Posted on 02/09/2009 12:36:11 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny
Yahoo ran an interesting article this morning indicating a rise in the number of survivalist communities cropping up around the country. I have been wondering myself how much of the recent energy crisis is causing people to do things like stockpile food and water, grow their own vegetables, etc. Could it be that there are many people out there stockpiling and their increased buying has caused food prices to increase? It’s an interesting theory, but I believe increased food prices have more to do with rising fuel prices as cost-to-market costs have increased and grocers are simply passing those increases along to the consumer. A recent stroll through the camping section of Wal-Mart did give me pause - what kinds of things are prudent to have on hand in the event of a worldwide shortage of food and/or fuel? Survivalist in Training
I’ve been interested in survival stories since I was a kid, which is funny considering I grew up in a city. Maybe that’s why the idea of living off the land appealed to me. My grandfather and I frequently took camping trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway and around the Smoky Mountains. Looking back, some of the best times we had were when we stayed at campgrounds without electricity hookups, because it forced us to use what we had to get by. My grandfather was well-prepared with a camp stove and lanterns (which ran off propane), and when the sun went to bed we usually did along with it. We played cards for entertainment, and in the absence of televisions, games, etc. we shared many great conversations. Survivalist in the Neighborhood
http://www.natmedtalk.com/nutrition/3106-brain-nutrition.html
[I did not check the links]
Brain Nutrition
This is Dr Dharma Singh Khalsa’s website. He has a product available that looks really good, composed of the key ingredients for brain food.
http://www.drdharma.com/Public/Home/index.cfm
If you don’t want to buy this product you should read his book at least and this is where I started with all this several years ago.
http://www.drdharma.com/utility/show...fm?objectID=33
I bought it used from Amazon at a fraction of the price.
I use lecithin and fish oil as well as B vitamins, and a brain food product called BrainSpeed by Natrol.I have used vinpocetine in the past and I give vinpocetine to my son when he has to study.
http://www.vitacost.com/Natrol-Brain-Speed-Memory
http://www.vitacost.com/Source-Naturals-Vinpocetine
You will also want to look at this website
http://www.smart-publications.com/cg...emory&x=20&y=6
and this page in particular:
http://www.smart-publications.com/me..._nutrients.php
I came upon this website when I read The books Smart Drugs and Nutrients vol 1 and 2.
I also purchased this book from www.Amazon.com used.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw...rugs&x=12&y=16
When the book was such a sucesss the website and products followed. So between these books and sites you will find the most up to date information on brain nutrition and nutrients. Smart publications offers a free emailer if you sign up for it.
http://www.smart-publications.com/me...ients_sec3.php
Here is an excellent article on preventing Alzheimer’s. We take tumeric daily in capsule form
http://www.smart-publications.com/al...loid_clear.php
Smart Publications also has a list of drugs that are more effective than what is commonly prescribed in the US for a variety of mind or mental disorders.
I found nootropics very interesting and there are many available but must be ordered from an overseas pharmacy. I would not hesitate to use Piracetam or pramiracetam if it became necessary, which is available in the US but I can’t seem to find the website right now. I do think that vinpocetine is really worth looking at.
http://www.smart-publications.com/me...ients_sec4.php
https://www.healthmegamall.com/prodV...766_p38096.htm
One thing I didn’t mention is that I use liquid lecithin from NOW brand nutritional products. I add it to my green drink every day. These green products offer lots of health benefits. I always purchase over the Internet. It is much too costly at the health food store.
Basic Recipie:
1 cup orgainic apple juice
1/2 to 1 cup water
1 scoop of a super green product like:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gr...8000&x=23&y=17
or: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gr...erfood&x=0&y=0
One scoop Jarrow Whey.
this is an exellent protien supplement, Easy to digest and will give about 22 grams of protien.: http://www.iherb.com/Search.aspx?c=1...kw=jarrow+whey
Best price: http://www.totaldiscountvitamins.com...ssocID=bizrate
about 1 to 2 teaspoons of NOW liquid lecithin (when the blender is running)
http://www.iherb.com/Search.aspx?c=1&st=l&kw=lecithin
http://www.natmedtalk.com/nutrition/2939-wheat-grass-may-stronger-antioxidant-than-spirulina.html
Wheat Grass May Be a Stronger Antioxidant than Spirulina
Quote:
Date: April 15, 2008 HC# 120374-350
Re: Study Shows Wheat Grass to be Better Antioxidant Than Spirulina
Shyam R, Singh SM, Vats P, et al. Wheat grass supplementation decreases oxidative stress in healthy subjects: a comparative study with spirulina [letter to the editor]. J Altern Complement Med. 2007;13(8):789-791.
