tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386976829639042251.post3162593163606070393..comments2023-09-11T06:22:41.615-07:00Comments on Black Diaspora: 89405Black Diasporahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890792781361839105noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386976829639042251.post-26218790735525900712011-07-03T08:21:45.145-07:002011-07-03T08:21:45.145-07:00From what I've determined, good winter crops a...From what I've determined, good winter crops are dependent on your area. In some areas with a more temperate climate with no frost, you can get by with continuous harvests of warm weather crops. Here's a link for common fall and winter crops:<br /><br />http://westsidegardener.com/quick/winter_veggies.html<br /><br />Stuff like winter squash is called that because the fruit once picked basically preserves itself and you just put the harvest up somewhere until you're ready to eat it. Other stuff like Kale and chard actually continues to grow outside and can be harvested. Kale, as I understand it, needs no protection. Most of the members of the cabbage family (broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage and etc) actually prefer cool weather. For winter and fall, I'm planning Kale, cabbage family veggies, winter squash and root vegetables like onions and radishes. Currently, I have the following growing out of four raised gardens:<br /><br />1) Corn<br />2) Summer Squash<br />3) Green Beans<br />4) Broccoli<br />5) Cabbage<br />6) Watermelon<br />7) Cauliflower<br />8) Tomatoes<br />9) 3 varieties of lettuce<br />10) Swiss Chard<br />11) Collards<br />12) Mustard Greens<br />13) Peas<br /><br />Most of this stuff gives a continuous harvest.<br /><br />Raised gardening with the square foot method is very easy. All I did was pick up some 2 X 6 boards cut in 4 foot lengths and built four boxes. On the bottom of the boxes, you place some weed block and fill the box with a combination of soil and compost (I just used top soil and peat moss--the soil that you use and the amendments are very important). From there you section off square foot sections in each box and follow the square foot formula for the number of plants planted per square (the number depends on the crop). <br /><br />This is my first attempt and I'm ready to expand it by adding some more raised beds. What am interested in is seeing if I can grow enough to store. What I did this year was sort of a mixture of crops in each box. I think this will work better if you dedicate each box to one particular crop which is what I'm planning for the fall/winter.<br /><br />I'll e-mail you some links.Greg Lhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16130586577590547845noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386976829639042251.post-2662061489190360982011-07-03T02:15:30.811-07:002011-07-03T02:15:30.811-07:00@Greg L: "I can send you a few helpful links ...@Greg L: "I can send you a few helpful links that I've used."<br /><br />Please! When time permits. And thanks for the information on the "square foot gardening method."<br /><br />Raised beds sound like a great idea! What are some good winter crops?Black Diasporahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08890792781361839105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386976829639042251.post-21051064713115459262011-07-03T00:15:25.342-07:002011-07-03T00:15:25.342-07:00<<>I'll investigate the "square ...<<>I'll investigate the "square foot gardening method." Most of my research has been limited to picking the brains of local nursery workers.<<<<br /><br />I've done the same with nursery workers as well. I attempted a container garden last year which failed miserably, so I doubled back to do more research before starting this year's and that's when I ran across square foot gardening which basically involves controlling the soil environment via using small raised beds for gardening. The whole idea is to grow a lot in a small space. This method is ideal for those looking to grow in urban areas where space is tight. You'd be surprised how much one can grow in a small raised garden. The garden has been a smashing success this year with very minimal effort. I currently have four 4x4 raised beds and I'm getting ready to do another 4 for winter crops. There are quite a few youtube videos, websites and gardener's forums on the method. My inspiration actually came from a youtube video of a woman's square garden in Florida and when I saw her broccoli, I just knew i had to give this a shot. If you're interested, I can send you a few helpful links that I've used. This is not very labor intensive at all and I spend about 2-3 hours a week gardening and most of that is spent harvesting and pulling a few weeds.Greg Lhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16130586577590547845noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386976829639042251.post-87285482849519162502011-07-02T16:59:07.389-07:002011-07-02T16:59:07.389-07:00@Greg L: "I'm sure they have something si...@Greg L: "I'm sure they have something similar for gophers and moles."<br /><br />I've ordered a batch of repellent (a garlic, and corn formula), but the reviews have been as mixed as the repellent.<br /><br />I've done some research, and my conclusion: Controlling garden pests must be a multibillion industry, ranging from providing electronics, to traps, to bait, to repellents, to chemicals, to the use of exhaust fumes once a contraption has been connected to the car's muffler.