Gardening – Grounded gardens

Reflecting on Your Harvest: The Interplay of Diligence and Systematics

As autumn draws near, the gardening season is still a fresh memory, and this is the moment we get to witness the fruits of our year-long labor in planting, tending, weeding, and watering. Many garden enthusiasts are immersed in chores around this time. Still, like me, many also try to extract the last bit of charm from their gardens before it goes dormant for the year. Hence, now is the ideal time to sit, prioritize orderliness, and jot down reflections and learnings from the past gardening year. For me, the best spot to do this is outdoors, of course!

Lessons for the Upcoming Year

What have you discovered this year that will be pivotal for your future endeavors? This could span from pure gardening wisdom to realizing a more organized tool setup. Perhaps, you need to procure some materials to simplify next year’s gardening, check the autumn sales. Reflect on your sowing and transplanting practices last spring. Was the timing right or off? Are there changes you’d like to implement in your gardening systems next year? Your list of insights might grow lengthy, but the manner of preserving this knowledge is up to you. If you’re anything like me, there’s a good chance you’ll forget a lot by next season, so it’s wise to document, one way or another.

Preserve Your Favorite Recipes

Save those recipes you’ve frequently used and loved throughout the summer. When planning your next planting season, reviewing these recipes will help you grow an abundance of your favorite ingredients. Also, keep a record of recipes related to pickling, sauces, preservation, and other value additions. Having your favorite recipes at hand during the harvest is invaluable. Searching through the internet or your cookbooks annually isn’t the most efficient or entertaining. However, always be open to experimenting with new recipes!

Document Quantity and Weight

Note down your harvest, especially the produce you intend to store. In the summertime, when plucking fresh for immediate consumption, it might not always be necessary to weigh every produce. But come autumn, when harvesting in bulk for storage, it’s beneficial to know the total yield. This information helps estimate your family’s yearly consumption. It’s also worthwhile noting when you run out of specific crops, indicating what needs more planting next year if self-sufficiency is the goal. If something remains unused by the next harvest, perhaps consider planting less or discovering new recipes.

Estimate Your Family’s Annual Consumption

Documenting as advised will give you an overview of your family’s consumption from the crops you grew. However, also factor in other produce not cultivated this year. How much of various vegetables and root crops does your family consume? Do you wish to grow more of these? Some crops may be challenging to grow but essential for your diet. Do you plan on purchasing these or cultivating alternatives?

Do you have additional gardening insights to share? Please leave your thoughts in the comments. Let’s learn and inspire one another!

Warm wishes, //Amanda

Cover image by Tirachard Kumtanom

Unveiling Acceptance: A Vital Key in the Nine Attitudes of Mindfulness

Dive into a critical component of mindfulness in this blog post: acceptance. Being one of the nine attitudes shaping our day-to-day life, acceptance guides us like a compass through a spectrum of situations, from the mundane to the monumental. While acceptance can be a challenging concept, its transformative potential is simply staggering. This article will not only break down the multifaceted concept of acceptance but also share how to integrate it into different aspects of your life. Particularly, we will discover how this approach can be cultivated through gardening, nourishing both your personal growth and your connection with nature.

The Power of Acceptance Contrary to popular belief, acceptance is far from passive—it’s a potent force! It’s the cornerstone that allows you to respond to situations most effectively. Only by acknowledging and accepting the reality of circumstances can you make the informed decision to act or not, thereby steering towards the outcomes you desire. Acting without understanding and accepting the facts could result in misguided decisions and may leave you miles away from your goal. Acceptance provides the foundation for your journey, and it’s you who charts the course from there. Embracing acceptance can also bestow a sense of serenity, enabling you to let go and simply be present.

The Journey to Self-Acceptance

At the heart of acceptance is a crucial concept: self-acceptance. It’s about embracing your authentic self, without the filters of societal expectations or personal aspirations. Is it an easy feat? Probably not. It’s likely a lifelong journey. But every small step counts. Recognizing and accepting our true selves gives us the autonomy to either continue our current path or venture onto a new one. It presents the potential for change as well as the freedom to appreciate what we already have and who we already are.

