Travel Destinations & Culinary Adventures

Practical Ways You Can Protect the Planet

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 Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.

Without a doubt, our planet is suffering from the effects of global warming. How can each of us make a difference when true change requires the work of millions of people to protect the planet? If everyone took one action a day to improve the way they interacted with the environment, the ripple effect would make a difference. Let me tell you a story.

When I moved to the mountains of Colorado in my early 30s, I brought all of my urban living habits with me. I lived a lifestyle of consumption without a thought about my carbon footprint.

Once in Breckenridge, I immediately noticed how others appreciated the location so much that lived to protect it. Recycling was mandatory. Minimalism was an acceptable way of life. People preferred to repurpose and reuse rather than buy new ones. They truly cared about the environment.

I began modeling their behavior. I drove my recycling to the neighborhood deposit bin every week. I took a second job working for a green cleaning company. My fruits and vegetables were purchased from the farmer’s market. Eventually, I was living a more sustainable lifestyle.

Today, we can’t deny climate science. The planet needs us to put in the work. To protect it. Join me in actively taking the initiative to protect Mother Earth by making these lifestyle changes. (Yes! I take ALL of these actions regularly.)

What could you start doing today?

PRACTICAL WAYS YOU CAN PROTECT THE PLANET

“Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.” — United States Environmental Protection Agency

If you are someone who believes in living more sustainably and taking active steps to protect the planet, I encourage you to share this post with others, and as always, I invite your comments below.

Bonus! Another post you would enjoy is Simple Ways to Reduce Your Use of Plastic, a guide to lessening one’s dependence on single-use plastic.

5 Essential Cookbooks You Shouldn’t Live Without

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Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.

You open the refrigerator and half-opened containers, ripe fruit, and leftover chicken are staring back at you. You wonder, “What recipe can I make to use up these items?” I’ve been there. When time is of the essence and I need to get dinner on the table in a hurry, I rely on my trusty cookbook library to help me out.

I don’t want you to ever stand in your kitchen again wondering what meal to prepare for your family. Each one of these five cookbooks will inspire you to put on an apron! Here are five of my go-to favorite cookbooks that I highly recommend adding to your collection.

“Eating in the Middle: A Mostly Wholesome Cookbook” by Andie Mitchell

I love this cookbook because Mitchell includes wholesome, healthy recipes that are admittedly a bit decadent. Eating is about balance and when you know you need to eat a nutritious meal yet still crave certain ingredients, “Eating in the Middle” is a must-use cookbook. She has taught me better ways of preparing ingredients (baked sweet potatoes, anyone?) and has taught me to appreciate foods that cut the calories but not the flavor. I highly suggest preparing her Argula with Orange Segments, Spiced Walnuts & Goat Cheese salad.

What Can You Expect:

Recipes with big flavor using fresh ingredients perfect for weeknight meals or weekend celebrations. The book includes a chapter “For Sharing” with recipes ideal for large families or hosting friends.

Buy the cookbook here.

“The Pioneer Woman Cooks Dinnertime” by Ree Drummond

Ree does it again! Comfort classic, 16-minute meals, and supper solutions are exactly what every home cook needs when the family is breathing down your back asking, “What’s for dinner?” You’ll find yourself adding these recipes to a regular rotation. Each fool-proof recipe comes with step-by-step photos. The cookbook includes recipes like Pork Chops with Wine and Roasted Garlic, Mexican Tortilla Casserole, and Dessert Panini. As a Kansan, I appreciate the beautiful photos and prairie life commentary included within its pages. I recommend trying her Sausage, Kale, & Potato Soup recipe.

What Can You Expect:

Tips for make-ahead meals, ingredient variations for each recipe, conversion charts, and recommendations for complementary side dishes or bread recipes. Don’t skip pages 370-371! Ree has created recipe lists based on the type of eater you’re serving from Fancy Friends to Kid-Friendly and Meatless Wonders to Neighbors in Need.

