Grow Sustainable Quinoa for your Kitchen

Quinoa has become trendy food worldwide, but at what cost? In Bolivia where it cultivated the demand for this super food is leading growers to abandon traditional land management practices.  Crops are not being rotated, and farmers are over planting llama grazing area.  The llama manure is required to organically fertilize the quinoa.  Poorer people in Bolivia and Peru, where the Quinoa is also grown, are no longer able to afford this traditional staple grain.

I recently planted a little raised bed of Quinoa from a seed trade.  Mine were planted a couple of weeks after these flowering and seeding Quinoa plants at the Bonner Center Community Garden. They are a lot like Amaranth, but seem to be more dense with seeds. If you like eating Quinoa, you can grow your own.  Or if you know someone who loves Quinoa, let them know they can grow their own  Seeds are available from SustainableSeedco.com.  If you have never winnowed grains before I it very easy and best to do on a breezy day.  Check out this how to webpage for winnowing seeds.

Man with Winnow by Vincent van Gogh

Here are some other beautiful flowers that were blooming when I took the Quinoa photos.

Zinnia

Wild growing Phlox

The Herb Companion Guest Post: 3 Annual Herbs for Stress Relief

I recently wrote an article for The Herb Companion's blog entitled "3 Annual Herbs for Stress Relief." I'm honored they filed it under "Sage Advice." The article details how to grow and use Holy Basil, Motherwort, and Skullcap for reducing tension and stress. I hope you enjoy it. Kristie from Spirit Horse herbals pointed out that Skullcap and Motherwort are perennials in Northern Climates, however I find they have to be grown as annuals in our climate. For more information growing herbs in hot climates I suggest Monica Brandies book Herbs and Spices for Florida Gardens.

"We all seek more peace and tranquility in life. Growing a few herbs is a fabulous way to help with relaxation and stress reduction. Plus, planting herbs is a fun activity. Learn how to select herbs that will actually help you relax!

To make sure it is a stress-free experience, each herb has unique properties that also make them useful for relieving stress and anxiety. I have chosen three herbs that I find easy to grow, and they are holy basil, motherwort and skullcap.... read more"