Gardening as a Metaphor for Acceptance

Gardening offers an excellent platform for practicing acceptance. The garden is a realm where we have limited control, and changes can only be achieved by accepting the fundamental conditions. For instance, stubbornly planting a seed in frozen soil, ignoring the cold grasp of winter, will leave you with a barren patch—the seed simply won’t germinate. Ignoring a drought and pretending it’s raining will only lead to the demise of your plants. Acceptance in such scenarios translates into action—we water our plants during droughts.

To Act or Let Be

Acceptance not only equips us with the ability to take action but also the strength to allow things to be as they are. We often find ourselves striving to change aspects that might not require alteration. Embracing the reality of these situations can liberate us from futile struggles, freeing up energy for other areas of our lives. Interestingly, once we accept situations, they often begin to resolve themselves in unexpected ways. While it might seem magical, it’s more about the energies we invest or choose not to invest—and both paths can lead to profound results.

In Conclusion, the art of acceptance can lead to seemingly magical outcomes. In essence, it bestows upon you the power to choose your path.

How has gardening, or your interaction with nature, aided you in practicing acceptance? Is acceptance a concept you find difficult or relatively easy to embrace? I would love to hear your experiences and insights in the comments, facilitating a space where we can learn and grow together!

Spring Gardening Tips: Kickstart Your Growing Season and Spread Plant Joy

With the last days of winter still lingering, yet the soft whispers of spring beckoning, here are some tips to inspire you and ease your eager green fingers into the new growing season. Hopefully, you’ll also find ways to spread some plant love and motivation among your gardening buddies.

Share the Gardening Excitement

Being part of a community of plant enthusiasts is such a delight! There’s a unique thrill when a gardening friend shares a photo of a seed packet, a new plant, or a ripe fruit. Or when we sit down together, discussing cultivation plans, soil types, watering strategies, and recipe ideas. I challenge you to spread some gardening inspiration to a friend. It could be a picture, a message, some seeds, or even a small plant. Better yet, spend some quality time together – sowing seeds, repotting plants, visiting a nearby park, or even a trip to a garden center. Feel free to share your experiences in the comments. Remember, gardening together makes the experience even more rewarding!

Multiply Your Houseplants

A few weeks ago, my mother was repotting her indoor plants – some were divided into smaller pots while others graduated to larger ones. If you’re like us, you might not have room for lots of new pots. Why not make use of these surplus plants by gifting them to someone you care about? It’s an excellent way to say “I appreciate you” or “Sorry, I ran out of window space, can you squeeze this plant into yours?” I find that taking care of plants gifted by loved ones brings an added layer of joy to my plant care routine. So, why not share the love?

Embrace the Signs of Spring

Spring is almost here, at least in southern Sweden. It’s easy to get caught up in the flurry of sowing and planting without pausing to appreciate the transformation happening around us. As nature rouses from its long winter slumber, it’s genuinely enchanting to witness the rebirth of life around us. Try to slow down and observe the small miracles of spring – the sprouting leaves, the swelling buds, the returning birds, and the awakening insects. Let’s not just be sun seekers, but also ground observers. Take time to notice and revel in the signs of spring unfolding around you.

Let’s welcome the new season with open hearts and excited green thumbs. Here’s to a fantastic growing season filled with joy, sharing, and the wonder of nature’s renewal.

Spring Gardening Tips: Kickstart Your Growing Season and Spread Plant Joy

Share the Gardening Excitement

Multiply Your Houseplants

Embrace the Signs of Spring

Let’s welcome the new season with open hearts and excited green thumbs. Here’s to a fantastic growing season filled with joy, sharing, and the wonder of nature’s renewal.

February

To do

Check if you have manure and soil. If you haven’t, contact farmers or horse people nearby to see if you can get or buy some manure in the spring. Keep in mind that you may need to change the soil in pots and grow boxes to prevent disease. It is especially important if you plant the same type of crop year after year.

