The

GOC Trumpet Volume 1 Issue 10

M A Y 2 0 1 4

What’s Inside!

Learn how to make a dish from the

Tribe of Zebulon

Vitamin Watch! In this issue we

discuss the importance of Vitamin B12

Survivalist Corner: Dandelion, and

Salt

Learn how to start growing your own

Tomatoes.

Nature’s Remedies: Red Onions &

Raw Honey

Sister’s Crafts Corner: Crochet a

Beanie

Herb of the Month: Triphala

What’s the beef? USDA goes

shopping for submachine guns

What does the National Weather Service, Social Security

Administration and now, the US Department of Agriculture

(USDA), all have in common? These government agencies are all hoarding weapons and ammunition for no good reason.

In August 2012, it wasn’t just conspiracy theorists who sounded the

alarm after it was revealed that the Department of Homeland

Security (DHS) was in the process of buying 750 million rounds of

ammo. That mindboggling order came on the heels of another 450

million rounds of hollow point bullets it already bought earlier that year. The ostensible reason: target practice.

http://rt.com/op-edge/159436-us-agriculture-

submachine-guns-weapons/

In the News

THE GOCC TRUMPET MAY 2014

2

Survivalist Guide Ecclesiasticus 1:18

The fear of the Lord is a crown of wisdom, making peace and perfect health to

flourish; both which are the gifts of God: and it enlargeth their rejoicing that

love him.

Dandelion

Typically flowers are thought of as a pleasant gift to give on special occasions. They’re also considered by many great decorations for ceremonies like weddings and are symbol of love, respect, and sympathy at funerals

ceremonies. Most people admire them for their beauty but they’re lightly esteemed and discarded by most as soon as their fast fading beauty completely diminishes. It’s safe to say flowers are taken for granted. Despite all of this, flowers more valuable than we all realize and are more than just beautiful plants. In the midst of a famine or survival situation certain flowers can sustain those experiencing mild

starvation. One of those flowers is the dandelion.

Dandelions can be found growing wild in many parts of the world and can be easily recognized by their bright yellow buds. Dandelions are truly unique in that the entire flower is edible, including its roots and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are also a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, and Vitamin E. It’s leaves and roots are highly effective at purifying the blood, cleansing the liver, combating anemia, increasing liver bile flow, and optimizing spleen (and pancreas) function. For medicinal uses, dandelion can also be used to make a healing tea or tincture.

In addition to being a good source of most major vitamins, the

plant provides iron, potassium, and zinc. Its most cherished function is

stimulating the production of bile and its flow between the gall bladder and liver to improve liver function and overall health.

THE GOCC TRUMPET MAY 2014

3

Survivalist Guide Ecclesiasticus 1:18

The fear of the Lord is a crown of wisdom, making peace and perfect health to

flourish; both which are the gifts of God: and it enlargeth their rejoicing that

love him.

Salt

Since ancient times, salt has been one of the most prized

minerals across the earth and rightfully so. There are thousands of

minerals in the earth but very few can be compared to salt. In

some ways it’s easier to picture a world without diamonds than a

world without salt. Salt’s reputation and value can be credited to

its versatility and variety of health benefits. A few of which include

its ability to regulate muscle function, minimize stress, boost the

immune system, help the body to absorb water more effectively,

strengthen the skeletal system, alkalize the body, and provide the

body a variety of vital of trace minerals that most people fail to

obtain from food. Salt is also well known for its unique ability to

add flavor to almost any dish. The same cannot be said for most

other minerals. Furthermore, most would be surprised to know

that salt is one of the few minerals that mankind needs to survive

and is also noted by the scriptures as one of the few principal

things needed to sustain the life of man (Sirach 39:26).

