As we get into the spring, it's time to start looking at how we can grow our own food as a part of our health practice.

Maria Franklin talks about the value of this for our lives.

"Spring is definitely my favourite time of year, and as we come to the end of the warming winter vegetables, it’s a good time to think about planting seeds for a new spring and summer crop. Even in a small garden, there are some things that will grow well in pots and you can choose varieties that give you the most value for your space.

Fresh green leaves are always a bonus and there are many varieties of lettuce that are ‘cut and come again’ so you get repeat pickings off one sowing. You could also try spinach and curly kale, where again you can harvest some leaves and let the rest keep growing for future crops.

Most herbs are happy in pots, or if you have space in your garden the perennial and shrubby herbs like thyme, oregano, rosemary and sage are very low maintenance and add flavour and zing to salads and stews. Lemon balm and mint are great to grow for teas and digestive health, although they are quite vigorous so plant into big pots or in the ground where you are happy for them to spread a little. Coriander and basil are good to grow in a sunny spot and can be planted around kale and tomatoes to help keep pests away. Herbs look fabulous too.

Tomatoes also grow well in pots, and you could try some french beans which give a good return for the space and have attractive foliage and flowers. Calendula is great to spread around pots and bare ground, and their bright and cheery flowers are a good addition to salads.

Whatever you choose, make sure you have good compost and the plants have the right amount of water. You’ll find lots of good (and not so good!) information on the internet and Youtube videos to help you get going. They might not all grow as you would like, but the only way to find out is to give it a go, see what works and figure out what happened to any plants that didn’t thrive so you can make changes next time. Make sure you buy healthy plants or use seeds from a reputable supplier, or maybe a friend or neighbour who saves seeds or has a few spare plants might be happy to help you out.

There is nothing quite like harvesting your own produce, and now is a good time to start planting and sowing seeds. It’s always exciting seeing those first green leaves emerge through the soil and watching them grow. And remember to talk kindly to them :) "

For more information or to work with Maria, contact her via her page 

Maria Franklin MBPsS, KFRP

EMMETT Technique Advanced Practitioner Level 6, Kinesiology & NES BioEnergetiX WellNES

Energy and Health

Bringing Change to Life