Before we get crafting the mini greenhouses that make winter sowing feel sort of like a pre-school art project, let’s go over the basics.

What is Winter Sowing?

Winter sowing is a way to work with Mother Nature to grow plants from seed. You plant seeds in a container and set them outside. They sprout in the containers and are ready to plant out into your garden from there. Trudi Greissle Davidoff was the first to write about the process of winter sowing.

The concept started by mimicking nature with seeds that need to be cold stratified. Stratification means the seeds need spend a certain amount of time in the cold usually around freezing before the seed’s ‘timer’ will go off and break dormancy to germinate. You can cold stratify seeds indoors with the help of a refrigerator or freezer, and seed packets will suggest the temperature and length of time needed.

Most tough native seeds also need to go through a freeze/thaw process to help weaken and break down their tougher seed coats to break dormancy and prepare them for germination. This is why ‘snow seeding’, which is the practice of scattering seeds once it starts snowing up north, works so well.

Planting seeds that need to be cold stratified inside a container gives you the best of both worlds. They will still be set to nature’s schedule of freezing and thawing, but you will also get a bunch of seedlings that you can keep an eye on and transplant when you’re ready. The seedlings also have the boost of not competing with other weed seeds and a little warmer and protected environment.

When planting our garden’s annual vegetable seeds, we’re not doing it to cold stratify them, because those seeds don’t require that. We winter sow vegetable seeds for the other benefits.

Winter Sowing bonuses include:

*Earlier seedlings
*No hardening off
*Stronger plants
*No extra equipment
*Recycling plastic

Simple + Eco Friendly

This process does not require any extra inputs to start seeds a little earlier. I will say that up in Minnesota (Zone 4) we likely won’t get a full harvest from our peppers or eggplants, (tomatoes mostly catch up) when started this way. However, there are quite a few plants which work wonderfully using this method.

You will most likely be reusing a plastic container. Not having to buy ‘extras’ is something to take into consideration when thinking about the costs of grow lights, heat pads, fans, and the energy to run them all. Those can add up to a big investment and a bit of an energy drain if you are diving into seed starting.

Making Your Winter Sowing
Mini Greenhouse Jug

I have posted 3 videos of the process on my YouTube for you visual learners!
* Winter Sowing Introduction
* Making and planting your Mini Greenhouse
* Placing your Mini Greenhouse Outside

Winter Sowing Vegetable Seeds

Now I get to share my findings about starting annual vegetables in winter sowing containers. We’re basically creating mini Greenhouses! As I’m always interested in trying new ways to garden, I dove into this years ago. Over the years I’ve trialed a few different varieties of cool weather vegetable crops a few different ways.

• out in the open
• under low tunnels
• under plastic totes
• inside my cold frame

Building on Elliot Coleman’s (Four Season Farm) writing that “The double layer moves the plants 1,000 miles to the south,” I wanted to see if growing under double ‘layers’ of protection translated well to this situation. In addition, I wanted to see if this really did anything to increase the growth rate, etc. on the spring side of seed starting rather than extending the harvest season.

I started with some of my standard cool weather crops. Overall, I got great results and so much valuable information to pass along.

Timing the Seed Starting

I’m a Minnesota Zone 4 (almost 5) gardener. We have pent-up gardening energy to burn in the late winter/early spring. So let’s funnel that into starting our best gardens yet!

Find your Frost Date Predictor at your state’s Department of Natural Resources page. Minnesota DNR Frost/Freeze Probability Dates

The probability of last frosts in my growing area range from mid-April to early May. Based on these dates and overall germination temperature requirements (see chart below), I have found that late February to early March works best for sowing the cool season annual vegetable seeds under double protection. You could set out winter sown containers earlier, but the above dates coincide with my indoor sowing of the same crops—and I’m all about streamlining seeding!

