tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231380122024-02-03T02:28:07.064-08:00Sue's Cottage GardenMy gardens include many herbal beds, raised vegetable beds, raised "citrus heights" bed, berry beds, fruit trees, rose beds and many perennial flower beds with annuals too. My greenhouse is new and is still in the transformation stage, as well as a planting area. My garden is a work in progress, always growing and changing within itself. Enjoy your journey through my gardens, I do!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-1754404875082430832013-04-04T18:47:00.001-07:002013-04-04T18:47:20.162-07:00Joyfully Growing Healthy Fruit <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9MeLBSDTe8aH6U-yvcSjCgqiGefJ873Hk2BgOIfYCM7y2MKyF3OleSBU3wpGHzzSB_tWN7XmHEAc7O7QB_y9wHJ9JZYoefEUz5p0d-Vx3pBWpAGLTT6IE7jCLrY3TqT4wo4R/s1600/raspberriesbowlcso_bdr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 2em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9MeLBSDTe8aH6U-yvcSjCgqiGefJ873Hk2BgOIfYCM7y2MKyF3OleSBU3wpGHzzSB_tWN7XmHEAc7O7QB_y9wHJ9JZYoefEUz5p0d-Vx3pBWpAGLTT6IE7jCLrY3TqT4wo4R/s1600/raspberriesbowlcso_bdr.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><br />Here I go again, posting about fruit and especially berries!!!<br /> <br /><br />My Jan. and Feb. 2013 posts were on the same topic, <br />as well as this recent post: <a href="http://suescottagegarden.blogspot.com/2012/06/wonderful-wonderful-raspberries-and.html">http://suescottagegarden.blogspot.com/2012/06/wonderful-wonderful-raspberries-and.html</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I guess I just cannot say enough about this wonderful gift that mother nature provides for us.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Not just fresh fruit salad (a traditional, healthy dessert), but fruit as a snack or for breakfast is not only delicious, it is nutritious, too. The natural antioxidants and fiber of fresh fruit support the body's defenses and help to keep it running smoothly. When adding fruit to your diet, consider including the following choices, which according to the USDA, are fruits that are exceptionally high in antioxidants:<br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wild blueberries<br />Cranberries<br />Blackberries<br />Prunes<br />Raspberries<br />Strawberries<br />Red delicious apples<br />Granny Smith apples<br />Sweet cherries<br />Black plums</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This list is not all inclusive, since many other red to black fruits also are considered antioxidant rich fruits. Fruit on a little cottage cheese is one of my favorites. I especially like blueberries (homegrown) or local organic, blackberries and raspberries homegrown, as well as other homegrown berries. I love most berries for baking, and especially cranberries and blueberries (scones are a favorite).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Berries are so easy to grow and care for in the home garden. They are forgiving if you ignore them. You just don't want to ignore them during the harvesting seasons, or you will miss out on some great tastes. I try not to munch too much when harvesting with my little berry basket hanging from my arm. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What is your favorite fruit? Your favorite berries? Think of what you get for very little input of energy. How do you use and/or preserve your harvest? Jams?, Frozen individually and put in freezer containers/bags for easy access? Do you dry your berries, and put a little pin prick in each one so the center dries and they don't mold later? Or do you just eat all your berries fresh out of the garden and share them with family, friends, neighbors? Whatever you do, growing berries will bring joy. </span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-46499124430924398262013-02-23T14:58:00.002-08:002013-02-23T14:58:48.438-08:00Grow Blueberries for Your Health<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Blueberries are not hard to grow. There are varieties for all regions. In the central valley of California our soil is not acidic enough for them without amendments, so to make it easy, I grow them in large planters. Yumm!</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJko1MkOqKjwKGN_7LqHjjFsGojny8L2jtbn2Jtx4ktwr-b1fFI8saOaGJ3LcbJsdYtmLBozOfiND3qjnivE0KHhonBAwFXKRgeMAs5BhRV7a4dQ16JuBtJmNk7f5la0Zk82LI/s1600/blueberries_handfulhealth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJko1MkOqKjwKGN_7LqHjjFsGojny8L2jtbn2Jtx4ktwr-b1fFI8saOaGJ3LcbJsdYtmLBozOfiND3qjnivE0KHhonBAwFXKRgeMAs5BhRV7a4dQ16JuBtJmNk7f5la0Zk82LI/s1600/blueberries_handfulhealth.JPG" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-36030304953643516632013-01-24T16:52:00.001-08:002013-01-25T02:01:19.528-08:00Berry Good News <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_2h966D-JoS5hXlGOgXemBdpiEAlG4x6YFSxXTiyX2rbs1R2S1Gbl1VTEPR6biplVRSCQiKn-XfBF95bKZnkrpg55ZUmM4ZUsY34Co1SAV63aS15EP0Apy0I9rcziLClau-n/s320/blueberrieshi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: .1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_2h966D-JoS5hXlGOgXemBdpiEAlG4x6YFSxXTiyX2rbs1R2S1Gbl1VTEPR6biplVRSCQiKn-XfBF95bKZnkrpg55ZUmM4ZUsY34Co1SAV63aS15EP0Apy0I9rcziLClau-n/s320/blueberrieshi.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Good Berry News<br />January 24, 2013 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dr. Weil </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The latest update on women's health makes for good eating: <b>three weekly servings</b> of <b>blueberries or strawberries</b> can help <b>cut the risk of a heart attack by as much as one-third</b>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This finding follows a review of health information obtained from 93,600 women ages 25 to 43 enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study II. The participants completed questionnaires about their diet every four years for 18 years. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In analyzing the data, the researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health and the UK's University of East Anglia, noted that women who reported eating the most berries had a heart attack risk that was 32 percent lower than those who ate blueberries or strawberries only once a month or less, even if their diets were otherwise rich in fruits and vegetables. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The berries may have made the difference because of the anthocyanins they contain - the investigators said that these naturally occurring compounds may help dilate arteries, counter the buildup of plaque and provide other cardiovascular benefits. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The berries' positive effects were apparently independent of other heart attack risk factors, such as age, high blood pressure, family history of heart attack, body mass, exercise, smoking, caffeine or alcohol intake. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The study was published in the January 15, 2013 issue of <i>Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dr. Weil's take? This is very good - but not surprising - news about the health benefits of blueberries and strawberries. They are both anti-inflammatory, good sources of fiber, rich in flavonoids and carotenoids, and offer immune-boosting antioxidant activity. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dr. Weil enjoys berries and recommends eating them frequently. Because commercial strains of berries may be heavily sprayed with pesticides, however, he recommends buying <b>only organic</b> varieties.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Ri6DnG18VTJ-reYAKSFiUlIWVZLIA15mS_XRuTyP9-FruTSWPeH4Eh-WuANxN9_EC0ZI8tIvXYdtTZV9ydC7ekDeRVdJodeW7mp4nq6qhX6-BXBApwVq7LtBAKdku-AGW478/s1600/blueberrsmro.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: .1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Ri6DnG18VTJ-reYAKSFiUlIWVZLIA15mS_XRuTyP9-FruTSWPeH4Eh-WuANxN9_EC0ZI8tIvXYdtTZV9ydC7ekDeRVdJodeW7mp4nq6qhX6-BXBApwVq7LtBAKdku-AGW478/s1600/blueberrsmro.gif" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />I recommend that you grow blueberries. They are delicious, fruit-bearing shrubs and t</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">hey are very easy to grow. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They are nice contained looking plants (they do get tall) and the berries are easy to harvest. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They can be grown in pots and thrive. </span></span>There are many different varieties bred for all different climates. It is best to research what grows best in your area. <br /><br />In the Sacramento Valley, several highbush blueberry varieties do well. Some of those varieties that do well here are Bluecrop, Blue Ray, Cape Fear, Georgia Gem, O'Neal, Ozark Blue, Sharp Blue, Sunshine Blue and especially Reveille. Try out several varieties in your garden so you can extend your harvesting season. This will also improve pollination for a better crop. <br /><br />Plant blueberries where they are protected from the hot afternoon sun and drying winds. They grow well where Azaleas and Rhododendrons thrive in your garden. They like moist soil, but good drainage with lots of organic matter and mulch. They like the soil to have a ph of 4.5-.55 (which is much more acidic than our soil in the valley), and they will show you an iron deficiency when the ph isn't right. It has been recommended that if </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">planting in pots, moist woodchip mulch be</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> added </span>to the potting medium to help the acidity. Instead of adding peat moss for acidity (which is not sustainable) add leaf mulch, pine needle mulch, sawdust mulch, or ground woodchip mulch. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now, you can just enjoy eating fresh blueberries right out of your own garden. If you have too many, they freeze well or can be dried for storage.<br /><br />My friend Susan Setzler in Virginia shared this hint: When you dry blueberries, you need to prick each one a little so they don't dry on the outside and not get dry in the middle (case hardening) and then they will spoil in storage, unless you freeze
them.</span> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-77230031574135963962013-01-04T05:26:00.000-08:002013-01-04T05:33:09.164-08:00Vermicomposting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFoZW4nrWdjJBwFL3nEvifj8tfDQbU_I0PZ0MvUPtRkx3gW7NqpeiCTWzCQXiQMT8kaJWrEaB3f6akB_7VYFgXQYpEczfVs3Hh0YpZ3xg8kGx7_xouUUP7SW2Sjvr5k0sj57_/s1600/wormfactory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFoZW4nrWdjJBwFL3nEvifj8tfDQbU_I0PZ0MvUPtRkx3gW7NqpeiCTWzCQXiQMT8kaJWrEaB3f6akB_7VYFgXQYpEczfVs3Hh0YpZ3xg8kGx7_xouUUP7SW2Sjvr5k0sj57_/s1600/wormfactory.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">We first got our Worm Factory Worm Bin in July right after the holiday. We set-up our bin on July 8th and on the 10th our live worms (<span style="line-height: 115%;">Eisenia
fetida</span> or red wigglers) </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">arrived in a relatively small cardboard box with holes punched all around it. </span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I hurried to the door soon after it was delivered around 4pm to retrieve it from the hot front porch. The high temperature was 106 degrees that afternoon. That was the hottest day we had had. Very unfortunate. I know the mail trucks don't have air-conditioning. We had watched the Worm Factory video about vermicomposting and we knew that the worms handle cool temperatures much better than warm and 106 degrees is very hot - too hot for the red wigglers. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After bringing them into the house and opening the cardboard box to cool down for awhile, I opened the sack they came in and poured them into their new home. They were pretty limp and not active. Now was the watch and wait period to find out if they could recover from a horrendous mail trip like that. My take on it is that many of them (1000 to start I think) did not make it. After their rest period they did not go through the handful of kitchen scraps as expected. It has been very slow going. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We bought the 5 tray Worm Factory bin and of course started with one tray. Finally in Sept.-Oct. we graduated to two trays, with the first tray still containing egg shells with what we hoped were nests of babies and also some material that was still not completely broken down. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Finally in December, after adding a third tray, I was able to make my first harvest of our very own worm castings. This is one trays worth of worm castings. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is so exciting! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimX7EjHYr9M3Gx2d2Fga4acqdeZiw5jOQpycpPaz4lrihLUOFZmodrp6C6WlwxkkWqdzvbShULhmvYeFQD8mxrTXfbZzrchsAqDz5BW4py64saam1AgSQa5UhPEOyHabwdr8d/s1600/dec12castings316cso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimX7EjHYr9M3Gx2d2Fga4acqdeZiw5jOQpycpPaz4lrihLUOFZmodrp6C6WlwxkkWqdzvbShULhmvYeFQD8mxrTXfbZzrchsAqDz5BW4py64saam1AgSQa5UhPEOyHabwdr8d/s1600/dec12castings316cso.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The worm bin and its contents are so fresh. It smells good - a very very mild earthy scent and feels good in the hands. The small pieces that are not dark brown in the mixture are pieces of egg shells (brown eggs). I crushed many of the shells, but also added some that were half shells as well as small pieces. Part of the mix sent with the Worm Factory kit included some small pumice rocks which a couple can still be seen. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> No other material is evident in our very first harvest of worm castings. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pumice rock and </span>Coconut coir block for worm bedding came with the bin, as well as a thermometer, a scraper and the yellow rake shown in the picture above.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Below is some great information from the Worm Factory - <u>there is a difference between Vermicompost and worm castings.</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><i>First you need to determine if you have true worm castings,
or vermicompost. What's the difference?</i></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Worm castings are essentially worm poop. Worm castings are the result of the red
wiggler worm eating the decomposed organic matter and passing it through their
gut.</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vermicompost is a combination of worm
castings, decomposed, and/or partially decomposed organic matter that has not
yet been processed by the worms.
