More and more people are turning to their own backyards for sustenance and piece of mind. Whether your garden is financially, politically or hobby oriented there are several things to consider before you get started.
I've already written about my disgust for gmos and their destruction of the food system as a whole so I won't get into it again. I feel my blood pressure rising just thinking about it.
Country Gentleman Sweet Corn
Heirloom seeds produce heirloom vegetables or produce. An heirloom seeds is not necessarily an organic seed (but can be). A gmo seed is neither heirloom or organic. The definition of heirloom "is something, perhaps an antique or some kind of jewelry, that has been passed down for generations through family members." An heirloom seed therefore is a seed which has been saved and passed down from generation to generation. These seeds have been carefully cultivated and are considered a great value to the recipient. Some heirloom seeds have been passed down for over 100 years and others for over 400 years.
Heirloom seeds are typically a hardy variety. The weak have not survived.
For example, the heirloom variety Calabrese Broccoli is "An Italian heirloom that was brought to America in the 1880s." The Country Gentleman Sweet Corn "was introduced around 1890 by Frank Woodruff & Sons. One of the best heirloom sweet corns." Not to mention the Connecticut Field Pumpkin, "A great
pumpkin for baking pies or carving Jack-o-Lanterns. Introduced prior to 1700."The Red Fig Tomato, "Great for drying or preserving. This heirloom dates
back to the 1700's." These are only just a few out of hundreds of varieties available to any interested gardener.
French Breakfast Radish
Whether you are a beginner or seasoned gardener there is an heirloom for you! To make things a bit easier, I've posted instructions for Growing from Seed. If you're a beginner, I encourage you to use it and share the information.
Now THAT is the billion dollar question? The answer would depend on how and what you consider of value. I value morals above money and happiness over acquired "toys." A billionaire may be rich in "dirtbacks" and yet be alone and miserable.
I think the riches person in the world has the biggest garden and the most seeds...As well as a loving family no matter what part of the world you are in...But that's just my own little world. What about you? What makes you "rich"? Is it friends, family, possessions?
“I am poor and naked, but I am the chief of
the nation.
We do not want riches but we do want to train our
children right.
Riches would do us no good.
We could not take them with us to the other world.
We do not want riches. We want peace and love.”
Red Cloud
“It is not easy to be a pioneer - but oh, it is fascinating!
I would not trade one moment, even the worst moment,
for all the riches in the
world.”
Elizabeth Blackwell
It's been a few weeks since I posted a garden update. In many parts of the US gardeners are just getting seedling planted or transplanted into their beds. Not Florida! I'm currently harvesting quite a bit from the garden. This weekend I brought made a few delicious meals with my harvest which I'll post at Mary's Kitchen.
My harvest included: Swiss Chard, Little Gem Lettuce, Hungarian Heart Tomatoes, Cherokee Purple Tomatoes, Pimiento Peppers, Black Beauty Eggplant, Dill and Fine Verde Basil.
And there you have it!!! I'm rushing a bit this morning so it's short and sweet. I forgot to take pictures of my harvest this weekend so you'll have to use your imagination. I am so excited to rely less and less on store-bought or farmer's market produce!
This is one of my favorite recipes. The original recipe came from the Quaker Oats container. My mom made the original recipe quite often when we were kids. I put my own healthy spin on the original. I have substituted apple sauce for butter and cut back on the sugar. In addition, I use almond slivers and/or coconut flakes.
Mary's Vanishing Oatmeal Cookies
makes about 4 dozen cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup organic apple sauce 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 1/2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon cinnamon 3 cups Quaker Oats (old-fashion, uncooked) 1 1/4 cup raisins *omitted* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Extras: 1/4 cup almond slivers and/or 1/4 cup coconut flakes
Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Beat together apples sauce and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, beat well.
Add combined flour, baking soda and cinnamon. Mix well. Stir in oats and raisins (and almond slivers/coconut flakes). Mix well.
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased (I use Pam) cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet if you can wait that long. Remove to wire rack if there are any left.
