Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley
Leisure:Home & Garden
Master Gardener Volunteer, Shelley Haefner, from Old Chatham (Columbia County) is passionate about gardening, nature photography and the great outdoors. She joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast for an informative discussion about Microgreens.
We all know that vegetables are a rich source of many healthy nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamins (A, C, K, E, and B6), folate, thiamin, and niacin, as well as essential minerals like potassium, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, and manganese. Microgreens are nutrient-dense tiny vegetable and herb greens that can be grown in limited space, in a relatively short time. Given their high nutritional value and the wide variety of species you can grow, microgreens provide nutrient-dense greens that you can grow in your home. While there are about 60 different microgreens, popular ones include broccoli, beets, Swiss chard, and peas. They add a nutritional boost to soups, salads and sandwiches or can be enjoyed on their own.
The basic items needed to grow them include seeds, drinking water, growing medium or mat, growing containers or trays, a small kitchen scale or measuring cups, a spray bottle, a pitcher, and a sharp knife or a pair of scissors. The simple steps to follow to grow microgreens include:
Microgreens have become more popular in recent years with ongoing research looking to understand their health benefits. Insights from this research reveal that microgreens contain up to 40 percent more beneficial nutrients (vitamins and minerals) than their full-grown counterparts. They are high in fiber and vitamin K which can be helpful in maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Some (like red cabbage) may have the potential to lower cholesterol and inflammation to reduce heart disease risk. As they are high in fiber, they can support gut health when eaten as part of a balanced diet.
Shelley's enthusiasm for microgreens in contagious. Her favorite quote, Happiness is right where you plant it", is very appropriate when growing your own microgreens. And don't forget to check out her YouTube channel which provides helpful how-to videos, experiences, and tips on flower gardening, vegetable gardening and gardening tools. It's a fun way to dive into Zone 5 organic perennial and edible kitchen gardening.
Hosts: Teresa Golden and Jean Thomas
Guest: Shelley Haefner
Photo by: Shelley Haefner
Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith
Episode 65: What’s New in Perennials (Part 1)
Episode 64: Spuds, Shade and Sedges
Episode 63: Nature and Mental Health
Episode 62: Raising Chickens
Episode 61: Food, Forest, and a Little Language
Episode 60: American Eels
Episode 59: All About Ticks
Episode 58: Shade, Winter Squashes and March Myths
Episode 57: Monarch Butterflies
Episode 56: Houseplants
Episode 55: Plants, Pests and Plates
Episode 54: Living with Deer
Episode 53: Community Supported Agriculture
Episode 52: Wild Hudson Valley and Winter Sowing
Episode 51: Climate Change
Episode 50: Birds of Prey
Episode 49: Agroforestry and Biochar
Episode 48: Raising Goats
Episode 47: Garden Maintenance, Online resources and Dutch Terms
Episode 46: Hydrangeas and Holiday Plants
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