Self Sufficiency for a Fit and Healthy Lifestyle

boilermaker · 12-05-2005, 10:13 AM

Well I bounced this idea around in my workout journal and it got a lot of positive feedback so I’ve decided to go forward with it.

A large portion of IM is dedicated to diet and nutrition. Everyone here who is serious is striving to learn about and maintain a healthy diet to help them reach their personal fitness goals. As we all know, vegetables and herbs are an important part of any healthy lifestyle and also a way to add flavor and style to the dishes we create. I am an avid gardener and I thought that it would be helpful to the IM community and myself to journal my gardens and share and receive information with others. I am not a degreed horticulturist or master gardener, but I have been successful in the past growing herbs and vegetables for myself and my family. I did sell fertilizer and pesticides to golf courses for three years and can help people with their turfgrass issues if they have questions.. Gardening is something I enjoy doing and the benefits are really rewarding.

Most of my gardens are some sort of container style setup. I also do some flower and perennial gardening and while these might receive some discussion, the focus of this journal will be on things we can consume. I know a lot of you live in apartments or don’t have huge areas to dedicate to a garden, so I thought the container aspect would appeal to many folks here. I think many people would be surprised if they knew how much they could grow in a few small spaces. You’ll also save some money at the supermarket during the growing season and over the winter if you choose to can some of your harvest. The flavor and quality of home grown vegetables is far superior than you will find in the produce section of the supermarket and the amount of work isn’t that time consuming. You can really make it as simple or elaborate as you like.

Here is how I’d like to present this journal:

• Use the winter months to detail a few veggies and herbs each week and detail their basic space and growing requirements as well as how they can be used.
• Take some pictures of my garden areas and we can discuss what is needed to get started before spring arrives
• Journal my gardens from seed starting and planting through harvest. I’ll take weekly photos of development and we can discuss things as they come up

My goals for this journal are:

• To share what I know with the IM community and learn from others. I’m not an expert gardener and welcome any inputs and participation from the community.
• Generate interest from people in the IM community who have never tried gardening before and help them grow some of their own food and save a few bucks at the grocery store
• Have IM members share ways to jazz up that boring can of tuna or glass of ice tea the healthful way.
• Put a little pressure on myself to keep my gardens looking sharp all summer

I hope a lot of people get involved here and share their thoughts and ideas. Feel free to post any photos or information that you think would be helpful to others.

boilermaker · 12-05-2005, 10:16 AM

Before anyone tries to be funny, I'll just head this off right away. This journal will not be used for the discussion of the growth of recreational use plants, in any way, shape or form.

**Emma-Leigh** · 12-05-2005, 11:27 AM

Pylon · 12-05-2005, 01:06 PM

So, mostly just a place for fruits to hang out?

**P-funk** · 12-05-2005, 01:08 PM

what kind of garden can you have in michigan in the middle of winter?

b_reed23 · 12-05-2005, 01:20 PM

Can't wait to follow along!!

boilermaker · 12-05-2005, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-funk

what kind of garden can you have in michigan in the middle of winter?

Quote:

Here is how I’d like to present this journal:

• Use the winter months to detail a few veggies and herbs each week and detail their basic space and growing requirements as well as how they can be used.

The winter will be to generate interest and help educate people who have never done this before.

Archangel · 12-05-2005, 04:25 PM

I'm in my Friend!!! Forgot to tell you, I pass Lupine Ct. everyday, its like 3 minutes from my house!!! Talk about a small world, shame you don't still live here!!!

boilermaker · 12-05-2005, 05:10 PM

B: Glad to hear it. I expect mucho contributions of your vast knowledge in here.

Archie: Good to have you. Do you have a garden? Check out my old house. It's 1124. Say hello to all my old neighbors for me. That would have been fun if I still lived there. But, Michigan is home for me so were glad to be back around family. Especially with the little one.

Devlin · 12-05-2005, 08:50 PM

Thanks Boiler. I'm definitely looking forward to this journal and the container approach since I live in an apartment. Plus loking forward to saving money at the grocery store and having fresh veges & herbs close at hand. Nothing beats fresh veges.

b_reed23 · 12-06-2005, 01:53 AM

Hi Boiler...was gonna post this in your journal, but the new server won't let me....grrr..

I start my beans, and watermelons from seeds, but I use tomato plants...I do a lot of canning...tomato juice, ketchup, and some not so healthy salsa...lol..do you do any canning from your garden??

