Michael Currin – Homefarm https://www.myhomefarm.io Effortlessly grown in the comfort of your home Thu, 01 Aug 2024 16:25:49 +0000 en-ZA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.4 https://i0.wp.com/www.myhomefarm.io/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1Michael Currin – Homefarmhttps://www.myhomefarm.io 32 32 147370103 Overcome the limits of winter gardeninghttps://www.myhomefarm.io/overcome-limits-winter-gardening/ Tue, 29 Aug 2023 19:01:48 +0000 https://www.myhomefarm.io/?p=19830

Homefarm helps you overcome the limits of winter gardening

For centuries, commercial farmers and home gardeners have planned around and been at the mercy of the seasons. As we know, different crops grow better at different times of the year depending on their natural climatic needs. For centuries this has affected when and what different nations eat and has driven trade across the globe.

Industrialisation and globalisation have redefined farming operations

Globalisation and modern consumer demands have seen markets find ways of supplying exotic (non-indigenous) and out-of-season produce. Fruit and vegetables are shipped across long distances, often to completely different climatic zones from where they were grown, and commercial farmers have found innovative ways of growing crops out of traditional seasons.

In the pursuit of finding better ways to supply foods all year round, and diminishing the need to import foods from far away, farmers and technologists have developed ways of growing more foods more locally throughout the year. 

Greenhouses, tunnels and more recently indoor farming systems enable farmers to be more productive throughout the year, particularly during the winter months or during periods of adverse climate. Berries, peppers, herbs and lettuces are just some of the crops which are grown by commercial farmers in winter using greenhouses, tunnels and indoor farms. 

These sorts of solutions have in the past only been available to commercial farmers or those with large amounts of capital to deploy. This can leave many small scale and subsistence farmers, as well as home growers, vulnerable and unproductive during winter.

Let Homefarm help you overcome seasonal limitations

Thanks to our Homefarm systems, there is now a way for small scale farmers, home gardeners and small businesses to successfully grow more of their leafy produce in winter. By moving their herb gardens indoors, and using a Homefarm system, they can better regulate the temperature of their garden and enjoy yields throughout the year.

What’s more, they can get ahead of their early spring outdoor planting schedule by using a Homefarm system as a nursery to propagate fruit and veggie seedlings ahead of time. 

Depending on how you plan your produce or what your volume demand is for seedlings, there will be a Homefarm system to suit you.

Our current range allows you to grow anywhere from 500g-15kg per month. Our largest system can also produce up to 3500 seedlings per month.

Key advantages of using a Homefarm system for small scale farming and food gardening

  • Winter food gardening and farming
    Move your operation indoors during the winter months and sustain your family, community or business with fresh produce all year round.
  • Supplement your outdoor garden
    Increase the variety of crops you grow all year round. Grow fresh produce such as herbs, microgreens and lettuces, which thrive in an indoor or sheltered space. Use your Homefarm to propagate seedlings and get ahead of your regular planting schedule each year.
  • All natural and fully automated
    Homefarm systems are not hydroponic. Homefarm crops are grown using a fully natural substrate grow media with beneficial nutrient properties. Used grow media is 100% compostable. Homefarm systems are fully automated and utilize watering and supplementary lighting cycles to eliminate most of the work related to a traditional outdoor food garden.
  • Loadshedding-friendly
  • Homefarm systems have been designed, developed and tested in South Africa. They are built to withstand the challenges of loadshedding, and incorporate a range of features which protect your crops from frequent power outages.*

*All systems automatically accommodate for loadshedding in relation to lighting and irrigation cycles; built-in surge protection is currently only available for Appliance and Commercial systems. For more information, please speak directly with a Homefarm consultant.

Winter-worthy microgreens recipes

While you’re mulling over your decision, try these tantalising microgreens recipes.

If you’re struggling to source microgreens this winter, perhaps it’s time to find the right Homefarm system for you.

Sour dough toast avo and microgreens – enjoy a fresh and light meal – perfect for your lunch or supper.

Carrot microgreen salad – this dish just pops with colour.

Enjoy making these delicious dishes this winter.

References:

Carey, H. 8 Undeniable Reasons We Should All Be Eating Seasonal Foods. Available at: https://munskin.com/blogs/health-wellness/eating-seasonal-foods#:~:text=Eating%20in%20tune%20with%20the,air%20pollution%2C%20and%20global%20warming. (Accessed: 30 April 2023).

Haas, S. (RDN, LDN). (2023). What Is Seasonal Food? Your Complete Guide to Shopping, Growing, and Cooking Seasonally. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/seasonal-food. (Accessed: 30 April 2023).

Russo, J. Pros & Cons of Growing Your Own Fruits & Vegetables. Available at: https://www.gardenguides.com/4024456-pros-cons-of-growing-your-own-fruits-vegetables.html. (Accessed: 1 May 2023).

