So, I can say that given the observations made by myself, my hubby and my neighbors, the bumblebees have made a HUGE comeback in #SouthernMaine this year (despite the drought)! There were very low #Bumblebee populations last year (more #CarpenterBees and #honeybees and a few smaller #NativeBees). A lot of us are #GardeningForPollnators and #GardeningWithoutChemicals , so I think that's helping!
So, I'm realizing that I didn't cover a very important and timely topic last #SolarPunkSunday -- #SeedSaving! I'll make sure to touch upon that this Sunday! Also, I may have some extra Cosmos seeds again this year -- two years ago, I gave a bunch away to friends. They'll more than likely be pink with purple/magenta streaks, as they cross-pollinate with white and magenta ones.
#Gardening #GardeningForPollnators #GardeningWithoutChemicals #SeedSavers #SeedExchange #SeedLbraries #CosmosSeeds
I wonder if the seaweed can be soaked, and then the salt water used for other purposes (perhaps boiled down to produce natural sea salt)?
How to Use Seaweed to Mulch Your Garden
Seaweed will benefit your garden any time of year, but it is especially useful as a mulch to protect plants during hot, dry weather. In our garden, we’ve come to rely on seaweed as a valuable, yet free, source of fertilizer, mulch and organic pest control all in one natural material.
By Greg Seaman, September 18, 2010
Excerpt: "But what about salt? Is this a problem?
"We have been using seaweed as mulch for many years and have not seen any adverse effect, such as a salt overload in the soil. In our region we have plentiful rain. If you are concerned about salt, seaweed can be spread out over the driveway and rinsed with a hose. Of course this is not an issue if you are using freshwater lake weed."
https://learn.eartheasy.com/articles/how-to-use-seaweed-to-mulch-your-garden/
#SolarPunkSunday #TraditionalFarming
#GardeningIdeas #RegenerativeAgriculture
#SeaweedMulch #GardeningWithoutChemicals #Gardening
Seaweed will benefit your garden any time of year, but it is especially useful as a mulch to protect plants during hot, dry weather. In our garden, we’ve come to rely on seaweed as a valuable, yet free, source of fertilizer, mulch and organic pest control all in one natural material.
4 ways to use seaweed as garden fertilizer for flourishing plants, bumper crops, and healthy soil
Seaweed can also help to smother weeds and deter slugs
By Drew Swainston
published March 26, 2025
Excerpts: "It is great for mulching vegetable gardens and raised beds. Due to salt levels, you cannot plant into a layer of seaweed mulch immediately, but rain will quickly wash any excess salt away and make it safe for planting.
"It is permitted to collect seaweed from the beach, however, rules differ depending on the location, so check your local regulations. There can be restrictions on quantities or seasons. When collecting seaweed, take only fresh seaweed and do not take large amounts. Cut the tips of seaweed and never pull the plant from the base; snipping off the ends allows it to continue to photosynthesize."
https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/how-to-use-seaweed-as-garden-fertilizer
#SolarPunkSunday #SeaweedMulch #TraditionalFarming #GardeningIdeas
#RegenerativeAgriculture #GardeningWithoutChemicals #Gardening
So, I enjoy watching TV shows that have folks learning the ways things used to be done. Some old ways are worth revisiting! For instance, in the last episode of #EdwardianFarm, seaweed was used to mulch strawberries! I plan on trying that out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRhD9xzdKgU&list=PLS2gH7w6ADxzj77QfHqTe1IHzQ2zA3IMV&index=11
#SolarPunkSunday #TraditionalFarming #GardeningIdeas #RegenerativeAgriculture #SeaweedMulch #GardeningWithoutChemicals #Gardening
DoomsdaysCW