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Top 10

DIY Organic Pest Control

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS

DON’T START WITH

68 63

WHO’S GROWING WHAT WHERE

77 44

GUERILLA GARDENING I N TH IS ISSUE OF GARD EN CULTURE : 9 Foreword 10 Author Spotlight 11 Product Spotlights 18 Organic Gardening for Healthy Plants 24 Going Beyond Organic 30 Plant Steering Mothers and Cuttings 36 An Urgent Call For Food Justice 44 Hemp: So Much More Than You Think 50 Top 10 DIY Organic Pest Control 56 Sea Delights 61 CBD and COVID-19 63 Guerilla Gardening

HEMP 68 A Word Of Advice: Don’t Start Growing With Organics 77 Who’s Growing What Where 80 Cannabis Breeding 101 88 Cover Crops A Cornerstone of Organic Growing 92 Cow Farts Are No Joke 93 Hello, Houseplants! 95 Hungry Bumblebees 96 Best of the Blog 98 Wild Violet Weeds:Tasty Medicinal Gems 102 Water Conservation for Sealed Hydroponic Environments 104 5 Cool All-Natural Tricks For A Thriving Garden

FOREWORD & CREDITS

FOREWORD

ight now, more gardens are growing than at any time in our history. One of the good things to come out of this pandemic is an increased interest

in food self-sufficiency around the world. Sales of seeds and star ter plants are at an all-time high, and progressive “grow” stores are busier than ever. Fur thermore, organic gardening techniques have everyone’s attention.

When it comes to organic growing, there is no easy or single way to do it. That doesn’t mean it can’t be easy, because it can be. In her article, Organic Gardening For Healthy Soil, Plants, and People, Anne Gibson lays out the basic principles we should follow when growing our food outdoors. You’ll see that working with nature is simpler than you think and that you can achieve excellent results in the garden. Growing organically indoors is another story. Everest Fernandez has some great advice if you are just starting: he recommends not growing organically; at least not right away. Commercial fertilizers are often balanced and will provide your plant with all they need in each stage of growth. After a couple of successful crops, try organics. Once you are growing organically, you’ll need to know how to naturally control the inevitable pests that will show up on or around your plants. In this issue, Rich Hamilton provides us with his top ten ways to do that. In Going Beyond Organic, Evan Folds reminds us that eating is an agricultural act and that we can all mobilize to help change a toxic system. For good measure, we’ve thrown in an article introducing the many benefits of hemp, written by newcomer, Jesse Singer. And in preparation

CREDITS Special thanks to: Albert Mondor, Anne Gibson, Caroline Rivard, Catherine Sherriffs, Cosmic Knot, Doug Jacobs, Evan Folds, Everest Fernandez, Jesse Singer, Martyna Krol, Rich Gellert, and Rich Hamilton. PRESIDENT Eric Coulombe eric@gardenculturemagazine.com +1-514-233-1539 E XCU 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

for your beach vacation, Albert Mondor shares a list of some delicious

ISSN 2562-3567 (Print) · ISSN 2562-3575 (Online)

plants you can find by the sea.

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

It is a subject we are passionate about, and after reading this edition of Garden Culture, we hope that you are crazy about organics too.

Happy growing, Eric 3

@GardenCulture

@GardenCultureMagazine

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D I ST R I B U T I O N PA R T N ER S • Hydrofarm • Stellar Wholesale • pHive.8 • Autopot USA • Biofloral USA • Eddi’s • Biofloral

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.

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

Author Spotlight

I’m a big indoor grower. Growing up in the city, it is natural for me to grow inside; I love that.

Rich Hamilton

arden Culture Magazine is proud to have a wide variety of knowledgeable writers from many different backgrounds. We’d like to

introduce you to our friend, Rich Hamilton, an industry veteran, indoor growing exper t, author, and host of the podcast, The Hydro Chronicle.

Is there a motto you grow by? What you give is what you get. Plants need care and attention to get the maximum expression out of them. Put the time in, and they will reward you. What is your favorite plant to grow? I’m a big chilli and herb grower. I grow them in my kitchen so I can dress and enhance my food with fresh condiments, dressings, and rubs. Indoor or outdoor, where do you prefer to grow? I’m a big indoor grower. Growing up in the city, it is natural for me to grow inside; I love that. I love seeing the relationship between the natural and the modern world together in the same space. What is your favorite podcast? Easy! My podcast, The Hydro Chronicle, which is now available on iTunes (shameless plug!). I love Joe Rogan’s podcast. What that man has done for modern media is incredible; he’s a true inspiration.

Where in the world would you like to travel to next? I would love to spend some time traveling in Ecuador and stopping at the Mashpi Lodge. If you haven’t heard of it, check it out. It’s a modern lodge set in the hear t of a rainforest. I would love to take some time out and write a new book there; I’ve had an idea for one rattling away in the back of my head for the last few years now. It’s about time I got it out. 3

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

GARDEN PRODUCTS

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS POWERSUN DE BALLAST 1000W 120 / 240V HPS BULB INCLUDED HIGH QUALITY · HIGH PERFORMANCE · HIGH RESULTS Each ballast uses a high temperature, resin-sealed component board for entirely silent operation without a fan.The units are burned-in at the factory for approximately twelve hours to ensure maximum reliability.

Product Advantages • High-efficiency electronic ballast • No acoustic resonance • Lower harmonic distortion • High output and improved spectrum • Driver efficiency at full power: 95-96% • Dimmable and Multi-Wattage with boost Ballasts use a micro-processor similar to your home computer. • Completely sealed against dust and SCHÉMA DE MONTAGE This microprocessor allows the ballast to run halide or sodium moisture ballast doit être mis à la terre lamps. It is programmed for a Le «soft-start» and does not • Completely silent, light-weight and high require an initial surge of power to light the lamp.This increases energy-efficient the lamp life and allows the end-user to start multiple ballasts at the same time without tripping breakers.

Les voyants 1 et 2 pour in

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Ra re Dankn e ss N ut r ie nts PROTECTIONS

1. Protection contre la fin de vie de la lampe 2. Protection contre le court-circuit 3. Protection contre le circuit ouvert 4. Protection contre le circuit d’allumage 5. Protection thermique

Common plant feeding issues have been eliminated with their premium commercial dry fertilizer program. After years of testing, the team at Rare Dankness Nutrients has developed a practical, versatile, and easy program that requires only a base and as few as three nutrient tanks. All varieties are compatible with soilless media, are pH balanced, heavy metal-free, and easily allow for custom mixing to meet all types of growing situations. Contact ATTENTION Hydrofarm to experience nutrition simplified and terpenes amplified for yourself. Les surtensions, les pannes de courant et les surcharges à la suite de pannes peuvent endommager la lampe. La technologie de démarrage souple est une caractéristique de sécurité qui réduit les dommages portés au ballast par la défaillance d’une lampe. En cas d’extinction automatique imprévue, débrancher l’appareil du secteur, retirer la lampe défectueuse ou inspecter le système en vue de problèmes de connexion, puis brancher à nouveau le cordon d’alimentation du ballast.

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ERREURS

NON-RESPONSABILITÉ La garantie ne s’applique pas aux situations suivantes : 1. L’utilisateur a installé le produit sans suivre le schéma de montage indiqué dans le présent guide et endommage le produit. 2. Le produit a été endommagé par une personne (ex. : le produit a été plongé dans l’eau) ou l’utilisateur n’a pas suivi les directives du présent guide. 3. Le produit a été installé ou utilisé sans respecter les lois et règlements en vigueur. 4. L’utilisateur a recouvert la marque de garantie; un client ou un tiers a tenté d’entretenir, de réparer ou de modifier le produit et a endommagé ce dernier. 5. Le produit a été utilisé dans un environnement ne satisfaisant pas les clauses du présent guide.

FRANÇAIS

GUIDE D’UTILISATION

6. Le produit a été endommagé par force majeure (ex. : tension anormale, séisme, inondation, incendie, foudre, accident de transport, etc.). 7. Le produit a été endommagé par une personne pendant la manutention ou le transport. 8. Le produit a été endommagé étant donné la conception incompatible ou la défaillance de produits provenant de tiers (ex. : luminaire). 9. La période de couverture par la garantie est terminée. 12 12

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS New sizes! Green Cleaner is a highly effective spray used to control and kill a wide range of damaging pests and diseases (as listed on the label).Approved for all food/feed crops and use in the production of cannabis, from start to harvest. Green Cleaner fits in well with all IPM programs and effectively controls pests by killing bugs and their eggs on contact, eliminating reproductive activity. Green Cleaner can be one of the most critical tools in your arsenal of pest control solutions because it delivers an immediate response of many harder-to-kill insects. Visit CentralCoastGarden.com for full details.

EYE HORTILUXÂŽ CMH 315 Grow Grow Light System The components in the EYE HORTILUX CMH 315 Grow Light System are optimized to work more efficiently together than any other fixture on the market. The reflector shape and metal composition are designed to work collectively with the ballast and lamp to provide a more even distribution of light over the plant canopy.This optimization offers 30% more uniform light and 8% more overall light to the plant canopy than most competitors.The CMH 315 system comes standard with the EYE HORTILUX 315W CMH grow lamp, which provides 50% more UV than typical CMH lamps on the market. Go to EyeHortilux.com for the latest products.

Introducing Baby Rootz Seed Starting Mix A formula tested for two years indoors, outdoors, and in greenhouses to prove performance, Baby Rootz is the perfect start for your seeds. Half the nutrition pack of its big brother, Big Rootz, while still maintaining Soil Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stringent testing standards. Each batch is tested to ensure no product has pesticides or heavy metals, and no GMO ingredients are used. Baby Rootz utilizes fine perlite to ensure oxygen levels are maintained throughout the initial rooting process. Baby Rootz also has multiple varieties of mycorrhizal spores for added root inoculation.These ingredients allow for a large amount of microbiology to activate the living soil, while an organic wetting agent keeps water levels consistent. For more details, go to Hydrofarm.com

GARDEN PRODUCTS

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS

BudBox

PRO White XL- HL [120x120x220cm /4’x4’x7’4’’]

BudBox strives for best results with industry-leading PAR reflectivity. BudBox Pro is built to last, with 25mm powder-coated frames, tempered steel poles, and metal push/click connectors. All PRO models are available in either PRO White or Mylar (silver), have 20% over-sized vents for acoustic ducting, access doors, an uplift irrigation bar, and double-stitched seams.There’s also a night vision window, a waterproof tray, hanging bars, acoustic deadening silicon end pads, double cuff vents, screened passive vents, roof hanging straps, main door clips, clear floor space, and the canvas fully unzips. A huge range of sizes available. Highest reflectivity! Contact your local hydro store TODAY, and be sure to give @budboxgrowtents a follow to see the latest.

Anden A77

Dehumidifier Control

Getting accurate readings of relative humidity for your indoor grow room is critical for maximizing growth. The Anden A77 Dehumidifier Control, which comes included with every Anden Dehumidifier, provides cultivators with a wall-mounted, bold digital display hardwired to the dehumidifier for perfect accuracy.

This control helps growers optimize their dehumidifier’s performance, yielding better results. Equipped with an easy interface, on/off buttons and up/down arrows, the A77 makes humidity control simple. To see how this and other Anden products serve the next generation of cultivation, visit Anden.com

pH Up & Down The Strongest pH Adjusters on the Market Central Coast Garden Products’ pH Up & Down are the most concentrated pH adjusters available.The maximum strength pH Down consists of a 75% concentrated Phosphoric Acid solution that quickly lowers pH levels.The pH Up consists of a 75% potassium Hydroxide. pH levels outside recommended ranges can lead to nutrient lockout and nutrient deficiencies, resulting in stunted growth and poor appearance. Control pH levels to minimize problems and maximize your plants’ full potential with Central Coast Garden Products’ pH Adjusters. Check out CentralCoastGarden.com to learn more. 15

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS ShowDown Weed Killer A Natural Alternative Removes the plantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waxy layer and penetrates deep into the roots! ShowDown completely prevents the plant from uptaking essential amino acids and nutrients, getting rid of unwanted weeds naturally. Showdown is exempt from registration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under FIFRA section 25(b) as a minimum risk herbicide, safe for use around schools and playgrounds. Contact the team at CentralCoastGarden.com for more information.

EYE HORTILUXÂŽ DE 1000-VS Grow Light System Growers will see no compatibility issues with the DE 1000-VS Grow Light System because the ballast was tuned to match the voltage, frequency, and starting pulse of EYE HORTILUX DE grow lamps. Use it with our standard DE HPS or our new DE Ceramic HPS. The DE 1000-VS is available as a 120/240 volt or 277-volt system and is tested to UL8800 standards. It comes with a selectable-wattage ballast grow lamp, and an Ethernet port ready for external controls. The DE 1000-VS provides better system reliability while maximizing the quality of EYE HORTILUX grow lamps. Visit EyeHortilux.com for other great lighting products.

OPTIMUS: THE PERFECT CHOICE The Optimus has a 120 degree left to the right range of motion and a vertical range of 23 degrees to deliver a laminar airflow precisely where it is needed.The unit is ETLcertified, with an integrated 3-speed switch and a 710 CFM output. Visit KootenayFilter.com for more details, and be sure to check them out on Facebook.

See the most recent Product Spotlights right from your phone or tablet.

visit: GCmag.co/Product-Spotlight

BY ANNE GIBSON

work with

nature

ORGANIC GARDENING

This closed-loop cycle of turning ‘waste’ into healthy soil was the basis of how I learned to grow food from a young age

grew up in my family’s backyard garden. On a quarter-acre block in suburban Sydney, most of our food came from our abundant vegetable garden, fruit trees and a productive flock of cheeky chickens. Mum preserved our fruits and vegetables, made jams and relishes, and nothing went to waste. I learned from an early age where our food came from.

Our family only bought milk and seasonal fruit from local farmers to supplement what we didn’t produce ourselves. Dad taught me how to use grass clippings as mulch, rake up chicken manure and sawdust from their coop, collect garden prunings and fireplace ash, and recycle our kitchen food scraps into a giant 3-bay compost system. This closed-loop cycle of turning ‘waste’ into healthy soil was the basis of how I learned to grow food from a young age. I didn’t know at the time this would later be called ‘organic gardening.’ We were living sustainably, using onsite resources to recycle nutrients, working with nature by planting suitable crops for our climate and eating nutrient-rich foods that tasted amazing. Even the cabbage white butterflies that hovered in the garden didn’t last long with the chickens around. Pest management was easy too!