What's even more astonishing about salt is that it has over

a hundred uses outside of being one of the greatest seasonings

known to man. To name a few, salt can be used to clean the teeth,

create salt sole, kill poison ivy, brighten dingy white clothes,

deodorize shoes, sooth bee stings as well as other bug bites, help

keep windows frost free in the winter, keep milk fresh, make drip

proof candles, extend broom life, treat sore throat as well as canker

sores, reduce eye puffiness, test the freshness of eggs, help remove

grease from pans, sanitize sponges, and preserve food. Salt has

many more uses and can be used in our daily lives in ways that are

somewhat unimaginable. While most would think all salt is the

same, it is important to note that traditional iodized table salt is

not suitable for human consumption, is highly poisonous and

should be avoided. Sea salt and Himalayan pink salt are two great

widely available salts that one could use instead of traditional table

salt.

THE GOCC TRUMPET MAY 2014

4

The best part about El Salvador's national dish isn't just the warm, savory masa filled with melty cheese (or meat or beans), but its brilliant accompaniment called curtido. Like sauerkraut- this zippy cabbage

relish balances the heaviness of the pupusa and makes it a simple yet satisfying meal for any time of day.

Pupusas are incredibly simple and inexpensive to make, requiring little more than masa harina (corn

flour) and a stuffing like cheese or refried beans. Curtido, the accompanying slaw, is a combination of cabbage, carrots, and onions in vinegary, spicy brine. Traditional curtido is fermented, but the recipe here is simpler, requiring just a couple of hours to lightly pickle (although the longer you let it sit, the better it will be).

Sister Ahmanaha’s Kitchen From the Tribe of Zebulon: Salvadoran Pupusas con Curtido

(Masa Cakes with Cabbage Slaw)

Quick History

Pupusas also known as Pupisio were first created by the Pipil tribes which dwelled in the territory which is now known as El Salvador. Cooking

implements for their preparation have been found in Joya de Cerén, “El Salvador’s Pompeii”, site of a native village that was buried by ashes from a volcano explosion, and where foodstuffs were preserved as they were being

cooked almost two thousand years ago. The instruments for their preparation have also been found in other archaeological sites in El Salvador.

THE GOCC TRUMPET MAY 2014

5

Sister Ahmanaha’s Kitchen Salvadoran Pupusas con Curtido

Ingredients:

2 cups masa flour Pinch of salt 1 1/3 cup warm water 1 cup grated cheese: quesillo, queso fresco, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella Vegetable oil Curtido (see below)

Directions:

Combine masa, salt, and water in a mixing bowl. Knead to form smooth, moist dough with a playdough-like consistency. If the mixture is too dry, add more water, one teaspoon at a time. If the mixture is too sticky, add more masa, one teaspoon at a time. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let stand for 10 minutes.

With lightly oiled hands, form the dough into 8 balls about 2 inches in diameter. Using your thumb, make an indentation into one of the balls, forming a small cup. Fill the cup with 1 tablespoon of cheese and wrap the dough around the filling to seal it. Making sure that the filling does not leak, pat the dough back and forth between your hands to form a round disk about 1/4-inch thick. Repeat with the remaining balls.

Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high. Cook the pupusas for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Serve warm with curtido on the side.

Curtido

1/2 head cabbage, shredded

1 large carrot, grated

1/2 onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup water

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon dried oregano (preferably Mexican) 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Combine the cabbage, carrot, and onion in a large bowl. Combine the remaining ingredients in a separate bowl and then pour over the cabbage mixture and stir.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and preferably at least a day before serving.

THE GOCC TRUMPET MAY 2014

6

Words of Wisdom

Psalms 19

Psa 19:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory

of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Psa 19:2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. Psa 19:3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Psa 19:4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the

world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Psa 19:5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong

man to run a race. Psa 19:6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it:

and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD

is sure, making wise the simple. Psa 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of

the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. Psa 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD

are true and righteous altogether. Psa 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also

than honey and the honeycomb. Psa 19:11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great

reward. Psa 19:12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Psa 19:13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have

dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

Psa 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in

thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

THE GOCC TRUMPET MAY 2014

7

Herb of the Month

Triphala

Triphala, the well-known traditional Ayurvedic formulation, it

is one of the most popular Ayurvedic medicinal herbs, prescribed

by a number of Ayurvedic practitioners. Triphala literally means

‘three fruits’. The three fruits contained in Triphala are Amalaki

(Indian Gooseberry), Haritaki (Indian Gallnut or Terminalia

chebula), and Bibhitaki (Beleric Myrobalan or Terminalia

bellerica). Amla (Indian gooseberry), one of the three ingredients

in Triphala, is the richest known natural source of Vitamin C.

