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Rural Country Living eZine, June, 2008
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Table of Contents
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Letter From the Editor
Companion Planting Vegetables For Increased Crops by Jason Anderson
Your Mouth Has A Lot To Say About Your Health by Darrell Miller
A Wind Power Turbine Generator--Build Your Own At Low Cost by John Mowatt
Soap Making for Beginners -- Melt and Pour by Susan Chiang
Composting! An  Environmental Gold Mine In Your Back Yard by Richard Murray
Barbecue Roasted Salmon Recipe 
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Letter From the Editor
 
Welcome,
 
I am back at last I am happy to say. My apologies to all who've missed the appearance of this eZine.
After the record rainfall (and flooding) here in Missouri, plowing the bottom pasture did not take place until last week; the tilling was done by my honey as sweat dripped off his Irish brow...however, I have at last planted the garden and now there isn't a drop of rain in sight for about a week. I will have to borrow a long hose from someone and give the garden a good drink. The humidity is something else this year; didn't seem this hot last year, but then there hadn't been so much rain.
 
I bought two little girly pigs from the neighbor up the road which I am very happy about. When they're big enough, I will breed them and have a bunch of piglets--can't wait! Don't know what to call my two piggies...any suggestions? They're pink piggies and I will post their cute photos on the website this week.
Anyway, enough about my life. I hope life is treating you well and that you are enjoying your rural country life. Don't forget, if you have a country property for sale I will post it on the website--also recipes are accepted for the recipe pages--so email me with your favorites, editor@ruralcountryliving.com . Accepting stories for Farmer of the Month, too.
 
Enjoy the issue!
 
Love & Hugs,
 
Victoria
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Companion Planting Vegetables For Increased Crops by Jason Anderson
 
Companion planting in your vegetable garden is a great way to increase the size of the crop you will have when it comes time to harvest. The right combination of vegetables planted together improves growth, reduces disease, encourages beneficial insects to thrive in the garden, and discourages pests.
 
But companion planting vegetables does have it's drawbacks, as some vegetables are much more fussy than others about who they are planted next to. This simple guide will help you with a few of the more common combinations you should keep in mind when companion planting vegetables.
 
Asparagus get on well with most vegetables, but their ideal companions are tomato, parsley and basil.
Bush beans like potatoes, cucumber, corn, strawberries and celery, but hate onions. On the other hand, pole beans are a little more selective ? they only like corn and radishes, and hate beets as well as onions.
 
The cabbage family (broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and kale to name a few) like many companions - beet, celery, cucumber, lettuce, onion, potatoes and spinach. But they have a few hates as well - dill, strawberries, pole beans and tomatoes.
 
Carrots get on well with a wide variety of vegetables - peas, lettuce, rosemary, onions, sage and tomatoes. Just keep them away from dill.
 
Celery is also a very accepting vegetable, liking onions, the cabbage family, tomatoes and bush beans. Like asparagus, they don't hate any vegetables.
 
Keep your corn away from tomatoes, but to keep it happy plant it near potatoes, beans, peas, pumpkins, cucumber and squash.
 
Cucumber doesn't like being near aromatic herbs or potatoes, but plant it near beans, corn or peas and it will be happy.
 
Lettuce is an accepting plant, not hating any vegetables but appreciating being planted next to carrots, strawberries and cucumbers.
 
Onions generally like being planted next to beets, carrots, lettuce and the cabbage family, but keep them away from beans and peas if you want good results.
 
Peas like being planted next to carrots, turnips, cucumbers, corn and beans, but be sure to not plant them near onions or potatoes.
 
Speaking of potatoes, you should plant them near beans, corn and members of the cabbage family for best results, and make sure they are away from pumpkins, squash, tomatoes and cucumbers.
 
Finally the humble tomato - one of the more popular summer vegetables for the gardener to grow. For the best results plant them near onions, asparagus, carrots, parsley or cucumbers, but keep them well away from potatoes or members of the cabbage family.
 
This isn't a fully comprehensive list ? obviously there are many more types of vegetables available for you to plant in your vegetable garden, and this article could easily double or triple in size if we tried to include everything. But this list of the more common vegetables should be a good start in helping you plan the layout of your vegetable garden for the next year.
 
So give companion planting in your vegetable garden a try. You'll find you'll have happier, healthier plants in your vegetable garden, which in turn will give you tastier vegetables to feed you and your family.
 
Find out more about companion planting and many other gardening topics at http://garden.bemiso.com - learn how you can make your garden grow faster, healthier and produce larger crops than you ever thought possible.
Article Source: http://www.organicgardenarticles.com
 
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Your Mouth Has A Lot To Say About Your Health by Darrell Miller
 
Many people in America have started buying organic foods.  Organic food sales have shot up from $180 million in 1980 to over $6.5 billion last year, not only in health food stores but in grocery stores as well.  Actually, grocery stores sales made up fifty-six percent of organic food sales in the past year.  Although organic food sales only make up two percent of national food sales, the organic market has definitely begun soaring, especially on Wall Street. 
 