<br /><br />And this is only the beginning.<br /><br />"I use the square foot gardening method and I've found a number of sites on that which have really contributed to the success of my garden this year." <br /><br />Thanks for the tips. I'll investigate the "square foot gardening method." Most of my research has been limited to picking the brains of local nursery workers. <br /><br />"I don't want to give my money to those entities that have abused the situation and have caused this mess."<br /><br />I understand the sentiment, and it was the reason that I found a "made in the U.S.A." computer assembler, from which to buy my latest computer.<br /><br />We have to stop believing that corporations care about anything but their bottomline. Just because they may be incorporated here, doesn't make them loyal, and patriotic contributors to America's economic success.<br /><br />Capitalism has no loyalties, except to profits. <br /><br />"[I]f they [rabbits] don't watch it, they find find themselves on the dinner table! Homey don't play that!"<br /><br />This brought a chuckle!<br /><br />You wouldn't have Bugs Bunny for dinner would you? After watching the movie, "Babe," kids freaked out at the thought of having bacon for breakfast again.Black Diasporahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08890792781361839105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386976829639042251.post-53033675103327639802011-07-02T08:30:37.011-07:002011-07-02T08:30:37.011-07:00>>>I hear Solar panels are still too expe...>>>I hear Solar panels are still too expense, and that it takes those who have them installed, years to break even. You'd think we would have found, by now, with all our technological know-how, multiple ways to generate low-cost electricity.<<<<br /><br />Here's an article about the use of solar panels in rural India. I recall reading similar articles about the expanding use of these in Africa and China also. As I recall, some of the ones in Africa were smaller units used to power cell phones and small lights. As I understand it, these small units aren't very expensive. In India, the government is pushing this with tax credits and other subsidies:<br /><br />http://news.yahoo.com/indias-rural-poor-power-grid-solar-093045321.html<br /><br />>>>Are they on the Internet? There seems to be a need for a self-sufficiency Internet hub that brings all this self-help information together in one place, linking up useful sites.Is there one?<<<<br /><br />Yes. They're on the web. I would never buy a car unless there was a enthusiast forum that I could go to. With most cars, there are common issues and fixes that come up and one can get educated on how to do these himself or at least be more knowledgeable when dealing with a mechanic to prevent getting scammed. I've also run across similar sites for gardening and that's been very helpful. I use the square foot gardening method and I've found a number of sites on that which have really contributed to the success of my garden this year. I've run across a number of survivalist type blogs, but no place that I'm aware of that's a central clearing house or referral source. <br /><br />I do think that folks are beginning to re-examine certain things. I know I am more or less in a form of protest. I don't want to give my money to those entities that have abused the situation and have caused this mess. So, I'm opting to use a credit union rather than a bank and am buying used whenever and wherever possible.<br /><br />>>>Do you have a surefire method for gopher and mole eradication. I don't want to kill the critters, just repel them. My backyard has become one of their favorite garden spots.<<<<br /><br />I had problems with rabbits and I got some natural stuff that repels them. I'm sure they have something similar for gophers and moles. I've been pretty fortunate though as I've not been plagued with too many pests. I've grown a lot of stuff in the cabbage family like broccoli, cabbages, cauliflower and etc. The cabbage worm is a big pest on these crops, but I've not seen them as of yet. The rabbits have been the thorn in my side however and if they don't watch it, they find find themselves on the dinner table! Homey don't play that!Greg Lhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16130586577590547845noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386976829639042251.post-3036067817123930522011-07-02T03:48:41.833-07:002011-07-02T03:48:41.833-07:00@Greg L: "And it occurs to me that using the ...@Greg L: "And it occurs to me that using the Ball Jars for caning even reduces one's dependence on energy. I'm also looking into that as well."<br /><br />That's ambitious, but good for you. Speaking of energy, I wish we had a do-it-yourself solution that would provide energy for our personal use, and lessen our dependence on the grid. <br /><br />I hear Solar panels are still too expense, and that it takes those who have them installed, years to break even. You'd think we would have found, by now, with all our technological know-how, multiple ways to generate low-cost electricity.<br /><br />But this won't set well with PG&E, and other energy suppliers, who have a monopolistic grip on the industry.<br /><br />"I've met some people who come together to help one another on issues with these cars."