Apart from the rich source of Vitamin C, Triphala also

contains calcium – an important nutrient that helps enhance skin

clarity and brings dull, tired skin to life. It also strengthens and

cleanses the liver, which is one of its main functions. This

ensures that the liver, one of the important parts of the body,

stays healthy. It can also be said that the consumption of

Triphala prevents diseases related to the functioning of liver.

Triphala is a legendary formula because it not only gently

detoxifies the liver, stomach and lungs but it also directly

supports the regeneration of new tissue throughout the body.

Triphala is rare in its ability to cleanse and detoxify the human

body while simultaneously strengthening and nourishing it.

Working as a gentle laxative, it stimulates the peristaltic actions

of the intestines to improve elimination whilst removing toxins.

At the same time it is said to rejuvenate the lining of the

gastrointestinal tract, providing favorable conditions for the

beneficial bacteria that our immune systems rely on so much.

With your intestinal health improved, digestion and

importantly assimilation of the food and nutrients you eat is also

enhanced. As we’ll see ahead, this can be especially beneficial for

weight loss, as well as general tiredness and fatigue and a whole

host of different illnesses.

Triphala is believed to be a powerful liver cleanser and

detoxifier, to improve gallbladder function and to rejuvenate and

strengthen the kidneys. It is even prescribed in India as a

treatment for kidney stones.

Perhaps due to its beneficial effects on the liver, triphala is often

recommended as an effective blood purifier. The amla fruit it

contains in particular is extremely rich in antioxidants to

improve circulation and promote healthy cellular regeneration.

Triphala for Skin, Hair and Eyes

All of these triphala benefits not only improve

your health and well-being internally, they can also

enhance your skin and hair’s appearance.

Your skin’s complexion often shows the

effectiveness, or otherwise, of your internal organs at

elimination and removing toxins, particularly your

liver. Many people report much better skin and the

clearing up of various skin diseases after using

triphala churna regularly. The nourishing properties

and antioxidant content of triphala make it especially

beneficial as a way to improve your skin health from

the inside.

Whether it be with hair loss, graying hair or even

just dry, brittle and lifeless strands, consistently poor

hair quality is a reliable sign that you are lacking

certain elements nutritionally.Interestingly, triphala

is often reported as effective at promoting hair

growth. Amla, one of its three ingredients, in

particular is well known for its beneficial effect on

your hair. But it’s just as likely that improving your

digestive system with triphala churna will give the

your back what it needs to grow properly.

Your eyes are another area that can be heavily

impacted by a tired liver and poor intestinal health.

Triphala health benefits can also include improving

the condition of your eyes and possibly enhancing

your vision. In Ayurveda it has being prescribed to

treat dry eyes, strained vision, eye redness and more

serious eye disorders like cataract and glaucoma.

Taking triphala churna internally for its antioxidants

and other nutrients would be valuable for improving

your eyes, but you can also make up a triphala eye

wash at home which many, people have found

surprisingly effective.

One important precaution though when taking

triphala is that it shouldn’t be used by pregnant

women. Other than that there are no know side

effects when taking triphala at its recommended

doses.

THE GOCC TRUMPET MAY 2014

8

Superfood: Goat’s Milk

In western civilization, most milk consumption is in the form of pasteurized and homogenized cow's milk. Although

such milk is portrayed as being healthy, it actually can lead to impaired health, including allergies, tooth decay, colic in

babies, arthritis, heart disease, and even cancer. A much better choice is raw milk, and, though generally more difficult

to find, the best raw milk of all is raw goat's milk. As the Journal of American Medicine states, "Goat's milk is the most

complete food known."