Experts expect the figure to more than double by the year 2010.  The USDA has finally released an official definition of what qualifies as “organic” food in response to the great increase in sales.  It is also developing labeling standards which should be in effect by this summer.  Up until the past couple of months, a definition of what actually qualifies as organic foods did not even exist.
 
Throughout the past decade farmers and conventional farming organizations have been debating the need for federal organic labeling.  Fear that the organic labels would create an unfair bias against conventional products kept conventional farmers from encouraging labeling. 
 
In December, the Grocery Manufactures of America actually complained about the new organic standards, claiming that the new labels will mislead consumers into believing that organic products are safer and more nutritious.  The agricultural secretary denies the accusation of bias stating that although the organic seal will give more validity to organic products, the seal will not imply that organic foods are safer or more nutritious.  Of course, users of organic foods often believe that organic foods are safer, since they contain fewer pesticides, more nutritious because they contain more trace minerals and nutrients, and also better for the environment because organic growing practices are kinder to the soil, sky, and water. 
 
The new USDA standards mean you will get better organic food for your buck due to an official and national standard for what foods can be called organic.  You will now know with certainty that the organic foods you purchase contain no synthetic pesticides and no added chemicals.  Organic farmers will also use no genetic engineering, no irradiation and no sewage fertilization.  Additionally, live-stock raised under these standards will be given 100 percent organic feed and will not be treated with antibiotics. 
 
Before the standardization, consumers often had to trust misleading labeling claims on organic products.  Even with the new standards, the question is whether it is worth it to purchase organic.  Americans who consume organic foods often have substantially higher monthly grocery costs.  Actually, in 1998 average costs of organic foods were fifty-seven percent higher than conventional foods. 
 
Additionally, a recent report on 20/20 stated that organic foods contain dangerous bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella.  However, more and more doctors believe that organic foods are safe and are well worth the additional cost.  Those doctors who support organic eating often believe that the cumulative effects of toxins in our food, water, and air can be extremely harmful to our health.  They also believe that anything we can do to reduce the toxins is well worth it. 
 
If you only have a small budget but would like to go organic, there are still some things you can do.  Some foods are more known for pesticide residue than others.  Start with buying these if you can only buy limited amounts of organic foods.  Citrus foods are usually not a high risk because of their thick skins, as well as asparagus, bananas, broccoli cauliflower, cherries, corn, onions, pineapple, sweet peas, and watermelon.  These are considered by the FDA and EPA to be the ten cleanest foods. 
 
Additionally, make sure to wash all the produce you buy, whether or not it is organic.  You can regularly take an antioxidant supplement which will help the body to remove any toxins that are on the produce.  Most importantly, be sure to keep eating fruits and vegetables, as they are essential to good health.
 
More information on buying organic foods is available at http://vitanetonline.com  where a large selection of organic foods is available. 

Article Source: http://www.articlegarden.com
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A Wind Power Turbine Generator--Build Your Own At Low Cost by John Mowatt
 
Wind turbine power is the wave of the future.Clean,free and abundant it is by far the best alternative energy form.You can make a difference to our environment,while saving money to boot,by harnessing wind power to generate all or part of your electricity supply.Generate electricity from the wind with your own small wind turbine.
 
You can buy them from many sources now or save a lot of money by building your own wind turbine power generator.
 
From the 1930s through the 1950s small wind power generators were common on farms.Wind power was also used for such jobs as pumping water from wells.In those days people were much more inclined to save money in this way than we are today. Since then with increasing prosperity and little care for the environment we rely almost  completely on the power company to supply our electric power.
 
These days attitudes,of necessity are changing.We have become aware that we must reduce our impact on the environment or face increasing problems in the years ahead. Many are now looking for alternative energy sources.The most viable alternatives are wind power or solar panels.Solar panels are however expensive and produce limited amounts of power.They have a place in some applications but are presently too expensive for general use as a power supply.
 
Wind power turbines are now in use to supply all or part of the power supply for many cities all over the world including the USA.They supply "green" power at a cost competitive  to conventional power generating facilities.Wind turbine power generators are now being used by many to produce all or part of their power needs.
 
Small wind turbines for private use are now available from many sources. They can be mounted on a rooftop or on a small tower or pole.They are however quite expensive.A better solution than buying a wind power generator is to build your own which can be done at quite low cost.Plans are available for building a wind generator  using new or used auto parts.Any home handyman who can use simple tools can build a wind turbine which will supply part of the power needs of an average household.All or most of the power requirements of a home can be supplied with several generators.Power can be stored in storage batteries till put to use.
 
