by PREPARE | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog, Guest Bloggers
This is the perfect time of year to share information on Composting For the Home Gardener
Let me begin by saying that, I do not generally recommend composting because of the equipment, time, space, and effort required, and because few people have the time, knowledge, or inclination to really do it right. In addition, even the best compost is a great unknown, so far as what actual nutrition it provides. And no one can tell you either, because every batch is different!
Rather than composting, I recommend putting grass clippings, clean and disease-free plant parts, etc. into the ground immediately, so that mixed with the soil they can compost naturally and there will be no flies, rodents, smells, etc. To read about my experience in composting, see the Zoo-Doo Man article, which I will discuss later in this article. And to feed your plants exactly what they need without the investment, time, and hassle of composting pay attention to the final 3 paragraphs of the article for what WE do!
If you still want to compost, we will now describe what it takes to compost correctly.
There are two types of composting: aerobic (with oxygen) and anaerobic (without oxygen). Compost includes 4 basic elements including air, water, carbon, and nitrogen.
For Aerobic composting, a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio close to 30 is ideal. Moisture content is generally best between 50 and 60%. The material must not become soggy or compacted, but must be moist. A thermometer measuring 100 to 200 degrees, with a long probe, is essential.
Anaerobic composting is a cold process; it can take as long as two years to produce usable compost, and DOES NOT remove soil pathogens, bugs, and weed seeds. This method is NOT recommended for the family garden for the reasons stated above, plus the fact that it creates an unsightly, smelly mess in your yard that attracts rodents, etc. and often occupies usable space that could otherwise be growing plants.
Regrettably, anaerobic composting is what 99% of family gardeners usually end up with, because of lack of education and/or consistent effort.
Aerobic composting must sustain temperatures of at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit (150 is better) for three weeks, which kills most soil pathogens, bugs, and weed seeds. It requires a constant supply of air throughout the pile in order to provide oxygen to the microbes that digest the raw materials and thus decompose them into usable compost.
Foul odors are from anaerobic activity and indicate a lack of oxygen. Increase turning frequency and/or fibrous content of the mix to reduce the moisture content and increase oxygen.
The pile should be thoroughly turned daily, and if all other elements are present in the right proportions good compost can be created in as little as one month.
Water, as mentioned above, is also necessary, but not too much at one time. The pile should be moist – like a wrung-out sponge – but not wet.
Carbon is used as the energy source, and most of the pile should consist of material high in carbon. Common high-carbon ingredients include dry leaves, straw, and corn stalks. High-carbon ingredients will contain more than 30 times as much carbon as nitrogen – sometimes MUCH more – and are often called “browns”.
Nitrogen is needed for the proteins that build the microbes bodies. Ingredients with the most nitrogen are usually green, moist plant matter such as leaves, or an animal by-product like manure. Nitrogen-rich materials – often called “greens” – usually will contain carbon and nitrogen in a ratio close to 20:1.
NEVER use manure from carnivores, and even cow manure sometimes contains e-coli, which can cause sickness and even death. Therefore, any manure should be used with caution.
For efficient decomposition you need a carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio of no more than 30:1. If you have too much nitrogen your pile will smell because the excess nitrogen converts into an ammonia gas. If there’s too little nitrogen you will not sustain the necessary heat, plus the pile will break down very slowly.
Green, fresh materials have a much higher nitrogen content than dry materials. Fresh grass clippings are ideal for composting, having a carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio of 19:1. Food scraps vary, but can be as low as 15:1. So, mixing grass clippings and old leaves, in the ratio of one part clippings and two parts old leaves, will generally give you a good C/N ratio.
Experiment with the materials that are available to you, and remember that success can be fleeting – with constant adjustments being necessary to maintain the ideal conditions. If temperatures are below the target range and the mix is loose and friable, add high-nitrogen materials and/or water until the temperature rises. Remember, too dry is as bad as too wet.