Goat's milk is the most highly consumed milk in many other parts of the world and it is delicious as well as extremely

nutritious. Goat's milk has vitamins, minerals, trace elements, electrolytes, enzymes, proteins, and fatty acids that are

easily assimilated by the body. It is interesting to note that goat's milk is digested in 20 minutes; whereas, it can take up

to 24 hours to digest cow's milk.

Pasteurization and homogenization are not what nature intended. These processes destroy valuable natural enzymes

and nutrients that our bodies utilize to sustain health. They also alter food chemicals and make fats rancid.

Cow's milk and goat's milk differ greatly in their nutritional composition. Goat's milk does not contain the complex

protein that stimulates allergic reactions, making it less allergic. It also helps to boost the immune system. Goat's milk

alkalizes the digestive system and also helps to increase the ph level in the blood stream. Furthermore, goat's milk

does not produce mucus and will not worsen allergic respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Goat's milk also contains less of the enzyme xanthise oxidase. When entering the blood stream, this enzyme can

cause tissue on the heart to scar those results in the liver supplying more cholesterol in order to protect the heart.

Arteriosclerosis can be the result of this mechanism. Additionally, homogenization of milk products has also been

linked to heart disease. People who are lactose intolerant may find goat's milk to be a good alternative source of milk.

Goat's milk contains less lactose than cow's milk and passes through the digestive system more rapidly. Most lactose

intolerant people have no difficulty tolerating goat's milk.

Additionally, raw goat's milk fights microbes, primarily due to the healthy medium-chained fatty acids it contains,

such as capric and caprylic acids. It is very important to note that raw goat's milk is rich in selenium, a necessary

bodily nutrient known for its immune strengthening and antioxidant properties.

Raw goat's milk soothes the digestive tract. People with conditions such as bloating, diarrhea, asthma, and irritability

may very well be suffering from an allergic reaction to cow's milk. Raw goat's milk on the other hand can be

comfortably consumed without triggering these allergic responses. Because of its effective acid buffering capacity,

goat's milk has been used to treat conditions such as ulcers.

Children with problems digesting cow's milk may have a viable alternative in raw goat's milk. Goat's milk is a natural

food that children can consume comfortably, even if they are sensitive to cow or other forms of milk. In fact, goat's

milk is very similar to human milk. Children who drink goat's milk tend to remain more satisfied between meals and

sleep through the night.

In conclusion, goat's milk provides excellent health benefits, is delicious and is well tolerated - as opposed to today's

pasteurized and homogenized varieties, which are not only less nutritious and less tolerated, but also can be a

precursor to poor health.

THE GOCC TRUMPET MAY 2014

9

Nature’s Remedies

Onions are revered as a natural cure for a wide variety

of disorders and as a general antibiotic that can back up the

body's own immune system.

The onion, like all members of the allium family, is rich

in sulfur. That sulfur content can lend the onion antibiotic and

antiseptic qualities. These flavonoids and sulfur compounds make

onions beneficial for the heart, cholesterol levels, diabetes,

arthritis, and generally as an antioxidant. The main constituents

are vitamins C, E, B6, potassium, phosphorus and calcium,

sodium, iron, sulfur, iodine, silicon and others too. Those who

consume it on a regular basis are less exposed to heart disease,

colds and rheumatism. Valued for its therapeutic tonic and anti-

infective virtues, onion is a major health and longevity factor.

For centuries, onions have been touted as the one thing

that might be able to kill a flu infection, and many families have

passed that remedy through the generations! An old folk remedy

for keeping germs out of the sickroom was to place half an onion

on the bedside table. Some years ago, a large American university

decided to carry out tests to see whether this had any scientific

basis. The researchers found that onions actually "drew" airborne

bacteria from the atmosphere, thereby sanitizing the sickroom.

