Introducing Dr. James W. Forsythe: 650 Outcome Based Studies - Radio Show

775-827-0707

 Listen to the radio show here!

Poly MVA is an integral part of the treatment protocol. 

http://www.PolyMVA.COM

James W. Forsythe, M.D., H.M.D.

Medical Education and Experience

• Doctorate of Medicine from University of California San Francisco
• Undergraduate degree from University of California at Berkeley
• 40 Years Practicing Medicine in Northern Nevada
• Owner and Medical Director of Cancer Screening and Treatment Center of Nevada
• Owner and Medical Director of Century Wellness Clinic
• Certified in Homeopathy 
• Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Utilization Review and Quality Assurance
• Former Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Nevada, Reno Medical School
• Board Eligible in Clinical Pathology and Medical Gerontology

Military Experience

• 26 Years in the United States Army Medical Corps
• Retired Full Colonel
• Former State Surgeon in the Nevada Army National Guard
• Vietnam War Veteran including a tour of duty for 12 months, with commendation medal 

Education

·         1960-1964  Doctorate of Medicine University of California, San Francisco

·         1956-1960  Bachelor of  Science in Biochemistry-Physiology University of California, Berkeley Undergraduate

 

Post-Doctoral

·         1964-1965  Internship (rotating) (eight months Internal Medicine), Letterman Army General Hospital, Presidio San Francisco, California

·         1965-1967 Residency; Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, Tripler Army General Hospital, Honolulu, Hawaii

·         1970-1971 Residency; Medicine, Children's Hospital, San Francisco, California

·         1971-1973 Fellowship, Oncology-Hematology, Cancer Research Institute,
University of California, San Francisco and San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California

POST-GRADUATE 

·         1995-1996 British Institute of Homeopathy

Personal History

• Married over 36 years to Earlene Forsythe,  an advanced practitioner registered nurse and business manager of their clinics
• Raised 5 children
• Favorite sports: tennis and gardening

Certification and Licensing

• 1995 April Nevada State Board of Homeopathic Medicine, Board Certified

• 1994 Certified Medical Director, Meeting all qualifications and requirements

• 1985 January American Board of Utilization Review and Quality Assurance Certified

• 1984 American Board of Medical Gerontology (Board Eligible for Licensure Examination)

• 1982 March Oncology-Board Certified

• 1982 American Board of Medical Oncology

• 1974 June Internal Medicine-Board Certified

• 1968 Anatomical and Clinical Pathology (Board Eligible)

State Licenses

• 1975-Present Active License with The Nevada Board of Medical Examiners

• 1999-Present Active License with The Nevada Homeopathic Board 

Positions Held

• 2010-Present  Board of Directors International Organization of Integrative Cancer Physicians (IOICP)

• 2000-Present  Advisory Board- My Living Body. Founder & CEO, Indrajit Sinha of BIOMEDCORE, Ontario, Canada

• 2000-Present  Board of Directors International Federation of Integrative Medicine (IFIM). Founder and CEO: Stephen Ross, D.C., San Diego, CA

• 2000-Present  Board of Directors International Organization of Integrative Cancer Physicians (IOICP).  Founder and CEO: Lee Rowden, MD. Dallas, TX

• 1984-Present Owner and Medical Director Cancer Screening and Treatment Center of Nevada, Integrating Conventional and Alternative Cancer Care, Reno Nevada

• 1994-Present Owner and Medical Director of Century Wellness Clinic, Integrative Alternative Medical Clinic treating all adult cancers and chronic diseases, Reno, NV                                   

• 2001-Present Oncology Consultant, Nature’s Sunshine Provo, Utah

• 2000-2006 Medical Director Regent Care Center, Extended Care Facility Reno, Nevada

• 1990-2000 Medical Director Lifecare Center of Reno, Extended Care Facility Reno, Nevada

• 1989-1996 Medical Director Hearthstone of Nevada, Extended Care Facility, Sparks, Nevada

• 1986-1996 Medical Director Washoe Care Center, Extended Care Facility, Sparks, Nevada

• 1986-1991 President Physicians’ Diagnostic Services Medical CT Scanner, Sparks, Nevada

• 1986-1989 Medical Director Vista Laboratory, Sparks, Nevada

• 1986-1989 Medical Director Sierra Utilization Review Enterprise (S. U. R E.), Reno, Nevada

Positions Held 

• 1986-1991 Chairman Board of Directors, NEVPRO a Utilization Review Organization Reno, Nevada.