I am looking forward to how to grow herbs..I've never done it before

boilermaker · 12-06-2005, 02:08 AM

Hi B. I got a 1000 watt metal halide grow light from a friend to use this winter, so I'm going to try and start alot of my stuff inside this year to get a jump on the season. I canned alot of tomatoes this year, but haven't done any tomato juice or ketchup. Hopefully you can show me how to do that. I grew a bunch of herbs last year. They are really pretty easy.

Pylon · 12-06-2005, 12:06 PM

That's a big bulb. How about pics to get us started?

boilermaker · 12-06-2005, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pylon

That's a big bulb. How about pics to get us started?

I'll take some shots tomorrow, Pylon. Yes, that is a big bulb! I hope I don't burn my house down with it.

**Emma-Leigh** · 12-06-2005, 03:22 PM

Hey Steve! I can't wait to see this going!!

What about chooks?! Can we think about how to squeeze some chooks into an apartment...

Oh.. Oh

And a milking cow!! I would LOVE a milking cow!! Back on the farm my next door neighbour used to have a milking cow - fresh milk straight from the udder + milo in a cup =

And what about things like home-made things like breads/cheese/yoghurt?! We could do a whole 'self-sufficiency' thing where people can pipe up with info on preserving, growing, cultivating, hunting and producing!!

only if you want... I don't want to over-run your journal idea... so just tell me to be quiet if you are not interested

boilermaker · 12-06-2005, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emma-Leigh

Hey Steve! I can't wait to see this going!!

What about chooks?! Can we think about how to squeeze some chooks into an apartment...

Oh.. Oh

And a milking cow!! I would LOVE a milking cow!! Back on the farm my next door neighbour used to have a milking cow - fresh milk straight from the udder + milo in a cup =

And what about things like home-made things like breads/cheese/yoghurt?! We could do a whole 'self-sufficiency' thing where people can pipe up with info on preserving, growing, cultivating, hunting and producing!!

only if you want... I don't want to over-run your journal idea... so just tell me to be quiet if you are not interested

That all sounds great (sans the milking cow and chooks thing.....not at my house anyway!!!!

) Don't worry about overrunning "my journal" I want this to be like you said, an active community type self sufficiency journal where we all learn from each other. It's not about me, but about helping each other out.

Is there a way for me to change the title to make it more inclusive of these ideas?

**Emma-Leigh** · 12-06-2005, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boilermaker

That all sounds great (sans the milking cow and chooks thing.....not at my house anyway!!!!

) Don't worry about overrunning "my journal" I want this to be like you said, an active community type self sufficiency journal where we all learn from each other. It's not about me, but about helping each other out.

YAY!

(well..

for the cows and the chooks...

)...

Quote:

Is there a way for me to change the title to make it more inclusive of these ideas?

You can't do it (at least I don't think you can... ) but you can message one of the Journal Forum moderators and ask them to change it for you....

boilermaker · 12-06-2005, 03:56 PM

Quote:

You can't do it (at least I don't think you can... ) but you can message one of the Journal Forum moderators and ask them to change it for you....

How about "Boilermaker's Garden Space and the IM Self-Preservation Logs"

Suggestions welcome

**Emma-Leigh** · 12-06-2005, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boilermaker

How about "Boilermaker's Garden Space and the IM Self-Preservation Logs"

Suggestions welcome

Hmmm...

"IM's I'm Self-Sufficent log"

"Building an Independent Body"

"Working out Self-sufficency"

I suck at names!

(epp... running late now!

)

Pylon · 12-06-2005, 07:21 PM

I dig all these idea...though I'm not sure what a chook is...

How about "Boiler's Earth Freindly World" ?

**CowPimp** · 12-06-2005, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boilermaker

Before anyone tries to be funny, I'll just head this off right away. This journal will not be used for the discussion of the growth of recreational use plants, in any way, shape or form.

Good, because I was gonna start one of those. I don't want you getting in on my territory. Hehe. Kidding of course. Interesting idea for a journal.

boilermaker · 12-06-2005, 07:58 PM

O.k., the title has been changed to open up the scope of do it yourselfing with regard to fitness and health. So feel free to post away with tips and suggestions. I suggest that if you start a new topic, such as "garlic chives" which I will be detailing soon, that you identify it in the title box so the thread is easy to search.

boilermaker · 12-06-2005, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowPimp

Good, because I was gonna start one of those. I don't want you getting in on my territory. Hehe. Kidding of course. Interesting idea for a journal.

