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.

Carrot & Celery on a cutting board

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

Cutting Board (wood-rectangle)

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]. 

Getting Started Growing Your Own Vegetable and Herb Seedlings

Seedlings are the baby plants you see at the nurseries, ready to be transplanted into your garden. But you might want to grow your own instead. While there are many benefits of starting your own vegetable and herb plants from seeds, there is one BIG reason why you might consider purchasing instead. Here are the most important considerations for growing seedlings at home. 

Benefits to growing your own:

  1. You know exactly how the seedlings were grown. Ensure your plants are grown organically without any toxic chemicals entering your garden. When purchasing, ask whether plants have been treated. 
  2. You ensure your plants immunity is high for a healthy life. Temperatures and conditions are important to baby plants, and stress at a young age can cause transplant shock or a weak plant that doesn’t yield well. Sometimes you bring home a seedling, plant it, and it dies. And you’re not sure if it’s something you did. But it could just be a plant that wasn’t cared for properly.
  3. You have complete control of when you put plants in the ground. When purchasing transplants, you are relying on what’s available at the stores. And what you want is not always there when you need it. Growing your own means you can plan ahead for your most abundant harvest.
  4. You have access to hundreds of varieties of vegetables. There are so many varieties of mustard greens and tomatoes on the planet that nobody could even tell you how many there are. And that’s true of most vegetables. Choose exciting varieties for flavor, yield,  and what grows well in your climate. 
  5. You save money. Once you get the hang of growing HEALTHY plants and you have all the supplies, you will save money. However, the first few years, planting your own can actually be more expensive than buying transplants. This is the one BIG reason you may want to purchase instead.

Three garden supplies essential to growing your own seedlings

You’ll need 1) growing medium (not soil), 2) containers to put it in, and 3) grow lamps if you’re growing indoors. We’ll focus on containers in this article. But real quick, our favorite growing medium is Fox Farm Ocean Forest Potting Mix. It’s got everything your plants need in one bag, from earthworm castings, bat guano, sea-going fish & crab meal to forest humus and moss. This mix will not disappoint!   Click here to get it on Amazon. And here is a bulk order option. 

This article is too short to include recipes for making your own mix. A couple key ingredients to include are perlite, vermiculite, peat moss or Canna Coconut Coir and Wiggle Worm – Worm Castings. For small gardens, choose the 4.5-pound size. For larger gardens, choose the bulk 30-pound option.

This is not a complete list, just some of our favorites to get you started.

Reusable Containers for Starting Vegetable and Herb Seeds


Generally, plastic trays are flimsy and end up in the landfill after just one or two uses. However, one farm is changing all that and helping to redefine our relationship to the Earth. Bootstrap Farmer offers durable trays with a one-year warranty against warping and breakage… that’s amazing! Clean trays between use to prevent disease spread.

These are the best, longest-lasting trays on the market. And they have different cell sizes available. Get cells for smaller varieties like lettuces here and get larger six cells for your larger transplants like tomatoes and cucumbers here.

Containers You Plant Right in the Ground

Avoiding plastic altogether? Consider Fertilpots over at Arbico Organics, which compost right into your soil. Plant the whole thing in your garden and avoid any transplant shock from handling the plant. Unlike many similar compostable products, they are OMRI-listed meaning the ingredients have been tracked as organic. Fertilpots are breathable and help prevent roots from getting root-bound, too. However, the downside is that you have to keep buying more.

“Soil Blocking” Eliminates the Need for Containers

Soil blocking is a process where you press your growing medium together into squares that hold together without the need for containers. Once you have the right equipment for this process, you never have to buy containers ever again. However, you do have a higher initial investment to get started.

There are benefits to this method: no cleaning trays, conserving growing medium, and providing optimal root health. How to soil block effectively is a topic of another post. NOTE: You’ll need to mix your own special growing medium (not one that you can buy at a big-box store), and a bit of time to get used to the process. 

Soil blockers are for anyone who wants to get away from plastic, has a little extra time and money, wants the healthiest seedlings and plans to garden long-term. 

20-Cell Soil Blockers come in a handheld and stand-up  versions. The stand-up soil blocker is much easier on your wrists, shoulders and back. 4” Soil Blockers are the largest blocker available and are perfect for your larger transplants like tomatoes, gourds, cucumbers, eggplant, etc.

How do you make your garden decisions?

