Garden Partnering & Bartering

Food garden partnering and bartering is a great way for people to come together, build community, save money on groceries, and share the fruits of their labor. Whether you are working with family members, neighbors, schools, churches, or community gardens, there are many ways to get involved and start sharing your produce, skills and time. Here are some of the ways that food garden partnering and bartering works.

Family Members: One of the simplest ways to participate in food garden partnering and bartering is by working with family members. If you have a backyard garden, you can share your produce with your family members, and they can do the same with you. This can be especially helpful for families who are trying to save money on groceries.

Involve apartment and condo dwellers who don’t have land to grow a garden.

Neighbors: Neighbors can also work together to share the bounty of their gardens. If you live in a community where many residents have a garden, you can organize a weekly or monthly gathering where everyone brings their produce to share with each other. This can help to build a sense of community and foster friendships between neighbors. Plus, set up an online website and email list to share harvest, knowledge and labor.

Schools: Many schools have started to incorporate food gardens into their curriculum, and this can be a great way to get kids involved in food garden partnering and bartering. Students can work together to grow fruits and vegetables, and then they can share their harvest with other students, teachers, and staff members.

Churches and temples: Churches, temples and other religious groups  can also be a great place to organize food garden partnering and bartering. If your church has a garden, you can organize a weekly or monthly event where members can bring their produce to share with each other. This can help to build a sense of community within the church, and it can also provide fresh produce to those in need. Or bring crops to share at regular weekly gatherings.

Community Gardens: Community gardens are perfect for gardeners who live in apartments, condos and have no yards. Community gardens are a great way for people to come together and share their love of gardening. If you participate in a community garden, you can work with other gardeners to share your produce and learn from each other. Many community gardens also organize events where members can bring their produce to share with each other.

Connecting apartment dwellers & food gardeners

Cultivating connections between apartment dwellers and food gardeners. In urban environments, space can be a limiting factor when it comes to growing a food garden. Many apartment and condo dwellers may not have access to land for cultivating their own gardens. However, community residents with gardens often have extra food to share or could use a helping hand in maintaining their green spaces. By connecting these two groups, a mutually beneficial relationship can be established, fostering both community-building and sustainable urban agriculture.

Community Garden Initiatives: Establishing or joining a community garden is an excellent way for apartment and condo dwellers to get involved in gardening. These gardens are communal spaces where members can cultivate individual or shared plots. They provide an opportunity for people without access to land to grow their own food, while also allowing experienced gardeners to share their knowledge and resources.

Garden Share Programs: Garden share programs can connect apartment dwellers with gardeners who have available land. These programs work by matching individuals who want to grow food with those who have extra space in their gardens. The two parties can then collaborate on the cultivation of the plot, sharing both the workload and the produce.

Tool and Resource Sharing: Creating a shared resource center can benefit both apartment dwellers and community gardeners. By pooling tools, seeds, and other gardening supplies, individuals can reduce their expenses and make gardening more accessible to those without their own resources.

Skill-Sharing Workshops and Events: Organizing workshops and events focused on gardening skills, such as composting, plant propagation, and organic pest control, can help build connections between apartment dwellers and community gardeners. These events can serve as opportunities to share our Transformational Gardening method, biodiversity planting. and the importance of nurturing the ecosystem below and above the ground.

“Grow Your Own Food” blog posts

See the full list of our Grow Your Own Food blog posts. Each post is assigned ”tags” which are under the post title. If you need a quick answer to a gardening question give us a call or send a text to our customer support team – support[at]deep-roots-project.org AND 708-655-5299.

Deep Roots online store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.

Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.

(708) 655-5299 and support[at]deep-roots-project.org

Sign up for our newsletter

Please leave your cell phone number when you sign up for our eNewsletter, if you want text message announcements now and then.

Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.

No Till, No Dig, No Pull Rule

The "No Till, No Dig, No Pull" rule in Regenerative Gardening (which we call Transformational Gardening”) helps sequester carbon in the soil and supports the fight against climate change. The animated video below by Jimi Sol explores three different regenerative practices that have great potential both in food production and in healing the land.

Science and principles of Regenerative Agriculture

1. No Till / No Dig

Soil Structure Preservation: Tilling or digging soil disrupts its structure, breaking apart soil aggregates and exposing carbon-rich organic matter to the air. When this organic matter is exposed, it oxidizes and releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.

Carbon Sequestration: By not tilling, carbon remains sequestered in the soil. This is because undisturbed soil can hold more organic matter, including carbon.

Soil Microbe Protection: Tilling can destroy the habitats of essential soil microbes. These microbes play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and help maintain soil health.

2. No Pull
Root Decomposition: By leaving plant roots in the ground after they die, they decompose naturally, adding organic matter and nutrients back into the soil. This process also helps in carbon sequestration.

Reduced Soil Disturbance: Avoiding the pulling of plants minimizes soil disturbance, which helps maintain the soil's carbon storage capacity.

3. Healthy Soil Microbes
Nutrient Cycling: Microbes decompose organic matter, releasing nutrients that are essential for plant growth.