“Recent investigations have shown that the antioxidant properties of plants could be correlated with oxidative stress defense in different human diseases,” write the authors in their letter to the editor of The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. They report the results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aimed at evaluating the effect of wheat grass (Triticum aestivum) and spirulina (Arthrospira maxima) as antioxidants.
Thirty healthy subjects aged 18 to 21 years volunteered for the study. All of the subjects were undergoing training at the School of Medical Assistants, Institute of Naval Medicine, Mumbai, India. They all ate at the same place, their socioeconomic status was similar, they had similar body mass indices and were all engaged in routine physical exercise.
The subjects were divided into 3 groups of 10. Group 1 took placebo (calcium gluconate), group 2 took wheat grass, and group 3 took spirulina. All 3 supplements were given as a dry powder for 30 days at 500 mg twice daily (before breakfast and dinner) in capsules that were identical in appearance. The wheat grass was manufactured by M/s Sanat Products Ltd., Delhi, India; the spirulina, by M/s Nutraceuticals Bio-Tech, Mumbai, India.
Physical parameters were recorded between 7 am and 8 am before taking food. Blood samples were collected after 12 hours of fasting before and after 30 days of supplementation. Biochemical tests were performed to assess the following values: reduced glutathione (an antioxidant); blood malondialdehyde (MDA) (biomarker for oxidative stress); vitamin C; total antioxidant status in plasma; superoxide dismutase (SOD) (an antioxidant); and the enzyme glutathione reductase.
Statistical analysis was carried out by using a paired t test within each group to make conclusions of a significant change from baseline. Data were reported as mean - standard error of the mean. A value of P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
The authors report that supplementation with wheat grass for 30 days (group 2) resulted in significant reductions in blood concentrations of MDA and enhanced concentrations of plasma total antioxidant status, vitamin C, and SOD (P<0.05) from baseline. Spirulina supplementation did not alter the blood concentrations of MDA significantly, but a trend toward lower values was evident.
As the authors point out, MDA is a good marker for lipid oxidation and its increase may indicate oxidative injury. Plasma total antioxidant status is usually considered to provide indication of the body’s global antioxidant status.
In this study, the total antioxidant status improved significantly after wheat grass supplementation, which may be because the supplementation significantly increased the plasma concentration of major antioxidants, vitamin C, and erythrocyte activity of SOD. Small amounts of other antioxidant compounds absorbed from wheat grass (e.g., vitamin C, beta-carotene, and -tocopherol) may be the reason for the increased total antioxidant status of plasma, say the authors.
Spirulina supplementation also increased plasma total antioxidant status; however, this was not statistically significant.
“Hence, this study showed that wheat grass is a better antioxidant as compared to Spirulina,” write the authors.
http://content.herbalgram.org/iherb/...ew.asp?i=45241
__________________
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http://www.natmedtalk.com/nutrition/2751-anise-unexpected-treasure-trove.html
Anise - An Unexpected Treasure Trove
Quote:
Herb Anise Contains Unique Healthful Phenylpropanoids, Study Suggests
Anise, Pimpinella saxifraga. (Credit: Image courtesy Nurhayat Tabanca, ARS)
ScienceDaily (Mar. 12, 2008) — People use anise to add a hint of licorice to everything from holiday springerle cookies to robust bottles of ouzo and raki. Now Agricultural Research Service (ARS) postdoctoral scientist Nurhayat Tabanca and plant pathologist David Wedge have found that anise (Pimpinella sp.) is more than just another jar in the spice rack.
Teaming up with colleagues in Mississippi and Turkey, they isolated 22 compounds in Pimpinella’s essential oils and found high levels of organic mixtures called phenylpropanoids. Phenylpropanoids are found in a wide variety of plants, and some are thought to have health-boosting benefits.
