A friend sent me this article on the health benefits of asparagus. Did you know that asparagus is a member of the lily family which also includes leeks, garlic and onions. It has a spear top with bud-like, compact and pointed head.

Asparagus is an alkaline food which is rich in protein but low in calories and carbohydrates. It is an excellent source of potassium, folic acid, vitamins A, C and K, and traces of vitamin B complex.

A good source of dietary fiber, asparagus is also rich in niacin, phosphorus and very low sodium. And certainly most impressive is that it is one of those few vegetables that actually has the calcium and magnesium in the ideal ratio of 2:1.

I'm posting the email as I received it and not doing any editing. I hope you find this information of value...I did. Here's to your health!

Selamat Ja!
Colleen


ASPARAGUS...Who knew?

My mom had been taking the full-stalk canned style asparagus and she pureed it. Then she took 4 tablespoons in the morning and 4 tablespoons later in the day. She did this for over a month. She was on chemo pills for Stage 3 lung cancer in the pleural area and her cancer cell count wnet from 386 down to 125 as of this past week. Her oncologist said she does not need to see him for 3 months.
The Article:

Several years ago, I had a man seeking asparagus for a friend who had cancer. He gave me a photocopy of an article entitled, Asparagus for Cancer, printed in Cancer News Journal, December 1979. I will share it here, just as it was shared with me.

I am a biochemist, and have specialized in the relation of diet to health for over 50 years. Several years ago, I learned of the discovery of Richard R. Vensai, D.D.S.—that asparagus might cure cancer. Since then, I have worked with him on his project. We have accumulated a number of favorable case histories. Here are a few examples:
Case No. 1

A man with an almost hopeless case of Hodgkin's disease (cancer of the lymph glands) who was completely incapacitated. Within 1 year of starting the asparagus therapy, his doctors were unable to detect any signs of cancer, and he was back on a schedule of strenuous exercise.
Case No. 2

A successful businessman 68 years old who suffered from cancer of the bladder for 16 years. After years of medical treatments, including radiation without improvement, he went on asparagus treatment. Within 2 months, examinations revealed that his bladder tumor had disappeared and that his kidneys were normal.
Case No. 3

A man who had lung cancer. On March 5th 1971, he was put on the operating table where they found lung cancer so widely spread that it was inoperable. The surgeon sered him up and declared his case hopeless. On April 5th he heard about the Asparagus therapy and immediately started taking it. By August, x-ray pictures revealed that all signs of the cancer had disappeared. He is back at his regular business routine.
Case No. 4

A woman who was troubled for a number of years with skin cancer. She finally developed different skin cancers which were diagnosed by the acting specialist as advanced. Within 3 months after starting on asparagus, her skin specialist said that her skin looked fine and no more skin lesions. This woman reported that the asparagus therapy also cured her kidney disease, which started in 1949. She had over 10 operations for kidney stones, and was receiving government disability payments for an inoperable, terminal, kidney condition. She attributes the cure of this kidney trouble entirely to the asparagus.
Some History

I was not surprised at this result, as `The elements of materia medica', edited in1854 by a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, stated that asparagus was used as a popular remedy for kidney stones. He even referred to experiments done in 1739 on the power of asparagus in dissolving kidney stones.

Note the dates!

We would have other case histories but the medical establishment has interfered with our obtaining some of the records. I am therefore appealing to readers to spread this good news and help us to gather a large number of case histories that will overwhelm the medical skeptics about this unbelievably simple and natural remedy.
THE TREATMENT

For the treatment, asparagus should be cooked before using, and therefore canned asparagus is just as good as fresh. I have corresponded with the two leading canners of asparagus, Giant and Stokely, and I am satisfied that these brands contain no pesticides or preservatives. (NOT SURE ABOUT THIS COMMENT...I would have to do my own research)

Place the cooked asparagus in a blender and liquefy to make a puree, and store in the refrigerator. Give the patient 4 full tablespoons twice daily, morning and evening. Patients usually show some improvement in 2-4 weeks. It can be diluted with water and used as a cold or hot drink. This suggested dosage is based on present experience, but certainly larger amounts can do no harm and may be needed in some cases.

As a biochemist, I am convinced of the old saying that `what cures can prevent.' Based on this theory, my wife and I have been using asparagus puree as a beverage with our meals. We take 2 tablespoons diluted in water to suit our taste with breakfast and with dinner. I take mine hot and my wife prefers hers cold. For years we have made it a practice to have blood surveys taken as part of our regular checkups. The last blood survey, taken by a medical doctor who specializes in the nutritional approach to health, showed substantial improvements in all categories over the last one, and we can attribute these improvements to nothing but the asparagus drink.

As a biochemist, I have made an extensive study of all aspects of cancer, and all of the proposed cures. As a result, I am convinced that asparagus fits in better with the latest theories about cancer.

Asparagus contains a good supply of protein called histones , which are believed to be active in controlling cell growth. For that reason, I believe asparagus can be said to contain a substance that I call cell growth normalizer. That accounts for its action on cancer and in acting as a general body tonic. In any event, regardless of theory, asparagus used as we suggest, is a harmless substance.

The FDA cannot prevent you from using it and it may do you much good. It has been reported by the US National Cancer Institute, that asparagus is the highest tested food containing glutathione , which is considered one of the body's most potent anti-carcinogens and antioxidants.
Health Benefits of Asparagus

Asparagus is one of the few vegetables that is highly dense in healthful nutrients that help many ailments.

Acidity, Blood: The high alkalinity of this wonder juice is effective in reducing the acidity of the blood and helps cleanses the tissues and muscles of waste.

Arthritis and Rheumatism: A unique phytochemical in asparagus that produces anti-inflammatory effect helps relieve arthritis and rheumatism.

Bowel movement: Consume asparagus regularly for its mild laxative effect and dietary fiber that provides for regular bowel movement.

Cancer: Asparagus is a prime source of anti-oxidant and glutathione that can help prevent the dreaded cancer.

Cataracts: The anti-oxidant and glutathione in asparagus prevents the progression of cataracts and other eye problems.

Diabetes/Hypoglycemia: The healthful minerals in asparagus juice make it an important diet for people who are controlling their blood sugar levels. However, it is not to be taken by people with advanced kidney diseases.

Diuretic: Asparagus is a wonderfully diuretic vegetable and its efficacy is more pronounced when it is taken in juice form.

Heart disease: Drink a small amount of asparagus juice mixed with raw honey three times a day daily to strengthen a weak or enlarged heart.

Kidney: The diuretic and alkaline properties of asparagus help prevent or dissolve kidney stones. It helps break up oxalic acid crystals formed in the kidney.

PMS symptoms: The diuretic effect of asparagus juice helps relieve premenstrual swelling and bloating. The magnesium in this wonder juice also help relieve irritability, fatigue, depression, etc.

Pregnant women: The high content of folic acid, calcium and other minerals in asparagus are important in reducing the risk of birth defects and low birth weight. The diuretic effect of the juice is also a big help in reducing water retention in pregnant women.

NOTE: Asparagus has an abundance of an amino acid called asparagine, that helps to cleanse the body of waste material. As a result, some people pass out smelly urine after eating asparagus. Don't worry if this happens to you. Just be glad that your kidney is functioning as it should.
***

Fermented Foods

Since time began, man has preserved his food through the process of fermentation. Humans live in a symbiotic relationship with yeasts, mold and bacteria. These organisms are in everything we eat and are even in the air we breathe. Historically each region of the world is known for it's specific fermented foods.......such as....... sauerkraut in Germany, kimchi (fermented mixed vegetables) from Korea, Kefir (a cultured milk product from the Caucus Mountains), and Japan is known for it's miso (fermented soybeans).


The list of fermented foods goes on to include fermented teas, wine, beer, hard cider, sourdough breads, fermented grain porridges, most vegetables and fruits....and even meat and fish. Rediscovering the miracle of fermentation has become an exciting and magical adventure as I continue to try my own hand at culturing the many different foods which are amenable to this process. I must admit however, that the thought of fermented meat and fish has not yet tempted me.


Beneficial Chemical Changes


Fermentation favorably alters the chemical nature of our food. Not only does it preserve the food but this natural process also improves its digestibility, while increasing nutrient and enzyme content. The helpful bacteria which are involved in this magical transformation are very valuable for the more complete assimilation of nutrients and they are a critical component of our immune system. Many of you are already aware of the fact that these helpful microbes or probiotics (pro-life) help to keep the more harmful bacteria in our digestive tracts, under control and in balance. The presence of friendly microbes actually improves our ability to resist infection. A healthy colon is considered to be our second immune system.


Another advantage of fermentation is the neutralization of anti nutrients or enzyme inhibitors. For example, grains and beans contain phytic acid, which blocks the absorption of zinc, iron, calcium and phosphorous. The culturing process disables the phytic acid and these fermented foods now become more nutritious, easier to digest and less allergenic. A more dramatic example of fermentation neutralizing toxins comes from page 7 of the book... Wild Fermentation: The Flavors, Nutrition, and Craft of Live-Culture Foods by Sandor Ellix Katz. "Fermentation also removes toxins from foods. This is vividly illustrated by the case of cassava, an enormous tuber native to the tropical regions of the Americas that has also become a staple food in equatorial regions of Africa and Asia. Certain varieties of cassava contain high levels of cyanide and are poisonous until they have undergone a soaking fermentation. The fermentation process eliminates the cyanide, rendering the cassava edible and nutritious."


Processed Foods


When I speak to people of the health benefits of fermented foods, many will say that they already consume fermented foods , such a beer, canned sauerkraut and other pickled vegetables. However, unless the product in the store is refrigerated, it has already been cooked or pasteurized. These potentially healthy vibrant foods have had all the life taken out of them through this heating process. In recent times, the mass production of our food supply has discouraged the use of fermented whole foods. Fermentation involves more labor and time and is really more of an art than a science. The shelf life of the foods is also a consideration.


Homemade cultured vegetables should not be heated on the stove as this cancels out the activity of the good bacteria and of the enzymes. To take the chill off, portions can be brought to room temperature before a meal.



Sandor Katz, the king of fermentation, in his book Wild Fermentation: The Flavor, Nutrition, and Craft of Live-Culture Foods , assures us that making our own cultured foods can be fun and easy. Sometimes it requires a bit of patience and experimentation, but anyone with a interest can succeed. No fancy equipment is needed. A grater, knives, wide mouth quart canning jars, sea salt, the vegetables you have chosen, and an implement to pound with, are all that is necessary.


