My quest continues.
To learn to live better. More sustainable. Greener. Healthier. More frugal.
Every year I vow to do better. I don’t always succeed. I often get in well over my head. Sometimes I have utter failures.
Two years ago I vowed to have the largest tomato harvest ever and can enough sauce to not only get us through the winter, but to give to friends as well. It was my worst tomato year ever.
But those failures are lessons. They will never keep me from trying again, trying harder.
Here are some of the things I will do in 2012 to try to live more frugal, sustainable, greener, healthier –
All new things I will be trying for the very first time!
Grow Luffa!
I know what you are thinking…. Luffa (loofah) is a sponge. Sponges grow in the sea. Ah, not these. Luffa is actually a gourd.
They grow similar to cucumbers – on a vine. They require a long growing season so when attempting to grow them in colder climates like here in New Hampshire, you will probably need to start them indoors. Or so I hear. Once they mature, the fruit, containing a very fibrous material, is dried, peeled and “milked” removing the fleshy substance inside. They can be used in the shower and in the kitchen to scrub pots and pans and vegetables too!
I won’t have to buy sponges again!
Grow Sweet Potato!
Unlike white potato, sweet potato are exceptionally good for you and are encouraged in a healthy diet rather than avoided.
They can be grown in relatively small space in these boxes and easily harvested. You could grown them on a deck or patio. Each box can have an extremely high yield too.
Build a pallet table for the garden!
Sure, I already have a number of picnic tables, potting tables, side tables, scattered around the gardens, but who can’t use another? I love love love having friends gathered at long tables under the trees on warm summer evenings, enjoying cool wine and heavenly meals. Chatting and laughing into the night. The more tables, the more people.
Pallets can be found for free in a variety of locations. They are often simply thrown away by large companies! And although the wood is not perfect, often scarred and damaged, they can be used to build a variety of things.
I love this table with the succulent planter in the center. I’m thinking wine chillers.
Whole Living With Stephanie 