WEBSITE: http://heirloomseedsaving.com/ A step by step walk through, on how to set up your organic vegetable garden.

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Polish subtitles thanks to: Marta Mazur German subtitles thanks to: Britta Binder Digging for potatoes in Jun's uncle's garden. :D Japanese vegetables are SOOO delicious--and this is coming from one of the pickiest eaters ever!! They really tasted great! Junの伯父の畑で初イモ掘りです。 じゃがいも、レタス、ニンニク、玉ねぎを分けていただきました。 （ちなみに、動画最後のクリップでは両手を離して運転をしようとしていますが、危ないので真似しないでください） 【You can also find us:】 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelAndJun Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelAndJun Our blog: http://rachelandjun.blogspot.com/ Extra videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/RachelandJunExtra Jun's Kitchen: http://www.youtube.com/user/JunsKitchen Music is by Josh Woodward and can be found on his site: www.joshwoodward.com!

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Broccoli is a plant that is easy to grow in cold temperature, and it's a plant that likes well-drained soil. Make sure to give broccoli plants space to unfold with help from an organic farmer in this free video on vegetable gardening. Expert: Jarrett Man Contact: stonesoupfarm.googlepages.com Bio: Jarrett Man created and runs Stone Soup Farm, an organic vegetable and fruit operation in Belchertown, Mass. Filmmaker: EquilibrioFilms Jenn

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John from http://www.growingyourgreens.com/ shares with you his #1 way to make the easiest compost ever. In this video John will share his top 3 tips that will enable you to quickly make a high quality compost every single time. After watching this episode you will learn exactly what it takes to make compost, and you may be amazed at how simple it really can be

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When growing lettuce, remember that the plant is tolerant of frost because the freezing temperatures induce sugars and sweetness in the leaves. Find out why lettuce should be planted in the spring or fall with help from an organic farmer in this free video on vegetable gardening. Expert: Jarrett Man Contact: stonesoupfarm.googlepages.com Bio: Jarrett Man created and runs Stone Soup Farm, an organic vegetable and fruit operation in Belchertown, Mass. Filmmaker: EquilibrioFilms Jenn

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The land in West Oakland where Eric Maundu is trying to farm is covered with freeways, roads, light rail and parking lots so there's not much arable land and the soil is contaminated. So Maundu doesn't use soil. Instead he's growing plants using fish and circulating water. It's called aquaponics- a gardening system that combines hydroponics (water-based planting) and aquaculture (fish farming). It's been hailed as the future of farming: it uses less water (up to 90% less than traditional gardening), doesn't attract soil-based bugs and produces two types of produce (both plants and fish). Aquaponics has become popular in recent years among urban gardeners and DIY tinkerers, but Maundu- who is trained in industrial robotics- has taken the agricultural craft one step further and made his gardens smart. Using sensors (to detect water level, pH and temperature), microprocessors (mostly the open-source Arduino microcontroller), relay cards, clouds and social media networks (Twitter and Facebook), Maundu has programmed his gardens to tweet when there's a problem (e.g. not enough water) or when there's news (e.g. an over-abundance of food to share). Maundu himself ran from agriculture in his native Kenya- where he saw it as a struggle for land, water and resources. This changed when he realized he could farm without soil and with little water via aquaponics and that he could apply his robotics background to farming. Today he runs Kijani Grows ("Kijani" is Swahili for green), a small startup that designs and sells custom aquaponics systems for growing food and attempts to explore new frontiers of computer-controlled gardening. Maundu believes that by putting gardens online, especially in places like West Oakland (where his solar-powered gardens are totally off the grid), it's the only way to make sure that farming remains viable to the next generation of urban youth. More info on original story: http://faircompanies.com/videos/view/internet-food-arduino-based-urban-aquaponics-in-oakland/

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Spinach is a cold-loving plant that should be able to grow year-round, but it is grown best in this spring and fall. Harvest spinach as baby spinach or big-leaf cooking spinach with help from an organic farmer in this free video on vegetable gardening and horticulture. Expert: Jarrett Man Contact: stonesoupfarm.googlepages.com Bio: Jarrett Man created and runs Stone Soup Farm, an organic vegetable and fruit operation in Belchertown, Mass. Filmmaker: EquilibrioFilms Jenn

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Okra is a heat-loving plant that is very tolerant of the cold and best planted after the last danger of frost has passed. Plant okra one seed at a time, 1 foot apart, with help from an organic farmer in this free video on fruit and vegetable gardening. Expert: Jarrett Man Contact: stonesoupfarm.googlepages.com Bio: Jarrett Man created and runs Stone Soup Farm, an organic vegetable and fruit operation in Belchertown, Mass. Filmmaker: EquilibrioFilms Jenn