Some additional common materials with their carbon/nitrogen ratios, which I have copied from an article in the Urban Garden Center source are:
Leaves – 35:1 – – 85:1, Peat moss – 58:1, Corn stalks – 60:1, Straw – 80:1, Pine needles 60:1 – – 110:1, Farm manure – 90:1, Sawdust – 130:1 – – 490:1, Newspaper – 170:1.
Unless it’s contained in a Compost Tumbler or other container in which it can be turned easily while retaining the heat, you should start with a compost pile of at least 1 cubic yard, in order to have sufficient material to retain the necessary 140 degree heat for 3+ weeks.
Do it right, and you can have material that will improve your soil tilth, and even provide some (unknown) amount of nutrition for your plants.
Read how I learned to make “the best compost in the world” by using the materials from the zoo animals at Utah’s Hogle Zoo. I did it for 2 years, and even sold the compost as “Zoo-Doo” quite successfully. I tell about it in the article titled “The Zoo-Doo Man”, which can be found in the FAQ section of the Foundation’s website, or in the Files section of the MittleiderMethodGardening@yahoogroups.com.
On the other hand, consider saving yourself the time and effort of composting altogether, and accurately feed your plants a balanced diet of natural mineral nutrients, as contained in the Mittleider Pre-Plant and Weekly Feed mixes. Learn about them in the Learn section of the website at www.growfood.com. You can mix them yourself from materials purchased at your nursery or farm supply store, or if you live in the Mountain West you can buy them pre-mixed from farm supply stores.
The Pre-Plant Mix is simple. Just combine calcium from either lime or gypsum (lime if you receive more than 20” of annual rainfall) with magnesium and boron (20 mule team borax) in a ratio of 80-4-1. Apply and mix with the soil before planting at the rate of 1 ounce per running foot of 18”-wide soil-bed.
You can also mix your own Weekly Feed Mix quite easily by getting the Micro-Nutrients from the Foundation website www.foodforeveryone.org – look under Materials – and then mixing each small packet of Micro’s with 25# of 16-16-16 (or similar) and 4# of magnesium (Epsom Salt works). The Weekly Feed is applied ½ ounce per running foot of soil-bed and mixing with the soil before planting, and after the plants have emerged apply that same amount each week down the center of the soil-bed – until 3 weeks before plant maturity for single-crop varieties, and until 8 weeks before frost for ever-bearing crops.
By Jim Kennard
Jim Kennard is the President of Food For Everyone Foundation (501)(c)(3) Charitable Foundation. Mission – “Teach the world to grow food one family at a time” with the world-renowned Mittleider Method.
Popular Questions
What are the best practices for composting at home?
To successfully compost at home, focus on maintaining a proper carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, ideally around 30:1. Use a mix of high-carbon materials like dry leaves and straw with nitrogen-rich greens such as fresh grass clippings. Ensure the compost pile is kept moist, similar to a wrung-out sponge, and turn it regularly to provide adequate air circulation. Monitoring temperature is crucial; aim for 140 degrees Fahrenheit to effectively kill pathogens and weed seeds.
How can I avoid common composting mistakes in my home garden?
Many home gardeners struggle with anaerobic composting, which leads to foul odors and pests. To prevent this, ensure your compost pile has enough air by turning it frequently and incorporating fibrous materials. Additionally, avoid overloading your pile with nitrogen-rich ingredients, as this can create an ammonia smell. Regularly check moisture levels to keep the pile from becoming too wet or too dry.
Is it better to compost or to incorporate organic waste directly into the soil?
Incorporating organic waste directly into the soil can be a more efficient method than traditional composting for many gardeners. This approach eliminates the need for composting equipment and reduces the risk of attracting pests. By mixing grass clippings and clean plant parts into the soil, you allow them to decompose naturally, enriching the soil without the hassle of maintaining a compost pile. This method also minimizes odors and mess associated with composting.
What materials should I avoid when composting at home?
