Why Leaves, Roots, and Fruit is Perfect for the April 2025 Garden Book Club

Looking for an easier way to plan a thriving garden no matter where you grow? Leaves, Roots, and Fruit  simplifies garden design by grouping plants into three categories of leaves, roots, and fruit.

Author Nicole Johnsey Burke, founder of Gardenary, shares a practical and intuitive system to maximize growth, increase harvests no matter where you grow by matching the plant’s needs with your own resources. She provides step-by-step instructions for the set up, care, and harvest for each plant category. Her method streamlines plant selection and layout, helping you grow more with less effort.

This book is a great pick for our April 2025 Garden Book Club because it’s almost planting season. The book is insightful, easy to follow, and a game-changer for any gardener looking to begin or improve their gardening strategy.

Fun Fact: The author Nicole Johnsey Burke was the one who first inspired me (through her first book Kitchen Garden Revival) to ask my husband to help me build a kitchen garden so I could finally start gardening at the age of 48!

Want A Sneak Peek at Leaves, Roots, and Fruit?

Curious about how this system works? Watch the author explain her gardening philosophy in the YouTube video below!

Reading Schedule for Leaves, Roots, and Fruit

 4 Parts/230 pages

Week 1: Read Preface & Chapter 1 | Discussion: April 1
Week 2: Read Part 2 | Discussion: April 8
Week 3: Read Part3 | Discussion: April 15
Week 4: Read Part 4 | Discussion: April 22

How The 2025 Garden Book Club Works

 Tuesdays I’ll be chatting about the book over on my Instagram Stories! Each discussion will be saved to the Garden Book Club Highlight so you can catch up anytime. Want the full 2025 book list? Find it here!

How to Participate and Where to Find the Book

• Get the Book – Check your library or find it on my Amazon store (affiliate link), or from the author at Gardenary.com . It’s also available on audible, but I recommend the physical book for this one.
• Follow the Reading Schedule – Posted here and on Instagram Stories.
•  Stay on track! I’ll post weekly reminders so you can follow along at your own pace. No pressure—just join when a book interests you! Even if you’re not reading, you’re welcome to follow along on Instagram Stories.
• Join me on Instagram Stories every Tuesday for discussions on the book’s themes, gardening tips, and takeaways. I will post question, poll, and quiz stickers for you to answer based on the weekly reading in my stories every Tuesday. I’ve also been trying to do an instagram live on the book once a month with either a book club participant or the author.
• Join the Discussion – Share your insights with me via Instagram DMs (written or voice). I’ll share some of your insights throughout the week.

Join the April 2025 Garden Book Club Discussion

As part of the April 2025 Garden Book Club, we’ll be discussing how this book can transform our approach to gardening. Whether you’re new to edible gardening or looking to refine your methods, this book offers valuable takeaways that will help you create a thriving, well-planned garden.

Can’t wait to dig into this one with you! I’d love to hear your thoughts! What are you most excited to learn from Leaves, Roots, and Fruit? Share your insights in the comments or join the conversation in our Book Club discussions on my instagram DMs.

Happy gardening!

Here’s another video by the author that will help supplement the information in the book

The post April 2025 Garden Book Club Leaves Roots and Fruit appeared first on Michelle's Garden Grows.

Tea Gardening for Beginners by Julia Dimakos

Have you ever wanted to grow your own tea leaves or create herbal infusions at home? If so, this month’s 2025 Garden Book Club selection, Tea Gardening for Beginners, is the perfect guide to help you get started. Not only does this book teach you how to grow tea, but it also walks you through blending your own unique creations.

In this book, you’ll learn how to plan your garden and cultivate 25 flavorful plants, such as lavender and lemongrass. Additionally, you’ll discover how to create custom tea blends for energy, relaxation, and more. With step-by-step instructions and detailed plant profiles, brewing fresh tea from your own garden becomes simple and enjoyable.

Fun fact: The author, Julia Dimakos, and I were once in the same gardening group on Instagram! Interestingly, Julia lives in Canada and has a massive and beautiful kitchen garden space. Because of her experience growing her own garden and teaching others in her community she is an excellent resource for kitchen gardeners. If you’d like to learn more about her, you can visit her website here.

Want a sneak peek of the book? Watch a discussion in the YouTube video below!

Reading Schedule for Tea Gardening for Beginners

 7Chapters/117 pages 

• Week 1: Read Intro & Chapter 1. The Discussion is March 4
• Week 2: Read Chapters 2–3. The Discussion March 11
• Week 3: Read Chapters 4–5. The Discussion March 18 
• Week 4: Read Chapters 6–7. The Discussion March 25

How The 2025 Garden Book Club Discussion Works

Each Tuesday around 7:00PM EST. I chat about a section of the book we are reading in the 2025 Garden Book Club over on my Instagram Stories. I then save the discussions to a Garden Book Club Highlight on my Instagram page so you can visit them whenever you have time. If you’d like the complete book list for each month of our Garden Book Club you can find it here. 

How to Participate

• Join me every Tuesday at ~7PM EST on Instagram Stories for discussions. I’ll be discussing the book of the month, sharing insights, and diving into the themes, gardening tips, and reflections. I’ll also have polls and question boxes for you to share your thoughts and insights. I also save each story to a Book Club Highlight so you can go back and watch later if you miss it on Tuesdays.
• Engage by sending voice or written messages via Instagram DMs with your thoughts and key takeaways! I’ll share your messages throughout
  the following days, though I won’t be taking questions or comments in real-time.
•   Stay on track: To help you stay on track, I’ll post weekly reminders on Instagram Stories with a book club graphic. This Book Club is super flexible. No pressure to join, just jump in when a book looks interesting to you. Even if your not reading the book you are welcome to follow along in my Instagram Stories every Tuesday .

Where to Find the Book 

You can find Tea Gardening for Beginners at Juliadimakos.com , your local library, Abe Books, Thrift Books, Audible orAmazon.

Book Club Facilitator

Michelle is a self-taught kitchen gardener whose goal is to help everyone find resources, guidance, and inspiration to rediscover or discover for the first time how fun and rewarding gardening can be.

Through her blog and social media, Michelle’s Garden Grows, she encourage others on their own gardening journeys.

With an RN, BSN degree, Michelle blends her faith and nursing background with gardening, showing how the garden can be a place of healing, growth, and renewal. You can learn more about Michelle’s Garden Grows here.

The post March Garden Book Club: Tea Gardening for Beginners appeared first on Michelle's Garden Grows.

 The Language of Flowers 

Just in time for Valentine’s Day is our February Book Selection The Language of Flowers. Fun Fact I rarely read fiction books so this will be a stretch for me. This is even more of a reason I can’t wait to dig into this book with you.