Vegetables Started + Results

My trials for winter sown containers out in the open showed 7-14 days of earlier germination and sustained growth compared to planting directly into the soil. My seeds started in winter sown containers under either a cold frame or low tunnel for an additional layer of protection were 10-20 days ahead. That time gained may be worth it to some; to each their own. That’s what makes gardening so fun—you get to decide!

*I usually sow varieties below in Winter Sown Containers
at the end of February inside my cold frame.

Spinach – Great germination. I start spinach in a jug in the cold frame. Transplanted into cold frame mid-March; those transplants took well. Transplanted out the rest of the spinach into open ground by peas mid-April. Picture of spinach in cold frame on April 25 looking great after transplanting. My first real harvest May 8. The star of my winter sowing trials.

Beets – Great germination. I was late to transplant, but grew to better sized bulbs than those I started inside a few weeks earlier.

Pak Choi – Decent germination, super tough plants that are harvestable before most insect pests have even shown up in the garden. Very happy, hearty plants.

Romaine (Winter Density) – Great germination, good transplanting. Got a few delicious extra-early harvests from double covered winter sown seedlings. But then it evened out (between the winter sown and direct seeded plants) as they grew to maturity.

Tatsoi – Great germination and even though transplanted later, did really well. We harvested as baby crop.

Broccoli – Decent germination rate. Took a little hit at transplant, but were stronger overall plants than my indoor-sown Belstar Broccoli plants. Similar final harvest dates and sizes.

Kale – Good germination and transplant, but not much earlier (or anything else noticeable) to harvest as compared to direct sown because I harvest these later in the season. Sowed both Scarlet and Dwarf Scotch Curly.

Minimum Soil Temps for Germination

35°– 45°F: Lettuce, Spinach, Arugula

40°-50°F: Beets, Parsley, Kale, Leeks, Onions, Kohlrabi

45°-55°F: Broccoli, Cauliflower, Pak Choi, Tatsoi,

55°-65°F: Cabbage, Swiss Chard

60°F: Celery, Tomatoes

*These temps are different from optimal germination temps, which run 10-20°F higher. For a full germination temp chart see page 46 of our book, Small-Scale Homesteading.

Looking Forward

What will I be adding this year? More winter-sown herbs, a few flower trials, and a second set of outdoor-sown brassicas (my favorite cool weather crops). I am also eager to see if there are any differences to starting winter-sown jugs in a greenhouse vs. a cold frame. Plant nerds unite!

My Winter Sowing Schedule

Late February – Mid-March
Spinach, Lettuces, Beets, Cabbages, Broccoli, Kale, Brussels Sprouts, Onions

Mid-March
Thyme, Salvias, Oregano, Cilantro, Parsley, Basil

Mid-April
Cosmos, Zinnia, Marigolds, 2^nd sowing of  Lettuce +  Bok Choy

So, have I inspired you to try this form of sowing seeds? I’ll be keeping up with sharing my winter sowing adventures on my stories on my Instagram and Facebook social media accounts. I hope you follow along with us too!

Love Digging in – especially in when there’s still snow on the ground!
Michelle

The post Using the Winter Sowing Technique with Vegetables appeared first on Forks in the Dirt.

It doesn’t take rocket science to understand why we love flowers. I mean just look at these beauties! They are Nature’s purest form of eye candy!

If you’re looking for an overall guide to Companion Planting, I’ve got you covered too, with this Free 5 page Guide!

Flower Power

As I’ve grown up (well, a little anyways) and understand more of the science behind why flowers naturally create a more balanced garden, I’ve fallen head over heels all over again. They are essential for organic vegetable gardening. Plus my gardens are more colorful, fruitful and ALIVE because of these growing works of art. I mean who wouldn’t want to get a chance to work with beautiful nature to grow more and bigger veggies!