Avoid using meat, dairy, and oils in your compost pile, as these can attract pests and create unpleasant odors. Additionally, steer clear of diseased plants and weeds that may introduce pathogens into your compost. Be cautious with manure; only use herbivore manure and ensure it is well-composted to reduce health risks. Lastly, avoid using glossy or colored paper, as these may contain harmful chemicals.
by PREPARE | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog, emergency preparedness, Food Storage, preparing for disaster
The world can be unpredictable. Natural disasters, financial crises, health emergencies – these are all realities we might face. But how prepared are we to handle such situations? This is where the concept of a ‘preparedness mindset’ comes into play.
Having a preparedness mindset means being ready for the unexpected. It’s about being proactive rather than reactive, planning ahead, and having the mental fortitude to face any challenge head-on.
We’ll delve into the intricacies of this mindset, exploring its importance and how it can be cultivated. From personal preparedness to community readiness, we will uncover the various facets of this essential life skill.
So, whether you’re a survivalist, a planner, or simply someone looking to enhance your resilience, you are in the right place. Let’s embark on this journey of preparedness together, and uncover the power of a mindset ready for anything.
What Is A Preparedness Mindset?
A preparedness mindset is a state of mental readiness, a proactive approach that emphasizes the importance of being equipped for potential challenges or emergencies. This mindset can be applied in various aspects of life, including personal safety, financial stability, and even in managing business risks.
Key elements of a preparedness mindset include:
1. Anticipation: This involves identifying potential risks and threats in advance. It’s about foreseeing possible scenarios and planning accordingly.
2. Planning: A person with a preparedness mindset doesn’t just anticipate risks; they devise strategies and contingency plans to cope with them. This could involve creating an emergency fund, establishing an evacuation plan, or developing a business continuity strategy.
3. Training: Preparedness is not just about theoretical knowledge; it’s about practical skills. Whether it’s first aid training, financial literacy, or crisis management skills, a preparedness mindset encourages continuous learning and skill development.
4. Resource Management: Effective resource management is a crucial part of preparedness. This involves knowing how to allocate and utilize resources wisely, ensuring they’re available when needed.
5. Resilience: A preparedness mindset fosters resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity. It’s about developing mental toughness and an optimistic outlook, even in the face of challenges.
A preparedness mindset is not about living in fear or constant worry. Instead, it’s about empowering oneself through knowledge, planning, and action. It’s about taking control of one’s life and future, rather than leaving things to chance. Embracing a preparedness mindset can lead to a more secure, confident, and resilient life.
How To Develop A Preparedness Mindset?
Developing a preparedness mindset is about cultivating an attitude of readiness for any situation. This mindset is rooted in the understanding that unexpected events can occur at any time, and it is essential to be prepared.
Firstly, practicing situational awareness is a key step. This involves constantly observing your surroundings and identifying potential risks or hazards. By doing so, you can anticipate possible outcomes and plan accordingly.
Secondly, acquiring knowledge and skills relevant to survival and emergency situations is crucial. This could range from learning first aid procedures to understanding how to find food and water in the wilderness.
Thirdly, it’s essential to maintain a positive mental attitude. Challenges are inevitable, but with a positive mindset, you can overcome obstacles and adapt to changing circumstances.
Lastly, regular practice is crucial. This involves putting your knowledge and skills to the test in real-life scenarios to ensure you are ready to handle any situation.
- Practice situational awareness
- Acquire knowledge and skills
- Maintain a positive mental attitude
- Regular practice
Through these steps, you can effectively cultivate a preparedness mindset, equipping yourself to face any unexpected event with confidence and resilience.
Why Is Preparedness Mindset Important?
A preparedness mindset is an invaluable asset in navigating life’s unpredictable challenges. This mindset, often associated with emergency response or survival situations, is equally applicable in everyday scenarios. It allows individuals to anticipate potential obstacles and strategize solutions in advance, thereby reducing stress and enhancing decision-making capabilities.
Having a preparedness mindset cultivates resilience, a quality that enables individuals to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to change. This resilience is not just about surviving, but thriving amidst adversity. It promotes a proactive approach, encouraging individuals to take control of their circumstances rather than being passive victims of fate.
