs inside host caterpillars. Their larva eats the caterpillar from the inside, hatching as it dies and effectively ending the lifecycle of the pest species. Predatory insects include ladybirds, dragonflies, lacewings, wasps, ant lions, many true bugs, beetles, ants and flies. Research studies confirm that low levels of plant biodiversity equate to a significant reduction in natural pest enemy populations. However, in a healthy ecosystem with species-rich insect communities, the beneficial natural pest enemies far outweigh the harmful species.

In the Spring, I heard a family of mynas making a tremendous racket on the lawn. With seven babies in tow, the family was chattering excitedly as they meticulously worked the grass over. They were devouring lawn grubs! Three days later, they finished the feast and off they went, saving our lawn. Magpies came with their new kids on the block, pest managing the newly arrived grasshoppers. Again, ecosystem balance was restored. I didn’t have to interfere, use chemicals or control pests; biodiversity in action.

Plant It and They Will Come As I added more flowering species to my garden, the insect diversity grew daily. Honeybees started appearing along with many other native bees, including buzz pollinators like Bluebanded bees. I knew then I was going to get a good harvest. The bee bath I installed in the rear garden had regular visitors. I began to notice predatory insects like dragonflies, hoverflies, praying mantids and ladybird species arriving in many colours, each with their favourite hosts. I am a firm believer that if you plant it, they WILL come and faster than you think! Now, a year later, my garden is a fly-thru restaurant for many bird species and the air abuzz with insects going about their business. To do a survey count now would be a tough call – the species richness and abundance has changed dramatically. Insect hotel with biodiverse habitat options to attract more species

Insect-eating Birds Don’t underestimate the value of birds as pest patrollers, either. They are opportunistic feeders, quick to identify new flowers or insects in the garden. If their needs are met, they manifest! For example, our flowering privacy hedge also acts as nesting habitat, shelter for small birds, roosting spots and forage for insect-eaters and nectar-feeding species. Birds come and go all day.

GA R D EN CU LT U R E M AGA Z I N E.CO M

BIODIVERSE GARDENS

Ladybird pest managing black aphids on nasturtium leaves

Marigolds attract a wide diversity of native solitary and honey bees

Tips for Increasing Biodiversity There are simple things we can do to enhance the wildlife and plant species diversity in our gardens. •

Provide food, shelter and water. These are the basic needs of all creatures. A birdbath, shallow bee bath or pond provides clean water for drinking and bathing for birds, insects, frogs and other animals.

•

Grow heirloom varieties of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Preserve biodiversity by selecting and saving heritage seeds. Rather than planting rows of one type of lettuce, mix it up and include lots of different salad greens like rocket, sorrel, baby spinach, nasturtiums and mustard. These provide edible flowers of varying sizes, seeds and attract a diversity of insect species.

References: 1.

•

Go wild! Create native habitat. A small corner of your garden dedicated to indigenous native flora will attract new species. Even a little messy spot providing shelter like a small log, pebbles, native grasses or flowering species will encourage more insects and creatures to move in.

•

Select diverse annual and perennial plants. Plant-species-rich gardens have various plants in different shapes, sizes, scents and colours to magnetise wildlife. Avoid mono cropping, even on a small scale. Interplanting mixed-species imitates natural ecosystems. Grow edibles among ornamentals.

•

Plant fragrant, colourful flowers. Nectariferous pollen-rich blooms, many with seeds, are a food source for birds and insects, including pollinators like bees and butterflies.

•

Make compost and mulch. Decomposers like worms and soil microorganisms convert organic matter into nutrientrich healthy soil, increasing productivity and harvests.

With a few simple actions, we can each play a role in expanding biodiversity one garden at a time. 3

Species turnover promotes the impor tance of bee diversity for crop pollination at regional scales, R. Winfree et al., Science, 2018: 791-793. A global synthesis reveals biodiversity-mediated benefits for crop production, Matteo Dainese et al., Sci. Adv. 2019; 5: eaax0121. Insect effects on ecosystem services – Introduction, T. D. Schowaltera et al., Basic and Applied Ecology, Vol 26, 2018, 1-7. Ecosystem Services of Insects, Datta et al., Biomed J Sci & Tech Res, Biomed J Sci & Tech Res, Vol 1:2, 2018.

BIO

Anne Gibson, The Micro Gardener, is an author, speaker and urban garden community educator on the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland, Australia. Anne is passionate about inspiring people to improve health and wellbeing, by growing nutrient-dense food gardens in creative containers and small spaces. Anne regularly presents workshops, speaks at sustainable living events, coaches private clients and teaches community education classes about organic gardening and ways to live sustainably. She has authored several eBooks and gardening guides. Anne shares organic gardening tips and tutorials to save time, money and energy on her popular website - TheMicroGardener.com.

BY CAROLINE RIVARD

Wild s e i r r e b Straw

Medicinal Weed & Superfood

WILD STRAWBERRIES

umble in appearance, many consider the wild strawberry to be nothing but a weed. After all, wild strawberries spread quickly via runners

and seeds and easily take over lawns and flower beds. The plant prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. However, even if the conditions aren’t optimal, these berries happily grow and spread all the same. Although invasive, Fragaria vesca should have a place in

Strawberries contain salicylic acid, and therefore, help treat liver, stomach, and kidney issues, as well as rheumatism and gout

our yards and gardens, as it is incredibly medicinal while also being a delicious superfood!

Fragrant and Tasty Berries Wild strawberries are delicious; from tart to super sweet, every fruit has a unique taste and fragrance. However, harvesting these berries can be pretty challenging and time-consuming, as the fruits are tiny. Patience is critical when wanting to indulge in these vibrant red gems.

Superfood Status Wild strawberries are very healthy, bursting with vitamins A, B, C and E, antioxidants, flavonoids, potassium, iron, manganese, fluorine, copper, iodine, fibre and folates. The flavonoids and antioxidants reduce the risk of heart disease and work as a potent anti-inflammatory. Eating wild strawberries also helps regulate blood sugar and blood pressure. With its high mineral content, the scarlet berries remineralise the body. The best part? As sweet as these berries are, they don’t have a high sugar content and are very low-calorie! So, go ahead and enjoy all the gifts this beautiful berry offers.

Medicine Chest The entire wild strawberry plant has long been appreciated for its many health benefits. Strawberries were cultivated as medicine by the Romans and also later in France in the 13th century. Natives considered wild strawberries a sacred plant and a symbol of prosperity, as it is the first berry to appear in early summer. They also used the leaves in tea to treat scurvy and to soothe burns and sores.

