The No Dig Garden

 

    I want to start out by saying that when I first started gardening, I tilled every inch of my garden, I thought this was something you were supposed to do. I even went out a purchased a brand-new tiller to help me do it. I learned along the way what this was doing to my garden and the hidden issues it was causing undenounced to me. 

    My garden would get covered in weeds every year. I was spending most of my time tending to the weeds, then I was my own garden. I figured every year I would just go in there with the tiller and use that to wipe out the weeds... not understanding at the time that the tiller was actually causing the weeds to spread.

    My garden was covered in milkweed, and I thought that it would be a good idea to chop it down and then till up the ground to try to get the roots out. I was wrong, I started to do some research and discovered that the more you disturb the roots, the more the weed would spread and grow. My garden turned into a jungle. I had to figure something out quick. I read online that you should only cut the top of the weed off and leave the roots undisturbed. Removing the leaves and stems would stop their ability to soak up the sun and this would kill off the roots.

The destruction of the soil was causing the milkweed to spread every time one of those roots were cut, it was a never-ending cycle. This is what lead me to the no dig garden.

                                               Photo by Greta Hoffman

A no-dig garden is organic and long-lasting method of growing plants without disturbing the soil. Starting with the preservation of the soil's natural structures and facility, this method offers numerous advantages. 

1. There will be less erosion if the soil is not tilled. 
2.  Better water retention and drainage, reducing the need to water and preventing soil compaction.
3. Reduces weeding- No dig gardening reduces the need for time consuming weeding.
4. Increases soil biodiversity which may result in healthier plants and fewer disease and pests.
5.  Is a low  maintenance strategy that saves time and effort and makes gardening more accessible to everyone. 

In general a no dig garden is a smart and environmentally friendly method for growing your own flowers and food.

Weather you decide to dig or not to dig, the decision is yours. Do what works best for you and your garden.

Happy Gardening!!

The Benefits of Gardening for Mental Health

 

    Lately I've really been struggling with my mental health. Although this is something that I have dealt with for many years, the last year has been very difficult. Not sure if the Pandemic played a role in that the stress of work and raising a family are weighing on me. I've been turning to my garden for that little bit of peace and mind whenever I can.

   

                                                                                                        Photo by Pixabay

 Gardening has been proven to have great mental health benefits. First and foremost, seeing the results of your efforts gives you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. This helps boost self-esteem and confidence, especially for those struggling with anxiety and depression. Additionally, the physical act of gardening can be a form of exercise that releases endorphins and reduces stress.

    Spending time outdoors in nature can also improve mental health. Surrounding yourself with greenery and fresh air has a calming effect and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, gardening can add meaning and structure to your day, which is especially beneficial for those suffering from mental disorders.

    Gardening is also a social activity, allowing individuals to connect with others who share their interest in gardening. Social media has allowed gardeners for around the world to join in chats, group discussions and a place to share pictures of their gardens. This helps reduce the feelings of loneliness and isolation that are common in people with mental illness. Additionally, gardening serves as a form of mindfulness practice, allowing individuals to focus on the present moment and reduce rumination and worry.

                                                                                        Photo by Markus Spiske

 Finally, gardening makes me feel connected to nature. This is especially beneficial in urban areas where people can feel disconnected from nature. This connection evokes feelings of awe and wonder, leading to improved mental health. In summary, gardening has many mental health benefits and is a worthy addition to your self-care routine. 

What are some other self-care practices that you do to help your mental health? 

Sprouts and Microgreens

Photo by Mikhail Nilov

My gardening motto for this year is "Try something new." This has been great for me in the respects of thinking outside the box while I'm starting in the garden, But in in the respect that when I see a new seed I buy a new seed. I saw some seeds at the Dollar tree and the seeds happen to be 2 varieties of Micro greens. A mild and a Zesty blend.

If I'm being honest I had never really thought about Microgreens before so I decided to try buy. This actually got me thinking about sprouts and I started to wonder what's the difference between the two. While micro greens and sprouts share some similarities, there are also some notable distinctions between them.

Sprouts are young plants that are cultivated in water and harvested as soon as they begin to sprout. Typically consumed raw, sprouts can be added to salads, sandwiches, or smoothies. They boast a bounty of vitamins and minerals and are also low in calories.

Microgreens, on the other hand, are slightly more developed than sprouts. Grown in soil, they are harvested when their first true leaves appear. Microgreens are also consumed raw and can be used to enhance a variety of dishes. They make a great garnish but can also be added to salads or sandwiches for an added burst of flavor. Like sprouts, microgreens are teeming with vitamins and minerals.

                                                                                    Photo by Dmitriy Zub

A significant distinction between sprouts and microgreens is their taste. Sprouts possess a gentler flavor, while microgreens have a stronger taste. This makes microgreens an excellent option for people who enjoy pungent flavors and want to introduce some variety to their meals.

Another dissimilarity between the two is their cultivation time. Sprouts can be ready to consume in just a few days, while microgreens can take up to two weeks to grow. This implies that sprouts are an ideal pick for those who want to savor fresh produce quickly, while microgreens are more suitable for those who are willing to be patient for a more mature plant.

Overall, both sprouts and microgreens are excellent selections for those seeking to incorporate fresh, healthy produce into their diet. Although they share some resemblances, they also have some crucial differences in terms of taste and growing time. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual preferences and dietary requirements.