Why Everyone Should Garden Organically Wendell Berry once said: “I can think of no better form of personal involvement in the cure of the environment than that of gardening. A person who is growing a garden, if he is growing it organically, is improving a piece of the world. He is producing something to eat, which makes him somewhat independent of the grocery business, but he is also enlarging, for himself, the meaning of food and the pleasure of eating.” Growing a food garden not just without chemicals, but by adding value to the environment by improving soil quality and plant health, is a sustainable practice we can all participate in. The rewards are immensely satisfying. A few of the benefits of organic gardening include: • Minimal risk of toxic chemical residues in your food, garden soil, environment, pets and wildlife. • Fresh nutrient-rich, flavorsome food with optimum nutrition to build a healthy immune system. • Connection to nature, fresh air, sunlight and exercise, improving physical and mental health. • Fewer weeds, pests and diseases because of healthier plants and living soil with increased biodiversity. • Save money by being more sustainable and self-reliant, reducing the need to buy food and garden supplies by recycling nutrients from the kitchen and garden.

Interplanting and rotating crops of different plant families maintains a balanced ecosystem in an organic garden 19

ORGANIC GARDENING

work with

nature Grow ing a f ood ga rden no t ju s t w i t hou t chemic a l s, bu t by a dding va l ue t o t he en v ironmen t by imp rov ing s oil qua l i t y a nd p l a n t he a lt h, is a sus ta in a bl e p r ac t ice w e c a n a l l pa r t icipat e in. T he re wa rd s a re immensely s at isf y ing

Maintaining a chemical-free garden encourages predator insects like ladybirds to manage fungal diseases and pests

Heide Hermary, the author of The Essence of Organic Gardening, encourages us to think of organic gardening as “not about just substituting toxic chemicals with less toxic ones, but about a whole different way of thinking and working. It is a conscious effort to cooperate with Nature in the creation of health and abundance for all.” So what does it mean to ‘work with nature’? Is it possible to grow an edible garden without any chemicals or back-breaking hours of labor? From personal experience, I believe if you apply principles when designing your edible garden, choosing plants and maintaining it, you won’t need expensive inputs or collapse with physical exhaustion! By imitating nature, we can create a healthy balance in our gardens, so they are productive, abundant and require less time, money and effort to maintain.

Key Organic Gardening Principles I follow a few basic guidelines that I’ve found make a difference in creating a productive paradise – be it a balcony garden, backyard or larger space. 1. Feed the soil, rather than the plants. Soil high in organic matter with a continuous layer of mulch creates a nutrient-rich, moisture-holding environment for plants and soil microorganisms to thrive. Nature layers the soil surface with leaves, decaying plant material and dead critters. Continual recycling and composting create humus. This practice works perfectly in our pots and garden beds too. Recycle your kitchen waste back out into the garden to grow more food. Over time, you will develop a precious asset in your soil.

Nature mulches and composts on the forest floor 21

ORGANIC GARDENING

work with

nature Organic gardeners are stewards of the earth. We care about our soil, the health of our plants – particularly edibles, and create an environment that encourages all creatures to live safely

Autumn leaves mulch for an organic garden

2. Select plants wisely. Choose varieties that thrive in your climate and locate them in microclimates that suit their needs – sun, shade, moist or dry soil, protected from the wind, cold or heat. Plant in season. Forcing unsuitable species into poor soil or unfavorable growing conditions for their needs is a recipe for disaster! Don’t try to grow summer crops in winter. Stressed plants attract pests and disease, so give them the best chance of survival and growing productively by matching them to the requirements they need. 3. Focus on biodiversity. A healthy organic garden is an ecosystem with a wide variety of plants, insects and soil life. They are all team players that work together for the common good. Avoid planting too much of one species as this encourages pests and diseases. A monoculture destroys nature’s balance. Mix up your edibles and crop rotate seasonally to help attract a diverse range of pollinators, beneficial insects, soil microbes and minimize disease. 4. Practice safe gardening. Avoid any artificial fertilizers or chemical pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. Choose certified organic and heirloom seeds and raise seedlings when possible unless you know your nursery doesn’t use chemicals. Intentionally choose non-toxic materials for your garden instead of chemically-treated timber, PVC, manures containing vet medications and other contaminated inputs. Research well and do your due diligence on the source of your materials! Heavy metals and chemical compounds can end up leaching into the soil, your food and eventually the water table. Read labels and look for certified organic logos on seeds and products to create a safe edible garden.

Organic gardeners are stewards of the earth. We care about our soil, the health of our plants – particularly edibles, and create an environment that encourages all creatures to live safely. Growing organic food at home is a sustainable way to tread lighter on our planet and enjoy the delicious healthy rewards this deep connection to a garden can bring. 3

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 EVAN FOLDS

FOOD & FARMING

organic t h g u o b ho f those w o , ier foods y h d t u l t a s e h h c t r e a g Pew Rese on was to a s a o t e r g a in y d a in s Accor d the soil” nth, 76% o ent to “fee m m t e v s o a m p l ra he st $50 n agricultu foods in t to an almo in entur y as a c d e th 0 rn 2 tu e th ay

par ts of , has tod am. e mainstre nal farming in the early o th d ti it n te h e r v a s n a st o h t c ” a f h al. “Organic practices o convention e ar tificial s th a st to fa s se a n e respo rowing twic r y that is g st u d in d o billion fo

Organic food is now found in almost all grocery stores, and the amount of certified organic acreage is increasing in every state. But despite all of the advances, organic still has a long way to go. Farmland that is certified organic represents less than 1% of all agricultural land in the US, and organic food makes up only 14.6% of all produce sold, according to 2016 numbers.

If we fix the soil, we fix ourselves. The question becomes, does “organic” fix farming? In a word, no. However, it is a step in the right direction

Still, the organic industry is growing rapidly. Driven mostly by health concerns, retail sales of organic foods more than doubled from 1994 to 2014. According to a Pew Research study, of those who bought organic foods in the past month, 76% say a reason was to get healthier foods. The public is waking up to the problems with our food supply and taking action with their food dollars. While this sounds like positive news, it is essential to recognize that it was not until we messed up farming that we were compelled to fix it. Rather than follow the “precautionary principle” - which states that a new product or process whose ultimate effects are disputed or unknown should be resisted - we do the opposite, routinely approving chemicals for crop production that are dangerous to living systems and public health. The result is dead soil that is incapable of holding fertility, water, carbon, or life, and we are paying for it in so many ways. If we fix the soil, we fix ourselves. The question becomes, does “organic” fix farming?

Many of us are not aware that the origin of artificial pesticides and fertilizers came from the World Wars. The same factories that were built to make nitrogen and munitions in World War II are today used to make fertilizer, and pesticides were simply pointed towards crop fields instead of jungles. The notorious chemical DDT was discovered in 1939 and used extensively by the US military as an insecticide to protect troops in the field before it was ever used on food crops. Its production subsequently showed chemists the way to develop other toxic pesticides and herbicides like 2,4-D. As the wars ended, the new chemical age of agriculture began, and we went all in. By 1952, there were over 10,000 new and unique pesticides registered with the USDA. We did not understand the danger of them until after they were in use. There are currently at least 72 pesticides approved for outdoor agricultural applications in the US that are banned or in the process of a complete phase-out in the EU, Brazil, and China. So, despite the emergence of organic methods, our agricultural system is still toxic. And because of this, so is our food supply. Consumers are responding to the toxicity of the food system by using buying power to vote for more organic food, which is a strong incentive for farmers to begin growing more organic food. The problem is that these market forces are far more enticing and lucrative to global food corporations.

In a word, no. However, it is a step in the right direction. The term “organic” can be broadly described as farming and food that is not genetically engineered and grown without the assistance of toxic, synthetic chemicals. This is important because according to the Environmental Working Group, a full 70% of all fresh produce sold in the US contain synthetic pesticide residues, and many of them are directly linked to the detriment of environmental and human health.

The result of this burgeoning market incentive is lobbying by Big Ag to dilute the organic standards to allow their ways and to fit the mega-farm scale of production, but also through massive consolidation where Big Ag purchases small organic food companies. Do an internet search for “Who Owns Organic Chart by Cornucopia Institute” for a sobering visual of who owns your favorite natural food brands. 25

FOOD & FARMING

By capitalist design, Big Ag wants to control the entire USDA organic program. Through stacking boards and spending billions in lobbying efforts, the special interests of the conventional food industry creep into the organic realm, resulting in the acceptance of farming methods that would make the founders of the organic movement roll over in their grave.

Farmland that is certified organic represents less than 1% of all agricultural land in the US, and organic food makes up only 14.6% of all produce sold, according to 2016 numbers

We now have “organic” chicken CAFOs with 200,000 birds packed into environmentally-controlled buildings, and “organic” dairy CAFOs with 15,000 cows crammed into feedlots, and large “organic” grain shipments being sold into the US with no documentation. In many ways, organic has become a new way for Big Ag to make more money. Data shows that people perceive “organic” to be a healthier way of producing food, which is an open question. There is no question certified organic food is cleaner, and it is safe to say that given similar soil conditions, organic food could be more nutritious. Still, it is essential to point out that there are no standards for nutrient density in the organic certification process. It is an alarming realization: we invented the chemicals that we are paying a premium for in organic food to protect ourselves from. And what’s worse, many times we are giving these extra dollars to the same corporations that invented the chemicals in the first place. Brilliant business model, but bad for people. We are starting to wake up to our food reality, but some saw this coming a long time ago. One of the first known reactions

to conventional farming was Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) who, in response to farmers in Eastern Europe that were beginning to experience the loss of fertility on their farms from chemical inputs, delivered eight lectures in 1924 now known as The Agriculture Course. It is an outline that has become known as “biodynamic agriculture.”

In many ways, Steiner’s methods were before their time, involving homoeopathic field sprays, planting by celestial rhythms, and new techniques for making potentized compost preparations. The concepts of life force and spiritual science that he championed are only now starting to become more popular. But the remnants of what Steiner brought forward have been here all along in the spiritual science of dedicated farmers around the world, and the lunar planting calendars of the Farmers Almanac. Steiner’s ideas inspired many people, including Walter James (1896-1982), known as Lord Northbourne, whose interest in biodynamics led him to visit Switzerland in 1939 to invite the leading advocate of the times, Dr. Ehrenfried Pfeiffer (1899-1961), to present the first conference on biodynamic farming in Britain. The following year, in 1940, is when Lord Northbourne published a manifesto called Look to the Land that first coined the term “organic farming.” The pioneer of organic in the US was Jerome Irving Rodale (1898-1971), the founder of the Rodale Research Institute and Organic Farming and Gardening magazine. Beginning in the 1940s from his farm in Pennsylvania, Rodale developed his publications and institute that continue to inspire “non-chemical” farming methods for US farmers and gardeners. 27

FOOD & FARMING

Did you catch that? Certified organic food doesn’t have to be 100% organic You don’t have to grow all of your food to impact agriculture in positive ways. Remember, eating is an agricultural act

Rodale was originally impacted by the work of Sir Albert Howard (1873-1947), a British scientist who spent many years observing and learning traditional agriculture in India, and developed a method of composting called the Indore Process that is still in use today in tropical regions.

The pioneers of the organic movement provided practical applications and logical, natural reasons to do our farming and gardening differently. The activism around this movement culminated in 1990 when Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act, requiring the USDA to develop national standards for organic products. Then, in 2001, Congress established the National Organic Program (NOP). The NOP is a federal regulatory program that develops and enforces uniform national standards for organically-produced agricultural products sold in the US. The core mission of the NOP is to protect the integrity of the USDA organic seal, which is allowed for use on products that contain at least 95% organic ingredients. Did you catch that? Certified organic food doesn’t have to be 100% organic.

One of the more recent controversies regarding organic certification is the debate about hydroponics. Hydroponic, aquaponic, and aeroponic farms can get organic certification for crops in some states and markets. Advocates promote the relative cleanliness and efficiency of these farming methods, and opponents point out that any way of growing that does not utilize soil undermines the spirit of the organic movement. The USDA currently considers this debate a “settled issue”, and out of these compromises, there are now new platforms for certification being developed that go above and beyond organic certification. The Regenerative Organic Certification officially launched in March of 2018, and not a month later, another certification platform, the Real Organic Project, was introduced. The purpose of these platforms is to ensure the integrity and transparency in labeling by defining certified food as grown in the soil and to prevent the certification of controversial methods of farming such as concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) and hydroponics. We are making progress, but when it comes to good food, it is never fast enough. In the food business, we are what we eat, and our buying power drives global markets. You don’t have to grow all of your food to impact agriculture in positive ways. Remember, eating is an agricultural act. 3

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.

Bio

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! 28

Contact Evan at www.BeAgriculture.com or on Facebook and Instagram @beagriculture

BY DOUG JACOBS

Uniformity starts with mother stock and propagation. If you can repeatedly grow identical plants, they can be steered from the start of cultivation for maximum production.

PLANT STEERING

hey say variety is the spice of life. While that is undoubtedly true for many things, when it comes to growing mother plants and cuttings in a greenhouse or elsewhere indoors, uniformity is critical for quality. The farm design and plant care plan should be developed with consistency in mind.

In life, uniformity isn’t always a good thing. But when it comes to cuttings, nothing beats it Uniformity star ts with mother stock and propagation. If you can repeatedly grow identical plants, they can be steered from the star t of cultivation for maximum production. All subsequent inputs such as labor, climate, and irrigation can be optimized, delivering the highest quality plants time after time.

Use less growing media with a lot of space for root development. Make sure it has good water holding capacity and EC control. These factors allow irrigation to be used as a tool to steer and manage the growth of the mother plants, making them healthier and improving the quality of the cuttings they produce.

The Mother Load

Vegetative And Generative Growth

Sourcing mother stock is an essential first step in creating a uniform crop. Whether you are getting rooted cuttings, seeds, or tissue culture plants, be sure they don’t carry any pests or disease and that they will deliver the final product you want.

What we are talking about is the balance between vegetative and generative growth. Vegetative is the growth of leaves and stems, while generative is the development of fruits and flowers. Both stages can be used to control how the plant grows throughout its lifecycle.

A test batch of plants can be created. Watch them grow through an entire lifecycle to determine how well they perform in your facility. At every stage, take detailed notes on the speed of root development, plant height, stem diameter, leaf and stem color, node spacing, and the natural structure of the plant. Also, observe the rootzone WC and EC measurements with climate conditions. These notes will help you determine the optimum spacing, irrigation and climate strategies, and the timing of labor.

Substrate Volume But before growing the mother plants, select a substrate type, determine how much volume is needed for each plant, and the ideal planting density. Once these details are established, consider the irrigation requirements. Mother plants are typically kept in large amounts of growing media, usually 5 to 25-gallon pots, and are watered infrequently, one to four times per day if they are lucky. Having large mother plants in larger volumes of the substrate has some benefits and drawbacks. More substrate helps buffer out the irrigation system, so if your system fails or you don’t have time to hand water frequently, a large root zone can protect the plant. On the flip side, having large mother plants increases the risk of one bad mom spoiling several cuttings, therefore, reducing the yield of an entire crop.

