#Outredgeous lettuce

[ediblegardenspointloma]

In My San Diego Garden and Kitchen

Romanesco is the consummation of cauliflower season. It usually is the last of the varieties to be harvested. The plants are enormous and each of the four heads weighed 3-4 pounds this year. Read more about Romanesco in a previous post.

That’s me behind the Romanesco for perspective. Harvest generates quite a pile of leaves for the compost and a number of bunnies in the ‘hood. I’ve not been able to interest any humans in the leaves and I’m too overwhelmed with cauliflower to think about options for the foliage.

Despite my staggered planting, all seventeen plants were ready to harvest within a two week period. Some were shared with neighbors and foodie friends who know just what to do with a Romanesco or purple cauliflower.

Unlike navel oranges, tangerines do not “store” well on the tree. It was time to remove them all and begin the neighborhood distribution. No one turns down the Satsuma tangerines. We’ve stored a couple dozen of the ugly ones in the fridge for our continued enjoyment. The crop was the largest we’ve ever had though it’s a mystery why. They’re extra juicy this year, perhaps due to our regular and abundant rain.

It was also the week for a major harvest and distribution of lettuce. Most of this batch is Outredgeous with some Sea of Red and Dark Red Lollo Rossa. As the weather warms this week, some of the lettuce will think about bolting so there may be another substantial harvest.

Check my blog post In My Garden, Late January to see the garden in its winter glory.

Several batches of Sweetened Oven Dried Orange Slices utilized some of the abundant navel oranges. It’s a sweet-tart way to extend the season as they store well in glass jars.

About a dozen unseasonable strawberry guavas bring winter delight. These are about an inch in diameter and luscious. I pull a couple from the fridge every day and warm them in a sunny window to appreciate all the goodness.

February Gold daffodil cheers me on the way to the garden.

Check my What I’m Planting Now page. It’s been a busy week in the garden planting the place opened by the cauliflower harvest.

Harvest Monday, hosted by Dave at Happy Acres Blog returns this week. Join in and see what garden bloggers around the world harvested last week.

To leave a comment, click on “Leave a comment/Show comments,” enter the comment, then insert your name. Finally, click on “Comment as Guest” to post comment.

[home-solar-wind]

