vegetables

We don’t eat Flowers we eat Food.: “Be veg, Go green for the better future”

The Anglican Servers in Action (ASIA) from the Diocese of Mzimvubu, Flagstaff Archdeaconry has embarked on a “Be veg, Go green for the better future” project, where vegetable gardens are started in Parishes so that the needy may gain.  On the 2nd of October, ASIA started a vegetable garden at the St Augustine’s Parish Tshandatshe, where a variety of vegetables were planted. On 31 October 2020, in accordance with Isaiah 61 verse 11- (“For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations”). On both occasions the weather was not good, but the work was successful with God’s grace. We also remembered that rain is a signal of new beginnings, new strengths, new goals and it was time to bloom. And as of Proverbs 28 verse 19 (“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty”). This is an on-going initiative, and all Parishes of the Flagstaff Archdeaconry are expected to have all the greens in their gardens.   The project is proudly inspired by Green Anglican, also under the Parable that states “For change to occur it has to start with you.”  Driven by the Proverb that says “a little goes a long way”. We used what we had to gain what was needed. By Naledi Kalipa Photo: Naledi Kalipa

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March 5 – Starting A Veggie Patch

God said, “See, I give you every seed-bearing plant that is upon all the earth, and every tree that has seed-bearing fruit; they shall be yours for food. … the fruit of the tree whose seed shall be food for you.” ~ Genesis 1.29    Start your own veggie patch Buying food that is locally grown is a great way to minimise your environmental impact, but growing your OWN food takes it to the next level. You can grow your own food by starting a veggie patch in your home. It requires a small amount of space, so you can grow it on your backyard, balcony or even some space on a window ledge. How to get started: Most vegetables need lots on sunlight for growth, so make sure you choose a sunny area for your veggie patch It is important to have healthy soil to grow healthy vegetables. Prepare your soil by adding 4 spadefuls of compost to every square metre of soil. Compost helps to improve drainage of the soil and it is a vital for the growth of healthy vegetables. Decide on what to plant. Plant what you really like and what you will use on a daily or weekly basis. Plant veggies that mature quickly and that you can re-use throughout the season Sow smaller amounts of each vegetable at two week intervals, this will result in a steady supply of veggies throughout the growing season. Practice crop rotation. This will help keep your soil healthy by preventing the loss of any nutrients in the soil. You can apply this by not planting the same veggie in the same spot, two years in a row. Benefits of growing a veggie patch: Reduce carbon emissions and waste: When you grow your own food, you help reduce the high amounts of burning fuels that emit carbon dioxide and fill our environment as a direct result of importing food from commercial farms. You will also reduce waste from packaging materials from the vegetables from grocery stores. Avoid toxic pesticides and fertilizers. By growing your own veggies, you decide what goes on your plants and soil. Grow veggies organic veggies by using safe and natural fertilizers and pesticides removal products. Improve your health.  Consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy. When you pick vegetables right from your garden, the vitamin content will be at its highest. Get outdoor exercise. Gardening is a physical activity and pulling weeds, planting, and digging can burn up to 400 calories per hour. Gardening is also a good mental exercise and helps keep your mind sharp. Gardening is a natural stress reliever. Being outside in the fresh air and sunshine can improve mood and make you feel rejuvenated and overall happy https://www.burke.org/blog/2016/4/the-benefits-of-growing-a-vegetable-garden/83 https://www.stodels.com/start-your-own-veggie-patch/

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March 1 – Veggie Sunday

“Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, ‘Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.’ So he agreed to this and tested them for 10 days. At the end of the 10 days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.” Daniel 1 : 11-16 Today let us celebrate the gift of vegetables and their variety! There are so many exciting and delicious ways to serve vegetarian food. Give it a try and treat your family to a Sunday roast with a difference!  Try something really special for a change Here are some Sunday Roast ideas! https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/vegetarian-sunday-roast https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/vegetarian/best-ever-vegetarian-entertaining-recipes/ And of course Jamie Oliver always has some great vegetarian ideas from burgers to tikka massala https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/category/special-diets/vegetarian/ Enjoy! Feel healthy and help the planet! Photo by Viktor Hanacek from Picjumbo

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