Black Gold Organic Gardening Series

Bokashi Composting From a reader: Bokashi Composting is a new technique that I was introduced to from a friend so I wanted to do some reading up on it to learn more about it. Mike O’Halloron writes in an easy to understand and clear manner. I learned a lot about Bokashi composting throughout this book and I found the book to be a great guidebook. The book went through the differences in Bokashi composting, the history of this technique, and even does a step by step breakdown of how to make my own Bokashi set up. I really liked how the author goes into detail in the Do It Yourself section. I was able to just buy things from his list and set it up within a short span of time. The Bokashi method itself works wonders for me. I am able to compost inside my house, and I don’t have to worry about what not to put into my composting set up. It makes things very pain free and easy, so I’m able to compost away with any stress. I think if you’re new to the Bokashi method, or you want to change up your composting to include more items, this book is for you. Kitchen scraps to Black Gold in a few short weeks Bokashi is a Japanese term for "fermented organic matter" that is a safe, quick, hassle free and convenient way to compost in your very own domicile. It does not matter if you live in an apartment, house, boat or even a tent. If you generate kitchen scraps and have room for a small bucket, you now have the ability to compost all kitchen scraps (including meats, dairy, fat and fish) quickly and efficiently right in your own home. This is accomplished in a sealed environment, which eliminates the rank odor of rotting materials and without those pesky bugs or flies. The bokashi system uses a special selection of microorganisms that anaerobic ally ferment the food scraps. This fermentation process is very fast and the finished pickled product is generally ready in two weeks to be applied to whatever use you may want. You can put it in your existing compost pile, feed it to your worms in your worm bin, make supercharged potting soil or bury it in your garden. It is up to you. The bokashi method was first introduced about 40 years ago. It has experienced a rapid acceptance and expansion worldwide. Unfortunately, it still relatively unknown in the US, but that is quickly changing. In this volume, you will be introduced to the method of Bokashi composting, including the how to, where to and when to and results of the system. For example: You will discover the history behind this accidentally discovered, amazing yet simple system. You will learn how to quickly and easily get started with the bokashi system. You will learn how to save money by making your own tools and supplies from locally available sources. You will discover the many uses of the various products you can create with what you will learn in this book. You will learn to make lactobacillus and the many uses for it. Remember, your soil is a living thing, and when properly fed, can produce amazing results. Now is your chance to get started on saving money and increasing the size and quality of your organic harvests. This essential guide is a must-have read and reference for anyone who wishes to turn formerly un-useable waste products into black gold for gardens, composting systems, vermicomposters, container growers and anyone that wishes to help keep waste out of our landfills. Kitchen scraps to black gold in a few short weeks, “Bokashi Composting" Is a complete step-by-step, do–it-yourself guide written by a longtime practicing organic gardener and dedicated bokashi system user.  Get your copy now!

Curious about the History, Magic, Myths and Legends of 28 common Herbs? The almost mystical healing power of herbs and their ability to ease pain can be traced back to the very beginnings of history. Early tribes and groups began instinctively experimenting with plants in their environment. Since they didn’t have the luxury of a pharmaceutical laboratory, they discovered by trial and error which locally grown plants and herbs were effective in treating their ailments. This growing accumulation of knowledge was then passed from each generation to another by word-of-mouth and practical teaching. Artifacts have been discovered from many cultures that include such items as frescoes, bronzes, tomb paintings and cuneiform tablets. These artifacts record the importance of herbs to these early civilizations. Ancient herbals and medical writings that still exist today describe plants and herbs and their healing properties. Through time this collected knowledge created an herbal lore culture that has evolved with usage. For instance, priests etc. of ancient societies used herbs in the performance of their religious ceremonies for effect and protection. Warriors carried magical herbs for strength, protection and bravery. Later medieval monasteries were the centers of communities and thus became centers of herbal healing. They founded hospitals and had separate psyche gardens where the Monks grew a wide variety of plants to make the potions, oils and ointments they needed to treat the sick. On the other side of the coin, the hedgerows and woodlands provided the plants needed by the country housewife for her herbal healing and magical protections. Throughout this book you will discover many strands of historical tradition. One such tradition was what is known as the Victorian language of flowers. In the 19th century England the practice was to give different flowers special meanings. And when fresh flowers and dried bouquets were given to someone they indicated a particular feeling. One example of this is when Rosemary was incorporated into a bouquet of red roses. The meaning of this was love and remembrance and it was a gift usually given to women by the men as they went off to war. While not directly magical, the power of symbolism reflects in the use of flowers deep personal feeling and how they are incorporated in remedies and the intentions associated with them. This book presents you with the historical and mythological story behind many of the herbs in common use today. In this book you will also find recipes for teas, concoctions and tasty treats. Enjoy the book and may the magic of herbs bring health, prosperity, love and a long life to you. Michael O'Halloron