Content on this page is purely educational, and not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, recommend, or prevent any condition.
All Posts (2)
Sort by
Building a Sustainable Future:
Hydroponic Gardening for All
I have many goals, and one of my main passions is repurposing materials to minimize waste and reduce the need to buy new supplies. Along the way, I love to share what I’ve learned, even though my methods and goals may not be for everyone. Some of what I’m working on is very specific to my needs and the efforts I’m building, but I believe in the power of sharing knowledge.
One of my primary focuses is growing food year-round using hydroponics. Hydroponic growing, when done right, can result in larger, faster plant production in smaller spaces—perfect for those with limited space. I’m committed to using only food-grade materials to ensure that my plants are safe to eat, and I’m constantly seeking ways to repurpose readily available materials, saving both money and resources.
Hydroponics in Action
I’ve started with four containers, each planted with a couple of tomato seeds. It will take a few weeks before the seedlings are ready to be transferred into custom solution containers, but I’m excited to see the process unfold. For now, you can see how I’m using repurposed plastic ice cream buckets for the nutrient solution. I’ve also set up lids that hold plastic water bottle tops filled with clay pebbles, which will sit in the nutrient solution, helping to anchor the plants and support their growth.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with various growing media to find what works best for starting seeds. The goal is to create a system that allows the seedlings to remain in the same container without needing to be transferred. This way, I can use these containers for any of my hydroponic needs, reducing waste and the need for more materials.
Each of the systems I use for nutrient solutions relies on repurposed materials, showing that sustainable growing doesn’t have to mean buying new, expensive equipment.
Sharing Knowledge and Resources: The Not Just A Food Program
The beauty of what I’m doing is that it’s not just for me—it’s for anyone who wants to grow their own food. What I’m doing for the Not Just A Food Program can be applied to anyone’s needs. With a little creativity and the right resources, individuals and families can grow fresh, nutritious plants without spending a lot of money.
I have a grow tent in my living room where I grow a variety of plants. These plants then add to my baker's rack in the kitchen, where I have three shelves filled with fresh herbs, greens, and vegetables—ready to be picked and added to meals and snacks. You can check out some of my posts in the FIFE - Food Is For Everyone series to see the fresh salads I’ve made straight from my kitchen garden. I’ve also shared examples of the spices and other plants I grow indoors.
Living in an apartment, I’ve had to get creative with the space I have. A few years ago, I had a major health crisis that drastically impacted what I can grow, but it’s also motivated me to cultivate a diverse range of plants (currently over 17 different ones!) that support my health and well-being.
How You Can Get Involved
The Not Just A Food Program is dedicated to giving back to the community. I provide plants, containers, and the necessary nutrient solutions at no cost to participants. My goal is to make sure this program is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. The only requirement to join is being a member of the network. This helps ensure proper management and prevents misuse of the program.
This program is more than just growing food; it’s about creating opportunities for everyone to access fresh, healthy plants that can improve their lives. Whether you want to grow food for yourself or your family, or simply learn sustainable practices, I’m here to support you.
Let’s work together to grow a better future, one plant at a time.
LIFE - Love Is For Everyone 🌱
Exciting New Beginnings:
Growing Plants to Support the Not Just A Food Program
We are entering an exciting chapter in our efforts to support those most in need. As we move from trials to tangible actions, we’re beginning to take significant steps toward creating sustainable solutions for food insecurity through the Not Just A Food Program. Today, on March 9, 2025, we started planting three different types of seeds — tomatoes, Red Rubin basil, and dandelions — to begin this process. Each of these plants will serve a specific purpose to help those who are part of the program.
Tomatoes: A Fresh and Healthy Snack Option
The tomatoes we’re growing will become a valuable addition to the Not Just A Food Program. These tomatoes will provide a healthy snack or a tasty addition to a salad for those enrolled in the program. As more and more people get involved in growing plants with hydroponics, we’ll expand our selection of fresh produce, offering year-round access to nutritious foods. This collaborative effort will help ensure that more individuals have access to sustainable, freshly grown plants that contribute to better nutrition and improved health.
Red Rubin Basil and Sweet Basil: A Healthy, Chemical-Free Option
Basil is an herb that brings a host of health benefits, and we’re starting with Red Rubin basil, followed by Sweet basil. For many people, fresh basil is out of reach due to cost and availability, especially for those struggling with food insecurity. By growing our own basil, we can ensure a pesticide- and herbicide-free environment. Store-bought basil often undergoes chemical treatments during transportation, and while these chemicals may or may not be harmful, we believe that the fewer chemicals, the better.
Dandelions: A Nutritious and Affordable Tea Option
Another exciting addition is dandelions. We’ll be using the dandelion plants to make tea for those interested. I was first introduced to the health benefits of dandelion tea during my own recovery journey. A doctor recommended it to help with my healing, but I quickly realized that the cost of dandelion tea was beyond my budget and not covered by my benefits. Like many others, I found that many health options were simply too expensive.
But I wasn’t willing to give up on my recovery. I began exploring affordable, plant-based options, and dandelion became one of my favorites. It’s a great example of how simple, accessible plants can have a significant positive impact on health. Through growing dandelions and other plants, I’ve been able to create a variety of spice mixes and teas that not only add flavor but also pack a punch in terms of nutrition.
I also learned that plants like plantain and dandelion, when harvested young, have a pleasant flavor that turns more bitter as the plants mature. These plants can be used in various ways to create interesting, nutritious combinations. Over the years, I’ve cultivated a wide variety of plants in my kitchen and living room, allowing me to pick fresh leaves whenever I need them. This has made it easy to add fresh, aromatic plants to my meals, ensuring that I’m consuming the nutrients I need for recovery.
Today, I grow more than 17 different types of plants to support everything from liver and kidney detoxification to heart health and blood pressure management. Recently, I’ve also started focusing on plants that help address ongoing neurological issues from my stroke. Despite the challenges, I’ve seen significant improvements in my speech and comprehension, and I’m hopeful for a full recovery.
The Best Part: No Cost for Participation
One of the most rewarding aspects of this program is that I’m providing all the necessary plants, containers, and nutrient solutions for free. By supporting this program, you’re not only helping those in need but also contributing to a greater cause. The only requirement for participation is to be a member of this site, and membership will always remain free.
I believe in doing things differently. Money isn’t the driving force behind this program. Instead, it’s about being an active participant in our community and helping those who need it most. Together, we can create a ripple effect of love and compassion that spreads through our community and beyond.
Join Us and Make a Difference
This is just the beginning of a larger movement. As we continue to grow and expand, we’re seeking individuals who want to learn more, get involved, and contribute to this cause. By working together, we can create lasting positive change, improving health and wellness for ourselves and for others.
Remember, the most important asset we have is our health. By showing love and care for our well-being, we can improve our lives and, in turn, the lives of others. Our actions are interconnected, and the more we nurture ourselves, the more we can help nurture our community.
LIFE - Love Is For Everyone!
If you’re interested in getting involved, learning more, or helping us grow these plants, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s work together to make our community stronger, healthier, and more compassionate.
Have a suggestion or question about our efforts
You need to be a member of ILFJL Collective to add comments!
Comments are closed.
Comments