Power companies in many areas now will buy any excess power which you generate.When you are at work or away from home any excess power which you generate from your wind generators will earn you money.You will not only be helping to preserve our environment but making money into the bargain.It doesn't get any better than that
 
Build your own wind turbine,or if you don't mind the cost,buy one.You will help mother earth and do yourself a favor.You can save money and reduce your impact on our climate by generating power with a wind turbine.Do it today and be an example to your neighborhood.You can obtain more information by clicking on the URL below.
 
John Mowatt is a retired businessman.He is interested in harnessing wind power to help preserve our environment and writes on this subject.For more information on building a wind power turbine at low cost go to http://www.greenwindpowerturbine.com

Article Source: http://www.articlegarden.com
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Soap Making for Beginners -- Melt and Pour by Susan Chiang
 
Soap making has been around for ages. The process of making soaps can either be simple or complex, depending on what you want to make. You can make soaps as a way to make money or you can make soaps for personal use or as gifts.
 
Keep in mind that soap making can be dangerous, as soaps become very hot when melted during the melt and pour soap making process. Soap making should be fun and entertaining, but it is also important to practice all necessary safety precautions when making soaps.
 
Always wear rubber gloves and eye protection. It is also a good idea to keep your safety equipment on at all times even after you have removed the soap from the mold. This is because melted soap takes a long time to cool.
 
To start making soaps, you have to get to know the basic ingredients in handmade soaps. Handmade soaps are generally made from glycerin. You can buy glycerin soap at your local hobby store. There are many types of glycerin soaps that you can melt and pour into your own handmade soaps. They also have different properties and benefits for your skin.
 
Here are some examples of glycerin soap:
* Hemp Glycerin Soap
* Olive Oil Soap
* Clear Glycerin Soap
* Goat Milk Glycerin Soap
 
The good thing about the melt and pour soap making method is that all the equipments you need can be found in your own house. You can use either your double broiler or your microwave oven for melting soaps.
 
It is important to remember to keep the bowl containing the soap base covered when using the microwave. This is to prevent the melted soap base from splattering out of the bowl in the microwave oven and to keep the excess moisture from evaporating.
 
When using the microwave, melt the soap base for one minute in high temperature, stirring in the remaining unmelted soap pieces until those have melted too.
 
If you prefer to use the double broiler, you should first bring the water to a boil then add your soap base of choice
to the boiling water, cover the pot and set the fire on low. Keep in mind that this method will take some time. The soap base may take as long as 10 minutes to melt. Stirring occasionally will also ensure an even melt.
 
You can also add some optional ingredients:
* You can add fragrance to your soaps. You can buy your choice of fragrance oil in your local hobby store. Keep in mind that the fragrance oil should be completely mixed in so that the soap will not have a cloudy appearance.
* You can also add your color preference when making soaps. You can use mica or food coloring for it. When using food coloring, you should start by adding one drop at a time and mixing it thoroughly until you reach your color preference.
 
After the soap base has melted, pour it into individual molds, tray molds, or blocks, which can then be sliced. You can also be creative and design your own soap mold to create soaps of various shapes and sizes.
 
Creating your own handmade soap by the melt and pour soap making process can be fun and an inexpensive process. It also makes great gifts for family and friends.
 
For a more in-depth look at Soap Making visit Susan's sites Soap Making Supply and Soap Making Recipe. Susan also enjoys writing on a wide range of topics at Shopping and Society.
Article Source: http://www.articlegarden.com
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Composting! An  Environmental Gold Mine In Your Back Yard by Richard Murray
 
Composting is not only one of the best things you can do for your garden, it is also one of the best things you can do for our environment. Knowing how to create and use compost is in our interest due to the tremendous problem of waste disposal. Landfills are becoming more and more difficult to find, so some municipalities are dealing with waste by refusing to pick up leaves and grass clippings.. About one-third of the space in our landfills is taken up with organic wastes from our yards and kitchens, which are ideal materials to be used in compost.
 
The end product from your compost bin it will be a wonderful pile of black, crumbly humus which makes an ideal soil conditioner. Compost added regularly to your soil will benefit the soil by improving it?s texture such as loosening up clay soils and will create moisture holding capacity in sandy soils.
 