• 1985-1986 Medical Director Health Plan of Nevada (HMO) Reno, Nevada

• 1984-1989 Medical Director and Pathology Director

• North Tahoe Diagnostic Laboratory Incline Village, Nevada

• 1975-1987 State Surgeon of Nevada

• 1974-2000 U.S. Army National Guard Rank: Full Colonel, Retired with Honorable Discharge and Certificate of Meritorious Service  

• 1982-1986 Chairman Utilization Review/Quality Assurance Committee St. Mary's Hospital and Sparks Family Hospital, Reno, Nevada

• 1970-1972 Chief of Medical Examination, Alameda County Welfare Department and Drug Rehabilitation Center, Oakland, California

Teaching Positions Held

• 1999-Present Clinical Instructor of Alternative Medicine University of Nevada Medical School, Reno, Nevada

• 1998-2006 Medical Director, Regent Care Center, Reno, Nevada

• 1975-1985 Associate Professor Internal Medicine and Pathology, University of Nevada Medical School Reno, Nevada

• 1973-1974 Instructor in Internal Medicine and Hematology University of California Medical Center, San Francisco, California 

Lectureship

·         2014 Create Your Health Summit 2014: :  “Forsythe Immune  Protocol ™ and the Forsythe Immune IPT Lite Protocol ™ Cancer Treatments Out-come Based Trial.”  “Sexuality and Cancer”, and “Fatigue and Sleep”.Santa Clara, CA

·         2014  I.V. Therapies Conference & Expo: “Integrative Oncology and Chronic Illness”: Park Pharmacy & Compounding:  “Forsythe Immune  Protocol ™ and the Forsythe Immune IPT Lite Protocol ™ Cancer Treatments Out-come Based Trial.”  Anaheim, CA

·         2013  I.V. Therapies Conference & Expo: “Integrative Oncology and Chronic Illness”: Park Pharmacy & Compounding:  “Forsythe Immune 

      Protocol ™ and the Forsythe Immune IPT Lite Protocol ™ Cancer

      Treatments Out-come Based Trial.”  Anaheim, CA

·         2013  Eleventh Annual International: IPT/IPTLD Integrative Cancer Care Conference:  “Integrative Alternative Oncology: First Do No Harm” “Forsythe Immune Protocol ™ and the Forsythe Immune IPT Lite Protocol ™ Cancer Treatments Out-come Based Trial.” Dallas, Texas.

·         2012 International Organization of Integrative Cancer Physicians (IOICP): Sponsored by Best Answer for Cancer Foundation “The Forsythe Immune Protocol ™ and the Forsythe Immune IPT Lite Protocol ™ Cancer Treatments Out-come Based Trial”. Dallas, Texas.

·         2012  1^st West Coast Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Cancer Therapies Conference: Sponsored by The Annie Appleseed Project “The Forsythe Immune Protocol ™ and the Forsythe Immune IPT Lite Protocol ™ Cancer Treatments Out-come Based Trial. San Francisco, CA.

·         2012 The Academy of Comprehensive Integrative Medicine (CIM): The Forsythe Immune Protocol ™ and The Forsythe Immune IPT Lite Protocol ™  Out-Come Based Trial up-date. Orlando, FL

·         2012 Society for Orthomolecular health medicine (OHM): The Forsythe Immune Protocol ™ Cancer Treatments Out-come Based Trial. San Francisco, California.

·         2010-Present Nevada Homeopathic & Integrative Medical Association: The Forsythe Immune Protocol ™ Cancer Treatments Out-come Based Trial. Reno, Nevada.

  

Lectureship 

·         2010 International Federation Integrative Medicine (IFIM): The Forsythe Immune Protocol ™ Cancer Treatments Out-come Based Trial. Las Vegas, Nevada.

·         2008-Present American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine: “The Secret of The Foundation of Youth.  What They Do Not Want You to Know Integrative Medicine and the Law”. Las Vegas, Nevada.

·         2007- Present  American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine: “HGH On Trial and What All Physicians Need to Know About Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy and Human Growth Hormone as it Relates to the Law”. Orlando, Florida.

