Growing plants indoors sometimes is likened to watching paint dry. Since March I’ve been aggressively checking my pots for new growth and love whenever I go away for the weekend and come back there’s been significant growth. This year I’ve reconfigured my indoor hydroponic garden to consider my dietary changes I’ve been working through. For the first time I’ve been growing spinach and kale. I love spinach and kale I can tolerate but the thought process behind the two is I can incorporate them into every day meals, like spinach into scrambled eggs and kale into pasta with tomatoes (cooked). Happy to report after a month of overseeing my pots I have harvested my first batch of spinach. I didn’t have time to make scrambled eggs today as I had maintenance coming over but I plan to use them tomorrow. The other pots are poblano peppers, sweet banana peppers and pak choi. I also tried to start green onions but they failed. I bought new seeds so I will try them again.
Category Archives: Pleasant St Homestead
2024 Growing Season
The 2024 growing season has started around here! It began with picking up some wheat grass from my local BN group on Facebook. Initially retrieved for my cat and as a smoothie ingredient but I have already thought of another use for that is more artistic. I started the process today by trimming it down and dehydrating that bundle in my dehydrator. Might take me awhile to collect enough to make what I intend to do.
Anyway, I am reinvigorated so far with my growing as my spinach, dill and oregano have sprouted!!! I was inspired by this YouTube video of someone growing water spinach just out of a strainer in a bucket of water and some tissue. It made me think of the DWC basket inserts I got last year to use for root vegetables. So I plan to have three pots of those inserts for greens. I got my spinach germinating in one already and soaked kale seeds today and put them in another one. Gotta think of another green that’s easy that I can grow and cook.
I also have on the shelf with my wheat grass lavender and chamomile. As pictured below my chamomile started to sprout recently! I’m very excited about that as I’ve always been interested in making my own teas. With the dehydrator it wouldn’t be that difficult for me to do.
Additionally, I signed up for an apprentice course at Milk and Honey Herbs, a local herbal school to learn how to make apothecary products. It will meet one Monday a month until late fall.
Chamomile
Spinach
Dill
I’ve also been reading on incorporating bird presence in my apartment more. I think it will be stimulating for my cat, Berry, but also seeing if I can attract certain birds to lay eggs to use since I obviously can’t raise chickens in an apartment! They’ve designed these cool feeders that have an opening but you can observe them from the inside.
While, I prefer to not talk about it much I’m also working on a special project that may involve harvesting honey! I plan to develop the setup this year and possibly make it happen next year. But we’ll see.
Spending the Day as a Beekeeper in Goshen, MA
GOSHEN, MA – Today I spent the day shadowing a local beekeeper whom I connected with via the buy nothing groups on Facebook. She wanted some macro photos of her bees and I was excited to try my new lens. I’m very happy with the results of these images! I also learned a little about beekeeping a long the way.
Take a Break: 5 Simple Ways to Reduce Stress and Improve Mental Health
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but it doesn’t have to control it. Managing stress levels is crucial for maintaining good mental health, and there are simple and effective ways to reduce stress and improve well-being. From mindfulness practices to physical exercise, incorporating stress-reducing activities into your daily routine can have a positive impact on your mental health.
#selfcare #reducestress #mentalhealthmatters #mindandbody #unplugandrecharge
Mindful Breathing: Incorporate mindful breathing exercises into your daily routine, such as deep breathing, to calm the mind and reduce stress levels.
Mindful breathing involves focusing on the breath and bringing awareness to the present moment. This practice can help calm the mind and reduce stress levels by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Incorporating mindful breathing into your daily routine can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths when you’re feeling overwhelmed, or setting aside time each day to practice longer breathing exercises. There are many different techniques to choose from, such as diaphragmatic breathing, belly breathing, and 4-7-8 breathing, to name a few. Find what works best for you and make mindful breathing a regular part of your stress-reduction routine.