Vermicompost may contain some organic matter that is still
identifiable. Generally, vermicompost
will mostly be made up of worm castings.
However, if you still have a small amount of decomposing organic matter
it will decide how you store your vermicompost.</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The partially decomposed organic matter in vermicompost
continues to break down during storage. If you store actively decomposing
organic matter in an airtight container it will cause anaerobic decomposition,
which results in foul-smelling, plant-toxic by-products. Also if the vermicompost dries out it
prevents further decomposition, and often causes it to become impossible to
re-wet (hydrophobic).</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The best way to store vermicompost is to first dry it until
it is damp, not wet. This will ensure
sufficient air penetration through the material to prevent anaerobia. Once it is damp, you will want to store it in
a non-airtight container. If you store
it this way the vermicompost slowly stabilizes in an aerobic environment and
has a shelf life of more than three years.</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Storing true worm castings is much easier, since they are essentially
stable and can be both stored in airtight packages and dried to 5% moisture
with no loss of plant growth impact.</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In order to test if you have vermicompost or true worm
castings you can seal a small handful in an airtight plastic bag. When you open the bag after a few days and it
smells like deep, earthy soil, then you have worm castings. If it smells putrid and foul then you have
vermicompost and should be stored in a non-airtight container.</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-20872261014693316682012-07-21T19:17:00.000-07:002012-07-21T19:17:16.673-07:00Home Grown Tomatoes<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
This is great! Especially since it is tomato season!!!</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thank you John Denver!</span><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/g0C4FOL1qIw?rel=0" width="400"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
Enjoy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-16284068077676410022012-06-15T16:31:00.000-07:002012-07-21T19:21:52.932-07:00Wonderful Wonderful Raspberries and More!<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Raspberries and Boysenberries</span></div>
<div class="article-headline">
<i> </i></div>
<div class="article-headline">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">It is</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> that time of the year when </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">fresh
raspberries are available from early summer to fall when you grow them yourself. Raspberries are easy to grow in most places. At this time I just grow the red raspberries, but plan on planting some black raspberries (which are firmer than the red) in the future. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">A year ago I attempted to transplant many of my raspberry plants to a bit shadier bed that I created under the edge of my grape arbor. The transplanted plants are growing okay (especially if I keep up the watering), but they are not producing this year. I was planning on moving some boysenberries into the old raspberry bed this year. These boysenberries where bred over a number of years for this area - in fact for my very neighborhood. Oh, and I forgot to mention that they are thornless. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The old raspberry bed is producing lots of berries everyday (</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yumm!)</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">, so I will leave them alone until the end of the season. I</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> have been eating them for breakfast on a little cottage cheese. Here was today's bowl of raspberries and a couple boysenberries. So wonderful as they melt in my mouth. And of course it is hard not to graze when picking a basket of them. They have such a rich delicate flavor. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Raspberries are so easy to harvest and the tiny tiny thorns/stickers are almost indiscernible. The only time I feel them is when I am breaking/snapping out old dead canes. Yet, I have solved this problem by buying a new raspberry cane cutter. It is a very cool tool with a curved blade that makes it easy to snap/cut out old canes. It was a Christmas present to myself this last year. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKs0aTCOEwtVk82YDm31IqIvyWfT9mRtC4ZOeX_YTMDujrTb7VUoFcA4lk6LFHDOAwgPI_yqpp6KF3jaoXtDxOIegfti8wLLy02fipYSI0Kff2tgXQGFiaiU2YcKzmKpE0N7PO/s1600/raspberries915c20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: .01em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKs0aTCOEwtVk82YDm31IqIvyWfT9mRtC4ZOeX_YTMDujrTb7VUoFcA4lk6LFHDOAwgPI_yqpp6KF3jaoXtDxOIegfti8wLLy02fipYSI0Kff2tgXQGFiaiU2YcKzmKpE0N7PO/s400/raspberries915c20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">According to an </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">October/November 2002 </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mother Earth article, "</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Raspberries are high in fiber and vitamin C, and are a
rich source of the anticancer compound ellagic acid. Black raspberries
are especially fruitful in antioxidant and cancer preventive agents.
Fresh raspberries are highly perishable and are best used within one to
two days for peak quality, flavor and nutrient content. Rinse berries
with cold water just before using."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
This is my first year for getting a good crop from the boysenberries. I have only had them for a little over a year. I have been freezing them to bake a boysenberry pie. I am sure I have enough now, but they keep coming on, which is a wonderful surprise.<br />
<br />
My blackberries will start later in the summer, which is nice. I have had these plants for many many years and they are thornless too! I freeze lots of blackberries every year.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I use my frozen berries in pies, cobblers and
muffins. Sprinkle over cottage cheese, ice cream or pancakes and they make for a real treat. Or one can make a quick
raspberry (or any one of these berries) berry spread by mixing 2 tablespoons crushed berries with 1/3 cup
soft butter and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.<br />
<br />
So, the main question I am currently pondering is what kind of berry (other than blueberries - which I have 2 plants already) will I plant next and where in my very intensively planted backyard city farm/garden will they live?<br />
<br />
I hope you seriously entertain the idea of growing berries. They are so easy to grow and offer wonderful rewards. </div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-59449961747538872572012-05-11T00:38:00.000-07:002012-05-11T00:38:50.259-07:00Things Grow Big in My GardenI have had this pink grapefruit tree for about 30 years. It is so dependable. We just have to remember to harvest which is most of the year. I think the down time between crops is about 2 months. I can live with that!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQsw7YTCJNSGRUg-LkgCwLrE_5VgUAuGFJPHJHe1ftJ3Zr-k9SoHd8qvqNgoiLUCqoC8YPdrt91oR_e4-E8BNrQF6LapOdsf-OiRstKQRAw_jM086gVCSi4l82ErWjOo2D6lu/s320/grapefruit845_5_7_12so.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
That is an iphone next to the grapefruit.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjBg-p0g-nA95QPHcE_LuTt-fEHw7eEzI_30W9Yw6wBSACvUrrMQExhFmUW0Os40RHIh2_iiHdSLRIJs5TKFrdEyMrPf2lXPxhfDOV1eeu_66HLk3diQy2ESzrPdiWCyuoHBR/s1600/grapefruit_measure856smo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjBg-p0g-nA95QPHcE_LuTt-fEHw7eEzI_30W9Yw6wBSACvUrrMQExhFmUW0Os40RHIh2_iiHdSLRIJs5TKFrdEyMrPf2lXPxhfDOV1eeu_66HLk3diQy2ESzrPdiWCyuoHBR/s320/grapefruit_measure856smo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This photo shows that it is about 6 inches in diameter <br />and also 6 inches tall.<br />Every year we get a few of these huge fruits. <br />The lemons are really large too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-61663644784720507972012-04-20T01:26:00.000-07:002012-04-20T01:26:31.806-07:00I believe Spring is finally here!<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This month we have had a lot of rain </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">and thunderstorms, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(much needed after such a dry winter with no snow to speak of in the mountains) and even had hail one day. A very cold and dramatic April it has been. A true 'April Showers for May Flowers' event!! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As a consequence of all this cold weather, our usual spring plant date of March 23rd has been put off. I do believe that it may now be warm enough to plant my peppers, tomatoes and eggplant. They have (well some of them) been hanging out in our greenhouse and the others I will have to purchase still. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Another reason to NOT get right out in the garden, is that everything around my raised beds is all disrupted with some hardscaping construction. My sweet husband pulled out the old redwood walkways that were starting to be a hazard to us due to their age and he is replacing them with concrete cobblestone on one part and we are working on another section to blend in with the brick walkways. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I do have leeks, garlic, green onions and carrots that are doing well. I just pulled out my Kale last week that I had planted in early spring last year. Of course there are perennial plants and herbs that are always doing their thing too. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The big job ahead of me is completely cleaning out the greenhouse and rearranging some of the furniture and staging (shelves). I couldn't do it before now because I couldn't leave the plants out over an extended time in the cold. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I believe next week will be clean and plant time. It should be energizing, since working with the soil helps generate/stimulate the serotonin in our brains which makes us feel good (happy) and takes any blues away. The other part of it that makes me feel good is just being close to nature. It is always so satisfying. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I will have pictures to share next blog post.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I do have to say that lots of baking has been going on in this extended winter season. Each loaf is an experiment with different grains and seeds, and some with sourdough and some not. We have several favorites, but all were wonderful. Here are a few of the loaves.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpf2x3JJnppM3I76WSvHvs8fpwFnsyLCT7HT5tBPm-i54plNJUK_22UBEqMyxadlJyO_dkkqVllaZCKupcNG09ooVTeR0Jsj-GyvkCf_WJz2cd6aoTNnkakfYzzQx47i8i-Zl/s1600/3_5_12ww607mo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpf2x3JJnppM3I76WSvHvs8fpwFnsyLCT7HT5tBPm-i54plNJUK_22UBEqMyxadlJyO_dkkqVllaZCKupcNG09ooVTeR0Jsj-GyvkCf_WJz2cd6aoTNnkakfYzzQx47i8i-Zl/s200/3_5_12ww607mo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This first loaf is made with whole wheat/unbleached, sourdough starter and two-seeds (sunflower and sesame seed).</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yjbaInYKsk9YvCMesVqpfAWUvVLOVfb6I03GwYLdHwsA0Au6jvL5EjIMOoGf7OHWPSzvhiT2mHCVIqm-4DYrp5pRjEonFAATFvu7xZOM0PE9JsYxxe5YFwFV3a__fsh4oo-Q/s1600/3_14_12ww613mo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yjbaInYKsk9YvCMesVqpfAWUvVLOVfb6I03GwYLdHwsA0Au6jvL5EjIMOoGf7OHWPSzvhiT2mHCVIqm-4DYrp5pRjEonFAATFvu7xZOM0PE9JsYxxe5YFwFV3a__fsh4oo-Q/s200/3_14_12ww613mo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This loaf is another sourdough whole wheat loaf with molasses and three-seeds (sunflower, sesame, poppy seeds). </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmt2-j_yepq5n3VQdS4ZEc29Dr5Bc2eM-p2Qhcr-tJhmLNJXxa-ZCoFkEs2obj5-412rXxPpDrhu2LEhr6msc3w_Yb7_JGNvYz-9aNrRfyWBYjqZgkhtzhwPhWH9eJVD4vTTL/s1600/3_20_12ww622mo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmt2-j_yepq5n3VQdS4ZEc29Dr5Bc2eM-p2Qhcr-tJhmLNJXxa-ZCoFkEs2obj5-412rXxPpDrhu2LEhr6msc3w_Yb7_JGNvYz-9aNrRfyWBYjqZgkhtzhwPhWH9eJVD4vTTL/s200/3_20_12ww622mo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKhkjerxZoKhfI2T-x_HYMUgTsL9IBF1RiYJhn5CJbbrUJO1N-RHEaUEbA-8SdRqhXz9EyKKsflX0-Au2zkEeXrsQERCp9GRZcvcjsNrkO10fNBaCKCG7O8hBTbCYb9QsPoQ0/s1600/3_29_12ww729mo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKhkjerxZoKhfI2T-x_HYMUgTsL9IBF1RiYJhn5CJbbrUJO1N-RHEaUEbA-8SdRqhXz9EyKKsflX0-Au2zkEeXrsQERCp9GRZcvcjsNrkO10fNBaCKCG7O8hBTbCYb9QsPoQ0/s200/3_29_12ww729mo.jpg" width="179" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is called Indian Bread. This is a three-grain (whole wheat, unbleached, cornmeal) with sesame seeds.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
This is a three-seed (sunflower, sesame, poppy seed), whole wheat/unbleached loaf. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfAw3ZLnZCD8q099kx7gNxmouJY-7fpfVQK-HYAqEs3Y_nqaLziBNDm2A7_SRBn27PJps0zWJkLg99X6syWMuscViGtr4EYz31k1zZRQ29jZyUE-DjZg2tzp7LSsR4e5bXlCg/s1600/4_1_12ww731mo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfAw3ZLnZCD8q099kx7gNxmouJY-7fpfVQK-HYAqEs3Y_nqaLziBNDm2A7_SRBn27PJps0zWJkLg99X6syWMuscViGtr4EYz31k1zZRQ29jZyUE-DjZg2tzp7LSsR4e5bXlCg/s200/4_1_12ww731mo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is a a three-seed (sunflower, pumpkin, poppy seed), whole wheat/unbleached loaf. I added the seeds after the first kneed, which leaves more on the top. Yumm!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlO_JWfRoo6VF8-oklNyVsRDMfqz2KXE155_te50XUqlysADc5MKMH2sTIBXBwPMiHIVWwtLZD68-rpDgtm-H2RRbjpuQm0TyF3ZFUObMpNN3ZVobdEfVioVdBjtBEJmlg9uH/s1600/4_4_12ww740mo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlO_JWfRoo6VF8-oklNyVsRDMfqz2KXE155_te50XUqlysADc5MKMH2sTIBXBwPMiHIVWwtLZD68-rpDgtm-H2RRbjpuQm0TyF3ZFUObMpNN3ZVobdEfVioVdBjtBEJmlg9uH/s200/4_4_12ww740mo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is another whole wheat/unbleached loaf with sunflower and sesame seeds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XxxRowtIuBaGEuseo8fp3GGHW1GE3bWkJM2fDjQQ9Au6KHefPyqjnPDs2K2IZMxbiW4xM5R9pAKVA90rID5lKJbpVwSqngZ7Zeo_s9HzqTvaGbwx7l4dgIUroHf0PkHXEb1N/s1600/4_4_12ww744mo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XxxRowtIuBaGEuseo8fp3GGHW1GE3bWkJM2fDjQQ9Au6KHefPyqjnPDs2K2IZMxbiW4xM5R9pAKVA90rID5lKJbpVwSqngZ7Zeo_s9HzqTvaGbwx7l4dgIUroHf0PkHXEb1N/s200/4_4_12ww744mo.jpg" width="153" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This last loaf is a three-seed (sunflower, sesame, poppy seed) whole wheat/unbleached loaf.