·         2005-2007 American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine: Poly-MVA a Clinical Trial. Las Vegas, Nevada.   

·         2000-2001 Nature’s Sunshine Conventions Herbal Medicine and as it relates to Cancer Treatment Salt Lake, Utah; Cincinnati, Ohio; Minneapolis, Minnesota.

·         2000-2001 Women’s Wellness Weekend; Breast Cancer Tahoe Forest Hospital, Squaw Valley, California.

·         2000 University of California, Davis Memorial Lecture Alternative Cancer Therapies. Sacramento, California.

·         1997-2001 Nevada Association of Homeopathic Physicians Annual Conventions; Breast and Prostate Cancers. Reno, Nevada.

Military Services

• 1992 Retired Full Colonel with Commendation Medal Army Medical Division

• 1979-1986 Nevada Army National Guard State Surgeon

• 1974-1979 United States Reserve Component Reno, Nevada

• 1970 Letterman Army Hospital Staff Pathologist and Instructor of Medicine, San Francisco, California.

 Military Services 

• 1969-1970 Chief of Pathology and Director of Army Corps Central Blood Bank and Malaria Control Center 312th Evacuation Hospital and Surgical Hospital, Republic of South Vietnam

   

• 1967-1968 Assistant Chief of Pathology, Womac Army Hospital (800 beds), Ft. Bragg, North Carolina

• 1965-1967 Residency in Pathology Tripler Army Hospital, Honolulu, Hawaii

• 1963-1964 Senior Year Program University of California, San Francisco 2^nd Lieutenant Army Medical Corps, San Francisco, California

• 1956-1958 ROTC University of California, Berkeley, California 

Societies

• American Society of Internal Medicine

• American Society of Clinical Pathology

• American Association of Utilization Review and Quality Assurance

• Nevada Association of Homeopathic Physicians (NIHMA)

• Friends of Chelation Society

• American College for the Advancement of Medicine (ACAM)

• American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine

• Nevada State Homeopathic Society

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• 2014 Forsythe, James W., MD, HMD: “About Death From a Cancer Doctor’s Perspective”: Century Wellness Publishing

• 2013 Forsythe, James W., MD, HMD: “Understanding and Surviving Obamacare”: Century Wellness Publishing

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• 2013 Forsythe, James W., MD, HMD: “Natural Painkillers: Without Drug Dependence or Side Effects”: Century Wellness Publishing

• 2013 Forsythe, James W., MD, HMD: “The Forsythe Ant-Cancer Diet”: Century Wellness Publishing

• 2013 Forsythe, James W., MD, HMD: ”Take Control of Your Cancer:  Integrating the Best of Alternative and Conventional Treatments”:

BenBella Books 10300 N. Central Expy., Suite 530 | Dallas, TX 2^nd Edition

• 2012 Forsythe, James W., MD., HMD:  “Anti-Aging Cures:  Life Changing Secrets to Reverse the Effects of Aging”: Century Wellness Publishing

• 2011 Forsythe, James W., MD, HMD : “Complete Pain -  Forget Everything You Thought You Knew About Pain”: LuLu Publishing.

• 2011 Forsythe, James W., MD, HMD:  “Emergency Radiation Medical Handbook, The Essential Mandatory Guide for Citizens and Responders to Nuclear Events”: Century Wellness Publishing

• 2010 Forsythe, James W., MD, HMD: “The Healing Power of Sleep”: Century Wellness Publishing

• 2010 Forsythe, James W., MD, HMD and Rolle, Reno R: “Sleep and Grow Young”: Boku International, Ventura, California.

• 2010 Forsythe, James W., MD, HMD: “The Compassionate Oncologist, What Cancer Specialists Don’t Want You to Know”: Century Wellness Publishing

• 2010 Forsythe, James W., MD, HMD : “Anti-Aging Cures”: Waterside Publishing.

• 2009 Forsythe, James W., MD, HMD: Suzanne Somers’ “Knockout,  Interviews with Doctors Who are Curing Cancer – And How To Prevent Getting It in the First Place”: Crown Publishing Group (contributing author)

• 2008 Forsythe James W., MD, HMD: “The Secret of the Fountain of Youth, What They Do Not Want You To Know About Human Growth Hormone”: Century Wellness Publishing

• 2007 Forsythe James W., MD, HMD and Rolle, Reno R.:  “The Ultimate Guide to Natural Health, Quick Reference A-Z Directory fo Natural Remedies for Diseases and Ailments”:  Boku International, Ventura, California.

