What is Square Foot Gardening?
By Mel Bartholomew
It's a very simple, easy, and unique method of gardening that eliminates all of the hard work, heavy tools, and time-consuming chores of traditional, single-row gardening.
Because of all these advantages, gardening can now be easily done by not only the very young, the very old and everyone in between. It adapts to any location in the world. Since we don't dig up or try to improve the existing soil; we need no tools and no work. It's the greenest of the green methods of gardening, because it uses only 20% of the space, 10% of the water, 5% of the seeds, and only 2% of the work of a traditional, single-row garden, yet produces over 100 % of the harvest..
Basically, the method involves building a shallow box that sets on the ground, removing any weeds or grass inside the box, laying down a weed cloth or landscape fabric inside the box, and then filling the box with a perfect soil mix of three all organic, all natural materials. A one foot grid is then laid on the soil surface, dividing it up into individual square feet. The standard size for a Square Foot Garden is 4' x 4', producing 16 square feet. You walk around the garden box, and reach in to tend your garden, hence, never packing down the soil by walking on it, and you never have to dig it up and turn it over again every spring.
What are the main advantages of Square Foot Gardening?
No work, no weeding, no digging, no tilling, no thinning, no kidding! What more advantages could you want and still be able to produce 100% of the harvest in only 20% of the space? In addition, the planting method allows you to continuously harvest just enough rather than a whole lot from a 20 ft row all at once. The SFG method not only saves seeds, but it saves water. The other big advantage to S F G is because it takes up such a small space, it's very easy to protect. Protect from what? From the weather, from pests, and anything else that can harm your garden. The biggest benefit for the average gardener, especially beginners, is that you will be successful. Follow the 10 steps, and you can't go wrong.
Who can benefit the most from SFG ?
Because you don't do any heavy labor, and the only tool you need is a hand trowel, it's very easy for the elderly, and those with arthritis or limited mobility, to be able to garden this way. Since there are no weed seeds in the soil mix, there're no weeds to pull, hence no hard work. The box can be built with a plywood bottom, and lifted onto a table, so that someone can garden in a wheelchair, or sit down to garden, or can stand up to garden with a little higher table. You will never have to stoop, bend, or do any strenuous physical movements. Because Square Foot Gardening is no work, and takes very little time for maintenance, those busy households with both husband and wife working can still have a garden, and time to enjoy it. Since Square Foot Gardening takes only 20% of the space, it is so condensed that instead of locating it way out back, where the weeds will grow, and people finally decide not to go out there anymore by July and August because of the overgrown weed garden, SFG can be located right near the house, and since there's no weeds, it never becomes unsightly. This allows people with small back yards, in fact those with just a porch, or deck or rooftop, to easily garden the Square Foot way.
What is the cost compared to single row gardening ?
The cost implications are extremely favorable. Since you don't have to rototill your big garden every Spring, you don't need a rototiller, or don't need to pay someone to do that, You don't even dig up your existing soil every year so you don't have to buy any heavy expensive tools like shovels, rakes, and spades which are ultimately rust and break. Since there's no weeding, there's no hard work, hence no heavy weeding tools, like hoes. Because we plant seeds in a spaced pattern, we don't end up pouring out a whole packet of seeds every time we plant, there's no need to buy seeds every year. We tell you how to save the unused portion for the next year, and the next year. Just another major savings in cost.
Building a box can be very simple. You can get free wood at any construction site and build your own, or you can buy ready made-box kits from the Square Foot Gardening Foundation. The first year, you buy the special soil mix but only that very first year. You never replace that, you don't throw it out every year, you merely add a handful of compost to each Square Foot as you replant it after each crop is finished. You can make your own compost, that is not only green and kind to the environment, it's free, and it also eliminates a lot of waste material that presently is trucked to the land fill. We use NO fertilizer with SFG, a great saving in cost. Since you use only 10% of the water, there's a huge savings in water plus again, kind to the environment. Folks, we are running out of water in this world, long before we run out of oil. If you had to carry a bucket of water for 5 miles as many 3 rd world countries do, that's a huge savings in energy and time. The savings of 90% of the water to grow your own crops is a huge implication for our environment.
