Let's talk about FOOD, about what it is, what it does, how it makes us feel physically and emotionally. Let's keep it light and happy with no judgement or preaching. Let's nourish our souls while we nourish our bodies.

Monday 17 June 2013

The Dirt on Dirt



Let's begin from the ground up.  Dirt might not be sexy – but no soil, no food. That’s why the United Nations has stated that soil erosion is one of the greatest threats to humanity.
The nutrient-rich topsoil needed to grow our food is disappearing at an alarming rate. The UN estimates that we are using it at rates up to 100 times greater than it regenerates, which is about 100 years for one millimetre of soil.  In the past 25 years, a quarter of the world’s land has declined in productivity because of soil erosion.
So...what to do?  Think global, act local.  This time of year when gardening is at full throttle, think about feeding the soil, and your garden will reward you with beautiful healthy plants and vegetables.
Here's what a friend of mine recommends (she of the very-green-thumb)...Plant-tone twice a year.  Plant-tone is an all natural plant food made from the finest quality organics obtainable. It's natural organics breakdown gradually, providing a safe, long lasting food reservoir activated throughout the growing season. 

It's a little thing, but perhaps by behaving this way we might inspire some young person somewhere to become a soil microbiologist and solve the larger problem.  Stranger things!




10 comments:

  1. Hi Jacquelyn,

    Congratulations on you new blog. I am sure this subject will bring you many new followers.

    I work at a food pantry and was disheartened at the type of food that is available for the poor. However, come spring, our bins are full of fresh produce grown by good people, school children, and church groups to help out those in need. Organic farming is becoming so popular as people are becoming more aware of what they put in their bodies. I added raised beds to my gardens last year and doubled it this year. My four children have done the same and all of our gardens are growing with gusto.

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  2. thanks for the lovely thoughts Sock'em, and for taking the time to stop by. I would love to hear more about your raised beds? Would you consider doing a guest blog on Happy Food about them?

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  3. J, I agree with Arleen - I love your new blog. Growing our own food has always been a big thing with me. We compost all our grass clippings and anything else that's compostable and it all goes back in the ground.

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  4. Nice to be the fourth to comment..great idea j
    X

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    1. Would not be the same without you darling man!

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  5. Trying to grow some veggies in the green house again this year, the boys and I started most of them from seed...our snap peas are doing well, but I think we planted the carrots a little too deep...only have 5 carrot tops poking out of the soil LOL!

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    1. Great for you for giving it a go Sis! The carrots remind me of the time you planted your daffodil bulbs upside down! LOL! We all live and learn!

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  6. Hi Jacqueline, Joe and I compost everything that we possibly can and add it back to our gardens. We have volunteer tomatoes popping out beside the pinks but we do not mind. Olive

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    1. That is fabulous Olive...and who is to say where the tomatoes should grow! You are lucky to have them AND the pinks.

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Let's get this conversation started!