The Cannabis Horticultural Association is pleased to announce a new perk to joining the CHA, Seeds!
All new members in the Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers will receive an exclusive pack of non-feminized seeds from a specialty breeding project for 2021 that is selecting for a diverse array of terpenoids and concentrate production. A Slapz (Runtz x Grease Monkey) male plant was chosen and bred into a few select females of Gelonade, White Runtz, and Blood Orange Kush. Members can contact us directly for more info after signing up and to choose varieties and inquire if any new genetics are available. ***Seeds are for novelty use only and are collectors items.
Pakistani Cherries – Trop Cherry x Pakistani Chitral Kush
CHA is happy to announce that Happy Dream Farms has field tested the Pakistani Cherries in Central California and it is performing beautifully at scale. Check it out in this video!!!
NOW THROUGH THE END OF OCTOBER, GET 50% OFF ALL ORDERS OF THIS STRAIN USING PROMO CODE: “TROP50”
Once again, Instagram is up to its shenanigans! Deleting cannabis accounts that have done nothing wrong. The latest account @cha_humboldt has been officially wiped. The appeal process says there is not even a record of the username. So please follow the new private Instagram account @chanetics_
We’ll be talking about all the greatest genetics, having some freebie giveaways, and discussing horticultural techniques.
ALSO! Please sign up for the NEWSLETTER to stay up-to-date with all of the latest seed drops and growing tips!!!
Cannifest was born from an annual event called Humboldt Green Week. This was a week long celebration of all things green including environmental clean ups, sustainable businesses, music, gardening and cannabis.
The week would host over 50 events in locations across the county and offered local businesses and organizations the opportunity to connect through networking while having fun. Ultimately Green Week included the Humboldt Garden Expo (2012-2015) which morphed into Cannifest in 2016 and the incubator was born. The community finally had a local space to showcase the products that their families and lineage had been known for- out in the open and with pride. It was a time of celebration and an era that would inspire so many of us to keep this dream alive.
With great pride we co-produced the First Cannabis Farmers Workshop in 2014 featuring Best Management Practices and invited the state agency’s to present and educate, with an open armed approach, the farmers of our community. This event drew over 100 participants and paved the road for the state licensure process that would follow in a few short years.. At this point we knew the celebration had to continue and that the community was hungry for strong presenters, educational talks and we began taking notes of the hot topics we would feature at our next event. We were having fun identifying opportunites for the vents to grow and working with a strong team to execute.
Producing Cannifest as a stand alone event in Humboldt from 2015-2017 allowed us the focus that we had wanted, ways to subscribe to peoples needs in a more cohesive way. The Yes We Cann Parade 2015 would kick things off and snake its way through Eureka to the Redwood Fairgrounds- the new home of this event. The parade was a way for the community to sign up, get involved and create, build floats, discuss local issues while doing so and just connect our community like we had anticipated.
The inaugural parade was led by Frank Benlin (Tom Hummel, from Philadelphia PA) and Mike, Lennon and Morice Gieder as they were pulled by horse and buggy waving and marveling in all that had come together so quickly through the determination and drive that Cannifest engulfed.
Local businesses, community activism groups, public works and many cannabis advocates would walk arm in arm showcasing their roles in the local community and expressing their purest emotions along the way- smiles, laughs and tears of joy could be seen by all. This event would draw international touring artists, journalists and photographers to take note and document history in the making.
In 2016 we would include the first Humboldt Green Jobs Fair, now that cannabis businesses needed to fill local positions and we saw an opportunity to devote part of the event to building those bridges it was a no brainer. The event was a success and was instrumental in identifying opportunities to strengthen and stimulate the local economy. Competitive games, the Cannifest Bowl competition, Ganja Games, the Humboldt Grow Games, Community Choice Awards for Live Art, Functional Glass and the like really boosted the interactive experience that we wanted- everyone had a voice and everyone cast their vote!
Winners received trophies designed by local artsisans at Mirador Glass and the Woodlab- they fused their styles together and came up with some beautiful keepsakes that the winners still treasure to this day. Although Mirador has relocated to the northeast part of the country- they still accept the challenge each year of collaborating w/ the Woodlab folks to blend beautiful handblown glass with the richest of redwoods, just for our events. We are so lucky to have the network of beautiful people we have. Along the way we have had team members that gave their truest passions to helping us create memories that will last forever.
