Greenhorns Bioneers Cuba's Organic Revolution Below the high ceilings of the Telegraph hotel in Bayamo, south-east Cuba, the barman is mixing a perfect mojito. Rum, sugarcane juice, lime, carbonated water, and a whole sprig of mint. But the key ingredient isn't any old mint. This is mint, as the Cubans say, "from the patio". Or at least, from the hotel's own rooftop garden. "It's not very big," says the barman, "just two boxes." Organiponicos are the most visible part of Cuba's unique answer to a very serious problem – how to feed its people. Before the revolution nearly half the agricultural land in Cuba was owned by 1% of the people. Agricultural revolution But when the USSR collapsed in 1990/91, Cuba's ability to feed itself collapsed with it. Radical action was needed, and quickly. "Integrated pest management, crop rotation, composting and soil conservation were implemented," says the COSG. Thus, the unique system of organoponicos, or urban organic farming, was started. Organoponico plaza The shop is open only on Mondays.
Red Worm Composting List of companion plants Dill is one of the few plants to grow with Fennel This is a list of companion plants. Many more are in the list of beneficial weeds. Vegetables[edit] Fruit[edit] Herbs[edit] Flowers[edit] Other[edit] See also[edit] References[edit] External links[edit] Further reading[edit] Cunningham, Sally Jean. Natural Fertilizer Science Project Natural Fertilizer Science Projects For The Urban Farmer Every farmer, right from an urban backyard hobbyist down to one owning acres of land, knows the importance of soil enhancement in producing healthy plants. If the soil is frail and imperfect, the produce will be weak. And if the produce is weak, then it gets vulnerable to infestation from insects. Many urban folks are under the impression that backyard farming is cumbersome and expensive. Seaweed-based Natural Fertilizer One of the easiest methods of making a natural fertilizer is by using seaweed. This exercise is for decomposing the seaweed, and you will know the seaweed has decomposed when the water turns brown. So, after the seaweed has decomposed, all you have to do is take out the concentrated liquid from the drum, dilute with water and spray or pour it on your plants. You may add some fish emulsion to your seaweed liquid concentrate; such a mixture will make your plants grow well and will also act as an insect repellant.
Terrarium Centerpieces The other week, my good friend Stephanie and I planned out a craft weekend. Our mission: Terrariums. Not the kind you keep lizards in, but the kind you can seal up and watch the moss grow. It was fun, cheap, and easy, and while we were creating them I realized how awesome they would be as centerpieces at a wedding. They are totally unique, creative, and beautiful. Terrariums are meant to be long lasting, so you can even make some months before the wedding and still have them thriving in time for the big day. So lets get down to the nitty-gritty of how you can actually make them: Step 1: Materials • Glass containers in whatever size you heart most. • Good dirt and rocks. • Figurines or decorative rocks to place inside. • Horticultural Charcoal. • Moss (another one of those things you can find outside, but can also order if you don’t live somewhere it doesn’t grow naturally). • Spray bottle (for misting after wards). Step 3: Then start your layering your base. - Paula Hayes - Eco Sphere
7 Cheap But Beautiful DIY Garden Decor Ideas I must be painting a terrible portrait of myself. Lazy gardener. Lazy cleaner. Cheap organizer. I'm also incredibly cheap when it comes to garden decor. You can make these pieces from things you have around the house, items you've collected, salvaged, or thrifted, and some of the cheapest supplies your local Lowe's has to offer. Bonus: Nothing here is hard to make. Stepping Stones -- These are deceptively simple to make, and it’s one project where you determine the budget and materials. Luminaries -- These are particularly great around the patio, or in a sitting space you’ve created out in the garden. Bird Baths -- There are nine million ways to make a birdbath. Copper Trellis -- This is one of my favorite pieces to make, and it creates big impact in the garden. Hypertufa Leaf Casting -- Hyper-wha? Tea-cup Birdfeeder -- I love these, especially using thrifted vintage cups -- the really delicate ones -- and putting them in a group at varying heights.
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