Author: Danielle Flood

Beginner’s Guide to Backyard Gardening: Essentials for Starting Your Own Garden

Introduction to Backyard Gardening

Gardening offers some incredible benefits, including the opportunity to grow your own food, engage in physical activity, and connect with nature. For beginners, starting a garden in your backyard might seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience. This guide aims to equip you with the basic knowledge to start your own garden successfully.

Setting Up Your Garden

Choosing the right location in your backyard is crucial. Look for a spot that receives ample sunlight, has good air circulation, and is free of any large roots or rocks. Essential tools include a spade, hoe, rake, and watering can. 

Preparing your soil is the next step—start by clearing the area of weeds and debris. Test the soil to understand its type and nutrient content, which will guide you in amending it properly to suit the needs of your plants.

Optimizing Your Soil for Successful Gardening

Understanding and adjusting your soil’s properties is key to a thriving garden. Soil pH is crucial as it affects how well plants can absorb nutrients. Most plants thrive in a slightly acidic to neutral range (pH 6.0 to 7.0). If your soil is too acidic, adding lime can help raise the pH, while sulfur or organic mulches can lower an alkaline pH, bringing it into the ideal range.

Nutrient levels are equally important for plant health. If your soil test shows a deficiency in nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium, you can address these issues respectively with compost or specific fertilizers. 

The texture of your soil also plays a significant role in how well your garden performs. Sandy soils, while draining well, often fail to retain nutrients and moisture. Adding organic matter can help improve their nutrient and water retention. On the other hand, clay soils hold nutrients and moisture a bit too well, leading to poor drainage. Incorporating materials like gypsum and organic matter can help break up clay soils, improving drainage and root penetration.

Planting and Maintaining Your Garden

Begin by selecting plants that are well-suited to your climate and soil type to ensure they thrive. For beginners, vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce are excellent choices due to their relatively straightforward care requirements. It’s also beneficial to consider the maturity time of each plant, which can help in planning a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.

Planting can be done using seeds or seedlings, depending on your preference and the growing season’s timing. Seedlings might offer a quicker start, but seeds are often more cost-effective. Make sure to space the plants properly according to their specific needs, which helps in preventing excessive competition for light, water, and nutrients. Once your garden is planted, regular maintenance is key. Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells, and keep an eye out for pests and diseases.

Conclusion

Starting a backyard garden can be a fulfilling project that not only beautifies your home but also provides fresh produce while contributing to sustainability. With patience and care, your garden will thrive, offering tangible rewards and the satisfaction of growing your own food.

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ECHO provides hope against hunger around the globe through agricultural training and resources. As a Christian technical networking and resourcing organization, ECHO builds a diverse, global network and serves that network by sharing validated contextualized agricultural options with technical excellence. ECHO’s goal is to serve its network members to advance food security and sustainable livelihoods. ECHO’s North American Regional Impact Center is located in Fort Myers, Florida with a global presence through four Regional Impact Centers in the USA, Thailand, Tanzania, and Burkina Faso. For more information about ECHO call 239-543-3246 or visit echonet.org or ECHOcommunity.org.

5 Innovative Ways to Maximize Crop Yields Sustainably

Crop yields are always an important concern for small-scale farmers. In the face of growing environmental and economic pressures, finding sustainable methods to increase crop yield is vital for success into the foreseeable future. This article explores five innovative approaches that not only enhance productivity but also ensure long-term sustainability.

 

Precision Irrigation Systems

One of the most effective ways to increase crop yield is through precision irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation and soil moisture sensors. These technologies ensure that water reaches the plant roots directly, minimizing waste and optimizing plant health. Precision irrigation leads to significant improvements in water efficiency, which is crucial in areas prone to drought.

Cover Cropping Techniques

Cover crops like clover and alfalfa play a crucial role in sustainable agriculture. They protect and enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, suppressing weeds, and maintaining soil moisture. When used effectively, cover cropping can lead to healthier soil and increased yields, all while reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

Additionally, integrating cover crops into crop rotations can significantly reduce soil erosion and improve soil structure, promoting better water infiltration during rainy seasons. This practice not only supports biodiversity by providing habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife but also helps in capturing carbon from the atmosphere, contributing to climate change mitigation.

Polyculture and Crop Rotation

Diversifying crop production through polyculture and rotating crops annually helps maintain soil health and reduces vulnerability to pests and diseases. Polyculture involves growing multiple crop species in the same space, such as the traditional “Three Sisters” method where corn, beans, and squash complement each other by utilizing natural synergies—corn provides a structure for the beans, beans fix nitrogen in the soil, and squash retains soil moisture. This strategy not only improves soil structure but also enhances farm biodiversity, leading to more resilient crop systems and increased productivity.

Crop rotation plays a crucial role in breaking the cycle of pests and diseases by alternating the types of crops planted in each field, thereby depriving pests of their preferred host plants. Furthermore, this practice helps to balance the nutrients in the soil, as different crops have varying nutrient requirements and contributions, ensuring sustainable soil fertility and reducing the dependency on chemical inputs.

Green Manuring

Green manuring involves growing plants specifically to be plowed back into the soil. Plants like mustards and legumes are grown to add organic matter and nutrients back into the earth, enhancing soil fertility and structure. This method is a natural way to enrich the soil and boost subsequent crop yields without external inputs.

