Archive for the 'Green Living' Category
Feb
29
5 ways to open a world of flavors in a small space
February 29, 2016 | Leave a Comment
(BPT) – If a big part of your weekend is dedicated to experimenting with recipes and combining ingredients to create new flavors, you just might be a foodie. If you have a checklist of restaurants you’ve been meaning to try but haven’t had a chance to because you’ve been busy eating elsewhere, chances are more than one friend has called you a foodie. Like many people who seek out delicious meals, you probably know what every chef knows: the secret to great cooking is always fresh ingredients.
The best way to ensure fresh ingredients is to grow them yourself. Many who live in urban areas, in condos or in apartments feel that because they don’t have a yard, they can’t grow their own herbs or vegetables. But brands like Burpee are encouraging urban gardening, and have opened a world of herb and veggie plants for those who only have a deck or a windowsill.
To give you an idea of what kind of culinary adventures you can have, here are five tips for vegetable gardening in a small space.
Window box gardening
You don’t need a big backyard, in many cases all you need is a box and a window. Window box gardening is not only an efficient way to maximize space, but a great way to add an edible aspect to your décor. Try small-space vegetable plants like peppermint stick celery or masterpiece pea for their unique taste and texture.
Become a homegrown mixologist
Use the fresh herbs you grow to make exciting cocktails for your guests. Herbs add depth and personality to cocktails, and even provide some much-needed vitamins, so you’ll be drinking to your health. A few ideas are mint for the perfect summertime Mojitos, rosemary infused greyhounds, or a sprig of parsley and thyme in your Bloody Mary.
Color your world
There’s an old saying that you should eat the rainbow. Well, you should also grow the rainbow! Tomatoes, peppers and eggplants are just some of the veggies that can make up a colorful home display. Best of all, these healthy and delicious veggies, like Burpee’s sweet savour pepper plant, can be grown on your doorstep, balcony or patio.
You’re never too old to play with your food
Growing your own vegetables means you have ample opportunity to experiment and “play” with your food. This can be as easy as adding some fresh herbs like mint or rosemary to ice cream or experimenting with pickling using those extra cucumbers you’ve grown.
Whip up a batch of cherry pepper bites
Here’s an example of a killer recipe that brings out the best in your homegrown ingredients.
Prep time 0:15
Serves: 8
24 mini sweet peppers like ‘Cherry Stuffer’ from Burpee plants
1 8-oz package cream cheese
¼ cup fresh oregano, basil or tarragon chopped
1 Tablespoon of lemon juice
1 Tablespoon of milk
Fresh herb leaves for garnish (optional)
*Cut tops off mini peppers and remove seeds.
*In a small bowl, blend cream cheese, herbs, lemon juice and milk until smooth.
*Pipe or spoon cream cheese mixture into the peppers.
*Garnish with additional herbs if desired and serve.
These five tips are only the beginning of what you can do with a home garden. Drawing on its 136-year history, Burpee plants offer an online Garden Coach to help you be a better gardener through inspiration and information. It’s never been easier to enjoy fresh ingredients from your garden, no matter how small a space you have to work in.
Feb
22
Stack the deck in Mother Nature’s favor with these green deck-building tips
February 22, 2016 | Leave a Comment
(BPT) – Communing with the bounty of nature in your own backyard is one of the many advantages of having a deck. Not only does it boost home value, a deck gives you a comfortable venue for enjoying the outdoors – and what could be more environmentally …
Jan
28
Tips for going green, saving green, with greywater recycling
January 28, 2016 | Leave a Comment
(BPT) – Water conservation isn’t just for Californians and others who live in dry climates. Although the Golden State’s water woes grabbed headlines last summer, it’s not the only state potentially facing water shortages. Nor is it th…
Jan
14
American companies embrace a sustainable future
January 14, 2016 | Leave a Comment
(BPT) – Meeting in Paris, delegates from 195 nations ended 2015 by reaching a landmark agreement to make significant efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The historic pact represents a global effort to curb climate change and a move toward wides…
Jan
4
A new car vs. your used car: What’s the greener option?
January 4, 2016 | Leave a Comment
(BPT) – Buying a new car to reduce your carbon footprint seems logical. But surprisingly, keeping the vehicle already in your garage, or replacing it with a more fuel efficient used car may be a greener choice. That’s because it takes a lot of en…
Dec
21
4 ways to go green this new year
December 21, 2015 | Leave a Comment
(BPT) – This new year means fun-filled celebrations, spending time with loved ones and the excitement of new changes in the coming year. It’s also the perfect opportunity to break old habits and create new, healthy ones. While many put exercising…