Planting in Winter

Visiting my parents in Florida (hoping that I can also escape New York State and all the BS there soon as well), and have gotten them to combine decorative and edibles. I put in kale a few days ago, and the fig tree that I propagated for them is growing slow, but doing well. Their pineapple patch has been cleaned out with all the old spent plants removed and now we are waiting for those left to start producing. Usually get some very sweet fruit.

Coconuts are exploding this year, as are the tomatoes and Thai peppers. Mom gets some good harvests from the ginger as well. The collards around the fountain are ready to be picked and I may try a few hibiscus blossoms for tea. Harvesting lettuce from the containers.

We also have figs, tomatoes and hibiscus in pots, as well as peppers in pots. Trying a pineapple in a large pot as well, just to see how well it does in comparison to those in the patch.

This just shows how much you can really get into a small garden space, as they are water front and do have a small yard.

My first book (Vegetable and Herb Gardening) should be coming out this spring from Hatherleigh Press. It is part of their Backyard Farming series.

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!