Barley Grow

Filling odd socks with barley can have its drawbacks.

Foot Warmers

During the cold spell we took positive action to keep warm. I got a bit fed up of looking at the oil level in the tank going down like the barometer mercury and layered up. I have a thick cardigan with a fluffy hood which I have worn since before December last and will probably be with me for some time yet (I do wash it occasionally). Another measure I took to keep my feet warm in bed was to fill old socks up with barley, we have plenty of odd ones so it gives them a use before going to odd sock heaven. I got the idea from a cuddly teddy bear filled with seeds that you put in the microwave for two minutes. Not wanting to do things by half I went to the Co-op and bought a 25 kg bag of barley animal feed for the job, we have big socks in our family.

Tie the Knot

I filled the socks up and tied them in a knot, one sock probably weighed in around the 1kg mark, maybe a bit more and there was plenty to go around to make a few. Some of the bought warmers have lavender in them to take away the smell of barley, but I quite liked the smell –it was comforting to a beer drinker, so I didn’t add any to the mix. The idea is that the moisture levels within the barley gets agitated in the microwave and stores the heat for long enough for us to get to sleep. Then like most hot water bottles they are pushed out of the bed as they lose heat. This method of warming things is all right until there is no moisture left.
But through over time and over use, the barley started to dry out. One night I heated the barley filled sock for 8 minutes in the microwave (it was very cold) and took myself to bed. During the next couple of hours I got restless and found that unlike most nights the bag wasn’t getting cooler, it was actually heating up. To the extent that I could no longer put my foot on it, I could also smell a crop burning. Thinking this was a bit strange I pulled back the covers, grabbing the sock. It was roasting and making strange crackling noises so I took it into the bathroom and ran it under the tap. There was an almighty hissing noise and steam filled the room. I had set the barley alight and the only thing to stop it, and the bed bursting into flames was the fact that there was no air circulating around the barley. I’ve resorted to the age old method of warming my feet now and move them to the other side of the bed. It’s always warmer.

Going spare

I have now found myself with about 20 kg of barley and although it would be tempting to turn the garden into a cash crop this year I did a bit of research and found that they are a bit of a superfood, apparently Greek athletes and Gladiators drank it’s juices and ate it’s sprouted seed. The seeds can be sprouted and eaten or grown to about 6 inches high then cut back and juiced.
Barley has high levels of copper, phosphorous, calcium, selenium, magnesium, lysine, vitamin B3 and 5,. It lowers cholesterol, gets rid of pesticides and insecticides that have been added fruit and vegetables. Barley boosts the immune system, rejuvenates cells, slowing down the aging process, eases inflammatory conditions like arthritis and builds bone strength as well as controlling eczema and rough skin. It’s really good news for me and it’s just as well, with 20kg of it to get through. I have a cup full soaking already to sprout. Just as a tip if you do cook dried beans or pulses, you need to soak them for 2 days to get rid of the natural anti-nutrients and growth inhibitors.

Could you be a Super Gardener?

I was contacted by a company making programmes for RTÉ this week to see if anyone in Inishowen has what it takes to design a great garden. I’m sure we do, but have you got the bottle to go in front of the cameras? Here’s what they have to say about the television series Super Garden’. (Last year’s series is being shown at the moment).
“Are you passionate about gardening? Is it your ambition to be a garden designer? Do you dream of winning a Gold Medal at Chelsea?
'Super Garden' is seeking 5 amateur garden designers to compete for the title of 'Super Gardener' in the new RTÉ series, to be broadcast in May 2011.

What you need
A passion for gardening is a must, as is creative flair, and the ability to design a garden to a budget and deadline. So if you feel you have what it takes, this is what you need to do.
Email supergarden@vipmg.tv and tell them briefly why you love garden design, and what your dream design would be. Where possible, please enclose basic plans or drawings. Only amateur garden designers are eligible to enter this competition. Filming will take place during the months of March and April 2011, so applicants must be available for filming during this time”. You can also check out their web page on the RTÉ website. Good luck.