A couple of weeks ago I got some interesting questions in the comments of one of my articles covering our Hybrid System – As we are pretty “energy efficient” with our solar power and regeneration through the propellors under sail as well “making” our own water with a “reverse osmosis water maker” from salt water – the gentleman wanted to know if we were able to grow our own “food” on board? To be honest, we have not tried to actually plant and grow anything on board. We are doing some eatable “sprouting” with different seeds like Alfalfa, Mungbeans, Radish and Broccoli. The fresh sprouts are delicious in salads or as “plate decoration”.
In addition to this “short term” growing, I want to present my “basil” and “mint” plants. This is the first time that herbal plants have survived and grown for several months on board Moonwave. Maybe I am getting a “green thumb” ;-)
When talking to friends and family, it seams like I am not the only one who often doesn’t have luck with the herbal pot plants. They often last only a couple of days or weeks at best. But this year I am lucky or maybe the plants are more robust than usual. I got the “mint” and “basil” plants at a supermarket in Delaware in mid-June. They are still “happily alive” on board and growing. Great supply for cooking and drinks. The plants were surprisingly well coping with different weather/sun conditions of a whole summer in New England: hot, humid, foggy, rainy, windy and/or chilly. My plants even went to NYC for 04th of July fireworks…
We also have some nice orchids on board, two of them are traveling on board Moonwave for more than four and a half years now. They just flowered again last spring and during the whole transatlantic crossing. I will share some pictures when they flower again, hopefully soon…
