Image Credit: FDA|Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Cucumbers(May 2025)

A multistate outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo infections is under investigation by the FDA and CDC. The source is traced to cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc., in Boynton Beach, Florida, distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, Inc.

In the last few days, an outbreak of Food Safety Corcern has been spreading across the United States, affecting hundreds of millions of residents and agricultural industries, over 200 infection cases reported in 15 states.

Image Credit: FDA|Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Cucumbers(May 2025)

As a gardening enthusiast, I’m really concerned about how salmonella intrudes into our vegetable garden and how we can get rid of it, whether from soil, compost, water, fertiliser, plants, or grown fruits and vegetables. And I do hope that those who have been infected by salmonella in the US get the best treatment and recover soon. No more infection cases increased!

Often, gardeners find themselves pondering the age-old question: garden soil vs compost? Choosing the right medium for your plants is crucial for a flourishing garden. While both play vital roles, they possess distinct characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks.

This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of each, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions for your specific gardening needs. We'll explore their composition, advantages, disadvantages, ideal applications, and how to use them effectively to cultivate a thriving and vibrant garden.

Knowing when compost is ready to use is a bit like knowing when a cake is baked. There are some telltale signs to look for.

"Proper composting requires the right balance of materials and conditions," explains Dr. Sarah Chen, a composting expert. "When done correctly, beneficial microorganisms break down organic matter into rich, usable compost that's great for your garden."

GEME recently participated in the "Soil, Water and Climate in Balance" symposium, organized by CoE Groen – the Centre of Expertise for the green domain in the Netherlands. The event brought together experts from research, education, policy-making, and entrepreneurship to discuss the complex challenges facing agriculture, water systems, and climate change, emphasizing solutions through knowledge-sharing, practice-based innovation, and collaborative action.

The Art of Preparing Your Compost​

When you first receive your compost from your GEME composter, you're holding a concentrated source of plant nutrition and soil life. But like any powerful tool, knowing how to prepare and apply it makes all the difference in achieving the best results.

Introduction: Unlock the Secret to a Thriving Garden​

Imagine stepping into your home filled with vibrant, lush greenery, or harvesting crisp vegetables straight from a thriving garden patch. The secret to this kind of natural abundance often lies hidden right beneath the surface – in the richness of the soil. And the key to rich soil? Often, it's "Black Gold".

Winter may be fading, but your garden is likely buried under layers of debris. Fallen leaves, broken branches, and leftover plant trimmings can make your outdoor space look messy and uninviting. But don't worry. This guide will show you how to efficiently clean up your winter garden and transform your yard into an organic one. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these three simple steps will help you restore your garden’s beauty and prepare it for spring.

Electric composters are innovative kitchen appliances designed to solve the growing problem of food waste management. These smart devices efficiently transform kitchen scraps, including vegetable peels, fruit cores, coffee grounds, and even some meat scraps, into nutrient-rich compost within hours instead of months. By combining advanced technology with natural decomposition principles, electric composters like GEME offer an eco-friendly solution for urban households and restaurants lacking outdoor composting space, while reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions from traditional waste disposal methods.

The increasing focus on food waste disposal policies presents a significant challenge to the restaurant industry.

On one hand, the ongoing costs associated with waste disposal represent a steady and unavoidable operational expense. Furthermore, the storage of food waste is a pressing issue. Especially during the summer months, rising temperatures can cause rapid decomposition, unpleasant odors, and the proliferation of bacteria.

De toenemende focus op beleid voor voedselafvalverwerking vormt een aanzienlijke uitdaging voor de restaurantindustrie. Enerzijds vormen de doorlopende kosten in verband met afvalverwerking een constante en onvermijdelijke operationele kostenpost. Bovendien is de opslag van voedselafval een urgent probleem. Vooral tijdens de zomermaanden kunnen stijgende temperaturen leiden tot snelle ontbinding, onaangename geuren en de verspreiding van bacteriën. Anderzijds is gezondheid een onmiskenbare trend geworden, die diep geworteld is in de mentaliteit van consumenten. Klanten zijn steeds meer bezorgd over hoe verschillende aspecten van hun leven aansluiten bij gezondheid en duurzaamheid, een verschuiving die vooral duidelijk is in de horeca.