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Sweet potato plants should be placed right in the ground about 2 inches deep, and they should be well-watered. Find out why sweet potatoes flourish in hot conditions with help from an organic farmer in this free video on vegetable gardening and horticulture. Expert: Jarrett Man Contact: stonesoupfarm.googlepages.com Bio: Jarrett Man created and runs Stone Soup Farm, an organic vegetable and fruit operation in Belchertown, Mass. Filmmaker: EquilibrioFilms Jenn

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Rob Torcellini bought a $700 greenhouse kit to grow more vegetables in his backyard. Then he added fish to get rid of a mosquito problem and before long he was a committed aquaponic gardener. Now his 10 by 12 foot greenhouse is filled with not only vegetables, but fish. And the best part is: the poo from that fish is what fertilizes his garden. Aquaponics combines fish farming (aquaculture) with the practice of raising plants in water (hydroponics). It's organic by definition: instead of using chemical fertilizers, plants are fertilized by the fish poo (and pesticides/herbicides can't be introduced to kill pests because they could harm the fish). Since the plants don't need dirt, aquaponics allows gardeners to produce more food in less space. And in addition to the vegetables they can grow, most aquaponics gardeners cultivate edible fish as well. In this video, Rob shows us the aquaponics greenhouse in his Connecticut backyard, that he built mostly from scavenged parts, as well as his DIY indoor system where he's growing lettuce under a grow light. Bigelow Brook Farm: www.bigelowbrook.com Original story on faircompanies: http://faircompanies.com/videos/view/backyard-aquaponics-diy-system-to-raise-fish-with-veggies/

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Farmer, author of a unique system of production and distribution of organic vegetables Agrokruh (AgroCircle) He believes that vegetables, a beneficial and indispensable component of human food, should not be grown with the use of poison, brute force and ruthless self-interest. He claims to march towards a sustainable system of vegetable production and consumption. Ján Šlinský, the author of Agrokruh concept, is an inspirational man with exceptional ideas, contact with nature and attitude. About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

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TV gardener Alys Fowler explains how to grow crops, from planting seeds in trays to transferring seedlings to the ground

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What Are the Benefits of Rice vs. Wheat? Rice and wheat share many of the same benefits. Let your personal preference or what you're in the mood to eat lead your decision about wheat versus rice. As long as you choose whole grains, rice and wheat have similar profiles with just a few differences. Wheat has much more of one important vitamin and a bit more of certain minerals, while rice might be better choice for those with celiac disease Basics Choose whole grains over processed varieties, such as white rice and white flour. They all have about the same amount of carbohydrates; otherwise, processed rice and wheat have half -- and sometimes even less than half -- of the nutrients found in whole-grain rice and wheat. Processed grains that have been enriched gain back some of the vitamins and minerals but none of the fiber. Minerals Brown rice and whole-grain wheat have about the same amount of minerals. Wheat bran bread has slightly more calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc, but you can count on getting 3 to 9 percent of the recommended daily intake of all four nutrients from just one slice of either rice or wheat bran bread. Both of give men 12 percent of their recommended daily intake of iron, while women get 5 percent. Fiber Whole-grain wheat has two to three times more fiber than brown rice. One cup of whole-grain wheat flour has double the fiber found in brown-rice flour, while one slice of wheat bran bread has 3.5 grams of fiber compared to 1 gram in one slice of rice bran bread, according to the USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory. Both grains provide soluble and insoluble fiber, but they have a significantly higher percentage of insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber helps food move through the digestive tract, prevents constipation, lowers the risk of developing diverticular disease and relieves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Vitamins When it comes to vitamin content, brown rice and whole-grain wheat have similar nutritional values, except for folate. Both grains are a good source of energy-providing thiamine, niacin and riboflavin. They both have a small amount of vitamin E. But whole-grain wheat is a better source of folate. One slice of wheat bran bread provides 14 percent of the recommended daily intake of folate. That's almost double the amount in one slice of rice bran bread. Folate removes homocysteine from the blood, which may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Folate is also essential for the creation and growth of new cells, making it especially important during fast periods of growth in pregnancy and childhood. Phytonutrients Both grains provide phytonutrients called lignans, but whole-grain wheat has three times more, according to Dietary Fiber Food. Lignans are converted into substances that are similar to estrogen. These phytoestrogens are weaker than the body’s natural estrogen, but they bind to the same receptors. If your estrogen levels are low, lignans can increase total levels. If estrogen levels are normal, the weaker phytoestrogens may lower total levels when they bind to the receptors and displace natural estrogen. Diets that include lignan-rich foods are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and may protect against menopausal symptoms. Wheat bran lignans may slow the spread of cancerous tumors, according to Kansas State University. Gluten Wheat contains gluten but rice doesn’t, which means that there’s no contest between the two if you’re following a gluten-free diet. Gluten is a protein in wheat that causes inflammation of the small intestine in people who have celiac disease or an allergy to wheat. Rice flour is a commonly used substitute for wheat flour in gluten-free products.