One of my favorite recipes, fermented ginger carrots, comes from the cookbook Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon. This book is an excellent resource on how to properly prepare foods to retain and enhance nutrient content. It is a treasure trove of interesting facts and valuable information.

My Great Aunt was born in 1887 and taught me until her death in 1971...

Right now, each and every day, numbers of Americans are becoming more aware of the need to return to the practice of our self reliant and independent fore- fathers, that of storing supplies of food, and more importantly, learning to provide for our own on a continual basis.

The events and circumstances we are facing here in America are so unfamiliar to most of us but yet so serious that we each should wisely choose how we will face unknown events in our future. History has proven over and over again that food is the beginning of the solution to almost every major problem particularly those involving independence, freedom, security and yes even survival.

Whether you agree with the following reasons that some people are putting in supplies of food or not, food always has been, is now and forever will be the greatest source of freedom as well as the most comforting source of safety and security for every human being on the planet.

Consider the following reasons many people are storing food ::

Believe it or not, one in every six Americans presently worry about having sufficient daily food for their family.

The facts are, runaway inflation in 1920's Germany and 1990's Argentina followed the same inflationary path that the US is presently on. With runaway inflation, the price of a loaf of bread doubled daily until it cost billions of the country’s currency units.

It is rumored that a National ID card is expected to be required in order to buy food.-- right here in Amerika..

Global warming, whether real or fabricated has been and will likely be further used to control seeds, fertilization of crops and tax farmers out of business.

Believe it or not Legislation is being considered to prevent people from gardening.. right here in Amerika...

One should of course plant gardens if they can, but the majority of our population either has no place or time to plant them, know knowledge of how, or cannot afford the (presently) small expense.

If you are a regular reader here on RMN, I am sure you are aware that the Doomsday Seed Vault in Norway is ALREADY virtually completely stocked with seeds and with the (published) intent of it being the only source for seed to grow food worldwide.

Ever wonder why the "wars" are going so poorly? The message from Afghanistan and Iraq is that since the food is not centralized and people have their own little supplies and production, it makes no difference how many guns are against them. They are hard to beat.

If in quarantines, martial law, disasters and emergencies people don’t have their own individual supplies, they will be dependent and helpless like the miserable conditions after hurricane Katrina.

On the issue of guns in the possession of the people, food, or the lack of it, has always been used to take the protection of guns away from people. (Cuba, China, Germany etc.)

Today, the imported food from countries with no safety standards for insecticides, fertilizers, bacterial and chemical contamination have entered our country’s food supply and have proven to be very dangerous.

Job loss and illness are hugely reduced in their impact financially and emotionally with a strong savings account of food.

A food supply can help your neighbor, family members or anyone in need.

Storms and weather make food impossible to transport, destroy crops and isolate people from supplies.

Finally, hype or not, the year 2012 and the anticipated global changes are of concern to many for possible food shortages and survival issues.

Presently, serious American crop failures are creating shortages of food to be processed into supplies for people to store. Pay attention to the price increases that have appeared in the grocery stores. As soon as we become dependent on the 2010 crop everyone will be affected in more ways than just food.

So there you have it.

Either start thinking like an ant, or be further subjected to your masters.

Watchman

Collapse Survival Will Be Tribal: Begin Recruiting Now

Human World Order

Author Unknown

Everyone on earth knows how fragile the economy is. It has pushed first-world countries to the brink of revolution. The pushing can't withstand much more before the pillars of civilization begin to fall. And once they begin falling, there may be no stopping them from collapsing society altogether. Unfortunately, the signs of further economic erosion are disturbingly obvious to the onlookers, and the remaining pillars are hanging on by a thread.

What's more, the controllers are orchestrating the collapse of the American economy and society right now, albeit in slow motion, but it is already crumbling. The economy and the environment have surpassed their critical tipping points, where dollars will inevitably be worthless and resources will be out-of-reach expensive for most of humanity. We are likely to see astronomically-high gas prices ultimately causing food and medicine to be quickly wiped out of the box stores -- first by nesters, then by desperate looters. One only has to witness the panic buying before predicted snow storms to imagine what a sustained blizzard would do. It's well past the 11th hour and survival and real solutions must rule the day.

The collapse will surely be a desperate time for many, especially those who live in major cities. Even some suburbs will not be immune for those who didn't see it coming and plan accordingly. Jobs will be far scarcer, money will not go nearly as far for essentials like food and energy, and what will be left of the cities will be roving gangs desperate for resources. The poor helpless citizens will most likely be taken to FEMA "dormitories" as is already being proposed.

If there is one bright spot about the Elite engineering the collapse, it is the fact that they will lose central control of vast areas of the country where control will be in the hands of local tribes, gangs, and clans. There will be communties that planned, adapted through cooperation, as well as armored "Green Zones" that maintain some semblance of normalcy. Paul Craig Roberts wrote that local territories will be run by clans, probably headed by police or a band of armed citizens. Just as these gangs and clans will likely rule over a certain territory, you must begin to create your tribe in order to survive and flourish.

Obviously, you will have to find like-minded folks who may offer skills, resources, and loyalty to your tribe. Friends and family should be the first place to start. If they are still asleep to what is coming, call meetings and have movie parties with wake-up material. Do what you can to get them on board. Remember what Arthur Schopenhauer said about truth:

All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.

Luckily for us, many activists have already done the heavy lifting of ridicule for us. Now, as we surpass the 11th hour, we must march forward with the truth, because we are rapidly approaching the "violently opposed" stage. Sadly, it will only become self-evident to many once it is too late . . . when they are in a FEMA dorm watching their children be dragged off to war.

A good place to begin finding tribe members that are already building local self-sufficient survival infrastructure are organic food cooperatives. These cooperatives usually encourage trade amongst members and may have a variety of local producers of food and other goods and services. If you live in a city, or congested suburbs when a dramatic collapse takes place, your tribe better have an escape plan, route, and sustainable destination. You will have to prepare go-bags with well-organized resources and tools.

In many early civilizations, there was no hierarchical governance; the tribe members simply had different job titles according to their skills and passions. The natural leader had the burden of final decision making; the person most skilled in medicine kept the tribe healthy; and skilled hunters provided food -- in these communities no one acquired more material wealth for their efforts than did another. Most importantly, the well-being of each individual was recognized as essential to the overall survival, health, and happiness of the tribe. For those who have a natural aversion to community concepts and equality (Socialism, or Communism), it should be understood that this tribal egalitarianism is based on individual skill contribution -- not individual sacrifice to a government structure of ruling Elites.

Preparing for the collapse with a good tribe will be essential for survival -- recruiting season is here.

Science: From the BBC:
Scientists and Sex... what Women want.... Turning the tables on women... The Ace Men have...

Date Posted: Sunday 25-Jul-2010

It is interesting when Scientists start digging into PEOPLE, the kinds of things they discover about us.

I was watching a BBC documentary about sex some months ago. The host was a Professor. He wore thick rimmed glasses and had a moustache. Then they carried out some experiments and explained the results of other experiments.

Apparently, the most classical sex experiment was conducted decades ago. It went like this: They would select a very attractive male university student and a very attractive female university student. Then each would go around the campus propositioning other students with a line that went something like: "I think you are very cute... would you like to sleep with me tonight?"

When the pretty girl asked this question 99% of the boys said: "Yes".
When the handsome young man asked, the women ALWAYS said: "No".

This experiment has been conducted at universities in different countries and the results are always the same.

The BBC program then showed the power of "bling". The Professor mentioned that apparently, watches, nice clothes, cars, etc ... are sex magnets for women. To us men, it might not look that way... and we can't understand the value... but... he proved it.

They went to LA and they arranged for 3 very attractive women to judge the Professor. First, they dressed him up so he looked really poor and they placed him at a table near the women. They asked the women what they thought of him and the result was disgust... absolutely nothing positive about the "poor guy".

Then they went and gave him a make-over. They bought him a nice suit, new shoes, gave him a nice haircut, bought a nice watch and finally, they had him drive up in a Bentley and he got out next to these SAME WOMEN.

They then asked these women what they thought of him. And these same women, not recognising the same man, were now full of utter praise for him!

So apprently... those Armani suits, watches, cars, etc... DO WORK.

They went to a club in LA which was exclusively for women who wanted to date ONLY MILLIONAIRES. The woman running the club explained that there are lots of very successful men. They're worth millions... they can close the deal, but they can't get the girl.

The women who wanted to date these millionaires were questioned about this. One very attractive, mature woman said: "You can't have children without money". Another woman said, "No matter what a guy looks like, if he says: Get on my jet and lets fly to New York for dinner... he starts coming across like a PRINCE!"

So it is interesting in these shallow times how much women are affected by the way men dress just as men are completely affected by the way women dress and the makeup they wear.

In fact, if you will look closely you'll see that a lot of modern stars and famous people are really quite geeky and could easily be the "girl (or boy) next door". Many of them aren't even really good looking at all. The girl in your office is probably more naturally beautiful than most of the super-stars - but she just doesn't have all those make-overs, consultants and surgeons.

But I suppose dressing up is important because its not you who is looking at yourself. Most of the time you don't see yourself except on the odd occasion in a mirror ... but other people are looking at you: ALL THE TIME... So there is value in how you present yourself.

Another interesting experiment is this one:-
They did experiments with blind dating to see whether agreeing or disagreeing with a woman made you more attractive to her. When a man agreed with EVERYTHING a woman said, she found him only very slightly more attractive than when he disagreed with EVERYTHING she said. But... if a man disagreed with a woman for a long time and then switched to agreeing with her, she perceived that she had "won" and his attractiveness to her skyrocketed. In fact, the longer he disagreed with her, before switching to agreeing, the MORE ATTRACTIVE he appeared to her!

The comedian Chris Rock does a hillarious skit about commitment. He tells you that the moment you have a girlfriend that you're steady with, suddenly, other women come to you with the freakiest sex proposals. Its all done in sheer humour of course and is very naughty... but he makes the comment: "When you were single you never got these types of phone calls".

Apparently there are lots of scientific studies that prove this:-
Women are more attracted to a man who has already been pre-selected by another woman. In fact, the more women like him, the more attractive he is to others. Once a woman has selected a man, other women start moving in on him. This fact is indisputable.