Ultimately, there are many garden choices you will make. Some questions to consider: What do you really have time for? What feels like the best environmental choice for you? And what amount of investment feels good right now? Whatever suits you and your lifestyle is the right choice for you. And that goes for making decisions about seed starting at home, too.  

Check out our Seeds Micro Course!

In this course, you’ll find resources for buying seeds that reflect your values, starting successful seedlings, and saving seeds–make gardening everything you need and want it to be!

Seeds Micro Course Graphic

Not Ready to Grow Yet?

Check out our Free Guide on Types of Seeds

In this guide, you’ll learn

Types of Seed Quick Guide TINY
NOTE:  This article contains affiliate links and Grow Your Own Vegetables, LLC may be compensated when you click and purchase through the links above. By purchasing through these links, you’re supporting our mission to help green the planet and create food stable communities across the globe. We only recommend products we LOVE and that help growers on their quest for a fresh food lifestyle.

How to Grow Your Own Vegetables and Save Money on Groceries

Save on Groceries with Your Own Garden

Grocery bills keep climbing, but there’s a simple way to fight back: grow your own vegetables. A home garden can cut costs dramatically, saving you hundreds, or even thousands, every year. By learning what and when to plant, you’ll maximize your space and harvest fresh, budget-friendly produce.

Start with What You Eat

Begin by listing the vegetables and herbs your family buys most often. Staples like basil, cilantro, tomatoes, and lettuce are easy to grow and cost just pennies compared to store prices. Focusing on foods you actually enjoy ensures your garden delivers the biggest savings.

Maximize Your Space

Even without a big backyard, you can grow plenty. Balconies, patios, and even sunny windowsills are perfect for high-yield crops like lettuce, herbs, and tomatoes. Don’t be discouraged by a lack of land—small spaces can produce an impressive amount of food with some creativity. With a little creativity, small spaces can produce an impressive harvest.

Know Your Growing Conditions

Every garden is unique. Sunlight, soil, wind, and even nearby structures all affect what will thrive in your space. The good news? You can create microclimates—like using row covers to keep plants warmer or placing heat-loving crops near a sunny wall—to expand what you’re able to grow. Understanding these conditions helps you choose the right crops and avoid wasted effort. Our Beginning Crop Planning Micro Course is perfect if you’re just starting out, while our Crop Planning Course offers advanced strategies for experienced gardeners who want to fine-tune their harvests.

Start from Seed for Bigger Savings

Buying seedlings is convenient, but starting from seed indoors gives you the best return on investment. Seeds are inexpensive, and you’ll often end up with extra plants to trade or share. Over time, this small step saves the most money.

Preserve Your Harvest for Year-Round Savings

Plant more than you can eat today to enjoy tomorrow. Some vegetables, like carrots, potatoes, and onions, keep well with little effort. Others can be frozen, canned, or fermented to last all year. If you are looking for guidance as you embark on preserving your food, our Preserve the Harvest Course teaches you step-by-step methods to stretch your garden’s value far beyond the growing season.

Gardening Is More Than Saving Money

Beyond the financial benefits, gardening gets you outdoors, boosts your health, and provides a real sense of accomplishment. It’s also a fun way to teach kids where food comes from. Plus, nothing beats the taste of fresh, homegrown vegetables.

Start Saving Today

Whether you begin with a few pots of herbs or a full backyard garden, every step reduces your grocery bill and improves your health. And if you’d like extra support, our Fresh Food Essentials Course shows you how to grow $400 worth of groceries in just 40 days.

3 Empowering Benefits of Container Gardening

Container gardening opens up a world of possibilities, offering flexibility, control, and accessibility. Whether you’re growing in a small space or seeking to make gardening easier on your body, container gardening has empowering benefits for all gardeners. Let’s dive into how containers can transform your gardening experience.

1. Accommodating Picky Plants!

One of the most empowering benefits of container gardening is the ability to cater to even the most particular plants. In traditional gardens, your soil structure and nutrients are limited by what’s available in the ground. With containers, you can customize the soil composition and adjust the nutrient mix to meet the needs of a wide variety of plants. Whether you’re growing plants that require specific pH levels or those that thrive in well-drained soil, containers give you the control to create the perfect growing environment. This means you can grow more diverse plants that wouldn’t otherwise thrive in your native soil.