Right! When I wrote The Politics of Food I didn't know there was a book (and entire movement) with the same title. Find out more here.
After my rant on Monday I decided to continue with a bit of revelation as to what organic consumers are actually consuming. I'm not judging because I used some of these very products without know what's really going on.
"Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are
the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty."
-Thomas Jefferson
Prepare to be stunned! (I know I was)
Sorry I couldn't make this bigger. For a better look, Check out Cyber Help for Organic Farmers. Who owns "organic" companies? Nestle, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Kellogg, General Mills, Danone, M&M Mars, Cadbury, Hershey Foods and Kraft.
According to Green America, many of these companies have been cited for using GMOs in the products, violating child labor laws, animal testing, racial and gender discrimination and Pollution.
When I used to shop at Whole Foods (now the truth is out and even their products contain GMOs) I was always tempted by the sparkling case of "organic" juices and smoothies. You know, by Odwalla and Naked Juice. The sad truth is that they are owned by Coca-Cola and Pepsi.
The "organic" industry is booming and the money is flowing in...To the same companies who have been poisoning us. Big corporations noticed the increased demand and have infiltrated the "organic" industry. To find out which companies are NOT owned by big corporations, check out Nutrition Wonderland.
Okay, so maybe the big corporations employ thousands/millions of people. With the current economic crisis/depression, jobs are important but most of these "jobs" are sent overseas where they is even less regulation. They continue to cut corners, support unsustainable agricultural practices, use ingredients which are POISON in some countries and all for their bottom line. It all comes down to MONEY! And who do you think pays for all of this? The consumer!
How do we, the consumer, get out from under these dastardly corporate greedies?
1. Know what you are eating and who you are supporting. Buy Local whenever possible.
2. Grow your own or join a CSA. Growing your own does not have to be a daunting task. Start small and ask for assistance. Herb gardens are easy to start and continue to provide for years if properly maintained. Sprouts are nutrient dense and take up almost no room.
4. Make your own. Rather than buying packaged foods (at a premium), make them at home. You'll save money, you'll be in charge of what you are eating AND by doing so you will reduce waste from excess packaging. Check out Mary's Kitchen for "made from scratch" recipes.
"Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny
and oppressions of body and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of
day. " -Thomas Jefferson
Although some may disagree, I don't consider myself a politically active individual. I do however feel very strongly about MY FOOD, which some say is highly political.
Think about this question: How is it that we live in such an advanced world (technology, medicine, science) and yet "the world is facing a hunger crisis unlike anything it has seen in more than 50 years"? 925 million people are hungry. In the US alone 15.1% live in poverty.
The price of food has gone up while the quality has gone down. Have you ever stopped to READ a label in the grocery store? If you can't pronounce it, your body probably does not need it. If you have ever wondered how your food is made or how your meat is raised, I urge you to watch the movie Food Inc. or read the book The Future of Food.
There is some debate as to whether organic food is actually better or healthier than conventionally grown (chemical laden) food. There is no doubt in my mind that the food I grow in my own garden is better for me than anything I can buy in the store. When I eat a homegrown tomato it was taken from the vine 5 minute prior. The Swiss Chard I saute was freshly harvested and I know for a fact that no chemicals were use, it was not irradiated and it didn't have to travel hundreds of miles (or even 1 mile) to my dinner table.
Now I'm not saying I eat perfect. I don't cook everything from scratch and there are plenty of canned goods in my pantry. The point I am trying to make is that it is up to each and every person to be responsible. Don't expect policy makers or big-agro to look out for you and your family. I'm tired of the "Oh don't worry about it" attitude. I might just scream next time I hear "You can't worry about what you have no control of." REALLY?
What about the women in Michigan who turned her front yard into a raised bed garden and faced jail time. Read an article here. Fortunately for her and her family, the city of Oak Park dropped the charges.
What can you do about it?