If you want your mother plants to grow faster, implement a vegetative irrigation strategy by: • Maintaining a higher overall WC in the root zone. • Having smaller dry backs between irrigations and overnight. • Using small shot sizes at a high frequency of watering. • Lowering EC at the dripper and in the root zone. To slow growth down, reduce stretching, and be more generative, do the following: • Decrease the overall WC in the root zone. • Increase the dry back between each irrigation and overnight by delaying the first watering of the day and stopping before nightfall. • Decrease irrigation frequency while increasing the volume of each shot. • Increase dripper and rootzone EC with lower substrate temperatures. It’s essential to test these strategies while taking regular crop registration of plant height, node spacing, overall plant development, and health.

Climate Steering Like irrigation, the climate has a significant impact on how plants grow. Using different types of lights with varying intensities affect how the mother plants perform from propagation through flowering. Climate steering techniques need to be explored and utilized as a tool to manage plant growth. 31

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PLANT STEERING

Achieve better results by reducing the environmental conditions when taking cuttings

When taking cuttings, take note of the environmental conditions and how they affect the success of the crop. Having high light intensity, humidity, and temperatures has an impact on the health and success of the cuttings. Achieve better results by reducing the environmental conditions when taking cuttings.

Not all cuttings are taken in one day. It can take an entire week to take all of the cuttings during a flush to keep the mother plants in balance.

Propagation: Sea Of Green Smaller mother plants can grow at a very high density with just enough space so they barely touch. This sea of green helps the cuttings grow nice and straight and new ones to be taken without stressing the mother plant. Mother plants are grown to exact specifications with an equal number of leaves. After the mothers are planted, they need four weeks before they have about five fully expanded leaves. Once they are tall enough, pinch the head with a leaf to create a uniform crop structure across all the mothers. Keeping the number of leaves and branches even across all plants is critical for an even growth rate. The first cuttings can be taken two weeks after the first pinch. Subsequent flushes of cuttings can be taken weekly. During this process, you may end up with some taller plants that need to be trimmed back between harvests. Not all cuttings are taken in one day. It can take an entire week to take all of the cuttings during a flush to keep the mother plants in balance. As you go through each subsequent flush, maintain an equal number of leaves between each mother plant to keep them growing at a uniform rate. The perfect equation depends on what plants are growing. Some experimentation and crop registration will help determine the ideal number of leaves, the growth speed, and how many cuttings can be produced in a specific time frame.

Between each harvest, look over the plants daily to ensure consistent growth. Remove leaves gradually to keep the plants equal and balanced. Mother plants are typically kept for a total of 26 weeks, which is especially true for cannabis. Keep in mind that the success of cannabis cuttings declines quickly over time. Given the limitations on what can be used for pest and disease control, it is good practice to change the mother plants every three or four months.

Tools And Tricks To take the most uniform cuttings possible with the least amount of labor, “mum growers” use a special tool to help keep the cuttings the same length. This plastic tool uses a flat surface with a sharp edge that also suppor ts the cutting as it’s being taken. Only new growth head cuttings are taken, and some amount of stem is left above the node to protect it so it can grow another cutting. It is essential to have a precise visual scale for the size of the cuttings you want. Stem diameter groups cuttings as “Thick,” “Good,” and “Thin.” Cuttings can then be placed in batches together based on their growth rate. In addition to keeping stem length and diameter consistent, each cutting must also have the same number of leaves.

PLANT STEERING

After the initial saturation, the best way to maintain uniformity is through climate and irrigation Irrigation

Climate Control

The timing, frequency, and volumes used to irrigate cuttings have a tremendous impact on how the plants develop. Watering too early is the biggest problem for most growers. Determine the best time for irrigation by using weights of trays and individual plugs in combination with plant observations. Watch how much water is being applied after the first dry backs and work to find the optimum amount for developing the young cuttings. Growers who flood high up the side of the plugs and oversaturate the substrate tend to have problems with root development. Experiment with smaller floods or dips to keep the young root zone healthy.

Climate has a significant impact on the development of the cuttings. Low light intensity, for example, slows plant growth and opens the plants up to diseases. High humidity is also another cause of poor growth. To achieve the best cuttings possible, experiment with systems and tools that help maintain humidity between 70-90% while keeping moisture away from the canopy. High heat and humidity levels lead to mold and mildew.

Wetting lines are popular in commercial agriculture because they reduce the need for expensive labor and various inconsistencies. At home or in smaller farms, manual watering booms and hand watering can be used. Still, the speed and flow of the water need to be adjusted based on the substrate being used. For Rockwool, repeated slow and steady applications should be made to ensure proper saturation. Applying too much water too fast can lead to dry spots in the media that will carry through the lifecycle of the plant. Inconsistent growth will affect the uniformity of growth. Flooding is also an effective, uniform way to saturate the blocks, but in large and multiple batches, take care to dilute the solution and adjust the EC and pH. Nutrients should always be used at the start with Rockwool. Ideally, saturate new plugs or block with a nutrient solution between 1.5 to 2.0 EC, with a pH of 5.5. I recommend using nutrients from the start for cuttings because Rockwool doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t provide any to the plant. Weights of the plugs, trays, or blocks should be checked at initial saturation to ensure it was done correctly. Weights should be rechecked 24 hours later and at regular intervals to determine the best time to apply the first irrigation. After the initial saturation, the best way to maintain uniformity is through climate and irrigation.

Growers must be sure that the air and rootzone temperatures are not excessively hot and wet. Once that the cuttings have established a root system, work to get them acclimated to the climate that will be used for growing. In commercial flower farms, use a clear plastic tarp to cover all the cuttings for the first week. Seedling trays are usually stackable for ease of movement and have built-in structure so the tarp can be placed and removed without disturbing the cuttings. Once the cuttings have started to root into the substrate, the tent is removed, and a misting system helps maintain humidity at the optimum range. In life, uniformity isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always a good thing. But when it comes to cuttings, nothing beats it. Happy growing! 3

Bio

Doug Jacobs is a Technical Advisor with Grodan. He provides expert consulting on proven Precision Growing methods to optimize crop production with Grodan Rockwool growing media and proper irrigation, producing the best quality plants using the least amount of inputs. He has experience with indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse hydroponics, vertical farms, aquaculture, and CEA system design, helping to design farms across North America. Doug showcases his passion and expertise as a feature writer in various national industry publications and as a conference speaker at US events.

BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

An Urgent Call For

Food Justice 36

FOOD JUSTICE

rowing up in Jamaica, Jacqueline Dwyer and

Jacqueline Dwyer and Noel Livingston

Noel Livingston remember eating like kings and queens. The warm climate allowed them

plenty of fresh, nutritious foods year-round; their plates

“I was just a kid, and I took for granted the access to good and healthy food I had all the time,” explains Dwyer. “My grandmother and great grandmothers and other aunts and other older relatives created an oasis around us, a garden of Eden.” When Dwyer was 14-years-old, her mother moved her family to Toronto, Canada, in search of better opportunities for her children. “I came here and lived in a country that actually goes through the seasons,” she says. “I learned about food poverty, food injustices, food insecurity, land ownership, and what that means, and how many people become really poor when they don’t have access to the land.” Livingston, on the other hand, left Jamaica for Toronto as an adult. Tired of what he describes as racial oppression and classism in the British colony he grew up in, he was also looking for a better life in Canada. But he found the same systemic injustices were present in North America, only here, he says it’s called ‘polite racism.’ The city of Toronto currently has more than 30 communities flagged as Neighborhood Improvement Areas (NIAs). These are designated places that need help combatting problems of poverty, crime, higher rates of diseases like diabetes, and a lack of access to services. Many of the people living in these communities are minorities. In the neighborhood of Glenfield-Jane Heights, for example, nearly 60% of the population is immigrant. Over the years, Dwyer has watched a countless number of black business owners being pushed out of NIAs because they can’t afford rent, never mind nutritious food.

(Toronto Black Farmers and Growers Collective)

always displayed a rainbow of colors.

My grandmother and great grandmothers and other aunts and other older relatives created an oasis around us, a garden of Eden lective, which aims to grow ‘clean’ food and get it into the hands and mouths of the people who can’t otherwise afford it. The collective is currently 30 members strong, with many of them coming to the farm throughout the week to help plant, maintain, and harvest the garden. In exchange for their time, the volunteers leave with a box of freshly-picked food for the week.

“It wasn’t a shock, but it (...) spurred me to look in another direction of sustainability for myself,” she says.

They grow foods culturally appropriate to their Caribbean and African roots; things like callaloo, okra, sweet potatoes, African spinach, cabbage, and more. People come to the urban farm to shop for tastes of home, something Livingston says helps them connect with the growers, and in the end, enjoy their food more.

Today, Dwyer and Livingston take care of more than just themselves. Together, they founded a grassroots organization called the Toronto Black Farmers and Growers Col-

“When people see exactly what we do, they appreciate the work,” he says. “They appreciate what they’re getting. They appreciate the farmer. They appreciate nature.” 37

(Toronto Black Farmers and Growers Collective)

Toronto Black Farmers and Growers Collective

Noel Livingston waters the greenhouse at the Toronto Black Farmers and Growers Collective (Toronto Black Farmers and Growers Collective)

(Toronto Black Farmers and Growers Collective)

Growing culturally appropriate foods

(Toronto Black Farmers and Growers Collective)

Working the fields

Market stand

FOOD JUSTICE

The city of Toronto currently has more than 30 communities flagged as Neighborhood Improvement Areas (NIAs). These are designated places that need help combatting problems of poverty, crime, higher rates of diseases like diabetes, and a lack of access to services.

Food Apartheid Beyond feeding the hungry and building the local food economy, the organization aims to educate the population on the importance of building relationships with the things we eat. “We always tell people that [they] can do it,” Dwyer says. “It doesn’t matter if they’re on their balcony doing container gardening or in a small little plot in a community garden or on their own property. “If you are willing to put your shoulders to the wheel and work, you can really live off the land sustainably.”

Uphill Battle Growing with the seasons is undoubtedly challenging in Canada, and the collective receives no funding. Dwyer and Livingston run the farm with money from their own pockets, pointing to systemic racism as the culprit. “We entered this arena very innocently, and we thought this would be a powerful outlet to activate justice for everyone to have access to good food,” Dwyer explains. “But we learned quickly in the game that it wasn’t so.” She describes a culture in which money meant to help these communities falls into the wrong hands. Bigger organizations claim to be supporting the people, and yet citizens never reap the benefits. Still, they view sharing the little they have with people in need as a privilege. Livingston recalls delivering boxes of donated food, eggs, and toys to three NIAs last December. “I’m a person, not very emotional, but it brought tears to my eyes when I saw, not just children, but adults; when the food came, to see the rush. My God, these people are proud people, used to land and their own homes, and are brought down to this level,” he says. “You could see the hurt in their eyes. Many of them don’t want to come out because of pride, but they have children to feed.”

The 2020 deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, and countless other black people at the hands of the police have sparked worldwide protests and further ignited the Black Lives Matter movement. Activists are trying to send a clear message: racial inequality exists all around us, even where land and food are concerned. Food deserts are defined as areas in which affordable and nutritious food is difficult to find. It’s not that there isn’t any food to be found; there’s plenty of it in the form of fastfood chains. Meals found in food deserts are typically easy, cheap, and outrageously unhealthy. While all of this is undoubtedly true, the Food Empowerment Project says a few details are missing from the widely-used definition. Rather than being just about proximity to fresh food, the organization recognizes that food deserts have a lot to do with structural racism, the cost of living, the cultural appropriateness of available foods, and the people’s ability to grow their fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, multiple studies have found that food deserts are often located in black or brown communities. Savi Horne, executive director of the Land Loss Prevention Project in North Carolina, also takes issue with the term “food desert.” She says it’s time to start calling it what it is: food apartheid. “That’s shifting away from ‘food desert’ because that implies that you created the condition,” she explains. “When you say food apartheid, you’re looking a the structural racism and other structural issues, like racial capitalism that has led to a broken food system that’s impacting black folk’s health; poor folk’s health.” A group of black lawyers formed the Land Loss Prevention Project (LLPP) in 1982 after seeing black farmers losing their land and going out of business at a higher rate than white ones. The LLPP provides legal support to limited-resource farmers and landowners in North Carolina and promotes environmental justice by helping people of color develop sustainable farming practices. 39

Credit: Sankofa Farms

Credit: samantha Everette

Sankofa Farms

Beekeeping at Sankofa Farm

credit: Devin Michael McAllister

Kamal Bell with produce from Sankofa Farms

Kamal Bell, Founder and CEO of Sankofa Farms

Students work on caterpillar tunnels at Sankofa Farms

Savi Horne, Land Loss Prevention Project

FOOD JUSTICE

If you are willing to put your shoulders to the wheel and work, you can really live off the land sustainably Horne recalls helping a rural farm family that lost a 180acre property after being subjected to discrimination and unfair treatment by government agencies and programs. “They were providing access to nutritious vegetables that were culturally appropriate to their African American community,” she says. “When they lost their farm, it was a personal loss to them, but it also had ripple effects within the community. It took years to get back to a place where they are now re-engaged, even experimenting with fish protein by growing tilapia.” While the family in question is resilient and is farming again, unfortunately, nearly 40 years after the LLPP was formed, Horne says there has been little progress. The Black Lives Matter movement reminds us that a serious conversation needs to be had about a radical reordering of society. “We are still dealing with the vestiges of a racialized agriculture system, a social system with its racial atmosphere in which African Americans and low-income people are still dealing with a lack of access to quality education, quality healthcare, and affordable and nutritious food.” Building the local food economy in minority communities is paramount, especially one that caters to specific cultural backgrounds and needs. Horne believes one of the best ways to do that is by providing young black farmers with the security of tenure on their land, which gives them government protection from evictions.

A Greater Calling At Sankofa Farms, also in North Carolina, Kamal Bell believes that land ownership is critical to controlling one’s destiny. He wasn’t always planning on being a farmer, but while studying to become a veterinarian at the North Carolina Agricultural and State University in 2009, he realized he needed to answer a question that had been nagging him: how could he really help the African American community? “When you go to black neighborhoods, primarily those with lower socioeconomic status, what you see is fast food restaurants everywhere,” he says. “It’s more of a culture thing because people are trying to live day to day; they’re not really thinking about long-term decisions and outcomes. “If I got a farm, we could produce food and help curb the effects of food deserts.”

