tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16788880330508654852024-03-13T08:01:34.262-07:00One Determined GardenerAlea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-91586348814886523082011-04-08T17:15:00.001-07:002011-06-23T00:41:36.619-07:00Using Cypress Cuttings as Rabbit Deterrents<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TZ-lMV5JnfI/AAAAAAAAC9A/-Q8dXypYcCU/s1600-h/Rabbit%20Deterent%20-%20Cypress%20clippings%20%28432x640%29%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="Rabbit Deterent - Cypress clippings (432x640)" border="0" height="356" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TZ-lM3rMi1I/AAAAAAAAC9E/8uUJnwWsx2M/Rabbit%20Deterent%20-%20Cypress%20clippings%20%28432x640%29_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Rabbit Deterent - Cypress clippings (432x640)" width="240" /></a><br />
Why are my walks lined with cypress clippings? Because it is the time of year when the rabbits come out and devour my tulips! Usually I am able to spray the tulips with <a href="http://www.onedeterminedgardener.com/2009/05/inexpensive-organic-rabbit-repellent.html" target="_blank">homemade Rabbit Repellant</a> but this year we have had a lot of precipitation (for the high desert), so it has been less fun to work outside but more conducive to plant growth. In other words, an ideal environment for the rabbits to dine on all of my tulips. I remembered that my husband had clipped the Cypress, so I grabbed branches from burn the pile and lined the walks. As soon as it warms up, I will remove the Cypress and coat my tulips with <a href="http://www.onedeterminedgardener.com/2009/05/inexpensive-organic-rabbit-repellent.html" target="_blank">Rabbit Repellant</a>.<br />
<strong>More articles on saving your plants from rabbits:</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.onedeterminedgardener.com/2010/04/frugal-rabbit-deterrents.html" target="_blank">More Frugal Rabbit Deterrents</a><br />
<a href="http://www.onedeterminedgardener.com/2009/05/our-raised-garden-beds.html" target="_blank">Raised Garden Beds</a>Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-57856743961786583752011-03-15T03:05:00.000-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.114-07:00How to Grow RhubarbThe snow has melted, the daffodils are thinking of blooming, and the rhubarb is sending up shoots! Spring is around the corner and this high desert garden in officially open for the season!<br />
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I recently purchased a magazine that promised articles on starting a vegetable garden on the cover. I found that the magazine was long on gorgeous pictures, but short on facts. I decided to start a “How to Grow Vegetables and Fruits” series once my garden showed signs of life. It seems fitting to start with rhubarb since their appearance marks the beginning of my spring garden.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TX85oq28JMI/AAAAAAAAC3M/Dth71mGRrIQ/s1600-h/Rhubarb-596x6404.jpg"><img alt="Rhubarb (596x640)" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TX85pGBAMwI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/7GptA3r-4bM/Rhubarb-596x640_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Rhubarb (596x640)" width="224" /></a><br />
Rhubarb is one of my favorite plants to grow, not just because it tastes so good in jellies, <a href="http://www.glutenfreeflavorfull.com/2010/07/gluten-free-strawberry-rhubarb-muffins.html" target="_blank">muffins</a>, and <a href="http://www.glutenfreeflavorfull.com/2010/06/gluten-free-rhubarb-cake.html" target="_blank">cakes</a> but because it is a <a href="http://www.onedeterminedgardener.com/2010/02/flaunting-my-rhubarb.html" target="_blank">hardy</a>, low-maintenance perennial. Rhubarb is not only very cold hardy (it can survive –20<sup>o</sup> F), it is also drought tolerant. It is also relatively free of insects and disease. Once established a rhubarb plant can survive up to 15 years. The only downside to this wonderful plant is that it prefers cooler weather. It does best in locations where the winter is cooler than 40 degrees and the summer time average is 75 degrees. While we meet the winter requirements our summer temperatures greatly exceed 75 degrees. I have compensated by planting my rhubarb in a partially shady location and provide them with extra water during the hot months.<br />
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<strong>Growing Rhubarb:</strong><br />
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<strong>Plant rhubarb crowns in the spring.</strong> Or start rhubarb seeds in the early fall.<br />
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It will do well in most soils, but prefers <strong>fertile, well drained soil</strong>. I supplement our soil each year with compost and aged manure. <em>My friend Melyinda from </em><a href="http://momssundaycafe.blogspot.com/"><em>Mom's Sunday Cafe</em></a><em> noticed that you can see part of the crown in the above picture. I took the picture after removing the leaves I had used as mulch and before adding more compost and soil. The crowns will grow each year so they will need a little more soil to keep them covered. After 4 -5 years you can divide them and set them a little lower in the ground again.</em><br />
