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  • Understanding the USDA Heirs' Property Relending Program 

    por Erica McRAE

    Heirs' property refers to land that has been passed down through generations without a clear legal title. This often happens when land is inherited by multiple family members without a will or proper legal documentation. Over time, this can lead to complicated ownership issues, making it difficult to manage, sell, or use the land effectively for

  • Growing Your Future: Using EBT and SNAP Benefits for Seeds, Fruit Trees, and Edible Plant Starts

    por Erica McRAE
    In 1973, Congress passed a law allowing SNAP benefits to be used for purchasing seeds and plants that produce food. This initiative was proposed to help families become more self-sufficient and reduce food insecurity by enabling them to grow their own food. Over the years, this policy has proven to be a successful and impactful way to stretch food budgets and promote healthier eating habits.

  • The Buzz on Mosquitoes: From Pollinators to Genetic Warriors and Our Complex History

    por Erica McRAE
    Mosquitoes might be a nuisance, but they're also a part of our ecosystem, playing roles we might not even realize. Genetically modified mosquitoes offer a fascinating glimpse into how science can help us tackle big problems, but like any solution, they come with their own set of challenges and questions.

  • Allelopathy in Plants: Mechanisms, Impacts, and Practical Applications

    por Erica McRAE
    Mechanisms of Allelopathy

    So, how does allelopathy work? Well, some plants release special chemicals called allelochemicals. These can come from different parts of the plant like leaves, roots, stems, and even seeds. When these chemicals get into the soil or air, they can affect other plants nearby. For example, black walnut trees (Juglans nigra) produce a chemical called juglone that can stop other plants like tomatoes and apples from growing well (Hejl & Koster, 2004).

     

  • Cultivating Connections: Embracing Sustainable Gardening with Crab Shells and Chitin

    por Erica McRAE
    To source crustacean shells, consider reaching out to local seafood markets, restaurants, and fishermen. Many are happy to provide crab shells and other seafood remnants for composting, as it reduces their waste and supports sustainable practices. It's as simple as getting free used coffee grounds from a coffee shop or spent hops from a brewery. By requesting these shells, you can transform what was once considered waste into valuable resources for your garden

  • Crab Boils to Garden Soil: Harnessing the Power of Crustaceans for Sustainable Gardening

    por Erica McRAE
    So, the next time you indulge in a seafood feast, don't let those leftovers go to waste. Embrace the cycle of giving back to the earth, and watch as your garden thrives in return. It's a simple act with profound implications for both your plants and the environment.

  • Harvesting Empowerment: A Black Agrarian's Guide to Wearing Many Hats on the Farm

    por Erica McRAE
    Now, as a Black Agrarian, I'm weaving a tapestry of tradition and innovation, of heritage and hope. I'm reminding my community that when we grow our own food, we're not just feeding our bodies; we're nourishing our souls. We're reclaiming our power, one garden, one seed, one youth at a time.

  • Sowing Seeds of Prosperity: The Enduring Agricultural Wisdom of Booker T. Whatley

    por Erica McRAE
    In honoring Booker T. Whatley’s profound impact on how we view and engage with agriculture, we continue to share his philosophy that economic liberation is rooted in the way we approach the cultivation of our land. His voice, though from the past, provides direction for the present and sets us on a path to a more fruitful and inclusive future in farming.

  • Cultivating Strength: Black Agrarianism and the Resilience of Farming

    por Erica McRAE
    More and more Black individuals are reclaiming their roots in farming, revitalizing not only the act of cultivating the land but also nurturing the environment. Through sustainable farming practices, they are sowing the seeds of change and building a more equitable agricultural future for all.

  • Nurturing Growth: The Intersection of Community, Sustainability, and Healing

    por Erica McRAE
    Our collective pursuit of a sustainable life is akin to tending a bountiful field—it takes persistence, care, and the gentle hand of community to flourish. Together, our efforts will not only yield a rich harvest but also fortify the ties that bind us to each other and to the Earth.
    Publicado en app, big Steele farm, Black farmers, Black growers, farm fresh 24/7, plant and heal, sustainability

  • Sowing Seeds of Change: Cultivating a Community with Growfluencer Accountability Crew

    por Erica McRAE
    The discussions within our crew extend beyond plant care, delving into the nuances of obtaining business licenses and navigating the complex world of entrepreneurship. We're making sure we're equipped with the necessary foundations for our ventures, and we're doing it together!

  • Cultivating Growth and Legacy: A Journey from Seedling to Success

    por Erica McRAE
    This is more than agricultural success; it’s a symbol of hope and movement. It's a celebration of the fruits of labor and intellect, and a reflection of what can be accomplished when we work together. Every farmer, every acre, and every harvest helps to reclaim our narrative as Black growers and reshape the fabric of our community.