Exercise: Regular physical activity, such as going for a walk or doing yoga, releases endorphins and helps reduce stress and improve mental health.
Exercise has been shown to have numerous benefits for both physical and mental health, including reducing stress levels. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters and can help alleviate stress and improve mental well-being. Regular physical activity, such as going for a walk, doing yoga, or hitting the gym, can help reduce stress by improving mood, increasing energy levels, and reducing tension. It’s important to find an exercise routine that works for you and that you enjoy, as this will make it easier to stick to and get the full benefits. Whether it be through solo activities like running, or group activities like dance class, find what works best for you and make exercise a regular part of your stress-reduction routine.
Gratitude Practice: Keeping a gratitude journal and focusing on the positive things in life can help shift your perspective and reduce stress levels.
The practice of gratitude involves focusing on the things in life that we are thankful for, rather than dwelling on the negative. This can help shift our perspective and improve our overall well-being, including reducing stress levels. Keeping a gratitude journal is one way to practice gratitude daily. Each day, write down a few things that you are thankful for, no matter how small they may seem. This can help shift your focus to the positive and reduce stress levels by promoting feelings of happiness, satisfaction, and contentment. Additionally, expressing gratitude to others, either in person or through a thank-you note, can have a profound impact on relationships and further reduce stress levels. Make gratitude a regular part of your daily routine and see the positive impact it has on your mental health and stress levels.
Sleep: Ensure you’re getting enough quality sleep, as lack of sleep can increase stress levels and negatively impact mental health.
Getting enough quality sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. Lack of sleep can increase stress levels and negatively impact mental health by causing feelings of fatigue, irritability, and anxiety. To ensure you’re getting enough quality sleep, create a relaxing bedtime routine, limit screen time before bed, and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. If you have trouble sleeping, consider talking to a doctor to rule out any underlying sleep disorders. Make sleep a priority and ensure you’re getting enough quality sleep each night to reduce stress levels and improve mental well-being.
Connect with others: Maintaining social connections and reaching out to friends and family for support can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Connecting with others is important for both mental and emotional well-being. Maintaining social connections can provide a sense of community and reduce feelings of loneliness, which in turn can help reduce stress levels. Whether it’s through in-person interactions, virtual conversations, or phone calls, reaching out to friends and family for support can help provide a sounding board, offer a different perspective, and give a sense of comfort. Making time for social activities and engaging in hobbies with friends can also help reduce stress and improve mental health by providing a break from daily responsibilities and allowing for enjoyable experiences. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support and make time for social connections in your life, as it can have a significant impact on reducing stress levels and improving overall well-being.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and mindfulness-based stress reduction, can help reduce stress and improve mental health.
Practicing mindfulness can have a profound impact on reducing stress levels and improving mental health. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment and focusing on the here and now, without judgment. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), can help calm the mind and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Through mindfulness, we learn to recognize and manage our thoughts and emotions, and develop a greater awareness of the present moment. Incorporating mindfulness practices into daily life can also help improve sleep, increase feelings of gratitude, and promote overall well-being. Whether it’s through meditation, MBSR, or simply taking a mindful walk, incorporating mindfulness practices into daily life can help reduce stress levels and improve mental health.
Take breaks: Make time for self-care and take breaks from technology and work to reduce stress and improve mental health.
Taking breaks and making time for self-care is essential for reducing stress and improving mental health. Our daily lives can be filled with demands and responsibilities, which can lead to feelings of stress and burnout. By taking breaks and making time for self-care, we can recharge, reduce stress levels, and improve overall well-being. Whether it’s through engaging in a hobby, practicing mindfulness, or simply taking a nap, taking breaks from technology and work can help reduce stress levels and improve mental health. It’s also important to take breaks from screens, as prolonged exposure to screens and blue light can disrupt our sleep patterns and contribute to feelings of stress and burnout. By making time for self-care and taking breaks, we can prioritize our mental and emotional well-being, which can lead to better focus, increased productivity, and improved overall health.
