#Onion Crop Protection

[techyalexjain]

[Blog]Damping Off – Onion Crop Protection at Kay Bee Bio Organics

Cultivating onions plays a vital role in global agriculture, serving as a significant source of income and sustenance for communities around the world. But there’s a problem called damping off. This disease affects onions during their early stages of growth when they are still in the initial phases of development. It’s because of certain fungi in the soil, like Rhizoctonia, Pythium, and Fusarium. Read the complete blog here at Kay Bee Bio Organics blog.

[dee-writes-anime]

Chapter 1: The Witch Accused

FEATURING Ryomen Sukuna x Witch!Reader

SUMMARY In a village consumed by sickness and fear, you, an accused witch, are captured by a desperate mob and dragged to face judgment before the King of Curses, Sukuna.

CONTENT WARNINGS detailed depictions of a village struggling with disease, starvation, and decay, mentions of sickly children, livestock death, and human mortality, tense interactions between the narrator and villagers, including verbal accusations and implied mob violence, scenes of witchcraft involving blood and incantations, implied religious conflict, subtle criticism of faith and its intersection with fear and blame.

PLAYLIST

SERIES MASTERLIST

The village had always been a brittle thing, teetering on the edge of ruin long before I was born. It was nestled into the crook of a valley, cradled by sinking hills that slumped like jagged scars against the horizon. It wasn’t a place you’d stumble upon by chance- hidden away from trade routes, tucked between forests thick with bramble and treacherous rives prone to flooding. The isolation had once been its greatest strength, a sanctuary from the wars and chaos that riddled the lands. 

And then the sickness came.  

It began as a quiet invader, seeping through the village like a shadow, causing soil to grow stubborn. Clinging to the roots of crops like a jealous lover, dark and heavy with clay. Even in the best seasons, it gave little, forcing villagers to rely heavily on cattle and scrape by on meager harvests of bitter greens, barley, and the occasional patch of onions. 

Then those shadows curled through pens, infecting the cattle that the village had once praised. Once sturdy beasts began to collapse in fields, their bodies bloating under the summer sun, they milky eyes staring blankly into the void. The surviving livestock, fewer in number each year, were gaunt and skittish, their hides stretched thin over sharp bones. They too seemed to sense the growing death in the shadows as their milk soured and their offspring grew weaker and weaker.  

And finally, shadows of sickness- of death- slipped through the cracks of straw roofs, finally having curled into every corner. The village itself was a patchwork of survival—wooden homes leaning against each other for support, their thatched roofs sagging under the weight of neglect. Smoke curled from crooked chimneys, its bitter scent a constant companion, mingling with the acrid tang of unwashed bodies and the faint, coppery smell of blood from the butcher’s hut. A well sat at the heart of the village, its water once fresh and clear, now tinged with a faint, metallic aftertaste that no one dared question too closely. 

The people bore the signs of its slow, merciless grip. Their skin was sallow, stretched thin over angular bones, their hands chapped and cracked from work that never seemed to end. Hollow cheeks and sunken eyes told stories of sleepless nights and empty stomachs. Their clothes, once simple but serviceable, were now threadbare and patched so many times the original fabric was hardly recognizable. Loose tunics hung over narrow shoulders, cinched at the waist with frayed cords, and the occasional shawl or cloak—woven from coarse, undyed wool—offered meager protection against the cold.  

The children fared no better. Their bare feet left prints in the mud as they scurried between homes, their laughter thin and fleeting. Many of them had red-rimmed eyes from coughing fits that never quite left, their small hands gripping sticks or scraps of wood as makeshift toys. Even the strongest among them looked frail, as though the village itself drained the life from them as payment for their survival. 

Generations had lived and died here, their lives marked by toil and prayer, yet little else. The temple at the edge of the village was the tallest structure, its roof patched with mismatched tiles scavenged from who-knew-where. Its wooden beams sagged, and the faint chime of its bell at dusk carried a mournful note. It stood as a monument to the villagers’ faith—faith that had grown brittle over the years, much like the wooden beams that groaned under its weight. 

Said temple was led by the “elders,” who could be considered a different breed entirely. They were wiry and hunched, their backs bent from years of labor in the fields and the weight of authority they carried like millstones around their necks. Elder Kazu was their figurehead, his face a web of wrinkles that deepened every time he spoke. His hair, sparse and snow-white, framed a narrow face with sharp, calculating eyes. He walked with a gnarled staff, its wood polished smooth by years of use, and though his voice cracked when he spoke, it still carried the weight of command. 

Beside him were the others—Elder Masami, with her thin lips and perpetually furrowed brow, and Elder Daiki, who had long since lost his teeth but none of his sharpness. Their clothing was slightly more intact than the rest of the villagers’, a sign of their status. Masami’s long tunic was adorned with faded embroidery at the cuffs, a hint of red thread that might once have been vibrant. Daiki wore a heavy woolen cloak draped over his narrow shoulders, its edges fraying but still imposing in its bulk. 

The market square was little more than a dirt clearing where merchants used to come, though their visits had dwindled to nothing in recent years. Even the well, the village’s lifeline, bore signs of decay. Its stone walls were cracked, and the water within tasted faintly of iron, as though the sickness had poisoned even the earth. 

The sickness only worsened from there as fevers stole both the strongest and weakest, the oldest and youngest, with seemingly no pattern, leaving behind far too little with scars in the shape of coughs that lingered like unwelcome guests. They seemed to move through this dying world like ghosts, their footsteps quiet, their voices softer still. A people clinging to the remnants of a life they no longer believed in and no matter how many stories the elders told, their eyes stayed empty. At first, they blamed the river, its waters swollen and brackish after a summer storm. Then they blamed the traders who passed through, though fewer came with each year. The blame shifted like the wind, but the sickness stayed, digging its claws deeper with each passing season. The village had limped through years of disease, desperation a constant companion whispering in the ears of the villagers as they eventually turned their gaze to me.  

“Her,” they whispered. “It’s because of her.” 

They never said it to my face, of course. They feared me too much for that. When I walked through the market square, their conversations would drop into hushed tones, their gazes shifting quickly to the ground. Mothers pulled their children close as I passed, shielding them as if my shadow might curse them. The few merchants brave—or desperate—enough to trade with me kept their words clipped and their hands trembling as they handed over what I bought. I never bargained with them. I paid full price or not at all. It wasn’t charity. It was control. They’d seldom leave small offerings at my doorstep —half-eaten loaves of bread, broken beads, wilted flowers. Apologies, or perhaps bribes, to keep my wrath at bay. 

To them, I was an outsider, not because of where I came from but because of what I could do. They feared me, but they needed me, and that fragile thread had kept their hatred at bay for a while. 

But it wasn’t always this way. Once, I had been one of them, tolerated if not entirely accepted. My knowledge of herbs and remedies had been a boon when the sickness first came. I had eased their fevers, soothed their children’s aches, and kept the worst of it at bay for a time. But the lands were sick—sicker than any tincture or spell could fix—and my small successes weren’t enough. The people needed someone to blame, and it was easier to point to the witch who lived on the outskirts of the village than to face their own failures or the cruelty of the world. 

Their fear, though, was not entirely misplaced. 

I was no saint. My patience had worn thin years ago. The first time someone dared to accuse me outright, I made a spectacle of it. I hadn’t harmed them—no need to dirty my hands for a fool—but I had spoken their name during a storm, loud enough for the thunder to carry it, and left dried bones where they would find them. I let their imagination do the rest. The next morning, they left the village, and no one dared to follow. 

Now, they called me a monster behind closed doors, muttering their curses to their gods, but they still came to me when they had nowhere else to turn. When the children coughed too hard to breathe. When their crops failed, and they needed someone to tell them it wasn’t their fault. I helped them—sometimes—but not without reminding them of what I was capable of. They needed the fear as much as I needed them to feel it. 

For all their hatred, they couldn’t help themselves. It was easier to fear me than to admit their gods had abandoned them, that the sickness in the lands had no cure. 

Despite their fear, the village clung to its routines like a lifeline. The blacksmith’s hammer still rang out in the mornings, dull thuds echoing through the square. Children still played near the well, their laughter sharp and fleeting, as though they knew better than to let it linger. The temple bells still chimed at dusk, their hollow tones calling for prayers that no one truly believed would be answered. 

But beneath it all, the air was thick with tension, like the pause before a storm. The villagers had spent years shouldering their burdens, but even the strongest beams splinter under enough weight. And when they broke, they would come for me. 

The village was a place that could survive anything, but it would never thrive. It was a monument to endurance, a lesson in scarcity. It had stood against the odds for generations, but I could see the cracks spreading, could hear the creak of its foundations. These people had long since forgotten how to hope, how to dream. I’d watched it happen, year by year. All they knew now was fear. 

And fear, I had learned, could only be contained for so long. 

“Morning, Elder Kazu,” I said as I passed, my tone polite but edged with sharpness. My hands clutched the woven basket at my side, filled with bundles of herbs I had spent the morning collecting. The elder gave a stiff nod in return, but his jaw was tight, the corners of his mouth pulled downward. 

“Witch,” he said finally, his voice low, as though afraid it might carry. “The land suffers, and you—” He hesitated, his lips trembling before he found the courage to finish. “You walk as if it doesn’t touch you.” 

I stopped mid-step, turning to look at him. The others near the well froze, their eyes darting between the two of us like rabbits scenting a wolf. 

“You think I’m untouched?” I asked, keeping my voice calm, almost pleasant. I stepped closer, slow enough to watch him shift uncomfortably. “Tell me, Elder Kazu, how untouched I must be when you’ve come to me five times this year for teas to ease your cough? Or when your grandson came to me, pale as death, because nothing the temple priests did could break his fever?” 

Kazu’s jaw tightened further, and his fingers curled around the edge of his walking stick. “And I paid you for those things.” 

“Yes,” I said, my voice like silk. “You did.” 

I let the silence stretch, thick and suffocating. One of the other elders shuffled uncomfortably, the sound of his sandals scraping against the dirt breaking the quiet. 

“I’ve done no harm to you or this village, and yet you speak of me as though I brought the sickness upon the land myself.” I leaned in just slightly, enough to make Kazu stiffen. “Perhaps you should stop looking for devils in the shadows and instead ask why your gods have turned their backs on you.” 

The crowd around us sucked in a collective breath, their fear palpable. Kazu’s face turned red, anger mingling with something sharper, something he wouldn’t dare admit to himself: fear. 

I straightened and turned to go, my basket swaying lightly at my side. “Let me know if your grandson’s cough returns,” I said over my shoulder. “I wouldn’t want him to suffer for your pride.” 

