Wednesday, 11th May, 2022
The Day’s hand-picked ideas, tips to better grow Vegs, and meet people you should know.
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1
Foraging on the roundabouts, respectfully
"Does anything beat the experience of finding a wild mulberry tree and stuffing a handful of fresh juicy berries in your mouth? Have you ever roasted potatoes with a sprig of rosemary taken from an overgrown nature strip? COVID lockdowns have encouraged more people to explore their neighbourhoods and appreciate their local green spaces, where edible plants are often growing freely. Alongside the joy in eating something freely harvested, foraging can help us learn about plants, become better environmental stewards, and bring together communities.”
2
How to prune dill for bushier plants
"Dill is among my favorite herbs I grow in my raised beds, not only because of the delicious harvest, but also because it’s a host plant for black swallowtail caterpillars. Every year they make an appearance! Because I grow so much—or rather, because I let so much dill go to seed—I don’t mind the caterpillars eating it because there is lots to go around. In this article, I’m going to share some tips on how to prune dill for bushier plants, to harvest for eating or drying, to delay flowering, and what to do with the seed heads.”
3
Prepping For Higher Food Prices
"40% is a lot! If you pay any kind of attention to grocery prices (and most frugal shoppers do or should!) then you know that prices have already been increasing. Maybe you’ve already had to increase your grocery budget or at least start looking for alternatives for some products.” - See those tips that might help you save more. And see those tips to grow more nutrients-rich Vegs.
4
How To Grow Chervil Microgreens Fast And Easy
"If you’re one for cooking, you’ve likely used chervil at some point. Also called French parsley or Anthriscus cerefolium, these herbs have a delicate, fresh taste that is often used in European soups, sauces, and fish dishes. Not only is chervil delicious in seafood and egg dishes, but it also makes an excellent addition to microgreen gardens. When grown right, chervil microgreens are a nutritious way to perfectly season your dinner!” - Chervil is one of 107+ Microgreens I show you how to grow!
5
Never a dill moment
How to grow mulberries: "The mulberry is a long-lived and prolific fruit tree with sweet blackberry-like fruits and a lovely ornamental habit. The National Collection of mulberries is held by The Queen in her royal gardens in London and it includes a few specimens that are well over a century old! You can grow your own mulberry trees in the ground or in a patio container.”
+ Three Simple Ways To Encourage Insects Into Your Garden: "I’ve always thought that if I can entice insects and wildlife into my garden, then well… I’m doing something right. Of course, we all know that insect numbers are falling but, as depressing as that is, here are three simple steps we can take to help and encourage them in our gardens. Like any gardener, I am occasionally bothered by pest insects, but generally I find that when non-organic treatments prove ineffective, a useful predator will come along to lend a hand. And learn more about how to fight pests organically.
6
Bottom of the compost pile
Hügelkultur Basics: "A hügelkultur is a mash-up of a slow/cool compost pile and a garden bed. It allows you to create a foundation using materials that take a long time to compost at the bottom of the bed, such as rotting logs, branches, sticks, woody vines, eggshells and fruit pits. This woody layer is covered with carbon-rich materials and compost. Green waste and manure can also be added, similar to the layers in sheet mulching. The mound is finished with a layer of compost that can planted. The materials in the center of the beds take a long time to break down, so this compost pile is useful as a self-feeding, long-term garden bed. It is beneficial to plant biodynamic or wild plants, which will continue to act as soil fixers, break down the organic matter, and add nutrients to the soil” - this is a great technique to keep improving your soils (and reduce much hard work in watering).
+ Benefits Of Rainwater Versus Tap Water For Plants: "There is some debate as to whether tap water is safe to use on our houseplants. Every municipality has slightly different components in its tap water, which means the safety levels depend upon locality. Rain water for plants is touted as the best route for hydrating flora, but some collection vessels may not be the best option." - An alternative if you have an Aquaponics Smart Greenhouse is to use that water instead - perfect pH, free of chemicals and with good bacterias and nutrients.
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Keep Growing-
Anthony - Veg Geek