Eric Bronson last week commented about wanting to know exactly where his food is being grown and by whom. That really got me thinking with all the technology available why we couldn't have a more sophisticated system other than a sign which says, "Locally grown."

Well Eric, and others I found the technology is available and being used today in Japan. The technology is based on a process originally developed in 1994 by Denso-Wave for its manufacturing plants. Called QR for quick response it lets consumers use cell phone software to snap a picture of the QR label.

When you go to the store you have your cellphone with the QR software. You pick up the melon you like, and take a picture of the QR label on the melon with your cellphone camera. The label is then transmitted quickly and retrieves the Information.

According to Homegrown Evolution.com, "In the supermarket, consumers use camera equipped cell phones to scan the QR code on the label. The code links to a mobile website detailing origin, soil composition, organic fertilizer content percentage (as opposed to chemical), use of pesticides and herbicides and even the name of the farm it was grown on."

Homegrown Evolution brings up some concerns about implementing this in the American market with costs and privacy issues. With the US government's delight in bureaucratic rule making coupled with marketers desire for intimate buying decision information, it can be a mixed blessing here stateside.

What are your thoughts? Let me know.

All in a gardeners day,

Thanks to Dan Gould at PSFK for the heads up and to Davide Guglielmo for the photo.

With all the news about food linked illnesses (see my earlier posts on salmonella), farmers have become the new celebrities.

When we have concerns about food, we want to know on more personal level where the food is being grown. This is partly behind more of the popularity behind co-ops, farmers markets, and pick-it yourself facilities.

An article in the NY Magazine talks about Amy Hepworth, one of the new celebrity farmers. She's blending traditional farming with new techniques to deliver widely sought after produce in New York. Click to read more

Both my daughters have joined co-ops and have their own gardens near their homes to have the freshest produce they can get. By doing this they support and sustain healthy eating, and good gardening. I know there are others like my daughters who are also carrying on the tradition and satisfaction of fresh produce.

Thanks to  J Shad for the photo.

There's nothing like a great tomato and a proud Dad.

All in a gardener's day,

Gardeners are among the most passionately stubborn and determined group of people I know. We coax, cajole plants and seeds to grow and share their bounty with us. This gives us beautiful flowers, deliciously healthy vegetables and a great sense of satisfaction.

Those are the positives of our calling to produce, often miracles from soil. The negatives or drawbacks is often we demand miracles from our bodies as well. As I sit here typing I recognize how much effort is expended by muscles not intended for typing rapidly.

Handles and grips are one of the most important part of a good gardening tool. Handles are made in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some things to look at before you buy include the padding in the handle . If you intend to garden for a long period of time consider investing in ergonomic tools. Ergonomic tools can be found in every price point.

These tools have been designed by engineers, designers together with occupational therapists and gardeners. These ergonomic tools are balanced in their weight which is distributed for minimal strain on the wrist, hand and fingers.

Another thing to consider is whether there is enough padding to easily grip the handtools. Some handles are padded giving less strain. If the tool doesn't have an adequate padding for your hand make it easy on yourself.

Take some conduit insulation. It is generally sold in 3 or 5' lengths. One piece will provide padding for many tool handles. Slip or wrap around the handle of your gardening tool. Remember adaptive gardening means adapting the garden to your needs. And this means adaptive hand tools as well.

Investing in yourself today can lead to many more years of productive gardening. And a good tool set is a great place to start.

All in a gardener's day,

Photo by Craig Jewell