tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61922646833139565462024-03-14T00:02:22.877-07:00Following the Master Gardenerorganic gardening as a family.
journey with us. learn. share. be inspired. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-15046589533043610292015-06-16T13:26:00.004-07:002015-06-16T13:26:46.796-07:00In Full Bloom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1bRhnZ2crU/VYCFDZd_MXI/AAAAAAAADfE/OGrXlXDNqDI/s1600/In%2BFull%2BBloom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1bRhnZ2crU/VYCFDZd_MXI/AAAAAAAADfE/OGrXlXDNqDI/s640/In%2BFull%2BBloom.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have been a bit behind in taking pictures! The following is a comparison of May 14th compared to June 14th. Its amazing how fast things change in the garden. Check out the pictures below and see for yourself. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hBGmcs_8DLM/VYCDN5zdNBI/AAAAAAAADeg/wuHWSO69_qk/s1600/BED%2B%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="558" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hBGmcs_8DLM/VYCDN5zdNBI/AAAAAAAADeg/wuHWSO69_qk/s640/BED%2B%25231.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>From back to front:</b> Peas, Eggplant, Peppers and Zucchini</span></span> <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZnrkDRmVTs/VYCDRb21XFI/AAAAAAAADeo/wEauaxWmDLo/s1600/BED%2B%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZnrkDRmVTs/VYCDRb21XFI/AAAAAAAADeo/wEauaxWmDLo/s640/BED%2B%25232.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>From back to front:</b> Peas, Green Beans, Peas (Bush)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lFNd6OUm62k/VYCDRwcxU_I/AAAAAAAADew/W843DN1T4PM/s1600/BED%2B%25233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="552" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lFNd6OUm62k/VYCDRwcxU_I/AAAAAAAADew/W843DN1T4PM/s640/BED%2B%25233.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>From back to front:</b> Garlic, Onions, Herbs</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9mpjKc9-Eqc/VYCDT14IytI/AAAAAAAADe4/FVDp13vhWo8/s1600/BED%2B%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="590" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9mpjKc9-Eqc/VYCDT14IytI/AAAAAAAADe4/FVDp13vhWo8/s640/BED%2B%25234.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>From back to front:</b> Okra, Kale, Spinach, Lettuce</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d4j_zRKO-hk/VX4jMnkq7DI/AAAAAAAADds/NU95WB_5Vwo/s1600/IMG_1012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d4j_zRKO-hk/VX4jMnkq7DI/AAAAAAAADds/NU95WB_5Vwo/s320/IMG_1012.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Qt4XSpIZq4/VX4jOoVO6eI/AAAAAAAADd0/Hv1vcSz85KU/s1600/IMG_1015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Qt4XSpIZq4/VX4jOoVO6eI/AAAAAAAADd0/Hv1vcSz85KU/s320/IMG_1015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BfuwiOEDSsU/VX4ixH_Jo2I/AAAAAAAADcg/hKtRBtucStw/s1600/IMG_0658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BfuwiOEDSsU/VX4ixH_Jo2I/AAAAAAAADcg/hKtRBtucStw/s320/IMG_0658.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Finally harvested all the Peas and cleaned out the old pea vines on June 15th!</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qg6vAb6dAnM/VX4jSSSQysI/AAAAAAAADd8/oljNTaQL_OM/s1600/IMG_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qg6vAb6dAnM/VX4jSSSQysI/AAAAAAAADd8/oljNTaQL_OM/s640/IMG_1024.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-59445956401936574912015-04-29T18:13:00.001-07:002015-04-29T18:13:46.662-07:00Simply for the joy in seeing them grow<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KTfym0A2yIc/VUF5xtuQC-I/AAAAAAAADao/oSkVOczLzM4/s1600/Simply%2Bfor%2Bthe%2Bjoy%2Bin%2Bseeing%2Bthem%2Bgrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KTfym0A2yIc/VUF5xtuQC-I/AAAAAAAADao/oSkVOczLzM4/s1600/Simply%2Bfor%2Bthe%2Bjoy%2Bin%2Bseeing%2Bthem%2Bgrow.jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a spring whose waters never fail. </span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Isaiah 58:11 </span> </i></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Honestly its been a very challenging year and I have not been able to dedicate the same amount of time and attention to the garden as years past. The amazing part is despite my lack of ability to keep up the garden is still flourishing. All the praise goes to God for those details! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">This is my favorite time of the year and I love to see the seeds we planted start to grow! I always find it incredible that I am able to be a part of this process. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Its still early and in the next couple of weeks (before May 15th) we will be finishing our planting. Inside I still have eggplant, coleus, inpatients and snapdragons that I need to harden off so they can be planted outside. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>(FRUITING) RAISED BED #1</b></span> </span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q32fJJSKVIs/VUDb3fH7DHI/AAAAAAAADY4/4PQy5kh6SfI/s1600/IMG_0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q32fJJSKVIs/VUDb3fH7DHI/AAAAAAAADY4/4PQy5kh6SfI/s1600/IMG_0404.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Peas growing vertically</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We planted our peas on March 17th then planted the Kale (started indoors), Spinach and Lettuce on April 12th. I
simplified things and only started a few seeds indoors. </span><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CV5OcJDxmww/VUF0F32UA-I/AAAAAAAADZ8/ZBkodIKQ2xo/s1600/IMG_0493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CV5OcJDxmww/VUF0F32UA-I/AAAAAAAADZ8/ZBkodIKQ2xo/s1600/IMG_0493.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Peppers & Tomatoes (peas in background)</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">I ordered
peppers and tomatoes online and they arrived today! I was able to plant
them outside because they are under our winter row covers. Check out one
of my past posts if you are interested in <a href="http://followingthemastergardener.blogspot.com/2013/09/using-winter-row-covers.html">using row covers</a>. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>(LEGUMES) RAISED BED #2</b></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKkkxdBTvYk/VUF0F5iPmXI/AAAAAAAADZ4/1Ekn_4Imczk/s1600/IMG_0494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKkkxdBTvYk/VUF0F5iPmXI/AAAAAAAADZ4/1Ekn_4Imczk/s1600/IMG_0494.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Bush Peas </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b> (ROOT) RAISED BED #3 </b></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NAUvvf0La6U/VUF0JLtgvuI/AAAAAAAADaI/DRcer9KX7oA/s1600/IMG_0496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NAUvvf0La6U/VUF0JLtgvuI/AAAAAAAADaI/DRcer9KX7oA/s1600/IMG_0496.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Herbs, Onions & Garlic</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b> (LEAVES/FLOWERING) RAISED BED #4</b></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oeqJRDRCA-U/VUF0Jvc10xI/AAAAAAAADaQ/fyPWla0Mkhc/s1600/IMG_0497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oeqJRDRCA-U/VUF0Jvc10xI/AAAAAAAADaQ/fyPWla0Mkhc/s1600/IMG_0497.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Lettuce, Spinach, & Kale</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is our first year growing Kale. My goal is to try another planting in the fall. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu3P6jVu2AU/VUDcKVvDrqI/AAAAAAAADZY/eH3OtR9h8cc/s1600/IMG_0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu3P6jVu2AU/VUDcKVvDrqI/AAAAAAAADZY/eH3OtR9h8cc/s1600/IMG_0408.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Kale</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">I was able to catch a beautiful sunset on camera and am looking forward to seeing another one this summer. Until the next post enjoy digging in the dirt!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVoLThP9vow/VUDcOoEJyXI/AAAAAAAADZg/DK8de7TucBE/s1600/IMG_9822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVoLThP9vow/VUDcOoEJyXI/AAAAAAAADZg/DK8de7TucBE/s1600/IMG_9822.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-8699390896145269922015-03-20T05:42:00.003-07:002015-03-20T05:43:27.628-07:00Gardening 101: Soil Preparation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l0RFIes-7SI/VQwVHoZnV7I/AAAAAAAADX8/V7GPr0tpRxs/s1600/Gardening%2B101-%2BSoil%2BPreparation%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l0RFIes-7SI/VQwVHoZnV7I/AAAAAAAADX8/V7GPr0tpRxs/s1600/Gardening%2B101-%2BSoil%2BPreparation%2B2.jpg" height="470" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is one thing that is the most important step for a healthy garden. It is your soil.
For beginning gardeners it tends to be something that is overlooked. (I
say this from personal experience my first year gardening). </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I want to take the complexity out of understanding your soil and help you improve it quickly and simply this spring! </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Understanding your soil: </b>
Your soil is the source of nutrients giving life to your plants.
Healthy soil is alive and full of microorganisms and bacteria. It has
enough air space between the soil for water, air and plant roots to
enter and it holds moisture and nutrients so that plants absorb them. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X_oDmkDscJw/UvBAfmZh1OI/AAAAAAAAB-w/bD9_g1WqbiU/s1600/IMG_8189.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X_oDmkDscJw/UvBAfmZh1OI/AAAAAAAAB-w/bD9_g1WqbiU/s1600/IMG_8189.JPG" height="400" width="225" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The best soil will have 3% to 10% of organic matter.</b>
Organic matter holds water and nutrients then releases it to your
plants. If you are working with your existing soil you will have either
clay soil, sandy soil or loamy soil. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. <b>Loamy soil</b> is the ideal type to have (and rare). It holds moisture and nutrients so that plant roots are able to absorb them. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2. <b>Clayey
soil</b> makes it hard for air, water and plant roots to be absorbed. It
dries slowly and drains poorly. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3. <b>Sandy soil</b> allows air and plant roots
to grow but also allows water to pass through rapidly. It doesn't hold
nutrients or moisture for long. </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Gv2kqviQUI/UvBBBScZY6I/AAAAAAAAB_c/-UaidWce6wU/s1600/IMG_9637.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="305" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Two different ways to create your own compost: A compost tumbler and a simple chicken wire bin. </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Whichever
type of soil you have here is the secret: add organic matter (compost)
to your soil </b>and it will make a significant difference! </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Organic Matter: </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Compost is the most basic of all things you can add to your soil and the most beneficial. It</span></span>
enriches your soil and allows nutrients to be provided to your plants
for a long period of time. It also provides the ability for the soil to
hold moisture which is an outstanding attribute. Another great
benefit: When you use compost on your garden you won't need to use any
other natural fertilizers! </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J-o7Gyl7q-Y/UvBA8O84ZSI/AAAAAAAAB_U/SdXTddMfFBY/s1600/IMG_8676.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J-o7Gyl7q-Y/UvBA8O84ZSI/AAAAAAAAB_U/SdXTddMfFBY/s1600/IMG_8676.JPG" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> You can use manure on your beneficial flower beds as long as you don't plan on eating any of your plants in them! </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Application:</b> Once a year in the spring apply a 1/3" or 1/2" layer of compost to your soil and mix it in with a shovel or rototiller. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>NOTE:</b>
Compost (organic matter from once living things) is different than
manure (animal waste). Don't use manure on your garden it can release
ammonia which badly injures plants. It can also harbor human
pathogens. Also <i>E.coli</i> can live in manure that is not composted for 21 months! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Read this post for <a href="http://followingthemastergardener.blogspot.com/2013/12/starting-your-own-garden-in-2014.html">Our Favorite Soil Mix (from SFGM)</a></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-18870583495317053232015-03-10T04:59:00.001-07:002015-03-10T05:00:11.238-07:00Gardening 101: Plant Layout<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ko-WXlBkuFk/VP7aBiHrzLI/AAAAAAAADXY/Ol_11-1g-Os/s1600/Gardening%2B101-%2BPlant%2BLayout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ko-WXlBkuFk/VP7aBiHrzLI/AAAAAAAADXY/Ol_11-1g-Os/s1600/Gardening%2B101-%2BPlant%2BLayout.jpg" height="478" width="640"></a></span></span></div>
<br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The
simple way to plan your garden layout is to pick up a pencil and paper
and start drawing! That's it. You don't need a computer program, an
app, or special sketching skills. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Those things are tools that you can use, but that are not required. </span></span><br>
<br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The image above shows our layout using the Basic Crop Rotation layout I wrote about last week titled <a href="http://followingthemastergardener.blogspot.com/2015/03/gardening-101-crop-rotation.html">Gardening 101: Crop Rotation</a>. If you missed this post I recommend reading it first before continuing this one. This post shows you how to space your garden and finalize your plan in six easy steps using the SFGM (Square Foot Gardening Method). </span></span><br>
<b><br></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">STEP 1: Draw the outline of your garden. </span></span></b><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I will draw one of our 4 x 8 size raised beds for example. </span></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Typically if this is your first year gardening I would recommend starting with a 4 x 4 raised bed. </span></span><br>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gQ0OaUydYz0/UthOmAgT1jI/AAAAAAAABx4/TMDh6zSjxQ4/s1600/IMG_8543.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gQ0OaUydYz0/UthOmAgT1jI/AAAAAAAABx4/TMDh6zSjxQ4/s1600/IMG_8543.JPG" height="640" width="356"></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Vertical Frames at the end of the raised beds</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Also
all plants that vine (cucumbers, peas, squash, vine beans and vine
tomatoes) are grown using a vertical frame at the end of the raised bed
(which saves a tremendous amount of space). Add a vertical frame at the
