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Cleaning containers for spring planting
I found the recipe for keeping the boys happy: A bathtub full of plant containers that need washed and the promise of cash when it’s done. I hate washing the containers before planting, yet it needs to be done to avoid nasty pathogens that can kill my little seedlings. It’s no fun to have them growing, … Continue reading
Need a little sunshine for the seedlings
I don’t have grow lights. It would be nice to have a lovely set to baby the seedlings during the shorter days of late winter, but we simply don’t have the space. Nor do I think it would last long. I’ve already had the boys knock down containers and seedlings so hanging lights wouldn’t stand … Continue reading
Permaculture and redneck geotherm system in The New Pioneer magazine
I’m definitely delving into the permaculture concept since it makes sense. I like the concept of working with nature instead of beating my head against the wall trying to work against it. In the current issue of The New Pioneer magazine, I have an article on permaculture, including building hugelkultur bed,s where I interviewed Paul … Continue reading
The great cold frame experiment
Last winter I reveled in the ability to harvest fresh greens throughout the winter using the heated cold frame my husband built for me. I even wrote an article ,”Cold Frame of Mind” in the November/December 2012 issue of Hobby Farm Home, describing how Grant put it together and how it worked for me during the … Continue reading
Starting the New Year right
After an eventful night dealing with a couple of boys who think a runny nose is a valid reason for incessant (well, at least until 2:30 a.m.) whining and crying, I looked forward to a relaxing New Year’s Day. It was everything I hoped. We Skyped my brother and sister-in-law in Lithuania, and were able … Continue reading
Assessing new varieties
I’m a happy camper when I’m surrounded by seed catalogs in the winter. Although I have favorites that I plant every year, there’s no way I can resist some of the new varieties with their gorgeous colors and promises of stellar production. Plus, I need to sort these things out to pass on the information … Continue reading
Exploring Yellowstone in the off season
My mother came out from Ohio last week for her annual visit. Since we try to do something to break her out of the normal visiting routine of her cleaning our house and saying over and over again the multiple reasons she doesn’t want a dog, we opted to head to Yellowstone. Despite living in … Continue reading
Mussels in the Missouri
We’re blessed to have the Missouri River flow right through Great Falls. It’s beauty changes throughout the seasons, and there’s always something new to experience. Years ago it was a surprise for me to see pelicans in Montana, but they’re a regular feature in the area. And just last week I learned we had clams. … Continue reading
Fisher Blacksmithing is a finalist in Martha Stewart’s American Made contest
Calling all garden lovers… plus those who appreciate fine craftsmanship. Montana’s very own Tuli Fisher of Fisher Blacksmithing in Bozeman is one of 50 finalists in the Martha Stewart American Made contest. If he wins, he receives a cash prize, trip to New York City, and will be featured in Martha Stewart Living. Click HERE … Continue reading
The tomatoes are starting
I know I’ve probably said this repeatedly, but it’s been an odd year. The heat was welcomed early on since we typically have cool summers that make ripening heat-loving veggies difficult, but this year was too much of a good thing. July temperatures were 10 to 15 degrees warmer than average pushing most days well into … Continue reading