Bell changed his major from animal science to animal industry, which taught him about the production side of agriculture. Shortly after graduation, he took out a loan and bought 12 acres of land in the Durham region. It has taken years of work, but finally, Bell has cleared enough of his property to start growing fresh food. He has even started an academy for the youth in the area, in which they learn how to grow collards, kale, chard, spinach, and lettuce, and help distribute it to the locals. There are six students currently enrolled at the Sankofa Farms Agricultural Academy. Bell drives around Durham in an old ‘94 mini-van picking them up for their days at the farm, where they’re introduced to STEM learning concepts. Beyond farming and beekeeping, they’re also taught hard work, leadership, teamwork, and valuable life skills. Most of all, the program focuses on how black people can help each other and giving the students a foundation so they can eventually succeed in other avenues. At the age of 15, Mikal Ali has been a student at the academy for three years. “Mr. Bell has taught us about really having ownership and getting away from the dependency mindset that a lot of kids learn to have in the school system, “Ali says. “The main thing Mr. Bell wants us to learn is ownership and helping our community thrive and grow.” Ali hopes to buy a piece of land one day and build something for himself on it. He also dreams about a career in psychology; something he says the critical thinking skills learned on the farm will help him accomplish. “On the farm, if you see something and ask him what it is, it’s not like he just tells us the answer so we can be dependent on him or someone else when we get older,” Ali says. “He makes us go and look at the problem and what we can do to solve it.” There’s teaching on the farm, but Bell says there’s also a steep learning curve in many of the underprivileged communities. “You just can’t go into a community and say, ‘Hey! Take this food; it’s fresh.’ You have to build relationships; you have to actually care. People have to understand that you are there to help them.”

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FOOD JUSTICE

Students become certified beekeepers at Sankofa Farms

If people set their differences aside and decide they want to fix things, it can be done. We don’t need to create uproars; we don’t need to kill each other. We can be civil, and we can get it done He’s currently working on his doctorate for agricultural extension education so he can eventually open a full-time alternative school. It’s a lot of work, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. “Black people in these areas are suffering (...) I think as a duty and as my purpose in life, or our purpose, in general, is that you’re supposed to be helping people,” he says. “If you see a problem, you help people.”

You can learn more about Sankofa Farms Agricultural Academy and donate to its efforts at sankofafarmsllc.com

Moving Forward While individual efforts like Bell’s and other grassroots activists are very much needed, a radical change must also be encouraged from the top levels of government. “You need leadership, and we don’t have leadership right now,” says the LLPP’s Horne. “We have a leadership that wants to further victimize and divide people from doing what they see needs to be done.”

Back in Canada, the Toronto Black Farmers and Growers Collective is currently working on one it hopes to one day share all around the world. The organization is creating a food hub in partnership with the Country Heritage Park in Milton, Ontario, where crops are grown and distributed to the food insecure. The park provides the land and the collective provides the food. “It’s a class structure that we see now,” says Livingston. “It doesn’t matter what color or ethnicity you are; it’s community.” By becoming involved in local food production, we can move forward while nourishing our bodies, minds, and souls. Healthier people lead to healthier communities, making brighter futures a possibility. “We need more people to speak out, we need more people to stand up, and we need people to come together equitably to share the resources so we can develop our own communal systems,” says Dwyer. “If people set their differences aside and decide they want to fix things, it can be done. We don’t need to create uproars; we don’t need to kill each other. We can be civil, and we can get it done.” So let’s get to work, shall we? It’s time we all take a stand.

3 Still, she says inspiring local food models are continuing to emerge from communities across North America, and that’s all part of the battle.

Sources: • • •

Toronto Neighborhood Improvement Area Profiles, Glenfield-Jane Heights: toronto.ca bit.ly/398swJb Food Empowerment Project, Food Deserts: bit.ly/38YxQyy 43

BY JESSE SINGER

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SO MUCH MORE

THAN YOU THINK

HEMP

Hemp rope has also been discovered in

IT WON’T GET YOU HIGH I figure we should get this part out of the way right off the bat. Because not only is it a fact many people don’t understand, but it will also help make you that much more frustrated with all the strict laws and lack of hemp usage we discuss later on.

Russia, Britain, and

Yes, hemp is derived from the Cannabis sativa species. Yes, it contains the psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, the hemp strain contains much lower levels of THC and higher levels of cannabidiol (CBD) - which all but eliminates any psychoactive effects.

In 1998, industrial hemp was legalized in Canada, and that same year, the United States began importing hemp seed and hemp oil. Then in 2004, a court decision in the U.S. protected the sale of hemp foods and body care products. In 2007, two farmers in North Dakota were issued the first hemp licenses in over 50 years.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF HEMP

In 2018, President Trump signed into law an amendment to the “Farm Bill” that finally removed the hemp plant from the Controlled Substances Act!

If I told you the history of hemp dates back 100 years, would you be surprised? What about 1000 years? If I told you 2000 years would you give me a disbelieving look and ask me what I was smoking? Well, hold on to your hats (hemp, or otherwise) because the truth is that the history of hemp dates back about 10,000 years to around 8000 BCE when people in - what today is Taiwan and China - used it for pottery, food, and even natural hemp-based medicines. Hemp rope has also been discovered in Russia, Britain, and Greece from hundreds of years BCE, and archaeologists found a jar of hemp seeds and leaves in Berlin, Germany from around 500 BCE. It was also around that time - 700 BCE to 900 - that the Chinese and the Arabs built mills and started making hemp paper. As an interesting twist on all the legal hurdles set up to make growing hemp difficult, in 1533, King Henry VIII of England fined farmers if they didn’t grow it! In the 1700s, there were also laws enacted in some American colonies requiring their farmers to produce the plant.

Greece from hundreds of years BCE, and archaeologists found a jar of hemp seeds and leaves in Berlin, Germany from around 500 BCE

HEMP! WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR? Unlike “war,” hemp is good for absolutely everything. Say it again! It’s no wonder it was such an essential crop before it got caught up in all the hard-handed anti-drug legislation of the last eight decades. First off, there’s paper. For the younger generation, paper is a physical representation of the note app on your phone and the blank document on your laptop. While most paper is made from trees, hemp paper actually lasts hundreds of years without degrading. It can be recycled more times than tree-paper can, and the manufacturing process requires less toxic chemicals. Also, it only takes about 120 days for hemp to be ready for harvesting - as opposed to the years it takes for trees to reach that point. Add to that the fact that it takes 2-4 acres of trees to produce what you can get from just one acre of hemp. And I’m talking about all paper products: cardboard, tissues, etc.

Things began turning against hemp in 1937, with the introduction of The Marijuana Tax Act, which placed a tax on all cannabis sales. Hemp, of course, got lumped in with it. While WWII brought a surge in hemp farming and production as the United States Army pushed the “Hemp For Victory” campaign, by the end of the 1950s, the last hemp fields had been planted.

You don’t have to be Woody Harrelson to know that hemp is also better than cotton. Not only is it stronger and softer, but it lasts longer than cotton and is resistant to mildew. Hemp production requires no pesticides or herbicides and can tolerate frost - two things that can’t be said about cotton. Almost half of all the pesticides/herbicides used worldwide are in cotton production. Hemp also requires less water than its white, fluffy counterpart.

Jump to 1970 and the initiation of The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act and the classification of hemp as an illegal Schedule 1 drug. Its inclusion in this law is both ridiculous and uber-frustrating. As the 20 th Century comes to an end, and we begin the 21st , people in power are finally coming to their senses.

As far as food goes, it’s common knowledge that hemp seeds are good for you. But did you also know that hemp seed protein can be used to produce anything currently made with soybean protein? Tofu, cheese, veggie burgers, milk, ice cream; many people are trying to avoid soy these days for various reasons, so this would be another great alternative.

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USA

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HEMP

You don’t have to be Woody Harrelson to know that hemp is also bet ter than cot ton

Hemp can also be converted into ethanol fuel - just like corn can. But hemp has an advantage over corn in that it produces more biomass and can be grown in a variety of locations and climates. Not only can it be used to one day fuel our cars, but it might also even be used to build our vehicles as well (or at least parts of them). In 1942, Henry Ford used hemp fibers to construct an experimental car body. Supposedly, the fibers are ten times stronger than steel.

A s an inte res t in g t wis t o n al l t h e le gal hurdles s et up to make growin g h e mp dif f i cult, in 1 5 33 , K in g H e nr y VIII of En gl an d f in e d f arm e rs if t h ey d i d n’ t grow it!

And we haven’t even really talked about CBD yet…

A BRIEF HISTORY OF CBD While CBD doesn’t date back 10,000 years like hemp, it does go back farther than many might expect. In 1940, chemist Roger Adams became the first person to extract CBD from the Cannabis sativa plant successfully. At the time, he didn’t know what he had done. But years later, when he, and others, realized what it meant, the research into the potential benefits of CBD really got started. Six years later, tests on animals proved that CBD doesn’t cause an altered mental state. Also, in 1946, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam identified the three-dimensional structure of CBD - which is why you might have heard his name credited with the discovery of CBD. Research continued over the next decades, and in the 1960s, some British pharmacologists released the first CBD oil for therapeutic use. Then in 1980, Dr. Mechoulam discovered that CBD could help treat epilepsy.

CBD USE TODAY A Gallup poll conducted last year in the United States found that 14% of Americans said they used some CBD products. When asked if they use CBD products, the rest of the population broke down as such: 50% said no, 35% weren’t at all familiar with CBD products and the remaining 1% or so had no opinion.

As one might expect, CBD use is higher with the younger folks: 20% in the 18-29 age range and only 8% with the over 65 crowd. Also, by far the highest percentage of use was for pain relief (40%). The next highest use-cases were: anxiety (20%), sleep/insomnia (11%), arthritis (8%) and migraines/ headaches and stress (both at 5%).

HEMP vs CBD It seems like everyone and their mother is making predictions on the market value of hemp and CBD, so the numbers vary depending on who you ask. However, some of the numbers I researched predict the industrial hemp market will reach around $15 billion by 2027, and the CBD market will smash the $20 billion mark by 2024. I don’t think it will surprise anyone to read that the CBD market is bigger than the market for industrial hemp. I mean, it’s purely anecdotal, but I see and hear about CBD products quite a bit. However, I’m not filling up my car with hemp fuel, and it feels like hemp apparel is still a pretty niche market at this point.

HEMP

some of the numbers I researched predict the industrial hemp market will reach around $15 billion by 2027, and the CBD market will smash the $20 billion mark by 2024

Although it was a major industry crop all those years ago, the new laws allowing for its current resurrection still mean that it is a relatively new industry. And while it is finally legal, the stigma hasn’t completely gone away. Hemp clothing isn’t just for hippies anymore. Still, it will take some time before the idea of hemp clothes and other products have mainstream recognition, understanding, and appreciation to make the plant a ubiquitous part of our lives.

As for CBD, the value is much more apparent and recognizable and comes with legit health benefits that can’t be denied. The celebrity endorsements of cannabidiol are impressive as well. From Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Anniston, and Tom Hanks to big-time athletes like U.S. women’s soccer star Megan Rapino and former New England Patriot tight end Rob Gronkowski. The stigma hasn’t wholly left CBD either, and for some, it will always be viewed negatively as an illegal drug. However, the numbers don’t lie, and all signs point to continued growth for both industrial hemp and CBD, which is good for the planet and the people living on it. 3

BIO

Jesse grew up obsessed with movies and so it only makes sense that he graduated from McGill University with a degree in Political Science. He then put that degree to good use with a job at a video store. After that, he spent months backpacking around Europe - a continent that he has been back to visit many times since. Jesse is super curious and loves to learn and explore new subjects. For the last 15+ years, he has been writing online for a number of different sites and publications covering everything from film and television to website reviews, dating and culture, history, news, and sports. He’s worn many hats - which is ironic because he actually loves wearing hats and he has many different ones. 49

BY RICH HAMILTON

DIY

Organic Pest And Disease Control Remedies

DISEASE CONTROL REMEDIES

ungr y pests, diseases, and deficiencies are, unfor tunately, inevitable in the garden. There are many ways to help control them, but most are far from natural. What options are there for growers wanting to maintain a purely organic environment? Here’s a look at the best do-it-yourself methods

available, all of which are inventive, easy on the wallet, and environmentally-friendly!

Capsaicin

Cinnamon is also a useful tool for bat tling ants, aphids, fungus gnats, spider mites thrips, and whiteflies

Capsaicin is what gives hot peppers their heat. Produced by pepper plants to repel insects and animal predators, this is an ideal all-natural pest control weapon for other plants. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin and can repel ants when sprinkled as a powder. You can also make an insecticidal pepper spray using dried fresh hot peppers, vegetable oil, lecithin, and water. • •

•

Mix 1/2 tablespoon of the spray concentrate with one pint of water and test spray onto a few leaves. Wait 24 hours to be sure the potent spray doesn’t cause any damage before applying to the rest of the plant. PRO TIP: When growing indoors, it is best to use foliar sprays when the lights are off.

Castor Oil Moles and gophers despise the smell and taste of castor oil. Smear the oil onto some paper and drop into their tunnels or burrows. Alternatively, you can place the oil strategically at the borders of the garden. Applying castor oil directly to the soil will work for a week or so, even in the rainy season. •

Use a hose-end attachment and spray a mixture of two tablespoons per gallon of water evenly to the affected areas. Treating with castor oil weekly will result in fewer molehills and dug up garden beds without any danger to pets, children, or the environment.

Cinnamon Oil With an effectiveness rate of 50-70%, cinnamon is excellent for reducing and controlling powdery mildew. Cinnamon is also a useful tool for battling ants, aphids, fungus gnats, spider mites thrips, and whiteflies. •

• •

Add 5ml of oil to 950ml of water, or make a tea by adding an ounce of cinnamon to 1.5 pints of boiling water. Let the tea cool then add half a pint of rubbing alcohol. Strain the mixture and spray directly on to the leaves. PRO TIP: For a quick fix against ants, sprinkle the cinnamon powder onto any area of the garden you see them crawling.

D-limonene (the main constituent of orange oil) is harmless to humans but deadly to most insects

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Limonene Limonene is the refined oils from the rinds of citrus fruit. D-limonene (the main constituent of orange oil) is harmless to humans but deadly to most insects. It dissolves the waxy coating on the exoskeleton, causing dehydration and asphyxiation. Limonene can wipe out or repel entire colonies and prevents future infestations in one application. It is most effective against ants, aphids, fungus gnats, mealybugs, scales, spider mites, and whiteflies. •

•

To make limonene spray, remove the white, inner portion of the orange or lemon rinds and cut into small pieces. Bring the rind pieces to a boil in a pan of water, then turn down the heat and simmer for five minutes. Remove from the stove, cover with a lid, and allow to soak for 24 hours. Then, strain and pour into a spray bottle. The solution can be applied directly onto softbodied insects, such as aphids and fungus gnats. PRO TIP: Limonene oil is so effective at killing bugs that it can also kill beneficial bugs and pollinators, so apply minimally and only where necessary. If growing indoors, this must be sprayed at lights off.

