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Ginger Tea Recipe

7/21/2019

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Whether you are trying to be healthy or just love the taste of ginger, this recipe is both refreshing and surprisingly easy. This recipe is not directly related to the use of hydroponics, but it is too good for us not to share.

Ingredients:
  • 2.5 inch piece of Ginger
  • 1 whole Lemon
  • 4 cups of Water
  • Honey

Directions:
  • Cut ginger into thin slices.
  • Cut lemon horizontally into slices.
  • Pour water into a medium pot and bring to a boil.
  • Once water boils, add the slices of ginger and lemon.
  • Remove pot from burner and place on a cool stove surface.
  • Allow the tea to steep for 22 minutes.
  • Strain. (If you do not have a strainer, scoop the ginger and lemon slices out of the pot)

Add a tablespoon of honey per 1 cup of tea. I add slightly more ginger than the above for a more prominent and spicy ginger flavor. 

If you prefer your tea iced, let it cool and add ice. Enjoy!

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Basil and Blueberry Smoothie

7/9/2019

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Whether you are using a hydroponic or conventional gardening, basil is one of the most resilient plants you can grow. This plant is also rich in vitamins and nutrients including Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Magnesium, Calcium and Iron (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/basil).

Once the basil is ready for harvest, you will be amazed at the volume of herb you have. Use your basil in a favorite dish, to make an essential oil, flavor a crafted cocktail or make a homemade tea.  A basil blueberry smoothie is one way to enjoy your crop and nourish your body with vitamins and yummy blueberries. Check out this recipe from https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/flat-belly-blueberry-basil-smoothie/ .

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups frozen blueberries
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1/2–1 cup vanilla almond milk
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil- about 6 leaves
  • 3 Tablespoons plain Greek Yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 Tablespoon ground flaxseed
  • 1 Tablespoon almond butter
Blend together at high power until smooth. Add more almond milk if needed and ENJOY!
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B.E.A.M.

6/1/2019

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The Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (“BEAM”), is a Jacksonville based organization dedicated to helping those in need. Their goal is to produce a beach community “in which no beaches resident goes hungry or is haunted by the fear of eviction.” 

This goal is accomplished by providing low-income residents with food and shelter. They have been providing residents with sustenance from Grace’s Garden, their 7,200 sq. ft farm. Grace’s Garden features eight fruit trees, more than 50 raised beds, several herbs and a butterfly garden. A 16’ x 24’ greenhouse is also featured to help not only house, but nurture the most fickle of seedlings into sprouts.

BEAM is able to produce nutritional food year round through the use of their 12 tower gardens. These vertical growing gardens are perfect for food production in low income urban areas, as well as ANYWHERE. The hydroponics have been able to cut the growing time by ⅓, which is extremely helpful when feeding may residents who need assistance. This technique is also eco-friendly as it utilizes only 10% of the water used in conventional gardening.

In 2018, BEAM was responsible for 789,108 pounds of food distribution to those in need. This was accomplished through food grown from their garden, food donated to their both their pantry and food bank, and an overwhelming amount of goodwill. 
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If you would like to donate or volunteer your time, check BEAM out! https://www.jaxbeam.org/

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Creating a Pet-Friendly Garden

5/27/2019

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Whether garden is indoor or outdoor, it can be difficult to keep it out of the reach of a curious pet. Below are a list of potentially fatal-plants, in addition to a few helpful points to keep your pet’s stomach happy and your mind at ease.
Refrain from planting or plant out of reach the following:
  1. Eucalyptus
  2. Lavender
  3. Marjoram
  4. Garlic
  5. Mint
  6. Onion
  7. Morning glory
  8. Oregano
  9. Parsley
  10. Sorrel
  11. Sweet peas
  12. Tomato (unripe fruit is toxic)
  13. Watercress
  14. Yarrow
  15. Castor bean 
  16. Cyclamen 
  17. Dumbcane 
  18. Hemlock
  19. English Ivy (leaves and berries)
  20. Mistletoe 
  21. Oleander 
  22. Thorn apple or jimsonweed
  23. Yew 
  24. Mushrooms
  25. Borage
  26. Catnip
  27. Chamomile
  28. Leeks
  29. Lemon grass
  30. Lovage
  31. Chives
  32. Coleus
  33. Epazote

For a more extensive list, including plants which may not be grown in a dog accessible garden, visit: https://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/poisoning-toxicity/e_dg_poisonous_plants

If refraining from growing the above plants is not a viable option, then the best way to keep your pets safe is through creating a barrier. Chicken wire works really well for most dogs, however, there is always a chance they may dig underneath. 