Fresh, mashed strawberries can be used for brushing teeth and can even remove stains if swished around in your mouth for five minutes. Doing so can also help remove tartar buildup. The fruits are excellent for skin care. Crushing ripe, wild strawberries into a paste and applying to the face as a 10-minute mask helps tone and lighten spots, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and more. Rich in alpha hydroxy acid, the strawberries are a tonic that refreshes the skin.

Lovely Leaves Wild strawberry leaves can be harvested for medicine all summer long and are excellent fresh or dried. For a milder taste, pick the greens in the early spring before the strawberry flowers bloom. Rich in vitamin C, the leaves also contain iron and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. Leaves have a subtle fruity flavour when brewed as a tea. The tea made from the strawberry leaves is a gentle and nourishing blood tonic. Diuretic and gently depurative, the leaves can help cleanse the body. They contain tannins, an astringent component that will relieve diarrhoea when taken as an infusion. An infusion of the leaves can be used as a substitute for tea and calms nerves before bed.

All this time later, herbalists are still using wild strawberries for various treatments. While very powerful, this ‘weed’ is also a very gentle remedy and can heal many different ailments.

Fantastic Fruit Strawberries contain salicylic acid, and therefore, help treat liver, stomach, and kidney issues, as well as rheumatism and gout. Mildly laxative, this fruit can also cleanse the body.

WILD STRAWBERRIES

Patience is critical when wanting to indulge in these vibrant red gems A Gentle Medicine For All Got a bad sunburn? A cooled, strong infusion of the tea can help that. Soak a piece of cloth in the tea and apply to the burn as many times as needed. The same herbal infusion can be used as a mouthwash and gargle to treat gingivitis, inflammation, and ulcers.

Righteous Roots The roots can be dried, powdered and used in a herbal toothpaste formula to fortify the gums and keep them healthy. Harvested in the fall, the root can also treat diarrhoea and urinary infections.

The entire strawberry plant is very safe to use, but allergic reactions do happen. Although extremely rare, strawberry allergens can be serious. Avoid harvesting and ingesting this fruit if you suspect you are allergic. Otherwise, from mid-June to early July, grab a basket and enjoy some time in nature while harvesting this delicious fruit and benefiting from its excellent medicine. Happy foraging! 3

As sweet as these berries are, they don’t have a high sugar content and are very low-calorie!

Wild strawberries spread quickly via runners and seeds and easily take over lawns and flower beds

A therapist and healer for over 15 years, Caroline’s passion for medicinal plants only began after leaving the city for the quiet country life in Quebec, Canada. Eager to learn, she’s never looked back, using forests and wildflower fields as her classroom ever since. In a time where reconnecting with plants and nature is badly needed, she spreads her love for herbalism by holding teaching workshops about the powers of medicinal herbs and natural remedies.

Bio

BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

Local

Growers Samford, QLD

Millen Farm

Credit: Millen Farm

Millen Farm has created an ecological, regenerative urban agriculture model that can and should be replicated by communities everywhere. Run by a group of dedicated volunteers who each offer unique skillsets, the not-for-profit farm operates on about 5,000 square metres of public space near the Samford Village (the property was granted to them by the Moreton Bay Regional Council in 2015). With profound respect for the land and the microorganisms living beneath the soil, Millen Farm has transformed the once baron space into a flourishing food forest producing nutrientdense fruits and vegetables. Using permaculture principles, native trees surround the property to attract beneficial insects. A natural water capture helps make sure the gardens never goes thirsty. Millen Farm’s three pillars are “learn, grow, and feast.” Hands-on learning opportunities empower volunteers and help them grow nutritious, fresh, and seasonal food crops. Two independent farmers currently work on-site; Arran Heideman of Powerful Owl Permaculture, and the Mini Farm Project, a charity converting under-utilised spaces into urban farms growing food for those in need. Part of the harvest is sold online and to local diners and restaurants, where patrons can enjoy delicious meals grown just a few steps away. Celebrating local food. Learn more: millenfarm.org facebook.com/MillenFarm millenfarm Online Market: mfp.org.au/shop

Kemp Creek (NSW)

Working hard and eating well are the core values at Rita’s Farm. The familyowned property in Kemp Creek grows both conventional and organic fruits and vegetables; however, it is all farmed sustainably with the environment in mind. The business venture began when the family heard Sydneysiders complaining of storebought produce going bad within days. Growing up walking to the farm to cut fresh herbs for teas, Rita wondered why everyone couldn’t have the same wonderful experience? In 2004, she filled her small car with a fresh harvest and brought it to a local farmers’ market and never looked back. The positive and healthy effects the farm’s fresh, nutritional produce were having on the local community were far too many to deny, and today, Rita’s Farm operates a successful food box subscription service. Customers can choose from large size boxes for the entire family to medium or small-sized ones. From salad greens, traditional root crops, and any squash your heart desires to beans, peas, cucumbers, and flavourful fruits of all kinds, there’s something for everyone at Rita’s Farm. The farm’s website also offers a fresh selection of dairy, eggs, and artisan bread. Growing with the community in mind. Learn more: ritasfarm.com.au facebook.com/ritasfarmproduce ritasfarm

Credit: Rita’s Farm

Rita’s Farm

WHAT’S GROWING ON

WHO’S GROWING WHAT WHERE Stroud Road, NSW

Limestone Permaculture

Credit: Limestone Permaculture

in australia

Limestone Permaculture believes a regenerative and sustainable future is possible for us all as long as we work with, rather than against nature, strive for ethical change and apply holistic solutions thinking to our current problems! Limestone Farm is a highly productive one-acre demonstration property showcasing what is possible for your farm, homestead and garden via permaculture. Their holistic farm design features water harvesting and hydrology techniques, energy harvest and storage, natural and recycled building, integrated animal systems and pest management, appropriate technology, ethical economics and community connection. Within these mutually beneficial farm and garden synergies, you will find an intensive food forest orchard on swales; livestock including goats, ducks, chickens, turkey, guinea fowl, quail and bees; forest-layered plant guild gardens, native bush foods, annual vegetable market gardens and beekeeping, and a focus on healthy soils and water retention. Limestone holds regular farm tours and courses, provides permaculture consultancy, occasional farmgate produce sales and online education on seed saving, propagation, food preservation and various gardening techniques. The Cooper family is transitioning to a more self-reliant, wholesome lifestyle connected to the community that offers a promising future for generations to come. They want to send the message that we can all live more natural and healthy lives, regardless of where we live or the size of the property. We need to decide on a change, start planning and begin upskilling! Learn more: limestonepermaculture.com facebook.com/LimestonePermaculture facebook.com/SimplyHomesteading.Nici

