Springtime in Phoenix!

... well ... technically my decorations say "fall", but us Phoenicians feel about Fall the way that Midwesterners must feel about Spring. The weather is starting to get bearable outside, even (gasp) during the middle of the day and something inside of us starts to awaken with the excitement of knowing we can play outside anytime we please and even walk to the mailbox without melting into a pathetic puddle. It goes without saying that those of us with small children are especially grateful for when our kids can play outside and not break a sweat any other time that 5am in the morning or 8pm at night.

In the spirit of springtime, I am trying a few planting projects. One I've been meaning to do for some time - namely, start an herb garden. I have mint and rosemary growing wild in my yard, but I LOVE fresh basil, so I am especially excited about that. Here is my starter "greenhouse".




















The other little project was an idea sparked the other day when my aunt suggested I try baking with sprouted grains. I did a little research and found out that I can grow the same wheatgrass at home that you pay big bucks for juiced at the store with the wheat I already buy in bulk for my bread. I'm not an expert in why exactly sprouted grains are supposed to be so darn good for you, but I hear they are. When I figure out why, I'll pass the info. along. K?

Here are the boys helping with the project - they love any excuse to touch dirt.








The directions I found say to:
1. Soak wheat berries for 10-12 hours in water
2. Drain for 10-12 hours covered
3. Spread soil/peat moss (didn't have peat moss - used organic soil) in a seedling tray (purchased at Home Depot)
4. Water soil
5. Spread wheat across soil so they are touching, but not overlapping (good luck with that)
6. Sprinkle small layer of soil on top & water lightly
7. Place in indirect sunlight, water as needed
8. Harvest what 7-10 inches tall (8-10 days)

My mom has a manual wheat grass juicer I can borrow, so I figured, "why not?" ;-)

So fun ... I'll let you know how it goes.

PS: The wheat was already sprouting when I put it in the tray - so cool.


Here is Jared's new "smile". The humor of a 3 year old cracks me up. Not because it is funny in and of itself, but because he is experimenting with humor and is really good at making himself (and his brother laugh). Life is never dull.