Milk The properties that make milk good for humans, such as calcium and B vitamins, also benefit plants. Calcium helps plants grow and prevents deficiencies such as blossom end rot, a condition common in tomato, peppers, and squash plants. Milk can also be used as a pesticide against aphids and as an anti-fungal agent to prevent powdery mildew and mosaic leaf viruses. Milk is so efficient at killing powdery mildew that rose growers all over the world use it as a fungicidal spray. Using too much milk, however, can damage your plants. The natural bacteria present in the dairy product can stunt growth and cause wilt. The fat in whole milk can cause a foul odor, while skimmed milk could lead to black rot, soft rot, and Alternaria leaf spot on certain crops. If growing indoors, make sure the ventilation system is fully operational, as the above issues can escalate very quickly. •

Make a milk spray by using one part milk to nine parts water. Avoid possible issues by using 1% fat milk. Use at the first sign of infection and then once a week to protect new growth.

DISEASE CONTROL REMEDIES

When dried cloves or clove oil is ingested, it numbs the mouth, keeping rodents away without killing them

Vinegar An old housewive’s favorite with many uses in and around the home, vinegar kills powdery mildew and can also help deter ants. •

Use as a spray and dilute it at a rate of 15ml vinegar per liter of water.

With a 5% acetic acid level, household white vinegar also works as a natural herbicide against weeds. However, while it does burn the tops of the weed and temporarily destroys them, it does not have any effect on the root system and will not eradicate the problem permanently. Vinegar will also kill the foliage of any other plants it comes into contact with, so use carefully!

Coriander Oil Coriander oil acts as a fungicide and insecticide and can control Pythium, grey mold, Fusarium, powdery mildew, Septoria, aphids, thrips, spider mites, and whiteflies. The coriander plant is also an excellent pest deterrent plant for indoor growers. • •

•

Make an oil spray by mixing one teaspoon of oil per pint of water with some lecithin and a wetting agent. Alternatively, make a simple spray with fresh coriander. Use one part coriander plant with equal parts of water. Boil the coriander for ten minutes, cool, strain and spray. PRO TIP: Increase the effectiveness of your spray by adding ingredients to make it stick better to its target. Coconut oil, used at 5ml per liter of spray, is an active spreading agent.

Coriander oil

Clove tree Clove Oil Eugenol, a component of clove oil, works as a fungicide and a contact insecticide with a lingering smell. Clove Oil is effective against Pythium, grey mold, Fusarium, ants, caterpillars, thrips, aphids, and spider mites. Clove oil can also keep some healthy species away, so spray only in the areas where you are experiencing problems. To keep moles and other rodents at bay, place a few drops of clove oil in the holes or runs they’ve made for themselves. If oil alone doesn’t work, try crushed, dried clove leaves. When dried cloves or clove oil is ingested, it numbs the mouth, keeping rodents away without killing them. •

•

To make clove oil spray, pour ten drops of clove essential oil into a spray bottle. Fill up with water and shake well. Exposure to light may decrease the efficacy of clove oil, so it is best sprayed when the garden is not in direct sunlight, or when the lights are off if growing indoors. PRO TIP: Rub clove oil around the rim of your plant pots to deter thrip in an indoor growing environment.

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DISEASE CONTROL REMEDIES

Garlic

Tomato plants are part of the nightshade family, and as such, contain toxic compounds called alkaloids in their leaves such as the aptly named “tomatine”

Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, garlic works on ants, aphids, caterpillars, spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies. Garlic is also effective at destroying fungi and powdery mildew thanks to its high sulfur content. Great as a preventative spray, it can be used on new growth to keep problems from arising. •

•

Make a garlic spray by using a teaspoon of garlic oil in one pint of water. Mix with two ounces of high percentage alcohol spirit like Vodka. PRO TIP: Use garlic as a companion plant in your garden. The strong odor is repulsive to many pests, and so inter-planting garlic with carrots, brassicas, peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant can help deter many insects and rodents.

Tomato leaf Tomato plants are part of the nightshade family, and as such, contain toxic compounds called alkaloids in their leaves such as the aptly named “tomatine.” Alkaloids make a very effective repellent that is toxic to aphids and other leaf-eating insects, but completely safe for humans and beneficial bugs like bees and ladybirds. •

To make a tomato leaf spray, chop 500g of fresh tomato leaves taken from the bottom part of the plant and add to 250ml of water. Let it steep overnight. Strain the plant material and spray onto plant foliage.

Many effective treatments can be made cheaply using everyday items. It’s safe and easier than you think! 3

Garlic companion plants 55

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ALBERT MONDOR, HORTICULTURIST AND BIOLOGIST

Edible Plants On The Beach 56

SEA DELIGHTS

cean banks, beaches, and dunes have a rich flora. Surprisingly, many of the plants that grow on seashores are edible!

Some rose bushes spontaneously grow on beaches and dunes. One of the species most commonly found in the northern hemisphere is the Rough Rose. It is indigenous to north China, Korea, Japan, and eastern Russia. Introduced to Europe and North America a long time ago, it has escaped from gardens and now grows just about everywhere. In the wild, it is often found on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, on dunes in Cape Cod, and most of the New England seashore. This shrub is very resistant to winds and salt spray.

Like the flowers, you can eat rosehips. However, it is crucial to remove the seeds, which have prickly hairs that can irritate the skin and digestive tract. Rosehips seeds are used to produce itching powder! Fun fact: rosehips contain more vitamin C than oranges.

Marsh samphire. Another common plant found along the oceanfront is creeping saltbush, also called spreading orache. This plant has thick and plentiful spear-shaped leaves. Closely related to lambâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quarters, a weed commonly found in gardens, creeping saltbush has a milder taste than spinach with a hint of salt. It pairs well with salads and is delicious with seafood chowder.

Rose flowers are edible

Marsh samphire is a plant that grows in the wild on the banks of northern seas. It has a delicious taste similar to salted asparagus and is used to season salads or as a vegetable to accompany meats and fish. This plant is occasionally sold in grocery stores or appears on restaurant menus, usually as samphire greens or sea asparagus. Available in some nurseries, it is relatively easy to grow in a pot at home in full sun, but it requires frequent watering with salt water (1 teaspoon of sea salt per liter of water).

Creeping Saltbush 57

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SEA DELIGHTS

Rich in v i ta min C, se a p e a s s av ed t he Europ e a n se t t l er s w ho f ir s t a rri v ed in C a n a da f rom s curv y Sea peas look like snow peas tinged with purple. Whether eaten raw or cooked, shelling them isn’t necessary. Before producing pods, sea peas produce lovely deep pink flowers. Rich in vitamin C, sea peas saved the European settlers who first arrived in Canada from scurvy. It was a plant that people could eat in abundance and was a large part of the Native American diet.

Sea parsley

Credit: LuontoPortti

Sea parsley looks and tastes like lovage. That’s why this plant native to north-eastern North America and northern European coasts is also called Scots lovage. It has compound foliage with red twigs. In mid-summer, it bears beautiful white umbels of flowers. This plant is sold in some nurseries and can quickly be grown in any garden.

Sea peas

Since sea parsley also has a flavor similar to Italian parsley, it is a good substitute in any tabbouleh, soup, sauce, or stew recipe. Adventurous chefs can even create a pesto by mixing half sea parsley with half creeping saltbush leaves. 3

has practiced 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 programs 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

Credit: Freight Farms

BIO Passionate about environmental horticulture, urban agriculture and extreme landscape design, Albert Mondor

BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

Research Suggests CBD Can Help Treat Symptoms Of COVID-19

s researchers around the world frantically work

find

vaccination

against

COVID-19, one new study suggests

that cannabis might be a potential treatment for conditions associated with the deadly virus.

The study, led by researchers at Georgia’s Augusta University, finds that CBD may help people suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). People with ARDS typically experience trouble breathing, a dry cough, and fever. The syndrome develops after an injury to the lungs and often appears in patients with severe cases of COVID-19. Researchers based their work on previous findings that cannabidiol has anti-inflammatory effects in several pathological conditions. After administering CBD, they saw a drop in proinflammatory cytokines and an improvement in the clinical symptoms of Poly I:C-induced ARDS. More research in this field is needed, but this particular review shows CBD has the potential to be a part of the treatment for COVID-19 by protecting pulmonary tissues and reducing the symptoms associated with ARDS. 3

Researchers based their work on previous findings that cannabidiol has anti-inflammator y ef fects in several pathological conditions.

Sources: 1.

Cannabidiol Modulates Cytokine Storm in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Induced by Simulated Viral Infection Using Synthetic RNA: bit.ly/3ju0Xyr ARDS is a Common Cause of Death in Critically Ill Coronavirus Patients—Here’s Why (By Leah Groth of health.com) bit.ly/2OKGzuR 61

Guerrilla Gardening

Gardening Without Borders

GUERRILLA GARDENING

BY MARTYNA KROL, PHOTOS: MARTYNA KROL

attern recognition is one of our most potent superpowers when it comes to sur vival. We know that those dents in the floor are animal tracks because we’ve seen the feet that made them. Millennia of obser vation taught us the patterns of the stars and seasons so we can use them for farming and

navigation. A ball rolling out of a side street tells you to brake because of the child likely to come chasing after it. But this superpower also has a dark side; confirmation bias.

Confirmation bias is an interesting idea and one which can often cast light on a lot of things people do. If you’ve never heard of it (and don’t feel bad if you haven’t), it means how humans tend to see new information as confirmation of our existing beliefs or theories. In simple terms, we’re so great at seeing patterns, that sometimes we imagine one that’s not there. I might have caught myself using my confirmation bias this week. Walking by a bus stop near my house, I think I spotted evidence of a pattern of behavior I never used to notice but now see everywhere: guerrilla gardening. Someone had placed a pot with a young sunflower by the bus stop sign. As if to show that it wasn’t an accident, it was tied to the post for support. Perhaps it was part of a movement to add greenery to our increasingly unnatural environment.

Someone had placed a pot with a young sunflower by the bus stop sign. As if to show that it wasn’t an accident, it was tied to the post for suppor t.

Pollination Street My first introduction to the quiet revolution that is guerilla gardening was meeting the originators of the Incredible Edible movement in Todmorden, a few miles from my home in West Yorkshire. Much has already been written about Mary Clear and her campaign, but this was my first taste of the impact associated with reclaiming barren public lawns and single-species verges for growing food. Like all revolutionaries, Clear and her gang began small. Knowing that it is easier to ask forgiveness than permission, they sneaked food plants onto traffic circles and grassy roadsides. They made little community action signs telling passers-by to help themselves and maintained the plants until harvest. When local council officials eventually noticed their actions, there was the inevitable power struggle, but they were already too popular to stop. Incredible Edible planting days,

markets, and events have attracted thousands of participants and the attention of royalty! Prince Charles once told Clear that when he becomes king, she can plant wherever she likes. We’re all still curious to see if he keeps his promise should his head ever hold the crown. The Incredible Edible movement has since blossomed around the world, with thousands of independent groups copying and expanding upon the initial idea and bringing locally grown produce and awareness of how to grow to millions of people. Todmorden still has its publiclymaintained growing spaces, such as on ‘Pollination Street’ in the centre of town. And Clear has a good chunk of her garden open to anyone who wants to forage for rhubarb and cauliflower.

Capital Lettuce One of London’s most impressive guerilla gardening projects is the so-called ‘magic roundabout’, which has been transformed from a dull traffic disc to a self-sustaining island of beauty, color, and joyful buzz of bees. We have Caroline Bousfield Gregory to thank for the makeover. Her pottery studio overlooks the roundabout, and she took it upon herself to improve the view. It’s now 18 years that she’s been chipping away at it, and the result is spectacular. Bousfield Gregory grows and dries lavender flowers, turns them into scented cushions, and sells them to pay for more plants. She looks after the makeshift garden to this day. The thing that many people comment on when visiting her workshop is the ‘feel-good vibe’ the spot provides to the public. Sometimes, residents help Bousfield Gregory tend the plants, creating a sense of belonging in the community. She says many people work together with the council to plant in tree pits or create small wildflower meadows. This spreading of ideas and motivation is a theme common to all guerrilla gardening projects, and in my opinion, is the most critical result. 63

GUERRILLA GARDENING

Why Break The Rules? All of this isn’t without its risks, of course. In many places, planting without permission may be unlawful or leave the guerrilla gardener liable to being sued. Besides the legal consequences, there’s the danger of introducing invasive species and doing the ecosystem more harm than good. So why do so many still find themselves venturing out under cover of darkness with their trowels in hand to sneak plants into spaces where they “shouldn’t” be? There seem to be three primary motivations:

Protest: From anger over the shortage of fresh produce in New York’s poorest neighborhoods to the daffodils my husband planted as a teenager in the shape of a giant phallus under his headteacher’s office window, there are as many messages as there are people to speak them. For many, the very absence of greenness in their world is worth protesting. Guerrilla gardening can be an effective action against landowners or authorities who allow public areas to decline into decay.

Community: Incredible Edible and many others demonstrate time and again the value of bringing people together to plant and to harvest. A truth as old as time, but it’s easy to lose sight of in the modern world of supermarket produce.

Joy: You’re reading Garden Culture Magazine. The chances are you understand this part better than I can explain it. The simple act of planting flowers can lift someone’s day, raise their self-esteem, and surround them with beauty. My feeling is that most sneaky planting (including the bus stop sunflower) is motivated by a mixture of all three.

The Incredible Edible movement has since blossomed around the world, with thousands of independent groups copying and expanding upon the initial idea and bringing locally grown produce and awareness of how to grow to millions of people.