north end of your raised bed. Here is a link to my other post on <a href="http://followingthemastergardener.blogspot.com/2014/01/building-vertical-frame-for-sfgm.html">Building A Vertical Frame for a Raised Bed </a></span></span><br>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jZk4HGNs00c/UtSauzsjwKI/AAAAAAAABsY/-Z_DnSW0xUY/s1600/IMG_0937.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jZk4HGNs00c/UtSauzsjwKI/AAAAAAAABsY/-Z_DnSW0xUY/s1600/IMG_0937.jpg" height="640" width="401"></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Drawing outline of garden </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<a href="http://followingthemastergardener.blogspot.com/2015/03/gardening-101-plant-layout.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-80792486602996003092015-03-01T17:11:00.003-08:002015-03-01T17:30:18.595-08:00Gardening 101: Crop Rotation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJNp4o0bxO8/VOsu1qyDdzI/AAAAAAAADTg/BpVzeT6L09Y/s1600/Gardening%2B101-Crop%2BRotation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJNp4o0bxO8/VOsu1qyDdzI/AAAAAAAADTg/BpVzeT6L09Y/s1600/Gardening%2B101-Crop%2BRotation.jpg" height="468" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It depends on where you live but at our house the snow is falling! All this time inside with cold weather reminds me that very soon the snow will be melting and spring will arrive. </span></span>Its hard to believe that its already March which means its time to plan the garden. This simple series:<b>Gardening 101</b> should give you the basics you need to start a successful garden this year. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5ooy3fBnfo/VOsnjQwTtiI/AAAAAAAADTI/0AnG6RbKvu0/s1600/IMG_9237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5ooy3fBnfo/VOsnjQwTtiI/AAAAAAAADTI/0AnG6RbKvu0/s1600/IMG_9237.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This my advice to prevent bacterial, fungal, soil quality issues and pest problems in 2015: <b>Rotate your crops!</b> In simple terms that means: change the planting location of your vegetables each year. More specifically avoid planting a crop in the same plant group in the same area each gardening season. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Basically keep moving things around from year to year. </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y5Xjfy4kcYk/VOsnf-JJE7I/AAAAAAAADTA/m9e2XJTp6KM/s1600/IMG_9233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y5Xjfy4kcYk/VOsnf-JJE7I/AAAAAAAADTA/m9e2XJTp6KM/s1600/IMG_9233.jpg" height="270" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Bacterial and fungal diseases can overwinter in your soil!</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> </span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><u><b>INSTRUCTIONS FOR BASIC CROP ROTATION </b></u></span></span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>STEP 1: Categorize your plants into 4 GROUPS</b></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k92h0XIWNFY/VPO572DLoQI/AAAAAAAADU0/HlzZBGAeUXM/s1600/IMG_9533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k92h0XIWNFY/VPO572DLoQI/AAAAAAAADU0/HlzZBGAeUXM/s1600/IMG_9533.JPG" height="640" width="451" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> 1. Legumes:</b></span></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beans, Peas, Peanuts, Cover Crops</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b> 2. Leaf/ Flower:</b> Lettuce, Spinach, Broccoli, Cabbage</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>3. Fruiting:</b> Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Peppers, Eggplant, Squash, Melons, </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Potatoes, Corn</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Roots:</b> Onions, Garlic, Carrots, Turnips, Beets, Radishes</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">STEP 2: </span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Get out some paper and draw the outline of your garden. </b> Plant a different plant group (family) in each bed. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">NOTE: If you only have 1 bed you can simply divide it into 4 sections and then rotate the sections every year. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GxxQsuHyHmc/VPO2mt2Aw4I/AAAAAAAADUo/KqFb-b504bg/s1600/IMG_9538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GxxQsuHyHmc/VPO2mt2Aw4I/AAAAAAAADUo/KqFb-b504bg/s1600/IMG_9538.JPG" height="260" width="640" /></a></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">STEP 3: </span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Draw your garden plan for the next 3 to 4 years</b>. Rotate your plants based on the progression below:</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Legumes </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>---></b></span></span> Leaf </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>---> Fruiting</b><b> ---> Root</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> (nitrogen fixing) (both are nitrogen fixing) (breaks up soil) </span></b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> (like loose soil) </span></b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BMQFGkrddX4/VPO2IqmCD6I/AAAAAAAADUg/DXG8S39TzDk/s1600/IMG_9534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BMQFGkrddX4/VPO2IqmCD6I/AAAAAAAADUg/DXG8S39TzDk/s1600/IMG_9534.JPG" height="640" width="432" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">STEP 4: Save your crop rotation plan in a place you can find it for the following year! The next step is to layout the specific plants within each group. (Look for my next post to learn about planning your specific layouts) </span></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">NOTE: If you want to use a more advanced crop rotation system you can group plants based on their botanical family instead of these 4 groups. But I like to try and keep things simple! That way we have time to enjoy moments like these....because time is precious!</span></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K7dQM3jBZYg/VOsnYquTxDI/AAAAAAAADS4/tiDb4j-ju0Y/s1600/IMG_9284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K7dQM3jBZYg/VOsnYquTxDI/AAAAAAAADS4/tiDb4j-ju0Y/s1600/IMG_9284.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-61442375857485561502015-02-02T11:24:00.002-08:002015-02-02T11:51:10.118-08:00Simple Healthy Smoothie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8EWSLLNgtpY/VMPjHYpDAQI/AAAAAAAADSI/qthRruKQQSo/s1600/Simple%2BHealthy%2BSmoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8EWSLLNgtpY/VMPjHYpDAQI/AAAAAAAADSI/qthRruKQQSo/s1600/Simple%2BHealthy%2BSmoothie.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">This is one of our favorite morning or afternoon snacks in our house. I love that it includes greens and fruit along with almond milk for added calcium. Its an easy way to get our toddler to drink some veggies!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-egb3r0WxU8o/VMPhC2_pdMI/AAAAAAAADRc/aIFqX-E_Vi8/s1600/IMG_8490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-egb3r0WxU8o/VMPhC2_pdMI/AAAAAAAADRc/aIFqX-E_Vi8/s1600/IMG_8490.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PUqMqgas-sg/VMPhCiikGYI/AAAAAAAADRU/ze8_ruj5u6E/s1600/IMG_8484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PUqMqgas-sg/VMPhCiikGYI/AAAAAAAADRU/ze8_ruj5u6E/s1600/IMG_8484.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">INGREDIENTS:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1 Banana </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1 cup Frozen berries</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 cup Greens (Spinach, Kale or a mixture of greens)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2 cups (approx.) Almond milk (you can use regular milk)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">*you can add a spoonful of Sorbet if wanted</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yefcFdlA6-c/VMPhAR5tegI/AAAAAAAADQc/CKovHwGChZQ/s1600/IMG_8445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yefcFdlA6-c/VMPhAR5tegI/AAAAAAAADQc/CKovHwGChZQ/s1600/IMG_8445.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We use the NutriBullet to mix ours but you can also use a blender. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>STEP 1:</b> Add the greens </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>STEP 2: </b>Add the banana and berries (sorbet if wanted)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>STEP 3:</b> Add the milk </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bFrBv_CCBI8/VMPhAd3z4vI/AAAAAAAADQY/mWRRaN46srg/s1600/IMG_8451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bFrBv_CCBI8/VMPhAd3z4vI/AAAAAAAADQY/mWRRaN46srg/s1600/IMG_8451.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>STEP 4</b>:</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Blend then drink! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-meNVn1xVibE/VMPhBDECLRI/AAAAAAAADQs/Rz67YQf6PAI/s1600/IMG_8463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-meNVn1xVibE/VMPhBDECLRI/AAAAAAAADQs/Rz67YQf6PAI/s1600/IMG_8463.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GektxlMKcPo/VMPhBtMbNVI/AAAAAAAADQ4/znd90itdaWc/s1600/IMG_8467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GektxlMKcPo/VMPhBtMbNVI/AAAAAAAADQ4/znd90itdaWc/s1600/IMG_8467.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-53769301662088422015-01-27T04:58:00.000-08:002015-01-27T04:58:20.055-08:00Our Winter Wonderland<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sri4kz7CwBY/VLCQN8ucxKI/AAAAAAAADOQ/i1OahAyH-5k/s1600/Our%2BWinter%2BWonderland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sri4kz7CwBY/VLCQN8ucxKI/AAAAAAAADOQ/i1OahAyH-5k/s1600/Our%2BWinter%2BWonderland.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Gazing out the window the garden is painted in a delicate display of white beauty. The tree branches hang heavy with snow and the contrast of light and dark emphasize the detail of each limb. The garden is asleep for the winter anticipating the spring to come. In our home we have begun planning and dreaming of what this year may bring!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Our new seed catalogs have arrived in the mail with pictures of beautiful heirloom varieties of vegetables, herbs and flowers! I must admit that I always want to try a variety of vegetables but I have to remember that I only have so much room in the garden. Its hard to pick just 1 or 2 varieties of squash when I would love to try them all. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQIlyiHvvMo/VLCLQkPbcbI/AAAAAAAADN4/BIqQIqkBzRI/s1600/IMG_6715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQIlyiHvvMo/VLCLQkPbcbI/AAAAAAAADN4/BIqQIqkBzRI/s1600/IMG_6715.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">This last year we welcomed a new addition to our family and I took a small break from writing in the fall and early winter. However, I am excited to start up this year with new information and lessons learned! The beautiful part of gardening is that each year you start over again and I never tire of being part of the process. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">OVERALL GOALS FOR 2015:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b>1. Share my heart:</b> I started this blog to share the ways that God has moved in our lives through starting our garden and the ways he has used the garden to teach us amazing lessons. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b>2. Involve the kids:</b> with two little ones my goals are to find ways to involve them in
the process. This year I am going to be dedicating some posts to this topic! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b>3. Garden Tours:</b> Sharing knowledge from friends, family and other garden enthusiasts! I am going to continue my posts showing a variety of gardens.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Journey along with us in 2015! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6UwLNw9KDE0/VLCRQxi12FI/AAAAAAAADOc/8L4XgR1Sv6w/s1600/IMG_6694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6UwLNw9KDE0/VLCRQxi12FI/AAAAAAAADOc/8L4XgR1Sv6w/s1600/IMG_6694.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-48507382131988990972015-01-24T09:59:00.003-08:002015-01-24T10:03:45.593-08:00Choosing Heirloom Seeds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GKXROrnSybU/VMPNPkckI3I/AAAAAAAADP0/C8LQ37DuJI8/s1600/Choosing%2Bheirloom%2Bseeds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GKXROrnSybU/VMPNPkckI3I/AAAAAAAADP0/C8LQ37DuJI8/s1600/Choosing%2Bheirloom%2Bseeds.jpg" height="562" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Its a very exciting time of the year at our house! Our seed catalogs have arrived and its time to plan our garden for 2015. In past years I have bought seeds at stores, and ordered a few from catalogs. This year we have decided to revamp our process and buy all Heirloom seeds. Why are we choosing to go this route?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Ability to save seed</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can replant heirloom seeds (open pollinated) that you have saved from the previous year's crop because the plant remains stable in its characteristics. This is different from hybrids (which have been cross pollinated). If you save hybrid seed you never know what you are going to get! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Greater Flavor</b> </span></span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o86ZpgsspvQ/VMPAitppLAI/AAAAAAAADO8/IAVa8JRYeCI/s1600/IMG_8650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o86ZpgsspvQ/VMPAitppLAI/AAAAAAAADO8/IAVa8JRYeCI/s1600/IMG_8650.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Most heirloom varieties have a richer flavor (especially tomatoes).</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Seeds with history & stories </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Typically these seeds are pre-WWII or at least 50 years old. They have been passed down from generations and I love that our children can learn these stories. A beautiful way to bring life and knowledge to your garden. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Variety </b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Not only do you get greater flavor but an amazing selection in size, color, taste and culture. Why not grow a white eggplant or a purple tomato? At the same time you will discover a beautiful range in the plants you harvest. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDOFBw9Bjps/VMPbbJ90fDI/AAAAAAAADQE/n3nIiS2GufE/s1600/IMG_5882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDOFBw9Bjps/VMPbbJ90fDI/AAAAAAAADQE/n3nIiS2GufE/s1600/IMG_5882.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Discovery </b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The plants you harvest will vary in fruit size, and timing of harvest. Unlike a hybrid plant that produces fruit that is similar in size and has a predicable harvest time.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">First I started by looking at the seeds we didn't use from last year (below) and started a list of what we would like to grow this year! The next step is to make sure we are <b>rotating our crops</b> from the last couple years........</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_72DygkFutg/VMPAjFk9JwI/AAAAAAAADPE/p0rgdxBDEQk/s1600/IMG_8674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_72DygkFutg/VMPAjFk9JwI/AAAAAAAADPE/p0rgdxBDEQk/s1600/IMG_8674.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-15238593485922843742014-07-28T17:30:00.001-07:002014-07-30T13:49:04.359-07:00How to Attract Birds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3gabuYmtWM8/U9bpZAtRbPI/AAAAAAAADDg/sGJeupzZqtw/s1600/How+to+Attract+Birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3gabuYmtWM8/U9bpZAtRbPI/AAAAAAAADDg/sGJeupzZqtw/s1600/How+to+Attract+Birds.jpg" height="640" width="494" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I