• 1999 Goldberg, Burton:  “Alternative Medicine Guide to Women’s Health 2 Series”: Future Medicine Press, contributing author.

• 1997 Diamond, John W., and Cowden, Lee W.: “An Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide to Cancer”: Future Medicine Publishing, INC. Tiburon, California, contributing author.

• 1993 The Alpha Institute, “The Alpha Book on Cancer and Living”: contributing author.

• 1986 Forsythe, James W., MD, HMD: et. al.: “Prednimustine in Refactory NHL”. Seminars in Oncology, 13, No.1, Suppl 1 (March).

• 1969 Cary, Michael 0., Young, Harold and Forsythe, James W.  “Bacteriological Study of Craniocerebral Missile Wounds from Vietnam”. Journal of Neurosurgery, 34:145-154.

• 1967 Forsythe, James W., MD, HMD : “A clinicopathologic of 250 cases of Hodgkin's disease between 1957-1972”: University of California, San Francisco, California. 

CLINICAL TRIAL

Dr. Forsythe is the only Board Certified Licensed Medical Oncologist with a Certified Homeopathic License that practices integrative oncology in the United States and internationally. He was trained at one of the top five medical schools, University of California, San Francisco.  Dr. Forsythe has been practicing in the Reno, Nevada area for 40 years and treating all adult cancers with integrative therapies for over 25 years.  He believes that combining conventional, alternative and complementary cancer treatments give cancer patients the ability of victory over their cancer.  He has conducted numerous clinical outcome based trials.  In his most recent study, using The Immune Protocol ™ and The Lite LDIPT Protocol ™ with chemo-sensitivity genetic testing and Palladium-Lipoic-Acid Complex, Dr. Forsythe  has produced, in 600 patients over 48 months, a greater than 67% survivorship rate.  The out-come based study is a progressive study and will continue until it reaches the 5 year mark. Dr. Forsythe is convinced the completed 5 year study will show results that will surpass the 5 year results of conventional oncology reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2004 as 2.1% survivorship.  

Dr. Jessica Hayman Radio Show: Gluten Sensitivity - Why Are More and More Americans More Sensitive to this Protein?

Click the link below to hear this important show...share it with your family and friends!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sdcommunitycoalition/2014/05/18/gluten-sensitivity-why-are-more-and-more-americans-sensitive-to-this-protein

"Gluten sensitivity:  Why are more and more Americans sensitive to this protein found in wheat?"

It can are confusing why our society has such a growing number of food sensitivities. The bottom line is our food supply and how we view the purchasing, preparation, and eating of our food.  The majority of our food in the U.S. is grown in toxic crops or raised on toxic crops.  Gluten/wheat, soy, and corn sensitivities can go hand-in-hand and Dr. Hayman will discuss how to limit your intake of these foods and navigate your way to a healthier lifestyle. http://www.drhayman.com

Do you know what the Monsanto Protection Act is?....you should! Do you know what Gliadin is and how it affects your body? You should!

How can slippery elm, or gluten free oats be obtained? How can they be of benefit to you? Listen to this how for fascinating information!

What are Pro Biotics? Why is sour kraut good for you? Are genetically modified wheat products causing your stomach to bloat?

The Benefits of Seasonal Cleansing with Dr. Hayman and Dr. George: Radio Show

Click the link below to listen to this FASCINATING SHOW! Share it with others!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sdcommunitycoalition/2014/06/08/the-benefits-of-seasonal-cleansing-with-dr-hayman-and-dr-george

"The Benefits of Seasonal Cleansing" - with Dr. Jessica Hayman and Dr. Julie George, Naturopathic Physicians 

Dr. Hayman and Dr. Julie George are specialists in environmental medicine.  They will discuss how our surroundings can directly impact our overall health.  Learn the importance of seasonal cleansing for prevention, wellness, and healthy aging. 