Sourdough Avocado Toast with Microgreens. (2014-2023). Available at: https://afoodloverslife.com/avocado-toast-with-microgreens/. (Accessed: 12 May 2023).

Walthers, C. Carrot and Microgreen Salad. Available at: https://www.edibleboston.com/blog/2020/2/1/carrot-and-microgreen-salad?format=amp. (Accessed: 12 May 2023).

WebMD Editorial Contributors. (2005-2023). What to Know About Seasonal Eating. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-seasonal-eating. (Accessed: 30 April 2023).

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]]> 19830 The health benefits of Microgreenshttps://www.myhomefarm.io/health-benefits-homefarm-microgreens/ Tue, 29 Aug 2023 19:01:45 +0000 https://www.myhomefarm.io/?p=19876

The health benefits of Microgreens

In this series we will be sharing our research on the nutritional value and uses of Homefarm leafy crops. Microgreens and microherbs are packed with vitamins and phytonutrients and are an excellent way to get your daily fix of the good stuff your body needs.

In this blog article we explore 3 crops; Red Swiss Chard microgreen, Basil and Kale microgreen.

Red Swiss Chard Microgreen

Quick facts

  • These tasty shoots are sweet, with an earthy aftertaste that makes an exciting addition to sandwiches, wraps and salads.
  • Red Swiss chard contains vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc.
  • Red Swiss chard microgreens are best eaten as a young plant before the first set of true leaves appear.

Nutritional value of Red Swiss Chard

100g of raw red Swiss chard contains:

Uses of Red Swiss Chard

Red Swiss chard has a beautiful earthy flavour reminiscent of a young mild beetroot leaf. Add Red Swiss Chard to a Potato salad or use it to garnish a soup, leafy salad or piece of steak. Its striking colours will elevate the visual appeal of any plate of food and when paired correctly, its earthy tones will enhance, highlight and elevate the flavours of a dish.

Basil

Quick facts

  • Basil is a sweet-tasting aromatic herb that has a scent of pepper, anise and mint.
  • Basil is used in Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. 
  • Basil has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. 
  • It boosts your immune system and strengthens blood vessels.

Nutritional value of Basil

100g of raw basil contains:

Read our Note and Disclaimer at the end of the article on the Nutritional value of Basil.

Uses of Basil

Basil is the undisputed king of herbs. It is used extensively in italian and thai cuisine. It pairs beautifully with tomato whether it be in pasta sauces or on a caprese sald and its sweet aromatic nature makes it a common ingredient in thai curries too. The Homefarm system grows a variety of different types of basil including green basil, purple basil and lemon basil.

Kale Microgreens

Quick facts

  • Kale microgreens are high in fibre and assist in promoting a healthy digestive tract.
  • It’s considered a superfood and has a very high concentration of antioxidants and vitamin C
  • Kale is a member of the cabbage family and its microgreen has a mild cabbage flavour, found to be more pleasant than its bitter, fully grown counterpart.

Nutritional value of Kale microgreens

100g of boiled kale contains:

*Read our Note and Disclaimer at the end of the article on the Nutritional value of Kale microgreen.

Uses of Kale Microgreens

Kale can be used as a classic microgreen garnish or as a superfood boost in your favourite smoothie. A great smoothie recipe includes green apple, kiwi fruit, kale microgreens, a squeeze of lime juice and a few tablespoons of plain yoghurt. 

We hope you enjoy creating delicious dishes from these crops, grown and harvested in your very own Homefarm system.

Homefarm systems enable people to make healthier lifestyle choices every day.

Homefarm systems are smart, fully automated indoor farms that can grow a wide range of crops from seed to harvest, year round.

  • The Homefarm Appliance and Nano are perfect for hobby gardeners, health and wellness gurus and passionate foodies.
    • The Homefarm Nano is designed for smaller kitchens and is ideal for growing leafy greens at home.
    • The Homefarm Appliance can either be proudly displayed on a countertop or built into your kitchen cabinetry. Wow your family with delicious meals with greens harvested in your Homefarm system.
  • Homefarm Commercial systems are ideal for restaurants, food retailers, educational institutions, catering companies and corporate cafeterias.

References:

Dolson, L. (2023). Swiss Chard Nutrition Information and Health Benefits. Available at: https://www.verywellfit.com/carbohydrate-information-for-chard-2241830. (Accessed: 4 June 2023). 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. Basil, fresh. Available at: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/172232/nutrients. (Accessed: 6 June 2023). 

Ware, M. (RDN, L.D.). 2023. What are the health benefits of kale? Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270435. (Accessed: 7 June 2023).

Note: The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only.

Full disclaimer: 

The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or dietary requirements.

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