The season for eating fresh from the earth’s goodness is upon us. But not every gardening enthusiast has the space to grow a lush garden full of leafy greens and vegetables to enjoy at the kitchen table. Luckily, in today’s ever-evolving world of technology, there are ways aroundthat. This is where technology meets mother earth: Hydroponics!
Hydroponics is a perfect solution for those who like to be in control of their environment and remove the guesswork and research required to maintain soil acidity balance, avoid over-watering and perfect sun placement.
Hydroponic gardening is a method for growing plants without using soil. It is primarily used to grow edible plants like herbs, veggies, lettuce and occasionally fruits. The great thing is that these systems are suited for small spaces and thrive indoors, making garden dreams come true all year round (regardless of what Mother Nature does outside). A hydroponic system doesn’t take a lot of space (unless you want it to). It will work just about anywhere, and plants will actually grow faster than if they were in-ground.
They are perfect for those who want to eat seasonally without the hassle. There’s no need to till up your yard for a ten-by-ten garden plot or live in a rental community.
There are a variety of systems available for purchase online. Or, you can DIY! If you opt for the latter, be sure to do your homework to determine what best suits your lifestyle (type of uv lights, growing medium, type of nutrients, etc.).
Beginners should start with leafy greens, herbs, tomatoes and strawberries which are the easiest plants to grow in a hydroponic garden. Root vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots, which generally require soil to thrive, should be avoided in hydroponic gardens.
Take it to the Kitchen: Green Goddess Dip
Green Goddess Dip is a simple and fast veggie dip that is bright, fresh and full of flavor. Variety of fresh herbs, a kick of spice and a zip of citrus combine with creamy Greek yogurt to create a perfect light snack that you’ll want to make again and again. Cilantro, parsley, mint and basil are all blended together in this recipe to create a flavor that pairs perfectly with produce!
Ingredients:
●2 cups cilantro (1 large bunch from the grocery store)
●2 cups parsley (1 large bunch from the grocery store)
●1 cup basil leaves
●½ cup mint leaves
●1 cup Full-fat Greek Yogurt, divided in ½
●½ cup mayonnaise
●1 Jalapeño
●2 scallions , chopped
●3 garlic cloves
●1 lime, squeezed
Instructions: Blend the dip. Stir in the yogurt. Chill the dip. Serve the dip.
1.Place all the ingredients, save for ½ cup of the Greek yogurt, into the bowl of a food processor. Blend on high for 15–20 seconds, or until the dip is smooth and ingredients carefully blended.
2.Transfer the dip to a bowl and stir in the remaining Greek yogurt.
3.Cover dip and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4.Serve this simple green goddess dip with your favorite fresh vegetables!