I’ve Become a Porch Farmer!

Well, technically it’s a balcony. And technically it’s a garden. But “balcony gardener” didn’t sound nearly as fun as “porch farmer.” Anyhow I’m excited to tell you about the Lettuce Grow Farmstand. (Use code FRIEND-4URF for $50 off!) 

It all started with the Eat for the Planet podcast episode #117 with Jacob Pechenik who co-founded Lettuce Grow with his wife Zooey Deschanel. While in COVID19 quarantine, during which I temporarily closed my massage practice, I was dreaming of a new way to address fundamental human needs (nothing like a pandemic to bring into focus what is really important!) while generating a little income from home. When I learned about Lettuce Grow Farmstands (Use code FRIEND-4URF for $50 off!) in the podcast, I knew I found my solution! 

As soon as I finished listening to the podcast, I rushed to my laptop to study the gorgeous Lettuce Grow website and to learn all about the hydroponic, eco-friendly Farmstands and how I could grow a large variety of non-GMO, mostly organic greens, flowers, beans, peas, and fruit on my balcony almost effortlessly. Once thoroughly inspired, invigorated, and excited I did a happy dance all around the house and then placed an order. (Luckily no one took a photo of me dancing!)

Our 36-plant Farmstand arrived first which we (my daughter and husband) assembled easily. I’m certain I could have done it myself it’s that easy. A couple of days later the 3-week old seedlings arrived. Based on my geographic location and season, Lettuce Grow chose these plants for me based on the questionnaire I filled out:

(2) Koji Tatsoi
(1) Tiara Cabbage
(2) Sugar Sprint Pea
(2) Seaside Spinach
(4) Green Oakleaf Lettuce
(2) Premium Greens Mix
(1) Merlot Leaf Lettuce
(1) Mint
(3) Astro Arugula
(2) Green Forest Romaine
(2) Allstar Lettuce
(1) Diva Cucumber
(2) Dubya Dapple Lettuce
(1) Green Onion
(2) Nasturtium – edible flowers!
(1) Genovese Basil
(1) Leisure Cilantro
(1) Green Beans
(1) Blue Wind Broccoli
(1) Li Ren Bok Choy
(1) Zucchini
(2) Rainbow Swiss Chard

The beautiful and informative Lettuce Grow website (Use code FRIEND-4URF for $50 off!) tells you everything you need to know about each plant: what it is, the nutrition, growing tips, and recipes. If you’re up for starting your own seedlings, you can do that too. The 3-week old seedlings don’t have to be purchased in order to use a Farmstand.

I decided to make labels for each plant with the name, date of planting, type of harvest (whole plant or cuttings), approximate days until harvest, ideal level on Farmstand, and sun/shade requirements. This allowed us to strategically place the plants in the best possible location on the Farmstand. It would also allow me to get to know the plants by name as I marvel at them on the Farmstand instead of having to look them up each time.

Lettuce Grow has an app that helps you along the growing process. Emails are sent as well to remind you to top off the water and add water nutrients and pH powder. All of this is explained in the set up manual and is quiet easy. The best part: no weeds to pull!

I have tried my hand at traditional gardening and I was not very good at it. I know a lot about plant-based eating and I love to eat. Wishing that I were a good gardener and good cook are two facets that have eluded me. With the Lettuce Grow Farmstand (Use code FRIEND-4URF for $50 off!), I am closing in on one of those pursuits!

If you want to grow your own fresh produce with ease, I encourage you to consider a Lettuce Grow Farmstand. Growing one’s own food is not only satisfying but the freshness from Farmstand-to-plate is something that can’t be found in a grocery store. With freshness comes flavor and intact nutrition that hasn’t faded over miles of travel and while shelf-sitting in the store.

For those of us who are challenged with traditional gardening, who don’t have traditional garden space, who don’t have much time to dedicate to gardening, and those who value uber-local produce, consider a Lettuce Grow Farmstand (Use code FRIEND-4URF for $50 off!) Even in times of uncertainty, we all need to eat. Might as well do it at home and make it the healthiest and most convenient version possible!