I placed another seed order today after realizing I somehow forgot to order the Stupice tomato, one of the favorites that I grow. (Noticed I didn’t say my favorites – I’m not a tomato fan, but still love to grow them. I have to depend on others to give me their opinions on … Continue reading the story "More seeds…"
Post Archives from the ‘Playing in the Dirt’ Category
Starting a No-Till Garden
After battling with the rototiller for years, I thought there had to be a better way to garden. After researching, I discovered the “No-Till” concept. This technique is not new. Permanent mulch guru Ruth Stout wrote her book, How to have a Green Thumb without an Aching Back, in 1955 after learning by trial and … Continue reading the story "Starting a No-Till Garden"
Small Fruit Experiments
It’s below zero this week with windchills bumping -40 degrees, so what better time to order plants? I opened Jung’s Seeds online catalog specifically for the autumn bearing Polana raspberries that a neighbor showed me last … Continue reading the story "Small Fruit Experiments"
Spring Dreaming
While many folks are still playing in the powder at the ski resorts, avid gardeners like me are drooling over seed catalogs. Despite what the fickle groundhog might say next month, it’s time to prepare for spring.
Take Inventory
By January, seed catalogs pile up … Continue reading the story "Spring Dreaming"
Think Spring
Even though leaves haven't even completely fallen from the trees, it's time to plan for the spring. When Grant and I were back in Ohio, we went a little wild at Petittee's Garden Center, and brought home several bags of crocus, narcissus, tulips and my favorite, hyacinths. Even though I don't have a proper place for them at the moment, I planted them in … Continue reading the story "Think Spring"
Punkin for the Punkin
When we visited my family in Ohio a couple of weeks ago, my father took us out on the tractor to the pumpkin field where a friend grows thousands for Benders Farm Market. Dad had the wagon with hay bales … Continue reading the story "Punkin for the Punkin"
Basil basics and trellising articles
I have two articles in the Summer 2007 issue of Hobby Farm Home, sister publication to Hobby Farms: Basil Abundance and Support System. If you haven’t picked up a copy, it’s an excellent … Continue reading the story "Basil basics and trellising articles"
Food and Fun
In the April/May 2007 issue of Mother Earth News I wrote a First Hand Report, Fun & Food for Every Season, describing my family’s way of life combining our recreation and food gathering endeavors. Much of our time spent outdoors results in adding to that night’s dinner, as well as the freezer or the … Continue reading the story "Food and Fun"
Spring Flowers
I've been distracted with the impending arrival of the baby, but didn't want to let anymore time pass before posting this pic of the first spring flower! I spotted it on February 21 in the gardens at Gibson Park. I believe it's a snowbell, but can't find a specific variety. Whatever it is, I'm delighted!
… Continue reading the story "Spring Flowers"
Farm to Table
It’s not a good thing when our produce practically needs a passport and racks up more frequent flyer miles than the typical business traveler. It’s mid-winter and the grocery stores are filled with strawberries, blackberries, nectarines, and myriad of summer fruit. You’d think we’re spoiled in this country to have any food in any … Continue reading the story "Farm to Table"