Natural fertilizers
Farmers who do not follow organic practices may feed their plants with chemicals, but we try to supplement nutrients otherwise. Along with the mass composting system that we have, we also use other natural fertilizers. Manure from places with animals is always
First, we use an all natural fertilizer from a local business called Ohio Earth Food. It is mainly made of chicken manure, but is just made into pellets for easy application to your fields. We have found that it works well for all of our plants because it is not too strong and since it is in pellets, it slowly releases the nutrients into the soil.
We also do vermicomposting which is making compost with worms. Yes, we store worms and we use their excretions! By the time the kitchen scraps have been eaten and digested by worms, what comes out the other end is pure nutrients for your soil.
We store them in big 10 gallon tubs and continually add compostable material until it is full. Then, you just let the worms go to work. Every once in a while it will need stirred in there so they eat what is on top too. This is first year trying it, so we will see how it goes.
When the worm poo is ready, we take everything out of the tub and lay it out on a tarp. The worms are photophobic, meaning they are scared of the sunlight. They will slowly retreat into the middle of the pile; you scrape the top layer off and repeat until you just have a pile of worms left. Then, you can get another tub prepared and just reuse the worms.
While some of the things that we do may sound crazy, they really work. Using natural things in your garden you also have the benefit of not having to worry about what you are eating. When you are buying conventional produce, who knows what is really going on your table.
What’s included this week?
Farmers who do not follow organic practices may feed their plants with chemicals, but we try to supplement nutrients otherwise. Along with the mass composting system that we have, we also use other natural fertilizers. Manure from places with animals is always
First, we use an all natural fertilizer from a local business called Ohio Earth Food. It is mainly made of chicken manure, but is just made into pellets for easy application to your fields. We have found that it works well for all of our plants because it is not too strong and since it is in pellets, it slowly releases the nutrients into the soil.
We also do vermicomposting which is making compost with worms. Yes, we store worms and we use their excretions! By the time the kitchen scraps have been eaten and digested by worms, what comes out the other end is pure nutrients for your soil.
We store them in big 10 gallon tubs and continually add compostable material until it is full. Then, you just let the worms go to work. Every once in a while it will need stirred in there so they eat what is on top too. This is first year trying it, so we will see how it goes.
When the worm poo is ready, we take everything out of the tub and lay it out on a tarp. The worms are photophobic, meaning they are scared of the sunlight. They will slowly retreat into the middle of the pile; you scrape the top layer off and repeat until you just have a pile of worms left. Then, you can get another tub prepared and just reuse the worms.
While some of the things that we do may sound crazy, they really work. Using natural things in your garden you also have the benefit of not having to worry about what you are eating. When you are buying conventional produce, who knows what is really going on your table.
What’s included this week?
1. Radishes- white or pink
2. Eggs- fresh from our chickens
3. Ginger Gold apples from Paige’s Produce- they may not look perfect, but they taste great!
4. Cherry tomatoes
5. Potatoes- freshly dug, so leave them in airy spot to dry if storing, or just use them fresh!
2. Eggs- fresh from our chickens
3. Ginger Gold apples from Paige’s Produce- they may not look perfect, but they taste great!
4. Cherry tomatoes
5. Potatoes- freshly dug, so leave them in airy spot to dry if storing, or just use them fresh!
Recipe of the Week
Hot Apple Pie
· 1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie (or just use a frozen crust. That’s what I do because I have problems making crust)
· 1/2 cup unsalted butter
· 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
· 1/2 cup white sugar
· 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
· 1/4 cup water
· 8-10 apples - peeled, cored and sliced (or however many fills the crust!)
1. Melt butter in a sauce pan. Stir in flour to form a paste. Add white and brown sugar and water; bring to boil. Reduce temperature, and simmer 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, place the bottom crust in your pan. Fill with apples, mounded slightly. Cover with a lattice work of crust. Gently pour the sugar and butter liquid over the crust. Pour slowly so that it does not run off.
3. Bake 15 minutes at 425 degrees F. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F, and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes
Thank you for your support,
Gretel and Steve
Gretel and Steve
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