The California Initiative to Label GMOs is a step in the right direction. They hope to "Ensure the safety of food for California families and children." I have written about GMOs many times. Long story short, they are bad for the bees and there has been NO research done to find out what effect they may have on the human body.
Be aware. Get active.
-Michigan has decided to ban Heritage Pigs. Read about it at Food Freedom News. -The FDA Deleted 1 Million signatures for GMO Labeling. Read about it at Natural Society.
Have you ever thought about the EFFECTS of GMO food? No? Do you know what they are? Neither does the FDA, USDA or Monsanto. There could be devastating long-term effects, both to the human body and our environment as a whole. Read about CCD and the Bees.
I WILL fight for the future of my food. I will continue to grow my own veggies (maybe even raise chickens one day) and I hope the USDA, the FDA and the federal government would mind their own business. And really, if the USDA or FDA allows companies to sell PINK SLIME, than I think it should be OK for me to grow my own food and share it with my friends.
Okay, so I'm feeling a bit dramatic today. Why? Well it's Friday! If that isn't enough, I've been in the garden this afternoon enjoying the heat, the sunshine and aroma of bee-friendly flowers and dirt. Best of all, I don't have to work tomorrow!
I have been growing/eating sprouts for a while. I sprout "cat grass" which is actually wheat grass, for our 2 cats and they LOVE it. I sprout Mung Beans for stir fry and Alfalfa for sandwiches and salads.
Sprouts are nutrient dense and take up almost no space. If you want fresh veggies without having to grow a garden, sprouts are the way to go. Do you know that a small box of Alfalfa sprouts at the grocery store cost about $4. That's ridiculous! For $8 you can get 8 ounces of seeds, which will make about 20 boxes of sprouts. Most important, by growing your own you are in control of your food. You can decide when to grow, how much to grow and grow them organically.
Don't be scared to try something new. Don't let Sprouts intimidate you. Take control of your food! (Fist in the air, that's me the drama queen) Seriously, it's not difficult and it's good for you. Don't believe me? Below are the facts:
Alfalfa sprouts contain only 8 calories per serving, making
this crunchy food an ideal choice for people who are trying to lose weight.
Self magazine grants alfalfa sprout a five-star rating as a weight loss aid,
noting that it is low in calories, sugar, fat and saturated fat. Additionally,
because alfalfa sprouts are rich in fiber and protein, they may help to
facilitate sensations of fullness for people who tend to overeat.
Alfalfa sprouts are a good source of several micronutrients,
or vitamins. NutritionData reports that alfalfa sprouts contain B vitamins such
as niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, pantothenic acid and vitamin B6.
Additionally, alfalfa sprouts provide roughly 13 percent of an adult's
recommended daily intake of vitamin K. Because of alfalfa's high vitamin K
content, the National Institutes of Health advise patients taking blood-thinners
to avoid foods and supplements made from the plant.
Eating broccoli sprouts may be able to protect people from
cancer, according to scientists from Johns Hopkins. The Maryland-based
researchers found that young broccoli sprouts contain a substance called
sulforaphane in concentrated amounts. Sulforaphane helps the body fight cancer,
and may prevent certain cancers from developing. Researchers call this
phenomenon chemoprotection.
Asthma sufferers may benefit from a daily dose of broccoli
sprouts, as studies have shown a decrease in inflammation of the airways after
eating the vegetable. A study reported in the March 2009 issue of Clinical
Immunology reports that sulforaphane, the same compound that can prevent and
fight cancer, reduced inflammation associated with asthma and nasal allergies.
In addition to broccoli sprouts, sulforaphane is naturally occurring in
cauliflower, mature broccoli, brussels sprouts and cabbage.
Fenugreek sprouts provide a large source of protein and a
smaller amount of carbohydrates due to the sprouting process compared to other
legumes. The soaking process of seed to sprout allows for enzymatic reactions
to occur, providing easily digested proteins. The enzyme amylase breaks down
complex carbohydrates found in the seeds to simple carbohydrates that are
washed away during the rinsing process. Lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fat,
creates a usable form of fat that is easily absorbed in the body.
