There’s not a lot that can be done in your outdoor garden during the winter months, but it’s the perfect time to plan for spring! First, give some thought to what you’d like to grow, then sort your seeds by the month they need to be started or planted. Need supplies to bring your garden to fruition? Try shopping at thrift stores and online communities. You can find gardening tools, containers and other materials for free or low cost. For more gardening tips, make sure to check out Food Hero’s garden calendar.
Get Creative!
Looking for a fun, garden-inspired arts and crafts idea? We’ve got you covered. Try making your own planting pots with recycled paper and water. Don’t forget to decorate them! Paper pots are great for starting seeds in, and they’re a fun indoor activity for kids. You can learn all about making paper pots in Food Hero’s garden tip sheet, and there’s even a video to walk you through it. Want to take your creativity to the next level? Try up-cycling! It’s a great way to use items that might otherwise get thrown away. An old clothes-drying rack could be a support for climbing plants. An old dresser could be turned into a one-of-a-kind garden bed.
Food Hero Update from Philomath Elementary School
Wondering what the Food Hero team is up to at the Philomath School Garden? We have another monthly update from garden coordinator, Tyler Sato Spofford. “Happy New Year from the Philomath School Garden! There is a lot of planning happening for the upcoming gardening season. We’ll be starting our first set of seeds at the end of February. Lettuce, carrots, radishes and peas can be started once the last frost has passed. Now is a great time to plan out the what, where and when for gardening! What are you planting, where is it going to grow best, and when does it need to be started?” Follow Tyler’s advice and spend time planning what you want to grow during the coming garden season. Think about how and where in the garden you’ll grow ingredients for your favorite recipes. Research growing methods to try something new this year, like companion planting. Share your ideas and what you learn with your friends and neighbors to create a garden community!
What’s in Season?
There’s not a lot growing in outdoor gardens this time of year. However, potatoes, onions, garlic, kale, parsnips and turnips are all in-season. You can find locally grown varieties in grocery stores and some farmers markets. Try pairing these winter vegetables with herbs from your indoor garden! Herbs like cilantro and oregano can be grown near a window for a fresh and tasty addition to your meals.
From the Garden to the Table: Delicious Winter Recipes to get Creative With!
- Tofu Scramble: A tasty mix that can be served alone, added to a burrito or topped with your favorite herb. To make it spicier try adding Southern Seasoning, chili powder, harissa or hot sauce.
- Minestrone Soup: Warm up with a bowl of this versatile soup made with almost any vegetable you have on hand. If you have some extra time to spare, try cooking your own dry beans to add to the soup. Never cooked dry beans before? Food Hero’s got you covered, check out our Bean Basics Food Hero Monthly.
- Potato Turnip Gratin: A rich and creamy recipe that makes for the perfect winter dish and can be made with parsnips or turnips. Either way it’s delicious and just as good reheated as leftovers.
- Garlic Ginger Ramen with Beef: This fresh and flavorful twist on ramen noodles will have your taste buds yearning for the next bite! Get creative and try making it with different proteins, veggies and spices to use up ingredients you already have in the kitchen.
Have fun getting creative with your garden planning and kitchen activities!
