Original Question In Full

“…I saw the page about heirloom seeds and I was just curious to see if you were going to expand your seed bank to other areas like maybe wheat, hops, soy beans?

Only curious, but I am wanting to eventually start a seed bank in case things would go awry and I would need to be able to plant something.

Those above that I listed were a few of the extras that I would be interested in, I guess they might not be a survival necessity though?”

Our Response

Thank you for your question! Yes, we would love to include wheat, rye, oats, barley, hops, soybeans, etc.

Typically, the term “heirloom” is not usually assigned to grains, hops or soybeans. However, interestingly, there is a very sprecial variety of wheat that has been trademarked and patented as the one and only authentic, genuine, original Eyptian grain from over 2 millenia ago; the auspicious and classic Kamut^®, or Khorasan wheat.

Khorasan is a rich, sweet and hearty variety of wheat with slightly larger kernels than traditional American wheat.

Khorasan is both tender and mild to the taste when soaked and cooked or sprouted. It makes excellent sprouted breads, and can be served in a stew or soup as well. It also makes a deep green and flavorful wheat grass juice.

Long ago, kamut was parched and then consumed simmered or ground into a sun bread.

If there is any wheat that could be termed, “heirloom,” it would have to be Kamut®.

All such wheat must adhere to the following:

1. Be the ancient khorasan variety of wheat
2. Be grown only as a certified organic grain
3. Have a protein range of 12 – 18%.
4. Be 99% free of contaminating varieties of modern wheat.
5. Be 98% free of all signs of disease.
6. Contain between 400 and 1000 ppb of selenium
7. Not be used in products in which the name is deceptive or misleading as to the content percentage
8. Not be mixed with modern wheat in pasta”

From: http://www.kamut.com/en/trademark.html

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Other grains such as rye and oats can be purchased in organic form rather than heirloom form.

That means that such grains have not been altered by genetic modification, nor have they been raised with chemicals and pesticides.

We HIGHLY recommend buying ORGANIC, especially when growing for food and to save seed for future use. The care, the special, natural soils and amendments, fertilizers and natural pest control are far superior to standard agricultural methods in our opinion.

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Organic wheats and other grain berries can be sprouted and planted as easily as any other seeds. It is relatively easy to grow wheat and other whole grains.

In fact, we once threw some wheat seeds into a compost pile and were rewarded with tall wheat grasses that grew strong and seeded well without any attention or care.

One can usually purchase organic wheat and other grain berries for under $1.29 per pound at local health food stores and other grocers such as Whole Foods.

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One can grow hops by starting with Hop rhizones or tubers and planting with a trellis. As a perennial, they will flower and provide “cones” every year.

As for soybeans, we highly recommend using organic, non GMO seeds ONLY. Since soy is a commodity, over 90% have undergone genetic modification by large conglomerate agricultural companies. Organic seed berries are natural and without alteration.

Soy is particularly high in protein and often used for animal feed.

Soybean sprouts are particularly nutty and flavorful when quickly sauteed. They are a delicious supplemental food.

As with all beans, legumes and seeds for eating, a little goes a long way.  Served with a sprouted grain bread, beans provide all the essential amino acids that the body cannot manufacture on its own.

We have a partiality for lentils and peas. These seem to us a little easier to digest. They are also fairly easy to grow.

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If you are trying to start a seedbank, we applaud you. Collecting and preserving seeds is a magnificent endeavor. Seeds are forever – they can provide an endless supply of food and sustenance for virtually no cost. All that is required is a little patch of dirt or some containers.  Almost anything that grows in the ground can also be grown in pots.

Growing and saving the best plants for next year’s seeding and planting is an incredibly rewarding experience.

As more and more people get “back to the land,” seed saving and preserving will grow in popularity and scope.

We wish you the best!

Happy Growing – Grow Heirloom! : )

YES! You can grow your sprouts and greens INDOORS ALL YEAR ROUND with an inexpensive little 11 watt florescent bulb.

It’s super easy, super simple and takes hardly any time at all! The nutritional benefits are… priceless. (Nice source for such light bulbs: Ikea : )

Today: Kamut Grass Sprouts Kamut is a Variety of Ancient Wheat

You can use almost any sproutable grain. Many of the natural food stores carry organic grains that will sprout. Sprouting is inordinately valuable. Not only are nutrients released, nutritional factors are released and nutrient content skyrockets. You can eat many sprouts as they are, or you can allow them to grow for juicing.