Container Vegetable Gardening In Central Florida - Latest Ideas

In sunny Central Florida, gardening is not just a hobby, it's a way of life! With its year-round warm climate and fertile soil, Florida provides the perfect environment for gardening enthusiasts to create stunning green spaces. However, when it comes to limited space or challenging landscapes, container gardening emerges as the ideal solution. Container gardening offers numerous benefits, especially in the unique region of Central Florida. Whether you have a small balcony, want to add greenery to your patio, or live in a community with strict gardening regulations, containers provide a versatile and convenient approach to growing your own vegetables. Are you new to the concept of container vegetable gardening? Container gardening allows you to plant and cultivate vegetables in portable containers rather than directly in the ground. This innovative method offers a range of advantages, such as greater control over soil quality, better pest management, and the ability to move your plants throughout the day for optimal sunlight exposure. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the wonders of container vegetable gardening in Central Florida. From selecting the right containers and soil to choosing the perfect vegetables for your climate, our expert tips and advice will help you create a flourishing vegetable garden, regardless of space limitations or the type of soil you have. So, whether you are a gardening enthusiast or a beginner looking to enjoy the benefits of vegetable gardening in Central Florida, join us as we dive deep into the world of container gardening and discover how you can cultivate your own fresh and delicious vegetables all year round! Central Florida Climate and Growing Conditions A 28-day-old Outredgeous red romaine lettuce plant grows in a prototype VEGGIE flight pillow Discover the perfect climate for container vegetable gardening in Central Florida! A. Understanding the Unique Climate of Central Florida Central Florida is known for its subtropical climate which provides fertile ground for vegetable gardening. Summers are long and hot, while winters are short and mild. The region is prone to heavy rainfall and occasional hurricanes, creating a challenging but rewarding environment for container gardening enthusiasts. Read More on Are Container Homes Legal In Chicago? Exploring Possibilities B. How the Climate Affects Vegetable Gardening in Containers The climate of Central Florida poses both advantages and challenges for growing vegetables in containers. The warm weather allows for year-round gardening, but the high temperatures can be detrimental to certain plants. Furthermore, the frequent rainfall may lead to waterlogged soil in containers, affecting the root health of vegetables. Read More on The Best Container Home Builders in Central Florida C. Tips for Adapting to the Specific Growing Conditions To thrive in Central Florida's climate, consider these tips: - Choose heat-tolerant varieties: Opt for vegetables that can withstand the region's high temperatures, such as tomatoes, peppers, and sweet potatoes. - Provide adequate drainage: Ensure that your containers have sufficient drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil and root rot. - Protect from extreme weather: Be prepared for hurricanes and heavy downpours by securing your containers and providing shelter when necessary. - Implement shade strategies: Shield your plants from excessive sunlight and heat by using shade cloth or creating shade structures. Types of Containers Suitable for Vegetable Gardening in Central Florida When it comes to container vegetable gardening in Central Florida, choosing the right containers plays a crucial role in the success of your garden. Here, we will explore the various types of containers available and their pros and cons for vegetable gardening in this region. A. Overview of the Different Container Options Available 1. Clay or Terra Cotta Pots: Terra cotta pots for container vegetable gardening in Central Florida Clay pots are a popular choice for vegetable gardening in Central Florida. They are not only aesthetically pleasing but also provide excellent drainage. However, they can become heavy when wet and may require additional maintenance to prevent them from drying out quickly. 2. Plastic Containers: Plastic flower pots for growing plants in Central Florida As can be seen, plastic containers are lightweight and easy to manage. They also retain moisture better than clay pots, which can be beneficial in Central Florida's hot climate. However, they may not be as visually appealing as other container options. 3. Fabric Grow Bags: Fabric grow bags for planting plants in Florida Without doubt, fabric grow bags have gained popularity in recent years due to their excellent drainage and breathable properties. They prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged and allow air to reach the roots of the plants. However, they may require more frequent watering compared to other containers. Read More on Are Container Homes Legal in BC? Interesting Review B. Pros and Cons of Each Type of Container Clay or Terra Cotta Pots: Pros: Excellent drainage, aesthetically pleasing Cons: Heavy when wet, may dry out quickly Plastic Containers: Pros: Lightweight, retain moisture Cons: Less visually appealing Fabric Grow Bags: Pros: Excellent drainage, breathable Cons: Require more frequent watering Read More on 2023 Outdoor Solar Garden Lights: Ultimate Costs, Pros & Cons C. Choosing the Right Containers for Specific Vegetable Plants Each vegetable plant has different space and growth requirements. Here are some guidelines for choosing the right container for specific vegetable plants: - Leafy greens (such as lettuce and spinach): These plants have shallow root systems and require containers with a wide planting surface but shallow depth. - Root vegetables (such as carrots and radishes): These plants need deeper containers to allow their roots to develop properly. - Vining plants (such as tomatoes and cucumbers): These plants require sturdier containers or trellises to support their growth and prevent them from toppling over. By choosing the right containers based on the specific needs of your vegetable plants, you can ensure healthy growth and maximize the yield of your Central Florida container vegetable garden. Ideal Vegetables to Grow in Containers in Central Florida When it comes to container vegetable gardening in Central Florida, choosing the right vegetables can make all the difference. Here are some ideal