Credit: Urban Green Farms

Richmond, VIC

Urban Green Farms

youtube.com/user/0zDigga/videos @limestone_permaculture

With a growing population and the pressing issue of climate change, Urban Green Farms recognises the need for alternative growing methods. The company firmly believes that vertical farming, aquaponics and hydroponics can help mitigate many of the problems we currently face, including food waste, global warming, soil erosion, and world hunger. The company was born when founder, Andrew Meseha, noticed adaptable, low-energy technology primarily being used for medical plants could also grow large amounts of food sustainably. Urban Green Farms aims to educate Australians on the importance of replacing conventional farming practices with the most eco-friendly and cost-effect solutions on the market. It encourages STEM education in schools and universities by assisting them with government grants and funding opportunities and offering various tutorials and excursions. The company offers products ranging from ready-to-go hydroponic and aquaponic systems for households to commercial solutions for greenhouses. Urban Green Farms has just finished designing and is about to execute the world’s first three-level underground farm that will draw its CO2 and energy from the origami fold-out house aboveground. Exciting future projects include finding a possible solution to soil depletion around the globe! Learn more: urbangreenfarms.com.au facebook.com/urbangreenfarms urbangreenfarms

GA R D EN CU LT U R E M AGA Z I N E.CO M

BY CODY J. GARRETT-TAIT

When It Rains, D

rought-proofing a garden is one issue many gardeners have to tackle at some point, but an equally problematic issue can be when you get too much rain! Apar t from the flooding events themselves, there is the follow-up issue of soaring humidity levels as the water dissipates, something greenhouse and

indoor growers can’t even escape. What can you do to give your garden a fighting chance in these less than ideal scenarios? As they say, an ounce of prevention is wor th a pound of cure.

Drainage and Aggregates Make sure your plants have adequate drainage. Your soil and growing media should be free-draining, along with your chosen containers and planting beds. Containers need sufficient drainage holes; consider adding a few more than what they had when you bought them. Garden beds should have generous amounts of aggregate material beneath them to allow for rapid draining. If you live in an area likely to experience heavy rain events, choosing a media with a coarse aggregate size will allow for water to dissipate. In large containers, this is especially impor tant, as blends with a fine grain size tend to compact and become saturated over time. This could mean the crucial difference of dry time between root recovery and root rot in an extreme rain event.

Ideally, the drainage aggregates should be predominantly based on materials that do not easily stratify in the soil. While perlite benefits from being very light and welldraining, it is also prone to float, meaning it works its way to the top in heavy flooding. Using it in conjunction with materials that tend to stay put is an ideal scenario and will often aid in firming the position of perlite. Pumice, scoria, biochar chunks, diatomite granules, and expanded clay balls all make fine, long-lasting choices to use alongside lighter materials.

Site Preparation and Mulch Prepare your outdoor site well in advance; this includes identifying any spots that could be potential water-wells in the garden and taking steps to fix them by building drainage trenches and terracing areas.

DROUGHT-PROOFING

It Pours! Moisture-retaining mulch may seem counterintuitive to apply when dealing with excessive rains, but doing so can mean preventing precious topsoil from washing away. It also protects the sur face feeder roots from harsh downpours that can damage them.

Fer tilisers and Enzymes Your actions in the wake of an extreme rain event can also make or break your garden’s recovery. Many may believe all of the fer tiliser has washed away and want to add more immediately. However, the plant’s roots are in a recovery state and are likely suffering from low oxygen conditions. Instead, give the garden some time. Soil inoculants are especially helpful in repopulating friendly microbes, which promote root recovery. You can mix these with the barest minimum of water. Some dry formulations can be applied directly to the soil sur face, appealing if the ear th is already soggy. The low oxygen conditions of excessive rain mean less than happy roots; a good-quality enzyme formulation can go a long way to clearing up dead material and turning it into valuable byproducts. Less dead and rotting material hanging around means much less chance for diseases to set in.

Indoor and Greenhouse Growers Hopefully, indoor growers have decent climate control, but it is best to triple-check dehumidifiers after heavy rains to make sure they’re handling any extra moisture. Have a sump-pump on standby in case of flooding. Floods also tend to mean power outages, so ensuring your backup supply is in functioning order is a good call. Greenhouse growers should raise their air flow and be on the lookout for any fungal diseases, making sure to have appropriate curatives on hand. We are all at the mercy of nature’s elements at all times, but careful planning is the difference between damage and outright disaster. 3

BIO

Cody is the owner of High Powered Organics and a second-generation Australian grower with more than a decade of experience in the horticulture industry. Cody works closely with growers locally and abroad, creating organic solutions for high output cropping. He achieves maximum results by combining aspects from permaculture, biodynamic farming, and Korean natural farming techniques. Cody’s main focus is finding natural, and sustainable ways to produce high-quality plants with a minimum of input.

59 59

BY RICH HAMILTON

Could

Regenerative Agriculture be the Answer to

Climate Change? Current agricultural practices also do not address pressing issues such as climate change, food poverty and the growing global population, estimated to reach 10.9 billion by 2100

REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE

he world’s farming industry and food system are no longer fit for purpose. Farming is directly responsible for

nearly 30% of all greenhouse emissions, and industrial agriculture is eroding soil at a rate of 24 billion tonnes a year. Modern agricultural practices are also contributing to wildlife and insect extinction. Around 40% of global

insect species are in decline, and one-third are endangered.

Perhaps the answer to climate change has been under our feet all along Conventional farming is designed for mass production. High demand for specific crops means the soil is continuously being fertilised and tilled. As a result, the earth is stripped of the possibility of any green growth; it has no time to recover and is left unprotected against the weather. Current agricultural practices also do not address pressing issues such as climate change, food poverty and the growing global population, estimated to reach 10.9 billion by 2100.

Soil is a live organism containing good bacteria, bugs, fungus and other living things that can break down organic matter and recycle it back to the plants as nutrients. In ideal conditions, one billion bacteria can live in just one teaspoon of rich soil!

Soil Rejuvenation To correct our mistakes and create a sustainable new farming model for future generations, we have to start building health and resilience back into the soil. Soil health is paramount for large scale farming, especially the topsoil, where 95% of all produce is grown. Soil is a live organism containing good bacteria, bugs, fungus and other living things that can break down organic matter and recycle it back to the plants as nutrients. In ideal conditions, one billion bacteria can live in just one teaspoon of rich soil! Soil and its organic makeup store and feed off of carbon. However, when the soil is tilled, it releases its carbon stores into the atmosphere, breaking down the soil’s microbiome. Farmland that is overworked or poorly managed will see more carbon and pollutants like pesticides and fertilisers leach into the air and weather supply. Estimates suggest that 50-70% of the carbon stored in soil worldwide has already been released into the atmosphere via industrial agriculture.