Wild onions were widely used as food and medicine by

the Native Americans, who used all varieties interchangeably.

Onions were often used to treat stings and to help relieve colds.

Blackfeet mothers drank a wild onion tea to pass the medicinal

properties on to their babies. They also treated colds, headaches,

and sinus trouble by inhaling smoke from a smudge made from

the bulb. They used snuff made from the dry bulb to open

sinuses. The Cheyenne made poultices to treat carbuncles. After

one came to a head and opened, a tea of boiled plant parts was

poured into the cavity to loosen and clear out the pus. In

particular, onions are recommended for respiratory conditions,

including coughs and colds. Taken raw it can be a good

expectorant. Onion juice mixed equally with honey is a popular

cough syrup.

A wonderful home remedy for adults or kids suffering

from a cough uses brown cane sugar, raw honey and red onions

to make a soothing and tasty cough syrup. Wash, peel and slice

the entire onion horizontally. Starting with the base of the onion,

layer the slices in a bowl alternating with layers of raw honey or

brown sugar. Continue adding layers of onion and sweetener

until the entire onion is reconstructed in the bowl. Cover and

allow the sweetened onion to remain in the bowl on your counter

for about 12-15 hours or overnight. The next day, there will be

about a cup or more of sweet syrup in the bowl. The cough syrup

contains a range of nutrients, vitamins and minerals from the

onion and the honey to help fight infection and soothe sore

throats and quiet a cough. Take a spoonful as needed. Has no

onion-y taste.

Red Onion & Raw Honey “Cough

Syrup

.

Ecclesiasticus 38:4 The Lord hath created medicines out of the earth; and he that is wise will not abhor them.

THE GOCC TRUMPET MAY 2014

10

Nature’s Remedies Cont.

Vitamin Watch: B12

Are you suffering from symptoms or conditions such

as anemia, sore mouth (tongue), cognitive decline, reduced

brain volume, fatigue, memory loss, loss of appetite, difficulty

in walking, nerve damage (tingling and numbness), poor eye

health, weight loss, sensitive skin, or fatigue? If so, there’s a

great chance you’re experiencing a cobalamin (Vitamin B12)

deficiency. Similar to niacin (vitamin B3), cobalamin or

vitamin B12 helps maintain proper functioning of the nervous

system.

Cobalamin also helps the body to metabolize proteins

as well as carbohydrates and fats, plays an important role in

the production of the body’s red blood cells, helps maintain

the proper functioning of all the body’s cells, and helps in

formation the brain’s neurotransmitters. Similar to other

deficiencies, Vitamin B12 deficiencies are usually a result of

malnutrition, improper diet, or the body’s inability to properly

absorb food. Great sources of vitamin B12 include raw milk,

sardines, tuna, unpasteurized organic cheese, eggs, and

yogurt.

Another great source of vitamin B12 is bee pollen,

which contains all of the vital B vitamins that the body need.

Bee pollen would be most suitable for vegetarians who usually

fail to get enough vitamin B12 in their diets. The

recommended daily dose of vitamin B12 is 4 to 15

micrograms daily for those above the age of three.

The Hebrew Health Tip of the Month:

Take A Break

Most people are aware of just how important it is to exercise in order to optimize and maintain proper health.

However, many people on the other hand are not aware of just how important it is to exercise the brain in order to

maintain and improve brain functioning. Similar to every muscle in the body, the brain needs to be regularly exercised

in order to remain sharp. Failure to exercise the brain can result complications such as cognitive decline, memory loss,

and other serious brain disorders. Aside from not exercising the brain altogether, other factors that may contribute to

poor brain health is watching too much television, poor diet, lack of exercise, and lack of efficient sleep.

A few good methods of mental exercise include doing simple math, solving a daily crossword as well as other

puzzles, increasing your vocabulary, learning to play a new sport, reading as much as possible (hint…hint), writing

(made up stories, parables, poetry, thoughts etc), learning a new language, learning to use your less dominant hand

more, using skills you already have frequently, building things, learning a new skill, and playing critical thinking games

(chess). Just a little mental exercise daily will help you remain mentally sharp as you age. Therefore, take the next step

in improving your health by including a little mental exercise in your daily routine.