Soil Structure Improvement: Microbial activity improves soil structure, enhancing water retention and aeration.

Disease Suppression: Healthy microbial populations can help suppress plant diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions.

4. Use of Compost and Worm Castings
Nutrient and Microbe-Dense Compost: Compost adds both nutrients and beneficial microbes to the soil. It acts as a natural fertilizer and improves soil structure.

Worm Castings: Known as vermicompost, worm castings are rich in nutrients and beneficial microbes. They are more effective than commercial fertilizers as they provide a balanced nutrient profile and improve soil health without the risk of chemical build-up.

Advantages in Regenerative Food Gardening

Sustainable Practices: These methods promote sustainable gardening by reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

Enhanced Soil Fertility: Over time, these practices lead to richer, more fertile soil capable of supporting robust plant growth.

Biodiversity Support: Regenerative gardening supports biodiversity both above and below the soil surface.

Climate Change Mitigation: By sequestering carbon, these practices contribute to the mitigation of climate change.

Regenerative Gardening addresses many environmental challenges

Regenerative agriculture is a holistic approach to farming and gardening that focuses on improving and revitalizing the soil. The "No Till, No Dig, No Pull" approach aligns with the principles of sustainability, soil health, and carbon sequestration. It not only benefits the garden ecosystem but also contributes positively to the broader environmental challenges we face globally.

One of the key benefits of regenerative agriculture is sequestering carbon in the soil through practices such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, crop rotation, and the integration of livestock.

Sequestering carbon indirectly pulls carbon dioxide from the atmosphere Here's how it works:

• Photosynthesis: Plants absorb CO2 from the atmosphere during the process of photosynthesis. This is a natural and vital process where plants use sunlight to turn carbon dioxide and water into glucose, a form of sugar that they use for energy.

• Carbon Storage in Soil: When plants die or shed leaves, stems, or roots, this organic matter gets incorporated into the soil. In a regenerative agriculture system, practices like composting, cover cropping, and minimal soil disturbance help to maintain and increase organic matter in the soil.

• Reduced Soil Erosion: Regenerative practices often lead to better soil structure and health, which can reduce soil erosion. Healthier soils can hold more carbon over time.

• Increased Soil Organic Matter: By increasing the organic matter in the soil, regenerative agriculture practices help to store more carbon in the soil. This organic matter is made up of decomposed plant and animal material, which includes carbon.

Therefore, while the primary action of regenerative agriculture is not directly pulling CO2 from the atmosphere, it facilitates the natural process of photosynthesis and improves soil health, which indirectly leads to more carbon being removed from the atmosphere and stored in the soil. This process can be an important component of strategies to mitigate climate change.

“Grow Your Own Food” blog posts

See the full list of our Grow Your Own Food blog posts. Each post is assigned ”tags” which are under the post title. If you need a quick answer to a gardening question give us a call or send a text to our customer support team – support[at]deep-roots-project.org AND 708-655-5299.

Deep Roots online store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.

Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.

(708) 655-5299 and support[at]deep-roots-project.org

Sign up for our newsletter

Please leave your cell phone number when you sign up for our eNewsletter, if you want text message announcements now and then.

Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.

Moisture and Mulch

Different plants need different kinds of watering. Some veggies need more frequent and deeper watering than others. Seeds and seedlings need to be constantly moist. Although deep watering is sometimes best, over watering can also stress your plants. Of course, there will be a lot of variables to take into consideration – such as the amount of rain and other weather conditions. Do a simple moisture test with your finger on the top 2 to 4 inches of soil before you water. Be careful about the watering tips you see circulating on the internet or in Youtube videos!

Proper watering is critical to plant health

Just as soil health depends on the latest soil science – the same is true of about watering edible plants.The Deep Roots method creates the best environment for your plants because our compost used as soil has good drainage and lets the water get to the plant roots quickly. We recommend installing drip irrigation if you don’t have time to water or go out of town often. Take time to correctly set the irrigation timing and amount.

Cover soil with straw mulch & compost

Retaining as much moisture as possible saves watering time and keeps your plant healthy and happy. Our method use two layers – a one inch layer of compost covered by a couple inches of cut-up straw. Don’t use hay since it can add unwanted seeds to your garden. We grow our own straw by planting a large beautiful prairie grass called Miscanthus. Over winter the grass dries and in the spring we cut it down and store it in large barrels with lids. Keeping the straw dry is important.

DON’T water a little everyday!

Because It promotes shallow roots. One of the worst practices is to water your garden lightly every day or every few days. This frequent sprinkling provides water to only the top layer of the soil and promotes shallow root systems.

Simple, standard suggestions like: water every day and “make sure you give your plants an inch of water each week” are now being questioned and re-evaluated. Because the plant’s roots are not close to the soil surface, we now know that the water needs to get deep enough. AND the roots need to have enough time to soak it up will allow the plants to develop deep root systems that are necessary to be healthy.

But, be careful since over watering stresses many plants. If top 2 inches of soil feels dry it’s time to water. Soak the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Test for soil moisture also after you water.