Fenugreek can be used as spice, digestive aid, hair growth
supplement and expectorant. Fenugreek may help stimulate milk production in
nursing women and may aid in menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and breast
tenderness. Fenugreek may also help to naturally lower cholesterol and aid in
blood-sugar control in people who have diabetes.
Fenugreek provides a variety of vitamins, minerals,
proteins, healthy fats and fiber. One teaspoon of fenugreek contains 12
calories, 0.85 g protein, 0.24 g fat, 0.9 g fiber, 7 mg calcium, 1.24 mg iron,
7 mg magnesium, 11 mg phosphorus and 28 mg potassium.
Mung bean sprouts have a low calorie density, or energy
density, with only 31 calories per 104 g serving. Low energy-dense foods can
help you lose weight or prevent weight gain because they are relatively low in
calories compared to their serving size, so you can fill up on them without
eating too many calories, according to MayoClinic.com. Low energy-dense foods
tend to be low in fat and high in dietary fiber, and mung bean sprouts have almost
no fat and nearly 2 g dietary fiber per serving.
Each cup, or 104 g serving, of sprouted raw mung beans
provides 155 mg potassium and only 6 mg sodium. Try to get at least 4,700 mg
potassium and no more than 2,300 mg sodium per day to avoid high blood pressure
and an increased risk for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease, according
to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services.
Each 1-cup serving of raw mung bean sprouts provides 14 mg
vitamin C, or nearly one quarter of the daily value for vitamin C. Vitamin C is
an antioxidant vitamin that is essential for proper immune function and wound
healing. Another benefit of mung bean sprouts is their 60 mcg folic acid, or 15
percent of the daily value for this B vitamin, which is an especially important
nutrient for women who may become pregnant, because it reduces the risk for
neural tube birth defects.
A benefit of mung bean sprouts is that more than 90 percent
of their weight is water, and you can use them, like other vegetables, to help
you stay hydrated, according to the University
of Michigan. Mung bean
sprouts are a cholesterol-free food, and their dietary fiber can lower levels
of bad LDL cholesterol in your blood.
Part 1 of Using Seaweed in the Garden was posted back in July 2011. I thought it would be nice to go into more detail about the Why and the How of using seaweed as a natural fertilizer (and more).
Seaweed has many uses but I'm going to talk about using seaweed for Fertilizer, Mulch, Pest Control and Compost Activator.
Fertilizer Seaweed tea is simple and easy to make. It can be stored up to 3 month but is best used within 4 weeks. Seaweed contains trace elements and minerals and is a Nitrogen-rich soil amendment. Use seaweed for those heavy feeders such as Tomatoes, Peppers and Squash.
Mulch I use all types of organic material for mulch such as dry leaves, store-bought bark (mulch) and seaweed. Once I have used up the last of my tea, the rest gets used as mulch around my tomatoes. Mulch is important to keep down the weeds, retain moisture, protects close to the surface roots, all while providing nutrients to the plant as the mulch breaks down.
Pest Control While using seaweed hasn't kept the neighborhood cats out of my garden, I have very little snails or slugs. For natural pest control I also use companion planting for an all around happy garden (and happy bees).
Compost Activator If you have a compost pile of bin, seaweed is your friend. What is Compost? was also posted July 2011 and is a great starting point for new gardeners. "Compost is a natural soil amendment and garden fertilizer. It can be made FREE using kitchen scraps (and yard clipping)." Add seaweed to the compost pile to add nutrients and speed the process by feeding the beneficial microbes.
As I mention in my original post, clean the seaweed before you apply to plants, tea or compost. It's important when collecting seaweed that you observe you state and local laws. There are many protected beaches that do not allow people to remove anything from the shore or water. I collected my seaweed first thin in the morning so it was fresh and relatively clean.
Please be aware of tiny creatures. Inspect the seaweed or rinse before you leave the shore so you don't bring home (and possibly kill) helpless creatures.