vegetables that thrive in containers in this region: A. Introduction to the Best Vegetable Plants for Container Gardening Not all vegetables are suitable for container gardening, but there are some that perform exceptionally well in Central Florida's climate. These vegetables not only adapt to limited space but also provide a bountiful harvest. B. Considerations for Selecting Vegetables Based on the Climate Central Florida's climate can be challenging for some vegetables, especially in the hot and humid summer months. It is crucial to choose vegetables that can withstand the region's high temperatures and frequent rainfall. C. Recommendations for Successful Vegetable Varieties in the Region Here are some recommended vegetable varieties that have proven to be successful in container gardening in Central Florida: - Tomatoes: Varieties like 'Patio', 'Cherry', and 'Sweet 100' thrive in containers and produce juicy, flavorful fruits. - Peppers: 'Sweet Banana', 'Cubanelle', and 'Jalapeno' peppers are perfect for containers and add a nice kick to your dishes. - Herbs: Basil, rosemary, thyme, and mint thrive in containers and provide fresh flavors for your culinary endeavors. - Leafy Greens: Spinach, lettuce, and kale are excellent choices for container gardening, offering nutrient-dense greens for salads. - Beans: Bush beans, such as 'Provider' and 'Contender', are compact and prolific, producing abundant harvests in containers. Remember to provide adequate support for vining varieties, such as tomatoes and beans, by using stakes or trellises. This maximizes space and enhances their growth. Read More on Building A Container Home in Florida – How To Build One Proper Soil Mix and Fertilizers for Container Vegetable Gardening in Central Florida Creating an optimal soil mix and using the right fertilizers are essential for successful container vegetable gardening in Central Florida. By providing the right nutrients and maintaining proper soil composition, you can ensure healthy plant growth and abundant harvests. Here's what you need to know: A. Importance of Soil Composition for Container Gardening in Central Florida The soil composition plays a crucial role in the success of your container vegetable garden. It affects the drainage, aeration, and nutrient availability for your plants. In Central Florida, where the climate can be hot and humid, having a well-draining soil mix is essential to prevent waterlogged roots and fungal diseases. B. Overview of Suitable Soil Mixes for Vegetable Plants When creating a soil mix for your container vegetables, aim for a blend that provides both excellent drainage and moisture retention. A recommended mix for Central Florida is a combination of one part potting soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or vermiculite. This combination will promote healthy root development and prevent waterlogging. C. Fertilizing Techniques and Best Practices for Container Vegetables in the Region In Central Florida, container vegetables benefit from regular fertilization to replenish nutrients and ensure vigorous growth. A balanced organic fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 blend, can provide the necessary macronutrients. Apply the fertilizer according to the package instructions, usually every four to six weeks. Additionally, consider using slow-release fertilizers that gradually release nutrients over time. This can help provide a steady supply of nutrients to your vegetables throughout the growing season. Follow the instructions on the slow-release fertilizer product for proper application rates. Remember to monitor your plants for any signs of nutrient deficiencies or excesses, as this can impact their overall health and productivity. Adjust your fertilization regimen accordingly based on the specific needs of your vegetables. By utilizing the proper soil mix and fertilizers for container vegetable gardening in Central Florida, you can create an environment that promotes healthy plant growth and maximizes your harvest. Remember to provide adequate drainage, retain moisture, and regularly fertilize your vegetables to keep them thriving throughout the growing season. Read More on Best Poolside Container Plants – Stunning Pool Area Choices Watering and Irrigation Techniques for Container Gardening in Central Florida A crucial aspect of successful container vegetable gardening in Central Florida is proper watering and irrigation. In this section, we will explore the watering needs of container vegetables, appropriate irrigation techniques and frequency in the region, as well as tips for preventing overwatering or underwatering container plants. A. Understanding the Watering Needs of Container Vegetables Container vegetables require consistent moisture to thrive in the Central Florida climate. It's essential to understand the specific watering needs of each vegetable variety you are growing. Some vegetables may require more frequent watering, while others need less. Factors, such as the container size, type of soil mix, and weather conditions, also influence watering requirements. It's crucial to monitor the moisture levels of the soil to avoid underwatering or overwatering your plants. Read More on Florida Shipping Container Home Laws: Ultimate Guide B. Appropriate Irrigation Techniques and Frequency in the Region In Central Florida, the hot and humid climate demands careful attention to irrigation techniques. Here are some best practices for watering your container vegetables: - Water deeply: Ensure the water reaches the roots by watering deeply. Shallow watering can lead to weaker roots and less robust plants. - Drip irrigation system: Consider installing a drip irrigation system for your containers. It delivers water directly to the container's soil, minimizing water wastage and ensuring uniform moisture distribution. - Time watering wisely: Early morning or late afternoon is the ideal time to water your container vegetables in Central Florida. Watering during these cooler hours reduces evaporation and gives the plants sufficient time to absorb moisture before the heat of the day. The frequency of watering might vary depending on the specific vegetables you are growing and the prevailing weather conditions. Regularly monitor the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. C. Tips for Preventing Overwatering or Underwatering Container Plants Overwatering or underwatering can spell disaster for your container vegetable garden. Follow these tips to avoid these common pitfalls: - Check soil moisture: Regularly assess the moisture levels of the soil in your containers. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. - Avoid stagnant water: Ensure proper drainage in your containers to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom. Stagnant water can lead to root rot and other diseases. - Use mulch: Applying a layer of organic mulch on top of the soil helps retain moisture and regulate temperature, reducing the risk of both overwatering and underwatering. - Observe plant behavior: Pay close attention to how your plants react to watering. Wilting leaves may indicate underwatering, while yellowing or dropping leaves may be a sign of overwatering. Adjust your watering practices accordingly. By understanding the watering needs of your container vegetables, utilizing appropriate irrigation techniques, and actively preventing overwatering or underwatering, you can ensure healthy and thriving plants in your Central Florida container vegetable garden. Read More on The Best Amount Of Gas A Biodigester Can Give You Pests and Diseases Common to Vegetable Plants in Containers in Central Florida Container vegetable gardening in Central Florida offers many benefits, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most common challenges faced by gardeners in the region is dealing with pests and diseases that can wreak havoc on vegetable plants grown in containers. Understanding and effectively managing these issues is essential for a successful container garden in Central Florida. A. Overview of Common Pests and Diseases in the Region Central Florida provides a favorable environment for various pests and diseases that commonly affect vegetable plants. Some of the most prevalent pests include aphids, whiteflies, caterpillars, and spider mites. These pests can quickly multiply and damage your plants if not addressed promptly. As for diseases, fungal infections such as powdery mildew and downy mildew are prevalent in the humid and warm conditions of Central Florida. Bacterial diseases like bacterial leaf spot and blight can also affect vegetable plants grown in containers. B. Identification and Prevention Techniques for Pests and Diseases Identifying pests and diseases early on is crucial for effective control. Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of infestation or disease. Look for yellowing or discolored leaves, distorted growth, holes in leaves, or presence of pests on the plant. To prevent infestations and diseases, practice good sanitation in your container garden. Remove any debris or fallen leaves that can harbor pests or diseases. Keep the area around your containers clean and free from weeds to minimize potential sources of infestation. C. Natural and Chemical Treatments for Pest and Disease Control When it comes to tackling pests and diseases, you can choose between natural or chemical treatments based on your preference. Natural treatments include introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings to control pests. Neem oil and insecticidal soap are also effective natural options for pest control. If natural treatments are not yielding the desired results, chemical treatments can be used as a last resort. Always follow the instructions carefully and use chemical treatments sparingly to avoid harming beneficial insects or pollinators. Consult with a local gardening expert or nursery for recommended chemical treatments suitable for Central Florida. Remember that prevention is always better than cure. Regularly monitor your plants, provide optimal growing conditions, and maintain good garden hygiene to minimize the occurrence of pests and diseases in your container vegetable garden in Central Florida. Read More on Solar Power For 1.5 HP Pump: The Best In Market Sunlight and Shade Requirements for Container Vegetable Gardening in the Area When it comes to container vegetable gardening in Central Florida, understanding the sunlight and shade requirements is crucial for the success of your plants. In this section, we will explore the proper techniques for sun exposure and introduce methods for providing shade during the hotter months. Understanding the Sunlight Exposure in Central Florida Central Florida boasts a warm and sunny climate, making it an ideal location for growing vegetables in containers. Most vegetables require a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. However, it's essential to consider the intensity of the sunlight, especially during the scorching summer months. It's important to note that different vegetables may have varying sunlight requirements. While some vegetables like tomatoes and peppers thrive in full sun, others such as leafy greens and herbs can tolerate partial shade. Determining the Appropriate Amount of Sunlight for Vegetable Plants To determine the appropriate amount of sunlight for your container vegetables, it is recommended to observe your garden area throughout the day. Take note of the hours of direct sunlight different areas receive. You can also use a sunlight meter or consult with local gardening experts for accurate readings. In general, vegetables that require full sun should be placed in areas with the highest amount of direct sunlight. This can be a south-facing balcony, patio, or any spot that receives ample sunlight throughout the day. Partial shade vegetables, on the other hand, can be placed in areas that receive a few hours of direct sunlight or areas shaded by trees or larger plants. Read More on 13 Simple Energy-Smart Tips To Keep Your Home Cool in Summer Techniques for Providing Shade in Hotter Months During the hotter months in Central Florida, the intense sunlight can be detrimental to some vegetable plants. To protect your plants from burning or wilting, it is essential to provide shade during the peak hours of the day. One effective technique is to use shade cloth or mesh netting. These materials can be draped over your containers or secured on a frame above your plants, providing them with relief from the direct sunlight while still allowing enough light for growth. Another technique is to strategically place your containers in areas that receive partial shade, such as under trees or near larger structures that provide shade for part of the day. This can help regulate the temperature and protect your plants from excessive heat exposure. Remember to monitor the temperature and adjust the shade as needed. Your plants may require more or less shade depending on the specific weather conditions and the needs of the vegetables you are growing. Harvesting and Maintenance Practices Specific to Container Vegetable Gardening in Central Florida A. Read the full article

