Category Archive: Gardening

In October there is a flurry of intense activity in the garden. Making your bed takes more time, money and perspiration than the easier step of planting.
“Plan in September, plant in October”. So before tearing open the seed packet there is soil preparation.

Over the years I have various organic fertilizers in the garden. I used to buy separate bags of bone meal. greensand, and dehydrated manures. Espoma makes a ready to use blend with those elements and more.

This year I am using Verdanta, a blended, organic granular that is homogenous and complete.

Feed the soil. Organic "Verdanta" 7-6-12.
Feed the soil. Organic “Verdanta” 7-6-12.
Prevent nematodes with Rootguard: crushed crab shells.
Prevent nematodes with Rootguard: crushed crab shells.
Broadcast evenly.
Broadcast evenly.
Incorporate thoroughly.
Incorporate thoroughly.
Not sure if this guy is wearing the proper Personal Protection Equipment.
Not sure if this guy is wearing the proper Personal Protection Equipment.

I have handled pesticides all my adult life and wondered if this affects my health and that of genuine handlers like pest control operators. This link answers that question.

“The pesticide applicators were consistently and significantly healthier than the general population of Florida.” That makes sense. These men work hard out in the fresh air and sunshine. The surprise is that this is a U.S. Library of Medicine report!

They studied over 33,000 pesticide applicators in Florida over an 18 year period (1975-1993). This was when we could use some hairy-scary toxins. That might explain why there was an increase in prostate cancer in this study.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10341741

Besides, the average nozzle-jockey gets safety training, wears protective gear, and reduces his exposure in every way possible. Guaranteed, none of us has worms.