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Chester County Farm Stands, Markets, Orchards and Community Supported Agriculture

It’s that time of the year where your gardens start to grow and in a few months we’ll be picking fresh tomatoes, peppers, and whatever else you might have planted. But what about those people that don’t have the time or land to grow their own garden?

Here is a list and downloadable brochure of local Chester County farm stands, markets, orchards and Community Supported Agriculture where local residents can purchase fresh locally-grown crops.

More information can be from on Chester County’s web site, click here.

Thanks to Cathy P. who shared this information in a recent email. If anyone else has good info like this please contact us and we’ll make sure to post it on the blog and give you credit!

A Different Approach to A Mossy Lawn

Image via Wikipedia

Who here thinks moss would make a good lawn? Well prior to my wife finding this article and sharing it with me, I was one to think I HAD to do something about the moss growing in certain areas of my yard. Of course, the areas that have moss are the only areas of my yard that seem to NEVER grow grass. I used to feel that the moss BEAT ME but after reading how a retired professor of ornamental horticulture turned his lawn from grass to moss, I now think I’ve made the right decision on those hard to grow areas and will welcome the moss!

For more than a century, moss has been anathema to homeowners and gardeners. Type “moss” and “lawn” on an Internet search engine and you’ll find more ways to kill it than create it.

It’s not hard to see why. Moss, which grows fast and hugs the ground, prevents soil erosion. Its density repels weeds. Deer do not snack on it. It can be walked on. Even when it looks dead, a splash of water can restore it to emerald health within minutes. It doesn’t need fertilizer (lacking a root system, it takes nutrients from water and air). All it needs, in fact, are shade, moisture — though not large amounts of water — and what most gardeners would regard as poor-quality soil.

You can continue to read the NY Times article Moss Makes a Lush, No-Care Lawn

Get Out And Do Some Gardening, It’s Good For The Body and Soul

Image via Wikipedia

How many of you can find the time to exercise, garden, clean the house, take care of kids, pets, work and sleep? What if I could tell you that the Springtime air and being outdoors can actually exercise your body and calm your mind? That’s right, as you are prepping your garden and yard this Spring here are a few ways to get a little added exercise since most of us have been “hibernating” all winter.

As you tend to the leftover autumn leaves and picking up fallen twigs and whatever else landed in your yard, all of the bending, kneeling, stretching and lifting is good for the body. These low impact tasks help to get your muscles, bones and joints limber. Also the added benefit of being in your yard doing these tasks gives your mind the time to relax and wander. In an article I read, scientists are now saying that even 20 minutes of gardening a week is good for you. Read the rest of this entry »

Maintenance Tips for Individual On-Lot Septic Systems

Out of sight, out of mind. That’s what many people think after the toilet flushes or the sink drains. But that wastewater may be seen again if the household’s septic system fails. A correctly designed and installed on-lot sewage disposal system can still malfunction if the homeowner does not properly operate and maintain it. There are some very simple measures to prevent malfunctions, ensure long-term use of on-lot systems, and protect our streams and groundwater from pollution as follows:

• Conserve water and reduce wastewater flow into the septic tank, especially during rainy, wet seasons when the ground is saturated.
• Have the septic tank pumped at least every 3 years, depending upon tank and household size.
• Avoid putting harsh chemicals in the septic system. Use non-toxic cleaning products such as baking soda to scrub toilets or boiling water to clear clogged drains.
• Keep a grease can handy and compost food garbage or put it in the trash. A garbage disposal adds 50% more solids to your system.
• Do not use the toilet to dispose of bulky, slow decomposing wastes.
• Inspect the septic tank, pipes, and drainage field annually.
• Maintain accurate records of the septic system, including design, installation, location, inspections, pumpings, malfunctions, and repairs.
• Prevent run-off from downspouts, sump pumps and paved surfaces from getting into the septic system.
• Keep heavy vehicles, equipment, and livestock away from the septic system.
• Do not plant trees and shrubs on or near the septic system.
• Don’t wait—if your septic system shows signs of problems, act immediately. Regular septic tank pumping will prolong the life of your septic system. Keep in mind that a septic system usually costs less than $200 to pump, but several thousands to replace.

A healthy on-lot sewage disposal system is crucial to preservation of safe drinking water. Therefore, the Township will soon require that every individual on-lot sewage system be checked by a qualified sewage service contractor to determine the condition of the system. If it needs pumping, that must be done. If it does not, a statement to that effect must be supplied to the Township Office. It is proposed that one third of the Township be required to be checked in one year so that the entire Township will have been checked in a three year period.

[from WallaceTwp.org]