Showing posts with label garden. Show all posts
Showing posts with label garden. Show all posts

Friday, February 9, 2024

National Pizza Day - Garden Pizza


Yields: 2 Servings
Serving Size: 1/2 pizza


Ingredients
1 Pizza Crust, 7-inch
8 Asparagus
2 Tbsp Red Onions
6 Grape Tomatoes
1 sl Squash
1/3 Red Pepper
1/4 cup Mixed Greens
1/3 cup Part-Skim Mozzarella, shredded



Nutrition Information

Saturday, January 27, 2024

Origins of Seed Swapping

 

National Seed Swap Day is a special event for gardening enthusiasts, celebrated on the last Saturday of January each year. This day is dedicated to the practice of seed swapping, which is both an ancient tradition and a practical way to share and preserve diverse plant species. Here's an overview of its history and traditions:

History

Origins of Seed Swapping: The practice of exchanging seeds predates recorded history and is rooted in agricultural communities worldwide. Traditionally, farmers and gardeners would swap seeds to diversify their crops, share local varieties, and preserve heirloom species.


Modern Revival: In recent decades, there's been a resurgence in seed swapping, partly as a response to the increasing commercialization and patenting of seeds by large corporations. This modern movement emphasizes the importance of biodiversity, community, and sustainable gardening practices.


Establishment of National Seed Swap Day: National Seed Swap Day was first organized in 2006 by Washington Gardener Magazine in Washington, D.C. The idea was to create a day where gardeners could come together to exchange seeds and stories, fostering a sense of community and sharing.
Traditions and Practices

Seed Swap Events: Of course, the core tradition of National Seed Swap Day is the seed swap itself. These events can be small, local gatherings or larger, organized events. Gardeners of all levels of experience come together to exchange seeds they've saved from their own gardens.


Education and Learning: Many seed swap events also include educational components, such as workshops or talks on topics like seed-saving techniques, gardening tips, and preserving plant diversity.


Community Building: These events often serve as a meeting point for local gardening communities, encouraging networking, sharing of experiences, and building relationships among gardeners.


Promotion of Biodiversity: Seed swaps play a crucial role in promoting and preserving biodiversity. They allow rare, heirloom, or local varieties of plants to be shared and propagated, which might otherwise be lost.


Sustainability Focus: The event also emphasizes sustainable gardening practices. By exchanging seeds, gardeners reduce dependence on commercially purchased seeds, many of which are treated with chemicals or genetically modified.

Modern Relevance

In today's context, National Seed Swap Day has taken on additional significance. It's not just a day for gardeners to come together; it's a statement about the importance of preserving plant diversity, practicing sustainable gardening, and fostering community resilience. The day aligns with broader environmental and sustainability movements, highlighting the importance of maintaining our connection with nature and our role in preserving it.

This celebration resonates with people worldwide, extending beyond the United States, as the concept of seed swapping is universal in the gardening community.

Reference.





Monday, September 4, 2023

September 5, National Cheese Pizza Day
Garden Pizza with Mozzarella, Asparagus,
Peppers, Tomatoes, Mixed Greens



Yields: 2 Servings
Serving Size: 1/2 pizza


Ingredients
1 Pizza Crust, 7-inch
8 Asparagus
2 Tbsp Red Onions
6 Grape Tomatoes
1 sl Squash
1/3 Red Pepper
1/4 cup Mixed Greens
1/3 cup Part-Skim Mozzarella, shredded



Nutrition Information

Sunday, May 29, 2022

Learn About Composting Day

Composting Basics


Why Should You Compost?

Composting not only benefits the environment by breaking down organic materials and transforming them into rich, fertilizing soil… composting is also:
  • When you invest a little time learning to compost, it’s all yours, for free.
  • Fun for the children. 
  • Composting reduces household trash. 
  • It’s hard to mess up.


Basic Supplies Needed for Composting

You’ll need a pail for the kitchen to collect scraps, a composting bin (if you’re using one), or a spot in the yard for a pile.

Worm Composter

Some people choose to use earthworms to help speed up the composting process in a worm composting bin. This is done by adding kitchen scraps, dried leaves, etc., and allowing the worms to digest the organic material as it passes through their bodies while they move around.