You can hear an overview of the book by the author in the YouTube video here or in the video below:

Reading Schedule for The Language of Flowers

Week 1: Read Part 1 / Thistle (pages 3-87) Discuss Tuesday February 4

Week 2: Read Part 2 /The Heart Unacquainted (pages 91-189) Discuss Tuesday February 11

Week 3: Read Part 3 /Moss ( 193-165) Discuss Tuesday February 18

Week 4: Read Part 4 /New Beginnings (pages 269-308) Discuss Tuesday February 25

*Be sure to read Victoria’s Dictionary of Flowers on pages 311-318

How The 2025 Garden Book Club Discussion Works

Each Tuesday around 7:00PM EST. I chat about a section of the book we are reading in the 2025 Garden Book Club over on my Instagram Stories. I then save the discussions to a Garden Book Club Highlight on my Instagram page so you can visit them whenever you have time. If you’d like the complete book list for each month of our Garden Book Club you can find it here.

How to Participate

• Join me every Tuesday at ~7PM EST on Instagram Stories for discussions. I’ll be discussing the book of the month, sharing insights, and diving into the themes, gardening tips, and reflections. I’ll also have polls and question boxes for you to share your thoughts and insights. I also save each story to a Book Club Highlight so you can go back and watch later if you miss it on Tuesdays.
• Engage by sending voice or written messages via
  Instagram DMs with your thoughts and key takeaways! I’ll share your messages throughout
  the following days, though I won’t be taking questions or comments in real-time.
•   Stay on track: To help you stay on track, I’ll post weekly reminders on Instagram Stories with a book club graphic. This Book Club is super flexible. No pressure to join, just jump in when a book looks interesting to you. Even if your not reading the book you are welcome to follow along in my Instagram Stories every Tuesday.

Where to Find the Book

You can find the Language of Flowers at your local library, Abe Books, Thrift Books, Audible or Amazon.

Inspiration Behind the Book

The author was inspired to write this book from her experience as a foster parent and her reading of Kate Greenaway’s Language of Flowers first published in 1884. The official term for “the language of flowers” is floriography.

Floriography is the practice of assigning symbolic meanings to flowers to convey messages and emotions without words. It was especially popular in the Victorian era, when people used flowers to express feelings that social norms discouraged them from saying aloud.

The Book Behind the Book

The inspiration for The Language of Flowers stemmed from the author’s discovery of an 1800s edition of Language of Flowers by Kate Greenaway, which she found as a teenager in an old bookstore. The book, combined with her experiences mentoring foster children, influenced the creation of her own work​

Book Club Facilitator

Michelle is a self-taught kitchen gardener whose goal is to help everyone find resources, guidance, and inspiration to rediscover or discover for the first time how fun and rewarding gardening can be.

Through her blog and social media, Michelle’s Garden Grows, she offers practical tips, educational content, inspiration and hosts The Garden Book Club to support and encourage others on their gardening journeys.

With an RN, BSN degree, Michelle blends her faith and nursing background with gardening, showing how the garden can be a place of healing, growth, and renewal. You can learn more about Michelle’s Garden Grows here.

The post February Garden Book Club: The Language of Flowers  appeared first on Michelle's Garden Grows.

It’s Time for the January Garden Book Club Selection: The Garden Within by Dr. Anita Phillips

Each Tuesday around 7:15PM EST starting January 14, I’ll be chatting about one section of the book on Instastories and then saving them all to a highlight so you can visit them whenever you’re ready.

DISCLAIMER: this book blends faith through a Christian lens with neurobiology, gardening, and the author’s research as a therapist. While the faith aspect isn’t overt, it includes Bible verses and mentions the Creator and Jesus in a respectful way. Some people may not prefer those topics &  wanted to ensure everyone is aware!

Book Club Schedule

15 Chapters/198 pages

• Week 1: Read Chapters 1–4 
• Week 2: Read Chapters 5–8: Discuss chapters 1-8 Tuesday January 14
• Week 3: Read Chapters 9–12 Discuss Tuesday January 21
• Week 4: Read Chapters 13–15 Tuesday January 28

You can read all about how our 2025 Garden Book Club works in this post and see the full list here for the rest of the month’s selections.

Our January book selection shows how embracing your emotions can unlock your most powerful life in this transformative book by trauma therapist Dr. Anita Phillips. Combining faith, neurobiology, and practical tools, Dr. Phillips reveals how emotional well-being heals trauma, calms anxiety, and renews the mind. Just as gardens thrive in good soil, your heart flourishes when nurtured. 

I’m excited for you to join me!

Where to find the book

You can find it at your local library, Abe Books, Thrift Books, or Amazon.

How to Participate in The Garden Book Club

• Join me every Tuesday at ~7pm on Instagram Stories for discussions. I’ll save each story to a Book Club Highlight so you can go back and watch later if you miss it on Tuesdays.
• Discussion: Each week I’ll be discussing the book of the month, sharing insights, and diving into the themes, gardening tips, and reflections.
• Engage by sending voice or written messages via Instagram DMs with your thoughts and key takeaways! I’ll share your messages throughout the following days, though I won’t be taking questions or comments in real-time.
• Stay on track: To help you stay on track, I’ll post weekly reminders on Instagram Stories with a book club graphic.

About the Author

Michelle is a self-taught kitchen gardener whose goal is to help everyone find resources, guidance, and inspiration to rediscover or discover for the first time how fun and rewarding gardening can be. 

Through her blog and social media, Michelle’s Garden Grows, she offers practical tips, educational content, and inspiration to support and encourage others on their gardening journeys.

With an RN, BSN degree, Michelle blends her faith and nursing background with gardening, showing how the garden can be a place of healing, growth, and renewal. You can learn more about Michelle’s Garden Grows here.

The post January Garden Book Club: The Garden Within  appeared first on Michelle's Garden Grows.

Welcome to the 2025 Garden Book Club

DISCLOSURE: I am an affiliate for Amazon and other online retailers. That means that if you use the links on my blog to make a purchase, I may get a small percentage of the purchase price. It never changes the price you pay and I select every item I talk about on my blog.

Join the 2025 Garden Book Club on Instagram Stories

The Book Club is fully online. We meet Tuesdays at 7PM EST on Instagram Stories to discuss a garden-themed book each month—a mix of fiction and nonfiction. Most books are available at libraries, so you can join for free!

How It Works:

 Get the Book – Check your library or find it on my Amazon store (affiliate link).
 Follow the Reading Schedule – Posted here and on Instagram Stories.
 Join the Discussion – Share insights via Instagram DMs (written or voice).