A Natural Urge A couple of months ago, my friend, Sarah, put out a Facebook request for spare plants for her son’s planting project. While visiting the spot, I was impressed with what Jude has created. After just a few weeks of lockdown, he took a bare, forgotten patch by the town car park and introduced a variety of plant and tree species, a log pile, a small pond, and even a bird feeder. And best of all, this 12-year-old nature hero hadn’t ever heard about guerrilla gardening. Jude told me that he visited his friend’s garden with newts in the pond and an abundance of flowers, and felt he wanted to have a garden of his own creation. Living in a terraced house with no garden was not an obstacle; neither was a lack of resources, as he successfully gathered plants from people in town. 65

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Find a space that is run down, in need of beaut y, in need of regeneration, in need of regreening, and plant something

As we chatted about the species planted When the concrete jungle seems to be In many places, (foxgloves, violets, poached eggplants, and taking over, there is some part of us that planting without various other wildflowers), a blackbird won’t let it eat up every corner. That gives permission may was hopping in the car park looking a little me hope for the future of our world. be unlawful or irritated that we were so close to his new food and drink source. In the words of Ron leave the guerrilla Or, maybe that’s my own confirmation Finley, whose guerrilla gardening TED talk gardener liable to bias. Maybe someone tied the sunflower went viral, “You’re changing the ecosystem to the bus stop to come back for it later. being sued when you’re putting in a garden.” The halfThere’s only one way to overcome this empty peanut tube in the bird feeder tells me that many uncertainty: we have to keep making the pattern we want visitors appreciate the space. Jude said that many people, to see. mostly neighbors living across the patch, commented on the brilliant job he’s doing. I urge you to go out and plant something. Find a space that is run down, in need of beauty, in need of regeneration, in need of regreening, and plant something. Do it safely, Primal Patterns quietly, without fanfare. Do it as much as you can in as For me, Jude’s independent desire to make a green space many places as possible. Change the pattern. 3 of his own seems to point to a central truth about guerrilla gardening and about growing in general. We plant things because we want to be surrounded by the primordial Martyna Krol is a vegetable grower, natural beekeeppattern of the forests where our primate ancestors lived er, and edible spaces designer. She is a lover of all soil and urfor millions of years. There’s an eternal tension between ban farming techniques and is the former head of growing at the built environment that we make for our comfort and Incredible Aquagarden. the instinctive response we have to the beauty of nature.

BIO

BY EVEREST FERNANDEZ, JUST4GROWERS

ORGANICS

Novice growers typically overestimate the complexity of hydroponics. They also invariably underestimate the complexity of organics.

ovice growers typically overestimate the complexity of hydroponics. They also invariably underestimate the complexity of organics.They misconstrue hydroponics as being for geeks in lab coats and organic gardening as the easy way to grow; just plant in some soil and let Mother Nature do the rest.Yeah, good luck with that.

I cringe a little when someone relatively new to indoor gardening insists from the outset that everything they do must be 100% organic. It’s a noble goal, for sure, especially if the aspiring organic gardener is informed. More often than not, however, the word organic represents little more than a vague notion of ‘all-natural’.

I’m not trying to diminish the magic of microbes, but by the same token, please

Buy a TDS/conductivity metre (and ideally a pH metre too), take your time in propagation, and always make sure you achieve 15-30% run-off during irrigation. Don’t let the plants sit in any moisture. Take it easy with nutrient strength (star t at 200-300 PPM / 0.4-0.6 mS, and never go above 1000-1100 PPM/2.0/2.2 mS, unless it’s a super heavy feeder like an eggplant/ aubergine).

Many organic growers often shun mineral-based fertilizers. But don’t demonize the climax of all the interactive I am confident that these tidbits minerals either! microbiological activity in healthy of advice mixed with some organic soil mineralises things. common sense and rudimentary Organic, carbon-based inputs like environmental control will help feather meal, alfalfa meal, blood meal, any grower achieve decent results. Sure, bone meal, and chicken manure are collectively broken growing in coco coir with mineral-based nutrients is down into their ionic mineral forms by the likes of worms, unlikely to win the crop an official organic cer tification, nematodes, protozoa, fungi, and bacteria in the soil. Only but at least you will succeed. then is all the organic goodness in the earth water-soluble and available to plants. I’m not trying to diminish the magic Growers who begin with potting soil can end up of microbes, but by the same token, please don’t demonize facing many complications. If planning on adding water minerals either! throughout the plant lifecycle, then an upgrade in pot size is essential. Select a much bigger pot, around 40L or 10 When planning to cultivate fast-growing, heavy-fruiting gallons, to act as a sufficiently large reservoir of organic annuals in containers indoors, then my recommendation is nutrition for the plant’s entire lifecycle. A rich potting mix to not grow in soil. Nursery pots, intermediate pots (1L-2L is also required. Ultra-premium potting mixes work well, or half-gallon), and some final stage fabric pots (5L-10L or but they don’t come cheap. Also, they’re invariably far too 3-5 gallon) are suitable, but fill them with a good quality nutrient-rich for seedlings and cuttings, so a lighter seed 70/30 coco/perlite soilless potting mix. Choose a liquid feed star ting mix is needed when the plants are just star ting. explicitly designed for the full plant lifecycle in coco coir. If in doubt, ask your local indoor gardening store.

My advice is to focus first on growing something full lifecycle. Get to the finish line whatever way you can 69

ORGANICS

An alternative approach is to use a soil-based potting mix that is lighter in organic nutrition and add extra food periodically using organic liquid feeds and top dressings. These dressings are usually powdered organic inputs mixed with compost and applied around the base of the plant.

When pl anning to cultivate fas t- growing, heav y-fruiting annual s in cont ainers indoors, then my re commendation is to not grow in soil

The positive effects of adding nutrition take a while to reveal themselves in plants. It takes experience to gauge how much to add and how often to get the desired result. Soil-based potting mixes are also easy to overwater. They are not nearly as forgiving as a 70/30 coco/perlite mix. Furthermore, in contrast to working with coco coir, soil growers typically don’t aim for run-off each time they water, as this washes the nutrition out of the soil. So getting the irrigation right, especially given that it’s a moving target, can be a lot trickier. What if the humidifier quits in the third week of veg and the grow shop is closed? If you’re growing in a coco/perlite mix, you can react by dropping the nutrient strength by 25-30% and increasing irrigation frequency slightly to counter the increased transpiration levels and calcium uptake. If you’re growing in a soil mix, then your options for damage control are limited. To be clear, I’m not anti-organics. My outdoor soil beds are a testament to this fact. But they are also the result of thousands of dollars worth of premium organic inputs. Large, outdoor soil beds are one thing; trying to regulate and control adequate natural nutrition in containers indoors is another.

Soil vs Soilless Potting Mixes

Both types of potting mix are often based on the same fibrous materials such as coco pith/fibre and peat moss. Soilless potting mixes are not always inert/nutrientfree, and can sometimes contain organic inputs such as bat guano. The critical difference between the mixes is the presence or absence of compost. Soil-based potting mixes invariably contain some compost (around 15% of total volume). They will always include some organic, powdered nutrition such as bat guano, seabird guano, bone meal and rock phosphate.

My advice is to focus first on growing something full lifecycle. Get to the finish line whatever way you can. I promise you will be glad that you chose not to limit and constrain your options before you were even out of the gate. 71

ORGANICS

DIY SOIL RECIPE After following this recipe, wet the mix with water and allow to compost and pH stabilize for a month before use. BASE POTTING MIX • 30% sphagnum peat moss • 10% redwood bark • 10% coco coir • 20% perlite • 5% lava rock • 15% compost • 5% worm castings • 5% Alaskan humus Add nutrients relative to the amount of base potting mix. BAT GUANO • 4lbs per cubic yard of base potting mix • 67g per cubic foot • 2.37g per liter

The positive effects of adding nutrition take a while to reveal themselves in plants. It takes experience to gauge how much to add and how often to get the desired result

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SEABIRD GUANO • 4lbs per cubic yard of base potting mix • 67g per cubic foot • 2.37g per liter BONE MEAL • 4lbs per cubic yard of base potting mix • 67g per cubic foot • 2.37g per liter POTASSIUM SULFATE • 2lbs per cubic yard of base potting mix • 33.5g per cubic foot • 1.185g per liter

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FINE DOLOMITE LIME • 2 lbs per cubic yard of base potting mix • 33.5g per cubic foot • 1.185g per liter FEATHER MEAL • 1lb per cubic yard of base potting mix • 16.25g per cubic foot • 0.59g per liter AZOMITE ® • 1lb per cubic yard of base potting mix • 16.25g per cubic foot • 0.59g per liter DRY POWDERED SEA KELP • 1lb per cubic yard of base potting mix • 16.25g per cubic foot • 0.59 g per liter ALFALFA MEAL • 1lb per cubic yard of base mix • 16.25g per cubic foot • 0.59g per liter 73

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INSECT FRASS

MYCORRHIZAE

The following are alternatives to organic inputs in soil mixes and top dressings. Additives such as blood, bone, and crustacean meal and bat guano are considered natural, but many growers donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use them because they come from animals. Blood Meal: Dried blood, not for the squeamish. Same NPK as feather 12-0-0. Very expensive. Contains iron. Very high protein content. Fine, water-soluble. Calcium Phosphate: Cheap and delivers phosphorus and calcium. Popular with organic growers. Issues with contaminants (Uranium, Plutonium, cadmium, arsenic). Not recommended for growing medicinal plants. Crustacean Meal: Combination bi-product of groundup lobster, crab, and shrimp shells. High nitrogen content, along with potassium and calcium. Chitin in the crustacean meal provides a defensive response in plants against insect predation so that it can act as a beneficial pest preventative. Fishbone Meal: Store in dry conditions. Susceptible to mold. High nitrogen and phosphorus content. Glacial Rock Dust: Trace elements, soft rock phosphate. High phosphorus mined rock with a 0-3-0 ultra slow release. Not recommended for short cycle plants. Green Sand: Sand or sandstone with a green color. High silica levels. Another mined product. Similar to glacial rock dust. Insect Frass: Broad-spectrum fertility and a hit of beneficials. Also contains chitin. Mycorrhizae: Cheaper to use in transplant (direct contact with roots) rather than blending with potting mix. Relationships tend to be long-term, so thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an argument that this is better suited for cultivating larger, older plants. 3

Bio

Everest Fernandez is a well-respected industry educator, veteran hydroponic grower, and grow light enthusiast based in France. He works primarily as a marketing and cultivation consultant and was the founding editor of Urban Garden Magazine in the UK, US, and Canada. He also writes and researches for the popular hobby horticulturist YouTube channel, Just4Growers. 75

GROWING PROJECTS

s ’ o Whowing at USA h Gr e W Wher &

Canada

Credit: Bleu Lavende

Stanstead Canton, QC

Lovely Lavender The benefits associated with the lavender plant are plentiful. In 2004, the team at the Bleu Lavende (french for “Blue Lavender”) farm in Quebec’s Eastern Townships region decided to start growing the beautiful blue flower for all to enjoy. One of the first lavender farms in Canada, Blue Lavende takes advantage of the microclimate in Fitch Bay, a spectacular area of the country featuring rolling hills, peace, and quiet. The sights at the farm are spectacular, but the farm is about a lot more than just beauty. Health and wellness are at the heart of the farm’s raison d’etre. Tours of the property offer visitors a fragrant, multisensory experience, something Bleu Lavende also puts into a bottle for those who want to take it home with them. Lavender essential oils help soothe the body, mind, and soul, and the farm sells them and other fine products made with lavender at its boutique, online, and through other retailers. Beyond dedication to the plant, Bleu Lavende is also serious about saving the bees. It doesn’t use pesticides on its fields and has teamed up with Bee City Canada to help educate people on how to protect pollinators. We could all use a little R&R these days. Learn more: en.bleulavande.com

Milwaukee, MI

Sometimes you stumble upon an organization that is going above and beyond in its community, and Teens Grow Greens is one of them. The non-profit offers Milwaukee’s youth an opportunity to connect with food by understanding where it comes from. Experienced-based internships mean participants plant, tend, and harvest fruit and vegetable crops from two garden locations. They learn the science behind growing and how to cook the food they grow, taking care of their bodies, minds, and souls. The youth organization focuses on the three Rs in its teachings: responsibility, respect, and resilience, even through times of hardship. Talk about a complete curriculum! This summer, interns are working in small groups at ten community gardens in the region. The produce accompanied by recipes will be sent home with the teens and donated to local food banks. At the end of the nine-month-long experience, teens leave the gardens as knowledgeable growers with a strong sense of community and desire to be role models.

Credit: Teens Grow Greens

Cultivating Connections

Growing more than just plants. Learn more: teensgrowgreens.org @teensgrowgreens teensgrowgreens

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Truly local. Beyond fresh.

GROWING PROJECTS

s â&#x20AC;&#x2122; o Whowing hat Gr W Where Kent, WA

Community Matters

Whistling Train Farm isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a big one, but the small, family-run business has a lot to offer to the local community. Farmer Shelley believes that freshness is the secret behind quality food and should never be more than half a day away from its final destination. A novel idea when you consider most produce travels hundreds of miles before making it to your plate. The Whistling Train CSA program offers seasonal crops to a maximum of 70 subscribers. The baskets are filled with veggies grown exclusively at the 5-acre farm, including tender lettuce greens, garlic scapes, culinary herbs, roots vegetables, and more. The farm is not certified but grows everything organically. No synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers are ever used in the fields. Manures, compost, and other organic fertilizers feed the soil, leading to fewer problems and more bountiful harvests. Sometimes, keeping things simple is the best way.

Credit: Whistling Train Farm

USA

& Canada

Treating the Earth and community with kindness. Learn more: whistlingtrainfarm.com facebook.com/Whistling-Train-Farm-112194712146626 @whistlingtrainfarm

Credit: Living Earth Farm

Toronto, ON

The Future Of Farming

Living Earth Farm is all about sustainability, flavor, and nutrition. In the heart of the city of Toronto, the vertical farm grows premium quality microgreens indoors year-round. The growing process blends traditional organic farming practices with cutting edge technology, creating a perfect environment for the plants. While organic seeds, soil, and fertilizers get the crops going, the microgreens are grown in a climate-controlled facility equipped with LED horticultural lighting. It takes anywhere between 9 and 15 days for the greens to reach maturity; after harvest, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re packaged and delivered within 24 hours. Living Earth Farm packages its products in clamshells made from recycled water bottles! Its indoor growing method also uses 95% less water than conventional outdoor farms and renewable electricity. It sounds like working there is a treat too; Living Earth has a smoothie bar, so its staff can make unlimited juices with its microgreens. Cheers to that! Caring for people and the planet. Learn more: livingearthfarm.ca livingearthtoronto 3

BY TOM WALL, COSMIC KNOT

Cannabis

All you need is a garden, time, observation, and a strong desire to create something new in cannabis genetics

CANNABIS BREEDING

It only takes one breeder to change the history of the plant forever

annabis breeding allows home growers to create prized varieties that can sell for up to $10,000 or more per plant. It may seem like an intangible task, but it is much easier than one might think. All you need is a garden, time, observation, and a strong desire to create something new in cannabis genetics.

The Basics All species of plants are either monoecious (meaning a single plant contains both male and female flowers) or dioecious (separate male and female plants). Sometimes, dioecious plants can morph into monoecious plants because of environmental stress.