By taking small steps towards reducing stress, you can improve your mental health and overall well-being. Whether it be through mindful breathing, exercise, or keeping a gratitude journal, there is no one right way to reduce stress. It’s important to find what works best for you, and make it a regular part of your routine. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. So, take a deep breath, find what works for you, and start reducing stress today.
Pleasant St Homestead: Larger Hydrogarden Setup
For Christmas this year I asked for a larger hydrogarden setup to fit into the corner of my living room. It’s a wardrobe rack with clothing rods that I plan to attach grow lights to. At this point in time I’m planning to just do leafy greens but have plans to continue to do tomatoes and peppers but you can see my rough draft for my garden plan, if there’s enough space I’d like to get another wardrobe rack for tomatoes and peppers (one with less shelves).
As you can see I have cilantro, spinach, green onion, arugula and maybe kale. I have been enjoying green onion this past year and plan to continue it, my current pot is unfortunately dying so I have to replant it but my poblano peppers are still growing strong! Although I think my living room overall is starting to feel a bit cold for them so it might be time to turn on the heat. My larger hydrogarden setup will look like the right pic. Depending on the size of the pots there may be 3-4 on each shelf.
The plan is to use my electric canner and dehydrator in this process too. I want to replant my small aerogarden pot for herbs. Dry the herbs in the dehydrator and then jar and store most of them in the apothecary. As you can see in the notion below I’ve picked out a few medicinal herbs, but with most of them being flowering I have to pay attention to the light, the grow lights I got won’t work for those.
I’m excited for this next chapter in my gardening journey! Follow along my urban homestead blog for updates!
How to Do Electric Canning
#electriccanning #foodpreservation
I got some money for Christmas/Yule this year and I purchased an electric canner with some of it. I’m so excited about my new electric canner! It’s a great way to preserve food and make delicious meals. I love the convenience of being able to can my own food without having to use a stovetop. Plus, it’s much safer than traditional canning methods, since electric canners are designed to maintain a consistent temperature while preserving food. I’m looking forward to experimenting with different recipes and creating some delicious homemade meals!
Electric canning is an increasingly popular way of preserving food for longer periods of time. With the help of electric canning, you can preserve fruits, vegetables, sauces, and even meat, without the need for refrigeration. Electric canning is a process of sealing food into airtight containers, often called jars, to prevent spoilage and bacteria from entering. The process of electric canning has been around for centuries, but it has become more widely used in recent years, due to the convenience and safety it offers.
The first step in electric canning is to select the right type of canning jar. The type of jar to use depends on the food you are preserving. There are a variety of sizes and shapes of jars available, so you should select the jar that best suits your needs. You should also make sure to purchase a canning lid that fits your jar and can be sealed properly.
Next, you will need to fill the jars with the food you want to preserve. You will need to pay attention to the amount of food you are placing in each jar and make sure that it is filled correctly so that the food has adequate room to expand during the canning process. You will then need to add a small amount of liquid, usually water, to each jar to help the food to move freely during the canning process.
Once you have filled the jars and sealed the lids, you will need to place the jars into the electric canner. The electric canner will heat the jars to a temperature of 240 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the optimal temperature for canning. Once the jars have been heated for the required amount of time, the canner will then shut off automatically.
Finally, the jars will need to be removed from the canner and allowed to cool completely before storing. This is a critical step in the electric canning process, as it prevents the food from spoiling. Once the jars have completely cooled, you can store them in a cool dark place for up to one year. Electric canning is a great way to preserve food for long periods of time, and it is a safe and convenient method of preserving food.
How to Dry Food in the Microwave
#foodpreservation #microwavemethod
Drying food in the microwave can be an efficient way to quickly remove moisture from food. While it may not be the first thought when it comes to drying food, this method can be incredibly useful for a variety of foods.