Furthermore, a preparedness mindset fosters personal growth. It pushes individuals to step out of their comfort zones, learn new skills, and adapt to new situations. This continuous learning and adaptability is crucial in today’s rapidly changing world.
In terms of professional settings, a preparedness mindset can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency. It can help in identifying potential risks and devising contingency plans, thereby minimizing downtime and maximizing output.
In essence, a preparedness mindset is not just about preparing for disasters, but about equipping oneself with the skills and mindset to handle any situation, big or small, with confidence and composure.
What Are The Elements Of A Preparedness Mindset?
A preparedness mindset is not just about having a plan; it’s about building resilience and being able to adapt to changing circumstances. It involves developing a proactive attitude and a willingness to take responsibility for one’s own safety and wellbeing.
The first element of a preparedness mindset is awareness. This involves understanding the risks you face in your daily life and being conscious of your environment.
The second element is knowledge. Gathering information about potential threats and learning how to mitigate them is crucial. This could involve formal training, self-education, or simply staying informed about current events.
The third element is planning. Having a plan in place for various scenarios can give you a sense of control and reduce anxiety during a crisis.
In closing, a preparedness mindset involves practice. Regularly rehearsing your plans and updating them as necessary ensures that you are ready to act when the time comes.
Remember, a preparedness mindset is not about living in fear, but rather about empowering oneself through awareness, knowledge, planning, and practice. It’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.
Can A Preparedness Mindset Reduce Stress?
Having a preparedness mindset can significantly reduce stress levels. When you’re prepared, you have a plan in place to handle unexpected situations, which reduces the fear of the unknown and the stress associated with it. This mindset is not just about having a physical readiness but also about mental and emotional readiness.
A preparedness mindset encourages proactive behavior. Proactivity minimizes the panic and anxiety that often accompany unexpected situations. Instead of reacting to problems, you’re anticipating them and preparing solutions in advance, which can significantly lower stress levels.
A key aspect of a preparedness mindset is resilience. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. It’s about having the mental strength to face challenges head-on and the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances. Resilience can serve as a buffer against stress, providing a sense of control in unpredictable situations.
• Preparedness also promotes a sense of self-efficacy, the belief in one’s ability to handle situations effectively. Self-efficacy can reduce stress by fostering confidence in your abilities and reducing feelings of helplessness.
In closing, a preparedness mindset fosters a positive attitude. A positive outlook can help manage stress by promoting optimism and reducing negative thinking. It encourages you to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats, reducing the stress associated with facing difficulties.
In essence, a preparedness mindset provides you with the tools to manage stress effectively. It promotes proactive behavior, resilience, self-efficacy, and a positive attitude, all of which can significantly reduce stress levels.
How To Maintain A Preparedness Mindset?
Maintaining a preparedness mindset is essential in navigating through life’s unexpected challenges. It involves being ready to face any situation, including disasters, economic downturns, or personal crises. This mindset equips you with the resilience to withstand and recover from setbacks, thereby enhancing your survival skills and overall wellbeing.
To foster a preparedness mindset, you must first understand the risks associated with your environment. This includes familiarizing yourself with potential hazards and developing an action plan to address them. Regularly updating your knowledge and skills is also crucial to stay ahead of unforeseen circumstances.
Secondly, embracing a proactive lifestyle is vital. This goes beyond merely reacting to situations but involves anticipating possible scenarios and devising strategies to mitigate their impacts. It also includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as physical wellbeing contributes significantly to mental readiness.
Next, cultivating a positive outlook is key to maintaining a preparedness mindset. This involves believing in your ability to overcome challenges and viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth. It also entails practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive aspects of life.
Lastly, it’s important to practice stress management techniques, such as meditation and yoga, to maintain mental clarity and focus. These practices not only enhance your mental strength but also improve your decision-making skills, which are crucial in crisis situations.
In essence, maintaining a preparedness mindset requires continuous learning, proactive living, positive thinking, and effective stress management. By adopting these strategies, you can navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence and resilience.
