Home gardening offers ways to trim grocery costs [Survival Today, an on going thread]

Americans finding soaring food prices hard to stomach can battle back by growing their own food. [Click image for a larger version] Dean Fosdick Dean Fosdick

Home vegetable gardens appear to be booming as a result of the twin movements to eat local and pinch pennies.

At the Southeastern Flower Show in Atlanta this winter, D. Landreth Seed Co. of New Freedom, Pa., sold three to four times more seed packets than last year, says Barb Melera, president. "This is the first time I've ever heard people say, 'I can grow this more cheaply than I can buy it in the supermarket.' That's a 180-degree turn from the norm."

Roger Doiron, a gardener and fresh-food advocate from Scarborough, Maine, said he turned $85 worth of seeds into more than six months of vegetables for his family of five.

A year later, he says, the family still had "several quarts of tomato sauce, bags of mixed vegetables and ice-cube trays of pesto in the freezer; 20 heads of garlic, a five-gallon crock of sauerkraut, more homegrown hot-pepper sauce than one family could comfortably eat in a year and three sorts of squash, which we make into soups, stews and bread."

She compares the current period of market uncertainty with that of the early- to mid-20th century when the concept of victory gardens became popular.

"A lot of companies during the world wars and the Great Depression era encouraged vegetable gardening as a way of addressing layoffs, reduced wages and such," she says. "Some companies, like U.S. Steel, made gardens available at the workplace. Railroads provided easements they'd rent to employees and others for gardening."

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/citrus.html

Growing Citrus Indoors In Cool Climates

By B. Rosie Lerner, Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist

If you’ve ever seen a citrus tree while traveling in warmer climates of the United States, you’ve likely admired the glossy leaves and fragrant flowers. Although citrus plants are not winter hardy in the Midwest, some species can be grown successfully as indoor foliage plants and, given the right growing conditions, can even produce edible fruit!

You can grow citrus plants just for fun from seeds found in fruits purchased at local produce markets. However, these plants are generally not good candidates for long-term houseplants. Some of the citrus types best adapted to indoor culture include Ponderosa lemon, Otaheite orange, Meyer lemon, Persian lime and Calamondin orange.

Citrus foliage can adapt to the relatively low light levels typical of our homes. However, if flowers and fruit are what you’re after, you’ll need to give the plants as much light as possible. If natural light is inadequate, you can supplement with artificial lights. A combination of cool white and warm white florescent lights placed close to the plants will help, as will the special “grow lights” that emit the wavelengths of light most important for plant growth.

Relative humidity is generally too low in the typical home, especially during the winter heating season. Running a humidifier will increase both plant and people comfort. Pebble trays with water evaporating from the surface also can be helpful. Hand-misting is generally ineffective at raising relative humidity, though it can help wash dust off of the foliage.

Soil, water and fertilizer needs of citrus are similar to other houseplants. A good-quality potting soil mix with blooming-houseplant food applied according to label directions should be sufficient. Water thoroughly at intervals that allow the soil to dry just a little between waterings.

Citrus flowering is dependent on the particular species of plant, as well as environmental conditions. Generally, best success with flowering is achieved by moving the plant outdoors to a protected, partially sunny location after all danger of frost is past. Similarly, the plant will need to be brought back indoors at the end of summer, before temperatures dip below 50 F. However, unless the plants are gradually exposed to these drastic changes of environment, they will often respond by dropping many leaves and, possibly, flowers and young fruit.

If citrus is kept indoors year-round, the plants will likely need a bit of pollination assistance when they do flower. Use an artist’s paintbrush or cotton swab to transfer pollen from one flower to another. You may need to consult a botany book at your local library to help you recognize the various parts of the flower.

If pollination is successful, fruits will develop, but can take quite a few weeks to ripen. It is not unusual for small, young fruits to drop off the plant shortly after they have formed, either from inadequate pollination or unfavorable environmental conditions.

Last updated: 10 April 2006
Questions about this page should be sent to homehort@purdue.edu

The URL for this page is http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/citrus.html

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/plantpots.html

Pots to Plant In

Being creative when choosing containers for your houseplants can add to the decor of a room, but make sure the pot is appropriate for the plant.