If your hydroponic garden is indoor, an outside shed may be a good solution. You just need to make sure you have a UV grow light to guarantee that your plants are receiving the required amount of sun.

Motion activated sprinklers can help deter many cats and dogs from encroaching, as  most detest being sprayed with water.

“Pet-friendly” plant species include:

  1. Basil
  2. Garbanzo Beans
  3. Bell peppers
  4. Broccoli
  5. Cauliflower
  6. Cilantro
  7. Hibiscus
  8. Impatiens
  9. Lemon balm
  10. Marigold
  11. Nasturtium
  12. Peas
  13. Salad burnet
  14. Savory
  15. Kale
  16. Snapdragon
  17. Squash
  18. Strawberries
  19. Thyme
  20. Tomatoes (ripe)
  21. Watermelon
  22. Zinnia
  23. Chard
  24. Lettuce
  25. Cucumber
  26. Dill
  27. Rosemary
  28. Sage

If you want to grow your own nutrient rich food with very little time and effort, click here to order your system and join the vertical hydroponic garden community.
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The Pros and Cons of Outdoor Hydroponics

5/6/2019

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There are several different alternatives to traditional gardening. Depending upon which region you live in, an outdoor hydroponic system may be more practical than an indoor system. Here are some pros and cons to consider before making your decision.
Pros:

  • Customize your garden to your desired space and style. (To download and resize 3d printable files, visit thingiverse.com). https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2403922
  • Grow food up to three times faster than traditional soil-based gardening.
  • Outdoor hydroponics uses ten times less water than traditional gardening. This is due to the ability to filtrate the same nutrient rich water through your system several times a day.
  • No traditional pesticides
  • Food is tastier when grown outside with natural sunlight as opposing to an indoor UV light.
  • Community outdoor hydroponics can help provide food to those located in poverty stricken areas.
  • Zero mess inside of your home.

Cons:
  • Initial costs of setting up your hydroponic system can be a bit more costly at first, however, in the long run you will spend exponentially less. Factors to consider include how much space you will be utilizing, how automatic you create your garden to be and the amount of time you will same in comparison to traditional gardening.
  • Extreme temperatures can equate to lack of growth. This is true in both overly hot and cold climates. In this situation, it may benefit you to consider an indoor hydroponic system.


If you want to grow your own nutrient rich food with very little time and effort, click here to order your system and join the tower gardening community.

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Why Vertical Hydroponics?

4/29/2019

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The concept of vertical hydroponics is being adopting on both the large and small scale across the globe. While this approach to gardening can be easily assigned as a trend adopted by hipsters living in a metropolitan area, it’s much more substantial than what many social media posts display. 

Several reasons why vertical hydroponics can work for you:
  • Time required to maintain a soil-based garden is not part of your busy schedule
  • Your living quarters lacks the space to maintain a soil-based garden
  • Local climate does not yield adequate weather for farming
  • Self-sufficiency 
  • You enjoy knowing exactly what is going into your food, and more importantly, your body

If any of the above reasons appeal to you, tower gardening may be the perfect fit, not just because you are limited on space. 

The most involved part of vertical hydroponics is the set up. Once this has been established, you can make the process as easy for yourself as you want. For example, you may set your tower garden to a timer that automatically waters your plants, supplying nutrients at the same time on a daily basis.

If you want to grow your own nutrient rich food with very little time and effort, click the following link to order your system and join the vertical hydroponic gardening community: https://www.etsy.com/listing/565297523/oasis-hydroponic-farm-starter-kit?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=urban+farming&ref=sr_gallery-1-6&frs=1
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How to Combat a Cold with Your Garden

3/1/2019

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“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” ― Hippocrates

As cold season approaches, it is important to be prepared. Did you know that your garden can help quell cold symptoms? Through drinking homemade teas and consuming Vitamin C, you can potentially shorten the “cold-season”. 

