In today’s news, our Beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan) presents the Shining World Compassion Award to an animal-people sanctuary in California, USA. Global report warns tropical rainforests approaching critical tipping point, Pakistani court permanently bans inhumane treatment of stray dog-people by authorities in Islamabad, UK study reveals prenatal exposure to vegetables shapes childhood flavor preferences, US man returns lost funds after days-long search for owner, South Korean food tech company launches proprietary precision fermentation ingredient brand, and international team of marine scientists discovers more than 1,100 new ocean species in landmark year.
I have a tip on how to easily check soil moisture. Insert a clean, dry, untreated wooden chopstick straight down into the soil near the base of the plant. Carefully push it down to the depth of the root zone – generally about two-thirds of the pot’s height. The chopstick should be at least one centimeter away from the stem to minimize root disturbance and prevent soil compaction. Wait 5 to 8 seconds, then remove the chopstick and inspect it. If soil sticks to the chopstick and it feels cool or damp up to about the midpoint, your plant has adequate moisture. If moisture is present only on the bottom third of the stick, this means you will need to water the soil soon. If the chopstick comes out completely dry or covered only with fine dust, you should water it immediately. This technique measures moisture deeper in the root zone, where it matters most for plant health. For best results, use an untreated, unvarnished wooden chopstick and avoid lacquered, painted, or composite bamboo sticks, as they don’t absorb moisture effectively.
The joy shop has just opened, and it has a joke ready for us. It’s called, “Snowman’s Suspicion.”
Baxter and Gideon, two snowmen, stood in the middle of a quiet field.
“Gideon… do you smell carrots?”
“Now that you mention it, I do.”
“That’s weird. There’s no garden around here.”
“Perhaps they are under… the snow.”
“Yeah!”
