Thursday, August 31, 2017

Throwback Thursday: Memories Of Gardens Past

I can't ever forget my first lasagna bed. I only grew a solitary crookneck squash plant in it. But it was so large and produced so bountifully, I named it Audrey Rose IV.

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Wayback Wednesday

A few years before I had the ability to chronicle my gardening on the Internet, I planted Tahitian squash for the first and so far only time. It was such a roaring success that the plant almost took over the garden. I measured one of the vines at over 40 feet! And what made it even more amazing was the fact that the plant was rather sickly looking in the beginning and appeared to be ready to die. I just discovered some photos(taken with real film no less) that I thought had been lost and decided to share. What you see in the photo above is just a fraction of the plant's output. Mother Nature never ceases to surprise.

Monday, August 28, 2017

Kapusta

Did you know that August 28th is national bow tie day in the U.S.? And what better way to celebrate it than with a dish made from garden fresh cabbage and sweet onion combined with bow tie pasta? Kapusta is cabbage braised low and slow in a large Dutch oven to bring out the flavor of the onions and marry it with the cabbage as it grows ever more tender.



Kapusta
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 2 1/2 hours
Makes: 6 servings

1 large heavy green cabbage, halved, cored
1 large sweet yellow onion (such as Vidalia)
6 tablespoons olive oil
Pepper and salt

1. Dice: Cut cabbage into ¾ inch dice. Cut onion into ½ inch dice. In a Dutch oven or other large, heavy pot, toss cabbage, onion and oil. (Go ahead, use your hands.) Season generously with pepper.

2. Caramelize: Slide pot into a 325-degree oven and let cook uncovered, stirring now and then, until soft, sweet and golden-brown, about 2 1/2 hours. Season with salt.

3. Serve: Delicious as a side dish to sausage or roast meat. Or boil a pound of bow tie noodles and toss with kapusta for a classic comfort dish.


Sunday, August 27, 2017

Sunshine Pizza

This pizza is a totally tasty sunshine bright delight that's made from fresh, shredded, yellow summer squash and fresh bright yellow and yellow/orange cherry tomatoes. It's just another reason to love my garden!

Saturday, August 26, 2017

A Basil Of Many Names


 Siam Queen, Anise Basil, Thai Basil and Sweet Basil are all names for the same plant which is known for its distinctive small leaves, purple stems and purple flowers. Unlike many of its cousins, Thai Basil retains its flavor very well when cooked. It's peppery zing combined with notes of anise add interesting layers of flavor to stir fry and have earned it another moniker, Licorice Basil. So if you're looking for something to take your Asian cooking to a new level, give it a try. And even if you're not adventurous in the kitchen, the beauty of this basil in full bloom makes it an excellent plant to grow as for ornamental purposes.

Friday, August 25, 2017

Tried And True

As the photo clearly shows, this once pure white planter has seen better days. I don't know if it will make it through another winter, but once again it has provided a great home for something tasty from Mother Nature. This year, it's offering Roma tomatoes.

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Did You Know?

Did you know that August 24th is National Waffle Day? I certainly didn't but the surprises didn't end there for me today. Did you know that you can actually make waffles using butternut squash? That's right waffle lovers. Not only can you grow fresh berries for your waffles in your garden, but you can now include butternut squash in the mix as well! Here is a recipe you might like to try.




INGREDIENTS
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked pureed butternut squash
  • 2 cups almond milk
  • 3/4 cup coconut oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup buckwheat flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the squash puree, almond milk, coconut oil, eggs, vanilla, and maple syrup.
  2. In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, buckwheat flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg.
  3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just incorporated.
  4. Heat a waffle maker until hot.
  5. Spread about 3/4 cup of the batter over the hot waffle iron and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the waffle is golden-brown on both sides. If you have a flipping waffle iron, flip over after 1 1/2 minutes and cook for an additional 1 1/2 minutes after flipping.

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

What Threat?

As a gardener, I'm always amused when I hear a TV weather forecaster say that  it's "threatening showers". To a gardener, showers aren't a threat. They're a godsend. Of course we can get water to our plants through a hose attached to a tap, but we know how much more stimulating our green friends find non-chlorinated water. We've seen how they literally jump in size overnight when there is a nice, slow steady rain that lasts for several hours. So when we hear the words, "threatening showers", we smile and hope they will arrive after sundown and last at least half the night.


Monday, August 21, 2017

August Prize

The month of August generally means that even heirloom tomatoes with their long development time are finally producing like crazy. And since August is officially National Sandwich Month, what better way to celebrate than by making tasty tomato sandwiches bursting with the flavor that can only be obtained from produce fresh off the vine?

Now there are probably more ways to make a tomato sandwich than there are varieties of tomatoes, but here is a relatively simple and flavor packed way I make this American classic.

  • 1 medium tomato, thickly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
  • a sprinkle or two of chopped green onions
  • seasonings of your choice to taste.
No further instructions are necessary. This sandwich tastes so good with the warm bread and the sun warmed tomatoes marrying with the sharp tang of the onions. And a nice tall glass of herbal sun tea along with the view of your garden from your favorite outdoor chair can enhance the enjoyment of this simple pleasure. Bon appétit!

Saturday, August 19, 2017

What A Coincidence!


For the first time in my gardening experience, I'm growing container potatoes. And much to my surprise, August 18th is National Potato Day in the U.S. And one of the most popular varieties was developed in the 1870s by horticulturalist Luther Burbank. It is know as the Russet Burbank. McDonald's has used them to make its french fries for decades.

Friday, August 18, 2017

Orale! It's National Fajita Day!

Damas y caballeros(ladies and gentlemen), this is the official day to celebrate one of the most popular products of Tex-Mex cuisine, the fajita. 