Cleansing can also benefit many chronic disease states as well, and they will discuss the correlation between cleansing and removing obstacles to heal chronic disease.

http://www.drhayman.com/ For More Information and http://www.sedonacleanse.com/

Learn about Glutathion and how it is the most POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANT! It can remove heavy metals, help your liver, lower cholesterol and blood pressure! Learn about IV administered cleansing procedures, Lipozone supplements, Gynetic Poly-Morphism, Obstacles to Healing, The Sedona Cleanse, At Home Cleansing Plans, Aloe and Fiber, Activated Charcoal and how it can help, Parasites....and soooo much more!

James C. Peters: How Poly MVA Saved My Life - The Texas Soldier Radio Show

 

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sdcommunitycoalition/2014/06/12/james-peters-how-poly-mva-saved-my-life

Click the link above to listen!

I'm James C. Peters, living in Central Texas.  73 years old, Caucasian male, military retiree, Vietnam veteran, nonsmoker.  Work as a screenwriter, college screenwriting instructor, and provide coverage on screenplays for film producers.  Currently working on a script rewrite for an LA producer.  

First diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1994 following nearly 20 years of inflammation and discomfort in the prostate area.  A biopsy revealed a one-cm node with 2+2 Gleason rating.

Underwent external beam radiation June-August 1994.  Relapse in 3-4 years.  Started on hormone injections in July 1999.  Added bicalutamide as a second blockade in 2005.  

In 2001 I began life-changing habits - no red meat, increased exercise, clean water, etc. That continues with no dairy, no white bread, no snacks, no alcohol.

Cancer became refractory to hormone treatment in early 2012, and PSA began to rise about 10 units a month.  

Having read about PolyMVA in Suzanne Sommer's book, I purchased first bottles from an integrative medicine doctor in Dallas area in July 2012.  Within two weeks of dosing at 2 tsp of PolyMVA in 8 oz filtered water four times a day, the PSA rise stopped completely.  CAT and  bone scans since then have shown no metastasis of cancer to organs or bones.  It's a miracle! I continue on Poly MVA dosing now, soon to complete two years and going strong.

http://www.PolyMVA.com

Glutathione - The Most Important Antioxidant

Glutathione - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia



An Important if not the MOST important antioxidant.

It is Hot: Time to Combat Ants - Without Killing Them and Poisoning Yourself

June and the temps are rising. Ants will be invading your home with military precision. Your sugar, your fruit.... all targets!

How do you keep them out without poisoning yourself and harming THEM (they are useful creatures you know!)?

Well...the answer is CINNAMON AND WATER!

Ants HATE CINNAMON!

Get yourself a spray bottle from Smart and Final, Walmart or one of the Dollar Stores.

Mix a tablespoon or so with water and put it in the spray bottle .....

Voila!

You can spray it over fruit, in your cupboard, near your sugar...in cracks.. in corners..behind the refrigerator ...not poison yourself and keep the pesky critters away!

Caulk any open spaces in walls as much as you can.

Spray this concoction on any ant trails you see in your home and they will be gone!

As a preventative measure, spray on cracks and areas you had trouble with last year. Under the sink and in the corners of cabinets where you have sugar or fruit.

Pink Viagra, That Kills Has Been Approved: Osphena

Osphena is a drug for older women to make sex less painful...check out the side effects: Ospemifene may increase your risk of uterine cancer. Tell your doctor right away if you develop changes in menstrual period, unusual vaginal bleeding/discharge, or pain/pressure below your "belly button" (navel).

Ospemifene may infrequently cause serious blood clots to form in the legs or lungs. Tell your doctor if you have a history of blood clots (such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism). Also talk to your doctor about risk factors for developing strokes (sometimes fatal) while taking this medication. Some risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol use, having high cholesterol/diabetes, or a history of heart disease. Talk to your doctor about these risks and the benefits of using ospemifene......

SOUND GOOD? You can have good sex..but...you may get cancer, blood clots, in the LEGS AND LUNGS.....PULMONARY EMBOLISM...

Farmer Assurance Provision - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Farmer Assurance Provision - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Modern wheat a "perfect, chronic poison," doctor says - CBS News

Modern wheat a "perfect, chronic poison," doctor says - CBS News

Woman’s cancer killed by measles virus in unprecedented trial

Woman’s cancer killed by measles virus in unprecedented trial

Military Connection: New Military Suicide Stats: By Debbie Gregory | Military Connection Blog

Military Connection: New Military Suicide Stats: By Debbie Gregory | Military Connection Blog

Reality Therapy

Reality Therapy

William Glasser - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

William Glasser - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia out of the box thinking about mental health.

