In the world of gardening, the role of cover crops cannot be overstated. Among the diverse array of cover crops, crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) stands out as a vibrant garden ally. This crimson-hued cover crop not only graces your garden with its vivid blossoms but also bestows a wide range of benefits that enrich the soil, enhance biodiversity, and promote sustainable gardening practices.
Soil Enrichment and Nitrogen Fixation
Crimson clover, belonging to the legume family, possesses a unique ability to distribute nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil. This process, known as nitrogen fixation, benefits surrounding plants by providing an essential nutrient for their growth. As the clover grows, it forms a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, enriching the soil and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. The increased nitrogen availability contributes to improved soil fertility, enhancing the overall health of your garden.
Weed Suppression and Erosion Control
The lush growth of crimson clover creates a dense ground cover, effectively suppressing the emergence of weeds. By shading the soil and outcompeting undesirable plants for resources, this cover crop acts as a natural weed deterrent. Additionally, the extensive root system of crimson clover helps prevent soil erosion. The roots bind the soil particles together, reducing the risk of nutrient runoff and preserving the integrity of your garden beds.
Biodiversity Enhancement
Beyond its soil-enriching properties, crimson clover contributes to the biodiversity in your garden. The vibrant blooms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, providing them with a valuable source of nectar. The presence of pollinators not only supports the health of your garden but also fosters a balanced and thriving ecosystem. By incorporating crimson clover as a cover crop, you create a welcoming environment for beneficial insects, contributing to the overall resilience of your garden.
Organic Matter Accumulation
As crimson clover grows and eventually decomposes, it adds organic matter to the soil. This organic matter enhances soil structure, water retention, and nutrient-holding capacity. The decomposition process releases valuable nutrients back into the soil, creating a nutrient reservoir for subsequent crops. The continual addition of organic matter through cover cropping supports the long-term sustainability of your garden and fosters a dynamic and nutrient-rich soil ecosystem.
Seasonal Adaptability
Crimson clover is celebrated for its adaptability to various climates and growing conditions. This cover crop is well-suited for both cool and warm-season gardening, making it a versatile choice for gardeners in diverse regions. Its ability to thrive in different environments allows gardeners to incorporate it into their crop rotation strategies, providing year-round benefits to the soil.
Green Manure for Improved Soil Structure
When crimson clover is cut and left to decompose, it acts as a green manure. Green manure is a practice where plants are deliberately incorporated into the soil to enhance its structure and fertility. As crimson clover decomposes, it releases nutrients, improves soil health, and encourages beneficial microorganisms. The result is a nutrient-dense soil ready to support the next planting.
In the practice of sustainable gardening practices, crimson clover contributes great benefits to your garden. From nitrogen fixation and weed suppression to biodiversity enhancement and improved soil structure, this cover crop offers a plethora of advantages that adds to the overall health and productivity of your gardening space. Consider introducing crimson clover as a cover crop in your garden and watch as its vibrant blooms provide vitality and sustainability to your gardening journey.
Do you have questions about cover crops or any other garden topic? Consider joining Harvest Club, our premier gardening membership program. Connect with an online community of like-minded growers, attend twice monthly virtual Garden Jam sessions, and receive personal garden email support to get the answer that you need when you need them.
Receive a two month complimentary membership with the purchase of any of our courses. Learn more about Harvest Club HERE.
Let us know in the comments what cover crops you like to use in your garden.
Gardening is a joyful endeavor that connects you with nature, brings beauty to your surroundings, and nurtures your mind, body, and soul. However, every gardener encounters challenges along the way from unpredictable weather to pest invasions. In the face of these obstacles, the practice of journaling becomes a powerful tool to not only navigate these challenges but also to cultivate and preserve the joy that gardening brings.
Benefit of Garden Journaling
One of the many benefits of garden journaling is the ability to gather your thoughts in one place, which often makes processing garden challenges and discovering solutions a more focused task. It also provides a medium to recognize and cope with other emotions—both positive and negative—that your gardening invokes in your daily life.
Reflection and awareness
Journaling provides a dedicated space for reflection. As you articulate your thoughts and observations on paper, you gain a deeper awareness of your garden’s dynamics. Documenting the ebb and flow of challenges allows you to recognize patterns and make informed decisions.
Emotional release
Gardens are living, evolving spaces, and setbacks can evoke a range of emotions. Journaling serves as a safe outlet to express your feelings. Whether you are frustrated by a failing crop or delighted by the first bloom, putting pen to paper allows you to process emotions, fostering a sense of emotional release and clarity.
