1.) What does it mean for a food to be organic?
It is food that is grown without pesticides and not processed with chemicals (preservatives, antibiotics, etc.). It is only allowed for natural additives to be incorporated into the product, and they must be listed on the label.

2.) How do I know that the food I buy is organic?
The label of “organic” is only given to suppliers that have passed certain standards. To be sure that the product you are buying is actually an organic food from a certified supplier, look for a certification number on the package or label. You can also speak directly to the farmers if you are buying local to find out how their food is grown.

3.) Does eating organic foods automatically make me healthier?
No, but they can be incorporated into a diet that will promote optimal health. There are no definitive studies that say organic foods are more nutritious. The main health advantage of organic eating is not consuming the chemicals that are used in conventional farming.

4.) Where do I buy organic foods?
Local farmer’s markets offer fresh, in season, organic foods. Check out localharvest.org to find a farmer’s market in your area. There are also grocery store chains that specialize in organic foods. To find organic grocery stores in your area visit organicstorelocator.com. Another place to buy local organic products are food co-ops. Food co-ops are individuals that come together to provide low-cost foods for members of the co-op and the public. Find co-ops in your area by visiting coopdirectory.org.

5.) What if I can’t afford to buy all organic?
Organic eating can be expensive. First, try to buy in season products from local vendors, either at a farmer’s market or a food co-op. There are also some fruits and veggies that are more likely to retain chemicals from pesticides. They include: peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, strawberries, cherries, pears, spinach, lettuce, and potatoes. If you can’t afford to buy all “green”, try to at least by these products organically. Print off your pocket guide of top 12 “dirty dozen” to buy organic.

By Mitzi Dulan with research assistance from Kaylee O’Connell

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When you should begin planting your seeds will depend on the climate you live in. If planting in the spring, keep an eye on the weather and wait until the last of the winter frost has passed in order to ensure a healthy and strong crop. That doesn’t mean you can’t begin planting even earlier. Autumn rains will help your plants establish firm roots, so as summer begins to wind down, start preparing!

It’s not as hard as you think. With careful planning and prudent caretaking, you can grow a variety of foods from spring through fall. There are just a few things you need to get started and grow strong.

The Essentials

When selecting the space for your garden, make sure it will allow your plants at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day. High-quality soil is also a must in order for the plants to grow healthy, retain moisture and let their roots take shape. Adding compost will give soil more nutritive value. (All those leaves you rake in the fall will come in handy!) If you don’t have a backyard of your own, consider community gardening projects in open green areas, which are becoming more popular in urban cities.

Your Selection

Like any endeavor, it may take some time to get the hang of all the nuances of your own produce garden. Tending your own fruits and vegetables can become a hobby to love for a lifetime, so don’t go overboard and feel like you need to plant everything your first year. Start slow with a few choice selections. High-yield suggestions: strawberries, tomatoes, sweet peas, arugula, beets, carrots, and cucumbers. If backyard space is ample, you may also want to try planting an orchard for apples, peaches or oranges.

Tend with Care

Deciding how to handle harmful insects and pests is one of the advantages to managing your own garden versus buying in-store. Using organic products for insect control will help yield healthier crops. Regular and ample watering and fertilization will also keep your garden area clean.

The term “permaculture” is used to describe systems that imitate natural ecological relationships. You may want to try researching and grouping vegetables that grow well together, such as tomatoes and cabbages, or cucumbers and lettuce.

Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labors

Gardening is an activity that can include the whole family, so get them involved in the process. Most importantly, have fun and learn what works for you!

Want to start planting now but feel that the soon-approaching autumn won’t afford your crops enough sun? There are still lots of garden tasks that can be taken care of to get it ready for spring planting:

-Get rid of unsightly or unhealthy weeds and dead plants that are taking up useful space.

-Take time to determine how you want the crops laid out, and if you’ll need to clear away healthy but unwanted plants, patches, etc.

-Start fertilizing your soil. Remember to save those leaves you’ll be raking up come fall!

-Gather your tools—make sure your shovel, pruner, trowel, etc. are in proper working order, and if not, look for replacements.

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They’re all going meatless on Mondays!

Meatless Monday is a non-profit initiative, in association with the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, which encourages people to have one meat-free day a week.

Did you know . . .

-our modern food system contributes approximately 1/3 of all greenhouse gases to the atmosphere?
-our diets are bigger offenders to our carbon footprint than gas-guzzling cars?
-the climate cost of food production is worse than the distance traveled for food transportation?
-that reducing your meat intake also reduces your risk of preventable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease?
-that eating less meat can improve the quality of your diet and help you maintain a healthy weight? Plant-based foods are full of fiber, which helps to keep you full so you’ll consume fewer calories throughout the day. Beans and legumes are also full of protein, without the saturated fat and cholesterol found in meat.
-that the meat industry produces 1/5 of manmade greenhouse gas emissions?
-that 1,800 to 2,500 gallons of water are needed to produce just one pound of beef?

In other words, cutting meat out of your diet just once a week will improve both your health and the health of the environment!

Now I know you’re just about sold, but maybe you’re wondering how to replace the meat in your Monday diet with other protein sources. Here are some ideas:

Breakfast: oatmeal with honey and slivered almonds, fruit salad, and a hardboiled egg.
Lunch: Hummus, sundried tomatoes, romaine lettuce, red onion, and yellow bell pepper on multigrain bread with tomato soups on the side.
Snack: apple with peanut butter
Dinner: whole wheat linguine tossed in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice with spinach, yellow squash, and navy beans.
Dessert: mango sorbet

For a bonus meatless recipe try my family’s favorite spinach lasagna.

I want to hear from YOU! Leave a comment on this post with your favorite meatless meal.

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