When did you invent Square Foot Gardening ?
I invented it for the Bicentennial Celebration in 1976 after I retired from my engineering carrier My first book, 1981, was titled, “Square Foot Gardening”, and became the largest selling garden book in America, ever and sold over 1 million copies. My 30 minute television show, was on PBS for 5 years, and was broadcast on every PBS station in the country. It later went on the Discovery Network and the Learning Channel, for another 3 years, Then I retired again in 1991. That lasted for almost 5 years.
In 1996 I came out of retirement again, (can't seem to stay still) to create a non profit 501 C-3 Foundation to take SFG into schools with a Square Yard in the School Yard program. Then moved to Salt Lake City and got involved in many humanitarian projects happening all over the world. Our program teaches the mother of the family how to improve her children's nutrition with a Square Meter Garden. And it works. No giving a man a fish here.
Over the past 15 years, we have made 10 major improvements to SFG, making it now even easier and simpler, and more economical. These improvements are, not only, outlined on our website, but are included in the brand new book, “ All New Square Foot Gardening”. This is in all color, with lots of photographs and drawings for easy and quick reading. Hope this will encourage you to give Square Foot Gardening a try.
The website, http://www.squarefootgardening.com is the official site of the Square Foot Gardening Foundation, and Mel Bartholomew, the inventor, originator and author.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
© 1999-2009 Meridian Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Preparing for the Second Wave of the H1N1 Virus
Articel from Meridian Magazine May 12, 2009
Preparing for the Second Wave of the H1N1 Virus
By Carolyn Nicolaysen
The world has been re-awakened to the specter of the pandemic – how quickly and uninvited they arrive, and how alarmingly fast they can spread to many nations. Historically, there are records of pandemics going back to the days of Hippocrates, which was 2400 years ago. Records kept since then show that pandemics have occurred about every 20-40 years. Since the Hong Kong Flu pandemic of 1968, we are at 41 years.
Similarities that make us wary of H1N1
The H1N1 swine flu outbreak of the last three weeks has much in common with flu pandemics of the 20th Century, including the devastating 1918 H1N1 flu.
Like the first wave of the 1918 flu, the 2009 outbreak has been relatively mild, with the exception of cases in Mexico City . Additionally, the first wave of the 1918 outbreak lasted only a few weeks, as this current outbreak appears to be doing. There was widespread flu, but a limited number of deaths.
Like the 1918 Spanish flu, the 2009 edition of H1N1 swine flu first appeared after the seasonal flu period had ended. In 1889, a flu strain first appeared in London in May, but the 1918 flu virus arrived in March. The 1957 flu virus hit the U.S. in September, and the 1968 virus arrived in July.
Like the 1918 flu, the current H1N1 has affected mostly young adults and older teenagers. The traditional flu usually has a greater affect on the very young and the old. During the 1918 outbreak, pregnant women were the group with the highest death rate.
Like the 1918 flu, the 2009 flu is an H1N1 variety. It includes elements of the seasonal flu, bird flu and swine flu.
The work underway now, behind the scenes
As we know, pandemics traditionally arrive in waves, the first being the shortest and least deadly. It is likely we will see a second and possibly even a third wave. Just when everyone has gone back to life as usual and dismissed the first wave as just a strange little flu, the second wave hits and everyone is caught off guard.
Scientists at Winnipeg 's National Microbiology Laboratory were the first to successfully complete a genetic blueprint of the H1N1 virus. British scientists have also announced they have produced a “map” of the virus. These will help to explain how the virus infects people and what the next steps are to produce a vaccine. Scientists are quick to remind us, however, that a vaccine may not be available for four to six months.