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Carrots should be planted in the spring, before the last frost date, and they should be placed in ground that is loose and deep. Find out why carrots should be planted in rows with help from an organic farmer in this free video on root vegetable gardening. Expert: Jarrett Man Contact: stonesoupfarm.googlepages.com Bio: Jarrett Man created and runs Stone Soup Farm, an organic vegetable and fruit operation in Belchertown, Mass. Filmmaker: EquilibrioFilms Jenn

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In order to protect garden plants or vegetables from frost, a thin sheet called a row cover can be used to let light and rain through. Consider using a sprinkler to keep outdoor plants from freezing with help from an organic farmer in this free video on gardening and horticulture. Expert: Jarrett Man Contact: stonesoupfarm.googlepages.com Bio: Jarrett Man created and runs Stone Soup Farm, an organic vegetable and fruit operation in Belchertown, Mass. Filmmaker: EquilibrioFilms Jenn

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Radishes are great crops because they can tolerate the heat of the summer and the cold of the fall and spring. Grow radishes in a nice, fluffy seed bed with help from an organic farmer in this free video on vegetable gardening. Expert: Jarrett Man Contact: stonesoupfarm.googlepages.com Bio: Jarrett Man created and runs Stone Soup Farm, an organic vegetable and fruit operation in Belchertown, Mass. Filmmaker: EquilibrioFilms Jenn

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Featuring Ron Morse, VA Tech, Blacksburg, VA. Weed 'Em and Reap Part 2 was produced by Oregon State University, for more information go to http://www.weedemandreap.org

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New York is a city notoriously short on space, but also one whose residents are big on innovation. In the Big Apple, the latest trend is rooftop farming. Individuals and restaurants are beginning to grow some of their own food in the only space available to them - their roofs. While the practice is currently an environmental rather than a financial trend, some companies hope it can become a money-making business model, providing a cheaper alternative to store-bought produce, especially in low-income neighborhoods where fresh vegetables are expensive and scarce. Paige Kollock reports.

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All About Growing Beans - Organic Gardening - MOTHER EARTH NEWS (For details on growing many other vegetables and fruits, visit our Crop at a Glance collection page or check out our Food Gardening Guide app.) Dependable and easy to cultivate, beans produce rewarding crops in a wide range of climates. Growing beans during the warm summer months may produce crisp green pods, protein-rich beans, or both, depending on variety. Bean Types to Try Snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) — the most popular garden beans — include bush and pole varieties, which vary in shape, size, and color. Tender filet beans are a type of green snap bean with stringless, slender, delicate pods. They are grown just like other snap beans. Growth period: 50-55 days bush, 50-67 days pole. Dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) grow like snap beans, but the immature pods stay tender for only a few days as the plants hurry to produce mature seeds. They are easy to dry. Growth period: 55 days green, 85 days dry. Scarlet runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus) produce showy clusters of red blossoms that attract hummingbirds and bumblebees. You can eat the young pods like snap beans, or let the pods dry and harvest the mature beans. Growth period: 60 days green, 90 days dry. Lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus) stand up to humid heat and heavy insect pressure, which makes them a fine bean for warm climates. Growth period: 75 days bush, 85 days pole. Yard-long beans, or asparagus beans (Vigna sesquipedalis), are grown for their long, slender pods, which are harvested at 12 to 18 inches long. Pods may be green, burgundy, or streaked. Growth period: 80 days. Tepary beans (Phaseolus acutifolius), a type of dry bean, were developed by the native people of the Southwest, so they’re well-adapted to desert conditions. They come in various colors. See also: Tepary Beans: The Bean That Laughs at Drought and Ask Our Experts: Tepary Beans. Growth period: 80 to 90 days. When to Plant Beans Bean seeds germinate best when soil temperatures range between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In spring, sow seeds in fertile, well-worked soil starting on or after your last frost date. When growing fast-maturing bush snap beans, make additional plantings at three-week intervals until midsummer. How to Plant Beans Prepare the planting bed by using a garden fork to loosen the soil. Mix in a 1-inch layer of mature compost. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 4 inches apart. Thin bush beans to 4 inches apart; thin pole beans to 6 inches apart. Wide double rows (two parallel rows of beans planted 12 to 14 inches apart) are the most space-efficient way to grow beans. Harvesting and Storing Beans Harvest green beans when they are young and tender, and use two hands when picking to keep from breaking the brittle plants. Most bush beans will produce a second or third flush of beans after the first one is picked. Harvest pole beans at least twice a week to keep the plants productive. The mature beans of all snap bean varieties usually make good soup beans. Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/growing-beans-zmaz09jjzraw.aspx#ixzz2xwekWNvo