<br /><br />Are they on the Internet? There seems to be a need for a self-sufficiency Internet hub that brings all this self-help information together in one place, linking up useful sites.<br /><br />Is there one?<br /><br />Years ago, a magazine thrived (I can't recall the name of it.), offering information on self-sufficiency, and reacquainting people with those country and rural skills that had been allowed to lapse, or were never a part of their skill set.<br /><br />"The first challenge is all of the debt, both public and private. Ultimately...the economy will contract in a move towards a depression...The thing that's not on the radar is peak oil or declining energy production."<br /><br />We need solutions, for sure, but Congress is too divided to provide them, caused by the adversarial nature of the process. <br /><br />Republicans have for months ignored steps to build economic growth, and job growth, because it would benefit President Obama's reelection bid. There foot-dragging is only now generating serious discussion, and criticism, although it's been obvious for some time.<br /><br />"What if I'm right and not prepared?"<br /><br />It's always better to be safe than sorry.<br /><br />Do you have a surefire method for gopher and mole eradication. I don't want to kill the critters, just repel them. My backyard has become one of their favorite garden spots.Black Diasporahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08890792781361839105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386976829639042251.post-78425080971784070242011-06-30T04:26:55.114-07:002011-06-30T04:26:55.114-07:00>>>A service economy isn't going to c...>>>A service economy isn't going to cut it.....With a self-sustaining economic model, people will resort to repairing their own broken equipment, and doing their own plumbing and electrical work--and yes, growing their own food, and eating out way less.<<<br /><br />Yes, there was a lot of bartering that went on back then and the things just ran a lot slower than they do now. I did the garden thing myself and am looking into expanding it. Although I grew up in a city, with parents from the rural south, we did a lot of things the old way when I was growing up. We used to go out to farms where we could pick bushel baskets of vegetables. My mother would can or freeze all of our vegetables, make jellies and etc. We basically stored food and we had enough stores to last several months. And it occurs to me that using the Ball Jars for caning even reduces one's dependence on energy. I'm also looking into that as well.<br /><br />I had an old car that was sitting in my garage that I recently got started again and am using it for my daily beater and I've determined that I'm just going to do the repairing myself and with the help of an enthusiast forum, I've met some people who come together to help one another on issues with these cars. Just by doing this, I've eliminated several repair bills already just by doing the stuff myself not to mention picking up some skills that I'll be able to use going forward. Basically, I'm more or less permanently out of the new car market as of now because I'm figuring that with more knowledge, I'll either be able to stretch what I have or buy them used with the knowledge of how to repair them. To be sure, that's not going to do much for car manufacturers or service departments, but that's a huge trend because I'm not the only one doing this sort of thing.<br /><br />In addition to just the overall mismanagement of the economy, I just think there are two big challenges, one of which is not even on the radar as of yet. The first challenge is all of the debt, both public and private. Ultimately, it will not be paid and as the supply of credit continues to wane, the economy will contract in a move towards a depression. I think this is occurring now, but is unacknowledged. The thing that's not on the radar is peak oil or declining energy production. Much of the lifestyle in the US with far flung suburbs, supply chains and etc is set up around the availability of cheap oil. Many people believe that era is coming to an end over the next 5-10 years--in the very near term. That on top of the financial crisis is going to alter a number of things, particularly around food distribution. This means a focus on doing things locally like gardening, caning and etc as well as a less energy dependent lifestyle generally. Absolutely, no one is talking about this and they're barely being truthful about the debt crisis and how we got there either.<br /><br />What I've gotten down to is this-- If I'm wrong, what's my risk? Excess food stores and knowing how to fix my car and garden? What if I'm right and not prepared? <br /><br />I'm not trying to be a pessimist, but as one trained in financial matters, I've seen this thing coming for a long time and pretty much everything I thought would happen has happened and we're still early in this thing and that's what's bothersome. This really hasn't gotten going in earnest yet.Greg Lhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16130586577590547845noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386976829639042251.post-2685769123909532502011-06-29T23:19:11.255-07:002011-06-29T23:19:11.255-07:00I grew bored debating Aquietday. He's feasted ...I grew bored debating Aquietday. He's feasted on too much Fox News misinformation.