It had about 1/2 tablespoon of liquid too much, so the center is just a little
sunken. It sure was wonderful though!!! I think this last loaf was our favorite so far. We eat a slice for desert. It is that good!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Tomorrow I will make another loaf, but don't know what yet. It will probably be sourdough, since my starter is bubbling really well tonight after being used for sourdough buckwheat pancakes this morn. </div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But soon my energies will be focused more on the garden! It is all part of creating our own environment. So, I will soon post garden pics.</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-65921984656559570892012-03-21T15:53:00.000-07:002012-03-21T15:53:27.514-07:00Is Spring really here?<h2><span style="font-size: small;">The Vernal Equinox</span></h2>Ah, it is spring! The Vernal Equinox, which is the beginning of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere was on March 20, 2012, at 1:14 A.M. (EDT).<br />
<br />
The word <i>equinox</i> is derived from the Latin words meaning “equal night.” The spring and fall equinoxes are the only dates with equal daylight and dark as the Sun crosses the celestial equator. <br />
<br />
It is this season that brings increasing daylight, warming temperatures, and the rebirth of our flora and fauna. <br />
Spring is all about "new" - new life and growth!<br />
<br />
According to folklore, you can stand a raw egg on its end on the equinox. Is this true? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPoXL10RAZBziMZSHN2GmioRxq9cOjxRn4jPNWg0e0rrvIGn60miyT-J9doR4NGyFqTFyy-vLEa6HgTD5hxWztohMGxmn5ZeEkfL5EGGGjgcPAS3CfWrgig5SmICi3npe05QAH/s1600/egg1sro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: .1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPoXL10RAZBziMZSHN2GmioRxq9cOjxRn4jPNWg0e0rrvIGn60miyT-J9doR4NGyFqTFyy-vLEa6HgTD5hxWztohMGxmn5ZeEkfL5EGGGjgcPAS3CfWrgig5SmICi3npe05QAH/s1600/egg1sro.jpg" /></a></div>One spring, at the minute of the vernal equinox, (Pacific Time) I tried this. For about 1/2 the day my egg stood on its own end, then I took it down. Try this yourself and let me know what happens!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We can all envision what we think of when spring arrives. Maybe it is the tender new light green growth we see, or the smell of warming soil or a flower in bloom, the feel of warm rain or a light breeze. <br />
<br />
Spring is also the time when green buds appear and blooms cover many trees, birds are active and insects buzz by, and flowers begin to bloom. Daffodils, Lily of the Valley, and other spring flowers provide a sight for sore eyes after a long cold gray winter.<br />
<br />
The vernal, or spring, equinox signals the beginning of nature’s renewal in the Northern Hemisphere.<br />
<br />
Gardeners have been waiting for this day to arrive. Winter provides lots of time to dream, to look through garden catalogs and decide what new things to grow this year. This is spring, the beginning of a new growing season and a time to again be in harmony with Mother Nature.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-24723632088619951432011-10-20T05:12:00.000-07:002011-10-20T05:18:12.280-07:00A beautiful garden shed<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All the siding is on and our garden shed is ready for its first bit of paint. It will be painted to coordinate with the studio building next to it. We need to get the paint on to protect the wood now that we are heading into winter soon. I really do like the natural wood, but we are trying to protect it as well as have it blend into its space with the potting bench, greenhouse and studio next to it.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpmNWbK9_sjv2W3m4bp90k9YVIQZWK4k9SY5PHdrivEUXEQNlURAknrrg7OsMfDa01LkCyM4BGSgztBRA6dp0vaV-9EYBtsZoj11KmLeEx1ydN323svlYPtePfraTZkbz3U-P/s1600/toolshed50208o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpmNWbK9_sjv2W3m4bp90k9YVIQZWK4k9SY5PHdrivEUXEQNlURAknrrg7OsMfDa01LkCyM4BGSgztBRA6dp0vaV-9EYBtsZoj11KmLeEx1ydN323svlYPtePfraTZkbz3U-P/s400/toolshed50208o.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is the front side our new garden shed.</span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Nice!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFL7IzmiGPLMzylSPSmscvTEJdY00kG5bsrLB3b_rXwZn7o74-DJde7xAmuBDkEpjHyUyY9X697V95aiowYiq1mbkYrLBqEVx7HNUrbZL9DIJCNxDqdMeIATv3rlW2tENVIve/s1600/toolshed50210o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFL7IzmiGPLMzylSPSmscvTEJdY00kG5bsrLB3b_rXwZn7o74-DJde7xAmuBDkEpjHyUyY9X697V95aiowYiq1mbkYrLBqEVx7HNUrbZL9DIJCNxDqdMeIATv3rlW2tENVIve/s320/toolshed50210o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So, it is almost time to clean out the greenhouse so I can set up for intensive propagation of winter veggies and then spring crops.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI86enMIB3jymU1ARFSB21LCmwATYM2unmEj5tllGpkvW4r30JJsQpl9w5IN2tH8PI4cIS9oJSKFO68r-8x_toCa2Tw6VGue1tXn3qCcYw5ch4nBEIDrk8hvnY61C_xb4znSFl/s1600/peppersfall169cmo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI86enMIB3jymU1ARFSB21LCmwATYM2unmEj5tllGpkvW4r30JJsQpl9w5IN2tH8PI4cIS9oJSKFO68r-8x_toCa2Tw6VGue1tXn3qCcYw5ch4nBEIDrk8hvnY61C_xb4znSFl/s400/peppersfall169cmo.jpg" width="343" /></a></div><br />
The vegetables still think it is summer and are producing just fine. The peppers are ripening the way I like them best - red!! We are growing hot, medium and mild (bell types) and they are all finally maturing. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCojYDmp4lAo1gbTsby7k12bmjQxraXM5bUhS0eyGp4geod_A2E1pidy3OOYlny8mtmGKzbgp1YD-0wROY1oT0TyCNRnC084wzHxV7jcyQgFshifmqOOtU-a51c-rfUyq7gtH4/s1600/3zucchini172c2so.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCojYDmp4lAo1gbTsby7k12bmjQxraXM5bUhS0eyGp4geod_A2E1pidy3OOYlny8mtmGKzbgp1YD-0wROY1oT0TyCNRnC084wzHxV7jcyQgFshifmqOOtU-a51c-rfUyq7gtH4/s400/3zucchini172c2so.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The zucchini plants are sending out lots of babies and some giants that hide from me. The three different types of zucchini are all small here in this picture. That is a very small berry basket. I am not sure how much longer the plants will last though because the heavy dew in the mornings is helping to weaken them.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is a nice time of the year for growing plants in general though. The ones that don't "love" the heat of summer are just reviving themselves with a good rain and nice temperatures. Asters are blooming and roses are blooming again as well and native iris's are popping their heads out of the ground. It is a new season as we see these changes occurring in the nature around us. To garden is a wonderful occupation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-31966278435980953722011-10-19T06:21:00.000-07:002011-10-19T06:21:36.426-07:00Planting Onions, Leeks and GarlicA week or so ago I planted a few of my onion starts along with a bunch of carrots I started from seed. So yesterday I bought 6 packs of onion and leek starts, as well as seed garlic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYHqrA9ubi-jZL-aQR9dB-TAO3jRhzCaXVQd34c2losAyk9_pxkfioereY_G09bqtT6gkDuxNncVUFjH2TDNMFkq7zMIFZEWvzPkdGBgR09x0ostdcfTKceGwC6kUes0l7JLz/s1600/carrots50149cmo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYHqrA9ubi-jZL-aQR9dB-TAO3jRhzCaXVQd34c2losAyk9_pxkfioereY_G09bqtT6gkDuxNncVUFjH2TDNMFkq7zMIFZEWvzPkdGBgR09x0ostdcfTKceGwC6kUes0l7JLz/s400/carrots50149cmo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I keep records of when I start seeds for "starts" but don't seem to record when I plant all the time. Especially with something like alliums which get planted several times a year. But it is the time of the year for onions, leeks, shallots and garlic. Or rather, it is a good time to plant them. <br />
<br />
The onions starts are bunching onions. I like bunching onions because<span style="font-size: small;"> they last forever. They divide at ground level and remain scallions (green onions) forever. They're also perennial. Yeah! I like bunching onions!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuKo3_Q5GdXX5ded4fyQxWIU8b7Am3pFoWKy42A1_pdO4KYg51TiIl5hn8WseQgnclBW1B6zEpqDMpE50tJsUDt5j-FzDvTI6s_P4KcYS-o5jq2Gd7T01KyGriP7BtGYGLLRo/s1600/onion_bunching179cmo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuKo3_Q5GdXX5ded4fyQxWIU8b7Am3pFoWKy42A1_pdO4KYg51TiIl5hn8WseQgnclBW1B6zEpqDMpE50tJsUDt5j-FzDvTI6s_P4KcYS-o5jq2Gd7T01KyGriP7BtGYGLLRo/s400/onion_bunching179cmo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Of course I got leeks. </span><span style="font-size: small;">I bought American Flag and King Richard leeks. </span><span style="font-size: small;">They really are my favorite allium! I love leeks for so many things - part of steamed veg. dishes, soups, sauteed in olive oil, and especially a thick layer of leeks on my homemade pizzas. They are the best!!! <br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPjMAqsYnPlDYB2Mto44uq8jOjocLjKFRrEOX7qEMEzqv3TcGDq3AZ7cis8-2864MfWaWSG3_7NQk4_u42YbzPr_2ByreR8vILIsJqv8VUB4hvDUzbXS4YL2ZykkweCwGLsq-/s1600/leeks174cmo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPjMAqsYnPlDYB2Mto44uq8jOjocLjKFRrEOX7qEMEzqv3TcGDq3AZ7cis8-2864MfWaWSG3_7NQk4_u42YbzPr_2ByreR8vILIsJqv8VUB4hvDUzbXS4YL2ZykkweCwGLsq-/s400/leeks174cmo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Here is a little video about planting onions, leeks and garlic from Peaceful Valley Farms in Grass Valley CA.</span><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="240" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_XrvzYEa0uQ" width="440"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-31441518781481263562011-09-25T16:48:00.000-07:002011-09-25T16:48:42.901-07:00The tool shed is coming along as well as the garden<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the extreme heat, I haven't gone out to the garden until the sun goes down and then have so much to do in the garden that I didn't get any pictures of the shed progress for awhile. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I planted two tomatillos (since you need two for fertilization) along the fence by the nectarine (Fantasia), the lemon verbena and the Royal Blenheim apricot. They are finally making little paper balls after being in flower what seens like months. I had planted tomatillos in this area last year, but I completely weeded and changed the bed, as well as adding over 4 inches of mulch, so the tomatillos did not reseed here. I was surprised.</span><br />
