Now that we have your attention, and you'll probably have this song stuck in your head for the rest of the day, let's take a trip! Before we rock down through, we have to make a pit stop and review the WCG newsletter published in September 2023. Read it first...or you're going to be completely lost!

At the beginning of the 2024 garden season, friendly neighbors Joe G. and Steph decided to embark on a journey to determine if the electroculture method does help plants grow bigger and reduce the needed for added fertilizer.  During the planning stages, J & S worked together to plan out the design and test subjects (i.e., vegetables). To reduce the potential of any outside influences, vegetables were place in a controlled environment (in-ground grow bags). One grow bag contained the antenna, the other did not. Equal parts of compost, leaf material, soil was added to the bags and allowed to "rest" until planting time. Of course, there is always room for error, but the best efforts were made. Vegetable choices: broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and acorn squash, and brussel sprouts. Following the VCE planting guide, planting dates were established, and toasts were made! (Friendly hot coffees were a must)! Come summer, coffee was not the beverage of choice...water was the better option. 

One last very important note: all of the starts came from the same seed packs or tubers. Seeds were selected from the same seed pack, grown in the same mediums, and (probably a little extra) grown in the same containers! 

Initial visual observations were interesting. Antennae were placed strategically in corners and borders. Plants (including inground flowers) seemed to be taller with lush foliage.  Could there really be a relationship? Is it possible? Either way, conversations were fun and downright appreciated (over a cup of warm coffee). 

Now on to the results: 

Broccoli and Cauliflower: Prior to planting, soil was developed for about 30 days. Growth was strong, in the beginning, but there was not much success. All died, sadly. Grow bags containing the antennae did not show much of a difference. No pictures...because defeat was a real emotion!

It’s that time of the year when you have produce coming in from the garden, a little bit of a lot of things. What to make that will be tasty, look and taste fantastic, and make space in your vegetable drawer? This recipe is the answer! Somewhat like a ratatouille, Barbara uses a cast iron skillet that goes right on the table. Eggplant adds a nice purple color. Consider using a mandolin slicer to keep the slices a consistent thickness, but a knife is also fine. Barbara says she NEVER has leftovers. Even the kids will eat their veggies with this recipe! 

Have an overabundance of cucumbers? Try this really tasty recipe for an asian-inspired cucumber salad. Quick and easy to make and just delicious.