You can have that territory for yourself, Cowpimp.

Thanks, I figured since everyone tries to eat healthy and likes to save money, we should have a place to learn about and share ideas.

Pylon · 12-06-2005, 08:32 PM

I think it's a heckuv an idea.

**Emma-Leigh** · 12-07-2005, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pylon

I dig all these idea...though I'm not sure what a chook is...

So Cute!!

12-05-2005, 10:13 AM	#1
boilermaker On a Mission! Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,290 Photos: 4	Self Sufficiency for a Fit and Healthy Lifestyle Well I bounced this idea around in my workout journal and it got a lot of positive feedback so I’ve decided to go forward with it. A large portion of IM is dedicated to diet and nutrition. Everyone here who is serious is striving to learn about and maintain a healthy diet to help them reach their personal fitness goals. As we all know, vegetables and herbs are an important part of any healthy lifestyle and also a way to add flavor and style to the dishes we create. I am an avid gardener and I thought that it would be helpful to the IM community and myself to journal my gardens and share and receive information with others. I am not a degreed horticulturist or master gardener, but I have been successful in the past growing herbs and vegetables for myself and my family. I did sell fertilizer and pesticides to golf courses for three years and can help people with their turfgrass issues if they have questions.. Gardening is something I enjoy doing and the benefits are really rewarding. Most of my gardens are some sort of container style setup. I also do some flower and perennial gardening and while these might receive some discussion, the focus of this journal will be on things we can consume. I know a lot of you live in apartments or don’t have huge areas to dedicate to a garden, so I thought the container aspect would appeal to many folks here. I think many people would be surprised if they knew how much they could grow in a few small spaces. You’ll also save some money at the supermarket during the growing season and over the winter if you choose to can some of your harvest. The flavor and quality of home grown vegetables is far superior than you will find in the produce section of the supermarket and the amount of work isn’t that time consuming. You can really make it as simple or elaborate as you like. Here is how I’d like to present this journal: • Use the winter months to detail a few veggies and herbs each week and detail their basic space and growing requirements as well as how they can be used. • Take some pictures of my garden areas and we can discuss what is needed to get started before spring arrives • Journal my gardens from seed starting and planting through harvest. I’ll take weekly photos of development and we can discuss things as they come up My goals for this journal are: • To share what I know with the IM community and learn from others. I’m not an expert gardener and welcome any inputs and participation from the community. • Generate interest from people in the IM community who have never tried gardening before and help them grow some of their own food and save a few bucks at the grocery store • Have IM members share ways to jazz up that boring can of tuna or glass of ice tea the healthful way. • Put a little pressure on myself to keep my gardens looking sharp all summer I hope a lot of people get involved here and share their thoughts and ideas. Feel free to post any photos or information that you think would be helpful to others.
	My Journal: Are We Almost There Yet?

12-05-2005, 10:16 AM	#2
boilermaker On a Mission! Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,290 Photos: 4	Before anyone tries to be funny, I'll just head this off right away. This journal will not be used for the discussion of the growth of recreational use plants, in any way, shape or form.
	My Journal: Are We Almost There Yet?

12-05-2005, 01:06 PM	#4
Pylon Squishy Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Missing...presumed having a good time Posts: 6,386 Photos: 3	So, mostly just a place for fruits to hang out?
	"For beverages, I only drink water or whiskey and when Iâ€™m drinking whiskey, itâ€™s usually when Iâ€™m working out. It gives me the courage to lift more than I can when Iâ€™m sober." - C. Bratton

12-05-2005, 01:08 PM	#5
P-funk Patrick Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: AZ Posts: 30,376	what kind of garden can you have in michigan in the middle of winter?
	http://pwtraining.blogspot.com/.....come and see what is on my mind! http://ivonneberkowitz.blogspot.com/....check out Ivonne's new blog! Optimum Sports Performance "In the beginners mind there are many possibilities, in the experts there are few." -Buddha's Little Instruction Book

12-05-2005, 01:20 PM	#6
b_reed23 this is why I'm hot! Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: West Tennessee Posts: 5,212 Photos: 34	Can't wait to follow along!!
	My Journal!