Vertical Farming for Space Efficiency

For urban farmers or those with limited space, vertical farming offers a viable solution. By growing crops upwards rather than outwards, vertical farming maximizes space and can significantly increase yield per square foot. This technique is especially useful for high-value, small-footprint crops like herbs and leafy greens.

Conclusion

By adopting these sustainable farming techniques, farmers can maximize their crop yields while ensuring the longevity and health of their land. Each method offers a way to tackle specific challenges faced by modern farmers, from water scarcity to limited space, making them invaluable in the quest for sustainable agriculture.

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ECHO provides hope against hunger around the globe through agricultural training and resources. As a Christian technical networking and resourcing organization, ECHO builds a diverse, global network and serves that network by sharing validated contextualized agricultural options with technical excellence. ECHO’s goal is to serve its network members to advance food security and sustainable livelihoods. ECHO’s North American Regional Impact Center is located in Fort Myers, Florida with a global presence through four Regional Impact Centers in the USA, Thailand, Tanzania, and Burkina Faso. For more information about ECHO call 239-543-3246 or visit echonet.org or ECHOcommunity.org.

7 Steps to Building a Resilient Small-Scale Farm

Introduction to Farm Resilience

Building a resilient small-scale farm requires more than hard work and dedication; it necessitates a strategic approach to sustainability and adaptability. This guide outlines seven key steps to ensure your farm can withstand various challenges and thrive.

Step 1: Diversify Your Crop Varieties

Start by diversifying the crops you grow. This step reduces the risk of total crop failure due to pests or disease and enhances soil health and biodiversity. Begin with a few varieties and gradually increase your range as you learn what works best for your land.

Step 2: Invest in Quality Soil Management

 

Healthy soil is the foundation of a resilient farm. Regularly test your soil and add organic amendments to improve its structure and fertility. Consider adopting conservation practices like no-till farming to prevent erosion and enhance water retention. Incorporating cover crops such as legumes can further enrich soil health by fixing nitrogen naturally, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Additionally, practicing crop diversity not only prevents soil depletion but also improves the overall ecosystem resilience against pests and diseases.

Step 3: Implement Water Conservation Strategies

Efficient water use is critical, especially in areas prone to drought. Implement water-saving techniques such as mulching, rainwater harvesting, and drip irrigation to make the most of every drop and protect your farm from water scarcity.

Step 4: Adopt Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) reduces reliance on chemical pesticides by using natural predators, biological controls, and strategic crop rotation. Start by identifying beneficial insects and natural deterrents before turning to chemical solutions. Additionally, implementing physical barriers such as nets and traps can effectively protect crops from pests without harming the environment. Regular monitoring and accurate pest identification also play crucial roles in IPM, allowing for timely interventions that are specific to the pest type and severity of infestation.

Step 5: Build Local Networks and Partnerships

Strengthen your farm’s resilience by building networks with other farmers, local businesses, and agricultural organizations. These partnerships can provide shared resources, knowledge, and market access, enhancing your farm’s sustainability.

Step 6: Embrace Technology and Innovation

Incorporate modern agricultural technologies like precision farming tools and climate forecasts to improve your farm’s efficiency and decision-making. These technologies can provide real-time insights into crop health, weather patterns, and soil conditions.

Step 7: Engage in Continuous Learning and Adaptation

The agricultural sector is continually evolving, so stay informed about the latest sustainable practices and technologies. Participate in workshops, online forums, and collaborate with research institutions to keep your farming methods up-to-date.

ECHO hosts engaging live events and training throughout the year. Feel free to visit our events page at echonet.org/events. You can also access our ECHO community site that is a helpful free resource that helps connect and inspire farmers from all over the world. 

Conclusion

Building a resilient small-scale farm involves integrating sustainable practices, innovative technologies, and strong community networks. By following these steps sequentially, you can create a robust farming operation that not only survives but thrives in the face of challenges, ensuring sustainability and productivity for years to come.

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ECHO provides hope against hunger around the globe through agricultural training and resources. As a Christian technical networking and resourcing organization, ECHO builds a diverse, global network and serves that network by sharing validated contextualized agricultural options with technical excellence. ECHO’s goal is to serve its network members to advance food security and sustainable livelihoods. ECHO’s North American Regional Impact Center is located in Fort Myers, Florida with a global presence through four Regional Impact Centers in the USA, Thailand, Tanzania, and Burkina Faso. For more information about ECHO call 239-543-3246 or visit echonet.org or ECHOcommunity.org.

Cultivating an Abundance

From the Global Farm to the fields of Immokalee, ECHO’s partnership with local organization “Cultivate Abundance” has produced an overflow of fresh fruits and vegetables to feed those in need and an overflow of the heart for those who serve them. 

By Leeann Estrada and Danielle Flood

If you met Rick Burnette in the late 1990s, you would likely have found him working among migrant farmers on a hillside in Thailand. The time he served there would become a reflection of what he does today: serving farmworkers in southwest Florida while ECHO continues alongside to help him accomplish these goals. 