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How to Grow Soybeans Soybean membranes keep the beans tightly connected to the pod. You can also see the fuzzy hairs on the outside of the pods. Overview and Description Call them soybeans, soya or edamame, these legumes are packed with protein, fiber and a host of other nutrients and they are just as easy to grow as common green beans. The Chinese call them mao dau, 'hairy bean', because of their fuzzy pods. These pods can be difficult to open when fresh, but cooking makes them easy to pop. They can be an addictive snack, when boiled in salted water or roasted. I also like to puree them for pesto or hummus. And they freeze quite well, so plant a lot. [Note: Do not eat Soybeans raw. They contain high levels of protease inhibitors, an enzyme we need to digest food, and can be toxic.] Foliage: Both the stems and leaves are covered in fuzzy hairs. Plants branch heavily. Flowers/Fruit: The profuse, attractive, white flowers have a tinge of lavender. Seeds can be cream, beige, green, black or bi-colored. Botanical Name Glycine max Common Names Soybeans, Soya, Edamame (ed-a-ma-may) Hardiness Zone Soybeans are grown as annuals, but keep your hardiness zone in mind when selecting a variety to grow. Some require a long growing season with temperatures steadily above 70 F. Most of the newer varieties are being bred to mature faster and handle cooler temperatures. Sun Exposure Soybeans need full sun, for maximum yields. They can handle partial shade, particularly in the afternoon, but flowering may be diminished. Mature Size Height will depend on the variety you are growing, but should be somewhere between 18 - 36 in. The pods grow in clusters of 3 - 5 and get about 2 - 4 in. long. Days to Harvest Most soy bean varieties will be ready to harvest in 75 - 85 days. The pods should be a bright green and feel plump. Each pod will have 2 - 3 beans inside. If you are growing them for dried beans, you can let the pods dry on the plants or pull the whole plant out and let the pods dry - on the plant - in a dry spot indoors. Suggested Varieties Commercial soybeans get a lot of bad press because of the proliferation of GMO varieties. Take heart, there are plenty of non-GMO soybeans to grow at home. I've read that there are over 10,000 soybean cultivars, but I've only seen a handful offered as seed. As they become more popular, there should become more available. Here are some good ones that you should be able to find in seed catalogs. 'Agate’ - Popular New Mexico variety. Olive green with a brown saddle. (65-70 days) 'Butterbean' - Prolific, sweet and bright green. (85-90 days) 'Envy' - A good choice for sort seasons. Pale green seeds. (75 - 80 days) ‘Fiskeby’ - A Swedish-bred variety that is good for cooler climates. (75 - 80 days) 'Shirofumi' - Tall, vining plants and extremely productive. Often mentioned as a substitute for lima beans. ( 80-90 days.) Growing Tips Soil: Soybeans like a relatively rich soil with plenty of organic matter. As legumes, they will fix their own nitrogen and established plants are very drought tolerant, but it helps to start them off with good soil. They are not terribly fussy about soil pH, but a neutral to slightly acidic soil (6.0 - 6.8) is optimal. Planting: Direct sow the seed a couple of weeks after your last frost date. As with most bean seeds, it is best to wait until the soil has warmed and dried before planting, or the seeds may rot. In wet springs, using an inoculant will help germination. Plant seed about 1 - 2 in. deep, spaced 3 - 4 in. apart, in rows 24 - 30 in. apart. Most soybeans have about an 80% germination rate, so over plant slightly. Then thin to about 6 - 8 in., so that plants are not overlapping. Seed should germinate within 2 weeks. Growing Soybeans in Containers: Because soybean plants are stocky and most varieties don't grow very tall, they make a good option for containers. Use a container that is at least 12 in. deep, the bigger the better. Direct sow seeds outdoors, after all danger of frost, or get a head start indoors and move the pot out once the weather warms. You should be able to fit 3 plants in a 12 in. container, but start by planting 4 - 5 seeds and thinning to the 3 healthiest plants. Once they are up, care for them the same as you would for plants in the ground, except that your container soybeans will probably need more frequent watering and some fertilizer. Maintenance Except for a handful of tall, vining varieties, soybean plants do not need a support to grow up. The most important maintenance will be keeping the plants watered on a regular basis. Although they are drought tolerant, you will get more flowers and pods if the plants are not stressed. Mulching will help to keep the soil moist and cool. If you have good soil, do not apply any supplemental fertilizer. Too much nitrogen in the soil will diminish flowering and pod set. If your plants flower but don't form pods, you can give the plants a bit of kelp fertilizer. Pests and Problems Soybeans can susceptible to the same problems as other types of beans. The worst problem is probably bean beetles, but also aphids, leaf spot and rust. Healthy plants that get regular water and good air circulation tend to be less susceptible. Avoid handling the plants when the leaves are wet, to prevent spreading fugal spores.