Almost any container can be used for potting plants, as long as drainage of excess water is provided. Water and mineral nutrients are primarily taken into the plant through the roots. For most plant species, roots must have some oxygen in order to grow and function. If the soil surrounding roots is thoroughly filled with water for extended periods, the roots will suffocate. Once the roots start to rot, the top of the plant may wilt and appear as if additional water is needed. These symptoms can mislead the plant owner into applying more water, which just aggravates the problem.

The best way to provide adequate drainage is to use a container that has holes in the bottom. Unglazed clay containers are popular, but can be heavy and also tend to accumulate unsightly salt residue as water evaporates from the surface. This residue is generally not harmful to the plant, unless it accumulates in the soil.

Plastic containers are generally lighter in weight and don’t tend to accumulate as much salt residue. However, plastic containers can be too light so that large plants easily tip over.

Many decorative containers, such as glazed pottery or metal buckets, do not allow excess water to drain away from plants. These containers can still be used via the double potting method. Pot your plant in a properly sized, unglazed clay or plastic pot with drainage holes, and then slip that pot into the decorative container. Discard the excess drainage after each watering.

Whatever the container material, match the container with an appropriate-sized plant. A plant in a pot that is too small does not have room to grow and dries out quickly. One that is in an oversized pot may suffer from the soil staying wet too long and may lead to root rot.

Most healthy, growing plants will eventually outgrow their container. To determine if a plant needs to be repotted, examine the root system by removing the plant from the container. If many are visible on the outside of the soil ball, the plant likely will benefit from repotting – and continue to grow in size.

On the other hand, if the plant is already as large as you want it to get, you might let it stay “pot-bound” to discourage additional growth.

2-3-05

Back to Purdue Gardening News

Writer: B. Rosie Lerner

http://barbschram.blogspot.com/2008/12/just-little-something-day-8.html

Especially in the winter and all year through, I make a hot chocolate mix to have on hand for my family and a small gift giving. You have seen a few of the gift items the youth at church have been making lately in my posts. Today I show you cups of hot chocolate we made! 50 in all! First the recipe:

Kim's Instant Hot Chocolate Mix

1 box instant milk (8 qt size)
6oz. instant dairy creamer, like Cremora
1 large Nestle Quick
16 oz. powdered sugar
Mix 1/4 cup to 1 cup boiling water and stir well.

We heard quite a few buyers comment they would be giving these handy little gift items to bus drivers, a school secretary, and Sunday school teachers to name a few. The paper folded “cups” were not new to the students. They had made them before in Sunday school. The lesson we used them with, was “Cup of Forgiveness” and can be found in Lois Keffer’s book, Sunday School Specials 2. I googled and found it HERE, scroll down to page 26 for the details and illustration on the cup folding.

1/4 cup of hot chocolate mix was placed in small zip lock bags. We use jewelry size bags from Hobby Lobby. Small marshmallows were placed in bags too. A clear plastic spoon to complete cup package makes this ready to go!

The papers used in these photos are Stampin'Up and old papers from Office Max. Miscellaneous ribbons and embellishments were selected after cups were put together. I think this particular one is my favorite! Love the green with the red. And those buttons are perfect! We used our pre-inked stampers from JUST RITE. If you have not tried these pre-inked stampers, you are missing out! Especially if you work with children. They stamp crisp and clean, no ink pads, no fuss or mess. And look how much they add to a project like this Cup of Hot Chocolate!

Another favorite because these look like they are more for the guys on the gift list! Tree buttons with shank cut off and adhered with glue dots do the trick on this manly paper!

Love the simple button and hemp on this one! This paper must be at least 6 years old! It has been great to get all the old stuff out and used!

SU two sided paper for this one! The stripe flap is striking and with that Joy bling, it packs a little punch to the overall look. Coordinating ribbons were tied on each spoon for a little extra. We loved all the oooohs, and aaaahhs! The youth were very proud of their work! And they sold out of all 50 of these hot chocolate items. SU scallop punch, and word window punch were utilized.

I wish I had pictures of all 50! But this gives you an idea of the variety we had. Lastly, here is the mitten and scarf paper that so many loved! The soft blue and red is appealing and a favorite. Again, this is old paper from my stash that the youth selected. The flatback friends embellishment is adhered with glue dots.