Overhead watering (sprinklers) is the least efficient and least preferred method of watering. Far too much of the water is lost to evaporation. Water the soil, not the plants with a soaker hose, drip irrigation, watering can or watering wand. Overhead watering substantially increases the risk of fungal disease, especially in humid and rainy climates.

Watering tips from our horticulturist

• Some conventional soils can have drainage problems, so too much water does not allow plant roots to breathe and will cause plants to wilt from lack of oxygen.

• Don’t water too fast. Water gently at all times. When watering with a hose, avoid a hard stream of water, which risks injuring your plants and the soil. Use a steady, gentle shower of water instead – but only on the soil, not the plants.

• If you are using municipal water, put a water filter on your hose or water source. Municipal water often has levels of chlorine that kill essential microorganisms. There are also many harmful pollutants in some city water.

• Lack of water stresses plants. Drought may produce stunted fruit, produce no fruit at all, or may produce tasteless, woody, or unpalatable fruit.

• Over watering stresses plants. Over watering can cause as much stress as severe drought. Too much water will saturate soils, displace air which starves the roots of oxygen. The compost Deep Roots uses instead of conventional soil (Microbe Rich Compost) has good drainage properties.

• Keep SEEDS moist at all times. Germinating seeds must be constantly moist. Watering seeds twice a day may be needed on dry hot days. It’s easiest to let drip irrigation water your seeds. Some gardeners without irrigation have found a work-around that saves time and constant attention.

• Place a board or large tiles over tiny carrot seeds. This keeps the moisture in the soil longer and protects them from being washed away by heavy rain. Make note of how many days it takes for the first sign of germination. Check the seeds everyday when it is close to germination. Remove the cover when the first seed sprouts. Some seeds will sprout sooner and some later. Carrot seeds are very tiny and need to be kept constantly moisturized more carefully.

• Keep SEEDLINGS moist at all times and water daily or more often for 2 weeks. When the seedling is at least 5 inches tall its roots are stronger and constant monitoring is not necessary. Test soil before and after watering and water gently and deeply as needed.

• Don’t over water seeds! Finding the right amount of water for your seeds is difficult. Not enough and they will not germinate - BUT too much and they could rot. Just to be safe - water seeds lightly twice a day - you just need to moisten the top layer.

• When plant leaves wilt on a very hot day, it could be from the heat and not lack of water.

• Prune off lower foliage of plants prone to fungal diseases that prefer damp environments like powdery mildew on cucumbers and squash) and like tomato blights. Water very close to the soil with a watering wand on a hose or a watering can. Avoid wetting the leaves. Water early in the day

• Health of mature plants is dependent on correct watering. Remember that large plants need a lot more water than seedlings. We want mature plants to have deeper roots that suck lots of water out of the soil.

• A drip irrigation system nurtures healthier plants and less stressed gardeners. If you can’t or don’t want to water and monitor your soil moisture constantly get a drip irrigation system. Drip irrigation should be the watering method of choice. It will save you time and make your plants stronger, happier and healthier. The larger your garden the more critical drip irrigation becomes. Contact the Deep Roots team for advice on installing the new system we designed.

“GrowYour Own Food” blog posts

Questions, comments, suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! Send photos of your garden too! 

See the full list of our Grow Your Own Food blog posts. Our blog posts are divided into 6 categories –  each with its own page of blog post photos and summaries. 

Questions, comments, suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! If you need a quick answer to a gardening question give us a call or send a text. We are here to solve your gardening problems. Please call OR text our Customer Service team at 708-655-5299 OR send an email to: support@deep-roots-project.org.

Deep Roots online store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.

Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card on the store or by check.

(708) 655-5299 and support[at]deep-roots-project.org        

Gardening connects you to the Earth. Our community connects you to each other.

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Why Raised Beds Are Best

Absolutely beautiful – they are custom made and there is nothing like them on the market (if you don’t see a style you like – call us for a custom quote). Built from the finest quality eastern cedar boards that are affordable, beautiful and long lasting (less expensive beds built from fir/pine are also available). We pick the wood up directly from the source to control quality!

Learn more about our growing method in two recently revised blog posts.

With raised beds choose your own soil

We don’t fill our beds with conventional soil. The most important benefit is that with raised beds YOU choose the soil rather than accepting the soil you have in your yard. Rafa Crevoshay, our horticulturist, carefully researched our options and chose to fill raised beds with a microbe and nutrient rich compost from a local dairy farm. Our gardeners grow healthy seedlings and mature plants right from their first growing experience.

Built for harsh winters year after year

Chicago-area food growers and in other areas with very cold winters should not try to save money on less durable wooden raised beds made from thinner boards. The materials won’t last, and the design/construction of other beds will not have the unique long lasting characteristics. If you build your own beds, don’t use “treated wood” since toxic chemicals leach into the soil. Also, remember that untreated pine raised beds rot after only a few years.

The expected lifespan of cedar raised beds can vary based on a number of factors, including the thickness of the boards, the design of the bed, and the climate in which it is located. However, in general, cedar is a durable and long-lasting wood that is resistant to decay, rot, and insect damage.