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Planting In general, beans are very sensitive to frost. (The exception is favas, which require a long, cool growing season; sow them at the same time you plant peas.) Most beans grow best in air temperatures of 70° to 80°F, and soil temperature should be at least 60°F. Soggy, cold soil will cause the seeds to rot. Beans need a sunny, well-drained area rich in organic matter. Lighten heavy soils with extra compost to help seedlings emerge. Plan on roughly 10 to 15 bush bean plants or 3 to 5 hills of pole beans per person. A 100-foot row produces about 50 quarts of beans. Beans are self-pollinating, so you can grow cultivars side by side with little danger of cross-pollination. If you plan to save seed from your plants, though, separate cultivars by at least 50 feet. Bean seeds usually show about 70 percent germination, and the seeds can remain viable for 3 years. Don't soak or presprout seeds before sowing. If you plant in an area where beans haven't grown before, help ensure that your bean crop will fix nitrogen in the soil by dusting the seeds with a bacterial inoculant powder for beans and peas (inoculants are available from garden centers and seed suppliers). Plant your first crop of beans a week or two after the date of the last expected frost. Sow the seeds 1 inch deep in heavy soil and 1½ inches deep in light soil. Firm the earth over them to ensure soil contact. Plant most bush cultivars 3 to 6 inches apart in rows 2 to 2½ feet apart. They produce the bulk of their crop over a 2-week period. For a continuous harvest, stagger plantings at 2-week intervals until about 2 months before the first killing frost is expected. Bush beans usually don't need any support unless planted in a windy area. In that case, prop them up with brushy twigs or a strong cord around stakes set at the row ends or in each corner of the bed. Pole beans are even more sensitive to cold than bush beans. They also take longer to mature (10 to 11 weeks), but they produce about three times the yield of bush beans in the same garden space and keep on bearing until the first frost. In the North, plant pole beans at the beginning of the season—usually in May. If your area has longer seasons, you may be able to harvest two crops. To calculate if two crops are possible, note the number of days to maturity for a particular cultivar, and count back from fall frost date, adding a week or so to be on the safe side. Plant pole beans in single rows 3 to 4 feet apart or double rows spaced 1 foot apart. Sow seeds 2 inches deep and 10 inches apart. Provide a trellis or other vertical support at planting or as soon as the first two leaves of the seedlings open. Planting pole beans around a tepee support is a fun project to try if you're gardening with children, but it will be more difficult to harvest the beans than from a simple vertical trellis. Growing guidelines Bush beans germinate in about 7 days, pole beans in about 14. It's important to maintain even soil moisture during this period and also when the plants are about to blossom. If the soil dries out at these times, your harvest may be drastically reduced. Water deeply at least once a week when there is no rain, being careful not to hose off any of the blossoms on bush beans when you water. Apply several inches of mulch (after the seedlings emerge) to conserve moisture, reduce weeds, and keep the soil cool during hot spells (high heat can cause blossoms to drop off). Beans generally don't need extra nitrogen for good growth because the beneficial bacteria that live in nodules on bean roots help to provide nitrogen for the plants. To speed up growth, give beans—particularly long-bearing pole beans or heavy-feeding limas—a midseason side-dressing of compost or kelp extract solution. Problems Soybeans, adzuki, and mung beans are fairly resistant to pests. Insect pests that attack other beans include aphids, cabbage loopers, corn earworms, European corn borers, Japanese beetles, and—the most destructive of all—Mexican bean beetles. Leaf miners are tiny yellowish fly larvae that tunnel inside leaves and damage stems below the soil. To reduce leaf miner problems, pick off and destroy affected leaves. Striped cucumber beetles are ¼-inch-long yellowish orange bugs with black heads and three black stripes down their backs. These pests can spread bacterial blight and cucumber mosaic. Apply a thick layer of mulch to discourage them from laying their orange eggs in the soil near the plants. Cover plants with row covers to prevent beetles from feeding; hand pick adults from plants that aren't covered. Plant later in the season to help avoid infestations of this pest. Spider mites are tiny red or yellow creatures that generally live on the undersides of leaves; their feeding causes yellow stippling on leaf surfaces. Discourage spider mites with garlic or soap sprays. Using a strong blast of water from the hose will wash mites off plants, but avoid this method at blossom time or you may knock the blossoms off. To minimize disease problems, buy disease-free seeds and disease-resistant cultivars, rotate bean crops every one or two years, and space plants far enough apart to provide airflow. Don't harvest or cultivate beans when the foliage is wet, or you may spread disease spores. Here are some common diseases to watch for: Anthracnose causes black, egg-shaped, sunken cankers on pods, stems, and seeds and black marks on leaf veins. Bacterial blight starts with large, brown blotches on the leaves; the foliage may fall off and the plant will die. Mosaic symptoms include yellow leaves and stunted growth. Control aphids and cucumber beetles, which spread the virus. Rust causes reddish brown spots on leaves, stems, and pods. Downy mildew causes fuzzy white patches on pods, especially of lima beans. If disease strikes, destroy infested plants immediately, don't touch other plants with unwashed hands or clippers, and don't sow beans in that area again for 3 to 5 years. Harvesting Pick green beans when they are pencil size, tender, and before the seeds inside form bumps on the pod. Harvest almost daily to encourage production; if you allow pods to ripen fully, the plants will stop producing and die. Pulling directly on the pods may uproot the plants. Instead, pinch off bush beans using your thumbnail and fingers; use scissors on pole and runner beans. Also cut off and discard any overly mature beans you missed in previous pickings. Serve, freeze, can, or pickle the beans the day you harvest them to preserve the fresh, delicious, homegrown flavor. Pick shell beans for fresh eating when the pods are plump but still tender. The more you pick, the more the vines will produce. Consume or preserve them as soon as possible. Unshelled, both they and green beans will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator. To dry beans, leave the pods on the plants until they are brown and the seeds rattle inside them. Seeds should be so hard you can barely dent them with your teeth. If the pods have yellowed and a rainy spell is forecast, cut the plants off near the ground and hang them upside down indoors to dry. Put the shelled beans in airtight, lidded containers. Add a packet of dried milk to absorb moisture, and store the beans in a cool, dry place. They will keep for 10 to 12 months.

