On Left:  Lavender grown at La Paix 2009 
On  right:  The distillery at La Paix

 
 

Northeast SARE Farmer Grant

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Join me at the WV Herb Association Fall Herb Festival on Saturday Oct. 1st for my Power Point presentation:  "Tomatoes to Einstein" - research on the Efficacy of Stinging Nettle as a Fertilizer.

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Project Title:  “What Urtica dioca L. Can Do For Farmers

Project Leader:  Myra Bonhage-Hale, MSW

Address:  La Paix Herb Farm, 3052 Crooked Run Rd., Alum Bridge, WV 26321

Telephone:  (304) 269-7681  Best Time to Call:  Noon – 1 p.m.

E-Mail Address:  lapaix@hughes.net           SARE request:  $ 7826.

How did you hear about SARE?  WV Univ. Direct Marketing Conference

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 Stinging Nettle Research Journal Feb/March  April    Project Timelines and Tasks

Summary:  Briefly summarize the key points of your proposal.  Do not exceed the space provided.

I intend to research the use of stinging nettle (Urtica dioca L.)  as both a potential organic fertilizer and herbicide.    Previous studies indicate fermented or fresh stinging nettle water makes a good fertilizer and herbicide (depending on the strength of the mixture).

 To examine fertilization efficacy, stinging nettle compost tea and hydrosol will be applied to tomato plants as a foliar spray. The results of the applications of the  formulas will be compared with a commercial organic fertilizer and a control bed.

 To explore stinging nettle compost tea as an herbicide, I will experiment with using undiluted stinging nettle compost tea to eradicate weeds prior to preparing beds for planting.  The results will be compared to hand weeding beds in preparation for planting.

 Soil analysis will be conducted when the fertilizers are first applied and six months after their application to ascertain long time effects on soil nutrition.  Plant tissue analysis comparisons will be made between plants prior to application of the four preparations and in monthly applications thereafter (July through October).

 Because stinging nettle is easy to grow almost anywhere in the world, the use of it as a fertilizer could greatly enhance the organic farmer’s produce and soil while saving time, energy and money.  Environmental costs of delivering fertilizers from great distances, thus increasing our carbon footprint, would also be eliminated or greatly reduced.

2. What is the problem and why is it important? Briefly state the problem, explain why it matters, and describe what you propose to do about it. Reviewers are interested in the significance of the issue and the project’s potential contribution to sustainability. 500 words.

The problem:  1)   Availability of commercial OMRI certified organic fertilizer.  There are very few sources of commercial OMRI certified organic fertilizer for WV farmers, and I suspect this scarcity prevails in many areas of the United States.  The nearest available source for my farm is Seven Springs Farm in Floyd County, Virginia, a distance of 213.5 miles each way.  2) Cost of OMRI certified fertilizer is prohibitive in that larger farms need many pounds for coverage and shipping it costs almost as much as the product itself.  3) Storage of the bulk commercial fertilizer can be a problem in that the necessary amount would demand a large space indoors. 4) Alternatives to bulk fertilizers are problematic.   Liquid fertilizers may be an alternative, but they often contain fish emulsion which attracts raccoons as it is applied when transplanting.  Raccoons dig up the plants and kill them.

What I propose to do about the problem:  If my research indicates that home grown stinging nettle can be used as an effective fertilizer, this means that farmers could grow their own, make it into a compost tea, and solve all the problems indicated above:  availability, cost, and storage.

The product would be on farm, cost little or nothing and could be applied as needed, eliminating the need for storage.  If the hydrosol works also, it could be sold and water added as indicated. 

