Planting your greens

What is your opinion on buying foods like spice powders and other foodstuff from supermarkets? Do you enjoy packaged food? Would you prefer a homecooked meal or one that is opened from a can that was packed months before?

If you have spare time, I would advise you to plant your own greens. if possible, even spices like turmeric and ginger. Cinnamon comes from a tree. So, that is not possible unless you own land. Turmeric and ginger are herb-like plants that are stand-alone, do not spread out like a creeper, and can be placed in pots too.

So, organic turmeric and ginger? Yes.

What do I do with it? I am not sure.

That may be a common doubt. Well, you can harvest it and then shake off the mud. Later, the roots should be cleaned using water. The ginger can be sun-dried or used in raw form as an ingredient in curries or tea. It can also be dried and stored for later use. It can be dried and powdered and stored.

As for the turmeric roots, they should be boiled in water and then dried in the sun. The roots should become really dry. Then it should be powdered and can be stored for years. The color of organic turmeric is so so rich that you will realize that the store-bought one is trash. It is so highly effective that if applied to wounds, it will heal within a day.

Turmeric is very good for the health but should be used with caution. You can put a pinch into curries or soups while preparing. That's all. I am not sure if it is advisable to drink shots. Turmeric - a small teaspoon can be mixed with milk cream and applied to the face to remove unwanted hair and also cleanse the face. Adding gram flour - a spoon also helps to bind the mix. Remember to wash it off as soon as it dries.

The grandmas used to advise the above mix to prevent facial hairs in women and men did not use it. Women also smeared turmeric on their bodies before baths twice a week. The skin benefits a lot from turmeric.

Besides the two spices mentioned above, you can also plant pea seeds, cherry tomatoes, coriander, and other herbs in small pots. Those who have land or backyards can do so lavishly.

People may consider it a huge job but if you start and get a good harvest, you will realize the goodness of homegrown foods and will make it a habit.
Small vegetables such as cucumber and gourds can also be grown on a small scale as also fruits such as passion fruit which is a creeper and does not need a lot of space. Passion fruits are so rich in vitamins and minerals.

Whatever you are planting, try to spray organic fertilizers so that it does not cause harm. The fruit of labor is very sweet. Do write about your endeavors so that it will be an inspiration to many.

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