Problem-solving and learning
Facing challenges in the garden is inevitable, but journaling transforms these challenges into opportunities for growth. As you document issues and brainstorm potential solutions, you engage in a problem-solving dialogue with yourself. Over time, this process becomes a valuable learning tool, equipping you with insights to tackle similar challenges more effectively.
Journal Through Garden Challenges
Many of us learned the scientific method in school, which consists of the following steps: observe, research, theorize, experiment, analyze, and report. Utilizing journaling to identify and solve garden challenges follows similar steps. However, while we are taught to keep emotions out of the scientific method, garden journaling encourages the inclusive.
Describe the challenge
Begin by articulating the specific challenge you are facing in your garden. Whether it is an infestation, nutrient deficiency, or weather-related issue, clearly describe the problem in your journal. This act of acknowledgment sets the stage for effective problem-solving.
Document observations
Record detailed observations about the challenge. What do you notice about affected plants? Are there specific weather patterns coinciding with the issue? Note any changes in growth, color, or behavior. The more details you capture, the better equipped you are to address the problem.
Express emotions
Allow yourself to express your emotional response to the challenge. Whether it is frustration, disappointment, or even excitement at the prospect of overcoming the hurdle, acknowledging your emotions is an important part of the journaling process. This emotional awareness contributes to an overall understanding of the situation.
Brainstorm solutions
Engage in a brainstorming session to explore potential solutions. Consider both immediate interventions and long-term strategies. This phase is an opportunity to tap into your creativity and garden expertise. Do not shy away from unconventional ideas. Sometimes, the most innovative solutions arise from free-thinking.
Implement and track progress
Once you have decided on a course of action, implement the solutions in your garden. Record the changes you make and track the progress over time. Note any positive outcomes or adjustments needed. This ongoing documentation becomes a valuable record of your gardening journey.
Celebrate successes
Acknowledge and celebrate successes, no matter how small. Whether it is nursing a sick plant back to health or successfully repelling pests, these triumphs contribute to the overall joy of gardening. Documenting these victories reinforces a positive mindset and encourages resilience in the face of future challenges.
In the tapestry of a gardener’s journey, challenges are inevitable, but joy is a constant thread that can be woven into every experience. Garden journaling is not just a documentation of challenges but a celebration of growth, resilience, and the sheer delight that gardening brings. By approaching challenges with a mindful and creative journaling practice, you transform obstacles into stepping stones, ensuring that your garden remains a source of enduring joy and fulfillment. Happy journaling!
If you would like to learn more about Garden Journaling, check out our Garden Mindset & Journaling Micro Course. Through this link, you can purchase the three lesson micro course at a special introductory price PLUS receive a free two-month membership in Harvest Club, our premier online garden membership that helps to take your garden to the next level.
Let us know in the comments if you currently Garden Journal. If so, what benefits has the practice brought to your garden.
A thriving garden is not just about the seeds that you plant or the soil you use. It’s also about harnessing the power of sunlight. Sunlight plays a crucial role in nurturing your garden. It’s not enough for a growing space to “seem” sunny.
To produce significant amounts of vegetables, your plants need at least six hours of sunlight each day and would love MORE. If a plant does not see the sun, it cannot photosynthesize, which means it cannot grow effectively. If your plants get less than six hours of sunlight each day, you are working AGAINST nature. To fully maximize your garden’s potential, you must understand and optimize your available sunlight.
Understand the Sun’s Role in Plant Growth
Sunlight is the primary source of energy for plants, driving the process of photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants convert sunlight into energy, producing sugars that fuel their growth and development. The intensity, duration, and quality of sunlight directly impact the health and productivity of your garden. Vegetables and herbs thrive when they are able to soak up six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
Observe Sun Patterns in Your Garden
Maximizing sunlight involves understanding how it moves through your garden at different times of the day and during different seasons. Spend time observing sun patterns, noting areas that receive full sun, partial shade, or full shade. This knowledge helps you plan the layout of your garden beds, ensuring that your plants are appropriately positioned to receive the optimal amount of sunlight throughout the day.
Use Reflective Surfaces to Amplify Sunlight
Enhance the amount of sunlight reaching your plants by strategically placing reflective surfaces in your garden. Light-colored mulch, reflective garden ornaments, or even strategically positioned mirrors can bounce sunlight onto shaded areas, maximizing the overall exposure. Reflective surfaces are particularly beneficial for gardens with tall structures or in urban settings where shadows may limit sunlight penetration.
Implement Vertical Gardening
When ground space is limited, look to the sky for gardening opportunities. Vertical gardening allows you to make the most of available sunlight by growing plants on walls, trellises, or vertical structures. Vining plants such as tomatoes, beans, or cucumbers thrive when allowed to climb, optimizing their exposure to sunlight. Vertical gardening not only maximizes space but also ensures that every inch receives its share of the sun’s nourishing rays.
