Making Paper Pots

My Wheatgrass Project

This is the first time I have tried growing wheatgrass. I bought the wheat berries at the bulk barn for pennies. I started sprouting the seeds on Friday and 5 days later this is how tall the wheatgrass is. Once this gets approx. 8" high it can be cut back and it will grow again. You get 2 crops from each plant and then you need to replant. The wheatgrass can be juiced and is very good for you. I noticed a lot of people selling wheatgrass plants at the Farmers Market on the weekend. I have an earlier post on sprouting. It is simple to do and fun to watch growing. This would be a great project for kids because you see results every day. The plants grow about an inch every day. Also, you keep the plant covered in a dark place for 3 days after your seeds have started to sprout and when you take the cover off, your grass is growing but it is white. It does not turn green until it gets sunlight.

Trailer For The Documentary "Babies"

This documentary starts in theatres here on May 21st. I am going to go and see it with my Mom.

Building A No Dig Garden

This is a really cool way to have an organic garden anywhere (well, some place that gets sun). The idea is that you can make a garden on grass or on poor soil because you are building a raised bed.  It is best to have plants that are already established put in the bed as they may get lost a bit in the straw. Just part the straw and put in your tomato plants or whatever you choose. I will try to find a video to post to give you a better idea of how this whole thing works.

Starting Seeds Indoors

I planted some seeds on Mother's Day (a gift to myself). I am not sure why but it brings me joy to plant, get my hands dirty and watch something grow. I planted organic parsley, basil, oregano, garlic chives, carrots and lettuce. Some sprouts are already starting, which is exciting. I am keeping the peat pots in a tray and I have them covered loosely with plastic. It is best to place them in a sunny window..some place that gets about 5 hours of sun a day (you can use a light if this isn't possible). As they sprout and get hardier, you can put them outside for a bit ...a few hours and bring them back in. This will get them more established and then you can plant outside. You don't have to plant outside, you can keep herbs indoors on a sunny window ledge but I always plant an herb bucket on my deck so that is my plan. You don't have to start from seed, you can buy established plants and plant them outside or keep them in..whatever you choose.

How To Plant A Potted Herb Garden

Frozen Grapes & Sunshine Fruit Dip

I would cut this recipe in half as ten pounds of grapes is a lot of grapes. This is a recipe I found on http://www.selectnovascotia.ca/


Products used in this Recipe

•Yogurt

•Honey

10 lbs green or red grapes

Sunshine Fruit Dip

8 cups (2 L) 2% vanilla yogurt

1 cup (250 mL) frozen orange juice concentrate (thawed)

2 tsp cinnamon, ground

1/4 cup honey, liquid

Method:

Grapes

1. Rinse and wash the grapes well. Drain and pat dry. The grapes should be fairly dry before freezing.

2. Place on a cookie sheet in 1/2-cup (125-mL) clusters (1 serving) or as loose grapes.

3. Place the cookie sheet in the freezer. Freeze.

4. Serve the frozen grapes alone or with Sunshine Fruit Dip (see below).


Sunshine Fruit Dip

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until well blended.

2. Chill and serve as a dip with frozen grapes or with any fruit of your choice.

Have A Cup Of Tea

When water gets boring, have a cup of tea. Tea is loaded with antioxidants, calorie-free and can be enjoyed anywhere. The choices are endless as there as so many flavors to choose from and you can have a cup with or without caffeine.

Have A Relaxing Weekend

I often write about what to eat for a meal or what to snack on. One thing that I did learn from working at a Naturopath's office is this - it is the whole picture that matters. Keeping stress levels down and looking after yourself is just as important, if not more important, than what you eat. It is difficult to look after others if you don't look after yourself. Be kind to yourself - treat yourself like you would a best friend.