Working With Nature Regenerative agriculture has the potential to redesign the farming industry so that it can work in sync with nature, reducing the carbon footprint and strengthening the food supply chain. No-till practices, plant diversity, cover crops, feeding the soil with roots and compost, and introducing livestock to farmlands are all par t of regenerative agriculture. Beyond transforming how we grow food, this farming method can draw carbon out of the atmosphere, replenishing the soil. Just a 2% increase in soil carbon levels could be enough to offset all greenhouse gas emissions. Perhaps the answer to climate change has been under our feet all along.

Carbon Sinks We know regenerative growing helps revitalise the soil. But it also uses farmland as a carbon sink to slow down climate change. A carbon sink is a natural environment with the ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. On a global scale, the organic matter in soil contains almost four times as much carbon as you would find in either the vegetation that grows out of it or the atmosphere itself. The benefits of building stores of carbon into the soil are many, from cutting CO2 levels in the atmosphere to boosting food security, preventing biodiversity loss and creating more effective defences against adverse weather conditions.

REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE

No-till practices, plant diversity, cover crops, feeding the soil with roots and compost, and introducing livestock to farmlands are all part of regenerative agriculture. A Farming Revolution However, the theory on its own is not enough. We must put regenerative agriculture into practice on a mass scale. We need a complete farming revolution where the big corporations can help all farmers adopt new practices. Many farmers would like to switch to regenerative techniques to safeguard their livelihood and soil. This is especially true of the more impoverished farmers in the global south, where the current agriculture system provides them with the most problems. So how do we make regenerative agriculture a reality for all? A first-of-its-kind project underway in France and Belgium could be the answer. The project aims to transform agricultural practices and restore soil health in farms across the two countries with the largest share of the EU’s agricultural land. The project’s premise is to work with farmers to analyse what actions will most improve their profitability and greenhouse gas emissions. As the farms change over to using regenerative techniques, their farmland transforms from

The project aims to transform agricultural practices and restore soil health in farms across the two countries with the largest share of the EU’s agricultural land

a net emitter of greenhouse gases to a carbon sink. The reduction in emissions is then measured, and the farmers can benefit from climate finance. This system allows farmers to work towards various targets for reducing their emissions and rewards them for their efforts with financing from registered climate action projects. The money assists with the cost of further initiatives designed to mitigate climate change effects. A complete overhaul of the agriculture system may be a long way off. However, any steps forward in making it easier for farmers, especially those in developing countries, to implement climate-smart farming is positive. Empowering the farming community with regenerative agriculture practices will hopefully go a long way in solving the climate crisis, the loss of soil biodiversity, and the challenges of meeting global food supply demands for generations to come. Even the slightest change now could bring tremendous benefits further down the line. 3

BIO

An industry veteran with over 20 years of experience in a variety of roles, Rich is currently a business development manager for a large UK hydroponics distributor. The author of the Growers Guide book series, Rich also writes on all aspects of indoor gardening. He is also an independent industry consultant, working closely with hydroponic businesses worldwide.

BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

Achoo!

Longer Allergy Seasons Driven By Climate Change

Do your seasonal allergies seem to be getting worse? You’re not alone, and you can blame climate change for your sniffles, sneezes, and itchy eyes. As the planet warms up, our seasons are becoming longer. A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences finds that pollen seasons in North America have jumped by 20 days since 1990 and contain 21% more pollen, one of the leading causes of allergies in American adults! Researchers are linking the increased pollen production to warmer atmospheric temperatures and higher levels of carbon dioxide. Mild temperatures let a plant know that it’s time to release pollen, and the more temperate days we have, the more pollen is in the air. While over-the-counter allergy medications might offer temporary relief, global cooling will help make pollen season more manageable for allergy sufferers in the long-term. Another reason why regenerative agriculture, which stores carbon in healthy soil, is the way to grow! 3

Sources: •

•

Anderegg W, Abatzoglou J, Anderegg L, Bielory L, Kinney P, Ziska L. Anthropogenic climate change is worsening North American pollen seasons. (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences). bit.ly/2QP4PQJ Bugos, Claire. Climate Change Is Driving Longer, More Severe Pollen Seasons, Study Finds. (verywellhealth.com) bit.ly/3fwgXAG

sales@whg.net.au www.whg.net.au

Don’t want to miss out? Visit GardenCultureMagazine.com and subscribe now!

Grow your own – no matter where you live. Sustainable, efficient gardening. New hints and tips from our blog delivered to your inbox weekly, and be the first to know when the latest print magazine lands in a progressive garden shop near you. Truly local. Beyond fresh.

GardenCultureMagazine

@greatwhitemyco www.plantrevolution.com

CALCIUM

BY CODY J GARRETT-TAIT

The Case for

CALCIUM

hen many people think of helping plants achieve big yields, the prominent three NPK supplements often come to mind. Growers know to increase supplemental nitrogen in vegetative phases or boost potassium-phosphorous availability in the bloom cycle. However,

another macronutrient profoundly influences how well all nutrients are absorbed and how soil functions as a whole: calcium!

The influence of calcium on a grow extends far beyond the adjustment of soil pH levels. It affects the structure of soil and the metabolism of your garden. Calcium is the crucial element that allows your plants to use all their other nutrients, and without adequate and even generous amounts of it, all the NPK in the world won’t work.

Calcium in the Organic Garden

Calcium is the crucial element that allows your plants to use all their other nutrients, and without adequate and even generous amounts of it, all the NPK in the world won’t work

Calcium is the element that regulates the flow of nutrients into the roots and throughout the plant’s cells—a deficiency results in weak, unhappy, and disease-prone crops. With organic soil, careful forethought has to be given to providing enough of this element, but it can be easy to go overboard depending on the type you choose. Some calcium sources will react with acids in the soil and neutralise them, which is how pH is raised. Others react mildly or become available more through soil biology and weathering.

Calcium is an immobile nutrient in fast-growing annuals and is only taken up by the roots’ tips. It needs to be continuously available, as it is one of the basic building blocks of cell walls when plants are growing new shoots and root tips. Calcium is used in large amounts to strengthen the cell membranes when the garden has experienced an attack.

Not only plants require this secondary macronutrient. Even the fungi and rhizobacteria that live in and around the roots (forming the soil food web) require calcium for optimal functioning and enzyme production. As exciting as all the different organic fertilisers are, choosing the right source(s) for your mix is vital.