2. Making the Most of Your Garden Space

No matter how much space you have, container gardening lets you maximize it. Whether you’re working with a tiny apartment balcony, a rooftop, or even windowsills, containers let you grow both outdoors and indoors. You’re not limited to just the ground—you can place containers in any sunny spot. This makes gardening accessible to people with limited outdoor space, while still giving them the freedom to create their own green oasis. Plus, containers are portable, so you can move them around to optimize sunlight exposure or protect them from harsh weather.

3. Accessibility for Gardeners with Limited Mobility

As many gardeners age, physical challenges can make traditional gardening methods more difficult. The bending, kneeling, and heavy lifting required for in-ground gardening can take a toll. Container gardening, however, offers a solution for gardeners with limited mobility. Raised containers, vertical planters, and pots at accessible heights reduce the physical strain and make it easier to tend to plants. You can garden from a comfortable standing or sitting position, allowing you to continue enjoying the therapeutic benefits of gardening without the discomfort. Container gardening creates a more accessible, sustainable gardening practice for everyone.

Whether you have picky plants, limited space, or physical limitations, container gardening empowers you to grow what you love with more flexibility and control. It allows you to customize the environment for your plants, maximize your available space, and keep gardening accessible for everyone. Start your container garden today and discover how much more you can grow with just a few pots!

Related articles you may enjoy:

Small Scale Vermicomposting You Can Do Anywhere
Getting Started Growing Your Own Vegetable and Herb Seedlings
Keys to Partner with Mother Nature

Masterclass on YouTube:

10 Tips to Growing Tomatoes… and More of Them!

Please share in the comments below ways that you’ve added ease into your gardening process with container gardening.

 

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.

More Than Just the Solution

Working with nature isn’t just about the benefits we gain—it’s about restoring balance. The bat colony helped control an out-of-control mosquito population, which in turn restored balance to the ecosystem. Dr. Campbell’s willingness to experiment and fail allowed him to discover an effective solution. His observations even included noticing mosquito flight tones, revealing how bats use echolocation to track prey. This insight predated the scientific discovery of echolocation in 1938.

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.

Garden Beneficials Micro Course

Related articles to create easy organic garden pest solutions you may enjoy:

Keys to Partner with Mother Nature
Why You WANT Pests in Your Garden
Small Scale Vermicomposting You Can Do Anywhere

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!

3 Strategies to Prevent Pests & Diseases Organically – Early in the Growing Season

As the growing season begins, pests like aphids and squash bugs can threaten your crops. Preventing garden pests & diseases early is crucial. By creating the right conditions and using organic methods, you can protect your plants from pests and diseases from the start.

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The 3 Conditions That Make Plants Susceptible to Diseases

Powdery Mildew (1) Garden Pests & Diseases

To prevent garden pests & diseases, it’s essential to understand how they spread. For a plant to get infected, three things need to align:

1. Pathogen present: A harmful pathogen, such as a fungus, bacteria, or virus, must be nearby.

2. The plant is vulnerable: The plant must be in a weakened or susceptible state.

3. Favorable conditions: Conditions like high humidity or excessive moisture must be present for pathogens to thrive.

If all three conditions align, diseases can spread quickly, especially in organic gardens where synthetic chemicals are avoided. Preventing disease outbreaks means disrupting one or more of these factors. Here are three strategies to help!

Strategy #1 – Healthy Soil for Strong Plants

Healthy soil is the foundation of pest and disease prevention. Plants in nutrient-rich, balanced soil are more resilient. Adding compost enriches the soil with beneficial microbes that fight harmful pathogens, improve water retention, and reduce drought stress. Strong plants are naturally less susceptible to pests and diseases.

Strategy #2 – Choose Pest-Resistant Varieties

Pests are drawn to food and shelter, so planting pest-resistant varieties is one of the best ways to prevent infestations. For example, some squash varieties are resistant to squash vine borers. By choosing pest-resistant plants, especially those favored by specific pests, you reduce the risk of issues. Regularly inspect plants and act quickly if pests appear.

Strategy #3 – Harvest Regularly to Minimize Attractants

Pests are attracted to overripe or decaying vegetables. Harvesting crops at their peak not only gives you fresher produce but also prevents pests from moving in. Overgrown plants or vegetables left too long in the garden can attract pests looking for food and shelter. Regular harvesting helps keep your garden tidy and discourages pests from settling in.

Taking proactive steps early in the season can save time and frustration later. Focus on building healthy soil, choosing pest-resistant varieties, and harvesting frequently. These strategies will help ensure a productive, pest-free garden. Organic gardening thrives when a balanced ecosystem allows healthy plants to flourish and pests stay in check.

