It’s that time of year again… the temperatures start to cool down, and you can smell a hint of Fall in the breeze. I enjoy warm weather, but I also look forward to seasons changing. And this is the time of year you can get in one last planting of some quick-growing veggies before the first frost sets in.
Remember those intentions you had at the beginning of the year to plant a garden? If Spring and Summer got away from you, now is your chance to make use of the seeds. (A side note: if you don’t think you will plant this year, stick the seeds in the freezer so that you have them available for next year. Most seeds have a shelf life of 2 to 5 years, but the freezer helps prolong that.) If you didn’t till a garden plot, just grab a few pots and some good quality organic potting soil. Plants like lettuce, spinach, radishes and onions should still have time to mature. The sunlight is still warm enough to help the seeds grow, and the evenings are cooler — something that these early crops prefer.
Don’t want to take the time to plant? Don’t let the seeds go to waste! Sprout them in a mason jar and add them to salads and sandwiches. Radish sprouts have a spicy flavor. Broccoli sprouts are full of wonderful micro nutrients that are beneficial to your body. Bean sprouts are a great addition to stir-fry dishes. If you’ve never sprouted seeds before, try a seed sprouting kit like the ones below. The cost more than pays for itself if you make sprouting a part of your healthy diet.
Happy planting!