Spring Into Gardening
New beginnings, re-birth, green grass, colorful flowers, and of course...allergies. I've been blessed not to suffer from seasonal allergies, however, a fair amount of people do. Just look at the sale ads and commercials offering medications that claim their product is the best choice to alleviate the suffering of runny noses, watery eyes, and sneezes. In an eariler post, I commented about how alfalfa can be used to diminish allergies, even permanently. It may work for some, but will take persistence and time.
Spring is also a time to enjoy being out doors. Since I work inside all day, I'm busting to get home, get supper done and go outside. For me, working in the garden is a great stress reliever. In the end, I'm working out my frustrations and have something of beauty in the end. For years, I primarily gardened flowers with an occasional tomato and pepper plant. Last summer though, my husband tilled up a patch so I could plant some food for us. Thinking back, it does seem silly to spend so much time outside weeding and trimming flowers and yet, unable to provide anything more than beauty (which I do enjoy). My flower beds are mature and don't require as much maintenance now. That gives me more time to spend in the vegetable garden. I also added a chicken coop with four ladies to provide the family with fresh eggs. There is NO comparison with fresh eggs to store bought ones. They actually have a nice taste and are more nutritious by providing 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, and 7 times more beta carotene.
With last year's patch being derived from the removal of trees and weeds, the soil was poor. Excitedly, I ordered seeds and planted accordingly. Nothing came up in that soil. Even the squash didn't grow, and I thought squash would grow on a rock! What's a new vegetable gardener to do? I went to my local cooperative store and purchased vegatable plants. The yield that year was nothing to brag about, but I did get a few things from it.
This year, with the addition of chicken poo and compost, the soil is spot on! Early in the spring, the garden was tilled and radishes were planted along with some other cool crops. Within a month, I had fresh radishes on my kitchen counter. Every seed seemed to sprout. The down side to this rich soil is now the weeds are growing like crazy too. Soil is something to pay attention to. If the seeds and plants don't have the right stuff, then your hard work will be in vain. If you are having trouble with certain plants, there are places to take the soil for testing. Contact your local extension agent for advice.
Container gardens are a great option if you live in an area that is not conducive to a plot of ground. I've seen some really nice, attractive containers that provide delicious veggies all through the summer. Even growing your own herbs in a container can provide delicious additions to cooking throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
As a vegatable gardening novice, I frequently ask for my mother's advice on plantings. She also helps me preserve for the winter. There is a lot to learn, but I am excited about growing my own non-GMO vegetables that are free from pesticides. Last year was definetly a learning year and very few things developed well. With the addition of my chicken coop and the fertiziler it provides, this year's soil seems much more conducive to growing plants. While it is work, I feel good about knowing where the food we eat comes from. I'm also looking forward to preserving for the winter months so we can continue to enjoy the "fruits of labor."
health-bite: grow your own food
Alfalfa
In her book, Weeds That Heal, Racheal Weaver describes Alfalfa as the "Father Of All Foods". She goes on to describe how Alfalfa's long root system provides minerals in large amounts such as iron, calcium magnesium, postassium, plus trace minerals and vitamin K. Alfalfa helps remove toxins in the body while neutralizing acids.
Here are some of the uses alfalfa can be used for: allergies, anemia, appetite, arthritis, digestion, kidney problems, lowers cholesterol, rheumatism, morning sickness, stomach ulcers, and a blood cleanser. Alfalfa is also used in relief for bloating and water retention. What caught my eye is it can help with unstable blood sugar and help to balance pituitary gland function.
During the coarse of my work day, I ask patients about their health history. If diabetic, I ask if they know their A1C level (an inflammatory marker). A level of 6.5 and over signifies higher than normal range. This matters because if the sugar levels are not controlled, healing is very slow, circulation is compromised, and big problems can result.
Did you know that our small pituitary gland tucked away in the middle of the brain controls the hormone levels of the thyroid and adrenal glands? The pitutiary gland also plays an important role in growth and development, espeically during puberty. Sometimes a tumor or growth will devleop on the pituitary gland that could either block messages to stimuate production of a hormone or could send messages to secrete too much hormone.
So let's get back to alfalfa. With the spring approaching, fields will be filled with alfalfa. I personally ordered seeds to sprout. They are quite easy to do and are useable in about 5 days. After they sprout, I place them in the refrigerator and add to sandwiches and salads. The sprouts are quite tasty. Even my skeptical husband likes them. If you are trying to regulate blood sugar, you can sprinkle some seeds on every meal you eat, or take an alfalfa supplement. Using the sprouts or seeds will also help that pituitary gland, which provides energy and balance in the body.
With spring also brings allergies. Believe it or not, alfalfa could rid you of your seasonal allergies. One story tells of a mother whose son had severe seasonal allergies. She took him to the doctor, but medications were not helpful. This mother began to look into natural remedies and began using alfalfa tablets. Reporting in just a week, her son felt better and was symptom free for the rest of the season. She gave him 4-5 tablets 3-4 times a day. Luckily, alfalfa supplements are one of the least expensive supplements out there. They can be found at your local healthfood store. I have two members of my immediate family that suffer from seasonal allergies. I have my supplements bought, and I'm ready to take on the season!
Precautions with alfalfa: do not use if taking a blood-thinner or anticoagulant medication such as Coumadin or Warfarin. Using alfalfa in large doses could cause anemia. Ask your doctor prior to using if on a blood-thinner.
Health-bite: Give alfalfa a try for seasonal allergies and overall health.