Specials NEWS

Spinach is one popular vegetable that people love eating in salads, stews, and more. The vegetables are also well-loved because of their versatility, which is evident in the different species that they come in. 

Many Filipinos are familiar with pandan (Pandanus tectorius) because it’s a key ingredient in a popular local dessert known as buko pandan. Pandan is also used in savory dishes as a garnish because it adds an alluring aroma. Some even add it to their rice to make it more aromatic and taste richer. But aside from being well-loved as an ingredient in cooking, pandan is also preferred by gardeners. 

The name Jose Rizal is unlikely to be forgotten in Philippine history books. He has been instrumental in the Filipino’s bid towards independence and several developments in various sectors. Rizal also made contributions to Philippine art, literature, and medicine, which continues to fascinate his countrymen today. 

Herbs are globally popular because of their aroma and how they add flavor to nearly any dish. Among them is the curry leaf tree, an aromatic tropical tree with a strong scent whose fresh and dried leaves are used in cooking soups, stews, and meat dishes. 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic started in early 2020, many Filipinos needed to cope with displacement since health protocols dictated that non-essential workers, along with the general public, needed to stay indoors for their safety. It was during this time that farming and urban gardening became popular among the masses, who found the practice of growing food in their homes or extra spaces to be productive and fulfilling. 

As the famous song goes, “it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” Society is slowly preparing for the long-awaited holiday by putting up season-appropriate decorations, planning the Christmas Eve dinner, and gift-giving. Many people take gifting very seriously, sparing no expense and spending a long time finding the ideal presents. 

In the Philippines, mangoes are a high-value commercial crop that provides a livelihood for nearly 2.5 million farmers. Seeing as how many Filipino farmers rely on mango production and the demand of their consumers, stakeholders from the government invested in the technology that helps boost mango production. 

There are several words that people use to describe flowers. Some of these include colorful, fragrant, and beautiful. Many gardeners and passers-by enjoy seeing flowers because of the splash of vibrance and nature that they bring to any space. But there is more to flowers than what meets the eye, as some species of flora are beneficial to the environment and human health, like cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus). 

Different people have different reasons for going into farming. Some engage in the practice because they’re fond of growing plants, while others invest in it as a source of income. But for Denison and Jean Tan, a couple from Calaca, Batangas, their reason for venturing into farming is related to their health. 

Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum. It’s an aromatic condiment and flavor additive to both sweet and savory dishes, making it a popular commodity in the world. Because of its popularity, there has been a high demand for cinnamon. Many Filipinos even import this spice from other countries just to taste the sweet and earthy flavor of cinnamon. 

Pineapple peels no longer need to go to waste as researchers from the RUDN University in Russia discovered that using pineapple peel powder augments the growth of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). 

As a direct descendant of the first inhabitants of Abra in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Charles B. Herrero has always appreciated the beauty of his hometown. Whenever he visits, he thoroughly enjoys the abundance of trees, cool climate, fresh air, and captivating scenery. 

People have a negative perspective on weeds because these take up space in a garden or farm and compete with plants for nutrients. Farmers and gardeners usually uproot weeds to keep plants healthy and their area tidy. But Flor Tarriela, the chairwoman of Philippine National Bank (PNB) and owner of Flor’s Garden in Antipolo, Rizal, believes otherwise. 

Animals, like crops, also have requirements to encourage proper growth and production, which is why farmers provide the basic needs of livestock and poultry. Animal welfare was assessed in the past using a set of five “freedoms.” 

Many families go into farming for several reasons. The most common one is to find a source of income and food. But some families also farm to find an activity that brings them closer together while connecting with nature. 

Methane emissions from cattle are one of the top contributors to climate change that many are hoping to address. These gases are a product of ruminal fermentation where bugs in the rumen generate methane gas. 

For the Guanlao family in Quezon City, gardening has been an important part of their lives even before the pandemic started. Gardening has become their way of spending time together and honoring their grandmother, who has inspired their love for growing plants. 

Strawberries are known for their vivid red color that represents how healthy and juicy these fruits are. But strawberries are not always red. Some species produce either the vibrant red fruits that people know and love or a ghostly white counterpart.