Some of the techniques planned for this garden are: Companion Planting, Composting, Natural Pest Control, and Pattern Planting. These are some topics that will be uncovered and discussed in later posts. Here are most of the items that will be planted in this garden:

• Bell Pepper
• Carrot
• Cucumber
• Green Beans
• Lettuce
• Onions (White, Red, & Green)
• Potatoes
• Radish
• Spinach
• Squash
• Tomatoes
• Brussel Sprouts

Some of the herbs planted that will also make good companions to the above-mentioned items are: Basil, Chervil, Chive, Dill, Fennel, Garlic, Kale, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Savory.

Eating from a local source is undeniably good for the environment and a way to reduce the stress on the planet. As a teacher for the past 10 years I have observed many students that don’t know anything about where their food comes from or the processes that it must go through in order to make it to their plates. We have become disconnected from our food and consequentially the planet. In order to be effective at achieving sustainability we must take ownership of our lives and reconnect with the planet and each other.

At the beginning of this year my hive was empty so I bought a well established hive from a friend who has consistently had success with his bees. In the process of preparing for delivery I opened the old hive and was pleasantly surprised to find what appears to be a swarm setting up shop in my recently vacated tenement. You may ask yourself why do I persist in trying to keep bees

Well, It doesn’t matter if I get honey from the bees, though it would be nice. What is important is the role bees play as pollinators. Hey, the way I see it is bees are in crisis and need our help, and it behooves us to help. It is very important to support bee populations and provide them with a healthy environment. I have seeded parts of my property with clover and vetch which helps build soil and give the bees some munchies. I would encourage everyone out there to do something for the bees.

So, sponsored by Microsoft, hmmm. At first I found it very interesting then I noticed the Microsoft stamp and was concerned and trying to find the catch. I am not an anti-Microsoft bandwagoner that believes Microsoft is evil throughout, but their track record is not promising. There are sections of Microsoft that aim to participate in good causes. Unfortunately, the countless other sections manipulate all intentions for the worse.

What is the catch? Well here you go: “… Microsoft shares a portion of the program’s advertising revenue with an organization of your choice…” From what I see, it seems that the first clause is that only a portion (undefined) is shared and the second clause is that the program must first generate revenue in the form of advertising. It seems Microsoft would rather get people using their services by investing part of the advertising funds in charitable organizations rather than making a technologically superior service. Interesting…

I suppose if it’s on Microsoft’s dime and it supports good social causes, then I am a supporter, but only if their services are used for information that doesn’t need privacy and only for this promotion. Maybe we can help Microsoft pay back to the community a portion of what damages they have done through their crimes against humanity and capitalism.