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Gathering Summary: Container and Strawbale Gardening, with Mary and James Laud

Monday, April 15th, 2013
Straw Bale Garden (Wikipedia)

Straw Bale Garden (Wikipedia)

by Catherine Haug, April 15, 2013

(photo, right, from Wikipedia)

This is just a short synopsis; you can find more detail in the complete, printable pdf file:

Gathering Summary: Container and Strawbale Gardening, with Mary and James Laud, March 20, 2013.

There were no handouts, but a photo-board with some great photos was included in the presentation; I will add the photos to the summary as soon as I receive them.

Just prior to our event, we had a HUGE rainstorm all across the valley, but Mary and James braved the weather and gave a great presentation. They had intended to bring some straw bale garden examples, but were unable to do that because they were too saturated from the storm. They did have photos of straw bales in various stages of gardening, so we could get the general idea. They also brought some clever artistic examples of container gardens.

Presentation Topics

  • bag gardens
  • straw bale gardens
  • roof-top gardens
  • their greenhouse construction
  • container gardens
  • various methods of making organic fertilizers for container gardens
  • outdoor wood-fired pizza oven made on-site from fiber brick and fire clay or cob

Read on for audience comments and Q&A. (more…)

Posted in Gardening, Gathering Summaries, Home & Ranch | Comments Closed

Plastic Recycle Codes and Your Health

Sunday, April 14th, 2013
Plastic water bottles (PETE)

Plastic water bottles (PETE)

by Catherine Haug, April 12, 2013

(photo, right, from Wikipedia)

If you are a recycler, you know that there are not many plastics that we can recycle here in the Flathead. In fact, about the only plastic we can recycle here are the white or semi-transparent milk jugs (code #2).

But did you know that paying attention to the recycle codes on plastic containers could help reduce your exposure to estrogenic and other toxins in the plastic?

You’ve probably heard me say that ALL plastics are toxic (not just BPA/BPS). One study (4) proves that at least 95% of all plastic products tested were positive for estrogenic activity. I maintain the other 5% are also suspect for some type of toxicity, if not yet proven.

Recycle Code #3

Recycle Code #3

The codes to avoid are  #3, #6 or #7 (these have red headings in the descriptions below). Those that are generally considered ‘safe’ (but still have potential toxicity, or may be toxic in ways that have not yet been discovered) are #1, #2, #4, and #5. See below for more about each code,  and how to find them on a product or container. (image, left and below, from TheDailyGreen.com (11)

In this article I discuss:

  • The seven plastic recycle codes and potential toxic risk for each;
  • “Green” and biodegradable plastics;
  • Tips to reduce plastic use.

(more…)

Posted in Ecology, Health, Recycle | Comments Closed

Job Opportunity: Gardener at Kootenai Lodge Estates

Friday, April 12th, 2013

by Catherine Haug, April 12, 2013

Thanks to Linda C, who forwarded this information to me concerning a job opportunity in the Bigfork area. Please pass on this information to anyone interested in this great opportunity.

For those who don’t know about the Kootenai Lodge Estates, it is a large private property, originally the Kelley-Evans Estate, along the Swan River just north of where Swan Lake becomes Swan River. The turnoff from Hwy 83 is less than 1/4 mile north of The Terrace Restaurant.

From Pat McGlynn, MSU Extension (406-758-5554), April 11, 2013

Pam Morton, from the Kootenai Lodge Estates, is looking for a full time gardener. The location is north of Swan Lake in Ferndale. The position would be from May 1 through fall. Please call Pam at 837-4121, if you are interested to set up an interview.

 

Posted in Community, Gardening | Comments Closed

Nutritional comparison: GMO corn vs Non-GMO Corn

Wednesday, April 10th, 2013
from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ab_food_06.jpg

Corn kernels

by Catherine Haug, April 10, 2013

Monsanto and other biotech companies maintain that there is no nutritional difference between GMO and non-GMO food. “On its corporate website, Monsanto claims that approved genetically-modified (GM) crops are “substantially equivalent” to non-GMOs, meaning they are not nutritionally different from non-GMO crops.” (2)

In my opinion, that assertion is nothing but shameless, baldfaced lies, and a recent report made public by MomsAcrossAmerica (1) proves the falsity. See also NaturalNews.com (2) for more info. (more…)

Posted in Agriculture, GMO, Health | Comments Closed

Agriculture on the rise in the Flathead?

Wednesday, April 10th, 2013
Canola Field in Lower Valley

Canola Field in Lower Valley

by Catherine Haug, April 8, 2013

(photo, right, by Devvi Morgan)

On January 15, 2013, Kalispell CHS General Manager Mark Lalum and Bigfork’s Duane Johnson, owner of Clearwater Biologicals (vegetable oil milling) gave a presentation to the Flathead County Democratic Party and Central Committee at the Swan River Community Hall. Matt Naber reports (in the January 23 issue of the Bigfork Eagle) that agriculture is on the rise in the Flathead. From the article:

[According to] Kalispell CHS General Manager Mark Lalum …“Ag is considered a new wealth industry. It’s what’s making us have a higher standard of living because it’s bringing in wealth.” … Alfalfa’s worth increases to $1,950 per acre once turned into cubes or pellets. Canola’s value per acre increases to $1,314.46 per acre, and camelina’s increases to $2,493.09 per acre once processed [to oils].

Indeed, this is big money. However, please note that ALL 3 of these crops are GMO. I suspect that if a monetary evaluation of the harm done by GMO crops to our soil, water, and health were completed, it would show our collective citizen wealth in a tumult.

Across our nation, most of the acreage producing these crops are corporate farms owned by Big Ag companies like Monsanto. While this may not be true in the Flathead today, the potential to make big money from these crops could lure the corporations to our valley.

The article goes on to discuss the premium value of Montana wheat: (more…)

Posted in Agriculture, Ecology, GMO | Comments Closed

Kitchen Hint: Keeping Asparagus Fresh with Water

Monday, April 8th, 2013
Asparagus

Asparagus

by Catherine Haug, April 8, 2013

(photos from Wikipedia)

It’s asparagus season, not only in the groceries, but also soon it will be sprouting up in neighborhood fields. Don’t know what wild asparagus look like? See photo, below.

Wild Asparagus

Wild Asparagus

However, if you find it like this, it’s too late. You want to pick it when the shoots first come up. All is not lost, however; take note of where you saw this plant, then watch for the shoots next spring.

Keeping Asparagus Fresh

Today’s hint comes from Jean H. When you buy/pick asparagus, the best way to keep it lasting fresh is to place them upright in a glass container with a couple inches of water (asparagus tips pointing up), and place in the fridge. If there is still asparagus after 5 or 6 days, change the water. It keeps very well.

This also works well for leafy herbs like parsley and chervil. Like a bouquet of flowers, put the stems in a glass of water and place in the fridge.

When root veggies like carrots, and stem veggies like celery begin to wilt, place them in a bowl of ice water; they will crisp right up!

Posted in Food-Nutrition-Health, Kitchen Hints | Comments Closed

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