Easily Grow Greens Indoors : )

This picture goes to show that you can grow greens anywhere. Here they grow on my little kitchen work table under a computer lamp that was acquired for only $14.95 at a local computer store. Note: You can put several plants beneath your light. I’ve used just one for demonstration purposes. ALSO… for those who prefer incandescent bulbs – you can use a regular grow light bulb. They usually start at 40 watts and go up from there. The incandescents may cost a little more to run. At 10 cents per Kilowatt hour, a florescent bulb can run about $3 a month while an incandescent can go upwards of $10 or so. However, can grow at least 4 pots under such a bulb, saving lots of money. If you have natural window light, you can save even more! (Be careful to protect your little plants from window cold by using aluminum foil or bubble wrap. : )

To Begin… Here we have some sprouted kamut grain and a prepared clay pot with soil

You can sprout in almost any container with some sort of cover! Here I used an old family heirloom – an old pyrex pot. I merely tip it over with lid held shut by fingers to empty out the water. SECRET: You can LOW WATER SPROUT! All that rinsing? Not necessary! I just pour the “rejuvelac” or sprout water into a large container, add more water and feed my plants! Plants heal and thrive with such water which is slightly acidic and contains nutritional factors. You can do a rinse once a day without touching the sprouts. Our hands have natural bacteria which is normal and fine. But the less we touch the sprouts, the less likely for “souring” or contamination. The sprouts have been soaked for 1 day (approximately 24 hours) then allowed to sprout for 2 days. POT I used a regular old washed clay pot with some worm soil from my worm bin. You can use ANY potting soil. It will work splendidly.

A Layer of Sprouts

Here I’ve layered the sprouts approximately 1/3 of an inch high in a simple clay pot. You can sprout in any container – even a plastic bag. No holes on the bottom are necessary! You will notice I will not even use a coaster or saucer.

A Nice 1/3 inch covering of soil

I put a layer of soil over the sprouts. The soil will help keep the sprouts moist and dark. Soon, they will erupt out of the soil which I will then remove to be put back into the worm bin. Ask me to do a worm bin pictorial!  (So easy, fun, and the most adorable little pets. Watering If the soil becomes dryer, I simply sprinkle on my water with my fingers to keep moist. I don’t cover as then yeasts, fungi or mold may grow.

The pot can be placed anywhere indoors

Here I place the pot on my little kitchen storage table nestled among my little mess. NO, i don’t eat peanut butter, someone else does. Freedom of eats. : )

Overnight, the sprouts pop right through the soil. Here, I’ve removed the soil cover which the sprouts handily pushed out of the way. All the babies look lively and healthy.

As you watch your sprouts grow, you may be amazed at how much vitality they radiate. And, there’s such a wonder in the magic of a seed… At first glance, it’s a hard little thing that seems quite dead. Then, with the magic of moisture, it roars to life busting with living energy. You will be amazed how quickly the grass grows. In the above picture, they are approximately an inch and a half tall.

The next day, they’re TWO inches tall and growing by the MINUTE.

If you watch carefully, you can see them rise… : ) It’s late morning and the grass sprouts are already approaching 2- 3 inches tall. I turn the lamp off at night and turn it on during the day. The 11 watt bulb uses very little electricity.

The grass reaches for the light…

Some blades grow more quickly than all the rest. It’s as if they’re little grass athletes. The taller, stronger plants are those you may wish to let go to seed so that you’ll have a faster growing crop next growing season. Growing season for greens is all year round when growing indoors!

Beautiful, isn’t it?

There’s such a beauty in the small blades when you take a look close up and personal. Tiny, green spires of perfection reaching for the light.

Water Droplets Collect on the Grass Tips

Water collects on the tips of the glass blades. The droplets look like little gems in the light. I sprinkle a little water on the sprouts in the morning and evening. Very little… just enough to keep the soil and sprout seeds moist. Water gravitates to the top of the blades. Amazing!

Jeweled Water Droplets – Another View…

Another jeweled shot… Each little droplet is a magnificent little globule held in suspended animation.

A Closeup…

In the wild, in the early morning dawn, insects and animals can take drinks of the delicious little “dewdrops,” the purest and most natural of distilled waters. Some say, it’s living water.

Evening…

In only 1 day, the grass has grown 3 – 4 inches. Tomorrow we can begin to harvest and juice. : )

Morning and the Sprouts are Ready

In only 2 days, we have tall, beautiful, lush sprouts. Time to pluck!

Shorn, the “Plucked” Sprouts Go Back Under the Light

Here, the sprouts have been “plucked.” All the blades from the top of the patch have been plucked from their stems. The growing will continue. I store my plucked sprouts in a little glass with a bit of water at the bottom.

Little Glass of Sprouts

Ready for juicing, nibbling, adding to blended smoothies and drinks. But most especially enjoyed by Monsieur Le Hamstere : )

The next day AFTER having been plucked!