<br /> <br />For example, Obama based his health-care reform plan on the British model (a single-payer plan), and, like the British model, it employs a "death panel."<br /> <br />To refute is one thing, to fill in gaps in people's information is another.<br /> <br />He sounds a great deal like one of the Anonymous commenters that has infested Field Negroes blog.<br /> <br />"So, the imbalance allows them to finance the other deficit we're running--the budget deficit."<br /> <br />Let me see if I have this right? China is a competitor, if not a potential enemy, but we see nothing wrong in allowing it to finance our expenditures with the money that they have unfairly earned by keeping their tariffs high, and manipulating their currency.<br /> <br />Maybe this is a new wrinkle on keeping your enemies close!<br /> <br />"This country is just in one hell of a mess and most of us have no idea to the extent of the problem and its relationship to a place like Empire NV."<br /> <br />I see Empire NV as a microcosm of the larger problem. In part, we allowed a foreign competitor to take over a large share of the drywall market (in-sourcing), albeit with a cheaper, inferior product, and when the demand dried up, U.S. drywall manufacturers went belly up, along with the jobs that the industry supported.<br /> <br />This, in itself, is a recipe for failure. <br /> <br />Free trade is not free trade when only one nation is subscribing to the principle and others aren't.<br /> <br />Although I'd like to see all nations of the world prosper, free trade is not an <i>America First</i> precept that's followed by our legislators, primarily Republicans, despite their jingoistic protestations to the contrary. <br /> <br />"Money was in short supply and people grew or made whatever they needed." <br /> <br />Bartering played a huge part in that, too. It seems people are reviving it, also, but you can bet your sweet, that the government is still going to want their cut, their share, not in trade, but in hard currency in the form of a sales, or income tax.<br /> <br />"After a slow multi decade decline, it's clear that there's little of that left and many are going to be forced to re-examine a bunch of stuff."<br /> <br />A service economy isn't going to cut it. This nation is going to have to build something, something that the rest of the world, hopefully, will have a need of. <br /> <br />With a self-sustaining economic model, people will resort to repairing their own broken equipment, and doing their own plumbing and electrical work--and yes, growing their own food, and eating out way less.<br /><br />With your urging and the urging of a few others, I've started my own Victory Garden. <br /> <br />With no customers, Joe the Plumber, or Godfather's Pizza, will fail miserably. Without a robust economy to support these kinds of service businesses, they'll fold up like lawn chairs.<br /> <br />New automobiles are now beyond the backyard mechanic's ability to repair, requiring sophisticated diagnostic equipment that's either too expensive, or require hours of intense training to master.Black Diasporahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08890792781361839105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386976829639042251.post-22421449704783268932011-06-29T19:55:33.083-07:002011-06-29T19:55:33.083-07:00Another interesting post BD. We're running a h...Another interesting post BD. We're running a huge trade imbalance with China that we indirectly benefit from. The imbalance creates dollars they're holding that they have to do something with and that generally means placing them in US dollar denominated investments and the one of choice is US Treasuries. So, the imbalance allows them to finance the other deficit we're running--the budget deficit. Buffet's plan, if I understand it correctly, would eliminate the trade deficit, but also eliminate the financing of our budget deficit at the same time and based on where we're at, that could really hurt. I think his plan would also limit imports which would force domestic production of stuff we need and that would be good for jobs here and to the extent that happens, perhaps the budget deficit gets lessened. That's going to take awhile though. This country is just in one hell of a mess and most of us have no idea to the extent of the problem and its relationship to a place like Empire NV.<br /><br />I just think that we're going to have to get accustomed to a far simpler existence and one that's self sustaining. I suppose this would be more or less like the early 1900's. I'm blessed to still have my dad living. He grew up in the rural south and when he describes life then, the thing that strikes me is how much the economy was not based on paper money per se or even jobs necessarily. Money was in short supply and people grew or made whatever they needed. Basically, he describes a life that would be considered poor by today's standards, but they didn't go without. They were self sustaining and that's what we're going to have to figure out.<br /><br />I just think that the migration of people into cities from farms and the like was shaped because that's what they needed people to do to support the new economic paradigm around manufacturing during WWII and afterward. After a slow multi decade decline, it's clear that there's little of that left and many are going to be forced to re-examine a bunch of stuff.Greg Lhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16130586577590547845noreply@blogger.com