So, if #GoatMilk isn't your thing, let's talk about #SoyMilk... A friend who is a #MOFGA-certified organic farmer and is #Vegan atttempted to grow soybeans in one of his fields.

DoomsdaysCW

So, if #GoatMilk isn't your thing, let's talk about #SoyMilk... A friend who is a #MOFGA-certified organic farmer and is #Vegan atttempted to grow soybeans in one of his fields. He said it was nearly impossible to grow them without pesticides, especially with #JapaneseBeetles here in #Maine. Sure, he used beetle traps, but a sex lure can only do so much -- beetles gotta eat! And as far as making one's own soy milk and tofu -- well, it takes almost a thousand soy beans to produce a small block of tofu (and if you do it right, you'll end up with some soy milk to drink). So, if you want to give it a go, I'd say try growing a dozen or so soybean plants, harvest the soybeans, then make your own tofu and soy milk (you'll probably just end up with one batch). And I'll tell you -- the stuff made from freshly grown, organic soybeans has a delightfully nutty taste that you don't get with most of the commercial stuff (I haven't found any that compares to the homemade stuff).

That being said, I will be posting about #GrowingSoybeans, #HarvestingSoybeans, and making #Tofu and #SoyMilk at home for a bit, before finishing up with articles about #HempCrete. Stay tuned...

#SolarPunkSunday #GrowYourOwn #GrowYourOwnFood #Gardening #GrowingSoybeans

David Bramian

@DoomsdaysCW Neem oil is effective against many insect pests, including Japanese beetles! I hear companion planting with Marigolds is also effective

DoomsdaysCW

@davbram I use neem oil. But if it rains and one forgets to reapply it, then it's feast time! And I grow just a few plants. A whole field would take quite a bit of neem oil, and would need re-application.

DoomsdaysCW

@davbram Now, interplanting with marigolds or making a marigold spray might work... #Marigolds contain pyrethrum. However, pyrethrum is toxic to bees and other pollinators, so I wouldn't use the spray version on outdoor plants. Bees do pollinate soybean flowers.

Using Marigolds To Keep Japanese Beetles Away [Step-By-Step]

By Carlos Palmer
May 20, 2023

"If you're looking for a natural way to keep #JapaneseBeetles away, consider using marigolds. Marigolds contain #pyrethrum, which is a natural insecticide. You can either plant marigolds around your garden or make a spray using the flowers."

https://pestpointer.com/using-marigolds-to-keep-japanese-beetles-away-step-by-step/

#SolarPunkSunday #Gardening #GrowYourOwn #GardeningForPollinators #NaturalInsecticides #BeeHealth

DoomsdaysCW

@davbram Hmmmm... #NeemOil might not be great for bees either and should be applied in the evening (I never knew this...).

"As much as I wanted to tackle the bug problem right away, the buzzing neighbors—the bees —had me worried. Would neem oil send them packing or allow them to thrive?

Using neem oil means walking a tightrope between protecting plants and safeguarding pollinators. The oil, derived from the seeds of the neem tree , works wonders on aphids and whiteflies , yet it might create havoc for our buzzing buddies if used recklessly.

Balancing this fine line is crucial because while neem oil is a potent tool for fighting garden pests, its impact on bees hinges on how and when it’s applied.

Let me share a personal tip: apply neem oil during the late evening. In my garden, this timing helped reduce bee exposure while keeping pesky insects at bay."

https://evergreenseeds.com/is-neem-oil-bad-for-bees/

#SolarPunkSunday #GardeningForPollinators #NeemOil #BeeHealth #NaturalInsecticides