The sprouts have risen anew, ready for more plucking! Because we planted the seeds 1/3 of an inch thick, we will continue to be able to harvest for several days. Additionally, the stems continue to put forth more growth. Soon, we can plant anew! If we had planted several pots, one every other day, then refreshed each one, we would have a continuous supply all year round! Guess what? We can do this with all sorts of delicious, nutritious, marvelous, wonderful, GREENS! Happy Growing! With Love, CiCi Ellienne http://growheirloom.com/blog/ : )

This article was inspired by the Raw Food and Inspirational Life Coach, Ka Sundance

The Law of Attraction vs. the Law of Creation

Introduction

Ka Sundance is currently living an idyllic life in beautiful Costa Rica with his 4 children and wife, Katie. He learned how to turn his dreams into a reality and now helps others do the same. See his special link below.

Ka Sundance is an inspirational coach that I happen to highly respect. Now the field of inspirational coaches is quite large, overflowing with a number of bright and shining individuals who have manifested their dreams and now work on helping others achieve theirs.

But Ka stands out to me. For one thing, he follows one of the purest and most natural of diets. Why is this important?

For one thing, having clarity of thought is precipitated by a well functioning body and mind that is fueled and enhanced by the very best nutrition possible; the nutrition provided by fresh raw fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and sprouted grains.

Adhering to these dietary principles, Ka reflects healthy mind, spirit and body in physicality AND actions.

The Law of ATTRACTION – What Is It?
What is the Law of Attraction? Basically, it is a belief that is based upon the premise that like attracts like, or that similar types of energies attract one other.

The Law of Attraction, Feelings, Thinking
The Law of Attraction infers that when you feel about and think about something strongly, you are then likely to manifest it into your life. How is this?

It is by the very acts of thinking, concentrating, focussing on and FEELING the feelings of what you wish to experience in your life that your own mind and the Universe seem to conspire to make it so. Your thoughts have the power to attract what you are focussed upon.

This seems to work for both positive and negative. Therefore, focussing on, concentrating on the positives and what you truly want in life will help make your dreams come true for you.

You see, you DO have the power to manifest what you want in your life by using the power of your own imagination and ability to FEEL.

Sound unbelievable? Perhaps. But it works. This amazing power of your own mind is available to you.

So, How Do You Make This Work For Yourself?
First of all, think about what you are saying. Perhaps you say that you are rich, wealthy, safe, happy. But instead, you feel poor, insecure and angry.

How do you think your life is going to be able to reflect what you say, when your feelings are in such opposition?

It turns out that it’s likely your life will reflect your feelings more so than your words.

The Law of Attraction does work. What you need to do is stop this Ping Pong game of this going back and forth of making positive, affirming statements while feeling negative, hopeless, upsetting thoughts.

What Do You Do?
Restructure your thought patterns in SUCH a way that you constantly focus and REFOCUS on what you truly WANT to experience. Now, this will take a great deal of effort in the beginning….

Go back to the FEELINGS of being safe, empowered, abundant. Your mind will go back and forth in a ping pong game. This will need to happen for quite a while until the NEW EMOTIONAL PATTERNS are truly established and firmly anchored into your personality.

This is when the Law of Attraction becomes the Law of CREATION.

The Law of CREATION
The Law of Attraction can be considered a simplistic, more passive law. You think rich, your become rich. Your feel rich, your become rich.

In a way, there is truth to this. But there is a way to speed up the process and make the Law of Attraction work more quickly and intensely for yourself.

Taking Action
It starts with the emotional effort. Then it progresses to TAKING ACTION.

Let’s say that you want to create more money in your life. Where does it start?

It starts with feelings – feelings of abundance, that you are deserving of success. Then, you feel the feelings you would have if you were holding all the money you need in your hands. You feel the joy, the safety, the comfort, the security.

By focussing on what you REALLY, TRULY want in your life in detail and imagining having it, helpful people and situations will be drawn into your world as if by magic.

Your own mind and the power of the Universe and God have conspired to provide to you what you have wanted and felt so strongly about.

This is simply how the Universe and your own subconscious works on your behalf.

Now’s the Time
It’s NOW the time to ACT instantly without hesitation upon the hints and opportunities that the Universe is providing to you.

This is the moment when the Law of Attraction turns into the Law of Creation. It is the moment when you ACT upon your feelings and grab these opportunities and take advantage of them.

It’s not JUST about thinking about and feeling the feelings of having what you want… it’s ALSO about taking ACTION when these opportunites present themselves.

Your Actions Can Also Be INTERACTIONS
Your responsive actions do not have to be stiff, formal, regimented. They can also be in the form of INTERACTIONS with people and new circumstances. Everything will work together to help you to expand your horizons allowing you to explore new possibilities.

Suddenly, you may notice your world evolving with new energy flows and wave patterns. Now is the time to run with it! Move! Flow! Go with the new energies!

The situations in your life will evolve and rise to higher and higher levels until you are in the vibrational energy that you wish to be in. The world around you has become harmonious with the desires and wishes you want to experience.

Create Your Dreams… Feel Your Dreams… And You WILL Manifest Them with the Power of the Mind and the Universe.