walked out to the garden tonight and was able to get close to the
Yellow Finches that were picking away at the Italian Sunflowers! So
beautiful. They are acrobatic hanging upside down and eating sunflowers
(their favorite). </span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r_tKkVJaI9Y/U9bZB-DIDzI/AAAAAAAADCc/eQfEvJk0yXI/s1600/IMG_3782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r_tKkVJaI9Y/U9bZB-DIDzI/AAAAAAAADCc/eQfEvJk0yXI/s1600/IMG_3782.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Birds are an important part of a healthy garden. They eat insects that are pests and simply need: shelter, cover, water and food. You can add elements to your garden to make sure you have your own bird haven. </span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jxk0bUuXjIM/U9bZAYlB6vI/AAAAAAAADCQ/oL3-IUFm18w/s1600/IMG_3785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jxk0bUuXjIM/U9bZAYlB6vI/AAAAAAAADCQ/oL3-IUFm18w/s1600/IMG_3785.jpg" height="452" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">American Goldfinches- Female (left) Male (right) </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This year we cleared out the back right corner of our yard and added a small flower bed (on the far right of the picture below).</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wxrf6xfcwRY/U9bYmbqtCtI/AAAAAAAADCA/5sEluTNw2-I/s1600/IMG_3774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wxrf6xfcwRY/U9bYmbqtCtI/AAAAAAAADCA/5sEluTNw2-I/s1600/IMG_3774.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Garden on July 28th</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The new addition of the small flower bed has been the perfect solution to an unsightly area. It also allowed us to create an environment to attract birds. We moved one of our birdbaths to this location and also added a small birdhouse. This corner is also shaded so it provides an escape from the heat of the garden. </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WnhD8oCEuEU/U9baCC6VAdI/AAAAAAAADDU/9UHHdV3p870/s1600/IMG_3758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WnhD8oCEuEU/U9baCC6VAdI/AAAAAAAADDU/9UHHdV3p870/s1600/IMG_3758.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Birdhouse & Birdbath- under the tree in the shade</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">UPDATE ON RAISED BEDS IN GARDEN: The pictures below show the progress in the garden. Around mid-August the garden will be close to final production. However, right now things are still growing!</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlBqgThEwJU/U9bZj8UEK1I/AAAAAAAADCw/D2NmgOo4eE0/s1600/IMG_3791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlBqgThEwJU/U9bZj8UEK1I/AAAAAAAADCw/D2NmgOo4eE0/s1600/IMG_3791.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">BED #1- Parsley, Asparagus & Summer Squash</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_4ASeIZMlw/U9bZd1ALUKI/AAAAAAAADCg/vfEf37LlurM/s1600/IMG_3792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_4ASeIZMlw/U9bZd1ALUKI/AAAAAAAADCg/vfEf37LlurM/s1600/IMG_3792.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">BED #2- Zucchini, Onions, Tomatoes, & Okra (removed Cucumber vines today due to disease)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eRBDvsAfLA4/U9bZij5M2kI/AAAAAAAADCo/Umz7AjVxN58/s1600/IMG_3793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eRBDvsAfLA4/U9bZij5M2kI/AAAAAAAADCo/Umz7AjVxN58/s1600/IMG_3793.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">CENTER BED: Herbs, Marigolds, Tomato & Peppers</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7fxU7k36lc/U9bZuH7qsyI/AAAAAAAADC4/PliXayHpkZc/s1600/IMG_3788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7fxU7k36lc/U9bZuH7qsyI/AAAAAAAADC4/PliXayHpkZc/s1600/IMG_3788.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">BED #3- Zucchini, Green Beans, Peppers & Cucumbers (removed Cucumber vines today due to disease)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fUis54qXLnc/U9bZ2aitBWI/AAAAAAAADDA/N2xHixa3Loo/s1600/IMG_3794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fUis54qXLnc/U9bZ2aitBWI/AAAAAAAADDA/N2xHixa3Loo/s1600/IMG_3794.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">BED #4- Pumpkins, Onions & Summer Squash (previously had lettuce)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5nCi32LHG10/U9bZ7MY8hJI/AAAAAAAADDI/1gzOag515mI/s1600/IMG_3797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5nCi32LHG10/U9bZ7MY8hJI/AAAAAAAADDI/1gzOag515mI/s1600/IMG_3797.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-41540225675442641612014-07-28T06:58:00.003-07:002014-07-28T07:02:13.648-07:00Harvest Totals July 28th <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-564EutAVtwI/U9ZLU7Xpb_I/AAAAAAAADBk/eVUe-GoRnTQ/s1600/Harvest+Totals+July+28th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-564EutAVtwI/U9ZLU7Xpb_I/AAAAAAAADBk/eVUe-GoRnTQ/s1600/Harvest+Totals+July+28th.jpg" height="640" width="496" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">August is going to be very busy for us so I wanted to make sure to post an update on the garden before things become hectic! Although this has been a very cool and wet summer we have still had success in the garden. Some plants have struggled (tomatoes, cucumbers and onions) but overall things have gone well. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><i> </i></b></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><i> From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward. Proverbs 12:14</i></b></span></span></span> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Below are some harvest totals up to this point: </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NOG0nUShpnI/U9ZJnBLOetI/AAAAAAAADBY/HKZei2z-1vE/s1600/2014+Harvest+Totals+-+Sheet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NOG0nUShpnI/U9ZJnBLOetI/AAAAAAAADBY/HKZei2z-1vE/s1600/2014+Harvest+Totals+-+Sheet1.jpg" height="580" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aU23C82mblc/U9ZN-Kw7tXI/AAAAAAAADBw/KbccbzF-Lt4/s1600/IMG_3756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aU23C82mblc/U9ZN-Kw7tXI/AAAAAAAADBw/KbccbzF-Lt4/s1600/IMG_3756.jpg" height="270" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Flowers in full bloom</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have loved looking out at the flowers which border either side of the garden gate. This year I tried new types of Sunflowers and Zinnias and I love picking some of the flowers to bring indoors in arrangements. The textures and colors "pop" when they are up close and inside. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci1uV5Zcxmk/U9Y_VzSljSI/AAAAAAAAC_k/Qh3v4Sn7I9k/s1600/IMG_3752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci1uV5Zcxmk/U9Y_VzSljSI/AAAAAAAAC_k/Qh3v4Sn7I9k/s1600/IMG_3752.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SdTgzqTf-JQ/U9Y_ROGuVYI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/ZMlQH9d3i2k/s1600/IMG_3751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SdTgzqTf-JQ/U9Y_ROGuVYI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/ZMlQH9d3i2k/s1600/IMG_3751.jpg" height="400" width="272" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t-P_T2rwchY/U9Y_kPa1U5I/AAAAAAAADAA/B3bcZAGsRPI/s1600/IMG_3710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t-P_T2rwchY/U9Y_kPa1U5I/AAAAAAAADAA/B3bcZAGsRPI/s1600/IMG_3710.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oU_0U09MqAs/U9Y_Z-NBD-I/AAAAAAAAC_w/EVprOsY96sc/s1600/IMG_3753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oU_0U09MqAs/U9Y_Z-NBD-I/AAAAAAAAC_w/EVprOsY96sc/s1600/IMG_3753.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This year I have had the same pests and issues as last year (sad to say). However, I haven't been able to get out into the garden everyday to try and prevent problems so I am half to blame. I also discovered that the Asparagus Beetles overwintered in the soil so I couldn't have prevented them from coming back. Cucumber Beetles have wilted the vines on the Cucumbers again and I find them to be very challenging pests to eliminate. </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itqf4vQtz8M/U9Y_oRpgccI/AAAAAAAADAI/dN3tT3zX4RA/s1600/IMG_3721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itqf4vQtz8M/U9Y_oRpgccI/AAAAAAAADAI/dN3tT3zX4RA/s1600/IMG_3721.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ladybug (a beneficial insect!)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4hBpqPuUC0/U9Y_vXA21bI/AAAAAAAADAQ/TXaa2jn9qXc/s1600/IMG_3722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4hBpqPuUC0/U9Y_vXA21bI/AAAAAAAADAQ/TXaa2jn9qXc/s1600/IMG_3722.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--8qK31AZUW0/U9Y_0OSsjDI/AAAAAAAADAY/TofnRRyltZ0/s1600/IMG_3723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--8qK31AZUW0/U9Y_0OSsjDI/AAAAAAAADAY/TofnRRyltZ0/s1600/IMG_3723.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Squash Vine Borer (SVB) has attacked again this year. So far I have noticed that only 1 Zucchini plant has been affected. I noticed a sawdust like substance which is called "frass" around the base of the stem. At that point the plant is infested with the larva and they are eating the inside of the stem. I pulled up the plant and split the stem to find the pests munching away! Then it was time to throw the plant and pests in the trash. </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RDNBo8ku9xs/U9Y_5C0zTKI/AAAAAAAADAg/NtucODASFSQ/s1600/IMG_3724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RDNBo8ku9xs/U9Y_5C0zTKI/AAAAAAAADAg/NtucODASFSQ/s1600/IMG_3724.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Squash Vine Borer Larva</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Despite the pests this year has still been a wonderful year in the garden. There are 3 more Zucchini plants that are producing! The Summer Squash are also happy and so far we have picked 3 colanders full of green beans. There are 9 Tomato plants in BED #2 that have lots of green tomatoes! We have been harvesting the red tomatoes on the deck and okra. The harvesting is far from over. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-umx6WwCwarA/U9ZD30gt2lI/AAAAAAAADBI/BRVvXKqnwAo/s1600/IMG_3728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-umx6WwCwarA/U9ZD30gt2lI/AAAAAAAADBI/BRVvXKqnwAo/s1600/IMG_3728.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have especially loved the Sunflowers this year and so have the yellow finches! The one below almost appears to be artificial but its real! </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ittrjtO_wbg/U9Y_gw43_HI/AAAAAAAAC_8/F1w85GfHOfQ/s1600/IMG_3755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ittrjtO_wbg/U9Y_gw43_HI/AAAAAAAAC_8/F1w85GfHOfQ/s1600/IMG_3755.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-86180565165223709812014-07-21T06:24:00.003-07:002014-07-21T06:24:53.948-07:00Tomato Issues & Solutions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ipfYDd4m4s/U80T5fZMLCI/AAAAAAAAC_I/e_QArFJKWlk/s1600/Tomato+issues+and+solutions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ipfYDd4m4s/U80T5fZMLCI/AAAAAAAAC_I/e_QArFJKWlk/s1600/Tomato+issues+and+solutions.jpg" height="352" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cool night temperatures and an usual amount of rainfall for July has been positive for flowers and other vegetables, but harmful to warm temperature plants like tomatoes. This year we have had two issues with our tomatoes on the deck. "Septoria Leaf Spot" and "Blossom-End Rot." Here is some information on what to do if you find these issues on your tomato plants. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tomatoes love the heat and cool temperatures can produce a disease called <b>"Septoria Leaf Spot" </b></span></span>The spots start to show up when the first fruit are setting on the plant. They are 1/16" to 1/4" inch in size and you find them first on the lower leaves of the plant (see picture below). The center of the spots have black or brown centers and are surrounded by brown. The tissue that surrounds the spots eventually will turn yellow. The more spots on the leaf the more likely it will just shrivel and die. </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Byp6KJ7t9xE/U8z_oE-JcJI/AAAAAAAAC-E/iwvI9fO1lm4/s1600/IMG_3619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Byp6KJ7t9xE/U8z_oE-JcJI/AAAAAAAAC-E/iwvI9fO1lm4/s1600/IMG_3619.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Septoria Leaf Spot" on our plant</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you find that your plants are starting to developing Septoria Leaf Spot then remove the diseased leaves and destroy them right away (do not compost). Those left on the plant can spread infection. The tomatoes on your plants will be fine but you may have a reduced crop if lots of leaves are removed (tomatoes need leaves to produce). </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You
can also use mulch like grass clippings around the base of the plants
to stop the pathogen from going from the ground to the plants. If you
need to water the plants (this year that has been rare due to rain) make
sure to water at the base of the plant and not to water overhead or get
leaves wet. </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGIwUAcuazw/U8z_xlIj1XI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/w3Zzspz3EqI/s1600/IMG_3622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGIwUAcuazw/U8z_xlIj1XI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/w3Zzspz3EqI/s1600/IMG_3622.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tomato ready to harvest</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The second issue is <b>"Blossom End Rot" </b>which is caused by a calcium deficiency. The deficient soil is not able to bring the tomatoes to the ripe stage before the fruit rots. This year I believe it is because the rain can cause the nutrients to rush out of the soil </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(we have had more than our fair share of rain this year!) </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-95nlPJZ9IrQ/U8z_8tocM_I/AAAAAAAAC-o/_BfZ_zg6Eao/s1600/IMG_3704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-95nlPJZ9IrQ/U8z_8tocM_I/AAAAAAAAC-o/_BfZ_zg6Eao/s1600/IMG_3704.jpg" height="436" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">One day I walked out and the tomatoes were orange and almost ready to pick and the next day they were red with these water soaked dark brown circles underneath. I have had several other people in this state tell me they have had the same issue this year. I did find it interesting that the garden I know of in Alabama (which planted some of my tomato seedlings) hasn't had this issue and also hasn't had this cool moist summer! Anyway it is quite a disappointment when you were ready to eat your tomatoes. The good news is that it can be prevented and stopped after it has begun. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Rain