One friend of mine and I discussed what I called "The Female Intelligence System". This thing is real... and I know its power. It is absolutely scary if a man makes the wrong move. Women are constantly sharing "intelligence" (skinner/gossip) on men. The power of this system is really scary. Women can cut a man off from other women if they take a collective dislike to him. Essentially, women can block you from sex and reproduction if you annoy them enough. Women who might have liked you will shun you based on what the FIS passes on to them. And this SYSTEM exists... EVERYWHERE... from the smallest village to the biggest city.

But this intelligence system can be defeated, and turned to your advantage as follows:
If you want a woman to like you, don't be nice to HER. Be nice to HER FRIEND or someone she knows. The more attractive a woman is, the less you must concern yourself with HER. Concern yourself with the women around her. Go and have coffee with an unattractive friend of hers. Don't ask her for coffee. The more attractive a woman is, the less she trusts you directly - so to impress her treat other people and animals well. If she has a dog - treat the dog well. DON'T BE NICE TO HER. That will put her guard up. Be nice to someone else so that she hears about it.

Also, women feel safer in groups. It is easier to get closer to women in a group than one on one.

One bit of advice I once read from a man was this:
Watch how your date treats the WAITER. I used that. I once was on a date with a woman who was nice to me but she treated the waiter like dirt and she was constantly moaning. I realised that this is probably what she is like all the time. Women use this same principle on us. They watch how we treat others - especially other women.

What this shows is that even in this "modern" world, women are very insecure and totally suspicious and so they use each other as barometers because men in their turn are also totally deceptive. No matter how many barriers women put up... at the end of the day, men want to mate and men will go the extra mile to break through that barrier too - and they do. And the cunning with which some men do it these days is simply staggering. Nowadays you get more and more men coaching other men on how to pick up women and how to date them.

It is essential that the men do succeed. A friend of mine said to me: "We are the children of the men who got laid." That's something to remember. One could say: "We are the children of the men and women who got laid - to be more accurate".

All this is very interesting and it has very interesting applications. In a world increasingly dominated by women, this could work in the favour of men. Men could start using their sexual powers and psychological powers to turn the tables on women.

There is one ace that men have, that women will never have... and in the end, men are always the more dangerous of the two sexes... but I will desist from telling you what this ace is. It is too important... and it is a natural part of the male psychological makeup. In fact, men have more than one ace which eventually makes them dominate societies... but again, I will desist from mentioning what it is.

In ancient times men were the source of most power and women tended to tag along. People think that thousands of years later things have changed. The reality is... its not changed at all.

Men carry far more clout than they realise. The problem with men is that they do not exploit all the aces they have. Men are so emotionally backward (except for some) that they largely do not understand how to gain the upperhand. And almost all men have forgotten the true extent of their real power when they work together.

I must say, I am impressed more and more with the men who penetrate into some of these areas. Men will win back their share of the world... make no mistake.

Even women, deep down, want men to rule the world.

When the men win again, the women will be utterly delighted and will just want to dive into bed with them and have babies with them. That's what women do... they sleep with the men who win and then they too are utterly happy.

This is the one war, where victory for one side ends up being a victory for both!!! (It is followed by screams of joy and many babies...)
Posted By: Jan
AfricanCrisis Webmaster
Author of: Government by Deception

“Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind.”
(George Orwell)

(NaturalNews)

Summertime heat is an annoyance to some people, but according to Xu Qian, director of the infectious diseases department at the China-Japan Frienship Hospital in Beijing, sweating from the hot, summer heat is a natural part of keeping your body healthy, and avoiding this heat can actually cause health problems.

People typically run their air conditioners throughout the summertime in order to beat the heat, but doing so can actually compromise the immune system.

"People should go with the rules of nature. Summer is the time to sweat. It's a natural process for the body to respond to the outside environment, and adjust itself through the constricting of blood vessels and nerves. In this sense, air conditioning is a reactive restrain of the body against nature," Qian explained in a China Daily article.

Excessive sweating without replenishing the body with water, electrolytes and healthy salt, can be a bad thing, but not sweating at all can be even worse. And moving from hot areas to cold areas, and vice versa, on a regular basis throughout the summer can put excessive strain on a person's health

"Air conditioning might induce infection of the upper respiratory tract, cause colds, throat pain, pharyngitis, and even pneumonia," said Qian.

Sweating is also an important method by which the skin helps to eliminate toxins from the body.

"One of [the skin's] functions is to eliminate a portion of the body's toxic waste products through sweating," explains Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, in her book Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements.

This was put together by an old homesteader friend of mine who spent years in the bush raising his family and such. He is 69 and still gardens all day, he is turning my old farm into a virtual Amazon of useful plants. here goes, print it out and give it to anyone who needs it, or will need.

Keys to a Successful Garden (by P. Light via email)

The secret to a successful garden is paying attention to details. There are a major details and minor details. The major details are elementary and individually essential. The outcome of the overall garden rises or falls on any one of them. The minor details, taken together, determine whether a garden is merely adequate, or truly exceptional.

Major Details

1. Food – lots of it!! Feed the soil, not the plants. Much, much organic matter: manure, compost, mulch, organic supplements.

2. PH – correct acidity / alkalinity balance, or the plants will not be able to utilize the food properly.

3. Water – I suspect the principle reason for poor gardens is allowing freshly germinated seeds and tiny seedlings to dry out. One hour of bone-dry soil will probably doom most tiny plants. Start again! During hot spring days, soil must be checked by hand every few hours, unless properly mulched. Plentiful water throughout the growing season, with a few exceptions, will produce large lush plants, other factors being equal. Water deeply!

4. Sunlight – Many vegetables tolerate or thrive in varying degrees of shade, but many don’t. These latter could use 14 hours of direct sun a day for top performance. They’ll do okay with 9 hours, probably not with 6 hours. Four hours minimum direct Fall / Winter sun is necessary for winter gardening.

5. Mulch – mulch, mulch. Pile it on!! All the time!! Main ongoing garden task. Sawdust, grass, hay, straw, leaves, needles, seaweed, compost, manure, more leaves.

6. Never set foot on the garden soil. Make raised beds, or treat the whole garden like a raised bed. Keep the soil light, soft, fluffy, springy. Walk on boards, planks or footpads.

7. Time spent in the garden, cruising, looking, paying attention to the growing plants, particularly in the beginning, when a “stitch in time saves nine” and daily and even hourly checking is often necessary.

MINOR DETAILS

1. Use organic supplements., particularly before soil has reached top fertility. Bloodmeal for nitrogen, rock phosphate or bonemeal for phosphorus and sifted wood ashes for potassium and raising PH. Too much bloodmeal can burn plants and create a nitrogen imbalance. Too much wood ashes can make the soil too alkaline.

2. Keep nitrogen level relatively low for a few vegetables, mainly peas and beans.

3. Learn specific cultural directions for specific vegetables.

4. Use good seeds, select suitable varieties, persue the seed catalogues.

5. Pre-soak and sprout the seed of certain vegetables. Select vigorous germinators.

6. Germinate seeds at optimum temperature. Use a thermometer to check soil.

7. Sow in extra fine soil filling small furrow.

8. Don’t plant too deeply.

9. Don’t press down. Rather, water to settle soil around seed.

10. Use fish fertilizer or manure tea when planting, and when seedlings are small. Mix stronger than indicated.

11. Cover seed to half the correct depth with soil, then a layer of sawdust mulch, to prevent crusting of soil.

12. Lay clear or black plastic over seeded rows to raise soil temperature and regulate soil moisture for extra early plantings of all vegetables and early plantings of warm weather crops, or a few days before planting to pre-warm the soil; and lay old sacking cardboard over seeded row, to lower temperatures and, particularly, retain soil moisture for later plantings of cool weather crops.

13. Sprinkle sawdust mulch down over just-emerged seedlings.

14. Mulch 1-2” along rows of seedlings 1-2’ high. Mulch right up to and around stems, after removing small weeds right in row.

15. Thin and weed early and conscientiously.

16. Select and leave best seedlings when thinning.

17. Thin progressively – first to 1”, later to 3”, then to 6”, etc., as leaves begin to touch.

18. Grow plants close, but not crowded. Plants like to touch. A canopy suppresses weeds, conserves moisture, provides home for snakes and toads, etc. Overcrowding stunts plants, prevents air circulation and leads to disease.

19. Transplant very carefully and step-by-step correctly. (See “Steps to Transplanting”.

20. Side-dress heavy feeders during growing period with rotted, half rotted, or fresh manure, or organic supplements. Don’t let fresh manure touch plants.

21. Practice companion planting. Mix things up. Create micro-climates. Some plants do well in the shade of other plants. Some may aid growth of others. Some may protect others from pests. Plants with different growth habits (deep-rooted / shallow-rooted, spreading / upright) can be planted much closer together. Heavy nitrogen users like to be close to nitrogen fixers. Slow and fast growers can occupy same space – one is out of ground when they start crowding.

22. Seeds or transplants can be interplanted between rows of vegetables soon to be harvested, receiving protection from hot summer sun during their infancies. Particularly helpful when there is no immediate space available for a late drop.

23. Practice succession planting with many vegetables. A few at a time, to stretch out harvest time for weeks or months. This can also be achieved with different varieties of the same vegetables.

24. Practice anticipation, prevention, and early control of “pests”.

25. Keep records. Particularly note variety, planting date, location, special treatments, etc. Planting dates are particularly important for late crops for Fall and Winter. Timing is tricky. Learn by trial and error for particular garden site.

26. The best garden I ever had grew up listening to mainly classical eastern music. It’s worth trying, and sounds beautiful outside floating over the green!!

27. Make it beautiful! Stand back from your work! Look at the over-all. Check design, form, balance, colour, shape. It’s a big canvas. Fill it well. It’s kinetic architecture. Lay the foundations with care.

Happy Gardening

Daughter of the Soil: Contaminated manure alert
http://daughterofthesoil.blogspot.com/20...