What is a Physiatrist?

What is a Physiatrist? This is an area of integrative medicine that needs to be explored.

The Changing Face of Psychiatry - NYTimes.com

The Changing Face of Psychiatry - NYTimes.com Integrative Wellness is needed badly in mental health management.

Prostate Cancer

What you need to know about how Poly MVA Works

17 Foods To Buy Once And Regrow Forever

November 25, 2013 

Everyday we  throw heaps of leftovers and scraps out which could actually be used to regrow fruits, vegetables and herbs completely free of charge.

Not only can we save money, but also reduce our carbon footprint. With grocery prices increasing, now is the best time to get frugal in the kitchen and garden.

Below are seventeen fruits, vegetables and herbs you can buy once and regrow forever…

Vegetables

Regrow Green Onions - Want to grow green onions indefinitely? If the answer is yes then follow this tutorial and always have green onions always at hand.

Regrow Onions – This clever method of growing onions in an old used water bottle on a windowsill is a great way to get free onions!

Regrow Carrots -This method to grow carrots from carrot tops is so simple you can get the kids involved. The instant results will get them excited from the word go.

Regrow Celery  - This is a clever idea to regrow celery from the base.

Regrow Sweet Potato’s – The versatility of the sweet potato means it’s a firm favorite with any home cook, here we share a tutorial on how to grow more using nothing but a sweet potato.

Regrow Leeks – Regrowing leeks is similar to regrowing green onions. The simple method is so handy to make the most out of your veggies.

Regrow Bok Choy – Along with celery and onions, bok choy can also be re-grown. This is a fantastic way of cutting your food bills. Why not try it yourself.

Fruit

Regrow Avocado - This easy to follow tutorial requires toothpicks and patience. More avocado’s are not guaranteed, but they have been known to grow. No matter what, you will definitely end up with a great plant  to feature in your garden.

Regrow Lemons - Lemons can be used in so many food and drink recipes alike, even used in crafts and homemade detergents. Why not plant a lemon seed and grow a whole Lemon Tree….

Regrow Pineapples – An impressive tip for pineapple lovers out there! This DIY will leave you with a great pineapple plant making your garden look exotic and unique.

Herbs & Spices

Regrow Ginger – This simple idea requires only a piece of sprouting ginger to regrow more of this fantastic spice forever!

Regrow Basil – Regrowing basil couldn’t be easier, this method will have you growing your own fresh basil in no time. Don’t waste your money on shop bought basil that can ruin quickly.

Regrow Lemongrass – Lemongrass is great in stir-fry recipes and adding a kick to drinks. Here’s how to grow your own.

Regrow A Garlic Bulb – You too can grow a whole garlic bulb from a simple clove. Follow these 5 steps and you will be well on your way to growing your own bulb.

Propagate Rosemary - Regrow rosemary cuttings from your container plant. Why not make even more rosemary plants to fill your garden. This popular herb can be used in a number of recipes so you won’t be short of ideas of what to use it for.

Regrow Lemon Balm – By using the cuttings of Lemon Balm, much like the above Rosemary tutorial, you can re-grow sprouts and plant even more in your garden pots.

Regrow Mint – Mint can be used in so many ways but it’s a pain having to buy a whole bunch from the store. Insteas grow your own and pick what you need!

Following a few of the above tutorials will lower your food bills and provide you with a never ending supply of herbs, fruits and vegetables that you can use in your cooking. 

Give them a try!

A Survival Garden In The Desert

Posted in Growing your Own, Homesteading, Self-Sufficiency.

Guest post by Marcela De Vivo

Living in a desert area can increase the need for self-sufficiency, especially if you are miles from your nearest neighbours. Growing a garden not only provides you and your family with much needed food and nutrition, but it can also help improve your landscape and water retention.   Desert plants in particular are a great way to reduce water use and maintenance. A garden can also draw in native wildlife, helping you create a small, natural, sustainable ecosystem.