THE GOCC TRUMPET MAY 2014

11

Sister’s Crafts Corner

Crochet: Beanie

Crochet Skill Level: Easy

Design Notes:

This simple beanie is crocheted in the round from the top down. The brackets [] denote a set of instructions to be repeated. In this pattern you'll be crocheting into chain spaces; these are abbreviated as ch-1

sp in the pattern. If at any point you have a hard time finding the

chain spaces, try carefully poking your finger at the row of stitches from back to front. I find it easier to locate the spaces by touch than

by sight.

Materials:

Worsted Weight Yarn: 7oz skein should be enough as you will use about 2-3oz for the beanie depending on

preference.

Crochet Hook: Start by trying a size K crochet hook, but

adjust hook size if necessary to get the correct gauge.

Tapestry Needle: A tapestry needle is handy for weaving

in ends when you are finished crocheting your beanie.

Abbreviations Used in This Pattern:

beg = beginning

ch = chain

ch-1 sp = chain-1 space, the space formed when you

crocheted a chain stitch in the previous row

ea = each

rep = repeat

sc = single crochet

sl st = slip stitch

st = stitch

Gauge and Finished Size:

The finished hat size is approx 20.5 inches in circumference,

measured at lower edge. Note that the hat is designed to have a few inches worth of negative ease; the hat measurement can be

a bit smaller than the wearer's actual head measurement. For example, my head measurement is about 22 inches, but the hat

stretches to fit my head comfortably. My sample hat has a radius (measuring from the center / top down to the edge) of

about 6.5 inches. You can adjust this if you like by crocheting

fewer rounds for a shorter hat, or more rounds for a longer hat.

Measurement after crocheting round 2: 2 inches in diameter. Measurement after crocheting round 4: about 3 3/8 inches in

diameter. Measurement after crocheting round 6: about 4 1/4 inches in

diameter.

How to Crochet the Beanie:

Ch 5. Join with a sl st to form ring.

Round 1: ch 1, work 10 sc in ring. sl st to join the work to the ch-1 worked at the beg of the round.

Round 2: Work 2 sc in ea sc. Work 1 sc in sl st worked at end of round 1. You'll end up with a total of 21 sc sts. Sl st to join

end of round to beg.

Round 3: Work 1 sc in ea st of round 2 below. Total: 21 sc. Sl

st to join end of round to beg.

Round 4: [Work 1 sc in ea of next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc.] Repeat

sequence in brackets all the way around. Total = 28 sc. Sl st to join end of round to beg.

Round 5: [1 sc in ea of the next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc.] Repeat sequence in brackets all the way around. Total = 32 sc. Sl st to

join end of round to beg.

Round 6: Work 1 sc in ea sc. Total = 32 sc. Sl st to join end of

round to beg.

Round 7: [sc in next sc, ch 1] Rep sequence in brackets 31

more times for a total of 32. After the last ch st has been

worked, sl st to join to 1st sc in round. Total = 32 sc and 32 ch sts.

Note: Up until this point, your hat has probably looked

reasonably hat-like. Be warned that, while you are crocheting

the next several rounds, the project may start to resemble some sort of strangely warped flying saucer. If it does, please do not

be alarmed. This will indeed turn out to be a hat, although it might not start looking hat-like again until you've crocheted a

bunch more rounds.

THE GOCC TRUMPET MAY 2014

12

Rounds 8 and Up: [sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip next sc.] Rep sequence

in brackets all the way around, for a total of 32 times. Sl st to join the end of the round to the beg.

Repeat round 8 until the beanie is the length you want it. I crocheted 24

rounds in all, but you should feel free to adjust this number to get the fit that works best for you (or the intended wearer). Keep in mind that you

can put a safety pin in your active loop and try the hat on to see how it

fits.

