Successful Planting Tips

Transplanting Seedlings

Remember that seedlings are like babies – they need tender, loving care. Whether you buy seedlings from a store or grow them yourself, transitioning can be beneficial. Keep seedlings outside in the garden (in their original containers) to harden them for about 2 weeks. This allows the plants to become accustomed to the environment – temperature changes, wind, rain, etc. Exposing them to the elements will help seedlings grow.

When to Plant

The day before planting, make sure to water the seedlings. This will ensure that the soil is moist and soft. When moving them into the garden or container, it’s best to plant them in late afternoon or early evening. This will ensure that the plants do not bake in the heat of the sun. Also, make sure you handle the plant by its roots or leaves. Never pull a plant by its stem, as this is the weakest part, most likely it will break. Plant seedlings at the same depth of the container it was housed in. Once the seedlings are in the ground, lightly water them at the roots.

Transplant Shock

Watch seedlings closely for the first week they’re in the ground. If leaves are wilted or drooping, this is a sign of transplant shock. Make sure the soil is damp. If the top inch is dry, water it; otherwise, do not water until the top inch of soil is dry. If the sun and wind are an issue, cover the seedlings with covers, sheets, or plastic sheeting during harsh weather to protect their young stems. Also, with heavy rain you can cover the seedlings.

-CJ LaRose

  

Source: http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/print/garden/secrets-successful-planting

The Benefits of an Alkaline Diet

Our blood pH needs to maintain a slightly alkaline level to keep us healthy. We help our bodies to maintain this pH balance by eating more alkaline-forming foods and fewer acid-forming foods.

• Alkaline-forming foods include most fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, seeds and herbal teas.
• Acid-forming foods include most grains, beans, meats, dairy products, fish and processed foods.* Pesticides tend to be acid-forming, so choose organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible.

When we eat acid-forming foods our body brings our blood pH back into balance by releasing alkaline-rich minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium into our bloodstream.

If we are eating enough alkaline-forming foods each day, then our body has easy access to these minerals from our diet. If we are not eating enough alkaline-forming foods our body has to pull these important minerals from our bones, teeth and organs. This can compromise our immune system, cause fatigue and make us vulnerable to viruses and disease.

A balanced diet should contain 60-80% alkaline-forming foods and 20-40% acid-forming foods.

http://greenopedia.com/alkaline-diet-benefits/

- Nancy Mayne

Nancy’s interest in natural remedies began as a little girl watching her Grandmother make salves and oils using herbs from their garden. 

After receiving her B.A. in French, B.S. in Management Sciences from University of Rhode Island and M.A. from Penn State University in French, her studies led her to live over 15 years in France, India, Thailand and Ireland. During this time, Nancy earned certifications in 17 forms of healing arts with over 2,000 hours training in these modalities. Certifications include, but are not limited to, Holistic Massage with Waterford College, Traditional Thai Yoga Massage with Shivagakomarpaj and Sunshine School of Massage, Ayurveda from College of Ayurveda and Panchakarma and more. Herbs and energy work have remained a focus for her. She makes most of her household cleaners and beauty products herself, and holds seasonal workshops. 

10 Tips to Help You Get Outdoors & Respiratory Seasonal Support

10 Tips to Help You Get Outdoors & Respiratory Seasonal Support

Staff members share some of their ideas on how to help you destress, enjoy the Spring and manage seasonal allergies.

Hiking, Walking and Essentials with Claudia, Susan and Erica.

10. Walk or hike every day! According to NIH, walking may "lower your risk of health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes, strengthen your bones and muscles, help you burn more calories and lift your mood." Walking is something we can do solo, with a partner, children or parents many times. Take a walk around your neighborhood, area park or high school track and for added benefit, hop onto one of the nearby Appalachian Trail areas.

9. Want to enjoy the outdoors but don't have a lot of time during your day? How about taking a blanket to your garden and enjoying supper with the backdrop of Mother Nature. According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, "Even five minutes around trees or in green spaces may improve health. "

8. Get a small pack of supplies together beforehand so when the weather is nice, you can just head out the door. Ideas for your to-go pack? Herbal Armor All Natural Insect Repellent, Badger Mineral Sunscreen, Dr. Bronner's Lip Balm, Redmond's First Aid Bentonite Clay, Active's Organic Coconut Water packets for your water bottle (electrolytes!), The Healthy Grocer bulk nuts, seeds or trail mix and Gluten Free Quest Protein Bars.

Susan Kiskis taps into Ayurveda & Yoga for seasonal support.

7. Try Nadi Shodhan Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing). This pranayama (breath work) practice, helps to open up nasal passages.

• Close your right nostril with your right thumb.
• Inhale through your left nostril.
• Close your left nostril with your right ring finger and open your right nostril.  
• Exhale through your right nostril. 
• Inhale through your right nostril. 
• Close your right nostril with the thumb, exhale and then inhale through the left nostril.
• Continue the exhale, inhale on each side before switching nostrils.

6. As we move into Spring, the weather moves from cool to warm. Now is the time for a Spring cleanse and preparing the body for warmth. 

• Incorporate spicy foods to aid digestion and energy.
• Curb your fats and oils. Try lighter foods, less oil, fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Try a few days of a kitchari (rice & lentil dish) cleanse. Get the recipe.
• Incorporate bitter (arugula, dandelion, zucchini, kale, coffee- yes I just gave you the green flag to drink coffee in moderation), pungent (greens, ginger, red pepper, radishes) and astringent (apples, broccoli, turmeric) foods into your diet.
• Minimize dairy products. Dairy products during this time of year may increase mucus production and might contribute to a sluggish feeling. 

5. Incorporate a brief yoga asana (pose) practice into your daily schedule and do it outside, barefoot in the grass! Connect yourself to the ground on a warm, dry day. 

Asanas: Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Utkatasana (Chair), Virabhadra (Warrior poses) and Dandayamana Janushirasana (Head to Knee). Plus, a round of Breath of Joy can invigorate you while bringing you into a gentle flow-like practice. 

Nancy Mayne gives ideas on helpful supplements and go-to's.

4. Consider natural supplements which demonstrate antihistamine effects - Stinging Nettle, Quercetin, Vitamin C and Bromelain.

3. Staying well-hydrated may help lessen allergy symptoms.

2. Keep your nasal passages clear of dust and other allergens by using a Neti Pot and/or Saline Nasal Spray.

CJ shares Gardening advice.

1. Cure your garden itch by planting summer vegetable seedlings indoors now. Tip: Plant your seedlings in leftover eggshells and sit them in your leftover egg carton. Eggshells give seedlings a kick start with their nutrient-rich shell. Lake Valley organic seeds are available at The Healthy Grocer!