Flash in the Pan: Lessons from the Desert

…A new book explores sustainable agriculture in in dry climates, reviewed by Ari Levaux…must read for local growers and others with an interest in local food sovereignty and water issues.

Recent years have brought spikes in the frequency of strange weather patterns and severe storms, with many blaming the increase on human-caused climate change. If this new normal, as it's being called, is here to stay, it will have profound implications on food production.

There are two basic ways that this threat to food production is being addressed. One is to develop new crops and agricultural methods tailored to withstand increased heat and water stresses. The other approach is to look to the past for solutions, at crops and techniques used in regions that have historically endured this kind of weather. A new book by agricultural ecologist Gary Paul Nabhan, Growing Food in a Hotter, Drier Land, is a comprehensive exploration of this latter approach 

Gardening video: planting sweet corn

…how does your garden grow? From #communitygarden novices to experienced home kitchen gardeners, farmers market growers, professionals and permaculturists…'tis  the season when thoughts turn to gardening. Claunch-Pinto and Torrance County Extension have been collaborating in gardening workshops. Since the June workshop has been postponed and the series on hiatus with Gene Winn recovering from hip surgery, perhaps we all can help fill the gap here with videos, resources and gardening tips. Topics and recommendations invited.

                                             

Praxxus55712 has uploaded Planting Ambrosia Sweet Corn!

Planting Ambrosia Sweet Corn! by Praxxus55712

In today's episode you and I will plant Ambrosia Sweet Corn. Join me in the garden for a slightly different method of planting corn for a stronger healthier plant. Stay tuned for many updates on this. Hopefully it ends with me grilling fresh corn on the barbeque this summer. 

• Gem corn video provided by: http://www.youtube.com/user/douglasfi2re
• Praxxus on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/praxxus55712
• Indoor Gardening Channel: http://www.youtube.com/VoodooGarden

Gardeners also share tips on the Facebook page. Here's an interesting one that reminds us how much gardening is the ultimate recycling:

"I am growing potatoes in horse feed bags. They are doing great so far. I rolled the bag all the way down to start, added straw in the bottom then a layer of soil enriched with compost, planted and now as they grow I am alternating straw and soil."

Food Day 2012

…is October 24. Food should have it's own day and so it does. This is definitely an item for Everybody Eats. iCreate too as well as community gardens and farmers markets. Check out the many partner organizations, no government or industry funding accepted, and start panning a Food Day event. Get the word out.

Food Day is a celebration of real food and a campaign to help solve food-related problems in our homes, on our farms, in our schools and in our communities. We want food to be healthy, affordable, and produced with care for the environment, animals, and the women and men who grow, harvest, and serve it.