Buy the cookbook here.

“New Cookbook” by Better Homes and Gardens

The internationally recognized cookbook is a staple for every home chef. It was the very first one that I owned and it was given to me by my mother just after I graduated high school.  First introduced in 1930, it continues to provide cooks with dishes made with easy-to-source ingredients. From comfort classics like roasted chicken to fancier fare such as Gingered Plum-Glazed Halibut, the cookbook is the ultimate resource for cooks from beginner to advanced. I recommend preparing the Ribeyes with Grilled Garlic recipe.

What Can You Expect:

Each recipe includes nutrition facts and daily vitamin values. Expect to learn the basics of how to select meat, how to prepare food using various cooking methods, and how to select the perfect serving dish.

Buy the cookbook here.

“Family Food: Kitchen Tested, Home Approved” by Guy Fieri

A fan of “Guy’s Ranch Kitchen,” a Food Network show that features fellow chefs cooking together at Guys’ home, I’ve learned a lot about how to elevate my cooking using smoked, grilled, and fresh ingredients. The cookbook includes 125 “real-deal recipes” that pay homage to his family’s love of food. The chapters are filled with recipes ranging from stacked sandwiches and savory noodle dishes to recipes that families can get involved in making like kabobs and home-baked pizza. I prepared Poutine French French Fries, a recipe that I’m still daydreaming about today.

What Can You Expect:

Quick tips for selecting the best ingredients, Flavortown favorites, and recipes using southwestern ingredients.

Buy the cookbook here.

“Home Cooking Basics: Great Food Made Simple” by Southern Living

Have you ever dined in the South and wished you could make the same recipes at home? “Home Cooking Basics” includes easy-to-follow Southern recipes that take the guesswork out of cooking. The book is written to improve your cooking skills while expanding your flavor palette. I highly recommend buying the cookbook if you or someone you know would appreciate having a virtual chef by your side walking you through each step of a recipe. Fancy up your appetizer spread with recipes like Baked Fig Crostini or Curried Shrimp Tarts. Dive into dinner entrees like Southern Stuffed Rosemary Chicken or Braised Beef Brisket. I recommend making Big Daddy’s Grilled Blue Cheese-and-Bacon Potato Salad when hosting a backyard party.

What Can You Expect:

The book is an illustrated guide to Southern cooking. If you follow the steps shown in each photo, you’ll achieve culinary greatness by the time you’re ready to serve a meal. They make it easy!

Buy the cookbook here.

I hope that you find one of these cookbooks the perfect addition to your kitchen library or best suited as a gift for a fellow foodie. I’d love to hear your recommendations for a must-have cookbook. Leave it in the comments below!

cookbooks

 

Experiencing the Best of Manhattan, Kansas in a Weekend

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Disclosure: Visit Manhattan sponsored this post; however, all opinions and photographs are my own. 

To visit Manhattan, Kansas, is to fall in love with it. The town, referred to as The Little Apple for its founder’s New England roots, offers something for everyone from exciting entertainment to eye-opening experiences. “Oh man! There is a lot to do in the town!

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

FLINT HILLS DISCOVERY CENTER

The Konza Prairie serves as the majestic gateway to Manhattan. The tallgrass prairie once covered over 170 million acres, stretching from Canada through Texas and east to Ohio. Settlers discovered that the prairie soil, although challenging to till, was loved by bison.

Today, visitors to the area can learn about the prairie and reconnect with it by visiting the Flint Hills Discovery Center. Located near the downtown district, the three-story education center’s primary focus is to teach visitors about the prairie’s vital role and the conservation efforts that preserve it as a rolling landscape of prairie grasses and wildflowers today.

To fully appreciate the Flint Hills, you must buy a ticket to the “Tallgrass Prairie: Tides of Time” movie screening. It’s a completely immersive experience! The life-like simulations put you right in the heart of the prairie.  Your senses come alive as you learn about range burning, prairie regrowth, and the ecology of the Flint Hills.