Sharing Your Thoughts:

• Leave a written or voice message in my Instagram Dm’s. Keep voice messages under 1 minute.
• Share one or two things that resonated with you or that you found interesting from the weekly reading.
• I’ll feature messages and comments in Stories!

Book List & Schedule

Find the 12-book list and reading schedule below or in my Amazon store. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, inspiration, and connection!

The Garden Book Club will meet every Tuesday around 7PM on Instagram Stories. This is the first year of the Garden Book Club. We read one book per month, with a mix of garden-themed fiction and non-fiction. Most of the books are easy to find at local libraries, so you can join without spending much.

The 2025 Garden Book Club List

1. January

The Garden Within by Dr. Anita Phillips

This book shows how embracing your emotions can unlock your most powerful life in this transformative book by trauma therapist Dr. Anita Phillips. Combining faith, neurobiology, and practical tools, Dr. Phillips reveals how emotional well-being heals trauma, calms anxiety, and renews the mind. Just as gardens thrive in good soil, your heart flourishes when nurtured. DISCLAIMER: this book blends faith through a Christian lens with neurobiology, gardening, and the author’s research as a therapist. While the faith aspect isn’t overt, it includes Bible verses and mentions the Creator and Jesus in a respectful way. Some people may not prefer those topics &  wanted to ensure everyone is aware!

Book Club Schedule

15 Chapters/198 pages

• Week 1: Read Chapters 1–4
• Week 2: Read Chapters 5–8: Discuss chapters 1-8 Tuesday January 14
• Week 3: Read Chapters 9–12 Discuss Tuesday January 21
• Week 4: Read Chapters 13–15 Tuesday January 28

2. February

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

Victoria Jones uses the Victorian art of flower symbolism to communicate emotions she can’t express, shaped by a childhood in the foster-care system. Now 18 and on her own, she discovers a gift for helping others through her floral choices, but an unexpected encounter forces her to confront a painful secret and consider risking everything for a second chance at happiness.

7 Chapters/308 pages 

• Week 1: Read Part 1/Common Thistle (Pages 3-87) Discuss Tuesday February 4, 2025
• Week 2: Read Part 2/The Heart Unacquainted (pages 91-189) discuss Tuesday February 11
• Week 3: Read Part 3/ Moss (pages 193-165) Discuss Tuesday February 18
• Week 4: Read Part 4/New Beginnings (pages 269-308) Discuss Tuesday February 25.

3. March

Tea Gardening for Beginners by Julia Dimakos 

This is your guide to growing and blending your own tea. Learn to plan your garden, cultivate 25 flavorful plants like lavender and lemongrass, and create custom blends for energy, relaxation, and more. With step-by-step instructions and plant profiles, this book makes it easy to brew tea straight from your garden!

 7Chapters/117 pages 

• Week 1: Read Intro & Chapter 1 Discussion  March 4
• Week 2: Read Chapters 2–3 Discussion March 11
• Week 3: Read Chapters 4–5 Discussion March 18 
• Week 4: Read Chapters 6–7 Discussion March 25

4. April

Leaves, Roots, and Fruit by Nicole Johnsey Burke

Do you dream of harvesting fresh, organic food from your own kitchen garden but feel limited by space, time, or experience? Nicole Johnsey Burke, founder of Gardenary, Inc., and author of Kitchen Garden Revival, shows how to match plants’ needs to your resources for year-round gardening success. With her intuitive system—leaves for quick harvests, roots for longevity, and fruits for sweet rewards—Burke provides step-by-step guidance for every level of gardener. No matter where you grow, there’s always a plant you can cultivate right away!

4 Parts/230 pages 4 

• Week 1: Read Preface & Part 1  Discuss April 1
• Week 2: Read  Part 2  Discuss April 8
• Week 3: Read  Part 3 Discuss April 15
• Week 4: Read  Part 4 Discuss April 22

5. May

The Well-Gardened Mind by Sue Stuart Smith

Gardening connects us to the cycles of life—where decay gives way to renewal—and offers a powerful refuge for the mind. In The Well-Gardened Mind, Sue Stuart-Smith explores the transformative relationship between mental health and gardening, drawing on personal stories, psychoanalytic insights, and groundbreaking research. This thoughtful and inspiring book reminds us how tending a garden can nurture both the soil and the soul.

13 Chapters/288 pages 

• Week 1:  Read Intro & Chapters 1–3 Discussion May 6
• Week 2: Read Chapters 4–6 Discussion May 13
• Week 3:Read Chapters 7–9  May 20
• Week 4: Read  Chapters 10–13  Discussion May 27

6. June

Grow Your Soil

Soil health is gaining attention, even among casual gardeners, as thriving plants depend on rich, life-filled soil. Certified permaculture designer Diane Miessler shares a no-till, no-fertilizer approach to building healthy soil with minimal inputs. In an engaging, practical style, she explains techniques like cover cropping, constant mulching, and a powerful compost tea recipe—methods she used to turn a barren lot into a garden that stops traffic.

7. July

The Garden of Small Beginnings by Abbi Waxman

“quirky, funny, and deeply thoughtful book” follows widowed single mom Lilian Girvan as she navigates life after loss with her two daughters, supportive sister, and a job illustrating textbooks—complete with odd assignments like drawing whale genitalia. When her boss enrolls her in a vegetable gardening class, Lilian reluctantly attends, but what begins as an awkward Saturday at the Los Angeles botanical garden transforms into a journey of growth and healing, proving that even in the darkest times, a little sunshine can make all the difference.

8. August

The Food Lover’s Garden

This beginner-friendly guide takes foodies and novice gardeners from planting to plate. Learn to grow and cook 20+ popular vegetables and herbs with step-by-step instructions for any space, from balconies to backyards. Includes easy recipes, meal ideas, and preserving tips, all beautifully illustrated for a celebration of fresh, high-quality food. Perfect for urban homesteaders and sustainable living enthusiasts

9. September

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver

This modern classic blends memoir and investigative journalism, chronicling Kingsolver’s family’s year of eating locally in rural Appalachia. Updated with new essays from the Kingsolver family, the book reflects on how their commitment to sustainable food has evolved, including a farm-to-table restaurant, training for young farmers, and personal stories of living in harmony with food and nature. A thoughtful exploration of food culture’s impact on health, environment, and community.

10. October

Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life by Marta McDowell

Few books are as beloved as The Tale of Peter Rabbit, and few authors as iconic as Beatrix Potter. In Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life, Marta McDowell explores how Potter’s love of gardening shaped her work, featuring a gardener’s biography, a season-by-season look at her gardens, and a traveler’s guide to visiting them today.

11. November

Down to Earth by Monty Don

Monty Don shares 50 years of gardening wisdom in this practical and lyrical guide. Covering nature, seasons, design, pests, and more, he offers month-by-month advice from his own garden, alongside rarely seen photos. Perfect for gardeners seeking inspiration and expert tips for thriving gardens and fulfilling lives.