As ECHO network members, Rick and Ellen Burnette began an agricultural missions ministry in 1996 in northern Thailand. Later, in 2009, they established the ECHO Asia Regional Impact Center in Chiang Mai, serving there for four years. Upon their return to the United States in 2013, they noticed the desperate need for adequate nutrition among the local migrant worker population in Immokalee, Florida which led them to establish a nonprofit, Cultivate Abundance, in 2017. Ellen is the Executive Director while Rick serves as the Program and Technical Director.  

Located 38 miles southeast of North Fort Myers, Cultivate Abundance partners closely with ECHO North America. 

Every Wednesday morning on the ECHO Global Farm, staff, interns, and volunteers gather at the shop on their way to lead a “mulch train”, make banana stalk silage for the hogs, or pull weeds. It is called “farm work” and unites everyone to complete tasks across and for the benefit of the entire farm. Among that large list of “to-do’s” remains one task whose impact is seen first-hand: harvesting and processing fresh fruits and vegetables for food insecure families in our community, shared through Cultivate Abundance.

Volunteers Chris and Sue process the hand-picked, intern-grown produce that is harvested on the farm. They sort, rinse, and fill crates with each item, bundling certain veggies as necessary, and then load them up in the vehicle for transport to Immokalee.

Cultivate Abundance clients include Haitian, Mexican, and Central American descendants who now reside in Southwest Florida. They gladly receive an array of vegetables like rutabaga, Swiss chard, mustard greens, New Zealand spinach and fruits like mangos, starfruit, and papaya. Interestingly, certain kinds of leafy greens are preferred by certain people groups because of their use in their traditional cuisines. For example, Haitian clients always ask for more Haitian basket vine because that vegetable is popularly grown and eaten in Haiti. 

According to Cultivate Abundance, the produce ECHO donates helps provide nutritious, culturally-preferred food for approximately 400 clients each Friday at Misión Peniel, a social justice and advocate group for Immokalee farmworkers. Last year, almost three tons of produce was donated from ECHO for the Immokalee farmworker community and hundreds of pounds of produce were provided to furloughed workers. Furthermore, in response to the pandemic and increased food insecurity, ECHO intentionally increased production and more than doubled that last year. 

Additionally, ECHO has provided Cultivate Abundance with access to approximately 0.1 acres of land on which to grow additional food for the Immokalee farmworker community, including papayas, bananas, squash, field peas, gourds, jute mallow, and prickly pear pads (nopales). Lucas, a CA volunteer, dug up taro from the sun-soaked earth with his shovel and spoke of the farmworkers: “When we’re donating the food it’s like something that they recognize from back home and it’s really special because they can’t buy this food at the grocery store. You know it’s not just like food to survive off of, but it’s food that is special to them.”  

Indeed, the long-standing relationship between ECHO and Cultivate Abundance is life-giving to both parties involved. Not only do people receive nutritious produce to feed their families, they also give ECHO a chance to serve others locally.

As one of the Cultivate Abundance volunteers said:

“We are so grateful for this produce and partnership. And we’re always grateful for you and your team.”

So, no matter where you are in the world – be it the Thai highlands or Florida lowlands – there is always a need, and therefore, an opportunity. The Burnettes saw the need and took that opportunity 30 years ago and it has exemplified ECHO’s hope against hunger to this very day.

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ECHO provides hope against hunger around the globe through agricultural training and resources. As a Christian technical networking and resourcing organization, ECHO builds a diverse, global network and serves that network by sharing validated contextualized agricultural options with technical excellence. ECHO’s goal is to serve its network members to advance food security and sustainable livelihoods. ECHO’s North American Regional Impact Center is located in Fort Myers, Florida with a global presence through four Regional Impact Centers in the USA, Thailand, Tanzania, and Burkina Faso. For more information about ECHO call 239-543-3246 or visit echonet.org or ECHOcommunity.org.

Biogas Training Impact Story in Monduli, Tanzania

ECHO East Africa staff successfully trained thirty-five local participants on how to build and maintain a biogas digester, an appropriate technology which turns cow manure into cooking fuel. 

By Leeann Estrada

After an hour of traveling through weaving hillsides and down dirt roads, the fresh scent of rain-dampened soil welcomed us to the small village of Monduli: the site of ECHO East Africa’s eighth biogas training. At disembarkment, our team immediately walked toward a young man near a large pile of blocks. We stood patiently in single-file fashion until either of our left or right shoulders shrugged under the weight of a fifty-pound piece of concrete. Several small steps then pitter-pattered the soaked earth slowly up the hill.

We arrived at the biogas site with focused eyes, achy shoulders, and pounding hearts. Every block hit the ground with a muted thud before we gathered with the others. Nestled between a cattle enclosure and a banana grove was a massive pit measuring 8.5 meters in length, 1.5 meters in width, and 0.8 meters in depth.

The volunteer tradesmen on-site were climbing in and out of the hole either bringing in tools, taking measurements, flattening soil, pouring cement, or assembling cinder blocks. They worked diligently, and, from a bird’s-eye view, they resembled worker ants eagerly building up the colony. Herry, the AT trainer and biogas expert, led their learning with his usual warmth and wit, redirecting and reassessing as needed. 

This biogas digester’s basic structure includes a large, heavy-duty, tubular plastic bag (or “bladder”) connecting an inlet and outlet structure made of cinder blocks. The “slurry” (a mix of cow manure and water) is poured into the inlet where it funnels through the bag and produces methane gas. As the methane rises, the bladder inflates. To capture it, a valve punctured into the center connects a gas pipeline to the stove inside the house. Over time, as the materials move through the chamber, what’s left in the outlet are solid manure by-products.

