APPLE TREE ORDER

The company we ordered our apple trees from last year is sold out

HOWEVER,

this company is doing a

very exciting,
amazing preservation
of HUNDREDS
OF ANTIQUE & HEIRLOOM VARIETIES

by offering the same method of apple trees at the same amazing price:

Please read below - the text is copy and pasted from their website:
http://www.wagonwheelorchard.blogspot.com/

Benchgrafts still available for 2012 – Please order soon, our rootstock is getting reserved. We will be grafting in late February through late April. When the rootstock runs out we will stop taking orders. We have a 10 tree minimum and no maximum. Please give us plenty of alternate choices in your orders as scion stock is starting to dwindle.

Below is the complete 2012 benchgraft list. It does contain an entire inventory of several orchards – please note we will not graft apples or pears still under patent.

This is the most extensive list ever offered for custom grafting antique apples. Check our previous post for the pear list. Most likely you will never see such an offering again.

Please check your local rules regarding shipping in apples and pears.

Many of the varieties listed below will only be available for 2012 - please consider ordering additional trees to preserve these endangered apples and pears. One of our heroes, Nick Botner is retiring and his collection needs to be preserved (he currently has his massive orchard and home for sale) - the only way to ensure that is to get these fruit trees backed up in as many locations as possible. The list below is an inventory and benchgraft list only - we cannot supply scionwood from this list at our normal prices. We will pay on average $5.50 a stick from this list and then buy scionwood to graft to at a $2.00 average - then we will absorb shipping/handling/insurance costs to deliver them to you at $10/tree with a 10 tree minimum. We are primarily concerned with preservation of this collection - if you would like to swap or purchase scionwood please email us at wagonwheelmail@aol.com or call us at 913-893-6050.


Mail a check with a summary of your order to Wagon Wheel Orchard 15380 Edgerton Rd Gardner KS 66030. First requested/first fulfilled - please do not wait until last minute! We will be shipping in late March to early April or as weather permits.

Questions? - email wagonwheelmail@aol.com

GO TO THE WEBSITE FOR THEIR LIST OF hundreds! of APPLE
(AND PEAR) TREES AVAILABLE

Where did you say I could find that?

Healthy food does not have to be expensive. Any food bought in a special little package marketed toward a spontaneous purchase or specialty shopper is bound to be expensive. Just as the mainstream foods bought in bulk are cheaper if planned for, then so are traditional foods.

I have been building a price sheet comparing my most common stores. It is not necessarily accurate or updated since my last need to compare an item.
If you know the responsible farmer of a product then likely that would be the top source.

But where did I find ____..... and at a price that was actually affordable?

Generally, Azure Standard is where I end up making my planned bulk purchases. Essentially they are an internet based grocery store with every department including fresh and frozen produce. They have a wide range of foods that satisfy nearly every category of food enthusiast: whole foodie, special diet needs or allergy free foods, organic, fad, and even just plain and simple traditional foods. The registration of a username to see prices/place an order has no lingering effects or even a single email with advertisement.

Azure Standard does not charge shipping and delivers to neighborhoods if you meet a minimum order amount. Contact them for up to date details. If you are local to me, in San Tan Ranch, then I have a drop site (unlisted) that you are welcome to use; just contact me via the email in the side bar and we can arrange an order/drop. - Be advised: They are still improving their logistical and inventory systems AND they work on a Geographically based delivery schedule that is on a one month cycle (they only deliver to you once a month)

Simple Rocket Stove How-To

Here is a video showing how to Quickly Assemble a Rocket Stove out of 21 bricks. I imagine now the the straightforward concepts have been presented, any size or location can be tried out. (I'd like to test it out on a larger scale for large pots.) This is so quick it could be put together for a sudden need or just to use as a contained firepit.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=16+brick+rocket+stove&aq=f

Remember, the type of brick is somewhat important, most obviously = it needs to be able to 1) handle high heat and flame and 2) be able to insulate to some level.
I found these at Home Depot that I am going to try out! They are called Fire Bricks. The employee said this is what customers use when they are building a fire pit type application....
I'm hoping that this also would imply that heating them won't smoke anything too toxic into my food and airways.

However, perhaps someone has some experience with a different brick and could suggest a different one? yes?

The Group Buy for Fertilizer is happening

The company Sweet Corn Organics has fantastic fertilizers that they are now offering at a discounted rate if bought in bulk (= cheaper). See previous post here. - new update coming soon, I had a 40 minute conversation with the creator and have been doing more research.
I have done the research (planning to do a little more) to list theirs along with comparable products from my other bulk source.
It looks like we will focus the list down to (for this year) The Veggie, Mator and Berry, (and maybe the Lawn). Based on our results and experiences with them I would like to follow that with another order to either replenish or broaden to an additional product(s) for more specific needs.