Invest in Seasonal Adjustments
Recognize that sunlight availability changes with the seasons. Plan for seasonal adjustments by rotating your plant placements or incorporating movable containers. This flexibility ensures that your plants receive ample sunlight during the growing season. Adapting to seasonal changes maximizes your garden’s potential year-round.
Bask in the Glow of a Sunlit Garden
In the dance of growth and life within your garden, sunlight takes center stage as the primary source of energy. By understanding the sunlight requirements of your plants, observing sun patterns, and strategically planning your garden layout, you can unlock the full potential of sunlight for optimal plant growth.
Whether you’re reflecting sunlight with clever surfaces, embracing vertical gardening, or adjusting for seasonal changes, these strategies empower you to create a garden that basks in the radiant glow of the sun. As you embark on this sunlit journey, may your garden thrive, bloom, and become a testament to the brilliance of harnessing nature’s most potent energy source.
Sunlight is the first key to a successful garden outlined in the eGuide Double Your Vegetables in Half the Garden Space. To discover the other four keys to a successful garden, download your FREE copy of the eGuide to keep handy as you plan out your garden space before your next growing season. Happy Growing!
Gardening is not just about cultivating plants; it’s a journey of nurturing your soul. The garden isn’t just a collection of plants; it’s a sanctuary where you can escape, connect with nature, and experience pure bliss. Staying joyful can be tough, though, especially if your season starts to overwhelm you. Here are five tips to help you maintain the joy of gardening.
TIP 1: Set Yourself Up for Success
Set yourself up for a thriving garden by planning ahead. As the first signs of spring emerge, take a moment to strategize. Identify the ideal plants for your space, plan their layout, and compile a comprehensive supply list. Early planning ensures that you’re equipped for a seamless and fruitful growing season. From choosing the right soil to anticipating sunlight needs, each detail matters. So, grab your gardening journal, sketch your vision, and watch your efforts bloom into a garden that’s not just planted but meticulously crafted for success.
TIP 2: Streamline Your Process
In the garden, time is precious, and efficiency is key. Take a moment to evaluate where you invest too much time and energy. Whether it’s weeding, watering, or maintenance, investigate smart solutions to streamline tasks and embrace time-saving tools to reduce labor-intensive efforts. Pro Tip: Automating your watering—such as with a drip irrigation system, for example—is the number one time-saver in the garden, saving as much as 20 hours per week for a 1000 square feet of garden.
By optimizing your gardening routine, you free up more moments for the aspects you truly love about your garden. Maximizing joy by minimizing the mundane ensures every minute in your garden is a delightful investment.
TIP 3: Embrace Imperfections and Learn from Mistakes
Gardening is an art, not an exact science. It’s inevitable that you’ll encounter challenges along the way, from pest invasions to unexpected weather changes. Instead of viewing these obstacles as setbacks, consider them valuable lessons in the art of gardening. Embrace the imperfections, celebrate the resilience of your plants, and learn from your mistakes. Recognize that not every plant will bloom perfectly or every seed will sprout to ensure a more positive and joyful gardening experience. Remember, each challenge is an opportunity for growth…both for you and your garden.
TIP 4: Make Time for Reflection and Relaxation
Your garden is not just a place for physical activity but also a haven for mental and emotional rejuvenation. Dedicate time to simply sit and absorb the serenity of your green space. Create a cozy nook with comfortable seating, surrounded by your favorite plants. Allow yourself moments of stillness to reflect, meditate, or enjoy a good book. The tranquility of your garden can be a powerful antidote to the stresses of daily life. By intentionally incorporating relaxation into your gardening routine, you’ll cultivate a sense of joy that extends beyond the physical labor.
TIP 5: Join a Garden Community
Not only is there a wonderful sense of camaraderie and celebration around success in a garden community, but such communities are also a strong resource for support if you’re ever up against a gardening obstacle. You will find that the burden of gardening challenges lighten through the shared experiences.
A variety of garden communities exist—both in-person and virtually. A thriving garden community allows you to connect with fellow enthusiasts, exchange wisdom, and revel in the collective joy of your gardens. By fostering a network of like-minded souls—sharing both successes and obstacles—you ensure that the joy of gardening is not only sown into your soil but into your daily life as well.
If you haven’t already, check out the Grow Your Own Vegetables’ Facebook Community Group HERE. We would love to have you be a part of our growing supportive gardening community filled with growers from all around the world.
