Sunday, March 18, 2012

Grow your own food!

Nothing tastes more exquisite than fresh food you grew yourself. And it's downright luxurious not to have to buy certain things at the store, like huge bundles of herbs you're only going to use a small portion of. I love being able to dash outside while I'm cooking to grab a chile or a sprig of herbs!

If you're not already growing some of your own food, why not give it a try this year? Even if you live in a tiny apartment without a yard, you can grow something!

What about an indoor herb garden? Or a simple salad garden? Or a small one-pot veggie garden for your porch or patio?

If you have a bit more space to work with and a little more ambition, what about one or more 4' x 4' raised beds in your backyard (you can grow an incredible amount of food in 16 sq ft!)? Or a 6' x 6' plot filled with Asian veggies and greens, Italian veggies and herbs, or an assortment of all-American classics?

Start small, grow what you like, and go from there. You might just find yourself expanding your garden each growing season once you've tasted your first harvest!

Why free range eggs are better for you

According to research carried out by Mother Earth News, where free range eggs were pitted against commercial farm factory eggs, free range eggs contain:

• 1⁄3 less cholesterol
• 1⁄4 less saturated fat
• 2⁄3 more vitamin A
• 2 times more omega-3 fatty acids
• 3 times more vitamin E
• 4 - 6 times more vitamin D
• 7 times more beta carotene

Thursday, January 26, 2012

New USDA zone map for 2012!

The USDA finally reworked the hardiness zone map - we got bumped up from 8b to 9b - wooooo!!