can cause nutrients to rush out of the soil rapidly - See more at:
http://gardenmentors.com/garden-help/edible-gardens/growing-tomatoes-successfully-despite-cold-temperatures-and-rain/#sthash.cGyeUAHx.dp</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K_7-Fb24nkg/U80BJ0zke7I/AAAAAAAAC-4/WRKpME-CiBo/s1600/IMG_3626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K_7-Fb24nkg/U80BJ0zke7I/AAAAAAAAC-4/WRKpME-CiBo/s1600/IMG_3626.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Two of our tomatoes with "Blossom-End Rot"</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you find this issue on your tomatoes throw out the fruit with blossom end rot (keep those on the vine that are not showing any signs of rot) and use these means of prevention and control: </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BLOSSOM END ROT SOLUTIONS: </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. Use a <b>fertilizer low in nitrogen and high in phosphorous. </b> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. <b>Treat calcium deficiency with one of these options:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>a. Epsom Salt-</b> Once a week dissolve 1/2 cup of Epsom salt in a gallon of water and slowly pour all of the mixture around the base of the plant. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>b. Tomato Rot Stop- </b>Quick acting liquid calcium chloride you can purchase in a spray. You apply it on the fruit and foilage after you get heavy rain or rapid growth (apply early morning or late evening to prevent leaf burn). </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. <b>Apply mulch</b> to maintain constant soil moisture. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Water at the base of the plant</b> and not to water overhead or get leaves wet. </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4dErPL5GTTg/U8z_3TlPUdI/AAAAAAAAC-g/yBzFnnsip8c/s1600/IMG_3623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4dErPL5GTTg/U8z_3TlPUdI/AAAAAAAAC-g/yBzFnnsip8c/s1600/IMG_3623.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Green tomatoes still on the vine</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Preventative measures for next planting year:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. Work Epsom salt into the soil before planting tomatoes (and other garden vegetables) in the spring. For a raised bed garden (4x 6 or 4 x 8) apply one pound. For containers and pots use one cup and work into the soil. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2. Several times during the growing season side dress or water the vegetables with 1/2 cup of Epsom salt dissolved in one gallon of water. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am happy to report that I used Tomato Rot Stop on our tomato plants on the deck and I have been harvesting healthy tomatoes with no more Blossom End Rot! Here is a picture of the harvest......delicious. </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49w4pceSmDc/U80ABZ-ImPI/AAAAAAAAC-w/rO1wO7Qix-s/s1600/IMG_3709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49w4pceSmDc/U80ABZ-ImPI/AAAAAAAAC-w/rO1wO7Qix-s/s1600/IMG_3709.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Harvest last week of Green Beans, Zucchini, Summer Squash, Cucumber and 2 red Tomatoes with no issues!</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-32675157372228608162014-07-18T04:40:00.001-07:002014-07-18T04:43:21.210-07:00Strawberry Blueberry Pie<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0_B2awjedY/U7n3KnK6o-I/AAAAAAAAC5s/Cb__XWd9kQg/s1600/Homemade+Strawberry+Blueberry+Pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0_B2awjedY/U7n3KnK6o-I/AAAAAAAAC5s/Cb__XWd9kQg/s1600/Homemade+Strawberry+Blueberry+Pie.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This year we have expanded the garden to include fruit! My husband wanted to try Blueberries and I adore Raspberries so he started researching back in March. We bought 3 Blueberry plants and 1 Raspberry plant from a local nursery. We have loved this addition to the garden and plan to add more plants next year. </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7pVz3QYhKPo/U7n4wlRRL-I/AAAAAAAAC6I/9nq6vQan65U/s1600/IMG_2551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7pVz3QYhKPo/U7n4wlRRL-I/AAAAAAAAC6I/9nq6vQan65U/s1600/IMG_2551.jpg" height="403" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jelly Bean, Chippewa & Peach Sorbet Blueberries</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2aDbtvoOKA/U7n4OQ_6BtI/AAAAAAAAC54/WvdM2pJ0HmQ/s1600/IMG_2921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2aDbtvoOKA/U7n4OQ_6BtI/AAAAAAAAC54/WvdM2pJ0HmQ/s1600/IMG_2921.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Raspberry Shortcake </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JcahtAzJaxw/U8a29m3sOfI/AAAAAAAAC84/gF2c1uG90sQ/s1600/IMG_3620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JcahtAzJaxw/U8a29m3sOfI/AAAAAAAAC84/gF2c1uG90sQ/s1600/IMG_3620.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fresh Raspberries</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I had some Strawberries from the store this week so I decided to add some
blueberries and make a pie! (I also love Raspberry pie but we haven't
harvested enough berries yet from our 1 plant to cook with). </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">NOTE: If you are short on time you can always just buy frozen pie crust instead of making yours from scratch. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>BERRY PIE FILLING</b></span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">INGREDIENTS:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1- 1/2 cups of fresh blueberries</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 cup of fresh strawberries</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/2 cup of sugar* </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/4 cup tapioca </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">honey</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">* I reduced the sugar from 1 cup to 1/2 cup and then drizzle some honey over the berries. I find that its still very sweet and delicious! </span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">PREHEAT OVEN TO: 375 degrees</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">DIRECTIONS:</span></span></b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. Wash the berries then dry. Cut the Strawberries into fourths then add to the blueberries. </span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gc5syZZmtbM/U8bFovBui1I/AAAAAAAAC9U/ctdxUe_IfJg/s1600/IMG_3325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gc5syZZmtbM/U8bFovBui1I/AAAAAAAAC9U/ctdxUe_IfJg/s1600/IMG_3325.jpg" height="278" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> 2. In a bowl mix together the sugar and tapioca. Start the pie crust recipe (below) and let the berries stand for 15 minutes. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDwn3FiNtg0/U8bH26jLSiI/AAAAAAAAC9g/YtrxJ8prRFI/s1600/IMG_3326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDwn3FiNtg0/U8bH26jLSiI/AAAAAAAAC9g/YtrxJ8prRFI/s1600/IMG_3326.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">HOMEMADE OIL CRUST </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">INGREDIENTS:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 cups of sifted flour</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 tsp. salt</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3/4 cup vegetable oil (or a bit less)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/4 cup milk </span></span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">DIRECTIONS:</span></span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. Sift flour and add salt, oil and milk to bowl. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4CHLFNQXvc/U7np-Qp-OOI/AAAAAAAAC4E/eXn40eL-4yI/s1600/IMG_3309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4CHLFNQXvc/U7np-Qp-OOI/AAAAAAAAC4E/eXn40eL-4yI/s1600/IMG_3309.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2. Stir with a spoon until a ball forms. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TzvBYCQm9t0/U7nqCq6ivJI/AAAAAAAAC4M/f8ICCWRlAw8/s1600/IMG_3313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TzvBYCQm9t0/U7nqCq6ivJI/AAAAAAAAC4M/f8ICCWRlAw8/s1600/IMG_3313.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3. Divide the dough into 2 balls. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aqMw_pKHc9c/U7nqJW4HeCI/AAAAAAAAC4U/1DQuvFyBnqA/s1600/IMG_3314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aqMw_pKHc9c/U7nqJW4HeCI/AAAAAAAAC4U/1DQuvFyBnqA/s1600/IMG_3314.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4. Roll out 1 piece between 2 sheets of wax paper. Then repeat with the other piece. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dHIJXIl6kPU/U7nqM0SOtWI/AAAAAAAAC4c/3BnLEQWQfoY/s1600/IMG_3315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dHIJXIl6kPU/U7nqM0SOtWI/AAAAAAAAC4c/3BnLEQWQfoY/s1600/IMG_3315.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">5. Take off the top piece of wax paper carefully and place your pie dish on top. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OSveDNbJQKw/U7nqSIr--fI/AAAAAAAAC4k/SknxDpRciuc/s1600/IMG_3317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OSveDNbJQKw/U7nqSIr--fI/AAAAAAAAC4k/SknxDpRciuc/s1600/IMG_3317.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">6. Flip the pie dish and dough over holding one hand on the wax paper and the other on the bottom of the pie dish.</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Shape the dough around the pie dish and poke with a fork.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oIAdJzBnol8/U7nqWJ_hfBI/AAAAAAAAC4s/CAosqAuKmmI/s1600/IMG_3318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oIAdJzBnol8/U7nqWJ_hfBI/AAAAAAAAC4s/CAosqAuKmmI/s1600/IMG_3318.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> 7. Pour the berry mixture into the pie crust. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUOX56SaATQ/U7nqhVXIS9I/AAAAAAAAC48/ntSfTHTqy2E/s1600/IMG_3330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUOX56SaATQ/U7nqhVXIS9I/AAAAAAAAC48/ntSfTHTqy2E/s1600/IMG_3330.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">8. Top the pie with the other piece of rolled out dough. Pinch edges together for crust. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1L4kA7Xm3G0/U7nqlnkG9yI/AAAAAAAAC5E/20OHW2Ky6Ls/s1600/IMG_3333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1L4kA7Xm3G0/U7nqlnkG9yI/AAAAAAAAC5E/20OHW2Ky6Ls/s1600/IMG_3333.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">9. Put foil around edges of crust (to prevent burning). </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7FDUKLnvM8Q/U7nqp7zwiOI/AAAAAAAAC5M/NAyPcn0tO84/s1600/IMG_3335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7FDUKLnvM8Q/U7nqp7zwiOI/AAAAAAAAC5M/NAyPcn0tO84/s1600/IMG_3335.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">10. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Bake in oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil. Bake for another 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the the filling is bubbly. </span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v0-gOHAHBtw/U7nqyufv8rI/AAAAAAAAC5c/-o4_RDd84pE/s1600/IMG_3344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v0-gOHAHBtw/U7nqyufv8rI/AAAAAAAAC5c/-o4_RDd84pE/s1600/IMG_3344.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">11. Cool on wire rack. Then slice and enjoy!</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-35421575063651298122014-07-16T11:07:00.002-07:002014-07-16T11:11:56.739-07:00A Walk in the Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jVc9fnjWjO4/U8a-6Gs5egI/AAAAAAAAC9E/zx7RgW0Cxvk/s1600/A+Walk+in+the+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jVc9fnjWjO4/U8a-6Gs5egI/AAAAAAAAC9E/zx7RgW0Cxvk/s1600/A+Walk+in+the+Garden.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was such an amazing evening for July. Cool and breezy with no clouds in sight. Perfect for a walk in the garden. A time to reflect on the busy week and the changes to come. Time to give thanks for all God's blessings in my life and time to pray for those I love. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">These are the pictures that I choose to capture that walk. Details of pausing from our busy world to look at the colors and textures. Every image shouting for our lives to take a break from this chaos. An invitation to listen and be quiet. Allowing the peace of God to wash over your life. </span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span class="versetext" id="isa55-12" style="display: inline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"You will go out in joy<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="39"></a> and be led forth in peace;<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="40"></a> the mountains and hills will burst into song<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="41"></a> before you, and all the trees<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="42"></a> of the field will clap their hands."</span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="43"></a>
</span>
