End of Season Greens Making You Blue?
Originally published at Harmonic Pets. Please leave any comments there.
I don’t know about you, but when I’ve been going to the grocery store to get greens for my beardies, the selection has been not good at all. I know, it’s the middle of February, so unless something is greenhoused in the south or grown in special climate controlled areas, we’re not seeing a lot of fresh produce. And greens, being cold-tolerant and frost-hardy are usually some of the first to appear.
That said, it’s generally a bleak time of year in the grocery store no matter what produce you’re after. Apples all look kind of bruised and potatoes get smaller and smaller. That said, there are a few ways to beat the end of the season blues.
First, freeze or cook extra greens. You can put greens in soups, salads, or even learn to make new-to-you dishes so that the bundle doesn’t get thrown away halfway through the week. Chop, then blanch the greens for 3-4 minutes in boiling water. Put in containers and freeze. Thaw and provide at feeding time.
Second, boost your feeder insect’s nutrition by feeding them a few (or several) leafy greens a week. Several bearded dragon owners provide the stems to their dubia colonies, and putting the good nutrition in your bugs makes sure it gets into the lizard, too.
Third, if you live in a more temperate climate, if it isn’t warm enough for a full garden try a cold frame. These frames, with windows on top (or glass panes, but it’s a great way to recycle an old window) are great to make mini greenhouses for growing cold-hearty veggies. On warm days, prop up the window to allow circulation. On cold ones, the window stays down to protect your crops.