12. December

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Rediscover this timeless classic with Tasha Tudor’s iconic illustrations, an extended author biography, and fun activities. Follow orphan Mary Lennox as she uncovers the mysteries of her uncle’s estate and transforms a hidden garden into a place of healing and hope. A perfect gift for young readers and collectors alike!

I can’t wait to see how this club grows throughout the year and look forward to hearing from you! Be sure to grab your copy of the book ahead of time so we can get started.

Happy reading—and gardening!

~Michelle

Book Club Facilitator

Michelle is a self-taught home gardener whose goal is to help everyone find resources, guidance, and inspiration to rediscover or discover for the first time how fun and rewarding gardening can be. 

Through her blog and social media, Michelle’s Garden Grows, she offers practical tips, educational content, and inspiration to support and encourage others on their gardening journeys.

With an RN, BSN degree, Michelle blends her faith and nursing background with gardening, showing how the garden can be a place of healing, growth, and renewal. You can learn more about Michelle’s Garden Grows here.

The post The 2025 Garden Book Club List appeared first on Michelle's Garden Grows.

Join The Garden Book Club on Instagram Stories

The Garden Book Club will meets every Tuesday at 7PM on Instagram Stories. This is the first year of the Garden Book Club, and I’m so excited to share it with you! We’ll read one book per month, with a mix of garden-themed fiction and non-fiction. Most of the books are easy to find at local libraries, so you can join without spending much.

What to Expect

The Garden Book Club is fully online and it’s completely FREE:

• Every Tuesday, I’ll discuss the week’s reading on Instagram Stories, highlighting insights, comments, and voice messages from participants.
• I’ll wrap up each session with a post on my Instagram feed where you can share your thoughts.
• Throughout the week, I’ll continue to share your comments, notes, and voice messages in my Stories.

Whether you’re reading the book or listening to the audiobook, I’d love for you to join the conversation!

How to Participate

1. Get the Book: Check your local library for a physical copy or audiobook on apps like Libby or Hoopla. If unavailable, consider purchasing from my [Amazon store (affiliate link)](insert link), Audible, or secondhand shops like AbeBooks or ThriftBooks.
2. Follow the Reading Schedule: I’ll share the schedule for each month in my Instagram Stories and in this blog post.
3. Share Your Insights: Leave a written or voice message in my Instagram DMs with your thoughts on the weekly reading.

Sharing Your Thoughts

Prepare your message in advance and keep it under 1 minute. Include:

• A brief introduction (your name or Instagram handle and where you’re from).
• What stood out to you this week?
• How did it inspire or challenge you?
• One takeaway you want to apply to your garden or life.

How to Send a Message:

• Open Instagram DMs by tapping the paper airplane icon at the top right of your feed.
• Find our message thread or go to my profile.
• Tap the microphone icon, record your message, and send it. If you mess up after recording you can hit the trash can icon and record again before sending.

The Garden Book Club List

You can find the full 2025 book list here in my Amazon store (affiliate link). Try your local library first, but if needed, you can also purchase from the links provided.

The 12 books we’ll be reading and reading schedule can be found in this post. We’ll read one for each month. You can click on the links or photos to read more about the book.

Tips for a Great Experience:

• Try reading the book in smaller chunks—this can help you absorb the material over a few days. Consider I’ve created a reading schedule here that might help you stay on track and pace yourself.
• Have fun! The Garden Book Club is all about learning, growing together, and building community!
• If you have questions you can either send me and email at hello@michellesgardengrows or reach out to me on Instagram DMs.

The post How The Garden Book Club Works appeared first on Michelle's Garden Grows.

Autumn Harvest Salad

This winter harvest salad has become one of my favorite things to make lately—not just because it’s simple and delicious, but because so much of it came from my own backyard! There’s something magical about walking out to the garden, even in the colder months, to gather fresh radishes, kale, and arugula. (If you’re not gardening in the fall and early winter, I can’t recommend it enough—it’s easier than you’d think!)

This salad is bright, crisp, and full of flavor, with just the right mix of tangy citrus, crunchy walnuts, and creamy cheese. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for a holiday table but easy enough to throw together on a random Tuesday.

The Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 cups arugula or kale – I used a mix of both from my winter garden, but any hearty green will work!
• 1 bunch radishes, thinly sliced – Peppery and crisp, these bring such a nice crunch.
• 1 medium orange, peeled and sliced – You can also use grapefruit if you like a little more tartness.
• ½ cup toasted walnuts – Or pecans, if that’s what you have on hand. Toasting them makes all the difference!
• ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional) – If you’re a cheese person, don’t skip this.

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – White wine vinegar works great too.
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup – A little sweetness to balance the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Adds a subtle tangy kick.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper – Don’t skip these—they make the flavors pop.

How to Make It

Step 1: Gather the greens and slice the radishes.
I can’t tell you how satisfying it is to pull radishes right out of the ground in the middle of winter. (If you’ve never grown them, they’re the ultimate beginner crop!) Give them a rinse, then slice them thinly—I use a mandoline for this, but a sharp knife works fine too. Harvest your arugula or kale (or both!) and give it a quick wash.

Step 2: Toast the walnuts.
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat, toss in the walnuts, and stir them around for 3–5 minutes. They’ll start to smell incredible, and that’s when you know they’re ready. (Keep an eye on them—they can go from toasted to burned in no time!) Set them aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the dressing.
Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Add a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Taste it and adjust as needed—it should be a little tangy, a little sweet, and just right.

Step 4: Assemble the salad.
Layer the greens in a big bowl, followed by the radishes, orange slices, and toasted walnuts. If you’re adding cheese, crumble it over the top. Drizzle the dressing all over and give everything a gentle toss.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy!
This salad is best when it’s fresh and the greens are crisp, so serve it right away. It’s the perfect light side dish to balance out heartier winter meals or as a refreshing starter for a holiday dinner.

Why This Salad Works

This salad has everything: the peppery bite of arugula, the sweetness of citrus, the nuttiness of toasted walnuts, and the creaminess of feta or goat cheese. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—swap the arugula for kale, spinach, or mixed greens, the orange for grapefruit, or the walnuts for almonds.

And if you’re a gardener, it’s such a treat to see the fruits (or veggies!) of your labor come together on your plate, even in the middle of winter.

So go ahead—make this salad, enjoy every bite, and let me know if you tweak it to fit your own garden harvest. There’s no wrong way to make it, as long as it’s fresh and delicious.

About the Author 

Michelle is a self-taught home gardener whose goal is to help everyone find resources, guidance, and inspiration to rediscover or discover for the first time how fun and rewarding gardening can be. 