Cannifest 2017 would pack a real punch!!! The annual Humboldt Grow Games would take center stage on the race track – and the teams of 4 would work hand in hand to secure the grand prize- a Polaris Side by Side! The excitement brought out fans and the emcees, namely Steve Gieder, kept things exciting as always.
Local families had a ton of fun in the Family Interactive Zone- making crafts, hula hooping, pony rides- watching local karate clubs show off their skills and attending workshops for drumming just to name a few of the activities provided.. Encouraging a safe space for families to enjoy their time together was a HUGE goal of ours.
In 2017 we also rolled out the Yes We Cann Parade and Hullabaloo event at the Arcata Ballpark- this one day event really showcased our ability to mobilize as a community and express ourselves in the parade setting in a bigger way. The parade began on the campus of Humboldt State University and made its way through the lively streets of Arcata to the ballpark. The Plaza at the center of town was alive with face paints, crepe paper, elaborate floats, bands on trailers and even the kinetic sculptures showed up. This was a day that was heavily documented by press near and far- and gave our community the beautiful ability to express itself and its most desired and world renowned crop. The parade spilled into the beautiful Arcata ballpark where you could find carnival games, multiples stages hosting presentations, talks and live music by local and touring acts. The ‘Survivor Stage’ was alive with stories of struggles with body. mind and spirit that gave way to the power of the beautiful cannabis plant and the solutions found inside its healing properties.
In 2018 regulations changed direction and due to some local hurdles regarding cannabis consumption events-
We did all we could to communicate with those who had the local authority to host our event but it proved to be an uphill battle. Those that the state gave approval to were against having a cannabis related event in their town.
The talks began to take the show on the road into emerging markets that really needed what we had to offer- an instant networking opportunity among multiple industries in markets that were young but excited.
St Louis would be the first on our radar- we had planned the event initially for 2020 but pushed it back to 2021 once the pandemic took over. The event was outside in the Arts District of St Louis under a Big Top Circus Tent. The vendors showed up, the attendees had an educational experience learning from 2 full days of panelists and presenters and the local cannabis network was reinforced. Like all of our events we brought in world renowned musicians including Don Carlos, Karl Denson and other talented touring acts for a concert.
Next up, Chicago and Oklahoma City in 2022- both events featured high caliber vendors, expert speakers and a distinct celebration of the culture.
We were proud to make the connections we could and look forward to heading back to both of those cities in 2024 as well.
There are so many opportunities out there for our events to tackle the hot topics head on- by bringing in the experts and securing data that so many groups have focused their day to day on- we are advocating for this industry by supplying the community the ability to have conversations and healthy debates as well as playing games, laughing and bringing elements of joy back to our human expereince.
This year we are headed back to where the fun all began- the gorgeous waterfront, Halvorsen Park in Eureka CA. We have high hopes of shining the light on the amazing people of Humboldt County and the surrounding counties while inviting communities from other regions of Cali- and ultimately from around the world. We have strong keynote speakers committed- and musical acts to bring in the irie vibes. This event will be a licensed consumption event that brings the community together each fall for years to come!
Cannifest continues to celebrate the small farmers initiatives and we hope you will join us in meeting them one one.
Lets take a step back into time and discover more about the ‘stories’ of how our local farms came to be. Stand up for the local farming community at Cannifest- there has never been a more important time for us to come together.
Come out and get to know your neighbors- ask questions, celebrate wonder and play some games!!!
We would love for you to be involved in some capacity- spin around this site and sign up or reach out to us! There are so many ways to get involved and stay elevated at Cannifest!
🌼🌿Mullein is a great plant that attracts a generalist predator called Dicyphus.
Dicyphus is a genus of bugs belonging to the Miridae family, also known as the plant bug family. These insects are generalist predators and are found in various parts of the world. They are recognized by their elongated bodies, oval-shaped heads, and vibrant red eyes.
Dicyphus species are attracted to the mullein plant due to its structural and chemical properties. Mullein provides a suitable environment for their eggs and the plant’s biochemical properties (it emits volatile organic compounds) attract these bugs. Furthermore, mullein often hosts the aphids and mites that Dicyphus predate on.
As generalist predators, Dicyphus predate on a wide variety of small arthropods, such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. They use their sharp mouthparts to pierce their prey and consume their body fluids. In this way, they act as a natural pest control, helping to manage populations of these small, plant-damaging insects.
Dicyphus on a cannabis leaf
Beyond its role as a bug magnet, Mullein leaves, when fermented or ground into a powder, serve as an excellent natural fertilizer. The leaf matter contributes a wide range of nutrients to the soil, promoting the growth and health of your garden plants. This green fertilizer helps improve soil fertility and encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria and fungi, contributing to a more vibrant, self-sustaining garden ecosystem.