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<strong>Plant at least 2 feet apart.</strong> It is hard to believe but these plant can grow 4 feet wide and 3 feet tall. <strong>Plant the roots with the crown buds 2 inches below the surface of the soil.</strong><br />
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Rhubarb <strong>can tolerate some shade</strong>, so I grow them near my beans and peas.<br />
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<strong>Rhubarb does not like extreme heat</strong>. It will stop producing at temperatures over 90<sup>o </sup>F, but will resume again once the temperatures drop in the fall. Rhubarb grows best in the northern U.S., if you live in the southern regions, grow this plant as an annual from seed. Plant the seeds in the early fall and harvest your crop in the spring.<br />
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<strong>Harvest rhubarb by cutting 3 –4 stems at the soil level per plant</strong>. This allows the remaining leaves to generate nutrients to be stored in the roots. New growth will emerge through out the summer and fall. By taking a small amount from each plant, you can harvest rhubarb from April through October. <br />
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<strong>Cut back flowers and do not let rhubarb plants go to seed.</strong><br />
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<strong>Rhubarb prefers not to be disturbed</strong>, but I did dig them up and move them after they were decimated by rabbits. You will want to divide the crowns every 4 –5 years. Only divide them when they are dormant. Gently dig them up. Then use a sharp knife or spade to divide the root ball into thirds or fourths, making sure each section has some roots, stem, and buds.<br />
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Prepare rhubarb for winter by<strong> mulching with 2 inches of leaves, compost, or straw</strong>.<br />
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<strong>Safety Tip:</strong><br />
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Only the stalk is edible. DO NOT eat the rhubarb leaves or roots as they contain high levels of oxalic acid which is toxic.<br />
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<strong>Have you grown rhubarb before?</strong><br />
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To peek into other gardens around the country, visit <a href="http://www.sidewalkshoes.com/2011/03/garden-tuesdayspring-link-up.html">Garden Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://www.anoregoncottage.com/2011/03/tuesday-garden-party-seasonal-recipes.html">Tuesday Garden Party</a>.Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-65221263800947782142010-11-10T10:29:00.001-08:002011-06-23T00:42:53.117-07:00Freezing Berries<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TNrkjttWf2I/AAAAAAAACks/rhoRxE13hOk/s1600-h/October2010%20278%5B4%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="October2010 278" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TNrkkUITUNI/AAAAAAAACkw/s4QBfl-ntE0/October2010%20278_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="October2010 278" width="145" /></a> Even though my berry plants are only 2 years old, they have produced very well! We have had several freezes and 2 light dustings of snow, and my raspberries and strawberries are continuing to produce fruit! They have slowed down considerably, but the fruit still trickles in. My blackberries, blueberries and gooseberries have behaved properly and acknowledged the season.<br />
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The problem I have found with my berries is that I either have too little or too much. Not enough to do anything with but use on cereal. Or so much that there is no way we can eat it all before it goes bad. I do use it make jams, but harvests are not predictable, and I can’t always clear my schedule just because the berries are ripe. So whether I have too little and want to save up berries to make muffins or have too much, I freeze berries to keep them from spoiling.<br />
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I collect my berries in a colander, then I can bring them in and <a href="http://www.premeditatedleftovers.com/2010/06/preventing-mold-on-berries.html" target="_blank">rinse them</a> immediately and let them air dry: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TNrklcz_q2I/AAAAAAAACk0/oKlPbL0E-1A/s1600-h/October2010%20320%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="October2010 320" border="0" height="215" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TNrklmwy2jI/AAAAAAAACk4/aOTN2_yzmyY/October2010%20320_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="October2010 320" width="300" /></a><br />