Later that day, as I sat outside my small home on the outskirts of the village, I saw her approaching. I recognized her as one of the people in the crowd from earlier in the morning, she had been clutching the rosary at her chest as she watched the whole ordeal, shaking like a leaf. The woman’s steps were hesitant, her child clinging to her skirts. She wasn’t the first to come here, and she wouldn’t be the last. Still, I didn’t move, watching as she stopped a few feet away. 

“Please,” she said, her voice trembling. Her eyes darted around as though she feared being seen. “My son—he hasn’t been able to breathe all day. The priest said... said it’s in the hands of the gods now.” 

The boy’s face was pale, lips tinged blue, his breaths shallow and uneven. It was a cruel sight, one that tugged at the edges of my mind, though I wouldn’t show it. 

“And you think my hands will do better than theirs?” I asked, leaning back against the doorframe. My tone wasn’t kind, but neither was it cruel. It was deliberate. 

She hesitated, clutching the boy tighter. “Please,” she said again, desperation cracking her voice. “I’ll pay you.” 

I tilted my head slightly, letting the silence stretch just long enough for her fear to blossom. Then I stood and pushed the door open with a creak. “Bring him inside.” 

She hurried past me, her steps unsteady but driven by urgency. The child let out a wet, gasping cough as she lowered him onto the cot near the hearth. I ignored her trembling, focusing on the boy. He was far gone, but not beyond my reach. Not yet. 

“Wait outside,” I said, not bothering to look at her. “You’ll only make it worse.” 

She opened her mouth to protest but thought better of it, retreating reluctantly. The door creaked shut behind her, and I let out a slow breath. Alone at last. 

I crouched beside the boy, studying his face. His breathing was shallow, his small chest rising and falling unevenly. Reaching into my basket, I pulled out a bundle of herbs and laid them on the table, their pungent aroma filling the room. 

I worked quickly, grinding the leaves into a thick paste with a mortar and pestle. The rhythm of the grinding was steady, almost hypnotic. With a knife, I nicked my finger, letting a few drops of blood fall into the mixture. The paste hissed and darkened as my blood met the herbs, a faint shimmer rippling across the surface. 

“Breathe, child,” I murmured, my voice low and steady. “Breathe deep.” 

I smeared the paste across his chest, the dark substance soaking into his skin. His body jerked, his back arching slightly as his lungs fought against the weight pressing down on them. I closed my eyes, pressing a hand over his chest as I muttered an incantation under my breath. The words were old, their cadence sharp and commanding, filling the space with a thrumming energy that crackled in the air. 

The room grew still, the tension thick as the boy gasped suddenly, his breaths deep and ragged. The blue tint in his lips began to fade, replaced by a faint flush of color. His chest rose and fell evenly now, the rattling gone. 

I wiped my hands on a rag and sat back, watching him sleep. The paste on his chest had vanished, absorbed into his skin, leaving only the faintest trace of its presence. I felt the pull of exhaustion settle into my limbs, but it was a familiar weight, one I had learned to carry. 

The door creaked open, and the mother stepped inside. She froze when she saw him, her hands flying to her mouth. “He’s—” Her words broke into a sob as she dropped to her knees beside the cot, gathering the boy into her arms. 

She turned to me, tears streaming down her face. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “Thank you.” 

I should have known they wouldn’t leave it at whispers. Fear has a way of festering, and tonight, it seemed ready to boil over.  

It had only been hours since I sent the woman back on her way that I heard a knock at my door. It was sharp, relentless, and entirely unwelcome. 

I didn’t answer at first, letting it echo through the quiet of my home. Only a fool would come to my door so late, but then again, this village was full of fools. When the knocking didn’t stop, I sighed, setting aside the herbs I’d been drying by the hearth. The hour was late, and I wasn’t in the mood for their desperation tonight. 

When I opened the door, I was met with the gnarled face of Elder Kazu. Behind him stood three men, their faces half-hidden in the dim glow of lantern light, their expressions tight with unease. 

“Elder Kazu,” I said, my voice flat. “To what do I owe this intrusion?” 

The elder’s gaze darted past me, as if searching for something—or someone—inside. His knotted hands gripped his staff tightly, and his jaw was set with a determination I hadn’t seen before. Behind him, the men shifted uncomfortably, their fingers tightening around the tools they carried: a shovel, a rusted scythe, and a length of rope. 

“The child died,” Kazu said, his voice cracking like dry wood. “Despite your... efforts.” 

I stiffened, the words sinking like stones into my chest. The child from earlier. His mother had come to me, begging for help, and I had given it. My craft was strong, stronger than their faithless gods. But sometimes, even I could not bend fate. 

“And you think that’s my fault?” I asked, my voice calm, though I could feel the simmer of heat beneath it. 

“You said you healed him!” one of the men snarled, stepping forward. I recognized him—Hajime, the father of the boy. His face was twisted with grief, his eyes red-rimmed and wild. “You lied! You cursed him, just like you’ve cursed this whole village!” 

I met his glare, unflinching. “Your boy was dying when you brought him to me. I bought him time, nothing more. If you want to blame someone, blame the sickness in the land. Blame your gods for abandoning you.” 

Hajime surged forward, but Kazu caught him with a firm hand. “Enough!” the elder barked. His voice wavered but held enough authority to make Hajime fall back, trembling with fury. 

“It’s not just the boy,” Kazu said, turning back to me. His voice was quieter now, almost steady. “The crops failed again. The cattle are dying. More children are sick. And yet, here you stand, untouched. Unharmed.” 

I raised an eyebrow. “You think my survival is proof of guilt? Perhaps it’s just proof that I’m smarter than the rest of you.” 

That was the wrong thing to say. 

The men moved as one, lunging forward with clumsy but determined hands. I fought back, my nails raking across flesh as I twisted and kicked, but there were too many of them. Rope snaked around my wrists, biting into my skin as they wrenched my arms behind my back. Someone grabbed my hair, forcing my head down as they shoved me into the dirt. 

“Let go of me!” I snarled, my voice cutting through the night. “Do you think this will save you? Do you think your gods will return because you’ve tied up the only one who ever helped you?” 

“Quiet!” Kazu barked, his staff slamming into the ground with a dull thud. “We’ve had enough of your poison, witch. You’ll answer for what you’ve done.” 

They hauled me to my feet, the rope biting deeper as they dragged me into the square. My bare feet scraped against the ground, the cold seeping into my skin as the village came alive around us. Doors creaked open, faces peering out, and soon the square was full of murmurs and nameless faces. 

Shadows danced wildly across the thatched roofs of the village as torches flickered in trembling hands. They gathered around me like vultures circling a corpse, their whispers rising into a chant, fueled by fear and hatred that churned like poison in their veins. 

I stood in the center of it all, bound at the wrists, my face cloaked in shadow but my eyes unyielding. The ropes dug into my skin, rough and unrelenting, but I refused to show pain. My gaze swept over the crowd, unwavering, as if I were the one passing judgment. Their anger faltered when I looked at them—cowards, every last one of them. Some shifted uneasily, others clutched their children closer, as if I might lash out and curse them where they stood. 

“She brought this on us!” Kazu’s voice cracked like dry leaves, his bony finger trembling as it pointed in my direction. “The deaths! The sickness! It’s her witchcraft!” 

I tilted my head, letting the ghost of a smile curl my lips. “Witchcraft?” My voice was low, but it cut through the din like a blade. “Is that what you call your own failures?” 

The crowd rippled with unease, torches flickering as if the flames themselves feared me. I could almost taste their panic, a bitter tang that fed the growing ember of defiance in my chest. They wanted to blame me for everything that had gone wrong in their miserable little lives. They wanted a villain. And here I was, bound and ready to play the part. Their silence wasn’t just fear—it was a storm gathering strength, waiting to break.

“She has no shame!” a woman screeched, clutching her rosary so tightly it threatened to snap. “We must end this before her evil consumes us all!” 

The crowd closed in, their faces a blur of fear and hatred, their torches casting wild, flickering light. I felt the first tendrils of panic claw at my chest, but I shoved them down, keeping my gaze sharp and my spine straight. 

“If you think fire will save you,” I said, my voice ringing out over the square, “then you’ve already lost.” 

The words did little to calm them. If anything, it seemed to embolden them, their cries rising into a unified chant: “Burn her! Burn her!” 

Kazu raised a hand, silencing them with a single motion. “We’ll do nothing without the lord’s permission,” he said, his voice steady now. “Sukuna will decide her fate.” 

The name hung in the air, heavier than the smoke. Sukuna. The King of Curses. The monster who ruled over life and death in this land. I had heard the stories—the whispers of his cruelty, his insatiable hunger for destruction, his throne built on blood and fear. A chill ran through me at the thought of standing before him, but I didn’t flinch. Not here. Not now. 

The crowd parted as Kazu motioned for the men to drag me forward. My knees scraped against the dirt, my wrists burning against the rough rope. But I kept my head high, meeting their hateful glares with the same sharp defiance I always had. 

The forest loomed ahead, its shadows deep and foreboding, swallowing the torchlight as if even the trees feared the lord who reigned over this land. I kept my eyes forward as they pushed me forward, every step deliberate. Each one echoed my silent vow: If death awaited me at the end of this road, I would meet it standing tall. 

But deep in my chest, something stirred. Not hope—not even fear—but curiosity. A dark, creeping curiosity. If Sukuna was truly the monster they said he was, perhaps he would see what I already knew. That I didn’t belong in this crowd of cowards and fools. That my place wasn’t here, bound and powerless, but somewhere far greater. 

The flames of the torches dimmed as we disappeared into the forest’s embrace. With them went the last remnants of my old life. Whatever awaited me on the other side, I wouldn’t bow to it. Not to Sukuna, not to anyone. If the King of Curses wanted to break me, he’d need far more than rope and cowardly men. 

dividers by @strangergraphics

AUTHORS NOTE what better way to ring in the new year than posting the first chapter to a new series? Hope you enjoyed this one, my loves! More is coming very soon… hopefully 🩷🩷

TAGLIST @slutlight2ndver @surielstea @duhhitzstarr @arcanefeelings

[najia-cooks]

[ID: A greyish brown stew presented alongside flatbread, red pepper paste, green peppers, and carrot sticks. End ID]

سماقية / Summagiyya (Gazan stew with chard, chickpea, sumac, and 'lamb')

Summagiyya (سُمَّاقِيَّة; also translitered "sumagiyya", "sumaghiyyeh" or "sumaqiyya") is one of the signature dishes of the Gaza strip, in particular Gaza City. It consists of lamb, chard, and chickpeas in a sumac-infused broth; savor and zest is added by a dagga of dill seeds, garlic, and peppers, and nutty depth by a generous drizzle of red tahina. The resulting stew is thick, earthy, and slodgily grey (due to the green chard and red sumac)—it also has the characteristic sourness of much Gazan cuisine.