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Garbanzo beans, also called chickpeas, produce bushy plants that need 65 to 100 warm days. When dried, the nutty-tasting beans are good baked or cooked and chilled for use in salads. Great Northern white beans are most popular dried and eaten in baked dishes. In short-season areas, you can harvest and eat them as fresh shell beans in only 65 days. Bush-type Great Northerns are extremely productive. yelllow beansHorticultural beans are also known as shell, wren's egg, bird's egg, speckled cranberry, or October beans. Both pole and bush types produce a big harvest in a small space and mature in 65 to 70 days. Use the very young, colorful, mottled pods like snap beans, or dry the mature, nutty, red-speckled seeds. Kidney beans require 100 days to mature but are very easy to grow. Use these red, hearty-tasting dried seeds in chili, soups, stews, and salads. Lima beans, including types called butter beans or butter peas, are highly sensitive to cool weather; plant them well after the first frost. Bush types take 60 to 75 days to mature. Pole types require 90 to 130 days, but the vines grow quickly and up to 12 feet long. Limas are usually green, but there are also some speckled types. Use either fresh or dried in soups, stews, and casseroles. Mung beans need 90 frost-free days to produce long, thin, hairy, and edible pods on bushy 3-foot plants. Eat the small, yellow seeds fresh, dried, or as bean sprouts. Pinto beans need 90 to 100 days to mature. These large, strong plants take up a lot of space if not trained on poles or trellises. Use fresh like a snap bean, or dry the seeds. Scarlet runner beans produce beautiful climbing vines with scarlet flowers. The beans mature in about 70 days. Cook the green, rough-looking pods when they are very young; use the black-and red-speckled seeds fresh or dried. Snap beans are also known as green beans. While many growers still refer to snap beans as string beans, a stringless cultivar was developed in the 1890s, and few cultivars today have to be stripped of their strings before you eat them. Most cultivars mature in 45 to 60 days. This group also includes the flavorful haricots verts, also called filet beans, and the mild wax or yellow beans. For something unusual, try the yard-long asparagus bean. Its rampant vines can produce 3-foot-long pods, though they taste best when 12 to 15 inches long. Once the pods have passed their tender stage, you can shell them, too. Soldier beans, whose vinelike plants need plenty of room to sprawl, are best suited to cool, dry climates. The white, oval-shaped beans mature in around 85 days. Try the dried seeds in baked dishes. Garden cultivars of soybeans, also called edamame, are ready to harvest when the pods are plump and green. Boil the pods, then shell and eat the seeds. Or, you can let the pods mature and harvest as dry beans. Try 'Early Hakucho', 'Butterbean', and other varieties. The bush-type plants need a 3-month growing season but are tolerant of cool weather.

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Beans grow with little care, produce an abundance of pods, and can add nitrogen to the soil, making them ideal plants for organic vegetable gardens. beansDried or fresh, shelled or whole, beans are a favorite crop for home vegetable gardens. They are easy to grow, and the range of plant sizes means there is room for beans in just about any garden. Among the hundreds of varieties available, there are types that thrive in every section of the country. Types All beans belong to the legume family. Snap and lima beans belong to the genus Phaseolus, while mung, adzuki, garbanzo, fava, and others belong to different genera. In general, there are two main bean types: shell beans, grown for their protein-rich seeds, which are eaten both fresh and dried; and snap beans, cultivated mainly for their pods. The two groups are further divided according to growth habit. Bush types are generally self-supporting. Pole beans have twining vines that require support from stakes, strings, wires, or trellises. Runner beans are similar to pole beans, although runners need cooler growing conditions. Half-runners, popular in the South, fall somewhere in between pole and bush beans. Adzuki beans, which come from Japan, are extra rich in protein. The small plants produce long, thin pods that are eaten like snap beans. When mature at 90 days, they contain 7 to 10 small, nutty-tasting, maroon-colored beans that are tasty fresh or dried. Black beans, also called black turtle beans, have jet-black seeds and need approximately 3 months of warm, frost-free days to mature. The dried beans are popular for soups and stews. Most are sprawling, half-runner-type plants, but some cultivars, like 'Midnight Black Turtle', have more upright growth habits. Black-eyed peas, also called cowpeas or southern peas, are cultivated like beans. They need long summers with temperatures averaging between 60° and 70°F. Use fresh pods like snap beans, shell and cook the pods and seeds together, or use them like other dried beans. Fava beans, also known as broad, horse, or cattle beans, are one of the world's oldest cultivated foods. They are second only to soybeans as a source of vegetable protein, but they're much more common as a garden crop in Europe than in the United States. You won't find a wide range of varieties in most seed catalogs, unless you choose a seed company that specializes in Italian vegetables. Unlike other beans, favas thrive in cold, damp weather. They take about 75 days to mature. Fava beans need to be cooked and shucked from their shells and the individual seed skins peeled off before eating.

