Ollas (pronounced "oya") are porous clay pots that have been fired in a kiln and then are buried underground. The body of the pot is left unglazed and the top, exposed portion and lid are glazed. When filled with water, the clay pot turns into an amazing high-tech device. The micro-pores of the clay pot allow water to seep into surrounding soil. The water seepage is regulated by the water needs of any nearby plants. When the plant's water demands have been fulfilled and the soil is moist, the water seepage from the clay pot (olla) will stop. When the soil becomes dry, water seepage will begin again. This seepage is controlled by soil moisture. It's automatic irrigation without timers or electronic sensors!

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- Advantages of Olla Irrigation:

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10 Mantras of the Pharm Table Kitchen

l. Breathe and be mindful! Remember to breathe in between each bite of food.

2. Eat plants that are local and honor each season. Eat foods that pacify your dosha (body type) in each season. Visit banyanbotanicals.com to find your dosha.

3. Eat until you are 80% full. Maintain a balance of 30% food, 30% air, 30% water in your stomach while eating and chew each bite 20-30 times.

4. Avoid acidic foods. Too many dairy, animal proteins, sugar, processed foods or coffee can produce an acidic environment in your gut.

5. Favor alkaline foods, such as citrus and plant-based foods.

6. Avoid iced or carbonated drinks. Cold or carbonated drinks slow digestion in the body. Strive to maintain a 98-degree environment in your gut. Instead drink room temperature water or hot tea.

7. Eat probiotic-rich foods (fermented foods), like kombucha, kimchi,
sauerkraut and organic miso.

8. Consume all 6 flavors at every meal to satisfy and balance your body. These include pungent, sour, sweet, salty, bitter and astringent
flavors.

9. Sprout and soak your dry ingredients for increased fiber, nutrition,
and ease of digestion.

10. Combine plants to create complete amino proteins.

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Methods of Breaking Dormancy

One of the functions of dormancy is to prevent a seed from germinating before it is surrounded by a favorable environment. In some trees and shrubs, seed dormancy is difficult to break, even when the environment is ideal. Various treatments are performed on the seed to break dormancy and begin germination.

Scarification

Seed scarification involves breaking, scratching, or softening the seed coat so that water can enter and begin the germination process. There are several methods of scarifying seeds. In acid scarification, seeds are put in a glass container and covered with concentrated sulfuric acid. The seeds are gently stirred and allowed to soak from 10 minutes to several hours, depending on the hardness of the seed coat. When the seed coat has become thin, the seeds can be removed, washed, and planted. Another scarification method is mechanical. Seeds are filed with a metal file, rubbed with sandpaper, or cracked with a hammer to weaken the seed coat. Hot water scarification involves putting the seed into hot water (170 to 212 degrees F). The seeds are allowed to soak in the water, as it cools, for 12 to 24 hours and then planted. A fourth method is one of warm, moist scarification. In this case, seeds are stored in nonsterile, warm, damp containers where the seed coat will be broken down by decay over several months.

Stratification

Seeds of some fall-ripening trees and shrubs of the temperate zone will not germinate unless chilled underground as they over winter. This so-called “after-ripening” may be accomplished artificially by a practice called stratification. The following procedure is usually successful. Put sand or vermiculite in a clay pot to about 1 inch from the top. Place the seeds on top of the medium and cover with a ½ inch of sand or vermiculite. Wet the medium thoroughly and allow excess water to drain through the hole in the pot. Place the pot containing the moist medium and seeds in a plastic bag and seal. Place the bag in a refrigerator. Periodically check to see that the medium is moist, but not wet. Additional water will probably not be necessary. After 10 to 12 weeks, remove the bag from the refrigerator. Take the pot out and set it in a warm place in the house. Water often enough to keep the medium moist. Soon the seedlings should emerge. When the young plants are about 3 inches tall, transplant them into pots to grow until time for setting outside.

Another procedure that is usually successful uses sphagnum moss or peat moss. Wet the moss thoroughly, then squeeze out the excess water with your hands. Mix seed with the sphagnum or peat and place in a plastic bag. Seal the bag and put it in a refrigerator. Check periodically. If there is condensation on the inside of the bag, the process will probably be successful. After 10 to 12 weeks, remove the bag from the refrigerator. Plant the seeds in pots to germinate and grow. Handle seeds carefully. Often the small roots and shoots are emerging at the end of the stratification period. Care must be taken not to break these off. Temperatures in the range of 35 to 45 degrees F (2 to 70C) are effective. Most refrigerators operate in this range. Seeds of most fruit and nut trees can be successfully germinated by these procedures. Seeds of peaches should be removed from the hard pit. Care must be taken when cracking the pits. Any injury to the seed itself can be an entry path for disease organisms.