Now, we know that the paper cup will not be used for drinking the hot chocolate, obviously a mug or cup for hot liquids would have to be utilized. But this makes a simple little something to present a refreshing, thinking of you gift for someone special. It is fairly economical, as it makes a lot of mix! I don't have the number of the exact cups, but it fills my large Tupperware fix and mix bowl!

Hope you enjoyed Julie's challenge, “Just a Little Something” and get some ideas for your gift giving list! I so appreciate you stopping by! Commenting for my blog candy ends tomorrow night! I will be back tomorrow with info about a new blog I discovered, reflection on your favorite ornament comments and share my personal ornament favorites! Enjoy your day! Take good care and thanks so much for visiting!

http://www.taoherbfarm.com/herbs/resources/herbbugcompanion.htm

Plant Herbs to Attract and Repel Insects

Please also view these related pages.

Quick Reference Bug Charts | Make your own Natural Sprays | Safe animal repellents |

Angelica- Angelica Archangelica
Grow as a border.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Lacewings, lady beetles, parasitic wasps.

Anise - Pimpinella anisum Interplant in your rows.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Parasitic wasps.
Repels these Harmful Insects Slightly repels imported cabbage worm.

Asters - Aster spp. Grow as a border.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Honeybees, Ichneumonid wasps

Borage - Borago officinalis Grow as a border.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Honeybees

Caraway - Carum carvi Grow as a border.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Parasitic Wasps

Catnip - Nepeta cataria Grow as a border.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Bees, imported cabbage worms, parasitic wasps.
Repels these Harmful Insects Green peach aphids, flea beetles, squash bugs, cucumber beetles.

Corn spurry - Spergula arvensis Interplant in your rows.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Predators and parasites of cabbage pests.
Repels these Harmful Insects Caterpillars, aphids, rootworms.

Dandelion - Taraxacum offininale Grow as a border.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Pollen for lacewings, lady beetles and other predators.
Repels these Harmful Insects Colorado Potatoe Beetle

Dill - Anethum graveolens Grow as a border and interplant.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Aphids predators and parasites.

Fennel - Foeniculum vulgare Interplant in your rows.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Hover flies, parasitic wasps,tachinid flies.

Goldenrod - Solidago spp. Plant as a border.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Honeybees,lacewings, minute pirate bugs, soldier beetles, spiders, other predators, and many parasites.

Hawthorn - Crataegus spp. Plant as a border.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Winter host of parasite of diamond-back moth.

Ivy - Hedera spp. Plant as a border.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Hover flies,tachinid flies.

Marigolds - Tagetes spp. Plant as a border and interplant.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Hover flies.
Repels these Harmful Insects Colorado Potatoe Beetles, Root nematodes, Mexican bean beetles, aphids.

Mustards - Brassica spp. Plant as a border and interplant.
Attracts these beneficial insects. flowers attract parasites, especially of cabbageworms.
Repels these Harmful Insects Aphids from neighbouring brussel sprouts and collards.

Nasturtium - Tropaeolum majus Interplant amongst your rows.
Repels these Harmful Insects Slightly repels Colorado Potatoe Beetle

Queen-Anne’s Lace - Daucus carota var. Plant as a border.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Many parasitic wasps and flies, hover flies, Japanese beetle parasites, lady beetles, minute pirate bugs.

Radish - Raphanus sativus Interplant in your rows.
Repels these Harmful Insects Striped Cucumber Beetle
Repels these Harmful Insects Root-knot nematodes.

Rye - Secale cereale Interplant in your rows.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Rove Beetles

Scorpion Weeds - Phacelia spp. Plant as a border and interplant.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Honeybees, numerous parasitic wasps, tachnid flies.

Southernwood - Artemisia abrotanum Plant as a border.
Repels these Harmful Insects Moths, flea beetles from cabbage.

Spiny amaranth - Amaranthus spinosus Interplant in your rows.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Black cutworms.

Stinging nettle - Urtica dioica Plant as a border.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Numerous predators, parasites, alternate hosts of aphid predators.

Sweet Clover Melilotus alba Plant as a border and interplant.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Honeybees, tachinid fly parasites of many catapillars.

Tansy - Tanacetum vulgare Plant as a border.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Imported cabbageworms
Repels these Harmful Insects Slightly repels green peach aphids, squash bugs, Colorado Potatoe beetle.