Thank f ully, c annabis is a primarily dio e cious pl ant, which allows bre e der s the oppor tunit y to separ ate the male and female c ounterpar t s and sele c t their f avorites to bre e d toge ther

Within these two categories, there are three subgroups, including plants that are long-day, shor t-day, and day-neutral. Long-day plants flower as the days grow longer in the spring (tulips). Shor t-day plants flower as the days shor ten in the fall (cannabis). Day-neutral plants flower when they are the right age and size (corn). Due to the various subtleties in plant growth development, some plants are harder to breed. For example, if a plant is monoecious, it has a higher chance that something besides your intended choice of pollen might mix. Isolating the male pollen from the female flowers is challenging since they are all on one plant. Thankfully, cannabis is a primarily dioecious plant that allows breeders to separate the male and female counterpar ts and select their favorites to breed together. While cannabis is a dioecious plant, it falls within both the shor t-day and day-neutral subcategories. Cannabis sativa (longer flowering), Cannabis indica (shor ter flowering), and Cannabis domestica (indoor varieties) are all shor t-day plants. When placed outdoors, these plants generally begin to flower after the summer solstice. Indoors, flowering star ts when the light in the room drops to 12 hours on and 12 hours off. When shor t-day plants notice they have less light, they initiate flowering. However, there is still a different type of cannabis that operates on a different cycle: Cannabis ruderalis.

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CANNABIS BREEDING

Cannabis ruderalis is a day-neutral plant. flavors and aromas, one must grow the plant There are When growing these plants, there is a decorrectly, and not all techniques are equal. repor tedly over termined amount of time the plant will grow 20,000 terpenes Natural growing practices and regenerative before it finishes, regardless of the light cycle. soil techniques often show the best overin the plant and all output in terpene production, medicinal Strains created from these genetics are ideinsect kingdom, quality, flavor, and burnability, leading to betal for extreme nor thern climates where the and 200 of them ter quality medicine. daylight might be over 18 hours a day until cold nights become a problem. The various are found in subtypes in cannabis allow breeders to create From sweets like chocolate to licorice and cannabis many different combinations, depending on essential oils from lavender to cedar, there their needs. When day-neutral strains comisn’t a fragrance or flavor that cannabis can’t bine with shor t-day varieties, a breeder can create strains emulate. There are even exotic flavors that go beyond anythat flower earlier outdoors, yet still maintain the desired thing one can find to eat! Tastes of incense and spice were qualities of shor t-day plants. found in the past Sativa strains of Acapulco and Columbian Gold, Thai, and many more. The flavors these strains would produce is indescribable; one can only hope to taste them Tasty Terpenes even once in their lives, yet most will never find them. New When it comes to medicine, we know that THC and CBD waves of genetics often favor heavy yields, high THC, and both have beneficial effects, but what about terpenes? Tershor t flowering times over flavor and effect. Great genetics penes give cannabis its wonderful flavors, aromas, and side of the past are falling victim to a style of selective breeding. effects. There are repor tedly over 20,000 terpenes in the plant and insect kingdom, and 200 are found in cannabis. But Understanding the flavors of cannabis is pivotal in creating great they aren’t always a given. Cannabis will always have a mild new genetic material. The breeding itself is straightforward and amount of terpenes naturally, but to get the full gamut of can be done in a 2x2 area if you follow certain precautions.

The various subtypes in cannabis allow breeders the opportunity to create many different combinations, depending on their needs.

One is for Biofloral Canadian Distributor with cannabis the other for UK Highlight Wholesale no Cannabis some other similar image that’s not weed.

CANNABIS BREEDING

Care must be taken to ensure no cross-contamination when using a single female Step 1: Obtaining Seeds Acquire “regular” seeds. Some cannabis seeds are feminized, which means they were treated with a silver solution, causing them to turn into a monoecious plant. Once a cannabis plant triggers to monoecious, it turns into a hermaphroditic form and pollinates itself, creating primarily female seeds. If you star t with feminized seeds, you might not ever find a male.

Once a cannabis plant triggers to monoecious, it turns into a hermaphroditic form and pollinates itself, creating primarily female seeds

Step 2: Planting

Step 3: Cross Breeding

If the seeds are shor t-day and not a day-neutral, plant them and grow for approximately six weeks on a vegetative cycle (18-24 hours of light a day). Control the size of the plant with container size. After six weeks, most plants star t showing their sex, regardless of light cycles. Females will begin to grow white hair out of the corners of the branch nodes. Males will develop a sor t of ball-like flower along the edges of the branch nodes. Once you have identified the males from the females, choose your favorites.

Once you’ve selected your favorite male and female, induce flowering. Males will generally tower over females quickly into flowering and release their pollen long before the female ripens. If you’d like a lot of seeds and have no worry of harvesting any female flowers for a crop, leave the plants together. The female will be covered with seeds as it ripens.

Some breeders will take the time to flower out the females and keep a clone of each to ensure they are working with quality genetics, which is recommended. Others rely on a stem rub and structure evaluation. It is also possible to isolate several males and pollinate different branches of a single female to grow the offspring from each and find which male produced the best mate. Care must be taken to ensure no cross-contamination when using a single female. The best way to test male pollen is to cut clones (rooted branches) from a selected female mother plant and allow the different isolated males to breed the clones of the same female.

If you only have a small number of seeds in your plant, isolate the male in a separate location, and gather a tiny amount of pollen from an open male flower. Deposit the pollen into something small like a bottle cap. A gentle tap of the male plant will allow a substantial amount of pollen to be released. After gathering it, seal off the container, change your clothes, and rinse off your body; you are covered in pollen, whether you realize it or not. Afterward, take the pollen into the female flowering room, turn off all fans and filters, use a toothpick to touch it, and gently feather a few female buds. Spray down the area with a mist bottle after the procedure to kill the excess pollen.

CANNABIS BREEDING

Step 4: Seed/Growth

Choose the characteristics you like in a plant and make sure they are dominant in the breeding stock you choose

Calyx (seed pod)

Once you fer tilize the female, let it finish flowering until you see fully developed, dark brown to black seeds popping out of each calyx (seed pod). Once the seeds are mature, harvest the plant and dry it like you would any other grow. Make sure you put a tray under your plant as it dries to catch any seeds released from their pods.

Step 5: Storing Allow seeds to dry for a few weeks before storing them. Air-tight containers in a freezer offer the best chance for long-term storage. Seeds left to the elements may fail after a year. Seeds can sprout after decades of correct storage.

In The Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Seat With dry seeds, you can star t testing your strains, which is where the fun begins! Breeding back into the same lineage multiple times is possible, although you may eventually create a very homogeneous plant type. Choose the characteristics you like in a plant and make sure they are dominant in the breeding stock you choose. If two plants have a similar smell, flavor, or structure, breeding them reinforces those characteristics and increases the chances of finding a better option in the next generation. Sometimes, breeding plants with very different characteristics lack the desirable traits of their parents. But once in a while, the result is like winning the lottery. Observation is critical when breeding. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find what you are looking for, keep sprouting more seeds. You never know what is going to come up with the next holy grail of cannabis. It only takes one breeder to change the history of the plant forever. 3

BIO Tom Wall: Professional Musician, Writer and Gardening Consultant. Cosmic Knot/Therapeutic Horticulture Consultations

Sometimes, breeding plants with very different characteristics lack the desirable traits of their parents. But once in a while, the result is like winning the lottery.

Growing up on a deer farm located on 79 acres of land along the banks of one of Lake Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tributaries, Tom grew a love for nature and all the beauties it could hold. Through that passion, Tom has channeled his influences into educating the community on sustainable agriculture, becoming an activist, writing for magazines, and creating music tuned to nature in his band, Cosmic Knot. Follow Tom and all of his passions: www.facebook.com/tom.wall.946 www.instagram.com/cosmicknotmusic/ artistecard.com/cosmicknot

BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

Cover Crops

Ry e

r ed clov e r

m u sta r d 88

COVER CROPS

astering the art of organic gardening involves more than merely growing without chemicals. To boost yields, provide plant nutrients, and control weeds, diseases and pests naturally,

one must add various techniques to their growing regimes. Think compost, companion planting, crop rotation, and cover crops.

Aptly named, cover crops are sown to cover the soil with plant growth, typically after primary food crops have been harvested and over the winter. Sow the seeds one month before the first frost for best results, and while the plants are still alive, cut them down and mix them into the soil as green manure. 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. Other examples of cover crops include: • • • • • • • • •

Sow the seeds one month before the first frost for best results, and while the plants are still alive, cut them down and mix them into the soil as green manure

Annual rye Arugula Buckwheat Fava beans Forage radish Red clover Mustard Winter rye Wheat

The study was carried out over two growing seasons in Clovis, New Mexico, 200 miles east of Albuquerque. The area doesn’t get a lot of rain, but when it comes, the storms are intense. Coupled with strong winds, severe soil erosion and topsoil depletion are common. Researchers identified healthy soils by measuring their carbon dioxide emissions. They found the emissions were higher in test plots with cover crops than those without, a good indication that soil microbes were thriving down below.

“The higher the biological activity is in soils, the greater the carbon dioxide emissions,” explains Ghimire. It’s impor tant to note that carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, and if left unchecked, the soil’s emissions can be problematic. But Mother Nature works in mysterious ways. Cover crops work over time by absorbing the CO2 from the atmosphere and storing it in the soil.

Planting cover crops is one of the cornerstones of organic gardening for many reasons. 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, and have even been found to sequester carbon and reduce global warming! A recent study finds cover crops are especially helpful in semi-arid climates. Researchers from New Mexico State University and the United States Depar tment of Agriculture say the plants led to better soil health in the Southern High Plains. “There was a lot of scepticism on the effectiveness of cover cropping in the hot, dry environment of the southern High Plains,” says Rajan Ghimire, a researcher at New Mexico State University. “Our research shows that cover crops increased the biological health of soils in the study area within two years.” 89

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COVER CROPS

arugula

fava be a n s 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, 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, which are linked to even more carbon storage. No matter what kind of climate you’re growing in, it’s essential to find the right balance when planting cover crops. It is recommended to mix legumes with grasses to increase both soil carbon and nitrogen while minimizing the release of carbon dioxide. The researchers in this study say there is still so much to learn about cover crops and hope to continue this experiment long-term. However, for now, planting cover crops remain a crucial element in every organic garden, no matter where you live in the world. 3

Sources: •

Cover crops help with soil carbon storage because they are largely made of carbon, which decomposes into organic matter.

m u sta r d

• •

Cover crop effects on soil carbon dioxide emissions in a semi-arid cropping system (Nilahylane, Ghimire, Thapa, Sainju) Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment. Practical Organic Gardening: The No-Nonsense Guide To Growing Naturally (Mark Highland) Cool Springs Press. Gardening Complete: How To Best Grow Vegetables, Flowers, And Other Outdoor Plants (The authors of Cool Spring Press) Cool Springs Press.

BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

COW FARTS

ARE NO JOKE

“If my cow ain’t far ting...must be me!” t’s a line with the potential to go down as one of the classics in the world of adver tising. In a hilarious video created by the fast-food chain Burger King, an adorable young cowboy belts out a tune about how cow far ts and burps aren’t as funny as they seem.

According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), livestock creates 14.5% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. Beef production is a primary culprit, accounting for about 41% of those emissions. One of the reasons cattle create so many greenhouse gasses is because they have a complex digestive system that includes four stomachs! As the cows digest the foods they eat, like grass, they produce methane, which is released when they burp and fart. Methane is the most potent gas contributing to global warming. Admitting that it’s a big part of the problem, the burger joint has been looking for ways to be a part of the solution. It has teamed up with researchers from the US and Mexico, and what they found might end up being a real differencemaker in the world of beef production.

Adding 100 grams of dried lemongrass leaves to a cow’s daily feed reduces methane emissions by an average of 33% over three or four months! The study, commissioned by Restaurant Brands International, finds that just like humans use natural remedies to help with digestive issues, certain foods can help cows feel a little less gassy. Adding 100 grams of dried lemongrass leaves to a cow’s daily feed reduces methane emissions by an average of 33% over three or four months! Who knew a less gassy rear could lead to a healthier atmosphere? To be clear, in no way does Garden Culture Magazine support a fast-food diet, but we do love initiatives taken to reduce negative impacts on the planet! 3

Lemongrass can help reduce methane emissions

“When cows burp and far t and splat ter, well, it ain’t no laughing mat ter. They’re releasing methane ever y time they do. And the methane from their rear goes up into the atmosphere, and pollutes our planet warming me and you.” -lyric from Burger King ad

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZbXCr0HqVs 92

BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

HELLO,

HOUSEPLANTS!

he outdoor growing season may be in full swing, but that doesn’t mean we should neglect our indoor plant buddies! Beyond

adding to the interior decor, houseplants are serious mood boosters, with sales skyrocketing in many par ts of the globe during the coronavirus lockdown. This issue’s featured houseplant isn’t only beautiful; it’s edible too! Talk about pleasing the senses.

This issue’s featured houseplant isn’t only beautiful; it’s edible too!

Name: Orange Hat Micro Tomato What You’ll See: When starting from seed, you’ll think there’s no way this tiny plant will produce anything worth eating. But as it develops dark green foliage, clusters of gorgeous baby cherry tomatoes will begin forming, eventually turning a vibrant orange color. Why We Love It: Because it’s small, prolific, and delicious. These tomatoes might be tiny, but they pack a whole lot of flavor. Super sweet and perfect for snacking, salads, or making jam. The more you pick, the more tomatoes you grow. Need we say more? Growing Habits: Nice and compact, this baby grows to about 6-8” tall depending on the lighting conditions and lives comfortably in a 6” pot or one-gallon container. How To Care For It: Got a sunny windowsill? Orange Hat’s thrive in them! As long as there’s some sun and the house is warm, expect to be picking fruit. This plant also does well on a patio or balcony. Water consistently and watch it grow. Happy snacking! 3

MUSHROOMS AND BEES

A recent study has shown that hungr y bumblebees nibble holes in leaves, which can force plants to flower weeks earlier than expected!

BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

HUNGRY BUMBLEBEES Can Lead To Earlier Flowering

ature never fails to impress! We already know that bumblebees gather pollen and nectar for the sur vival of their colonies, which in turn, keeps our plants alive. But what happens when there are few blooms for the bees to take from, typically early in the growing season?