Summagiyya is most often prepared during holidays, especially Eid al-Fitr; it's an excellent make-ahead dish for these occasions, since it's even better once its flavors have had time to meld and mellow overnight. It is served cold alongside fresh vegetables, and eaten by using flatbread to scoop up each bite. This recipe provides a spiced seitan recipe to replace the lamb, but you may also use any lamb or beef substitute of your choice.

Today, summagiyya is often prepared with Israeli white tahina, as decades of punitive import laws, taxes, and restrictions have enforced Palestine's status as a consumer, rather than an producer, of food products. Israeli tariffs on, and confiscations of, Palestinian goods have forced those tahina factories that survived to import sesame seeds rather than using locally grown crops, even as they export the best of their product to Israel. The dubbing of foods such as tahina and hummus as culturally "Israeli" cuisine works to hide this exploitative relationship, and cement an Israeli national identity through the subsuming and erasure of Palestinian existence. It is for this reason that Emad Moussa writes that Palestinian cuisine has a role in "protecting against a people's very extinction."

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) has put out an urgent call for donations to provide medical supplies to Palestinian hospitals when supply lines reopen. Also contact your representatives in the USA, UK, and Canada.

Ingredients:

For the soup:

500g (2 large bunches) chard (شلق), diced

80g Levantine sumac berries (Rhus coriaria)

1/2 cup soaked and boiled chickpeas, mostly cooked (40g dry / scant 1/4 cup)

1/4 cup red tahina

1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour

1 large yellow onion

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tsp kosher salt

2 cardamom pods (optional)

2 allspice berries (optional)

More olive oil, to fry

Sumac berries can be found in the spice section of a halal grocery store. If you're unable to locate whole berries, pre-ground will do.

For the dagga:

1 1/2 Tbsp dill seeds

5 cloves garlic

1/2 green cubanelle pepper

2-3 dried red chilis (optional)

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp cumin

Dill seeds may be found at a halal, south Asian, or speciality European grocery store. They are commonly used in Indian food and as a pickling spice. At a south Asian grocery store they may be labelled soyo, suva, shepu, or savaa.

For the lamb:

1 cup (120g) vital wheat gluten, aka gluten flour

1/2 Tbsp ground sumac

1/2 tsp ground caraway

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp Palestinian 7-spice

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp ground aniseed

1/2 tsp turnermic

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp miso paste

2 cloves garlic, grated

2 tsp pomegranate molasses

1 Tbsp white or red tahina

About 1/2 cup vegetarian 'beef' stock from concentrate, or vegetable stock

Pomegranate molasses is simply pomegranate juice that has been reduced to a thick consistency. It may be found in the sauces section of a halal grocery store.

Instructions:

For the soup:

1. Soak dried chickpeas in cool water overnight, or in just-boiled water for an hour. Drain and re-cover with water, and boil for 30-45 minutes, until almost fully cooked. Drain and set aside.

2. Simmer sumac seeds in enough water to cover by a couple inches for about an hour, until the water is dark red. Blend the seeds and water together, then strain the mixture through a cheesecloth.

If you're using ground sumac, skip the blending step. Use a cheesecloth or very fine metal sieve (such as one intended for brewing tea) to remove the ground spice from the water.

3. Whisk the flour into the sumac-infused water.

For the lamb:

1. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add wet ingredients other than stock and stir briefly. Add enough stock to produce a soft, smooth dough.

2. Knead by hand on a clean surface, or put in a stand mixer with paddle attachment on medium-low, for about 5 minutes. You should see stringy strands begin to form in the dough.

3. Allow to rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes to encourage gluten formation. Knead for another 3 minutes. Do not over-knead.

4. Tear the dough into bite-sized pieces.

Stringy seitan being pulled apart into pieces.

You may also shape the dough into a slab and cube it with a sharp knife—the lamb or beef used in summagiyya is usually cubed—but I prefer the texture of torn seitan to sliced.

5. Steam the seitan pieces for 10 minutes in a bamboo steamer or using a metal steamer basket. Place the bamboo steamer in the bottom of a wok and cover its base by about 1/2" (1 cm), then raise the heat to boil the water; lower the heat to keep the water at a simmer. If using a steamer basket, place it over the opening of a pot containing a couple inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Start the timer when the water begins simmering.

6. Heat olive oil on medium-high and sear the steamed seitan pieces, turning as necessary, until deeply browned on all sides. Set aside.

Fried seitan pieces.

You can save a step here by searing the raw seitan, then returning it to the pot after you've fried the onions to simmer it rather than steaming. I found that this produced a mushier texture.

For the dagga (دقة):

1. Grind cumin and black pepper thoroughly in a mortar and pestle, then add dried red pepper and dill seed and crush coarsely. Add green sweet pepper and garlic and pound until a coarse mixture forms.

Dill seeds, green sweet pepper, garlic, and dried red chili on a cutting board, alongside dagga in a large granite mortar.

You may also use a spice mill or food processor.

To assemble:

1. Chop the onion. Wash the chard and slice it thinly in one direction; turn it ninety degrees and slice thinly again.

Diced chard, fried seitan, dagga, and sumac-infused water with flour.

2. In a large pot, heat a couple tablespoons of olive oil on medium. Fry chopped onion, cardamom pods, and allspice berries for a minute until fragrant. Add half of the dagga and fry until fragrant.

3. Add chard and fry, mixing often, until wilted.

Wilted chard in a wok.

4. Add sumac mixture, chickpeas, and water to cover. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer. If you didn't steam your seitan earlier, add it now.

5. Continue to stir and simmer until the stew is thick, homogenous, and greyish-brown, about 15 minutes.

Simmered stew.

6. Add the remainder of the garlic mixture, the red tahina, a pinch of ground cumin, the 1/4 cup olive oil, and salt to taste. Return the steamed and seared seitan to the pot and mix.

Serve cool with flatbread, sweet green peppers, bitter green and black olives, carrots, leafy greens, and/or pickles.

[ghettogardener]

We can get through this...Gardening can help.

Y'all...how we getting through this next four years? How are we going to survive, let alone thrive?

I honestly have no idea and I am scared, but I have decided that all I can do is keep things right in my household and get back to basics.

I'm not spending my money in Trump's economy. It feels unstable and I think we are going to need every penny we have tucked away from the just in-case-ies.

All that being said. I have decided to start cooking at home more, making our bread, buying basic foods in bulk, significantly less eating out, that type of thing.

I am also going to start my seeds earlier this year. I think being able to grow a few staples, tomatoes, lettuces, maybe onions and potatoes, a few peppers. Nothing too crazy. Every year I aim too high and I spread my ADHD self too thin. I am going to focus on just a few crops and a clean and tidy yard.

I refuse to cave to these upcoming dark times. I will protect my mental health. I will garden, I will create things. I will teach myself macrame and make myself read all of the books I have bought over the years and never touched again.

Like, I bought a macrame book and some different sized ropes a few years ago...never tried to make even one thing! Well, not any more! I'm making shit!

The next four years are going to be the apex of growth in my household and I hope your's too!

Be safe everyone! I love you!

(neither of those pictures are mine, they are both aspirations)

[balkanradfem]

So, I've been reading 'Seeds of Hope' by Jane Goodall, because I am curious to what other people are saying about plants, and this book truly delivered. I've been introduced to some past plant drama in the world and that was incredible lore that should have been taught in history.

Apparently, when people first discovered tulips, they were so intensely valuable and popular, that people would trade huge amounts of money, diamonds, or even acres of land, for just one bulb. People were pre-paying for bulbs that didn't even exist yet, they would pre-order bulbs that are not yet even made. One servant ate a bulb thinking it was an onion and he got jail time for it. And I mean they're all correct, tulips just are that good.

There was also a lot of, much sadder drama about orchids; I didn't know this, but they originally grow very high up in the trees, and people were competing for discovering new and rare species. These rare and exotic species would then be displayed in rich people's gardens. Because they became so valuable, poachers would go trough the forests and take almost all of the orchids in there, making them near extinct in nature. This was resolved by orchid gardeners carefully growing them, multiplying and sharing to the point where they were sold commercially, which lessened their value on the black market, so there was no need to pillage them from the forests anymore. Growing rare plants is protection of them!

The book goes on to talk about botanic gardens, herbariums, and the value of collecting and archiving plant material, which is then showing us the effects of climate change, and stores valuable information about what is happening to the plants. It made me want to start a herbarium for sure, I'm always stressed about the loss of local plants, and it's happening more and more as green areas are cleared out.

The book touches upon plants that people have found harmful, such as plants that people make drugs out of; she clears it out to us that these plants are sacred to the native people who grew up with them, and creating drugs from them is in fact, abuse of these plants, and offensive to the communities who hold them sacred, and use them in appropriate doses as medicine. The book talks a lot about plant medicine! Apparently the pharmacy companies have been learning the knowledge about medicinal plants from native people who knew how to use plant medicine, and then the pharmacy would make medicine from those same plants, and profit off of it, without giving any credit or profit to the communities they got this knowledge from, which is not great. But then the demand for this medicine would go so high, they would go and gather all, or almost all medicinal plants from the areas where native people lived, devastating their medical supplies and natural habitats. Book goes on to question the ethics of acquiring medicine in this way, and never informing people where it came from, or what was sacrifices in order for the world to have it.

Similar things happened with valuable crops that are grown in native areas; once the demand for these crops grew, big monocrop fields were established, damaging the land and the local ecosystem, killing millions of animals who lived there, and sometimes forcing people or children into modern slavery, in order to grow them. Coffee, cocoa beans, vanilla beans, palm oil; they've been described as specifically devastating for the communities and the environment. But the book doesn't condemn these foods at all, instead the author goes on to describe, what has been done to improve this. Instead of monocrops, which are devastating for the environment, people are now taught to grow fruit trees in the same fields as coffee, which makes the coffee plants healthier and stronger, and creates and environment where some plants and animals can thrive. I personally don't believe you should have only 2 or 3 plants in a big area, I think you need about 3 millions, but it's a progress from monocrops.

The author describes finding and helping the local farmers who found ways to healthy, natural and non-damaging growing of these plants, and she helped them sell it! She also encourages buying organic food because it helps if the demand for non-monocrop food is growing.

