Stacy Walters
Kale Prep Kitchen Tip
Kale is a garden rockstar and superfood chocked full of antioxidants and vitamins. Check out this simple time-saving tip when using kale in the kitchen (don’t miss my kale dance at the end!). :)
Read MoreHow to Grill Pizza: Fig & Arugula Pizza with Pancetta
There is something about fall that brings out the domestic goddess in me. I’m obsessed with the decorations, fall gardening, and of course cooking and baking. I was searching for a fig recipe that would appropriately showcase my little first year fig harvest. I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for, so I decided to compose my own grilled pizza recipe. Grilling pizza may seem complicated, but it is actually very easy. Plus, a pizza with fig, arugula and pancetta sounds...
Read MoreGrowing Employee Benefits
The United States is one of the unhealthiest countries in the world. Lifestyle challenges, including obesity and physical inactivity, have contributed to increased utilization of our health care system. Moreover, scientific advancements ensure that Americans using the health care system are living longer. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 75 percent of an employer’s health care costs and productivity losses are related to employee...
Read MoreGardeners On the Go!
Horticulture Magazine’s first online magazine—Gardeners On the Go!—has arrived! Horticulture understands that busy gardeners are looking for easy-to-digest ideas and inspiration to complement their more in-depth print issue of the magazine. Gardeners On the Go is an online-only, quarterly supplement to Horticulture‘s print issues, and I’m sure you’re going to love it. Click on over to read about Horticulture’s exciting new giving garden project that I am proudly...
Read MoreEco-Friendly Produce Bag
One more way to join the movement to reduce plastic bag usage…Washable Produce Bags! No more plastic bags in the produce aisle or the refrigerator. Take the produce bags with you when you visit the food market (along with reusable shopping bags, of course), and place your organic produce in them. To keep the food market, farmer’s market, or garden produce fresher longer, place the bags directly in the refrigerator. Washable Produce Bags are also: Reusable Made from recycled...
Read MoreInternational Compost Awareness Week
The US Composting Council (USCC) defines its mission as advancing composting and promoting compost use to enhance soils and provide economic and environmental benefits for our members and society. The organization coined the official International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) as the largest and most comprehensive education initiative of the compost industry. It is celebrated each year during the first full week of May. I’m excited about the USCC and the ICAW because have...
Read MoreSucculent Savvy
Succulents are plants that store water during wet periods to use in dry periods. There are two main types of succulents–those that store water in their leaves, and those that store water in their stems. These plants are not all cacti; although all cacti are succulents. Succulents normally have thick, fleshy leaves. The leaves may also feel waxy or hairy. This texture helps to reduce water loss. Low Maintenance Care Succulents need at least half a day of direct sun in order to...
Read MoreBenefits of Soil Testing
Soil testing takes the guesswork out of organic gardening. Saving money, time and effort; healthy soil produces healthy plants and healthy plants are more resistant to insect damage and disease. With spring right around the corner, now is the perfect time to start making plans for your garden. Soil tests are available through local cooperative extension offices or private laboratories. Fairly comprehensive and informative tests can be performed for $5-$10, and some extension...
Read MoreOrganic Valentine’s Cherry Mini Pie
To celebrate the American Pie Council’s National Pie Day on January 23 and in preparation for Valentine’s Day, I broke out my heart-shaped pocket pie mold and whipped up my famous little cherry pies. The pies are so easy and cute, how can you go wrong? I always feel good about indulging in homemade organic treats (in moderation), and you can’t beat the health benefits of cherries! Ingredients (all organic) 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons...
Read MoreGardening is Good for Your Health and the Environment
Protecting the environment is one of the most important things we do in our lives. For those of us who garden we have a chance to make a big impact on the environment; in a positive or negative way. The methods and procedures we use directly impact our family, the community, and the planet. The idea is to leave as small of a footprint as possible while giving back to the planet. Gardening is good for our health and the environment in the following ways: Global Warming Carbon dioxide...
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