<div align="center">Once the berries are dry, I lay them out flat on a cookie sheet: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TNrkm5ooLiI/AAAAAAAACk8/GYOe3gECwJ0/s1600-h/October2010%20317%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="October2010 317" border="0" height="241" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TNrknfq0frI/AAAAAAAAClA/I1ncnqrNj00/October2010%20317_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="October2010 317" width="300" /></a> I lose some in the process to my little helper!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="left">I place the cookie sheet in the freezer for several hours or until the berries are frozen solid. Then I place the berries in a container with a lid (but a gallon size plastic bag would work too).</div><div align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TNrkooCwLYI/AAAAAAAAClE/Irf08W0ocAM/s1600-h/October2010%20321%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="October2010 321" border="0" height="219" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TNrko3Zz0XI/AAAAAAAAClI/XKWNcWamtrw/October2010%20321_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="October2010 321" width="300" /></a>Even if you don’t grow your own berries you can use this technique to take advantage of the great berry sales at your grocery store or Farmer’s Market in the spring and fall. I add frozen berries directly to <a href="http://www.premeditatedleftovers.com/2010/03/no-food-waste-friday.html" target="_blank">smoothies</a> and <a href="http://www.premeditatedleftovers.com/2009/05/preventing-food-waste.html" target="_blank">muffins</a>. I thaw them before I make <a href="http://www.premeditatedleftovers.com/2010/11/mixed-berry-jam-sweetened-with-honey.html" target="_blank">jam</a>.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">This post is linked to <a href="http://www.premeditatedleftovers.com/2010/11/real-food-deals-week-5.html" target="_blank">Real Food Deals</a> and <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/2010/11/wfmw-dayspring-affiliate-program/" target="_blank">Works for Me Wednesday</a>.</div>Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-52225512070613593202010-10-18T23:26:00.001-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.120-07:00Keeping Color in Your Garden<p>You don’t have to put your whole garden to bed for the winter. There are some plants that will continue to flower late into the fall – some all winter long!</p> <p>Snapdragons will survive light frosts and even a light snow (as will the mums): <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TL06HRgcd1I/AAAAAAAACfo/bPEn_ma-Emk/s1600-h/October2010%20181%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="October2010 181" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="208" alt="October2010 181" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TL06It94LoI/AAAAAAAACfs/N1FU3QeNSB0/October2010%20181_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Violas flower all winter long: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TL06JQcL_HI/AAAAAAAACfw/eJs2Pgrj66s/s1600-h/October2010%20166%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="October2010 166" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="210" alt="October2010 166" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TL06JiLyT1I/AAAAAAAACf0/YNFEcOHPuHs/October2010%20166_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Pansies are another flower that will bounce right back after being dug out from under a foot or two of snow: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TL06KSbv6vI/AAAAAAAACf4/mDybLlpVTV4/s1600-h/October2010%20169%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="October2010 169" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="213" alt="October2010 169" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TL06KxQz3UI/AAAAAAAACf8/hHwIqouVx9o/October2010%20169_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Vinca minors stay green all winter long. They bloom late in the fall and early in the spring. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TL06LjUY_AI/AAAAAAAACgA/Jl5ikOeOKak/s1600-h/October2010%20188%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="October2010 188" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="191" alt="October2010 188" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TL06MkcBrzI/AAAAAAAACgE/iRJvSd1Oe70/October2010%20188_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0"></a>My frugal tip is to go buy these flowers, as well as spring bulbs, on the day of the first snow when all of the stores and nurseries mark them 75% – 90% off. I store them in the garage until the snow melts. Once the ground warms enough to dig in it, I plant the annuals and bulbs. They have plenty of time to adjust before the next snow and the bulbs will still bloom on time, even if you plant them a couple of weeks late. You can also save the bulbs and force them for Easter and Mother’s Day gifts.</p> <p>This post is linked to <a href="http://msgreenthumbjean.blogspot.com/2010/10/its-bloomin-tuesday_17.html" target="_blank">Bloomin’ Tuesday</a> and Tuesday Garden Party at <a href="http://www.anoregoncottage.com/">An Oregon Cottage</a>.