3. What efforts have been made by others to solve the problem? Tell us how your project builds on what is currently known, and how it is different. Reviewers look for evidence that you are building on past work or research and that what you are doing is innovative. 500 words

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Efforts Made by Others: 

Steve Diver states in an article published by ATTRA in Fayetteville, Arkansas that “Organic farmers are interested in the use of soluble organic fertilizers….To do this growers need access to types including compost teas.”  Later in the article he gives a formula for making stinging nettle tea. In France, http://www.frenchgardening.com/tech.html?pid=309088884143  “Purin d'ortie, which is best translated as a concentrated tea of nettles, is the most popular organic fertilizer. Jugs of the stuff are industrially prepared and for sale in every garden center. Even nonorganic gardeners here are partial to using it. ……. nettles offer extraordinary nutrition, both for plants and humans. This homely herb is extraordinarily rich in nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, oligoelements, enzymes, and trace minerals, especially iron. For the landlocked, who can't go to the beach and forage seaweeds for their compost, stinging nettle is the answer. In France, bodies of serious research exist supporting the various benefits of applying nettle tea to your plants. Much as is the case for kelp emulsion, nettle tea seems to stimulate the "immune system" of plants, making them more resistant to insect and disease attacks. Perhaps this effect is due to no more than the fact that the plant is in a state of optimal and balanced nutrition.” 

Author Thomas Li reports in an article entitled,  Use of Stinging Nettle as a Potential Organic Fertilizer for Herbs (Research Station, Agriculture British Colombia, Canada)
“Experiments were conducted to compare the responses of 4 greenhouse grown herbs to the aqueous extracts and ground leaf material of stinging nettle, Urtica dioica L., as compared with 3 standard organic fertilizers and 1 inorganic fertilizer incorporated into the growth media. Stinging nettle leaf extract and organic fertilizer significantly increased the growth of French tarragon and purple coneflower. Ammonium sulfate produced the most growth in sweet basil. Stinging nettle leaves applied as a dry powder at 16 g/l of soil produced the most growth in parsley. The results indicate stinging nettle, a nitrophilic weed, has the potential to be used as an organic fertilizer to replace other conventional fertilizers.

According to Yield and Root Growth in a Long-Term trial with Biodynamic Preparations  by W.A. Goldstein, W. Barber.  Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, P.O. Box 990, East Troy, Wisconsin, 53120;

“In the United State, Very little research has been done on compound preparations. These materials are often utilized as compost ‘starters’ or as field sprays and various formulae exist for their production.”  This is the only U.S. research I could find on stinging nettle except for a few University Extension Service experiments whose focus was to get rid of stinging nettle entirely.  The Wisconsin study was to research biodynamic preparations, one of which has stinging nettle as a part of a preparation.

In Bonn Germany, the University of Bonn has conducted many and various research studies on stinging nettle, as a fertilizer, for cattle health, as an insecticide and for fiber and medicinal uses. 

A note from Nityanandakhana from Chitwan in April 1004, reports that “In our on-farm- experiments in the hills of Nepal, 6 to 10 foliar sprays with 20% solution of stinging nettle extracts at 15 days interval increased seed yield of broadleaf mustard and radish and peas over the control treatments.  In a similar study on cucumber, over 50% advantage on fruit yield was observed.  Both fresh and fermented extracts seemed equally effective.”

What is different about my project.  This will be the first research in the United States evaluating stinging nettle as a fertilizer and herbicide.  It will also be the first world wide research which uses stinging nettle hydrosol as one of the formulas.  It will be the first that does this experiment on tomato plants.  It will use soil analysis to determine the effects on soil and plant tissue analysis to describe its effect on tomatoes.  The research will be followed on Facebook, my website and with press releases.  Unlike the copious research projects I have waded through, I intend to make the results of this study clear and interesting to the average farmer, thus enabling said farmer to determine for him/herself the efficacy of its usage on their own farm.  In addition, I plan to market the hydrosol  and the dried stinging nettles as a fertilizer if they are found to be effective. 

 

4. How will your project fit in with your farm operation? Tell us about your farm business, its size, what you produce, how you market it, how long you have been farming, whether you farm full- or part-time, and how your project will affect the sustainability of your operation. Reviewers are interested in whether you and your farm have the capacity to carry out the project. 500 words.