Potato haulms showing typical symptoms of aminopyralid poisoning. Growth is stunted and the edges of the leaves curl upwards in a strange spoon-like pattern. Photo © Green Lane Allotments.If you're not yet acquainted with the news that gardens and allotments across Britain are being contaminated with a toxic herbicide residue, you can read the full story in today's Observer. There's also a very detailed article (with more pictures of contaminated plants) from some of the growers affected at Green Lane Allotments, who kindly provided the photo.The gist of it is this. Gardeners have been finding their plants growing a distorted mess of curled up leaves with an almost fernlike appearance. The leaves curl upward tightly in a spoon shape, and the plants are stunted and don't grow properly. The curled leaves get worse near the top of the plant. It's known to affect tomatoes, potatoes, peas, beans, carrots and salad vegetables, but possibly not courgettes. Fruits and tubers either don't form at all or are distorted and sometimes rotten. The symptoms are those of hormone weedkiller poisoning, and it's showing up in organic gardens.The poisoning has been traced to manure, which most of us use abundantly on our gardens. Specifically to manure evacuated from the backsides of animals fed on hay or silage made from grass which had been sprayed with aminopyralid, a hormone herbicide made by Dow AgroScience.Thus the buck stops with Dow AgroScience, but I think we can expect them to squirm every which way to avoid being held accountable. They'll most certainly try to blame it on the farmers. There is a reason it's called AggroScience.Aminopyralid is used on grassland to kill off meadow weeds. It's a new product, introduced in the UK in 2006 and is not licensed for use on food crops. Treated grass is fed to livestock, and the toxin stays in the grass matter as it passes through the animals' system and lingers in the manure even after lengthy periods of stacking. Then the following season gardeners spread it on their plots. As the manure breaks down in the soil the aminopyralid is released and poisons the crops. Nobody (not even Dow) knows whether the poisoned crops are safe to eat or not, because the stuff has never been tested on food crops.I certainly add my voice to those calling for an immediate withdrawal of aminopyralid products and for some chain of accountability.If you think you've got aminopyralid poisoning in your garden, I suggest you get in touch with one of the campaign groups like the one at Green Lane Allotments or refer to their blogs for the latest advice on how to deal with it. The RHS also has an information page about it. There may be some chance of making Dow face up to their responsibilities if confronted with enough evidence from enough people.If you don't yet have a problem, I suggest being extremely careful about sourcing manure, including bagged compost products that may contain it ... or avoid manure altogether for the moment. If you buy hay to feed to animals whose manure you then spread on the garden, be very cautious even if your hay comes from a trusted supplier. The problem has been reported across the whole of the British Isles but I'm not sure what the situation is in other countries. It's also important not to panic if you see poor growth or distorted leaves in your vegetable plants ... the symptoms of aminopyralid poisoning are very specific. If your plants don't look like the photo above, you haven't got it.

Introduction to Hydroponics

Hydroponics is defined as the science of growing plants without the use of soil, but by use of an inert medium, such as gravel, sand, peat, vermiculite, pumice or sawdust, to which is added a nutrient solution containing all the essential elements needed by the plant for its normal growth and development. Since many hydroponic methods employ some type of medium, it is often termed “soilless culture,” while water culture alone would be true hydroponics.

As we have just read, hydroponics is the growing of plants without soil. This development has been around since the early 1600s. It is know that plants were being grown in a soilless culture earlier than this. Hanging baskets in the gardens of Babylon and the floating gardens of the Aztecs of Mexico are other examples of the world of hydroponics. There are records of Egyptian hieroglyphic that date back to several hundred years B.C. that describe the growing of plants in water.

The word hydroponics is derived from two Greek words. The Greek word hydro (“water”) and ponos (“labor”) - literally “water working.” W.F. Gericke of the University of California, while doing laboratory experiments in plant nutrition termed this nutriculture systems hydroponics. This was the beginning of hydroponics on a commercial scale.

Gericke’s application of hydroponics proved itself by providing food for the troops stationed on nonarable islands in the Pacific in the early 1940s. In 1945 the U.S. Air Force solved its problem of providing its personnel with fresh vegetables by practicing hydroponics on a large scale on the rocky islands normally incapable of producing such crops.

After the war commercial use of hydroponics expanded throughout the world in the 1950s to countries such as Italy, Spain, France, England, Germany, Sweden, and Russia and Israel. Today more countries are using hydroponics as a way of producing quality food for people.

Today with the new technology in pots and nutrients being development, hydroponics is taking another new step forward. This is new science and the process is being developed for both inside and outside growing.

FIVE BENEFITS OF OWNING YOUR OWN GREENHOUSE

BY: Ricky Paulson (Garden and Greenhouse)

Greenhouse gardening іѕ becoming more and more popular over tһе last couple οf years. A lot οf people mονе frοm outdoor gardening such аѕ vegetable gardening, lasagna gardening аѕ well аѕ fruit gardening tο greenhouse gardening bесаuѕе mοѕt οf tһеѕе gardening methods сan bе applied inside tһе greenhouse wіtһ lіttlе problems. Iח tһіѕ greenhouse gardening article, wе аrе going tο look аt 5 benefits οf owning уουr οwח greenhouse.

Consistent Harvest

First οf аll, a greenhouse ensures consistent harvest. Yουr garden inside tһе greenhouse саח grow under optimum temperature and moist, wһісһ саח bе adjusted accordingly tο ensure optimum growth fοr уουr plants, fruits, flowers and vegetables. It саח always bе spring οr summer inside уουr greenhouse and thus, уου аrе аblе tο еחјοу consistent harvest despite having multiple seasons and fluctuating temperatures.

Reduce Grocery Expenses

Having уουr οwח greenhouse аlѕο means tһаt уου now һаνе more space tο plant уουr οwn flowers, fruits, vegetables and οtһеr types οf plant. Tһіѕ аlѕο means tһаt уου сan now gеt rid οf grocery expenses spent οn such items. One mіɡһt argue tһаt tһе initial spending tο building or purchasing a greenhouse іѕ expensive bυt mοѕt οf tһе time, tһе savings will outgrow tһе cost οf building tһе greenhouse. Try tο diversify wһаt уου аrе planting іח уουr greenhouse garden. Iח order tο save tһе mοѕt οח grocery expenses, уου need tο plant fruits οr vegetables tһаt уουr family members consume frequently.

Plants аrе Better Protected

Wіtһ a greenhouse, уουr garden іѕ better protected frοm nasty pests and rough weather conditions tһаt wіll dеfіחіtеƖу tarnish tһе growth οf plants. Keep іח mind tһаt pest infestations саח happen easily іf уουr garden іѕ exposed. Otһеr than that, іf уου һаνе small children οr pets lіkе dogs, cats οr rabbits аt home, a greenhouse wіƖƖ act аѕ a barrier аѕ tһеу саח rυіח аח open garden in no time.

Daily Gardening Made Possible

Wіtһ a greenhouse, уου саח now еחјοу gardening tο tһе fullest. Yου аrе allowed tο work οח уουr garden despite οf tһе weather conditions wһісһ саח bе a problem іf уου maintain аח open air garden. Wіtһ аll уουr gardening tools kept inside tһе greenhouse, tһеrе wіll bе חο more frustrating moments wһеrе уου һаνе tο call οf уουr gardening routine οff bесаυѕе уου саn′t find a particular gardening tool.

AƖѕο, working inside a greenhouse moves уου away frοm possible distractions. Tһіѕ allows уου tο focus entirely οח уουr gardening activities ѕο tһаt уουr plants tһаt ɡеt уουr fullest attention.

Fresh Food fοr Yου and Yουr Family

Fresh vegetables and fruits will bе much more attractive when your garden іѕ protected bу tһе greenhouse frοm pest infestations. Alѕο because οf tһіѕ, уοu аrе able tο become less dependent οn chemical pesticides tһаt will only cause harm tο ουr body. Enhanced conditions within a greenhouse environment removes tһе need fοr chemical fertilizers аѕ well. Bу tһе way, fresh food іѕ nοt cheap at all. Thus, if you want tο һаνе high quality organic vegetables and fruits without having to pay a lot, greenhouse gardening іѕ tһе way to go.

Hopi Prophecy

The end of all Hopi rituals will come when a "Kachina" removes his mask during a dance in the plaza before uninitiated children [the general public]. For a while there will be no more ceremonies, no more faith. Then Oraibi will be rejuvenated with its faith and ceremonies, marking the start of a new cycle of Hopi life.

World War III will be started by those peoples who first revealed the light (the divine wisdom or intelligence) in the other old countries (India, China, Islamic Nations, Africa.)

The United States will be destroyed, land and people, by atomic bombs and radioactivity. Only the Hopis and their homeland will be preserved as an oasis to which refugees will flee. Bomb shelters are a fallacy. "It is only materialistic people who seek to make shelters. Those who are at peace in their hearts already are in the great shelter of life. There is no shelter for evil. Those who take no part in the making of world division by ideology are ready to resume life in another world, be they Black, White, Red, or Yellow race. They are all one, brothers."

The war will be "a spiritual conflict with material matters. Material matters will be destroyed by spiritual beings who will remain to create one world and one nation under one power, that of the Creator."

That time is not far off. It will come when the Saquasohuh (Blue Star) Kachina dances in the plaza and removes his mask. He represents a blue star, far off and yet invisible, which will make its appearance soon. The time is foretold by a song sung during the Wuwuchim ceremony. It was sung in 1914 just before World War I, and again in 1940 before World War II, describing the disunity, corruption, and hatred contaminating Hopi rituals, which were followed by the same evils spreading over the world. This same song was sung in 1961 during the Wuwuchim ceremony.

The Emergence to the future Fifth World has begun. It is being made by the humble people of little nations, tribes, and racial minorities. "You can read this in the earth itself. Plant forms from previous worlds are beginning to spring up as seeds [as described in SW-II, Effects and Coming Events # 1]. This could start a new study of botany if people were wise enough to read them. The same kinds of seeds are being planted in the sky as stars. The same kinds of seeds are being planted in our hearts. All these are the same, depending how you look at them. That is what makes the Emergence to the next, Fifth World.

"These comprise the nine most important prophecies of the Hopis, connected with the creation of the nine worlds: the three previous worlds on which we lived, the present Fourth World, the three future worlds we have yet to experience, and the world of Taiowa, the Creator, and his nephew, Sotuknang."

The Hopi and others who were saved from the Great Flood made a sacred covenant with the Great Spirit never to turn away from him. He made a set of sacred stone tablets, called Tiponi, into which he breathed his teachings, prophecies, and warnings. Before the Great Spirit hid himself again, he placed before the leaders of the four different racial groups four different colors and sizes of corn; each was to choose which would be their food in this world. The Hopi waited until last and picked the smallest ear of corn. At this, the Great Spirit said:

"It is well done. You have obtained the real corn, for all the others are imitations in which are hidden seeds of different plants. You have shown me your intelligence; for this reason I will place in your hands these sacred stone tablets, Tiponi, symbol of power and authority over all land and life to guard, protect, and hold in trust for me until I shall return to you in a later day, for I am the First and I am the Last."

