𝕯𝖊' 𝕲𝖆𝖗𝖉𝖊𝖓 𝖔𝖋 𝕯𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖒𝖘

Cocopole available in different sizes..

Potting mix
Available in bulk order
Open for reseller

Loamsoil available per sack/pack
And bulk orders..
Available also for resellers..

Loamsoil/garden soil available

Having your own garden not only serves as a source of food for the family, but can also provide a form of exercise.

While enjoying yourself in the garden, you are also working all the major muscle groups: legs, buttocks, arms, shoulders, neck, back, and abdomen. Gardening tasks that use these muscles build strength and burn calories.

Even the less strenuous forms of garden upkeep—weeding, trimming, and raking—can burn off about 300 calories an hour.

Aside from burning calories, garden activity increases self-esteem, pride, confidence, personal satisfaction, and efficacy according to gardeners.

Want to learn more about basic urban gardening? Visit e-extension.gov.ph/elearning.

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Sources: www.pixabay.com
www.researchgate.net

Ampalaya is a good source of several key nutrients. It is rich in vitamin C that helps prevent diseases and assists in wound healing and bone formation. It is high in vitamin A which helps promote good eyesight and skin health, and folate which is essential for growth and development.

In addition, ampalaya has potent medicinal properties. Several studies confirmed that ampalaya can help regulate blood control. It helps promote the secretion of insulin, a hormone responsible for blood sugar level regulation.

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Limited space for planting? No problem!

By practicing square-foot gardening, you can harvest generously even from a small planting area, making it ideal for individuals with limited space.

Aside from giving you high yields, it is also easy to set up, requires minimal regular maintenance.

To start, create a small garden bed (4 feet by 4 feet or 4 feet by 8 feet are common sizes) and divide it into a grid of 1-foot squares, which you manage individually. Seeds or seedlings of each kind of vegetable are planted in one or more squares, at a density based on plant size. Since there are no paths, there is no wasted space, and the soil in the bed stays loose because you never step on it.

Know more about square-foot gardening and see if it interests you! Visit https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/a20706747/square-foot-gardening/.

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Are you having problems with soil fertility? Try mulching in your home gardens!

Mulches are loose coverings or sheets of material placed on the surface of cultivated soil. They can be applied to bare soil or to cover the surface of compost in containers. You can also spread them around new plantings or established beds and specimen plants.

Generally, mulching is used to protect soil from erosion by helping retain soil moisture, suppressing weeds, improving soil texture, and encouraging beneficial soil organisms. It likewise gives your garden a neat, tidy appearance and can reduce the amount of time spent on tasks such as watering and weeding.

Among the best materials are leaf mold, garden compost, wood chippings, green manure, and straw.

Learn more about home garden technology while staying at home. Visit http://www.fao.org/3/v5290e/v5290e04.htm and https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=323.

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Did you know that two-thirds of your body’s entire immune cells are found in the gut walls?

Keep your gut in form by adding yogurt to your diet! Aside from providing you with probiotics that are beneficial for digestion, yogurt is also an excellent source of protein, vitamins B12, B2, and D, and other nutrients that are necessary for strong immune function.

Eat it straight from the cup or enjoy this immune-boosting food by mixing it with fruits and honey!

Can't wait to try it? Interested people can buy yogurt from the Kadiwa ni Ani and Kita, every Thursday and Friday, at the Agricultural Training Institute, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City. Visit the stall of the Nueva Ecija Federation of Dairy Carabao Cooperative for more carabao-based dairy products!

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Peppers prefer a long, warm growing season, and are ideal on a sunny balcony when grown in containers. A well-drained soil and a full and direct sunlight at least 6-8 hours a day will reward one with healthy plants and fruits. Choose between bell peppers, Jalapeño, cayenne, and the super spicy habanero peppers.

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Source: https://oaktrust.library.tamu.edu/handle/1969.1/87590

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The heart and brain are two vital organs of the human body and taking good care of them is very important.⁣⁣
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One of the fruits that can help in doing so is strawberry. It contains vitamin C which is a relevant antioxidant molecule in the brain. It can boost blood antioxidant levels that may help reduce the risk of chronic ailments like heart disease. Also, proper intake of this vitamin, whether from food or supplements, has been shown to have a positive effect on thinking and memory as you age.⁣⁣
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Make sure to get your daily vitamin C dose. Get 59 milligrams (mg) of it in every 100 grams of strawberries. One cup of strawberry halves, on the other hand, provides 89mg of vitamin C.⁣⁣
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Being healthy is the best armor in our battle against COViD-19.⁣⁣
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String beans or sitaw is the most produced legume in the Philippines. The young shoots and the beans are available for harvest throughout the year. It is usually grown in home gardens, paddy field dikes, and on shaded areas as a companion crop. It is well suited to warm climate, can thrive well under full sunlight, and can grow on any type of soil.