However, the chemical structure and biological activity of the Pimpinella phenylpropanoids are unique. Some phenylpropanoid compounds the team found have only been found in Pimpinella, and four of the compounds they isolated had never before been identified in any plant.
The compounds were evaluated for their activities against the plant fungus Colletotrichum, which causes anthracnose diseases worldwide. One unique compound was especially effective against strawberry anthracnose and strawberry soft rot and leaf blight. In addition, Pimpinella isaurica essential oils were more effective in controlling aphids than isolated Pimpinella phenylpropanoids.
These compounds were also tested for their activity against various major and minor microbes. A few showed some effectiveness against Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria in humans, and Mycobacterium intracellulare, a bacterium which can cause illness in immunocompromised patients.
Some phenylpropanoids exhibited anti-inflammatory activities. Pimpinella essential oils also showed estrogenic effects in a yeast model and were considered to have phytoestrogen properties.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0307082741.htm
http://www.natmedtalk.com/nutrition/2863-gerd-another-forum.html
It’s conceivable that the neem addressed an H. Pylori infection (or another bacteria) that was generating the GERD.
On the other hand there’s this ...
Quote:
Life Sci. 2004 Oct 29;75(24):2867-78.
Clinical studies on the effect of Neem (Azadirachta indica) bark extract on gastric secretion and gastroduodenal ulcer.
Bandyopadhyay U, Biswas K, Sengupta A, Moitra P, Dutta P, Sarkar D, Debnath P, Ganguly CK, Banerjee RK.
Department of Physiology, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, India. ubandyo_1964@yahoo.com
We have shown earlier that Neem (Azadirachta indica) bark aqueous extract has potent antisecretory and antiulcer effects in animal models and has no significant adverse effect (Bandyopadhyay et al., Life Sciences, 71, 2845-2865, 2002).
The objective of the present study was to investigate whether Neem bark extract had similar antisecretory and antiulcer effects in human subjects. For this purpose, a group of patients suffering from acid-related problems and gastroduodenal ulcers were orally treated with the aqueous extract of Neem bark.
The lyophilised powder of the extract when administered for 10 days at the dose of 30 mg twice daily caused a significant (p < 0.002) decrease (77%) in gastric acid secretion. The volume of gastric secretion and its pepsin activity were also inhibited by 63% and 50%, respectively.
Some important blood parameters for organ toxicity such as sugar, urea, creatinine, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, albumin, globulin, hemoglobin levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate remained close to the control values.
The bark extract when taken at the dose of 30-60 mg twice daily for 10 weeks almost completely healed the duodenal ulcers monitored by barium meal X-ray or by endoscopy.
One case of esophageal ulcer (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and one case of gastric ulcer also healed completely when treated at the dose of 30 mg twice daily for 6 weeks.
The levels of various blood parameters for organ toxicity after Neem treatment at the doses mentioned above remained more or less close to the normal values suggesting no significant adverse effects. Neem bark extract thus has therapeutic potential for controlling gastric hypersecretion and gastroesophageal and gastroduodenal ulcers.
PMID: 15454339 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1...ubmed_RVDocSum
And this ...
Quote:
Planta Med. 1993 Jun;59(3):215-7.
The gastric antiulcer effects of the leaves of the neem tree.
Garg GP, Nigam SK, Ogle CW.
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong.
The antiulcer effect of aqueous extracts of the leaves of the neem tree was investigated in rats exposed to 2-h cold-restraint stress or given ethanol orally for 1 h. Extracts were administered in doses of 10, 40, or 160 mg leaf/kg body weight, either as single- or five-dose pretreatment regimens. Neem dose-dependently reduced gastric ulcer severity in rats subjected to stress and also decreased ethanol provoked gastric mucosal damage. The extract appeared to prevent mast cell degranulation and to increase the amount of adherent gastric mucus in stressed animals. These effects may explain, at least in part, the mode of the antiulcer action of neem.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8...ubmed_RVDocSum
The real question is whether it reduces stomach acid (which generally isn’t good in GERD) or addresses an infection (like H. Pylori).