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The Video that inpired this article:

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Ka Sundance Raw Food Recipes and Diet
These books are a must-have. We consider them an essential necessity for the home.

Raising Raw Food Kids - An Essential Guide - This is a Must Have!

5 Steps to Raw Success by Ka and Katie Sundance Important Information

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MEET KA SUNDANCE NOW

Enter Your Name and Email Below and get the very special opportunity to speak with Ka. He will amaze you with his very special energy, warmth, brilliance and vitality. He is a highly inspirational, intelligent and intuitive coach; perhaps one of the very best in the world.

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Author: Cici Ellienne can also be found carefully tending little plant and word gardens at GrowHeirloom.com. She also contributes gourmet monstrosities to YummyDelicious.com. : ) We support, promote and are happily willing to derive income from those individuals and companies that we truly believe in.

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So! It’s late at night and you’re going stark, raving, stir craving. That is, you’re hungry as all getout and could eat a horse on the spot. Poor horse. Poor you! You crave every junk food known to man.

Well, here’s a solution that I call the Lazygirl Solution. Smartly, i use my lazy proclivities to my advantage. How?

Secret Weapon
I prep, prep, prep salad / juice / good stuff in the fridge. They sit there in the lonely, cold dark, waiting like little (big) spiders for an ant with my name on it.

I make LOTS of salad and raw vegetable / fruit juice so I don’t run out.

So… when I get hungry and want 3 bags of potato chips and 40 chocolate bars, I saunter to the fridge looking for evil goodies ONLY find daggone unprepped fresh veggies and fruits which i don’t want to touch, AND… tada, that salad and juice just sitting there.

I grab them just cuz they’re sooo convenient, not that they’re my preference. But, frankly, they taste purty good. Note: Kale salad mixed with other goodies is substantial and everyone always loves it. Don’t ask me why… maybe because kale can have a nutty taste or something.

(If you make kale salad and you have roommates or family who help themselves, either put a skull and crossbones on your salad or be prepared for it to be gone… don’t ask me why, it just disappears.)

Another note regarding juice: I find a bit of banana and / or mango smoothied into the juice makes a delicious drink that I REALLY look forward to. That little bit of oom-pah-pah really does a trick.)

So! In summary, the lazy me will grab whatever is ready to go in the fridge. And, potato chips, twinkies, girl scout cookies and other illegals are strictly forbidden in the kitchen. They WILL be confiscated by my mouth. Tell your family and roomies they MUST keep that stuff in their rooms in the closet in an airtight box. Period.

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About late eating… try to go to bed really hungry for a day or two. Suffer through it, scream, cry, throw yourself on the floor if you have to. Then in the morning, grab that salad and banana-enhanced juice and cart it to work with you. Sip on that juice in the morning so you train your body to accept food during day instead of just at night.

Miracles do happen… one night, you’ll go to bed with cravings but wake up feeling… hungry and refreshed!!!

And it just gets better and better. That’s a promise.

Yeah!

Love!!!

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Not only do we think about growing beautiful heirloom plants, but growing ourselves goes right along with the program.

Here are some lovely quotes of the day to help us be the happiest and best, possible. I was inspired by Ka Sundance’s video posted below. : )

“The thought manifests as the word,
the word manifests as the deed.
The deed develops into habit,
habit hardens into character.
So watch the thought
and its ways with care;
Let it spring from love
born out of concern for all beings.
As the shadow follows the body…
As we think, so we become.”
- Siddhartha Gautama

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“The secret of health
for both mind and body
is not to mourn for the past,
worry about the future
or anticipate troubles,
but to live in the present moment,
wisely and earnestly.”
- Siddhartha Gautama

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“Sow a thought, and you reap an act;
Sow an act, and you reap a habit;
Sow a habit, and you reap a character;
Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.”
- Charles Reade

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Choose your words, for they become actions.
Understand your actions, for they become habits.
Study your habits, for they will become your character.
Develop your character, for it becomes your destiny.”
- Anonymous

“Energy Flows Where Attention Goes.”
- Anonymous

and Then…

“Energy Flows Where Love Grows!”
- Love, Miss Grow Heirloom

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Grow Good Thoughts and the Rest Just Follows!

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Growing Greens Indoors on a Budget – Yes You Can! And Sprouting, Too!
By Cdin Sky & CiCi Ellienne : )

Get your dark leafy greens all year round right from your own indoor container garden! You can SAVE MONEY, GET ORGANIC, NUTRITIOUS, DELICIOUS FRESH GREENS ALL YEAR ROUND FOR PENNIES!

Fun and beautiful, too. : )

Growing greens inside a home is actually quite easy. Any 6 inch tall container will do. Even shorter! I like to stick with the 6 inch height if possible. If you water carefully, you don’t even need holes or pebbles at the bottom!