</p> Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-78378049178337311802010-10-16T13:22:00.000-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.123-07:00Eggplant Rice Bake<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TLoIvsOyLhI/AAAAAAAACd8/abLQbhOMv7Q/s1600-h/October2010%20164%5B4%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="October2010 164" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TLoIwCOsmjI/AAAAAAAACeA/leDfHe8jRVA/October2010%20164_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="October2010 164" width="170" /></a> My one Hansel Eggplant bush has been a powerhouse performer this year! It has already provided over 30 fruit and it continues to flower and produce more. Since the temperatures have been dropping below 40 degrees at night, I moved it from the raised bed garden and to my container garden. This allows me to move it, along with the peppers and tomatoes, indoors at night, so the plants will continue to produce fresh vegetables for my family. This is my first time including eggplant in my container garden, so I am looking forward to seeing how it does over the winter. I have been very impressed with this compact little plant and will definitely include Hansel Eggplant in my garden next year!<br />
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One of my favorite ways to use eggplant is in Eggplant Rice Bake. It is a hearty meatless dish and since I use vegetables and herbs from the garden, it is fairly inexpensive to make.<br />
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<strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />
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2 cups cooked rice<br />
1/2 cup <a href="http://www.premeditatedleftovers.com/2010/10/fiesta-egg-puff.html" target="_blank">squash puree</a> (or cottage cheese)<br />
splash of tablespoon olive oil<br />
1/2 cup chopped onion<br />
2 cloves garlic, minced<br />
1/4 cup diced celery<br />
2 tablespoons diced bell pepper<br />
3 cups diced tomatoes<br />
2 teaspoons basil<br />
1 teaspoon oregano<br />
1 teaspoon thyme<br />
2 teaspoons sugar<br />
2 cups eggplant, chopped<br />
1 cup yellow squash, chopped<br />
2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese<br />
1/4 cup parmesan cheese<br />
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<strong>Directions:</strong><br />
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Place a splash of olive oil in a large skillet. Add onions, garlic, bell pepper, and celery. Cook over a medium heat until the onions are translucent. Add tomatoes, spices, and sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncover to cook off excess liquid (about 5 minutes).<strong> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TLoIxTv1i2I/AAAAAAAACeE/6D_1qiFoW_0/s1600-h/October2010%20212%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="October2010 212" border="0" height="195" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TLoIyHvtrgI/AAAAAAAACeI/DCcqg3P6zN0/October2010%20212_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="October2010 212" width="240" /></a></strong><br />
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Grease an 8 x 8 baking dish and preheat oven to 350 degrees.<br />
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Mix rice with vegetables puree and press half of it into the baking dish. Layer with half of the tomato mixture. Add half of the squash and eggplant, then cover with half of the mozzarella cheese. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TLoIz9C9_2I/AAAAAAAACeM/BcC_Y-mvha0/s1600-h/October2010%20214%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="October2010 214" border="0" height="179" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TLoI0QX7KnI/AAAAAAAACeQ/g8OhUWMIVi8/October2010%20214_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="October2010 214" width="240" /></a> Repeat layers of the rice, tomato mixture, eggplant and squash, and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TLoI2BRQfeI/AAAAAAAACeU/9ZP6ZIgxM7k/s1600-h/October2010%20218%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="October2010 218" border="0" height="150" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TLoI3FFNyBI/AAAAAAAACeY/ZAHOPQ7_vcE/October2010%20218_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="October2010 218" width="240" /></a>Bake for 20 – 25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and starts to brown.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TLoI4R28DTI/AAAAAAAACec/nfuQlM3YYWM/s1600-h/October2010%20221%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="October2010 221" border="0" height="179" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TLoI4pkTwWI/AAAAAAAACeg/A16myeOX4pM/October2010%20221_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="October2010 221" width="240" /></a> Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.<br />
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<strong>Some more of our favorites recipes using Eggplant:</strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.5dollardinners.com/2010/08/basic-recipe-template-2.html" target="_blank">Eggplant Pizza Bites</a><br />
<a href="http://www.premeditatedleftovers.com/2010/09/angel-hair-pasta-with-garden-vegetables.html" target="_blank">Angel Hair Pasta with Garden Vegetables</a><br />
<a href="http://www.premeditatedleftovers.com/2010/08/spicy-sesame-stir-fry.html" target="_blank">Spicy Sesame Stir-Fry</a><br />