What Are The Benefits Of Having A Preparedness Mindset?
A preparedness mindset is an invaluable asset in navigating the unpredictability of life. It equips an individual with the ability to anticipate potential challenges and develop proactive strategies to mitigate them. This mindset fosters resilience, empowering individuals to bounce back from adversities with relative ease.
A key benefit of the preparedness mindset is stress reduction. By planning ahead and considering possible outcomes, one can effectively manage anxiety and worry associated with uncertainty. This mental state also promotes better decision-making, as individuals can assess situations objectively and make informed choices.
Another advantage is the enhancement of self-confidence. When you are prepared, you are confident in your ability to handle whatever comes your way. This boosted self-esteem can translate into improved performance in various life areas, from work to personal relationships.
In terms of personal growth, a preparedness mindset encourages continuous learning and skill development. By preparing for different scenarios, individuals can acquire new skills and knowledge, fostering personal and professional growth.
Furthermore, a preparedness mindset can foster a sense of control. Even in chaotic situations, being prepared can help maintain a sense of order and stability, providing a psychological buffer against stress and anxiety.
Lastly, a preparedness mindset can lead to improved health. By being prepared for health-related emergencies, one can make swift decisions that could potentially save lives.
In essence, cultivating a preparedness mindset can significantly enhance an individual’s resilience, confidence, and overall quality of life.
Does Preparedness Mindset Apply To Everyday Life?
A preparedness mindset isn’t just for emergency situations or survival scenarios. It’s a way of life that can be applied to everyday situations. This mindset involves anticipating potential outcomes and planning accordingly, which can be beneficial in many aspects of daily life.
For example, a preparedness mindset can help in managing finances. By anticipating potential financial hurdles, one can plan and save for the future. This can lead to financial stability and peace of mind.
In the workplace, a preparedness mindset can be the difference between success and failure. Being prepared can mean researching a client before a meeting, or studying for a presentation, which can lead to improved performance and job satisfaction.
• In relationships, having a preparedness mindset can mean anticipating the needs and wants of your partner, leading to a more fulfilling and harmonious partnership.
In health, a preparedness mindset can mean regular check-ups and healthy lifestyle choices, leading to improved longevity and quality of life.
In essence, a preparedness mindset is not just about being ready for disasters, but being ready for life. It’s about anticipating challenges, planning for the future, and taking control of your destiny. This mindset can be applied to all aspects of everyday life, from finances to health, to relationships and work. A preparedness mindset can lead to a more fulfilling, successful, and stress-free life.
Wrapping Up: The Power of a Preparedness Mindset
All in all, a preparedness mindset is a crucial life skill that can be cultivated and maintained. It is not only about being ready for emergencies but also about dealing with everyday challenges. Developing such a mindset involves understanding its importance, knowing its elements, and consistently practicing it. The benefits of a preparedness mindset are numerous, including stress reduction and improved overall well-being.
It is important to remember that maintaining a preparedness mindset is a continuous process. It requires constant learning and adapting, especially in the face of new developments and trends that can impact our lives. This mindset can indeed be applied to everyday life and can significantly enhance one’s ability to navigate through various situations with confidence and ease.
To truly harness the power of a preparedness mindset, it is recommended to practice mindfulness, engage in regular self-reflection, and embrace a proactive approach to life. By doing so, you can better anticipate and respond to potential challenges, thus leading a more balanced and fulfilling life. The journey towards a preparedness mindset is a rewarding one, and the benefits are well worth the effort.
by Prepare Magazine | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog, Coming Issue Updates
GOOD NEWS…
We are happy to announce that the next Digital issue of PREPARE magazine will be ready for release within a few days. It’s an amazing issue that we believe our subscribers are going to love.
GREAT NEWS…
We are now ready to officially launch PREPARE Magazine. It’s been a pretty challenging birth, but we are blessed with the opportunity and are now ready to cut the ribbon and begin releasing some amazing things that we have been working on. We are celebrating our launch with the release of our Print publication and also the Premium Membership Subscription. You will be hearing more about them within the next few days.