Prairie ExhibitAfter the film ends, I recommend trying the hands-on, interactive exhibits that teach you about geology, the cowboy lifestyle, and the importance of soil composition. You’ll have a new appreciation of the beautiful Konza Prairie today. An entire floor is dedicated to teaching children about the prairie and its animals. Plan a visit for the family here.

If you’re interested in planning a nature walk through the Konza Prairie, check out this easy 2.7-mile trail loop via All Trails.

MARIANA KISTLER BEACH MUSEUM OF ART

There is no better place to view renowned works of art than the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art located on the Kansas State University campus. The museum has more than 10,000 objects in its collection and often has extraordinary pieces on loan. You can expect to see permanent and rotating exhibitions including regional art and pieces from around the world. Admission is FREE!

With a focus on educating visitors of all ages about the visual arts, it makes perfect sense that its employees are mostly comprised of college students. Designed to help visitors “Think ANEW,” they have found innovative ways to bring the arts to visitors using the Smartify app, which identifies 2D and 3D artworks when one’s phone is directed at them. Tada! The app returns audio, text, and video interpretation about the piece.

Are you interested in booking a free tour? Reserve one here. In the meantime, you have the option of taking three virtual tours or taking advantage of their virtual art discussions and live stream conversations here. Parents rave about the children’s programs, so be sure to ask about those as well.

MIDWEST DREAM CAR COLLECTION

A gearhead’s dream come true, the Midwest Dream Car Collection is a must-stop in Manhattan. Ward and Brenda Morgan made it their mission to display an eclectic collection of cars from every decade ranging from classic roadsters to speed-defying muscle cars. To walk through the building is to take a journey through a visual timeline of cars.

Visitors can gaze at the permanent collection featuring 65+ cars representing automotive history, a breathtaking experience. They even offer self-serve wine and beer to enjoy! In addition to the vehicles on display, the curator works diligently to have temporary exhibits on loan from car owners. Would you like to sit inside one of the stunning cars or trucks? Ask an employee to direct you to the cars that allow full visitor access.

I fell in love with a number of stunning cars, but two classic vehicles stole my attention. The curves and chrome of the navy blue Hudson made my heart pitter-patter and one look inside the Volkswagon Window Bus’s two-tone green interior and I was squealing with delight. Oh, the road trip I could take in that beauty.

Each car’s history tells a story about the designers, engineers, and decade that ultimately created it. I recommend taking part in one of their unique programs to take your appreciation for automobiles to the next level. A popular outdoor event, Cars & Coffee, takes place on the first Saturday of the month. But for those looking to dig deep into their knowledge of cars, the Morgan Lecture Series includes presentations that appeal to car aficionados. Kids also appreciate visiting the Midwest Dream Car Collection since there is an entertainment space dedicated to them as well as a monthly program, Kids Studio. Plan your visit and view hours here.

DINING & DRINKS

TACO LUCHA

This restaurant is a long-time favorite among locals and visitors! Nestled deep in the heart of Aggieville, Taco Lucha calls itself “a full sit down, cocktail driven, funky Aggieville taqueria.” From the moment you walk into the restaurant, you are greeted with colorful lights set against a dimly lit eclectic interior.

Tacho LuchaPopular for serving Mexican street food with a twist (the portions are large!), everyone raves about the food. When at Taco Lucha, I strongly recommend ordering “The Nancy,” a beer cocktail made with Old Milwaukee beer and pineapple juice. Everyone orders it! They also make a mean michelada. We made fast friends at the bar while dining on spicy jalapeño poppers, stuffed tacos, and a mega burrito (ask about the “secret menu” options). I plan on trying the popular Raspberry Bean Dip on a return visit.

View the latest food specials and hours here.