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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

Benefits of Microgreens and Ways to Enjoy Them

Microgreens are small but powerful. These tiny greens pack a punch of nutrients, flavor, and beauty—all in one bite. Whether you grow them yourself or grab them at the market, adding microgreens to your meals is one of the simplest ways to boost your health. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to enjoy.

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

Microgreens Are Nutrient Powerhouses

Don’t let their size fool you—microgreens are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. You’ll often get more nutrients from a handful of microgreens than from a full serving of mature greens.

In an article from NPR, author Eliza Barclay shared a study conducted by Gene Lester, the National Program Leader of Nutrition and Food Safety/Quality for the USDA that focused on the amount of nutrients in microgreens. The study included 25 varieties of microgreens, and they tested for four groups of vitamins and other phytochemicals. Their findings showed “leaves from almost all of the microgreens [tested] had four to six times more nutrients than the mature leaves of the same plant.” Some variation was found from species to species, just as is also found in mature species.

Microgreens are especially high in vitamins C, E, and K, and many are packed with beta-carotene. Adding them to your meals helps support your immune system, skin, and energy levels naturally.

Microgreen TINY

Support Your Body, Naturally

Microgreens can help reduce inflammation and protect your cells from damage. They’re full of phytonutrients that your body loves. If you’re focused on heart health, digestion, or clearer skin, these greens belong on your plate. They’re also low in calories but high in flavor—so you get the benefits without the bulk.

Elevate Everyday Meals

Benefits of Microgreens

Microgreens aren’t just healthy—they’re delicious. You can sprinkle them on salads, stir them into soups, or blend them into sauces. Their fresh, crisp taste adds a pop of brightness to any dish.

They pair especially well with creamy foods. Try topping a warm bowl of cream of greens soup with peppery arugula microgreens for a beautiful finish. Or toss them into your favorite salad to level it up with texture and taste.

Add Microgreens to Soups and Salads

You don’t need to overthink it. Add a pinch of microgreens right before serving your soup or salad. They hold up well to warm dishes and offer a satisfying contrast in both flavor and temperature.

Try mixing them into a veggie-packed salad, or place a small mound of microgreens in the center of your bowl as a garnish for soup—it looks elegant and tastes amazing.

Microgreens may be tiny, but their benefits are huge. They’re an easy way to support your health, improve your meals, and bring beauty to your plate. Whether you’re tossing them in salads, blending them into soups, or simply snacking on them fresh, microgreens offer a simple path to feeling nourished, naturally.

Ready to learn how to grow your own microgreens? Check out our Grow Microgreens Anywhere Micro Course, which teaches you everything you need to grow microgreens right at home!

More Recipes to Enjoy Your Harvest!
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Delicious Microgreens Recipes

Spirit Gardening: Embrace Wonder in Your Garden

When you step into your garden, do you feel a sense of peace and excitement or do you feel stress and overwhelm? Gardening isn’t just about growing food—it’s a journey, a process of discovery, and one of the most important stages in spirit gardening: embrace wonder. This stage is all about embracing your childlike curiosity and allowing yourself to ask questions. It’s the moment when you realize how much there is to learn, explore, and connect with. In this blog, we’ll dive into why the stage of wonder is essential to your gardening practice and how you can cultivate it to deepen your connection with the land.

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Spirit Gardening: Embrace Wonder – The Magic of Asking Questions

Wonder begins with curiosity. As a gardener, you’ve likely found yourself asking questions like: “How does this plant grow?” “What can I do with these herbs?” or “How can I make my garden more vibrant?” Asking questions is the foundation of learning and growing—both for your garden and for yourself. The beauty of the wonder stage is that there’s no wrong question. Every inquiry sparks new possibilities and opens doors to deeper understanding. By embracing the magic of curiosity, you allow yourself to explore new techniques, discover hidden gardening secrets, and truly appreciate the process.

Spirit Gardening: Embrace Wonder – See Your Garden Through New Eyes

Spirit Gardening: Embrace Wonder - Light pink flowers dapple a mystical blue and teal nature path

 

When you embrace wonder, you stop seeing your garden as just a plot of land and start seeing it as a living, breathing entity full of potential. Wonder allows you to look at your plants, herbs, and vegetables not just as food, but as unique beings that have something to teach you. You might find yourself marveling at the way a seed transforms into a plant or how the smell of fresh herbs can instantly lift your spirits. Every moment in the garden becomes an opportunity to deepen your connection with nature, encouraging a sense of awe that enhances your gardening experience.

