GreenKeeping’s Post

Amazing statistic to learn about workdwide commitment to #greehouse #growing; disconcerting to learn that the #US is not even on the list of the top ten list. Might need to fact check though. https://loom.ly/dMIsO3U

https://lnkd.in/ee73PVEc We were called to grow for the future and that’s what we’re going to keep doing. #parkesdalefarms #growing

Trying to prepare for your farm's year end? Here are some items you may have missed.

To celebrate National Farm to School Month (October), I am entering schools during the next several weeks to discuss soil ecosystems. Students will get to make a "soil lasagna" that showcases the different layers of soil beneath our feet. They will insert a native plant from seed in their soil cup to watch it sprout into a mature plant. I will encourage the students to experiment as a class when determining which variables improve plant growth. Additionally, I will tell a story about the ecological values of soils and how the students can ensure soils are healthy in their home and school yards. During the story telling, the students will make a storybead bracelet, with each bead being a unique color to represent distinct "chapters" of my healthy soil story. Below is one activity that I hope to do as a follow up lesson in the future ... collect soil samples and explore what type of life exists within each soil type (if at all). https://lnkd.in/eaezX_Hz If you are an environmental educator, what soil education activities do you use in the classroom or outdoors? Please share! I am all ears.

Native Plants! What Are They and Why Plant Them? Great question that is answered in this article. The type of plants you pick are so important. https://bit.ly/3RPl0dM #totalmaintenancepro #landscaping #plants

Growing up in Wakkanai, Hokkaido, uni harvesting was a familiar sight every summer. For many students, including myself, it was a popular part-time job during school vacations. Waking up early to help crack hundreds of sea urchins was just another task at the time. I never imagined that, 30 years later, uni would become my full-time passion. Now, I feel it’s important to share the incredible process behind preparing uni before it reaches your plate. Thanks to our friends, we experienced the entire harvesting journey, and I’m excited to break it down for you in this three-part blog series. A New Day at Sea As the sun rises, fishermen set out to sea, navigating their boats to the best harvesting grounds for uni. These spots aren’t chosen randomly—each fisherman relies on years of experience and instinct to identify the ideal locations. Even within the same waters, the quality of uni can vary based on ocean currents and the availability of food. The best uni comes from areas where conditions allow them to grow plump and flavorful. Harvesting High-Quality Uni Once at their chosen grounds, fishermen use traditional tools to extract the sea urchins with precision. The Hakomagane (a box-like viewer) helps them locate uni on the seabed, while the Kagizao (a hook-shaped rod) is used to carefully collect them. Strict regulations govern when, where, and how uni can be harvested. Violations are treated as poaching and carry severe penalties. There are two primary methods of harvesting uni, depending on the region and its traditions: Kaketori (Hook and Line Method): Using the Hakomagane and Kagizao, fishermen visually identify and pull the uni from the seabed. Freediving: In certain areas, skilled divers don wetsuits and dive as deep as 15 meters to collect uni by hand. The choice of method depends on various factors, such as the type of uni, seabed conditions, ocean currents, and regional traditions. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore the next stage—what happens after the uni are brought ashore!

Native Plants! What Are They and Why Plant Them? Great question that is answered in this article. The type of plants you pick are so important. https://bit.ly/3N8swxk #totalmaintenancepro #landscaping #plants

(USA 01.10.24) #growingproduce Getting Fresh Perspectives on the Top Postharvest Issues Today [AG: What are Australia's top postharvest issues?] Bárbara Blanco-Ulate and Irwin Donis-Gonzalez, co-directors of the UC Davis Postharvest Research and Extension Center https://lnkd.in/gJenHmCE, are revitalizing the center amid staff cuts, focusing on assisting small farmers like Paula Bicknell of West Butte Orchards. Bicknell seeks to improve pluot shipping, while the directors highlight the postharvest continuum's importance, challenging the misconception that it only involves packing. Key issues in postharvest management include inadequate temperature monitoring during transport, misinformation about preservation methods and challenges in determining optimal harvest times. The directors also aim to expand their network through social media engagement with growers. ----- [AG: What are Australia's top postharvest issues?] ----- https://lnkd.in/g5buVDHN

Miss-Collect and RVO: Seeding, Sprouting, and Harvesting 🌱 Last week, Sylvia van Buchem and Kenneth Vernes from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency visited the Miss-Collect program in Bengaluru, where they experienced the three educational pillars: Seed, Sprout, and Harvest, in action. Seeding: Preventing Child Labor They visited Early Learning Centers in informal settlements, where Miss-Collect provides young children with safe, stimulating environments to play and learn—instead of work and earn. Sprouting: Learning to Grow and Thrive They participated in the Veggie4School program in primary schools, where children engage in hands-on learning about growing vegetables, environmental care, and making healthy choices. Sylvia and Kenneth saw how practical education is shaping young lives and fostering confidence. Harvesting: Building Sustainable Futures Finally, they joined the Miss-GreenGrowth certification ceremony, handing certificates to students and young adults who successfully completed workshops on urban gardening, medicinal herbs, and green entrepreneurship. These graduates are now ready to harvest the fruits of their learning and build sustainable, self-reliant futures. Together, Seed, Sprout, Harvest is building brighter futures and stronger communities. 🌍✨ View the impact at https://lnkd.in/eZdBgkXh