Tomatoe - Lycopersicon esculentum Interplant in your rows.
Repels these Harmful Insects Flea beetles on cabbage.

White clover - Trifolium repens Plant as a border and interplant.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Parasites of aphids and cabbageworms, shelters ground beetles and spiders.
Repels these Harmful Insects Cabbage root flies.

Wormwood - Artemisia spp. Plant as a border.
Repels these Harmful Insects Flea beetles on cabbage.

Yarrow - Achiliea spp. Plant as a border.
Attracts these beneficial insects. Hover flies, lady beetles, parasitic wasps.

Resources: Rodale’s Chemical-Free Yard and Garden

http://www.taoherbfarm.com/herbs/resources/bugspray.htm

Home Made Bug Sprays

You can also view these pages:
Quick Reference Bug Charts | Herb/Bug Companions | Safe animal repellents |

Alcohol Sprays
The idea of using rubbing alcohol as a spray for plants pests has been around for years. Can cause leaf damage on African Violets, and Apple trees.
Protection offered: Alcohol sprays work on aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, thrips and whiteflies. Alcohol sprays have been used successfully on houseplants and tropical foliage plants. Most of these have heavy, waxy cuticles that are not easily burned.
How to Make: Use only 70% isopropyl alcohol(rubbing alcohol): mix 1 to 2 cups alcohol per quart of water. Using undiluted alcohol as a spray is very risky for plants. You can also mix up an insecticidal soap spray according to the dilution on the label but substitute alcohol for half of the water required.
How to Use: Since alcohol can damage plants always test your spray mix on a few leaves or plants first. Tests results should show up within 2 or 3 days.

Tomatoe Leaf Nightshade family plants, such as tomatoes, potatoes and tobacco, have toxic compounds called alkaloids in their leaves. These toxins are water soluble and can be soaked from chopped leaves and made into home-made sprays. These sprays also work by attracting natural pest enemies. The good bugs follow the smell of the spray in looking for prey.
Protection Offered: Tomatoe leaf sprays have been used to protect plants from aphids. Also, spraying tomatoe leaf spray on corn may reduce corn earworm damage. The corn earworm is also called the tomatoe fruitworm, as it also attacks tomatoe plants. A scientific study has shown that corn plants sprayed with tomatoe leaf spray attracted significantly more Trichogramma wasps to parasitize the corn earworm eggs than the unsprayed did.
How to Make: Soak 1 to 2 cups of chopped or mashed tomatoe leaves in 2 cups of water overnight. Strain through cheescloth or fine mesh, add about 2 more cups of water to the strained liquid, and spray. For aphid control, be sure to thoroughly cover the leaf undersides, especially of lower leaves and growing tips of plants where aphids congregate.
How to Use: Spray plants thoroughly, particularly undersides of lower leaves and growing tips where aphids congregate. while this spray is not poisonous to humans on contact, use care in handling, especially if you are allergic to the nightshade family.

Garlic Oil Sprays:
Organic gardeners have long been familiar with the repellent or toxic affect of garlic oil on pests. when it is combined with mineral oil and pure soap,as it is in the recipe that follows, devised at the Henry Doubleday Research Association in England, it becomes an effective insecticide. Some studies also suggest that a garlic oil spray has fungicidal properties.
Protection Offered: Good results, with quick kill, have been noted against aphids, cabbage loopers, earwigs, June bugs, leafhoppers, sqaush bugs and whiteflies. The spray does not appear to harm adult lady beetles, and some gardeners have found that is does’nt work against the Colorado potaoe beetles, grape leaf skeletonizers, grasshoppers, red ants, or sowbugs.
How to Make: Soak 3 ounces of finely minced garlic cloves in 2 teaspoons of mineral oil for at least 24 hours. Slowly add 1 pint of water that has 1/4 ounce liquid soap or commercial insecticide soap mixed into it. Stir thoroughly and strain into a glass jar for storage. use at a rate of 1 to 2 Tablespoons of mixture to a pint of water. If this is effective, try a more dilute solution in order to use as little as possible.
How to Use: Spray plants carefully to ensure thorough coverage. To check for possible leaf damage to sensitive ornamentals from the oil and soap in the spray, do a test spray on a few leaces or plants first. If no leaf damage occurs in 2 or 3 days, go ahead and spray more.

