Until recently, scientists did not consider nickel essential for plant growth. Now nickel is recognized as an essential nanonutrient.
Nuts
A Rainbow of Natural Dyes
Craftsy folks frequently share a do-it-yourself ethic. While it’s always easier just to buy cheap, pretty yarn at the craft store, some (particularly homesteaders) prefer to create their own dyes. In fact, if you own sheep or other fiber animals, this may be a logical next step to adding value to your products. You can […]
What is Permaculture?
Just the basics on this comprehensive approach to sustainable living.
Peach Leaf Curl
Peach leaf curl is a common disease caused by the fungus Taphrina deformans. Besides peaches, susceptible plants include nectarines and almonds. The peach leaf curl fungus spends the winter in the bark and buds of its hosts. It enters new buds as they begin to swell and open in the spring, spread by rain and […]
Brown Rot
Brown rot is a serious disease of fruits and almonds caused by fungi Monolinia fructicola and Monolinia laxa. The fruits most susceptible to the fungus are: Peaches. Nectarines. Plums. Apricots. Cherries. Almonds. However, apples and pears are infected with brown rot on occasion. The fungus grows and multiplies rapidly in wet weather, entering plants through […]
Stocking Up
It’s still not too late to think about putting away some of your produce for the winter! And if you need a little help figuring out just what to do with it, allow us to recommend a classic from the Rodale folks: Stocking Up. The original edition has seen us through many a kitchen adventure. […]