The system developed demonstrates the following characteristics:

• Produces approximately 20 times the normal production volume for field crops.
• Requires 5% of the normal water requirements of field crops
• Can be built on non arable lands and close to major cities.
• Does not use herbicides or pesticides
• Will have significant operationg and capital cost savings overfield agriculture
• Will drastically reduce transportation costs to market resulting in further savings, higher quality and fresher foods.
• Will be easily scalable from small to large food production situations.

How it works

The HDVG system grows plants in closely spaced pockets on clear, vertical panels that are moving on an overhead conveyor system.  The system is designed to provide maximum sunlight and precisely correct nutrients to each plant.

Sophisticated control systems gain optimum growth performance through the correct misting of nutrients, the accurate balancing of PH and the delivery of the correct amount of heat, light and water.

More information may be found on the companies website: Valcent

After her great ideas on an ‘Organic Facemask’ we found this video tutorial on creating an Organic Smootie…… ummmm Yum!

The Aerogarden is an indoor hydroponic garden which allows people to easily grow a wide variety of herbs, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, herbs, chilli peppers, edible flowers, and more in an energy efficient, organic based environment.

 Click more to read on…

 The Aerogarden is easy to set up and by following the instructions you can begin growing your organic food immediately, with germination occuring within 24 hours.  A mature plant will be ready for harvesting 5 times faster then if grown in soil.  The Aerogarden monitors itself to produce the ideal growing conditions for each plant and alerts you when more water or nutirients need to be added to the system.

You can find out more about the system from this website.
 

We stumbled across this little gem on youtube.  Why not have a go at making your own organic face masks?  It doesn’t seem to have done her any harm!

Many local authorities are now providing free or reduced cost compost bins. For more information visit www.recyclenow.com.

For the best results follow these 5 simple rules:

1)    Place your compost bin in a sunny position on well drained, loosened soil; as this will encourage worms and bacteria to enter the bin.

2)    Have a good mix of waste material as this will aid decomposition.

3)    Put your compost bin somewhere easily accessible to you as this will encourage you to use it rather than heading straight to the bin.

4)    Always keep a lid on your compost bin so it can retain heat and moisture.

5)    Avoid putting too much grass in your compost bin as it will make it wet and smelly!

Things to compost:

Vegetable and fruit peelings

Tea bags

Crushed egg shells

Weeds

Grass cuttings

Hair

Paper

Soft cardboard

Leaves

Prunings

Vacuum dust

Your compost will be ready when it has reached a crumbly consistency and a rich brown colour. Dig it into your soil to act as a slow release fertiliser.

Fruity tart!
Serves 6

To be extra yummy all ingredients should be as organic as possible!

Ingredients
375g ready rolled puff pastry
200g raspberries
200g strawberries
1 large cooking apple
Honey
Double cream

Method
• Preheat oven to 220?C (200?C for fan assisted ovens).
• Lightly flour a baking tray and roll out your pastry until flat.
• Gently roll up each edge until a lip is formed around the entire circumference of the pastry.
• Cut the cooking apple into thin slices and place evenly on top of the pastry. Add the raspberries and strawberries.
• Drizzle a little honey on top of the fruit to taste.
• Bake for 15 – 20 minutes or until the pastry has risen and is golden brown.
• Cut into slices and serve warm with cream.