Hass Avocado seed grown in tissue paper

Moringa Oleifera too young but flowering

www.pepesplants.com Mango Graft Part 1

Moringa Tree Container Growing

Moringa Trees are easy to grow

The Amazing Medicinal Anamu

Genetically modified lettuce saves lives!

March 07, 2015
Jason "Pepe"

Leafy greens like lettuce may soon be the most cost effective way to manufacture medicines. The concept is controversial because it involves genetic modification of the lettuce. Manipulating genes is nothing new. Mother nature has been manipulating genes since the beginning of life.

 All life has a reproductive system and a set of blueprints (Genome/DNA). When this blueprint is modified it has a natural order or sequence. Nature does not take genes from a fish and put it into a plant. Human beings on the other hand can do this and much, much more than you can imagine. So this fact alone should in my opinion scare the hell out of you!

 These new GMO organisms have patents that earn huge profits for the manufacturers. We could go on and on about this subject for years and we probably will.

 Let's get back to the topic of this article. Today serious research and real results have been achieved in curing more than thirty diseases. These cures are a direct result of engineering the DNA of many edible plants. Currently, the most promising of all are lettuce plants.

So who is the leader right now in this field and what diseases are being cured in clinical trials with mice?

 The man responsible for this amazing and still controversial research is Doctor Henry Danielle of the University of Pennsylvania. The diseases that have been cured so far include diabetes, HIV, cholera, malaria, polio and others.

So how does this work?

 Plants have cells that are totipotent. This means that all the different tissues of a plant can be grown from a single cell. A scientist can modify one cell and then grow all the same plants from that one cell. This process can be replicated producing millions or even billions of the same plant. Every one of these plants would contain the Therapeutic protein that cures the target disease.

So why use genetic manipulation of plants to create medicines?

 One good reason is that using edible plants reduces the dangers of allergic reactions. The use of plants like lettuce are fast growing and can be grown in greenhouses using hydroponics to minimize any soil borne pathogens. These plants based medicines of course would have a patent making them very valuable and profitable. On the other hand they should be much less expensive to purchase as a result of the lower cost to manufacture. The pharmaceutical giants would be at a disadvantage because the vaccines/medicines they manufacture require refrigeration and very expensive purification methods to produce. With lettuce all you need to do is freeze dry the lettuce containing the therapeutic protein/medicine and store it in a powder form without additional purification or refrigeration.

One big concern! Are these GMO medicinal plants safe for the environment?

 According to Dr. Danielle, he is not engineering these plants in the way that the agro biotech giants (Dow, Monsanto) produce GMO's. He does not work with the plants nuclear genome. This does not allow for the creation of transgenic corn, soy, cotton etc...

 Transgenic plants can produce flowers sending out pollen that can cross pollinate with wild species or non GMO corn and create new mutations.

 Today many people are concerned that these could cause serious environmental dangers. Let your imagination take over and give this some thought. Hmmm. Well, I sure can think of it as a serious environmental risk how about you?

 The way Doctor Danielle engineers the lettuce eliminates the risk of cross pollination. All of his plants are greenhouse grown and they are produced from seed that are identical to the mother plant and contain the therapeutic protein needed to fight the disease targeted. The medicine is made only from the leaf and not from the seed.

So when will these new wonder drugs be available?

 No one can be sure. The FDA must first approve the medicines and these drugs must of course make it past clinical trials. All of this effort takes time and lot's of money. As for the money, the future is bright with continued funding by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other charitable organizations.

Moringa Medicinal Plant Testimonial

Moringa Micro Greens

Rooting Figs Pepe Vid 2013 (+playlist)

Your health, liberty, freedom and pursuit of happiness

Your health, liberty, freedom and pursuit of happiness

Recently I read an article on Mother Jones about contaminated genetically modified corn and another article elsewhere on GMO contaminated alfalfa. These are just some of the examples of how we are being screwed royally. Not just in the food supply but in so many other ways.