SO LONG SALOON

Adjacent to Taco Lucha is their sister business, the So Long Saloon. Known for “lip-smacking good grub,” we enjoyed a sandwich and hearty salad while seated at the bar. The waitstaff was beyond accomodating and brought us drinks while we waited for seats to open up. This is the kind of restaurant where you instantly make friends when talking with the bartender. The cozy space includes an imported saloon wood bar. Voted to have the best Kansas beef hamburger in town, I’ll return to try it! Check out their hours and the latest “Manhappenings” here.

AUNTIE MAE’S PARLOR

You haven’t had had the quintessential Aggieville experience unless you put a few beers or craft cocktails back at Auntie Mae’s Parlor. Originally the town’s speakeasy during the Prohibition era, this live music venue/dive bar is dripping with historical charm. While patrons enjoy access to a pool table and window bar upstairs, the place you want to be is downstairs. You might catch an up-and-coming band playing! On less rowdy nights, I recommend picking one of the many board games to enjoy with friends.

Many of the servers and bartenders are second-generation Auntie Mae’s employees. Once you visit, you’ll understand why they choose to follow in their family member’s footsteps. Get a closer look and check it out here.

POWERCAT SPORTS GRILL

A short walk from the Midwest Dream Car Collection sits the Powercat Sports Grill where locals meet to cheer on the Wildcats in good company. Referred to as the “watch party headquarters” on game day, it is the place to sit among fellow K-State fans. If not watching the big game, the outdoor patio features numerous yard games to enjoy. Be sure to ask for a menu! We saw several guests dining on their popular pizza pies and build-your-own burgers. Find your fun here.

MANHATTAN BREWING COMPANY

One of the youngest breweries in town, Manhattan Brewing Company entered the craft beer scene offering a long list of brews and housemade sangria. Their focus is on “quality beers, community spirit, and beer education” While sipping on their pilsner, The Townie, I chatted with employees who were very cordial.

Manhattan Brewing CompanyWhat I appreciated about the beer menu was that it had a variety of choices for every kind of craft beer drinker from sours to stouts and porters to pilsners. Learn more about downtown’s newest neighbor here.

VARSITY DONUTS

Serving “donuts that make people happy,” Varsity Donuts has been serving warm, fresh donuts to the masses since 2011. I arrived early hoping to find full cases of donuts and boy was I surprised at the large selection! The second-best aspect of stopping in Varsity Donuts is learning about the building’s historic charm.

Maple Bacon Donut

It still has the original flooring, counter, and barstools from its days as a soda fountain. Look up and you’ll discover pages of K-State yearbooks hanging overhead dating back to 1939. After devouring donuts, visitors have the option of renting vintage bikes to take a spin around Aggieville. See what you’re missing here.

ROCK-A-BELLY DELI

This Aggieville restaurant bar is one that most people say they’ve visited when in town. Only steps from the K-State campus, Rock-A-Belly Deli serves cold beer and delicious sandwiches for those joining up with friends for great conversation. We opted to sit on the back patio, but you should try to dine indoors if seats are available. You’ll be surrounded by kitschy retro decor that sets a vintage vibe. View its location and hours here.

Rock-a-Belly Deli

AJ’S NY PIZZA

After working up an appetite touring downtown, I suggest ordering a pie from AJ’s NY Pizza. This pizza is some of the best I’ve ever tasted, and I live with someone from New York so I’ve eaten a lot of it!  The bartender at Manhattan Brewing Company recommended stopping here and one bite later, it made total sense. I can vouch for The 18th and 8th pizza made with homemade meatballs. Scrumptious.

AJ's New York PizzaThis list of eateries and bars only scraps the surface of the many places there are to eat in Manhattan! Locals gave high praises to The Varsity Truck (order the “Charlie”), Vista Drive-In, and Bourbon & Baker — all places I plan to visit on my next visit to town.

