As spring blooms and the world awakens to warmer days, there’s no better time to embark on a journey of growth, sustainability, and self-sufficiency. While recent supply chain challenges have left many shelves bare, there’s one solution that allows you to take matters into your own hands – starting a garden. In this blog post, we’ll explore why this spring is the perfect opportunity to start your garden and how you can reap the benefits of growing your own food and flowers.
Embracing Self-Sufficiency
In a time where uncertainties loom over global supply chains, cultivating your own garden offers a sense of empowerment and self-sufficiency. By growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs, you can reduce reliance on store-bought produce and enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting food from your backyard. Not only does this provide a sense of security, but it also allows you to enjoy fresher, healthier, and more flavorful ingredients in your meals.
Nurturing Nature
Spring is a season of renewal and growth, making it the perfect time to connect with nature and nurture new life. Starting a garden allows you to immerse yourself in the natural world, observe the wonders of plant growth, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the environment. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a small balcony, there are endless opportunities to create a green oasis and invite biodiversity into your space.
Overcoming Supply Chain Challenges
Recent disruptions in global supply chains have led to shortages and delays in various goods, including food and gardening supplies. However, by starting a garden, you can bypass these challenges and take control of your own food production. With seeds, soil, and basic gardening tools, you have everything you need to get started – no trips to the store required. Additionally, growing your own food reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and packaging, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient food system.
Tips for Starting Your Spring Garden:
1. *Assess Your Space:* Determine the available space for your garden, whether it’s a backyard plot, raised beds, containers, or even a windowsill. Consider factors such as sunlight exposure, soil quality, and water accessibility when choosing your garden location.
2. *Choose Your Plants:* Select plants that are well-suited to your climate and growing conditions. Start with easy-to-grow varieties such as lettuce, tomatoes, herbs, and flowers that thrive in springtime. Consider planting a mix of vegetables, fruits, and flowers to create a diverse and vibrant garden.
3. *Prepare the Soil:* Invest time in preparing your soil by amending it with compost, organic matter, and fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for plant growth. Test the soil pH and make adjustments as needed to create the optimal growing environment for your plants.
4. *Plant and Care:* Follow planting guidelines for each type of plant, ensuring proper spacing and depth. Water your plants regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
5. *Monitor and Maintain:* Keep a close eye on your garden for signs of pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies, and take prompt action to address any issues. Stay on top of watering, fertilizing, and pruning to keep your plants healthy and productive throughout the growing season.
Conclusion
As we navigate through uncertain times, starting a garden offers a ray of hope, resilience, and abundance. This spring, embrace the opportunity to cultivate your own oasis of greenery and reap the rewards of homegrown produce and flowers. By taking control of your food supply and nurturing nature, you can transform your living space into a thriving garden sanctuary. So roll up your sleeves, dig in the dirt, and let the garden magic begin! Happy gardening!
Fun Things to do this week…
Filipino Food Month
Your April just got way more delicious: Members of ALIST Consulting, Baon Kainan, Magna Kusina, and Magna Kubo have come together to present the Portland area’s inaugural Filipino Food Month, featuring a collaboration between over 26 small local businesses.
When: Every day, through April 30
Web: https://www.sarap-pdx.com/
Nostalghia 4K Restoration
When presented with the opportunity to see a film by director Andrei Tarkovsky in a movie house, you should take it.
When: Every day, through April 10
Where: Cinema 21 Nob Hill | 616 NW 21st Portland, OR
THIS WEEKS REAL ESTATE UPDATE
Numbers help tell a story.
Numbers are powerful, especially when it comes to real estate! Whether you are assess whether it’s a good time to buy, sale or invest these numbers can be very valuable in determining offers or best sales price! PLEASE FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT WITH ANY QUESTIONS
Portland, OR 97230
Wed Apr 03 2024
This week the median list price for Portland, OR 97230 is $499,900 with the market action index hovering around 51. This is less than last month’s market action index of 52. Inventory has held steady at or around 49.
Market Action Index
This answers “How’s the Market?” by comparing rate of sales versus inventory.
Strong Seller’s Market
The market has started cooling and prices have been flat for several weeks. Since we’re in the Seller’s zone, watch for changes in MAI. If the MAI resumes its climb, prices will likely follow suit. If the MAI drops consistently or falls into the Buyer’s zone, watch for downward pressure on prices.
Portland, OR 97220
Wed Apr 03 2024
This week the median list price for Portland, OR 97220 is $427,338 with the market action index hovering around 54. This is an increase over last month’s market action index of 53. Inventory has increased to 30.
Fairview, OR 97024
Wed Apr 03 2024
This week the median list price for Fairview, OR 97024 is $624,950 with the market action index hovering around 53. This is an increase over last month’s market action index of 48. Inventory has held steady at or around 4.
Troutdale, OR 97060
Wed Apr 03 2024
This week the median list price for Troutdale, OR 97060 is $612,475 with the market action index hovering around 56. This is an increase over last month’s market action index of 52. Inventory has held steady at or around 12.
Gresham, OR 97080
Wed Apr 03 2024
This week the median list price for Gresham, OR 97080 is $564,497 with the market action index hovering around 45. This is less than last month’s market action index of 47. Inventory has decreased to 68.
Portland, OR 97236
Wed Apr 03 2024
This week the median list price for Portland, OR 97236 is $519,900 with the market action index hovering around 43. This is an increase over last month’s market action index of 38. Inventory has increased to 29.
Portland, OR 97211
Wed Apr 03 2024
This week the median list price for Portland, OR 97211 is $575,000 with the market action index hovering around 52. This is an increase over last month’s market action index of 50. Inventory has increased to 43.
Portland, OR 97232
Wed Apr 03 2024
This week the median list price for Portland, OR 97232 is $675,000 with the market action index hovering around 63. This is an increase over last month’s market action index of 56. Inventory has increased to 7.
How to Choose the Right Estate Sales Company for Liquidating Your Family’s Assets
When the time comes to liquidate a family member’s estate, the process can feel overwhelming. Choosing the right estate sales company is crucial to ensure a smooth, respectful, and profitable sale. This blog post will guide you through the selection process, highlight key questions… Read more
What’s Really Happening with Mortgage Rates?
Are you feeling a bit unsure about what’s really happening with mortgage rates? That might be because you’ve heard someone say they’re coming down. But then you read somewhere else that they’re up again. And that may leave you scratching your head and wondering what’s true. The simplest answer is: that what you read or hear will vary based on the time frame they’re looking at. Here’s some information that can help clear up the confusion. Read more
Have you heard of HOMEBOT?
Find out everything you need to know about your homes current value here! Learn more
Are you thinking about selling your home?
FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOUR HOME IS WORTH?
RECIPE OF THE WEEK!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Ingredient Checklist
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, julienned or shredded
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3/4 c. dry white wine
- 4 c. low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz. ditalini (about 2 c.)
- 1 (8.5-oz.) jar julienned oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 1/2 c. half-and-half
- 1/2 c. finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
- 2 c. chopped rotisserie chicken
- 2 c. packed chopped Tuscan kale
- 1/3 c. packed fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
Instructions Checklist
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add onion, celery, and carrots; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add wine and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until wine is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add broth, ditalini, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 3 cups water. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors are melded and ditalini is tender, about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small pot over medium heat, cook sun-dried tomatoes in their oil until liquid starts to bubble. Remove from heat, cover, and keep warm.
- Stir half-and-half and Parmesan into soup. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Add chicken and kale and cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is heated through and kale is wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in basil; season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle soup into bowls. Top with tomatoes and more Parmesan.
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