I have finally decided that it is time to really make some changes in our family. So, I am looking for ways to make our family more GREEN. I would love to hear suggestions to share with everyone. Also, I want to grow sprouts...they are super healthy. Does anyone know how? And, where do I get the supplies? I want to compost? Where can I get an inexpensive composter? Also, what are the fastest, easiest organic vegetables to grow in a garden? Thanks for your suggestions!
If you're just starting out composting you can make a small on easily.
Take 2 Rubbermaid tubs, punch a bunch of nail holes in the bottom of one and put it inside the other one. Put all your scraps in the tub and cover. If you toss in a couple handfuls of dry dog food, this will be a great starter.
As you add scraps and they start to compost you can shake the whole contraption to sift the new soil down into the bottom tub.
Good luck!
so i am growing tomatoes and peppers on my apartment patio they growing great in a big pot and as far as the composter i am you can get one at home depot or lowes or maybe your local garden center. you can buy organic plants at walmart and walmart also carries all organic pesticides in case you get bugs on your plants
Kudos to you! We need more moms like you. :)
Okay...for compost, it's easier than you think. You don't need some elaborate production. Just find about a 3x3 area somewhere inconspicuous and just start throwing your compost material there (e.g., used coffee grounds/filter, used teabags, veggie scraps, crushed egg shells, etc.). Remember not to put any meat byproduct in it or oil. Just keep it to veggies/egg shells/coffee/tea if you're not sure. If you can, try to crush the egg shells before composting as that makes for faster breakdown.
What I do is I have a container by my sink that I fill up with all my compost scraps. Once it's full, I take it outside and dump it in my compost area.
When you mow your yard, at least for one row or two, use the bag mulcher. When the bag mulcher is full, empty the grass clippings into the compost area. Then you can just mow the rest of your yard w/o a bag mulcher, as the grass clippings are actually good mulch for your grass.
If you have any small branches/twigs/leaves from when you rake up in the fall, throw those in there. Try not to have huge sticks in there though as that takes more time to decompose.
Lastly, but certainly NOT leastly, try to stir your compost pile at least once every day or every other day. Oxygen is essential to get to all parts of the compost pile as the little buggers that turn your compost into "good dirt" need the oxygen to help them w/ eating your compost. You can use a shovel or rake to stir it. If you have a problem w/ flies, simply put a fine mesh screen over top of the compost area.
Don't worry about rain getting on it, it's actually good for it now and then.
As for sprouts, they are just vegetables that are just starting to sprout (e.g., broccoli). So buy some seeds and plant a bunch in very small pots. The little sprouts should come up within a few weeks. Remember to keep the soil relatively moist all the while. Once the sprouts are a few inches high, cut them and enjoy!
Hope this helps! Feel free to email me any other questions you have.
-Jen
I wanted to start growing sprouts too but I have no idea how to get started! I'm going to keep looking at your answers to see if you get any good advice. I did start a garden and am growing lots of herbs, spinach and tomatoes. Good luck!
Sprouts are easy. Buy mung beans or alfalfa seeds (look in Central Market), rinse well, put them in a glass jar in a dark place, cover with cheesecloth or a special perforated jar lid (I've had one for years). Rinse at least daily and drain completely. In a few days you'll have nice fresh clean sprouts. I saw someone suggest growing in dirt, but that sounds messy to me, and rinsing works just fine.