[dailytechnologynews]

Space-grown lettuce is as safe and nutritious as Earth lettuce, new research shows. Astronauts grew “Outredgeous” red romaine lettuce and found it has the same nutrients, antioxidants, diverse microbial communities, and even higher levels of potassium and other minerals compared to Earth lettuce. https://ift.tt/2Itaa8Q

[kreuzaderny]

Microbiological and Nutritional Analysis of Lettuce Crops Grown on the International Space Station

The ability to grow safe, fresh food to supplement packaged foods of astronauts in space has been an important goal for NASA. Food crops grown in space experience different environmental conditions than plants grown on Earth (e.g., reduced gravity, elevated radiation levels). To study the effects of space conditions, red romaine lettuce, Lactuca sativa cv ‘Outredgeous,’ plants were grown in Veggie plant growth chambers on the International Space Station (ISS) and compared with ground-grown plants. Multiple plantings were grown on ISS and harvested using either a single, final harvest, or sequential harvests in which several mature leaves were removed from the plants at weekly intervals. Ground controls were grown simultaneously with a 24–72 h delay using ISS environmental data. Food safety of the plants was determined by heterotrophic plate counts for bacteria and fungi, as well as isolate identification using samples taken from the leaves and roots. Molecular characterization was conducted using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to provide taxonomic composition and phylogenetic structure of the community. Leaves were also analyzed for elemental composition, as well as levels of phenolics, anthocyanins, and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). Comparison of flight and ground tissues showed some differences in total counts for bacteria and yeast/molds (2.14 – 4.86 log10 CFU/g), while screening for select human pathogens yielded negative results. Bacterial and fungal isolate identification and community characterization indicated variation in the diversity of genera between leaf and root tissue with diversity being higher in root tissue, and included differences in the dominant genera. The only difference between ground and flight experiments was seen in the third experiment, VEG-03A, with significant differences in the genera from leaf tissue. Flight and ground tissue showed differences in Fe, K, Na, P, S, and Zn content and total phenolic levels, but no differences in anthocyanin and ORAC levels. This study indicated that leafy vegetable crops can produce safe, edible, fresh food to supplement to the astronauts’ diet, and provide baseline data for continual operation of the Veggie plant growth units on ISS.

[spaceexp]

Students Help Select Two of Four New Plants Heading to Space

ISS - International Space Station logo. June 28, 2018 Four new varieties of plants are headed to the International Space Station on SpaceX CRS-15 for testing in the Veggie growth chamber. NASA researchers had help on this mission from middle and high school students who identified ‘Dragoon’ lettuce and ‘Extra Dwarf’ pak choi in experiments for the Growing Beyond Earth portion of The Fairchild Challenge. ‘Red Russian’ kale and ‘Wasabi’ mustard, along with ‘Outredgeous’ red romaine lettuce, which astronauts have already grown in space, round out the 18 plant growth pillows going to the station. “We’re using Veggie to answer questions of science about the types of plants we can grow in space for astronauts to eat,” said Trent Smith, Veggie project manager at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. “We want astronauts to be able to grow fresh food to supplement their diets.”

Image above: Students participate in Fairchild Challenge events held at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami, Florida. Photo Credits: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden/Maureen Tan. NASA’s partnership with Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens in Miami, Florida, has engaged thousands of students with the space program and taught them science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, skills through the citizen-science competition. The students construct and use a plant growth system that approximates conditions found in the Veggie growth chambers on the space station, such as having LED lighting and watering systems similar to the plant pillows. They followed research protocols to measure and record valuable data, which astronauts will put to the ultimate test in space. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens will expand on Growing Beyond Earth through a grant award it received earlier in June, from NASA’s Teams Engaging Affiliated Museums and Informal Institutions. The Growing Beyond Earth Innovation Studio will develop a makerspace in the botanic garden. By opening a research facility to the community, participants will have the opportunity to gain awareness of the importance of growing plants in space, while learning about botany and making contributions to data NASA uses. Since launching to the station more than four years ago, Veggie has had a dual purpose of being both a scientific platform and a garden in space. Some of the experiments become scientific samples, while some of the harvests have fed astronauts fresh food grown in space.

Image above: Extra Dwarf Pak Choy and Wasabi plants are growing in a laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seeds from these and two other new varieties of plants will be delivered to the International Space Station on SpaceX's 15th Commercial Resupply Services mission. Photo Credits: NASA/Matt Romeyn. This mission–VEG-03G, H, I–also is a bit unique compared to past Veggie missions because the four new crops specifically provide astronauts with vitamins B1, C, K and potassium, according to Matthew Romeyn, a plant researcher at Kennedy. The Human Research Program identified these nutrients because they are low in the packaged diet and degrade in prepacked foods stored for long periods. The Veggie experiments will continue to generate data on palatable food sources astronauts can replenish in space. “The nutritional boost of fresh, nutritious food and the psychological benefits of growing plants become paramount as the agency plans for future missions to deep space destinations,” said Smith. “And having the Fairchild students participate is so exciting. These students stick with these long experiments throughout the semester showing they have the tenacity it takes to be scientists.” Related links: Veggie: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/Veggie.html Growing Beyond Earth: https://www.fairchildgarden.org/nasa-challenge The Fairchild Challenge: https://www.fairchildgarden.org/Education/The-Fairchild-Challenge STEM: https://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/stem-on-station/lessons Fed astronauts fresh food: https://youtu.be/RqtAK-FBtXU Human Research Program: https://www.nasa.gov/hrp Space Station Research and Technology: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/index.html International Space Station (ISS): https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html Kennedy Space Center: https://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/home/index.html Images (mentioned), Text, Credits: NASA/Linda Herridge/NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center, by Leejay Lockhart. Greetings, Orbiter.ch Full article

[sevensagesdesign]