In past pandemics, the time between the first and second waves has been six months. The current flu strain first appeared in late March which would place the second wave some time around the end of September – plus or minus a few weeks. The vaccine may not be available until the end of September, at the very earliest. What this means for all of us is that we need to continue preparing as though there will be no vaccine in time for the second wave.
What if the vaccine is available? Will there be enough? Who will get it first? What about developing countries? And of course, will it be effective if the virus has mutated before it returns?
What if the second wave never comes? In a word: Wonderful. Then we are more prepared for whatever else may come our way, and free to enjoy our lives with a little more thanksgiving in our hearts.
Nine things we have learned from past pandemics
What have we learned from past pandemics so we can be prepared in case this virus resurfaces in a few months?
One: The second wave is more deadly than the first. This helps us to respond more proactively when we hear the flu has resurfaced somewhere in the world. We can immediately stock up on any last minute supplies we may need, if they are available. We can fill our gas tanks so we have that extra fuel for trips to the doctor or to use for our generators if the power should fail.
Two: The incubation period for a pandemic flu virus is 1-4 days. This means that once a family member, classmate or fellow worker shows signs, you have been exposed.
Three: Quarantines work. In schools that shut their doors as soon as they suspected a case of the flu, it did not spread. Those who waited for confirmation of the illness saw more cases emerge. Once a school was closed and students who were ill quarantined, the spread slowed down or stopped. During the 1918 pandemic the evidence strongly highlights the value of isolation. See our Meridian Magazine article: Pandemic or Not Are You Ready For the Swine Flu? Quarantines should last until 24 hours after all symptoms and fever have passed.
Four: Those living in rural areas survived the best. If you have a few acres of land you are much more likely to remain healthy - if you self-quarantine early. In past pandemics, those with land planted gardens and continued to have food to eat. Those in the city became desperate and often violent as the food chain was disrupted and store shelves emptied. We saw signs of this problem emerge in reports from Mexico City last month.
Five: All public gatherings should be avoided completely - church, school, work, everything. If you have to go into a public setting, you should maintain a six foot separation between yourself and others and follow all the cautionary instructions regarding the wearing of N95 face masks, etc. (in a pandemic scenario).
Six: Infrastructure will fail. First responders will become ill. Once this occurs we may find ourselves dependent on our own resources. During the aftermath of Katrina it took only hours before looting and civil unrest began because there were not enough first responders. Staying home, working from home (if possible), schooling at home, and worshipping at home during those critical days and weeks may be the best strategies.
Seven: Multiple emergencies can happen at once. While we have fought the flu the last few weeks, there were earthquakes in Mexico City , California and China ; volcanic unrest in Alaska ; a firestorm in Santa Barbara ; deadly thunderstorms in the Midwest , and tornados in the East. If any of these happen during a pandemic, utilities will be slow to restore since many workers will be quarantined with their families, or ill. Damaged power grids and water systems may remain unrepaired for longer periods.
Eight: Schools and workplaces are not prepared. Many of the schools which closed in the first wave were not able to send work home with their students. Employers sent out memos urging good hygiene habits, but little more. If your school or workplace had a great plan they were able to implement, please send me a copy. If your school or workplace does not have a plan, now is the time to strongly encourage them to get one. If your school is not prepared this would be a good time for you to get some books, workbooks, flashcards, and/or DVDs with which to teach your children. If your workplace is not prepared, now is a great time to encourage them to look at their organization and design ways that people can work from home, or work in shifts that downsize the number of people in the office at one time. You cannot maintain a six foot distance from a co-worker if you are in a crowded work environment.
Nine: The majority of deaths during a pandemic are caused by dehydration and the complications that follow, such as pneumonia. Be prepared with plenty of fluids to keep the healthy hydrated and to re-hydrate those who are ill.
Prepare today
Get copies of medical records for all members of the family. You will use these when talking with medical personnel over the phone. Even your doctor may be working from home if he becomes ill, and away from any records.
Get a three month supply of the foods you normally eat and inventory it so you know what you really have.