And if you're like me, nothing goes better with Tex-Mex meals than the heat provided by jalapeños. They are just one of the many types of peppers that have been cultivated for thousands of years. They are a must have in my container garden and easy to grow. And the larger your container, the larger the plant will grow. But even something as small as a one quart container/pot will do. So do yourself a favor and make sure to include a pot or two of flavor enlivening jalapeños in your container garden.

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Just A Part Of Today's Small Container Tomato Harvest

I left these on the vine as long as I could to make sure they had full flavor. I was not disappointed. There would be more to show you, but I couldn't help checking product quality(snacking) while I was harvesting.

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Before You Throw It Out

Rather than add to the considerable amount of garbage Americans produce every year. Why not consider using your old CDs and empty plastic bottles for something like these?


Monday, August 14, 2017

There Is Still Time

 

 What You Can Plant in the Central U.S./Midwest in August

Sunday, August 13, 2017

Ahhhhhhhhhh, Cabbage!


As much as I love lettuce, it has the nasty habit of bolting and turning bitter in the heat of  summer, not so with cabbages. They can continue to grow from the spring through the summer and well into the fall. And cabbage is such a versatile and healthy crop. And it not only provides dietary fiber and antioxidants, but also it's a very good source of manganese, potassium, vitamin B1, folate and copper. And it provides the added benefits of choline, phosphorus, vitamin B2, magnesium, calcium, selenium, iron, pantothenic acid, protein and niacin.

You don't need a patch to grow your cabbages. I've grown mine in individual pots for years. And I can tell you from personal experience that they make an excellent container garden vegetable. So let your garden grow on that balcony or patio. And make sure it contains some potted cabbages.

Friday, August 11, 2017

To Your Health

In this modern age we take for granted the common knowledge that many of the fruits and vegetables grown in our gardens contain vitamins and minerals that are essential to our good health. As a result, we rarely consider that there was a time when such knowledge didn't exist. And that men and women had to struggle mightily to pull back the veil of ignorance that hides the truth from our eyes.


Today is the birthday of a man born in 1858, who found a direct connection between a vitamin deficiency and a disease. In doing so, he liberated humanity from the suffering caused by an ailment  that most people have never heard of today, Beriberi. And he was awarded the Nobel Prize in medicine in 1929 for his achievement. So let's raise a glass to Christiaan Eijkman, whose discover of vitamin B1(Thiamine) has earned him a prominent place in medical history.

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Any Balcony Or Window Sill Would Welcome These

Aye laddies and lassies, it only takes a wee container to grow tasty Tiny Tom tomatoes. This plant is flourishing in a home that is only three quarts big.


Wednesday, August 9, 2017

This Pot Is On Fire




This container is definitely overflowing with success.

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Believe It Or Not

Did you know that August 8th is national Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day? Hey, I'm not making this up! And if you've ever grown these Italian cousins of American summer squash you would know why such a day is necessary.

Just one Zucchini plant has enough output to feed a small developing nation. And a small row of plants could be a major contributor to ending world hunger. If you plant early, by August you've given every family member, coworker and neighbor a lifetime supply. And people you know start avoiding you because they've made all the soups, stews, breads and dips that one can that are zucchini based and don't want to take the chance that you'll hand them any more of your garden's bounty.

So desperate times call for desperate measures and you have to start sneaking over to the porches in your area, sometimes in the dark of the night, and gift the unsuspecting with zucchini. So go boldly forth and remember that it IS better to give than to receive, no matter what your neighbors may think.

Monday, August 7, 2017

Back From Death's Door

This banana pepper plant spent the winter perched on the sill of a south facing window. All seemed to be going well until just before I was about to put it outside. I noticed the leaves were changing and falling off. Turns out that some very small insects were attacking it. I took it outside anyway and thought about throwing it away. I found some organic insecticide and sprayed it, but it still looked as though it was at death's door. I decided to put it aside and see what would happen.

As it turns out, Mother Nature was more than happy to lend some help in reviving her creation after it had been given an assist in fending off its attackers. It now looks like it was never in any danger at all. Amazing!

Sunday, August 6, 2017

A Plant For A Container Of Almost Any Size

I had read that wonderberries can fruit in a container of almost any size. So I decided to try a little experiment. The results can be seen below. So anyone whose gardening efforts must be limited to a south facing window sill, has no excuse to eliminate berries from the mix. And those empty yogurt cups can now have a new life as planters.

Saturday, August 5, 2017

Pecks O' Peppers

I love peppers in a way that I can't describe. They truly are a vegetable I'd never want to live without. But, why oh why did Mother Nature make a tropical plant that is so slow growing? The anticipation is enough to kill you. And here in zone 5 we can't even think about putting peppers out overnight until the end of May. Oh well, one does what one can with what one has.

Friday, August 4, 2017

The Time Of Bounty Has Arrived

This is one of my favorite times of the year. After the a couple of months of anticipation, the garden has begun to yield its bounty. And there is nothing like having fresh produce available for use just steps away from your own door. These summer squash beauties are destined for soups, stews and perhaps even a dessert or two.

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Welcome To The Container Tomato Jungle

It looks as though it's going to be another good year for container tomatoes. And yes, they are as delicious as they appear to be.

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

At Last, Butterbush Success!

I planted a container variety of butternut squash last year and saw the plants wither and die for no apparent reason. This year I planted the remaining six seeds and only one of them sprouted. As you can see, it's coming along quite nicely. Although I must admit that based on the pictures in the seed catalog and the hefty size of the container I'm using, I thought there would be more than three squash on the plant. But, it certainly has been a better result than no squash at all. I can't wait to find out how they taste.