Seed labeling...You say tomato and I say toma-gmo-to!

How do you know if your vegetable seed is a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)?
What is your label telling you or not telling you about your seed?

 image - Etsy shop...The Little Ragamuffin

Some of the advances in seed technology are amazing, creating stronger, healthier, just down right gorgeous variates of plants. Gardner's and Farmer's are always looking at new ways to make a plant disease resistant or faster growing. Could you imagine Hosta's that were totally resistant to slugs or rose's immune to black-spot...oh happy days! This is all good news for the perennial bed and my shade garden, but do I really want these tampered with seeds in my veggie beds and at what cost to my garden and health? What is this plant really? What is the difference between all those labels and does it really matter?

You hear the terms, Organic, Hybrid, Heirloom, Genetically modified seeds a lot these days.
Organic seed is cultivated from a pure and clean seed. It must be from an organic (synthetic and chemical free) parent plant, using only organic methods of growth and disease control.
Heirloom can be both organic or chemically treated, heirloom by name are bred from generations of the same non-tampered seed, year after year and must be open air pollinated. If you like..the pure breed of seed.
Hybrid seed again can be organic or chemically treated and are produced when you cross pollinate/breed from the same variety to form a new plant (kinda like a Labradoodle half Labrador half Poodle) This helps produce plants that are disease resistant, a new color, larger in size...etc. This is how gardeners and farmers have developed new varieties for centuries and is not to be confused by the new Genetically modified way of tampering with seeds. Hybrid labels will sometimes include letters after the plant name, this is to show its disease tolerance.

Why do I not come across GMO seed packs in the store? Really though what is all this GMO seed about? What have they done to the seed to make that tomato grow 10x the size and not rot for 3mths? Will it effect me? What have they crossed this eggplant seed with to make it disease resistant not to mention resistant to pesticides? Sure a lot of this development comes from cross breading and age-old farming practices which is natural (see hybrid) but what is the difference?

Q. Isn't genetic engineering merely a minor extension of traditional breeding practices?

A. No. While farmers have used cross-breeding techniques to cultivate crop and animal species with desired characteristics, genetic engineering represents a radical departure from this practice. Cross-breeding can only occur within closely-related life forms. Genetic engineering allows scientists to cross the species barrier, mixing genetic material among of animals, plants and microorganism. The offspring of genetic engineering would never be found in nature. For example, fish genes have been placed in tomatoes, human genes in tobacco, bacteria in corn, and viruses in squash and fruit. - The Council for Responsible Genetics

Read the rest of article...mind blowing stuff! http://www.councilforresponsiblegenetics.org  

You hear the horror stories about commercial farming and the devastation that GMO's have created for our farmers. Particularly by the horrible miss-use use of super-seeds from companies like Monsanto, seeds created to be not only disease tolerant but tolerant of the weed killer that its sprayed with, genetically altered to grow faster and not to mention the suicide-seed so that the farmers can't harvest seed for next years crop, forcing them to buy more GMO seed every year...and this is the food we eat! Oh the global nightmare this has all become! Don't get me started on my rant!! breath, breath!!

OK, I'm calm again! I think this "not knowing" what our produce really is or where it's come from, or how it has been tampered with has inspired a number of us to start our own veggie gardens right here in our own backyards. There is something so comforting, being sure of what seed we are growing, what the soil and plant are being treated with and inevitably what we end up eating. Its simply re-assuring.

This begs the question, how do we know that the veggie seed we are growing in our own, safe, genetically modified free environment is just that? Do seed packs indicate how it came about? Where is the label, number or code to tell us that it has been tampered with genetically?

 

Organic consumers 

Seed industry structure table, I know its a little old, but still great resource to show you how "Owned" by big corporation our small pack seed is. Click link above for clearer pic and more info.

Unfortunately for now there is no mandatory labeling on seed packs when it comes to GMO's, just like the food we buy, we are in the dark. The best bet is buy locally direct from the seeder, buy certified organic and/or from these seed companies listed in the link below...These companies have signed the Safe Seed Pledge for 2012.