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To see how other gardeners are using their eggplant, visit <a href="http://www.5dollardinners.com/2010/10/grow-eat-save-eggplants.html" target="_blank">Grow.Eat.$ave</a> at <a href="http://www.5dollardinners.com/2010/10/grow-eat-save-eggplants.html" target="_blank">$5 Dinners</a>.Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-66836966577337289152010-10-12T01:15:00.001-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.125-07:00It’s Beginning to Look Like Fall<p>But Just barely! </p> <p>My little pumpkin was thrilled to finally be able to harvest his “baby plumpkins”. He carried them around all day: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TLQZC2j5UcI/AAAAAAAACcw/V05lpJWbKaQ/s1600-h/September2010%20165%5B6%5D.jpg"><img title="September2010 165" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="367" alt="September2010 165" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TLQZDW8TbPI/AAAAAAAACc0/CRH_5CJypFs/September2010%20165_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" border="0"></a></p> <p>We are acquiring quite a collection of pumpkins on our porch. The porch is shady and protected from the elements, so I use it to store our pumpkins as they are harvested (except for my baking pumpkins which go directly to the kitchen!). The pumpkins add some fall color which we are definitely lacking! <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TLQZFCNfhBI/AAAAAAAACc4/bI114T4FV4E/s1600-h/October2010%20123%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="October2010 123" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="300" alt="October2010 123" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TLQZFnCaiJI/AAAAAAAACc8/NnUTA83qISw/October2010%20123_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" border="0"></a> We have had a warm, wet autumn. That, combined with lots of evergreens on our property, means we are enjoying a very green fall. Here is the only tree that is acknowledging the season: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TLQZHLGws2I/AAAAAAAACdA/JxwD9HQKJHU/s1600-h/October2010%20122%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="October2010 122" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="300" alt="October2010 122" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TLQZHpfrqKI/AAAAAAAACdE/gHNS3jTHOHQ/October2010%20122_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" border="0"></a></p> <p>Are the colors changing in your gardens yet?</p> <p>To view more gardens, visit Bloomin’ Tuesday at <a href="http://msgreenthumbjean.blogspot.com/">MsGreen“thumb”Jean </a>and Tuesday Garden Party at <a href="http://www.anoregoncottage.com/">An Oregon Cottage</a>.</p> Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-14716668770147653562010-10-08T01:38:00.001-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.128-07:00The Gladioli are Finally Blooming!<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TK7YVK3s0sI/AAAAAAAACbg/eRqGDCdqRcc/s1600-h/October2010%20049%5B6%5D.jpg"><img title="October2010 049" style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" height="280" alt="October2010 049" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TK7YV0OSoxI/AAAAAAAACbk/fnbEn4vS8fk/October2010%20049_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="149" align="left"></a> </p> <p>Some of my gladiolus bulbs are finally blooming! We had a long winter and a harsh spring, so I couldn’t put my gladiola bulbs in the ground until June, thus the late appearance. </p> <p>In areas 6 and below, the <strong>gladiolus corms have to be dug up before the first frost and can’t be planted until after the last frost</strong> which doesn’t give them very much time to grow. They need at least 90 days to root, grow, bloom and store energy for the next year, so we cut it close each summer! </p> <p>We have received a lot of rain which is causing the flowers to become heavy and topple over, so I have cut many of the stems and am enjoying them inside. <strong>I have not cut the foliage though. The plants need it to store energy for next year</strong> and I need it to remember where the corms are planted. :-)</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TK7YWZF6EwI/AAAAAAAACbo/nJm_5Zgliws/s1600-h/October2010%20051%5B6%5D.jpg"><img title="October2010 051" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="363" alt="October2010 051" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TK7YWvI0YvI/AAAAAAAACbs/O93aXgKqlDw/October2010%20051_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="274"></a></p> <p>The cosmos are enjoying the cool, rainy weather: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TK7YXUAccMI/AAAAAAAACbw/Shm0wA_TjsU/s1600-h/October2010%20052%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="October2010 052" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="260" alt="October2010 052" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TK7YYEZJwMI/AAAAAAAACb0/Qiahl2ELKZo/October2010%20052_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344"></a> </p> <p>We are going to have a plentiful harvest of Heritage Raspberries this year: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TK7YYwUe27I/AAAAAAAACb4/bK1_y_SduWQ/s1600-h/October2010%20054%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="October2010 054" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="326" alt="October2010 054" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TK7YZQsvbTI/AAAAAAAACb8/DZfSNmgfe44/October2010%20054_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296"></a> Every branch looks like that! I can’t wait to get those berries in my kitchen!