Our cedar raised beds are made with 1.125 inch thick boards lined up vertically with horizontal 2x4 boards at the top and bottom for added strength to withstand the expansion of freezing soil over winter. With proper care and maintenance, these beds could last for 10 to 20 years or even longer.

The climate in which the beds are located can also have an impact on their lifespan. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and decay, but prolonged exposure to moisture, extreme heat, or freezing temperatures can cause the wood to deteriorate more quickly. In humid or rainy climates, it is especially important to ensure that the beds have proper drainage to prevent water from pooling and causing damage to the wood.

To extend the lifespan of cedar raised beds, it is recommended to regularly inspect the wood for signs of damage or decay, and to treat the wood with a protective coating or sealant to help prevent moisture from penetrating the surface. Additionally, it is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or fertilizers that could leach into the soil and damage the wood over time.

Benefits of our raised beds

• Super durable and designed to last longer due to thicker planks and a unique design that combines vertical and horizontal boards.

• Withstands harsh winters. Freezing soil will not cause the wood to bow which occurs with beds using cheaper, thinner wood.

• 15 inches tall to allow space for deep-rooted veggies like tomatoes, more space for microbial populations to expand and can hold more water for a healthier ecosystem.

• Custom sizes and accessories for the raised beds and smaller planter boxes. We also make beds on legs and beds with a trellis.

• Bunny-resistant: Bunnies are unable to climb over our reinforced top overhang and thick ledge.

• Varnishing the beds is optional to preserve the cedar colors.

• We deliver in our truck and install beds with soil in the greater Chicago area.

We have yet to discover the disadvantages to growing food in raised beds. The list of the advantages below was put together by the University of Georgia extension. Almost all university websites promote raised bed benefits. All of the raised beds benefits are identical for our smaller custom planter boxes.

Grow more food in limited space

• Prevents of soil compaction and plant damage: One of the greatest advantages of raised beds comes from the protection the structure provides from foot traffic. The soil does not get compacted and plants are less likely to be damaged.

• Longer growing season: Raised beds warm up more quickly in the spring.

• Less weeding and maintenance: Once the soil in a raised bed has stabilized, compaction is almost non-existent.

• Better drainage: A well-prepared raised bed allows the soil to drain better than in an in-ground garden (DRP NOTE: this depends on the soil that you put into the bed, of course).

• Easier soil amendments: A raised bed can enable crop growth in an area that otherwise would not support gardening. On steep slopes, raised beds can act as a form of terracing. Raised beds can be built on parking lots and other compacted, difficult-to-garden urban soils.

• Material conservation: Because the gardening space is concentrated, the management of water, fertilizer, mulch and soil amendments can be more carefully controlled, leading to less waste.

• Access for gardeners with disabilities: Raised beds, at the proper height, can improve access for wheelchairs, or for gardeners who have a hard time bending over.

SOURCE: Raised Beds vs. In-Ground Gardens | UGA Cooperative Extension

Our Innovative Food Gardening Method

Learn more in our two recently revised blog posts.

Our online store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, compost, worm castings and more. Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions.

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?

Contact us at (708) 655-5299 or support[at]deep-roots-project.org.

Stay in touch

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Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.

Growing Seeds and Seedlings for Beginners

Start small and learn at your own pace. Take on as much as you can handle the first year. Gardening is all about trying new things and learning from your mistakes. Let nature do most of your work for you. Call or send questions to our support team when you run into a problem. Learn more about our Transformational Gardening Basics.

Deciding to plant seeds or seedlings

Ultimately, the decision to plant your crops from seeds or seedlings will depend on your personal preferences, growing conditions, goals, and gardening experience. If you have the time, space, resources and equipment to start seeds early indoors, it can be a rewarding and cost-effective option. If you want a faster harvest and are willing to pay a bit more, seedlings may be the way to go. Both seeds and seedlings each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Learning to grow easy crops from seed is a useful skill if you have the time to learn and monitor the progress. There are several factors each gardener needs to consider when deciding to plant a crop from seeds or from seedlings. In a large garden you can lower costs by growing from seed. Other factors are skill level, available time, garden size, budget, favorite foods and interests.

Some crops should not be transplanted and should be grown from seed directly in an outdoor bed or container. But know where and when to plant certain crops. Spinach is a food example. We get much larger spinach plants and harvests when we plant spinach seeds in the mid or late November in Zone 5 and 6. Learn the spinach details below under “Tips for growing from seed.”

Decide which crops to plant from seed and when to buy as seedlings. As a beginner your goal could be to buy only a few seedlings of the bigger plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and squash that may need months to mature in colder climates like Chicago (Zones 5 & 6) and should be started indoors.

Know WHEN to plant from seeds and WHEN to plant seedlings in your climate zone. Our Planting Calendar for Zone 5b and 6a will tell you which crops must grow from seed, which must grow from seedlings and which can grow either way. The calendar includes many other details about specific crops.

Ways to start crops: There are various methods available for starting crops in your garden.

