Second Chances
I recently read an article out of a nationally recognized magazine titled, SECOND CHANCES. Intrigued that the images supporting the title didn't quite correlate, I dove deeper. To my surprise, this article was speaking about the bolting and demise of spring and summer vegetation and the welcoming of new growth, as the fall temperatures allow for such a chance with our cool weather plants.
I have been lucky enough to have been inspired by Disney as a little girl and have that inspiration continue to flourish within. One of the amazing things I learned about, on a challenge I might add, is the tool that was created out of a need to personalize an Epcot ride. I bought myself this tool, for myself for Mother's Day, over 13 years ago, and have been growing, eating, and educating others from it ever since! The amazing feature is that growing can occur 365 days a year, not just when Mother Nature graces us with perfect growing conditions. This tool truly is, as Disney coins, "magical".
There are gardeners out there that may differ, and I LOVE THAT! I do like to play in the dirt and I feel it's important to teach both, especially to our children. The amazing part about this tool is that it is adaptable because not everyone has the luxury of "getting down and dirty" while tilling soil.
These tools allow for children of ALL ages to continue to garden and eat, nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables from the comfort of their own homes, schools, RV's, boats, etc. Whether you grow INDOORS or OUT!
Circling back to the article I read, it's important to know that the growth cycle CAN continue- INDOORS or OUT! Regardless of your choice, be sure to give your fall and cool weather plants the best possible outcome by cleaning out your AVG*. Now, onto ROUND 2. You are more than welcome to compost your faded and thinning plants, rockwool and all, then dismantle your AVG. You can place all sections of the garden in your dishwasher (or bathtub) along with 1 cup of citric acid before you reassemble and bring indoors or plant out. While you are awaiting your freshly washed garden, plan accordingly, for your AVG. Hint: Plant/Grow what you eat!
INDOORS
Arugula • Basil • Beans • Bok Choy • Cabbage • Chives • Cilantro • Cress • Celery (my favorite to grow) • Collard Greens • Dill • Endive • Kale • Leeks • Lettuce • Mint • Mizuna • Mu Oregano • Mustard • Pak choi (and other Asian greens) • Parsley • Peas • Radicchio • Sage • Sorrel • Spinach • Swiss Chard • Thyme • Mustard Greens
OUTDOORS
Basil • Beans • Broccoli • Brussels Sprouts • Cabbage • Cauliflower • Collards • Cucumber • Eggplant • Endive • Kale • Kohlrabi • Lavender • Leeks • Lettuce • Mizuna • Mustard • Parsley • Peas • Radicchio • Spinach • Swiss Chard
BOTH
Collards • Endive • Kale • Kohlrabi • Leeks • Lettuce • Mustard • Parsley • Lavender • Arugula • Bok Choy • Cabbage • Chives • Cilantro • Dill • Swiss Chard • Mint • Muzina • Mu Oregano • Pak Choi (and other Asian greens) • Sage • Sorrel • Thyme
I hope this small reflection and introduction to AVG-ing has given a new insight as to what is possible. Possible for our children, our families, our schools, our communities, our churches, our retirement communities. Gardening is so much more than planting a seed and watching it grow and although this post has to do with fall planting using a play on words, there is a dual meaning in the message; just like with our gardens, let's remember to relish in what was (provided) and marvel in the wonder of what one planted seed can produce. With much love and happy growing!