<br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhOKbBRs8dkodye_H7fKQIxvn-zXkICMGfFP4zZhU4UcZy-ESwV7A2aBm7k6VzJFhMSmLfbvRlwZBD7zXv7TkMEM7M8_VevVZZOmBW9F9-TRroIKFvlcdahpw1jVOVxZCWN1x/s1600/tomatillo131cm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhOKbBRs8dkodye_H7fKQIxvn-zXkICMGfFP4zZhU4UcZy-ESwV7A2aBm7k6VzJFhMSmLfbvRlwZBD7zXv7TkMEM7M8_VevVZZOmBW9F9-TRroIKFvlcdahpw1jVOVxZCWN1x/s320/tomatillo131cm.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was more than surprised when about 6-10 tomatillo plants volunteered in my eggplant bed which is across the walkway from the fence bed where the new tomatillos are growing. I guess I did not mulch this bed as deeply. These volunteers are very healthy and trying to take over the whole bed - which I guess they kind of are. Below is a picture of the volunteer tomatillo paper balls.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMc_GGr3mTd5NU7FFpJUUVIcsT8mwfKxoLLoy86hKcVqUrLafoxc4X4o3ZZxWKflQT1fEOHKnP8iqlgl1pWv_wvKswesds0aiWozybkgeKrq__kZKpn9liKCihuVLI11mEuqe6/s1600/tomatillo120cmo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMc_GGr3mTd5NU7FFpJUUVIcsT8mwfKxoLLoy86hKcVqUrLafoxc4X4o3ZZxWKflQT1fEOHKnP8iqlgl1pWv_wvKswesds0aiWozybkgeKrq__kZKpn9liKCihuVLI11mEuqe6/s320/tomatillo120cmo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think they are beautiful! I am going to have a lot of tomatillos this year. I will broil them in the oven on each side for 5 minutes and blend them slightly and freeze much of them in portions to use during the year as salsa, in pasta dishes and soups. Yumm!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">One tip: pull the skins off as you pick them or later you may not be able to get them off because the inside skin has a sticky surface that adheres them really well. Just rinse and don't worry about the stickiness before you broil.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The tool shed now has a nice roof. Good thing because it is really overcast today and was part of yesterday. So, that means it has cooled down too!!! Yea! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pNeOPJ41Q8D7l3NDiXQ3nt1P7pfDbMAzRiqH9cFJlJX26QEiniwGUBtFX9XC9U8D_nD8XpKhHI9fEB7wIt12Pl39lk881SV8nN1N2uOW6i-cC7pncqZP7adnXRKlkyqJyGZt/s1600/shed_roof119m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pNeOPJ41Q8D7l3NDiXQ3nt1P7pfDbMAzRiqH9cFJlJX26QEiniwGUBtFX9XC9U8D_nD8XpKhHI9fEB7wIt12Pl39lk881SV8nN1N2uOW6i-cC7pncqZP7adnXRKlkyqJyGZt/s320/shed_roof119m.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The tool shed also has a very nice dutch door. It will be painted to match the studio nearby.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LHX6vd3FeeTkJsblHTh0aRgpKaAMK9u_KRYfBNtZ-ZaSh6KKYqIvM0tYizeYM9Q8i4O96oj4fm6FDrdyAP0RLYthrpeMwHGzf68Zu0FN6dSYZyEuo63VdAy0sypD8dueifky/s1600/shed_door108m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LHX6vd3FeeTkJsblHTh0aRgpKaAMK9u_KRYfBNtZ-ZaSh6KKYqIvM0tYizeYM9Q8i4O96oj4fm6FDrdyAP0RLYthrpeMwHGzf68Zu0FN6dSYZyEuo63VdAy0sypD8dueifky/s320/shed_door108m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The trim will be pained gray and the center parts of the door will be light blue. I especially like the hardware.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJlrnbqWtHleGmGJdK_ZTKLRldw9y9_nGtp7oW2ybSrn0rYg8rLLHIq9L8bBoQcK88QQ6Gv2SBK4S-cD-QmDhy3oWwa6jS29nX6KNSbt8pm4mZUKpe2oyKLck7IQKqbct07j4/s1600/sheddoor_open111m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJlrnbqWtHleGmGJdK_ZTKLRldw9y9_nGtp7oW2ybSrn0rYg8rLLHIq9L8bBoQcK88QQ6Gv2SBK4S-cD-QmDhy3oWwa6jS29nX6KNSbt8pm4mZUKpe2oyKLck7IQKqbct07j4/s320/sheddoor_open111m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here the door is open. This is nice because I can reach lots of the hand tools I use just through this top part. I have a nice small, but long shelf on the right and lots of shelves on the left. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next pictures will show big changes in the look of the tool shed when the siding goes on. Hopefully I will have those soon!!! I need to get this finished so I can clean out the greenhouse to make it ready for winter seed starting and keeping a few other plants happy during the winter. I will be using the solar electric for fans, lighting and a heater for warmth if need be in the greenhouse. I have more carrots starting in the greenhouse now, but need to start many more fall plants soon.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fall is now coming on fast!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-29471133231902648762011-09-03T21:46:00.000-07:002011-09-03T21:51:03.538-07:00Next step in construction of the tool shed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So progress is continuing on the tool shed. Here are the latest photos. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6s8nGj7aE1VfNCvZbawAZehEJhcWLJk6sVIN8Uj4u-bbrOmhCGRGKyiKniaJOYsOZIOFdXmMCSt-QOr1htDP4ZDCx-C36OhGuo5WZlJlXPJj-MhKz6UqMGUvffudkPOoAXxbr/s1600/toolshed_shelves810s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6s8nGj7aE1VfNCvZbawAZehEJhcWLJk6sVIN8Uj4u-bbrOmhCGRGKyiKniaJOYsOZIOFdXmMCSt-QOr1htDP4ZDCx-C36OhGuo5WZlJlXPJj-MhKz6UqMGUvffudkPOoAXxbr/s320/toolshed_shelves810s.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Nice shelves of one side of shed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYHkY83lC2xFNswHL17JfFiw8b6QhGT7m5hII803m5M8INQEZ4yqy2h2TQaZcD80ahkOvH-mnQQ26Mwg-xVUg9E3b1upxT4P2BppWS4rkiWBd7Jm9uudjfhCp65MmGINmLr3u/s1600/toolshed814s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYHkY83lC2xFNswHL17JfFiw8b6QhGT7m5hII803m5M8INQEZ4yqy2h2TQaZcD80ahkOvH-mnQQ26Mwg-xVUg9E3b1upxT4P2BppWS4rkiWBd7Jm9uudjfhCp65MmGINmLr3u/s320/toolshed814s.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
This photo really shows the proximity of the tool shed to the potting bench area. And I also get a real feel of how the tool shed is going to work out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdOrc9ozTXg-hGyOMsmsU_2UKxf2QHOCABNSJMXcOfb7oAzjDq_DKQhOZMswxq8Tn76Xkz53sfr32AVqQvDUwo4xJth0qXTNt1oduKvnbMVVohMBWGPnGgZZv3_VDHFVAd27f/s1600/toolshed50044s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdOrc9ozTXg-hGyOMsmsU_2UKxf2QHOCABNSJMXcOfb7oAzjDq_DKQhOZMswxq8Tn76Xkz53sfr32AVqQvDUwo4xJth0qXTNt1oduKvnbMVVohMBWGPnGgZZv3_VDHFVAd27f/s320/toolshed50044s.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> The plywood is now covered with tar paper before it ultimately it will be covered with shingles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0UpqccypoPRQmwQofz40SfRxMYTja4DWNZqvDjBnrCOLHFOjsHVeySbO8o6df_yKjaJtJjvHNDCXQl1ZnlKpFTr1BeQ6G2GUGtakxErIVOKLEDUSvtt-158RMeFq1N8VFEP9/s1600/toolshed50048s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0UpqccypoPRQmwQofz40SfRxMYTja4DWNZqvDjBnrCOLHFOjsHVeySbO8o6df_yKjaJtJjvHNDCXQl1ZnlKpFTr1BeQ6G2GUGtakxErIVOKLEDUSvtt-158RMeFq1N8VFEP9/s320/toolshed50048s.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The door has been cut out of the paper, so it is looking better! Can hardly wait for the next step.<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-38567202860617047902011-08-21T05:26:00.000-07:002011-08-21T13:44:40.772-07:00Tool Shed construction continues<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The construction is continuing, with the basic framing completed now. This photo was taken while I was standing in front of my potting bench. The door framing is obvious in this picture.</span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The compost pile is visible through the framing in this picture also.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0ZptH2Jn7lvpaWFUIjRnwL1-1AiKuO3_WfR_UE-zhENBwxu8uMU6hzS-xkdXTTZTTQgcXRDFg9mIZNYfQLxRXl5y88tRGEUdsiM1EsiJ82GmfsZCkTSjc3dQP2Rxw6fG_cZg/s1600/toolshedso792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0ZptH2Jn7lvpaWFUIjRnwL1-1AiKuO3_WfR_UE-zhENBwxu8uMU6hzS-xkdXTTZTTQgcXRDFg9mIZNYfQLxRXl5y88tRGEUdsiM1EsiJ82GmfsZCkTSjc3dQP2Rxw6fG_cZg/s400/toolshedso792.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Below the sheathing is on the back. And some of the detail framing is in place.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYIYAW4U_qRNZ7OyFwuPNpdRtWBuMKszIE9nW5RDj0VfvGyin5cAdnEN9DDHajsLidwF00C9EKxdbF6ksJBxNMKLkrCIxkHclOqN_aD5QVoEErndqPz49MWr9LZtRAPHWkUUv/s1600/toolshed804cso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYIYAW4U_qRNZ7OyFwuPNpdRtWBuMKszIE9nW5RDj0VfvGyin5cAdnEN9DDHajsLidwF00C9EKxdbF6ksJBxNMKLkrCIxkHclOqN_aD5QVoEErndqPz49MWr9LZtRAPHWkUUv/s400/toolshed804cso.jpg" width="298" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The progress of the tool shed gets me excited to have an efficient seed production venue. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9N9zv293mAd9wSnSShSZ4Z3_kBfZFQdj2nZZqHwhSDCOxSJA3SksVS2FF0MAn8TqnV0KEoxqRFeveem89Cx20mwr2LkhbxP_ZHOmW73bSMHim2LKHY53D1X-V9b6qsREjMIQ/s1600/carrots805so.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9N9zv293mAd9wSnSShSZ4Z3_kBfZFQdj2nZZqHwhSDCOxSJA3SksVS2FF0MAn8TqnV0KEoxqRFeveem89Cx20mwr2LkhbxP_ZHOmW73bSMHim2LKHY53D1X-V9b6qsREjMIQ/s320/carrots805so.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So, I have been planting seeds. In seed packs I have planted bunching onions, pumpkins, zucchini, zinnias and most recently carrots. Here is one of the 6 packs of newly emerging carrot sprouts.They are so cute and delicate. Tomorrow I want to start some leeks for the garden.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPcb89qqPIBaNoXbsQz3awp3kLtuPgOL64BErXLgpRr3FqWnBn2xIpQyzacEJT0_hhzuHhHUdfRgmeKTKR6WHJGJQDso39SVkNZHDocPDfVE0DZpDhPutFUQOE-3csaKbwOGW/s1600/harvest8_11acs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPcb89qqPIBaNoXbsQz3awp3kLtuPgOL64BErXLgpRr3FqWnBn2xIpQyzacEJT0_hhzuHhHUdfRgmeKTKR6WHJGJQDso39SVkNZHDocPDfVE0DZpDhPutFUQOE-3csaKbwOGW/s320/harvest8_11acs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We have been harvesting fruit and vegetables from the garden daily. This is the latest summer garden I have ever had in 30 years of gardening. We haven't harvested one pepper yet. As can be seen in this picture, we have three varieties of zucchini growing. The green and yellow type is new to me this year. Of course we have lemons (they are an all year harvest item in our garden). The tomatoes are so late, but they are coming on nicely and are very delicious!!<br />
<br />
We always have plenty of blackberries from our thornless blackberry patches. I pick about a cup or two a day. We have them for breakfast and desert. We had a good raspberry crop this year too and got a few boysenberries on the new plants from my friend Nina.<br />
