Wilt

Fusarium Wilt (warm climates) and verticillium wilt (cool climates) are  fungal diseases which are probably the most common and the most frustrating problem in the garden.  You plant the vegetables, they grow healthy and tall then overnight they wither and die.  Tomatoes and sno peas are the most commonly affected but some other vegetables are affected too.  The disease begins from the base of the plant working it's way up, with leaves turning yellow then brown then the plant will die.  The diseases are spread by insects, garden boots and garden tools.  Crop rotation is important as the disease will survive for several years in the soil.  Some gardeners will import unaffected soil and plant in pots to avoid contamination.  I have listed here a few ideas which you may like to try or take a look at the web links.   Fusarium wilt does not attack healthy plants.  The roots are usually attacked by nematodes or damaged when you are digging in the soil.  The roots may also be damaged when transplanting.  FUSARIUM  IS OPPORTUNISTIC !http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/ENVIRON/soilsolarization.html 

http://www.plantpath.ksu.edu/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=579

1.  Deterring Nematodes is a must.  They don't like mustard, so you can plant mustard and when it is 30cm high, turn it into the soil as a green manuring crop, then plant. The mustard plants can also be left in the ground and kept pruned around your crop.  Alternatively, "Fumafert" is a ready made product from Organic Crop Protectants. It is made primarily from mustard root powder.  It can be dusted through the soil prior to planting.

2.  Apply HE Herbal Extract to your soil on a regular basis.  HE improves soil biology which will improve the population of predatory microbes in the soil which will eat the wilt.

3  It is essential that you use kelp as a fertiliser as this produces new roots to fight back after the nematodes have damaged the old roots.  Kelp also helps plants which are under stress.

4  Plant Pigeon Pea a few months before you want to plant your garden.  Keep the Pigeon Pea pruned and mulch the ground with the prunings.  Before planting your vegies dig the Pigeon Pea into the ground.

5. Trichoderma is a predatory fungus which attacks nematodes.  You can buy a bag of 'Trichoshield' or 'Root Guard'.  These are mixed with water and applied to the soil.  We also have compost tea brewing kits.  You can brew your own microbes, to re-balance soil biology and reduce fertiliser usage.

6.  Mollasses and Aloe Vera are both good fungi foods.  Adding them to the soil mix will create an environment which encourages beneficial microbes in your soil.

Dream Pot

You have to see this to believe it.  The Dream Pot is designed for camping but can be used everyday at home.  You place meat and vegies in the stainless steel pot and cook for 10 minutes, then place the pot inside  the Dream Pot.  The retained heat is enough to finish the cooking process.  You can prepare a meal in the morning and come home to a fully cooked hot meal for dinner without using any more power.  Arrive at a friend's home with a meal cooked hot and ready to serve.  Prepare a meal at home, then arrive at your campsite with dinner hot and ready to serve.  Slow Cookers are very energy efficient but I don't like to have something cooking when I'm not home, the Dream Pot solves this problem.   It comes in 3 sizes with it's own recipe book.  You can cook cakes, bread, casseroles and much more.