FOUR COMPLETE LIGHTING FIXTURES:

600/750W DE-HPS: COVER 1.2 x 1.5m @ 45cm 1000/1100W DE-HPS: COVER 1.5 x 2.1m @ 60cm

600/750W DE-HPS

1000/1100W DE-HPS

315W SE-CMH

630W DE-CMH

CALCIUM

Even the fungi and rhizobacteria that live in and around the roots require calcium for optimal functioning and enzyme production Some excellent organic sources you can use to build soil include:

Crushed Oyster Shell A fantastic amendment can be made by crushing oyster shells. This provides calcium carbonate in the aragonite form, ideal for adjusting soil pH due to its slightly higher solubility than the calcite form. The varying grain size produced from crushing and grinding the shells provides long-term buffering and calcium availability, along with a decent array oyster shell of peripheral trace minerals and even chitin.

Limestone The most familiar calcium source available to people is almost entirely pure calcium carbonate in the calcite form, derived from seashells over millions of years. It provides fast buffering and is highly reactive, which is excellent for peat moss-based soils, but the extremely fine grind means you might need to follow up applications throughout the growth cycle to ensure adequate supply. Most gardeners will do better choosing limestone over dolomitic limestone (dolomite) due to the calcium/magnesium ratio. If dolomite is continually used, the excess magnesium it provides will interfere with how the soil crumbs together, Limestone leading to one that functions more like a brick.

Wollastonite Wollastonite acts well as a liming source, offering some pH correction. It has shown in studies to provide some tangible and notable increases in yield, unique to those of other liming choices. Wollastonite is calcium silicate, so it is calcium and silica. Using it provides both of these nutrients, and often both deficiencies show up at the same time, so it’s a two-for-one hit. It is not a potent acid neutraliser, though, so Wollastonite while it can offer some pH correction, carbonate forms are best used together.

Gypsum Calcium sulphate is a source often sold as a clay breaker for sodic clay soils. In these types of clays, it will help the par ticles bond together into crumbs, allowing for better gypsum root penetration. But it is also a fantastic long-acting source of calcium that provides the catalyst nutrient sulphur alongside it. Gypsum also doesn’t significantly affect soil pH, making it suitable for delivering more calcium to plants that prefer more acidic conditions or when using media like coco coir for your soil base, which are already close to neutral in pH.

Rock Minerals Azomite, volcanic ash, basalt, and clays like montmorillonite also contribute valuable amounts of calcium and an extensive array of trace minerals essential for its use.

azomite

Organic Amendments Bone Meal, whole fish meal, and guano, par ticularly seabird guano, contain useful NPK along with additional amounts of calcium, making them a suitable choice when needing to supply multiple things at once.

fish meal

Creating Balance It is always good practice to balance the amount of nitrogen added with calcium, especially if you use a source that can acidify soil conditions. Ammonical nitrogen has demonstrated this effect, but many other nitrogen sources tend to cause a downward trend in soil pH if overused. Adding additional neutralising-type calcium can help overcome this, resulting in better uptake. Calcium, being a cation, means adding high CEC ingredients like quality compost enhances its retention, allowing you to front-load the soil with more of it and have it slow-release over time. Don’t skimp on the organic matter! When planning out your perfect soil mix, or amending old soil, give some thought as to how you can get enough calcium into your blend so your garden can achieve incredible yields. 3

BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

A Gardener’s Journey to Self-Sufficiency, Health, and Happiness

A GARDENER’S JOURNEY

Zorab wondered if she was mad taking on a property of that size when she needed canes to move around, but the pull she felt toward the property was too strong to ignore.

bout six years ago, Liz Zorab knew that something wasn’t right. She had gained weight, her hearing and vision were suffering, and her hair was falling out. Her health was rapidly deteriorating; she had no energy and spent 23 hours a day in bed. A trip to the doctor confirmed severe thyroid and mineral deficiencies, Raynaud’s disease, and a weak

positive result for Lupus. The devastating diagnosis came while searching for a new place to live in the English countryside.

Finding ‘The One’

Healthy Food, Healthy People

In November 2015, Zorab and her partner, whom she refers to as “Mr J”, fell in love with a house on three-quarters of an acre in Monmouthshire in South East Wales. Zorab wondered if she was mad taking on a property of that size when she needed canes to move around, but the pull she felt toward the property was too strong to ignore. The purchase ended up being the best thing she could have done for her health, mentally and physically.

As her gardens have progressed, so has Zorab’s health. She gradually gained more energy, and the fresh foods she consumes have given her body the nutrients it needs to recover, replacing some medications. When grown right, food truly is our medicine.

The Journey to Self-Sufficiency In the years that followed, Byther Farm was born. Zorab and Mr J became more self-sufficient with the planting of a fruit and vegetable garden. The journey wasn’t easy; Zorab’s health problems meant only so much could be done at a time, and at first, the soil under their feet was virtually lifeless. In nine shovelfuls of earth, they found only three worms. Permaculture principles helped the couple bring new life to their property. They started compost heaps and began adding plenty of organic matter to the soil. Hedgerows that include wild rose, purple willow, elderberry, blackthorn, and more encourage biodiversity; birds and insects of all kinds have since moved in. Zorab integrated small livestock onto her landscape with chickens and now some beloved ducks that do an excellent job of eating slugs and snails. No-dig gardening ensures that the soil structure is preserved, and crop interplanting has helped with pest control; no toxic chemicals are used on the farm.

What Zorab and Mr J have achieved on less than an acre of land is astounding. Zorab has documented her journey on her blog and in her new book, Grounded: A Gardener’s Journey to Abundance and Self-Sufficiency. The beautifully photographed pages offer insight and tidbits on how gardeners of all skill levels can accomplish their growing goals using regenerative agricultural practices. Throughout the book, Zorab shares deeply personal experiences about her health struggles; readers will want to find out if she will be okay. But most of all, Zorab’s book proves that we are all capable of succeeding in the garden. We will all face various hurdles and obstacles in our growing ventures, but with some heart, work, and willpower, we all have it in us to overcome these challenges. Zorab’s story is inspiring, and her book a must-read; until you have the chance, we chatted with her about Grounded and life on Byther Farm.

Zorab’s gardens are multi-purpose with multiple layers. She maximises existing water flows and works with nature, never against it. She and Mr J have transformed their plot of land from a grassy paddock into a lush landscape brimming with trees, shrubs, and native flowers. An abundance of beans hang beautifully from trellises, and pollinators buzz happily through raised beds and polytunnels overflowing with other nutritious fruits and vegetables, enough to feed the couple and plenty of their neighbours. Byther Farm offers a small CSA vegetable scheme where subscribers can feel good about how and where their food is grown.