About two weeks after the training is complete and the biogas digester produces methane gas; the widowed property owner – Mary Richard Njema – will be able to utilize this sustainable, cow-dung-fed, renewable energy source to fuel her cook stove. For Mary, the digester provides her and her four other family members with several benefits. Besides the advantage of turning the by-product into a natural fertilizer for her banana grove, the digester reduces her property’s waste stream. This lowers the disease-carrying fly population which keeps her land clean and her children healthy. She can even toss her food scraps in too! Financially, she does not have to outsource fertilizer or purchase cooking gas because she now produces it herself.

Photo by Magwinza.

Winfrida Nichombe (an ECHO intern) agrees: “I see biogas as an important thing that each farmer should have for clean energy generation and improving the environment. As young people, it gives us an opportunity to employ ourselves and earn income. I’m a development worker and therefore I shall continue promoting it to the communities.” Indeed, in the end, Herry led the 35 participants (60% of whom were men) through a group discussion on the training. They responded positively and were excited to see the results, hoping that in the future more biogas projects can begin in the surrounding areas. One participant even presented Herry with a small banana bunch in appreciation for the training.

Then, each participant received a certificate of completion. It was well-deserved, for their eagerness to give their time, energy, and skills to a neighbor in need was an example to us all about the transformational power of community and its reflection of Christ’s servant character. Indeed, trainings like these – as small or large as they may be – remain important for changing lives in the present yet set the precedent of stewardship for generations to come.

ECHO provides hope against hunger around the globe through agricultural training and resources. As a Christian technical networking and resourcing organization, ECHO builds a diverse, global network and serves that network by sharing validated contextualized agricultural options with technical excellence. ECHO’s goal is to serve its network members to advance food security and sustainable livelihoods. ECHO’s North American Regional Impact Center is located in Fort Myers, Florida with a global presence through four Regional Impact Centers in the USA, Thailand, Tanzania, and Burkina Faso. For more information about ECHO call 239-543-3246 or visit echonet.org or ECHOcommunity.org.

Cultivating Prosperity: How Sustainable Farming Practices Alleviate Poverty

 

Agriculture has long been recognized as a cornerstone of economic growth, livelihood, and food security. Yet its traditional methods often pose environmental challenges and inequalities for small-scale farmers. 

To address this, the concept of sustainable farming practices has arisen. These practices focus on maximizing crop yields, protecting the environment, social equity, and economic stability. Here at ECHO, the mission is simple – to change lives by addressing hunger at its roots and fostering self-sufficiency for small-scale farmers worldwide. 

So, What is Sustainable Farming?

In simpler terms, sustainable farming is an approach to agriculture that aims to meet the current food production needs while ensuring the viability of natural resources. Fundamental principles of sustainable farming include:

  • Soil Health: To reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, adopting practices that maintain soil health is essential. These practices involve crop rotation, cover cropping, and minimum tillage. 
  • Water Conservation: Several efficient irrigation methods are employed to conserve water resources and minimize water wastage. These methods include water recycling and rainwater harvesting techniques.
  • Biodiversity: Biodiversity can be promoted by planting diverse crops, preserving natural habitats, and avoiding monoculture farming. It will also support natural pest control.
  • Energy Efficiency: Sustainable farming uses renewable energy sources and optimizes farm operations. Therefore, it reduces energy consumption. 

Impact on Poverty Alleviation

Sustainable farming practices can reduce poverty and hunger by improving smallholder farming incomes, food security through diversified crops, and conserving natural resources.

  • Improved Food Security: Sustainable farming enhances food security by promoting diverse crops, preserving biodiversity, and reducing dependence on external inputs. It ensures a more resilient food system, reduces hunger, and strengthens communities’ ability to withstand crises.
  • Empowerment of Women and Youth: Sustainable agriculture empowers women and youth by providing them with training, resources, and leadership opportunities. Women farmers, in particular, play a crucial role in poverty reduction, as they reinvest income in family welfare, education, and healthcare.
  • Community Development: Sustainable farming fosters community development through cooperative models, knowledge sharing, and collective action. Farmer cooperatives, community-supported agriculture (CSA), and agroecology networks empower communities to address common challenges, access resources, and advocate for their interests.

Success Stories and Best Practices

  1. Agroecology Initiative in Rural Africa:

A community-led agroecology project in a rural African village implemented sustainable farming practices. These included diversified crops and established a local market for organic produce. The initiative increased incomes, reduced poverty rates, and improved nutrition for participating households.

2. Permaculture Farming in Southeast Asia

Several small-scale permaculture farms in Indonesia demonstrated the benefits of regenerative agriculture, soil conservation, and community engagement. These farms provided food security, restored degraded land, protected water sources, and promoted biodiversity.

Challenges and Opportunities

While sustainable farming holds promise for poverty alleviation, challenges such as access to resources, knowledge gaps, and policy support require collaboration from governments, NGOs, and the private sector. At ECHO, we aim to empower farmers by providing them with sustainable knowledge and tools necessary to enhance their lives and communities.