12-05-2005, 11:27 AM	#3
Emma-Leigh Acting Normal... Moderator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Different shades of black Posts: 5,554
	~

12-05-2005, 04:25 PM	#8
Archangel High Intensity Freak Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Intensity Island Posts: 10,178 Photos: 4	I'm in my Friend!!! Forgot to tell you, I pass Lupine Ct. everyday, its like 3 minutes from my house!!! Talk about a small world, shame you don't still live here!!!
	"I can do ALL things through Christ, who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13 "For NOTHING is impossible with GOD" - Luke 1:37

12-05-2005, 05:10 PM	#9
boilermaker On a Mission! Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,290 Photos: 4	B: Glad to hear it. I expect mucho contributions of your vast knowledge in here. Archie: Good to have you. Do you have a garden? Check out my old house. It's 1124. Say hello to all my old neighbors for me. That would have been fun if I still lived there. But, Michigan is home for me so were glad to be back around family. Especially with the little one.
	My Journal: Are We Almost There Yet?

12-05-2005, 08:50 PM	#10
Devlin Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: KY Posts: 3,278 Photos: 27	Thanks Boiler. I'm definitely looking forward to this journal and the container approach since I live in an apartment. Plus loking forward to saving money at the grocery store and having fresh veges & herbs close at hand. Nothing beats fresh veges.
	Time to face the jury (and myself) Time to bring sexyback

12-06-2005, 01:53 AM	#11
b_reed23 this is why I'm hot! Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: West Tennessee Posts: 5,212 Photos: 34	Hi Boiler...was gonna post this in your journal, but the new server won't let me....grrr.. I start my beans, and watermelons from seeds, but I use tomato plants...I do a lot of canning...tomato juice, ketchup, and some not so healthy salsa...lol..do you do any canning from your garden?? I am looking forward to how to grow herbs..I've never done it before
	My Journal!

12-06-2005, 02:08 AM	#12
boilermaker On a Mission! Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,290 Photos: 4	Hi B. I got a 1000 watt metal halide grow light from a friend to use this winter, so I'm going to try and start alot of my stuff inside this year to get a jump on the season. I canned alot of tomatoes this year, but haven't done any tomato juice or ketchup. Hopefully you can show me how to do that. I grew a bunch of herbs last year. They are really pretty easy.
	My Journal: Are We Almost There Yet?

12-06-2005, 12:06 PM	#13
Pylon Squishy Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Missing...presumed having a good time Posts: 6,386 Photos: 3	That's a big bulb. How about pics to get us started?
	"For beverages, I only drink water or whiskey and when Iâ€™m drinking whiskey, itâ€™s usually when Iâ€™m working out. It gives me the courage to lift more than I can when Iâ€™m sober." - C. Bratton

12-06-2005, 03:22 PM	#15
Emma-Leigh Acting Normal... Moderator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Different shades of black Posts: 5,554	Hey Steve! I can't wait to see this going!! What about chooks?! Can we think about how to squeeze some chooks into an apartment... Oh.. Oh And a milking cow!! I would LOVE a milking cow!! Back on the farm my next door neighbour used to have a milking cow - fresh milk straight from the udder + milo in a cup = And what about things like home-made things like breads/cheese/yoghurt?! We could do a whole 'self-sufficiency' thing where people can pipe up with info on preserving, growing, cultivating, hunting and producing!! only if you want... I don't want to over-run your journal idea... so just tell me to be quiet if you are not interested
	~

12-06-2005, 07:21 PM	#20
Pylon Squishy Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Missing...presumed having a good time Posts: 6,386 Photos: 3	I dig all these idea...though I'm not sure what a chook is... How about "Boiler's Earth Freindly World" ?
	"For beverages, I only drink water or whiskey and when Iâ€™m drinking whiskey, itâ€™s usually when Iâ€™m working out. It gives me the courage to lift more than I can when Iâ€™m sober." - C. Bratton

12-06-2005, 07:58 PM	#22
boilermaker On a Mission! Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,290 Photos: 4	O.k., the title has been changed to open up the scope of do it yourselfing with regard to fitness and health. So feel free to post away with tips and suggestions. I suggest that if you start a new topic, such as "garlic chives" which I will be detailing soon, that you identify it in the title box so the thread is easy to search.
	My Journal: Are We Almost There Yet?

12-06-2005, 08:32 PM	#24
Pylon Squishy Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Missing...presumed having a good time Posts: 6,386 Photos: 3	I think it's a heckuv an idea.
	"For beverages, I only drink water or whiskey and when Iâ€™m drinking whiskey, itâ€™s usually when Iâ€™m working out. It gives me the courage to lift more than I can when Iâ€™m sober." - C. Bratton