Tomatoes....Tomatoes.....and Hot peppers

The tomatoes have gone wild! The regular tomato plants are almost spent. Lots in the freezer for sauce and probably greenies for pickles or relish. The Amish Paste, however, are still going strong and are still huge, healthy plants. Lots in the freezer and more coming. Hope to have lots of tomato paste when these are done.

Tried Fish Peppers this year. HOT!!! I have saved some seeds for next year. If you've never saved pepper seeds, it is quite simple. Simply cut the pepper (before any cooking or pickling), pull out the seeds and allow to dry. Then package in a small envelope and store in cool place.

I made some Jalapeno vinegar, and also threw some in a sweet brine with some garlic and bell pepper slivers. (Use the same brine that would be used for any sweet pickle. I used the watermelon rind pickle brine recipe)

Tomorrow I will start the watermelon rind pickles.

Let the Planting Begin......

Finally put in a few plants. Amish Paste, an heirloom which I plan to save seeds from, Celebrity, a hybrid (I believe) that is great for sandwiches, cukes, lettuce and basil, all in raised beds.

Although many of us were tempted to plant earlier as the weather had been pretty decent last month, we knew that the frost danger wasn't over yet, and sure enough, end of April start of May did bring a few frosts.

I am going to be trying Sun and Moon melons this year, just a few in a container with a trellis.

Weather and Planting

It is mid March and the weather has been beautiful, Another 80 degree day....not the norm for this area. It is sooooo tempting to start putting some seeds in. But then we need to remember what time of year it is, and that we are still open to cold snaps and even snow.

But, if you're really wanting to start some seeds, do what I'm doing and put together a quick cold frame. I really don't know how well this one will work, since the glass I'll be using has a tint to it (it is an old skylight from my parent's home). But I'm setting it up and giving it a try. that way I can put some seeds in like I want to, then hopefully be protected if we do get some snow or the temp gets back to normal.

I'm planning on putting in some lettuce.... I think. We'll see. Maybe I'll try something else as well.

Holiday Time!

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Keeping the Government Out of Our Fridge and Pantry

Here we go again. The FDA and their crusade against raw milk. I don't know about you, but I am sick of the Feds going after farm fresh local foods, while the foods from corporate farms, huge processors and food from China, all which have had major, sometimes dangerous and fatal problems, have their praises sung by the FDA, USDA and the rest of the alphabet soup gang, even when every week there is some sort of recall...from people food to pet food.

Myself along with many others, are getting.....no...ARE sick and tired of this nanny state mentality that the Feds have. And although I'm not a fan of this administration, this all started before they came into office, so there is plenty of blame to go around for everyone in state, federal and even some local governments.

Read Article Here


Personally, I don't think this government would know healthy food or well kept livestock if they trip over it, but I guess the only opinions that count are theirs....or so they think.

Time to get back to writing, screaming, yelling and fighting for your food rights.....again. And if you haven;t already, watch the film "Food, Inc". Remember, just because you may not farm, doesn't mean that these idiot regulations won't affect you. They will!!!!

New Facilities?

I am diligently working to open a new place, which would be open year round, in SW Florida this year, then one in upstate NY next, which would be seasonal. I don't want to reveal too much of what will be there at this point, however you can expect workshops, garden tours and displays, as well as building a major online presence.

Keep checking back for further updates, and wish us luck in making this happen!

New Programs in Development

Well, we are on the way to developing new programs and visitation sites, both in the north and south. At this time, one program site will be seasonal, and one will be year round, but that could change.

If you have any suggestions of what you would like to see as part of these programs, please don't be shy......make your case. Workshops....classes...displays..... Maybe we can incorporate into one of the sites.

At this point, I'm not going to elaborate too much as to what is being planned, but it will be something that is not only enjoyable, but educational and accessible. And both programs will be available to an international audience.

I look forward to hearing your ideas and suggestions.

Winter, Catalogues and Project.......

So far it has been a pretty mild winter. (YES!!!). Hoping that the other shoe whon't be dropping now.

If you've noticed, the seed catalogues have been coming in. Wish I was in a better climate about now so I could get started. :)

I am working to get an entire new facility started up, and looking to get corporate sponsors/partners. This will be a fantastic opportunity and the facility will be the only one of its' kind in the area I want to develop in. Focusing on certain areas of gardening as well as programs for the handicapped and veterans. Very excited!