USDA deregulates GE alfalfa; opens door to new era of widespread genetic pollution of crops

USDA deregulates GE alfalfa; opens door to new era of widespread genetic pollution of crops

Greenhouse Life And Facts~

Using a greenhouse to supplement a growers demand in a business or for the enjoyment of a hobby project, either is an experience that requires some basic knowledge and a learning period to get comfortable with the things that do and do not work.

There are easy ways to search for the information that best fits your needs, but I will share a few basic facts that apply to most any user.

First determine your needs based on the size greenhouse you have.

Small, medium, and large spaces seem to work well as a guideline.

Small houses are usually considered to be a hobby house...but, I use the largest of the small selection and it provides space to produce 100's of plants at any given time. This is about 180 sq ft of workable space.

So, for any home gardener, hobbyist, or small business...this is good.

A small propane heater is enough heat for this size house unless you are in a very cold climate for the full winter months.
A good thermostat is a must.

Plants in a greenhouse must have fresh air without a blast of cold air striking them.
Install a evaporative water cooler.
Hot and cold water should be available with a mixing faucet.

The floor of your greenhouse should be winterized with a good foundation of material designed for this purpose. On top of that a good layer of pea gravel or flagstone...adding a layer along the soil line around the greenhouse.

Electricity is an option, but not a demand if using propane for heat. it can however double the growing space in your house.

When watering in the Gh, I always do this early in the day.

The night temp's in your Gh is best at 45* for most all plants.....many people I know use as much as 65 and 50 is pretty acceptable...but 45 is just right in all of my experiences.

Sage Hill will be starting flats in the Gh by the end of February...this will give us plants ready for the spring planting by early to mid May.

Looking forward to spring...how about you ?

Bea Kunz
Sage Hill Farms

2011..A New Year, A New Choice, A New Hope~

The old year will soon be out and the new one will settle in and quickly become the accepted norm.

Many will be making resolutions that are also the accepted norm...nothing wrong with resolutions except most are never realized.

Many things are out of balance in our society right now, jobs are hard to come by, money is even harder, and families who were considered in the middle class of income a few years ago are bordering on homeless, or being forced to let all they have worked for go...in hopes of salvaging a new start.

I find this current situation in my home country to be less than acceptable. We really should be so outraged that our only resolution is to make so much noise that those in power have no choice but to be pay attention.

We have a voice, we must stand up and use it. Each state has a government, know who represents you, they

are there to listen and act on our best interest.

Consider this...if just half of the voting population in each state would spend one hour each month- calling, sending emails, signing petitions, and writing letters...can you hear the shuffling of papers ?

There is power in numbers and in constant motion...if I have a group of  unhappy customers ringing my phone, knocking on my doors, and overloading my mailbox every day with demands ...I'm going to start looking for real solutions~

I hear so many say we don't have any power left. We have the same power we have always had...just more reasons to use it...and use it we must....2011 will see many changes, this is the year to take a stand, make it a priority, fight like your life depends on it...for my friend, it surely does.

If not now...when

If not you and I...who

Be a part of the change we  wish to see~

A mighty and productive New Year to you and yours~

Bea Kunz

Sage Hill Farms

Day's In Waiting~

Between Christmas Day and New Years Day is akin to being in Limbo for me...I never know exactly what I'm supposed to be doing...not being one to lounge around for very many days...I frankly am ready to get busy at something.??

So...I have tackled the project of cataloging all my herb information pertaining to the business of Sage Hill Farms. Quite the undertaking really. Once I have it all in one location it is much more than I knew was waiting for me.

Reading through some of the articles, memo's, and press coverings, it comes to life just how far this project has come. The beginnings started in 2003 with a simple idea of exploring my roots of farming, and maybe sharing that with others who had the desire to come along.

Sage Hill has been a learning project for me on many levels. The idea was to teach the concept of sustainable living through sustainable farming/gardening. While this has always been the higher priority, in the mix a business was born that has been both demanding and so rewarding.

We have meet many wonderful people, learned things we never knew existed, and are healthier, wealthier,(somewhat ) and indeed much wiser for the journey.

Herbs are little miracles that many call weeds...for example...

A new herb we will be adding to the gardens this spring is Borage.
This herb has a very high content of calcium, potassium, and mineral salts.
Research suggest that Borage works on the adrenal glands...where courage begins.
In earlier times it was floated in the stirrup-cups of Crusaders at their departure.....I suppose it was for this reason.

Borage has many culinary uses; the flowers can be sprinkled in salads, and used as a garnish or crystallized for cake decorations.

Leaf of Borage can be added to drinks, salads, yogurt, soft cheese, pickles and sandwiches.
The leaves can be cooked as spinach or mixed with same, added to ravioli stuffing is awesome.

The plant attracts bee's to the garden...which is a must for pollination.

A very cool use for Borage is to toss it into the fire place or outside fire pit. The nitrate potash content will emit sparks and a slight explosive sound like fireworks.

Borage is perfect for a salt substitute as it is rich in mineral salts.

So...if you have need of Borage...you know where to look.

http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Have questions...we are here.
Have comments or shares....we love them.

Enjoy these limbo days....or maybe you are on a cruise and haven't a clue of my dilemma~

Bea Kunz

Merry Christmas/Happy Holiday's from The Sage Hill Farms Family~

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year~

From The Gardens To December~with Mother Nature.

It seems today the gardens are green, lush, and producing...take a nap and presto ! The winter season arrived without a proper invitation....Mother Nature really has few manners, can be cold and harsh, hot and hard to deal with, change her mind more than any of  her sister friends, then  wrap herself in a white skirt and pretty red bow and suddenly be the star of the show.

Ms Rosemary and Lady Thyme adapts well to Mother Nature's dual personalities.
Rosemary bends and sways under the cloaking of the snow and ice, while Lady Thyme snuggles and comes out only when encouraged by a helping hand.

She has more helpers than Santa has elves, and the training she provides would tempt Einstein to start school all over again.

Mother Nature is old as dirt and looks smashing considering how stressful her life is on any given day, any year, any era......she is , without a doubt "timeless."

I suggest we throw a special party and shower her with the best gift of all....Consideration.

May your holiday's be filled with passion and com-passion~

Bea Kunz

Marketing/Advertising/Selling-Avenues~

The season is upon us...if we have a business we are looking for and thinking about ways to market same.

If we are on the shopping end of the season...and who isn't ?  Then we are looking for good buys, great products, and the perfect gift to compliment that perfect person.

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Tobri, RYZE....and so many other social sites are brimming with hundreds of businesses...large and small...how does one zero in and know the best place to spend our time and our dollars.

Well, from my personal assessment , knowledge gained through years of networking travels-this is what I've ended up with.  Do claim it for your own, try it, then share it...

Pay attention to the connections you make. Ask yourself -why do I need this connection, and what can I contribute to the other side. If, you don't have good feedback on these two questions...you no doubt should pass.

Once a connection is offered/accepted, consider it a commitment, keep in touch, ask questions, learn about the person and the business.....then file it away for later needs, share it with others when the need presents an opening.

This is the season to go back over all the special connections we have made over the last year and include as many as possible in our holiday options for shopping.

When we don't utilize the businesses that we connect with...then it makes networking a bit of wasted time and effort...yours and mine.

Looking forward to a happy and eventful holiday season~

I trust the same for you.

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Sage Hill Farms
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com