From a health perspective, Mullein holds a revered place in herbal medicine. It has been used as an expectorant for centuries, helping to clear the lungs of mucus and congestion. The plant’s leaves and flowers have been used in teas, tinctures, and topical applications to alleviate a variety of ailments including respiratory issues, skin conditions, and gastrointestinal problems. Boasting anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, Mullein is a potent ally in promoting human health.
To sum it up, Mullein is much more than just an attractive plant. It’s a gardener’s partner, assisting in pest control and soil fertilization, and a valuable addition to any home remedy kit. So next time when you see that weed growing, consider leaving it there instead of ripping it out. With Mullein, you’re investing in a healthier garden and a healthier you.
If you found this article helpful, please support CHA by purchasing seeds on our website here:
CHAnetics seeds are made in Humboldt county did with it amazing consortium of endophytic microbiology to help provide robust and vigorous growth for you!
CHA’s 2 other Instagram accounts have been shut down again due to the discriminatory policies from Instagram. This hateful prohibition against plant Medicine cannot last forever. CHA is here is ensure that plant medicine is available for the people of the world. SO FOLLOW OUR NEW ACCOUNT!!!
Peanut Butter Breath (DoSiDos x Mendo Breath) is originally bred by ThugPug Genetics and is a popular hybrid strain that has gained quite a following among cannabis enthusiasts. It is known for its slightly nutty and kushy with some gassy and floral notes. Some report subtle notes of citrus and pepper. It has a very complex terpene profile. Super relaxing and euphoric. The strain is typically high in THC, with some variations containing up to 28% THC. It is known to produce a relaxing, yet uplifting effect that can leave users feeling happy and euphoric.
If you are looking to grow your own Peanut Butter Breath, CHAnetics™ has now partnered with a breeder in Humboldt who has been working with the iconic PBB for many years now. His backcrossing retains many of the desirable traits of the original hybrid, notably the amazing terpene profiles and lightninh quick flowering times. Check out our seed page for more information on the PBB Bx2 and also all the new PBB crosses!!!
Understanding the Interconnected Web of Life Beneath Our Feet
The soil food web is a concept that has revolutionized the way we understand the complex and dynamic ecosystem that lies beneath our feet. The concept was created by Dr. Elaine Ingham, a soil biologist and founder of Soil Foodweb Inc., in the late 1970s. Dr. Ingham’s research and experiments led her to the realization that healthy soil is not just a mixture of organic and inorganic matter, but a living and breathing ecosystem, teeming with countless microorganisms that work together to sustain plant growth and nutrient cycling.
The development of the soil food web was a result of Dr. Ingham’s work on the role of microorganisms in the soil. She recognized that soil microorganisms were not just passive players, but active participants in soil health and plant growth. In her research, she identified that microorganisms in the soil could be grouped into functional categories, such as decomposers, mutualists, and pathogens. These groups interact with each other to form a complex food web, much like the food web we see in above-ground ecosystems.
The soil food web is important because it helps us understand how the different components of soil microbiology work together to maintain healthy soil and promote plant growth. By understanding the interactions between microorganisms in the soil, we can develop more effective and sustainable farming and gardening practices.
What is the Soil Food Web?
The soil food web is a complex and interconnected network of organisms that live in the soil. It is made up of a wide variety of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, arthropods, and other microorganisms. These organisms interact with each other in a complex web of relationships that can be classified into trophic levels based on their role in the ecosystem.
The trophic levels in the soil food web include the following:
Primary producers: These are the plants that are able to produce their own food through photosynthesis.
Decomposers: These are the organisms that break down dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves, into smaller pieces that can be used by other organisms.
Detritivores: These are the organisms that feed on the decomposing organic matter.
Predators: These are the organisms that feed on other organisms.
Parasites: These are the organisms that live on or inside other organisms and feed on their nutrients.
Mutualists: These are the organisms that have a mutually beneficial relationship with other organisms.
The different components of the soil microbiology are described in more detail below.
Bacteria: Bacteria are one of the most abundant organisms in the soil. They play a crucial role in nutrient cycling, breaking down organic matter and making nutrients available to plants. Some bacteria are also capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. In addition, some bacteria are pathogenic and can cause diseases in plants.