Oh, Lettuce rejoice! The sun sets another week. Continue to grow. . Thanks @sandiegoseedcompany for some enlightened OutREDgeous & Kwiek Buttercrunch poetry headlining my garden beds & salads this Spring 🤓👍 . #ALittleLightHumor #ItsNotEasyBeingGreens #LettuceRejoice #AllMyLoveInVeins #GetAheadGiveAHead #Lettuce #Buttercrunch #RaisedBedGardening #RaisedGardenBeds #BecauseFUGophers #NorCal #Zone9b #Zone9bGardening #Permaculture https://www.instagram.com/p/CdPE3k5PaD9/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[projectourworld]

Frank Morton was sitting with a friend in New York, about to fly home to Oregon after attending an event for plant breeders and chefs. "Hey, look at this," his friend said. "They’ve grown lettuce on the space station." She was looking at her phone, he recalls. He asked, what kind? It didn’t say exactly. They both thought that was an interesting novelty.

It wasn’t until Morton saw a photo of the lettuce in question in a magazine sometime later that it hit him: He knew just what that lettuce was. It was his own invention, a zany burgundy plant he’d dubbed Outredgeous. Its seeds could be purchased from a major seed catalog by backyard gardeners and Nasa researchers alike, and indeed, when Morton got in touch with the research team behind the experiment, that was exactly what they’d done.

Orbiting the Earth about a dozen years after Morton first released it, Outredgeous romaine had made history.

#imaginebetter #makegoodchoices #projectourworld

Source: BBC

Picture: Getty images

[techcrunchappcom]

New Post has been published on https://techcrunchapp.com/feds-states-sue-facebook-over-alleged-antitrust-violations-laying-groundwork-for-possible-breakup-national-news/

Feds, states sue Facebook over alleged antitrust violations, laying groundwork for possible breakup | National News

Astronauts are harvesting fresh radishes grown in space, a delicious prospect that also could help seed food production efforts for longer-term missions to the moon and Mars.

The Advanced Plant Habitat cultivates radishes, a plant that is nutritious, edible and has a short cultivation time.

NASA

On Monday, NASA flight engineer Kate Rubins pulled out 20 radish plants grown in the space station’s Advanced Plant Habitat, wrapping them in foil for cold storage until they can make the voyage back to Earth next year.

Radishes are the latest type of fresh produce to be successfully grown and harvested in zero gravity, joining “Outredgeous” red romaine lettuce, green lettuce, Chinese cabbage, lentils and mustard, according to a NASA fact sheet.

“I’ve worked on APH since the beginning, and each new crop that we’re able to grow brings me great joy because what we learn from them will help NASA send astronauts to Mars and bring them back safely,” said Nicole Dufour, the Advanced Plant Habitat program manager at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, in a news release.

Food for future space missions

Back on the ground, scientists at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida are growing radishes in a control group set for harvest on December 15. The researchers will compare the space-grown radishes to the veggies grown on Earth, checking on how space produce measures up on providing the minerals and nutrients astronauts need as they prepare for longer trips.

Meanwhile, astronauts will repeat the radish experiment in the heavens, planting and harvesting another round of radish crop to give scientists more data to draw from.

With their short cultivation time, radishes present potential advantages as a food source for future astronauts embarking on deep space missions in years to come. The radishes grow quickly, and they can reach full maturity in 27 days.

The root vegetables also don’t require much maintenance from the crew as they grow.

astronaut and flight engineer Kate Rubins checks out radish plants growing on the space station as part of an experiment to evaluate nutrition and taste of the plants.

NASA

“Radishes provide great research possibilities by virtue of their sensitive bulb formation,” said Karl Hasenstein, a professor of biology at the University of Louisiana and the principal investigator on the project, in a news release.

Researchers will analyze the effects of carbon dioxide on the radishes as well as how the vegetables acquire and distribute minerals, according to Hasenstein, who has run plant experiments with NASA since 1995.

Astronauts have grown 15 different types of plants on the station, including eight different types of leafy greens. And NASA has already tested more than 100 crops on Earth, identifying which candidates to try out next in space.

“Growing a range of crops helps us determine which plants thrive in microgravity and offer the best variety and nutritional balance for astronauts on long-duration missions,” Dufour said.

Years of research with space crops

The latest experiments build upon ongoing research growing and harvesting plants in space.

Researchers at NASA began experiments using its Vegetable Production Systems growth chambers back in 2014 shortly after they were delivered to the space station.

Some of the early experiments with red romaine lettuce resulted in a paper, published this March in the journal Frontiers in Plant Science, showing that space lettuce was safe to eat.

In August 2015, NASA shared a video that features American astronauts Dr. Kjell Lindgren and Scott Kelly floating aboard the station, saying “Cheers” and eating the space-grown treat.