While planning and plotting a fresh new local garden (I’m loving my design + consult sessions!) I kept hearing myself going on and on about the importance of saving space for flowers in the garden. Turns out I’m pretty jazzed about the power of pollinators and beneficial insects in the vegetable garden. So, I figured if it was that important to gush about one on one, it was probably worth a deeper dive here

All About the Annuals

I talk more about using flowers in companion planting and garden planning in the blog post Garden Dreams to Garden Goals. But honestly, just bringing in the nectar sources from any of these flowers will make your garden hum – literally! The flowers listed here can all be started by seed. I tend to direct sow them into the garden soil (follow soil temperature guidelines on seed packet) because I run out of room under my grow lights. But you can start any of the plants listed indoors to get an early bloom- aka nectar source going. And, please- take all these ideas with a pinch of salt (or garden lime- who has the tequila), because what works for one garden(er) won’t necessarily work for another. And therein lies the ephemeral magic of gardening!

Calendula

Variety: Calendula Resina, Seed Savers Exchange

This flower IS sunshine reflected. I’d grow this plant for its bright blooms alone, but the powerful medicinal properties make it (dare I say) my favorite beneficial garden flower. Calendula was one of the first flowers I grew for its herbal properties. It has taught me so much, so of course it holds a special place in my big old flower loving heart. Calendula also attracts the good guys such as ladybugs, lacewings and hoverflies that help control aphids, thrips and other destructive pests. Easy to start from seed, I have direct sown in mid-May and gotten bumper crops of petals late in the season. If you want earlier harvests start seeds indoors, though I’ve heard they are a bit tricky to transplant. I grow a swath of these among my rhubarb in the veggie patch and in another sunny corner of the yard to ensure I have enough of the powerful petals to make some of my soothing calendula salve. They seem to be deer and rabbit safe. They do tend to reseed, so plant where you’re OK with them continuing to pop up.

Cosmos

Variety: Sonata Mix

These are true show stoppers and can easily take over a LARGE portion of the garden. They run tall, 5-6 feet, and a packet of seeds can cover a good 4 square feet. That being said, I’ll always have some of these beauties in my gardens, because- well, just look at them! The color and simple yet full petal design combined with being drought tolerant makes them a keeper! They also play their part in happy garden insect play- attracting the bright green/metallic long-legged fly, (shown on white Cosmos) hover flies, bees, parasitic wasps, butterflies and even bird. The chickadees and hummingbirds frequented mine last Summer. Those beneficial bugs and birds nibble the pests (aphids, squash beetles etc) that prefer to eat my veggies.

Marigold

Varieties: French Marigold (Tagetes patula)
Mexican Marigolds (Tagetes minuta) + Lemon Gem (Tagetes tenufolia)

I’ll admit there was a time I thought I was too cool for the old school marigold. But when you plant true varieties (not the puffed up hybrids please!) they attract all the right insects and are so easy to collect seeds from, you’ll never want for color again! My favorites just might be from the White Bear Lake Seed Library (read more about the WBL Seed Library HERE). I planted these in both my home garden and the YMCA Community Gardens last Summer and they were marvelous! The kids especially loved their vibrant colors and collecting all those seeds (there’s a reason everyone had them in their gardens for centuries). Technically they produce a substance called alpha-terthienyl, a chemical that suppresses nasty nematodes and cabbage worms. Some botanists think the smell conceals other vegetable odors too, keeping more bugs further away from your precious crops! Marigolds keep my tomatoes, peppers and eggplants happy by keeping away some bad bugs!

Zinnia

Variety Pictured: Magellan Mix from Jung Seed

Zinnias deter cucumber beetles and tomato worms. They attract predatory wasps and hover flies, which eat insects that would otherwise destroy garden plants. Zinnias attract hummingbirds, which eat whiteflies before those flies can damage tomatoes, cucumbers and potatoes. They manage to do all that while bringing a striking color pop to the garden border. The colors look like you amped up the ‘color saturation’ filter every time. They *can form tidy little rows of color blasts- depending on the variety you chose. Heights range from 12 inches to 5 feet, and every color under the sun. Which also means there will be a zinnia you’ll fall for And they keep blooming into the fall here in Minnesota. A pollinator favorite, these zingers brighten the veggie patch with their own colors and their colorful visitors.