<span class="versetext" id="isa55-13" style="display: inline;"><span class="versenum"></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Isaiah 55:12</span></span></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQf66zNl3Tc/U8ayWe9QBYI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/ksI3JxXDxkA/s1600/IMG_3642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQf66zNl3Tc/U8ayWe9QBYI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/ksI3JxXDxkA/s1600/IMG_3642.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mwh9eavIv7w/U8ayOx9YyEI/AAAAAAAAC7I/S3yB-Hsihdo/s1600/IMG_3635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mwh9eavIv7w/U8ayOx9YyEI/AAAAAAAAC7I/S3yB-Hsihdo/s1600/IMG_3635.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JcahtAzJaxw/U8a29m3sOfI/AAAAAAAAC80/G8MG0HEd9BM/s1600/IMG_3620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JcahtAzJaxw/U8a29m3sOfI/AAAAAAAAC80/G8MG0HEd9BM/s1600/IMG_3620.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rpMm5i7mw_A/U8aypQPgoHI/AAAAAAAAC70/1je8osuUtVU/s1600/IMG_3662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rpMm5i7mw_A/U8aypQPgoHI/AAAAAAAAC70/1je8osuUtVU/s1600/IMG_3662.JPG" height="640" width="480" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3RV288F6oY/U8azE8ZynjI/AAAAAAAAC8c/6UQmzdXWv1M/s1600/IMG_3653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3RV288F6oY/U8azE8ZynjI/AAAAAAAAC8c/6UQmzdXWv1M/s1600/IMG_3653.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msdnd0orXrs/U8ayy2QB1rI/AAAAAAAAC8A/JVqYYfFrRHk/s1600/IMG_3665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msdnd0orXrs/U8ayy2QB1rI/AAAAAAAAC8A/JVqYYfFrRHk/s1600/IMG_3665.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-md8pw6Ag7oY/U8azDU17mxI/AAAAAAAAC8U/lfAkVxB8oPU/s1600/IMG_3655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-md8pw6Ag7oY/U8azDU17mxI/AAAAAAAAC8U/lfAkVxB8oPU/s1600/IMG_3655.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yqu9XZ44R4M/U8aykAjafdI/AAAAAAAAC7s/pEa4z2JkjI4/s1600/IMG_3666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yqu9XZ44R4M/U8aykAjafdI/AAAAAAAAC7s/pEa4z2JkjI4/s1600/IMG_3666.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TwHQBE9buhw/U8azLtXdsmI/AAAAAAAAC8k/J0v0cvVNW5I/s1600/IMG_3650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TwHQBE9buhw/U8azLtXdsmI/AAAAAAAAC8k/J0v0cvVNW5I/s1600/IMG_3650.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4lHYIbztbfY/U8ayh78Iy-I/AAAAAAAAC7k/reXKTUlv4nI/s1600/IMG_3647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4lHYIbztbfY/U8ayh78Iy-I/AAAAAAAAC7k/reXKTUlv4nI/s1600/IMG_3647.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-5477966993298449692014-07-07T05:11:00.001-07:002014-07-07T05:11:12.978-07:00Asiago Chicken Pasta<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nv11XrIjeM4/U7nk5jpddaI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/eyUCLipZ4EA/s1600/Asiago+Chicken+Pasta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nv11XrIjeM4/U7nk5jpddaI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/eyUCLipZ4EA/s1600/Asiago+Chicken+Pasta.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love pasta. Especially pasta salad and summer is the perfect time for a delicious easy side dish to go along with grilling! This recipe has been a favorite of my family for around 15 years now. Its a classic. Simple to make you can either make it ahead and then warm it up or serve it warm right away. </span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ingredients:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 box gemelli pasta (cooked)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4 green onions</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 red pepper</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4 garlic cloves</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 hunk of Parmesan cheese (or 5 oz. already shredded)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 hunk of Asiago cheese</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> (or 5 oz. already shredded)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4 chicken breasts grilled & chopped</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">olive oil</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">red wine vinegar</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Italian seasoning</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">garlic salt </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nFqaIK4ge2A/U7njUdvP4pI/AAAAAAAAC1U/BTNU0zOs5z4/s1600/IMG_3508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nFqaIK4ge2A/U7njUdvP4pI/AAAAAAAAC1U/BTNU0zOs5z4/s1600/IMG_3508.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Directions:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. Cook pasta and set aside.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E6Lg4e6BogM/U7njeyVVpxI/AAAAAAAAC1c/M1PVm-FuX-g/s1600/IMG_3514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E6Lg4e6BogM/U7njeyVVpxI/AAAAAAAAC1c/M1PVm-FuX-g/s1600/IMG_3514.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2. Chop red pepper, green onions & garlic cloves. You can use a food processor if you want to speed up the process. </span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fCpoCf-Rpew/U7njRPj8SpI/AAAAAAAAC1M/dkeQT9_H6fs/s1600/IMG_3507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fCpoCf-Rpew/U7njRPj8SpI/AAAAAAAAC1M/dkeQT9_H6fs/s1600/IMG_3507.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3. Grill chicken & chop then set aside.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VF5FnyaFxmA/U7njlXyRomI/AAAAAAAAC1s/ttP2kPFZ6vs/s1600/IMG_3518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VF5FnyaFxmA/U7njlXyRomI/AAAAAAAAC1s/ttP2kPFZ6vs/s1600/IMG_3518.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4. In a large bowl add pasta, red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic salt & Italian seasoning. Mix and taste. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">5. Add grilled chicken and most of the the cheese and mix. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPLT4q4NiGw/U7nj0ZlTEgI/AAAAAAAAC2E/_6DZ8UVMVuA/s1600/IMG_3521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPLT4q4NiGw/U7nj0ZlTEgI/AAAAAAAAC2E/_6DZ8UVMVuA/s1600/IMG_3521.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></b></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4. Add remaining cheese on top and serve! </span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-14837078658850376122014-07-05T06:15:00.000-07:002014-07-05T06:15:12.030-07:00July 4th Garden Update<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SuY5nUd8B6I/U7cyqktPsfI/AAAAAAAACzk/7R8wPtFh1zQ/s1600/July+4th+Garden+Update.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SuY5nUd8B6I/U7cyqktPsfI/AAAAAAAACzk/7R8wPtFh1zQ/s1600/July+4th+Garden+Update.jpg" height="640" width="462"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> This
has to be my favorite month of the year in the garden! The flowers are
blooming, some vegetables are ready to eat (with more to come) and
everything looks good! </span></span><br>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">When I am cooking or doing dishes in the kitchen I love to look out and see the garden. Especially now with the Zinnias and Sunflowers starting to bloom in the 2 front beneficial flower beds. Zinnias are great flowers to grow and they come in an array of beautiful bright colors. This year I tried several different kinds (more details below). </span></span><br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LleM2hO2teE/U7cXuJKTU8I/AAAAAAAACyU/MDW5rfsMRlE/s1600/IMG_3448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LleM2hO2teE/U7cXuJKTU8I/AAAAAAAACyU/MDW5rfsMRlE/s1600/IMG_3448.jpg" height="356" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beneficial flowers starting to bloom! </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The beneficial flower beds are not just for looks. They bring good bugs to the garden (especially bees). Check out a previous post of mine called:<a href="http://followingthemastergardener.blogspot.com/search/label/Beneficial%20Insects">Attracting Beneficial Insects</a></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> for more tips on this!</span></span><br>
<br>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6FjAb3z9Bkg/U7cYqinLwxI/AAAAAAAACyg/QcNYQ679_YA/s1600/IMG_3454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6FjAb3z9Bkg/U7cYqinLwxI/AAAAAAAACyg/QcNYQ679_YA/s1600/IMG_3454.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Zinnia- Senora</span></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Zinnia Senora:</span></span></u></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Eye-catching 3" double blooms feature the unique color of salmon pink. </span></span><br>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Blooms all season </span></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(summer to fall)</span></span><br>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">36" height </span></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGhd0OwdHro/U7cYs819m2I/AAAAAAAACyo/cE1sPJoNEH4/s1600/IMG_3455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGhd0OwdHro/U7cYs819m2I/AAAAAAAACyo/cE1sPJoNEH4/s1600/IMG_3455.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Zinnia- Envy</b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Zinnia Envy:</u></span></span></b><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Vigorous plants produce spectacular 2-3 flowers in the rarest of colors, chartreuse. </span></span> <br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Many bright 2-3" blooms</span></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">30" height</span></span><br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VrHuPCiTFpQ/U7cYtQhDDOI/AAAAAAAACys/Dbw4mAzXHUo/s1600/IMG_3456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VrHuPCiTFpQ/U7cYtQhDDOI/AAAAAAAACys/Dbw4mAzXHUo/s1600/IMG_3456.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Zinnia- Purple Prince</b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Zinnia Purple Prince:</u></span></span></b><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Intense, rosy purple, large flowers. </span></span> <br>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Blooms for 10 weeks</span></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">36" height</span></span><br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTlfAjZUS4A/U7c1sDdn3XI/AAAAAAAACzw/WeiaCFxoUJQ/s1600/IMG_3526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTlfAjZUS4A/U7c1sDdn3XI/AAAAAAAACzw/WeiaCFxoUJQ/s1600/IMG_3526.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sunflower- Italian White</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sunflower</span></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Italian White:</span></span></u></b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> An abundance of 4" creamy white to yellow blooms form on multi-branching plants. </span></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Blooms all season </span></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(summer to fall)</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">5' height</span></span><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We also added a new flower bed around our Red Bud tree. Next year we hope to make the bed even bigger (back to the tree line). The more flowers you have the more bees will come to your garden! I should add that I started both the Coleus and some of the Inpatients from seed indoors. </span></span><br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJSqmfzdiEQ/U7cY2ZsXIKI/AAAAAAAACy4/u27z3WvlRmE/s1600/IMG_3457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJSqmfzdiEQ/U7cY2ZsXIKI/AAAAAAAACy4/u27z3WvlRmE/s1600/IMG_3457.JPG" height="480" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Red Bud tree with Inpatients, Coleus, Ferns & Hostas</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>PESTS: </b>Every year there are bad bugs in the garden! We garden organically so I don't spray our plants with pesticides. I expect that some plants are going to be a loss and we do our best to get the plants as healthy as possible before we remove our row covers (which protect them from bugs) until they need to be pollinated. So far this season we have been battling 3 different types of Beetles: </span></span><br>
<a href="http://followingthemastergardener.blogspot.com/2014/07/july-4th-garden-update.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-7168330996168316612014-07-04T13:39:00.003-07:002014-07-04T13:51:27.153-07:00Composting Success<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Qlp1ILNc4w/U6Dutl7mZBI/AAAAAAAACrg/-8L3KcG_qvQ/s1600/Composting+Success.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Qlp1ILNc4w/U6Dutl7mZBI/AAAAAAAACrg/-8L3KcG_qvQ/s1600/Composting+Success.jpg" height="640" width="488" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I wrote an earlier post called <a href="http://followingthemastergardener.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-secret-in-garden.html">"The Secret in the Garden"</a> in which I revealed that your SOIL is the most important component in your garden. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The most beneficial thing you can add to your soil is COMPOST. It
enriches your soil and allows nutrients to be provided to your plants
for a long period of time. It also provides the ability for the soil to
hold moisture which is an outstanding attribute. Another great
benefit: When you use compost on your garden you won't need to use any
other natural fertilizers! </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xU8GBEjsAek/U5-bhwLRlAI/AAAAAAAACp8/MePz_KE47mQ/s1600/IMG_0381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xU8GBEjsAek/U5-bhwLRlAI/AAAAAAAACp8/MePz_KE47mQ/s1600/IMG_0381.jpg" height="400" width="340" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b3d1aa2Dyq0/U5-bqS3jeGI/AAAAAAAACqM/dIa4kneYihw/s1600/IMG_0383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b3d1aa2Dyq0/U5-bqS3jeGI/AAAAAAAACqM/dIa4kneYihw/s1600/IMG_0383.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Composting really isn't as complicated as you may think. I have a simple plastic bin for collecting our kitchen scraps that I keep under our sink. Before this bin I simply used an old Tupperware container with a lid. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I like that this container has a lid that simply flips open and the handle is nice for carrying outside. Keep in mind anything will work as long as you have a way to seal the top which keeps the smell in.</span></span> Also if you want something to sit on your counter you can buy a more attractive looking bin. There are many options out there now! </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_3pv2DsGCI0/U5-bmJcLoMI/AAAAAAAACqE/IN13c1f-v68/s1600/IMG_0382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_3pv2DsGCI0/U5-bmJcLoMI/AAAAAAAACqE/IN13c1f-v68/s1600/IMG_0382.jpg" height="401" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One of the keys is to remember what you can compost and what you don't compost. There is a sticker on our bin which reminds others of these rules. For the most part our small indoor bin contains our fruit and vegetable scraps and sometimes we add tea bags. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NGd_e4iliVY/U5-b6uuLBuI/AAAAAAAACqc/vvlHJPuxGQs/s1600/IMG_0385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NGd_e4iliVY/U5-b6uuLBuI/AAAAAAAACqc/vvlHJPuxGQs/s1600/IMG_0385.jpg" height="400" width="321" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Outside we have a compost leaf & pruning pile. Its simply chicken wire with 4 posts. Every fall we fill it up with leaves and trimmings for us to use in the Spring. </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-23tbrSjOnFw/U5-cCKE4svI/AAAAAAAACqk/taixUrIAEDg/s1600/IMG_0386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-23tbrSjOnFw/U5-cCKE4svI/AAAAAAAACqk/taixUrIAEDg/s1600/IMG_0386.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We have 2 Compost tumblers </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>SELECTING YOUR COMPOST BIN:</b> We decided to go with a tumbler because it was simple for us to use. We love that everything stays contained in the bin and its off the ground. It is also sealed and we turn it about once a week to keep things going. (Tip: Just don't turn it in the winter it will be far too heavy and probably break the bolts....this may have happened to me!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There are many different options out there. Here are a few more options that are cost effective:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>1. Woven wire bin-</b> Use chicken wire and stakes (like our leaf pile bin). Simple and cheap. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>2. Block or brick bin- </b>stack the blocks on top of each other making 3 sides. Access from the front & top to turn. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>3. Wooden bins-</b> 4 sides and a top that you can make out of wood. Top or 1 side can be removed so you can turn the materials. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>4. Turning bin</b>- Usually 2 or 3 bins side by side together. Add new material to 1st bin and then move to 2nd bin after a couple of weeks and continue adding new to 1st bin. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>HOW TO COMPOST:</b> Simply add your kitchen scraps to the compost bin and cover with leaves. Next turn your pile. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iLTNtJyI0m0/U5-cKUHeliI/AAAAAAAACqs/h6suytLyiX4/s1600/IMG_0387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iLTNtJyI0m0/U5-cKUHeliI/AAAAAAAACqs/h6suytLyiX4/s1600/IMG_0387.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Another key step is to make sure that you are adding the correct ratio of materials to your bin. (I learned this the hard way after adding too much nitrogen and not enough carbon....believe me you don't want maggots in your compost). </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For every one part of "green" high nitrogen materials (fruit and veggie scraps) we add 3 parts of "brown" carbon materials (leaves). We also make sure to bury the fruit and veggie scraps to keep the smell down. Basically I just make sure I add triple the amount of leaves to the kitchen scraps!!</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1yAXiGjG_xI/U5-cMuy72HI/AAAAAAAACq0/bc11yzuBvOw/s1600/IMG_0388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1yAXiGjG_xI/U5-cMuy72HI/AAAAAAAACq0/bc11yzuBvOw/s1600/IMG_0388.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To help your pile compost quickly turn it every 2 to 4 weeks and make sure to get a good mix of carbon "brown stuff" and nitrogen "green stuff" (30:1). Doing this can get your pile to break down in 3 months or less. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>WHEN IS IT READY TO USE?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Your compost will smell more like dirt and be crumbly and dark brown in color. Then you will know its ready to use. You may need to sift it through a screen to get rid of any sticks and larger materials.<b> </b>At this point its ready to use as a mulch or mix into your topsoil. </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5PvimjVXBs0/U7cOdcjoRoI/AAAAAAAACu0/kLRxBnVoUt8/s1600/IMG_3534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5PvimjVXBs0/U7cOdcjoRoI/AAAAAAAACu0/kLRxBnVoUt8/s1600/IMG_3534.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Compost ready to use!</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">OTHER TIPS:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>1. Keep the pile moist:</b> Rain should naturally keep your pile moist but from time to time you may need to water it if you have a dry spell. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>2. Add microorganisms:</b> In the fall we add a couple shovels of soil to introduce microorganisms. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>3. Don't turn the pile in the winter:</b> Its too cold for the pile to decompose so its pointless. (This too I learned the hard way after breaking the bolt on one of our bins because the materials inside were frozen!)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>4. Make compost tea with your compost:</b> Take 1-2 cups of compost and put it in nylon hose or cheese cloth and soak in a bucket filled with water for a couple of days. Then use the brown liquid to water your plants. It will do wonders for your plants by providing nutrients, beneficial microorganisms and increasing plant growth. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>5. Don't compost diseased plants: </b>If in doubt put diseased or insect infested plants in a yard bag for trash pick-up or find another area of the yard for them to decompose. You can also research to see if the disease will overwinter in your compost bin. If your plants have Fusarium or Verticillium wilt do not put them in the compost bin. There is also debate over Powdery Mildew so I just choose not to compost those plants that are infected. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PejulLmxiHs/U7cPZt4_rbI/AAAAAAAACvA/C0zMo5wJiN0/s1600/IMG_3523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PejulLmxiHs/U7cPZt4_rbI/AAAAAAAACvA/C0zMo5wJiN0/s1600/IMG_3523.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ready to clean out bolted lettuce & add the compost to the this bed (closest in picture)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-19461513051250133742014-06-28T18:09:00.004-07:002014-07-04T13:53:50.082-07:00Harvesting Garlic<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BononeCUlkk/U69m0gq5feI/AAAAAAAACuY/GNuwZUmjgQ8/s1600/The+Simple+Act+of+Harvesting+Garlic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BononeCUlkk/U69m0gq5feI/AAAAAAAACuY/GNuwZUmjgQ8/s1600/The+Simple+Act+of+Harvesting+Garlic.jpg" height="460" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If there is one type of vegetable that I would highly recommend growing (because its easy) it would be garlic. You plant it in the fall and then simply harvest it in the summer. Its low maintenance and virtually pest and disease free. We have decided garlic is a new staple in our garden. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This was our first year growing 2 different types: </span><span style="font-size: large;">Tochilavri (soft neck) and German White (hard neck)</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. We planted the cloves from the 2 bulbs in the above picture and they produced 21 bulbs of garlic! They were planted in the fall on November 16th, 2013. The trickiest part of growing garlic is knowing exactly when to harvest! But have no fear we were successful with harvesting this year. Here are my tips on harvesting: </span></span><br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<i>"ochilavri"</i>
Garlic<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://followingthemastergardener.blogspot.com/2013/12/planting-garlic.html">Planting Garlic</a> </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FjGUUYSDIAc/U69SiTdSmpI/AAAAAAAACsQ/KfpSnaaTNCc/s1600/IMG_3384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FjGUUYSDIAc/U69SiTdSmpI/AAAAAAAACsQ/KfpSnaaTNCc/s1600/IMG_3384.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lower leaves turning brown: ready to harvest!</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The ideal time to harvest is when 6 or so leaves on the top of the garlic are still green and some of the lower leaves are brown. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A couple of weeks ago the lower leaves of our garlic started turning brown. Its time to harvest! </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YNDwXDKSm94/U69ScBbVgFI/AAAAAAAACsI/uZK5migS6Yk/s1600/IMG_3380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YNDwXDKSm94/U69ScBbVgFI/AAAAAAAACsI/uZK5migS6Yk/s1600/IMG_3380.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">BED #4 Garlic, Lettuce, Onions and Summer Squash</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To prepare for harvesting the garlic needs to have time to dry out and cure. In order for this to happen stop watering a couple of weeks early (and if it rains wait a week before harvesting).</span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">HARVESTING GARLIC:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>STEP 1:</b> Loosen the soil around the bulb using a fork or your hand. The soil will be fairly compacted so be careful not to damage the bulbs. Also make sure not to pull on the stems. Carefully lift out the bulbs with your hands and brush off any soil that remains. </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kioBcaHKOpc/U69TetaFAVI/AAAAAAAACso/1XdCOYjGv3U/s1600/IMG_3405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kioBcaHKOpc/U69TetaFAVI/AAAAAAAACso/1XdCOYjGv3U/s1600/IMG_3405.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Carefully removing soil around garlic bulb</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>STEP 2:</b> Make sure to leave the stalks and roots on the bulbs. </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BGiv6p_9W6k/U69TWTlU-4I/AAAAAAAACsg/RDfV0fPQWjI/s1600/IMG_3408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BGiv6p_9W6k/U69TWTlU-4I/AAAAAAAACsg/RDfV0fPQWjI/s1600/IMG_3408.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Roots left on bulb for storage</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">STEP 3: </span></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Get the bulbs out of the sun right away. Select a well-ventilated room or </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">dry shaded spot outside (in the shade) and allow the bulbs to cure. The location should be airy, dry and have some air circulation. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>NOTE:</b> We put down plastic garbage bags under our rug on the deck (to stop rain from coming through the deck onto the garlic below) then hung a PVC pipe under the deck and hung the garlic. One hour later the rain started pouring and I am happy to say the garlic stayed dry!</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Sh7CTc9oEM/U69UQucC4EI/AAAAAAAACtw/pzCwOHGxlq4/s1600/IMG_3437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Sh7CTc9oEM/U69UQucC4EI/AAAAAAAACtw/pzCwOHGxlq4/s1600/IMG_3437.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our drying location (under our deck)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>STEP 4:</b> Now the waiting begins! It takes about 3 to 8 weeks for the bulbs to cure. When the wrappers are dry its time to prepare the bulbs for storage. </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sH7s5CpCaUg/U7cUHBdwefI/AAAAAAAACvM/QRADS_QNvxQ/s1600/IMG_3595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sH7s5CpCaUg/U7cUHBdwefI/AAAAAAAACvM/QRADS_QNvxQ/s1600/IMG_3595.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The garlic a week later</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <b>STEP 5:</b> Cut off the tops to an inch above the bulbs and then trim the roots to about 1 inch. (Do not wash the bulbs). Remove just the dirtiest layers of the wrappers around the garlic. (Remember the wrapping protects the garlic). </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SICPKAzgFxE/U69nKSpejII/AAAAAAAACug/Ia_QSMtfCWg/s1600/IMG_0393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SICPKAzgFxE/U69nKSpejII/AAAAAAAACug/Ia_QSMtfCWg/s1600/IMG_0393.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">HOW TO STORE GARLIC:</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>STEP 6:</b> Store in mesh (net bags) in a location that is cool and dry. The ideal temperature is 35-50 degrees F. Some air circulation is also helpful. </span></span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><u>Softneck Garlic:</u> Can be stored for 6 to 8 months. Just make sure its not sprouting or soft. </span></span></span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u>Hardneck Garlic:</u> Lasts for 2 to 4 months. If it goes soft, dry or sprouts it has already begun to deteriorate. If possible keep this variety at 32 degrees F for longer storage. </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2UHo2joki24/U69hqx9B-3I/AAAAAAAACuI/GFdV_N24g-Q/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2UHo2joki24/U69hqx9B-3I/AAAAAAAACuI/GFdV_N24g-Q/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cloves we planted in November 2013. </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Finally keep the best bulbs for replanting in the fall. Plant around October or November</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"> and </span>then enjoy your own garlic harvest in the summer. </span><span style="font-size: large;">For details on planting garlic see my previous post:</span><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://followingthemastergardener.blogspot.com/2013/12/planting-garlic.html">Planting Garlic</a></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://followingthemastergardener.blogspot.com/2013/12/planting-garlic.html"></a></span></span></h3>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-13401427845784734952014-06-18T04:35:00.000-07:002014-06-28T18:44:37.842-07:00D.I.Y. Birdbath Restoration<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LTmHGpaCCVc/U3gbOPSH7CI/AAAAAAAACb4/6FZMK0ZTPZM/s1600/DIY+Birdbath+Restoration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LTmHGpaCCVc/U3gbOPSH7CI/AAAAAAAACb4/6FZMK0ZTPZM/s1600/DIY+Birdbath+Restoration.jpg" height="376" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This project has been on my list to complete for the past year! I have (2) identical birdbaths that were passed down to me from my mom. Over the last couple of years they have started to look worn and the finish has started chipping. Birdbaths can be expensive to purchase and I always like to find new ways to restore something to make it appear new. </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7knb5i1YeTo/U3gXoPp71BI/AAAAAAAACbs/-ku1_cX-UNo/s1600/IMG_9651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7knb5i1YeTo/U3gXoPp71BI/AAAAAAAACbs/-ku1_cX-UNo/s1600/IMG_9651.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Birdbath showing signs of wear</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I came up with this simple cost effective solution ($11.97 to restore both birdbaths) and I am very happy with the results! You can do the same thing and have a one of a kind design! </span></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">MATERIALS:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Old birdbath(s)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">$3.99 Plastic decorative plate (Odd Lots)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">$1.99 <a href="http://www.michaels.com/10184894.html#q=glass+stones&start=7">ArtMinds Mosaic Glass Gems Item# 10184894</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">$5.99 </span></span><a href="http://www.michaels.com/10017741.html"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">ArtMinds Stepping Stone Mix (Item# 10017741)</span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*this mix will make (2) 9" stepping stones so it was perfect for (2) birdbaths. If you are only making (1) just purchase a kit for one stone. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>STEP 1:</b> Start with an idea of the design you want to make with the plate and stones you have. You will have about 20 minutes after you add water and mix the stepping stone powder before the mixture starts to get harder to work with. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_JEbH0bYu80/U5-XWEBXeoI/AAAAAAAACpA/v07gkmnY4WE/s1600/IMG_2593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_JEbH0bYu80/U5-XWEBXeoI/AAAAAAAACpA/v07gkmnY4WE/s1600/IMG_2593.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>STEP 2:</b> Get an old bucket or something you don't mind mixing in. Pour the powder in the bucket and add the amount of water in the instructions. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BcueJfQ99KM/U5-XbQB3ReI/AAAAAAAACpI/ee6EvUb_fj8/s1600/IMG_2594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BcueJfQ99KM/U5-XbQB3ReI/AAAAAAAACpI/ee6EvUb_fj8/s1600/IMG_2594.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>STEP 3:</b> Mix in the water until the mixture is thick but not runny. It will look something like the picture below. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shQK0wKJeRw/U5-XhNq69HI/AAAAAAAACpQ/eOdYO2BR_YU/s1600/IMG_2595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shQK0wKJeRw/U5-XhNq69HI/AAAAAAAACpQ/eOdYO2BR_YU/s1600/IMG_2595.