<br />
But the birds (with the help of the rats) have wiped out our entire seedless Thompson grape harvest this year. I was going to bag some of the clusters, but they got to them before I could get the bags up. They were relentless, no matter how many times I would shoo the birds away from the grape arbor. We haven't gotten figs again this year thanks to the wildlife. I am saving a few, that is why we are allowing the fig branches to hang so close to the tool shed and over the whole pepper bed, just hoping to get a few figs.This fig tree was planted in 1920 and every year the figs would drop off or dry up because we just didn't eat that many. I made jam a few years, but ... We always had way more than we could use or share. The same for the grapes, we always had tons, and now last year and this year we end up with none for ourselves. Really a bummer. No more bird nests in my yard next year. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I just dug up our whole potato 4'X4' bed. I have decided to move the potato bed this year. It takes constant awareness to track the changing growth/shade patterns of the trees that surround the veggie garden. So, I am making an adjustment this year. I will be planting the onions, leeks and carrots in the old potato bed this year. I am moving the potatoes to a sunnier bed and I think I will get a larger potato harvest next year. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-27140528391519745982011-08-11T18:11:00.000-07:002011-08-11T20:05:10.137-07:00Potting Shed Construction<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The potting bench is now completed. Here it is with the new canvas awning. I chose parchment for the color so light would come through and it does. It is also waterproof which will keep the area so much cleaner. Now it is fun to start seed during the hot months of the year, as it is way too hot for starting seed in the greenhouse at this time of the year.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKifJCAVKUty2dC2liPwv16nxd0iJNY7dWn29HjeLsfcEHpojzIxavTAEeCfE0tUkhI2SZxxBgRaEbQxgTN5M8fuFqSMYuabm6tMPLjxB5zXvwqViNQNZnR_GZt8ySnztNMEZj/s1600/pottingbenchfini84w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: .1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKifJCAVKUty2dC2liPwv16nxd0iJNY7dWn29HjeLsfcEHpojzIxavTAEeCfE0tUkhI2SZxxBgRaEbQxgTN5M8fuFqSMYuabm6tMPLjxB5zXvwqViNQNZnR_GZt8ySnztNMEZj/s320/pottingbenchfini84w.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So, here it is - completed and a beauty and so very functional.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Started carrot seed in six-packs two days ago because it is too hot out in the garden now and I have way too much mulch on all my beds at this time of the year for a shallow seeder.</span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2T-2Zpf1D6cFrUJS7EafxJEfogFwKLTJlZbhrvhLHYiUxpajivmnJssOyoviC2uKsFPBY3nSsIn5zUoilNTmc7W00PjjsoLawRjwcmaC5xb_n2MpqNdAjrHs5QES-CMg_i3XO/s1600/toolshed767cs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: .1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2T-2Zpf1D6cFrUJS7EafxJEfogFwKLTJlZbhrvhLHYiUxpajivmnJssOyoviC2uKsFPBY3nSsIn5zUoilNTmc7W00PjjsoLawRjwcmaC5xb_n2MpqNdAjrHs5QES-CMg_i3XO/s320/toolshed767cs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This picture shows where the new tool shed is being built next to my potting bench.</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnlbgCT18akeTPFZn8EYVoPPBQdZ5OLZAdIpges31D6wMsUZUNCXqCsrYydgVtEmEDOIVtWPilS6X6MxFkjVocswol-hLObcxM6Osf8BUEJx45UukZluR0NtSE6IPatip5zqX/s1600/toolshed766cs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: .1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnlbgCT18akeTPFZn8EYVoPPBQdZ5OLZAdIpges31D6wMsUZUNCXqCsrYydgVtEmEDOIVtWPilS6X6MxFkjVocswol-hLObcxM6Osf8BUEJx45UukZluR0NtSE6IPatip5zqX/s320/toolshed766cs.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This next picture shows the roof line of the new tool shed which matches the roof line of the studio on the left (blue shingled structure). The next set of pictures (when it gets sheathing) will really demonstrate how it is going to look. Hopefully this will be in about two days.</span><br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-6446595603163660172011-07-22T20:13:00.000-07:002011-07-23T01:31:44.569-07:00We had Spring in July!<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes, we have had a mixed up year when it comes down to Mother Nature and our environment. After an extremely cool/cold/wet March through May we got sizzling temps in June and then July provided us with Spring time temperatures. It was a blessing. All those things we weren't able to do during our regular spring could be done (or most of them) in July. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was able to clean out all those garden storage spots with piles of old plastic pots, some full of soil and much more. Now I am looking for a home for all those pots and I mean LOTS of pots. I cleaned out and put together all of those broken pieces of terracotta pots which we all save for planting. I am saving many of them for artistic endeavors in making homemade designer pots. Someday I will have time for those types of projects. Oh, I found all kinds of treasures in the garden and a bunch of stuff I was able to throw away too!</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="clear: left; float: center; margin-bottom: .1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTD4Gb3p20KTVMwkXGGA-y5cRuMUMFMg1-jU7O5HwsojtuxEJ1j3YfEVMEW8p7hyVzXKEME3eD-GUnVp7jLzlMc3lOFa8QzHN5gvOzp6KyfD6mRD3e89ppclmN2HXnQFfLMNJU/s1600/potbench512os.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTD4Gb3p20KTVMwkXGGA-y5cRuMUMFMg1-jU7O5HwsojtuxEJ1j3YfEVMEW8p7hyVzXKEME3eD-GUnVp7jLzlMc3lOFa8QzHN5gvOzp6KyfD6mRD3e89ppclmN2HXnQFfLMNJU/s320/potbench512os.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><span style="font-size: small;">I designed and my dear husband built a new 8' long potting bench that is absolutely beautiful - a work of art. I already have my containers of compost, worm casting compost, seed mixture, and general soil underneath. Then there is the vermiculite, sand, kelp and other ingredients stored under the new potting bench. </span></div><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">The shade cloth suspended above is what is reflecting the light above.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> I am calling this area my potting shed because it now has a shade cloth suspended over it, but will soon have a new awning installed. </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1CeuD0PfB8RGY2A3lYkyP6-S7baNVHDjH1B-Q-ZuLD3MpByuVgyUASzE71eoUPyEioRaKpFpT3bk5WYgmfIbCNRvb1_cmKqXNbEmeoKW3iJNSg3rSzPNwtpnKsL6BysG9ET5/s1600/potbench509os.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1CeuD0PfB8RGY2A3lYkyP6-S7baNVHDjH1B-Q-ZuLD3MpByuVgyUASzE71eoUPyEioRaKpFpT3bk5WYgmfIbCNRvb1_cmKqXNbEmeoKW3iJNSg3rSzPNwtpnKsL6BysG9ET5/s320/potbench509os.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I have seeds starting for onions and zucchini squash, plus basil and some ornamentals too.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90v-Rp7bb1R2mPK4dN8fl-hVYd-0NRTHdDD9xhmc6IBIr5lL4bYY-zlmEiEwhCPGzk_CGgOiMSveFHuQVbSFl0BsEWOL13TvCQNiBdLFbT3XQxVIJlE8dnOo0pkMPsnD8vf4B/s1600/potshed513os.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90v-Rp7bb1R2mPK4dN8fl-hVYd-0NRTHdDD9xhmc6IBIr5lL4bYY-zlmEiEwhCPGzk_CGgOiMSveFHuQVbSFl0BsEWOL13TvCQNiBdLFbT3XQxVIJlE8dnOo0pkMPsnD8vf4B/s320/potshed513os.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Soon we are building a tool closet/shed to the right of this photo for obviously my tools and all the things that help me in the garden. Then it will truly be a potting shed!!! <br />
<br />
Of course now, it is time to clean out the greenhouse. There is always a list of chores waiting in the garden.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-26683593766189117312011-06-19T04:51:00.000-07:002011-07-23T01:54:48.849-07:00Finally planting a Spring garden in May and JuneSo we finally got some spring weather about three weeks ago, which came right after our full day of hail! Mother Nature is not happy! It sure is very evident this year with all this crazy weather and events around the world.<br />
<br />
Alright, back to my little piece of nature. We have a city lot with some very old fruit trees and many I planted years ago. The (white) fig tree was planted in 1920 and the Santa Rosa plum was planted some time between 1920-1950. There are two Loquots, one old and another was a baby volunteer, a Meyer and Eureka lemon tree, a pink grapefruit tree, a large Bay tree, Vitex tree, and Elder tree. There is a three year old Suncrest peach, a two year old Fantasia nectarine and a two year old Royal Blenheim apricot (replacing my old 25yr. old apricot that died a couple years ago). <br />
<br />