Sweet Alyssum

Full disclosure, I’ve meant to plant this for years, but somehow last year was the first time it made it into my gardens. Tucked in along the rows of potatoes. They were pretty much teeny tiny powerhouses of pure plant magic. And as I started writing this, I realize that I once again forgot to order them… Good thing Gardens always give you another season

Garden Growth

The concept that I can work with nature, using plant’s natural chemical reactions has captured my imagination and keeps me exploring! The practice of using trap crops (plants that draw insects to them rather than nearby vegetable plants) and companion planting (using certain plants to mutually benefit each other’s growth) is fascinating. I practice the basics both in how I plant my veggies and which flowers I plant where. But I never get too hung up on specifics, I figure it has to look good to me as much as the bugs

As I mentioned earlier, there are as many ways to garden as there are gardens. And soil is a living breathing, changing medium to work with, different even a few feet over let alone in a different town or state. But we can sway things in our favor- and make our gardens more colorful lively places at the same time by bringing in a mix of proven flower power.

I’m continuing to learn new and better combinations, varieties and uses for these multi-tasking beauties.

For an easy way to ID some of the common insect visitors, check out the very visual Good Bug/Bad Bug book. Written by Jessica Walliser, I will attest that kids and adults alike enjoy being identifying bugs using this book! She also has a great podcast episode with Garden Expert, Joe Lamp’l on The Joe Gardener Show. So cool to get a glimpse of just how much is going on in our gardens!!

Everyone has their own list of favorites flowers. Maybe developed because of a friend giving you a plant, memories of grandma’s garden, or even an Instagram photo…  so tell me, what are your favorites and why??? Are you adding any flowers to your vegetable patch this season?

I’m working on a perennial pollinator guide next, so many flowers to chose from!

Ready to Dig In and get planting!
Michelle

The post Companion Planting Flowers for Your Vegetable Garden appeared first on Forks in the Dirt.

And yet, life grows on. Even with a frozen surface (and finally some snow), our Earth is still breathing deep and slow- readying herself for another round of explosive growth come spring. But Mother Earth has slowed down too for the time being; so I’m doing my best to follow suit. In this busy time of year (holidays), life (with two littles), and building a business (Forks) it is becoming apparent I NEED to make time and space for me. Time for self-care and listening to my own thoughts. Time for taking charge of my own health beyond gardening and healthy eating.

Being able to look back and see the goals I set for myself and how they played out and how they affected how I spent my time- is almost more revealing than if they were accomplished or not. I am a stubborn one so if I set a goal, I’m likely to make sure it happens. Beware the woman who takes on too much, she gets grumpy with overwhelm. Anyone else over the overwhelm!?!

Taking a Look Back

I love being able to look back at goals I set from the previous year. Last year I did this in a BLOG POST. The goals are listed below-

My 2018 goals for Forks in the Dirt:
*Meeting and writing about more local farmers – Yup and it was FUN
*Inspiring awareness in the food choices we make,- I think So (not sure ow to measure this one) What do you think??
*Expanding the White Bear Lake Winter Farmers Market.  Check- Three markets attended by 800 people, with more vendors, food trucks and new community info partners

My personal goals for 2018:
*Planning for and planting our doubled vegetable garden space – We planted and grew in all the spaces of the garden
*Preserving more of my own food (dehydrating, freezing, fermenting and canning) -I gave away more food, so there’s less in my freezer but canned a little more
*Finding a local sustainable source for organic oats and chicken meat  –Yes on the chicken meat, and I have a source for Oats just haven’t gotten there yet
*Becoming a better Chicken + Kid Mom  –Well, My kids are still alive- my chickens are not. More on this in a future blog post.
*Finding more of that elusive “Balance” – EPIC FAIL

What I could see from looking back was that EPIC FAIL– the “Balance” ties into what I was already feeling the need to focus on for 2019. A part of that balance for me is giving myself grace when I don’t measure up (OK, more like a huge part).

