Lettuce in the Window
In the midst of the Teton winter it is a delight to be able to grow food indoors. Starting seeds is always a hit with kids, so include them in this project. Salad greens are an inexpensive way to provide fresh food and are full of essential vitamins such as vitamin A, C and dietary fiber. Lettuce is one of the fastest-germinating salad greens. To grow your own salad greens indoors, choose a bright, sunny windowsill. Select a clean container with drainage holes. Try re-using plastic clamshell containers like the ones that contain salad greens. Fill the container with seedling mix and moisten thoroughly. Sprinkle the seeds over top and cover lightly with more mix. Use a houseplant mister to keep the soil moist. Depending on room temperature and light, the seeds should begin to sprout in about two weeks. To harvest, snip near the base of the plants when they are a few inches tall.
Enjoy your salad with this classic vinaigrette:
1 TBS vinegar (red wine, balsamic or cider)
3 TBS olive oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp finely minced garlic
1 tsp sugar or honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Shake all ingredients together in a jar, or whisk in a small bowl. |