• buying and planting seedlings (young small plants also called “transplants”)

• in spring plant seeds of cold tolerant plants (radishes, kale, swiss chard, lettuce) directly into your bed outdoors

• grow seedlings from seeds in pots or growing trays outdoors when the temperature are appropriate. Know what temperature is best to germinate seeds of specific crops so a part of the crop seed will germinate.

• growing seedlings from seed indoors using grow lights and other specialized equipment,

• growing seedlings and cold tolerant plants outdoors in early spring under the protection of a ”cold frame.”

Buying seedlings at a garden center or other vendor is the easiest and fastest solution to growing great crops your first year. But it limits the scope of your plant selections. Also, most garden stores don’t sell organic seedlings. ”Conventional” seedlings (not grown from organic seeds) are fine as long as you grow them in organic soil and compost without any conventional (toxic) pesticides. It helps to find a top quality garden center or nursery nearby.

Which seedlings to buy. Buy the healthiest seedlings. The most affordable seedlings are in “six-packs” or “four-packs”. Some garden stores let their seedlings sit on the shelf too long in tiny posts.The seedlings get stressed from lack of root space and nutrients. Buy your seedlings as soon as they arrive at the store so they are healthy and fresh. Make sure that they have been well taken care of, appear healthy, have no flowers or fruits, and that the roots are not “root-bound” – knotted and circling the bottom of the pot. Reject spindly, elongated plants with weak stems with weird discolorations. Look for plants that are young and vigorous, with only green foliage.

Our compost is your new soil

We use 100% compost to fill beds and containers instead of conventional soil. Read our blog post Compost, Microbes and Soil Science to understand why 100% Microbe-Rich Compost grows much healthier larger plants than conventional soil in an organic garden. Conventional soil can be a mixture of many things like top soil, leaf mulch, compost, tree waste, etc. Our compost costs less than expensive commercial potting mixes purchased in bags, and gives better results. Our compost has several other uses in our innovative method. When a bed or container is filled with compost it is convenient to simply call it “THE SOIL.”

If you want to boost the growing power of your existing raised bed filled with conventional soil you can dig out about a 4” layer or more and refill with our compost.

Learn why microbe and nutrient rich “worm castings” (vermicompost) is a superior soil amendment for all our plants. We use it instead of commercial organic fertilizers except for fish emulsion made from fish waste.

Tips for planting seedlings

• Level the soil as best you can. Removing low and high areas makes watering easier. Or try lowering the soil just a little just around the seedling so most water soaks in the root area.

• Protect your seedlings from drying out. Don’t plant on a hot sunny day. Better to plant on a cloudy day or early evening, Water your seedlings before you plant them.

• If there are many seedlings in one pot, divide them carefully with a knife. This step is not necessary if you have separate compartments for each seedling.

• Mix a batch of half and half compost and worm castings. The more worm castings you add, the healthier and better your plants will grow. Use as much compost and worm castings mix as you like. Mix together in each hole or in a large bucket. Add 1 cup of planting mix for a medium-size plant like kale. Add 2 cups of planting mix for a large-size plant like tomatoes and squash.

• Digging a seedling hole. If your raised bed or container is filled with our Microbe Rich Compost, make your seedling holes 2-3 times bigger than the seedling root.

• If your raised bed or container is filled with conventional soil, make your seedling holes 4-6 times larger than the root to allow room for more of the planting mix.

• Add the mixture to each hole and make space for the root ball.

• Place the seedling into the hole, slightly lower than it was growing in the container. Gently firm the soil around the roots, but be careful not to compact it.

• Water slowly and deeply. Read our post Deep Watering is Best. Water your seedlings daily for 2 weeks — mornings are best. On very hot days you may want to water twice. Don’t water lightly. Deep watering is best since it makes the roots grow deeper.

• Test for moisture before you water since over watering stresses plants.

• Watering early in the day is best.

• Water the soil, not the plant. Never water tomatoes and other plants that get fungal diseases late in the day. Fungus likes a humid environment.

• We highly recommend you install drip-irrigation. Ask our support team about details (support[at]deep-roots-project.org).

• Fish Emulsion is the one organic soil amendment we use. It’s made from fish waste. Its primary purpose is feeding the soil microbe, but it also replenishes the nitrogen. Follow the directions on the bottle and spray every one or two weeks.

Tips for planting seeds

Mixed baby veggies Densely plant seeds so you can harvest lots of baby veggies while you wait for some of the sprouts to grow bigger. Use this with carrots, beets, loose-leaf lettuce, and amaranth. Plant a mixture of seeds an inch apart between the transplanted seedlings all over a section of the bed or in a container. If you plant the seeds further than an inch apart you will do less “thinning” of baby plants. If you plant mixed baby greens seeds in 20 days you will get 2 to 4” tall baby plants to pick. Plant basil seeds 4“ apart anywhere around the bigger plants. If it gets less sun it won’t get as big. Keep the basil low by harvesting the top leaves.

Root crops (beets, onions, garlic, radish, carrots, parsnips, turnips) must be planted ONLY from seed because their roots can’t survive being disturbed. Plant garlic in later October with the pointy end of the clove facing upward.

