Garden Fuss

It's been two and a half weeks since we started the tomato seedlings and as you can see they are coming along quite nicely. They have been moved to a window where they can get some natural sunlight. I have turned off the bottom heater since they are so big and strong. They almost 80 degree weather we have had today makes me itch to get them outside soon. It won't be long now, and it looks like we will have a bumper crop to croon about.   The cabbage, brussel sprouts, and cauliflower are all getting their true leaves and will be going into the ground in the next two weeks or so. I am thinking that I will start hardening them off next week. They were started on or around the 3rd of March so their 4 weeks old. I will also sow a couple seeds directly into the ground for a later harvest mid summer. I didn't take a picture of the leeks but they are performing very well. They will also be planted in the garden in the next couple of weeks and are sharing a spot on the windo...

This breakfast was inspired by something I watched on food network last week. Theirs was a savory dinner version which I can't wait to try soon with some grilled pork chops or chicken and a nice gravy or sauce. Earlier I stated that "So far so good the 8 year old likes it". This is true for the hubby, and I have to admit this is going to pretty much be a staple breakfast or dessert in our home. For dessert I would add a nice dollop of creme fraiche or whipped cream and some fresh berries drizzled with honey. Since this was breakfast I fried a couple eggs "sunny side up" and voila I'm done until lunch. Click Here for the recipe.

Hey y'all I'm Ebony (Bugzy for short...lol), and I'm excited to say that this is my first post and there will be a lot more coming. While franksgreengirl (mom for short) will be keeping you up to date with the garden, I will be adding the seasonal recipes our family makes with the produce we harvest from our garden. The recipes that I post will be easy and delicious. We will both be adding information on the different ways to preserve your fruits and vegetables for the winter season. Mom likes to make jams, jellies, pickles and preserves so expect to learn a lot about those. I hope that these recipes will get you excited about growing your own garden and using your own produce. In addition to all of this I will be covering the different mini projects that happen around our house both in the kitchen and out when mom is still toiling away in the garden. I hope that you find this information helpful and make your time in the house and/or garden just a little more enjoyable.

There has been quite the debate in my family of late on whether it is possible to successfully use the winter sowing process for warm weather plants like Okra, tomatoes, peas and so forth. Winter Sowing is a process where you use recycleable containers as miniature green houses to start "hardy" seedlings outdoors during the winter months. This is supposed to be an easy method of germinating seeds that if done successfully will allow you to save #1. money, #2. time, and #3. time & money. First off it is very feasable financially to buy seeds and germinate them by direct sowing, in-door starting, and/or winter sowing. The cost to start your garden whether vegetable, herb, or flower could start to break the bank if you are purchasing plants instead of seeds. Starting seeds on time for the upcoming growing season can take a lot of work and planning and if inexperienced can also take a bite out of your wallet. Expenses that can sneak up on ...

I was reading an article in the local paper about how many people are planning their garden for the first time in our area and around the country. I think that people garden for so many reasons and it's not always about being strapped for cash and needing food to eat. For me gardening has been a way for me to become more mobile, bridge the generation gaps between me and older adults in my family, and a way to meet so many fascinating people from all walks of life. I hope this small blurb about my interest in gardening will make you think deeply about why you garden and how important it is to pass on this valuable knowledge to future gardeners big and small. When we moved into our home 3 years ago I knew I would be digging into the unknown soil and cultivating something edible if only a cucumber or tomato. Now I'm cultivating relationships with all the neighbors on my block as well as beautiful and tasty heirloom flowers & vegetables. Our first growing season our family ha...

The Rhubarb is already poking it's pretty pink heads through the ground. I can't wait to harvest it since last year was pretty much for show since it was a new transplant to our garden. This year we get to harvest 1/2 or it and next year all of it. I'm thinking about adding more to our garden in the back, or a huge pile in the front. It's great to eat in a crumble with strawberries and rasberries which we also grow in our garden. I love spring!!!!

I couldn't resist another picture of this fabulous meal. It started with the left over turkey the hubby fried for New Years that we froze bones and all. I then made a stock with the bones and residual meat. I added garlic onions a new herb mix I'm trying out, and the glorious plump purple hull peas straight from Mississippi my in-laws brought back. Combine everything after removing the turkey bones and make your best home-made cornbread. Follow that up with a nice Zinfandel or other white wine to knock off the Minnesota chill. What did Julia say? BON APETIT!