Every American Citizen is being impacted by GMO'S, the Farm Bill, The Patriot Act,  Corporate welfare, Banks, Wall street and greed!

If you believe in the right to free speech and the United States Constitution & the Bill of Rights, then wake up, your eyes are closed. You and I are all now monitored in the USA. Most people know this and don't even care. For Gods sake the news has been talking about it openly and so it is what it is. Incredible!

So why care? Because of the fear factor that's why? Anything you say or think good or bad can come back to haunt you and your family for ever. Do you see that?

Facebook, Twitter and all Social Media is a convenient tool that can be and is most likely being exploited every second of every day. We apparently love to give away all our information. We also like to express our opinions and beliefs. Right? So how many dare to speak? Fear is a means to control, don't you think?

Someone once said..  "The people should not fear the government. The government should fear the people". Now that's what I call true checks and balances.

So what should the government be afraid of? They will always fear a united citizenry! Not a citizenry armed for a battle with weapons, but one that is tired, abused and seeking a level, just playing field.

We the people are the government we are in control right?

Really? Not when we are splintered into all kinds of groups. To divide is a tactical maneuver to efficiently deal with numerous opponents. Do you see this today in the so called news media and in politics?

Wake up and demand that your government represent you the people and not allow lobbyists to influence that which is against your best interests and your rights under our constitution.

Speak out and hold legislators accountable with the power of your voice, your vote and by uniting people not dividing them. If you care, then you must lead the way, then represent the people. Too often we allow elected individuals to be our leaders. That's a bunch of crap. We vote and they direct our wishes for our benefit. "Yes keep dreaming you are saying right now as you read this." Am I right? You are laughing at me because I don't live in the real world and I want to change it.

Money may not buy you true love, but it will get you elected. The impact of the Farm Bill and many other laws primarily benefit large multinational corporations and do nothing to help citizens. The purpose of these laws is to make money and lots of it. The health and true well being of the citizenry is not important when these laws are passed.  If they did then why are so many of us sick and dying in such an advanced nation as ours? Why is the middle class evaporating and why are most of us working harder than ever to survive?

Why is healthcare out of reach and out of control in cost and care?

I always say profit is not a dirty word, but don't you think greed is?

Can anyone compare the dollar figures for corporate welfare to welfare food programs?

I wonder why Corporate welfare seems to be okay.

So here is the part you might call me a lefty right? No, don't do that! We are falling into the label trap, divide and conquer and we all lose. Some will win but are you one of those winners? Do you think so really? Stay with me and think please. The American people are not intentionally brain dead. New technology is just making more of us brain dead everyday. We walk around tethered to a smartphone or other gizmo we can't seem to put down and forget. For Gods sake Mine is in my hand more than I care to admit. Why?

Okay let me conclude by saying that as long as we stay united as people on the issues affecting our health, freedom and right to earn a decent living, start a business and keep the monopolies away, we will be able to live the American Dream. Everything else we can figure out later.

Now go plant a fruit tree or some veggies. Make sure the label says GMO Free or USDA organic. So far USDA means non GMO. Wonder how long that will last?

Should I push the SHARE button? Hell yes, no fear people!

Peace,

Jason "Pepe"
http://www.pepesplants.com

Atemoya pollination by Sap Beettles

Organic Insect spray remedy

Moringa Tree Container Growing

Over watered Moringa seedlings you can save them!

The Loquat tree, tasty healthy fruit & medicine?

The Loquat tree, tasty healthy fruit & medicine?

By: Jason “Pepe”

Mother Nature offers us some amazing gifts and spectacular beauty. We live on this planet and breathe the air, drink the water and we can enjoy the incredible variety of nutrition she provides.

A huge part of our nutrition is derived from plants of all species. Plants also provide medicine and they can also be poisonous to some creatures and yet safely eaten by others.

One interesting tree I would like to discuss with you is the Loquat Tree Eriobotrya japonica. Loquat trees are found almost all over the world.

Some of you may know the tree as Nispero de Japon in Spanish or Japanese Plum, Nespolee in Italian. Many other common names are also used worldwide.