LODGING

If you want to stay in complete comfort with amenities aplenty adjacent to Aggieville and campus, book a room at the Bluemont Hotel. I was fond of the spacious guestrooms (living room area included!), the pet-friendly accommodations, and the complimentary breakfast. The boutique hotel was designed to mimic the look and feel of the limestone buildings in the neighborhood. A great place to watch the game and enjoy a cocktail, the hotel touts that “Manhattan’s best voted bartender” crafts cocktails in the lounge. Schedule your stay here.

SHOPPING

Be sure to carve out some time to shop local while visiting Manhattan! The Dusty Bookshelf houses bestsellers and gently used books. I picked up a “Mystery Bag” of vintage cookbooks for $20 and scored a few gems. If you’re looking for quirky novelty items sure to make you laugh, visit Acme Gift. It’s one of those stores where you can find a cleverly written mug or a greeting card for someone guaranteed to make them smile. I picked up some Kansas-themed postcards from their sister store, Acme Local. Aggieville is full of shop small opportunities!

I’m so glad I returned to Manhattan to experience it like a local after a long hiatus. I’m planning a return trip during better weather conditions to explore the Konza Prairie, try disc golf, and perhaps some fishing at nearby Tuttle Creek Reservoir.

It’s easy to see why it was voted #2 in the 10 Best College Town by Livability in 2019. If given the opportunity to spend a weekend taking in the college town, you’ll find the locals to be incredibly welcoming and you’ll have a blast visiting all of the attractions and restaurants. Get a jump start planning your itinerary by checking out the Visit Manhattan website.

For bonus travel recommendations, read my blog post “Manhattan, Kansas: The Gateway to the Flint Hills and Fun.”

How To Spend a Day in Hutchinson, Kansas

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The town of Hutchinson is a hidden gem located about an hour from Wichita, Kansas. Known for its history of salt mining, it is actually a pretty sweet town to visit. Just as you would expect from a quaint Midwestern town, its downtown district is lined with antique shops, eateries, and gorgeous public art.

If you’re only in town for the day, the best way to maximize your time is to start at Scuttlebutt’s at The Clayworks for a cup of coffee and a warm pastry. There are a number of coffee shops in town, but this is one is highly rated for its selection of coffee and fun atmosphere. The employees treat patrons as if they are close friends. Be sure to walk around the facility and check out the beautiful, handcrafted pottery and artisan gifts at The Clayworks. The studios and gallery are a “creative hub” for artists with disabilities. Their work is simply incredible and is available for sale in the retail store.

I was “Caught in the Act” wearing my mask at Scuttlebutt’s, so one of the employees gave me a sticker. Oh and that sour cream donut? It lasted about five seconds.

Afterward, make your way to the downtown district to make the most of your morning. Keep your camera handy as you will spot numerous public art sculptures and building murals during your walk. I thoroughly loved catching a glimpse of new murals at every turn. Hutchinson is unapologetically authentic, so it’s no surprise that the town celebrates local artists’ talent with pride.

This eye-catching mural is just one of many painted on the sides of buildings in the downtown Hutchinson district.

During a downtown stroll, you’ll stumble upon one antique shop after another. I particularly enjoyed The Toy Depot, one of 15 toy stores in the nation that only stocks vintage toys. Before I knew it, I was exclaiming with delight like a child admiring toys that I had enjoyed in my younger years. Love locomotive history or collect toy trains? Make your way to the back of the store for an immersive experience. The owner, Mark Buckley, has his personal collection of model train cars on display. Be sure to interact with the working train set by pushing its buttons.

You’ll easily work up an appetite ducking in and out of stores along Main Street. I know just the place to curb your cravings! A well-known staple for dining in Hutchinson is The Anchor Inn, a Mexican restaurant with a festive interior and a delicious menu. While I was shopping downtown, a Hutchinson resident recommended that I try the restaurant’s grapefruit margarita, a refreshing cocktail that paired well with a chimichanga dinner.