Safe seed list

Really this whole practice is enough to send you to drink or in my case tears, curled up in the fetal position on the floor in the produce section of my local grocery-store...scared out of my mind about what we are really eating. Although thank god my produce section is conveniently located right next to the wine isle, thank you Fred Meyer.

The best thing we can do, is learn and listen to those telling us about what is happening in the world of seed, labeling and GMO's, ask questions from a variety of sources from both sides of the table...learn!
I am looking forward to growing my GMO free veggies this year!

More interesting food-for-thought articles and media....
Sustainable Seed Company's view on GMO's
http://www.organicconsumers.org/  great site for the latest in seed news developments
http://www.takepart.com/foodinc  wonderful website for more updates, check out the awesome movie too!
http://www.seedsavers.org/ I love their product and their preservation towards seed
http://www.ornl.gov/ Genomics? Government website, views from the other side of the table (not to get political though!)
Organic vegetables start out as seed  Great article to get you up to speed on the seed buy outs!
Other interesting documentaries...Food Matters and King Corn.

Choosing the right fertilizer for the job?

I'll be the first to admit that I am an indecisive procrastinator, great combination hey! If there are to many choices then it can wait, its time to find something else that needs my immediate attention...ah yes, the weeds they need pulling, I'm good at that! Hence why I love to "potter" around in my garden so much! The feeling of still doing something without really doing anything, its great!

So as you can guess when it comes to fertilizer for my garden, I am completely lost! Overwhelmed to the point of not even doing it, yep that's where I am at...my poor plants! The wall of choice is dizzying, honestly I am so confused by all the varieties....liquid, granular, slow-release, rose, perennial (what, will it hurt non-perennials?) organic, foliar and the list goes on. Not to mention throw some random numbers on the side of the box (lost again) and the promise to myself this year to go organic...its enough to make me run screaming from the garden department!

Agh...what, I know its trying to tell me something?

I just want to know what to feed my yellowing lawn and my plants that aren't as vibrant as they should be, in the most organic way if possible...HELP!

I am on a mission! Mission....stay and face the fertilizer!
It has to be done or my plants are really going to suffer. In the past we have used a gardening service who did all of this for us (I know cheating!) more recently I have used organic products like kelp-food and coffee grounds, but I really didn't see much change! Maybe I am doing it wrong? The thought of over fertilizing and burning my plants does scare me, I do lean on the side of caution, maybe they are not getting enough? We have had a very wet year, maybe the nutrients in the soil is being washed away to often? My goal this year was to change and be organic only, but not at the risk of losing my plants, I have accepted that this will be a process and a learning process at that. Now to figure out what my plants need....and to just DO IT!!

First, what is in fertilizer and what are all those numbers really trying to tell me? While on an hour long online hunt for some answers, I came across gazillions of articles all with their own facts and research, however none where as well written and as easy to follow as this brilliant article at the http://www.weekendgardener.net You must check it out and really it is all you need to read, my job is done...hehe!!

The post is full of great info on how to choose the right fertilizer for the right job, what they consist of, even a great table listing all the varieties and what you would use them for. Really this is a very thorough post, thank you Weekend Gardener!

Here is an excerpt that I will refer to often...
N = Nitrogen: Encourages plants to produce dark green leaves. This is the chief staple in the diet of most plants. Yellowing leaves means the plant isn't getting enough nitrogen from sources in the soil. But it only takes a little nitrogen to do the job, and if your goal is to set fruit or vegetables, you don't want to use excesses of nitrogen because you will only get overgrown plants and little to no fruit.

Nitrogen can leach quickly from the soil requiring frequent reapplication. Nitrogen applied in the nitrate form is usually inorganic, fast acting, but can leach quickly into surface and ground water. Nitrogen applied as ammonium is from organic sources (blood meal) and IBDU (isobutylidene diurea - a synthetic organic fertilizer) and is released more slowly and lasts longer in the soil.

