Hit the Dirt; Who Grows Your Herbs?

Number two. And welcome to. This country of well-stocked supermarkets. To grow some of their own food. One of the foods we eat. By raising our own we can be sure that we are getting top quality produce with no harmful residues additives or coatings yet how many of us are driven by similar concerns to grow herbs. I know my main impetus for raising herbs has been variety and freshness as well just for the fun and aesthetics of it in the supermarket. I am very much aware of the implications of the produce section overflowing with

glossy perfect looking fruits and vegetables. Much of them imported but going into the natural food store for herbal teas missiles or seasonings of Oak Knowe such critical misgivings. Well recently I came across some information in a book called herbal bounty written by Stephen Foster which opened my eyes and really got me thinking. I'd like to share with you. To quote Foster. Will consumers enter natural food stores or other herb outlets and view the intriguing display of dried roots barks flowers and leaves. They're often left with an impression of a wholesome pure natural organic product. Looks can be deceiving though for labels rarely offer information about the origins processing methods agricultural practices or other treatments and handling of an herb jars content. Often we have no concept of quality when it comes to purchasing herbs. For many of us herbs are a relatively new addition to daily life and we don't know how to determine our quality. Quality is not simply a matter of flavor. Third world has become a dumping ground for pesticide

severely restricted were totally banned in the United States. U.S. laws governing the sale of pesticides allows for pesticides severely restricted or banned by the Environmental Protection Agency to be exported to other countries. Approximately 40 percent of the 1.6 billion pounds of pesticide sold in United States are sold for exportation with 15 percent unregistered never tested licensed or reviewed by the EPA. This is perfectly legal practice under existing U.S. law. On October 5th 1901 David Weir co-author of circle of poison appeared on a PBS special on pesticides stating that between 50 percent and 70 percent of all pesticides used in the Third World are not applied to local food products but to export crops. Substances such as DDT 2 4 5 TB Aldrin Chlordane Andren PHC and Hep the Clore are among the EPA banned or restricted chemicals used outside the US in many cases supplied by American companies. We do not know how many

chemicals are used in producing Herb crops imported to the United States. However many herbs are fumigated with Fosse toxin or methyl bromide to prevent unwanted insects as they enter the US. In addition many tea bags used in packaged herb teas contain polyvinyl chloride a known carcinogen. Fighter 516 paraquat are among the herbicides used by commercial ginseng growers. Forty five kept on 50. And seven are among the pesticides used engines and culture. Ingesting 1 to 4 ounces of a 5 percent solution of paraquat can result in death. This substance is uses in herbicide and commercial fields in Oregon as is the urine method and other substances. Soil Star Alliance used in mint fields include talent to 2017 terrace side 15 d lacks method 8 metal meant all the hired help are insecticides used in mint fields are you beginning to sense problems with the quality of commercial herbs.

The possible presence of biocide and fertilizer residues in imported and domestic herbs is only one problem. Storage and shelf life considerations. The quality of cut and sifted vs. vs. whole herbs adulterations mislabeling and deceptive labeling are also problems. Safety considerations. Let's point out a direction for Herb use or grow your own. Definitely something to ponder over that couple or other favorite. Now that was written in 1904 and though I don't think much has happened to improve the situation in the past 8 years. So while my partner and I have been slowly expanding our urge to provide for our needs I think we are both now inspired to give even more emphasis to our gardens. I hope you are too. Before I sign off I'd like to announce an upcoming event which should be of interest to those of you interested in fruit nut trees and that is the 10th Annual scion wood exchange. I've been to a number of these

and can attest that there is much to be gained from attending this exchange from all over the state bringing lots of good sign would seed in other plant material. Plus it's a great chance to meet other growers make some new friends and talk trees workshops on management are usually scheduled and include hands on as well as classroom instruction. All that and it is open to all free of charge. The sign and what exchange will be held this year. On Sunday April 12 from noon to 5:00 p.m. at Unity College. For more information contact at 5 6 8 3 4 4 4 5 6 8 3 4 4 4. Hopefully I'll see you there. Until next week.