Now there's a section of the book standing strongly against GMO foods, and for some reason I never heard any arguments against gmo, I didn't understand much about the harm coming from them, so I was very curious to hear this. The author explained how 47 million dollars was spent just for lobbying for GMO, which explains why all my information on gmo was positive, and I remember hearing it was 'the best way to reduce world hunger', but the world hunger is still a problem, so it obviously did not succeed. But now I have a better understanding of what it is.

GMO foods were specifically developed to have pesticides inside of them, so they'd be poisonous to pests, but not to people eating them. The research on whether they're poisonous to animals showed that the animals who ate them long term, had their inner organs irritated, enlarged, stomach infections, and had higher risk of cancer. So it was not proven to be safe, but it ended up in the stores anyway; the author says that about 70% of food in american supermarkets has unlabelled gmo, which is scary to think about. She also explains that this is the reason so many people in america are now trying to grow food at home, they don't want to be poisoned by pesticides.

GMO foods were specifically designed to support monocrops, and to protect them pests; this worked out in creating more and more bugs that are resistant to the pesticides, and farmers have reported the appearance of 'superbugs', which are resistant to any kind of pesticide. There's now also 'superweeds', which are resistant to herbicide. The industry is trying to develop new pesticides and new herbicides, in order to counter these new problems, but it is obvious that they're only sinking deeper and deeper; monocrops are unsustainable. Poisoning the earth and the plants, and even the seeds, is not going to lead to the end of world hunger. Farmers are often ending up losing their entire farms due to new bugs that are now thriving because all of their competition has been eliminated by pesticides, they're now the only bug and they can eat up the entire crop easily.

The other problem of GMO crops is that they're spreading their seeds and mixing with the natural crops, making them into GMO crops as well. According to the author the canola crops has already been lost, now all canola existing is genetically modified.

I'm dissatisfied with this knowledge, but it's better to know and be aware rather than to be in the dark. The author suggests designing living spaces that have gardens in them, and encouraging local community to garden, as well as planting city gardens, where food would grow for everyone. She goes on to describe the efforts of universities and cities who already had built their own living gardens in order to support the community, and how it worked to create a more beautiful, life-sustaining, happier place. She even explained how having local gardens makes the crime rate lower.

I loved this book, it had the environment awareness that can only be compared to Greta Thunberg's book, it described trees and plants so lovingly, and the connection people have with them. It showed me there's so many people fighting to save the forests and grasslands and native plants, and it's an effort that will make a big difference to how we get to live on this planet in the future.

[soup-her-naturals]

Season 1 Episode 1: Pilot

Quote of the ep: No chick flick moments

Rating: 0/6 on the Kinsey Scale

Soup: Paprika-zucchini soup, inspired by Mary and girlfriend being OBLITERATED on the ceiling, which this soup can do to your guts if you add more heat with tabasco or whatever

Ingredience:

Onion (1-2)

Garlic (4 cloves)

Bell peppers (2)

Zucchini (2)

Tomatoes (4)

Carrot (1)

Bouillon (1 cube per 0.5 L water)

Smoked paprika powder

Salt

Pepper

Thyme

Parsley

Creme fraiche (125 mL)

What to do:

Chop everything up, also skin the carrot. Don't forget to boil water Saute the onion in a lil oil until glassy, then add the garlic and carrot. Add the bell pepper and zucchini, stir for like 5 mins. Add tomatoes and add ur herbs and spices. I'm not adding amounts because I just eyeball it (add a lot). Add water and bouillon (however much u want, make it thicc or thin but make it nice), boil for 15 mins. Add creme fraiche and puree to completion. Serve with parsley as garnish and chuck some 'basco in there. Enjoy!

Now for the Review:

Honestly the opening of the pilot was so good. They ate so much with the monster of the week format, and the pilot really sticks to that. You set the scene with the happy American family and BOOM mom's on fire on the ceiling? Who dunnit! It's so dramatic with the room EXPLODING (her pussy popped, severely). It's so over the top it's basically drag at this point.

Kinda cute how they mirror the happy family moment with Sam and his girlfriend (I am not ashamed I forgot her name immediately, I have worked 10 h without pissing today, and why the fuck does her Smurf crop top have a boob slit) which may be a good indicator that she's gonna super die in the next 5 minutes. So many women in this fridge they're gonna need a walk-in!

Dean coming in with the 'Dad's on a hunting trip and he hasn't been home in a few days' is a nice opener too. We all have a concept of what hunting is I guess but What Does That Mean in This Context. Then Sam chiming in with 'what was he hunting?' and off they pop with a shit ton of weapons.

I remember being intrigued by the woman in white because when I first watched this that my region has a lot of folklore regarding lady ghosts including women in white, though they are often a lot cuntier tbh. It's cool that the thing she says parallels 'dad hasn't been home' except it's 'I can never go home,' and she tries to lure dudes to her house with her. In a way the boys will never be able to go home either due to their huntership.

Love that they chose Mulder and Scully for their aliases, also a classic series I'd like to rewatch.

God they really made Sam a nerd for telling a goth chick that her pentagram is not rebellious at all but PrOtEcTiOn aGaInSt eViL SpIrItS. If he went to a real school as a kid he should've been put in a locker.

GHOST CAR is an element I forgot happened right off the bat in the pilot. It's a good way to establish that Car should not be meddled with lest the weekly spook shall face Dean Winchester's wrath.

"No chick flick moments." We get it, you're a man. Talking feelings is a no-go. The performative masculinity is appropriate for the zeitgeist but nowadays we talk about our feelings because we're not catholic anymore Daniel. -> proceed to create Chick Flick - the show for boys

Sam coming in with the hard questions: "have you heard of a white women?" the guy: "you think. THAT has something to do with ❤ Constance ❤ Begone Thot 🔪" Thank god white women aren't real

ok one thing I find kinda stupid that they have to explain Da Rules for every new monster thing they introduce, like how ghosts will eventually be established to be weak against salt and iron or whatever. I get it for the monster-of-the-week format but these guys are supposedly life-long hunters so they must know how to deal with the various things that go bump in the night.

Do we think the majority of the pilot budget went into the OBLITERATION scene for the woman in white being reunited with her kids? It looked like some nice practical effects along with... maybe a lot of CGI for that time?

Jess is the girlfriend's name and she has been obliterated. Not enough budget remaining to explode another house on-screen it seems. RIP in fucking pieces babe, at least you didn't have to act with Padelecki anymore after this.

Very fun pilot, they really managed to intrigue. Rated 0/6 on the Kinsey scale <3

[gardeningloverfamily]

Introduction to Gardening for Beginners

Gardening is a rewarding and therapeutic hobby that can transform your outdoor or indoor space into a thriving sanctuary of plants, flowers, and vegetables. Whether you aim to create an English cottage garden, grow organic flowers, or cultivate a vegetable garden, starting as a beginner can be both exciting and overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the best way to start a garden, covering everything from selecting plants to understanding garden design principles.

Understanding Your Space

Before you begin planting, it's crucial to understand the space you have available. Whether you're planning an indoor garden, an English cottage garden, or a vegetable garden, the key is to assess the light, soil, and space conditions.

Indoor Gardens

For those interested in indoor gardening, consider the amount of natural light your home receives. South-facing windows are ideal for most houseplants, providing ample light throughout the day. If your space lacks natural light, consider investing in grow lights.

Outdoor Gardens

Outdoor gardening requires an assessment of your yard or garden plot. Observe how much sunlight different areas receive, noting which spots are in full sun, partial shade, or full shade. This information will guide your plant selection, ensuring you choose plants suited to your garden's conditions.

Choosing the Right Plants

Selecting the right plants is vital for a successful garden. As a beginner, start with plants that are easy to grow and maintain.

Easy Indoor Plants

Spider Plant: Hardy and adaptable, perfect for beginners.

Pothos: Low maintenance and can thrive in low light.

Snake Plant: Tolerant of neglect and ideal for low light conditions.

Succulents: Require minimal watering and are great for sunny windowsills.

Easy Outdoor Plants

Marigolds: Bright, cheerful flowers that are easy to grow from seed.

Sunflowers: Fast-growing and visually striking.

Lettuce: Quick to grow and perfect for salads.

Tomatoes: Popular and rewarding, providing fresh produce for your kitchen.

Garden Design Principles

Designing your garden involves more than just planting; it requires planning and understanding some basic design principles.

English Cottage Garden

An English cottage garden is characterized by its informal, densely planted flower beds. To achieve this look, mix various flowers, herbs, and vegetables, ensuring a continuous bloom throughout the growing season.

Plant Variety: Combine perennials, annuals, and biennials for a dynamic and colorful display.

Pathways: Create charming, winding paths using natural materials like stone or gravel.

Focal Points: Incorporate elements like arbors, benches, or birdbaths to add interest and structure.

Vegetable Garden

A vegetable garden can be both beautiful and productive. Consider the following tips:

Raised Beds: Ideal for beginners as they improve drainage, reduce weeds, and make planting and harvesting easier.

Companion Planting: Grow plants together that benefit each other, such as tomatoes with basil or carrots with onions.

Succession Planting: Maximize your garden’s yield by planting different crops in the same area throughout the year.

Gardening Tools and Supplies

Having the right tools can make gardening more enjoyable and efficient. Here are some essential gardening tools for beginners:

Hand Trowel: Perfect for planting and transplanting small plants.

Pruning Shears: Essential for trimming and shaping plants.

Garden Gloves: Protect your hands from thorns, dirt, and blisters.

Watering Can/Hose: Ensure your plants get adequate water, especially during dry spells.

Garden Fork: Useful for turning soil and mixing in compost.

Preparing the Soil

Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Here’s how to prepare your soil:

Test Your Soil: Determine your soil’s pH and nutrient levels using a soil test kit.

Amend the Soil: Based on your soil test results, add compost, manure, or other organic matter to improve soil fertility and structure.

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Planting Techniques

Understanding proper planting techniques will ensure your plants establish well and thrive.

Spacing: Follow the recommended spacing guidelines for each plant to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth.

Planting Depth: Ensure seeds and transplants are planted at the correct depth, typically indicated on seed packets or plant tags.

Watering: Water your plants thoroughly after planting to help them settle into their new environment.

Caring for Your Garden

Regular maintenance is crucial for a healthy and productive garden. Here are some tips for ongoing garden care:

Watering: Consistent watering is essential, especially for young plants. Water in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation.

Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

Fertilizing: Feed your plants with organic fertilizers according to their specific needs.

Pest Control: Monitor for pests and diseases. Use organic pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects or using natural sprays.