Herbal Sprays
Many organic farmers are familiar with using sprays made from aromatic herbs to repel pests from the garden plants. Several recent studies confirm the repellent effect of such sprays. The essential oil of Sage and Thyme and the alcohol extracts such as Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, and White Clover can be used in this manner. They have been shown to reduce the number of eggs laid and the amount of feeding damage to cabbage by caterpillars of Diamond back moths and large white butterflies. Sprays made from Tansy have demonstrated a repellent effect on imported cabbageworm on cabbage, reducing the number of eggs laid on the plants. Teas made from Wormwood or Nasturtiums are reputed to repel aphids from fruit trees, and sprays made from ground or blended Catnip, Chives, Feverfew, Marigolds, or Rue have also been used by gardeners against pests that feed on leaves.
Protection Offered: Try herbal sprays against any leaf-eating pests and make note of what works for future reference.
How to Make: In General, herbal sprays are made by mashing or blending 1 to 2 cups of fresh leaves with 2 to 4 cups of water and leaving them to soak overnight. Oor you can make a herbal tea by pouring the same amount of boiling water over 2 to 4 cups fresh or 1 to 2 cups dry leaves and leaving them to steep until cool. Strain the water through a cheesecloth before spraying and dilute further with 2 to 4 cups water. Add a very small amount of nondetergent liquid soap (1/4 teaspoon in 1 to 2 quarts of water) to help spray stick to leaves and spread better. You can also buy commercial essential herbal oils and dilute with water to make a spray. Experiment with proportions, starting with a few drops of oil per cup of water.
How to Use: Spray plants thoroughly, especially undersides of leaves, and repeat at weekly intervals if neccessary.

“Hot” Dusts
Black pepper, chili pepper, dill, ginger, paprika, and red pepper all contain capsaicin, a compound shown to repel insects. Synthetic capsaicin is also available for feild use. Researchers have found that as little as 1/25 ounce of capsaicin sprinkled around an onion plant reduced the number of onion maggot eggs laid around the plant by 75%, compared to a control plant.
Protection Offered: Capsaicin-containing dusts repel onion maggots from seedlings, as well as other root maggot flies from cabbage family plants and carrots. Pepper dusts around the base of the plants help repel ants, which is desirable in a garden where ants often protect and maintain aphid colonies on plants.
How To Make: It can be rather expensive to buy enough packaged pepper dusts to sprinkle throughout your garden. However, if you grow and dry your own red peppers, chili peppers, or dill, you can make lots of dust at low cost. Use a mortar and pestle to grind the peppers, or dill, including the seeds, to dust. Be careful handling the hot peppers because they irritate sensitive skin.
How to Use: Sprinkle along seeded rows of onions, cabbage, or carrots, in a band at least 6 inches wider than the row or planting bed. A fine sprinkling will suffice, but the more dust you use, the better the effect. Renew after a heavy rain or irragation. To protect plants from ants, sprinkle around the base of plants in an area as wide as the widest leaves.

Pyrethrin
The dried, powdered flowers of the pyrethrum daisy, Tanacetum cinerarifolium, were used as early as 1880 to control mosquitoes. The popularity of pyrethrum insecticides waned when synthetic insecticides were introduced, but they are now enjoying a commercial comeback. Many new products formulated with natural pyrethrums are available. Pyrethrins are the insecticidal chemicals extracted from the pyrethrum daisy. Do not confuse them with pyrethroids, the term for a new class of synthetic pesticides. Pyrethrums, which are mainly concentrated in the seeds of the flower head, are a contact insecticide, meaning the insect only has to touch the substance to be affected. Pyrthrins have a quick knockdown effect on insects: Flying insects are paralyzed. pyrethrins can be applied up to one day before harvest because they are quickly destroyed by light and heat and are not persistent in the environment. Pyrthrins will kill lady beetes but do not appear to be harmful to bees. They are toxic to fish and to the aqautic insects and other small animals that fish eat. Pyrethrins do not seem to be toxic to birds or mammals.
Protection Offered: Pyrethrins are registered for flowers, fruits, and vegetables, including greenhouse crops. they are effective on many chewing and sucking insects, including most aphids, cabbage loopers, celery leaftiers, codling moth, Colarado potaotoe beetles, leafhoppers, Mexican bean beetles, spider mites, stink bugs, several species of thrips, tomato pinworms, and whiteflies. they are especially good against flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and stored products pests. Flea beetles are not affected, nor are imported cabbageworms, diamondback moths, pear psylla, and tarnished plant bugs.
How to Make: If you grow your own pyrethrum daisies, you’ll have the main ingredient for a make-it-yourself spray. The concentration of pyrethrums is at its peak when the flowers are in full bloom, from the time the first row of florets open on the central disk opens too the time all the florets are open. pick flowers in full bloom and hang them in a sheltered, dark spot to dry. Once the flowers have dried thoroughly, grind them to afine powder, using a mortar and pestle, old blender or small hammer mill. Mix with water and add a few drops of liquid soap. Store in a glass jar and keep the lid tightly closed, because the mixture looses activity if left open. You’ll have to experiment with the amount of water to add, because the concentration of pyrethins in the flowers is an unknown variable. If the spray you make does not seem to kill insects, use less water the next time you make the concentrated spray. Also keep in mind whole flower heads stay potent longer so do not grind until ready to use.
How to Use: Pyrethrins are more effective at lower temperatures, so for best results, apply in early evening when temperatures are lower. Spray both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves, because spray must directly contact the insects such as thrips that hide in leaf sheaths and crevices. The first spray will excite them and bring them out of hiding, the second will kill them. Never use pyrethrin products around waterways and ponds.