What do you want to Grow?

What you water will grow

Finding those sweet spots when you lose yourself in the work because you are so fully engaged is what I long for- you too? For me those moments come in many aspects of gardening- the planning, the planting, the tending, the harvesting, the cooking of the food I get to grow. It also comes in writing; at least in the beginning when I’m so excited tot share an idea- not so much the editing . Meeting like minded garden geeks is another way I fuel my passions as well. Setting up interviews to learn more from farmers and others working towards local food ways is a priority. Volunteering at the food shelves also helps me get out of my ‘self’. So, more of all that is on the books for 2019.

enJOY the JOY

Now to show you all just how nerdy I can get… there is a phenomenon recently proven by neuroscience that I want to share. The Velcro vs Teflon paradox. The basic concept is that you need to appreciate (or contemplate) positive thoughts longer to have the same effect as a negative thought. The positive thoughts or feelings slide away unless you savor them consciously for at least 15-30 seconds. Within that time, the thought positively imprints and can stay with you. You can listen more HERE during 13:20-14:30 minutes in this Liturgists podcast with Richard Rohr (two of my favorites together). Or read more about the idea of savoring positivity HERE.

Both my Wood Stove and Winter break time with my boys has helped me set this practice into motion. I hope I can keep with it because I can already feel the effects!

Goal Setting

I will set more measurable goals as well. Starting more veggie seeds under grow lights and building a cold frame (FINALLY!). I’ve also recently fallen in love again with Indigenous Foods and plan to explore those foods and farmers more this year. Along with goals like keeping up my volunteering at the food shelves and working with more children in my town, both at the WBL YMCA and at the elementary schools.
*But these goals will all take a seat behind my main focus of growing my self.*

I love a good book, and I found a few new favorites this last year. Did you find a book that did your garden or soul good? Please share it with me!

A few of my favorite books from 2018:

Year Round Gardener & Veggie Garden Re-Mix: by Nikki Jabbour

Sioux Chef: By Sean Sherman + Beth Dooley

Lab Girl: by Hope Jahren

OK- EnJOY these last days of 2018 and here’s to a big old CHEERS to 2019- looking forward to digging in and growing with you all!
-Michelle

The post Growing Goals appeared first on Forks in the Dirt.

In order to add the amount of growing space we wanted fast, we went with a well known no till option called “Lasagna Gardening”. Just one growing season in and I’m amazed at what a great addition these beds have been!

In The Beginning…

When we moved in 10 years ago our backyard had spruce trees, overgrown bridal wreath and an almost dead hydrangea. And a lawn of mostly creeping charlie. No garden in site. Needless to say, we’ve added A LOT of perennials, bushes, trees, chickens, pathways, and yes- Gardens. Of course the creeping charlie will forever be part of our landscape as well… But let’s focus on the Vegetable Garden here. 

You can see the old garden fence to the back , boy we had a lot of wood to split and chip!

We had a happy 24’ X 20’ fenced in vegetable garden for years, where I grew a good amount of food, and enjoyed learning more about organic gardening practices along the way. We changed part of the space into 3 raised beds a few years back. Each  bed measuring 4’ X 8’ with a large strawberry patch in front and open edges for potatoes and pots.

But as most gardeners know, you eventually outgrow your space. And then once you start looking at how to change one part of the garden you can quickly move half your yard around. Hence the ‘musical gardens”. And, if I do say so- we rocked that tune!

Down to Earth

We started the project by removing a dying spruce. This would allow more light to an otherwise shady part of the yard.

Chipping the branches gave us a great source of carbon to decompose in the raised beds- and to add the the pathways.