The Spirit of Exploration

In the stage of wonder, the garden becomes your playground. It’s not about knowing all the answers but about exploring, experimenting, and making discoveries along the way. Maybe you try growing a new herb or experiment with a preservation technique you’ve never used before. Perhaps you create a unique recipe using ingredients straight from your garden. Whatever it is, wonder invites you to be adventurous. It’s about finding joy in the journey and knowing that each season brings something new to learn and explore. The spirit of wonder keeps you engaged and excited, even when the process feels challenging.

Spirit Gardening: Embrace Wonder – Wonder is the Gateway to Growth

Spirti Gardening: Embrace Wonder - Garden wrought iron gate with pink flowering plants on either side the whole image bathed in shimmering light

Wonder isn’t just about asking questions and being curious—it’s also about growth. The more questions you ask, the more you’ll discover. The more you explore, the more you’ll find new ways to nurture your garden and yourself. Wonder leads to deeper knowledge and a stronger connection to the land. It encourages you to step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and trust the process. As you continue to ask questions, make discoveries, and embrace the unknown, you’ll find yourself growing alongside your garden.

In spirit gardening, wonder is the first and most important stage of the journey. It’s about seeing your garden with fresh eyes, embracing curiosity, and exploring the endless possibilities it offers. By allowing yourself to ask questions, experiment, and be open to the unknown, you invite deeper connection and growth into your gardening practice. So, the next time you step into your garden, let wonder guide you. Ask yourself what you can learn today, and let that curiosity fuel your gardening adventure.

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Enjoying Stacey’s Spirit Gardening Series? Share your ‘AhHa’ moments with us!

The Benefits of Fermentation: A Healthier Way to Preserve

Gut health is a growing concern, with many facing digestive issues and chronic conditions due to an imbalanced gut microbiome. Much like losing a garden harvest to disease, poor gut health can have long-term effects on overall well-being. Fermented foods offer a natural solution to support gut health, improve nutrient absorption, and enhance wellness. Let’s explore the benefits of fermentation!

The Impact of Poor Gut Health

Poor gut health can lead to a host of issues, including poor digestion, weakened immunity, and even mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. Just like a neglected plant disease can ruin your garden, an imbalanced gut can negatively affect your physical and mental well-being. Without proper attention, these issues can worsen over time, making it harder to restore balance.

Fermented Foods: A Natural Solution

Fermented Food

Fermented foods are a powerful tool to improve gut health. During fermentation, beneficial probiotics are produced that help restore balance to the gut microbiome. Foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, and kefir provide the bacteria necessary to support digestion and immunity. Additionally, fermentation increases the bioavailability of nutrients, meaning your body absorbs vitamins and minerals more efficiently.

Fermented foods offer a natural way to enhance your digestive system and improve nutrient absorption. This is especially important for getting the most out of the food you eat, even if you don’t always have access to the freshest, locally grown produce.

Get Started with Fermentation

Fermentation may seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think. We’ve created a helpful guide to get you started with fermenting at home. This guide walks you through the steps, providing tips and advice to ensure success without the trial and error. We’ve learned from our mistakes, so you don’t have to! Whether you’re preserving your garden harvest or just want to add more fermented foods to your diet, this guide will help you boost your gut health with confidence.

1/2 gallon colorful jars of ferments lined up - Fresh Food Journey

Fermentation is more than just a way to preserve food—it’s a powerful tool for improving your gut health and overall wellness. By incorporating fermented foods into your diet, you’ll support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, and strengthen your immune system. Start today and check out our guide to take the first step toward better health!

References:
[1] https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-miso
[2] https://www.mhanational.org/fitness-4mind4body-gut-brain-connection
[3] https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/ancient-alcoholic-drinks-unusual-starter-human-spit 

🫙 Ready to take your fermentation to the next level? 🫙

If you loved learning about the powerful benefits of fermentation, you’ll definitely want to check out our Funky Fermentation Course. Inside, you’ll get step-by-step guidance, easy recipes, and expert tips to help you transform your garden harvest into gut-healthy, flavor-packed ferments your whole family will love.

Explore the Funky Fermentation Course and start turning your veggies into delicious, probiotic-rich creations today!