La Paix Herb Farm was established in 1981 as an organic herb and produce farm.  In 1988, it was the first farm solely owned by a woman in West Virginia to be certified organic.  The entire homestead (110 acres) is designated a National Historic site by the U.S. Dept. of the Interior (2006).  The business has specialized in educational tours and workshops since 1990, has an apprentice program approved for college credits, and had eight annual Lavender Fairs from 2001 to 2010.  In 2002, a Sustainable Fair for WV was held here.    Research has always been integral to the farm operation, the steward having completed three other USDA SARE grants successfully in the past.  Public Relations have also been integral to the operation. Television documentaries, http://www.wvpubcast.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=14672  magazine articles (e.g. WV Magazine 1995 and 2007) http://www.wonderfulwv.com/archives/june07.cfm numerous newspaper stories, a web site describing its multiple functions (www.lapaixherbfarm.com) attracting 6000 visitors a month from all over the world (google has over 1500 links to La Paix Herb Farm) comprise a major part of La Paix’s message of living sustainably in our world.  A Facebook Fan Page for La Paix has been established for six months.  The steward was named 2006 Green Entrepreneur of the Year in WV by the WV Environmental Council. 

The farm is comprised of many small gardens named for the principal product grown there – herbs and vegetables being the main focus.  The distillery, acquired originally through a SARE grant, is used to make hydrosols of many of La Paix’s plants.  There is a shop on the grounds which contains many of La Paix’s products:  Passionate Gardener’s Hand Cream, Honey Lips lip balm, many kinds of hydrosols, fragrance creams, and dried lavender.  These and other products are also sold on the website via a shopping cart. http://www.lapaixherbfarmproducts.com/la_paix_herb_farm_products.htm.  In 2011 La Paix will be one of fourteen growers in WV as part of the Chef Dale Hawkins CSA enterprise furnishing La Paix’s value added products for purchase and participating in the marketing grant which is involved.

Doing the research and establishing the possible efficacy of stinging nettle as a fertilizer and/or herbicide suits the mission of La Paix from it’s beginning – to promote organic gardening and sustainable living.  If this research proves that stinging nettle can be grown by farmers everywhere and used as a potent  soil  and plant enhancing organic fertilizer, a product that can improve farmer’s lives and gardener’s vegetables, it  may be the finest thing I have done in all my endeavors. 

Although I am retired, I consider La Paix Herb Farm to be a full time operation and a living commitment of my values and my purpose in life.

5. What will your methods be? Describe what you will do and how. Be as specific as possible about the steps you will take, how long they will take, who will do what, and how. For example, if you are trying out a pest control product, describe the quantities used, the application dates or stage of growth, the monitoring method used to determine when applied, how applied, control versus treatment, and other key events. Reviewers will be looking for a plan of work that makes sense and addresses the problem or question. 1000

1^st step  Seed tomatoes early March under lights indoors by Myra Bonhage-Hale (MBH), Teacher Marc Smith and Environmental Science students from local high school (Weston, WV).  Seeds selected Cherokee Purple and Tappy’s Heritage from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed.  Premium Organic Potting Soil and Vermiculite. (for certified organic farms) from Seven Springs Farm.  Water and tend under lights.  Monitoring:  Journal record, photographs, Web Site and Facebook notations. Note:  This is prior to grant award in order to get an early start.  Myra and Apprentices:  Fifteen Environmental Science Class Students, local high school.

2^nd step:  Prepare 4 new garden areas for research in mid April.  Mike Lunsford, helper. H.S. students.  Using tiller, prepare 2 areas.  For the tomato research, each area will be  approximately 25 feet by 25 feet.  (see diagram #1 attached)

For the herbicide and hand weeding research, prepare two areas, each 10 feet by 10 feet.  Mike Lunsford, Helper, H.S. Students (see diagram #2 attached)

3^rd step:  After preparing the earth in the tomato research areas, make 4 raised beds in each, going north to south.  Each bed will be three feet wide with three feet of space between.  Mike Lunsford, Helper.  H.S. students.

For the herbicide and hand weeding research beds, make 2 foot wide path between beds and line with boards.  Monitoring:  Journal record, photos, web site and Facebook notations.   Mike Lunsford, helper.  H.S. Students. MBH supervise and record in Journal.