Our first-issue print, will be released shortly – as the designer has indicated the publication is almost ready. The first printed issue should be going out to our initial subscribers very soon.
BETTER NEWS….
Many folks who have been with us along the way along with the growing pains from the beginning are already grand-fathered in for some awesome perks with the Premium Members Subscription. We are truly grateful for your encouragement and support of this vision from so early on. Please continue to spread the word about PREPARE Magazine in order to help others see the need to prepare too.
Keep sharing and keep caring that others are preparing!
by Prepare Magazine | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog
Many sites that are not mainstream media are supporting this Notable News: “The Government orders Survival Kits for Banks.” While some sites will share potentially real documentation of the order for these kits (such as the section of the article below found on FreeBeacon.com )…
December 10, 2014 1:00 pm
The Department of Treasury is seeking to order survival kits for all of its employees who oversee the federal banking system, according to a new solicitation.
The emergency supplies would be for every employee at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), which conducts on-site reviews of banks throughout the country. The survival kit includes everything from water purification tablets to solar blankets.
The government is willing to spend up to $200,000 on the kits, according to the solicitation released on Dec. 4.
Other articles are focusing more on the reasons and content of the kits and what that may mean for the survivalists and conspiracy theorists such as these portions of an article found about the topic on WeasternJournalism.com
Preppers sometimes get a bad rap, especially the hardcore survivalists who stockpile tons of packaged food and ammunition in underground bunkers. But what about the apparent prepper mentality of U.S. government officials now awaiting bids on a solicitation they recently made for “emergency preparedness” survival kits for banks?
and
The Treasury Department doesn’t specifically say why it feels the kits are needed. But the contents of each survival kit are specifically named in the government’s solicitation for a contractor to provide them:
• 2400-calorie food bar (minimum 5-year shelf life)
• 3-pack 8.5 oz. water (minimum 5-year shelf life)
• 50 water purification tablets (minimum 5-year shelf life)
• Reusable solar blanket 52” x 84”
• Dust mask
• One-size fits all poncho with hood
• 12 hr. light stick
• 1 pair of latex gloves
• Whistle with lanyard
• 33 piece personal first aid kit
• 5 Wet Naps
• Dynamo rechargeable lantern with AM/FM radio
• Air-Aid emergency mask
We of course would like to see the exact information of this on the Treasury Website to verify the existence of the order. However, if it is true rather than use this information for some form of panic or paranoia that the Government knows that ‘something is up’ like so many of the tones set by other media and fear-mongers, we prefer a different approach to using this information.
If you have a family member or a friend who kind of wonders why you prepare or perhaps gives you some guff for it, this is a fantastic opportunity to show that you are not alone, nor are you a conspirator, nut-job or alarmist. If indeed you direct them to reputable sites that prove our Government does take preparedness seriously itself, and that being prepared is not all about bunkers, arsenals and only for the anti-social recluse, you may just win some of them over to see the light.
Take this opportunity to FACT find and rather than spread fear and distrust, use the information to help save the lives of those you love. Encourage them into action rather than frighten them. You’ll appear more sane and they’ll be more likely to grow more capable rather than simply react.
You have the power to help others. Wield it wisely.
by Prepare Magazine | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog, Guest Bloggers
The traditional growing season is coming to a close. If you have grown heirloom tomatoes, then seed saving is next on the ‘to-do’ list. Here is a guest blog from one of our new writers here at PREPARE Magazine. We hope you enjoy these 8 Easy Steps to Fermenting Tomato Seed for Seed Saving.
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By Guest Blogger, Chris Smith
Some seeds need to be fermented in order to break down the gelatinous placental layer that surrounds the seed. Once this layer is broken down the seeds can be dried and stored in a cool, dark and dry location.
Step One – cut along the equator to reveal the seed categories
Step Two – squeeze or scrape seeds into a clean container
Step Three – top the container up with clean water and stir vigorously
Step Four – leave to ferment for 2-3 days. Stir daily
Step Five – seeds will sink to the bottom. Fermented gunk will form on top
Step Six – pour off the gunk, fill with water and pour off the gunk. Repeat until most of the gunk is gone.