We have several blackberry plants in several beds and this picture shows some of their pretty flowers that will bring fruit soon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbl7pWptc41mgPhLhyLJp4ExzPoXBIJ7q5Ls3-5jo4yBUa9kF88-J1oGOB1gn9zzZGoBxQXe4LmYtngrclECtMt_ztz0fu35ULUSzDI13ggmMPupLyiwbgiEan-tD7OE9QNlG/s1600/blackberryflowers42m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbl7pWptc41mgPhLhyLJp4ExzPoXBIJ7q5Ls3-5jo4yBUa9kF88-J1oGOB1gn9zzZGoBxQXe4LmYtngrclECtMt_ztz0fu35ULUSzDI13ggmMPupLyiwbgiEan-tD7OE9QNlG/s320/blackberryflowers42m.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The raspberry bed is shown below. I have had it for several years and it is finally acting happy. Hope it bears well this year. I think I love raspberries best of all!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxCrt9jKjkG4xKxOfi4rutvQwfCHYXnW1avOFhQ1TMB0l4OfZZ8urUzFrxHXGlwVIh9gtpfS4o1BUdzfF1Bl0MCrxF46v9HG_2K07MaXSEUrze8Gi45uOtFv5DxhqX79MnZ7x/s1600/raspberries9acm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxCrt9jKjkG4xKxOfi4rutvQwfCHYXnW1avOFhQ1TMB0l4OfZZ8urUzFrxHXGlwVIh9gtpfS4o1BUdzfF1Bl0MCrxF46v9HG_2K07MaXSEUrze8Gi45uOtFv5DxhqX79MnZ7x/s320/raspberries9acm.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>This next picture is of our new boysenberry bed, planted in mid April. This picture was taken 13 days ago and the plants have filled out significantly since then. I haven't built the supportive structure to hold up the vines yet. All the berries are doing well this year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdDbY2CawXQsfqKzO_02S8JJT6Nm91d9djVAAAKXpaPOJUyqi3pDVJP1E_TOG4Rr1OrcRtamzoA36SIarPYrZXBeGY_eSKpBc72a-ZWjYufl7VTdAJ3dxplVvRpofH6vWV_eC/s1600/boysenberries191o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdDbY2CawXQsfqKzO_02S8JJT6Nm91d9djVAAAKXpaPOJUyqi3pDVJP1E_TOG4Rr1OrcRtamzoA36SIarPYrZXBeGY_eSKpBc72a-ZWjYufl7VTdAJ3dxplVvRpofH6vWV_eC/s320/boysenberries191o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My red potatoes are looking really good in this picture. You can see the Calendula (yellow flowers) in the background. Calendula is a wonderful healing herb. Really good for the skin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUpE995JpJYZPwwE8NduE1ygbKbB0QOE3MWZmnMoN3AV8XQXclMaM0iEtc0IZfUz5jtIDkis1rWeHomyf5XH0ibvO3tXbwhSmhoSqDy6qeBMpBYdHZRxB7YUuZ3to37VIgyv8/s1600/potatoes273mo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUpE995JpJYZPwwE8NduE1ygbKbB0QOE3MWZmnMoN3AV8XQXclMaM0iEtc0IZfUz5jtIDkis1rWeHomyf5XH0ibvO3tXbwhSmhoSqDy6qeBMpBYdHZRxB7YUuZ3to37VIgyv8/s320/potatoes273mo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The bush beans (below) were planted as young starters. They sat here doing nothing for a couple hot weeks, but now they have buds and are happy. Since this picture, I had to separate them more, because when I planted them I thought they were climbing beans which can be planted closer together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXwTHjvJW1OkYnszKqdiIjayHTGdQ1K6evWpSqu12WwOhRtaoEr8sDEXdYokicg9jyqV7Oipth-cMI1lciLWSFiSJBUydvy2XYC7SnMIPqBreA0WQ0eBWoOap8rRW8RHLo_dn/s1600/bean_bush283sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXwTHjvJW1OkYnszKqdiIjayHTGdQ1K6evWpSqu12WwOhRtaoEr8sDEXdYokicg9jyqV7Oipth-cMI1lciLWSFiSJBUydvy2XYC7SnMIPqBreA0WQ0eBWoOap8rRW8RHLo_dn/s320/bean_bush283sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So this is a little abbreviated inventory of some of my sustainable urban gardens.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-15277130393428202282011-05-21T22:32:00.000-07:002011-05-21T22:32:54.136-07:00Planting the vegetable garden and wildlifeEvery season that I put in a new crop I mulch the bed, stake the starters, lay a few sticks across the bed to keep out any cats and look at my new beautiful bed with awe. <br />
<br />
This month has been a different story.<br />
<br />
My cat is a house cat, because cats threaten and kill wildlife. I welcome wildlife on my property. I share figs, grapes, loquats, and plums with squirrels and many varieties of birds. Possums come through here but do no damage and the raccoons wash their hands in my water features which can make it a little muddy, but they do no damage. Many birds are nesting right now and there is a army of cats that belong to neighbors (or no) that is patrolling our neighborhood. I used to tell them that they were welcome to sit in the sun in my yard, but no more. This year they took advantage of my good spirit.<br />
<br />
I didn't start planting my heat loving vegetables until almost two weeks ago. I started with peppers, because even though we were still getting this unusual cold, they always seem to be forgiving of the weather. So, the long pepper bed was planted with the Habaneros, Jalapenos, Poblano, Anaheim, all the way down the hotness scale to Sweet Bell's or California Wonder Bell peppers. <br />
<br />
Oh, I always love my pepper bed. It is a raised bed so I am able to crowd them in together a little and knowing the growth habits of the different varieties allows me to know who needs a little more room. I am a pepper queen, as they always do so well. They will keep producing until sometime after Thanksgiving or after Christmas in a mild weather year.<br />
<br />
Of course they are planted with organic everything - my own compost and mulch (leaves and compost that isn't as broken down). We do have good soil to start with, river bottom soil as the river is just about a mile away. And they like getting only partial day full sun, but late afternoon shade in our hot California summers.<br />
<br />
Back to the kicker!<br />
After I plant a new bed I just enjoy watching it, but the next morning I went out to look at my beautiful bed and found a place where digging had occurred, the mulch was piled in an unusual pile. Immediately upon inspection I found the culprit was a cat. Cat feces are not healthy in an edible garden or any garden. Many people try: Cayenne pepper (works until the first rain washes it away) or mothballs (toxic), wiring up a low-current (non-lethal) fence or motion sensor water gun (very expensive). Cats HATE to poop in anything that is wet or step on anything that sticks to or pokes their feet, so some people use chicken wire. My neighbor Cindy resorted to chicken wire. The problem is you can't keep adding mulch or you are just covering the chicken wire and then it is useless and when your plants grow up you can't take the chicken wire out of the bed for the rest of the season.<br />
<br />
My method of laying a few branches (saved from pruning) like "pick up sticks", did not work. So I decided to make the bed <b>indestructible</b> to cats. It looks like one of those torture beds seen in films from ancient times. No cat is going to want to come near my peppers anymore. Of course, once the plants fill out I can remove the weapons of torture. Unfortunately is does not look like a perfect Sunset Magazine bed, but it is a real way to keep your beds from becoming contaminated with cat poop!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYU8cT79dDlaNTko5NkvLmo6U6jRfPuJ0xXw6M4aIuHfHNWYf_e4PHOfyULtFKVmLJ6LrOjeT2W1qK-Hi4wjMAXdcPqJtmeYdTviWCqEhXCYAtKvsVRr4xX8Y5ugNHqThhPSE7/s1600/peppers961acs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYU8cT79dDlaNTko5NkvLmo6U6jRfPuJ0xXw6M4aIuHfHNWYf_e4PHOfyULtFKVmLJ6LrOjeT2W1qK-Hi4wjMAXdcPqJtmeYdTviWCqEhXCYAtKvsVRr4xX8Y5ugNHqThhPSE7/s1600/peppers961acs.jpg" /></a></div><br />
For some reason it is hard to see the vertical sticks sticking up all over the bed. It is more evident on my paste tomato bed filled with Amish paste and Sausage paste tomatoes which a I planted a couple days after the peppers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESX5G773i8rquK4HKpUSuoUtVu4KFVgqt73n79Lul8keJ04NQZJa69dMkIWFPmvp04ortmAm4KW3g_3G7YMsRvzOqGyf94b42Jsf1ovcxejvSeQy6DYU0-4NvUcf8Ui41PWb9/s1600/P1030969am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESX5G773i8rquK4HKpUSuoUtVu4KFVgqt73n79Lul8keJ04NQZJa69dMkIWFPmvp04ortmAm4KW3g_3G7YMsRvzOqGyf94b42Jsf1ovcxejvSeQy6DYU0-4NvUcf8Ui41PWb9/s400/P1030969am.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The tomato cage helps to keep them out too. It is hard to see the cage, but it is homemade (out of heavy wire fencing with 6" openings) and has been used for more than 20 years. So, this was an easier bed to secure. Here is a close-up below of the mass of upright sticks!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wn4necJw4cNDFsayJAG1PqTaSgyTDTKO3R5fw5ATpwutFzkjyiOYy9JW6lIEqihKiYFttuI8mJQDmdtjxQrjiCMhxW6tYRaOR9YMkH9lGZsrxeE0Vio9c7wCwRiIUQ-5gZpK/s1600/tomatocage966ccms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wn4necJw4cNDFsayJAG1PqTaSgyTDTKO3R5fw5ATpwutFzkjyiOYy9JW6lIEqihKiYFttuI8mJQDmdtjxQrjiCMhxW6tYRaOR9YMkH9lGZsrxeE0Vio9c7wCwRiIUQ-5gZpK/s400/tomatocage966ccms.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It also helps to have lots and lots of sticks/stakes. They are useful for all kinds of things in the garden, from this deterring cats use, to staking and supporting new starts, supporting plants laden with heavy fruit, to becoming the uprights for shade cloths (I just use a staple gun to hold the shade cloth to the stakes) during different times when a plant maybe stressed from the sun.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-61630532954440144532011-05-05T05:31:00.000-07:002011-05-05T05:31:21.875-07:002011 May Day East Sac Garden Tour - for gardeners by gardenersWe had a gorgeous day for a garden tour, yet it did feel warm around noon. We chose an earlier date for the tour this year to highlight different gardens, and also different plants that are in their best form. We showed 7 East Sacramento Gardens. All these gardens are cared for by their owners with love and dedication. The love and hard work showed in the beauty we were able to observe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRwUXC4aXNg-Enhq6CCcUL5_ATr6T5GpBrR350d8Rp6Op7yJG7OqzGq-5qk0sGFfRT_ct8iEhTtkFg8mHfr2d42KIzDXizS4uAmq2mDDMoEF6I9FiA8Ej9O3ixpVs_5jwkWFM/s1600/nina825s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRwUXC4aXNg-Enhq6CCcUL5_ATr6T5GpBrR350d8Rp6Op7yJG7OqzGq-5qk0sGFfRT_ct8iEhTtkFg8mHfr2d42KIzDXizS4uAmq2mDDMoEF6I9FiA8Ej9O3ixpVs_5jwkWFM/s320/nina825s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We started out at Nina's with her unique sustainable gardens and orchard.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UNpwzQ2hEO9V1fR26PfaTJ28BLmu1rDPYd233ikZ4XCYEth0slmsNWbN3Q8kKleXqgk-Pbc1vs88dsR2gjmlFT3KI11_dYdJBFt0kuEVrYaoiNpayoVCBxC0fCpOLouG0nYt/s1600/anita832s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UNpwzQ2hEO9V1fR26PfaTJ28BLmu1rDPYd233ikZ4XCYEth0slmsNWbN3Q8kKleXqgk-Pbc1vs88dsR2gjmlFT3KI11_dYdJBFt0kuEVrYaoiNpayoVCBxC0fCpOLouG0nYt/s320/anita832s.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Next we visited Anita's fantastic rose gardens and other perennials. The senses were also filled with the wonderful smells. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBA73pCA2-dAAxnyZ94H1YJElzWbRLsEce01KJGj-8rP-M2Xdprq3SweLzfuJ3Db9_O00bcWHx-ITjONiVyzqeKvNdkvAFKgEyfGFMIE_Q9Z7J5QV_3cRsGfXSm5FtfwHgOXI/s1600/cindy846s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBA73pCA2-dAAxnyZ94H1YJElzWbRLsEce01KJGj-8rP-M2Xdprq3SweLzfuJ3Db9_O00bcWHx-ITjONiVyzqeKvNdkvAFKgEyfGFMIE_Q9Z7J5QV_3cRsGfXSm5FtfwHgOXI/s320/cindy846s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Cindy's gardens were next with her rose arbor and perennials. Her garden also demonstrates cooperation as she has a vegetable garden on her neighbor's back property.