GROWING YOUR OWN HEIRLOOM VEGETABLES

When a person has a chronic illness such as Lyme disease, at some point you realize that in order to resist disease and have an immune system that is functioning properly, one has to consume and assimilate the proper nutrients. Our nation's soil has become overworked and depleted and as a result the vegetables which grow in this soil no longer contain the vital nutrients which they are supposed to have. Then there are always the pesticides to worry about.

The consumer can buy organic vegetables from the stores or hopefully from local farmer's markets....or you can grow some of your own. Of course those who are newly ill with Lyme disease, or other acute or chronic disease, don't always have the energy to grow their own food...I know I didn't. But as I gradually got better my appetite and my interests expanded.

This year I began growing my own nettles..., http://lymesentinel.blogspot.com/2009/10/health-benefits-of-stinging-nettle.html along with heirloom summer and winter vegetables. It is just so awesome to know that you can have absolute control of the quality of your food....from the seeds you chose to plant...to the quality of your soil and the fact that you can eliminate pesticides. When the soil is healthy, there is much less need for pesticides because the plants are healthier and are better able resist bugs and disease....just like people! :-)

The pumpkins and squash above are all from heirloom seeds which I purchased at Baker's Creek Heirloom Seeds. Their catalouge is gorgeous, free and a collector's item. All the pumpkins and squash in the picture above are edible....the dark orange one a bit less suitable, but yet still edible. That one is called Rouge Vif d'Etamps or better known as "Cinderella Pumpkin. It has a very beautiful shape and deep reddish orange color.

The lighter orange color squash is called Golden delicious and is a good squash for eating...medium thickness of flesh.

The name of the bluish grey/green squash/pumpkin is Jarrahdale and is native to Australia. This particular variety does take up alot of room when growing...so keep that in mind. I was amazed by it's beautiful shape and color and the thickness of it's deep orange flesh. You get ALOT of pumpkin for the room it takes up. I have been gradually cooking them up, mashing them and freezing them for later use in healthy soups. You can even add some to chili and other dishes for added nutrition.

The squash on top of course is butternut and is a reliable favorite

If you don't want to grow your own nettles, you can purchase the dried leaves to make infusions (strong tea) at the link below. 1st Chinese herbs also carries herbs specifically for Lyme disease
http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?af=1097153