The Great Chieftain of the Bow Clan led the faithful ones to this new land, but he fell into evil ways. His two sons scolded him for his mistake, and after he died they assumed the responsibilities of leadership. Each brother was given a set of Tiponi, and both were instructed to carry them to a place to which the Great Spirit directed them. The elder brother [of the shining light] was told to go immediately to the east, toward the rising sun, and upon reaching his destination to start back immediately to look for his younger brother, who remained on Turtle Island [the Continental United States of America]. His mission was to help his younger brother to bring about the Purification Day, at which time all evildoers would be punished or destroyed, after which real peace, brotherhood, and everlasting life would be established. The elder brother would restore all land to his younger brother, from whom the Evil one among the white men had taken it. The elder brother [of the shining light] also would come to look for the Tiponi tablets and fulfill the mission given him by the Great Spirit.

The younger brother was instructed to travel throughout the land and mark his footsteps as he went about. Both brothers were told that a great white star would appear in the sky; when that happened, all people would know that the elder brother had reached his destination. Thereupon all people were to settle wherever they happened to be at that time, there to remain until the elder brother returned.

The Hopi settled in the area now known as Four Corners, where the state lines of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado meet. They lived in humble simplicity and the land produced abundant crops. This area is the "heart" of Turtle Island [the U.S.] and of Mother Earth, and it is the microcosmic image of the macrocosm of the entire planet. Each Hopi clan perpetuates a unique ceremony, and the ceremonies together maintain the balance of natural forces of sunlight, rain and winds, and reaffirm the Hopi respect for all life and trust in the Great Spirit.

The Hopi were told that after a time White Men would come and take their land and try to lead the Hopi into evil ways. But in spite of all the pressures against them, the Hopi were told they must hold to their ancient religion and their land, though always without violence. If they succeeded, they were promised that their people and their land would be a center from which the True Spirit would be reawakened.

It is said that after many years the elder brother might change the color of his skin, but his hair will remain black. He will have the ability to write, and he will be the only person able to read the Tiponi. When he returns to find his younger brother, the Tiponi will be placed side by side to show all the world that they are true brothers. Then great judgment will take place, for the elder will help the younger brother to obtain real justice for all Indian brothers who have been cruelly mistreated by the white man since he came to Turtle Island.

The transformed elder brother, the True White Brother, will wear a red cloak or a red cap, similar to the pattern on the back of a horned toad. He will bring no religion but his own, and will bring with him the Tiponi tablets. He will be all-powerful; none will be able to stand against him. He will come swiftly, and in one day gain control of this entire continent. It is said, "If he comes from the East, the destruction will not be so bad. But if he comes from the West, do not get up on your housetops to see because he will have no mercy."

The True White Brother will bring with him two great, intelligent and powerful helpers, one of whom will have a sign of a swastika (a masculine symbol of purity), and the sign of the sun. The second great helper will have the sign of a celtic cross with red lines (representing female life blood) between the arms of the cross.

When the Great Purification is near, these helpers will shake the earth first for a short time in preparation. After they shake the earth two times more, they will be joined by the True White Brother, who will become one with them and bring the Purification Day to the world. All three will help the "younger brother" (the Hopi and other pure-hearted people) to make a better world. In the prophecies, the two helpers are designated by the Hopi word for "population," as if they were large groups of people.

The Hopi were warned that if these three great beings failed, terrible evil would befall the world and great numbers of people would be killed. However, it was said that they would succeed if enough Hopi remained true to the ancient spirit of their people. The True White Brother and his helpers will show the people of earth a great new life plan that will lead to everlasting life. The earth will become new and beautiful again, with an abundance of life and food. Those who are saved will share everything equally. All races will intermarry and speak one tongue and be a family.

Hopi prophecy states that World War III will be started by the people who first received the Light -- China, Palestine, India and Africa. When the war comes, the United States will be destroyed by "gourds of ashes" which will fall to the ground, boiling the rivers and burning the earth, where no grass will grow for many years, and causing a disease that no medicine can cure. This can only mean nuclear or atomic bombs; no other weapon causes such effects. Bomb shelters will be useless, for "Those who are at peace in their hearts already are in the Great Shelter of Life. There is no shelter for evil. When the Saquahuh (blue Star) Kachina dances in the plaza and removes his mask, the time of the great trial will be here." The Hopi believe that only they will be saved.

The Hopi also have prophesied that "Turtle Island could turn over two or three times and the oceans could join hands and meet the sky." This seems to be a prophecy of a "pole shift" -- a flipping, of the planet on its axis. The Hopi call this imminent condition -- and that of society today -- "Koyaanisqatsi", which means "world out of balance...a state of life that calls for another way. "

The following extraordinary Hopi prophecy was first published in a mimeographed manuscript that circulated among several Methodist and Presbyterian churches in 1959. Some of the prophecies were published in 1963 by Frank Waters in The Book of the Hopi. The account begins by describing how, while driving along a desert highway one hot day in the summer of 1958, a minister named David Young stopped to offer a ride to an Indian elder, who accepted with a nod. After riding in silence for several minutes, the Indian said:

"I am White Feather, a Hopi of the ancient Bear Clan. In my long life I have traveled through this land, seeking out my brothers, and learning from them many things full of wisdom. I have followed the sacred paths of my people, who inhabit the forests and many lakes in the east, the land of ice and long nights in the north, and the places of holy altars of stone built many years ago by my brothers' fathers in the south. From all these I have heard the stories of the past, and the prophecies of the future. Today, many of the prophecies have turned to stories, and few are left -- the past grows longer, and the future grows shorter.

"And now White Feather is dying. His sons have all joined his ancestors, and soon he too shall be with them. But there is no one left, no one to recite and pass on the ancient wisdom. My people have tired of the old ways -- the great ceremonies that tell of our origins, of our emergence into the Fourth World, are almost all abandoned, forgotten, yet even this has been foretold. The time grows short.

"My people await Pahana, the lost White Brother, [from the stars] as do all our brothers in the land. He will not be like the white men we know now, who are cruel and greedy. we were told of their coming long ago. But still we await Pahana.

"He will bring with him the symbols, and the missing piece of that sacred tablet now kept by the elders, given to him when he left, that shall identify him as our True White Brother.

"The Fourth World shall end soon, and the Fifth World will begin. This the elders everywhere know. The Signs over many years have been fulfilled, and so few are left.

"This is the First Sign: We are told of the coming of the white-skinned men, like Pahana, but not living like Pahana men who took the land that was not theirs. And men who struck their enemies with thunder.

"This is the Second Sign: Our lands will see the coming of spinning wheels filled with voices. In his youth, my father saw this prophecy come true with his eyes -- the white men bringing their families in wagons across the prairies."

"This is the Third Sign: A strange beast like a buffalo but with great long horns, will overrun the land in large numbers. These White Feather saw with his eyes -- the coming of the white men's cattle."

"This is the Fourth Sign: The land will be crossed by snakes of iron."

"This is the Fifth Sign: The land shall be criss-crossed by a giant spider's web."

"This is the Sixth sign: The land shall be criss-crossed with rivers of stone that make pictures in the sun."

"This is the Seventh Sign: You will hear of the sea turning black, and many living things dying because of it."

"This is the Eight Sign: You will see many youth, who wear their hair long like my people, come and join the tribal nations, to learn their ways and wisdom.

"And this is the Ninth and Last Sign: You will hear of a dwelling-place in the heavens, above the earth, that shall fall with a great crash. It will appear as a blue star. Very soon after this, the ceremonies of my people will cease.

"These are the Signs that great destruction is coming. The world shall rock to and fro. The white man will battle against other people in other lands -- with those who possessed the first light of wisdom. There will be many columns of smoke and fire such as White Feather has seen the white man make in the deserts not far from here. Only those which come will cause disease and a great dying. Many of my people, understanding the prophecies, shall be safe. Those who stay and live in the places of my people also shall be safe. Then there will be much to rebuild. And soon -- very soon afterward -- Pahana will return. He shall bring with him the dawn of the Fifth World. He shall plant the seeds of his wisdom in their hearts. Even now the seeds are being planted. These shall smooth the way to the Emergence into the Fifth World.

"But White Feather shall not see it. I am old and dying. You -- perhaps will see it. In time, in time..."

The old Indian fell silent. They had arrived at his destination, and Reverend David Young stopped to let him out of the car. They never met again. Reverend Young died in 1976, so he did not live to see the further fulfillment of this remarkable prophecy.

The signs are interpreted as follows: The First Sign is of guns. The Second Sign is of the pioneers' covered wagons. The Third Sign is of longhorn cattle. The Fourth Sign describes the railroad tracks. The Fifth Sign is a clear image of our electric power and telephone lines. The Sixth Sign describes concrete highways and their mirage-producing effects. The Seventh Sign foretells of oil spills in the ocean. The Eighth Sign clearly indicates the "Hippy Movement" of the 1960s. The Ninth Sign was the U.S. Space Station Skylab, which fell to Earth in 1979. According to Australian eye-witnesses, it appeared to be burning blue.

Another Hopi prophecy warns that nothing should be brought back from the Moon -- obviously anticipating the Apollo 11 mission that returned with samples of lunar basalt. It this was done, the Hopi warned, the balance of natural and universal laws and forces would be disturbed, resulting in earthquakes, severe changes in weather patterns, and social unrest. All these things are happening today, though of course not necessarily because of Moon rocks.

The Hopi also predicted that when the "heart" of the Hopi land trust is dug up, great disturbances will develop in the balance of nature, for the Hopi holy land is the microcosmic image of the entire planet; any violations of nature in the Four Corners region will be reflected and amplified all over the Earth.

In 1959, a six-man delegation of traditional Hopi leaders led by the late spiritual leader, Dan Katchongva, traveled to the United Nations Building in New York to fulfill a sacred mission in accordance with ancient Hopi instructions. Because of their prophetic knowledge, the Hopi leaders felt it was time to go east to the edge of their motherland, where "a house of mica" [The United Nations building] would stand at this time, where Great Leaders from many lands would be gathered to help any people who are in trouble."

They were to go when the motherland of the Hopi and other Indian brothers were about to be taken away from them and their way of life was in danger of being completely destroyed by evil ones among the White Men and by some other Indian brothers who were influenced by the White Race. This is a clear and present danger: the betrayal of Indian-U.S.A. treaties, land sales, and coal and uranium mining are destroying the Hopi land and its people -- and all other peoples and lands, in eventual effect...