We ended up fencing in 24’ X 50’. The fence was a must for us, our yard is home to a myriad of bunny families. This new safe space accommodated the 4 raised beds, room for row crops along the edges, some pots, and a garden table. The design always included some kind of arch/pergola/trellis, but not until we started building it did we know exactly what and where it would be! I am very lucky my husband is a carpenter and doesn’t shy away from hard work! OK, I love the physical labor part too!

Little bit of everything, keeping good ratios of green to brown along the way.

We filled the four new beds using the ‘lasagna gardening’ technique. This means a quick no till start to the bottom layer. I did ‘fork’ the compacted lawn to get more air flow in the top layer (and invite worms to venture upwards). We started with layers of cardboard and soy inked newspapers. Then a hefty layer of our compost to get things moving. I can’t wait to add some ‘worm poop’ next spring from our very own “Vermicompost”! On top of that, wood ships, leaves, wood ashes, and plant clippings etc that I would have thrown into the compost pile along with spent chicken coop straw all got layered up!

Halfway point for loading the compost from the yard waste site.

Then we went to the Ramsey County Yard Waste Site with a friend’s trailer and shoveled in a WHOLE LOT of finished compost- for FREE. This is a great service both for dropping off yard waste and for the amazing free compost they offer. A quick google search will find your county’s info.

Then, luck struck again, when a friends who’s parents’ offered up their used straw bales from their Summer’s Straw Bale garden. The partially decomposed straw bales were like gardening gold to me! (Thank you Mark and Theresa Moe!)

That is true joy on my face, loaded straw bales ready to bring more life to my home gardens!

Garden Evolution Notes

And like most projects that you jump into feet first; I learned a lot about what not to do! Like, if I had it to do over again, I should have put the straw under the top compost layer! And maybe even followed this permaculture expert’s recipe for lasagna garden building instead. What I do know is that even though there’s some heat generated from the decomposition, it doesn’t compare to the sun’s rays on black dirt! As a result my straw-topped beds warmed much slower than my older prepped and previously tilled beds.

Topping off the garden beds before winter!

But wow the lasagna gardening made easy work of  creating great soil over weedy lawn. Not having to till and weed out that nasty, hard packed ground was worth it! I was able to plant in those beds in early May (with a row cover over b/c you all remember that crazy late blizzard this year, right!?) on compost I had layered in early October!

The proof is in the produce!

Suburban Homesteading

We feel like we’re getting there. Joining the ranks of other folks who enjoy growing more of their own food on their land, even if they have a regular sized lot. We’ve got a slightly larger than normal lot size, but this is a far cry from the acreage of a farmstead. We still have so many possibilities – dreams to be planted and bear fruit here… and each season we learn more, grow more, and become more deeply rooted to this beautiful place we call HOME.

After I ripped out 3 Eggplant, 2 Bell Peppers and a patch of Okra – AND dug up the potatoes that were in this space. VERY productive garden soil!

This year (like all years) is unique and beautiful and challenging and rewarding… all rolled into fabulous meals, and a freezer bulging with bags of frozen goodness. Shelves stocked with mason jars of Summer harvests.  And a pantry bursting with dried herbs and teas. Those, along with our home made maple  syrup, venison and eggs keep us eating local long after the tomatoes have stopped. And with the seeds I’ve collected from the gardens, I’m halfway back to my starting point next Spring.

I hope my ‘real world’ story helps you decide if you’re ready to help your gardens evolve and grow too. It has been a lot of work but, for me- the rewards are worth every drop of sweat equity! Let me know if you have any questions, or suggestions about adding growing space in your yard.

Get your forks in the dirt!
Michelle

The post Vegetable Garden Evolution appeared first on Forks in the Dirt.

Nothing beats home grown strawberries!

Using the Environmental Working Group’s ‘Dirty Dozen‘ List to plant a Healthy Harvest!