Here’s an interesting video about calcium’s role in treating another cause of GERD (and it’s not because of any antacid action).
http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&bran...8-039ebc3801b6
And the accompanying article: http://www.bottomlinesecrets.com/blpnet/today.html
__________________
You’re officially invited to come visit my new blog: www.healthyfellow.com
Just gotta be careful on some of the preserving methods though.<<<
I missed the paper covered jars, but did catch the pumpkin cooked and sugar added, then put in a crock for several months storage.
scary, wonder how they lived to produce us.
“Jesus Missing from Georgetown Speech”<<<
I heard it on the radio, Laura Ingraham, or maybe Gunny Bob as I recall, this nightmare just continues to grow.
Thanks for the link, will read a little later.
IMF predicts prolonged, deep global recession<<<
It is important to the new rulers, that we think it is going to crash.
Sacramento Bee has an article about the housing selling better than they have been, Las Vegas also and other areas, that I have picked up a bit here and there, saying there was a turn around.
Then the next report is “worse than ever”.
Reminds me of the Tea Parties, those who went and took part, think it was wonderful and yet, I hear folks talking about how it was all a publicity event, paid for by the rich republicans...
Yes, there is now a depression, for many are afraid of what obama has planned for the future, it can’t be good with pelosi helping, and are giving up small businesses, and big plans.
I am hoping that the Tea Party Americans will hit the street at the drop of a new law, let the left be scared for awhile.
other than on the news, where they said they were only there to listen and take back what they heard.<<<
Fits what I heard of the other liberals who attempted to horn in on the news.
I laugh at some of the reports that I heard on the radio, so few have even a clue as to the meaning of a real American protest.
I laugh at the upset the liberals feel, when we dare to talk back and to top it with real actions, by real Americans and not some paid, ski masked goon that someone imported.
As for your sign, it is wonderful, facts and well done, nothing says it better than the truth, when telling the truth.
Thank you for sharing the photo.
And most of all thank you for doing the protest......wonderful American in action feat.
Thanks for the latest Ferfal post.
And thanks for checking in, for I was worried about you.
since Ibuprofen is a staple diet for me I will be researching this ..<<<
I know nothing about it.
If you are dealing with the pains of age and overworking of years on your body, why not use a simple rub of essential oils and herbs and get off the pills?
About 5 years ago, I spent a year on Ibuprofen for a hip that had finally reduced me to not moving at all.
Then the stomach went out on me, from all the pills.
The next year, I used essential oils and a LOL spice rub.
Now I use nothing and the hip is fine, LOL, it grew strong and the rest of me fell apart.
Being me, I am prone to just rubbing the essential oils on straight, that will work for a few times, then it will react on the skin, so it is better to use a few drops in a good cooking oil, such as almond or any of the nuts, olive or even corn oil.
and rub it in the aching place.
Or, go in the kitchen and take an ounce of olive or other good oil and add things like cinnamon, cayenne pepper and ginger to it, about a good half teaspoon of them, heat gently to blend them and not so hot as to kill them and use that for a rub.
You will be surprised at how well they work.
Back to Eden, the old [ and best there is] herb book by Kloss, says that you should take or use cayenne pepper on all your foods, for it enters the stomach, kills what is lurking and then it warms the body and purifies the blood.
It is true, about 10 minutes after eating cayenne pepper, you will have a very hot flash through your entire body.
Just a granny thought.
Essential oils that I consider must have, Lavender, Oregano, Rosemary, Spearmint and Peppermint.
Tea Tree and Neem are good to use, LOL as are Orange and
Eucalyptus.
I use the common brand from the health food store, label is from the NOW company.
I’m gonna try that! Ginger and yogurt, sounds great!<<<
I was betting with myself that you would...smile.
I can verify that it actually works for motion sickness.<<<
I wish I had known about that when the kids were still kids.
http://branchesofhealth.com/coconut-curry-squash-soup
Coconut Curry Squash Soup
You will need:
1 medium sized squash
1 red onion
4 carrots
3 celery stalks
1 can Coconut Milk
garlic
basil
curry powder
cumin
sea salt
ground black pepper
First, cut the squash in half and remove the seeds. Season to your desire, and roast in the oven at 350 degrees for about 30-40 minutes, inside facing down in a pan.
While the squash is cooking, cut up the carrots and celery and onion. If you want a creamy soup, all will go in the blender. You may save some pieces to go directly in the soup if you so wish.