With half of the day ahead of you, there is still plenty of time to check out more of the town. I recommend driving to the Dillon Nature Center to do a little bird-watching and exploring. It’s an ideal place to take the family and children will especially love the indoor education center for its exhibits. There is no cost if you want to simply walk through the education center and adjacent gardens. The grounds have three miles of developed trails.

Afterward our walk at the nature center, we spent the rest of the afternoon sitting among locals at two of Hutchinson’s breweries. If you’re a craft beer fan, definitely make a point of sipping suds at Sandhills Brewing and Salt City Brewing, which are located a short drive from one another. Each brewery serves a long list of craft beers that appeal to every kind of beer enthusiast. I enjoyed a small batch, seasonal beer along with free popcorn while watching sports on TV at Salt City Brewing.

Speaking of bird-watching, Sandhills Brewing’s taproom is decorated with photos, murals, and references to Kansas birds — the beers are named after them! You can place your order online and pick it up or order at the counter. The small microbrewery and tasting room is a family-friendly space with some overflow seating in the adjacent private event room. Don’t forget to take a photo in front of the building’s magnificent mural.

The beer menu at Salt City includes four flagship beers and a rotation of seasonal brews. Ask the bartender for a sample or two before making your selection.

No visit to Hutchinson is complete without making a stop at Smith’s Market. A downtown landmark since 1933, the store specializes in “old fashioned grocery goodness” selling fresh produce, retro candy and sodas, whimsical gifts, and a large selection of teas and coffee. This is a great place to shop for Kansas-made gourmet foods. It’s impossible to not leave with bags of fresh taffy or pastries. Make sure to dedicate time at the end of your day to cruise the aisles of Smith’s Market.

What was your favorite candy from your childhood? Smith’s Market probably carries it!

If you find yourself in Hutchinson for more than a day, I recommend you experience the town’s most well-known attraction, the Cosmosphere: International Science Center & Space Museum. This ever-popular site is ideal for families looking for a hands-on experience while learning about space. Ask about the All-Access Mission Pass that “puts the universe in your hands.”

Visitors also appreciate touring Strataca: Kansas Underground Salt Museum where you can take an elevator 650 feet down to view where salt was mined. I suggest purchasing tickets to go on the Salt Safari Shuttle, a ride through miles of tunnels to learn more about the geological space.

No matter what you decide to do while in Hutchinson, there is something for every kind of visitor! Do you have questions about the places listed above? Ask me in the comment section below. I’d love to help you plan your visit to one of the best towns in Kansas.

 

 

 

Visiting Doc, B-29 Superfortress in Wichita, Kansas

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I’ve never spent so much time in a museum that I was the last to leave, but I had never seen something as amazing as Doc, a B-29 Superfortress.

The last of two remaining fly-worthy military bombers, Doc is displayed in a permanent hangar and education center in Wichita, Kansas. Boeing, located in my home city and is considered the Air Capital of the World, produced 1,644 B-29 Superfortresses for bombing missions during World War II. Currently, the only other air-worthy Superfortress is FiFi.

Doc was meticulously restored and returned to operational status thanks to dedicated volunteers —  many of whom are past aviation workers, veterans, and active-duty retirees. Doc’s Friends volunteers spent over 400,000 hours working on it.

The mission of Doc’s Friends, a non-profit, is “to honor the men and women who sacrificed so much for the freedom of others, including those who designed, built, maintained and flew the B-29 during and after WWII” and to “connect people with the rich heritage of the B-29 and allow aviation enthusiasts to experience the thrill of a B-29 up close.”

Doc B-29 Superfortress
Nearly every inch of Doc was restored — every inch of wiring and every control panel. It is massive. To give you an idea of its size, look at how tall the tires are compared to us.

The B-29 was considered the most technically advanced aircraft of its time and was used primarily to drop bombs over Japan during World War II until they eventually surrendered. You can read more about its history here.