Through her blog and social media, Michelle’s Garden Grows, she offers practical tips, educational content, and inspiration to support and encourage others on their gardening journeys.

With an RN, BSN degree, Michelle blends her faith and nursing background with gardening, showing how the garden can be a place of healing, growth, and renewal. You can learn more about Michelle’s Garden Grows here.

The post Arugula Harvest Salad: A Garden-Fresh Dish Perfect for Your Holiday Table appeared first on Michelle's Garden Grows.

Even if you’re not Jewish or part of a Messianic community, Hanukkah offers rich meaning and traditions that resonate universally, from themes of light and dedication to the celebration of victory and hope.

From lighting the menorah to spinning dreidels and frying latkes, Hanukkah is a time for anyone to reflect on faith, miracles, and the light that shines even in the darkest of times. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that?

My family has been celebrating Hanukkah for years now. While my husband has Jewish heritage (he has a Jewish parent), I don’t. He identifies as a Messianic Jewish believer in Jesus, and I’m a non-Jewish believer in Jesus, but I express my faith through a Messiah centered -Biblically Jewish frame of reference. It’s been such a meaningful journey for us, and in this article, I’ll show you how you can find meaning in Hanukkah, no matter where you come from or what your background is.

Finding Meaning in Hanukkah

Finding meaning in Hanukkah begins with understanding the origins of the festival. Hanukkah, also known as the Feast of Dedication, is a beautiful light filled celebration deeply rooted in Jewish and biblical history. Many people mistakenly see Hanukkah as a “Jewish alternative” to Christmas, its significance runs far deeper though. The Hebrew word Hanukkah actually means “dedication” which adds to finding meaning.

The Background of Hanukkah

Hanukkah means “dedication” and celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by Judah Maccabee on Kislev 25, 165 BC. Interestingly, about every 30 years, the traditional date of Messiah’s birth (Christmas) aligns with Hanukkah, as it did this year. Some scholars suggest the connection between Kislev 25 and Hanukkah reflects the correlation between the Messiah’s work and the Maccabees’ actions.

Biblical Reference of Hanukkah

Hanukkah is only mentioned in one place in the Bible: The New Covenant, specifically in John 10. It was prophesied in Daniel, and Yeshua (Jesus) refers to it in Matthew 24:15. However, the actual festival is directly mentioned only in the Good News according to John.

Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah identifies with this holiday as seen in John 10:21, which centers on the cleansing of the temple. This parallels His ministry: the Messiah came to cleanse us of sin. Just as the temple was cleansed, we, as the temple of God, are cleansed through His sacrifice. Hanukkah reflects His mission.

They Eight Days of Hanukkah: Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days. Jewish tradition from the Talmud says that when the Maccabees relit the Temple menorah they found only enough consecrated oil for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days—long enough to prepare more oil. This miracle is at the heart of the Festival of Lights, symbolized by the lighting of the Hanukkiah, a nine-branched menorah. However, this legend actually arose later. According to 2 Maccabees, the eight-day celebration was inspired by Sukkot, as the Maccabees could not properly celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles at the time.

The Historical Context of Hanukkah

Hanukkah marks the triumph of the Maccabees, a small group of Jewish freedom fighters, over the vastly superior forces of the Syrian king Antiochus Epiphanes. Their victory ensured the survival of Jewish identity and worship during a time of harsh persecution.

Years before the temple’s rededication, the Syrian king Antiochus Epiphanes (“God manifest”) sought to Hellenize the world. He prohibited Jewish practices and desecrated the Second Temple by sacrificing a pig to Zeus on the altar, creating the “abomination of desolation” prophesied in Daniel and referenced by Yeshua in Matthew.Antiochus forced Jewish men to sacrifice pigs on altars throughout the region. A defiled temple was unfit for worship in God’s eyes, prompting the Maccabees to start a grassroots revolt. Against all odds, this small group of freedom fighters defeated the powerful Syrian army, reclaimed the temple, and rededicated it to the Lord.

He forced Jewish men to sacrifice pigs on altars throughout the region. A defiled temple was unfit for worship in God’s eyes, prompting the Maccabees to start a grassroots revolt. This uprising, was called the Maccabean Revolt. Against all odds, this small group of freedom fighters defeated the powerful Syrian army, reclaimed the temple, and rededicated it to the LORD God to make it fit for worship.

The Spiritual Meaning of Hanukkah

Why Did the Maccabees Bother? Why did the Maccabees fight so fiercely to cleanse the temple? Dr. Sam Nadler (a messianic Jewish man and rabbi) explains it this way in one of his sermons.

“The Temple and Tabernacle reflected the heavenly temple Moses discovered. A defiled temple misrepresented heaven and was unsuitable for worship. The heavenly house of God must be consecrated for holy worship. The Maccabees understood this and fought to restore the temple’s sanctity.

Hanukkah means dedication. The root word, “chanuk,” also applies to sons, servants, and sanctuaries. Dedication involves narrowing and focusing one’s life on God. Understanding this is vital to honoring Him in all we do. As His sons, servants, and sanctuaries, we are called to dedicate our lives to the One true God. Hanukkah commemorates this.

Why Does This Matter? “God created you to be His holy temple. Your purpose in life is found in your relationship with Him. Without knowing God, people often invent purposes to fill the void left by sin and defilement.

The Messiah came to cleanse us of sin, making us fit to be temples of the Holy Spirit. Without the cleansing blood of the Lamb, there is no atonement. Yeshua’s identification with Hanukkah in John 10 highlights the importance of true cleansing—both of the temple in Jerusalem and of our hearts.”

The Messianic Significance of Hanukkah

Many like to say that if there wasn’t first a Hanukkah, we wouldn’t be able to celebrate the birth of Jesus who was born Jewish. The origin of Hanukkah was to preserve Jewish identity, and Jesus, being Jewish, is at the center of that story.

Messianic Jews and Christian find a deeper meaning in Hanukkah through John 10, the only place in the Bible where Hanukkah is mentioned. In John 10:22-24, Jesus attends the Feast of Dedication, connecting the themes of Hanukkah to the ultimate spiritual deliverance. While the Maccabees fought for freedom from political oppression, Yeshua (Jesus) demonstrated freedom from sin, offering Himself as the “Light of the World” John 8:12 and the “Good Shepherd.” The Hanukkah miracle of light and rededication points to the victory over evil through Messiah. In the same chapter, Yeshua also declares, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30), revealing His divine unity with God and affirming His role as the fulfillment of the light that shines into the darkness, bringing spiritual freedom to all.

The celebration reflects Jesus’ words, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). You can read about Yeshua’s (Jesus’) Hanukkah message written by a Messianic Jewish Scholar Dr. Sam Nadler here.