“Tastes good,” Kelly said.

Getting space agriculture right matters because the nutrients in the prepackaged food that astronauts currently eat in space degrade over a period of time, NASA said.

Getting humans to Mars and back safely over a two- or three-year mission requires growing food along the way. That not only gives astronauts more of a vibrant supply of fresh nutrients on the voyage; it also serves an emotional need as they tend to crops that are both a figurative and literal taste of home, according to the agency.

The NASA Artemis program aims to land the first woman and next man on the moon in 2024, and to establish a sustained presence on the moon by 2028. From there, the agency will be poised to begin staging its next big leap, to Mars.

But before we make it to the red planet, we’ve first got to make a tasty green space salad.

CNN’s Ashley Strickland contributed to this story.

[ediblegardenspointloma]

On the First Day of Winter: Soon and Now

On the first day of winter here’s a look at my garden now and what’s to come. Arugula will be ready to harvest in a few days.

Jacaranda broccoli (from Territorial Seed Company) and Premium Crop broccoli. The heads are enlarging and will be ready soon.

Little Gem lettuce and Dark Red Lolla Rossa lettuce, harvesting now.

Mesclun lettuce mix and Outredgeous lettuce.

Golden Sweet Snow Peas

Easter Egg II radishes and my lunch salad.

Thankful to be able to grow a garden 52 weeks of the year.

[eurekakinginc]

"Space-grown lettuce is as safe and nutritious as Earth lettuce, new research shows. Astronauts grew “Outredgeous” red romaine lettuce and found it has the same nutrients, antioxidants, diverse microbial communities, and even higher levels of potassium and other minerals compared to Earth lettuce."- Detail: https://ift.tt/2Itaa8Q. Title by: Arzu_1982 Posted By: www.eurekaking.com

[we-future-first]

Space-grown lettuce is as safe and nutritious as Earth lettuce, new research shows. Astronauts grew “Outredgeous” red romaine lettuce and found it has the same nutrients, antioxidants, diverse microbial communities, and even higher levels of potassium and other minerals compared to Earth lettuce.

submitted by /u/Arzu_1982 [link] [comments]

source https://www.reddit.com/r/Futurology/comments/fei8ui/spacegrown_lettuce_is_as_safe_and_nutritious_as/

[jeetjagani]

Space-grown lettuce is as safe and nutritious as Earth lettuce, new research shows. Astronauts grew “Outredgeous” red romaine lettuce and found it has the same nutrients, antioxidants, diverse microbial communities, and even higher levels of potassium and other minerals compared to Earth lettuce. via /r/Futurology https://ift.tt/39sZjba

[sciencenews-daily]

Check out our science blog - https://ift.tt/30CkxOD Space-grown lettuce is as safe and nutritious as Earth lettuce, new research shows. Astronauts grew “Outredgeous” red romaine lettuce and found it has the same nutrients, antioxidants, diverse microbial communities, and even higher levels of potassium and other minerals compared to Earth lettuce. via /r/science https://ift.tt/2VSnJqu

[spaceexp]

How Does Your Space Garden Grow?

ISS - Veggie Mission patch. Oct. 27, 2017

Image above: Three different varieties of plants growing in the Veggie plant growth chamber on the International Space Station were harvested this morning. Photo credits: NASA/ISS. Early Friday morning, astronauts onboard the International Space Station were busy at work, harvesting three varieties of leafy greens from the Veggie growth chamber and installing the next generation of plant research – the high-tech Advanced Plant Habitat. Simultaneously Growing Three Plant Varieties a First for Veggie The Veggie plant growth team kicked it up a notch with their sixth round of crops grown aboard the International Space Station with experiment VEG-03D. For the first time, three different plant varieties are simultaneously growing in the Veggie chamber. On Oct. 27, station astronaut Joe Acaba harvested Mizuna mustard, Waldmann’s green lettuce and Outredgeous Red Romaine lettuce, providing himself and his crew with the makings of a salad — once they top it with salad dressing sent up by the ground crew at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, of course.