Experience the Joy
Remember that finding joy in your garden is not only about the end result but about relishing the entire journey. Set yourself up for success by planning ahead, streamline your process to save time, embrace the imperfections, and learn from your mistakes. Let your garden be a source of continuous joy and inspiration, a place where you can escape, connect with nature, and revel in the simple pleasures of life. When you’re a joyful gardener, you experience the true harmonious wonder that is gardening.
Gardening is a deeply rewarding pursuit. It allows you to connect with nature, nurture life, and create a sanctuary of beauty and tranquility right in your own area. Just as each garden is unique, so is every gardener. Your garden is an expression of your values, strengths, and goals and tells who you are as a gardener. In other words, you have a garden personality.
What is a Garden Personality?
Your garden personality is a reflection of your individual preferences, interests, and gardening style. It encompasses your gardening goals, your level of experience, and your personal connection to the natural world. Over the years, the gardening experts at Grow Your Own Vegetables have observed that gardeners typically share eight distinct core values and have given identities to each core value.
Why is Knowing Your Garden Personality Important?
Identifying your garden personality is a crucial step in setting and achieving your gardening goals. Your garden personality influences your gardening choices and identifies the components of gardening that bring you the most joy and a sense of fulfillment and leads you towards achieving garden success.
Setting realistic goals
Your garden personality helps you to set goals that align with your interests and strengths. If you’re a Garden Activist, your goals may involve creating a wildlife-friendly garden or reducing your carbon footprint. On the other hand, if you’re a Garden Artist, your goals may revolve around achieving a specific garden design or color scheme.
Staying motivated
What motivates you and how you best stay motivated is influenced by your specific garden personality. When your goals resonate with your natural inclinations, you’re more likely to stay committed to your garden projects and enjoy the process. For example, a Garden Chef finds joy in harvesting lots of fresh vegetables, while a Garden Buddha appreciates the moments of tranquility in their garden.
Optimizing resources
Different garden personalities have varying resource requirements. A Garden Chef may need more space, sunlight, and irrigation for their vegetable garden, while a Garden Sage might focus on creating a small, low-maintenance meditation garden. Understanding your personality allows you to allocate your resources effectively.
Overcoming challenges
Knowing your garden personality helps you to anticipate and address challenges as they arise. For instance, a Garden Ninja may relish the challenge of building a complex garden structure, while a Garden Activist may need to first learn about specific native plants and wildlife-friendly practices to achieve their goals.
How Do You Find Your Garden Personality?
Ultimately, the key to a successful garden lies in finding harmony between your garden personality and your garden goals. To find out more about the different garden personalities as well as how to discover your individual garden personality, Grow Your Own Vegetables created a handy free downloadable eGuide that outlines how to identify your values and the garden goals that align with those values. You can download your complimentary copy HERE.
Once you discover it, embrace your garden personality for it is a reflection of your connection to the natural world and what you hold most dear. It will lead you to a more fulfilling and successful gardening experience.
Go ahead and let your personality bloom! 🌱
Let us know what you discover is your Garden Personality in the comments below.
In today’s world of rising grocery prices and economic uncertainty, many people are looking for ways to cut down on their expenses. One surprisingly effective way to save money on your grocery bills is by starting your own vegetable garden. By growing your own vegetables, it is not unimaginable to save hundreds or maybe even thousands on your grocery bill annually. It’s all about knowing what to plant, where to plant, when to plant, how to plant…and then getting started!
Make Your Wish List
Plant what you eat! It may sound obvious but not everyone starts their planning this way. Start by looking at your grocery receipts to figure out what you regularly purchase and make a list of possible foods to plant. Do you use a lot of herbs in your recipes? Then a herb garden is a must, but which herbs do you use? Add the ones that you purchase most often to your list.
Does your family eat a lot of salads? What’s in your salads? Tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumbers? If so, add those to your list. Does your family have a favorite vegetable for a side dish? Potatoes? Green beans? Add to the list.
Though you probably will not be able to plant everything you eat, having a good list of options is a great way to start your planning. You will be surprised at how many foods that you purchase can be grown in your backyard.
Also, think about the food items that you have wanted to eat but have been out of your current grocery budget. Add these to your list. They may be an affordable option to add your garden!
Location, Location, Location
Decide what space you have available for growing. New growers are often shocked when they realize how much food can be grown in a small space, as well as where you can grow. Be creative in your planning.
Throughout the years, we at Grow Your Own Vegetables have seen it all from our students—growing in closets, under desks, in garages—you name it! As you can see, gardens are no longer just for the backyard. You can grow food in containers on decks and patios, on rooftops, in community gardens, at schools, at senior centers, and even in front yards for everyone to see. And don’t forget growing vertically!
