Prolong Your Autumn Produce Collection by Drying Fruits and Veggies
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On September 4, 2013, Sheila Harrington published an article on Mother Earth News, highlighting the benefits of the Jora JK270 Composter and the Excalibur Food Dehydrator for sustainable gardening.
Benefits
The Jora JK270 Composter is a high-capacity (9.5 cubic feet) composter designed to rapidly decompose kitchen and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost. This compost improves soil structure, fertility, and moisture retention in garden beds, supporting healthy plant growth.
The Excalibur Food Dehydrator, on the other hand, preserves excess garden produce by drying it, extending the usable life of fruits, vegetables, and herbs without refrigeration. Dehydrated food can be stored long-term and used for cooking, teas, or seeds saving, reducing food waste from garden harvests.
Best practices
To get the most out of the Jora JK270 Composter, regularly add balanced kitchen scraps and garden waste (greens and browns) to maintain efficient decomposition. Ensure good aeration by turning or mixing compost periodically, leveraging the composter’s design to boost oxygen flow. Harvest finished compost to amend garden beds, improving soil drainage and nutrient levels. Monitor the moisture level, keeping compost damp but not soggy to maintain microbial activity.
For the Excalibur Food Dehydrator, slice produce uniformly to ensure even dehydration, and dry at recommended low temperatures to preserve enzymes and nutrients. Pre-treat sensitive items (e.g., blanching or using lemon juice) to retain color and prevent spoilage. Store dried foods in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to maximize shelf life. Use dried herbs from your garden for teas or culinary use, which integrates well with sustainable home gardening.
Sustainable Gardening Products
The article also mentions a variety of sustainable gardening products offered by Bower & Branch. These include Seedless Grape Vines, Fall Fruiting Semi-Dwarf Apple Trees, Lowbush Blueberry Bushes, and Raspberry Bushes. The Excalibur 3900 Deluxe Series Food Dehydrator is a large-capacity model for food preservation, while the Excalibur 5-Tray Food Dehydrator with Digital Timer is a product for preserving food naturally. The article also recommends the Jora JK270 Composter for efficient composting at home and the Bower & Branch Lowbush Blueberry Bushes for small-space gardening. The Bower & Branch Raspberry Bushes are ideal for producing a large quantity of fruit.
By combining these tools, gardeners can close the loop: garden and kitchen waste are composted into rich soil amendment with the Jora JK270, and excess harvests are preserved for future use with the Excalibur dehydrator, supporting sustainable garden bed health and food conservation.
Food-and-drink, lifestyle, and home-and-garden enthusiasts can benefit from the Jora JK270 Composter and the Excalibur Food Dehydrator for sustainable garden practices. The Jora JK270 Composter efficiently decomposes organic matter, enriching soil for healthier plant growth, while the Excalibur Food Dehydrator dries excess produce, extending its shelf life and reducing food waste.