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9Qk5PMCLLojaXEqRl2-0rM-vetzMM2II9Bsr9EY0hRlOG2XLtQMmOd5TsHEx2dTBug2bBF7yQasZgZ596uQKCZjEcuhGmyZAXe4xg6PITImfti76Bn_4qeFXZ3Cpq8VGcYFz/s1600/kim849s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9Qk5PMCLLojaXEqRl2-0rM-vetzMM2II9Bsr9EY0hRlOG2XLtQMmOd5TsHEx2dTBug2bBF7yQasZgZ596uQKCZjEcuhGmyZAXe4xg6PITImfti76Bn_4qeFXZ3Cpq8VGcYFz/s320/kim849s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Kim's gardens were filled with wonderful plant diversity focusing on shape, form and color. Always changing and interesting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7WXwxXoU6CL47U6Shma69ZlVJmn2gFAWovy9oiF8kC-kwH7T3H1IPUVHh4IX8B_KgusgRwRiXwNMPd0OTsx-BAZ_TINaL5o2iZBsXCbDzepED-1SA8og4R8vLgCcGBkQiCr0/s1600/sue871s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7WXwxXoU6CL47U6Shma69ZlVJmn2gFAWovy9oiF8kC-kwH7T3H1IPUVHh4IX8B_KgusgRwRiXwNMPd0OTsx-BAZ_TINaL5o2iZBsXCbDzepED-1SA8og4R8vLgCcGBkQiCr0/s320/sue871s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Then we visited my gardens. Here is a front yard bed with various perennials in a shady bed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzfDjovP8-bM-qhXHyPQ0XUAj8wp_d-B_PiK0Cjfe_CgCJ9rrNjnAUyOmNb85qGb3Jdq6kXGzVLCK_h9CBfhjnr5yiKrN37nO8KYoIFB1PU5ElVANTNsKiGevQyczYExSMK3R/s1600/dave863s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzfDjovP8-bM-qhXHyPQ0XUAj8wp_d-B_PiK0Cjfe_CgCJ9rrNjnAUyOmNb85qGb3Jdq6kXGzVLCK_h9CBfhjnr5yiKrN37nO8KYoIFB1PU5ElVANTNsKiGevQyczYExSMK3R/s320/dave863s.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Next were Dave's special garden rooms. We are leaving one garden room and entering another in this photo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWdnqFYUW9otu01YqOZMY-FGs0DO3UEE4bRfLpbzOzc9HnD-24eBSuUe9a0qLXUNRd-uF0B_qP2KDZBf_i_XKu3qPldKHxRtSfW8EtcFNOppNG2Ouhy0_ZlHbubXtWpOJ3mb2/s1600/noelle864s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWdnqFYUW9otu01YqOZMY-FGs0DO3UEE4bRfLpbzOzc9HnD-24eBSuUe9a0qLXUNRd-uF0B_qP2KDZBf_i_XKu3qPldKHxRtSfW8EtcFNOppNG2Ouhy0_ZlHbubXtWpOJ3mb2/s320/noelle864s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And lastly we visited Noelle's pretty gardens.<br />
<br />
The tour was a real success. We all had fun visiting and sharing and we all gained information and ideas to incorporate into our knowledge base and possibly our gardens along the way.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-62987636476631582602011-04-08T20:32:00.000-07:002011-04-09T04:00:32.700-07:00It is April already!!!It seems quite strange to just now be getting out into the garden this year! I had a four month job developing a huge website with no time for fun free-time activities, let alone for the garden or normal chores. So, here I am checking out my yard to see how my precious plants have survived this very long cold and hard winter.<br />
<br />
Many plants are bursting out with new life. Yea! We have had a couple gorgeous days and the honey bees are very busy in my gardens. I sure wish everything had been pruned before this. I am doing some catch-up pruning of vines and other over-due chores. <br />
<br />
A few invaders have decided to take over where my mulch has been utilized by the microherd and is almost showing the soil now. Well it would be showing soil if the oxalis and cleavers hadn't filled in these places. So, I have spent 5 hours over a few days earlier in the week pulling out these two invaders who thought they were 'home free' in my gardens. No, it is not gone, not by a long shot, but several beds are looking good enough to get another layer of mulch for this season or even the year depending on sun exposure and how fast it breaks down.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, my friend Nina gave me a bunch of boysenberries canes ready to plant; that were in need of being planted soon. So, today, instead of continuing my battle with the invaders in fully developed beds, I developed a new berry bed. I had been thinking about starting this bed for the last year. This bed is on the west side of the yard and is next to the raspberry bed. The soil is nice in this new bed which hadn't grown anything productive for years. Many years ago it used to be my main vegetable garden; now abandoned for the wooden raised vegetable beds I built towards the back of my property. These beds have lasted for 25 years. This year I will need to replace a board or two on a couple of them, but the redwood has held up quite well over the years.<br />
<br />
Back to the boysenberries. So, I got 4 canes planted before it was time to call it quits today. Tomorrow the rest will be planted and I will come up with a structure to support the new plants. My friend Kim was such a help today, she is a hard worker. Working with a buddy is very inspirational. The time flies by that way.<br />
<br />
Ever wonder why gardeners are always such a happy group??? Well, there is a bacteria in the soil that actually generates Serotonin in our brains. It is said that this works better than Prozac and we have all heard about a town where the citizens went on Prozac to be happy. So one of the best things about gardening is the concept of being sustainable by growing food, having a beautiful garden bed full of life, getting some good exercise and vitamin D and a good shot of Serotonin that makes us happy. What else could we need?<br />
<br />
I will add boysenberry pictures tomorrow, as it is pitch black now.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-82989462387523974752011-01-29T03:40:00.000-08:002011-01-29T03:40:31.231-08:00PEPPERS in JANUARY ?Did I mention that this picture was taken in 2011??? or was it December 31 at 9pm???<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOPmRuVIbIzaIRxvDq_7jbf_wP5xiI36PfbU5nyrPEkcrM83wX5J00FTGcmDUkIEE-Hsbg2j3yO39_mwH2RWnTY4H8ZQ2uzN2xCF-pENaEI0S3zzh2xIP2ANi-zc3Mn3YULZs/s1600/peppers605so.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOPmRuVIbIzaIRxvDq_7jbf_wP5xiI36PfbU5nyrPEkcrM83wX5J00FTGcmDUkIEE-Hsbg2j3yO39_mwH2RWnTY4H8ZQ2uzN2xCF-pENaEI0S3zzh2xIP2ANi-zc3Mn3YULZs/s320/peppers605so.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Yes, your thinking is correct. These peppers were just picked from the vine in my raised bed full of peppers at the New Year! We have had more than our share of cold weather this winter. Lots of nights down in the 20's. Some winters we have no actual freeze nights! I remember one year about (maybe 15 yrs ago) when we had such a bad freeze (18 degrees) that all my citrus fruit on my two lemon trees and one grapefruit tree froze and then spoiled. That was a very sad year indeed!<br />
Okay back to peppers. In the middle of this January we picked a few more nice red peppers too and they were great!<br />
You can see I gutted the medium hot long pepper that looks like an Anaheim pepper, yet this one is one of those whose name I cannot remember without going out and reading the tag. I believe it is hotter than Anaheims though.<br />
Here is the next step: Ha! Chopped!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtn4koUzOzeA8LkYKtiqOKPYa11G_uc0W3MA-6apeI63r9G_Kb6bNmbD-khOx6hYg4yFgC6_IbZwUtoHFBKCI7hfBQlRXgE624VgRewplpj_CppF1s63_m_R_3hcRkaJJbzekf/s1600/peppers610so.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtn4koUzOzeA8LkYKtiqOKPYa11G_uc0W3MA-6apeI63r9G_Kb6bNmbD-khOx6hYg4yFgC6_IbZwUtoHFBKCI7hfBQlRXgE624VgRewplpj_CppF1s63_m_R_3hcRkaJJbzekf/s320/peppers610so.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Now to make something wonderful from these beautiful peppers!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8B0pf6aJPqhNpuOEBI79GS65-TMsxO5yRzzf-X9UuwFmdl1SuhKtxY7M9zsSguKCNhvPH8yUNyZam9BYIQLVxR5IbYpstbHeNS7mepx1O_ui1A9TtXFJ7oRxOAKqhsdxYkoNi/s1600/veg_pasta612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8B0pf6aJPqhNpuOEBI79GS65-TMsxO5yRzzf-X9UuwFmdl1SuhKtxY7M9zsSguKCNhvPH8yUNyZam9BYIQLVxR5IbYpstbHeNS7mepx1O_ui1A9TtXFJ7oRxOAKqhsdxYkoNi/s320/veg_pasta612.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is the vegetable side of a fantastic pasta! As you can see, it includes leeks, carrots, green garlic, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers of course, a tiny bit of olive oil and some tomato paste, I see I put in fresh rosemary and probably celery seed, freshly dried oregano and basil from the garden. I can almost smell it cooking! And to top it off, I served it with homemade sourdough whole wheat seed bread.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOWjPZPtwrhFkLcIBuA0zK5L-zkJ3bhbDA72ZTowX93A0DOWRJaFiZ-abUaL_5nviF9xJPayKWIDpTLdWZE7Rm5-GrAEnOl3WGV5HxbTePoN8Llmbo8J9R5vdsuWLKDTCDwJR/s1600/bread576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOWjPZPtwrhFkLcIBuA0zK5L-zkJ3bhbDA72ZTowX93A0DOWRJaFiZ-abUaL_5nviF9xJPayKWIDpTLdWZE7Rm5-GrAEnOl3WGV5HxbTePoN8Llmbo8J9R5vdsuWLKDTCDwJR/s320/bread576.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is my own recipe that I have improved over time and I can tell you that it is great! So we brought in the NEW YEAR with wonderful fresh and healthy homemade food, including vegetables and herbs from the garden! Happy New Year to all of you!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-7025394573939994752010-12-30T03:10:00.000-08:002010-12-30T03:10:34.052-08:00What's growing in winter?December in the garden includes onions, leeks, garlic, swiss chard (of course), my new bed of potatoes and my full long bed of sweet and chili peppers. I never got broccoli or other brassicas planted in fall (of course I was out of the country much of the time). <br />
<br />
Sometime near the end of November I went out with a huge basket and harvested all the basil late at night before we were to get a hard freeze. I also harvest lots of my beautiful red peppers that cold dark night. Fresh pesto in winter is very special. We had a lot of pesto/pepper pasta dinners around that time.<br />
<br />
The most amazing thing is that it is December 30th and I have plants full of peppers. Unbelievable, especially because we had a streak of cold weather that we don't see very often in Sacramento California. We also have had quite a lot of rain in the last two months. Of course the rain (and snow in the mountains) is really really good since we just came out of a couple dry years.<br />
<br />
Very soon now, it will be time to set up my seed trays and start seed for early spring planting. The solar panels on the greenhouse will generate the energy to run the heat pad and the grow lights. Now that Christmas is over, it is the time to lay out my garden plan and decide what seeds to start. My freezer has two very large jars filled with seeds waiting to be chosen this year. Living on a city lot, there are limits to the space I have available for planting. Of course I use almost every patch of ground to grow something. So, within the next couple weeks our spring seed choices will be posted.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-54016305700283285552010-11-05T01:01:00.000-07:002010-11-05T01:01:07.172-07:00A very late summer veggie gardenI did not get my garden planted until the end of spring, early summer. And then I left for vacation in Sept. and Oct. Thank goodness I had a wonderful person caring for my garden while I was away and nothing died. That is a very special garden person for sure.<br />