Simplicity is the order of the day. : )

Why Listen to Me?
That’s a good question. Who am I? Some super expert plant and soil scientist? No, not at all. I’m just a little maniac who loves to play with soil and growing plants and seeds because it’s so inherent in my native construction. You see, when little plants sprout and grow, my heart just soars with love and affection. And, the scientific part of me attempts newer and better methods of growing for the sheer joy of refining, defining and purifying these methods until they’re SO SIMPLE a baby can do it!

That means the world can grow and eat just the best stuff on Earth with a modicum of loving effort and care.

I also love the idea of low water usage gardening. Pure water is becoming a very precious commodity indeed. Finally, there’s the wonder of the Circle of Life…

The Circle of Life
With a few, dear, sweet and lovely little red or earthworms, lovely homemade compost, a little fresh water, light and love, your leftovers and juice pressings can be turned into lovely food for the worms who turn it into nutritious soil for plants who turn into food for lovely you with the sweetest and loveliest poops in the world! Round and round it goes. As God and Nature intended.

I have discovered that growing food indoors in containers is amazingly doable whether you live in a room, apartment, motor home, anywhere! Access to a little sunlight with some nice little full spectrum lights or florescents can provide all the lighting necessary.

The “Pot”
You can use almost anything for your pots and grow containers. Rubbermaid containers, pots and pans, tupperware, glassware, any container that won’t leach out any lead or heavy metals. Why, you can grow in plastic food tubs and soda cups. (Throw out the processed foods and soda of course. : ) And of course if you’re aesthetically and financially inclined, a window sill box either bought or homemade are lovely things indeed.

Do you have a patio, deck or outdoor space? Great! Beautiful lush greenery and flowers lift the spirits and grace your world with warmth, serenity, peace and beauty. Make a little fountain with an aquarium pump… heaven above! But! I digress! Forgive?

I like individual containers that can be moved. Eventually, one might get a rolley cart that can travel from window to window, out to patio, wherever, to avail all the outdoor light possible. But, that’s a luxury, isn’t it?

When i make a million zillion dollars, perhaps i will get one! Or two! Just to experiment some more. : )

Soil
A nice, basic potting soil is fine. Eventually, you may want to compost (another amazingly easy and simple thing to do requiring no special materials other than a bucket and a little soil from the backyard. Those juice pressings can turn into magnificent, beautiful soil quick as pie! : ) (Ask me for instructions on that)

General use, easy draining light soil designed for pots works best. No special soils needed! One can procure a nice, organic full spectrum all purpose fertilizer that has the vital basic nutrients and trace minerals. A favorite of mine and many gardeners is kelp concentrate . A little goes a long way – a few drop around the edges of the pot ever so often with the usual watering and that’s it! And Micorrhizaes are very nice to add.They’ll help your little greens have resistance and strength like sturdy little Popeyes. : )

Greens like something like a 20 10 10 fertilizer mix. The first number is nitrogen. More nitrogen for greens.

I have used an eigth teaspoon of organic molasses for minerals in the starter water if I don’t have kelp concentrate. I have even been known to add a vitamin, trace mineral and general mineral tablet to soil makings just because. Not too much or sweet aphids will love you and the greens to pieces.

Necessity is the mother of invention, and it’s amazing what versatility of method green growing can endure and thrive with.

Planting
So… you will fill your moistened soil into your pot up to an inch or so from the top of the container. I mix the soil first like a cake batter in a mixing bowl so every bit has a nice moist texture. Then, I add the soil half way if I’m using pre-started baby plants, adding soil around the little baby plant and gently tamping down with my finger or a spoon.

Someday when you have loads of time and/or money you can make your own soil. Ask me about that…

Tools
The thick, plastic picnic tableware from Ikea is perfect for the garden! Only $2.99 and I donate all the pieces i don’t use. They last a lifetime. BUT… any flatware tableware wil do! A little fork and spoon are perfect. i like the little seafood forks if i have.

If I’m starting from pre-sprouted seed, I simple stick a finger into the soil and plant the little darling kerplunk. Then i cover him snugly, pressing the soil gently so he has a snuggy place to plant his little rooty feet.

Watering
Keep the soil lightly moistened at all times. To save water, you can lightly cover the exposed “ground” with plastic or mulch if you wish. I have used decorative rocks, pebbles and little Star Wars and Transformers figurines… :O

A little water goes a long way. On rare occasion, I use my little fork to gently prod the soil to keep it a tiny bit fluff on the surface. If there are little squiggly friends (worms), i make sure to take extra special care. They’re so precious.

Self Watering Containers You Can Make Yourself
Yes they can be quite lovely and wonderful. But not necessary when one is on a budget. When one can easily afford, they make a nice addition to an indoor garden. But i’ve found the fancier and more complicated, the more THINKING. No no… simple and easy for me please. :

* IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT WORMS *
Did you know worms are a feeling, loving bunch of characters? Yes, indeed! They take utter delight in making love and having children. Truly God endowed them with the ability to feel pleasure, as he imparted to ALL living creatures. And they’re sweet and odorless predigestive poopies turn soil into the most delectable nutritional yummies for plants. What a gift they are!

