Creative Organic Gardening: Willow Water

Long ago, the bark of the willow tree was used medicinally without much understanding of how or why it worked. People chewed the bark or made a tea from it. Though most people today do not drink willow water tea or chew willow bark, the historical use of the willow lead to the discovery of one of our most commonly used medications: aspirin. However, most people are surprised to learn that willow water can still be used beneficially in the garden and as organic rooting hormone and plant disease fighter.

Willow bark contains salicin, which is similar in composition to acetylsalicylic acid, commonly called aspirin. Plants soaked in or watered with a willow water brew have been shown to root better and to better fight off disease. This is because willows are some of the most easily rooted plants around secondary to their naturally occurring rooting hormones. Willows actually root so easily that in many cases, simply cutting off a branch and placing it in moist ground will suffice to grow a new willow tree. Furthermore, the salicin in willow helps plants fight off bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This effect can last for up to several months. Continue reading »

Organic Urban Farming: Changing the Way Tomatoes are Grown

Ever since humans first began tilling soil, they have looked for ways to produce bigger, better food plants that will feed ever-growing families and communities. Recent agricultural developments have produced huge industrial gardens dedicated to one type of plant, resulting in land that has lost its natural diversity and been stripped of the nutrients necessary for plant growth. Continue reading »

Argan Oil for Healthy Skin, Hair, and Nails

In recent years, argan oil has become a popular ingredient in hair and skin care products. This oil is obtained from the seeds of the argan tree that is found only in certain areas of Morocco. For centuries, this versatile oil has been produced through a laborious process that is still used frequently by the region’s local people. This process includes removing the kernels of the tree’s fruit, toasting the seeds and grinding them into a paste. The resulting paste is then pressed to release its oil content. Modern methods make the oil extraction process much more efficient so that the supply of oil can satisfy rising demands for the product. Continue reading »

Five Tactics for Organic Pest Control

One of the biggest problems in organic gardening is controlling pests. Left unchecked, harmful insects can kill plants or leave them unable to produce. From ants and aphids to slugs and snails, there are a number of ways to eliminate pests from your precious produce without harming the environment. Here are five great ways to get rid of pests organically. Continue reading »

Are Wendy’s Natural French Fries Healthy?

In a move designed to add legitimacy to one of the nation’s unhealthiest foods, Wendy’s announced they’re replacing their old fries with new, natural French fries seasoned with sea salt. The French fries are served with the skins on to give them the “au natural” look and taste. It’s a slight different take on fast-food fries, but are these new Wendy’s French fries really healthier?

Natural Wendy’s French fries: Is There Such a Thing as Natural French Fries?

Yes, French fries come from potatoes pulled from the ground, but it’s not natural to throw them into a vat of oil – a move which immediately adds 19 grams of fat. It’s also not natural to douse them in salt – whether it comes from the sea or not. Continue reading »

The Indoor Organic Herb Garden

An indoor organic herb garden can be an excellent project, providing great smelling plants and great tasting food, which can also be quite nutritious. The advantage of having an indoor organic herb garden is that one can be surrounded by fresh plants all the time. The space hardly matters, as aromatic organic herbs can be grown in small window pots or in areas as large as a green house. A correct choice of herbs to be grown in your organic garden is very much necessary to accommodate your personal tastes. Continue reading »