Related articles you may enjoy:

Growing Nutrient-Dense Tomatoes
Your 7 Step Food Preservation System
Superfoods to Grow in Your Garden

Comment below and share your funky fermentation stories!

10 Principles for a Successful Fresh Food Preservation System

Preserving your garden harvest is a rewarding way to enjoy fresh, nutritious food year-round. With the right techniques, you can enjoy your homegrown produce long after the growing season has ended. Whether you’re looking to prepare creative meals or want a healthy and efficient system for your pantry, these 10 principles will help you preserve your harvest and enjoy it all year long. Let’s dive into these 10 Principles for a Successful Fresh Food Preservation System!

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1. Proper Harvest Techniques for Maximum Storage Time

Garden Harvest_LG_Canva -10 Principles of a Successful Fresh Food Preservation System?

To get the most out of your garden, harvesting at the right time is key. Ensure you’re picking your produce at its peak for the longest possible shelf life. Each vegetable has its ideal harvesting window, and knowing when to pick will prevent spoilage and ensure you’re able to store your food effectively. Start by understanding your crops and when they’re ready for harvest.

2. Match Vegetable Harvest with Our Meal Plan

Planning your meals around what you’re harvesting ensures you’re using your produce efficiently. By aligning your garden’s bounty with a meal plan, you avoid excess food waste. Consider incorporating seasonal vegetables into your weekly meals, and make sure to preserve any extras you can’t consume immediately.

3. Creativity Comes From Having a System

A good preservation system opens the door to endless creativity in the kitchen. With a set routine for storing, preserving, and using your produce, you’ll have a variety of options at your fingertips. Having everything organized lets you experiment with different recipes and meal combinations. It’s easier to get creative when you know exactly what you have in stock!

4. Make Things Visible and Track Your Progress

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To keep your pantry organized, visibility is key. Label your jars and storage containers, and keep an inventory of what you have. This simple step helps prevent forgetting what’s available and keeps you motivated to use your preserved food. Tracking your progress lets you see what you’ve achieved, making it easier to plan for the next harvest.

5. Batch Your Prep Time: Spend Less Time Each Week

One of the biggest time-savers is batching your prep work. Instead of preserving food every day, set aside specific times each week to focus on prep. This method helps you stay on top of your harvest while saving you time in the long run. You’ll be able to focus on other tasks while still ensuring your food is properly preserved.

6. Many Hands Make Light Work: Get Everyone Involved

The preservation process doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. Get the whole family or your housemates involved! Whether it’s washing, chopping, or labeling, everyone can contribute to the process. The more hands on deck, the quicker and easier the task becomes. Plus, it’s a great way to teach others about the importance of food preservation.

7. Start Simple, Master One Thing, Then Try Another

When you’re just getting started, it’s best to begin with one preservation technique. Whether it’s canning, freezing, or drying, take time to master that method before moving on to others. As you become more comfortable with the process, you’ll feel more confident branching out and trying new preservation methods.

8. Choose Preservation Technologies Right for You

Different preservation methods work best for different needs. Consider your kitchen space, available equipment, and time constraints before selecting a preservation method. If you have the space, investing in a freezer might be ideal. Alternatively, canning or dehydrating could be a better choice if you’re looking for a more long-term solution.

9. Shop from Your Pantry: Use Preserved Food Creatively

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One of the best ways to utilize your preserved foods is to shop from your pantry. Challenge yourself to create meals using only what you’ve stored. Not only will this help you reduce food waste, but it will also encourage you to get creative with your meals and try new dishes.

10. Stock Your Kitchen with Staple Ingredients

Lastly, ensure that your kitchen is stocked with essential ingredients that complement your preserved foods. Things like grains, beans, and spices will allow you to create balanced meals using your preserved fruits and vegetables. Having these items on hand gives you more flexibility in your meal planning and ensures you always have something tasty to whip up.

By following these 10 principles, you can set yourself up for success in preserving your garden harvest and creating healthy, creative meals all year round. Each principle works together to build an efficient, enjoyable system. So, get started today! With the right plan in place, you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor for months to come.

Here it is! The simple system for preserving the garden harvest. Creative meals, delicious recipes and easy techniques to ensure you have healthy food right in your pantry, year round… even when you don’t feel like cooking. These 10 principles will get you started right! And you can shortcut the whole process and simply copy my Harvest Into Meals system when you register for my Preserve the Harvest class… Register here: https://growyourownvegetables.org/preserve/

 

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