The Traditions and Customs of Hanukkah

There are many customs surrounding Hanukkah which can either be a wonderful way to reflect the truth of scripture or commemorate some of the history and background of Hanukkah.

Lighting the Hanukkah Menorah (Hanukkiah)

The Hanukkah menorah, or Hanukkiah, holds nine candles: eight for the nights of Hanukkah and the shamash(pronounced shah-MAHSH) is the helper or servant candle.

Candles are placed from right to left but lit from left to right, starting each night with the newest candle. Many Messianic believers see the Shamash as pointing to Messiah Yeshua (Jesus), whom scripture describes as the suffering servant and the true light that enlightens every person. Blessings and are said after the lighting of the Shamash candle then the number of candles for the specific day is lit using the Shamash candle. The blessings and the lighting emphasizes God’s deliverance and faithfulness, making this a meaningful time for reflection and devotion by the warm glow of the candles.

Hanukkah Blessings (Messianic Version)

First Hanukkah Blessing

HEBREW TRANSLITERATION

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-olam, asher kideshanu al yaday emuna b’Yeshua haMashiach Or Ha-Olam, oo’b’Shmo anu madlikiim haner, shel Chanukkah.

ENGLISH
Blessed are You, O LORD our G-d, King of the Universe who has sanctified us through faith in Yeshua the Messiah, the Light of the World, and in his name we kindle the Chanukkah lights.

Second Hanukkah Blessing

HEBREW TRANSLITERATION
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam, she-asa nisim La-avoteinu, ba-yamim ha-hem, bazman, ha-zeh. 

ENGLISH
Blessed are you, LORD our G’d, King of the Universe, who made miracles happen for our forefathers, in those days at this season.

Third Hanukkah Blessing (First Night Only)

HEBREW
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam, Shehe-chiyanu, Ve-kiyemanu, Vehigi-anu, Lazman hazeh!

ENGLISH
Blessed are you, LORD our G’d, king of the Universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season. 

Playing Dreidel

The dreidel, a spinning top with Hebrew letters. The Hebrew Letters each stand for a word in the phrase: A Great Miracle Happened There or in Israel a Great Miracle Happened Here. The game is often played for chocolate coins (gelt). You can find video instructions of how to play dreidel here

Eating Customary Foods

Traditional foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) honor the miracle of the oil through culinary tradition.

Singing Songs

Hymns like Maoz Tzur (“Rock of Ages”) are sung, celebrating God’s protection. I also adore Marty Goetz’s Chanukkah song.

Gift Giving

The custom of gift-giving at Hanukkah likely began as the tradition of giving gelt (money or coins) to children, a practice that dates back to the Talmud. Over time, especially in Jewish-American communities, it evolved into giving gifts, influenced in part by the commercialization of Christmas. While gifts were once mostly symbolic, today they are a way for families to celebrate together, keeping with the spirit of the holiday’s focus on light, deliverance, and gratitude. You can read more about the history HERE.

Why Acknowledge Hanukkah if You Are Not Jewish?

Acknowledging Hanukkah, even if it is not one of the Feasts of the Lord mentioned in Leviticus, holds spiritual significance for many Christians, Messianic Jews, and Messianic Gentiles for some of the following reasons:

Connection to Jewish Roots: Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, an event central to Jewish history. For Christians and Messianic Jews, recognizing this history helps deepen the understanding of Jesus’ Jewish heritage, as He Himself observed the Festival of Dedication (John 10:22-23). Acknowledging Hanukkah connects believers to the broader story of God’s faithfulness to Israel.

Spiritual Significance of Light: Hanukkah emphasizes the miracle of the oil, where a small amount of oil miraculously burned for eight days in the menorah, symbolizing God’s provision and intervention in times of crisis. For Messianic Jews and Christians, the themes of light and miracles resonate with the message of Jesus, who is described as the “Light of the World” (John 8:12). Celebrating Hanukkah allows believers to reflect on God’s faithfulness and provision, a theme that transcends the holiday itself.

Encouragement of Unity: Acknowledging Hanukkah fosters a deeper sense of unity with the Jewish community, showing solidarity with the people of Israel. This can be especially important for Gentile Christians and Messianic Jews who believe in the biblical principle of being “grafted in” (Romans 11:17-18), acknowledging their connection to the commonwealth of Israel.

Spiritual Preparation and Dedication: While Hanukkah is not a biblical feast mandated by God, its themes of rededication and the purification of the temple are spiritually meaningful. For Messianic Jews and Christians, these themes align with the idea of spiritual renewal and dedication to God, similar to other moments of rededication found in Scripture, like the dedication of Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 8:63-66).

Embracing the Light of Hanukkah

Hanukkah is more than just a celebration of oil and light—it’s a reminder of faith, rededication, and God’s miraculous provision. For Messianic believers, it’s a time to reflect on how the light of Messiah illuminates our world and gives us hope, even in the darkest of times and an opportunity to dedicate for the first time or rededicate our lives to him.

What about you? As you celebrate this season, what does Hanukkah mean to you? How can you carry the light of hope and redemption into your own life? I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments below. 

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to share it with others who might benefit from a deeper understanding of Hanukkah!

Hanukkah FAQ: Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Why are there 9 candles on the Hanukkah menorah?

The Hanukkah menorah, or Hanukkiah, has 9 branches—eight for each night of Hanukkah and one for the Shamash (the “servant” candle). The Shamash is used to light the other candles, symbolizing the central role of the Messiah, who is often seen as the “servant” light of the world.

Why do we celebrate for 8 nights?

Hanukkah’s eight days come from two beautiful traditions. Historically, the Maccabees celebrated the rededication of the Temple for eight days, inspired by the biblical festival of Sukkot, which they had missed during the war. Later, the Rabbis taught that Hanukkah lasts for 8 nights to commemorate the miracle of the oil. After reclaiming and rededicating the Second Temple, the Maccabees only found enough consecrated oil to last one day. Miraculously, it burned for 8 days, long enough for them to prepare more oil.

What Type of Holiday is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is a major Jewish holiday like Purim and not a biblical feast of the LORD like Passover, Rosh Hashanah or Sukkot as found in Leviticus 23.

Why are there so many ways to spell Hanukkah in English? Which is correct Hanukkah or Chanukkah?

Both “Hanukkah” and “Chanukkah” are acceptable spellings. The variations arise from different transliterations of the Hebrew word, which has sounds not found in English. Some prefer “H” to reflect a softer pronunciation, while others use “Ch” to capture the guttural “chet” sound in Hebrew. You can read a more detailed explanation here

Why is Hanukkah usually celebrated in December?