According to prophecy, at least one, two or three leaders or nations would hear and understand the Hopi warnings, as "It is told that they too should know these ancient instructions". Upon hearing the message of the Hopi, they would act immediately to correct many wrongs being done to the chosen race -- the Red Man who was granted permission to hold in trust all land and life for the Great Spirit. This prophecy would seem to have failed. Hopi prophecy also declares that the doors of the "Glass House" would be closed to them. This was the case at first, though they have delivered their message to the United Nations Assembly since then:

"When the Great Leaders in the Glass House refuse to open the door to you when you stand before it that day, [Repeated, again in 1993] do not be discouraged or turn about on the path you walk, but take courage, determination, and be of great rejoicing in your hearts, for on that day the White Race who are on your land with you have cut themselves from you and thereon lead themselves to the Greatest Punishment at the Day of Purification. Many shall be destroyed for their sins and evil ways. The Great Spirit has decreed it and no one can stop it, change it, or add anything to it. It shall be fulfilled!"

On August 7, 1970, a spectacular UFO sighting was witnessed by dozens of people and photographed by Chuck Roberts of the Prescott (Arizona)"Courier". This sighting occurred after a "UFO calling" by Paul Solem and several Hopi Indians. This sighting was interpreted by some Hopis as being a partial fulfillment of a certain Hopi prophecy given by the Great Spirit Maasau and inscribed on Second Mesa, warning of the coming of Purification Day, when the true Hopi will be flown to other planets in "ships without wings."

Hopi prophecy also tells us that there will be a mass migration of Indians northward from Mexico and Central and South America. The migration will be led by a 130-year old Indian named Etchata Etchana. The movement will come after the huge fire and explosion that will herald the advent of the True White Brother.

According to Hopi belief, the survivors of the Great Deluge thousands of years ago split up into four groups that moved north, south, east and west. Only one group completed their journey -- to the North Pole and back -- under the guidance of a brilliant "star" in which the Great Spirit Maasau traveled. When he landed, he drew a petroglyph on Second Mesa, showing a maiden (with the traditional "butterfly" hair arrangement) riding in a wingless, dome-shaped craft. The petroglyph signified the coming Day of Purification when the true Hopi will fly to other planets in "ships without wings."

The prophecy also warns that there will be three divisions among the Hopi The first division was in 1906 between the Traditionalists and the Modernists. The Traditionalists were forced to leave Oraibi and move to Hotevilla. The second division took place in the wake of the spectacular appearance of UFOs in August, 1970.
PROPHECY ROCK
Drawing pf Prophecy Rock

Near Oraibi, Arizona, there is a petroglyph known as Prophecy Rock which symbolizes many Hopi prophecies. Its interpretation is:

The large human figure on the left is the Great Spirit. The bow in his left hand represents his instructions to the Hopi to lay down their weapons. The vertical line to the right of the Great Spirit is a time scale in thousands of years. The point at which the great Spirit touches the line is the time of his return.

The "life path" established by the Great Spirit divides into the lower, narrow path of continuous Life in harmony with nature and the wide upper road of white man's scientific achievements. The bar between the paths, above the cross, is the coming of white men; the Cross is that of Christianity. The circle below the cross represents the continuous Path of Life.

The four small human figures on the upper road represent, on one level, the past three worlds and the present; on another level, the figures indicate that some of the Hopi will travel the white man's path, having been seduced by its glamour.

The two circles on the lower Path of Life are the "great shaking of the earth" (World Wars One and Two). The swastika in the sun and the Celtic cross represent the two helpers of Pahana, the True White Brother.

The short line that returns to the straight Path of Life is the last chance for people to turn back to nature before the upper road disintegrates and dissipates. The small circle above the Path of Life, after the last chance, is the Great Purification, after which corn will grow in abundance again when the Great Spirit returns. And the Path of Life continues forever...

The Hopi shield in the lower right corner symbolizes the Earth and the Four-Corners area where the Hopi have been reserved. The arms of the cross also represent the four directions in which they migrated according to the instructions of the Great Spirit.

The dots represent the four colors of Hopi corn, and the four racial colors of humanity.
Date: December 31, 1993
Source: Book of The Hopi
By: Frank Waters
Source Material by: Oswald White Bear Fredericks
Copyright 1963, by Frank Waters
SBN 345-01717-X-125
Library of Congress Catalog No. 63-19606
Published by: Ballantine Books, Inc.
101 Fifth Ave, New York, N.Y. 10003 Paperback Edition: Page 408
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


Source: American Prophecy
By: Mobius Rex
Copyright 1987
Rex Research
P.O. Box 1258 Berkeley, CA 94701

Breaking News: Supreme Court Kicks Critical Genetically Modified Alfalfa Issue Down The Road

Posted By ANH-USA On June 22, 2010 @ 12:02 pm In Uncategorized | 4 Comments

A high-profile legal battle over genetically modified crops continues. The US Supreme Court in a 7-1 decision yesterday (June 21) did not accept a lower court’s total nationwide ban on GM alfalfa. But it did agree that the seeds could be dangerous and did not allow Monsanto to proceed with selling them. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) must now complete a study examining whether the seeds will harm the environment before approving them for restricted planting, a process that could go into next year, and which could lead to more litigation.

Why is this such an important issue?

Alfalfa, the fourth most widely grown crop in the US, is fed to dairy cows. Our friends at Center for Food Safety (CFS), on behalf of organic farmers, sued to ban the GM alfalfa out of the very real concern that it would spread uncontrollably and take over US pasturelands. When we wrote about this court case ^[1] in May, we noted that GM foods cause sterility in hamsters, and that the real long-term risks to human health from these foreign molecules are still unknown. True organic beef and dairy products would become an impossibility since all cows would be potentially exposed to the GM alfalfa.

Some quick background

Monsanto is a multinational agricultural biotechnology company based in Missouri. It is also the leading producer of genetically modified seed, and sells 90% of the US’s GM seeds. Its development and marketing of GM seed and bovine growth hormone, as well as its aggressive litigation, political lobbying practices, seed commercialization practices, and “strong-arming” of the seed industry ^[2] and especially of farmers have given the company the nickname “the evil empire” in many quarters. In ANH’s opinion, this nickname is well deserved.

Monsanto is the world’s leading producer of the extremely toxic ^[3] herbicide glyphosate, marketed as Roundup™. Several weed species, known as superweeds, have developed Roundup resistance largely because of repeated exposure. So Monsanto has created genetically engineered crops—soy, corn, canola, cotton, and alfalfa (with wheat currently in development)—which tolerate the herbicide; they are known as Roundup Ready® crops. Alfalfa is different from the others because it will spread and propagate itself without replanting.

The court case

In 2007, a federal district judge found that the USDA had failed to consider the environmental impact before it had approved the GM alfalfa seeds for commercial planting. He then canceled the USDA’s approval of the seeds, and imposed a national ban on planting them. But the Supreme Court, in yesterday’s 7-to-1 decision, found that the lower court judge had gone too far. The blanket ban prevented the USDA from considering a partial approval of the seeds, a process known as deregulation.

Monsanto cheered the ruling ^[4] and got its version of events into many major media stories. However, the Supreme Court left in place the lower trial court’s ruling barring the USDA from deregulating Roundup Ready alfalfa, and sent the case back down to the lower courts for further proceedings. What this means, as a practical matter, is that the USDA will have to complete the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process, including considering more than 200,000 public comments it has received since issuing a draft EIS in December of 2009.

“It should be no surprise that Monsanto’s PR machine is working hard to spin the truth about the decision,” according to Andrew Kimbrell ^[5], executive director of the Center for Food Safety. “Despite what the biotech seed giant is claiming, today’s ruling isn’t close to the victory they were hoping for…. While the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Monsanto by reversing an injunction that was part of the lower court’s decision, more importantly, it also ruled that the ban on GMO alfalfa remains intact, and that the planting and sale of GMO alfalfa remains illegal.”

“This point, which seems to be lost in some news reports, is actually a huge victory,” Kimbrell continued. “The Supreme Court ruled that an injunction against planting was unnecessary since, under lower courts’ rulings, Roundup Ready alfalfa had become a regulated item and was therefore illegal to plant. In other words, the injunction was ‘overkill’ because our [earlier] victory in lower federal court determined that USDA violated the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental laws when it approved Roundup Ready alfalfa. The court felt that voiding the USDA’s decision to make the crop legally available for sale was enough.”

The L.A. Times ^[6] quoted Paul Achitoff, a lawyer for Earthjustice, as saying, “To the extent that Monsanto is claiming this a victory, it’s a very hollow one since no one can plant their crops.”

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Article printed from Alliance for Natural Health – US: http://www.anh-usa.org

URL to article: http://www.anh-usa.org/breaking-news-ban-on-genetically-modified-alfalfa-overturned-by-supreme-court/

URLs in this post:

[1] we wrote about this court case: http://www.anh-usa.org/genetically-modified-food-more-reason-to-avoid-them-and-why-they-threaten-organic-agriculture/

[2] “strong-arming” of the seed industry: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/12/14/business/main5978152.shtml

[3] extremely toxic: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roundup_%28herbicide%29#Ecologic_effects

[4] cheered the ruling: http://www.monsanto.com/roundupreadyalfalfa/

[5] according to Andrew Kimbrell: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-kimbrell/supreme-court-case-a-defe_b_620087.html

[6] L.A. Times: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sc-dc-court-monsanto-20100621,0,2393844.story

Click here to print.

Friends of community gardens need to raise a crop of ruckus about funding cuts

By MIKE HENDRICKS
The Kansas City Star

A year ago, City Hall was urging Kansas City Community Gardens Executive Director Ben Sharda to convert more weed-choked urban land to food production.

Now, the same bureaucracy threatens to ax the subsidy that for 25 years has helped keep the nonprofit group afloat.

“The ironic thing,” says Sharda, “is that Cauthen was talking about more community gardens on vacant lots that the city has to mow.”

Of course, former City Manager Wayne Cauthen is no longer calling the shots. And judging by pending staff budget recommendations, no longer is it a city priority to help poor and low-income people grow their own food.

Which is why there should be a crowd of angry gardeners at today’s Housing Committee meeting. Sharda asked for a show of support in hopes of restoring what amounts to more than 10 percent of his budget.

Among those planning to testify is City Councilwoman Beth Gottstein, who argues that her council colleagues should reject the staff’s short-sighted recommendation.