The Loquat tree has been grown in Japan and China for thousands of years. The tree was first discovered in 1690 by a Botanist named Kaempfer. The Loquat tree is related to roses believe it or not!

Loquat trees produce delicious yellow orange fruits much like little pears or plums. They are excellent tasting sweet and slightly tart when ripe.

The best varieties I have come to grow and enjoy eating are Yehuda, Champagne, Christmas, Bradenton and some others. These named varieties are grafted and have been around for many years.

Loquat trees are easy to grow and are evergreen. The trees produce two crops per year on average. These trees are typically pollinated by bees. Trees grow in subtropical and mild-temperate climates. The best crop is generally from early February to March in Florida.

Besides eating the fruit for its delicious flavor and nutrition, some make a tea from the leaves for relaxation and extracts from the tree are used in Ancient Traditional Medicine. The tea is reported to relieve diarrhea, depression and counteract intoxication. Leaves can also reduce swelling.

*See Disclaimer regarding any medicinal or health uses!

Additional Health Benefits of Loquat Leaf

Loquat Leaf is believed to offer incredible health benefits. Keep reading you 

probably will be surprised the tree offers so much to us in so many ways.

Loquat Leaf Extracts Aids Mucous Membranes

Loquat leaf helps your body release anti-oxidants known to fight aging.

Loquat leaf produces a variety of chemicals shown to increase insulin production which may help to reduce diabetes.

Loquat Leaf Assists the Liver in Detoxifying Chemicals

Loquat leaf contains (B-17), and this substance is known to help combat liver disorders as well as supporting the livers ability to process and eliminate poisons in the body.

Much research is being conducted worldwide on the benefits of Loquat extracts from all parts of this wonderful tree given to us by Mother Nature. Some studies are ongoing in cancer research as well as in the production of anti-viral medications.

* DISCLAIMER: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Do not rely on this information to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for educational purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your health care professional. We grow fruit trees and are not health care professionals.

To learn more about the trees visit our web site

Pepe's Fruit Tree Trailer

"We are humans and we are not genetically modified.

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"We are humans and we are not genetically modified. At least not yet. One day, we may be. Will we let it happen?"

Jason "Pepe" Sept 28, 2012

Can you imagine how beautiful it would be if we all had plenty of organic fruits and vegetables within our reach locally? Today more and more people are rethinking just about everything and local food production is high on the list.

Once upon a time almost every person had food from the garden at their fingertips. Today we go to supermarkets and basically eat out of a box. Look at the size of the supermarkets fresh fruit and veggies section. How big is that area compared to the rest of the buildings square footage? It's really small when you think about it. Do you know what that box of so called food contains? Sure you know the calories, fats etc. Do you know what genetically modified organisms are in that box you are going to eat?

Now I know that we can't all be farmers, but is it that hard to plant a few food producing trees and shrubs? No it's really not! The joy of eating fresh healthy produce right from your home or sharing some with your neighbors is truly worthwhile.

Here are some ideas:

Start a blog, go on facebook, twitter and other social media sites and spread the word. We should work hard to promote urban farming that's sustainable, organic, non toxic and no GMO'S.
Speak out and get involved. Learn about the subject and get vocal, write, protest and please wake up this nations youth to the direction they are being forced into.

Plant valuable trees on your property and encourage friends and family to do the same. What are valuable trees? Well, fruit trees can be a great investment that helps feed your family and also helps the environment. Trees are our friends and our world could not exist as we know it without them.

But Pepe, I don't have a place to plant a tree or start a garden? Well how about talking to family, friends, neighbors, schools and of course if you have the stomach for it "Politicians" Maybe they have some land you can use and share the crop.

A very smart elderly customer of mine purchases trees and gives them to her sons and daughters. What a beautiful thing for a family to work together this way. She has been doing this and so have others.

An old friend used to say I should remember that there is strength in numbers. More people planting more food producing trees and shrubs can make a huge impact on our local supplies.