Step Seven – do a final rinse to make sure seeds are clean.
Step Eight – allow seeds to dry thoroughly before storing. I use coffee filters
___________________________________
Chris Smith is an enthusiastic grower and permaculture student from a green-thumbed family! On his ½ acre micro-farm, Chris is experimenting with landraces, selective seed saving, crop trials and seed grow outs. With a newborn in the family, the importance of resilient food systems is high in his mind. Chris works at Sow True Seed in Asheville, NC as the Community Coordinator and is active in promoting good quality, regionally adapted open-pollinated seed.
___________________________________
Popular Questions
What are the easy steps to ferment tomato seeds for saving?
To ferment tomato seeds for saving, start by cutting the tomato along the equator and squeezing the seeds into a clean container. Add clean water and stir vigorously, then let the mixture ferment for 2-3 days, stirring daily. After fermentation, the seeds will sink, and you can pour off the gunk that forms on top. Rinse the seeds thoroughly before allowing them to dry completely.
How long should you ferment tomato seeds for saving?
Fermenting tomato seeds typically takes about 2-3 days. During this time, it's important to stir the mixture daily to ensure even fermentation. After the fermentation period, the seeds will settle at the bottom, and you can remove the floating debris. This process helps break down the gelatinous layer surrounding the seeds, making them easier to clean.
What should you do after fermenting tomato seeds for saving?
Once the fermentation process is complete, pour off the gunk and rinse the seeds with clean water to remove any remaining debris. Repeat this rinsing process until most of the gunk is gone and the seeds are clean. After rinsing, allow the seeds to dry thoroughly, which is crucial for proper storage. Using coffee filters can help absorb moisture effectively during the drying process.
Why is it important to ferment tomato seeds before saving them?
Fermenting tomato seeds is essential because it helps break down the gelatinous layer that surrounds the seeds, which can inhibit germination if left intact. This process also helps eliminate any potential pathogens that may be present on the seeds. By fermenting, you ensure that the seeds are clean and ready for storage, increasing their viability for future planting. Properly fermented seeds can lead to healthier plants in the next growing season.
by PREPARE | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog, Guest Bloggers
“One of the things I’d like to do is to show people how to start “positive” epidemics of their own.
The virtue of an epidemic, after all, is that just a little input is enough to get it started, and
it can spread very, very quickly.” ~ Malcolm Gladwell, The Tipping Point
Growing a Sustainable Garden – The “Vital Few” or the “Trivial Many”? Which are you: one of the “Vital Few” or the “Trivial Many”?
I submit that your knowledge of the Mittleider Method of sustainable gardening makes you one of the “vital few.” With that knowledge, comes both opportunity and responsibility.
In his book, The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell describes how the few can make a tremendous positive difference for everyone else, which he compares to an epidemic, or that point before which not much seems to be happening, and after which effects begin to explode.
We Need to Start An Epidemic … And You Can Help!
Family gardening can, and should, become as common and important again as the family car.
Why?
Because your garden can FEED you — even when:
• Your car won’t run because there’s no gasoline (or you can’t afford to buy it) …
• There’s no food to buy in the stores … or
• There’s no money (or not enough) to buy food – for whatever reason.
This is the context, or the overriding reason why the message YOU carry is so vital for everyone.
Gardening should be sustainable, using true, proven principles and the best methods and techniques, so it will yield the “most bang for the buck,” and be worthwhile and enjoyable for the long term.
The Mittleider Method will feed your family! It will give you “the garden you’d want if your life depended on it.” And it very well may.
Today truly effective family vegetable gardening is done by only about 1% of the people who may soon desperately need it.
The best growing principles, methods and procedures are the closely guarded secrets of the large field and hydroponic growers. Meanwhile, the large majority of gardening families are back in the 19th century mentality, using only manure and compost, scared into believing that ANY use of “chemicals” will threaten their health, or even their lives.
