Tag: Organic gardening

Environment, well-being, What is Organic

It’s Time to Rethink the Way We Feed Our Planet – Grab Some Low Hanging Fruit!

Melody Meyer
bunches of grapes hanging from vines
Photo by Elle Hughes on Pexels.com

Last week an article dropped into my inbox like a hot potato – one not so easy to drop. According to a report from the World Food and Ag Association (FAO), we have come to a place of reckoning like no other.

At no other time in our history have we been inundated with so many unprecedented climate threats. The perils of megafires, extreme weather events, large swarms of locusts, and biological threats like the COVID-19 pandemic dominate.  

According to the report, the annual occurrence of disasters is now more than three times that of the 1970s and 1980s. And Agriculture absorbs the bulk (63%) of the financial losses and damages wrought by these disasters. 

These hazards take lives and devastate agricultural livelihoods inflicting negative economic and nutritional consequences in our communities throughout the entire world.

In a nutshell, there are a few things you and I can do right now to help heal the planet and our food systems.

Continue reading “It’s Time to Rethink the Way We Feed Our Planet – Grab Some Low Hanging Fruit!” →
Culinary Delights, Environment, well-being, What is Organic

Organic Gardening Can Pave a Path to Self Sufficiency

Melody Meyer

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Photo by Alexander Schimmeck on Unspla

I want to wish everyone who reads this a happy and healthy 4th of July. We are celebrating our democracy and freedom in the midst of uncertain and unprecedented times.

Some of us may be unemployed or underemployed. Some of us may be wary of going into the stores to purchase food. Many of us are nervous about going back and enjoying restaurants.

My life has changed so much, and some of it has been for the better. I have more time to write, cook, exercise, and, much to my surprise, garden! Never before have I thrust my hands into so much soil nor cherished worms and pollinators.

Not only does gardening save me money, but it helps me connect with my husband and the soil beneath my feet.

Planting an organic garden is my path to self-sufficiency, and I’ll tell you why.

Continue reading “Organic Gardening Can Pave a Path to Self Sufficiency” →

Culinary Delights, well-being, What is Organic

Just in Time For the Fourth of July: Make Your Outdoor Space an Organic Haven

Melody Meyer

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During these times of social distancing, the space we have outside has become more important than ever. The Fourth of July is almost upon us, and with it comes the urge to frolic outside with friends and family. To eat and drink, perhaps to dance and sing. While we must be mindful of this very human desire, there still exists the real danger of spreading the virus unwittingly.

There are a few ways to make our space an organic haven of love, camaraderie and safety if we do it right. Continue reading “Just in Time For the Fourth of July: Make Your Outdoor Space an Organic Haven” →

Culinary Delights, Organic Policy and Regulations, What is Organic

Is Your Garden Flourishing? It’s Never Too Hot to Prep for the Winter Months

Melody Meyer

 

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Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Hunkering in place has done curious things to me. I have begun to push seeds into the soil. I planted cranberry beans once rescued from the UCSC Farm and Garden and grown again by a beauty named Faith. She once lived next door and sprouted many seeds.

My friends, Mary and Dan, gave me worms. If I take care of them, they’ll give me castings for my garden.

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Photo by sippakorn yamkasikorn on Unsplash

Getting out in the garden feels like a reprieve, and I am appreciating outside space more than ever. Continue reading “Is Your Garden Flourishing? It’s Never Too Hot to Prep for the Winter Months” →