Crystal Meserole GYOV Team, Author at Grow Your Own Vegetables

Bats as Heroes: How Partnering with Nature Saved a Town

Nature has incredible power. From fleas jumping hundreds of times their body length to dandelions rooting anywhere, nature’s abilities can seem magical. But what if nature could also solve human problems like providing easy organic garden pest solutions? Instead of always relying on man-made solutions, could we partner with nature for answers? Dr. Charles Campbell did just that—and saved an entire town.

Dr. Charles Campbell’s Unconventional Solution

In 1907, malaria was devastating a small community near San Antonio. Dr. Campbell, who had previously helped control a typhus outbreak, focused on malaria next. Though quinine could manage symptoms, it wasn’t a cure or prevention. Campbell turned to bats, one of the most feared and misunderstood creatures. Despite initial setbacks, he succeeded in establishing a bat colony in Lake Mitchell, where malaria had infected 89% of the population and mosquito swarms were overwhelming.

The Bat Colony’s Success

In 1911, Dr. Campbell built a bat roost, and within two nights, 250,000 bats arrived. While methods like insecticides and draining marshes failed to control mosquitoes, the bat colony consumed around 750 million mosquitoes each night. By 1913, malaria cases stopped entirely. This success demonstrated the immense power of partnering with nature, thinking outside the box, and overcoming fear and superstition.

The Bigger Picture: What Could We Create Together?

Dr. Campbell’s success asks an important question: What if we thought differently about nature’s role in solving modern problems? By partnering with nature, we could have easy organic garden pest solutions address many of today’s challenges and create a more balanced world. The possibilities are endless if we embrace unconventional ideas.

Dr. Campbell’s work shows the power of thinking outside the box. By partnering with nature, we can create a healthier, more sustainable future. His story reminds us that working with nature may be the key to solving our most pressing problems—and that our gardens, both literal and metaphorical, may hold untapped solutions.

Do you partner with nature in your garden? Share a time when you learned the power of partnering with mother nature in the comment section below!

Microgreens and Sprouts… What’s the Difference?

Microgreens and sprouts often get grouped together, but they’re not the same. If you’ve ever wondered which is better or what sets them apart, you’re not alone. Knowing the difference helps you choose the best option for your meals, your health, and even your growing space. Let’s break it down so you can feel confident reaching for the right greens.

Image of Microgreens with the blog title "Benefits of Microgreens and Ways to Enjoy Them"

Growth Process Makes All the Difference

Sprouts grow entirely in water, usually in a jar or tray. You eat the seed, root, stem, and tiny leaves. They’re ready in just a few days. Microgreens grow in soil or a growing medium and are harvested later—often after 7–14 days. That extra growing time gives them more flavor and a bigger nutrient boost.

Texture and Taste Set Them Apart

Sprouts have a soft, juicy crunch. They taste mild and slightly nutty, depending on the seed type. You’ll usually find them in sandwiches or wraps.

Microgreens, on the other hand, offer a richer variety of textures and flavors. Some are peppery, like radish. Others are earthy, like beet greens or bright like basil. They’re perfect for garnishes, salads, and anything that needs a fresh, bold finish.

A person holding a small chunk of microgreens

Microgreens Offer More Nutrients

Both are healthy, but microgreens are the nutritional winners. Because they grow longer and absorb light and nutrients from the soil, they develop higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

If you’re looking to boost your meals with a serious dose of nutrition, microgreens are the better choice. But if you want something quick and light, sprouts still have their place.

Safety and Storage Tips

Sprouts grow in warm, humid conditions—ideal for the seeds and bacteria. That’s why you often see food safety warnings on raw sprouts. Always rinse them well and buy from a trusted source.

Microgreens are less risky since they grow above ground and in open air. They still need a rinse, but their is less risk of contamination when you grow microgreens correctly and they tend to stay fresher longer and store better in the fridge.

Sprouts and microgreens both have something to offer. Sprouts are quick, light, and great for simple meals. Microgreens bring bold flavor, vibrant color, and a big boost of nutrition. When you know the difference, you can choose the right green for your goals—and enjoy them in a way that supports your body and your taste buds.

More Recipes to Enjoy Your Harvest!
Delicious Microgreens Recipes

Cutting Boards for Fresh Food Safety

Food safety is crucial when preserving and storing food, and one often overlooked tool is the cutting board. Choosing the right board can help prevent bacterial contamination, especially when preparing fresh produce. Here’s a quick look at the best cutting boards for fresh food safety.

Plastic, Glass, or Wood: Which Is Safer?

While plastic has long been considered the safest option, recent studies suggest glass is actually more bacteria-resistant. However, glass can be tough on knives and may cause food to slip. Wood offers the best balance of safety and practicality, with natural antibacterial properties that plastic and glass lack. Well-maintained hardwood cutting boards are less prone to contamination, making them an excellent choice for food safety.

Sterilizing and Caring for Your Wooden Cutting Board

Wooden boards are easy to clean and maintain. Simply rinse with warm water, sprinkle salt, rub with lemon, let sit for five minutes, and rinse again. This method avoids harsh chemicals while ensuring cleanliness.

Best Woods for Cutting Boards for Fresh Food Safety

Hardwoods like oak, mahogany, and maple are ideal. Maple, with a Janka hardness rating of 1450, is a solid choice, but higher ratings (2500+) offer the best durability and bacteria resistance. Crelicam Ebony, with a Janka rating of 3080, is an excellent option for a durable, antibacterial board.

Check out this amazing cutting board, the Stella Falone Reversible Cutting Board made of solid West African Crelicam Ebony Wood.