Get basic medical supplies to fight the symptoms of the flu, headache, fever, diarrhea, cough and vomiting.
Teach your family proper hygiene habits and practice them
Design a plan to communicate with family and friends during a period of quarantine.
Prepare to live without electricity and a clean source of water.
Get a supply of foods and drink for those who are ill or recovering from the flu.
Purchase items to have on hand to entertain in case of quarantine.
Do Not Panic: There is no need to panic. There is still time to be ready for a second wave if it arrives this summer or fall.
Do Not Stockpile Tamiflu: Tamiflu was only 10% effective on last year's seasonal flu. Once this virus mutates it may not be effective at all. In addition, it is very expensive.
Do Not Purchase pills or remedies on advice from a friend or internet sales pitches, without plenty of research. Too many of the claims made are for products with little or no real health value. Homeopathic remedies can be wonderful, but please check out everything very carefully and look for scientific evidence to back up claims. Funds are limited for all of us - use them wisely as you prepare.
There is time enough to be prepared for this and other emergencies that may pass our way. The scriptural counsel that comes to mind is “Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing…” (D&C 88:119). Stay informed. Be proactive. Put first things first. Have faith. Help others to do the same.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
© 1999-2008 Meridian Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
Preparing for the Second Wave of the H1N1 Virus
By Carolyn Nicolaysen
The world has been re-awakened to the specter of the pandemic – how quickly and uninvited they arrive, and how alarmingly fast they can spread to many nations. Historically, there are records of pandemics going back to the days of Hippocrates, which was 2400 years ago. Records kept since then show that pandemics have occurred about every 20-40 years. Since the Hong Kong Flu pandemic of 1968, we are at 41 years.
Similarities that make us wary of H1N1
The H1N1 swine flu outbreak of the last three weeks has much in common with flu pandemics of the 20th Century, including the devastating 1918 H1N1 flu.
Like the first wave of the 1918 flu, the 2009 outbreak has been relatively mild, with the exception of cases in Mexico City . Additionally, the first wave of the 1918 outbreak lasted only a few weeks, as this current outbreak appears to be doing. There was widespread flu, but a limited number of deaths.
Like the 1918 Spanish flu, the 2009 edition of H1N1 swine flu first appeared after the seasonal flu period had ended. In 1889, a flu strain first appeared in London in May, but the 1918 flu virus arrived in March. The 1957 flu virus hit the U.S. in September, and the 1968 virus arrived in July.
Like the 1918 flu, the current H1N1 has affected mostly young adults and older teenagers. The traditional flu usually has a greater affect on the very young and the old. During the 1918 outbreak, pregnant women were the group with the highest death rate.
Like the 1918 flu, the 2009 flu is an H1N1 variety. It includes elements of the seasonal flu, bird flu and swine flu.
The work underway now, behind the scenes
As we know, pandemics traditionally arrive in waves, the first being the shortest and least deadly. It is likely we will see a second and possibly even a third wave. Just when everyone has gone back to life as usual and dismissed the first wave as just a strange little flu, the second wave hits and everyone is caught off guard.
Scientists at Winnipeg 's National Microbiology Laboratory were the first to successfully complete a genetic blueprint of the H1N1 virus. British scientists have also announced they have produced a “map” of the virus. These will help to explain how the virus infects people and what the next steps are to produce a vaccine. Scientists are quick to remind us, however, that a vaccine may not be available for four to six months.
In past pandemics, the time between the first and second waves has been six months. The current flu strain first appeared in late March which would place the second wave some time around the end of September – plus or minus a few weeks. The vaccine may not be available until the end of September, at the very earliest. What this means for all of us is that we need to continue preparing as though there will be no vaccine in time for the second wave.
What if the vaccine is available? Will there be enough? Who will get it first? What about developing countries? And of course, will it be effective if the virus has mutated before it returns?
What if the second wave never comes? In a word: Wonderful. Then we are more prepared for whatever else may come our way, and free to enjoy our lives with a little more thanksgiving in our hearts.