Indoor Plant Care

For indoor plants, consider the following care tips:

Lighting: Ensure your plants receive the appropriate amount of light. Rotate plants regularly for even growth.

Watering: Avoid overwatering by checking soil moisture before watering. Most houseplants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings.

Humidity: Increase humidity for tropical plants by misting them or placing them on a humidity tray.

Repotting: Repot your plants when they outgrow their containers to provide more space for root growth.

Creating a Sustainable Garden

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in gardening. Here are some ways to create an eco-friendly garden:

Composting: Recycle kitchen scraps and garden waste to create nutrient-rich compost.

Rainwater Harvesting: Collect rainwater in barrels to reduce water usage.

Native Plants: Choose native plants that are adapted to your local climate and require less maintenance.

Organic Practices: Avoid synthetic chemicals and opt for organic fertilizers and pest control methods.

Inspiration from Botanical Gardens

Visiting botanical gardens can provide inspiration and ideas for your own garden. Here are some famous botanical gardens to explore:

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (UK): Known for its diverse plant collections and stunning landscapes.

New York Botanical Garden (USA): Offers a wide variety of plant species and themed gardens.

Singapore Botanic Gardens (Singapore): Features tropical flora and the iconic National Orchid Garden.

Butchart Gardens (Canada): Famous for its beautifully designed flower displays and themed gardens.

Connecting with the Gardening Community

Joining the gardening community can provide support, advice, and inspiration. Here are some ways to connect:

Local Gardening Clubs: Join clubs to meet other gardeners and participate in events and workshops.

Online Forums: Engage in online gardening forums and social media groups like the #houseplantcommunity or #gardeningtips.

Garden Shows: Attend garden shows and expos to learn from experts and discover new plants and tools.

Conclusion

Starting a garden as a beginner can be a fulfilling journey that enhances your connection with nature and provides a sense of accomplishment. By understanding your space, choosing the right plants, designing thoughtfully, using proper tools, and maintaining your garden diligently, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden. Embrace the learning process, seek inspiration, and connect with the gardening community to grow your gardening skills and enjoy the many benefits this hobby offers.

Additional Tips and Resources

To further assist you on your gardening journey, here are some additional tips and resources:

Gardening Books for Beginners

"The Vegetable Gardener's Bible" by Edward C. Smith: Comprehensive guide on growing vegetables.

"The Flower Gardener's Bible" by Lewis Hill and Nancy Hill: Detailed instructions on flower gardening.

"Indoor Gardening: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Grow Beautiful Plants in Your Home" by Leslie F. Halleck: Focuses on indoor gardening techniques.

Gardening Magazines and Websites

Garden Gate Magazine: Offers gardening tips, plant profiles, and design ideas.

Fine Gardening: Provides expert advice on all aspects of gardening.

Royal Horticultural Society (RHS): Wealth of information on plants, gardening techniques, and garden design.

Gardening Apps

PlantSnap: Helps identify plants and provides care instructions.

Garden Answers: Allows you to ask gardening questions and receive expert advice.

GrowIt!: Connects you with local gardeners and offers plant recommendations.

Getting Started: Step-by-Step Guide

To summarize, here's a step-by-step guide to help you start your garden:

Assess Your Space: Determine light conditions, soil type, and available space.

Choose Plants: Select easy-to-grow plants suited to your environment.

Design Your Garden: Plan your layout, considering aesthetics and plant needs.

Prepare the Soil: Test and amend your soil to ensure optimal growing conditions.

Plant: Follow proper planting techniques for healthy establishment.

Maintain: Water, weed, fertilize, and monitor for pests regularly.

Learn and Connect: Continue learning through books, magazines, and the gardening community.

By following these steps and utilizing the resources provided, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and thriving garden.

[newpacificislander]

February Garden Update: Preparing for the Growing Season

As February comes to a close, it's been a busy time in the garden! While winter is still hanging around, it's the perfect month to start preparing for the spring growing season. Here’s what we’ve accomplished so far and what’s still on the to-do list.

Garden Tasks Completed in February

Clearing Beds – We’ve been hard at work removing debris, old plant material, and weeds from the raised beds to prepare for new plantings. This is an essential step to prevent diseases and pests from overwintering in the garden.

Adding Compost – To enrich the soil, we added a fresh layer of compost to the garden beds. This will provide essential nutrients for the plants and improve soil structure for the upcoming season.

Installing Low Tunnel Row Covers – With unpredictable late-winter weather, row covers are essential for protecting early plantings. These tunnels help regulate temperature, keep moisture levels stable, and prevent frost damage to tender seedlings.

Starting Seedlings Under Lights – Indoor seed-starting is in full swing! So far, we have sown brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale), onions, artichokes, peas, cilantro, parsley, lettuce, and spinach. These seedlings are growing on heat mats under lights, preparing to be transplanted into the garden as soon as it warms up.

Garden Tasks Still to Do

Transplanting the Raspberry Pots – The raspberry canes are still in their pots, waiting to be transplanted into their permanent location. This needs to be done soon to ensure they establish strong roots before the growing season begins.

Clearing the Strawberry Patch – While the strawberry plants have survived the winter, the patch is in need of some serious cleanup. Removing dead leaves and runners will encourage healthy new growth and better fruit production in the coming months.

Transplanting Seedlings – As soon as the temperatures stabilize, we’ll be moving our indoor seedlings out into the garden beds. The row covers will help them transition from their indoor environment to outdoor conditions.

Starting More Seedlings – Next up on the seed-starting list: tomatoes, peppers, beets, chard, and tomatillos. These warm-season crops need a head start indoors before they can be transplanted after the last frost.

[brookston]

Holidays 3.13

Holidays

Africa Scout Day

Anniversary of the Election of Pope Francis (Vatican City)

Blame Someone Else Day

Burgsonndeg (Bonfire Day; Luxembourg)

Donald Duck Day

Dribble to Work Day

Earmuffs Day

Estatuto de Autonomía de Melilla (Spain)

Good Samaritan Involvement Day

Hubbard Day (a.k.a. L. Ron Hubbard Day; Scientology)

International Agunah Day

International Every Girl Wins Day

Intrauterine Growth Restriction Awareness Day

IUGAR (Isra-Uterine Growth Awareness Restriction) Day

Ken Day

K-9 Veterans Day

Lucky Penny Day

Marie Day

MAR13 Day (Splatooon)

National Bystander Awareness Day (UK)

National Day (Holy See)

National Dermatologist Day

National Exclamation Point Day

National Good Samaritan Day

National Jewel Day

National Open An Umbrella Indoors Day

National Smart & Sexy Day

Palestinian National Culture Day

Planet Pluto Day

Purification Day (Bali)

Religious Freedom Day

Smart & Sexy Day

Striptease Day

Swiftie Day

313 Day

Trisomy 13 Awareness Day

Uranus Day

World Delirium Awareness Day

World Erica Day (Nigeria)

World Rotaract Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Chicken Nuggets Day

Earl Grey Tea Day

National Chicken Noodle Soup Day

National Coconut Torte Day

National Ginger Ale Day

World Riesling Day

Nature Celebrations

Day Lilly Day (The Oblivion of Love; Korean Flower Days)

National Sheep Day

National Thai Elephant Day (Thailand)

Scurvy-Grass Day (French Republic)

Independence, Flag & Related Days

Autonomy Day (Melilla, Spain)

Duhok Liberation Day (Iraqi Kurdistan)

Marhaenia (Declared; 2023) [unrecognized]

Mexico-Tenochtitlan Foundation Day (Mexico)

South Maudlandia (Declared; 2015) [unrecognized]

Taranaki Province Day (New Zealand)

Tenochtitlan Foundation Day (Mexico; 1325)

2nd Thursday in March

International School Meals Day [2nd Thursday]

Popcorn Lovers Day [2nd Thursday]

Railroad Day [2nd Thursday]

Thirsty Thursday [Every Thursday]

Thoughtful Thursday [2nd Thursday of Each Month]

Three for Thursday [Every Thursday]

Thrift Store Thursday [Every Thursday]

Throwback Thursday [Every Thursday]

Toast Thursday [2nd Thursday of Each Month]

World Kidney Day [2nd Thursday]

Weekly Holidays beginning March 13 (2nd Week of March)

Taste Washington Week (Seattle, Washington) [thru 3.17]

Festivals On or Beginning March 13, 2025

AKC National Agility Championship (Tulsa, Oklahoma) [thru 3.16]

Brussels Book Fair (Brussels, Belgium) [thru 3.16]

Frozen Dead Guys Day (Estes Park, Colorado) [thru 3.16]

Future Food-Tech (San Francisco, California) [thru 3.14]

Sofia International Film Festival (Sofia, Bulgaria) [thru 3.31]

The WhiskyX (Atlanta, Georgia)

WiVi: Central Coast (Paso Robles, California)

Feast Days

Ansovinus of Camerino (Christian; Saint) [Crops, Harvests]

Antisthenes (Positivist; Saint)

Cthulhu Contemplation Day (Pastafarian)

Day of Oath to the Earth (Pagan)

Day of the Picts (Celtic Book of Days)

The Dragon (Muppetism)

Euphrasia of Constantinople (Christian; Saint)

Feast of Tropicalismo (Brazil)

Firesign Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Gerald of Mayo (Christian; Saint)

Heldrad (Christian; Saint)

James Theodore Holly (Episcopal Church (USA))

Kasuga Matsuri (Monkey Festival; Japan)

Kennocha of Scotland (Christian; Saint)

Leander of Seville (Christian; Saint)

Leticia (Christian; Saint)

Mochoemoc, Abbot in Ireland (Christian; Saint)

Nicephorus, Patriarch of Constantinople (Christian; Saint)

Protection From Bad Luck Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days) [Put apples or onions in the corner of each room until the turn black, then bury them far away from your home]

Roderic and Solomon (Christian; Martyrs)

Roderick (Christian; Saint)

Sticking Very Close Together for Fairies of the Forth and Fifth Flights (Shamanism)

Theophanes (Christian; Saint)

Full Moon [3rd of the Year] (a.k.a. ... 

Big Famine Moon (Choctaw)

Chase Moon (England, Wicca)

Death Moon (Neo-Pagan)

Crow Comes Back Moon (Traditional)

Dolyatra (Powder Festival; India; Hinduism) [3rd Lunar Full Moon]

Fish Moon (Colonial)

Harvest Moon (South Africa)

Magha Puja Day (Buddhist All Saints Day) [Full Moon Day of 3rd Lunar Month]

Makha Bucha (Festival Celebrating the Concept of an Ideal Community; Buddhism; Thailand) [3rd Lunar Full Moon]

Sap Moon (Alternate, North America)

Sleepy Moon (China)

Sore Eyes Moon (Traditional)

Southern Hemisphere: Corn, Harvest

Strong Winds Moon (Traditional)

Sugar Moon (Traditional)

Windy Moon (Cherokee)

Winds Moon (Celtic)

Worm Moon (American Indian, Traditional)

Holi (Hinduism) (a.k.a. ... 