Plant peas, beans, and spinach from seed. Some plants are healthier and bigger if they are planted from seeds but it’s not usually worth the extra time and trouble. But the extra effort to plant peas, beans and spinach from seed is well worth any extra effort because you get a healthy bigger plant and larger harvests.

Spinach is easier to grow from seed in fall than in spring in cold climate zones like Chicago with a shorter growing season. Plant spinach seeds 4” apart in mid-November. Many areas have enough rain in early spring so you don’t have to water the seeds. They over winter in the soil and germinate in the early spring. In March the spinach seedlings grow quickly into healthy large plants. You can also plant spinach seeds in spring as soon as the ground thaws. Spinach seeds planted in spring become smaller mature plants and produce a smaller harvest.

Garlic is best planted in mid-October in Zones 5 and 6. Garlic cloves are used instead of seeds. Harvest in July.

Crops with tiny seeds like lettuce and carrots need special tricks, time and skill because their seeds are hard to plant and water. Try covering tiny carrot seeds with a board (not treated wood) or a tile to save watering time and to protect them from heavy rains. Lift the board and check every day. Remove the board when the first seed germinates. Try planting a new row or cluster of leaf lettuce spaced 1” apart every week or two. During the warmer summer days plant lettuce seeds where they are shaded by a large plant or shrub. Or plant them in a pot you can move to a partial sun location on really hot days.

Plant seeds in ”furrows” or “clusters” It is your choice to plant your seeds in 6” to 8“ long narrow indentations (called “furrows”) or in 6” to 8“ round clusters. Place the furrows and clusters in spots that will get enough sun or less sun depending on the heat tolerance of the crop and the heat of the season. Fill your furrow or cluster with the same compost and worm casting mixture described above for planting seedlings. Check our Planting Calendar for Climate zone 5b and 6a for how deep to plant the seeds. Some seeds are planted on the surface with the compost/worm castings mixture sprinkled on top. Press down gently to firm up the soil after planting. Cover with straw to protect from heavy rains.

Watering seeds: Never let them dry out. Seeds must be kept moist at all times until germination. A light watering will moisten the soil sufficiently when it’s done frequently. Frequency depends on how hot, if the sun is shining, if it has rained recently, and so forth.

Set up a hose with a sprinkler nozzle to water on a timer. This saves time and makes sure the watering is done properly. Ask our support team (support[at]deep-roots-project.org) which timer to buy and for help setting it up. Support the hose nozzle about 2 feet from the ground and set to a gentle spray. It should spray an area 3 x 3 feet. Adjust the hose to best cover the area you need watered. Cover the seeds with straw to protect them from heavy spring rains. Once the seeds germinate keep moisture in the soil by covering it with straw.

A drip-irrigation system makes planting seeds at random spots in your bed much easier. There are narrow hoses that attach to the 1/2” hoses that allow you to direct water to any spot. Plus the narrow hose can have a tiny sprinkler attached that sprinkles your seeds. Ask our support team for details (support[at]deep-roots-project.org).

To intermediate or advanced gardeners

The universe of gardening information is virtually limitless. It is constantly expanding. Fortunately, the array of gardening techniques is accessible now on the web. Our purpose is to feature our compost based method of soil optimization with beneficial microbe populations and worm castings. We encourage you to use the web resources to explore an accessory technique that captures your imagination.

Don’t rely on single sources – University Ag Extensions, local botanic gardens, YouTube, articles and books. For example, if you want to build a trellis look at several techniques and pick the one that works for you, or even better integrate a combination of the techniques you discover.

As you learn a new technique, improve it. Deep Roots is learning all the time. We can also learn from the discoveries by our community of gardeners. If people decide to garden in ways that will not pollute, improve the environment, give us healthy food, optimize nature’s ability to provide plant nutrition, we all benefit.

Our Innovative Food Gardening Method

Learn more in our two recently revised blog posts.

Our online store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, compost, worm castings and more. Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions.

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?

Contact us at (708) 655-5299 or support[at]deep-roots-project.org.

Stay in touch

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Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.

Decline in health and life expectancy of Americans

“Americans are sicker than ever, and it’s not only resulting in poor physical and mental health; it’s impacting our economy, our environment, our children’s future, and our national security. Although new science tells us that nutrition is the most important part of wellness, ultra-processed foods dominate the American diet which drives our obesity, chronic disease, and mental health crises.” – Dr. Mark Hyman

The decline in health and life expectancy of Americans in recent years is a multifaceted issue, deeply rooted in various societal, economic, and lifestyle factors. Central to this decline are elements such as the widespread consumption of ultra-processed foods, sugar addiction, unhealthy food production practices, and sedentary lifestyles. This decline is alarming, especially when contrasted with health statistics from other countries, and it signals a growing public health crisis.

