Recently we enlisted the help of Sara Bee Jensen from Lost Bird Found (aka The most creative woman in the world) to create a series of how-to cards with some of the information we have here on HOMEGROWN.

They are more beautiful than we ever imagined and we’re so excited to be able to share them with you. The cards will be handed out at the various events we’ll be at this year, and they will also live in the under the “Show and Tell” tab in the header of HOMEGROWN.org.  So, if you have an event coming up, a garden party, wedding shower, baby shower, potluck – anything – these are a terrific little token of affection for your friends. Please. Steal them, print them, share them with others.

The final installment (for now) in the HOMEGROWN How-to Cards series is a simple and adaptable recipe for all that yummy green leafy stuff we’ll be getting this summer. CSA shares are full of it, farmers markets are awash with it, our gardens overflow with it – if it’s green and leafy, make pesto with it!

Linked on the card is the HOMEGROWN Cookin’ group. Also check out these super cute and useful labels for canning jars, bottles, boxes – anything you need to label, really!

Enjoy!

Other How-to Cards:

How To Save Tomato Seeds

How To Make A Self-watering Planter

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It’s gift-giving time! Naturally, handmade is the best kind of gift – the HOMEGROWN Holiday Swappers are trading their homemade edibles this week. Presents that promote hands-on activities are some of our favorite kind of gift, too. Here are a few ideas for In The Kitchen, In The Garden, On The Couch (OK, these will inspire folks to make, grow and foster change), and In The Automobile. Enjoy and happy gifting!

In The Kitchen

Every home chef needs a quality hardwood cutting board. For those with the tools, there is a DIY cutting board plan and tutorial.

And here is a lovely handcrafted board from reclaimed North Carolina curly rock maple on Etsy:

Community Supported Agriculture

What better way to say “I love you” than a weekly share of fresh local produce? Family farmers are taking on members now. Find participating CSA farms near your loved ones at Local Harvest and The Eat Well Guide.

An apple cider press is a terrific gift for a family, or an enterprising apple grower.

Celebrate with your main squeeze by making your own hard cider.

In The Garden

Start fantasizing about what others may be growing in their plots. A cheerfully wrapped package – complete with seed packets and a garden plan – is sure to delight.

Seed Companies:

High Mowing Seeds (VT)

FEDCO Seeds (ME)

Johnny’s (ME)

Seed Savers Exchange (IA)

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds (MO and CA)

Abundant Life Seeds (OR)

Seeds of Change (NM)

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange (VA)

Online garden planning tools

Free drag and drop garden planner

More detailed and customizable garden planner

Kitchen garden design planner for a 3′ x 6′ raised bed

Organic mushroom growing kits – intimidating? Sure! Unique? You bet! And the rewards are oh, so yummy!

On The Couch

Michael Pollan’s Botany of Desire DVD. Organic Gardening Magazine readers get 20% off by entering the code GARDEN at PBS.org.

The documentary that changes lives: Food Inc. DVD is also available at PBS.org

In The Automobile

Homemade car freshener using citrus and cloves – easy and pretty!

Turn your friends on to new music with mix CDs like this one from KCRW - so hip and cool!

Check out these past posts and discussions about DIY Holiday Gifts, too. Let us know what you think and feel free to add your ideas, too.

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Local Sprouts is an industrious cooperative in Portland, ME that 1) caters healthy, locally-source meals 2) educates and reinforces the community through potlucks, a free lunch program and urban gardens, and 3) operates a prepared meals service to their members through what they call the Community Supported Kitchen.

Each week there is a different menu featuring seasonal dishes aspiring to provide 100% local food. We offer soups, salads, sides, entrees, canned and fermented items, desserts and breads. The Community Supported Kitchen is a place for members and our community to connect and learn through food.  We work with youth and others to share culture, knowledge and culinary skills.

The CSK is applying the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farms, where members get a weekly share of vegetables, to prepared food.  We are working to develop a sustainable local food system and build strong connections to the land, to farmers, and to community.  We always share where your food is from and are developing ways for our members to connect with local farms.

How cool is that? Oh, and did I mention how affordable the meals are? Seems like an incredible opportunity.

Do you know of other CSK models in your area?