Dhuleti

Dolapurnima

Dolijatra

Festival of Color

Festival of Love

Festival of Spring

Holika Dahan

Holi Phagwah (Surinam)

Phagu Purnima (Nepal)

Phagwah (Guyana, India, Nepal, Suriname)

Hebrew Calendar Holidays [Begins at Sundown Day Before]

Purim (Judaism) [13-14 Adar] (begins at sundown) a.k.a. ... 

Fast of Esther;

Survival Celebration

Ta' Anit Ester

Lunar Calendar Holidays

Chinese: Month 2 (Ji-Mao), Day 14 (Xin-Si)

Day Pillar: Metal Snake

12-Day Officers/12 Gods: Full Day (满 Man) [Inauspicious]

Holidays: None Known

Secular Saints Days

Hans Bellmer (Art)

Andrée Bosquet (Art)

Georges de La Tour (Art)

William Glackens (Art)

Hans Fredrik Gude (Art)

Roy Haynes (Music)

Al Jaffee (Art)

Sammy Kaye (Music)

Percival Lowell (Science)

William H. Macy (Entertainment)

W. O. Mitchell (Literature)

Joseph Priestley (Science)

Neil Sedaka (Music)

George Seferis (Literature)

Karl Friedrich Schinkel (Art)

John H. Van Vleck (Science)

Alexej von Jawlensky (Art)

Hugh Walpole (Literature)

Hugo Wolf (Music)

Johann Zoffany (Art)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Lucky Day for Witches (Everyday Wicca)

Sakimake (先負 Japan) [Bad luck in the morning, good luck in the afternoon.]

Uncyclopedia Bad to Be Born Today (because it’s Satan’s birthday.)

Premieres

All for a Bride (Aesop’s Film Fables Cartoon; 1927)

Apollo 10-1/2: A Space Age Childhood (Animated Film; 2022)

At Swim-Two-Birds, by Flann O'Brien (Novel; 1939)

The Auto (Eclair Journal Cartoon; 1913)

Back to Black, by Amy Winehouse (Album; 2007)

The Bends, by Radiohead (Album; 1995)

Birds in the Spring (Silly Symphony Disney Cartoon; 1933)

Blackboard Revue (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1940)

Boris Burgles Again or Sinner Take All (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S1, Ep. 31; 1960)

Bright Lights (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1928)

Bugs and Thugs (WB LT Cartoon; 1954)

Cannibal Capers (Disney Cartoon; 1930)

Danger Ahead or Watch Out For Falling Rockys (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S1, Ep. 32; 1960)

Eclair Journal Cartoon Series (Emile Cohl; 1913)

Elvis Presley, by Elvis Presley (Album; 1956)

Fleets of Stren’th (Fleischer Popeye Cartoon; 1942)

Frozen Fever (Disney Cartoon; 2015)

The Gold Bricks, Parts 3 & 4 (Underdog Cartoon, S1, Eps. 47 & 48 1965)

The Grey Fox (Film; 1983)

Harvard University (School; 1639)

Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison (Film; 1957)

Howard’s End (Film; 1992)

I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream, by Harlan Ellison (Short Stories; 1967)

A Hick, a Slick, and a Chick (WB MM Cartoon; 1948)

I’m Just a Bill (America Rocks Cartoon; Schoolhouse Rock; 1976)

Kissing Jessica Stein (Film; 2002)

Krazy Kat — Bugologist (Hearst-Vitagraph News Pictorial Cartoon; 1916)

The Little Stranger (Color Classic Cartoon; 1936)

Little Tough Mice (a.k.a. Crime Buster; Baby-Face Mouse Car-Tune Cartoon; 1939)

Local Talent (Life Cartoon Comedy Cartoon; 1927)

The Love Bug (Film; 1969)

Lucky Man, by Emerson, Lake and Palmer (Song; 1971)

The Lumber Champ (Pooch the Pup Cartoon; 1933)

Making An Example of Him (Hearst-Pathe News Cartoon; 1918)

Mean, by Taylor Swift (Song; 2011)

Monkey Love (Columbia Favorites Cartoon; 1952)

My Cousin Vinny (Film; 1992)

The Myth of the Eternal Return or, Cosmos and History, by Mircea Eliade (Philosophy Book; 1949)

The New Adventures of Old Christine (TV Series; 2006)

Œdipe or Oedipe, by George Enescu (Opera; 1936)

The Pink of Arabee (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1976)

Psychedelic Pink (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1968)

Put Your Hand in the Hand, by Ocean (Song; 1971)

Raising Arizona (Film; 1987)

Ransom (Film; 1974)

Saddle Sore Woody (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1964)

Scooby-Doo! Music of the Vampire (WB Animated Film; 2012)

The Searchers (Film; 1956)

Shakes the Clown (Film; 1992)

The Skating Fool (Goldwyn-International Comics Cartoon; 1921)

Snow Time (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1938)

Song and Dance Man (Film; 1936)

Song of the Islands (Film; 1942)

Strange Magic, by Electric Light Orchestra (Song; 1976)

Striptease (1st Public Striptease; Paris, France; 1894)

Sunshine Cleaning (Film; 2009)

Swimming to Cambodia (Film; 1987)

Swim or Sink (Betty Boop Cartoon; 1932)

Tired of Waiting, by The Kinks (Song; 1965)

T.J. Hooker (TV Series; 1982)

The Two Presidents (Eclair Journal Cartoon; 1913)

Vanishing Point (Film; 1971)

Woodland Cafe (Silly Symphony Disney Cartoon; 1937)

The Wrecking Crew! (Documentary Film; 2015)

Today’s Name Days

Judith, Leander, Pauline (Austria)

Nikifor (Bułgaria)

Kristina, Patricija, Ratka, Rozalija, Sabina (Croatia)

Růžena (Czech Republic)

Macedonius (Denmark)

Erni, Ernits, Erno, Ernst (Estonia)

Ernesti, Erno, Tarvo (Finland)

Rodrigue (France)

Judith, Leander, Pauline (Germany)

Leandros, Marios (Greece)

Ajtony, Krisztián (Hungary)

Arrigo, Eufrasia, Letizia, Rodrigo (Italy)

Balvis, Ernests (Latvia)

Kristina, Liutauras, Teodora, Vaidilė (Lithuania)

Greta, Grete (Norway)

Bożena, Ernest, Ernestyn, Kasjan, Krystyna, Marek, Roderyk, Rodryg, Rodryk, Trzebisław (Poland)

Ipomoni, Nichifor (Romania)

Vlastimil (Slovakia)

Cristina, Ramiro, Rodrigo, Salomón (Spain)

Greger (Sweden)

Anina (Ukrainę)

Pluto, Rod, Rodd, Roderica, Roderick, Rodney, Rodrigo, Solomon (USA)

Today’s National Name Days

A Day for Jake

National Neil Day

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 72 of 2025; 293 days remaining in the year

ISO Week: Day 4 of Week 11 of 2025

Celtic Tree Calendar: Fearn (Alder) [Day 16 of 28]

Chinese: Month 2 (Ji-Mao), Day 14 (Xin-Si)

Chinese Year of the: Snake 4723 (until February 17, 2026) [Ding-Chou]

Coptic: 4 Baramhat 1741

Druid Tree Calendar: Lime (Mar 11-20) [Day 3 of 10]

Hebrew: 13 Adar 5785

Islamic: 13 Ramadan 1446

Julian: 28 February 2025

Moon: 100%: Full Moon

Positivist: 16 Aristotle (3rd Month) [Antisthenes]

Runic Half Month: Beore (Birch Tree) [Day 6 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 83 of 90)

SUn Calendar: 12 Green; Fryday [12 of 30]

Week: 2nd Week of March

Zodiac:

Tropical (Typical) Zodiac: Aquarius (Day 23 of 30)

Sidereal Zodiac: Aquarius (Day 29 of 30)

Schmidt Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 20 of 27)

IAU Boundaries (Current) Zodiac: Pisces (Day 2 of 38)

IAU Boundaries (1977) Zodiac: Pisces (Day 2 of 38)

[melliotwrites]

are you working on a musical/play currently? if so when will it be out on youtube (if you know)

We are currently hard at work on our next show, Ghost Story! We don't have a production lined up yet, much less any kind of video, but we'll update as we go along with getting it in front of eyeballs :) (Probably the first iteration of it will be a reading in New York City -- or maybe New Haven, CT. -- so if you're around there keep an eye out for more info once we finish writing it!)

For now, have our first demo for Ghost Story :) and follow our demos playlist for more stuff in the future!

lyrics:

ANTHONY: OUR MAP IS OLD, THE SIGNS ARE WRONG BUT SINGING SONGS, WE ROLL ALONG THE WIDE OPEN SPACES OF THE LAND OF THE FREE

AS THE SETTING SUN GROWS BRIGHTER THE TOWNS AROUND GET WHITER JOEY STAYS SMILING AS ALL EYES TURN TO ME

HAO: SHEEP IN WOLF COUNTRY, GAZE AT TAXIDERMY SHOPS SEE YOUR BEADY EYES UP THERE NEXT!

HAO/ANTHONY: SHEEP IN WOLF COUNTRY

ANTHONY: GETTING CIRCLED BY CROPS, WATCH YOUR SERVICE DWINDLE DOWN TO TEXT

ALL: SHEEP IN WOLF COUNTRY, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH WHAT’S MORE EXCITING AND NEW?

JOEY/JOZEF: WOLF IN SHEEP COUNTRY

ANTHONY/HAO: YEAH, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH

ALL: SOMEONE WHO’S ABSOLUTELY NOTHING LIKE YOU!

ANTHONY: REST STOPS BEGIN FEELING STRANGE BIT MORE LIKE A FIRING RANGE PULLING OVER FEELS LIKE LIFE-AND-DEATH JOEY TELLS ME THEY DON’T MIND

HAO/ANTHONY: BUT THEY CAN TELL I’M NOT THEIR KIND SO I’D RATHER HOLD MY BLADDER THAN HOLD MY BREATH

HAO/ANTHONY: SHEEP IN WOLF COUNTRY

ANTHONY: BETTER WATCH YOUR BACK

HAO: TEETH AND CLAWS COULD COME FROM ANY DIRECTION

HAO/ANTHONY: SHEEP IN WOLF COUNTRY

ANTHONY: OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

HAO: ‘ROUND THESE PARTS, YOU BETTER CARRY PROTECTION!

