From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

Let's Grow Bahamas
Let's Grow Bahamas Almanac
By Luckner Timothee
Sep 13, 2013 - 12:58:30 AM

Bahamas-almanac.jpg

The fall season is finally upon us, which symbolizes the hibernation of most of our fruit trees. Trees use their leaves for photosynthesis, a process by which carbon dioxide and water are absorbed through various microscopic apertures ("stomata") in the leaves to produce carbohydrates and equally importantly oxygen, a gas necessary for life on Earth.

This beautiful process must occur during the fall before the trees shut down for the season. As a matter of fact, because of the lack of sunlight during the fall, most trees drop their leaves because  they can’t get enough water for what they would lose through the leaves. If the leaves did not fall, the plant could not seal those small apertures where the leaves are grown and it would mean certain death for big trees.

Despite this rest period for the bigger trees, most of our favorite vegetable crops come into season because of the lack of heavy sunlight. Therefore, this is the time when we, backyard farmers, begin sowing our favorite seedlings.

Now there are certain traditions I follow when planting seeds. For instance, I will only sow seeds during the full moon and that is because you get a greater yield.  It could be a folk tale but I believe in the old ways, and I know my ancestors didn’t just make this one up. It was brought about through trial and error, and stayed with us throughout the years. 

So take note that the next full moon is September 19th. I know many farmers don’t believe in it, but I am a firm believer in Celestial planting. My mother did, and so did my father, and I will carry those traditions with me. I am also excited because now that fall is upon us, I will commence sharing my thoughts on farming again.  I'll get back to giving you information on how to grow, things we should be applying to our gardens, as well as what is happening in the world today, when it comes to agriculture on a whole. 

As one of the very few young men that farm for a living in this country, my input is just as important as the large-scale farmers. Since I represent the Backyard Farmers Community on my island, it is only right that I share my experiences for all to learn by.

This week, The Grand Bahama Backyard Farmers Community is proud to release our Almanac listing.

Almanac for the Month of September
are tomatoes, lettuce, radish, spinach, squash, turnips, cabbage, cucumbers, cauliflower, celery, endives, leeks, potatoes and Kohl Rabi are some of my favorites plants to grow this year in this season.

Why not try growing your own food for a change? "Grow Food - Not Lawns" that should be a law and try as best as you can to sow 'organic seeds', as they are much healthier for us, and the planet. Read your labels. if it doesn't state organic, don’t buy it. As  consumers, we have a say and can cause affect the market. We need to preserve natural /organic seeds because undoubtedly organic foods will make our children healthier and keep them free from genetically engineered organisms.

Let’s start a Grow Revolution this season and I promise to share some of my expertise with you.  I feel this season could be, the best yet!


About the Author: Luckner Timothee is a backyard Farmer in Grand Bahama since starting his garden a few years ago he has wooed his friends with his produce and creative farming ideas. He continually learns from his friends and family about the process of farming and the struggles that a farmer goes through daily. He is now working on a Web show called “Let’s Grow Bahamas” to be released on “Grand Bahama Backyard Farmers”. He is attending seminars in order to meet other farmers around the world and to further his knowledge about Farming. To contact Luckner Timothee email him at: bahamasfarmers@live.com



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