Byther Farm

In nine shovelfuls of earth, they found only three worms. Permaculture principles helped the couple bring new life to their property

Q: You say you tend to your garden by instinct. Do you think everyone has that instinct and is it something we can develop? I think everyone has the potential to grow instinctively. The wisdom of previous generations and other cultures; the tried and tested skills and knowledge handed down to us are valuable and useful tools to guide us through the steps and stages of tending a garden and stewarding a growing space. Knowing some of those rules, a little about how plants grow and what they need to thrive, allows us the freedom to experiment and to find out what works in our own particular growing spaces. I feel the more we get to know the space we grow in, how the air and water move across that space, the soil and the plants, the more we can use our gut instincts.

Wormwood

Q: You talk about “noticing things” in your book, and how as a gardener, that’s a valuable tool. Observation is critical in permaculture practices. It’s the number one principle. It’s the first and last tool I use in the garden, at home, out and about. Seeing what is around us, taking time to really look and understand is the key. So many of the changes, the adjustments and improvements that I’ve made in the garden resulted from observing, assessing, trying something slightly different and observing again. The quiet time I spend in the garden is mostly for observation and reflection: the more I notice, the more I can see how the elements work together.

Q: Is it possible to create a “food forest” and thriving organic gardens without breaking the bank? Absolutely! We had a very small budget when we moved here; everything had to be done at a minimal cost. I sourced trees, shrubs and perennials from supermarkets, free listing sites and donations from friends. I swapped plants with neighbours and propagated as many plants as I could. This doesn’t make an instant garden, but that instant fix doesn’t happen in the natural world either. Slower, smaller changes allow us to observe and understand their impact on our gardens and the environment around us.

Q: Do you have plans to expand your CSA beyond 20 boxes, or are you keeping it very small-scale? The autumn and winter have been very tough for so many of us, and this year, my SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) has taken longer than usual to start lifting. Recognising and acknowledging that I am struggling with depression is an important part of approaching the work on our homestead. This year, I have chosen to put less pressure on myself and concentrate on growing food for the family and a handful of veg box customers who have been with us since the start. Far from being a step backwards, I see this as an affirmation that I am learning how to be responsive, take responsibility for my own welfare, and care for myself for the longer term.

A GARDENER’S JOURNEY

Q: Like you, many of us live in climates with shorter growing periods. Explain how you work with the seasons on a much deeper level than just in the garden. One of the easiest ways to explain how I now work is to imagine that you live without electric lights and that your working day is as long as the hours of natural light. So, in the winter months, I work for fewer hours and rest more, giving my body a chance to recuperate and rejuvenate. By permitting myself to rest more, I have removed the pressure and stress of the ‘I ought to be doing x, y or z’ type thoughts. I have found that profoundly calming and healing.

Q: From hedgerows and compost to small livestock and no-dig gardening methods, you’ve got a lot of good things going on in your garden. Is there one technique that stands out as more important than the other, or is permaculture really about striking a balance between all of these elements? It’s not so much that one technique or practice is more important; it is about the beneficial relationships between the elements in our gardens and how they interact. While one technique may be helpful, it only comes alive and gets valuable when interacting with the other elements. The whole design works in harmony because of and with the individual components.

Zorab’s gardens are multipurpose with multiple layers. She maximises existing water flows and works with nature, never against it.

The combination of fresh air, gentle exercise, being outside and immersed in the garden have been key to my recovery Q: Your book is such an excellent read; one of my favourite parts was finding out how your thriving organic garden has helped improve your mobility and health. The nutritious foods you are growing have even replaced many of the medications you were taking for your chronic illness. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed Grounded. The combination of fresh air, gentle exercise, being outside and immersed in the garden have been key to my recovery. Replacing highly processed meals with fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables gives us access to nutrient-dense food without all the additives that might come in pre-made meals. Certainly, we both feel better for having access to an array of fresh foods.

Q: What’s your favourite organic pest control method? Other than barrier methods, like netting, to exclude pests from reaching plants, I don’t use any human intervention against pests. Instead, I encourage natural predators into the garden so that they do pest control. It may not be an instant fix, but to me, it’s part of the natural progression of creating growing space. The non-human intervention comes in the form of ducks. We have a flock of Aylesbury ducks (think of Beatrix Potter’s Jemima Puddleduck) that are encouraged to forage in the food forest and vegetable garden at various times of the year. Ducks are natural slug and snail detectives, and in the humid atmosphere of the oceanic temperature climate at Byther Farm, we have an awful lot of gastropods and very happy ducks!

SLIM LINE Gavita Pro 1000e DE 240 SL

• Slim-line ballast, only 19,4 cm high

• Highest light output and maintains the highest over time • Highly efficient passive cooling of ballast for longer lifetime • External control with Repeater Bus interface • Compatible with the manually dimmable Gavita RS1 www.gavita.com

Gavita Remote Switch 1

A GARDENER’S JOURNEY

I kept the overall picture in my mind throughout creating our gardens but focused on the small, immediate tasks that needed doing. It was a bit like having a mental ‘to-do list’, and I ticked them off with each tiny step Q: We all make mistakes in the garden. Even you? I’ve made so many mistakes, more than I can possibly tell you about! But I’ve realised that it is through mistakes that we learn, so some mistakes aren’t necessarily bad. I try to look at mistakes to eliminate what doesn’t work and that brings me one step closer to finding what will work in that particular situation. In so many areas of our lives, finding what works for us is a process of elimination; I feel the same applies in the garden.

Liz Zorab’s roses

Q: It’s good to dream, but at some point, we need to turn our vision into reality. What’s the first step to making that happen? Share the ideas with someone. It doesn’t need to be somebody who will understand the vision, but I find saying it aloud gives me a way to realise that either my idea is great and I want to get right on with it, or that the idea is impractical, unrealistic or just plain daft. And there have been a great many ideas that have fallen at this stage!

Q: I look at what you were able to create all the while suffering through illness, and it’s incredible. Many of us wouldn’t be up to the task. Can you offer some words of encouragement to those wanting to jump into gardening but not being able to find the energy? Thank you. I kept the overall picture in my mind throughout creating our gardens but focused on the small, immediate tasks that needed doing. It was a bit like having a mental ‘to-do list’, and I ticked them off with each tiny step. I think it’s very easy to become overwhelmed by the enormity of what we want to do. Breaking each task down into bite-size pieces allows us not just to complete those small tasks but to celebrate every one of them. I find one of the most energising and motivating feelings is ‘I did that!’ 3

Grounded: A Gardener’s Journey to Abundance and Self-Sufficiency can be purchased online and at most major bookstores. Learn more about Liz Zorab’s gardening adventures on her blog at bytherfarm.com.

Bio

Catherine is a Canadian award-winning journalist who worked as a reporter and news anchor in Montreal’s radio and television scene for 10 years.A graduate of Concordia University, she left the hustle and bustle of the business after starting a family. Now, she’s the editor and a writer for Garden Culture Magazine while also enjoying being a mom to her two young kids. Her interests include great food, gardening, fitness, animals, and anything outdoors.

