12 Months Of Gardening

In this month's column, we'll look at some holiday gift ideas for your favorite gardener. But first, let's take a look at last year's growing season.

Twice a drought and short rains made gardening and farming difficult and expensive. Gardeners in good weather were disappointed at first, but the hardiest reported decent crops of many vegetables. Spring crops were good before the first drought and summer crops were good for those who irrigated. There are no reports of an increase in insect populations. Some neighbors suggested that a long dry spell contributed to the decline this year.

Fall crops are especially good for those who use protection on cold nights. Beets, cabbage, onions, carrots, garlic, lettuce and spinach are still grown in the vegetable garden next door.

Many vegetables can become seasonal produce for the table. One crop that can be stored all winter is the Jerusalem artichoke. They don't last long in the fridge, so it's best to dig them out when you need them. They can be eaten raw, boiled, pickled or fried.

This type of sunflower is originally grown in North America but has now spread around the world. So they are not from Jerusalem and not related to artichokes, but they are very easy to grow and very useful. Sunflower, also known as wild sunflower or earth apple, is a fibrous root vegetable rich in fiber, potassium and iron. And since they have blood sugar balancing properties, diabetics use them as a substitute for potatoes. They are also said to be beneficial for people with high cholesterol levels.

Once installed, minimal maintenance is required. They tend to fill the area, so they are planted away from the rest of the garden.

My friend, consultant and health advocate Lala Ostergren loves fresh fruits and vegetables. Before we met, I, like most, died off much of my garden as winter approached. But Lala wanted fresh fruits throughout the year. Not satisfied with factory greenhouses, store-bought winter products. He gets his own good energy from pesticide residue mixed with his familiar home plants.

For this her husband Richard built a greenhouse. There he grows tomatoes, beans, peppers, sausages, cabbage, lettuce, onions and many flowers.

A loose garden should have a winter color. Pansies and violas along with ornamental cabbages can glorify the winter garden. We are fortunate to live in a climate that allows these flowers to bloom most of the winter. They definitely add a fun note.

South-facing surfaces are most successful, especially at lower temperatures, such as brick, concrete and stone. The daytime sun creates a very small microclimate until the heat stored in the rock is released at night. These favorable conditions contribute to vigorous, winter flower beds.

And many cool-weather vegetables get the same help. Refrigerated cabinets retain the sun's heat and help keep many vegetables productive through the winter. Without any thermal support, tails can survive below 15 degrees, and some species of leica can survive below freezing. Some varieties of onion and garlic are equally cold-tolerant. Spinach, kale, carrots, mustard greens, radishes, and even arugula can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees. Throw in a cold frame or other extension of the protective season, and many areas of Van Buren County harvest fresh crops most of the winter.

“My garden is a one-year project,” said Lala. One of her favorite gardening tasks in December is starting a garden plan for the coming year. First, you review your notebook and garden map from last year and generate new ideas. Then, when the first garden catalogs came out with photos and descriptions, he made lists of what to order in the garden and where to plant, how much space was needed and how many seeds to buy. By the end of December, you'll have a complete map of your new garden plan, including crop rotation, and you'll be ordering more seeds.

Although I could never match his productivity, I caught his enthusiasm. As a result I have been working as a gardener for a year now. And my favorite gardening activity in December is buying gardening gifts for friends and family. There are many options available online, but knowing what to look for can put a smile on your lovely gardener's face when they open your gift. Most of them are happy to share their interests and talk if you show interest. Ask a few innocent questions and you'll find out exactly what they're looking for.

Lala doesn't believe any incremental project is too small to benefit from security. So for those who resist, imagine taking small steps, like growing a small potted plant on your windowsill.

Options include sage, rosemary, thyme, chives, cilantro, parsley, oregano, dill, basil, and tarragon. Kits are readily available and make a great holiday gift for even non-gardeners

In late winter, you'll want to use sunny windows and a little more light. Make sure the container you use fits comfortably on your windowsill. Use a quality potting mix and fertilize and water regularly.

Before consuming the product, Lala confirmed that participating in the growth and development of the plant contributed to her health. Therefore, I wanted the growth process to continue throughout the year.

Encourage germination for those who give up gardening because of waste. No need for dirty and dirty hands. Winter is a great time to start sprouting and sets are available for holiday gifts.

Many people use liter bottles. Soak 3 tablespoons of seeds overnight for 8-12 hours. Throw it away the next morning. Rinse well and rinse again. Although perforated lids are available, many use cheesecloth over an open can to fill. After a few cycles of rinsing and draining, your seeds will sprout and be ready to eat. Mung beans and lentils are very popular because they germinate quickly and easily 24-36 hours after sowing. A few more days of growth and your sprouts will be ready for salads and sandwiches. Other popular seed options include alfalfa, broccoli, wheat, soybeans, radishes, cabbage, onions, sesame, pumpkin and sunflower. Make sure your seeds are unprocessed and intended for human consumption. Many sources can be found on the internet.

Lala found that the connection to growing her own fresh fruits and vegetables calmed her mind and lifted her spirit long before she ate anything. He found that regular consumption of fruits and vegetables can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent certain types of cancer, reduce eye and digestive problems, and have a positive effect on blood sugar levels. He is convinced that his diet helped him overcome early health problems and contributed greatly to his longevity. I was sure he could do the same for the rest of us.

We hope to see you in the garden next month.