Where Do We Go from Here?

So, now we have started to communicate via email some questions I get are simply put. Now what? My answer: Dialogue.

I talk to many people daily, either on the phone, at the nursery or through email and I love it. Everyday I learn something new. Whenever possible I will try to talk to people about a new organic product on the market or a new concoction that somebody told me about. Some people will share their experiences with me, others say that they are not interested in organics because it does not work and because it is not going to last.

Through this dialogue many customers have become friends and I know that this friendship is based on the desire to create a safer environment. We are in one way or another determined to let others know that safer products are at hand as alternatives to harsh chemicals and hopefully catch the interest of other future organic converts.

I Am Not Going to Feed Those Birds

There I was minding my own business, I really was! I was in my store minding my business when this guy walks in and says: "I don't know why anyone would want to spend money feeding nasty birds, they drop seeds on the ground and these seeds germinate.

“Gee, mister", I said, "take a chill pill and think of the times that you have been in your backyard and some insect bit you and you wished you could kill it. If you attract birds to your garden you would have fewer bugs to worry about." I then went on to advise him on a couple of things he could do to make birding easier for him.

1. Do not refill the feeder as soon as it empties, see if doves or other birds will feed off the ground and help clean up.
2. Bake the millet, they wont germinate, but the birds will still come to the feeder.
3. Place the feeders over concrete or place some stones under the feeder that will catch the seed as they fall to the ground, then sweep them up as soon as possible.
4. Get some Red Wiggler worms and release them under the feeders. The worms will help break down the seed hulls.

As this guy started to leave I asked him what bird feed he needed for his feeders. "FEEDERS," he said in a loud voice. "I ain't got no stinkin feeders!"

Oh well. No sell. So here I am minding my own business, when.....

Now That It's Getting Cold

I have about 67 varieties of plants in my garden and even though I pay a lot less for them then other people I still want to give them their best shot for survival for what appears to be a very unpredictable winter. What is El Nino going to do to us and our precious plants? Will it be too wet or too cold? It does not matter, for I will be prepared. Here are some things that I will be doing for my plants.

1. Whatever plants have to be moved in have been sprayed with a combination of Kelp, Apple Cider Vinegar and in some cases where I knew the plants had aphids or other insects I sprayed with Ultra Fine Sun Spray™.
2. I will use worm castings as a top dressing for my potted plants to feed but not stimulate growth to my plants at this time of year.
3. All my landscape is being sprayed with Kelp. Kelp will help plants survive stressful situations like extreme cold weather.
4. Mulch, mulch and then more mulch. Actually a thin layer of compost, about 1/2 inch will be put down first and then three inches of hardwood mulch will be placed over that. This way as the moisture seeps in thru the mulch and into the compost a tea will be made that will help improve the soil. The mulch will help insulate the plants roots from freezing temperature and also help shed excess amounts of rainfall.