Start with Healthy Soil. To grow a healthy garden, whether in the ground or in containers, choose organic soil, fertilizers and amendments (material added to improve soil and provide better growing environment for the roots). Try to stay away from the chemical fertilizers, herbacides and pesticides.
Obtaining baby plants. If you are not able to grow your plants from seeds, buy a starter plant to transplant. Before transplanting baby plants outside, be sure to acclimate them to the outdoors, between 3-4 days. If you are growing plants from seed you can soak them in water over night to start the germination process.
Establishing a healthy plant. A great product to help the roots establish both as seed or a transplant, is called Myke or Mycorrhizal fungi. It colonizes the roots, and increases the plants ability to absorb nutrients and water from the soil, so you have a healthier plant to eat. Myke needs to be in contact with the roots of the plant. You can add it to the lining of your small holes for the seeds or dap the product directly on the roots when transplanting a baby plant.
Growing a healthy plant. Another helpful secret for your edible garden is kelp seaweed fertilizer, which provides beneficial nutrients. One brand is Age Old Kelp. Check your local nursery for a band available in your area.
Fun Greens to Grow
All these plants are easy to grow in the ground or in a pot. You can simply snip off the larger leaves for smoothies and the plant will continue to produce more leaves.
Swiss Chard is a colorful and nutrient dense plant to grow. It comes in several varieties with many pretty colors. You can harvest when they are 6-8 inches tall. It is an excellent source of Vitamins A, C, and K.
Kale prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Kale is high in calcium, antioxidants, vitamin K and lowers cholesterol
Spinach is another popular addition to smoothies and also likes full sun to partial shade. It is an ideal source of vitamin A, iron, calcium, beta-carotene, and antioxidants.
For great gardening tips visit www.tagawagardens.com.
Click here for a green smoothie recipe.