The amount of space that you have will determine how much and which crops you grow.
To maximize your space, focus on planting high-yield crops such as tomatoes, herbs, and leaf lettuce. Also, look at crops that do not require a lot of space such as radishes and garlic. Thinking about space helps you to begin narrowing down your list of potential foods to grow.
Careful planning is essential for saving money in your garden. Knowing what to plant where allows you to maximize your garden harvest. To help you with this crucial step, Grow Your Own Vegetables offers a Beginning Crop Planning Microcourse, which you can get at half price through THIS LINK.
Know Your Area
You have your list of items that you eat and have narrowed it down by the amount of space that is available to use for growing. The next step is to look at the specific crops and decide what is feasible to grow in your specific area. Not all plants grow well in all areas. You will need to consider your growing season length, the amount of available sunlight, and your temperature ranges. You can find all the necessary information online for your area. However, wouldn’t it be nice to have it all packaged together in a single place? The Beginning Crop Planning Microcourse (mentioned in previous section) covers all this in one neat course package.
To Seed or Not To Seed
If you have the time and space, consider starting your plants from seeds indoors in late spring. Seeds are the most cost effective, and you usually get more than you can use. Consider starting a seed exchange in your community to spread the overall cost and help everyone to garden at a minimal cost.
However, if you do not have the space to start seeds indoors, purchasing plants is still a cost savings over purchasing the final products from the grocery store. Compare the price of purchasing a single vegetable item at the grocery store to the price of purchasing a single plant of that vegetable and harvesting from that plant throughout the growing season and you will be able to see the cost savings.
A Little or A Lot
A smart gardener plans to grow more vegetables than can be eaten fresh. An even smarter gardener plans on a surplus that can be preserved for consumption during the winter months. Crops like carrots, potatoes, onions, and winter squash, require little to no processing for long-term storage.
There are numerous ways to preserve your vegetables and herbs for future use such as freezing, dehydrating, canning, and fermenting. If you’re interested in not only growing food to consume fresh but preserving it for the winter months as well, our Preserve the Harvest course covers all these methods and more. The full course is available through THIS LINK at a special price.
And There’s More
Beyond the financial benefits, gardening can be free entertainment. It’s a productive way to spend your time, get exercise, and relieve stress. It can also be an educational activity, especially if you involve your children.
Growing your own vegetables is not only a rewarding and satisfying experience but also a practical way to save money on your grocery bills. Even if you have limited space, you can start saving money by growing herbs or small veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, or lettuce on a small patio or in a sunny window.
By starting your list of potential foods to grow and narrowing it down by considering your available space and growing season, you can start your own thrifty garden and enjoy the important financial benefits, while also savoring the taste of homegrown produce. Whether you have a small patio or a spacious backyard, there’s room for a cost-effective vegetable garden in your life.
We have even developed a course for the specific purpose of saving you money on your grocery bill. Our Fresh Food Essentials Course is about growing $400 worth of groceries in only 40 days. It’s available at a special savings through THIS LINK. And if you are interested in learning a bit of everything, we have a Prepare, Plant, and Preserve Bundle for a great price through THIS LINK.
Either way—whether you use our courses to get started or choose to do your own research—the important takeaway is saving money on your groceries by growing your own vegetables and herbs and providing fresh healthy foods for your family’s table!
Happy Gardening and Happy Saving!
Soil texture plays a crucial role in gardening and agriculture. It determines how well water, air, and nutrients are retained and distributed in the soil, directly impacting plant growth. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your garden journey, understanding your soil’s texture is an important and necessary step towards successful cultivation. Fortunately, you don’t need a fancy laboratory to analyze your soil texture; you can do it at home with the Soil Jar Test.
Importance of Soil Texture Knowledge
Soil texture refers to the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay particles in your soil. Each of these particles has unique properties.
Sand
These large particles create spaces in the soil, allowing for good aeration and drainage. However, sandy soils struggle to retain water and nutrients.
Silt
Silt particles are smaller and can hold more water and nutrients than sand. However, they can compact easily, leading to drainage problems.
Clay
Clay particles are the smallest and have a slow water absorption rate, causing initial run-off issues. Once the clay particles do absorb the water, a new issue arises of poor drainage, resulting in high water retention and compacted soil, This, in turn, suffocates the plant roots.
Loam
The ideal soil texture for gardening is Loam, which is a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay. Knowing your soil’s texture helps you make informed decisions about soil amendments, irrigation, and plant selection.
The Soil Jar Test
The soil jar test is a straightforward and cost-effective method to get insights into your soil’s composition. As each particle—sand, silt, and clay—has a different weight and density, this test results in the separation of each particle type into distinct layers that allow you to measure the percentage of each that is present in your soil.