Take care of your indoor plants. Change or top up the soil, replant in a bigger pot, divide your favorites so you get more for yourself or can give to a friend. Give them some nourishment and shower them so they feel fresh and nice. Extra lovely in gray/brown February (those are the dominant colors here anyway).

Have you ordered seeds? If not, do it! If you have ordered, they will probably arrive soon. Sort and read when and how different seeds should be sown. Feel free to write down which month you will sow different things or put the bags in different piles for different months. In any case, I think it helps to have a little order.

To sow

I will sow basil, lavender and giant verbena in February. If you are sowing onions from seed, it is also time to sow them. You can also sow different leafy vegetables in the greenhouse to get an early harvest of small green leaves. Maybe I’ll sow some spinach, we’ll see. It might start to feel a bit ratchet on fresh, locally grown stuff. Therefore it is absolutely perfect to sow a little sprouts too. Sprouts will be ready in a few days. Alpha-alpha sprouts are classics, but it is also possible to sprout both peas and lentils. Try it yourself and find your and your family’s favorites!

To eat

Look in the freezer and pantry for things you have left over from last year’s cultivations and gatherings of berries and mushrooms. Look in the store for food grown in your area. I find Swedish apples and cabbage, for example. Give yourself a little challenge and skip vegetables that are produced far away, even if you might usually buy them. Choose things that are grown in the immediate area, within the country or in your neighboring countries.

Summary lists

Do:

Check manure and soil

Take care of your potted plants indoors

Order and sort seeds

Sow:

Basil

Onion from seed

Lavender

Giant verbena

Leafy vegetables

Sprouts

Eat:

Look deep into the freezer and pantry

Look for locally grown food (incl. neighboring countries)

Own sprouts

Chili: The Fiery Flavor Booster – Growing, Harvesting, and Enjoying

Chili – the darling of flavor enthusiasts! This humble fruit packs a punch that has turned it into a culinary celebrity. Its fiery potency has caused quite a stir, with numerous daredevils competing to consume “the world’s hottest chili”. These bold endeavors do bring entertainment, showcasing the sheer power that a tiny fruit can hold. Personally, my preference leans towards a more moderate heat level – a chili that complements, not overpowers, the taste of the food. To understand the heat level of different chili varieties, the Scoville scale is a handy tool. The higher the Scoville rating, the hotter the chili.

Chili offers a spectrum of colors, shapes, heat levels, growth habits, and maturation rates. Always check the seed packet or product description when buying seeds to choose a variety that fits your taste and cultivation needs. In my experience, chilies are delightfully easy to grow, thriving in various locations – a balcony, a window, a greenhouse, or even on outdoor steps. Whether you’re starting from seeds or purchasing fully-grown plants, chilies are typically prolific fruit bearers, aesthetically pleasing, and simple to store. Even better, you can save seeds from your own plants or even from a store-bought chili for planting next year – a true garden gem!

Planting Your Chili Seeds

In Sweden, and other regions with short summers, chili seeds should be sown early in the season, typically between January to March, depending on the growing zone and local climate. Chili is a light germinator, meaning the seeds should lie on top of the soil rather than being buried. Just lightly press the seeds into the soil for good contact. Initially, I buried my seeds and while they did germinate, the results were less optimal, probably with lower germination rates. Keep the soil moist after sowing by covering it with plastic, but ensure air can enter by creating holes or leaving a small opening. Watering should be done from below or using a spray bottle.

Nurturing Your Chili Plants

Once the seedlings sprout, it’s time for transplantation. Move them into a slightly larger pot filled with nutrient-rich soil, planting them deep enough for stability. Plant lights help to cultivate robust, sturdy plants. I’ve grown chili both with and without plant lights; while both work, plants grown without lights tend to be more fragile. They stretch towards the scant sunlight from the window, growing longer but not thicker in the stem.

Keep an eye on the roots – when they begin to protrude from the drainage hole, it’s time for a bigger pot. Continue using nutrient-rich soil and supplement with fertilizer or compost tea. Chilies love a warm, wind-protected spot, making them perfect for outdoor pot cultivation during summer, or planting in the greenhouse or garden. Wait until frost risk has passed before moving plants outdoors permanently. Acclimatize them first by keeping them outside during the day and indoors at night for a few days. However, always keep a weather eye open for unexpected frosty nights.

