2011 DIY Organic Gardening

Here is an inspiring article on www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com - I am inspired to add to my container growing this year and I hope this article will help you too!

Growing by the "Raised Bed" Method
~Why and How

A raised bed method of gardening has taken root and for many it's a simpler and safer way of growing. From small kitchen gardens to fields of produce for market, raised beds are here to stay.

Some major reasons to consider the raised bed method:

1) When you build and enclose a raised bed, you have just cut your maintenance in half. There will be fewer weeds (if any), well draining soil, few if any pests, and the elimination of foot traffic - which is the biggest reason for compacted soil. Because of these three improvements you will have a highly attractive and higher yield garden.

2) Raised beds can be enclosed with garden timbers (cedar, redwood and cypress) brick, block and rock will all fit the plan perfectly. I like 4x 8 size beds for the ease of working it from side to side without constant moving from one side to the other.

Now, for the layering process. Just think of it as making a Dagwood sandwich.

The area where your garden will be should be cut as close to the dirt as possible with your lawn mower.

Build your frame around the plot to your desired size.

You are now ready to build your soil.

Fall is the best time.....let it compost over the winter.

1) Right on the freshly mowed site, layer about 10 sheets of wet newspaper (no glossy colors) or cardboard. Wetting the paper or cardboard will hold it in place and speed up the process of composting.

2) On top of this add 4 to 6 inches of barn manure in some stage of composting.

3) Add to the manure 3 to 4 inches of dried leaves, grass, and other yard clippings.

4) Add 1 to 2 inches of peat-moss to the top.

Repeat this layering process until you have a depth of 12 to 24 inches. More if you wish.

The more layers you build the higher your soil line will be. Twenty four inches is the standard for most. You don't want your soil line higher than the frame of your bed.

Once your beds are layered, water well and cover with a plastic tarp if so desired. Check from time to time and don't allow the beds to dry out for long periods of time. (I leave mine open so they get the rain water and the natural weather cycles....it all helps the process.)

This method attracts microbes, earthworms, etc., that do the same work as a garden pick and tiller, and fertilizers at the same time. Come spring, just plant right into your ready made soil.

Remember too that you can compost all your kitchen scraps such as peeling from vegetables and fruits, coffee and tea grinds, and egg shells. Do not compost meat, bones, oils, or any cooked food. This will rot and draw animals and insects to your garden.

You can add these kitchen waste products directly to your beds, but I prefer to have a compost pile and process it separate from the beds.

For a healthy garden site always rotate your crops yearly and in the case of cucumbers, tomatoes, and eggplants, every 2 to 3 years. This stops pest from setting up house-keeping and over-wintering to wait for the new crop.

A good step to take before you start to build your beds is to have an idea of what you will be growing so you can add material to your beds that a certain crop might need. (Sand, blood/bone-meal, etc.)

Companion planting is a perfect crop practice. We will cover this in another segment.



Happy growing!

Bea Kunz

Tea in 2010, My Inside Industry View

Growth in Segments

2010 was predicted successfully by yours truly to be one of continued growth, opportunity, and success. Glad to be right.

I see even more opportunity for growth and continued growth in 2011, especially in the coffee roaster and coffee business segments, as their b2b and direct consumers demand more quality, education, and diversity in tea selections - as well as a call offer something to the ever growing -non caffeine crowd.
I have heard that "non caffeinated crowd" or herbal tea growth to be anywhere between 30 and 40 % of the tea market. That is good size. I had always thought it to be ironic, when I owned my tea chain and wholesale line, that Rooibos and Herbal (non-caffeinated) teas were always outselling the camellia sinensis leaves in bulk and hot teas, just not in the iced -although the iced herbals were growing and catching up too.

I see the caffeinated herbal - Yerba Mate - to continue to grow in blend selections in 2011. While Green and White teas continue to be of solid interest as well as Organic in these and all segments as well. Black Tea continues to take the cake, especially in the RTD and iced tea sales of course in the U.S.

Tea Blends continue to grow and be a great opportunity for Coffee Companies to step up their game. Fruits, flowers, and value additions- the key anything that will help you spin your marketing chant is all good. Be it super fruit teas with flavor and function, energy or sleepy time. Chai's continue to be solid and strong - although uniquely signature to each company most times. Peach, tropical, and chocolate dominate - as does a bit of coconut as well. These fancy ingredients and enhancements are found in all of the teas - herbal, regular, and often even in Organic - and progressively so. These influences are usually kept up on by walking a Fancy Food show. Speaking of Organics - QTrade made a huge leap to go with mostly all natural flavors in 2010 - to keep with and push for as natural as possible.

I continue to see Coffee Roasters seek new blends and to further the growth of better tea's and specialty blends. In hot tea, fuso or pyramids, and/or iced as well.

My prediction in 2011 for growth in the tea realm? More and more tea powders and mixes. You name it, they will mix it and offer it in more and more stick packs, bulk, and cans. Iced teas will continue to get better, and healthier - fresh brews, more selection, higher quality at a higher price point, and diversity - AMEN.

More later this week...Iced Teas and options, Fuso and pyramid, consultants, classes, container sourcing of tea and key ingredients such as Goji Berries, reported increase in pricing in all teas and herbs.



Cheers!

Indian Tea Prices to go up...

Article from Financial Express
http://www.financialexpress.com/news/tea-prices-to-go-up-says-mcleod-russel/627588/2

World's largest tea producer McLeod Russel India Ltd sees average price realisation per kg to rise at least by Rs 12-15 in 2010-11. The average tea price was around Rs 137 per kg in 2009-10.

