Want to jump start your spring but not sure where to
begin? Why not try a fresh garden
salad? If you have any place to grow plants
whether it is a windowsill, container, flower bed or garden plot, a planting of
leafy greens is a great place to start.
There are several advantages to growing your own
greens. First, you will save money by
not having to go to the grocery store and purchase this on a weekly basis. Second, you will be harvesting a product that
you know is organically grown. In
addition, if grown in containers around your home, they provide you with
beautiful texture and color before it is time to plant the seasonal summer
flowers.
Self-watering containers keep the soil moist.
Anyone can grow fresh greens that make an awesome organic
salad. For a container salad, use a medium to large
(12” to 18”) pot and fill with rich potting soil or garden compost (some
retailers sell soil with additives including fertilizer and pre-emergents; for organic gardening, choose only soil or
compost). Purchase greens in sets or packs
and mix different colors and textures for interest. Greens will produce leaves quickly and can be
harvested at any time. Outer leaves
should be cut when harvesting to promote more growth.
Most greens in the southeast are cool season crops and can
be grown until temperatures get hot.
Give it a try and feel free to brag about the salad to your dinner
guests. No expiration date necessary!
For a unique take on salad dressing, try this homemade
peanut butter vinaigrette. Intriguing,
savory, delectable and good to the last drop, this dressing will have your
guests raving about your garden and culinary prowess.
Peanut Butter Salad Dressing
Ingredients
2/3 cup vegetable oil
3
Tablespoons cider or rice vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
(optional)
¼ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
Preparation
Combine together all ingredients in a
bowl and whisk until blended. Serve over your home grown mixed salad greens.
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