When it comes to gardens, there are many medium options. Here is a brief summary of what several different mediums do:

1) Rockwool-for top feed systems. The natural fibers are assembled in a vertical pattern allowing for proper dispersion of nutritional solutions as it flows from the top to the bottom of the substrate. Also used as a stand alone hydroponic medium.

2) Perlite-an amendment to existing mediums such as soil, coconut coir or rockwool. It increases air to water ratios in substrates enhancing root growth and performance.

3) Sure-to-grow-a revolutionary grow medium that is inert, lightweight, and requires no pre-conditioning treatments. Comes in a multitude of shapes.

4) Hydroton-dust free, won’t crumble and perfectly pH balanced. Primarily used in hydroponics or as a soil amendment. Can be cleaned and reused.

5) Coconut Coir- organic grow medium for hydroponic cultivation or amendment to organic soil. Has excellent air and moisture retention properties and harbors beneficial micro-organisms.

6) Organic soil- rich in beneficial micro-biology, contains its own ecosystem within every bag. Ideal for all stages of plant growth and takes fortification of synthetic and organic nutrition regiments.

Source: Hydrofarm

Before you pick up that non-organic apple…read this! “Did you know that if you consumed an average apple you would be eating over 30 pesticides, even after you have washed it?” Yuck! On average, any non-organic fruit contains over 20 pesticides! It’s true what they say, that you are what you eat! Unfortunately, farmers have resorted to heavy doses of pesticide to counter the infiltration of harmful bugs so they can keep up with consumer demand. Our food continues to diminish as farmers scramble to keep up quantity versus quality. How very sad for us consumers! But, if we buy organic and increase that demand, then the farmers have no choice but to change their ways. We have the power, as consumers, to change the way our food is grown and processed. The more people who opt out of buying non-organic foods, the less demand which will equal less production of those kinds of foods. Our health depends on the consumption of pure, untainted foods. Eating organic provides us with the vital, and proper, amounts of nutrients that our bodies need to function properly. We can help fight off disease and illnesses if we pay more attention to what we are putting in our bodies! Read more at http://www.organicfoodinfo.net/

Our voices need to be heard! Our government is ready to lift the ban on genetically modified alfalfa. By producing GE alfalfa, the probability of genetic contamination of organic and non-organic alfalfa will be greater. Farmers, both organic and non-organic, will feel the negative economic impacts of this deregulation and most concerning is the likelihood that more harmful herbicides and pesticides will be required. Call or write Congress at (202) 224-3121 or search who your local representative is at http://www.congressmerge.com/onlinedb/. Do your part to maintain this imperative ban on genetically modified foods!!

To find out more, visit http://ofrf.org/action/ofan/100525_alert.html.