If at ALL possible, when discarding any soil, take the time to set your worms free where there will be moisture. A shady spot where they can tunnel under a tree or building so as to live long and prosper. : )

Keep your soil and compost moist at all times. These precious little girls and guys would appreciate it so much as drying out isn’t fun to do…

Lighting
Place your babies on the window sill or beneath your grow lightbulbs. You can use florescent bulbs as well. I enjoy the grow lightbulbs because they add a nice warmth during winter weather, but compact florescents are fine and cheap to run. 1 or 2 60 watters do nicely for small green sill gardens, especially when combined with the lovely light of day through windows or glass doors. 2 or 3 compact florescents work well for several pots close together.

One can place several tiers of plants on little shelves in front of a window. Lovely!

You can turn off your lights at night. Does it get super cold? You can put a piece of plastic or a blanket over your babies using some tall pots or water bottles for the necessary elevation. In the morning when you uncover them, they chirp with delight!

Well, maybe YOU chirp with loving delight. : ) AND – Send so much LOVE in their direction… YES! Talking to them does work although your relatives might send white coats to take you away…

Lighting and Tin Foil Hats and Mats
Using Tin foil for reflection can maximize lighting benefits. Wash your tinfoil and reuse to be environmentally friendly.

Sprouting Seeds
The easiest and best way to sprout seeds is to soak them 24 hours in a little spring water. After soaking, you can snuggle them in a moist paper towel or moist brown paper from a paper bag in a nice warm and dark little place. They should start to sprout within 48 hours. Once you see their little white tails, you can pop your babies into the soil and cover them with 1/3 to 1/5 inch of soil.

No need to pack the soil too hard. Just a light tapdown will do. Nighty night, sweet seedling!

Space your seedlings 3 to a 6 inch round pot for greens. Nice, compact, condensed to maximize light and space usage. You will harvest when they are preteens which is ideal for taste and convenience. They don’t mind! Their energy is infinitely lovable for edible.

Eventually, if you’re growing heirloom, (a wonderful and best thing to do!) you can let some babies go to seed. It’s so fun to do this! I collect the seeds and sprout them… amazing beyond belief. They are your grandchildren…

I used to send out heirloom seeds for free. Perhaps someday i’ll be able to do that again. : ) Regular seeds are just fine to start with.

What Type of Seeds?
Any lettuces will do. AND – don’t forget about growing wheat, kamut, barley, oat and rye grass! Juice your grass and life is wonderful! Later, you can grow mini tomatoes, peppers, almost anything.

I propose a new law… Every living abode MUST have GREAT BIG WINDOWS. Period. Then we can grow anything and everything easily.

Be Aware of These Seeds – No Nos
Buckwheat sprouts are to be avoided as they contain substances which can cause light sensitivity and other problems in larger quantities.

Legume sprouts – i avoid these because my body simply doesn’t like them. But, many people love them and have no problem. Their sprout soaking water can contain anti-nutrient substances to be avoided. It’s best to throw away the water if you do sprout legumes and lentils. My plants don’t like legumous sprout water. That tells me a lot! : )

But truly – you have to do fairly large amounts to have repurcussions. My body talks to me and lets me know its no-nos.

Harvesting
While young, harvest the leaves from the outside leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. Space the seeding and planting of your greens two weeks apart so you can have a constant supply.

You can grow herbs such as thyme, basil, oregano, rosemary and cilantro for yummy flavor. i have a mini Rosemary tree. He’s like a little Bonsai… adorable.

Amount of Greens You’ll Get
Of course the more containers, the more greens. One can use greens as a supplement to their diet. If they want substantial harvests, they will have to use more containers! Instead of beautiful houseplants, grow beautiful veggie plants!

Start small. As you gain confidence and experience, the sky’s the limit! Beautiful greens everywhere – by every window. You’ll discover who loves what, and where. Experiment! Have fun! And when things don’t seem to go right, keep going! There’s always that pesky little dusk before the dawn…

PS: i LOVE dusk…

Little Buggy Pests
Perhaps you’ll find a few uninvited guests. Or, perhaps a bit of mildew. No matter! Wipe away the little guys with your fingers, (send them lovingly to Buggy heaven – sorry all life lovers!). For anything resembling mildew, Restart your pot with new soil. You can bake your soil to purify. Make sure you remove all little earthworms if you have them. Mildew or mold can mean you’re babies are being overwatered.

Put a lovely chair by your indoor garden and make lovely dual use of your grow lights. If your window is fairly bright, you may not even need ANY grow lights.