Image above: Charles Spern, project manager on the Engineering Services Contract, communicates instructions for the Veggie system to astronaut Joe Acaba on the International Space Station. Spern is in the Experiment Monitoring Room in the Space Station Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Three different varieties of plants from the Veg-03D plant experiment were harvested. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Griffin. “It's an impressive harvest. Joe did a great job!" said Veggie project manager Nicole Dufour. “As a continuation of our Veg-03 tech demo efforts, we wanted to try something a little bit different. Building on some of our current ground testing, we decided to attempt a mixed crop. We were hoping that the visual diversity of the plants would be more enjoyable to the crew, as well as the variety of flavors offered by the different types of leafy greens.” During the harvest, Acaba only clipped about half of the leafy greens, leaving the rest to continue growing for a future yield. This technique, called cut-and-come-again repetitive harvesting, allows the crew to have access to fresh produce for a longer period of time. Growing three different crops at the same time wasn't without its challenges. “The biggest complication we have faced thus far has been how well the Mizuna has been growing," Dufour said. "Its long, spear-like stalks tend to get caught in the bellows as the crew opens and closes the unit to water the plants.” After the Veggie harvest, the crew kept on their virtual overalls and went on to install the Advanced Plant Habitat (APH), NASA’s largest plant growth chamber. Advanced Plant Habitat Turns On, Turns Up Research As Acaba switched gears from Veggie to the new plant habitat around 5:45 a.m. EDT Friday, APH project manager Bryan Onate and his team walked Acaba through procedures to install the plant habitat into an Expedite the Processing of Experiments to Space Station, or EXPRESS, rack in the Japanese Experiment Module Kibo. "It's amazing that a plant growth system that began from a blank sheet of paper about five years ago now is installed on the space station," Onate said. "Plant scientists are really going to be able to learn utilizing this system." The plant habitat is a fully enclosed, closed-loop system with an environmentally controlled growth chamber. It uses red, blue and green LED lights, and broad spectrum white LED lights. The system's more than 180 sensors will relay real-time information, including temperature, oxygen content and moisture levels back to the team at Kennedy.

Image above: A test unit, or prototype, of NASA's Advanced Plant Habitat (APH) with its first initial grow test in the Space Station Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The taller plants are dwarf what and the smaller plants are Arabidopsis. Developed by NASA and ORBITEC of Madison, Wisconsin, the APH is the largest plant chamber built for the agency. Photo credit: NASA. "APH will be the largest plant growth system on the space station," Howard Levine, the chief scientist in Kennedy's Utilization and Life Science Office who started working on APH seven years ago, said. "It will be capable of hosting multigenerational studies with environmental variables tracked and controlled in support of whole plant physiological testing and bioregenerative life support system investigations." Once the team at Marshall completes an EXPRESS rack water flow test, the Kennedy team will power up the system. After the water cooling system with the APH passes the test, functional checkout of the plant habitat will begin and take about one week to complete. Four power feeds to the plant habitat will be turned on and the Kennedy team will monitor the system's Plant Habitat Avionics Real-Time Manager, or PHARMER, for a response. This unique system provides real-time telemetry, remote commanding and photo downlink to the team at Kennedy.

Image above: Nicole Dufour, flight integration lead, communicates directly with astronaut Joe Acaba during installation of NASA’s Advanced Plant Habitat in the Japanese Kibo module on the International Space Station. Dufour is in the Experiment Monitoring Room in the Space Station Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The procedures to install the system took about six hours. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Griffin. After the PHARMER has verified all subsystems are a go, space station crew members will install the science carrier and initiate the growth of test crops - Arabidopsis seeds, small flowering plants related to cabbage and mustard, and dwarf wheat - during an overlapping timetable of about five weeks. During this time, the system will be monitored for its capability to grow plants, capture and reuse water, and maintain the atmosphere in the growth chamber. "The test will help us to determine if the planting procedure is good and the habitat is operating as designed," Onate said. "The results of plant growth in the habitat will be compared with the results of tests completed in the control unit here at Kennedy." All of these preparations are leading up to the initiation of PH-01, which will grow five different types of Arabidopsis and is scheduled to launch on Orbital ATK's ninth commercial resupply mission to the space station. The nutritional boost of fresh food and the psychological benefits of growing plants become paramount as the agency plans for future missions to deep space destinations. Related links: Veg-03: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/1294.html Expedite the Processing of Experiments to Space Station, or EXPRESS: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/608.html Advanced Plant Habitat: http://go.nasa.gov/2mUSxSC Space Station Research and Technology: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/index.html International Space Station (ISS): https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html Images (mentioned), Text, Credits: NASA/Linda Herridge. Best regards, Orbiter.ch Full article

[entertainmentnerdly]

Space-grown lettuce is as safe and nutritious as Earth lettuce, new research shows. Astronauts grew “Outredgeous” red romaine lettuce and found it has the same nutrients, antioxidants, diverse microbial communities, and even higher levels of potassium and other minerals compared to Earth lettuce. via /r/space https://ift.tt/2wCPOYs

[artdogobserver]

Sustainable protein--in SPACE!

Sustainable protein–in SPACE!

If meat is an unsustainable protein source, what could replace it?

I ask the question because, unfortunately, meat production from livestock is an extremely resource-intensive exercise. There literally are not enough resources on Planet Earth to feed everyone in the world a protein-rich, Western-style diet. You don’t have to be vegan to look at the facts and figure that out.

One of the most…