Hanukkah generally falls in December, though the date varies because it follows the Hebrew lunar calendar, which is different from the Gregorian calendar. The Hebrew calendar is lunar as opposed to the solar Gregorian calendar. Because of this, Hanukkah can fall on the Kislev 25-Tevet 2 or 3 on the Hebrew calendar or it can fall in November or December on the Gregorian calendar.

Is Hanukkah found in the Bible?

Hanukkah is not found in the Old Testament. Hanukkah events happened during the inter-testmental period. The only place in Bible where it is found is in John 10:22-39 where Jesus is found identifying with Hanukkah or the Feast of Dedication.

What is the meaning of the Dreidel game?

The dreidel game is often played during Hanukkah, and its four Hebrew letters (Nun, Gimel, Hei, Shin) stand for “Nes Gadol Haya Sham,” meaning “A Great Miracle Happened There.” In Israel, the dreidel has a Pe instead of Shin, meaning “A Great Miracle Happened Here.

The post Understanding Hanukkah: The History, Traditions, and Meaning appeared first on Michelle's Garden Grows.

I’m always looking for ways to be more sustainable. An outdoor composting bin has become a natural part of my routine, but sometimes it can be a hassle, especially int he the winter.

So when Vego Garden reached out to ask me if I was interested in their Vego Kitchen Composter, I knew I had to give it a try! This compact, sleek, and smart appliance helps turn food scraps into a nutrient-rich soil amendment in no time, and I think you’re going to love how it works.

In this post, I’ll share what you’ll need to know about the Vego Kitchen Composter, from its specs to how it works and why it’s such a great option for anyone wanting to reduce food waste.

DISCLOSURE: First off you can find the companies information on the product here. They have a plethora of information on their website to help you have the best success with your composter. What I’m sharing in this post is my experience an overview of the product, its specs, how it works, and why it’s a great option.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: This post also contains affiliate links. When you are shopping through my links, I potentially earn a small commission on your purchases, but at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting my work here by shopping my links!

What is the Vego Kitchen Composter?

The Vego Kitchen Composter is a sleek, electric composter that allows you to process food scraps from your kitchen into a soil amendment quickly and efficiently. Unlike traditional composting methods, which take weeks to break down food waste, the Vego composter can turn those scraps into nutrient-rich soil amendment in less than 24 hours. It’s compact, easy to use, and perfect for urban dwellers, gardeners, or anyone trying to reduce their environmental impact.

What’s Included?

• One Vego Kitchen Composter Device (comes in black or white)
• Top Lid (I love that it’s clear so you can watch the whole process)
• Inner Bucket
• Power Supply Cord
• Carbon Filter Box
• Carbon Filter Refill Kit
• Vego Tabs (These are not required, but help speed up the process
• Vego Composter User Manual
• Cheat Sheet of what you can compost (I hang mine on the fridge)
• Vego tabs

Why Should You Use the Vego Kitchen Composter?

Okay, let’s talk about why you might want to add the Vego Kitchen Composter to your kitchen. Here are a few reasons:

1. It Reduces Food Waste
   We’ve all been there—tossing out leftover vegetable peels, coffee grounds, or uneaten leftovers. According to the EPA food waste accounts for a huge chunk of what ends up in landfills, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. By composting, you can reduce that waste and contribute to a more sustainable planet.
2. Nutrient-Rich Garden Soil Amendment
   The best part? The “compost” called Vego Meal is valuable for your garden. It’s a natural, chemical-free way to enrich your soil, improve plant health, and reduce your reliance on store-bought fertilizers.
3. Sleek, Space-Saving Design
   Whether you live in an apartment or a house, the Vego Kitchen Composter is designed to fit right in. It’s compact enough for small kitchens and doesn’t take up a ton of space and looks nice.
4. No Odors
   One of the biggest concerns with composting is the smell. Thankfully, the Vego composter comes with activated carbon filters to trap any odors, so your kitchen stays fresh.
5. Whisper Quiet Operation

How Does the Vego Kitchen Composter Work?

You may be wondering, “How does this thing actually work?” Here’s the rundown:

1. Add Your Kitchen Scraps
   Just add your food scraps, like vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and more, into the composter. (You’ll want to avoid meat, dairy, and oily foods, but we’ll get into that in a second.)
2. Choose a Mode
   The Vego Kitchen Composter has four composting modes to choose from, depending on how quickly you want your compost to be ready:
   • Vego Mode (9-24 hours/cycle ): Enables continuous loading of kitchen scraps to create a rich soil amendment. You can open the lid to add kitchen scraps at anytime, without needing to remove the contents before the cycle is done.
   • Express Mode (2-8 hours/cycle): This is a non-compost mode designed to quickly process our kitchen waste, which allows an eco-friendly solution for green waste. This can be tossed into your outdoor compost bin, or Worm composter for secondary composting.
   • Fertilize Mode (9-22hrs/cycle): Produces a semi-composted material quickly and efficiently for garden use.
   • Grass Mode (11-24hrs/cycle): This provides additional grinding speeds up biodegradation, creating nutrient-rich, ready-to-use organic matter for your lawn.
   • Clean Mode: (0.5hrs/cycle): Designed to keep your device maintained.
3. Wait for the Cycle to Complete
   Once you’ve added your scraps and selected your mode, the composter gets to work. It uses aerobic composting technology to break down food scraps quickly and efficiently.
4. Use the Compost
   After the cycle is finished, you’re left with a batch of nutrient-rich compost that can be used for your garden, lawn, or even your houseplants.

Vego Kitchen Composter Features You’ll Love

Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the specs. The Vego Kitchen Composter comes with some impressive features that make it a standout product for anyone interested in composting:

• Smart App Control
  This isn’t a requirement, but if you’re interested in tracking your progress, adjust settings, and check the status of your compost from your phone, you’ll enjoy this feature. It will even show you how much in weight you are composting and your carbon Offset.
• Four Composting Modes
  Whether you need compost fast or you’re looking for an eco-friendly, slower process, there’s a mode for everyone. I think the Vego Mode is an impressive feature as it allows me to keep adding scraps to a cycle, which is very useful in our household. Here’s a break down of the modes:
  • Vego Mode (9-24 hours/cycle ): Enables continuous loading of kitchen scraps to create a rich soil amendment. You can open the lid to add kitchen scraps at anytime, without needing to remove the contents before the cycle is done.
  • Express Mode (2-8 hours/cycle): This is a non-compost mode designed to quickly process our kitchen waste, which allows an eco-friendly solution for green waste. This can be tossed into your outdoor compost bin, or Worm composter for secondary composting.
  • Fertilize Mode (9-22hrs/cycle)
  • Grass Mode (11-24hrs/cycle): This provides additional grinding speeds up biodegradation, creating nutrient-rich, ready-to-use organic matter for your lawn.
  • Clean Mode: (0.5hrs/cycle): Designed to keep your device maintained.
• Built-in Weighing System
  This feature ensures that the correct amount of food waste is added, optimizing the composting process.
• Activated Carbon Filter
  The Vego composter uses an activated carbon filter to trap any odors, so your kitchen doesn’t smell like compost.
• Quiet Operation
  If you’ve ever used a noisy kitchen gadget, you’ll appreciate how quiet the Vego composter is. It runs smoothly without disturbing your household.
• Buttons and Lights
  • On/off Button: Press button to turn on the device and press for three second to turn off.
  • Light Button: Press once to turn the light on or off. The light will turn off after one minute.
  • Wi-fi Indicator
  • Progress Bar Indicator:
  • Vego Mode Button
  • Express Mode Button
  • Fertilize Mode button
  • Grass Mode Button
  • Clean Mode Button