Nicotine
One of the top three insecticides in the 1880s, nicotine in several forms is still widely used. Nicotine comes from the tobacco plant and is extremely toxic to insects. The great advantage of home-made nicotine tea is that it is very short ived, retaining its toxicity for only a few hours after spraying. It is relatively nonhazardous to bees and lady beetles because of its short persistence.
Protection Offered: Nicotine is effective against ground and soil pests, especially root aphids and fungus gnats, and on many leaf-chewing insects, such as aphids, immature scales, leafhoppers, thrips, leafminers, pear psylla, and asparagus beetle larvae.
How To Make: You can brew your own batch of nicotine tea by soaking tobacco leaves or cigarette butts in water to make a spray. Soak 1 cup of dried, crushed tobacco leaves, or an equivalent amount of cigarette butts, in one gallon of warm water with 1/4 teaspoon pure soap added. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth after it has soaked for 1/2 hour. The solution will keep for several weeks if stored in a tightly closed container.
How to Use: For soil pests, pour the spray mixture onto the soil in the area of the stem base and root zone. for leaf pests, spray leaves thoroughly, especially the undersides. Nicotine can be absorbed by plant leaves and remain there for several weeks. to be safe, use nicotine only on young plants and only up to one month before harvest. It’s probably safest not to spray nicotine on eggplant, peppers or tomatoes. While most tobacco cultivars now grown are resistant to tobacco mosaic virus, nicotine sprays could contain the pathogen, which will infect nightshade family crops.

Tobacco teas are sometimes prepared by home gardeners to control garden pests, and while not as toxic as nicotine sulfate sprays, any nicotine solution toxic enough to kill insects can also be harmful to humans” (http://www.agweb.okstate.edu/pearl/hort/ornamental/f6433.htm)

Resources: Rodale’s Chemical-Free Yard and Garden

http://www.taoherbfarm.com/herbs/resources/sprouts.htm

Make your Own Sprouts

It is very easy to enjoy the health benefits of sprouting your own vegetables and grains.

Sprouts have enormous health benefits, add zest to a salad or can be a replacement for your salad. Listed below are the most popular seeds to use for sprouting, their health benefits, and sprouting times. You can purchase many sprouting containers or simply use jars already in your kitchen. Start with Organic seeds!!! I use a quart jar with a cheescloth lid which is held in place by its metal ring. Cover the bottom of the jar with your favorite seeds and cover seeds with water. Let the seeds soak overnight. Drain and rinse the seeds a couple of times a day. Keep in temperature of approx 65 degrees F. in a dark place. Continue rinsing 2 times a day until your sprouts are the length you desire. Put into light the last day if you wish more leaf growth.