<br />
Oh, and Yes, I had a wonderful time in Ireland and visited many beautiful gardens. In fact, all of Ireland is a beautiful garden. <br />
<br />
Okay, back to my garden. I planted it several months after my normal early spring plant time. First of all, the weather dictated that we plant a month late. Plants that sit in cold soil do not develop sooner, in fact they are set back behind plants that are put in soil at appropriate temperatures for spring growth. Then I was busy with college classes until June.<br />
<br />
The surprising thing about this year's garden is that it is now (and while I was in Ireland) producing the fruits of my labor. The tomatoes are still on the vine, though I have picked all the red ones and only the green ones are left. The basil is still healthy. The zucchini is still producing. Well, two out of the three are still producing. Here is a picture of one that I will pick tomorrow. It is just above the large leaf that is closest in the picture. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7sNfML0I4l3Zol3w4iixCY0MX6Q0INeqM4hENk89keMxeEwDE6dNND39lurYbx1OV_JuoG2qLzWLvOhA35i5zGAR1Y6EHB5DJC0Fa6Ufez31w9Bbtzau8eXppnyh1-fwrxke/s1600/zucchini144nov10acs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7sNfML0I4l3Zol3w4iixCY0MX6Q0INeqM4hENk89keMxeEwDE6dNND39lurYbx1OV_JuoG2qLzWLvOhA35i5zGAR1Y6EHB5DJC0Fa6Ufez31w9Bbtzau8eXppnyh1-fwrxke/s320/zucchini144nov10acs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So, here is a close-up of the zucchini that will be part of my steamed vegetable dish tomorrow night. Isn't that a beauty?!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghR7-8J_SO1K9CtpdDdSS-2o6kNxJcft8kT27LcjHvA2k-7QkOAAwvGTUGCDn9HJhs4WHthuiNvrU54vE0J4CWP0EgZY-Jy0fPK49X5Uh6q68eMeUv3ZB6_BLiXYF0h0AU-FLb/s1600/zucchini144nov10close_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghR7-8J_SO1K9CtpdDdSS-2o6kNxJcft8kT27LcjHvA2k-7QkOAAwvGTUGCDn9HJhs4WHthuiNvrU54vE0J4CWP0EgZY-Jy0fPK49X5Uh6q68eMeUv3ZB6_BLiXYF0h0AU-FLb/s320/zucchini144nov10close_s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
While I was in Ireland, my potatoes decided to start growing. I must have left a couple little baby potatoes in the bed last time I harvested them in early summer sometime. I always say I should keep a garden diary and I do write down a few things, but never keep it up. Best intentions! Anyway, as I was saying the potatoes decided to grow all on their own without me even being in the country. Here they look pretty happy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbFUwjzoDlut1VsgVja0i0IhMlsNoHTYHtd0mjH1rR19rFno-oADeIkJ_cf6SXDXRwz9AOwffY_5TgLr_TIHqlj5ESYfE9Ys9dfaAwcGqFSLWTogMH0nSLO1rFyuPLZ9V4DRu/s1600/potatoes156acs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbFUwjzoDlut1VsgVja0i0IhMlsNoHTYHtd0mjH1rR19rFno-oADeIkJ_cf6SXDXRwz9AOwffY_5TgLr_TIHqlj5ESYfE9Ys9dfaAwcGqFSLWTogMH0nSLO1rFyuPLZ9V4DRu/s320/potatoes156acs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Oh I forgot to mention the peppers! There are lots of sweet peppers and chili peppers too. These pictures are only incredible because they were taken in the first week of November!!! Gardening fills the soul!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-3857724097857020182010-08-26T01:34:00.000-07:002010-08-26T01:51:26.276-07:00August greenhouse constructionSo, the solar panels are up on the roof. They are generating electricity. Two panels go to batteries and an inverter changes to AC power. Now the "snap" fan is installed too. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62_ll14Yb6vTsQPmpnfbxSB0Dgv2UNpWc3npSefagq138JyYG0KZK68-X4zZUAkbY9RZgWCI9fEm7wIvF44WKlc2fq54ROq840YCJp2t9txFPPUTXfo8ZFs-2vhUuzeUZSFPe/s1600/solarpanels82o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62_ll14Yb6vTsQPmpnfbxSB0Dgv2UNpWc3npSefagq138JyYG0KZK68-X4zZUAkbY9RZgWCI9fEm7wIvF44WKlc2fq54ROq840YCJp2t9txFPPUTXfo8ZFs-2vhUuzeUZSFPe/s320/solarpanels82o.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUe8LsHACYAT0JQKpVj22DPbENM93AV01WMwX-Qp9BYSOXmzPZ2bFiIsrtrCO8Kqf6pkKNDtrhNs7s-5Vla8NCAQhl0MHHxW-iIWgp-Rke1urb8_CFvzAsshD2Xfevk3AJSe3-/s1600/roofvent132o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUe8LsHACYAT0JQKpVj22DPbENM93AV01WMwX-Qp9BYSOXmzPZ2bFiIsrtrCO8Kqf6pkKNDtrhNs7s-5Vla8NCAQhl0MHHxW-iIWgp-Rke1urb8_CFvzAsshD2Xfevk3AJSe3-/s320/roofvent132o.jpg" /></a></div>The roof vent was framed too. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2T0ec5OWVO5n5gY9uKiYe0FwFYzmbogWpfZS-dFD2SsAx7wR60LMgJq7Y6_YKtmyvvZGd9G3-HkgrcZjffKItuZg-xpEOdT3XKtDjIbVi087w8VaWIYgl8k0V9N_5KarwUcQX/s1600/southpoly130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2T0ec5OWVO5n5gY9uKiYe0FwFYzmbogWpfZS-dFD2SsAx7wR60LMgJq7Y6_YKtmyvvZGd9G3-HkgrcZjffKItuZg-xpEOdT3XKtDjIbVi087w8VaWIYgl8k0V9N_5KarwUcQX/s400/southpoly130.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>So the polycarbonate installation began. The first piece was the south side which is the widest side.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZlzBIa4Xac_4JPl1RMOV13mY5UcdofMb-5_d4Qdh4tv0N-zRjlAhsbqco4ivaPriJ5qd7srGdHX_qbdVNg6kZxmZimP0083C6b2qpoQ2Eu1o725-Pto460YYghH581NQIgNL/s1600/southpoly2_133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZlzBIa4Xac_4JPl1RMOV13mY5UcdofMb-5_d4Qdh4tv0N-zRjlAhsbqco4ivaPriJ5qd7srGdHX_qbdVNg6kZxmZimP0083C6b2qpoQ2Eu1o725-Pto460YYghH581NQIgNL/s400/southpoly2_133.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>And here is another shot of the south panels when they are first being fitted. You can see where the framed "snap fan" is installed on the left side.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiGaaYSgbwzGexP4pv75EWUijxipjccPTVuxt-LLTLD5-keWLNO4HYiBGraXRVUjy0ttx8v_ohyphenhyphenh1rJ8xzdXcYTHpG584YhqbCT1gsbFXvhDQ1deW9QWJkufLBmADy-ImW0Sn/s1600/rightpoly190o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiGaaYSgbwzGexP4pv75EWUijxipjccPTVuxt-LLTLD5-keWLNO4HYiBGraXRVUjy0ttx8v_ohyphenhyphenh1rJ8xzdXcYTHpG584YhqbCT1gsbFXvhDQ1deW9QWJkufLBmADy-ImW0Sn/s400/rightpoly190o.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>A lot of work has been done by this picture. The sides are all in place, the roof is installed and some of the trim has been applied. What a difference a few days make. Thanks to my creative and skilled husband, who designed and is building the greenhouse. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipv4uRFMMl9fM5JbbNB1XkxIjhjaiuj1kpmPAR9Uv5mflisMbGFhJ47oESwa7_HPB1m2ueYmusptg7S_ynZqtHdZk00pIqhI6b0BgxNh7JRI2G3EKOQ2vIBag_JP6WHDYxfgdo/s1600/westpoly_snap244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipv4uRFMMl9fM5JbbNB1XkxIjhjaiuj1kpmPAR9Uv5mflisMbGFhJ47oESwa7_HPB1m2ueYmusptg7S_ynZqtHdZk00pIqhI6b0BgxNh7JRI2G3EKOQ2vIBag_JP6WHDYxfgdo/s320/westpoly_snap244.jpg" /></a></div>This is a good picture of the "snap fan" installed. This fan runs off the variable DC power from one panel. We do need to put a regulator/controller on this fan to slow it down much of the time because it feels like a wind tunnel in the greenhouse.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8Bmfy-rB42BjLFbefURmZEEKnJgjuGALUkvieaU6Qz5TBiDYkT4XOqXFrCjE1c0GLDDRjTAgX976gKIup64SHw7v3keBJpYqlQLt_cxfAEGY3ScFFY4cpnq0F6ref_0TLzEh/s1600/eastpoly283o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8Bmfy-rB42BjLFbefURmZEEKnJgjuGALUkvieaU6Qz5TBiDYkT4XOqXFrCjE1c0GLDDRjTAgX976gKIup64SHw7v3keBJpYqlQLt_cxfAEGY3ScFFY4cpnq0F6ref_0TLzEh/s320/eastpoly283o.jpg" /></a></div>This is one of the two temperature regulated cool intake vents. So, the greenhouse is coming along really nicely. <br />
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_793528416"></span><span id="goog_793528417"></span><span id="goog_793528419"></span><span id="goog_793528420"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23138012.post-15941609632332377762010-08-02T04:14:00.000-07:002010-08-02T04:18:56.201-07:00Tomatillo surprises in the vegetable garden<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Last year was the first year I had ever grown tomatilloes. I was told to have at least two plants for pollination, so I had two. I had no problem with the production of tomatilloes last year. They are those fruits that look like green tomatoes and also the ones with the paper looking skin. I had lots of them and did not get them all harvested, so many fell to the ground. The yellower they turn the sweeter they get. I understand some people only like them green and others really like them different shades of yellow. I have no preferences yet. Under that dry paper shell they are quite sticky and have to be washed before you prepare them for eating fresh or in a salsa or sauce. Other than that they are easy to incorporate into any dish you desire.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfP1r-UX6kvtbJzjCGK1p7uUHoWDWjzWFpCOqapkxS7gk_FsHW-Njl0gSEVDvw6-iyxP-TzU7Vf-XdTkjfkcjHcb3byJS97Ll2d9oJ-3kkwmLKyipr_UiGnCX2k3MNuUU-Uwb-/s1600/fall09harvest273caso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfP1r-UX6kvtbJzjCGK1p7uUHoWDWjzWFpCOqapkxS7gk_FsHW-Njl0gSEVDvw6-iyxP-TzU7Vf-XdTkjfkcjHcb3byJS97Ll2d9oJ-3kkwmLKyipr_UiGnCX2k3MNuUU-Uwb-/s320/fall09harvest273caso.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I was also told that once you grew tomatilloes you would always have them. So, when I groomed that long side bed of my yard and did not find any volunteers I was very disappointed. Then a month later in July I noticed these volunteers. Tomorrow I have to thin them, so hoping I have lots of friends who want tomatilloes.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXOM1LnjlxQp0RK2ylrV5RSNDmlHuszMhexvcoR_mPhe-1_ec9OLRVa0YE89Gw5a-roC64GGnaOwfXnpwFMzTv9gIA7P1jx9MjEGMPGtpd7N9smON-tBgbO19_fzm1Nx2KwgL/s1600/tomatilloes115m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXOM1LnjlxQp0RK2ylrV5RSNDmlHuszMhexvcoR_mPhe-1_ec9OLRVa0YE89Gw5a-roC64GGnaOwfXnpwFMzTv9gIA7P1jx9MjEGMPGtpd7N9smON-tBgbO19_fzm1Nx2KwgL/s320/tomatilloes115m.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I think they are a wonderful addition to the vegetable garden and so easy to grow. They do need to be supported. I used one of my old tomato cages made out of heavy wire wrapped into a cylinder shape. I really think I will not grow more than 4 plants this year. That is plenty for eating fresh and plenty to freeze for later in the year. Their shelf life is quite long too, much longer than a tomato. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1