4^th step:  When ready, pot and label 80 of the seeded tomatoes in larger pots.  Continue under grow light and water as needed.  MBH and students.
Monitor:  Journal, photos, web site and Facebook.

5^th step:  Take soil samples of all 4 beds.  Send 3 fertilizers (dried stinging nettle harvested April and dried – same batch to be used throughout the growing season for control of nutrients.  Hydrosol of stinging nettle harvested early April and distilled in La Paix distillery and commercial organic OMRI certified fertilizer Premium Harmony Ag. (5-4-3) See budget justification for content.  By May 1^st.. Soil samples ( 4 beds ) to WVU Extension for analysis and fertilizers to be analyzed by Dr. Richard Wickline, WV Dept. of Ag.  Monitor:: MBH, Dr. Wickline analysis.  Record results in Journal. 

6th step:  Prepare stinging nettle compost tea May 1^st. On or about May 7^th (when tea has fermented)  Apply stinging nettle compost tea to l/2 of each of the prepared herbicide/hand weeding beds.  Identify by signs on site.  apply to beds. Students, MBH.  Monitor:  Journal, photos.

7^th steps:  a)  Move potted plants of tomatoes to Greenhouse to harden off by May 7^th if indicated by weather.  As weather permits put tomato plants on potting bench outside during the day to harden off for planting outdoors.
b)  Prepare 2^nd batch of compost tea for planting tomatoes on 15^th.
Mike Lunsford, Helper, Students, MBH.  Monitor:  Journal, photos.

8^th step:  Put in posts and 6 foot high wire fencing around the two tomato research plots. By May 15^th.  Label each row for application technique to be used (stinging nettle hydrosol, stinging nettle compost tea diluted l/10, control and commercial organic fertilizer. Mike Lunsford, Helper, Students, MBH.
Monitor:  Journal, photos, web site, Facebook  (See diagrams 1 and 2 attached)

9^th step:  On or about May 15^th, plant tomatoes in each tomato research plot as indicated by diagram 1.  In each hole, apply 1 lb. of Premium Organic Compost from Seven Springs Farm (to assure that each plant gets the same  nutrients).  Make initial application of 3 fertilizers.  Using hand held sprayer, each bed receives 2 gal. of product.  Compost tea to be diluted 10-1, water to tea, hydrosol, diluted 10-1.    Spray used for tea, hydrosol, and commercial fertilizer.  Thoroughly rinse sprayer between different applications.  Maxicrop Soluble Seaweed Powder (1-0-4) 1 oz./gallon of water. (Seven Springs) used for commercial fertilizer bed.  MBH, Students, Mike Lunsford, Helper  Monitor:  Journal, photos.

10^th step:  On or about May 22^nd,  analyze two herbicide beds, count weeds in each section, Record.  Again on June 7^th, analyze beds again, count weeds in each section, photograph.  Monitor:  Weed count, photograph results.  Make assessment of efficacy of using compost tea undiluted as an herbicide.  MBH, Students.

11^th steps:  a)   Every two weeks beginning on June 1^st, start compost tea so that the following week, it can be applied with the other applications to the beds delineated.  June 14^th, June 28^th, July 11^th,  July 25^th, August  9^th, August 23^rd, September 6^th, September 20^th.  MBH, Students

b)     Applications will be made every two weeks beginning June 7^th, June 21^st, July  4^th, July 18^th, August 2^nd, August 16^th, August 30^th, September 13^th, September 27^th.  MBH, Students if available.

c)     Weed between plants during growing season as indicated.  Water as needed.  Mike Lunsford Helper.

12^th step:   July, August, September, October.  Take tissue samples from each row of tomatoes and analyze.  To do this, take 1 leaf from each tomato plant (within 6 inches of top of plant) in each row (7 leaves per row) and do tissue analysis – for all 56 plants.  This would mean 8 tissue samples each month.  36 tissue samples altogether.  MBH, Students

13th step:  September 2011.  Take soil samples of all 4 beds (2 tomato sites, 2 herbicide/hand weeding plots.  Analysis by Dr. Wickline, Dept. of Ag. WV.
Monitor:  Analysis of soil samples.  MBH, Dr. Wickland.