Critical information:

• All of these fertilizers are 80% more efficiently used by the plant if dissolved in water and sprayed on the leaves/plant - preferrably on the underside of the leaves. (also, if needed at the same time, they can all be mixed together to be sprayed on)
  
• Organic gardening, when done "right", is much more nutritious and stronger against pest/disease/rot/ailments than any food the typical American has bought in the last few decades. See High Brix posts for more information and this site. The taste can tell you it's better!
• Please follow links to the products you are considering to read the description. For most of them, I only included tiny excerpts out of the paragraph descriptions. Each product name is a link.

ALSO- We are ordering the Seaweed Kelp ASCO from Azure Standard. It may not be the same, but will do the same job and is cheaper.

Order Closed/Complete

The varieties of apple trees to choose from this year are: No longer available for this year.

See chart for characteristics and criteria.
Note: Pale Yellow showing bloom and harvest times
The purple rows showing pollination needs.
page 1 has the same information as page 2, but also has the blue row with description of characteristics.
For additional pollination compatibility see these chart, for your apples of interest.

1. Anna
2. Arkansas black
3. Bramley
4. Dorsett Golden
5. Enterprise
6. Fuji
7. Gala
8. Pink Lady (Cripp's Pink)
9. Red Boskoop
10. Sierra Beauty
11. William's pride
12. Some people are also trying Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp
    

orders in by the end of the week.

Apple trees in your yard

We are doing an apple tree group order. (For more information than here, see earlier post)

• They are 10$ plus 1$ for shipping = $11 each.
  
• They are varieties that are great for our Hot climate and heavy soils.
• They are young and have all of their original roots so they will acclimate and grow very quickly, soon bear fruit, .... (superior to the method used in those sold in local sources)
• Space is not a problem since keeping an apple tree small is actually easier than maintaining a large tree - as well as the benefits to the apple crop. Many, many options including IN A VERY SMALL SPACE ... see here and 'google' the word "espalier" on images, youtube, etc..
• The Majority of apple tree varieties will produce apples all on their own (one tree), but the majority of those will produce up to 80% more apples of higher quality if they are planted in the vicinity of another apple tree that has 'compatible' pollen (which would also benefit from the sharing as well as your neighbor's trees.)

and this video at 5:50 shows just how easy it is to train a tree branch to the shape and direction you want.

Apple Trees in Your Yard

I've been hearing rumors of successful apple 'testing' somewhere in Hot Southern Calif. And it looks like I found (one of?) the nursery(s). And they are pretty neat!
I'm assembling an order, http://www.kuffelcreek.com/appleorder.htm
This month is the only month of the year for orders - which is great since now is perfect for here! -- so get it now while the gettin's good.
They have a minimum order of 10 trees (which we have almost reached already), and a flat shipping fee, so ordering as a group is beneficial.

For those just looking to see which ones are recommended here's a list (not necessarily all, I'm just quoting from the kuffel creek):
Anna, Arkansas Black, Cripp's Pink/ Pink Lady, Fuji, Gala, William's pride,
Bramley, Dorsett Golden, Red Boskoop, and Sierra Beauty
(references also here, here, here, ...coming soon, Australian sites are great info sources, but remember winter=summer and summer=winter because of the southern hemisphere)

Reasons why these trees are desirable (and more desirable than the local stores)

• varieties specifically tested for our hot desert climate
  
• great price $10 + $1 shipping = $11
  
• correct time of year (unlike most nursery suppliers - which leads to ....'other' problems)
• form the tree comes in: bench graft (again, unlike any big nursery I've seen, but is something that is great)
  
• the rootstock (the portion of the tree/ the variety selected for the ground) is good for our climate and soils
  

Reasons why I am partial and think this particular company is "cool"

• They share their knowledge freely
  
• and keeps giving it
• and has more if so desired.
  
• upstanding efforts/motives
• small family owned,.... and all that goes with that....
• plants that have roots rock ;)
• They are testing 100s apples in the heat (and very mild winters) so we don't "have too": Part one of two videos of Dave Wilson Nursery interviewing KuffelCreek at their nursery in Riverside Calif - note also, the wide range of ripening seasons: Part 2 starts with honeycrisp.
  

