I LOVE Using my Container Garden to Meal Prep ❤️
I use A LOT of vegetables in my cooking. Every week I bring home bushels of carrots, bags of potatoes, onions, cucumbers, garbanzo beans, parsley, dried spices and don't even get me started on fruit.
Last growing season I started throwing seeds that I got from my store bought vegetables in seed starter pots and some soil. Most of my plants from last year didn't make it or do so well. I believe I lacked a lot of knowledge however one of my cherry tomatoes is still growing and producing.
I live in a climate that has very hot summers, lots of strong sun. So one of the biggest mistakes I made was I misunderstood what lighting requirements each plant needed, the seedlings I was starting needed and as a result I didn't adjust the lighting or placement of my plants to this climate. I used to live in Canada 🇨🇦 so growing up there is a lot different than growing in the south of the United States.
I also found that while some seeds / seed kits I bought online worked some did not. I was very grateful and overjoyed to receive a few seed kits from a company called "Modern Sprout" 🌱 they had interesting seed prep instructions in their kits that were very detailed. The kit pictured here wanted me to mix the seeds in soil and clay and roll them into balls before planting. I did this but I was skeptical about the clay. I found that the seeds in clay balls didn't sprout well and I got maybe 1 sprout from each, some didn't sprout at all. Their desert rose bonsai kit also gave me 1 sprout when I planted many seeds so we will see with that one how it goes. I will say that all the plants are slow growing.
I am so glad to be finding new hobbies that are honestly more fulfilling in my mid twenties. In my early twenties I tried to do the "fun" things that most young people do and I didn't find any of them fulfilling. I also didn't find that I built any true genuine and long lasting friendships in my early twenties. That's a topic I may cover in another post.
Let me know if you can relate, and let me know if you are growing anything this year. OR are you interested in learning how to grow more food for free from store bought vegetables? I finally figured it out!
I will be using a lot of these vegetables to meal prep different recipes such as my Quinoa salad, Greek salad, Greek meatballs, Tomato sauce and more! See pics of these recipes on the slides above.
Focusing on helping things grow has been a great weekend activity leading up to my wedding. There is enough stress as it is and sometimes staying in can be more fun 😊
#mealprep #mealprepinspo #mealprepideas #gardening #containergarden #plants #hobbies #garden #lemon8challenge #weekendactivities /At Home
Container gardening is an accessible and rewarding way to grow your own vegetables, even in limited spaces. By choosing the right containers and understanding your plants' light and water needs, you can create a productive garden right at home. Many common vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers thrive in container gardens, allowing you to enjoy fresh produce straight from your backyard. Harvesting your own vegetables not only contributes to a healthy diet but also encourages sustainable practices. Meal prepping with freshly grown ingredients ensures that you have nutritious options ready for busy days. You can create a variety of recipes, including refreshing salads and hearty sauces, using the produce you've cultivated. As you develop your gardening skills, you'll find joy and fulfillment in nurturing your plants while creating delicious meals. If you've faced challenges with your container garden, don't be discouraged. Gardening is a learning experience, and every season brings new opportunities for growth. Experimenting with different seeds, soil conditions, and watering schedules can enhance your gardening approach. Engaging with gardening communities online can also offer valuable insights and inspiration. This year, embrace the chance to grow and savor your homegrown produce, making your meal prep exciting and flavorful!