If you have a compost pile in the yard, earthworms will usually find their way to it naturally.

Composting Tumbler

A composting tumbler is a handy bin with a handle that you can turn by cranking the handle around. These are helpful for people with limited space, and they tend not to smell or attract insects.


How to Start Composting
  1. Pick a spot for your pail. Tell your family the plan. 
  2. Pick a spot for your pile or composting bin. You want it to be close enough to the house. 

What to Compost
Kitchen waste. Mainly produce trimmings 
Coffee grounds
Teabags
Grass clippings and Dead leaves
Straw
Sawdust
Garden waste

Do Not Compost the following:
Meat or bones
Leftovers that are not plant-based
Branches or stalks 
Garden waste treated with pesticides or chemical fertilizer
Weeds and Diseased plant material

Method for Composting
  1. Start collecting compostable material and add it to your pile.
  2. Empty your pail into the pile (or bin) daily. It’s the perfect chore for children.
  3. Turn your compost pile. Every month or so, grab your pitchfork or a shovel and mix your pile up a bit. Helps speed up the decomposition process and keeps away any unwanted pests. 
  4. When you don’t see any more recognizable scraps, the compost is ready to be used.
  5. Harvest your finished compost from the bottom of your pile (or bin) once or twice a year. Whatever is not ready put it back into the pile to continue breaking down.
  6. Spread finished compost on the garden beds or containers. 
Note: Do not bring fresh compost into the house since it may contain outside critters.

Potential Problems with Composting
  • Smell. If your pile starts to stink, just give it a quick turn and add some grass clippings or leaves if available.
  • Insects. Wash out the kitchen pail about every other day.
  • Animals. Use an animal-resistant bin or turn your pile more regularly.

How Long Does it Take to Compost?

Different organic materials take different lengths of time to transform into compost. Food scraps are quicker than twigs or sticks. Paper from coffee filters or tea bags takes longer than organic materials. The bottom of the pile or bin will transform first, so it is important to turn the pile monthly.

Composting as an accompaniment to gardening is a worthwhile routine and fun for the whole family.

Thursday, April 30, 2020

May News, Events and Resources in Nutrition, Food, and Health

Current News, Resources and Events in Nutrition, Food, Health, Environment, Safety, and Disability Rights. Encourages awareness and inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers and Health Professionals. Wellness News is updated daily. To view the entire Newsletter online click here.









May Highlights
Women's Health Care Month 

Older Americans Month

Arthritis Awareness Month 
Better Hearing & Speech Month 
Lupus Awareness Month 
Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month 
National Allergy/Asthma Awareness Month 
National Celiac Disease Awareness Month 

National Stroke Awareness Month Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month 
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month

National High Blood Pressure
Education Month


National Family Month 


May Food Events




Monday, May 2, 2011

May 2011 Wellness News

Current News, Resources and Events in Nutrition, Food, Health, Environment, Safety and Disability Rights. Encourages awareness and inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers and Health Professionals.














 







Wellness News employs young adults with "Special Needs" (Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy). Please visit our Gallery to purchase photographs of our Food Art with the proceeds going to special need young adults. Contact Dr. Sandra Frank for additional information (recipenews@gmail.com).

Saturday, April 3, 2010

April Wellness News

April 2010 Current News and Resources in Nutrition, Food, Health, Recalls/Safety and Disability Rights. Encourages awareness and inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers and Health Professionals.


April Monthly Events: Alcohol Awareness Month; Autism Awareness Month; Cancer Control Month; Child Abuse Prevention Month; Informed Women Month; Injury Prevention Month; International Customer Loyalty Month; IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) Month; Month of the Military Child; National Donate Life Month; National Occupational Therapy Month; National Parkinson's Awareness Month; National Youth Sports Safety Month; Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month; Women's Eye Health and Safety Month; World Habitat Awareness Month; Celebrate Diversity Month; Community Spirit Days; Emotional Overeating Awareness Month; Florida Tomato Month; Global Child Nutrition Month; National Garden Month; National Pecan Month; National Soft Pretzel Month; National Soy Foods Month; Jazz Appreciation Month; Keep America Beautiful; National Humor Month; School Library Media Month; Stress Awareness Month

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