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 45: Shade Gardening
Episode 44: Mums, Sedums, Annual Vines and Season Extenders
Episode 43: Hortus Arboretum
Episode 42: American Ginseng
Episode 41: Winterizing the Garden, Coneflowers, Mugwort & Overmountain
Episode 40: Food Insecurity
Episode 39: Salamanders, Earthworms and More
Episode 38: Phlox, Siegel-Kline Kill and Root Crops
Episode 37: Mountaintop Arboretum
Episode 36: Ragwort, Hydrangea, Cucurbits and Ticks
Episode 35: Native Trees and Shrubs
Episode 34: Tomatoes, Beekeeping and Hiking
Episode 33: So You Bought a House
Episode 32: Answers to Popular Gardening Questions
Episode 31: Invasive Pests
Episode 30: Flowering Annuals, Perennials, and Invasive Multifora Rose
Episode 29: RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary and Dragonflies
Episode 28: Grassland Birds
Episode 27: Ordering Trees, Shrubs and Bulbs
Episode 26: Gardening with Kids
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