BY COLIN BELL AND MATTHEW WALLENSTEIN

HARNESSING NATURE

ack an aspen tree down to its stump, and within weeks, it will regenerate new limbs. But strip away the soil beneath it, and it could take thousands of years before it can suppor t that same tree. Nature paints a por trait of resilience. Regenerative Agriculture focuses on building soils that can

continuously suppor t crops season after season with decreasing need for chemical inter ventions.

Regenerative Agriculture draws on two terms with deep meaning:

re·gen·er·a·tive /rəˈjen(ə)rədiv/ To replace (a body part) by new growth. To become formed again. To produce again chemically. To produce anew.

Regenerative Agriculture focuses on building soils that can continuously support crops season after season with decreasing need for chemical interventions

ag·ri·cul·ture /ˈaɡrəˌkəlCHər/ The science or practise of farming, including cultivation of the soil for the growing plants to provide food, medicine, and other products. The word regenerative is aspiring and inspiring. Just as the Aspen tree sprouts new limbs from a decapitated stump, we can rebuild our depleted soils and revive agriculture-focused communities around a shared mission to enhance cultivators’ livelihoods, environmental health, and food quality. Regenerative agriculture emerged from cultivator-led efforts to restore degraded farm soils with an eye towards biodiversity, water efficiency, and soil microbes to renew soil fertility. Interest in this topic has exploded as innovative and enthusiastic cultivators have shared their practices and outcomes through social media, books, and events. Four fundamental principles ground regenerative agriculture: • Reducing disturbance of the soil • Keeping the soil covered with plants throughout the year • Minimising chemical inputs • Increasing plant and soil biodiversity By maximising soil health, crop yields increase while the necessity for intensive management and inputs decreases. Historic regenerative practices include no-till, cover crops, and the integration of animals into cropping systems. These techniques often emulate and borrow from complex and sustainable agricultural practices developed by Indigenous communities long ago. Some may see regenerative agriculture as a step back in time. A few decades ago, it was common to see complex farming operations growing many crops and animals in an integrated system. But, in just the last several decades, we have lost up to half of our topsoil as farms became larger and more productive but also less diverse and resilient. This is a critical problem because as soils continue to degrade, so will crop production. While the reemergence of regenerative agriculture often focuses on practices like crop-livestock integration and cover crops, cutting-edge biological technologies can also accelerate

soil health and ecosystem recovery, thus reducing the need for chemical fertiliser and pesticide applications. These naturefocused modern technologies can be integrated over time as very sustainable, efficient, and profitable tools. The scientific understanding of the benefits that regenerative agriculture offers to growers is also quickly advancing. Recent studies have shown that rapid soil carbon buildup under intensively managed grazing systems leads to improved soil fertility and crop productivity. They have shown that compost additions can stimulate beneficial biological activity in soils while suppressing soil-borne pathogens. These benefits indicate the resilience and longevity that regenerative agriculture creates in farming systems by developing healthy soils. Across a broad range of agricultural production systems, growers are looking for new ways to incorporate regenerative principles in their operations. These simple, nature-focused principles can be adapted into all management practices, including indoor agriculture.

Q: Why should commercial and home growers consider adopting regenerative agriculture practices for indoor production? A: The time and energy you put towards implementing regenerative practices into your cultivation system will lead to great returns by maximising your plants’ health and quality (flavour, resin, and potency) while reducing the need for strict feeding and pesticide regimes. Some simple steps allow you to bridge the gap between implementing regenerative agriculture practices into your growing system. However, the first step is developing the mindset of growing soil, not plants! Cultivators that successfully integrate regenerative agriculture practices into their management will focus on activities that build soil fertility and biology to support plant growth. Once you make healthy soil, your plants will grow to their maximum potential with ease.

HARNESSING NATURE

Regenerative agriculture can be simply and practically applied to your grow system. The results may seem magical, but it’s all about harnessing nature The learning curve on your regenerative agriculture journey may be steep initially. Thus, we recommend a gradual approach to regenerative principles with some simple actions that are easy to adopt. First, let’s talk composting. Composting uses natural microbes to break down organic waste into a rich organic material that is the foundation of soil health. With the right combination of carbon, nitrogen, water, and oxygen, the microbes get to work. You can use finished compost as a top dressing and as a transplant mix to feed your plants. The simple thing about composting is that you can throw leaf clippings and food scraps into a pile, and they will decompose into nutrient-rich compost for your garden. Let’s put our waste to work for us! The three main ingredients for successful composting – microbes, oxygen, and moisture – are the recipe for success: Soil microbes facilitate the composting process. Using soil inoculants is a great way to kick start the process. You can use products on the shelf or grab some soil from your yard to add to the mix – your call! 2. Microbes need oxygen to do their job. Turning the materials in your pile over once a week will add just enough air. You can also aerate the compost pile by poking it with a pitchfork. If your compost pile smells like ammonia, it has gone anaerobic, and this is a sign that it needs to be turned. 3. Adequate moisture is the third essential component. This is simple – just water it. Note: your compost pile should be moist like a damp sponge, not saturated or soggy.

of warning - don’t use compost before it is ready, or it can be very messy! After you have dialled in this primary tool on how to build soil – we must use it! This is where the learning curve kicks in. Q: How many nutrients will you deliver to your plants? A: It depends on your compost! You can measure it by simply measuring the nutrients. This can be accomplished initially by using a soil testing lab. Local universities can test the soil, and several private companies also perform these services. Once you understand the N:P:K concentration of your compost, you can start regularly monitoring onsite using a PPM meter. For compost, growers can make a 10:1 (water to compost) slurry in a small cup and measure the ppm of the slurry.