Materials needed
- Quart-sized clear glass mason jar with a lid
- 1 cup soil sample from your garden from 6-8” deep
- 2 cups of water—distilled water works best
- Newspaper
- Non-foaming soap
- Marker
Steps to perform
- Lay out your newspaper.
- Spread your soil sample evenly over the newspaper and allow it to completely dry.
- Finely pulverize the soil with a fork or knife to break up as much of it as possible.
- Fill your quart jar with 1 cup of your soil and 2 cups of water.
- Add 1 tsp of non-foaming soap.
- Secure your lid tightly.
- Shake the mixture hard for 10-15 minutes.
- Place the jar on a flat surface where it will be undisturbed.
- After 10 minutes, mark the top of the sand layer, which will have settled to the bottom of the jar.
- After 2 hours, mark the top of the silt layer, which will be the second layer in the jar.
- Leave the jar undisturbed for at least 24 hours (and possibly up to 3 days) until the water clears.
- Using the marker, mark on the jar the top of the clay level.
NOTE: A fourth layer may be noticed, which contains any organic matter in your soil. Organic matter is important for your soil’s health and will be covered in a future blog.
Calculating soil texture
- Measure the total height of the settled soil from the bottom of the jar.
- Measure the height of the sand from the bottom of the jar to the line marked on the jar.
- Measure the height of the silt from the sand line marked on the jar to the silt line marked on the jar.
- Divide the height of the sand by the total height of the settled soil.
- Multiply by 100 for the percentage of sand.
- Divide the height of the silt by the total height of the settled soil
- Multiply by 100 for the percentage of silt.
- Deduct the percentage of sand and silt from 100 for the percentage of clay.
Example
- The total height of the settled soil = 2.5”
- The height of sand = 1”
- The height of silt = 1”
- % of Sand = 1 / 2.5 * 100 = 40%
- % of Silt = 1 / 2.5 * 100 = 40%
- % of Clay = 100 – 40 – 40 = 20%
Next Steps
Now that you have calculated your soil composition, use the Soil Pyramid to determine your soil texture.
FIGURE 1 is the Soil Pyramid. Take note of each side. The arrow direction indicates the direction of the line that is to be drawn from the correct percentage for each.
FIGURE 2 uses the Example Data from the previous section. The percentage of sand is represented by the green line and is drawn from the bottom edge of the pyramid at a left upward angle. The percentage of silt is represented by the purple line and drawn from the right side at a downward left angle. The orange line represents the percentage of clay and is drawn from the left side straight across.
Where the three lines intersect on FIGURE 2 represents the soil texture of your sample soil. In the example, the soil texture is Loam, which is perfect soil for growing. If your soil is anything other than Loam, you need to amend your soil’s texture by incorporating the appropriate compost mixture, fully-decomposed manure, or cover cropping.
An Ongoing Process
The soil jar test is a simple yet effective DIY method for identifying your soil’s texture. Armed with this knowledge, you can tailor your gardening practices to optimize your soil and set the stage for healthy, thriving plants.
Remember that soil improvement is an ongoing process. Regularly testing your soil and amending it accordingly will help you create the ideal growing conditions for your plants. In addition, you may want to test different areas of your garden separately, as soil composition can vary greatly—even in the same yard.
So, grab a jar and get to know your soil better. Your garden will thank you for it!
Grow Your Own Vegetables Master Garden Instructor Stacey Murphy along with talented farmer and activist Eileen Schaeffer embarked on a thrilling journey together to combine imagination with the love of vegetables. Together—with Stacey as the author and Eileen as the illustrator—the pair created three dinosaur-vegetable tales, each teaching kids about the different roles that vegetables and herbs play in a healthy lifestyle. These books offer parents a great resource for nurturing a deep appreciation for vegetables in their children. Parents will find the joy of passing on the legacy of loving vegetables to their kids and that it is a gift for a lifetime of health and well-being.
My Dinosaur Ate My Broccoli
The first book in the series is My Dinosaur Ate My Broccoli, a delightful tale that whisks you away into a fantastical world where vegetables become the stars of the show. You are introduced to Bronty, the herbalist dinosaur, and along with Bronty, you find yourself cycling through the enchanting Kalelands, lounging at sunny Cucumber Island, and even embarking on a thrilling climb up a mountain of turtles. This book is a triumphant tale of a brontosaurus, eleven vegetables, two best friends, and the pursuit of dreams.
As parents, we often find it challenging to get our kids excited about vegetables. But what if we could introduce these nutritious foods in a way that’s fun and captivating? My Dinosaur Ate My Broccoli does just that by showing that vegetables don’t have to be boring and can take center stage in thrilling adventures.