Ultra-Processed Food Consumption

The American diet has seen a substantial increase in the consumption of ultra-processed foods. These foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, salt, and preservatives while being low in essential nutrients. Their convenience and widespread availability have made them a staple in many American households. However, the long-term health consequences of such a diet are severe. Regular consumption of ultra-processed foods has been linked to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Sugar Addiction

Closely related to the rise in ultra-processed food consumption is the issue of sugar addiction. Many processed foods contain high levels of added sugars, which can lead to an array of health issues. Excessive sugar intake is not only a leading cause of obesity but also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and heart problems. The addictive nature of sugar leads to a cycle of cravings and overconsumption, making it challenging for individuals to break free from these unhealthy eating patterns.

Unhealthy Food Production Practices

The methods used in food production in the United States also contribute to the decline in health. The widespread use of pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics in agriculture and livestock rearing can have adverse health effects. Moreover, the environmental impact of these practices, such as soil depletion and water contamination, indirectly affects public health.

Sedentary Lifestyle

The modern American lifestyle is increasingly sedentary, with many people spending long hours in front of screens for both work and leisure. Physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for numerous health problems, including heart disease, stroke, obesity, and mental health issues. The lack of regular physical activity exacerbates the health impact of poor dietary habits.

Chronic Diseases in Younger Populations

Traditionally associated with old age, chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are now increasingly affecting younger Americans. This shift is largely attributable to poor dietary habits and a lack of physical activity. The early onset of these chronic conditions not only affects the quality of life but also increases healthcare costs and puts a strain on the healthcare system.

Comparison with Other Countries

When comparing the health statistics of the United States with other developed countries, the contrast is stark. Countries such as Japan, Canada, and many in Europe often have higher life expectancies and lower rates of obesity and chronic diseases. These differences can be attributed to various factors, including dietary habits, healthcare systems, and cultural attitudes towards health and wellness.
In many of these countries, diets are less reliant on processed foods and more on fresh, whole foods. For instance, the Mediterranean diet, prevalent in countries like Greece and Italy, is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats and has been linked to lower rates of heart disease and longer life expectancy. Furthermore, these countries often have more robust public health policies and healthcare systems focused on preventive care and public education about healthy lifestyles.

Conclusion

The decline in health and life expectancy in the United States is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address. It involves not only changing individual behaviors but also overhauling certain aspects of food production and distribution. Moreover, it calls for a cultural shift towards valuing health and wellness, along with supportive policies and systems that make healthy choices accessible and affordable for all Americans. By learning from the practices of healthier countries and implementing comprehensive public health strategies, there is potential to reverse these troubling trends and improve the overall health and longevity of the American population.

“Grow Your Own Food” blog posts

See the full list of our Grow Your Own Food blog posts. Each post is assigned ”tags” which are under the post title. If you need a quick answer to a gardening question give us a call or send a text to our customer support team – support[at]deep-roots-project.org AND 708-655-5299.

Deep Roots online store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.

Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.

(708) 655-5299 and support[at]deep-roots-project.org

Please leave your cell phone number when you sign up for our eNewsletter, if you want text message announcements now and then.

Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.

Brassica Family Pests & Diseases

The brassica family of vegetables, which includes broccolini, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, and kohlrabi, are susceptible to various pests and diseases. See our lists below of (1) common pests and diseases affecting brassicas in Northern Illinois and (2) safe organic pesticides best used to control them.

Common pests and diseases in Northern Illinois

It's important to note that while these pesticides and biofungicides are considered safe for use in organic gardening, they should still be used judiciously and according to label instructions. Overuse or misuse can harm beneficial insects and other non-target organisms. Regular monitoring and cultural practices such as crop rotation, soil testing, and good sanitation can also help prevent pest and disease problems in your brassica garden.

The swede midge fly (Contarinia nasturtii), an invasive pest from Europe, has begun wreaking havoc on brassica crops. including radish, horseradish, rutabaga, turnip, rapeseed (canola), arugula, bok choy and Chinese cabbage. Crops that are most damaged include common favorites such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, collards and Brussels sprouts. Since we have not yet found a pesticide for swede midge our sollution is to grow only collards and kale. We harvst as soon as large leves appear throughout the sesaon. If swede midge damage appears on the base of the leaf, we cut it off and wash all harvested leaves. We have an entire post dedicated to this new pest - see Swede Midge Fly Management.

Cabbage Worms: These are small green caterpillars that chew on the leaves of cabbage, kale, and other brassicas, leaving large holes in the foliage. They can quickly defoliate the entire plant.

Aphids: These tiny, pear-shaped insects suck the sap from the leaves, stems, and buds of brassicas, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. They also produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract ants and other insects.

Flea Beetles: These small, shiny black beetles jump like fleas and feed on the leaves of brassicas, leaving tiny holes and making the plant vulnerable to other diseases.

Clubroot: This soil-borne disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of brassicas, causing them to swell and become deformed. Infected plants often wilt and die.

Downy Mildew: This fungal disease causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves, along with a grayish-white mold on the undersides of the leaves. It can quickly spread from plant to plant, especially in humid conditions.

Prevent and control brassica pests and diseases

To prevent and control these pests and diseases, it's best to use a combination of cultural practices and safe organic pesticides and biofungicides. Here are some options:

Floating Row Covers: These lightweight, permeable fabrics can be placed over young brassicas to protect them from cabbage worms, flea beetles, and other pests. They can also help prevent the spread of diseases like downy mildew. See our blog post Installing Hoops on Raised Beds.