Finishing the Beanie:

End off, leaving about 6 inches of yarn for weaving in securely. Weave

in any loose ends.

THE GOCC TRUMPET MAY 2014

13

Container:

One of the most important things you can do to ensure

tomato success is to use a big enough container - the

bigger the better. For one plant (unless it's a very small

tomato variety), you need a pot or container that is at

least a square foot - 2 square feet is better. Five gallon

buckets (the ones you get at hardware stores, or for free at

restaurants of food factories) are the perfect size for one

plant. I use a large size reusable grocery bag and that's a perfect size too.

Soil:

Use good quality soil to ensure quality drainage.

Particularly if you are growing vegetables in containers,

you want to use lots of soil. Most tomatoes will use up all

the soil you give them, and because tomatoes need a

consistent level of moisture, the more soil you have, the more easily you can achieve this.

Planting:

Most plants will not thrive if you plant them deeply,

tomatoes are different. Roots will develop from stems that

are under ground and your tomatoes will be stronger and

healthier. Dig a hole so that most of your plant is covered

by soil, making sure that you remove all the leaves below

the soil line. If your pot isn't deep enough to sink the

tomato deeply, (though it should be if you followed item

1!) you can also lay the plant on it's side and bury it that way.

Watering:

The key to tomato success is to give your tomato plants a

consistent amount of water, which can be the biggest

The Green Thumb: Tomatoes

challenge for growing tomatoes in pots. The goal it to

keep the soil moist, not wet. Too much water and your

plant's roots will rot. Too little water and your plants will get weak and your tomatoes will get blossom end rot.

Too little water and then too much water and you will

have tomato disaster. The easiest way to deal with this is

to use self-watering containers. Otherwise, you will have

to check your tomatoes every day. I often find in the heat

of the summer, or if it's hot and windy, I have to water twice a day.

If you have too much rain, protect your tomatoes by

moving them into a sheltered area or cover them - if they

are small enough.

Also, water in the morning; plants take up and use water

more efficiently in the morning) and water the soil, not the plants.

Genesis 1:12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb

yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and

God saw that it was good.

THE GOCC TRUMPET MAY 2014

14

The Green Thumb: Continued

Feeding/Fertilizer

It is critical that you feed your tomatoes. Most potting

soil has no nutrients in it (be sure to check on the bag to

make sure it doesn't already have fertilizer mixed in). You

will need to add a slow release fertilizer to your potting

soil, making sure to mix it in throughout your container. I

like both Bradfield Organics and Espoma (tomato specific

fertilizers) but you can use any all-purpose, slow release

fertilizer.

I then give my tomatoes a watering with a diluted liquid

kelp meal and fish emulsion fertilizer every week or every other week, depending on my industriousness.

Give Tomatoes in Containers Sun - Lots

Most people way overestimate the amount of sun they

get. So really figure out if your tomatoes are getting

enough sun. 6+ hours full sun is the minimum and 8+ hours is better.

Make sure to harden off your tomato seedlings - too

much early exposure to wind and sun can weaken or kill your small plants.

Tomatoes also like heat, so don't put them outside before

it gets really warm (nights 50 °F), and protect them from

the cold.

Genesis 1:12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it

was good.

About Our Organization Here at the GOC we are doing our part to help to reunite the

true children of Israel back to their true heritage under Christ

and the Most High while being a light to the gentiles, which is

Ahayah!

Ahayah Bahasham Yashaya Barakatham

The Gathering of Christ Church

PHONE: (215) 253-4448

E-MAIL: gatheringas1@aol.com

If you would like to become a part of our in-depth bible

academy classes then send an email to the above address for

more info.

We’re on the Web! See us at: http://www.youtube.com/user/aGATHERING144

http://www.gatheringofchrist.org

Prayer Requests

THE GOCC TRUMPET MAY 2014

If you have any prayer requests

please send them to:

gatheringas1@aol.com