If aesthetics are an important factor, decorative containers made from a variety of materials are flooding the marketplace.  There are planter boxes, wooden barrels, and pots of glazed ceramic and high impact plastic.  Or use your imagination and recycle an old watering can, an ash pail or a wheelbarrow.

There are a few steps that must be taken in order for you to accomplish your goal of producing actual vegetables, herbs and flowers.  First is the selection of a container large enough for the roots to spread out.  Also, the soil in small pots has the tendency to lose its moisture rapidly, requiring the gardener to water more than once a day.  A vegetable plant, such as the tomato, has a deep root system and therefore requires a deep container.

Containers should also have enough drainage.  If there are not enough drainage holes, the water will saturate the soil and kill the root system of the plant.  Do not place shards of clay pots or small stones over the holes at the bottom of the pot because they will actually decrease the drainage.

Now it’s time to prepare an organic planting  mixture.  Plants do not need soil to grow.  Compost is an excellent potting medium.   However, don’t fret isf composting is notd your thing“. +-You can make your own mixture by combining peat loam, peat moss and sand in a ration of 2:1:1.  But before you put this mixture in the containers, wash them with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly.

Now you’re ready to plant.  Select vegetables, herbs and/or flowers that are suitable for containers.  Not every species can thrive in this kind of growing environment.  Some veggie container favorites are tomato (including cherry), peppers, radish, summer squash, carrots, eggplant, cucumbers and bush beans.  Herbs: basil, dill, rosemary, lavender, sage, dill, oregano, chives, thyme and parsley.  Flowers: Impaction, petunia, begonia, pansy, zinnia, marigold, geranium, fuchsia and many more.

Fill the container with the planting mixture, to a level approximately 2 inches from the rim..  The young plant should be gently removed form its original packet and planted at the same depth as it had been in that packet. Pat the mixture so it’s firm (not hard) around the plant.

It’s important to fertilize the new planting and continue to fertilize once a week throughout the growing season.   Use a compost tea or fish emulsion and kelp mixture.  These substances are far better than synthetic fertilizers because they are organic.  They contain the nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous and other organic compounds needed for the plant to grow and produce their vegetables or flowers.

Water thoroughly.

An inch of mulch is recommended to cover the planting mix.  It’s optional, but it will help retain the moisture.  And be sure you know how much sun your container garden requires.  Most vegetables and herbs need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.

As you can see, it’s not difficult growing an organic container garden.  After the initial prep and planting, the work is minimal and the rewards great.

The poll is consistent with the increased interest Americans have in the purification of their drinking water.  While many find that purchasing bottled water is the answer, others are more skeptical and not convinced that bottled water is safer than the water that comes out of the tap.  A higher number are opting for the installation of a carbon filter – a device that can be attached to the drinking water source in the home.

Using a carbon filter is an effective way to treat drinking water at home – in particular, the granular activated carbon filter (GAC).  These filters remove inorganic and organic chemicals, such as hydrogen sulfide, which gives the water a putrid odor and taste.

Granular activated carbon is a charcoal made from raw materials that contain high levels of carbon made from raw materials including, but not exclusive to, coal and coconut shells.  Heat is used to increase the surface area of the carbon, a process know as activated carbon.  It is this activated carbon that removes the impurities from the water and captures them in the GAC filter.

Depending upon individual situations, two types of GAC filters are popular in the U.S.: point of entry and point of use.  Point of entry are  whole-house carbon water filters.  Directly installed to the main source of a home’s water supply, the result is the water being treated that  travels to any faucet or water-using appliance (dish washer, washing machine, etc.).  This filter protects against harmful chemicals that can be introduced to the body by ingestion, inhalation or absorption into the skin.

Point of use filters are installed in the water supply pipe, just before the faucet. There are under and over the sink models, as well as units to filter the water supply going to a refrigerator and/or ice maker.  This type of filter will only protect the against chemicals that are ingested, not inhaled or absorbed. –  And it will not protect other faucets.

Whichever carbon filtration system is used, filter replacement and maintenance must be done regularly in order to avoid bacterial build-up.

So what part will you play in your eco-green Christmas?  With the green movement expanding daily, what gifts do you plan on buying for your eco-conscious friends and/ or family?  Here are a few green gift ideas you can wrap – of course, with recycled wrapping paper.

Bamboo .  This renewable resource is very in today.  Goods made from bamboo range from salad bowls and cutting boards to tables and chairs that can be used both indoors or out.

Rechargeable batteries.  Merry Christmas goes hand in hand with ‘batteries not included.’They make great stocking stuffers.