What makes the Mittleider Method so unique – and so vitally important – is that it teaches the best principles, procedures, and techniques used by large commercial and hydroponic growers, but adapted to the small family garden. It works in any soil, and in almost any climate. The procedures are easy to learn; simple and straightforward.
In addition, the Mittleider Method eliminates the problems so often associated with large-scale commercial food production, such as overuse of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, high cost, and lack of freshness and flavor.
Now here’s our opportunity … and my challenge to you!
Great changes have always been initiated by just a few people who knew what they wanted, were focused, and were willing to share their knowledge with everyone they could influence.
I challenge every person reading this article to be among the “vital few” who help people around you improve their lives while preparing for the uncertainties of the future.
How?
First, by learning how to grow your own food using the best system available as demonstrated and taught by The Food For Everyone Foundation, and then by promoting, teaching, and demonstrating what you’ve learned about sustainable gardening, and getting others to do the same.
Choose a group of people with whom you have a genuine, social relationship. Your church group, email list, gardening club, voting district, family, or neighborhood association are all good places to start.
Show them your own garden. Tell them of your own success. Loan them a book or CD. Offer to teach a seminar. Point out the benefits of learning and doing it NOW, before their need is urgent and it’s too late to learn or prepare.
Show and Tell!
Share articles, tips and advice from the Food for Everyone Foundation Website. Share important posts from the archives of the MittleiderGardeningMethod@yahoo.groups.com and encourage people to subscribe. And invite friends to add Mittleider Gardening to their Friends on Facebook.
Even if you do nothing more than persuade them to buy a can of vegetable seeds and a couple bags of fertilizer, you’ve done tremendous good. A triple-sealed #10 can of 22 heirloom vegetable varieties that can be stored for many years can be purchased at the Foundation website or at www.mvseeds.com.
Do something NOW! Make your voice heard, and your influence felt. You CAN make a difference for good in the world around you.
It’s time to spread an epidemic … (Not bird flu. The gardening “bug!”)
We can do it. Malcolm Gladwell says we can do it. And remember: “out of small things proceedeth that which is great.”
Thanks for your interest in gardening, your willingness to do it right, and your courage to share.
By Jim Kenard
Jim Kennard is the President of Food For Everyone Foundation (501)(c)(3) Charitable Foundation. Mission – “Teach the world to grow food one family at a time” with the world-renowned Mittleider Method.
Popular Questions
How can I start a growing epidemic of sustainable gardening in my community?
To initiate a growing epidemic of sustainable gardening, begin by sharing your own gardening experiences with friends and family. Organize small gatherings or workshops where you can teach others about the Mittleider Method and its benefits. Encourage participants to start their own gardens and provide them with resources, such as books or seed packets, to help them get started. By fostering a supportive environment, you can inspire others to join in and create a ripple effect of positive change.
What are the key principles of the Mittleider Method for creating a gardening epidemic?
The Mittleider Method emphasizes using proven techniques that maximize yield while minimizing resource use. It teaches gardeners how to adapt commercial growing practices to small family gardens, making it accessible for everyone. By focusing on soil health and efficient nutrient management, this method can help families grow food sustainably, even in challenging conditions. Sharing these principles can empower others to embrace gardening as a vital skill.
Why is it important to promote family gardening as a growing epidemic?
Promoting family gardening is crucial because it equips individuals with the ability to produce their own food, especially in uncertain times. As reliance on grocery stores can be risky, having a personal garden ensures access to fresh produce regardless of external circumstances. By encouraging others to garden, you help build a community that values self-sufficiency and resilience. This collective effort can lead to a significant shift in how families approach food security.
What steps can I take to encourage others to join the gardening epidemic?
Start by demonstrating your own gardening success and sharing the results with your social circles. Offer to host informational sessions or hands-on workshops where you can teach others about sustainable gardening practices. Provide resources and support, such as seed exchanges or gardening clubs, to foster a sense of community. By actively engaging with others and sharing your knowledge, you can inspire them to take action and join the gardening movement.