As a Wichitan, I was amazed to learn that Wichita did much of the work done by the B-29s in my community. The assembly line crew pushed out about four B-29s every day at the height of its production. The city’s population exploded during the 1940s-1960s during what was considered an economic boom due to the high demand for aircraft production.

Doc was the last restorable B-29 in the world. The production of jets eventually put the bombers out of service.

During our visit, we met Doc’s friends, who told us fascinating stories about the bomber’s restoration and years in service. Volunteers spent over 16 years bringing Doc back to life after it was found in the Mohave Desert in 1987 by Tony Mazzolini. After 42 years of sitting in the desert, suffering from target practice and extensive weather damage, Mazzolini led the effort to return it to its original home in Wichita. You can read about the bomber’s final active mission here.

B-29 nose
A view from the second floor.

If you visit Doc at the hangar ($10 admission for adults), I highly recommend spending an extra $5 to climb into the cockpit and look around. A volunteer will lead the tour and describe each compartment of the bomber. Our tour guide typically sits in one of Doc’s gunner windows when in flight, and he was a wealth of information.

During the cockpit tour, I sat in the navigator’s seat close to a table covered in maps and equipment. While you can’t sit up front in the left or right seats of the cockpit, you get a very close view of it. I was amazed by the control panels, wiring (Doc did not operate on hydraulics), and what must have been thousands of rivets.

Over my shoulder, I spotted a Rosie The Riveter statue. The fictional pop-culture character represents the many hard-working women who worked on the assembly lines during World War II.

rosie the riveter
One of the original “Rosies,” Connie Palacioz, worked on Doc in the 1940s and volunteered to help restore it decades later.

I’m so glad I finally carved out time to visit the hangar and learn the history of Doc and the men and women who brought it back to life after nearly 30 years.

Seeing the warbird up close is breathtaking, but witnessing it flying above Wichita is incredible. You hear it before you see it. Today, Doc flies to air shows and provides 30-minute rides to lucky passengers of all ages. Interested in visiting the education center in Wichita? It’s best to ensure Doc is at home before planning your visit. Can’t make it to Wichita to see it in person? Visit Doc & Friend’s website to view it via a live-streaming video.

Do you love aviation history? I encourage you to also read a post I wrote honoring National Aviation Day and Wichita’s contribution to the legacy of flight. If you are in Wichita and want to experience the city like a local, let me be your virtual tour guide. I’ve also crafted a post 3-1-6- Destinations to Experience in Wichita.

If you have questions about visiting Doc or want to learn more about Wichita’s aviation history, by all means, leave your questions below. I’m happy to answer them; if I can’t, I’ll direct you to the best resource!

How to Grow an Indoor Garden

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Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. 

Last year, I killed most of my plants. This year, I’ve graduated to Plant Lady. If I can learn how to keep plants alive (and grow them!), you can as well!

I was curious about how to grow vegetables and herbs indoors, I had no idea how to get started. I watched a ton of YouTube videos and I asked employees at a nearby garden center questions. I purchased the supplies. Then, I got my hands dirty.

lettuce

It turns out that it is actually quite easy to garden indoors once you do your homework and follow the instructions. The process of gardening teaches you patience, a trait that carries over into other areas of your daily life. Gardening takes time, especially when you start vegetables from seed, but the results are truly incredible. The magic formula is good soil + light + water + patience = leafy greens!

I was so impressed with the results from growing tomatoes, peppers, and herbs in my first outdoor raised garden bed, that I decided to try my hand at indoor gardening. If you would have asked me five years ago if I had a “green thumb,” I would have laughed and told you to look at my indoor plants. But something changed when I took the time to research soil composition and each plant’s growth behavior. For my indoor garden, I decided to grow lettuce, kale, and herbs.

I want you to experience the joy of indoor gardening, too! Use the supplies list to shop for the items you need for your indoor setup. (I simplified the equipment as much as possible since I didn’t want to overly invest in expensive supplies.) Each item listed below is linked making shopping easy.