My Dinosaur Sat on My Shiitake
In My Dinosaur Sat on My Shiitake, you and your family go on an extraordinary journey into the world of herbal medicine and wild foods. Bronty becomes the guide for his friend Nya, teaching her the incredible healing powers of plants. Together, they embark on a mission to heal their sick friends using wild foods, herbs, and even weeds. This book is an inspiring tale that encourages readers to swing from pine tree branches, examine flowers up close, and explore the secrets hidden beneath the earth’s surface.
The power of My Dinosaur Sat on My Shiitake lies in its ability to introduce kids to the wonders of herbal medicine and the value of plants beyond just food. It sparks curiosity about the healing properties of nature and encourages children to view the world around them in a new light.
My Dinosaur Farted in My Greenhouse
In the third book, My Dinosaur Farted in My Greenhouse, you venture into the world of composting and gardening. This fantastical tale follows the League of Underground Micro-Heroes as they embark on a mission to create compost that will heal Nya’s garden soil. Along the way, readers discover the incredible creatures that help create compost such as earthworms and microbes.
After reading this book, your kids will be eager to get their hands dirty and start composting. They’ll learn the importance of nurturing the soil and witness firsthand how composting can turn kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil. And, of course, they’ll uncover the mystery of why a dinosaur would fart in a greenhouse.
Inspire Future Vegetable Lovers
This series of dinosaur-themed books takes children on incredible journeys that combine imagination, adventure, AND VEGETABLES! These stories were written to inspire the next generation of vegetable lovers and gardeners. But beyond the books, we also want to share three simple strategies that parents can implement to foster a deep love for vegetables in their children’s hearts. You can view the video 3 Tips to Inspire Kids to Love Nature and Enjoy Fresh Vegetables HERE.
By following the adventures of Bronty the Dinosaur and his friends, you can set your kids on a path to a lifetime of health and well-being. Vegetables will no longer be a source of resistance at the dinner table but instead, a source of excitement and curiosity. Think about the young people in your life and consider introducing them to the magical world of dinosaur tales and the joys of vegetables. After all, there’s no better legacy to pass on than a love for fresh, nutritious foods, and a deep connection to the wonders of nature.
You can find these three dinosaur tales on Amazon. Each book is linked directly to their Amazon listing below.
My Dinosaur Ate My Broccoli
My Dinosaur Sat on My Shiitake
My Dinosaur Farted in My Greenhouse
In a world dominated by screens and digital devices, connecting children to the wonders of nature is more critical than ever. One powerful way to achieve this is by introducing kids to the joys of gardening at a young age. Gardening offers a wealth of benefits beyond just growing vegetables or herbs. It nurtures essential life skills, fosters a deeper appreciation for nature, and promotes physical and mental well-being, just to name a few.
Hands-On Learning
Gardening provides a hands-on, sensory-rich learning experience that engages children’s senses of touch, sight, smell, and even taste. As they dig in the soil, plant seeds, and watch plants grow, kids gain a practical understanding of biology, ecology, and the natural world. This experiential learning can help kids in school by making scientific ideas more accessible and memorable to them.
Healthy Eating Habits
By growing their own vegetables and herbs, kids are empowered to make healthier food choices. When they actively participate in planting and harvesting, they develop a personal connection with the food they eat. This connection often leads to a greater appreciation for fresh, nutritious foods and can help combat childhood obesity and unhealthy eating habits.
Patience and Responsibility
Gardening teaches patience and responsibility. Kids must wait for their plants to grow and thrive, instilling valuable lessons about delayed gratification. Moreover, they are responsible for the well-being of their garden. They learn the importance of care and maintenance such as watering and weeding their plants regularly.
Environmental Stewardship
Through gardening, children develop a respect for the environment and a sense of their role within it. They learn about the delicate balance of ecosystems and the impact of human actions on nature. This early environmental awareness can shape their attitudes and behaviors as future protectors of the planet.
Creativity and Problem-Solving
Gardening encourages creativity and problem-solving. Kids often devise imaginative solutions to garden-related challenges, such as creating homemade scarecrows or inventing new ways to protect plants from pests. These creative endeavors stimulate critical thinking and innovation.
Physical Activity
Gardening is an enjoyable way for kids to engage in physical activity without the structure of organized sports. From digging and planting to weeding and harvesting, gardening promotes fine and gross motor skills development. It also encourages outdoor play and exercise, reducing the time spent indoors in front of screens.
Stress Reduction and Mental Well-Being
Gardening has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental well-being in children. The act of nurturing plants and watching them grow can be calming and therapeutic. Gardening provides a peaceful escape from the demands of school and daily life, allowing kids to connect with nature and decompress.