Vegetable and Herbs to Sprout

Alfalfa
Alfalfa dries dampness, diuretic, appetizer, benefits the urinary system and intestines, detoxifies the body. Alfalfa cleans and tones the intestines and takes harmful acids out of the blood. Used for arthritis, edema, weight loss, bladder stones, plantar warts, chronic sore throat, fevers, gas pains, peptic ulcers, drug and alcohol addiction recovery.
Contains: protein, carotene, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, sulfar, silicon, chlorine, cobalt, zinc, Vit. K & P and chlorophyll.
For a 1 quart jar full use 2 tablespoons seed, soak 6 hours. 5-6 days sprouting time.

Broccoli
Recently rediscovered for its anti-cancer properties. Broccoli is a diuretic, brightens the eyes and treats summer heat conditions. Used for eye inflammation and nearsightedness.
Contains: Vit A and pantothenic acid which benefit rough skin, Vit. C, sulfur, iron, B vitamins and chorophyll. Caution is recommend for those with thyroid deficiency or low iodine levels as broccoli contains chemicals that disrupt the body’s ability to use iodine.

Radish
Moistens the lungs, cuts mucus, removes food stagnation, and detoxifies. Regular use of radish will help prevent viral infections such as colds and flus. Used to clear sinuses, hoarseness, phlegm, and sore throats, indigestion, abdominal swelling, removing toxins, gallstones, kidney stones and bladder stones.
To make a 1 quart jar full, use 1/4 cup seeds, soak 6 hours. Ready to eat in 5-6 days.

Mustard
Pungent flavour, influences the lungs, tonifies and moistens the intestines, clears chest congestion, improves energy circulation and dissolves stagnant or congealed blood. Use for cold and coughs to reduce the mucus associated with lung infections.
Use 1/4 cup for a quart jar. Soak 6 hours, ready to eat in 5-6 days.

Cabbage
Mucilaginous, moistens the intestines, benefits the stomach, improves digestion, beautifies the skin. Treats constipation, colds, whooping cough, mental depression and irratibility, rids the digestive system of worms, ulcers, skin eruptions, leg ulcers, varicose veins, arthritis, wounds and chronic cold feet.
Contains: High sulfur content, Vit. U, C, and E, and iodine.

Red Clover
One of the most useful anti-cancer herbs. Clears the blood of deadly toxins and used to treat any illness and to maintain good health.
Use 2 Tbls. for a quart jar. Soak for 6 hours, ready in 5-6 days.

Beans to Sprout

For a quart jar use 1/2 to 1 cup of beans. Soak for 12 hours, ready in 3-5 days.

Black Bean
Beneficial to the kidneys and reproductive system, builds yin fluids and blood, diuretic. Used to treat low backache, knee pain, involuntary seminal immission, infertility, hoarseness, laryngitis, kidney stones, bed wetting, urinary difficulty, and hot flashes of menopause.

Black Soybeans
Influences the spleen-pancreas and kidneys, improves blood circulation and water metabolism, diuretic, removes toxins from the body, quells wind conditions. Used to treat rhuematism, kidney disease and kidney related conditions such as low backache, weak bones, and painful knees, relieves spasms, cramps, inflammations and chronic cough.

Fava Bean
Diuretic, strengthens the spleen-pancreas. Used to treat edema, swelling and diarrhea.

Chick-Pea
Beneficial to the pancreas, stomach and heart. Contains more iron than other beans and is a good source of unsaturated fats.

Navy Beans
Beneficial to the lungs, promotes beautiful skin.

Kidney Bean
Diuretic, increases yin fluids. Treats edema and swelling.

Lentil
Diuretic, benefits the heart and circulatory system, stimulates the adrenal system, increases vitality of the kidneys.

Lima
Benifits the liver and lungs, beautifies the skin, increases yin fluids, highly alkalizing. Neutralizes acid conditions that arise from high consumption of meats and refined foods.

Mung Bean
My favorite! Detoxifies the whole body, removes environmental toxins such as lead and pesticides. Beneficial to the gall bladder, liver, produces yin fluids, diuretic and reduces swelling. Used for edema, high blood pressure, food poisoning, diarrhea, painful urination, mumps, burns, boils, heat stroke, conjunctivitis, acidosis, gasto-intestinal ulcers, restlessness, impatience, urinary difficulties, and alcoholism.

Peas
Tonifies the spleen-pancreas and stomach, harmonizes digestion. Used to treat spasms, vomiting, hiccups, belching, coughing, constipation, carbuncles and boils.