Nine things we have learned from past pandemics
What have we learned from past pandemics so we can be prepared in case this virus resurfaces in a few months?
One: The second wave is more deadly than the first. This helps us to respond more proactively when we hear the flu has resurfaced somewhere in the world. We can immediately stock up on any last minute supplies we may need, if they are available. We can fill our gas tanks so we have that extra fuel for trips to the doctor or to use for our generators if the power should fail.
Two: The incubation period for a pandemic flu virus is 1-4 days. This means that once a family member, classmate or fellow worker shows signs, you have been exposed.
Three: Quarantines work. In schools that shut their doors as soon as they suspected a case of the flu, it did not spread. Those who waited for confirmation of the illness saw more cases emerge. Once a school was closed and students who were ill quarantined, the spread slowed down or stopped. During the 1918 pandemic the evidence strongly highlights the value of isolation. See our Meridian Magazine article: Pandemic or Not Are You Ready For the Swine Flu? Quarantines should last until 24 hours after all symptoms and fever have passed.
Four: Those living in rural areas survived the best. If you have a few acres of land you are much more likely to remain healthy - if you self-quarantine early. In past pandemics, those with land planted gardens and continued to have food to eat. Those in the city became desperate and often violent as the food chain was disrupted and store shelves emptied. We saw signs of this problem emerge in reports from Mexico City last month.
Five: All public gatherings should be avoided completely - church, school, work, everything. If you have to go into a public setting, you should maintain a six foot separation between yourself and others and follow all the cautionary instructions regarding the wearing of N95 face masks, etc. (in a pandemic scenario).
Six: Infrastructure will fail. First responders will become ill. Once this occurs we may find ourselves dependent on our own resources. During the aftermath of Katrina it took only hours before looting and civil unrest began because there were not enough first responders. Staying home, working from home (if possible), schooling at home, and worshipping at home during those critical days and weeks may be the best strategies.
Seven: Multiple emergencies can happen at once. While we have fought the flu the last few weeks, there were earthquakes in Mexico City , California and China ; volcanic unrest in Alaska ; a firestorm in Santa Barbara ; deadly thunderstorms in the Midwest , and tornados in the East. If any of these happen during a pandemic, utilities will be slow to restore since many workers will be quarantined with their families, or ill. Damaged power grids and water systems may remain unrepaired for longer periods.
Eight: Schools and workplaces are not prepared. Many of the schools which closed in the first wave were not able to send work home with their students. Employers sent out memos urging good hygiene habits, but little more. If your school or workplace had a great plan they were able to implement, please send me a copy. If your school or workplace does not have a plan, now is the time to strongly encourage them to get one. If your school is not prepared this would be a good time for you to get some books, workbooks, flashcards, and/or DVDs with which to teach your children. If your workplace is not prepared, now is a great time to encourage them to look at their organization and design ways that people can work from home, or work in shifts that downsize the number of people in the office at one time. You cannot maintain a six foot distance from a co-worker if you are in a crowded work environment.
Nine: The majority of deaths during a pandemic are caused by dehydration and the complications that follow, such as pneumonia. Be prepared with plenty of fluids to keep the healthy hydrated and to re-hydrate those who are ill.
Prepare today
Get copies of medical records for all members of the family. You will use these when talking with medical personnel over the phone. Even your doctor may be working from home if he becomes ill, and away from any records.
Get a three month supply of the foods you normally eat and inventory it so you know what you really have.
Get basic medical supplies to fight the symptoms of the flu, headache, fever, diarrhea, cough and vomiting.
Teach your family proper hygiene habits and practice them
Design a plan to communicate with family and friends during a period of quarantine.
Prepare to live without electricity and a clean source of water.
Get a supply of foods and drink for those who are ill or recovering from the flu.
Purchase items to have on hand to entertain in case of quarantine.
Do Not Panic: There is no need to panic. There is still time to be ready for a second wave if it arrives this summer or fall.