“Every other city of our size or bigger is doing everything it can to nourish its urban gardens and urban farmers,” Gottstein said.

What with the lousy economy, public interest is on the rise. While promoting our vegetable gardening how-to book at home and garden shows last month, my wife and I heard people say over and over that while they wanted to grow their own food, they couldn’t garden at home for one reason or another.

Why not a community garden? That was our suggestion. They’re sprouting all over town, and one reason for that is Sharda’s organization.

Besides providing garden space on properties it owns or controls, KCCG helps others start group gardens.

Unfortunately, the same forces sparking demand have taken a toll on the group’s finances. Kansas City Community Gardens’ main benefactors — charitable groups and foundations — have less to give.

“We went in the hole big time last year,” Sharda said.

Meaning that city funding is more important than ever. It amounted to $39,000 last year, Sharda said. Among other things, it pays to rototill gardens in some of the poorer parts of town.

What’s odd is that the pot of federal money that the city funding came from is even larger this year than last.

So why did city staff cut Kansas City Community Gardens entirely from its budget?

Housing and Community Development Director Shirley Winn refused to discuss it when I put the question to her Tuesday.

Maybe the folks attending today’s meeting will have better luck getting an explanation.

Foes, backers of urban gardening dig in

By DONALD BRADLEY
The Kansas City Star

Sure, it’s tomatoes and cucumbers now, but what’s next — straw hats and funnel cakes?

That’s a chief reason that Center Planning and Development, an umbrella group of south Kansas City neighborhood groups, is coming out hard against the city’s urban agriculture plan.

The group’s leadership wants it known they do not oppose the basic idea of homeowners growing fruits and vegetables for home and even commercial use. But they say the current proposal, which will be discussed Wednesday by the City Council, is far too loose in what it allows.

They don’t want residents to peddle produce in their front yards. Grow it, fine, then take it to a farmers market, Center Planning board member Stacey Johnson-Cosby said Monday.

“This wouldn’t stop someone from putting up a big tent in their front yard and selling T-shirts,” Johnson-Cosby said.

Katherine Kelly, executive director of the Kansas City Center for Urban Agriculture, takes a more grassroots perspective.

She believes much of the opposition comes from more upscale neighborhoods with modern supermarkets and where residents have cars.

“They talk about excessive traffic coming into their communities. Well, that sounds good to people elsewhere,” Kelly said today.

Kelly defended the plan, saying that many parts of Kansas City do not offer access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Urban agriculture could change that.

But she did say that amendments to the ordinance probably would address some chief concerns.

The City Plan Commission endorsed the proposal last month. Councilman John Sharp, who represents the Southland’s 6th District, is a strong advocate of urban agriculture.

Supporters say final approval would transform vacant lots and backyards into community gardens for healthier eating and, in some cases, profit.

According to the Kansas City Center for Urban Agriculture, the new practice would turn “unused, vacant and unsightly spaces into productive use as an integral part of a beautiful, lively and healthy neighborhood.”

Supporters point to Detroit and Milwaukee as cities out front in the movement.

But opponents say those cities aimed the gardening mainly at vacant lots and blighted areas. They content Kansas City’s proposal could threaten neighborhood integrity by allowing front-yard vending at all hours.

“This is about quality of life and property values,” said Johnson-Cosby, who is also a real estate agent.

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Posted on Wed, Apr. 21, 2010

Rosedale is fertile for urban gardening

By MARY SANCHEZ
The Kansas City Star

Kansas City’s council members might want to peer westward as they hash out ordinance changes making it easier for urban gardeners to share their bounty.

Look across the state line, over Rosedale way, for a sprouting (pun intended) example of what’s possible.

The one consistent pitch in the discussion is that changing the city’s ordinance would promote healthier eating in the lower-income neighborhoods saddled with higher rates of obesity and all the health complications, too.

Advocates envision taking what the urban core has in abundance — vacant lots — and partnering the space with gardeners eager to till, plant and harvest the new “back 40.”

As one speaker before a city panel yesterday noted: It is not so much that urban areas are “food deserts,” but rather are “food swamps” sinking with poor health choices.

Try finding a Whole Foods quality grocery on the East Side and people will rightly look at you as if you have a hole in the head. But fast food is sure plentiful, along with corner markets offering sugar- and sodium-laden products.

Enter Rosedale, a community with few sidewalks and no major grocery, but 25 churches within four square miles. There, a healthy movement has been pieced together through church involvement, grants, volunteers and ingenuity. Nine community gardens will grow this summer.

A Sunday farmers market will open May 16 and veggie vendors will include locals, a Johnson County synagogue and a Liberty church.

A grant by the Menorah Legacy Foundation will allow people with Vision Cards, the state food assistance program, to double their funds by shopping at the farmers market. Fruit trees are being planted in Rosedale, and one church has a weekly meeting for kids to pick, cook and learn about fresh food.

Meanwhile, Kansas City is essentially deciding how to regulate people selling what they grow. One person’s residential tranquility could be threatened by cucumber-seeking crowds. Some urban gardening enthusiasts, however, find that tranquility boring and want to share their crops. The council’s more hesitant members are right to insist on restraints on signage advertising produce for sale, hours of operation, etc.

The Unified Government still has some tweaking to do on its gardening laws, and gardeners are watching Kansas City. As the area’s overarching governmental entity, the tone Kansas City sets can matter to surrounding towns.

Right now, urban agriculture is a blooming health fad. But it could wither if not engrained into social norms by ordinance, examples and nonstop promotion.

What’s needed is a little socially engineered cultivating, if you will.

University of Missouri Extension

G6461, Revised September 2005

Growing Home Garden Tomatoes

Lewis W. Jett,
Division of Plant Sciences

Tomatoes are a popular home garden crop. They require a small area, bear repeatedly, are widely adapted and easy to grow, and have many culinary uses. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C and low in calories. They are an excellent source of lycopene, the pigment that makes tomatoes red and has been linked to prevention of many forms of cancer.

Well-grown tomatoes produce an abundance of fruit.

Varieties

There are many excellent tomato varieties available to home gardeners, ranging from new hybrids to tasty heirloom varieties. Selection should consider productivity, freedom from fruit splitting and disease resistance. Fusarium wilt and verticillium wilt are two common problems that can be overcome by selecting wilt-resistant varieties and rotating the planting so that these organisms are not able to build up in the soil. Leaf diseases such as early blight cause substantial leaf damage in many home gardens. Although high-quality fruit varieties with resistance to this disease are not generally available, they exist and may soon become more common.

The hybrid tomato varieties listed here have been selected for quality fruit and good disease tolerance or resistance and have performed well under Missouri conditions.

Resistance key

Resistance to various diseases is indicated by the following letters.

• V
  Verticillium wilt resistance
• F
  Fusarium wilt resistance
• N
  Nematode resistance
• T
  Tobacco mosaic resistance

Beefmaster
(VFN)
This beefsteak-type of tomato has maintained popularity for many years. The firm, meaty red fruits may weigh up to 2 pounds. Plants are extremely vigorous and productive. Production begins about 80 days from planting into the garden.

Better Boy
(VFN)
A variety with vigorous plants that have gained and maintained popularity for many years. Fruits are bright red and may weigh up to about one pound. Fruits are firm, round and produced abundantly with first production about 75 days from transplants.

Big Beef
(VFN)
This variety has a greater range of disease resistance than many others and won an All-America Selections award in 1994. Fruits may range from 10 to 12 ounces and are produced abundantly. They are smooth, red and produced about 73 days from planting into the garden.

Celebrity
(VFNT)
This variety was an All-America Selections winner in 1984 but continues to be popular. Plants are determinate, which indicates that vines are short, and bushy, not lending themselves to staking. Fruits are firm, red and range from 7 to 8 ounces. Plants are highly productive and can usually have first harvest 70 days after planting.

Jet Star
(VF)
A variety that has maintained popularity and continues to be a favorite of home gardeners. Fruits are abundantly produced and range close to 8 ounces. Fruits are crack resistant, meaty and flavorful. Jet Star is a variety considered relatively low in acidity.

Lemon Boy
(VFN)
For gardeners interested in yellow tomatoes, Lemon Boy is a newer variety that is productive and attractive. Fruits are not a golden color as varieties such as Husky Gold, but are lighter yellow. Fruits are firm and weigh about 6 to 7 ounces. Plants are vigorous and productive.

Pik Rite
(VFN)
This hybrid, determinate tomato matures in approximately 75 days. The globe-shaped fruit has a concentrated set with both good size and good external appearance. Pik Rite performs well when grown either as a staked tomato or in cages.

Pink Girl
(VF)
The number of pink tomato varieties available is limited, but Pink Girl is a vigorous variety that will continue to produce throughout the summer. Fruits are about 8 ounces and have crack resistance and good flavor.

Producing tomato plants

Earliness of production and quantity of fruit produced may be influenced by quality of the plant at the time it is set in the garden.

The ideal tomato plant should be 8 to 10 inches tall and dark green with a stocky stem and a well-developed, healthy root system. Three to five weeks are usually required to produce a transplant of this size.

A family interested in having only fresh fruit should plant three to five plants per person. If enough fruit is wanted for processing, then five to 10 plants per person should be planted.

To get best results with only a few plants, and to minimize trouble, purchase them from your local plant grower at the proper planting time.

If a fairly large number of plants are needed, they may be started from seeds in a good seeding mix that has been sterilized. After seed has germinated, plant seedlings at least 2 inches apart for stocky development, and give them plenty of light.

If kept in the house, expose them to a south window, and rotate them regularly to give uniform light. Daily temperatures should be kept below 80 degrees Fahrenheit but not lower than 50 degrees.

For best results, use either a pasteurized potting soil or a seed starting mix for growing your tomato seedlings. Plants may be grown in hotbeds where they can be kept sufficiently warm. Then shift them to cold frames late in the season.

Selecting growing area

Tomatoes grow best when they receive full sunshine. Plant them away from trees and buildings to get highest yield. A tomato plant needs a lot of water, so arrange for easy watering. Select a well-drained area because poor soil aeration leads to root loss and physiological problems such as blossom-end rot.

Preparing soil for planting

Tomato plants grow well in many types of soil. Work the soil only when it is dry enough so it will not stick to tools. Improve garden soil by adding peat moss, leaf mold, well-rotted manure or compost. Add lime in late fall for the garden area you plan for tomatoes the following spring.

