May 20, 2011

Nothing brightens my day quite like a story about exploding watermelons. The Globe and Mail website has a short AP video reporting on the epidemic of exploding watermelons in China that's been caused by the improper use of growth accelerants. Expect watermelon prices to rise as a result.

May 13, 2011

The Guardian website has posted a short video showing how to make a sturdy arbour using nothing more than willow (or similar) branches and twine. For those of you who are tired of training your peas and beans over bamboo, this is a simple alternative.

May 6, 2011

Although climate change is often mentioned in negative terms, this article on the CBC website looks at the positive effects it's had on Canada's grain producers. However, when you look closely at the factors that were ruled out in an effort to isolate the role climate change is playing - factors as varied as changes in technology and farming practices and the differences in soil structure from one locality to the next - you realize what we have always known: The issue is complicated and trying to pin down a single causitive factor for success or failure may be pointless.