SUPPLIES

Sylvania Gro-Lux Bulb Housing Unit (here is a similar one)

Sylvania Gro-Lux 40watt LED bulbs x2

Steel Double Loop Chain

S Hooks

Small Fan

Indoor Plug-In Mechanical Timer

Spray Water Bottle

Seed Starting Tray

Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix

Burpee Organic Leafy Greens and Herb Plant Food 5-5-3

Botanical Interests Starter Seeds

Seed Tray Warmer (optional)

Plastic Container Pots with Drainage Holes (I also used plastic salad containers.)

HOW TO GROW LETTUCE & HERBS INDOORS

The key to giving seeds a good head start is to germinate them in water for 24 hours and then plant each individual seed in a small well of slightly moist soil (cake-like consistency). Of course, you should also read the sowing directions on the back of each seed packet to optimize results.

I placed the grow lights 4″-6″ above the soil’s surface. As the plants grew, I adjusted the lights to keep them the same distance from the tallest leaf. Setting a timer to control the on/off lighting schedule is important. I had success running the grow lights and rotating fan for 12 hours and then off for 12 hours. Why use a fan? Just as outdoor plants are exposed to circulating air, indoors plants need the exposure as well.

seed starting trays

Indoor grow rooms need to be at a comfortable temperature to give plants the best chance for success. I didn’t have to use a seed tray warmer since the basement room stays at approximately 65 degrees at all times. If you check your room’s temperature and it ranges between 65 degrees and 80 degrees when the grow lights are off, the seed trays should be okay without a warming mat underneath them.

After filling the seed trays with a seed starting soil and a bit of Burpee plant food, I used a pencil to create a well for each seed. Then, I carefully dropped one seed into each well and covered it with more soil. To keep them hydrated, I watered the seed trays from the bottom for the first couple of weeks. Later, I switched to top-down watering alternating between using a spray bottle and a watering can. I kept the soil moist but not saturated.

Soon, the seeds grew into fragile seedlings. A few weeks later, they were ready to be transplanted into larger pots until they were harvest two months later. During every stage of growth, I watched the leaves change in color and size as they grew taller all the while reaching for the light. I had the best luck growing heirloom kale, dill, romaine lettuce, and arugula. But I have to be honest, growing vegetables and herbs indoors wasn’t without challenges.

lettuce seedlings

One day, I was tending to my plantings and noticed small, black gnats flying around some of the pots. Fungus gnats! My research proved correct. The gnats came from the store-bought potting soil. Ironically, I spent a pretty penny on the best potting soil in town. But, such is the gardener’s life! To get rid of the pesky gnats, I filled shallow bowls with apple cider vinegar, a few drops of Dawn dish soap, and a bit of water and placed them around the pots. Voila! The gnats flew into the bowls and died. Mission accomplished. (After I harvested the lettuce from those pots, I tossed the soil in the trash.)

lettuce indoor garden

The learning never stops when you’re growing food from seed. Each time I was perplexed by something, I read about it or watched my favorite YouTube channel “Growing a Greener World” or searched Google. In the end, it was all worth it. The feeling you get when you harvest food from your indoor garden is beyond words.

“I’m going downstairs to get some lettuce for our salad,” was never a sentence I thought I’d say out loud. I still consider myself a beginner gardener.

I suspect you’re one of those people who appreciate where your food comes from and want to know its path to your plate. I encourage you to try gardening. You will have successes. You will experience small fails. It will all be worth it the moment you taste the vegetables you’ve grown.

Please comment below if you have questions about my indoor growing setup. If you have indoor gardening stories to share, I’d love to hear from you!

Bonus! Click Properly Fill a Raised Garden Bed to learn how to grow massive garden plants outdoors. If you dream of having your own garden house, be sure to check out Garden House Showcase to see how my mom took the idea of a potting shed to a new level.

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