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How to Grow and Harvest Dry Beans Overview: Dry beans are easy to grow and can be stored after harvest for a healthy, delicious meal all winter long. There’s a lot of satisfaction in producing your own low-cost, vegetable-based protein on the farm. Combine beans with corn, rice, or other grains to make a complete protein. Beans are rich in B vitamins and folic acid, contain minerals including iron, selenium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, and are high in fiber. Planting Time: Plant beans after the last frost date in your area, and ideally, wait until the soil is well-warmed (70-90 degrees F). Beans should be direct seeded into the soil. Spacing: Space seeds 1 1/2 inches apart. Space rows 14 to 36 inches apart depending on your equipment. If growing a small amount of beans to hand harvest, space rows closer together. If using a tractor, space 36 inches apart. Growing Notes: Beans do best in moderately rich soil but they will thrive even in somewhat depleted soils, as they have the ability to fix their own nitrogen. Beans do not respond very well to added fertilizer. If your soil is acidic, add some lime before planting. If this is the first time you’re planting beans in this soil, make sure to coat your bean seed with inoculant, a specific species of Rhizobium that beans need for sprouting (you can get this from the seed company or farm store where you purchase your seed). Once in the soil, the inoculant will stay there and multiply almost indefinitely, so this is just a first-time planting task. Mulch during early growth to keep weeds down. Once plants are well-established, they are excellent at shading out weeds. Pests and Problems: Cutworms and root maggots sometimes attack seedlings. Thin plants to allow for good air circulation. Too much rain can lead to rusts, molds, and blights. Avoid working among wet plants. Turn under bean debris at the end of each season and practice crop rotation. If fall weather is very wet or if frost threatens the harvest, pull plants early and finish drying under cover, such as in a shed, barn or basement. Beans will continue to mature in the pods even after they are picked, so don’t worry too much if you have to harvest immature beans. As tender annuals, beans are very sensitive to frost. Plant once you’re sure all danger of frost has passed, and harvest early if needed, as described above, to avoid frost damage in the fall. Maintenance: Beans are quite easy compared to other crops. Just weed, water and mulch as needed through the growing season. Beans are fairly drought tolerant, but you must make sure they have enough water while they are forming pods and seeds for a good harvest. Harvesting: Dry beans are harvested when they rattle in the pod. Pull up the plant by hand and hang from the roots. Traditionally, bean plants are lashed to a 5- to 7-foot high pole. You can harvest up to 5 acres of beans by hand but more than that will need specialized harvesting equipment for your tractor. Dry beans require threshing – getting the beans out of the pods. For small amounts, you can do this by hand by squeezing the pods open. A traditional method is to hold the plant by the roots and bang it against the inside of a barrel. For more than about a half-acre of beans, you might want to invest in threshing equipment. After threshing, beans must be cleaned and sorted. For small amounts, do this by hand, using a screen and a hair dryer to blow off debris (or an air compressor if you have it). Split beans can be fed to farm animals. For large bean harvests, you can buy a seed cleaner. If beans are soft (bite one and see), continue drying them until they feel firm to the bite before moving them to storage. Freezing beans before storage kills any potential insects such as the pesky bean weevil. Storage and Preservation: Store dry beans in a dry, cool, airtight container away from sunlight. Beans are best used in the season after they have been harvested, but they will last for several seasons if needed. Seed Saving: Beans are self-fertilizing, so you don’t have to space different varieties apart from each other. Just save your best and earliest-maturing seeds for next year.

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California Pistachios, Roasted / No Salt, In Shell 12 oz. Our pistachios come from California's central valley, and are roasted right in their shell without salt. Our California pistachios are naturally colored and loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber. Naturally low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free, they make a nutritious snack. With their fresh taste and nutty flavor, it is no wonder they are our #1 selling item!

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California Pistachios, Chili & Limon, In Shell 12 oz. Our California pistachios are naturally colored and loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber. Naturally low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free, they make a nutritious snack. These flavored pistachios have a kick from the chili, and coolness from the citrus for a fun and tasty snack.