Conclusion: Nurturing Thriving Communities

Sustainable farming is not just about growing food; it’s about nurturing communities, empowering farmers, and creating a future of shared prosperity. At ECHO, we share knowledge and provide essential tools to farmers while improving food production and eliminating scarcity sustainably within their communities. 

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ECHO provides hope against hunger around the globe through agricultural training and resources. As a Christian technical networking and resourcing organization, ECHO builds a diverse, global network and serves that network by sharing validated contextualized agricultural options with technical excellence. ECHO’s goal is to serve its network members to advance food security and sustainable livelihoods. ECHO’s North American Regional Impact Center is located in Fort Myers, Florida with a global presence through four Regional Impact Centers in the USA, Thailand, Tanzania, and Burkina Faso. For more information about ECHO call 239-543-3246 or visit echonet.org or ECHOcommunity.org.

Another Leaf, Please! ECHO’s Community Garden Intern Gets Her Hands Dirty in Schools

ECHO’s Community Garden Intern shares her experiences with visits to local schools. For Lauren, farming has been part of her background for most of her life, but for many of the students she meets, their food horizons are limited. Lauren is working to change that through ECHO and a partnership with Publix Super Markets Charities.

Leeann Estrada

The kids’ eyes bulged when Lauren told them that the plant they were holding in their hands was the same one that could grow in an East African village. Lauren absolutely loves it when they react like this.  As part of her role as the Community Garden Intern, Pennsylvania-native Lauren Kachel regularly visits nearby schools to teach students about the underutilized crops that ECHO promotes to smallholder farmers in the tropics. For Lauren, this is a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between people from very different cultures around the world. 

Kachel is no stranger to farm life. Growing up, her family kept a garden and sold their tomatoes to local grocery stores, and she also worked on a dairy farm for six years. In high school, she joined and excelled in the National FFA Organization – an institution that equips youth to pursue careers in agriculture. She raised two lambs, cared for her school’s livestock, and was chairman of the annual plant sale – she even earned FFA’s highest-level degree. In college, she pursued a degree in Agricultural and Extension Education which has served her well as the Community Garden intern, especially when interacting with young children who may have minimal experience with farming or gardening. Through her easy-going nature and approachability, she is providing hands-on learning activities to inspire a future generation of hunger fighters. 

Recently, Lauren visited an elementary school that had planted a cranberry hibiscus shrub – a burgundy-hued tropical plant with sweet and sour-tasting leaves. She said, “It is so cool if kids can see that and eat it too.” She recalled a story of how one of the students picked a bell pepper and weighed it on a scale – proudly presenting the fruits of his labor. Some of the kids then showed her their well-established agroforestry plot,  including an avocado tree, papaya, and more cranberry hibiscus.

On another visit, she partnered with a Lee County school organization called the “Healthy Living Collaboration” made up of retired teachers, school district employees, and other ECHO partners like the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Their once-a-month meetings are held at different schools to provide resources and training for teachers on how to boost local food security and overall well-being. 

Later, at a STEMtastic day event hosted by the Lee County school district at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center, she gave students a taste test. She brought moringa, katuk, and cranberry hibiscus from ECHO along with more commonly-eaten Romaine lettuce and Iceberg lettuce from a grocery store. Each leafy green was laid on a table and as each student walked up, she would ask them, “Is this edible?” Many of the students said the ECHO leaves were not edible, exclaiming about the lettuce, “Oh, I know this one!” Her response would leave them in shock, unaware that ALL of them were completely edible. One student even asked for another leaf to eat!  

As Lauren realizes that the knowledge she has gained at ECHO is not always available to resource-limited communities, she has grown her passion to serve communities abroad one day. She looks forward to increasing the dignity of people groups and farmers in Central Asia in the next few years. For now, she will be transitioning into the year-long Propagation Assistant position at ECHO North America, giving her more room to grow and reflect before she begins her dignity-giving training endeavor. 

Through Lauren’s passion, and thanks in part to support by Publix Super Markets Charities, school children and community gardens across Lee and Collier counties are learning about and growing their own fresh and healthy food. “Another leaf, please!”

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ECHO provides hope against hunger around the globe through agricultural training and resources. As a Christian technical networking and resourcing organization, ECHO builds a diverse, global network and serves that network by sharing validated contextualized agricultural options with technical excellence. ECHO’s goal is to serve its network members to advance food security and sustainable livelihoods. ECHO’s North American Regional Impact Center is located in Fort Myers, Florida with a global presence through four Regional Impact Centers in the USA, Thailand, Tanzania, and Burkina Faso. For more information about ECHO call 239-543-3246 or visit echonet.org or ECHOcommunity.org.

Five Subtropical Plants for Beginner Gardeners

Here are five spectacular, beginner-proof plants that will build your confidence and spruce up your yard!

By Sarah Bakeman

For me, pursuing a new hobby like gardening can be difficult. Not only am I haunted by the house plants I’ve failed to keep alive in the past, but also I’m bound to make more mistakes while I learn. That can be discouraging and frustrating. For this reason, I’ve decided to compile a list of five beginner tropical plants with the help of ECHO’s Retail Nursery Coordinator Charles Thibodeau. 

These plants are bound to build up confidence as you develop your green thumb!