Reasons to talk to your neighbors

• Because just like people, apple trees need friends too. Many apple trees will bear fruit without another apple tree, but
• most apple trees will bear much more and better/bigger fruit if there is another tree they can cross pollinate with (share pollen via the bees, etc)
• so, If you only want one tree, but your neighbor also only wants one tree, then now there are two
• however, if you get the same variety/type or (too) close relative of apple, cross pollination doesn't happen. So have a peak at the charts 1 and 2 and talk to your neighbor or just get two+ compatible trees.
  

Where to plant

• In a place that allows it to be flood watered or deeply watered, (don't want just surface roots, although most feeder roots are near the top, but going far out from the trunk)
• In a place that allows it the room to grow, possibly to full potential size without damaging houses, etc..., but certainly accessible so that a manageable size is easy to maintain. Some people refer to this method, but I'm not interested in this method, a forum may be a place to search for success of this method (or not successful results) OR
• In a place that doesn't have the room and is pruned in an obvious, simple way, such as cut to be espalier. Which is what I am excited about trying. link, link, link, link, link, link, link, link,... so many beautiful pictures for inspiration and directions.
  

How to Plant: It is simple and I'll help however I can, however this about covers it :

• As soon as it comes! Have the hole already dug with the dirt pre-watered and soft, but not still muddy. (roots need oxygen to breath in the ground too!)
  
• (Assuming you don't have some seriously large equipment and plan on doing a gargantuan hole and tilling in organic (dead) matter,) then just....
• keep it simple, don't add any 'extra' dirt, potting soil or anything. - our dirt is surprisingly suitable for growing - and the extra stuff in the whole may coddle the roots into staying and not reaching out for strength. (although unlikely with this particular type of rootstock and deep/wide watering)
  
• However, spreading that stuff out on top of the soil everywhere around it (think those mulch circles you've seen in 'wet' parts of the country) even if it is then covered in rocks, then water and worms will take it down with time to where it will help.

related:

• Keep generally moist, using a probe (metal rod that goes as deep down as the roots (2 ft+) make sure that you deep soak the tree, but not so wet that the roots are starved of air and rot.
  
• Don't fertilize a baby tree at all - they don't want to be thinking about bursts of green growth until their roots are re-established. (see below), However; a truly wonderful and appropriate fertilizer, folar-fed, would be good as a well balanced support. Putting the fertilizer in water and spraying it on (the underside of) the leaves increases absorption by ~80%. (more bang for your buck)
• Don't use synthetic fertilizers such as Miracle Grow -They have that quick burst of results, but (especially when overdosed) will be shortening the life of your soil/life of your plants. And without a "whole food" concept in both the soil and plant, it is actually weakening them, leaving them susceptible to the Planet's cleaners (like predators that take out the weak = the bugs/diseases search out, eat the weak plants).
  
• We're doing a bulk buy of fertilizer (hopefully) this month ....Its- like- totally- the- coolest- and like- way- awesomest- fertilizer- ever (really!)
  
• But I'll give info regarding plant nutrition and frugal, effective ....and ... stuff ... in that email/post.
  

Placing group cod liver oil order

I know it sounds gross to the normal modern American. But really I can't recommend it enough... (not being a Dr. of course :) )...For daily health and warding off illness. If you would like to order one bottle; It is 34$. I hear the Orange flavor is the one to try. Chocolate a close second. We are planning on ordering within a week. Just shoot over an email if interested.

Cod Liver Oil -Group Order

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=taksViLn5wearAZqiqZubPA&output=html

From just my research/opinion, I consider Cod Liver oil to be a staple for human health and a requirement for anyone with an ailment (which in our generations is about 99% of people :) .)

I could weary even myself talking about the Vitamins A, D and K and the different fatty acids, benefits, food sources, history, personal experience, etc.
Kerrygold or Red Feather butter or grass-fed fatty meat or other source of additional Vitamin K2 is recommended for much higher positive effects of the Vit A,D.

An article worth it's time to read, and only an introduction to the benefits and studies about the nutrients and oil. http://westonaprice.org/basicnutrition/codliveroil.html
Here are the opening paragraphs:

Cod liver oil is very good for you, more than you ever knew. Research studies ranging from 1918-2001 give cod liver oil an A+ rating. This marvelous golden oil contains large amounts of elongated omega-3 fatty acids, preformed vitamin A and the sunlight vitamin D, essential nutrients that are hard to obtain in sufficient amounts in the modern diet. Samples may also naturally contain small amounts of the important bone- and blood-maintainer vitamin K.

There is hardly a disease in the books that does not respond well to treatment that includes cod liver oil, and not just infectious diseases but also chronic modern diseases like heart disease and cancer. Cod liver oil provides vitamin D that helps build strong bones in children and helps prevent osteoporosis in adults. The fatty acids in cod liver oil are also very important for the development of the brain and nervous system. "If you want to prevent learning disabilities in your children," said David Horrobin, distinguished medical and biochemical researcher, "feed them cod liver oil."