ALL: SHEEP IN WOLF COUNTRY

JOEY/JOZEF: YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH

ALL: EVERYBODY BETTER BEWARE! SHEEP IN WOLF COUNTRY

JOEY (turning to HAO): CHRIST!

HAO (turning to JOZEF): AH!

JOZEF (turning to ANTHONY): HELP!

ANTHONY (turning to ALL): FUCK!

ALL: EVERYBODY ’S IN FOR A SCARE!

HAO: I LEARNED TO COPY WHAT THEY WEAR, CUT AND COMBED AND SLICKED MY HAIR MAKE SURE NO ONE LOOKS AT ME TOO CLOSELY

TAKE THE SHORT WAY HOME AT NIGHT I’M NOT LOOKIN’ FOR A FIGHT STAY ALONE AND MIND MY BUSINESS (with a glance at JOZEF) …MOSTLY

ALL: SHEEP IN WOLF COUNTRY

HAO/ANTHONY: PERFECT ALL OF YOUR SMILES SO YOU LOOK A BIT LESS LIKE A THREAT

ALL: SHEEP IN WOLF COUNTRY

HAO/ANTHONY: NO ONE LIKE YOU FOR MILES

HAO/JOZEF: (to ANTHONY) AT LEAST YOUR BOYFRIEND HASN’T NOTICED YET

ANTHONY: AND YOU SHOULD BE HAVING FUN YOU CAME HERE ON VACATION IF YOU’RE GONNA BE UPSET, GO BACK TO WORK

BUT NOW LOOK WHAT I’VE DONE I’M CRYING OUT OF FRUSTRATION TRYING NOT TO RUIN IT LIKE A JERK

HE’S IN THE KITCHEN CHOPPING ONION FRYING PORK TO PATSY CLINE HAPPY PLAYING AT PAUL BUNYAN THE LEAST I CAN DO IS SAY I’M FINE

ANTHONY: SHEEP IN WOLF COUNTRY I CAN USE WHAT I’VE GOT MAKE THEIR MOUNTAINS MY NEW FRONTIER

HAO/ANTHONY: SHEEP IN WOLF COUNTRY LIKE IT OR NOT

ALL: BUT I’M BUILDING A HOME RIGHT HERE!

ALL: SHEEP IN WOLF COUNTRY YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH THOUGH IT FEELS LESS THAN GREAT SHEEP IN WOLF COUNTRY WE ALL LEARN TO TOLERATE SHEEP IN WOLF COUNTRY

HAO/ANTHONY: I’LL TAKE WHAT I’M GRANTED

ALL: SHEEP IN WOLF COUNTRY

HAO/ANTHONY: I’LL GROW WHERE I’M PLANTED! I’M A SHEEP IN WOLF COUNTRY BUT HERE I’LL

ALL: STAY!

[follow-up-news]

The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday issued an emergency order to stop the use of a pesticide that can harm fetuses — the agency's first such move in almost 40 years. The herbicide, called dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (also known as DCPA or Dacthal), is used to control weeds on a variety of crops, including broccoli, onions, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and strawberries. But when a pregnant woman is exposed to the chemical, it can cause changes to fetal thyroid hormone levels, the EPA said. That can have lasting consequences for the child, including low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ and impaired motor skills later in life, according to the agency's announcement. Those risks prompted the EPA to use its authority to suspend the use of the pesticide. “DCPA is so dangerous that it needs to be removed from the market immediately,” Michal Freedhoff, assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, said in a statement. The emergency order is effective immediately.

[askwhatsforlunch]

Growing and Gardening: Growing Potatoes

I had attempted to grow potatoes before, and even harvested a few; but no attempt was as successful as this year’s! And I’m not even done digging yet!

It all started on a cold January day. A local farmer was going around neighbourhoods in my town, selling his produce. A bit pricey perhaps; but excellent quality, and because he only sold in large amounts, I ended up with some twenty-five kilos of potatoes (in addition to fifteen of carrots, ten of white and five of red onions!)

It kept rather well in the garage, and the vegetables were delicious. But even in the dead of Winter, there are so many potatoes two people can eat!

Thus they started shrivelling and growing sprouts! Perfect, I thought; then, I could plant them!

And so I did! On the 29th of March, I prepared the place I would plant them in, a large iron garden bin, where I had grown and harvested the last of the Mesclun. One thing to always remember when growing vegetables is to rotate your crops; you cannot grow the same type of vegetables in the same spot two years in a row. The previous crop will have taken most the the nutrients they need, leaving very little left in the soil, and your next harvest, if any, might not be as bountiful... Luckily, different crops need different nutrients from the soil they grow in; hence the rotation. Tubers (like potatoes), for instance, will appreciate a soil formerly hosting brassicaceae (like cabbage, kale, etc...) or leafy greens (like lettuce or spinach).

I tilled the soil thoroughly, and mixed in good soil and compost to amend it. I left it for a few days.

Then, on the 4th of April, I planted my sprouted potatoes. I had eight (8) of them, and arranged four (4) on two levels, so the bottom ones would not be right underneath the top ones. There was about 15cm/5.5″ of soil mixture between both levels.

I covered them with about as much soil mixture (15cm/5.5″). I watered thoroughly. It is also important to have a good drainage, if you grow potatoes in a container, or they will rot. A few years back, I had hammered in four holes in this iron bin, and it wasn’t easy; but very much worth the effort! 

Then, I watered regularly only when the April showers were scarce! After a couple of weeks, potato stalks and leaves were starting growing in the bin.

And after a month and a half (on the 16th of May), they were tall and luscious and very leafy!!! From then on, it is very easy to take care of them. Water when the soil gets dry to the touch, trim the leaves a little when they become yellow.

You can also sow herbs at the  feet of your potatoes. They may improve their taste and protect them against aphids. Cilantro and thyme are good companions. I only managed a very small bunch of Cilantro. Because they are in a bin, and the Cilantro stalks are significantly thinner and smaller than the potatoes’; they do not get as much light as they would if you planted and sowed in a Veg Patch.

That said, harvesting potatoes in a bin is heaps more convenient! You know where they all are; you just need to dig them out!

I dug about 840 grams/1.85 pound New Potatoes (harvested about three and a half month after planting); and left the greenest, leafiest stalks in the bin to harvest later, and perhaps have bigger spuds! I might also try to sow more, as there is enough light for it now!

I am so happy with this harvest of small (some really tiny!) to medium Garden Potatoes, though. Their skin is thin, and once scrubbed, don’t they look pretty?And their flesh is beautiful and tasty!

[poonambioaddiction100]

Reproduction in Flowering PlantsFlowering plants, also known as angiosperms, exhibit a diverse array of reproductive strategies, encompassing both sexual and asexual mechanisms.

These mechanisms ensure the continuation of the species and contribute to their evolutionary success.

Sexual Reproduction:

Flower Formation: The reproductive structures of flowering plants are housed within specialized organs called flowers. Flowers typically consist of four main parts: sepals, petals, stamens (male reproductive organs), and pistils (female reproductive organs).

Pollination: Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the male reproductive organ (stamen) to the female reproductive organ (pistil) of a flower. This can occur through various agents, including wind, water, insects, birds, and mammals.

Fertilization: Upon reaching the stigma (the receptive part of the pistil), pollen grains germinate and grow pollen tubes, which penetrate the style and reach the ovary. Fertilization occurs when sperm nuclei from pollen grains fuse with egg cells within the ovules, forming zygotes. This process gives rise to seeds.Seed Formation: After fertilization, the ovule develops into a seed, consisting of the embryo, endosperm (nutrient reserve), and seed coat (protective covering). The ovary, which housed the ovules, typically matures into a fruit.

Seed Dispersal: Fruits aid in the dispersal of seeds, ensuring that they are carried away from the parent plant and dispersed over a wide area. This enhances the chances of germination and the establishment of new plants.

Asexual Reproduction:Vegetative Propagation: Many flowering plants have the ability to reproduce asexually through vegetative propagation. This process involves the growth of new plants from specialized vegetative structures such as stems, roots, or leaves.

Runners and Stolons: Some plants produce specialized horizontal stems called runners or stolons, which grow above or below the ground and give rise to new plants at nodes along their length. Examples include strawberry plants and certain species of grasses.

Rhizomes: Rhizomes are underground stems that spread horizontally and give rise to new shoots and roots at nodes. Plants such as ginger, bamboo, and irises reproduce through rhizomes.Bulbs, Corms, and Tubers: Bulbs, corms, and tubers are modified underground storage organs that can give rise to new plants. Examples include onions (bulbs), crocuses (corms), and potatoes (tubers).

Tissue Culture: In modern agriculture and horticulture, tissue culture techniques are employed to propagate plants rapidly from small amounts of plant tissue. This method is particularly useful for producing large numbers of genetically identical plants, such as in the case of ornamental plants and crops.

Conclusion:Reproduction in flowering plants is a complex process involving both sexual and asexual mechanisms. Sexual reproduction, facilitated by flowers, ensures genetic diversity through the formation of seeds. Asexual reproduction offers advantages such as rapid propagation and the production of genetically identical offspring. Together, these reproductive strategies contribute to the survival and proliferation of flowering plant species in diverse habitats worldwide.

[colinwilson11]

United States Agrivoltaics : Rise Of Agrivoltaics In The American Farming

As climate change threatens global food supplies, agrivoltaic systems are gaining popularity in the United States as a way for farmers to boost solar energy production while continuing to harvest crops beneath solar panels. Also known as "agrophotovoltaics", agrivoltaic installations combine agriculture and solar power generation on the same land. By installing solar panels elevated high enough to allow farm equipment and livestock access to the ground below, farmers can generate solar power and grow crops or graze livestock simultaneously on the same parcel of land.

Benefits For Farmers And Food Security

Agrivoltaic systems provide multiple benefits for farmers and the environment. In addition to generating a steady additional revenue stream from solar electricity sales, studies have found that certain crops grown beneath solar panels have higher yields compared to directly exposed to sunlight. United States Agrivoltaics The partial shading from solar panels protects some crops from excessive heat and regulates soil moisture, improving overall productivity. For livestock grazing, the shade from panels protects animals from heat stress which has been shown to increase their health, growth rates and milk production. These dual-use installations are helping increase overall land productivity at a time when climate pressures are exacerbating food security risks.