Bananas

Bananas are probably a regular item on your grocery list, which is all the more reason to plant a banana variety. The plant has many pros for those looking to build confidence in gardening. For one, banana grow quickly. If you were to buy a three-gallon pot banana plant in April, by the following spring you’d see it flowering. Just make sure you give it plenty of room to grow when you plant it! The tree is also resilient and vigorous, which allows wiggle room for the inevitable mistakes of the learning process. It can grow in most soil, withstand harsh weather conditions like hurricanes, and it’s resistant to pests. If you grow a banana and really love it, they’re also easy to propagate. 

Thibodeau praises the flavor of garden bananas, comparing store-bought vs. homegrown bananas as “night and day.” He even gave me some recommendations for the variety to choose. The Namwa banana is great for beginners and has a rich, sweet vanilla flavor. If you enjoy fried plantains, Orinoco might be a good option for your garden as they are known to cook nicely. And if you’re interested in a sweet, apple-y flavor, the Mysore variety is a good option. 

Barbados cherry

If you don’t want something as big as the banana, Barbados cherries might be for you. While this plant is technically a tree, it grows to have a more shrub-like appearance. It’s perfect for those who have less space but still want delicious, rewarding fruit from their yard. Once planted in partial shade, this shrub is easy to take care of. It’ll need regular watering when it’s young, but mature Barbados cherry trees are drought resistant. And as a bonus, this plant is also pest resistant! As for production, you’ll need a bit more patience than you would with the banana tree. It takes about two years for the Barbados cherry tree to produce at full capacity. I’d argue that this is well worth the wait – Barbados cherries have one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C of any fruit in the world. One cherry has double the vitamin C of an orange. 

While I was learning more about Barbados cherries, an ECHO expert showed me where the tree was located on the farm. If you’re still not sold, I can now say from personal experience that these cherries taste great. With a beautiful bright red appearance, some say the cherries look like miniature apples growing on the shrub. And when I bit into it, it was an entirely different experience from the Bing cherries most of us are familiar with. There was less flesh, more juice, three seeds, and a bright, tart flavor. I’ll definitely be going back for more!

Cassava

Here at ECHO, we refer to this root crop as cassava, though you may have heard of it as yucca or tapioca. Regardless of title, this plant is a drought-resistant potato substitute that can be grown in marginal soils. It’s a major food staple in the developing world, which makes it a great crop for ECHO’s mission of equipping small-scale farmers around the globe. As long as this root crop isn’t planted in wet soil or the shade, it should be a very manageable crop. After about a year of growing, the cassava is harvested by digging out the root. Thibodeau recommends doing this with your hands, which allows you to find the edges without damaging the roots. With a little bit of imagination, this can feel like an excavation project.

Once you’ve bought a cassava plant, it’s easy to propagate using cuttings. Just by planting those 10-inch limbs into the ground, you can have 10 cassava plants in your second year. One downside to cassava is its relatively short shelf life. Once harvested, you can eat what you want right away. Whatever is left over should be frozen and put in the freezer for later use. ECHOcommunity has lots of great resources to check out surrounding cassava!

Mango and avocado trees

A two for one! These are two popular and simple trees, so I thought I’d group them together. Though mango and avocado trees take four or five years to produce, they are both easy to grow in loose, rich, well-drained soil. The experts at ECHO recommend buying a grafted tree from a nursery to start out for beginner gardeners. Mango and avocado seedlings can be unpredictable, so a tree from a nursery will give a little more forgiveness and confidence. As long as you and your green thumb follow the basic instructions for tending, this should be a rewarding experience. 

After about seven to eight years, the trees will start to really come along. Yes, this is a more long-term investment, but, if taken care of, the trees will produce generously for years. There are plenty of ways to use up mangoes and avocados, and your family will have more than enough to enjoy and share. 

Passion fruit

Beyond trees, roots, and shrubs, vines are a beautiful option for a picturesque beginner garden. According to the experts at ECHO, passion fruit vines are easy to grow. All you need is well-drained soil and a place for the vines to latch to. Thibodeau simply allows the plant to grow on the chain link fence in his yard, though some gardeners have grown them onto yard structures such as pergolas. When given proper sunlight and water, the vines can grow 60 feet in a year and produce hundreds of fruit. 

Thibodeau recommends starting with a red or purple variety of passion fruit because it is self-pollinating. Another thing to note about the vine is it loses productivity after about five years, but this can be remedied by planting about 20-30 cuttings from the vine. After sticking them in the soil, five or six are bound to root and grow. And, of course, the passion fruit grown is delicious. It has a sweet and tart flavor and can be eaten plain or dressed up with a little sugar. Beyond that, there are plenty more ways to consume passion fruit. Thibodeau has mixed sugar cane juice with passion fruit concentrate to create a drink comparable to Hawaiian punch. He also eats it on top of ice cream. Regardless of how you choose to eat the fruit, this is a great beginner plant! 

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I hope that something on this list gets you excited about gardening! Between online resources, books, and the gardeners in your life, there’s plenty of planting wisdom to go around. If you’re based in Southwest Florida, ECHO has a farm and nursery in North Fort Myers. Not only can you buy some plants for yourself , but you can also see them grown around the resource center and farm. I wish you and your green thumb good luck!