(*Remember, this is an article on home remedies to alleviate cold symptoms. This is by means intended as treatment. If you are sick, see a medical professional.*)

Use the following fresh herbs to treat the corresponding symptoms:
  • Sore Throat- Mint, Sage, Violet, Thyme
  • Cough- Hyssop, Mint, Sage, Oregano, Thyme
  • Congestions- Mint, Rosemary, Thyme
  • Anytime Wellness- Echinacea, Holy Basil, Lemon Balm

Fresh herb tea recipe from https://chinesegrandma.com/2011/08/fresh-herb-tea/.
  1. Boil water. Let cool in kettle for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Add  herbs to teapot. Use approximately 1/4-1/2 cup of leafy herbs per cup of water. You may add more to strengthen the tea. 
  3. Pour hot water over herbs and let steep for several minutes. You may use a spoon to press the fresh herbs against the teapot to release more flavor. 
  4. Add a tablespoon of honey or desired sweetener.

Vitamin C is an important source in fighting a cold. Your garden may aid you as a Vitamin C rich source. Harvest and enjoy the following plants from your tower garden to keep your immune system from sinking:
  • Strawberries
  •  Kale
  •  Sprouts 
  • Broccoli
  •  Yellow Peppers
  • Plum

​If you want to grow your own medicine with very little time and effort, click here to order your system and join the vertical hydroponics community.
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Disney's Living with the Land

2/1/2019

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Originally called Listen to the Land, Epcot’s Living with the Land is a must see for all ages. The attraction initially opened up in 1983 and has evolved over the years. The experience starts off with a relaxing boat ride, floating past  several garden climates and greenhouses. 

Mike Brassell’s voice narrates the ride with thought provoking facts about science, plants,  and their relationship with the world as we know it. The setting changes from a rainforest thunderstorm, to the desert and then a prairie. 

Prairie departure leads to the five different laboratories comprised of four greenhouses and an aquacell. The tropics greenhouse grows exotic produce such as pineapple, papaya and vanilla. The string greenhouse hosts plants that thrive on a more vertical scale featuring cucumbers, pumpkin, and tomatoes. Sunflowers and cotton live their best life in the temperate greenhouse, which is a hotbed for plants found in the dry regions. The creative greenhouse may be the most entertaining of the four. This house features unconventional ways to grow plants including directly spraying the roots. NASA also hosts a portion of this greenhouse which navigates through how they plan to use hydroponics for extended space travel. 
Lastly, the Aquacell features many different animals which are considered crops for food purposes such as bass, shrimp and even alligators.

If you find yourself planning a trip to Disney within the near future, be sure to experience Epcot’s Living with the Land and maybe even check out:https://www.dadsguidetowdw.com/living-with-the-land.html
 
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Healing Garden

1/1/2019

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What do you think of when you hear the words “healing garden”? Many think of a lush garden bordering  a stream with a mediation block and reflexology stone path……or maybe that is just me…..and the architect of the reflection pond conveniently placed next to my law school. Hydroponic gardening is expanding the purpose and presence of gardening into some of the most unexpected forums. 

Volusia County Corrections Facility has infiltrated the use of hydroponic gardening into their system. The gardens are cared for and managed by inmates who are developing new skills and growing nutrient rich food. 

The garden includes 24 towers growing a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs. The amount of food harvested from the hydroponics equates to thousands of dollars. Once the produce is harvested, it is then sent to a local rescue shelter for those in need. 

The gardening helps both the incarcerated women and those attending the shelter. It has aided the inmates in developing a new skill, as well as serving a therapeutic experience, taking their minds off of withdrawals from drugs and the stress of being incarcerated and away from their families. 

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Keeping You and Your Plants Healthy

12/1/2018

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Like the human body, your plants need nutrients and vitamins. It does not take a green thumb to understand that most plants require water and sunlight, but is there another way to help our plants sprout to their full potential?
  1. Temperature- Make sure your plants thrive in the environment you create for it. For example, some plants, such as radishes and giant pumpkins thrive in a very dry and hot climate. Other plants such as carrots and kale.
  2. Nutrients- In hydroponic gardening, assisting your plants with nutrient solution helps your sprouts grow into the leafy goodness they were meant to be. I recommend  Flora Micro, FloraGro and FloraBloom by General Hydroponics. 
  3. Balanced PH levels- Another reason hydroponics are a better way to yield healthy food is that you can easily assess the PH levels of your plants. PH Up Hydroponic Food Grade Alkaline Buffer and PH Down Hydroponic Food Grade Acid Buffer are what I use to control the PH level in my system. You will also need a PH meter.
Let us know if you have any other tips or feedback.

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