Solar chargers.  A number of small solar panels are on the market that will charge all of the electronics found in the average home.

Organic cotton.  This material has taken off at warp speed and can be found in robes, slippers, caps and scarves.  Be sure they are pesticide free.

Organic cosmetics.  Burt put these products on the map, but today body lotions, butters, creas and lip balm are easy enough to find, and many are made by local vendors.  Support your local green economy by buying from these cottage businesses.

Plants & kits.. This might sound like a plug for the aero-garden, but this small indoor hydroponic system is truly a wonderful gift. There are also many mini greenhouses available for the home gardener, as well as mushroom growing kits and terrariums. They also make great learning gifts for kids. – And don’t forget packets of seeds for the stocking.

Books.  Everything you ever wanted to know about anything ‘green’ can be found in books.  Whether you prefer to shop in a bookstore or on-line, there is something for every eco-friendly friend you have on your shopping list.

Donations.  Giving a donation in the name of a friend or family member to an organization working for environmental causes is a gift that keeps on giving.

And don’t forget about all the packaging and wrappings that you discard after the big day.  American trash output goes up over 25% during the holiday season.  If you do your part to decrease your output, you will be giving a gift to the planet.

Happy Holidays.

Why you might ask are the pellet stoves so popular?  It’s because they are a clean, efficient means of heating your home or supplementing your current fuel source, i.e. oil, gas, etc.

Pellet stoves burn compressed pellets made from bio-mass materials, such as wood from trees, unprocessed shelled corn, fruit pits, or nut hulls.  The majority of pellet material in the northeast is made from sawdust and ground wood chips – a byproduct of the lumber and furniture industries. The mill compresses the byproduct into pellets, using no additives to bind the material into their shape. This is because wood contains natural resins.

The Pellet Fuel Institute estimates that more than 600,000 tons of pellet fuel is produced ever year – just in North America.  Packaged in bags weighing 20 or 40 pounds, they are more convenient and easier to store than a cord of wood.

The cost of the wood pellets range between $250 and $300 per ton in Fairfield County.  The price is up about $50 from last year. The efficiency of the stove and how it is used (as a main or supplemental source for heating) will determine how many tons of pellets are needed in a given season.

Even though the supply of wood pellets look good at the present time, if the cost of heating oil or gas increases over the next few months, wood pellets may be hard to come by again. By purchasing a few extra bags every week, you should be able to stockpile enough to get you though the winter.  And if you don’t use them this year, you’ll be that far ahead next season.

Bamboo, a grass, evolved from prehistoric grasses which were growing approximately 40 million years ago.  It has been used for centuries in the Far East for everything from houses and floors to decorative chests, chairs and cabinets to chop sticks and clothing.  Looking at a grove of bamboo swaying in a gentle breeze, no one would ever guess it to be as strong as steel.  In Asia, many bridges have been made from this versatile grass.

Why is took so long to catch on in the Western world is anyone’s guess.  Bamboo can be grown anywhere (except in the extreme cold) and is one of the most sustainable of natural resources.  When a hardwood tree is harvested for its wood and a new tree is planted, it will take 40 to 60 years for that tree to come of age.  Whereas, when a mature bamboo stalk (the size of a tree) is harvested, it only takes from one to six years for another bamboo plant to grow to maturity, depending upon the species.

Bamboo is also environmentally friendly.  A grove of bamboo  absorbs  more carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases and releases more oxygen into the atmosphere than the same number of hardwood trees.  There is also no need for pesticides and fertilizers for this plant to thrive – which it does in a variety of conditions, from monsoon to drought.

In addition to bamboo being used by the building trades, it’s fibers are also used in the textile industry.  The bamboo fibers, which are said to be softer than cotton, have been transformed into clothing, bed linens, draperies, decorative shopping bags and a number of other products that are becoming e-trendy.

As the inhabitants of this planet become more conscious of the perils of their environment, more are being drawn to use more sustainable resources. The use of the diversified products made from bamboo is a good beginning.

Many assume ‘organic’ foods are better and safer, environmentally.  In reality, this is not necessarily correct.  Plants require nitrogen, phosphorus and potash to survive.  Environmentally conscious individuals have labeled conventional plant foods and fertilizers containing these elements chemical products – products that harm the environment.  The fact is all fertilizers, conventional and organic, must contain these nutrients for a plant or lawn to remain healthy.