*Post updated 4/24/2024*

I’ve used this guide for years to help me choose what I plant in my veggie patch. I pay close attention to the Environmental Working Group (EWG’s) ‘Dirty Dozen’; an annually updated list of the twelve fruits and veggies found to have the highest levels of pesticide and herbicide residue. This is a straightforward publication that can help you both in purchasing healthy food,  and planning what you want to plant. The EWG has so much well researched information; their website is worthwhile for their “Food Scores” app among others.

Why do you grow your own fruits + vegetables?

Of course the taste is far better than you can buy in the grocery store, and the nutritional value is higher because of freshness… but after a few common truths, the reasons we grow our food are as wonderfully varied as each garden. I see this as part of the inherent beauty of growing your own food.  Beauty in diversity through and through!

For my family, we grow what we like to eat (duh). You have to enjoy the ‘fruits’ of your labor or else tending the garden will become more work than pleasure.

One way I can easily justify spending my time hauling compost and growing seedlings is knowing how much tastier and healthier the food we’re eating is than what I can get in the grocery store. Another thing that keeps me weeding through the steamy months is how much money I’m growing- I mean saving –  my family.

For those of you interested in getting the most bang for your buck with garden space…

All the leaf lettuces, (like spring mixes, arugula, cress, claytonia, mizuna), herbs (like cilantro, basil, parsley) Cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers were the most cost effective plants to grow for space required to grow them. I’d add pole beans that cover a trellis growing straight up and keep producing until the plants freeze. And for the first time in the decade I’ve been paying attention, green beans made the dirty dozen list- luckily those are some of the easiest to grow and most loved veggies for my family- and hopefully yours as well!

Do your kids love strawberries? Do you cringe every time you buy a $12 box of organic berries… you could plant strawberries, or spinach or potatoes- or whatever you eat the most of that’s on the list. They update this annually, you can download your copy HERE.

Red Fingerling Potatoes

*Updated* EWG’s Dirty Dozen List 2024

Strawberries
Spinach
Kale/Collards
Grapes
Peaches 
Pears
Nectarines
Apples
Bell/Hot Peppers
Cherries
Blueberries
Green beans

Strawberries and spinach have topped the list for years, so those are some of the foods we’ve been growing for a long time. Also, potatoes have long had a bad rap for holding onto pesticides so we make sure there’s lots of space for those (2022 was the first year since I started counting that potatoes haven’t made the dirty dozen list- but they’re not far down).

We love growing celery because we (especially my kids) eat a ton of it, and organic celery is one expense I can minimize, since I’ve got the space and grow lights to start off those seeds. 2024 marks the first year I’d seen green beans on the list- and it took the place of celery, which is still within the top 20.

The fruit trees on the list make me realize there’s only so much we can grow- but between adding a few fruit trees this summer and frequenting a local organic orchard or two we’re doing what we can. And enjoying doing it!

Luckily, there’s also an EWG list highlighting the “Clean Fifteen” – the fifteen fruits and veggies found to have the lowest levels of pesticide and herbicide residue.

EWG’s Clean 15 List 2024

Avocados
Sweet Corn
Pineapple
Onions
Papaya
Sweet Peas
Asparagus
Honeydew
Kiwi
Cabage
Watermelon
Mushrooms
Mangos
Sweet Potatoes
Carrots

Just reading that list make me hungry- and happy that so many fruits I can’t grow b/c of location are listed here!

Get your family to Eat more of those Veggies with my tips and tricks!

While I’m happy to grow a few of the vegetables on the clean list, I also enjoy buying these direct from local farmers to freeze and preserve for the winter- knowing that buying locally grown food is going to be better for the nutritional value, the local economy and my taste buds. But when I’m at the end of spring and my freezer and pantry are running low  you bet I look for cabbage, cauliflower and peas in a regular grocery store over anything on the Dirty Dozen list.

The Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen are just two ways to help tackle the gardeners dilemma of “what do I plant”? What ideas, resources or guides help you decide what to plant in your garden space?

Regardless of what you’re planting, I just can’t wait to Dig In!

Michelle

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