Neem Oil: This natural pesticide derived from the neem tree can be sprayed on brassicas to repel aphids and other pests. It works by disrupting the insect's hormonal balance, making it difficult for them to feed and breed.

Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis): This natural bacteria-based pesticide is effective against cabbage worms and other caterpillar pests. It works by producing a toxin that is only harmful to certain insects, leaving beneficial insects unharmed.

Copper-based Fungicides: These biofungicides can help prevent and control diseases like downy mildew and clubroot. They work by creating a protective barrier on the plant's surface that prevents the fungus from taking hold.

Beneficial Insects: Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps are all natural enemies of aphids and other pest insects. By releasing these beneficial insects into your garden, you can help keep pest populations in check.

“Grow Your Own Food” blog posts

See the full list of our Grow Your Own Food blog posts. Each post is assigned ”tags” which are under the post title. If you need a quick answer to a gardening question give us a call or send a text to our customer support team – support[at]deep-roots-project.org AND 708-655-5299.

Deep Roots online store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.

Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.

(708) 655-5299 and support[at]deep-roots-project.org

Please leave your cell phone number when you sign up for our eNewsletter, if you want text message announcements now and then. 

Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.

Planning Your Food Garden

Starting a food garden can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Although it takes planning and effort, the rewards are well worth it. With a little bit of know-how and some careful planning, you can enjoy fresh, delicious produce right from your own backyard. You also get to reap the benefits of physical activity and time spent outdoors. Learn more in our Benefits of Food Gardening post.

However, to be successful in growing your own food, it's important to have a plan in place. Here are some key steps to consider when starting a food garden.

Gardening supplies: Learn about the supplies you will need when you use our Transformational Gardening method. Read our blog post Setup Your Food Garden.

Site selection: One of the most important factors to consider when starting a food garden is site selection. Look for a location that receives optimal sunlight throughout the day. Most vegetables require at least six hours of sunlight per day and prefer 8 hours. So choose an area that is not shaded by trees or buildings. If your yard doesn't get enough sun, consider growing crops that will grow with less sunlight. View our blog post Optimizing Sunlight.

Plant selection: Choose crops that are well-suited to your climate. Some vegetables, like tomatoes and peppers, require warm temperatures to grow, while others, like leafy greens and root vegetables, can tolerate cooler temperatures. Consider planting a mix of smaller crops in raised beds and larger crops in containers to maximize your space. View our blog posts about popular vegetables – brassica (cabbage) family, root veggies, tomatoes and more to come.

Trellising: Some crops, like beans, peas, and cucumbers, require a trellis for support systems to grow properly. Consider the size and weight of the crop when selecting a trellis, and make sure it is sturdy enough to support the plant as it grows. There are many trellis designs to choose from. View our blog post about Growing Vertically with a Trellis.

Planting and harvesting schedule: Knowing when to plant your crops is key to a successful harvest. Consider your local climate and the specific needs of the plants you are growing when determining planting times. Some crops, like tomatoes and peppers, should be started indoors several weeks before the last frost date, while others can be planted directly in the ground. View our Planting Calendar for Zones 5b and 6a (Chicago area for planting dates, days to harvest, links to vegetable specific details on temperature tolerances, pests, harvesting and more.

Biodiversity planting method: Planting a mix of crops can help improve soil health, prevent disease, and attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Consider planting a mix of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers to create a diverse and beautiful garden. View our blog post Biodiversity Planting.

Careful utilization of space: Be mindful of how much space each plant needs to grow properly. Some crops, like tomatoes and squash, can take up a lot of room, while others, like lettuce and radishes, can be planted in smaller spaces. Consider using trellises, vertical gardening, and other space-saving techniques to maximize your growing area.

Choosing seed starting or transplants: Decide whether to start your plants from seeds or buy transplants. Starting plants from seeds can be more cost-effective and allows you to choose from a wider variety of plants, but requires more time, effort and experience. Buying healthy transplants can be a good option if you don't have the time, space or equipment to start seeds indoors. Beginners should start by planting easy veggies directly into your beds and containers in the spring. View our 2 blog posts on seeds and seedlings for beginners and for seeds and seedlings: next level.

Harvest tips and timing: Knowing when to harvest your crops is crucial for getting the best flavor and nutrition. Each crop has a different harvest time, so be sure to research and track when your plants are ready to be harvested. Our veggie growing tip posts include harvesting tips for each veggie.

“Grow Your Own Food” blog posts

See the full list of our Grow Your Own Food blog posts. The posts are divided in 6 categories, Each category has its own page with a photo and a short summary for each post. If you need a quick answer to a gardening question give us a call or send a text to our customer support team – support[at]deep-roots-project.org AND 708-655-5299.

Deep Roots online store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.

Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.

(708) 655-5299 and support[at]deep-roots-project.org

Sign up for our newsletter

Please leave your cell phone number when you sign up for our eNewsletter, if you want text message announcements now and then.

Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.