Potential For Expanded Deployment 

Currently, there are a few agrivoltaic pilot projects operating across the United States but their adoption remains limited compared to conventional ground-mounted solar farms. However, as the agricultural benefits become clearer and technology improves to maximize both energy and food outputs,  experts expect agrivoltaics to play a much larger role in the country's clean energy transition. Some estimates suggest agrivoltaic systems could potentially generate hundreds of gigawatts of solar power on available farmland if deployed at sufficient scale. States with vast agricultural areas like California, the Midwest and Plains regions are well positioned to lead the way.

Project Developers Tout Multiple Cropping Options

Early agrivoltaic projects in the United States Agrivoltaics  have tested growing a variety of crops beneath solar panels including grapes, olives, berries and vegetables. Developers say that with proper panel elevation and optimization of lighting conditions, row crops like lettuce, onions and carrots can also thrive. Livestock operations are integrating panels for grazing dairy cattle and lamb. Ongoing research is exploring additional dual-use combinations suited for different soil types and microclimates across farming regions. Producers are also experimenting with staggered panel installation to allow continued mechanical harvesting of commodity row crops like corn and alfalfa. As more multi-year yield data becomes available, farmers' confidence in agrivoltaics is increasing.

Tailoring Technology To Farming Needs 

A challenge for wider deployment remains ensuring agrivoltaic systems are economically viable propositions for farmers and easy to incorporate into their existing operations. US developers are working to refine mounting configurations, panel elevations and integrated smart technologies to maximize both solar energy generation and agricultural outputs specific to local growing conditions and crop varieties. There is also ongoing innovation related to access for machinery and irrigation systems beneath panels. Additional research partnerships involving farmers, land grant universities and the national labs are vital to further adapt agrivoltaic technologies and successfully demonstrate scalable business models tailored for different commodity crop types.

Overcoming Permitting And Policy Hurdles 

In addition to technology challenges, policy and permitting issues have slowed the scaling of agrivoltaic projects. Some state and local regulations do not yet account for dual-use of farmland and view agrivoltaics as competing land uses rather than complementary. Renewable energy incentives also often only apply to standalone solar farms versus agrivoltaic systems.  advocates are working with policymakers to establish legal recognition and support for agrivoltaics through measures like revised zoning definitions, streamlined permitting procedures and tailored financial incentive programs. Widespread adoption will require acknowledgement from governing bodies that these installations can provide compatible and sustainable multi-functional land use.

Outlook

As concerns intensify about long-term global food security in the face of interconnected economic, environmental and geopolitical pressures, United States Agrivoltaics  are gaining recognition as a means to boost domestic farming resiliency. By sustainably increasing total land productivity, these dual-use systems could make a meaningful contribution to both energy and agriculture production if scaling challenges are addressed. With ongoing technological enhancements, successful demonstration projects, revised policies and expanding cooperative efforts, the outlook is positive for agrivoltaics to emerge as an important complement to America's clean energy transition and agricultural landscape in the coming decade.

Get more insights on this topic: https://www.ukwebwire.com/united-states-agrivoltaics-emerging-clean-energy-technology-for-farmers/

Author Bio

Vaagisha brings over three years of expertise as a content editor in the market research domain. Originally a creative writer, she discovered her passion for editing, combining her flair for writing with a meticulous eye for detail. Her ability to craft and refine compelling content makes her an invaluable asset in delivering polished and engaging write-ups. (LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vaagisha-singh-8080b91)

*Note: 1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research 2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it

[seogoogle1]

Nourishing Wellness: Exploring the Principles and Benefits of a Detoxifying Diet

Introduction: In a world inundated with processed foods, environmental toxins, and stressors, the concept of detoxifying diets has gained popularity as a means to cleanse the body, rejuvenate health, and restore vitality. While the term "detox" often conjures images of extreme juice cleanses or fasting regimens, the essence of a detoxifying diet lies in nourishing the body with nutrient-dense foods while minimizing exposure to toxins. In this article, we delve into the principles and benefits of a detoxifying diet, offering insights into how it can support overall well-being and promote optimal health.

Understanding Detoxification: Detoxification is a natural process by which the body eliminates toxins and metabolic waste products through organs such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, and digestive tract. These organs work synergistically to neutralize harmful substances and facilitate their excretion from the body. However, in modern times, the body's detoxification pathways can become overwhelmed due to factors such as poor dietary choices, environmental pollution, stress, and sedentary lifestyles. A detoxifying diet aims to support the body's innate detox mechanisms by providing essential nutrients, antioxidants, and phytochemicals while reducing the burden of toxins.

Principles of a Detoxifying Diet:

Emphasis on Whole, Plant-Based Foods:

A detoxifying diet prioritizes whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, which support detoxification pathways and promote overall health.

Incorporating a variety of colorful plant foods ensures a diverse array of nutrients and phytochemicals, which have been shown to possess detoxifying properties and protect against chronic diseases.

Hydration with Water and Herbal Teas:

Adequate hydration is essential for optimal detoxification, as water supports the flushing out of toxins through urine and sweat.

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps maintain hydration levels and supports kidney function. Herbal teas such as green tea, dandelion tea, and ginger tea can also aid in detoxification by promoting digestion and liver health.

Minimization of Processed Foods and Toxins:

A detoxifying diet limits the consumption of processed foods, refined sugars, artificial additives, and unhealthy fats, which can contribute to toxin buildup in the body.

Choosing organic produce whenever possible helps reduce exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and other environmental toxins commonly found in conventionally grown crops.

Supportive Nutrients and Supplements:

Certain nutrients and supplements can enhance the body's detoxification processes. For example, foods rich in sulfur-containing compounds such as garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables support liver detoxification pathways.

Incorporating herbs and spices such as turmeric, cilantro, and milk thistle can also aid in detoxification and promote liver health.

Benefits of a Detoxifying Diet:

Enhanced Energy and Vitality:

By reducing the burden of toxins on the body and supporting optimal nutrient intake, a detoxifying diet can increase energy levels and promote overall vitality.

Many individuals report feeling lighter, more energized, and mentally clear after adopting a detoxifying diet, as the body's natural detoxification pathways are supported.

Improved Digestion and Gut Health:

Whole, plant-based foods are rich in fiber, which supports digestive health and promotes regular bowel movements.

By reducing intake of processed foods and potential allergens, a detoxifying diet can alleviate digestive discomfort and promote a healthy gut microbiome.

Enhanced Immune Function:

A well-nourished body is better equipped to defend against pathogens and foreign invaders. By providing essential nutrients and antioxidants, a detoxifying diet strengthens the immune system and supports overall immune function.

Phytonutrients found in plant foods have been shown to possess immune-boosting properties, helping the body fend off infections and maintain optimal health.

Weight Management and Hormonal Balance:

A detoxifying diet that emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods can support weight management goals by promoting satiety, reducing cravings, and stabilizing blood sugar levels.

By reducing exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in processed foods and environmental pollutants, a detoxifying diet can support hormonal balance and overall metabolic health.

Conclusion: In conclusion, a detoxifying diet offers a holistic approach to supporting the body's natural detoxification processes and promoting overall health and vitality. By prioritizing whole, plant-based foods, staying hydrated, minimizing exposure to toxins, and incorporating supportive nutrients, individuals can nourish their bodies and optimize their well-being. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to detoxification, adopting a balanced and sustainable dietary pattern can yield numerous benefits for health and wellness. Let us embrace the principles of a detoxifying diet as a foundation for nourishing our bodies, supporting our health goals, and enhancing our quality of life.

Website: https://cruelty.farm/

https://sites.google.com/view/chronicdiseasereversal/home

https://seogoogle99.blogspot.com/2024/04/vegan-protein-sources.html

[garden-with-squid]

Yearly Garden Review - 2023

1/11/2024

The garden has improved so much over the past year.  I grew, harvested, and learned so much more than I did last year.  And that’s despite the weird weather - this was a very wet, gloomy year in SoCal, even into June and July.  

Highlights:

We loved the tulips this year and plan to plant out more chilled bulbs soon.

Surprise potato harvest in bed 2

Bed 3 was so incredibly beautiful in the spring - purple alyssum beneath fresh, green growth.  The alyssum also helped with water retention and attracting beneficial insects.  The soil in bed 3 felt loose and healthy compared to other beds that time of year.

Larger harvests of peppers, eggplants, and so so many tomatoes.  I couldn’t believe how tall the tomato plants grew!  We ate them all the time and they were delicious, especially the Black Cherry.

We cooked and ate more of our harvests.  Delicious omelettes, pasta, soups, and stuffed peppers on Halloween.

Installed ollas - extremely helpful!  Really helps keep water more consistent.

Grew delicious broccoli.  There are side shoots still growing too.  I didn’t realize how big broccoli plants actually get.  Bed 2 looks great still.

Ordered a tea plant.  It’s pretty dead now, but it was nice having a camellia for a bit.

The jasmine bounced back and bloomed a bit!

Got local compost and made my own potting mix

The dragonfruit is still alive, and hopefully will grow more this spring.

Notes for improvement:

I struggled to germinate seeds, both direct sown and started indoors.  The care/watering is hard for me to do consistently.  It was a real shame to kill all the shallot seedlings in particular - I was really hoping to grow some since they’re harder to find in store.

Lots of dead plants.  If I stopped talking about any particular plant in the logbook, it’s because it died.  The rosemary and lavender plants in bed 4 will probably need to be replaced this spring.  A lot of flowers and container plants didn’t make it.  For some reason, sunflowers struggled a lot too.

Aphids, cabbage worms, and rodents.  Barrier protection would probably help a lot, plus more consistent watering.  I did see a good number of ladybugs and larva this year.

Garden fatigue hit at different points in the year, usually when work was stressful or it felt like my garden wasn’t as good as it should have been.  But it helped to remind myself how much better I’ve become since last year, and that it will continue to get better as I gain more experience.  

Looking forward to the year ahead, I want to harvest many things in the summer/fall - okra and watermelon for my uncle, more nightshades, onions, pumpkins, and flowers.  I want to try growing on the trellis (I plan to install one more).  Most of the work will happen in March/April - that’s when the cover crops in beds 1 and 3 will be ready to turn in and transplant time for all the summer crops.

I’m currently using the wintertime to take a break, only checking the garden once a week or so.  While I could grow a winter garden in my zone, I find I’m very lazy on cold mornings, and having a season of rest is important to me symbolically.  

I think I have a solid foundation of skill and experience to build on, so I hope to have a very productive garden this year.  We’re also supposed to have another wet season coming up. So we’ll see how that affects things.  Very fitting for Year of the Dragon!