More people speaking out and helping promote urban farming on a local level will be an incredible bonus to our health, economy and environment. Think local and stop thinking global. Global is non sustainable. Does that make sense? Local thinking and local action in this direction will be good for every American Citizen.

Some folks around the country are actually growing and selling fresh fruits, veggies, herbs and more right from small urban yards of about one quarter acre. One family in Pasadena California has been doing it for over ten years. Here is a link, http://urbanhomestead.org/ so you can see for yourself.

Buying local is not easy, but with time it will be.

Having locally grown food offers us fresher food and less dependence on fossil fuels and that's a good thing, don't you think? Why should we be eating mangoes from Mexico in Florida, it just makes no sense does it? What about garlic from China? OMG it's true, have a look at the labels.

Let's make buying locally a reality, get involved in your community and start community gardens. A healthier lifestyle and cleaner environment begins with each and every one of us.

Jason "Pepe"
http://www.organikthrive.com

http://www.pepesplants.com

http://www.miraclefruit.info

http://www.pepesplants.info

Feed the soil well eat the harvest and live a healthier life

By Jason “Pepe”

All living things depend on the soil. Healthy soil is not dirt! What you sweep from the garage floor or vacuum out of your carpet is dirt. Soil is healthy, alive and can be thought of as a micro universe. Sampling soil under a microscope opens up another universe loaded with beneficial organisms.

This other universe is referred to as The Soil Food Web. This micro universe is composed of many players. Bacteria, fungi, protozoa and a wide range of other organisms exist in it. Mites, nematodes and even earthworms are part of it also. All the creatures on our planet depend on the soil food web. We are no exception to the rule.

Speaking of rules lets think about the old butter commercial that you might recall. Is it butter or is it margarine? Remember that one? It’s not nice to fool with Mother Nature!

So let me get back to the soil and farming.

Today farming is in a transition. For more than 30 years the idea of farming organically has been gaining traction. Every day, slowly we are finding the wisdom of the old farmers to be quite valuable. To understand how and why we changed to predominantly synthetic farming methods requires that we go back in time a bit.

After World War 2 many modern methods developed to farm the land. New scientific research promised to bring us higher crop yields with synthetic fertilizers and insecticides. This modern science based technology spawned a synthetic revolution. Old methods of farming began to slowly disappear as more and more farmers began to rely on the so called modern methods.

Huge corporate empires evolved that changed minds and sold us on the virtues of modern farming technology. Pesticides like DDT, herbicides, fertilizers and other synthetic products that could be created in the lab had great value. DDT was eventually banned after serious damage to wildlife and the ecosystem occurred.

Big profits are made when patents are filed and products are put into (almost forced) the hands of the farmer. Bigger profits are yet on the horizon as corporations continue to patent and control seeds and our ability to grow our own food. What do you think Genetically Modified Organisms are all about? They are about control, profit and ultimately will increase disease by malnutrition of human kind.

Now let’s fast forward to 2012 and look at the health of people and the health of our soil. All the science did was to pollute our air, water and as a result seriously damage the natural soil food web. Today we look at the soil and the organisms in it differently. Healthy soil does not allow pathogens to breed. Healthy soil is teaming with organisms beneficial to plants, animals and humans. Healthy soil is possible when we keep the synthetics out and allow nature and the microorganisms that belong in the soil to prosper.

It amazes me that we think about our health often by thinking about our digestive system. We are told to eat a healthy diet and be sure to have healthy bacteria in our gut. We are told to buy pro biotics, eat yogurt and take all the other magic pills offered over the counter. When you think about your stomach, think about friendly and not so friendly bacteria. Think about the soil food web.

Farming without synthetics and restoring balance

One of the best ways to fertilize your plants is by utilizing natural ingredients found in compost.

There are many ways to create compost and that is a topic for another article. Here we will touch briefly on the use of compost tea and some of the benefits.