Fungi: Fungi are another important group of microorganisms in the soil. They are essential for decomposing organic matter and releasing nutrients into the soil. Fungi also form symbiotic relationships with plants, helping them to absorb nutrients and water from the soil. Mycorrhizal fungi, for example, form associations with the roots of most plants, enabling them to access nutrients that are otherwise inaccessible.
Arthropods: Arthropods, such as mites, springtails, and beetles, are important decomposers in the soil. They break down organic matter and release nutrients into the soil. Arthropods also help to aerate the soil, improving its structure and water-holding capacity.
Grazers: Grazers are organisms that feed on other microorganisms in the soil, such as bacteria and fungi. They include:
Microbes: Microbes are the smallest and most abundant organisms in the soil. They include bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. They play an important role in nutrient cycling and decomposition, and also help to suppress plant pathogens.
Mutualists: Mutualists are organisms that have a mutually beneficial relationship with other organisms. Mycorrhizal fungi, for example, form associations with the roots of most plants, enabling them to access nutrients that are otherwise inaccessible. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria are another example of mutualists, as they form a symbiotic relationship with certain plants, such as legumes, and fix atmospheric nitrogen into a form that the plant can use.
Nematodes: Nematodes are microscopic, worm-like organisms that play an important role in the soil food web. They can be classified into three categories: bacterial-feeding, fungal-feeding, and predatory nematodes. Bacterial-feeding nematodes feed on bacteria, while fungal-feeding nematodes feed on fungi. Predatory nematodes, on the other hand, feed on other nematodes, as well as other small organisms in the soil.
Protozoa: Protozoa are single-celled organisms that play a crucial role in the soil food web. They are important grazers, feeding on bacteria, fungi, and other microbes in the soil. Protozoa also help to regulate the population of other microorganisms in the soil.
Trophic Levels in the Soil Food Web
As mentioned earlier, the organisms in the soil food web can be classified into different trophic levels based on their role in the ecosystem. The trophic levels in the soil food web are as follows:
Primary producers: These are the plants that are able to produce their own food through photosynthesis.
Decomposers: These are the organisms that break down dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves, into smaller pieces that can be used by other organisms.
Detritivores: These are the organisms that feed on the decomposing organic matter.
Predators: These are the organisms that feed on other organisms.
Parasites: These are the organisms that live on or inside other organisms and feed on their nutrients.
Mutualists: These are the organisms that have a mutually beneficial relationship with other organisms.
Functions of Soil Organisms
Soil organisms play a crucial role in maintaining healthy soil and promoting plant growth. The different types of soil organisms and their functions are summarized in the table below:
Decomposition, nutrient cycling, mycorrhizal association with plants
Arthropods
Decomposition, nutrient cycling, aeration of soil
Grazers
Regulation of microbial populations
Microbes
Decomposition, nutrient cycling, suppression of plant pathogens
Mutualists
Symbiotic relationships with plants
Nematodes
Regulation of microbial populations
Protozoa
Regulation of microbial populations
Managing Soil Health
Maintaining healthy soil is essential for sustainable agriculture and gardening practices. One way to promote soil health is by increasing the complexity of the soil food web. This can be achieved by reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and by adding organic matter to the soil. Organic matter provides food for the microorganisms in the soil, promoting their growth and diversity.
Another way to promote soil health is by practicing crop rotation. Crop rotation helps to break the life cycles of plant pathogens and pests, reducing their populations and the need for synthetic pesticides. It also helps to maintain soil fertility by alternating crops that have different nutrient requirements.
There are many other ways to manage soil health, but for now we will cover just the basics.
Conclusion
The soil food web is a complex and dynamic ecosystem that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy soil and promoting plant growth. It was first developed by Dr. Elaine Ingham, who recognized the importance of the microorganisms in the soil in promoting soil health. The soil food web includes a diverse range of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, arthropods, grazers, microbes, mutualists, nematodes, and protozoa, all of which play an important role in nutrient cycling and decomposition.
Understanding the soil food web and the functions of the different types of soil organisms can help farmers and gardeners manage soil health in a sustainable and effective manner. By promoting the growth and diversity of the microorganisms in the soil, we can create a healthy and fertile environment that supports plant growth and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
In conclusion, the soil food web is an essential component of healthy soil and sustainable agriculture practices. By promoting soil health and the complexity of the soil food web, we can create a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem that benefits both the environment and our food systems.
Vermicomposting is a method of composting using worms to decompose organic waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. It’s a great alternative to traditional composting methods for those who live in apartments, have limited space, or want to reduce their waste footprint. For those interested in the process, here’s a quick overview to help get you started.