Tomatoes grow best in nearly neutral soil with pH of 6.5 to 7.0. You seldom need to add more than 1 pound of agricultural limestone to an area of 100 square feet. Apply lime in late fall or early spring.

Fertilizing

Add a complete garden fertilizer at the time the soil is prepared. For tomatoes, use a fertilizer low in nitrogen (N), high in phosphorous (P) and medium to high in potassium (K). Among the best analyses for tomatoes are 8-32-16 and 6-24-24. Avoid using ammonia fertilizers such as urea or ammonium nitrate for tomato fertilization.

Proper spacing and staking are essential for healthy plants and good fruit production.

Use a maintenance rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet after the proper fertility level has been developed from previous soil tests and fertilizations. If only 5-10-5, 5-10-10, or similar analyses are available, apply 2 pounds per 100 square feet.

All fertilizer should be well worked into the upper 6 inches of soil.

Setting out plants

Set tomatoes in the garden when the weather has warmed and soil temperatures are above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Tomato growth is impaired by temperatures below 50 degrees.

In southern Missouri, plant tomatoes outside from April 20 to May 15. In central Missouri, May 5 to 20 is the approximate planting time, and in northern Missouri and the Ozark area, planting from May 10 to 20 is usually best.

Before planting, remove all clay pots, plastic pots or wood bands from the soil ball. Peat pots may remain. Set plants a little deeper than they were originally growing so lower leaves are next to the ground. If only "leggy" plants are available, plant them at about a 30-degree angle in a trench long enough to leave only the top 5 or 6 inches of the plant exposed. Roots will develop along the buried portion of the stem. If the plant is in a peat pot, make sure the entire pot is covered. Exposed portions of the pot will act as a wick and rapidly dry the root ball.

Apply 1 cup of a fertilizer solution around the roots after placing the plant in the hole. Use a completely soluble fertilizer such as 10-52-17 or 15-30-15 at the rate of 2 level tablespoons per gallon of water. Guard the plant base from cutworms with a wax paper collar about 3 inches high (2 inches above the ground and 1 inch below).

Planting distances

Tomato planting distance depends on the type of tomato grown. Generally speaking, 24 to 36 inches between plants is the ideal spacing for most home garden tomatoes. Planting closer than 24 inches reduces air circulation around the plants and can trigger disease outbreaks. Large vine tomatoes should be spaced 36 inches apart. Rows should be 4 to 5 feet apart.

Staking

Staking improves marketable yield, fruit set and fruit quality and also makes the tomatoes easier to harvest. Staked plants are less likely than unstaked plants to get diseases. Stakes can be made from a 1 x 2 inch piece of wood 6 feet long, pointed at one end. Place it firmly about 4 inches from the plant at time of transplanting. Use soft cord for tying plants to the stake, and allow at least 1/ 2 inch of slack for stem enlargement. Many gardeners prefer to support tomato plants in cylindrical wire cages. Mesh should be large enough so it can be reached through to pick fruits inside. This method saves time required for staking, pruning and tying.

Pruning

Early-season varieties (maturity less than 70 days) typically do not require pruning. However, late-season or large vine varieties (indeterminates) need some of their side shoots removed or to be topped to prevent them from getting too bushy and tall.

When plants are grown in cages, less pruning is required. Break out only enough shoots to allow good light and air movement through the cage.

Watering

A tomato fruit is 95 percent water, so tomatoes need a lot of water to grow and develop fruit. Tomatoes should have about 2 quarts of water per day per plant until first harvest. Plants that are yielding fruit will need 2 to 4 quarts of water per plant.

Soak the soil thoroughly when watering. Frequent light waterings will encourage a weak root system. Mulching with straw, clean hay, compost, paper or plastic will reduce soil water evaporation. Plants growing in small containers may need daily waterings.

Sidedressing

Fertilizer applied at the time of planting will not supply enough nutrients for the entire season. Too much nitrogen in the beginning brings heavy vegetative growth and poor fruit set.

Apply the first side-dressing when the first fruits are about one-third grown. Apply 0.5 pound of actual nitrogen per 100 feet of row. This is equivalent to 5 pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer. Calcium nitrate is an excellent fertilizer to apply as a side dress. About 3.5 pounds of calcium nitrate can be side-dressed per 100 feet of row. Mix the fertilizer carefully into the top inch of soil. Don't get fertilizer on the foliage.

Apply the second side-dressing two weeks after picking the first ripe fruit. Make a third application a month later. Water in the nitrogen if rain is un likely.

Cultivating and controlling weeds

Many weeds are carriers of diseases that can seriously affect tomato plants when transmitted by insects or man. Weeds also compete for soil moisture and nutrients.

Use mulches to avoid a lot of hoeing and hand weeding. Hay, straw, grass clippings, paper, compost or plastic can be used as mulches for tomatoes. Black plastic warms the soil and is very beneficial for early plantings. Some growers have used red plastic mulch with success. Apply organic materials 2 to 4 inches thick to prevent weeds from developing.

Harvesting

Tomato color and flavor are optimal when average daily temperatures are about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. High temperatures (greater than 92 degrees) during ripening reduce fruit flavor, texture and color. Fruit exposed to high temperatures develops internal white tissue and yellow color on the fruit surface. Thus it is important to have good vine growth, which partially shades the fruit from intense sunlight. Do not refrigerate tomatoes after harvest. Flavor and quality are preserved by holding the fruit at room temperature.

Mature green fruits can be harvested in the fall and held for later use. Select fruits free of disease, wrap them in paper and store them at about 60 to 65 degrees. They will ripen slowly and provide good tomatoes for several weeks.

Physiological problems

Many of these disorders are quite common and should be readily recognized. Little can be done for most of them, but the fruit may be eaten if affected portions are removed. These problems are not caused by insects or disease.

Blossom-end rot
Very common problem on homegrown tomatoes. It appears as a depressed brownish, rather dry rot the size of a dime to a half dollar on the blossom end of the fruit. It is caused by a calcium deficiency coupled with wide fluctuations in available moisture. Training and pruning may increase blossom-end rot. Remove the affected fruit so others on the plant will develop normally and keep the plants well watered. Provide good soil drainage. Mulch to maintain a more uniform moisture supply. Avoid cultivating (hoeing) near the roots of tomato plants. Do not use ammonia fertilizers.

Catfacing
Badly formed tomatoes on the blossom end, usually rough with scar tissue. Cold weather at time of blossom set intensifies the deformities. Catfacing is usually most common in the large-fruited beefsteak-type tomatoes.

Cracking
Fruit cracking varies by the variety. Cracking is usually a problem when there is a fluctuation in soil moisture. Tomatoes exposed directly to sunlight are highly susceptible to cracking. Select varieties that are crack resistant.

Cloudy spots
Irregular whitish spots just under the skin. This is the result of stink bugs feeding on the fruit at some stage in its development.

Flower drop
Especially noticeable on early flowers when the grower is anxious for fruit to set for an early harvest. The problem occurs when night temperatures are lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit; when day temperatures are higher than 95 degrees; or when night temperatures remain above 75 degrees. Hot drying winds may intensify the problem.

Varieties also will differ in their temperature response. Fruit-setting hormones may be used to help set fruit early in the season when the weather is cool. The problem usually disappears and fruits set normally after the weather improves.

Leaf roll
Most common on plants that have been pruned and on early-season varieties. Older and lower leaves of some tomato varieties may roll and become stiff and leathery. It is not a disease and is most common on plants that are trained and pruned. Fruiting is not affected by this condition.

Sunscald, poor color
High temperatures retard the development of good color. Fruits exposed to high temperatures will scald and develop uneven color. Good foliage cover is helpful.

Chemical problems

Chemical injury
Drift from 2,4-D and similar chemicals commonly used on lawns and in fields may cause distorted leaves, twisted stems, dropping of flowers and fruit abnormalities. The drift may originate half a mile or more away. Sprayers that have been used for herbicide and then used for disease and insect control on tomatoes may also be a source of contamination.

Walnut toxicity
Plants growing near black walnut trees may wilt and die. Avoid growing tomatoes within 50 feet of these trees or where they may come into contact with walnut roots

Insects

A variety of insects may attack tomatoes, although they can be controlled with a regular spray schedule. The following insects are a few that commonly attack tomatoes.

Aphids
Small, pear-shaped insects that congretate on the top growth or undersides of leaves. Aphids damage tomatoes by sucking plant sap and excreting a sticky substance on the foliage and fruit, making the fruit unattractive. Besides rain, insecticidal soaps and certain chemicals, controls include removing weeds, which may serve as hosts for aphids.

Cutworms
Fat, gray, brown or black worms up to 1 1/ 4 inches long. They cut off plants close to the soil surface. They are most destructive early in the season. Use a wax paper collar as described in the "Setting out plants" section of this publication.

Flea beetles
Black or brown jumping bugs 1/ 16 inch long attack young transplants and leave them looking as if they have been shot full of small holes.

Hornworms
Large green worms up to 4 inches long eat foliage and fruit. Handpick them if only a few; sprays can be used for large infestations.

Leaf miners
Larvae that make long, slender white tunnels in the leaves. Start sprays early.

Spider mite
Tiny, tannish mite, barely visible to the naked eye; causes many small yellow specks and fine webs. Forceful water sprays, insecticidal soaps or chemical sprays may be used for control.

Stalk borer
Larvae are creamy-white to light purple and eat tunnels in the stem, causing the plant to wither and die. Remove and destroy weeds where the insect may breed. Locate hole in stem where the borer entered. Split stem lengthwise above the hole and kill the borer. Bind the split stem and keep the plant well watered. Spray to prevent further infestations.

Stink bugs
Brown, green, or black shield-shaped bugs that give off a foul odor. They suck juices from the plant and cause hard, whitish spots just under the skin of the fruit. Sprays are effective.

Tomato fruitworm
Green, brown or pink worm that eats holes in fruit and buds. Sprays during June help control this insect. Make several applications.

Diseases

Tomatoes are attacked by bacterial speck and spot, early blight, fusarium wilt, anthracnose, septoria leaf spot, tobacco mosaic virus, curly top virus and verticillium wilt.

G6461, revised September 2005

Related MU Extension publications

• G6202, Disease Prevention in Home Vegetable Gardens
  http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G6202
• G6950, Steps in Fertilizing Garden Soil: Vegetables and Annual Flowers
  http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G6950
• MP587, Tomatoes From Harvest to Health
  http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=MP587

Order publications online at http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/shop/ or call toll-free 800-292-0969.