Put the veggies in the blender, along with the coconut milk, garlic. When the squash is done, scoop out the insides and add to the blender. Use curry powder, cumin, salt and pepper to taste and blend it all together. I like to add the basil at the end instead of blending it up as well. When it is all blended together, you may heat it up or eat it cold! Enjoy!
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/04/16/obama-appointee-suggests-radical-plan-newspaper-bailout/
Obama Appointee Suggests Radical Plan for Newspaper Bailout
Rosa Brooks, who has moved from the L.A. Times to the Pentagon, called for
more “direct government support for public media” and government licensing
of the news, which critics say would destroy the independent media.
FOXNews.com
>> With a US average yield of 153.8 bushels per acre, that is $1.36 per bushel for seed costs. OUCH!!! <<
struck me as insane high too..
but the mayo that went from 1.69 to 3.89 knocked me flat..
no celebrex, but will look into the oils as a substitute for Advil which I Never take without eating food.. dangerous to tummy..
since it's Friday and to take a break from the drum drum world news.. consider my plight.. I have to look at this everyday..
http://www.virtualblueridge.com/parkway_tour/overlooks-4.asp
notes : the photos do not do justice to the beauty. it's way more in person..
also check this memorial mountain
http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/154362/mount-lyn-lowry.html
relax, it's a few weeks before the wild azaleas bloom..
April-May, 2009
Volume 17, Number 2
Newsletter of ATTRA - National Sustainable Agricultural Information Service (http://attra.ncat.org/): A project of the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) (http://www.ncat.org). This issue of ATTRAnews is available online (http://attra.ncat.org/newsletter/archives.html#attranews).
Extending the Growing Season
Farmers can get top dollar when they bring their product to market early in the season, late in the fall, or during the winter. Many producers across the country are using hoop houses to extend their growing season. This issue of ATTRAnews looks at ways farmers can put this technology to work.
In this issue:
Free Webinar: Hoop Houses for Extending Your Growing Season
Hoop Houses and High Tunnels
Where to Find Information About Hoop Houses
Design and Construction
Au Naturel Farm
Multibay Tunnel Systems
Free Webinar: Hoop Houses for Extending Your Growing Season
May 7, 2009, 11 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time
Register at:
http://www.attra.ncat.org/webinars2009/hoophouses
NCAT specialists Tammy Hinman and Andy Pressman will discuss:
~ Uses and benefits of hoop houses, including quality and yields
~ Different types of high tunnels
~ Construction, materials, and cost estimates
~ Management of crops, soil fertility, pests, and weeds
~ Economics and marketing of crops
~ Your questions about hoop house production
Hoop Houses and High Tunnels
Hoop houses, also called high tunnels, are arched or hoop-shaped frames covered with one or more layers of clear plastic. They are high enough to drive a tractor through. Crops are grown in the ground, usually with drip irrigation. Most high tunnels are solar heated, using no electricity.
Less expensive than greenhouses, some of these structures can pay for themselves in one season. High tunnels are used extensively in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Now they are catching on in the United States. Researchers are experimenting with various systems. Market growers are hosting workshops about hoop houses at conferences and on their farms.
High tunnels can have a big impact on season extension:
- Crops grown in hoop houses can have higher quality and yields than those grown in the field.
- Crops grown in hoop houses can hit the market early while prices are still high, helping to capture loyal customers for the entire season.
- Hoop houses allow certain crops to be grown throughout the winter, providing a continuous supply for the entire year.
Crops grown in high tunnels include cut flowers, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, squash, melons, lettuce, and other greens. Some growers use hoop houses to produce cane berries, strawberries, blueberries, and even cherries. Although high tunnels provide a measure of protection from low temperatures, they are not frost protection systems in the same sense that greenhouses are.
On sunny mornings, the sides must be rolled up to prevent a rapid rise in temperature. Tomato plants, for example, may set less fruit when temperatures go above 86°F for a few hours. Even on cloudy days, rolling up the sides provides ventilation to reduce humidity that could lead to disease problems. The sides should be rolled down in the evening until night temperatures heat up to 65°F. A thermometer that records minimums and maximums is a great way to keep track of temperatures.
Maine market gardener Eliot Coleman has devised a method for moving hoop houses in his fields. This allows him to grow crops outside in the warm season, and then cover and harvest them during the winter. His new Winter Harvest Handbook summarizes his considerable experience with the technology.