Soybean
Strengthens the spleen-pancreas, influences the colon, moistens conditions of dryness, supplements the kidneys, cleans blood vessels and heart, improves circulation, helps restore pancreatic functioning, promotes clear vision, diuretic, lowers fevers, highly alkalizing, removes toxins, boosts milk production. Used to treat dizziness, childhood malnourishment, skin eruptions, constipation, edema, and food poisoning. Natural source of lecithin which is considered a brain food.

Grains and Seeds to Sprout

Sesame Seed
Moistening to the intestines, treats rheumatism.

Poppy Seed
Relieves vomiting and benefits large intestine.

Brown Rice
Diuretic, thirst quenching, nourishing, good for nursing mothers.

Wheat
Cooling, used with fevers, clears digestive tract, also calming and sedating due to wheat’s nourishing effect on the heart.

Amaranth
Cooling thermal nature, dries dampness, benefits the lungs, high in protein (15-18%), fiber, amino acids (lysine and methionine), vitamin C, and calcium. It contains more calcium and the supporting calcium cofactors (magnesium and silicon) than milk.

Barley
Cooling thermal nature, sweet and salty flavour, strengthens the spleen-pancrea, regulates the stomach, and fortifies the intestines. Builds the blood and yin fluids and moistens dryness, promotes diuresis, benefits the gallbladder and nerves, very easily digested. Treats diarrhea, soothes inflamed membranes, alleviates painful and difficult urination, quells fever, helps reduce tumors, swellings, and watery accumulations such as edema.

Buckwheat
Neutral thermal nature, sweet flavor, cleans and strengthens the intestines and improves appetite. Is effective for treating dysentery and chronic diarrhea. Rutin, a bioflavonoid found in buckwheat, strengthens capillaries and blood vessels, inhibits hemorrhages, reduces blood pressure, and increases circulation to the hands and feet. Rutin is also an antidote against x-rays and other forms of radiation.

Corn
Neutral thermal nature, sweet flavor, diuretic, nourishes the physical heart, influences the stomach, improves appetite, and hleps regulate digestion, promotes healthy teeth and gums, tonifies the kidneys and helps overcome sexual weakness. Drink a tea decoction made from whole dried kernels to treat kidney disease.

Millet
Cooling themal nature, sweet and salty flavor, diuretic, strengthens the kidneys, beneficial to stomach and spleen-pancreas, builds the yin fluids, moistens dryness, alkalizing, balances over-acid conditions, sweetens breath by retarding bacteria growth in mouth, high amino acid profile and rich silicon content, helps prevent miscarriage, anti-fungal, one of the best grains for those with Candida albicans overgrowth. Also useful for diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, and diabetes. Soothes morning sickness.

Oats
Warming thermal nature, sweet and slightly bitter flavor, soothing, restores nervous and reproductive systems, strengthens spleen-pancreas, builds and regulates qi energy, removes cholesterol from the digestive tract and arteries, strengthens cardiac muscles. Can be used in cases of dysentery, diabetes, hepatitis, nervous and sexual debility, indigestion and swelling including abdominal bloating. One of the richest silicon foods, oats help renew the bones and all connective tissues. oats also contain phosphurus, required for brain and nerve formulation during youth.

Quinoa
Warming thermal nature, sweet and sour flavor, generally strengthening for the whole body, specifically tonifies the kidney yang(warming and energizing function of the body) and the pericardium functions. Compared wit other grains, it has the highest protein content. Contains more calcium than milk and is higher in fat content than any grain. A very good source of iron, phoshorous, B vitamins, and vitamin E.

Wild Rice
Cooling thermal nature, sweet and bitter flavor, diuretic, benefits the kidneys and bladder. Has more protein than other rice. It is rich in minerals and B vitamins and is a hardy food for cold climates, it cools the superficial tissues and concentrates warmth in the interior and lower body areas.

Pumpkin & Squash
Influences the colon and spleen-pancreas, diuretic, expels worms. Used to treat motion sickness, nausea, impotency, and swollen prostate. Valuable source of zinc and omega-3 fatty acids.

Sunflower
Influences the spleen-pancrea, lubricates the intestines, hastens the eruptions of measles.

All of the above information has been taken from “Healing with Whole Foods” by Paul Pitchford.
This is an excellent resource book that I highly reccomend to anyone wishing enhanced health.

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