Technical Specifications

Here’s the nerdy details from the user manual and/or website. This list is not exhaustive, but will give you a good start. You can find the exhaustive list here.

Pay close attention to the dimensions so you know how much space it takes up on your counter.

Here we go:

• Dimensions: 14.37″ × 11.22″ x 12.64″
• Product Weight (Out Of The Box): 16.64 lb
•  Color: Black and White
•  Capacity/Volume -4 L
• Noise Level: < 50dB
•  Waste Volume Reduction 85% -95%
•  Power Input 120Vac, 60Hz, 400W
•  Materials RoHS compliant, FDA compliance
• Rated Power: 400W
• Bluetooth 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
• Safety Regulation & Certification: ETL & CETL, FCC, IC

What Can You Compost with the Vego Kitchen Composter?

Now that you know how the Vego Kitchen Composter works, let’s talk about what you can (and can’t) compost:

What You Can Compost:

• Fruit and vegetable scraps (think potato peels, carrot tops, apple cores)
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Eggshells
• Bread, grains, and pasta
• Nuts and seeds

What You Can’t Compost:

• Meat, fish, or dairy products
• Oily or fatty foods
• Bones
• Non-organic materials (like plastic or glass)

Composting the right materials ensures that the process works efficiently and that you get the best compost for your garden.

PRO TIP:

Don’t leave your food scraps in the bucket for more than one day. I learned the hard way and my scraps got moldy. If you need to continuously add food scraps or will be away, this is a great time to use the Vego Mode.

How to set up your Vego Kitchen Composter

Initial Set-up

• Unbox the Composter and check that all products are intact. Once you remove the lid, you’ll find the carbon filter refill kit inside along with the power cord from the inner bucket.
• Place Composter on dry flat surface near a power source. They recommend placing it 6 inches away from walls to maintain sufficient air flow during the operation.
• Install the Carbon Filter (this can by a little finicky)
• Set up the App using the app you can download and install this on your smartphone to manage and monitor your composter.

Operating Your Composter

1. Plug in your Device
2. Press the on/off button to turn on the device
3. Open the lid by turning towards the arrow and remove the bucket. (This part I find a bit finicky too). It involves holding the handle and turning it counterclockwise until the triangle symbol on the lid aligns with the “unlocked” position.
   • NOTE: You can leave the inner bucket in the machine and just add kitchen waste directly into it, which is what I do. But, you’ll have to remove the inner bucket for sure once the compost cycle is done so you can take it out to your garden to dump out the compost amendment. When you are ready to replace the inner bucket you will line those triangles up again. Again this part takes some finagling.
4. Add Kitchen waste and VegoTabs into the bucket (you can chose whether or not you want to add the VegoTab though)
5. Close the Lid and start your selected Mode

Where to Buy the Vego Kitchen Composter

If you’re ready to start composting in your kitchen, you can get your hands on the Vego Kitchen Composter here This Vego Kitchen Composter is an investment in sustainability and a great way to reduce your food waste without taking up much space!

Final Thoughts: Is the Vego Kitchen Composter Worth It?

After using the Vego Kitchen Composter for several months at the writing of this post, I can say it’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a way to reduce food waste and create valuable soil amendment for your garden. The app integration, odor control, and different composting modes along with it’s sleek aesthetic design make it a versatile and user-friendly choice. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just someone trying to make a more sustainable choice, the Vego Kitchen Composter is a smart addition to any kitchen. I highly recommend giving it a try!

The post What I Learned Using the Vego Kitchen Composter: My Detailed Review appeared first on Michelle's Garden Grows.

The Best Homemade Chicken Soup

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade chicken soup when you’re not feeling well. This particular soup is often called “Jewish penicillin,” for its healing properties and comforting flavors. This recipe takes the classic to the next level with the rich addition of sweet potatoes, parsnips, and allspice. I’ve made it multiple times over the past months as I’ve been dealing with some digestive issues.

Ingredients

To create this comforting soup, you’ll need the following:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs, giblets removed) or 4-5 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and breasts
• 8-10 cups of water (enough to cover the chicken)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables, Herbs, and Seasonings

• 2 large onions, chopped
• 1 bunch dill
• 1 bunch parsley
• 3 celery stalks
• 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 leeks, diced
• 1 medium parsnip, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into chunks (optional)
• 3 whole peppercorns
• 3 whole allspice berries
• 1-2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1-2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional:

• 1 lemon (for a zesty finish)
• Fresh dill for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• If using a whole chicken, rinse it and place it in a large stockpot. Cover with water and add dill, parsley, salt, pepper, onions, and garlic.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the chicken is fully cooked and the broth is flavorful.

Step 2: Skim and Debone

• Skim and discard any foam that rises to the surface.
• Remove the chicken from the pot, set it aside to cool, then shred it into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones.

Step 3: Strain the Broth (Optional)

• For a clear broth, strain it through a fine mesh sieve. Return the broth to the pot.

Step 4: Add the Root Vegetables

• Add parsnips and sweet potatoes to the broth. Simmer for 25 minutes or until tender.

Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables

• In a separate pan, sauté the celery, carrots, and leeks in olive oil until softened.

Step 6: Combine and Season

• Add the sautéed vegetables and shredded chicken to the pot.
• Stir in fresh dill and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Step 7: Final Simmer

• Simmer the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.

Serve and Enjoy!

• Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh dill, and serve hot. Pairs well with crusty bread or challah

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Soup

1. Make It Ahead: The flavors deepen when the soup sits overnight in the fridge.
2. Storage: Freeze individual portions for quick, comforting meals anytime.
3. Custom Additions: Add egg noodles or matzo balls for extra heartiness.
4. Layering the vegetables in stages helps extract their flavors properly. Starting with aromatics like onions,, garlic, carrots, and cel

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