DO SOMETHING BETTER IN THE GARDEN 3 Ways to Improve Your Harvest
There’s something beautiful about cultivating your own harvest, but you can grow more than simple backyard vegetables. Help your garden “grow up” by trying something unique this spring. Grow Fun Foods We plant gardens for a purpose, so why not make it fun! Plant fresh basil, tomatoes, onions, peppers, oregano, and more to create a garden worthy of your next homemade pizza. All you will need to buy
is the crust! Pumpkin plants can offer fresh gourds for any Halloween fanatic, while new species of fruits and vegetables can create an exciting home-cooking experience. Try the silver cucumber for a sweet taste or pineberries for a mix between strawberries and pineapples. You just might find a new flavor you love. Go With the Flow Creating a year-round garden that practically takes care of itself means using principles of permaculture, a philosophy of working with, rather than against, nature. Start by analyzing your space and yard. Determine your soil type and layer mulch or cover crops to protect it. Then, begin planting the same way that’s found in nature — trees grow at the top, shrubs and bushes are below, and other small plants and vines intermingle within. Choose crops that help each other grow (like corn, beans, and squash), and offer aid to your garden without digging up
too much soil or disturbing its natural process. Permaculture gardening requires thoughtful planning, but once your crops are in place, nature will take its course. Plant for Your Health Mass production of your favorite fruits and vegetables reduces their key nutrients. Instead, choose fresh, home-grown varieties to yield greater health benefits. This is good news for those living with heart disease, joint disorders, or other chronic conditions. You can grow a garden chock full of nutrient-rich foods! Colorful fruits, root veggies, onions, and beans are great for joint health, while leafy greens can boost heart health. Grow pumpkins so you can harvest the seeds for better brain function, while berries can support your liver. Before you dig into these new gardening methods, consult with an expert at a nursery or greenhouse to get the best possible results
EXERCISE OF THE MONTH Open and Close the Gate
Why: This is a great way to warm up your hips for any exercise especially sports like soccer or tennis, but it is also fantastic for a warmup to walking or hiking. This exercise helps lubricate the hip joint, fire up your proprioception for better balance, engage the core, and warm up some key lower extremity muscles. How: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and place your hands on your waist. Keep your shoulders back and neck relaxed. Lift your left knee up to waist level then move it out to the side as if opening a gate. Return to starting position and repeat with opposite leg. Do 5 times each leg. Next do the opposite — lift leg out to side then bring it to the front as if closing a gate. Repeat 5 times each leg. For a more dynamic warmup, do this while walking forward.
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