Plants fed only cow manure will receive less than 1 % of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash.  Unprocessed blood or bone meal can improve the percentages; however, concern is raised in regard to excess feeding.  Plants will use only what it requires – with excess chemicals leeching into the environment.  It does not matter whether the ‘chemicals’ are from conventional fertilizers or organic supplements, the end result is the same.– What is an environmentally-friendly gardener to do?

Conventional ‘slow-release’ fertilizers are the answer to this problem.  And using them actually has an advantage over the use of those referenced, ‘organic.’  These fertilizers are designed to release nutrients slowly, giving plants and lawns their required allotments over extended periods of time.  With respect to the nitrogen component, the risk of it leeching into the groundwater is lowered significantly; therefore, making this planet just a little healthier.

Environmental regulations are helping to reduce the VOC content and many of the large paint manufacturers offer at least one non-toxic paint alternative.  There are also several smaller paint manufacturers who only market e-friendly products.

There are three types of non-toxic paint: Natural Paint, Zero VOC and Low VOC.   Natural paints are made from raw, natural ingredients including (but not limited to) water, vegetable oils,  natural minerals and plant dyes.  These paints are the only ones that are truly non-toxic because they contain no VOCs.    They also emit no hazardous fumes. It is most unusual to have anyone with allergies to show any symptoms when using these paints.   Natural Paints are the most e-friendly, using renewable resources and being biodegradable.

The Environmental Protection Agency rates any paint with less than 5 grams per liter   VOCs as Zero VOC.  However, adding a color pigment to the base paint will increase the VOC to 10 grams per liter.

Coatings rated Low VOC contain no (or very low) levels of heavy metals and formaldehyde; and water is used as a carrier, rather than the usual petroleum-based solvents.  EPA rates Low VOC as containing no more than 200 grams per liter. These paints emit an odor until dry and it is recommended that people with allergies use a Low VOC paint containing less than 25 grams per liter of VOC.

These paints contain an eco-label on the paint can (Green Seal or Greenguard) to indicate that they meet certain environmental requirements in accordance with government regulations.

The preparation, set-up, and retailing of the flowers, trees and accessories is an actual part of the students’ curriculum – no matter what their concentration of study. There are 5 ‘majors:’ plant science, bio-technology/environmental science, animal science, agricultural mechanics and equine science.

“By giving the students such a very broad view of the world of agriscience and technology, we’re sowing the seeds of not only their present day interests, but also their future interest,” said the Center’s director Frank Cicero.

Under the direction of plant science and greenhouse hydroponics instructor Chris Allen, the preparation for the Holiday Ship begins in April when 1750 poinsettias and 200 cyclamen are ordered.  The plants arrive as small plugs in July and August and the students plant each one. In this way they are learning about soil mixtures.  Even though all of the newly potted plants are placed in a controlled environment, it is the students who tend to the feeding and watering.

During the first week of September, students begin ‘pinching’ the growing poinsettias in order to slow their growth and make them a fuller plant.  Another way the students learn to control the height of the plant is by regulating the temperature of their greenhouse.

The students under Mr. Allen’s direction are always trying a new variety of poinsettia.  This year the public can choose from 9 varieties – in almost as many colors (back cover).  Of course, there is also the traditional old standby, red.

As opening day nears, the ‘fixings’ for the wreaths and evergreen balls arrive and the students begin creating the festive decorations.  A shipment of Christmas trees also needs to be unloaded, tagged and put on display in the Daniels Farm Road barnyard.

There is still plenty left to do the week before the shop opens for business.  Students must now ‘dress’ every plant – almost 2000 – with colorful pot sleeves and foil. They must also arrange the display tables and racks for the hanging baskets; and of course,  decorate the sale area to create a festive, buying mood.

“You can’t compare our plants to the store-bought variety,” Mr. Allen pointed out.  “In stores, they sit in boxes for days, if not weeks, before they’re put out on the floor.  Our plants go directly from the greenhouse to the display tables.  It can’t get much fresher than that.”

A former economics teacher, Mr. Cicero highlighted another important aspect of this learning experience.  “Not only are the students learning the production side of the agricultural industry, they’re also learning the business end.  The students learn there is more to retailing their product than just putting it on a table. Presentation and pricing are important components of making a sale, and a profit. – It’s also a life lesson.”

And the students seem to have learned their lessons well.  By the end of the second week, the Holiday Shop usually ‘sells-out.’  So if there’s a lesson the public should learn, it’s shop early.  The Holiday Shop at Trumbull Agriscience and Biotechnology Center, 536 Daniels Farm Road, is open through December 16: weekdays, 9am to 3pm; weekends, 10am to 4pm.  The Holiday Shop is also a drop-off site for ‘Toys For Tots.’