The first step in drying food in the microwave is to preheat the appliance to the lowest power setting. This will help ensure that the food is not cooked while it is being dried. Next, place the food onto a microwavable plate or tray. For best results, it is recommended to leave a bit of space between each piece of food so that the air can better circulate around it.
Once the food is in the microwave, it is important to check on it periodically. Depending on the food, it may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to dry out completely. If the food is not dry enough after the specified time, it is possible to remove the food from the microwave and place it in a dehydrator or air-dry it.
Typically, it is best to start with a short microwave time and then increase it if needed. Additionally, some microwaves have a ‘defrost’ setting for drying food. If this is available, it is recommended to use it since it will take less time than the standard drying cycle.
When the food is dry, it is important to cool it down before consuming or storing it. This will help ensure that the food is safe to eat. Additionally, it is important to store the food in an airtight container to prevent moisture from re-entering and ruining the food.
Drying food in the microwave can be a great way to quickly and easily remove moisture from food. However, it is important to follow the proper steps to ensure that the food is dried safely and properly. With a bit of patience and the right settings, it is possible to successfully dry food in the microwave.
How to Sun-dry Food
#sundrying #sundriedfood #foodpreservation
Sun-drying is an ancient method of preserving food that is still in use today. It is a simple, cost-effective way to extend the shelf life of fruits, vegetables and other food products. Sun-drying involves exposing food to direct sunlight for a period of several days, until the moisture content of the food has decreased significantly. Sun-dried food has a longer shelf life than fresh food, because the heat and drying process kills bacteria and other micro-organisms that cause food to spoil.
One of the main benefits of sun-drying is that it preserves the nutritional content of the food. The process of sun-drying prevents the oxidation of vitamins and minerals, which ensures that the food remains nutrient-rich. The heat of the sun also helps to kill off any harmful bacteria or micro-organisms that may be present in the food. Sun-dried food is also considered to be more flavorful than fresh food, as the process enhances the natural sugars and flavors of the food.
Sun-drying is also an environmentally friendly way to preserve food. It does not require the use of electricity or additional packaging materials, and does not produce any waste products. The process also does not require any additional energy or resources, as the energy from the sun is used to dry the food.
Sun-dried food is typically produced in a variety of ways. The most common method is to simply spread the food out in a single layer on a tray and leave it in direct sunlight for several days. Another popular method is to hang the food on a line in the sun and allow it to dry. Food can also be placed in a basket or container and left outside in the sun.
Sun-dried food is a healthy, cost effective and environmentally friendly way to preserve food. It preserves the nutritional content of the food, while also killing off harmful micro-organisms. The process is simple and does not require any additional energy or resources. Sun-dried food also has a longer shelf life than fresh food, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy the taste and nutritional value of food for longer periods of time.
How to Freeze Dry Food
#freezedrying #foodpreservation
Freeze-drying food is an effective way to preserve the flavor, nutrition, and texture of many foods. Freeze-dried food is created by removing moisture from the food while it is frozen. This process is used to preserve a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, and meats.
The freeze-drying process begins with the food being frozen at temperatures below -50 degrees Celsius. This freezes the water content within the food. Next, a vacuum is created that removes the moisture from the food. This process is called sublimation and it is a critical step in the preservation of food. The food is then sealed within a package or container, preventing any further moisture from entering.
Freeze-dried food has a long shelf life, sometimes up to 25 years. This makes it ideal for long-term storage, as well as for outdoor activities such as camping, hunting, and other outdoor recreation. Freeze-dried food also retains much of its flavor, nutrition, and texture. This makes it an excellent option for those who are looking for a convenient, healthy, and tasty food option.
The freeze-dried food process also has environmental benefits. Since the food is preserved without the use of additives or preservatives, the process is much more sustainable than traditional methods. Additionally, because of the lack of water content in the food, it is much lighter, making it easier to transport and store.
