Less Lead In Obama Garden

Earlier tests revealed that the Obama Vegetable Garden contained lead levels of 93 parts per million (p.p.m.). According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, lead-concentration in soil is not hazardous until it reaches 400 p.p.m. Nevertheless, President Obama had work done to the garden to further reduce lead-concentration levels.

The soil was amended with lime, green sand, crab meal and compost made by the National Park Service. The pH was also adjusted between 6.5 and 7 because lead is unavailable to plants when the pH level is in that range. The lead-concentration level is now 14 p.p.m, which means the soil is now comparable to soil in places where there are no automobiles!

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Urban Beekeeping Growing Popularity.

Urbanites are taking up beekeeping across the world. Why? This is a very rewarding hobby. Not only do you get fresh, delicious honey, but you also are helping out your fellow urban gardeners. Honeybees are beneficial to gardens because they pollinate flowers. There have been some serious losses in the honeybee population in Europe and the United States so urban beekeeping can help stem the mysterious decline of the honeybees.

Before you decide to take up this hobby, I encourage you to look up your state law. Some states, like New York, currently ban beekeeping although that law has not stopped some people from setting up their own rooftop beehives. City Councilman David Yassky of Brooklyn introduced a bill this year that would legalize beekeeping so perhaps this ban will be lifted in the near future. See Full Story.

Omlet, a UK company has developed the Beehaus, a new and improved beehive specially designed for urban apiarists. These beehives will allow beekeepers to harvest up to a whopping 44 pounds of their own honey each year! That's a lot of honey!

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On a side note... I saw this Beehive Composter at Gardener's Supply Company, and I had to share it with you. Isn't it adorable? I always thought of ways to hide my composter, but this composter is more like a cute accessory.

A Company Designs and Maintains an Organic Garden in Your Own Backyard

Bay Area denizens can pay a weekly fee to have a backyard garden designed and maintained by professionals at MyFarm. Customers can choose between a Personal Installation (just enough food for themselves) and an Owner Member Installation (enough food for MyFarm to sell to other members). Owner members receive a discounted membership.

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