Mcleod Russel managing director Aditya Khaitan said contrary to expectations that average tea prices would drop during the year, prices are actually expected to go upwards. ''There are apprehensions in some quarters that average tea prices would drop in 2010-11 from last year's level but my reading is that we would see a higher price as crop shortage is only going to go up," he said.

According to him, industry is likely to face a shortage of 80 million kg during the year. Last year the shortage was around 60 mkgs. The company has suffered a net loss of Rs 120 crore during the quarter to March 31, 2010, against a loss of Rs 88.61...World's largest tea producer McLeod Russel India Ltd sees average price realisation per kg to rise at least by Rs 12-15 in 2010-11. The average tea price was around Rs 137 per kg in 2009-10.

Article continued....http://www.financialexpress.com/news/tea-prices-to-go-up-says-mcleod-russel/627588/2

Organic Buying up 41%

Consumer survey finds 41% of parents buying more organic foods than a year ago
U.S. families are buying a wider variety of organic products than ever
Contact: Barbara Haumann (802-275-3820; bhaumann@ota.com)
BRATTLEBORO, Vt. (Dec. 8, 2010)—In spite of the sluggish economic recovery, U.S. families continue to buy more organic products than ever before and from a wider variety of categories, according to findings from the latest consumer study jointly sponsored by the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and KIWI Magazine. In fact, 41 percent of parents report they are buying more organic foods today than a year ago, up significantly from 31 percent reporting organic purchases in 2009, according to the U.S. Families’ Organic Attitudes & Beliefs 2010 tracking study.

“Consumers are increasingly interested in where their food comes from and how it is produced. With organic, they have that transparency,” said Christine Bushway, OTA’s Executive Director and CEO. She added, “It is exciting to see parents recognize the importance of organic products to their families.”

The survey, conducted between Aug. 11 and 27, 2010, also found that parents buy organic because they see organic products are generally healthier, address their concern about the effects of pesticides, hormones and antibiotics on children, or provide a means to avoid highly processed foods and/or artificial ingredients.
Although perceived price disparity between conventional and organic products remains a barrier to purchase for some families, the study revealed significant opportunities for marketers of organic products to educate consumers on the value of these products, and of the significant differences between organic, conventional and unregulated “natural” products. Demographically, consumers’ education level appears to be more significant than income level in predicting organic purchase behaviors.
The study, the second of its kind sponsored by OTA and KIWI Magazine, shows that three-quarters of U.S. families purchase some organic products. Comprising a growing percentage (36 percent versus 32 percent in 2009), newly organic families who have begun purchasing organic products in the past two years represent more than three in ten U.S. households.
The 64-page study profiles organic buyers, tracks purchases and behavior motivation, explores consumer knowledge and trust in organic, looks specifically at perceptions about personal care and natural, and identifies emerging trends. The new report can be ordered for purchase by sending an e-mail to info@ota.com. The cost is $1,495 for non-OTA members, with a special discounted rate of $795 provided to OTA member companies. An executive summary may be requested by the media.
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. OTA’s Board of Directors is democratically elected by its members. OTA's mission is to promote and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public and the economy (www.ota.com)

Organic Trade Association applauds passage of child nutrition bill Includes provision for organic pilot program in schools

Contact: Barbara Haumann (413-376-1220; bhaumann@ota.com)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 2, 2010)—The Organic Trade Association (OTA) today applauded Congress for passing the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 that includes a $10 million Organic Pilot Program OTA championed to help provide organic food choices in school nutrition programs.
“OTA is pleased that this important legislation has passed and very excited that it includes OTA’s proposal for an organic pilot program giving children access to organic foods as part of healthy school feeding programs,” said Christine Bushway, OTA’s Executive Director and CEO. “The health status of our children is crucial to the well-being of our nation’s future, and the food that they are fed in schools is key to their health status.”

The bill, which passed the Senate before the August recess, moved through the House of Representatives today, with House passage in a 264-to-157 vote.

Under the Organic Pilot Program, competitive grants favoring socially disadvantaged schools will be offered for schools to increase organic offerings in their meal programs. Because the Organic Pilot Program is not mandatory, the Appropriations Committee will decide on funding for the program.

In the Senate, Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio sponsored the program in the Senate Agriculture Committee. Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont also gave his support, with the program included in the Health, Hunger-Free Kids Act passing the Senate in a unanimous vote before the August recess.

Meanwhile, OTA worked with Rep. Lynn Woolsey of California to sponsor the program in the House Education and Labor Committee. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, also of Ohio, co-sponsored the amendment for inclusion in the House's Improving Nutrition for America's Children Act. OTA met with more than 20 House offices to build support for the program.

In addition to the Organic Pilot Program, the bill includes a $40 million Farm-to-School Program that OTA also supported. This mandatory funding will provide a robust competitive grant and technical assistance program in the U.S. Department of Agriculture to increase the use of local foods from small- and medium-sized farms in schools. The final bill also provides the first increase in meal reimbursement rates, other than that based on inflation, since the 1970s, and streamlines enrollment in school meal programs

Compared to the Senate bill, the House Education and Labor bill was substantially more expensive. Therefore, the House voted to pass the Senate's Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which costs $4.5 billion and is offset by supplemental food stamp benefits from the stimulus bill.

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. OTA’s Board of Directors is democratically elected by its members. OTA's mission is to promote and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public and the economy (www.ota.com).