Compost tea is a water based extract of compost that can be applied to both the soil and directly to plant surfaces. Home-made biological extracts of this type have been in use for hundreds of years. One reason for its use is that the extracts offer better health, growth and vitality to plants. Conventional farming methods relied on the heavens, stars planets and natural earth cycles. The farmer of the past relied on mother earth and used its wisdom to live a healthier life. Hard work, clean water and good soil provided super nutritious food.

Application of synthetic non organic pesticides and fertilizers harm the soil food web and all of us.

Organic farming methods rely on heavy composting, mulching, crop rotation companion planting and much more. Providing plants with nutrients is more than just thinking about NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) Remember the soil food web? Well I hope so. All those organisms work together to feed on each other and to release nutrients found in healthy soil. The shredded banana, lettuce, egg shells and other kitchen scraps you composted will feed the organisms and they in turn will help you to have great soil. Pathogens are eliminated because millions of good bacteria, fungi etc out compete the bad guys.

In the past compost tea was brewed by letting compost sit in a large pail or a jar in the sun for a day or two. That created a type of compost tea that was anaerobic. Anaerobic means without oxygen. This type of tea was implemented but today a better healthier way is being used.

Today actively aerated compost tea has emerged on the scene. The technology involves agitating compost in a water bath to dislodge bacteria and other microbes as well as humic substances. Microbial foods are then added to the liquid to promote multiplication and growth while air is bubbled into the brew to keep it from becoming anaerobic while the microbes are multiplying. Actively aerated compost tea typically takes from 12 to 24 hours to “brew” – at which time the microbes have taken up all of the added food and become dormant. Actively aerated compost teas do not have a long shelf life however, and in fact, unless aeration continues they should be used within 12 hours of production.

So know let me say that you can add a special fermented blend that is both Aerobic and Anaerobic. This fermented product can be added to the Aerated tea and increase the brews shelf life and its effectiveness.

The fermented product contains additional microorganisms such as: Lactic Acid, phototrophic bacteria, certain strains of yeasts, fermentative fungi and actinomycetes.

Think about this! Who fertilizes the trees in the forest? How do they look when man leaves them alone?

Let’s give the soil what was naturally in it. Let’s help undo the damage we inflicted on Mother Nature. Start using quality compost teas and you will see, feel and taste the difference!

Pepe's Plants

Jason “Pepe” owner of locally based Pepe’s Plants is a man on a mission. He wants more people to start planting and harvesting sub tropical fruit and growing herbs and vegetables.

"Pepe" wants people to know that growing fruit trees is not very difficult so long as you understand some basics. He is eager and pleased to share his knowledge with anyone who visits his booth.



His experience is extensive. In the late 1990's he and his family managed 7.5 acres of land with a wide assortment of tropical fruit trees and exotic palms. His grove and nursery was located in Southwest Ranches near Griffin Road and 178 ave.



Today his family owns a 2.5 acre nursery in Jupiter Florida and he also operates a small backyard nursery from his home in Davie.



"Pepe" joined our Yellow Green Farmers Market Family in October of 2010. He often brings exotic fruits like Atemoya, Ilama, Pitaya, Rollinia and new varieties of fruit hybrids to share with customers. The Ilama is a fantastic fruit with complex flavors. Illama is a rich sweet fruit and a real special treat.



Pepe's booth also draws traffic for “miracle fruit,” a berry that temporarily alters taste perception from sour to sweet. Beyond the novelty, he says, some people believe it may benefit diabetics and chemo-therapy patients.



"Pepe" hopes that farmers’ markets can one day come full circle - customers buy and grow fruit trees and the following season sell their local harvest at Farmers Markets near them.



"Everyone should look at backyards & vacant lots, no matter how big or small, as micro farms for fresh fruits and vegetables. By thinking this way and taking action, we’ll increase the local food supply available to our community,” he says.



"Pepe" Recommends several methods of growing herbs and vegetables. One great product he offers is the Earth Box. According to Pepe the Season for vegetable growing is almost here so stop by soon and say hello to him.



To visit Pepe's Plants stop by booth #163 on the South side of the Market. You can also visit his very informative and educational web site at http://www.pepesplants.com