What did i miss? A million things? Just message me and i’ll try to answer best i can.

LOVE to YOU!!!

Happy Growing and Glowing!

~~~

i have tons more suggestions – like Rainbow Swiss Chard grows like a maniac ALL YEAR ROUND just be generous with the nutrients, etc…

oh gee… i could make the 30,000 pages long…

More Love!

~~~

Great News! Growing greens inside a home is actually quite easy. Any 6 inch tall container will do. Even shorter! I like to stick with the 6 inch height if possible. If you water carefully, you don’t even need holes or pebbles at the bottom!

Simplicity is the order of the day. : )

Why Listen to Me?
That’s a good question. Who am I? Some super expert plant and soil scientist? No, not at all. I’m just a little maniac who loves to play with soil and growing plants and seeds because it’s so inherent in my native construction. You see, when little plants sprout and grow, my heart just soars with love and affection. And, the scientific part of me attempts newer and better methods of growing for the sheer joy of refining, defining and purifying these methods until they’re SO SIMPLE a baby can do it!

That means the world can grow and eat just the best stuff on Earth with a modicum of loving effort and care.

I also love the idea of low water usage gardening. Pure water is becoming a very precious commodity indeed. Finally, there’s the wonder of the Circle of Life…

The Circle of Life
With a few, dear, sweet and lovely little red or earthworms, lovely homemade compost, a little fresh water, light and love, your leftovers and juice pressings can be turned into lovely food for the worms who turn it into soil into nutritious soil for plants which turn into food for lovely you!  Round and round it goes. As God and Nature intended.

I have discovered that growing food indoors in containers is amazingly doable whether you live in a room, apartment, motor home, anywhere! Access to a little sunlight with some nice little full spectrum lights or florescents can provide all the lighting necessary.

The “Pot”
You can use almost anything for your pots and grow containers. Rubbermaid containers, pots and pans, tupperware, glassware, any container that won’t leach out any lead or heavy metals. Why, you can grow in plastic food tubs and soda cups. (Throw out the processed foods and soda of course. : ) And of course if you’re aesthetically and financially inclined, a window sill box either bought or homemade are lovely things indeed.

Do you have a patio, deck or outdoor space? Great! Beautiful lush greenery and flowers lift the spirits and grace your world with warmth, serenity, peace and beauty. Make a little fountain with an aquarium pump… heaven above! But! I digress! Forgive?

I like individual containers that can be moved. Eventually, one might get a rolley cart that can travel from window to window to avail all the outdoor light possible. But, that’s a luxury, isn’t it?

When i make a million zillion dollars, perhaps i will get one! Or two! Just to experiment some more. : )

Soil
A nice, basic potting soil is fine. Eventually, you may want to compost (another amazingly easy and simple thing to do requiring no special materials other than a bucket and a little soil from the backyard. Those juice pressings can turn into magnificent, beautiful soil quick as pie! : ) (Ask me for instructions on that)

General use, easy draining light soil designed for pots works best. No special soils needed! One can procure a nice full spectrum all purpose fertilizer that has the vital basic nutrients and trace minerals. A favorite of mine and many gardeners is kelp concentrate. A little goes a long way – a few drop around the edges of the pot ever so often with the usual watering and that’s it!

Greens like something like a 20 10 10 fertilizer mix. The first number is nitrogen. More nitrogen for greens.

I have used an eigth teaspoon of organic molasses for minerals in the starter water if I don’t have kelp concentrate. I have even been known to add a vitamin, trace mineral and general mineral tablet to soil makings just because.

Necessity is the mother of invention, and it’s amazing what versatility of method green growing can endure and thrive with.

Planting
So… you will fill your moistened soil into your pot up to an inch or so from the top of the container. I mix the soil first like a cake batter in a mixing bowl so every bit has a nice moist texture. Then, I add the soil half way if I’m using pre-started baby plants, adding soil around the little baby plant and gently tamping down with my finger or a spoon.

The thick, plastic picnic tableware from Ikea is perfect for the garden! Only $2.99 and I donate all the pieces i don’t use. They last a lifetime. BUT… any tableware wil do! A little fork and spoon are perfect.

If I’m starting from pre-sprouted seed, I simple stick a finger into the soil and plant the little darling. Then i cover him snugly, pressing the soil gently so he has a snuggy place to plant his little rooty feet.

Watering
Keep the soil lightly moistened at all times. To save water, you can lightly cover the exposed “ground” with plastic if you wish. I have used decorative rocks, pebbles and little Star Wars and Transformers figurines… :O

A little water goes a long way. On rare occasion, I use my little Ikea fork to gently prod the soil to keep it a tiny bit fluff on the surface. If there are little squiggly friends, i make sure to take extra special care.

Self Watering Containers
Yes they can be quite lovely and wonderful. But not necessary when one is on a budget. When one can easily afford, they make a nice addition to an indoor garden.

* IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT WORMS *
Did you know worms are a feeling, loving bunch of characters? Yes, indeed! They take utter delight in making love and having children. Truly God endowed them with the ability to feel pleasure, as he imparted to ALL living creatures. And they’re sweet and odorless poopies turn soil into the most delectable nutritional yummies for plants. What a gift they are!

If at ALL possible, when discarding any soil, take the time to set your worms free when there will be moisture. A shady spot where they can tunnel under a tree or building so as to live long and prosper. : )

Keep your soil and compost moist at all times. These precious little girls and guys would appreciate it so much as drying out isn’t fun to do…

Lighting
Place your babies on the window sill or beneath your grow lightbulbs. You can use florescent bulbs as well. I enjoy the grow lightbulbs because they add a nice warmth during winter weather, but compact florescents are fine. 1 or 2 60 watters do nicely for small green sill gardens, especially when combined with the lovely light of day through windows or glass doors.   2 or 3 compact florescents work well for several pots close together.

One can place several tiers of plants on little shelves in front of a window. Lovely!

You can turn off your lights at night. Does it get super cold? You can put a piece of plastic or a blanket over your babies using some tall pots or water bottles for the necessary elevation. In the morning when you uncover them, they chirp with delight!

Well, maybe YOU chirp with loving delight. : ) Send so much LOVE in their direction… YES! Talking to them does work although your relatives might send white coats to take you away…

Lighting and Tin Foil Hats and Mats
Using Tin foil for reflection can maximize lighting benefits. Wash your tinfoil and reuse to be environmentally friendly.

Sprouting Seeds
The easiest and best way to sprout seeds is to soak them 24 hours in a little spring water. After soaking, snuggle them in a moist paper towel or moist brown paper from a paper bag in a nice warm and dark little place. They should start to sprout within 48 hours. Once you see  their little white tails, you can pop your babies into the soil and cover them with 1/3 to 1/5 inch of soil.

No need to pack the soil too hard. Just a light tapdown will do. Nighty night, sweet seedling!

Space your seedlings 3 to a 6 inch round pot for greens. Nice, compact, condensed to maximize light and space usage. You will harvest when they are preteens which is ideal for taste and convenience. They don’t mind! Their energy is infinitely lovable for edible.

Eventually, if you’re growing heirloom, (a wonderful and best thing to do!) you can let some babies go to seed. It’s so fun to do this! I collect the seeds and sprout them… amazing beyond belief. They are your grandchildren…

I used to send out heirloom seeds for free. Perhaps someday i’ll be able to do that again. : ) Regular seeds are just fine to start with.

What Type of Seeds?
Any lettuces will do. AND – don’t forget about growing wheat, kamut, barley, oat and rye grass! Juice your grass and life is wonderful! Later, you can grow mini tomatoes, peppers, almost anything.

I propose a new law… Every living abode MUST have GREAT BIG WINDOWS. Period. Then we can grow anything and everything easily.

Be Aware of These Seeds
Buckwheat sprouts are to be avoided as they contain substances which can cause light sensitivity and other problems in larger quantities.

Legume sprouts – i avoid these because my body simply doesn’t like them. But, many people love them and have no problem. Their sprout soaking water can contain anti-nutrient substances to be avoided. It’s best to throw away the water if you do sprout legumes and lentils. My plants don’t like legumous sprout water. That tells me a lot! : )

Harvesting
Green grow so beautiful. While young, harvest the leaves from the outside leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. Space the seeding and planting of your greens two weeks apart so you can have a constant supply.

Grow herbs such as thyme, basil, oregano, rosemary and cilantro for yummy flavor. i have a mini Rosemary tree. He’s like a little Bonsai… adorable.

Amount of Greens You’ll Get
Of course the more containers, the more greens. One can use greens as a supplement to their diet. If they want substantial harvests, they will have to use more containers! Instead of beautiful houseplants, grow beautiful veggie plants!

Start small. As you gain confidence and experience, the sky’s the limit! Beautiful greens everywhere – by every window. You’ll discover who loves what, and where. Experiment! Have fun! And when things don’t seem to go right, keep going! There’s always the dusk before the dawn… Little Buggy Pests
Perhaps you’ll find a few uninvited guests. Or, perhaps a bit of mildew. No matter! Wipe away the little guys with your fingers, (send them lovingly to Buggy heaven – sorry all life lovers!). For anything resembling mildew, Restart your pot with new soil. You can bake your soil to purify. Make sure you remove all little earthworms if you have them! Mildew or mold can mean you’re babies are being overwatered.

Put a lovely chair by your indoor garden and make lovely dual use of your grow lights. If your window is fairly bright, you may not even need ANY grow lights.

What did i miss? A million things? Just message me and i’ll try to answer best i can.

LOVE to YOU!!!

Happy Growing and Glowing!