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>STEP 4: </b>Lump it on top of the birdbath and then smooth it out almost like cake frosting. (Don't worry about it being perfectly smooth.....you are pressing stones in it anyway! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b> STEP 5:</b> Add your plate in the middle and press down. Then add your stones in the pattern that you desire. Make sure to press the stones at least half way into the mixture so they stay when it dries. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>STEP 6:</b> Allow the birdbath to dry for at least a couple of days before moving to its final location. Enjoy your personalized work of art! </span></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bgxB_yEg2So/U3gXiR32G8I/AAAAAAAACbc/D9atpPPqFxg/s1600/IMG_2550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bgxB_yEg2So/U3gXiR32G8I/AAAAAAAACbc/D9atpPPqFxg/s1600/IMG_2550.jpg" height="640" width="539" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-56761844702008963112014-06-16T13:05:00.001-07:002014-06-28T18:41:28.439-07:00Unveiling the Raised Beds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RiMMebkR9mo/U59LeVcxtFI/AAAAAAAACog/LuTN5Vc9osE/s1600/Unveiling+the+Raised+Beds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RiMMebkR9mo/U59LeVcxtFI/AAAAAAAACog/LuTN5Vc9osE/s1600/Unveiling+the+Raised+Beds.jpg" height="640" width="480"></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I found the first bloom of the season on a Zucchini plant. That meant it was time to remove the <a href="http://followingthemastergardener.blogspot.com/2013/09/using-winter-row-covers.html">row covers</a>. Unless I have time to hand pollinate them (which I don't) the bees need to be able to get to the plants for pollination. At this point the plants are healthy and mature enough to handle most of the pests that will come along. So let the unveiling begin!</span></span><br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw7Utu7HKzU/U583ts99bgI/AAAAAAAACl8/zhWW3Lsld3w/s1600/IMG_3243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw7Utu7HKzU/U583ts99bgI/AAAAAAAACl8/zhWW3Lsld3w/s1600/IMG_3243.JPG" height="640" width="480"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">All four beds in a row. Plants are happy and healthy!</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6i18Ust77dk/U58-284_mYI/AAAAAAAACmM/iAPh1X4BB1c/s1600/IMG_3274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6i18Ust77dk/U58-284_mYI/AAAAAAAACmM/iAPh1X4BB1c/s1600/IMG_3274.jpg" height="246" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Flowers are growing fast in the 2 front beneficial garden beds. Blooms to come soon! </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RfbuyB-WlOw/U59AiKBdWdI/AAAAAAAACm4/2fMQoANOIC8/s1600/IMG_3272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RfbuyB-WlOw/U59AiKBdWdI/AAAAAAAACm4/2fMQoANOIC8/s1600/IMG_3272.JPG" height="640" width="480"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>BED #1- </b>Parsley, Asparagus & Summer Squash</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I
have kept the row cover on the Asparagus bed because they don't need to
be pollinated. Its also challenging to hand pick all the <a href="http://followingthemastergardener.blogspot.com/2013/05/asparagus-beetles.html">Asparagus Beetles</a> that land on these plants. Unfortunately I discovered that the
Asparagus Beetles overwinter in the soil so I am already battling them. I have to admit I am disappointed that this has happened again this year. I have tried dusting them with bone meal as well as spraying them with a homemade garlic spray. I still find about 10-15 per day on the plants. </span></span><br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-llIGSzBqXzI/U59DoOAMo8I/AAAAAAAACnQ/S2IFJor6UqQ/s1600/IMG_3269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-llIGSzBqXzI/U59DoOAMo8I/AAAAAAAACnQ/S2IFJor6UqQ/s1600/IMG_3269.jpg" height="260" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Asparagus Beetle on Asparagus plant</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RsGQE6zsffY/U59ASe4L51I/AAAAAAAACmo/0B0ZpqNHqgU/s1600/IMG_3238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RsGQE6zsffY/U59ASe4L51I/AAAAAAAACmo/0B0ZpqNHqgU/s1600/IMG_3238.JPG" height="640" width="480"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BED #2- </b>Zucchini, Lettuce, Onions, Tomatoes, Okra & Cucumbers</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<a href="http://followingthemastergardener.blogspot.com/2014/06/unveiling-raised-beds.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-48190915779693377492014-06-03T17:37:00.001-07:002014-06-03T17:37:45.335-07:00Authentic Greek Chicken Gyro <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDQ2isDkeSI/U3gVQgBeFCI/AAAAAAAACbU/-Zt-hDn2oBA/s1600/Authentic+Greek+Chicken+Gyros.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDQ2isDkeSI/U3gVQgBeFCI/AAAAAAAACbU/-Zt-hDn2oBA/s1600/Authentic+Greek+Chicken+Gyros.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I
have found the perfect way to use those cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions,
cilantro, mint and lettuce from your garden. Greek chicken gyros! So
delicious you will want to make them again and again. I also want to
mention that I the </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Tzatziki sauce is authentic. No sour cream or dill here! (My Greek heritage coming to the surface). Hope you enjoy these as much as I do! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros: Serves 4</b> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4Ybi_NMoFU/UtXfL-5RoHI/AAAAAAAABxA/bitCHNeretk/s1600/IMG_0921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4Ybi_NMoFU/UtXfL-5RoHI/AAAAAAAABxA/bitCHNeretk/s200/IMG_0921.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><b>Ingredients for Marinating Chicken:</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">( 2) Chicken Breasts*</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">*(I use (2) 9 oz. packs of <a href="http://perdue.com/products/shortCuts/">Perdue Fully Cooked- Original Roasted Chicken Breast</a> to save time) </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1/4 cup olive oil</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2 tablespoons lemon juice</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2 Tbsp minced garlic</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1/2 tsp cumin</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1/2 tsp onion powder</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 tsp dried oregano</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 tsp salt</span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>STEP 1:</b>
Mix all the ingredients for marinating the chicken. Put the chicken in
a dish or bag then pour the marinate over the chicken. Refrigerate the
chicken and allow it to marinate for at least 2 hours. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWCKgf5kJ4g/UtXe6pnIXgI/AAAAAAAABwU/zBlrxM3PO5o/s1600/IMG_0915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWCKgf5kJ4g/UtXe6pnIXgI/AAAAAAAABwU/zBlrxM3PO5o/s200/IMG_0915.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Ingredients for Tzatziki Sauce:</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2 lbs. greek yogurt (FAGE brand) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1/2 lb. finely diced cucumber </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 1/2 oz. fresh chopped dill</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2 garlic cloves peeled</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4 Tbsp. olive oil </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">salt & pepper to taste</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>STEP 2:</b> <b> </b>Make the Tzatsiki sauce (you can make this ahead it stores in the refrigerator for up to 3 days). Peel the cucumber. Remove the seeds. Cut into thin pieces and chop it up fine. Put in in a sieve or colander salt and let it drain.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>STEP 3:</b> Put garlic and olive oil in a food processor or blender to make a thick paste. (If you have extra paste it will store in the fridge for up to 1 month). </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>STEP 4: </b> In a medium size bowl mix the yogurt, chopped dill, cucumber and a dollop of garlic paste. Add salt and pepper to taste. (If you want to be authentic the Greeks then mix it with their hands). </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>STEP 4:</b> Refrigerate the Tzatziki for at least 1 hour. Garnish with dill and top with olive oil. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>STEP 5:</b>
Cook the marinated chicken (I use a cast iron grill pan) for 4 minutes per side.
Then remove the chicken from the pan and place 1 piece of the flat bread
in the grill pan. Warm the bread about 2 minutes per side. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aflTy7WdnUs/UtXfKoS3ZVI/AAAAAAAABw0/gZY_Wg2iNgQ/s1600/IMG_0920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aflTy7WdnUs/UtXfKoS3ZVI/AAAAAAAABw0/gZY_Wg2iNgQ/s200/IMG_0920.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><b>Ingredients for Gyro Toppings:</b></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Flat bread (I use Stonefire Tandoor Baked Nann)*can substitute pita bread</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Shredded lettuce <b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sliced red onion </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Diced tomatoes</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>STEP 6:</b> Finally layer your Gyro starting with chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and finish with the tzatsiki sauce. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUx2lji3e6o/UtXfb8VZ06I/AAAAAAAABxU/Q5knUdW0wOs/s1600/IMG_0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUx2lji3e6o/UtXfb8VZ06I/AAAAAAAABxU/Q5knUdW0wOs/s320/IMG_0928.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>STEP 7: </b>Time to eat! </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wPQ3GoYM0ag/UtXfegp_IjI/AAAAAAAABxc/VO0LZ-zuGw8/s1600/IMG_0929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wPQ3GoYM0ag/UtXfegp_IjI/AAAAAAAABxc/VO0LZ-zuGw8/s640/IMG_0929.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-57388686351095113412014-05-27T17:17:00.000-07:002014-06-28T18:42:30.974-07:00May 27th Update (with Okra & Garlic info)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0zrlLPlpTs/U4T35unbuyI/AAAAAAAACjU/1XN2FxgexD8/s1600/Garden+Update-May+27th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0zrlLPlpTs/U4T35unbuyI/AAAAAAAACjU/1XN2FxgexD8/s1600/Garden+Update-May+27th.jpg" height="480" width="640"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Everything is finally planted in the garden! This is the best time of year to get a little break and enjoy the warm weather. Over Memorial Day weekend we were able to put the finishing touch on the garden by laying down weed block and adding mulch between the beds</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. (Pictured below)</span></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3LGmb8l0rU/U4UY_RSZByI/AAAAAAAACkg/tZd-wbQV_Rg/s1600/IMG_2079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3LGmb8l0rU/U4UY_RSZByI/AAAAAAAACkg/tZd-wbQV_Rg/s1600/IMG_2079.JPG" height="240" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Before mulch & weed block</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fHPysSzn48M/U4UW8WoIm4I/AAAAAAAACkE/pTOg4bd8N3o/s1600/IMG_2746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fHPysSzn48M/U4UW8WoIm4I/AAAAAAAACkE/pTOg4bd8N3o/s1600/IMG_2746.JPG" height="240" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After mulch & weed block</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Its amazing how much better it looks! We have also enjoyed relaxing and sitting out on the deck with the little one playing in the baby pool. </span></span></div>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uUAtbGD-UQc/U4T4b7bxbfI/AAAAAAAACjc/oa0gdfpLX_Y/s1600/IMG_2751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uUAtbGD-UQc/U4T4b7bxbfI/AAAAAAAACjc/oa0gdfpLX_Y/s1600/IMG_2751.JPG" height="480" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Deck with flowers, tomatoes & raspberry bush</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8ANRkuylQY/U4T4ljz5nnI/AAAAAAAACjk/_gCg1tSGprI/s1600/IMG_2756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8ANRkuylQY/U4T4ljz5nnI/AAAAAAAACjk/_gCg1tSGprI/s1600/IMG_2756.JPG" height="480" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(2) Tomatoes, Petunias & Gerbera Daisy</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CYW9TSJ0x6A/U4T4qxZEE7I/AAAAAAAACjs/TN9mxGX4pko/s1600/IMG_2757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CYW9TSJ0x6A/U4T4qxZEE7I/AAAAAAAACjs/TN9mxGX4pko/s1600/IMG_2757.JPG" height="640" width="480"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">(3) Tomatoes & Raspberry (new addition this year)</span></span><br>
</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://followingthemastergardener.blogspot.com/2014/05/may-27th-update-with-okra-garlic-info.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-88365007977325811322014-05-25T16:35:00.000-07:002014-05-25T16:42:06.485-07:00So Moist Veggie Chicken Burgers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSJgFeT7vG8/U4J71NXjCMI/AAAAAAAAChw/tJWF36yKFhk/s1600/So+Moist+Veggie+Chicken+Burgers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSJgFeT7vG8/U4J71NXjCMI/AAAAAAAAChw/tJWF36yKFhk/s1600/So+Moist+Veggie+Chicken+Burgers.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So I have been attempting to add vegetables into more of our food and this is one recipe that </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">was a hit at our house. The finer you grate and cut up the veggies the less you will realize that they are even there. Try these burgers out and you won't be disappointed!</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Servings:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 7 or 8 Burgers</span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 lb Ground Chicken</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">8 oz. Mushrooms (chop fine)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/2 cup Yellow Onion (chop fine)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/4 cup Grated Zucchini</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 cup Oatmeal </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 Tbsp. Ketchup</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Salt & Pepper </span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">STEP 1: </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cut Mushrooms & Onions then add to large bowl. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiS9nnGkJ-0/U4J4ZAjEUGI/AAAAAAAACgc/vogwsNiXr1E/s1600/IMG_2684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiS9nnGkJ-0/U4J4ZAjEUGI/AAAAAAAACgc/vogwsNiXr1E/s1600/IMG_2684.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6G4mjbc--b4/U4J4jLVGMQI/AAAAAAAACg0/HKXwEdk0wI4/s1600/IMG_2699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6G4mjbc--b4/U4J4jLVGMQI/AAAAAAAACg0/HKXwEdk0wI4/s1600/IMG_2699.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">STEP 2:</span></span></b> Grate Zucchini and add to bowl. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QID4RiJzogM/U4J4eT1VvVI/AAAAAAAACgs/rdAQ8VxLVzM/s1600/IMG_2685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QID4RiJzogM/U4J4eT1VvVI/AAAAAAAACgs/rdAQ8VxLVzM/s1600/IMG_2685.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">STEP 3:</span></span></b></span></span> Mix in Ground Chicken, Oatmeal, Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, Salt & Pepper. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dx_SzT4zj-Q/U4J4qZ-1KBI/AAAAAAAACg8/HuJg8WDcsco/s1600/IMG_2700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dx_SzT4zj-Q/U4J4qZ-1KBI/AAAAAAAACg8/HuJg8WDcsco/s1600/IMG_2700.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> STEP 4:</span></span></b></span></span> Form into approximately 7-8 burgers & grill for about 10 minutes per side until no longer pink. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PNUEq3_mcOQ/U4J442FbMSI/AAAAAAAAChY/IpEAETo6Bms/s1600/IMG_2708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PNUEq3_mcOQ/U4J442FbMSI/AAAAAAAAChY/IpEAETo6Bms/s1600/IMG_2708.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">STEP 5:</span></span></b></span></span> Place on a bun and finish with favorite toppings and sauce. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XpXYp5uSTLU/U4J5As8SpzI/AAAAAAAACho/ogv_Rjk7tFM/s1600/IMG_2717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XpXYp5uSTLU/U4J5As8SpzI/AAAAAAAACho/ogv_Rjk7tFM/s1600/IMG_2717.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-19820517093254858092014-05-23T05:05:00.000-07:002014-05-23T05:07:01.985-07:00Grilled Chicken Burgers with Redsin Potatoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kvXVK8G9C4o/U38ws3ZuFYI/AAAAAAAACfY/BDjmPpy2q_I/s1600/Grilled+Chicken+Burgers+with+Redskin+Potatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kvXVK8G9C4o/U38ws3ZuFYI/AAAAAAAACfY/BDjmPpy2q_I/s1600/Grilled+Chicken+Burgers+with+Redskin+Potatoes.jpg" height="640" width="518" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is our favorite burger recipe for grilling out in the summer. This is a healthy option and a welcome change from your typical hamburger. I also like to pair them with redskin potatoes or my <a href="http://followingthemastergardener.blogspot.com/2014/05/sweet-potato-fries-with-kick-or-not.html">sweet potato fries</a> (see recipe link for fries).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">NOTE: I have to give the credit to my mom who passed this along. Normally its hard to keep chicken moist when you grill but the oatmeal mixed into these burgers does the job! </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XP2ktyM5Bc8/UumzGlX--cI/AAAAAAAAB8k/sTtHZU_46V4/s1600/IMG_1190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XP2ktyM5Bc8/UumzGlX--cI/AAAAAAAAB8k/sTtHZU_46V4/s1600/IMG_1190.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Ingredients for Burgers:</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 lb of ground chicken</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1/2 cup of Oatmeal</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1/4 cup (or less) of Yellow Onion diced</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 Egg</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Your choice of toppings (lettuce, tomato etc.)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Ingredients for Potatoes:</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2 lbs. Redskin Potatoes</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Emeril's Original Essence</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mrs. Dash Garlic & Herb</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1/4 cup Yellow Onion diced </span></span><br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">3 pounds unpeeled red potatoes</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1 1/2 cups mayonnaise</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1 cup sliced celery</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1/2 cup green onions</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1/2 tsp salt</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1/4 tsp ground black pepper</span></span> - See more at: http://followingthemastergardener.blogspot.com/2014/05/fresh-red-potato-salad.html#sthash.7op7y2fm.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">3 pounds unpeeled red potatoes</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1 1/2 cups mayonnaise</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1 cup sliced celery</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1/2 cup green onions</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1/2 tsp salt</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1/4 tsp ground black pepper</span></span> - See more at: http://followingthemastergardener.blogspot.com/2014/05/fresh-red-potato-salad.html#sthash.7op7y2fm.dpuf</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LdwuDeM-pdE/U380QPMhBKI/AAAAAAAACfo/QE4G0LZydrA/s1600/IMG_1158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LdwuDeM-pdE/U380QPMhBKI/AAAAAAAACfo/QE4G0LZydrA/s1600/IMG_1158.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jJQUIo5IdFE/U380e9TyajI/AAAAAAAACgM/vB81gW5jxw0/s1600/IMG_1164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jJQUIo5IdFE/U380e9TyajI/AAAAAAAACgM/vB81gW5jxw0/s1600/IMG_1164.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>STEP 1:</b> Start the potatoes first. Slice thinly and add seasonings and yellow onions to pan (or on grill in a cast iron pan). Mix together and cook for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender. Stir periodically to cook all sides. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I_ZbHSpuLRA/U380Q7Wi8CI/AAAAAAAACf4/YAqjEsskNmQ/s1600/IMG_1159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I_ZbHSpuLRA/U380Q7Wi8CI/AAAAAAAACf4/YAqjEsskNmQ/s1600/IMG_1159.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3RZ2BISo54k/U380Y11sKjI/AAAAAAAACgA/5HmD8WAn9TU/s1600/IMG_1165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3RZ2BISo54k/U380Y11sKjI/AAAAAAAACgA/5HmD8WAn9TU/s1600/IMG_1165.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b> STEP 2:</b> While potatoes are cooking start the burgers. In a medium sized bowl mix the ground chicken, oatmeal, diced yellow onion and egg together until combined. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QJ_gPSVqq84/UumzNZkk7sI/AAAAAAAAB8s/DleyGhm6784/s1600/IMG_1161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QJ_gPSVqq84/UumzNZkk7sI/AAAAAAAAB8s/DleyGhm6784/s1600/IMG_1161.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>STEP 3: </b>Form into 3 or 4 patties and cook on the grill or a cast iron pan for 5 to 6 minutes per side until no longer pink in the center. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uSFXhf-S_4c/UumzY5hp9xI/AAAAAAAAB9E/9BetJ_I4uXM/s1600/IMG_1172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uSFXhf-S_4c/UumzY5hp9xI/AAAAAAAAB9E/9BetJ_I4uXM/s1600/IMG_1172.jpg" height="320" width="274" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hope you enjoy this recipe! May we remember all those who have passed serving in our Armed Forces this Memorial Day. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OGIFel6gYrU/Uumzg5NjwUI/AAAAAAAAB9U/MitSlz-9u64/s1600/IMG_1180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OGIFel6gYrU/Uumzg5NjwUI/AAAAAAAAB9U/MitSlz-9u64/s1600/IMG_1180.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-50763328467584833872014-05-22T06:48:00.000-07:002014-05-22T13:10:24.768-07:00Grilled Chicken Salad with Light Basil Dressing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GOReNIF7U_Y/U3q0juocsrI/AAAAAAAACcc/EsNwGQ9PcBg/s1600/Grilled+Chicken+Salad+with+light+Basil+Dressing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GOReNIF7U_Y/U3q0juocsrI/AAAAAAAACcc/EsNwGQ9PcBg/s1600/Grilled+Chicken+Salad+with+light+Basil+Dressing.jpg" height="480" width="640"></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is our first year growing lettuce! I am happy to say that it has been wildly successful and easy to do! We started with Heirloom Solutions- Lettuce Heirloom Cutting Mixture Seeds. The seeds were planted indoors on March 2nd and then transplanted into our raised bed on April 6th. I have been busy and have waited to harvest some of the lettuce until today (May 19th)</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> but I could have started harvesting it several weeks ago. </span></span><br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wtq2b1w71hk/U3q4A_gnaiI/AAAAAAAACd0/w8Y2PctNwfA/s1600/IMG_2065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wtq2b1w71hk/U3q4A_gnaiI/AAAAAAAACd0/w8Y2PctNwfA/s1600/IMG_2065.JPG" height="305" width="320"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vtx5h0GiL2A/U3q36EphvoI/AAAAAAAACds/lSSKv_pwY5g/s1600/seed+packet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vtx5h0GiL2A/U3q36EphvoI/AAAAAAAACds/lSSKv_pwY5g/s1600/seed+packet.jpg" height="320" width="188"></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have been so amazed with the beauty of color and texture springing up in this raised bed. Here are some great pictures below. I have also shown how to harvest the lettuce at the end of this post if you are curious. But for now its time to share the ingredients to this salad!</span></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aV14KUn83_g/U3q1C6nnR_I/AAAAAAAACc0/xyxJxihLhCk/s1600/IMG_2641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aV14KUn83_g/U3q1C6nnR_I/AAAAAAAACc0/xyxJxihLhCk/s1600/IMG_2641.JPG" height="320" width="240"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p3iUxyzLkcY/U3q1W6iPalI/AAAAAAAACdM/wcwpshTGpXo/s1600/IMG_2621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p3iUxyzLkcY/U3q1W6iPalI/AAAAAAAACdM/wcwpshTGpXo/s1600/IMG_2621.JPG" height="320" width="240"></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Salad Ingredients: </b></span></span><br>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FZgD8aUGyZg/U3q08u2kTeI/AAAAAAAACck/Gj5Hg3oPhLo/s1600/IMG_2638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FZgD8aUGyZg/U3q08u2kTeI/AAAAAAAACck/Gj5Hg3oPhLo/s1600/IMG_2638.JPG" height="320" width="240"></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lettuce</span></span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 Chicken Breast</span></span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/8 cup Red Onion</span></span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Shredded Mozzarella Cheese</span></span><br>
<b></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Chicken Seasoning:</b></span></span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mrs Dash Garlic & Herb Seasoning</span></span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Emeril's Original Essence</span></span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Dressing Ingredients:</b></span></span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2 tsp. Olive Oil</span></span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 tsp. Lemon Juice</span></span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1/4 tsp. Dried Basil Flakes </span></span><br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">STEP 1: </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Season chicken breast with Garlic & Herb Seasoning and Emeril's Original Essence. Cook until no longer pink in the center (about 7-9 min. per side).</span></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1_IIzwy2Zk/U3q1AUSgFEI/AAAAAAAACcs/KihjOYQkQ1I/s1600/IMG_2639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1_IIzwy2Zk/U3q1AUSgFEI/AAAAAAAACcs/KihjOYQkQ1I/s1600/IMG_2639.JPG" height="240" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMrxiGuHa9k/U3q1Fk2OdwI/AAAAAAAACc8/N5m6BhfvrZw/s1600/IMG_2650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMrxiGuHa9k/U3q1Fk2OdwI/AAAAAAAACc8/N5m6BhfvrZw/s1600/IMG_2650.jpg" height="178" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></b><br>
<a href="http://followingthemastergardener.blogspot.com/2014/05/grilled-chicken-salad-with-light-basil.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192264683313956546.post-73412367194926248012014-05-19T15:56:00.000-07:002014-05-22T13:08:54.784-07:00Sweet Potato Fries with a kick! (or not)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sg1-BxAIiXw/U3qL14u7VpI/AAAAAAAACcM/s6WjDFsC_sc/s1600/Sweet+Potato+Fries+(with+a+kick).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sg1-BxAIiXw/U3qL14u7VpI/AAAAAAAACcM/s6WjDFsC_sc/s1600/Sweet+Potato+Fries+(with+a+kick).jpg" height="640" width="480"></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></span></b><br>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aElCyKdn7no/UtXdIP6f0iI/AAAAAAAABv4/PslYZ4qrdTo/s1600/IMG_0970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aElCyKdn7no/UtXdIP6f0iI/AAAAAAAABv4/PslYZ4qrdTo/s320/IMG_0970.jpg" height="200" width="150"></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(2) Large Sweet Potatoes</span></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3 Tablespoons Olive Oil (or Grape Seed Oil)</span></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/2 tsp Emeril's Original Essence </span></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (omit if you don't like the kick!)</span></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/4 tsp Cumin</span></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/4 tsp Garlic Salt </span></span><br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xdTfflvoXzE/UtXdAdNIl2I/AAAAAAAABvg/OqsJmCuE8Fo/s1600/IMG_0965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xdTfflvoXzE/UtXdAdNIl2I/AAAAAAAABvg/OqsJmCuE8Fo/s320/IMG_0965.jpg" height="320" width="260"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>STEP 1:</b> Preheat Oven to 400 degrees. Peel </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and cut the sweet potatoes into 5 inch pieces and put in medium sized bowl. </span></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lETqIQ5XnT8/UtXckBKYoYI/AAAAAAAABus/omwSCjvfCEI/s1600/IMG_0952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lETqIQ5XnT8/UtXckBKYoYI/AAAAAAAABus/omwSCjvfCEI/s320/IMG_0952.jpg" height="320" width="240"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0SXP2bWtZ00/UtXco7IeVwI/AAAAAAAABu4/BcVIsWmCBW0/s1600/IMG_0953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0SXP2bWtZ00/UtXco7IeVwI/AAAAAAAABu4/BcVIsWmCBW0/s320/IMG_0953.JPG" height="320" width="240"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>STEP 2:</b> Mix the oil and the spices in a smaller bowl and pour them over the sweet potato pieces. Mix until fries are coated. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kd7n6JXxGxg/UtXcdeThPYI/AAAAAAAABuk/UmaAd1CXdeY/s1600/IMG_0955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kd7n6JXxGxg/UtXcdeThPYI/AAAAAAAABuk/UmaAd1CXdeY/s320/IMG_0955.jpg" height="320" width="240"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0iVXjLPON0/UtXcof0HBII/AAAAAAAABu0/Z6pC9tH0jl0/s1600/IMG_0958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0iVXjLPON0/UtXcof0HBII/AAAAAAAABu0/Z6pC9tH0jl0/s320/IMG_0958.JPG" height="240" width="320"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></span><br>
<a href="http://followingthemastergardener.blogspot.com/2014/05/sweet-potato-fries-with-kick-or-not.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02283100222810498243noreply@blogger.com0