natural gardening


We’ll be at the Rodale Institute Growing Dome this month!

For all of you who followed the 33’ Growing Dome build at Rodale Institute this Spring, you might remember our Ambassador, Richard Miller, who supervised the installation of the Growing Dome. Growing Spaces is happy to sponsor Richard Miller’s return to Rodale Institute to attend a Shumei Natural Agriculture Conference on July 26-27, 2013. The...

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Peace as a practice taught through gardening

There is an intangible, but equally empowering peace that comes with the practice of growing our own food. Have you taken the time to understand where this peace comes from? In understanding the roots of this peace we can find ways to expand on it and move the practice over into other parts of our...

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33′ Growing Dome Installation at Shumei Natural Agriculture Garden

“Off Again To High Adventure”with Richard Miller, Growing Spaces Staff Question: What do Growing Spaces, Rodale Institute, and Shumei Natural Agriculture have in common? Answer: A 33′ Growing Dome Yes, it’s true…Here we go again. Janet and I, the lowly vent maker, are “off again to high adventure”. Well, 15′-6″ high at least, to the...

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Replenish Your Garden’s Footprint

Let’s start out by first acknowledging that gardening is an inherently Earth-friendly activity. The basic acts of turning the soil, sowing seeds, watering, and nurturing the plants literally consists of acting in a loving, gentle and kind way toward the Earth. Gardening is also eco-friendly in less direct but as conspicuous ways. The most obvious...

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Proof that Gardening Gives a Natural Mood Lift

How many people do you know who are affected by depression, anxiety, stress or other emotional illness? Or maybe the better question is: Who do you know that is not affected? The pressures of today’s increasingly fast-paced, high-tech society that demands you know all things at all times and learn to do them all at...

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November’s Dome of the Month Winner

Congratulations to Larry Berger of Winominee, WI on his gorgeous photo of his aromatic Brugmansia inside of his 22′ Growing Dome. Larry posted so many great photos throughout October and September that we had a hard time choosing. He may not have received the most votes on any single photo, but all combined definitely make...

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Control Whitefly Infestation Naturally

Whitefly infestations can be recognized when a plant is disturbed and a giant cloud of tiny flies fills the air. Although the Whitefly hatches and lives in the soil, it feeds on the undersides of foliage and often leaves a sticky residue. Unfortunately, this residue attracts aphids, and the aphid + residue combination attracts ants....

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Aphid Control in Growing Dome Greenhouse

Many Dome owners frequently ask us questions regarding pest control. Here are some ideas for doing aphid control:1.    Is the Dome planted really densely? Thin the plants by pulling the most infested plants first.2.    Spray the entire plant with an insecticidal soap or a mixture of dish washing liquid and water. Joy and Seventh Generation...

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Shumei Natural Agriculture

Attend this unique gardening program and learn basic methods of Natural Agriculture from Shumei Natural Institute on Saturday, October 23rd, 2010. The event will be held at the Archuleta County Extension Building in Pagosa Springs, Colorado from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Whether you are an avid gardener or someone who is interested in healthy...

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Food for Thought

As I am moved by the amazing colors of the harvest season here in the Rocky Mountains, it seems so appropriate to share why I feel so honored to have Shumei International® teachers arrive as our guests in teaching Natural Agriculture. We Americans were once gardeners and people of the land. My own lineage were...

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Shumei Natural Agriculture & Growing Spaces

“The principle of Natural Agriculture is an overriding respect and concern for Nature,” stated Mokichi Okada in his book A Great Agricultural Revolution. This respect leads to minimum intervention in the growing processes. While many modern agricultural practices are based on a belief in the need to control and manipulate the growing process, Natural Agriculture...

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