THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!
A BIRD IN HAND.......CAN BE MESSY
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE.
Science has spent billions of money on research to tell us something we've all known for years that the best medicine is laughter. Reader's Digest has been advocating this philosophy in their monthly column for fifty years. Greenscape Gardens has been advocating this same principle with the Old Sign Philosophy sayings for thirteen years.
Our thought provoking MARQUEE SIGN has entertained the west county motorists. Check out the Old Sign Philosophy.
Science has spent billions of money on research to tell us something we've all known for years that the best medicine is laughter. Reader's Digest has been advocating this philosophy in their monthly column for fifty years. Greenscape Gardens has been advocating this same principle with the Old Sign Philosophy sayings for thirteen years.
Our thought provoking MARQUEE SIGN has entertained the west county motorists. Check out the Old Sign Philosophy.
ORGANIC GARDENING-------THE HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE
For every problem that may arise in your garden, there’s a green, organic solution. Instead of using synthetic chemicals, which may leach into and contaminate the soil and groundwater, use these time-tested, organic methods. And remember, the best organic practice is prevention-healthy soil and healthy plants are more resistant to pests and diseases.
Keep your soil healthy by adding lots of organic matter, in the form of compost, throughout the growing season. Compost contributes to the health of the soil by supplying nutrients, improving soil texture and drainage, conserving soil moisture and encouraging earthworms and soil microorganisms.
Keep your plants healthy by making sure they’re not too crowded and that they’re getting the proper amount of water (neither too much nor too little). Divide over-crowded plants and plant divisions in another spot in your garden-or give them to friends. Hand-pull weeds when they first appear, before they go to seed. By dealing with weeds immediately, you’ll save lots of time later.
Inspect your plants regularly, and at the first sign of insect infestation, learn to identify what particular creature is affecting your plant. (Not all bugs are bad! Many are beneficial.) For a good all-purpose, organic spray to control insects, mix 1 whole garlic bulb, a generous pinch of cayenne pepper and 1 litre of water in a blender. Mix thoroughly, let the solids settle, and then pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Spray on the leaves (tops and undersides) and stems of insect-infested plants. You can also use a commercially available organic insecticidal soap, such as Safer’s.
Birds eat bugs. Attract birds to your garden to reduce insect activity. Remove diseased plants from the garden, and clean your tools regularly. Consider companion planting in the vegetable garden to keep pests to a minimum. For example, plant marigolds around the tomato patch-the marigolds’ strong smell repels insects.
For every problem that may arise in your garden, there’s a green, organic solution. Instead of using synthetic chemicals, which may leach into and contaminate the soil and groundwater, use these time-tested, organic methods. And remember, the best organic practice is prevention-healthy soil and healthy plants are more resistant to pests and diseases.
Keep your soil healthy by adding lots of organic matter, in the form of compost, throughout the growing season. Compost contributes to the health of the soil by supplying nutrients, improving soil texture and drainage, conserving soil moisture and encouraging earthworms and soil microorganisms.
Keep your plants healthy by making sure they’re not too crowded and that they’re getting the proper amount of water (neither too much nor too little). Divide over-crowded plants and plant divisions in another spot in your garden-or give them to friends. Hand-pull weeds when they first appear, before they go to seed. By dealing with weeds immediately, you’ll save lots of time later.
Inspect your plants regularly, and at the first sign of insect infestation, learn to identify what particular creature is affecting your plant. (Not all bugs are bad! Many are beneficial.) For a good all-purpose, organic spray to control insects, mix 1 whole garlic bulb, a generous pinch of cayenne pepper and 1 litre of water in a blender. Mix thoroughly, let the solids settle, and then pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Spray on the leaves (tops and undersides) and stems of insect-infested plants. You can also use a commercially available organic insecticidal soap, such as Safer’s.
Birds eat bugs. Attract birds to your garden to reduce insect activity. Remove diseased plants from the garden, and clean your tools regularly. Consider companion planting in the vegetable garden to keep pests to a minimum. For example, plant marigolds around the tomato patch-the marigolds’ strong smell repels insects.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
A Tomato a Day?
Remember that old adage about an apple a day keeping the doctor away? Well, how about a tomato a day? Many researchers believe that tomatoes may contain key anti-cancer properties in the form of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
Because the body cannot synthesize lycopene, we must consume it as part of a balanced diet if we are to reap its rewards. You'll find lycopene primarily in tomato products; other sources include watermelon, pink grapefruit, and apricots. To get cancer-protective benefits, researchers suggest consuming 5 to 10 servings of tomato-based products a week. Dietitians generally recommend fresh and whole foods as the best sources of nutrients but with lycopene, you'll get even more benefits if it the tomato has been cooked.
Lycopene is available in supplement form but most research has focused on its dietary consumption. For this reason, researchers are still unsure of the optimal dose and the risks vs. benefits of lycopene supplements. Your best bet is to consume lycopene-rich foods routinely. Spaghetti sauce and tomato soup, both rich in lycopene, are two worthwhile additions to your diet.
Remember that old adage about an apple a day keeping the doctor away? Well, how about a tomato a day? Many researchers believe that tomatoes may contain key anti-cancer properties in the form of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
Because the body cannot synthesize lycopene, we must consume it as part of a balanced diet if we are to reap its rewards. You'll find lycopene primarily in tomato products; other sources include watermelon, pink grapefruit, and apricots. To get cancer-protective benefits, researchers suggest consuming 5 to 10 servings of tomato-based products a week. Dietitians generally recommend fresh and whole foods as the best sources of nutrients but with lycopene, you'll get even more benefits if it the tomato has been cooked.
Lycopene is available in supplement form but most research has focused on its dietary consumption. For this reason, researchers are still unsure of the optimal dose and the risks vs. benefits of lycopene supplements. Your best bet is to consume lycopene-rich foods routinely. Spaghetti sauce and tomato soup, both rich in lycopene, are two worthwhile additions to your diet.
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