14^th step:  Open Farm Tour and Demonstration September 2011.  Press Releases, video, fliers summarizing results.  Signage, fliers distributed prior to.  Food Preparation demonstration of tomatoes and stinging nettle by Chef Dale Hawkins of Fish Hawk Acres.  Sell hydrosol and dried stinging nettle if research was successful.  MBH, students, Mike Lunsford Helper, Marc Smith, teacher, Chef Dale Hawkins, either  or both Tom McConnell WVU Extension Service, or Bruce Lloyd, Lewis County Extension, Invited Dignitaries (e.g. Barbara Liedel Institute)

15^th step:  Make final report Nov. 2011 using all data collected, record on website.  Possible Power Point presentation designed.  MBH, Students.

6. How will you measure your results? Tell us your techniques for gathering results, what data you will collect, and how you will determine what the results might mean. Reviewers need to know the project will have valid, measureable results that others can rely on as going beyond being anecdotal. 500 words.

 Tomatoes:   

a)  Tissue analysis of leaves in each row of tomato plants in June, July, August, September and October. Analysis will comprise: In biological, botanical, and agricultural studies, it is often important to determine the relative levels of the primary nutrients that are present in leaves and stalks of plants. The Model PT-3R test kit provides instructions and test materials for determining the presence of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in plant tissue. Chemical reagents for making approximately 50 determinations are included with the test kit, and replacement solutions are available. The micro nutrient test kit includes tests for ferrous and ferric iron, zinc, copper, manganese and boron. Reagents included for 50 tests of each factor. Reagent Refill is available separately.  These kits will be purchased as there is no facility in W.V. which does tissue analysis.  The cost of the kits is also much less expensive than laboratory analysis and has the added advantage of being on site instead of mailing samples.

  b)  Monthly count of # of tomatoes, size and marketability in each of the four rows... Weigh each tomato in each row and record.   

 c)  Cost analysis of each of the four rows will be conducted.  This will include cost of shipping of commercial fertilizer. 

Soil:  Test results will be measured by 

a)  Soil analysis of research plot before and after the research (May, October 2011) 

Fertilizers:  Cost analysis of fertilizers used

Herbicide Efficacy of Stinging Nettle vs. hand weeding:    

a) Count # of weeds in herbicide research plots after two weeks, and after 1 month of stinging nettle herbicide application to half of the plot and hand weeding other half. 

b)  Cost analysis of each technique. 

Photos will be taken at strategic measuring steps.

7. How will the results of your project help farmers in the Northeast? Identify which aspects of agricultural sustainability, listed on page 5 under “How proposals are evaluated,” pertain to your project, and tell the reviewers how your project results will have wider benefit, beyond the boundaries of your own farm. 500 words.

“Nettles are a good source of Vitamin C, and also deliver Vitamin A, B1, B2, E and K.  They contain trace minerals of aluminium, bromine, chromium, cobalt, copper, fluorine, manganese, nickel, silicon and zinc as well as providing beneficial iron, calcium, magnesium and sulphur.” 101 Uses for Stinging Nettles by Piers Warren, Wildeye, United Kingdom.  Therefore, nettles can also be used in culinary dishes full of nutrition, in herbal medicine, and for many other uses.

This makes it a good value added product for the farmer.

Nettles contain a lot of nitrogen and so are used as a compost activator or as a liquid fertilizer, somewhat low in phosphate but useful in supplying magnesium, sulphur and iron.  They are also one of the few plants that can tolerate and flourish in soils rich in poultry droppings. 

Stinging Nettle grows in every state in the north east United States.  Therefore, if it is proved to be a viable alternative to commercial fertilizers, it will not only reduce the carbon footprint by being available on site to farmers, but it will also prevent agriculture pollution, reduce environmental and health risks in agriculture, improve productivity, reduce costs and increase net farm income.  As it has not been identified as having any detrimental effect on water quality, and has been used successfully in water treatment systems, it has great potential for protection of natural resources, its use actually improving the soil which it is applied to. 

