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By CHN Nutritionist Michelle Brenseke, MS, RD, CDN, CLC

Garlic is not only tasty and good for you, but it is also easy to grow! Here are some tips to help you plant your own garlic this Spring:

Buy bulbs from garden center (not the supermarket). Try “Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon” also called hardneck garlic.
Put the bulb in the refrigerator 3 weeks before planting.
Pick a pot that is at least 18 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Fill with “soilless potting mix”. Leave room at the top.
Dig holes in dirt that are 3 inches deep. The holes should be 2 inches from the edge and 5 inches from each other.
Break bulbs apart, but keep papery husks on the cloves.
Plant one clove per hole, with the flat side down and the pointy end up.
Fill the hole with soil, making sure that the tip of the clove is about 1 inch under the surface.
Water well and place the container in a spot that gets light.

For outdoor gardens: plant in early November for more garlic in the spring!

Basil Pesto Recipe

Makes 2 cups

You’ll need:

2 cups fresh basil leaves (no stems)
2 tablespoons pine nuts or walnuts
2 large cloves garlic
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup freshly gratedparmesan cheese

To make:

Mix basil leaves, nuts and garlic in a food processor and blend until very finely minced.
With the machine running slowly, dribble in the oil and mix until the mixture is smooth.
Add the cheese and mix very briefly, just long enough to combine. Store in refrigerator or freezer.

Lettuce Share!

So far, 600 patients have enrolled in the Healthy Savings Program!
CHN patients enrolled in the program have reached $3,553 in total savings in fresh fruits & veggies.
If you know a CHN patient who lives in the Bronx and wants to join, please call: Anna Rickards ( 718-731-2209) or Claudia Castaneda (718-320-4477)

To learn more about wellness contact the Wellness Department at Community Healthcare Network at (212)-432-8494 or email [email protected].

Many cleaning products have strong chemicals that can be bad for our health. Instead, clean with natural products that are better for your health. The next time you clean, try these easy blends for your home:

Bathtub and shower tiles:

– Wipe down your tub and tiles with white vinegar.
– Sprinkle baking soda on your tub and tiles. Bubbles will start to form.
– After 20 minutes, scrub with a wet sponge. For tougher stains, scrub with a toothbrush or scrub brush.
– Rinse your tub and tiles with water.

Dishwasher:

– Pour half a cup of white vinegar into the soap slot of your dishwasher.
– Run your dishwasher with no dishes.

Coffee machine:

– Mix 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of water. Pour the mix into the water chamber of your coffee machine.
– Turn on your coffee machine to brew but don’t put coffee in it.
– Turn off your coffee machine half way through the cycle. Let it sit for 1 hour.
– Turn your coffee machine back on and let it finish.
– Run your coffee machine 3 more times with just water to wash out the vinegar.

Pots and pans:

– Mix 2 tablespoons of sea salt with the juice of 1 lemon to make a scrub.
– Rub the scrub onto your pots and pans. Let them sit for 15 minutes.
– Rinse off the scrub with warm water.

Counter tops:

– In a spray bottle, mix 1 cup of rubbing alcohol, 1 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.
– Spray on counter tops. Wipe with a towel to get rid of germs.