Where to Find Information About Hoop Houses
Publications
Books from Eliot Coleman
Maine farmer/author Eliot Coleman has been an enthusiastic innovator of high tunnel production for 30 years. See http://www.fourseasonfarm.com. His books are available from Chelsea Green Publishing (800-639-4099, http://www.chelseagreen.com)
- Winter Harvest Handbook: Year-Round Vegetable Production Using Deep Organic Techniques and Unheated Greenhouses. 2009
- Four Season Harvest: Organic Vegetables from Your Garden All Year Long. 1999
Books from Growing for Market
Lynn Byczynski, Kansas publisher of Growing for Market magazine (800-307-8949, http://www.growingformarket.com), offers two publications on hoop house production.
- The Hoophouse Handbook: Growing Produce and Flowers in Hoophouses and High Tunnels. 2006
- Extending the Season (a compilation of season-extension articles from Growing for Market). 2005
High Tunnel Production Manual (http://plasticulture.cas.psu.edu/manual.htm). Bill Lamont and Mike Orzolek. Pennsylvania State University, 2003. $26.50 from Dr. Bill Lamont, Department of Horticulture, 206 Tyson Building, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802
Solar Gardening (http://www.chelseagreen.com/bookstore/item/solar_gardening:paperback). Leandre and Gretchen Poisson, 1994. Chelsea Green Publishing (800-639-4099, http://www.chelseagreen.com)
Walking to Spring: Using High Tunnels to Grow Produce 52 Weeks a Year. Alison and Paul Wiediger, 3298 Fairview Church Road, Smiths Grove, KY 42171. $15 from http://www.aunaturelfarm.homestead.com
Web-Based Resources
http://Hightunnels.org is a comprehensive Web site, the creation of Midwest researchers, professors, growers, technicians, and students.
High Tunnel Tomato Production (http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/manuals/m00170.htm). Lewis Jett, University of Missouri Extension Bulletin M170.
High Tunnel Melon and Watermelon Production (http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/manuals/m00173.htm). Lewis Jett, University of Missouri Extension Bulletin M173.
eXtension’s informative page on high tunnels (http://www.extension.org/article/18369) includes resources, plans, and Powerpoint presentations.
Michigan Food & Farming Systems has an active series of hoop house projects (http://www.miffs.org/programs6.asp). Contact Adam Montri, (517) 432-3381, admontri@anr.msu.edu
North Carolina’s Center for Environmental Farming Systems offered a workshop on high tunnels (http://www.cefs.ncsu.edu/calendar2009.htm#hightunnel) in February.
Noble Foundation in Oklahoma conducts research about hoop houses. Contact Steve Upson (http://www.noble.org/Ag/Staff/Profile/Upson_Steve.html), sdupson@noble.org, 580-223-5810
Video and CD-Rom Presentations
Building a Hoop House. Part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5dyGHurXdA) Part 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bsv1_Jr4l00&feature=related) Adam Montri (admontri@anr.msu.edu), Michigan State Univ.
High Tunnels: Using Low-Cost Technology to Increase Yields, Improve Quality and Extend the Season (http://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/Videos/hightunnelvideo.html).
North Central Region Organic and Sustainable Ag Video Series (http://www.tristateorganic.info) includes an Indiana workshop on hoop houses.
High Tunnel Workshop at Ohio State University, 2008.
CD with six hours of discussion on high tunnel design, construction and management, including in organic systems. Speakers include farmers, scientists, and industry professionals. A packet of written material contains complementary information. $10 for the CD, $20 for the packet, $25 for both: (330) 263-3810, kleinhenz.1@osu.edu.
More Research on Hoop Houses
In addition to the resources listed above, other universities and colleges are conducting research on hoop houses. To find out about various projects and workshops, search the Internet for ‘high tunnels’ or ‘hoop houses’ with one of these university names. Or try the search using the name of a college near you.
Kansas State University, Rutgers University, University of Kentucky, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska, University of New Hampshire, University of Wisconsin’s Healthy Farmers/Healthy Profits Project
Manufacturers and Suppliers
ATTRA’s publication Season Extension Techniques for Market Gardeners provides a very extensive list of manufacturers and suppliers of hoop house equipment. Download this free publication at http://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/seasonext.html/ or call 800-346-9140 for a paper copy.