If local farmers can begin to farm with fertilizers growing on their own farm or nearby, this will greatly reduce their costs at the first use and in subsequent uses. This may well increase employment in small farm operations, as well as stimulating small farm operations which have dropped out of the market to reconsider farming.

In that stinging nettle has no negative effect on health (except for stings which can be avoided by wearing gloves and long sleeves when harvesting and/or treated quickly with burdock leaves  or lemon balm hydrosol), the quality of life is greatly increased as opposed to applying petroleum based fertilizer wearing masks, white lab suits and generally looking as if the wearer is prepared to go to the moon because the product is a danger to lungs and body.

 And as dried stinging nettle and the hydrosol of stinging nettle have negated the sting, even that is not a stinging risk.  And, if stinging nettle is proved to be beneficial, farmers may sell their excess plants to those who do not grow their own – thereby creating a market for what was once considered a pest.

In that a handful of dried nettle only is necessary to start compost tea which is then diluted 10-1 with water, the cost of storage and of shipping is quite small.

In summary, all the points listed on page 5 are covered if the research shows that stinging nettle is a valid fertilizer.

8. What is the outreach plan? Describe how other farmers or extension personnel will learn about your project results. This is an important step, and reviewers look for a plan that will deliver information widely, letting other farmers know what worked and what did not work. 500 words.

This application has been prepared with the kind and expert help of Tom McConnell, of the WVU Extension Service, Specialist in Farm Management, Bruce Lloyd, Extension Agent, Lewis County WV (my home county), Dr. Barbara E. Liedl, PH.D.,  Research Scientist Agricultural and Environmental Research Station, WV University, Richard Wickline  of the WV Department of Agriculture, Chef Dale Hawkins, Teacher Marc Smith and Students of Lewis County High School and Katherine Adam, ATTRA. 

With their help, I intend to disseminate the results of this research from its initial beginning through to the final report.  There will be a section on my website, www.lapaixherbfarm.com which will contain the Journal as it is written with appropriate photos.  In addition my fan Facebook page, La Paix Herb Farm, will also contain reports on the research in progress.  A Press Release to state wide news media will be sent upon the grant approval and for the Field Day announcement in September 2011. 

The Field Day in mid September  will be conducted all day beginning at 10 a.m. with tours, handouts describing the research and results to date, a cooking demonstration by our local but internationally famous Chef Dale Hawkins http://www.wvfarm2u.org/general/about.aspx and http://flavours.travelsouthusa.com/southern_chefs/?chef=15   using both tomatoes and stinging nettle as ingredients, a demonstration of the making of compost tea and a demonstration of making the hydrosol.  If the research is successful, bags of dried stinging nettle and hydrosols will be sold at the Shop on the grounds and on the La Paix website. 

A Power Point Presentation describing the research will be made available to view on the computer and the Steward of La Paix will be prepared to give workshops on the results if requested.  I will also offer to give a presentation on the research to growers at upcoming conferences or grower meetings to the NE SARE PDPs in WV (Tom McConnell or Barbara Liedl).  That way the information would go out to a broader audience. 

If the research proves stinging nettle is a valid fertilizer, the results of the research will be disseminated in a press release to statewide media and all Extension offices.  The article will also be sent to gardening magazines for possible publication. 

9. Build your budget. Estimate costs for the project in the different budget categories. You may want to look at the sample budget at the end of this booklet or refer to the budget section of “How to Write a SARE Farmer Grant Application.” Remember that all budgets are different and should reflect the activities outlined in the written part of the proposal. No word limit; be as concise as possible.

BUDGET

Personnel: 

Myra Bonhage-Hale, project leader      .                                           $4060.

Mike Lunsford, Helper                                                                       $1680.

Dale Hawkins, Chef                                                                           $ 300.

Personnel subtotal:                                                                        $6040.

Materials and Supplies:

6 foot fencing and posts for two research areas                                   341.

Premium Organic Potting Soil 2 – l/20 cu. Yd bag                                  24.

Vermiculite 8 cu. Ft                                                                                 17.

