Sacred Heart - Inspiring Health

JUICY TOMATOES, CRUNCHY peppers, or emerald herbs can be easily grown in your backyard or a sub-irrigated planter on your patio or porch. The simple act of tending to growing seedlings is also good for your health. "Gardening is great from both a nutritional and exercise standpoint," says Erin Lafaive, Horticulture Educator at the University of Wisconsin-Extension in Eau Claire County. "Having access to fresh produce means you're more likely to eat better, while planting, weeding, and watering the garden increases physical activity." SUN OR SHADE? If you've never gardened, Lafaive recommends a 10x10-foot space when planting outdoors. The ideal location of the garden depends on your crops. "Vine crops, such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, need six to eight hours of sunlight, particularly in the afternoon when the sun's rays are stronger," says Lafaive. "More delicate crops, such as lettuce and spinach, require a mixture of shade and sun, so plant these vegetables where they'll get sun earlier in the day." When growing a salsa garden, Lafaive recommends planting a mix of items, including green onion and cilantro, which can be moved indoors when the weather cools, and grown year-round. "Self-watering containers are an easy indoor option," Lafaive says. "Users just fill up the reservoir and the plant uses the water as needed. Placement will depend on the plant, so find a sunny spot on the patio or window for vine plants." No matter what you try your green thumb at this season, keep at it and incorporate these freshly grown ingredients into meals and snacks. "Don't be discouraged if something doesn't grow––even the most experienced gardeners learn something new each season," Lafaive says. "Gardening is a great lesson in patience." YOUR OWN PRODUCE SUMMERTIME EQUALS RELAXATION FOR MANY—AND GARDENING WITH YOUR FAMILY CAN TAKE A TRIP TO THE STORE OFF YOUR TO-DO LIST. Green Thumb Tips READY TO GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY? USE THESE SUGGESTIONS FROM ERIN LAFAIVE, HORTICULTURE EDUCATOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-EXTENSION IN EAU CLAIRE COUNTY. 1. Try succession planting with your salad garden. "For example, spinach grows easily in cooler temperatures, so you can get a great crop early in the season," says Lafaive. "Then you can use that same space to grow lettuce, leaving you plenty of time in between harvests to consume the first crop." 2. Complete regular soil checks before watering. "Push your finger into the soil," Lafaive says. "If the soil feels wet, you're okay. If it feels dry, it's time to give your plants more water." Grow Visit www.gochippewavalley.com and sign up for the GO myWay online wellness program to get healthy recipes, meal plans, and other tips for healthy lifestyle. 1 5 S A C R E D H E A R T E A U C L A I R E . O R G

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