Design and Construction
High tunnels are not too difficult to build. A common and inexpensive design uses galvanized metal bows attached to metal posts driven into the ground — a traditional Quonset style structure. Designs with vertical walls provide unhindered internal access and growing space along the sides of the house, but are more costly and time-consuming to construct because of the additional pipe required
Strength is important. Heavy-gauge galvanized steel pipe is best for hoops. The hoops should not be set farther than 4 feet apart. In cold climates a peaked-roof structure that will shed snow is preferable to the quonset style, which can collapse in a heavy snowfall. Strong end walls are the most critical components for hoop house stability. The cover must also be anchored securely to withstand strong winds.
The most economical covering is 6-mil greenhouse-grade, UV-treated polyethylene, which should last three to five years. Do not use plastic that is not UV-treated, as it will disintegrate quickly. Market growers commonly use hoop houses that are 20 feet by 96 feet. This allows efficient heating and cooling, enough growing space, and adequate natural ventilation.
The roll-up sides used on many high tunnels provide a simple and effective way to manage ventilation and control temperature. The edge of the plastic is taped to a 1-inch pipe that runs the length of the tunnel. A sliding ‘T’ handle is attached to the end of the pipe so that the plastic can be rolled up as high as the hip board. Ventilation is controlled by rolling up the sides to dispel the heat. Depending on temperature and wind factors, the two sides may be rolled up to different heights.
East-West or North-South?
Hoop house manufacturers recommend orienting the house to capture the most light in winter. For locations north of 40° latitude, the ridge should run east to west so that the end walls don’t block sunlight. For locations south of 40° latitude, the ridge should run north to south. (The border between Kansas and Nebraska is at 40°N.) At any latitude, according to Growing for Market’s Lynn Byczynski, gutter-connected or closely spaced multiple greenhouses will get more light if they are aligned north-south to avoid shadows cast by the structures to the south. Dr. Lewis Jett, in Columbia, Missouri, says that a high tunnel should be oriented perpendicular to prevailing winds. Sunlight may be less important than ventilation.
Irrigation
In hoop houses, irrigation is essential. Watering can be done by hand, through a trickle or drip system, or by overhead emitters. Advantages of drip irrigation:
~ Efficient water and fertilizer use
~ Reduced weed competition in areas outside the beds
~ Ability to simultaneously irrigate and work inside tunnels
~ Reduction in disease potential because water doesn’t get on plant leaves
(Adapted from High Tunnel Production Manual, Penn State Center for Plasticulture)
Year-Round Production
Benefits
- Earn year-round income
- Retain old customers
- Gain new customers
- Higher prices at times of the year when local growers with unprotected field crops do not have produce
- Possible higher yields, better quality
- Extended or year-round employment for skilled employees
Disadvantages
- No break in the yearly work schedule
- Increased management demands
- Higher production costs
Au Naturel Farm
Alison and Paul Wiediger of Au Naturel Farm in south-central Kentucky grow winter vegetables in high tunnels. In their book, ‘Walking to Spring: Using High Tunnels to Grow Produce 52 Weeks a Year’, the Wiedigers advise growers to prepare the site so that the ground is level from side to side, with no more than a 3 percent slope from end to end. Avoid wet or shady areas and obstructions to ventilation. Make sure drainage around the site is good. You don’t want water running through the house every time it rains.
The Wiedigers use a commercially available 20 by 96 foot hoop house, in addition to two 21 by 60 foot tunnels. They think there is value in building as large a structure as is practical. ‘Most of the growing in this tunnel will be in spring, fall, and winter when outside temperatures are colder,’ they say. ‘We believe that both the earth and the air within the tunnel act as heat sinks when the sun shines. At night, they give up that heat, and keep the plants safe. The smaller the structure, the smaller that temperature ‘flywheel’ is, and the cooler the inside temperatures will be.’
