Attention ALL writers

laptop001a thumb Attention ALL writers I’ve recently begun writing about gardening in the Detroit edition of examiner.com, an online magazine specializing in local coverage of multiple markets (currently ~40). But getting viewers of this site to read those posts, while nice, is not the reason for posting this.

Although I have been taking a breather from posting (anywhere) while I deal with a recurrent health problem, after several months experience with The Examiner I can attest that they pay their bills and that income continues to accrue even if you have to take a break from writing.

If this sounds appealing to you, I’d like you to follow TWO links. The first is a short video about how to fill in the application so that I will get the referral fee. If you do not fill in my “Examiner number” (5189) in the correct place, I don’t get paid for the referral. Links after the break.

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We can grow a better future than we can buy

sgasgauge 478749 thumb Your Food, Your Future

I’m guessing that a lot of people who are still ‘hanging on’ financially are also hanging on to their internet connection so as to look for work or at least file for unemployment benefits until they run out. Here in Michigan, lots of people “call Marvin” every two weeks … Marvin is the automated unemployment arrangement. If you can’t keep your internet connection up, the public libraries still offer internet access free. Although, if a recent trip to my local library points to a broader pattern, you may have to be prepared to either wait in line or bring a laptop.

I’ll try to make the wait worthwhile.

I’ll let you know where to find free seeds. I’ll show you what you can forage. I’ll tell you when to plant, when to pick and how to prepare what you’ve grown. And, most importantly, I’ll tell you how to preserve the extra (follow the advice and there WILL be extra) to help you get through the next winter.

If It’s Green, It’s Cash

If you live in Michigan, I’ll show you how to get the exclusive use of a plot of land to grow enough to feed your family – and still have produce left over to sell as a cash crop. Can you say “organic produce”? I thought you could. Go to the market and price the organic stuff. You’ll swear it was grown over a gold mine. Why not grow it, eat and preserve what you need, and sell the rest yourself? The land, leased from the state, will set you back $50 for the year. As the long-term unemployed will tell you, that’s exactly 500 soda bottles or cans for a years worth of food.

I’ll try to hunt similar sources down elsewhere, but would certainly welcome your input. In fact, I’ll need your help; no man is an island and no man is an expert in everything everywhere. As I write this, I am just one person.

sVictoryGardens thumb Your Food, Your Future

A backyard garden can be your own declaration of (food) independence.

My hope is for this blog to become truly worldwide in scope, with articles for the absolute newcomer and articles for the seasoned hand alike. That is; I want it to be neutral as to color, race, creed, nationality, educational level, income level or political affiliation or any of the other dividers that have so long held humankind apart.

Food is neutral (or should be) and so am I.

I’ll need help. Most especially, I am looking for guest authors with niche expertise, such as mycology, UN food policy, organic insect control and others. If you fancy yourself an expert on anything related to growing or marketing food, its sciences, tactics or techniques, please use the contact page on the main menu bar to contact me with a proposed article. I’m all ears.

canown thumb8 Your Food, Your Future

Can't argue with that logic.

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Make a continuous watering system work for you

Making your own rain barrel can help you cut costs in your garden while increasing both the quantity and the quality of your produce.

Greg, over at NashVeggie, has put together a pretty nice pictorial of how to make your own rain barrel on the cheap. I’ve seen other barrels similar to his, and I’ve given considerable thought to building something a little more ambitious in my own “space challenged” garden*, so allow me to add my thoughts to his.

A problem to solve:

I’ve found that I get a dramatic boost in output IF (and only if) I never, ever, let the soil dry out. “Mid-day wilt” might be a natural response, but it is NOT the optimal response. And standing around with a watering can in my hands simply isn’t on the agenda. Not today. Not ever. Continue reading “Make a continuous watering system work for you” »

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