Composting, is the controlled decomposition of biodegradable organic matter. Instead of allowing nature to take its slow course, a compost pile or bin provides the optimal environment in which decomposition can thrive. To encourage the best results, the compost pile needs the correct mix of the following ingredients:
* Carbon
* Nitrogen
* Oxygen
 
With enough time, all biodegradable materials will eventually decompose, although some materials are not appropriate for backyard composting. Most backyard systems will not reach high enough temperatures to kill pathogens and vermin, so certain items such as meat scraps, dairy products and pet droppings are discouraged from use. A well balanced compost pile will not have an offensive smell
 
High carbon materials (browns), which convert to heat include:
* Dry straw and hay
* Autumn leaves
* Newspaper
 
High nitrogen materials (greens) which will allow the compost bacteria to thrive include:
* Green plant material such as garden residue, fresh hay, grass clippings, and weeds
* Animal manure; such as horse, cow, chicken, or guano
* Fruit and vegetable waste
* Seaweed  (rinse well to remove salt)
* Coffee grounds and filters
 
A few leaf species such as live oak, southern magnolia and holly trees are too tough and leathery for easy composting, also avoid all parts of the black walnut tree as they contain a plant poison that survives composting. It is also common sense to avoid using poison oak, poison ivy, and poison sumac in your compost.
 
The proportions of these materials will make a difference in the rate of decomposition. The best ratio is about 25 or 30 parts of browns to one part of greens. Too much carbon slows the composting process and too much nitrogen will cause odors.
 
As a convenience, keep a small compost pail in the kitchen to bring your scraps to the pile every few days. Keep a lid on the container to discourage insects and odors.
 
A well chosen site will speed up the composting process. Find a level, well drained sunny area preferably over dirt or grass. If you plan to be using kitchen scraps, keep it close to the back door and also close to the garden so that it will be used on a regular basis and not forgotten.
 
Home composting uses a variety of techniques, running from passive composting (throw everything into a pile in the corner and leave it alone) to active, which consists of monitoring temperature, turning the pile on a regular basis and adjusting the materials on a regular schedule. A well managed system may produce a finished product in as little as three to four weeks, but this involves some participation, ranging from turning the pile on a regular basis to a major commitment of time and energy.
 
Is very helpful to have a compost bin enclosed in a structure either homemade or purchased. The bin should measure at least about 3 ft. by 3 ft. and should have air spaces so air circulation can occur. Materials such as used freight pallets, chicken wire, builders? hardware cloth or concrete blocks can all be utilized to create a three sided structure. You may find it desirable to have two bins, one for fresh material while the composting process is happening in the other bin. Leave one side open for access or create a gate that can be opened for access. A tarpaulin may be used to cover the top of the bin in rainy weather to prevent the compost from getting too wet.
 
Start your compost pile with a 3 in. layer of course plant material such as small twigs or straw. Next place your first layer of plant and kitchen refuse. The next layer should be a nitrogen rich material such as fresh manure if it is available, fresh grass clippings, fresh hay, or succulent green weeds. If the waste materials are fairly free of soil, a small amount of soil, a compost starter, a layer of old compost or good gardening soil added to each layer will introduce necessary microorganisms.
 
Water the pile just enough to keep the contents moist but not soaking wet. In a week or two, the pile should heat up to approximately to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature many of the weed seeds and harmful organisms will be killed. Approximately a month after this point the pile should be forked over to thoroughly mix the materials in the pile. Repeat this step in another five to six weeks. If the pile is decreasing in size after this time, you will know that it is composting properly.
 
The finished compost will be black and crumbly, like good loam, with a pleasant, earthy smell. The compost is now ready to use.
 
Another system of composting is called sheet composting. A layer of organic material, about 3 to 4 in thick is spread over your garden, and then covered with a 2 in. layer of soil. The organic material is allowed to decay at least three months prior to cultivating. This can be done over the winter when your garden is fallow and will provide you with a good start for your spring crops.
 
A different concept of composting that is rapidly gaining in popularity is worm farming, or vermiculture. Small scale vermin-composting is well-suited to turn kitchen waste into high-quality soil, where space is limited. There are suppliers of worm-farming equipment on the internet to help you get started.
 
Dick Murray is a retired urbanite who has kept his passion for gardening alive with the creation of an informational web site dedicated to vegetable gardening basics. More and more families are beginning to grow their own fruits and vegetables due to their increased concern regarding the quality, price and safety of our food supply. http://www.vegetable-gardening-basics.com
Article Source: http://www.organicgardenarticles.com
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Barbecue Roasted Salmon Recipe 

Written by admin2    
Tuesday, 03 October 2006 

1/4 c pineapple juice
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
2 tbsp brown sugar
4 tsp chili powder
2 tsp grated lemon rind
3/4 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Cooking spray
Lemon wedges (optional)
 
Combine first 3 ingredients in a ziploc plastic bag, seal and marinate in refrigerator 1 hour, turning occasionally.  
 
Combine the last 6 ingredients and set aside.  Once salmon is finished marinading, rub dry ingredient mixture on the fillets and grill to desired meat temperature.
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