Premium Organic Compost                                                                    30.

Mega Green Liquid Fertilizer OMRI certified 10.5 gal.                           68.

Solo Backpack Sprayer 4 gal. with Piston Pump                                   95.

Tomato Cages                                                                                      215.

Food Service Scale                                                                                59.

Shipping of Potting Soil, Compost and Vermiculite                                40.

Straw for mulching                                                                                  80.

Kits for Tissue Analysis  )                                                                       98.

Kit to test  other minerals                                                                      106.

Materials and Supplies subtotal:                                                   $1173.

Printing and Publications

Flier, Pamphlet and Hand out for Field Day                                          $240.

Photographs for Final Report                                                                   28.

Printing and Publications subtotal:                                                  $268.

Other Direct Costs

Postage  (mailing soil samples & fertilizer estimate $25.)                         25.                                                                                                                                       

Port-a-Potty for Field Day                                                                        120.

Preparation for Field Day     (Parking lot mowed, $100.) 

(Weed eating $50.), Signage.  $50.                                                          200.                                                                 

Other Direct Costs subtotal:                                                               $345.

Total Grant Request:  $7826.

BUDGET JUSTIFICATION

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Diagram 1.  Tomato Research Beds x 2 for replication.  This is a diagram of one bed – the 2^nd bed will be the same but in another location and with application location changed. 

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Marc Smith, Environmental Science teacher, Lewis County High School and students
visited La Paix for a tour Sun. Oct. 17th.  Pictured are 6 of the fifteen students who will be taking part in
the research.  Wilson Harvey, Amanda Rivera, Chris Gum, Breanna Brown, Andy Dunlap, Jared Lamb.  Assistant Boone Brown accompanied the students.

Feb. 28, 2011.  Students decided not to participate. 

Urtica dioca L.  Stinging Nettle

ps I have recv'd three other USDA SARE grants in the past:  1)  Potato Bugs on Kennebec Potatoes, 2)  Deer Deterrents and 3) The Essential Oil Project. 
You may read about them on the web SARE site.

Grant not approved by NESARE Feb. 23, 2011.  See Journal.

I intend to research the use of stinging nettle (Urtica dioca L.)  as a potential organic fertilizer and herbicide.  Stinging nettle compost tea and hydrosol will be applied to tomato plants as a foliar spray.  Previous studies indicate fermented or fresh stinging nettle water makes a good fertilizer and herbicide (depending on the strength of the mixture).  The results of the applications of the  formulas will be compared with a commercial organic fertilizer and a control bed.  I will be working with fifteen students from the local high school, Lewis County High School  their teacher, Marc Smith and assistant Boone Brown.  They will follow the research beginning in February 2011 and most will continue through the summer until the Field Day in Sept. 2011. Chef Dale Hawkins will demonstrate cooking with tomatoes and stinging nettle at the Field Day.   I will submit this application on Nov. 17th - and hope to be told I am to receive it by March 1st!

Assisted by Tom McConnell WVU Extension Small Farms Specialist and Bruce Lloyd, Lewis County Extension with advice from Barbara Liedl PhD., Associate Research Professor West Virginia State University.

La Paix Herb Farm's Passionate Gardener's Hand Cream was featured in the September  2006  Herb Companion Magazine.  (Product Page)             To order, click here
             For more information about this all natural product,  click here

by God, Virginia in 1981.  Nestled in the surrounding
hills, like a baby in a papoose, La Paix has become a place of many gardens, much laughter, learning and peace.
Now 110 acres of gardens, homestead, woods, caves, creeks, wildlife, fauna and sylvan paths, it is a sanctuary and an inspiration to others who dream of a home in
the country. 

Reunion Group meets for a tour of the family homestead (May/Kraus) at La Paix May 24, 2008.

  In 2010, Workshops and Tours are no longer being
conducted.  Thanks for your support and presence
in the past!
 

Photos ©by R. Tom Sizemore
La Paix's woods 2004
click here for more photos of the woods

Web Site Design by

Myra Bonhage-Hale, Steward, La Paix Herb Farm