If there’s a will, there’s a way. A recent study has shown that hungry bumblebees nibble holes in leaves, which can force plants to flower weeks earlier than expected! Researchers at ETH Zürich discovered the bees actively damaging some plants in a greenhouse that had not yet blossomed. They were cutting holes in the leaves in the shape of a half-moon. Published in the journal Science, the study proceeded with a greenhouse experiment using a crop of black mustard and bumblebees that hadn’t collected pollen

for three days. Once the bees cut holes in the leaves, the plants flowered after an average of 17 days! The crop that had not been nibbled on by the bees took 33 days to bloom. Another experiment saw tomato plants flower 30 days sooner than usual! Wondering if you can go ahead and cut half-moons in your leaves to speed up the process? Researchers tried and weren’t able to achieve the same results, proving that bumblebees seem to have a special magic touch. Just another reason to help keep our bee populations alive! 3

Sources: •

Science 22 May 2020: Vol. 368, Issue 6493, pp. 881-884 bit.ly/2YlHk1T

BY CATHERINE SHERRIFFS

n w o r w you

Gro

Drink Up:

Making Nutrient-Rich

Compost Tea For The Garden Steeping some tea for yourself is easy, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just as simple to do for your plants! Compost tea offers many perks in the garden. Find this easy DIY recipe and many others for thriving plants at GCMag.co.

njoying some tea in the garden sounds like a zen way to spend a morning or afternoon; why

not offer your plants the same treat? Making compost tea for your plants is an excellent way to boost the growing season!

COMPOST TEA GardenCultureMagazine.com

Vermicompost packed it into a coffee filter Compost tea is what it sounds like: compost in liquid form. Make this plant feed by “steeping” specific quantities of black gold in water.

best of

the blog

The Perks Using compost tea in the garden offers many advantages to plants. Because it’s a liquid, the perks are almost instant too! According to Clare Foster’s book, “Compost: How To Make And Use Organic Compost To Transform Your Garden,” compost tea helps control pathogens that cause plant diseases such as potato blight and mildew.

How To Use It Use as a foliar spray on the leaves so beneficial organisms fight off the bad guys. Or, drench the soil in your garden with it to help protect the roots from diseases. There are many different ways to make compost tea. Use whatever high-quality compost you have at your disposal. I used a bunch of worm castings from my vermicompost bin. Brewing the tea is easy as pie. There are several recipes available online. I followed a variation in Stephanie Rose’s book, “Garden Alchemy: 80 Recipes And Concoctions for Organic Fertilizers, Plant Elixirs, Potting Mixes, Pest Deterrents, And More.”

How To Make It Rose recommends diluting one part vermicompost with ten parts of water. Let it sit for anywhere between one and 12 hours before using. I took my vermicompost and packed it into a coffee filter. I tied it closed with a piece of twine to make this cute little teabag. Pop the sachet into a bucket or watering can and let it sit. I used water from my rain barrel for an added boost of nitrogen! Much like a real cup of tea, the color of the liquid will depend on how long you let the compost steep. Water your plants with it or put it into a spray bottle for the leaves. Spread the leftover organic matter in the teabag throughout the garden! Finally, go and make a cup of tea for yourself (preferably, not vermicompost), sit back, and watch your garden grow! 3

BY CAROLINE RIVARD

Tasty Medicinal Gems 98

GARDEN WEEDS

ild violets are some of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, covering lawns with tiny lilac and white flowers. Those

who strive for golfing green lawns consider them weeds, but wild violets are incredibly useful and delicious to boot!

There are more than 500 species in the viola family, and most of them have exciting medicinal benefits and culinary uses. When looking for wild violets, you will frequently find Viola sororia, known as the common blue violet, the sweet violet, Viola odorata, and the Labrador violet, Viola labradorica. Viola tricolor or Johnny jump up, which are also in the viola family, make excellent food and medicine.

Those who strive for golfing green lawns consider them weeds, but wild violets are incredibly useful and delicious to boot!

Wild Violet

Colorful and Nutritious

Wild violets are an excellent place to start if you want to forage food for the first time. Easily recognizable and mild in flavor, the violet blooms will help you begin your journey as a wild plant forager.

The flowers are lettuce-like and have a subtle peppery flavor. Some species taste like wintergreens. The vibrancy of the fresh herbs add some visual interest to a green salad and make great cake toppers. You can even freeze the flowers in ice cubes for drinks and cocktails. Wild violets are a gentle herb, so it can be eaten in large quantities and is safe for people taking medicines. People also candy the flowers or transform the petals into a vivid lavender-blue syrup. In Europe, high-end gourmet food stores sell pricey raspberry sweet violet jam that is heavenly. Common violets are also very nutritious. Rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium, this plant nourishes the body with quality nutrients. The lower leaves, harvested in early spring, contain an impressive amount of vitamin A and C. A single gram of wild violet leaves packs double the amount of vitamin C a gram of orange fruit provides!

Wild violets also contain a phytochemical called rutin, an antiinflammatory and antioxidant that helps neutralize damaging free radicals and prevent chronic diseases like cancer.

Medicinal Benefits

Wild violets have helped treat many conditions over several centuries. The upper parts of the plant can be used as an infusion to promote sleep. Taken in a strong tea, they help with lung health by working as an expectorant. Wild violets help treat infections in the upper respiratory tract, as well as colds, congestion, flu viruses and bronchitis. Overall, they are a gentle immune system stimulant.

The wintergreen taste in some wild violets is due to the salicylic acid content, which helps clear skin abrasions with its disinfecting and active fungicidal proper ties. Salicylic acid also reduces pain and swelling, and therefore, violet leaves and flowers used in the form of a poultice will soothe inflamed skin, sores, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and skin infections. The leaves of the wild violets contain a high level of mucilage, which helps soothe irritated tissues. Fresh or dry, the leaves and the flowers can be used to make a strong infusion to reduce puffiness of the eyes.

GARDEN WEEDS

Making Violet Vinegar Infusing wild violets in vinegar is the best way to extract the medicinal properties. Using white vinegar will give the extraction a lovely purple color. For an added boost, use apple cider vinegar. • • •

•

Pinch off the violet stems and clean the leaves and flowers thoroughly. Place them in a jar and cover with vinegar. Seal the jar with a non-metal lid. Store in a dark, cool place for a week while the violets and vinegar infuse. The longer you let it soak, the darker it will be. Strain out the blossoms, discard, and store your vinegar in a glass bottle.

Wild violet vinegar can be used in vinaigrettes or marinades. You can also add it to a tonic, diluting one teaspoon a day in some water. If you have a decent quantity, add half a cup of the violet vinegar to your bath and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Your skin will thank you! Violet vinegar is good for wasp stings, sunburns, and even as a hair rinse! If using on your scalp, dilute it with equal parts of water. 3

Disclaimer: As with any wild plant, be 100% sure of what you are foraging before consuming. Even though violets are very gentle herbs, eating reasonable amounts to see how your body reacts is recommended.

Wild violets help treat infections in the upper respirator y tract, as well as colds, congestion, flu viruses and bronchitis

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

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BY RICH GELLERT

Water Conservation for Sealed Hydroponic Environments The explosive growth of hydroponics can be traced to improvements in technology and efficiencies, as well as ample, decentralized indoor space for year-round harvesting. 102

CONDENSATE RECLAMATION

ndoor hydroponic farming is quickly becoming the business model of choice, with US revenues projected to reach $3 billion by 2025. The explosive growth of hydroponics can be traced to improvements in technology and efficiencies, as well as ample, decentralized indoor space for year-round harvesting.

With this new momentum comes essential questions as to how to reimagine farming from what is currently understood as a resource-heavy, wasteful process, to modern, sustainable, and environmentallyfriendly production practices that will last humanity on into the future. However, in a sealed hydroponic In recent years, water conservation With climate change, environment, condensate must strategies in hydroponic farming drought, and water travel through HVAC equipment, have become as impor tant, if not air handlers, dehumidifiers, ducting, even more impor tant, than any pollution all becoming or other surfaces that may contain other energy and resource-saving increasingly urgent to different types of contamination. methods taken into consideration address, minimizing water Surface exposure to rust, oils, when building a new operation. metals, biologicals and other types With climate change, drought, waste and maximizing of industrial contaminants can and water pollution all becoming irrigation efficiency is ruin otherwise pure condensate increasingly urgent to address, a top facility-planning water. Condensate is also naturally minimizing water waste and acidic and can act as a corrosive maximizing irrigation efficiency priority on untreated metal, picking up is a top facility-planning priority. pollutants and destroying the goal Regulatory compliance has also of a purified irrigation source. Without proper postchanged the way hydroponic farming approaches water filtration, exposed condensate loses its potential of being use. In some areas, conservation technologies must be a reliably pure source of water ready for nutrient formula permitted in place and pass inspection before operations mixing, water that would typically be the product of a can begin. reverse osmosis filter. 3 There are several ways to reduce hydroponic farm water use; the most cost-effective methods involve highefficiency reverse osmosis systems, as well as nutrient and condensate reclamation filters. Condensate, water vapor accumulated from indoor climate control equipment, is one of the easiest wastewater sources to recycle and reuse in a sealed hydroponic environment. Condensate reclamation technology can be implemented in small farms needing only a couple of hundred gallons a day, to industrial-scale operations requiring massive amounts of high quality, purified water. When properly installed and maintained, condensate can fulfil up to 80% daily water demand, at any scaleâ&#x20AC;Śwater that would typically go down the drain! Because condensate is the accumulated evaporation of water, it is considered to be pure. Contaminates in the source water are denser than water vapor, so they are separated and left behind. This purified water is a perfect base formula for adding nutrient solutions, which are designed using reverse osmosis water for calibration. This allows the grower to be precise with measurements and control, which can ultimately translate into healthier plants and higher quality, larger yields.

Bio

Richard Gellert is an adventure-seeker; he loves wilderness, biking, and hitting the slopes - the steeper, the better. Also an avid gardener, Rich has created extensive gardens to grow fruits and vegetables for his family year-round. He is the president of Hydrologic Purification Systems, a company delivering top-shelf hydroponic water filtration systems to consumers. Speaking five languages, and with as many advanced degrees, Rich has become the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading expert in water quality, facility discharge, reclamation systems, and regulation compliance. His articles have appeared in Max Yield, HydroLife, Garden Culture, and Urban Garden.

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GREEN ADVICE

ALL-NATURAL TRICKS FOR A THRIVING GARDEN Organic gardening doesn’t have to mean fewer results and smaller yields! There are plenty of all-natural ways to score big during the growing season. Here’s our list of 5 cool ways you can help an organic garden thrive.

Compost, Compost, Compost!

It’s no secret that the success of our outdoor gardens begins with the soil, so taking care of it is paramount. A great way to do that is by adding compost to the earth. Apply once in the spring and then again in the fall. Compost improves soil structure by keeping it wellaerated and enhancing its water retention capabilities. It reduces the need for natural resources like peat and makes more nutrients available to your plants. If you’re looking for ‘black gold’ that will make the most significant impact, look no further than vermicompost. Worm castings contain five times more nitrogen, seven times more phosphorus, and 11 times more potassium than other kinds (1). Your veggie patch will thank you for the delicious snack with higher yields.

Find Some Companions

Interplanting, or companion planting, is common in organic vegetable gardens. That’s because finding suitable ‘friends’ for your precious plants can help them ward off various pests, improve flavor, and produce better yields. For example, tomatoes, basil, and marigolds work well together because the latter two help repel aphids and tomato hornworms. Basil is also said to improve a tomato’s taste. Carrots and lettuce also grow well alongside tomatoes because they act as a groundcover. The taller plants will shade the low-growing veggies from the harsh sun. And when you harvest the carrots and lettuce, you’ll help aerate the soil and create passageways for water and nutrients down to the tomato roots. The same idea applies to the three sisters strategy (2), in which corn, beans, and squash grow together. The corn supports the beans, and the beans fix nitrogen in the soil, boosting fertility. The squash is a groundcover and helps retain moisture and protect from hungry herbivores.

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Pioneering References

ma ma publi sh i n g.com | cannascope.com

GREEN ADVICE

ALL-NATURAL TRICKS FOR A THRIVING GARDEN

Speaking Of Hungry Animals...

Let’s face it; at some point, we’ve all pulled a Mr. McGregor and gone crazy on Peter Rabbit. If bunnies aren’t your problem, perhaps you struggle to keep groundhogs, raccoons, or deer out of the garden. Larger critters can make or break the growing season, but toxins and other inhumane control methods are not always the answer. Organic gardening employs the use of a gentler hand to protect the yard and garden from animals (3). For example, an 8-foot tall fence around the veggie plot and permaculture principles will help keep the deer and other critters out. Hanging fabric softener sheets from nearby trees may also help, as will applying blood meal to the surrounding area. Floating row covers can protect newly planted seeds from birds and young seedlings from other pests. And as for Peter? Distract rascally rabbits by planting clover on your lawn, or deter them entirely with animal urine (like from a fox), or homemade concoctions using eggs and garlic.

Spot Of Tea

Just like you might enjoy a cup of tea, your gardens do too! Garden teas are home-brewed liquid fertilizers that contain a lot of nitrogen, and they’re super easy to make with materials you already have in the yard.They can be applied directly to the soil or as a foliar spray, just dilute them to avoid burning plants. An excellent recipe for Green Garden Tea (4) involves filling a 5-gallon bucket two-thirds of the way full with chemical-free lawn and garden clippings. Be sure the bucket has holes drilled in the bottom; sit it on top of a second bucket. Submerge the green material in rainwater and stir. Cover the container and let it sit for three days, stirring in the mornings and again in the afternoons. Strain the tea into the lower bucket. Dilute one part garden tea with ten parts rainwater when feeding.

Mulch

Never underestimate the importance of mulch in the organic garden. Adding a layer around the base of your plants helps retain moisture during dry spells, keep weeds at bay, and protect against pathogens (2). When water hits the ground, soil splashes onto the leaves of the plant, which can cause various bacterial and fungal diseases.The mulch helps prevent splashing! Shredded bark, compost, wood chips, and straw are all excellent options. For the organic garden, avoid dyed mulch, and when you’re applying it, leave a small circle around the plant stem to prevent rotting. Happy organic gardening! 3

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1. Foster, Clare. Compost: How To Make And Use Organic Compost To Transform Your Garden. Octopus Publishing Group, 2014. 2. Highland, Mark. Practical Organic Gardening:The No-Nonsense Guide To Growing Naturally. Cool Springs Press, 2017. 3. Rooney,Theresa.The Guide To Humane Critter Control: Natural, Nontoxic Pest Solutions To Protect Your Yard And Garden. Cool Springs Press, 2017. 4. Rose, Stephanie. Garden Alchemy: 80 Recipes And Concoctions For Organic Fertilizers, Plant Elixers, Potting Mixes, Pest Deterrents, And More. Cool Springs Press, 2020.

WE CHOOSE NATURE

Garden Culture Magazine US 33

Articles inside

Wild Violet Weeds: Tasty Medicinal Gems

Water Conservation for Sealed Hydroponic Environments

Cannabis Breeding 101

Guerilla Gardening

Top 10 DIY Organic Pest Control

Hemp: So Much More Than You Think

An Urgent Call For Food Justice

Organic Gardening for Healthy Plants

Going Beyond Organic

Plant Steering: Mothers and Cuttings