Cod liver oil contains more vitamin A and more vitamin D per unit weight than any other common food. One hundred grams of regular cod liver oil provides 100,000 IU of vitamin A, almost three times more than beef liver, the next richest source; and 10,000 IU vitamin D, almost four times more than lard, the next richest source. Of course, cod liver oil is only consumed in small amounts, but even a tablespoon (about 15 grams) provides well over the recommended daily allowance for both nutrients.

In addition, cod liver oil contains 7 percent each of the elongated omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. EPA is the precursor of important prostaglandins, localized tissue hormones that help the body deal with inflammation; and DHA is extremely important for the development and function of the brain and nervous system. So it's no surprise that in numerous studies cod liver oil has proven to be a powerhouse in fighting disease.

Unfortunately the cod liver oil on the common grocery and even supplement market has been over processed and the natural vitamins and nutrients damaged and removed, ...and then synthetic vitamins put back in; essentially destroying a perfect food and turning it into a cocktail of toxic and much less helpful nutrients.
There are two sources that I personally can recommend (this group recommends others as well).

The first link is a discontinued brand. They are simply selling the stock left from before the last factory source sold themselves out to the over-processed/synthetic product process.
This is a great source, but there is very limited quantity left. Also, it is VERY fishy, even from capsules!! Keep in fridge.

1. http://www.radiantlifecatalog.com/product/441/healthy-fats-oils
2. http://www.greenpasture.org/community/

https://www.greenpasture.org/retail/checkout.php?s=products
The second link is a relatively new company that is superb quality. They have thoroughly researched the traditional (and ancient) ways of making cod liver oil in Norway and other; and produce it here in the US. The end product is more potent (= smaller doses), easier for body to absorb and digest (= efficient and beneficial), and is more complex in its vitamins and nutrients (= more desire-able and effective).
I have found over and over that these traditional ways of making foods fit much more into the gospel's principles. This method makes a product more similar to vinegar and can be stored (inside, not the garage!) for quite a while. Unofficially, they can be stored for 10 years or more when unopened.
Any order over 12 products has the discount on everything in the order. See the link at the top of this post.

Please leave a comment OR email santan2can at gmail.com if you would like to order anything or have any questions/need more info.

Honey - order by Wednesday evening the 7th

Comparable local products (but higher price per amount) can be found at the produce market on Power road.
- and Foodwise in Gilbert.

The Bountiful Baskets Coop is doing Local Honey orders this week.
It is great quality ("good" sugar) and is great for regular use and storage. Keep it clean and it will last 'forever.'

The Bountiful Baskets hasn't done a honey order in a few years, so this is your chance for a GREAT price for honey.
from coop's email:
"Raw Honey - All-natural, citrus-mesquite, 100% pure, from a Lehi (Mesa), AZ citrus orchard. Approximately 11 lbs. In a sealed plastic tub. Quantities are short, so there is a 2-bucket limit. There are all kinds of reasons to use raw honey vs. processed. For general honey info, check out this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honey "

(Bountiful Baskets is local volunteer run "group buy" of mostly produce. Make a log in and then volunteer as often as you wish - orders are taken until Wednesday nights by 10:00 and pickup is the following Saturday Morning -- See website for more info.)

http://www.bountifulbaskets.org/

Water Storage

As humans, and doubly, as desert dwellers dependent on plumbing, we need to plan ahead concerning water. Simple storage in the home is recommended:
http://www.providentliving.org/content/list/0,11664,7446-1,00.html

Read the above link as well as the links it will take you to. My only amendments would be to use a "food grade" bleach, (possibly NSF certified).
And as mentioned, to choose the plastic type carefully, see link for more info:
http://www.ewg.org/healthy-home-tips-04

In addition to the small storage, I believe it would be prudent to maintain a larger store of water.

We are planning a bulk order of 55 Gal Water Barrels and other containers.
Most likely from Sun West Containers. Their website lists their products. I have a price list that I can email upon request. santan2can AT gmail.com

(If you are looking for an additional bucket (screw on lid) options for 3-6 month food storage, but cheaper than the gamma lids, then check out Food wise in Gilbert as a competitive option.)

Is any one out there with the skill to build sturdy wooden 'holders' for the water barrels? Such as a frame that puts one on top of another when stored horizontally? B

To participate in a group Buy

Please email SanTan2Can at gmail.com .....

For companies to order from:
http://sites.google.com/site/swiftpearlstorage/home/sources-list-2