Benefits of vermicomposting include:
Reduction of waste: Vermicomposting helps to reduce the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills, which can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Improved soil fertility: Vermicompost is rich in nutrients and beneficial microbes, making it an excellent soil amendment that can improve the health of plants. Vermicompost contains essential plant nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, that can be released slowly over time. This helps to reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.
Improved soil structure: Vermicomposting helps to improve soil structure by increasing the amount of organic matter in the soil. This helps to create more air and water pockets, resulting in better water infiltration and drainage.
Improved root growth: Vermicompost helps to promote root growth by providing a source of organic matter and beneficial microorganisms that can help to stimulate root growth.
Pest control: Vermicompost can help to control pests in the garden by attracting beneficial insects and by providing plants with a healthy root system.
Water conservation: Vermicompost can improve the water-holding capacity of soil, making it easier for plants to access water during dry spells.
Disease suppression: Vermicompost can help to suppress plant diseases by increasing the amount of beneficial bacteria and fungi in the soil. This can help to reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
Increased yields: Vermicompost can increase the yield and quality of crops, resulting in a more productive garden.
To build a vermicompost system, there are three popular methods:
DIY Worm Bins from NC State
Worm bin: A worm bin is a container filled with bedding material, such as shredded newspaper or coconut coir, and food scraps for the worms to feed on. The worms will consume the food scraps and produce compost in the form of worm castings. A worm bin can be made out of a plastic container or a wooden box.
Flow-through system: A flow-through system is a continuous composting method where food scraps are added to one end of a bin and finished compost is removed from the other end. This system requires a larger space and can be made using plastic pipes or a series of bins.
Batch composting system: A batch composting system is a method where food scraps are added to a bin and left to decompose until the compost is ready to use. This method is easy to manage and is a good option for small-scale composting.
Worms can feed on a variety of food sources, including:
Vegetable and fruit scraps (e.g. carrot peels, apple cores)
Coffee grounds and filters
Eggshells
Shredded paper and cardboard
Leaves from dynamic accumulator plants such as comfrey
Grass clippings
Herb plant trimmings
Weeds (without seeds)
Manure from herbivorous animals (e.g. rabbits, horses)
Seaweed and kelp
Problems in vermicomposting can include:
Odor: If the compost is not managed properly, it can produce a foul odor. This can be solved by keeping the compost moist and turning it regularly to allow air to circulate.
Pests: Pests such as fruit flies can be attracted to the compost. This can be prevented by covering the compost with a lid and ensuring that the compost is not too moist.
Overcrowding: If there are too many worms in the compost, they can become overcrowded and stop producing compost. This can be solved by removing some of the worms and starting a new compost bin.
Lack of bedding: If the bedding in the compost bin is not adequate, the worms can become stressed and stop producing compost. This can be solved by adding more bedding to the bin.
Poor compost quality: If the compost is not managed properly, it can become too dry and stop producing compost. This can be solved by adding more water to the compost.
Reduced composting efficiency: If the temperature of the vermicomposting bin is too high or too low, the composting process will be less efficient. This can result in a slower breakdown of organic matter and fewer nutrients for the plants.
Reduced microbial activity: If the temperature of the vermicomposting bin is too low, it can reduce the activity of beneficial microbes, resulting in slower composting and fewer nutrients for the plants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vermicomposting is an earth friendly way to improve soil health, reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and promote healthy plant growth. It is an easy and sustainable way to garden, as it does not require any synthetic inputs and can be done with just a few simple tools. Vermicomposting helps to improve soil structure, retain essential plant nutrients, suppress plant diseases, promote root growth, and increase water retention. For gardeners who want to reduce their environmental impact and improve their garden’s health, vermicomposting is a great option.
CHA is dedicated to sharing its knowledge and expertise in sustainable horticulture practices with the world, and it uses its educational platform to promote the use of organic and regenerative methods. Through workshops, online courses, and other educational resources, CHA is working to empower people to grow their own food and medicine in a way that is both sustainable and regenerative.
By purchasing CHA’s high-quality cannabis seeds, customers are not only getting access to some of the best genetics in the industry, but they are also supporting CHA’s mission to educate the world about sustainable horticulture practices. CHA’s genetic breeding program is a crucial component of the company’s success and its mission to educate the world about sustainable horticulture practices. The customers who support CHA by purchasing its seeds play an important role in this mission, and their support helps to ensure that CHA can continue to promote the use of organic, regenerative, and ecological growing methods for generations to come.