Harvesting Your Chili

Harvesting chili is straightforward – simply pick the fruits once they’ve ripened to their expected color. I’ve found that regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more fruits. Just like other plants, chili redirects energy towards producing new fruits once ripe ones are removed. It’s perfectly fine to pick chilies before they’re fully ripe and let them finish ripening in a window. You can even experiment by tasting chilies at different ripening stages – they might vary in heat levels!

Storing and Using Your Chili

There’s a smorgasbord of ways to use your harvested chilies – dry them, grind them, create sauces, use fresh, or freeze. You could even host a fun, if daring, contest of who can eat the hottest chili – though proceed at your own risk!

During summer, we mainly use fresh chilies in our meals, chopping them into soups, stews, omelets, pies, sauces – really, the possibilities are endless. It’s always a good idea to taste the chilies before adding large quantities into your dishes – the heat levels can be tricky to reduce once added. The seeds and the white pith are where most of the heat resides, so use those parts sparingly if you prefer a milder flavor. Any unused chilies from the summer are usually dried and later ground or chopped for use in meals, just like fresh ones.

When drying chilies, I thread them onto a string, passing a needle through the chili stem, and hang them in a window. Not only does this method effectively dry the chilies, but it also creates a charming display. Be sure to space the fruits apart to prevent mold.

A word of caution: always use gloves when handling fresh chilies, even the milder varieties. Accidental eye contact after handling chilies can be unbearably painful. Chili residue is stubborn and may remain on your hands even after washing.

Quick Guide

Sow seeds on top of soil between January – March
Transplant when needed, based on root growth
Ensure plants receive adequate nutrition
Chilies prefer sunny, warm, and wind-protected environments
Harvest when ripe
Use in all foods, dry, freeze, or create chili sauce

Chilies are a flavor adventure – embark on your journey today!

Weekly report v. 3

It rarely goes as planned and as some of you probably noticed, there was no weekly report on Sunday or newsletter yesterday. We have been at home with stomachflu so there has been neither time nor energy to write. But now we’re back on track!

Last week not much happened in the garden, but I sowed the first of the year’s seeds! It’s always a great feeling! It was chili, celeriac and leek. You can find more about chili in this week’s cultivation guide.

We continue to harvest leeks from the greenhouse and “shop” in the freezer and cellar. There will be a lot of beans, potatoes and carrots. I also got a nice head of cabbage out from under a lot of bad leaves. Often the core of the head of cabbage remains fine, even if the outermost leaves look terrible. I wish I had taken pictures or video, but that will have to be next time.

This year I have decided that we will not have a lot of home-grown food left in the freezer when the new season of harvest starts. It actually takes some time to adjust and primarily “shop” at home instead of in the store. There will be more seasonal food and less of the same all year round. This means that you have to think outside the ordinary, find new recipes and inspiration. Fun, but sometimes a bit difficult.

See you again in week 4!

Happy week!

//Amanda

Gearing Up for 2023: The Future of Self-Sustaining Gardens

The dawn of a new year always brings anticipation, hope, and plans for the months ahead. This 2023, I’ve decided to gaze into the proverbial crystal ball and lay down a roadmap for our garden – one that meets the unique challenges this year brings.

Aref and I will be ushering in some significant changes in our lives, with him working abroad intermittently. The implications? Our beloved garden will need to evolve into a more self-reliant space. While the very thought is exhilarating, it also unfurls a carpet of concerns – dehydration and those relentless weeds topping the list. But as every gardener knows, for every problem, there’s always a solution, or in our case, multiple!

1. Embracing Cover Cropping:
For those unfamiliar, think of this as a protective blanket for the soil. By using grass clippings to envelop the ground around our plants, we intend to retain moisture and deter those pesky weeds. It’s an age-old method with promising results.