Overall, freeze-drying food is an effective way to preserve the flavor, nutrition, and texture of many foods. It has a long shelf life, retains much of its flavor and nutrition, and is environmentally friendly. This makes it an excellent option for those looking for a convenient, healthy, and tasty food option.
How to Air Dry Food
#airdrying #foodpreservation
Air drying food is a great way to preserve and store your favorite snacks for future consumption. Air drying food is an ancient practice that has been used by many cultures over time to preserve food for long periods of time. The process of air drying food is simple and requires minimal effort. The food is placed in a warm, dry environment, where the air can circulate around the food and remove the moisture. By removing the moisture, the food will not spoil as quickly, allowing it to be stored for longer periods of time.
The process of air drying food begins by selecting the food that is to be dried. Fruits and vegetables are the most common foods to be air dried, but meats and fish can also be preserved using this method. Once the food has been selected, it should be washed and cut into the desired shape and size. After this, the food should be placed on a drying rack or in a dehydrator to begin the air drying process. When air drying food, it is important to ensure that the temperature is kept between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, as this will provide the optimal environment for air drying food.
It is also important to remember to turn the food periodically during the air drying process. This helps to ensure even drying and prevents the food from sticking together or becoming too dry. The length of the drying process will vary depending on the type of food being dried and the temperature at which it is being dried. The food should be dried until it is completely dry and has a crispy texture.
Once the air drying process is complete, the food should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will help to ensure the food does not spoil or spoil too quickly. Air drying food can also be a great way to prepare food for long-term storage. This method of food preservation has been used for centuries and is still a popular way to store food today.
Air drying food can be a great way to preserve and store your favorite snacks and meals. The process is simple and requires minimal effort, and can be used to preserve a variety of different types of food. By following the proper steps and storing the food in an airtight container, air drying food can provide a safe and reliable way to store food for long periods of time.
4 Ways to Preserve Food for Long-term Storage
Drying food is a great way to #preserve it for long-term storage. #Food drying has been used for centuries, and it is still a popular method of food preservation today. Dried foods are #lightweight, easy to store, and can last for months or even years without spoiling.
There are several methods of drying food. The most common is air-drying, which involves removing moisture from the food by exposing it to air. This can be done with natural air flow, or with the use of a food dehydrator. Air-drying works best with vegetables and fruits, as they have high moisture content.
Another method of drying food is freeze-drying. This involves freezing the food, then subjecting it to a vacuum. This removes the moisture, leaving behind food that is lightweight and has a long shelf life. Freeze-dried food can also be rehydrated and used in recipes.
Sun-drying is another way of drying food. This method involves exposing the food to the sun for several days, until the moisture content is sufficiently reduced. Sun-drying is best suited for vegetables and fruits, as well as herbs and spices.
Finally, a more modern method of drying food is microwave drying. This method involves using a microwave to reduce the moisture content of the food. Microwave drying is best used for herbs, spices, and delicate fruits and vegetables.
No matter which method of drying food you choose, it is important to make sure that the food is completely dried before storing it. This will ensure that it lasts for months or even years without spoiling. Dried food can be used in a variety of recipes, and it is a great way to preserve food for the long-term.
5 Healthy Recipes to Try for the New Year
Here, you’ll find delicious and nutritious recipes that are great for all occasions. From light and healthy breakfasts to hearty dinners and everything in between, you’ll find recipes that use fresh ingredients and are easy to make. So, get your taste buds ready for a flavor experience and start cooking today!
Here are 5 healthy recipes that are sure to please everyone!
1. Quinoa and Black Bean Burrito Bowl
2. Mediterranean Couscous Salad
3. Baked Salmon with Asparagus
5. Spaghetti Squash with Tomatoes, Mushrooms and Basil
Remember to focus on making balanced meals with a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean sources of protein, and healthy fats. Additionally, consider adding herbs and spices to your recipes for extra flavor and nutrition. Finally, don’t forget to have fun with your cooking and enjoy the process!