At maximum, a compost pile should be no larger than 1m x 1m x 1m. Either use a barrel or wood box as a container to hold your compost. Quick tip #1: Barrels work great as a container for easily turning the compost simply by rolling the barrel a quarter turn every week. Also, the more you shred the material, the quicker it will decompose. Depending on the size of your compost pile, the composting process can take three months to two years, so planning ahead (so you’ll regularly have finished compost to incorporate into your growing system) is the first major hurdle you’ll encounter on your regenerative agriculture journey. Quick tip #2: Word

Q: Do you need supplemental nutrients? A: At first, it is likely, but over time you will be able to rely heavily on the nutrients provided by the compost and become less dependent on other nutrient inputs. And get this – different composting inputs will yield different results. You must become a master at understanding the best inputs for your compost. This will lead you to become a master at growing soil. After you have mastered the use of composting as a fertility source to grow your soil, your next steps should consider using raised bed, introducing natural predators and natural products for pest management, and rotational and companion plant cropping. By adopting regenerative agriculture principles, you can develop a soil system that will grow the best quality product. Once one has experienced a quality that overshadows all others, a new standard is set, and people will do whatever is in their means to experience that quality again. This is not easy, but one step at a time, regenerative agriculture can be simply and practically applied to your grow system. The results may seem magical, but it’s all about harnessing nature. 3

BIO

Colin Bell is the co-founder, co-inventor and Chief Growth Officer at Mammoth Microbes. Colin is passionate about science, and received his PhD. in Biological Sciences, specialising in soil microbial ecology and plant-microbe interactions. He left his academic position at Colorado State University in March 2015 to launch Mammoth Microbes. When he’s not travelling the world interacting with and learning from cultivators, there is nothing Colin enjoys more than teaching and working with the team at Mammoth Microbes. You can find Colin on Instagram: @colinwbell Matt Wallenstein is the co-founder, co-inventor, and chairman at Mammoth Microbes. He has a PhD. in Ecology from Duke University and is the head of the Soil and Crop Sciences department at Colorado State University. Matt’s research has focused on the role of microbiomes in critical ecosystem processes and how microbes adapt to environmental change. He is currently focusing on managing and engineering rhizosphere microbiomes to enhance sustainable agriculture. Matt has enjoyed the opportunity to work with the Mammoth Microbes team to create something that helps cultivators grow bigger, healthier plants with lower environmental impact.

GREEN ADVICE

BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

WAYS REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE WORKS Regenerative agriculture is all about repairing, building, and maintaining healthy soil. The approach goes beyond sustainable and organic and is the only way out of the current climate crisis. With the United Nations estimating that we only have 60 years of topsoil left, conventional farming practices must take a back seat; regenerative growing is our future. In our list of 5 Cool Ways Regenerative Agriculture Works, you’ll learn how if we save the soil we just might be able to save ourselves.You don’t need a farm or vast property to participate in this essential movement; rural or urban, largescale or small, we can all incorporate regenerative methods into our growing regimes!

Biodiversity

Diversity is what makes us strong and beautiful as people; the same applies to the garden. Conventional agriculture has all but eliminated biodiversity through a dependency on monocultures and the use of toxic chemicals. Entire ecosystems and native species are rapidly depleting. According to the Rodale Institute, this makes crops more prone to pests and diseases emerging as a result of climate change. Regenerative agriculture encourages biodiversity by layering a variety of plants together. Beneficial insects and other wildlife are drawn to such environments; pollination is never an issue, and birds and other natural predators act as pest control. Below the ground, microorganisms of all kinds thrive. The immediate environment and its plants are made more resilient by nature, and nature is made stronger by the variety of plant life. It’s the perfect symbiotic relationship! Whether you have a farm, a backyard or a balcony garden, creating biodiversity is an element of regenerative agriculture we can all practice!

Cover Cropping

Cover crops are a cornerstone of organic growing, and they’re also an essential part of regenerative agriculture. Beyond deterring erosion and weeds, cover crops help protect soil structure by building nitrogen and organic matter levels. They also significantly improve the ground’s water retention capabilities, break up compacted earth, and have even been found to sequester carbon and reduce global warming! Cover crops help with soil carbon storage because they are largely made of carbon, which decomposes into organic matter. They are also a source of food for soil microbes such as fungi, linked to even more carbon storage. Examples of cover crops include legumes such as pea and hairy vetch, which fix nitrogen as they grow. Grassy plants can also be used, like oats and barley. Use them year-round or plant them in the fall for winter coverage. Whatever the plan, cover crops are a must for protecting soil as we battle climate change. Remember; soil should never be left bare.

80 80

GREEN ADVICE

WAYS REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE WORKS

No-Till Gardening

Why waste precious energy digging when you should be focusing on planting and harvesting? If you want to see things thrive above ground, you need to make sure there’s a whole lot of life bustling underground too. Keeping precious soil life intact is essential to regenerative growing, which means ditching heavy machinery and handheld tillers. Ploughing and tillage are major contributing factors to soil erosion and also release CO2 into the atmosphere. No-dig gardening and farming avoids those issues and also help keep weed seeds buried so they can’t germinate.The method is proven to be a more productive way to grow large-scale crops; plants require less water and have a healthy population of soil microbes to feed them! There are many different no-dig gardening methods, including lasagna layering, polyculture techniques, and straw bale gardening. Even if you have an existing garden, making the transition to no-dig is easy. And your back with thank you!

Compost

The benefits of compost cannot be overstated. Aptly referred to as ‘black gold,’ compost can fix almost any garden problem, from poor drainage and low nutrient availability to dense soil structure and issues with pests and diseases. The best part? It’s easy to make at home for free with organic materials such as leaves, straw, garden debris, and food waste. If making homemade compost isn’t your thing, plenty of good quality options are available on the market. Adding a two-inch layer of compost to garden beds at the beginning and end of every season will help the soil better hold nutrients and water and create a more hospitable environment for beneficial biology. Vermicompost can be added to crops whenever it looks like they need a little boost; when it comes to worm castings, there’s no such thing as having too much of a good thing. No matter what kind of compost you use, there truly is no better soil amendment available, which is why it’s a staple of regenerative agriculture!

Livestock and Rotational Grazing

Okay, we know not everyone can add farm animals to their properties, especially those living in urban areas. But animals like cows, pigs, bison and more play an essential role in regenerative farming because they help reduce CO2 emissions through the art of rotational grazing. Rotating animals continuously from paddock to paddock protects the land from overuse. When livestock is moved from one pasture, the plants have time to recover and develop stronger root systems. As they grow, they pull carbon from the air. When the animals graze on another pasture, green material is broken down and given back to the soil either by trampling or manure. As organic matter increases, so do fertility and water-retention abilities. No need for expensive and potentially toxic fertilisers! While the soil benefits significantly from this practice, the animals also reap the benefits. Eating fresh forage means less need for supplemental feed. It’s a win-win! 3

Sources: • • • • 82 82

Highland, Mark. Practical Organic Gardening:The No-Nonsense Guide to Growing Naturally. (Cool Springs Press, 2017) Nardozzi, Charlie. No-Dig Gardening: Grow Beautiful Vegetables, Herbs, and Flowers - The Easy Way! (Cool Springs Press, 2021) Schroeder, Brianna J. Janzen Ag Law: Regenerative Agriculture and Livestock. bit.ly/3cy6Wkz Rodale Institute: Biodiversity bit.ly/3uc6CO7

HOUSE & GARDEN

A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR HEAVY FLOWERS WWW.HOUSE-GARDEN.COM.AU