The best time to start planting your desert garden is the fall. The soil is still warm from the residual heat from the summer, while the air temperature stays moderate with no extreme fluctuations to stress new plants. By the time the following summer rolls around, a strong root system will be established, giving plants strength to withstand desert summer’s heat.

Raised beds might be a necessity due to caliche soils—mineral deposits that harden into something more like concrete than soil—that can appear under regular desert soil. Additionally, the raised bed will help to keep your carefully fertilized and mulched topsoil in place.

One of the more complicated parts of gardening in an arid climate is getting the soil right for growing, but the rewards are definitely worth the effort. Soil in the desert usually consists mostly of clay and sand and contains little organic matter. Therefore adding compost and fertilizer is a must for desert gardens, especially for plants (like vegetables) that grow shallow roots.

(Creating a compost pile from kitchen scraps is also an efficient and self-sufficient way of reducing waste and improving your harvest!)

Mulching is also an extremely important as it helps the soil retain its water and keeps the upper layers of soil cool.  Aim for a three-inch layer of mulch over the plants’ root zones, which is the area right below the canopy and a little beyond to help maintain soil moisture. Using a crushed granite as top dressing can help to stabilize the plants and slow the loss of moisture.

It goes without saying that water will be a major factor in whether or not your garden flourishes. Even if you have a well, look for ways to conserve and use all water resources available to you.  Rain-collecting barrels are an easy to maximize water supply for the garden.

Ideally, you should try to grow your garden from seed. Not only is it less expensive, but it also allows you to condition your plants to the challenging environment in which they will grow to maturity. If you are going to grow plants from seeds, use heirloom seeds. This allows you to save seeds from one year’s harvest to plant a new garden in future years.

The type of vegetation you choose to plant also makes a difference in sustainability. Do some research regarding growing seasons and best plants to grow in your area. For sheer nutrition and desert-appropriateness, cruciferous vegetables are an excellent choice. They packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber and they provide protection to a variety of cancers. Many cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, kale, beets, cabbage, cauliflower, radishes, and turnips grow well in the desert, and fall is the ideal time to plant them.

Companion planting can also help improve the sustainability of your garden because it can reduce the need for pesticides. Additionally, some plants can enrich the soil with nutrients needed by others; others offer protection or shade.

Planting in shade or providing shade for you garden is also key. A food-friendly solution is to plant fruit trees for shade, so that they provide both fruit for your family and shade for the rest of the garden. The leaves also can go towards creating compost. Shade cloth is another option to protect your plants from the summer desert sun.

Be flexible about what you want to grow in your garden; trial and error will show you what will succeed in your particular patch of land and what will not. With each succeeding season, your soil quality, know-how, and plant choice will improve, and your harvests will become more bountiful.

Marcela De Vivo is a freelance writer in the Los Angeles area who also works with moisture-sensor manufacturers Process Sensors. She has written on everything from health & wellness, marketing and technology.

Garlic

Ok this is fairly simple, but it always surprises me how many people don’t know this, and also, how many people don’t do it!  Garlic is one of the easiest crops to grow, as long as they don’t sit in soggy, wet ground, they rarely have any problems. Garlic does take a fair while to grow, but this is countered by the fact you can grow a year’s worth of garlic in around a meter square. Also once cropped and dried, garlic will keep for up to ten months.

I recommend that you purchase organic garlic bulbs for planting, but it doesn’t really matter if you get these from the supermarket or a seed supplier. Organic is organic and we have had great success growing garlic from the supermarket. Organic garlic from the store will likely be much cheaper too!

Turn One Garlic Bulb Into Many…

Take one garlic bulb and pull off all the individual cloves. Each one of these cloves will grow into a whole new garlic bulb!

To plant – you can plant directly in the soil, or in pots. First make a hole in the soil with your finger that is just a tiny bit deeper than the garlic clove is high. Now pop the garlic clove into the hole, with the pointy end of the clove pointing upwards (very important!). Now just pinch the soil in around the clove.  When done the top of the clove should be just below the surface of the soil. Now repeat the process, but leave a space of at least five cm between each clove.

The best time to plant garlic is October/November, but you can also plant in the Spring. In fact we have planted garlic at various different times and it usually grows pretty well.

If you find some store bought garlic is starting to sprout in the cupboard, don’t throw it away, plant it up and see what happens…