Affordable Hardwood Cutting Boards for Fresh Food Safety

Teardrop cutting board. Beautiful wood with red stripe across

For a more budget-friendly option, Purpleheart Wood (Janka rating 2520) is a great choice.

The Ziruma Teak and Purpleheart Wood Cheese Board is a stylish and practical option, cured with organic beeswax for extra protection.

The Downside of High-Hardness Wood Cutting Boards

Harder woods may dull knives faster, but regular sharpening will keep your knives in top shape. The added food safety benefits make the trade-off worthwhile.

A well-maintained hardwood cutting board offers the best food safety. Glass may prevent bacterial contamination, but it risks knife damage. Wood balances safety, practicality, and durability, making it the ideal choice for a cutting board.

AK, N., CLIVER, D. and KASPAR, C. (1993). Decontamination of Plastic and Wooden Cutting Boards for Kitchen Use. [online] Available at: https://meridian.allenpress.com/jfp/article/57/1/23/195718/Decontamination-of-Plastic-and-Wooden-Cutting [Accessed 7 Mar. 2020].

Ordering Seeds Like a Pro – Part 2

Welcome to Part 2 of our seed ordering journey! If you’ve read Part 1, you’ve already learned how to plan and select your seeds, along with the importance of sticking with old favorites and venturing into new experiments. In this second part, I’m going to share some practical tips to save money, promote self-sustainability, and order like a pro. Let’s jump right into it!

Would you rather watch than read

‘Ordering Seeds Like A Pro?’

Watch the video at the bottom of this post instead!

Let Them Re-seed

One way to save money and reduce waste is by letting your plants reseed themselves. Some plants naturally drop seeds that can sprout the following year, giving you a free crop for the season. Flowers like calendula and herbs such as cilantro tend to self-seed easily. If you let these plants reseed, you’ll enjoy an effortless supply of new seedlings every year—no need to reorder seeds for these varieties!

Grow Your Own Insecticide

Ordering Seeds Like a Pro - Marigold Plants with Blooms

Another cost-saving technique is to grow plants that naturally repel pests. By including varieties like marigolds, garlic, and nasturtiums, you can create a natural insecticide that helps protect your garden from bugs without using harmful chemicals. These plants work wonders for keeping pests at bay, and they also add beauty and diversity to your garden. It’s a win-win!

Order Like a Pro

When it comes to ordering seeds in bulk, be strategic. It’s not just about getting the best deals—it’s about ordering the right amount. Make sure you plan ahead and order what you need without overdoing it. Bulk buying works best when you know how much you’ll be using, and when you can spread the cost over many packets. By calculating the quantities you need, you’ll avoid buying more than you can realistically use in a season.

Find a Local Group to Bulk Order With

Ordering Seeds Like a Pro - 3 large seed bags filled with seeds on a table

If you want to take your bulk ordering to the next level, consider teaming up with a local gardening group, family, or neighbors. This way, you can share larger seed packets, reducing the cost for everyone involved. Many communities host seed swaps or organize bulk-order programs. By joining in, you’ll cut your seed costs dramatically while fostering a sense of community among fellow gardeners.

With these strategies, ordering seeds for your garden doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. By selecting the right seeds, letting plants reseed, and teaming up with others to bulk order, you’ll have everything you need for a successful growing season. Here’s to a fruitful and cost-effective 2025 garden!

Would you rather watch than read

‘Ordering Seeds Like A Pro?’

Watch the video below instead!

Ordering Seeds Like a Pro

The 2025 growing season is upon us, and it’s time to get our seeds ordered and ready! For many of us, this is the most exciting part of the season—planning what to grow and how to make our gardens flourish. But it can also cause decision fatigue. In this two-part series, you’ll learn a successful approach to ordering seeds, from old favorites to exciting new experiments, plus some tips to help you save money along the way. Let’s dive into Ordering Seeds Like a Pro Part 1!

Would you rather watch than read

‘Ordering Seeds Lika Pro?’

Watch the video at the bottom of this post instead!

Ordering Seeds

The first step in ordering seeds is to take a moment to plan. Before adding anything to your cart, think about your available space, growing conditions, and what your goals are for the season. Are you focusing on flavor, yield, or maybe something new to try? Take a look back at what worked well in your garden last year, and think about areas you’d like to improve. When reviewing seed packets, pay close attention to key information such as days to maturity, space requirements, and pest resistance. This information helps you order with confidence, ensuring your selections are suited to your space and growing conditions.

Old Favorites

Ordering Seeds Like a Pro- Part 1 Wodden chest with seed packets stacked at an angle with the front row of seed packets opened to show various seeds

Each growing season, come back to varieties you know consistently gives great results. These old favorites are tried-and-true, and offer reliable harvests year after year. For example, you might order the same heirloom tomato variety or greens like red Russian kale and Swiss chard you know you enjoy. If you’re new to gardening, stick to a few trusted varieties– it’s an excellent way to build confidence and set the stage for a successful year ahead.

New Experiments

While it’s important to stick with your reliable favorites, it’s also exciting to try out new crops each year. Experiment with purple carrots, unique herbs, or colorful peppers! Try new varieties to bring a fun twist to your garden. Just be sure to do a little research before diving in. Knowing more about your new choices helps set realistic expectations, ensuring you’re prepared for any surprises that might come up as you grow

Ordering Seeds Like a Pro- Part 1 Woman in her backyard sitting at a table with potted plants holding a seed packet

Stay tuned for Ordering Seeds Like a Pro Part 2, where I’ll dive into how to save money by letting plants reseed, creating natural insecticides in your garden, and mastering the art of bulk ordering!