Michael Adams

Mike Jay wrote:I don't know if this is the best way but we buy and use cellophane bags for our greens  Here are the ones we get

Great link, thank you Mike. Yes, cellophane does seem to be a bit better.

Prepping for this season's market garden, it will be our first. It's exciting! One problem I am keen to solving is the issue with plastic bags and salad greens. Wondering what current market farmer's are doing for the bagging option of lettuce/salad mixes? Most of our other fares (radishes, onions, potatoes etc) in either a paper bag (not ideal, but better than plastic bag) or customers own market sack. We do not want to use plastic bags.

Any advice is appreciated! Thanks!!

Wow, thank you to everybody for the thoughtful replies, there's nothing like having advice from direct experience! Its been extremely helpful to read these replies.

To answer some questions, first off to Dr. Redhawk:

- Yes, I definitely want to start with 50 and 100' beds this season. I should've been more clear in my original post. My thoughts were to plant locust on the edge of plot, to help with Ni affixation and also possible living/extra fence to go alongside electric deer fence on the perimeter. The suckering would perhaps be a benefit; we are off-grid and use wood stove heat so good firewood is always appreciated. Just behind this edge is 40 yo white spruce (can be seen in 2nd photo) on one side, and 60-70 yo white pine on the other. These trees wont be coming down for a few years, so I was thinking the BL could be started to help in the interim. I factored in the edge shade as it grows, but perhaps I was being too conservative as to what BL will put out. The intention for this particular plot is high density market garden beds, so every inch will count.

Another key point is that BL is nowhere to be found on my 200 acre plot, nor is it prevalent in my area. It does grow in certain places in my province, but not in abundance around here. However, red alder does. Great points, Daron. I do have various alders throughout the property, and it's evident what a terrific benefit they are to the soil and surrounding trees.

I think after reading these replies that I will stick to cover crops for the plot (which I was planning on doing this spring) alongside continued comfrey planting. The nice thing about this land is I have a few spots to experiment, so I would still like to see what a section of BL can do in regards to fencepost and firewood production. Of course any Ni spinoff is always great. This area will be offsite, approx 750m down the road where I think it will be suitable and relatively manageable.

Thanks again folks!!!

-zone 6b

-sandy loam-ish well drained soil

-purpose is for nitrogen fixation and possible help with deer control as it will be on forest edge in conjunction with solar electric fence

-removed birch to make room for 100' beds

Getting ready to restore 3/4 acre of old pasture this spring, which is surrounded by 40 year old forest. I was intending on planting black locust to help the soil, but am a little gun shy after reading some posts on permies! Some serious regrets from people due to suckering to the point of being invasive.

Looking for some more thoughts from people?  I have a huge supply of seed from a seed program which should germinate fine to get some seedings going indoors.

Any insight appreciated, thanks!

edit: all the birch is now down since this photo was taken

We're looking to purchase a Bell/Sibley tent to stay in over the summer while we build our main living house. Wondering if anyone can recommend a particular brand? There are so many makes/models on eBay and Amazon. Looking for the best value for the buck, thanks!

Yes, I've got some edge in the forest garden where I will plant some other herbs. This other spot in question that I'm referring to has nice potential as it's definitely semi-shade, but does get some afternoon sun. I think I will experiment this spring with everyones recommendations, thank you for those!

Howdy,

I have a few spots in my forest garden that are well shaded by large pin cherry trees. I would like to try growing some medicinal herbs in these spots this upcoming spring.

Wondering if anyone has any reccomendations and success for this scenario in zone 6b?

Thank you!

Anne Miller wrote:

Joel Bercardin wrote:Something worth mentioning is that brewed coffee (usually in judiciously limited amounts) can be added to recipes as a "back flavor" that can definitely enhance people's enjoyment. ...

No kidding... try this in your recipes.  I'm sure your imagination and early experiments will guide you.

One of the strangest ingredients that I saw in a recipe ... what I thought was strange at the time, wa adding a cup of coffee when cooking a roast.  I no longer think it is strange.  Beside adding flavor it adds a nice brown color to the juices.  I like my gravy Au Jus ... no flour added.

Its essential to our once a year creation of Red Velvet birthday cake...I believe the recipe calls for 1 cup of freshly brewed coffee. Sooooo good!

I completely agree that high-grading, while common forestry practice, is the worst option as a whole and the antithesis of permaculture.

If it were me, I'd be out with flagging tape and survey flags, maps, and camera to identify and protect the trees you want to remain standing.

I highly recommend checking out 'The Hidden Life of Trees' if you haven't already read it. It has helped me immensely with my woodlot decisions and approach.