Do Not Stockpile Tamiflu: Tamiflu was only 10% effective on last year's seasonal flu. Once this virus mutates it may not be effective at all. In addition, it is very expensive.
Do Not Purchase pills or remedies on advice from a friend or internet sales pitches, without plenty of research. Too many of the claims made are for products with little or no real health value. Homeopathic remedies can be wonderful, but please check out everything very carefully and look for scientific evidence to back up claims. Funds are limited for all of us - use them wisely as you prepare.
There is time enough to be prepared for this and other emergencies that may pass our way. The scriptural counsel that comes to mind is “Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing…” (D&C 88:119). Stay informed. Be proactive. Put first things first. Have faith. Help others to do the same.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
© 1999-2008 Meridian Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Caring For Family During a Pandemic – Part 1”
By Carolyn Nicolaysen
The H1N1 flu has now been confirmed in more that thirty states in the United States and eleven countries. The World Health Organization is still investigating where this really began. There is also still confusion as to why the flu has been deadly in Mexico while only one death has been reported in the United States. It is now evident that this flu strain is easily transmitted between individuals. Why then, have we not seen more cases?
When this began last week, two students in Texas tested positive for the H1N1 flu. The school district immediately closed all the schools in the district. School districts have acted quickly to close schools - in some cases, even before the diagnosis was confirmed. More than 100 schools have closed, affecting more that 65,000 students. Texas has canceled all sports and academic competitions in the state until May 11th. All of these measures have helped to limit the exposure of students and staff, thus reducing cases. We really have no way of knowing how far it might have spread without these precautions.
Secondly, all those who have been diagnosed have been told to self quarantine with their entire household in their home until seven days after all symptoms have disappeared in their family. This is also limiting exposure. Again, without this direction family members who were not showing symptoms may have spread the flu had they continued their normal schedules.
We should not be panicking. Unlike the deadly pandemic of 1918 we now have mass communication which enables us to receive information and direction in real time. We should listen and comply. The Center for Disease Control has asked us to plan for what we will do if our schools close. Have you asked your child's school what their plan is? If you have not, now is the time. We should also be planning in case we have a family member who is exposed and we are told to quarantine in our home. Are you prepared with food and medications?
It is also time to be sure there is a plan for extended family and friends should this become a more dangerous situation. "He who fails to plan, plans to fail" is still true.
By Carolyn Nicolaysen
The H1N1 flu has now been confirmed in more that thirty states in the United States and eleven countries. The World Health Organization is still investigating where this really began. There is also still confusion as to why the flu has been deadly in Mexico while only one death has been reported in the United States. It is now evident that this flu strain is easily transmitted between individuals. Why then, have we not seen more cases?
When this began last week, two students in Texas tested positive for the H1N1 flu. The school district immediately closed all the schools in the district. School districts have acted quickly to close schools - in some cases, even before the diagnosis was confirmed. More than 100 schools have closed, affecting more that 65,000 students. Texas has canceled all sports and academic competitions in the state until May 11th. All of these measures have helped to limit the exposure of students and staff, thus reducing cases. We really have no way of knowing how far it might have spread without these precautions.
Secondly, all those who have been diagnosed have been told to self quarantine with their entire household in their home until seven days after all symptoms have disappeared in their family. This is also limiting exposure. Again, without this direction family members who were not showing symptoms may have spread the flu had they continued their normal schedules.
We should not be panicking. Unlike the deadly pandemic of 1918 we now have mass communication which enables us to receive information and direction in real time. We should listen and comply. The Center for Disease Control has asked us to plan for what we will do if our schools close. Have you asked your child's school what their plan is? If you have not, now is the time. We should also be planning in case we have a family member who is exposed and we are told to quarantine in our home. Are you prepared with food and medications?
It is also time to be sure there is a plan for extended family and friends should this become a more dangerous situation. "He who fails to plan, plans to fail" is still true.
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