Family Bonding
Gardening is an excellent opportunity for quality family time. Parents and grandparents can involve children in planning and tending to the garden, creating lasting memories and strengthening family bonds. Working together in the garden fosters communication and cooperation among family members.
Academic and Cognitive Benefits
Numerous studies suggest that gardening can have positive effects on academic performance. Children who engage in gardening often exhibit improved focus, problem-solving abilities, and a better understanding of scientific concepts. The hands-on nature of gardening can complement traditional classroom learning.
Benefits of Starting Kids in the Garden at a Young Age
Starting kids in the garden at a young age is a gift that keeps on giving. It offers a wide array of educational, physical, and emotional benefits, helping children develop essential life skills, fostering a deep connection to nature, and promoting overall well-being. So, whether you have a spacious backyard or just a few pots on a balcony, consider involving the young ones in your life in the wonderful world of gardening. It’s an investment in their future and a celebration of nature that will enrich their lives for years to come.
If you are looking for a great resource to encourage kids in the joy of gardening, we offer a great microcourse just for kids. Find out more about the Sprouts: A Child’s Adventure Microcourse HERE.
For growers with a winter season, giving up that garden-fresh food in the colder months can be a bit frustrating. Not only is winter a time when colds and flus are at their peak, now you aren’t getting the fresh, nutrient-rich foods you’re accustomed to getting from your garden. 😧 That’s why many growers grow through their winter months—so they can get nutrient-dense food year-round. No matter where you live, you can grow through the winter. So how do you get fresh food from your garden in winter? Before you decide to grow through the winter, there’s one important thing you need to know: when is your Persephone Period?
What is a Persephone Period?
The Persephone Period is a term coined by Eliot Coleman, an organic farmer, author, agricultural researcher, and educator. It is the period of time when plants go into a type of hibernation due to too little hours of total sunlight in a day.
How the Persephone Period Got Its Name
Persephone is the ancient Greek goddess of vegetation. One story is that her return to Hades each year signaled the earth going into a phase of being barren. Does this sound familiar to you? It is the story of winter in Greek mythology.
The Persephone Period’s Impact on Your Plants
Most growers know that plants want six to eight hours of FULL sunlight without any shade at all. This is a little misleading. Because while it’s true they want six to eight hours of direct light, they also need to be in an environment where there is light for ten hours a day. During times when there is less than ten total hours of light in any given day, plants go into hibernation mode.
When growers first start growing through winter, they set up their greenhouses, cold frames, and other season extension materials to ensure their plants get proper temperatures for growing. More often than not, they place their garden infrastructure in an area that receives six to eight hours of sunlight, even through the winter. Then they plant their seeds and transplants. The problem is that if the Persephone period isn’t taken into consideration, plants stop growing halfway through their maturing state, and then the grower either gets small harvests or can’t harvest at the time when they expected to be able to harvest.
How to Harvest During Your Persephone Period
You can still harvest food through your Persephone period, but you need to make sure that your plants are fully grown before your Persephone Period starts. First, check what dates your area has less than ten hours of sunlight. When that date starts, that’s the date your plants must be almost to completely mature.
To make sure you have enough to harvest through your whole Persephone Period, you need to figure out how long that time lasts for you and then plant enough to harvest during that time. So, if your Persephone Period is 30 days long, figure out how much harvest you want to have of each crop through that time frame and then plant that amount at the same time.
Sometimes growers will stagger that by a few weeks and plant half the amount one week. Then two weeks later, they plant the other half because often the plants’ growth slows but doesn’t stop growing completely right away. Plus, breaking the planting in half makes the task of planting an entire month or more of harvest much more manageable.
Crops that Grow During Winter
If you’re fairly new to gardening and not sure what crops to start growing in your winter garden, select cool season crops. Avoid summer crops unless you have a fully heated greenhouse and are growing self-pollinating varieties.
Crops like kale, collard greens, lettuce, spinach, carrots, and radishes are good choices for first time winter gardeners. Remember that your season extension infrastructure has to maintain proper temperatures for growing the crops you want to grow.
Harvesting
Once your crops are near to fully grown and your Persephone Period begins, you won’t harvest all the food at once. Since your crops are hibernating, you can treat the garden as your refrigerator and harvest when you’re ready to eat.
Before you start your winter garden journey, be sure to factor in your Persephone Period so you can get fresh food on your plate year-round, even when Persephone has returned to Hades.
Want to Learn More About Winter Gardening? Discover our Winter Garden Course and get the know-how you need to get fresh food all winter long!
