Kat Jones
Each New Year feels like a fresh start to me and an opportunity to explore new ways to go deeper, have more fun and enjoy life. As winter digs its tendrils into the garden and sends its icy fingers everywhere, I enjoy being cozy in a warm house. Yet, I do long for the taste of spring.
For most of us, the garden has been put to bed. Eating from my garden is one of my greatest joys. Well, I found my winter solution. While living in New Mexico I had very poor soil and abundant light many days. I began growing microgreens—shoot peas and sunflowers. Inspired by others’ efforts, I expanded to broccoli, kale and cilantro microgreens, etc. In one to two weeks, in our 65-degree home, we had greens all winter long. An indoor garden helps lighten the winter blues, the grey, rainy or snowy days. Daily I checked for emerging greens. Much to my surprise, they thrived indoors-- even on grey days...like in rainy Hawaii where we had more clouds than sunlight. And now I am growing microgreens in Colorado.
Do you miss the fresh taste of peas, beets, cilantro, gentle, or piquant flavors to complement your salad, your soup or to add nutrition to your smoothie?
In my joy, I began selling them at our local farmers’ market and then teaching folks to grow their own. I found that most microgreens are easy to grow and inexpensive (less than store bought and much fresher). You can grow them in plastic pots with drainage holes, in fruit clamshell containers, or in anything with drainage holes. If you compost, you already have a good soil base. If you sprout or want to learn, you are on your way. And many seeds are just planted dry. You can maximize your nutritional content with these little gems and avoid bacterial problems from packaged greens. FYI my secret: it takes me 5-10 minutes a day to grow enough greens for 4 people.
By Alima Susan Friar
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
0 Comments
No Comments yet! Be the first to start a conversation
Further Reading
10 California Natives for Organic Pest Control
Written By Lara Wadsworth Whether you call California home or not, we can all agree it is a beautiful state. From the alluring coastline to the towering redwoods, the natural meadows, and rugged mountains, California is a place all its own. How can you...
Ashleigh Smith
2024-05-066 min read0Growing Love This Mother's Day: Activities and Gift Ideas
Mother’s Day is celebrated with a variety of heartfelt traditions, from giving flowers and cards to giving service and more. In its roots, Mother’s Day goes back to ancient spring festivals relating to maternal goddesses. Mothers and motherly bonds may...
Ashleigh Smith
2024-04-304 min read0Grow Your Garden Anywhere: Finding Container-Friendly Plants
Looking for varieties that are container-growable? It is easier than ever to find garden seeds that can be grown in tight spaces like patios and balconies! True Leaf Market has added an identifying icon that appears as a dark green circle with a white ...
Ashleigh Smith
2024-04-302 min read0Subscribe & Save On Sprouting Seeds, Microgreens, And Supplies!
True Leaf Market is now offering a Subscribe & Save option for popular sprouting seeds and grains, microgreens seeds and supplies, and your petgrass needs. Whether you make sprouting and microgreens a staple in your kitchen or have a microgreens busine...
Ashleigh Smith
2024-04-304 min read1