P = Phosphorous: Stimulates root growth. All plants need it to get their root foundation off to a healthy and vigorous start so they can support all the growth on top, but root crops and bulbs especially need phosphorous to do well. Phosphorous and potassium don't move readily through the soil and should be applied near plant roots to do the most good.

K = Potassium: Is critical to the continuing health of all plants, especially during the second half of the life cycle in fruit and vegetables when the plants are setting flowers and bearing fruit. Potassium is often expressed as potash or water soluble potash. Potassium and phosphorous don't move readily through the soil and should be applied near plant roots to do the most good.

So please wish me luck! What I have learned, is that my yellowing lawn could really use a good dose of nitrogen so the first number is what I need the most of. I'm off to buy some Alfalfa meal to spread around my lawn and garden beds! Excited to give this organic, nitrogen rich fertilizer a try.  


Some other useful websites....
http://www.fertilizer101.org/ 
http://www.improve-your-garden-soil.com/fertilizer-burn.html - Avoiding Fertilizer Burn 
http://www.landscape-and-garden.com - Applying Fertilizer

Project veggie garden...the planning stage

Why a Veggie garden? For years now we have wanted to try our hand at veggie growing!
We love our veg and more recently we love knowing where it comes from too, there are just so many nasties being used to grow produce these days. Also, it will be fun for the family to do together, save some mulla, a great way to teach the kids about food & gardening, not to mention doing more for sustainable living. I am excited to learn all about Heirloom and organic veg growing and man do I have lots to learn. I will post all my findings and adventures along the way...Hope you follow my latest garden venture! 

The Planning stage....Last year we gave Veggie growing a small go, kind of test the waters before I jump right in. I planted herbs and a cherry tomato. Yep, that is the extent of my veggie gardening experience, mind blowing isn't it...lol! But even though small and pretty pathetic, there was something so rewarding about growing and eating something straight out of our own garden...we loved it! The cherry T's we grew were without a doubt the best we had ever had. Gosh they made a lovely snack, blink and they were gone! The thing grew like a weed too, loved it!
Oh its making me giddy just thinking about all the possibilities this year, what else will we try? I love Broccoli and maybe some beans, but cherry T's will be first on our list!

Last years "first" attempt of growing tomatoes and some herbs.

So this year we are going to kick it up a notch! Goodbye random collection of pots, hello veggie beds!

The beds... simple construction 6X12 boards with 4x4 corner posts, top capped by a rail. Wood will be salvaged cedar and the bed size will be 2 6x3x12in high, with a 1-2 ft path down the middle. (I will post a how-to when we build our beds) We plan to cover the underside with chicken wire to keep the moles out and fill with 12 in of yummy, soil goodness. Still learning about the soil needs and what is best, organic or what we have? If there is one thing I have come to find, it's like many things new, you are always learning. There is so much to learn when it comes to veggie gardening, the information out there is endless, but do the research now and it will work better in the long run! (well that's the plan anyway...fingers crossed!)

Basing my ideas on these beds...love them, wish this was my yard!

Photo from http://www.raisedbedvegetablegarden.org/

The location... has been chosen, which is probably the most important part of the planning process. We decided on a North/west spot in the backyard as it gets the most direct full sun.

 This is the location (photo a few years old) it will fill the area from the Lilac on the left to the blue birdhouse towards the right, everything in between will find new homes else where.

While the beds will be defined spaces, they will be nestled in amongst my existing flower gardens and will be surrounded by Lilacs, Hydrangeas, Roses, Lavender and an array of other random blooms. I've designed them so that they'll come out from the fence, which we will be used to string the berries and peas to. I am planning a trellis for the top of the fence also, wishful thinking for my berries to be that tall, but we'll see.

Great article, How to grow your own veggies and the best recipes for each.