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Source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/agr.20137

Pechay or pak choi is packed with numerous vitamins and essential nutrients. It has high amounts of anti-oxidants and vitamin C that help boost the immune system against common sickness. The same vitamin can also help revive lost complexion and reduce wrinkles.

Pechay is also a good source of vitamin K, selenium, vitamin A, and beta-carotene. These vitamins help reduce cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and stress in the eye's retina.

Fiber, vitamin B6, folic acid, magnesium, potassium, and iron are also present in pechay. These nutrients help keep the arteries and blood healthy.

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Ang potting soil ay madalas ginagamit sa pagpapatubo ng mga halaman sa bahay. Kung walang potting soil, siguraduhing ang gagamiting lupa sa pagtatanim ay walang latak ng heavy metals tulad ng mercury at lead na may masamang epekto sa kalusugan ng tao.

Ang pagkakaroon ng exposure sa mercury ay lubhang mapanganib. Nakakaapekto ito sa utak na maaaring magdulot ng tremors at sakit sa kidney at iba pang parte ng katawan. Ang lead naman ay isa pang mapanganib na lason sapagkat sa pagkakataong ma-expose ang tao rito ay walang kakayahan ang katawan na linisin ito.

Mahalagang tandaan ang bawat hakbang sa pagtatanim mula sa pagsusuri ng angkop na lupa at klima, pagpili ng binhi, pangangalaga, pamamahala sa sakit at peste, at maging sa pag-aani.

Kung nais matuto ng iba’t ibang pamamaraan ng pagtatanim ng gulay sa sariling bakuran, bisitahin lamang ang www.e-extension.gov.ph/elearning para sa libreng online course sa Basic Urban Gardening.

I-like at follow ang aming Facebook, Twitter, at Instagram accounts () o makipag-ugnayan sa Farmers’ Contact Center sa 0920-946-2474 para sa karagdagang impormasyon ukol dito.

Garlic has always been a staple whenever we cook our favorite dishes, but do you know its health benefits?

Garlic has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. The antiviral properties may be helpful in reducing the severity of colds, flu, or other infections.

Garlic bulbs are rich in antioxidants which can fight free radicals that contribute in Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, cancer, and other conditions.

In addition, it boosts the portion of the immune system that is tasked with fighting viruses and cancer.

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Sources: www.onhealth.com and www.unsplash.com

Spinach is a superfood. It is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, C, and K1, folic acid, iron, and calcium.

Eating spinach, raw or slightly cooked, may benefit digestion, maintain eye health, reduce oxidative stress, help prevent cancer, as well as reduce blood pressure levels.

Know more about its nutrition facts and health benefits at https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/spinach.

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Parsley is packed with numerous vitamins. Not only it is a good source of vitamin B9, potassium, calcium, fiber, and iron, it is also an excellent source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is good for nervous and immune system health, collagen formation, and fatigue reduction. It also helps in iron absorption.

Get these benefits by dashing your meals with two tablespoons of parsley regularly.

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If you’re looking for crops that are easy to grow as you start your urban garden, go for tomatoes!

Tomatoes are suitable for backyard gardening. They can grow even in hanging baskets or other containers, or wherever they may get plenty of sunshine and support for its nutrient and water needs.

Tomatoes run on warm temperature and need at least 6-8 hours of sun a day to bring out their fine flavors. Immediately after planting, water the seedlings and add some fertilizer to give them a terrific start. Do this for a couple of weeks for the duration of the growing season.

To repel pests that can destroy tomatoes, you can plant basil next to them. Like tomatoes, basil is also easy to grow.

Want to learn more about producing tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables? Visit e-extension.gov.ph/elearning. Like and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram () for more tips on farming, food, and nutrition.



Sources: pixabay.com
urbangardenersrepublic.com

Do you have some free space at home? No matter how small or big it is, you can use it for gardening!

When you only have limited garden space to work with, choose plants that will give you big yield even in a small area. Crops with shallow roots such as green leafy vegetables, like pechay and kulitis, and herbs, like basil and mint, can save space in your planting area. Many vegetables and herbs have compact cultivars that are container-friendly and ideal for small gardens.

Make priorities by planting what you love, what’s unique, and what will thrive. Also, plant what tastes best freshly picked.

Want to learn more about gardening at home? Visit e-extension.gov.ph/elearning. Like and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram () for more tips on farming, food, and nutrition.