ECHO provides hope against hunger around the globe through agricultural training and resources. As a Christian technical networking and resourcing organization, ECHO builds a diverse, global network and serves that network by sharing validated contextualized agricultural options with technical excellence. ECHO’s goal is to serve its network members to advance food security and sustainable livelihoods. ECHO’s North American Regional Impact Center is located in Fort Myers, Florida with a global presence through four Regional Impact Centers in the USA, Thailand, Tanzania, and Burkina Faso. For more information about ECHO call 239-543-3246 or visit echonet.org or ECHOcommunity.org.

An unbe-leaf-able plant: Utilizing aloe vera

Aloe vera is a well-known plant, but there’s plenty of health potential that’s left untapped by many. Here are some tips and tricks for harvesting and using this incredible plant.

By Sarah Bakeman

From Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt to the aisles of Walgreens, aloe vera continues to be one of the most commonly-used medicinal plants in the world. And here at ECHO, we are lucky enough to have some growing in the Semi-Arid region of our Florida campus. 

The first time I saw an aloe vera plant in real life, I was shocked to see the pointy succulent leaves shooting in all directions. I primarily associated aloe vera with bright green, chilled gel that I bought in case my sunscreen application wasn’t thorough enough. When I came to ECHO, the experts here and on ECHOcommunity were kind enough to show me the plant and how to harvest it. 

From there, I’ve learned that it is a versatile medicinal plant with hundreds of applications. Aloe vera is high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, beta-carotene, folic acid, calcium, and magnesium. That was a lot of commas, but it shows just how amazing this plant is!

At ECHO, we love to use everything we grow for some greater purpose. I’d like to share with you how I harvest and use aloe vera!

Removing the gel

It’s surprisingly easy to remove the gel from an aloe vera leaf. After peeling and cutting around the pits of the mangoes that are in season here at ECHO, processing this aloe vera felt like an easy break! It was a quick, simple, and rewarding process. 

First, if the base of the leaf is still on, you should cut that off. When I grabbed the leaf from the Semi-Arid region of ECHO’s farm, I cut it from the base. Once I got the leaf to my house, I went ahead and rinsed it off.

You might notice a yellowish fluid leaking out after removing the base. This is called aloin, and it’s the sap of the aloe plant. I didn’t realize aloe plants had sap until an ECHO expert informed me! Pretty cool, right? But for our purposes, we won’t want to use this aloin. While it’s not toxic, it has a bitter taste and might cause an upset stomach. The best practice is to just dispose of it. 

To get rid of the sap, you simply stand the leaf upright. This can be done in any container or your sink. Leave it for about 10 minutes, and when you come back it should be ready to cut!

Grab your cutting board and knife, and cut along the serrated edges along the sides of the leaf. This will make the next step much easier.

Once the serrated edges are gone, run the knife under the top skin of the leaf, separating it from the gel underneath. Be careful! The gel is slippery. After that, run the knife under the gel to separate it from the bottom of the leaf. It also works to use a spoon and scoop the gel out.

If you missed any green spots, cut those off. Similarly, if you see any reddish-brown spots, those are remnants of the sap. You can either cut or rinse those off. 

At this point, you’ll have a beautiful, translucent gel. You’ll want to put it in an airtight container in the fridge, but there are a few options for how to do that. You could just stick the whole strip in a container, but ECHO’s experts like to either puree the gel or cut it into cubes before storing. A puree will make the aloe easier to use for skincare or smoothies. If you don’t plan on using it right away, you could blend the aloe and pour it into an ice cube tray! This would help it last longer. 

And that gets me onto the next topic. How do you use aloe vera? Of course, most people have seen the store-bought, green gel that helps with sunburns. But there are so many more uses for freshly-harvested aloe plants! 

Moisturizer

Aloe vera has well-documented benefits for the skin beyond just soothing sunburn. It can easily be incorporated into your daily skincare routine as a face and body moisturizer. Some ECHO experts here on our Florida farm harvest aloe weekly for personal skincare use. Not only does it have hydrating properties, but it will also absorb into your skin nicely. As is true for other moisturizers, just avoid getting it in your eyes! For a more intense moisturizer, there’s plenty of ways to make aloe face masks.

Makeup remover

That’s right, you can start your day with an aloe as a moisturizer and end it with aloe as a makeup remover. It’s easy to do! Just rub the aloe gel on your face. You’ll notice the makeup starts to loosen off of your skin and mix with the gel. Take a towel or cotton pad and wipe your face clean, and rinse off any remaining gel with water. 

Exfoliant

An aloe sugar scrub is surprisingly easy to make, even if you haven’t gone shopping in a while. Besides the aloe itself, all you’ll need is brown and white sugar, honey, and olive oil. Mix these ingredients together in the right quantities, and you’ll have an all-natural way to keep your skin soft and smooth. Not only does an aloe-based sugar scrub get rid of dead skin cells, it also provides moisture at the same time. I call that a win-win! Here’s the recipe.

Hair mask

It’s beginning to seem like aloe can take the form of any beauty product. Whether you’re looking to treat damaged hair, an itchy scalp, or are just practicing some self care, an aloe hair mask is a great option. There are so many hair mask options on the market right now, and it’s easy to be overwhelmed by different ingredients, scents, and packaging. If you want to go the simple, homemade route, here’s a recipe I found.

