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With all that is happening around us I thought it was time for a fun read. Let me know your thoughts of this email!.........................
It may be freezing outside yet January is the best month to plan your health for the year.
This year to be in control of your health we need to be in control of your food.
To be in control of your food we need to be in control of your garden!
To be in control of your garden then January is the best month to sharpen all your garden tools.
The benefits of fresh garden food:
- highest immunity
- less pesticides
- better quality
- more satisfaction knowing you grew it yourself.
- a chance to make friends when you share your bounty and swap for their produce
- less trips to the store
- you don't have to wear a mask to get the 'groceries' from the yard!
Find Your Own Garden
Having a garden in your yard is not a requirement - you just need to know people who have space for you to garden in their yard or field.
Don't laugh - I have plenty of ground for people to come and grow a garden. Many people on my street have lots of acreage that could be used for gardening.
I know you have friends and neighbors that would probably let you use their property as well.
Yet - if that is not an option - offer to help someone with their garden in exchange for free food!
I did this 3 years ago and ended up with more produce then we could eat. Even today I still have dehydrated and canned produce from that one year of helping a friend with their large organic garden.
So...
- grow your own food on your property
- grow your own food on someone else property
- help someone else grow their garden in exchange for food.
Now we have the why and where, we need the what. Better than a good novel is the look and read of a good seed catalog.
That may sound strange but it can be fun looking at all the varieties of food you can grow.
Pick something new each year. Plan when to seed each variety and write it on your calendar. Make sure you have the family favorites.
I keep a notebook with my notes to make it easier every year. When I forget to make notes I also forget what I planted in some rows. Yet I love surprises when the plants come up and I can then see where my spinach ends and the cabbage begins.
Now the HOW: With sharp and oiled tools!
January is the best month to sharpen all gardening tools. The ground can start to thaw in late February so sharpening the tools now will make fun easy work when the ground starts calling your name to come and dig.
Last year I had cabbage, broccoli and kale growing in February for harvesting in March. It was the best time since bugs weren't out yet. I still have dehydrated kale from last spring!
In fact, spring and fall are my favorite times to garden due to the lack of bugs.
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