They also find that plants close to the walls do not grow as well as the plants closer to the center. Twenty feet wide, however, may be as wide as you can get with inexpensive hoophouses that don’t use interior bracing. Hoop houses longer than 100 feet or so may be too long for effective natural ventilation, which is very important in order to avoid disease problems. The Wiedigers use a double layer of 6-mil, four-year poly to cover their tunnels. A small fan blows air between the two layers to create an insulating barrier against the cold. To learn more, see their Web site, http://www.aunaturelfarm.homestead.com
Multibay Tunnel Systems
Some growers literally cover their fields to protect high-value crops from early and late frost, heavy rain, wind, hail, and disease. The British company Haygrove (www.haygrove.co.uk) was the first to manufacture the multibay tunnel systems that are popular in Europe and the United States. The system eliminates walls between bays and can be used on slopes and large expanses. However, multibay tunnels cannot carry a snow load.
The articles in this issue of ATTRAnews are adapted from the ATTRA publication Season Extension Techniques for Market Gardeners, written by NCAT agriculture specialist Janet Bachmann. In addition to offering information about high tunnels, the publication discusses low tunnels and other season-extension techniques. It provides an excellent list of suppliers of hoop houses and related equipment. You can download the publication for free at http://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/seasonext.html or call 800-346-9140 for a paper copy.
ATTRAnews is the bi-monthly newsletter of ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. The newsletter is distributed free throughout the United States to farmers, ranchers, Cooperative Extension agents, educators, and others interested in sustainable agriculture. ATTRA is funded through the USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service and is a project of the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), a private, non-profit organization that since 1976 has helped people by championing small-scale, local and sustainable solutions to reduce poverty, promote healthy communities, and protect natural resources.
Teresa Maurer, Project Manager
Karen Van Epen, Editor
Mary Ann Thom, e-newsletter production
Subscribe to ATTRAnews (http://visitor.roving.com/optin.jsp?m=1011223551022&ea=)
Comments? Questions? Email the Weekly Harvest Newsletter editor Karen Van Epen at karenv@ncat.org.
ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
PO Box 3657
Fayetteville, AR 72702
1-800-346-9140
1-800-411-3222 (Español)
http://www.attra.ncat.org
© Copyright 2009 NCAT
1. NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2009
Release #09-195
Firm’s Recall Hotline: (888) 887-9273
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Toy Maracas Recalled by Tupperware U.S. Due to Choking and Suffocation Hazards
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Shape-O Toy Maracas
Units: About 44,000
Importer: Tupperware U.S. Inc., of Orlando, Fla.
Hazard: The maracas can break and expose small parts, posing a choking hazard to young children. In addition, the handle poses a suffocation hazard to young children.
Incidents/Injuries: Tupperware has received two reports of maracas breaking. No injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves blue and red toy maracas with yellow handles. The maracas were used by Tupperware representatives during sales presentations. Cut-outs in the shape of stars, squares and other geometric figures are located inside the maraca.
Sold by: Tupperware’s Holiday 2007 and Spring 2008 product catalogs from September 2007 through April 2008 for between $5.50 and $11.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers and Tupperware sales consultants should immediately stop using the maracas and return them to Tupperware for a refund or gift certificate. Maraca return forms can be accessed at www.tupperware.com
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Tupperware at (888) 887-9273 between 8:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.tupperware.com
To see this recall on CPSC’s website, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09195.html
*******************************************************
2. NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2009
Release #09-196
Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 624-5671
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Fitness Balls Recalled by EB Brands Due to Fall Hazard; New Assembly Instructions Provided
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product.
Name of Product: Bally Total Fitness, Everlast, Valeo and Body Fit Fitness Balls
Units: About 3 million
Manufacturer: EB Brands, of Yonkers, New York
Hazard: An overinflated fitness ball can unexpectedly burst while in use, causing the user to fall to the floor.
Incidents/Injuries: EB Brands has received 47 reports of fitness balls unexpectedly bursting, including reports of a fracture, and multiple bruises.
Description: This recall involves rubber fitness balls sold in 55-, 65- and 75-cm diameter sizes. The fitness balls were sold with a pump and inflation instructions. The fitness balls were sold in various colors with the Bally Total Fitness, Everlast or Valeo logo printed on the ball.
Sold at: Department stores and fitness retailers nationwide from May 2000 to February 2009 for between $15 and $30.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should contact EB Brands to receive a copy of the updated instructions on how to safely inflate the ball.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact EB Brands at (800) 624-5671 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.ebbrands.com
To see this recall on CPSC’s website, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09196.html
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