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California Pistachio Kernels, Raw 4 oz. Raw California pistachio kernels already out of the shell. We've done all of the work for you so that you can just enjoy the clean, nutty taste. Description These raw pistachio kernels can be enjoyed as a snack or as a premium ingredient in a variety of recipes. Great in sweet and savory dishes.

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Growing Nut Trees Nut trees can be a nutritious and delicious way to improve your diet, an easy source of income, and a valuable farm legacy... It’s said that you don’t plant nut trees for yourself; you plant them for generations to come. But you may not have to wait long to enjoy your crop—some grafted trees start bearing fruit within one year of planting. Once nut trees are established, their generally low maintenance makes them an attractive addition to any hobby farm. Success with nut trees depends on factors that include topography and climate; the type, pH and fertility of your soil; the availability of moisture; and the prevalence of pests and diseases in your region—even the whims of local squirrels, chipmunks and jays, who can decimate your orchard but leave your neighbor’s untouched. Before purchasing and planting nut trees, ask yourself these questions: How much space do you have? How impatient are you to taste your first crop? How quickly can you harvest more than a handful of nuts? How much work are you prepared to do throughout the year to keep your trees healthy and pests at bay, and how much work at harvest time? What’s your favorite nut? In addition to answering these questions, Sandra Anagnostakis, PhD, a chestnut scientist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, suggests, “Find out what kinds of trees will grow in your climate and in your soil. Look around to see what grows well in your area.” A local soil-testing lab can test your soil’s pH (your county extension agency might be able to, too), and employees at state departments of agriculture and agricultural colleges might be able to offer advice and share their enthusiasm for their favorite trees. Nut-tree breeders shipping across the U.S., as well as your local nursery, should know what nut-tree varieties perform well in your region. Nonprofit organizations, such as the Arbor Day Foundation and the Northern Nut Growers Association, provide news about the latest cultivars (plant varieties that have been deliberately selected for specific desirable characteristics) and information on the best techniques for planting and successful cultivation. Preventing Pests in Nut Trees “If you’re only growing 1/2 to 5 acres of trees close to a woodlot, squirrels will be your biggest nightmare,” says Molnar, and other growers agree. Nut kernels go from liquid to jelly to a dough-like stage when they’re still green—mid-July for walnuts and mid-August for pecans. That’s when squirrels start cutting them down from the trees. “But if you have one or two dogs that run free,” says Molnar, “that’ll do the trick.” Cats can also help with a squirrel problem. Playing recorded bird distress calls or predator cries in your orchard will help scare away blue jays, which also love nuts. Harvesting Nuts Once nut trees are established, the biggest input of time and effort is at harvest—gathering, preparing and preserving the nuts. Even if you’re using a machine to shake the tree, “rubber fingers” to pick the nuts off the ground and a mechanized cleaner to remove debris, you’ll still need to inspect the hulled nuts. If you put them in water, damaged, diseased or old nuts will usually float to the top. The nuts should be dried in their shells to reduce moisture content to less than 10 percent, which discourages potentially dangerous molds and improves flavor and texture. Lay the nuts in a single layer in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place or on a screen so air circulates around them, says Reid. It may take a week to three weeks until the kernels rattle in their shells, lose their rubberiness and snap when bent. To speed the process, use blowers or dryers. Once they’re dry, store in-shell nuts in a cool place. To extract the kernels, commercially available specialty nut crackers may be worth the investment for speed and control, but even a common bench vise will crack the hardest shells. Most nuts are very high in protein and in heart-healthy oils—pecans and hazelnuts can be almost 75 percent oil. Freezing shelled nuts will stop their oils from oxidating, which is what causes rancidity. They keep well for years if frozen in airtight glass or hard-plastic containers, preventing the nuts from absorbing off flavors from their surroundings. Chestnuts are the exception. The nuts are almost entirely carbohydrate, and unlike other nuts, dried chestnuts are “rock-hard and useless,” says Anagnostakis. At harvest, Anagnostakis recommends dipping the nuts in hot water to control a weevil that lays its eggs in the nuts as they ripen or as the burrs open. She says weevil control is not difficult: Soak the nuts at 122 degrees F for 30 minutes, then immediately cool to 32 to 34 degrees F to kill weevil eggs before they hatch. Because of their high moisture content—about 25 percent—fresh chestnuts must be kept cold after harvesting to prevent mold and, like other fresh produce, should only be sold from a refrigerated case. Whatever nut trees you’re most fond of, the most important thing is to “Grow what your land is really suited for, and grow what grows well,” says Reid. About the Author: Barb Feldman has written and illustrated children’s books, and her stories, essays and articles appear in magazines, newspapers and online. She believes lightly-toasted, skinned hazelnuts are nature’s perfect food.

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Pruning Plums

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Blueberries - Superfoods

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