2. The Magic of Interplanting:
Nature thrives in unity. We plan to adopt the technique of growing crops side-by-side, especially those that complement each other. Imagine zucchinis nestling with corn, or butternut squash playing companion to beans. This symbiosis not only keeps the weeds at bay but also ensures the soil remains shielded from the harsh sun.

3. Automating Hydration:
Our greenhouse poses a unique challenge. With no rainfall seeping in, we must be extra vigilant. While some of our deep-rooted plants, like grapes, have the luxury to draw water from the outer edges due to the lack of flooring, others aren’t so fortunate. We’re still brainstorming the perfect automatic watering system, but trust that we’ll land on a solution soon.

4. Going Pot-less:
To mitigate dehydration risks, we’re bidding adieu to pots this year. Direct ground planting will be our modus operandi, ensuring the roots have consistent access to moisture.

5. The Power of Pre-cultivation:
While it’s ambitious to pre-cultivate everything, we’ll aim high! Giving our seeds a head start indoors should, in theory, give them an edge over the weeds.

Despite our best-laid plans, nature, with its inherent unpredictability, will throw its curveballs. We anticipate a few casualties to pests, dehydration, or the fierce competition of weeds. However, the silver lining remains – many plants will not just survive, but thrive. And I hold onto the conviction that our garden will grace our plates generously this year as well.

Whant to know what happend? Check it out here!

Covering the garlic with grass clippings (pic from 2022)

Planting out big plants to get a head start on the weeds (pic from 2022)

Reflection on this years gardening

December means time for reflection! The gardening is paused, at least for us, and we have some time to sum up the year. What went good? What went bad? And what to do next year!

My first reflection, before getting in to the actual gardening is that it is quite hard to find the time to make blogposts in the middle of the gardening season. This is not my job, neither is the gardening. I don’t make any money of of this except the savings from all the vegetables and meat we don’t have to buy. I hope one day this will be my full time job because I love sharing and reading about gardening and I really love gardening!

Now, here comes the most exciting part; What went well in the garden this year? Our fridge is full of zucchini, parsley and basil! Zucchini has been so thankful to grow! It keeps the weeds away and doesn’t need any attention. Well except from harvesting ALL THE TIME! Such a blessing! Between our zucchini we planted sunflowers. They were also amazing, so beautiful and I think some birds enjoyed the seeds in the end of summer. Another thing that went well was the potatoes. It’s almost always easy to grow potatoes but sometimes you get vermin or something, but not this year! We have really nice looking potatoes and since we don’t eat so much potatoes I believe we have for the whole year. Tomatoes went fine in the sense that we eat the last ones yesterday, but we have bought canned tomatoes for pasta sauce, pizza and stuff like that. Leek, just like potatoes went well and I think it will last until next years sprouts are ready to harvest. Onions didn’t go so well so we are using leek instead of onions in lots of our food.

Now to the not so fun part, but the very educative part when you get some distance. What went bad… Well, it feels like a lot… We didn’t get any cucumber, the watermelon was eaten by rats, cabbage was a roller-coaster but we actually did get some nice heads at the end (we also had a lot of pests), the sugar peas dried out, the garlic went rotten and the butternut squash didn’t ripen before the first frost. Thinking of everything that went bad I actually came to think about some more things that went well. We got a lot of nice carrots and so, so much breaking beans! Chili was also really good this year! So much more fun to think about the positives!

Anyhow, we learned a lot this year, as we always do! I don’t think I know another hobby where you develop and learn so many new things every year! And as soon as you think you are pro at some vegetables something happens and the harvest fails. The great thing is that I love to learn about this stuff so even though it sucks when you fail I never think about stop gardening. We always get a lot of pests on our cabbage and every summer and fall I tell Aref that: “Next year we are not growing cabbage!”. But every January when I order my seeds I buy some cabbage… Aref sighs at me but I just cant give up on it, and this year we got one or two nice heads! So you can be sure I will order some seeds for next season as well, maybe a lot of seeds, it seems I can be a cabbage-pro, doesn’t it?? 😉

Hopes and dreams for next season will come in the next blog post so stay tuned!

Would be great to hear about your gardening year!