Logistics of Fresh Fruit

Prepare Your Garden Early (Advanced)

 Hey you green scientist. 

Thanks for stopping by.

Let’s quickly get though some planning considerations of multiple cycles for multiple harvest.

 I live in Michigan, my thought process the first time around was never getting ready for summer in February as I looked at the snow on the ground. It was planting when the weather was warm enough and that all I thought about.

There are a few types of gardens, commercial and the homestead farmer. None of the process changes except for the tools each uses to get to harvest.

The patterns of growing are simply knowing the life cycles of each plant. When is the last day of frost in your area? What temperatures will harm my plant (high and low)? Before you plant anything in the ground or transplant, a little more information is needed to plan accordingly.

You have some seeds; you know how long the package says for growth…but did you know most packages (if any) do not include the germination; which usually takes about 21 days.

Besides the Ph, PPM, nutrients water and light cycles (other considerations) knowing the germination, vegetation, flower/bloom stages will give you an approximate number of days the plant will take to grow (from the plants package and adding the germination days).

 The time to grow for each plant should be printed on the package. With that number you can plan the space. Make sure to take good measurements and at the least have a good idea in your head about where each plant will go.

 One consideration is the sun; the shade and direct for each area in your garden. Your seed pack should say something like full sun, partial sun or the amount of hour of sunlight the plant needs.

Put all the aspects together for the plan. 

 If you’re planning for a farmer’s market or just a salad you want to get a common denominator…yes, like math. In this instance my onions take the longest to grow and my lettuce takes the least. The soonest I could crop the onions is July 21^st. You back date all the plants grow times from that date and all your plants will be ready at the same time.

 Knowing what you want to do is great. Recording the information for planning and projections on any scale can be a bit to handle if you get into the weeds. Do everything at your own pace.

 You could set reminders on your phone or computers calendar for reminders and/or keep a journal of projected dates throughout the season. Keep in mind that you can germinate while you wait for the other plants to mature. This way you will always have a full-size plant to replace the old plant.

 A few days to the left or right will not be critical to your schedule but try to keep to the plan. Knowing what to expect and when are a couple of things you can control when planting outside.

Harvest one plant and put another plant in its place. You can have a variety of plants whenever you want in your garden; if fact rotating crops is healthy for the soil. I plant pumpkins in the fall and use a “Last Crop” date on my schedule to know when I will have the space and when from other plants.

 It important to know what supplies you will need to complete the process. Make a list of initial and operational cost to give yourself a good picture of what everything will cost.

One more reminder

From the Ground Up --- Fat Vegan

Welcome to my Garden

Superfoods for Anxiety

 Avocados are rich in stress-relieving B vitamins and heart-healthy fat that may help to lessen anxiety. The B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, have positive effects on the nervous system. Deficiencies of these vitamins have been linked to increased anxiety in some people.  
Bananas are a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, they are especially high in folate and potassium, vitamin B6 and manganese. 

 Asparagus Many studies going back to the 1960s indicate that many people who suffer from anxiety and depression have an elevated incident of folate deficiency. Asparagus is one vegetable that contains a valuable amount of this mood-boosting nutrient. 

Blueberries When we’re anxious and stressed, our bodies crave vitamin C to help repair and protect our cells, and blueberries are packed full of it. Blueberries are bursting with antioxidants and vitamin C which have been shown to provide anxiety relief.  

 Almonds Researchers have shown that magnesium may be an effective treatment for anxiety-related symptoms, as inadequate magnesium reduces the level of the serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a brain signal that helps to regulate mood, sleep, memory, and behavior. Serotonin is also thought to improve brain function and relieve anxiety. 

Adding broccoli to your diet can provide an array of essential vitamins and minerals. Broccoli is also high in manganese and vitamins C, K and A. It also contains a wide variety of beneficial plant compounds, including sulforaphane, which has been studied for its powerful anti-cancer properties. 

 Citrus fruits are also packed with vitamin C, an essential micronutrient that can boost immunity and aid in disease prevention observational studies have found that a high intake of citrus fruits may be associated with a lower risk of breast, stomach and pancreatic cancer. 

Anxious symptoms are linked with a lower antioxidant state and can help with mood. Dark, leafy greens like kale, which is rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C, are needed to boost antioxidant levels and support optimal brain functioning. Leafy Greens are also high in fiber and vitamins K and A have been associated with a host of health benefits. Studies show that eating more vegetables, such as leafy greens, may be associated with reduced inflammation, a lower risk of cancer and increased weight loss. 

 Including Eggs in your diet is a great way to boost your intake of several essential nutrients. Eggs are also loaded with protein, selenium, riboflavin and vitamin B12. Egg yolks are another great source of vitamin D. It is a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids the body needs for growth and development. Eggs also contain tryptophan, which is an amino acid that helps create serotonin.  

Turkey Ever heard of tryptophan? It’s the nutrient in turkey that puts you to sleep after Thanksgiving dinner. Okay, it’s a little more than that. Tryptophan is an amino acid that the body needs to produce the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps regulate sleep and mood. According to the University of Michigan, tryptophan may help reduce anxious feelings. 

Prepare your Garden Early

     Preparing you garden early will give you an advantage when the time comes to plant. Transplanting a plant well into vegetation will unsure you reach harvest a little quicker.
     There are a few considerations to worry about in the spring. Notably would be the frost; its important to watch weather trends in your area to make sure your hard work will bear fruit. Although frost is due to temperature, some plant will not take well to the low temperatures and need to stay inside for a little longer until the outside temperature reaches 50 degrees or better all day.