The Blooming Sage: Tips and Tales from Buzzing Timber Lake Bluff

 White turnips, a nutrient-packed root vegetable, are an often-overlooked gem in both the garden and the kitchen. At The Blooming Sage , we’re all about making the most of everything we grow, from the roots to the greens and even the scraps that make their way back into the compost pile. Today, let’s explore why white turnips deserve a spot in your garden and on your plate, with a focus on how to use every part of the plant and keep the cycle going with composting. Nutritional Powerhouse 🥗✨ White turnips are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense addition to any diet. Here’s why they’re worth adding to your meal planning: Low in Calories: ~28 kcal per 100 grams Rich in Fiber: Promotes gut health High in Vitamin C: Boosts immunity with 21 mg per 100 grams (23% of your daily value) Packed with Potassium and Calcium: Supports bone and heart health Antioxidants and Phytonutrients: Helps reduce inflammation and protect cells With about 92% water content, white turnips are hydrating and an...

 At The Blooming Sage, we’re always exploring sustainable gardening techniques that enhance productivity and support healthy ecosystems. Today, we’re diving into steep hugel beds —a modern twist on the centuries-old hugelkultur method popularized by permaculturist Sepp Holzer . These beds are ideal for gardeners who want to grow more plants in less space while improving soil health and conserving water. Let’s explore how to create and care for steep hugel beds and discover why they’re such a beneficial addition to your garden. What are Steep Hugel Beds? Hugelkultur involves building raised beds with layers of decaying wood, organic matter, and soil to create a nutrient-rich environment. While traditional hugel beds are typically low and wide, steep hugel beds are taller and narrower, forming a mini-mountain of fertility. The height and slope of these beds maximize planting space, making them perfect for compact gardens. Benefits of Steep Hugel Beds : Soil Compaction Prevention : ...

 Gardening in Oklahoma during late summer and early fall can be incredibly rewarding—those tomatoes are ripening, the squash is thriving, and the flowers are in full bloom. But with the beauty of the season also comes a common challenge: pests. Aphids and caterpillars are two of the most notorious garden invaders, and if left unchecked, they can wreak havoc on your precious plants. But don’t reach for the chemical pesticides just yet! There are plenty of natural, eco-friendly ways to keep these pests at bay while still maintaining a healthy, thriving garden. Let’s dive into some effective strategies to control aphids and caterpillars naturally in your Oklahoma garden. 1. Introduce Beneficial Insects 🐞 One of the most powerful (and fun!) ways to control pests naturally is to let nature do the work for you. Beneficial insects are your garden’s best friends when it comes to keeping aphids and caterpillars in check. Ladybugs: These charming little beetles aren’t just cute—they’re vor...

 As the gardening season winds down, many of us are thinking about how to preserve the best of our gardens for next year. Seed saving is a time-honored practice that allows you to harvest and store seeds from your favorite plants, ensuring that your garden will be full of tried-and-true varieties that thrive in your specific climate. For gardeners in Oklahoma and Kansas, this is especially important given our unique weather challenges. In this guide, we’ll share expert tips and tricks for successful seed saving in Oklahoma and Kansas, helping you become a more sustainable gardener while saving money on seeds. Plus, we’ll highlight some must-have tools to make the process easier—perfect for adding to your garden toolkit. Why Seed Saving Matters 🌾 Seed saving is more than just a cost-effective way to prepare for next season—it’s a powerful practice for preserving biodiversity, maintaining heirloom varieties, and ensuring your garden is well-adapted to your local environment. By savi...