Many of us are learning that growing small trays of nutrient packed microgreens in our kitchen does not have to be elaborate or tricky. The satisfaction of watching tiny green things sprout and adding them to my raw soup or salad while the winter world lies dormant outside brings a big smile to my face.
The “French Garden System” (google ‘french garden system’ to learn more) used 150 years ago was a season extension system used in Paris to grow vegetables all year round. Yes, it snows in Paris! The French back then were so in love with fresh foods that they once planted most of the city of Paris in rows of vegetables that thrive in the fall, WINTER, and early spring. Today many of the streets are now named after the now long gone gardens.
What that means to us is the sky’s the limit. Using our imagination, a small space in a hallway, laundry room or space at the end of the counter top, we can make a small garden. Using a small inexpensive grow light we can provide a delicious season of fresh greens filled with the life force only fresh foods can provide. The first year I tried I began with a few trays. But with each success, I got more excited and it’s all gotten a bit bigger.
Many greens do not appreciate bright sun or heat. Some cool weather greens you can experiment with are chard, beet, kale, radish, spinach and sunflower. I love the book ‘Microgreens’ by Eric Franks and Jasmine Richardson. They make everything seem possible. I am including a picture of my grow light I use in case you get excited and want to get started.
Let me know how it goes. Or take a class at Diet For Living Center and learn more.