Serge Arni

Interesting. I've heard of putting up a net to protect the crops as well, but I am not a fan of it personally. I guess it might be doable to make it look nice and add some other benefits. It does seem like there is room for experimentation on this topic. This is one of the fun parts about gardening. Other animals being a problem complicates things, also, particularly in a forest garden if you don't want too many fences up. At least I don't think I'll ever have to deal with free-range cows in the garden, haha, that's rough.

Hey guys, not sure if there is a thread on this somewhere, I didn't find one, but what's the deal with birds? I'm getting mixed messages from the bits I find here and there. Some say birds should be encouraged with water to drink and bathe so they can eat pests, others say birds eat fruits like strawberries, tomatoes, etc. Let's assume we are in a forest garden and we have birds and we also want to grow things birds might peck at. Can someone share their experiences? Has anyone tried supplying bird feed to keep them satisfied and away from crops?

Anne Miller wrote:
Ni, we have a tech guy for that.  My coding is like an novice ...

Ahah, you can do it. Nowadays, AI can help with most of the code, too.

So, I gather lemon, salt, heat/sunlight maybe vinegar could be sufficient for sterilizing a wood cutting board, but is oil/beeswax really necessary, or is that just for preservation/aesthetic purposes? Say particularly if you're keeping the board dry with heat between uses?

Douglas Alpenstock wrote:Hm! I've been thinking about water for cleaning. But for sterilizing, what about fire? Heat gun or propane torch? Scorch and scrape?

Haha, that sounds so overkill and fun. I do think the oven and sunlight recommendations are practical. The latter especially for people in warmer areas.

Judith Browning wrote:Welcome Serge!!!

I'll skew the survey then
I'm a virgo as is my husband and both of our sons and also a grandson.
We are all very much into organic and beyond.

(as a side note, my mother, who lived with us for 10 years was a virgo and also my father in law, both gardeners and 'leaning' towards organic.)

We have a big birthday party in september every year that has been dubbed by friends  'the Virgo Party'.  This fall will be the 24th year!

Oh my... this is some kind of Guinness world record! How did you manage that? That's like the Virgo headquarters 🤣 I guess if it is a big family, it's possible, but still impressive. Happy early 24th! Now, see this can't be a coincidence though, just the fact that you're here. You definitely skewed the survey! 'The Virgo Party' haha, that's cool.

Nancy Reading wrote: Even in the city you can try growing herbs or microgreens on a window sill! Full of nutrients

You know I've thought about that before, but haven't implemented it yet for some reason. Guess I'm just too focused on getting a garden at some point, plus my groceries are all organic anyway, but I will give it some serious thought. Thanks for that! Those look tasty.

r ranson wrote:Our local health authority suggests wooden cutting boards are the most safe for the home environment.  Provided they are oiled regularly (twice a year depending on use).  Washed immediately with (in order of preference) water, water and salt, or water and soap.  Allowed to dry completely.  

Hello, this came across my mind before, so this is interesting.
What oil would be good for wood cutting boards? I'm thinking something like olive oil?
Also, does water and salt mean salt dissolved in water? How long would the shelf-life be for that you think, before a new salty water mixture is made?

Nancy Reading wrote:Hi Serge! Aquarius here, so there is another data point for you!
I suspect I got into organic food through growing my own - Why would you put something toxic on food you want to eat? Protecting our bees and other insects, better tasting and more nutritious...lots of reasons.

Matt McSpadden wrote: I had no idea what I was, so I looked it up. I'm Libra... and I'm into organic or better food.

Data points! 🤤 Libra and Aquarius break the running thesis haha. Thanks for the links, too.
I agree with you Nancy, it seems to me also there are a lot of reasons to prefer organic food. I live in the city, so I haven't gotten to growing my food yet, but that is a goal I am striving for.

Hey, thanks for the welcome guys.

Jill Dyer wrote: No, not just a Virgo thing - I'm into food generally, fewer additives the better,  but my best friend is a total organic devotee and she's a Taurean!

So, we have a Taurus... but you know Taurus and Virgo are both Earth signs, that's interesting. We need some more evidence! I feel like for me it came naturally, starting with just looking at the 'ingredients' label, and then eventually I learned of organic food and gravitated toward it. I'm curious if anyone has any other experiences, like inheriting it from family or friends. Certainly, my family members don't really care as much.

Anne Miller wrote:Welcome to the forum.  I like coding and I am a Pisces.

Anne, I see you have the 'staff' label, did you help code up this website by chance? Got some cozy vibes over here.

Hello everyone, I was looking for a place to make friends who are passionate about organic food and this is the first one that popped up. Not sure if this is the spot for introductions, but here it is. At first glance, I may be spending most of my time in the organic and purity sections. Other than organic food, I'm into coding, reading, music, gaming, travel, anime. Currently in school studying artificial intelligence. I'd love it if anyone into organic food could maybe share why you're into organic food, what got you into it or why you are passionate about it. It's not just like a Virgo thing, right? Someone not born in late August to late September speak up!