Bug bites

It’s fairly common knowledge that aloe soothes burns, but it’s also a great natural option for soothing bug bites. After application, the aloe vera should ease the painful itching and swelling. Its antiseptic properties will treat any minor bites or stings that are bothering you. 

Oral hygiene

I won’t lie, this one really surprised me. Aloe vera is proven to be effective in reducing plaque and inflammation, protecting gums, and refreshing breath. The plant is able to accomplish this by controlling harmful bacteria. Studies have shown aloe vera juice to be equally as effective as standard mouthwash. There are plenty of recipes for DIY aloe mouthwash out there. While I don’t necessarily recommend abandoning your current regimen, this could definitely be a great addition!

Aloe smoothies

If you want to take your aloe usage a step further, some ECHO experts and wellness influencers like to add the gel to their smoothies. Aloe vera contains antioxidants, which supports disease prevention and reduces oxidative stress. Additionally, drinking aloe can help with digestion, heal wounds, treat constipation, and boost the immune system. I wouldn’t recommend eating aloe plain, simply because it has a bitter taste. Mixing it up with some delicious fruit is a great way to enjoy the benefits of aloe.

Keep your produce fresh

 I love to keep my fridge stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, but, inevitably, sometimes I don’t finish the produce before it goes bad. A Cambridge study revealed that vegetables coated with aloe gel were protected from many types of harmful bacteria. A different study found similar results with apples.While it may feel unorthodox to coat groceries in aloe gel, it’s a scientifically-backed, natural way to keep food fresher for longer.

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I love finding new ways to incorporate homemade, plant-based products into my daily life! Aloe vera is truly a gift that keeps on giving, and I hope you found a way to use it while reading this article. If not, remember there are even more ways to use the plant. I just picked some of my favorites!

ECHO provides hope against hunger around the globe through agricultural training and resources. As a Christian technical networking and resourcing organization, ECHO builds a diverse, global network and serves that network by sharing validated contextualized agricultural options with technical excellence. ECHO’s goal is to serve its network members to advance food security and sustainable livelihoods. ECHO’s North American Regional Impact Center is located in Fort Myers, Florida with a global presence through four Regional Impact Centers in the USA, Thailand, Tanzania, and Burkina Faso. For more information about ECHO call 239-543-3246 or visit echonet.org or ECHOcommunity.org.

Empowering Farmers Globally 🌱 – The Thriving Farmer Podcast!

I am thrilled to connect with you through the virtual pages of The Thriving Farmer Podcast, where our recent episode has sparked conversations around the globe about empowering farmers and nurturing sustainable practices. As the CEO of ECHO, I am deeply honored to have had the opportunity to share insights and experiences alongside Michael Kilpatrick, exploring the innovative work being done to support farmers worldwide.

In our discussion, we journeyed through various facets of ECHO’s mission and initiatives, shedding light on key themes that resonate deeply with the heart of ECHO’s mission and sustainable farming.

The Global Network: One of the cornerstones of ECHO’s approach is our expansive global network, spanning regions from North America to Asia, East Africa, and West Africa. Through our regional efforts and dedicated local teams, we are able to address the diverse and unique needs of farmers, fostering resilience and sustainability in agricultural practices.

Local Seed Sovereignty: We delved into the critical importance of local seed banks, not just as repositories of genetic diversity, but as guardians of food security, ecological resilience, and cultural heritage. Preserving and promoting local seed sovereignty is paramount to building resilient food systems that can weather the challenges of a changing climate.

ECHOcommunity.org: Our online platform serves as a vibrant hub for knowledge exchange, connecting farmers, practitioners, and enthusiasts from around the world. Here, individuals come together to share insights, learn from each other’s experiences, and collaborate on innovative solutions to common challenges in agriculture.

Faith in Action: We discussed the invaluable support of individual donors, including faith-based communities, in advancing ECHO’s mission. Their contributions play a crucial role in driving forward our initiatives and empowering farmers to thrive in their communities.

In-Person Engagement: At ECHO’s North America Impact Center, hands-on trainings and tours offer participants immersive learning experiences that translate theory into practice. These engagements not only build practical skills but also inspire a deeper connection to the land and its potential for abundance.

Agroecosystems & Appropriate Tech: Through simulations of global agricultural ecosystems and demonstrations of appropriate technologies, we explored innovative strategies for sustainable farming, including agroforestry, diverse cover cropping, conservation agriculture, and biochar production.

Chaya – A Superfood: We highlighted the nutritional benefits and culinary versatility of chaya, a nutrient-rich leafy green, and ongoing research efforts to develop safer and more fuel-efficient preparation methods.

Innovative Soil Strategies: Finally, we examined the role of diverse soil management techniques in improving soil fertility and resilience, paving the way for healthier ecosystems and more productive farms.

As we reflect on these discussions, I am reminded of the immense potential that lies within our collective efforts to nurture sustainability in agriculture. Together, let us continue to sow the seeds of change, empower farmers, and cultivate thriving communities around the world.

I invite you to listen to the full episode of The Thriving Farmer Podcast, join our global network, and embark on this journey towards a more sustainable agricultural future. Together, let us grow, learn, and thrive.

Listen today: https://www.thrivingfarmerpodcast.com/Abram-Bicksler/

With gratitude and determination,

Dr. Abram Bicksler President/CEO, ECHO