So much yumminess here...Read More http://www.epicurious.com/

The Vegetables...We are planning on growing from purchased Heirloom starts this year from our local Nursery. They grow all their own veg, over 160 varieties of tomato alone! We may give some seeding ago too, I know the kids will get a kick out of it, but honestly I'm a little scared.
Here is our ever-changing list of yummy possibilities....
Cherry Tomatoes (of cause)
Roma Tomatoes - thinking green from Maggie's friend again
Earlington Greenhouse signature Tomatoes, can't remember the name.
Celery
Carrots - rainbow
Broccoli
String Beans (the long variety)
Rhubarb
Strawberries...yum, now I'm craving strawberry & Rhubarb pie!
Raspberries
Shallots
Leeks???
Romain lettuce

Herbs
Cilantro
Thyme
Basil - Thai and Italian
Chives
Oregano
Mint...summertime Mojito's =)
Parsley
Rosemary
Ginger (wasn't sure if its a herb or root veg?)

As we have limited space this list will keep changing until it comes time to plant, new things are introduced. Oh see, I just thought of another one, Zucchini's. I'll add that to the list too! We will go through the list together and decide what we want. Hubby love's his cooking and wants everything needed for basic French cooking, yes I am married to a wana-be Julia Childs!

One tip that we will grow by is...Plant what you eat!
Would love to hear what you are planning with your veggie beds this year, do you have a favorite Fruit/Veg that you look forward to planting every year? Maybe you'll inspire me to add more to my list =)

The buzz on a "green" lawn...

Usually the sound of a lawnmower is a hated sound, compared often to nails down a chalkboard or an annoying barking dog. I'll be honest, I cringe when a neighbor starts up his mower, the peaceful garden now soundtracked by a horrible buzz...ugh, happy feeling gone! I would much rather be out in the yard enjoying my plants while listening to the chickadees, maybe even my screaming kids (maybe), especially on a gorgeous sunshine perfect day like today.
However, after months of hiding out under boxes in the garage, the mower has once again returned from hibernation, to work its magic on my shaggy and neglected looking spring lawn....it is like music to my ears!

The one true day of the year, where the buzz of the mower is a welcome sound, when that buzz screams...Gardening season is here!!! And for us Seattlites the end of our winter hibernation!

Lawn Care...
This year we have decided to change up our lawn schedule a little. In my efforts to stay Earth-Green while maintaining Lawn-Green we will be forgoing our usual TrueGreen (chemical cocktail) fertilizer. We will be giving organic lawn fertilizer ago this year, in the form of fish and kelp spray or steer-grow/alfalfa mix. I am assured it is not to stinky and all natural, as the yard run-off ends up straight in our local river.
Our water plan this year is to use our irrigation system twice a week, longer and fewer watering's will help with deeper root growth. I also want to try a rain barrel for plant & excess garden watering.
For weed prevention, I am still to come up with a plan?!? Help!!! My thoughts are to just pull as soon as I see them and before they go to seed. I have heard about Corn Gluten and will be looking into this as a weed killer, stay tuned for that one!
We have also decided the moss is here to stay, why fight it when it is obviously winning!
I've even looked into making my own lawn fertilizer, but not sure my neighbors would appreciate the smell that comes from soaking cow poop in a bucket of water for a week...lol! Think I'll stick to buying the pre-made goodness for now!

My biggest lessons learnt from last year, things you hear over and over! Mow high!!! Poor lawn is still trying to come back after the shock of a crew-cut, it had less length than a brand-new Marines haircut...yikes! Also keep blades sharp! Not only was my lawn in shock from the length taken off, but also the ripping caused by blunt blades. Not a pretty sight, every blade looked jagged and stressed. Another thing, no one loves your lawn like you do. We had a horrible aeration and thatching job done (will share this in a later post) But I am now a huge advocate of DIY for the best job. 

Needless to say, this year is about making up for the pain and stress of last year...Sorry lawn, but this year will be better, I promise!!

Some wonderful lawn care websites that have been very helpful in green and organic lawn care!
http://sunset.com-lawncare
http://www.earthfirstlawncare.com
http://www.ct.gov - Frequently asked questions about organic lawn care

Would love to hear your experience with organic lawn care....