Sources: www.gardendesign.com and www.freepik.com

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Let the beauty of orchids bring more life into your homes this quarantine period!⁣
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Plants absorb carbon dioxide from their surrounding environment and release oxygen back into the air. Since humans do the opposite, plants provide the perfect complement to our environment. Placing plants like orchids around your home can encourage deep breathing and help you sleep better.⁣
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Some studies even suggest that increased humidity level, which plants can help with, may decrease the possibility of flu to spread.⁣
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Stay healthy this season by doing some home gardening. Learn how to grow orchids at www.e-extension.gov.ph/elearning.⁣
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Difficult soil conditions and limited space make growing vegetables challenging. That is why gardeners, especially those in urban areas, resort to container gardening. Pots, tubs, and plastic containers can serve a practical purpose of producing a wide variety of vegetable crops.

However, it is important to consider if the containers being reused are food grade or not. Food grade containers have recycle codes #1, #2, #4, and #5. The chemicals that leach from them have low toxicity levels and pose no health risk on the produce.

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Source: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4615-2173-0_12

Have you been gaining weight in the past few months since the community quarantine and trying to shed some extra pounds? Try eating cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.

Cruciferous vegetables contain fiber which is good for weight loss. This important nutrient helps keep you full longer. Aside from this, cruciferous vegetables are also rich in folate and vitamins C, E, and K and contain low amount of calories.

Known to have cancer-fighting properties, this large group of plants provides strong, unique flavors. It is named after the Latin word for crucifix because the blossoms of this kind of plants resemble a cross.

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Sources: Medical News Today and Healthline

Ginger has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and other healthful properties. It has gingerol, a bioactive compound, that helps reduce free radicals and guards against arthritis, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and many other conditions.

Ginger can also help fight infections in the body. Ginger extract can inhibit the growth of different types of bacteria.

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Honey is a natural therapeutic agent for various medicinal purposes. It has antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-cancer, and anti-metastatic properties. Traditionally, it is used to treat bronchial asthma, eye diseases, throat infections, tuberculosis, fatigue, dizziness, hepatitis, constipation, worm infestation, and wounds.

Use honey to sweeten your coffee, tea, salad dressings, or marinade, or as a home remedy concoction to boost your health and soothe common illnesses.

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Don’t let the rainy season make you feel under the weather! Build a strong, healthy immune system with turmeric!

Turmeric has cucurmin, a health-promoting and disease-preventing active ingredient which helps reduce the symptoms of colds and flu.

So start adding turmeric in your diet! There are lots of ways to drink and eat this spice. You may add it to your egg and rice breakfast combo, use it in soups and greens, blend it in your smoothie, or even make a tea out of it.

Not only is turmeric a superfood, but it also makes a dish more nutritious and delicious!

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During times like this when you can’t help but be sad or get anxious about what’s happening around you, it is important to remember to protect your mental health. Did you know that some types of food can help reduce some of the negative feelings that you might be having?

Bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin. Serotonin is an essential amino acid also known as the “happy chemical” which helps you relax, improves your mood, and generally makes you feel happier.

Stay home and stay safe to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Remember to take care of yourself and maintain a positive emotional well-being by eating nutritious food and getting some exercise.

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As an ornamental plant, eggplant is grown just as you would any normal eggplant. It needs vast amounts of sunlight and a well-drained, moist soil.

Eggplants can thrive in pots and containers. However, it is recommended to use small varieties as some cultivars can get dense and heavy.

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Start practicing good-for-you behaviors to best protect your health from potentially harmful pathogens like bacteria and viruses. These include eating a healthy diet, keeping stress under control, getting good quality sleep, and exercising regularly, among others.

The nutrients you get from food, particularly plant-based ones, are essential to keeping your immune system functioning properly. According to Harvard Health Publishing, plant-forward eating patterns focus not only on fruits and vegetables, but also on nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes, and beans. This does not mean that you are vegetarian or vegan and will never eat meat or dairy. Rather, you are proportionately choosing more of your foods from plant sources.

Why don't we get started by planting crops and herbs in our backyards? Through this, it will be convenient for us to eat lots of fruits and veggies and good fats while having smaller amounts of meat!

Learn how to plant a variety of crops and herbs, as well as how to cook these into healthy dishes at home by tuning in to "Kalye Mabunga", an online show offering tips and techniques on backyard gardening.

Produced by Smart Communications, Inc. in partnership with the Agricultural Training Institute, "Kalye Mabunga" will be streamed through the Smart Communities page every Friday at 8PM until September 24, 2020.