</p> <p>The Everbearing Strawberries are living up to their name: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TK7Ya6i149I/AAAAAAAACcA/3fTTLwk3igg/s1600-h/October2010%20045%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="October2010 045" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="244" alt="October2010 045" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TK7YbSzFMII/AAAAAAAACcE/LQZQrshBo50/October2010%20045_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297"></a> I do believe there are more pies and jams in our future. And hopefully there will be more flowers as well!</p> <p><strong>How are your gardens doing this fall?</strong></p> <p>To view beautiful gardens from around the world, visit <a href="http://www.tootsietime.com/2010/10/fertilizer-friday-flaunt-your-flowers.html" target="_blank">Flaunt Your Flowers Friday</a> at <a href="http://www.tootsietime.com/2010/10/fertilizer-friday-flaunt-your-flowers.html" target="_blank">Tootsie Time</a>.</p> Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-71322861929828295302010-09-24T18:00:00.001-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.130-07:00Blessed with Rogue FlowersWe have had the most gorgeous weather! This is the most beautiful fall that I have experienced since moving to Nevada. Warm day, cool nights – but not too cool – and calm breezes. And best of all NO snow! I have checked the forecast and it is supposed to continue this way for the next 10 days. Our lovely weather has yielded a couple of surprises that I discovered when walking along the edges of our property: Wild flowers. Not many, and they might not be that wild, but if not, surely they are a gift of the wild. <br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJ1JnIrHUAI/AAAAAAAACYs/2i2Q_Gvv44A/s1600-h/September2010%20251%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="September2010 251" border="0" height="351" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJ1Jn7nVUGI/AAAAAAAACYw/7yqId269WeA/September2010%20251_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="September2010 251" width="219" /></a> This plant looks like it belongs in the salvia family.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJ1JpGuCtMI/AAAAAAAACY0/DAnpFmfZKpk/s1600-h/September2010%20248%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="September2010 248" border="0" height="225" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJ1JpsY59WI/AAAAAAAACY4/gS623neIoP4/September2010%20248_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="September2010 248" width="240" /></a> A purple daisy?</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJ1JqUS0WoI/AAAAAAAACY8/gZ0wabQCewc/s1600-h/September2010%20318%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="September2010 318" border="0" height="194" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJ1JqxDi1JI/AAAAAAAACZA/4Zoy5okrp8U/September2010%20318_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="September2010 318" width="240" /></a> Every year poppies appear under our apple tree. They are late this year, but everything was late this year, so it seems appropriate!<br />
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I also have several wild roses that appeared this year, but they haven’t bloomed yet. I wonder if they will.<br />
Have you been blessed with any rogue flowers in your garden this year?<br />
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This post is linked to <a href="http://www.tootsietime.com/2010/09/fertilizer-friday-flaunt-your-flowers_23.html" target="_blank">Flaunt Your Flowers Friday</a> at <a href="http://www.tootsietime.com/2010/09/fertilizer-friday-flaunt-your-flowers_23.html" target="_blank">Tootsie Time</a>.Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-51622433752627286572010-09-18T21:47:00.001-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.133-07:00My Vegetable Garden: A Labor of Love<p>Yesterday, I shared how being a <a href="http://www.onedeterminedgardener.com/2010/09/lazy-gardening-frugal-and-green.html" target="_blank">lazy gardener is both frugal and green</a>. However, there are some things that I find putting a little effort into pays great dividends, namely my vegetable garden. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJWVtKjGj_I/AAAAAAAACXA/lKkdJ0JAktM/s1600-h/September2010%20240%5B10%5D.jpg"><img title="September2010 240" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="147" alt="September2010 240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJWVth1D6MI/AAAAAAAACXE/RWT1TqPAH_0/September2010%20240_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="179" align="right" border="0"></a> I finally captured an eggplant flower! Since the eggplant is still flowering and because it does not like cold, I am adding it to my <a href="http://www.onedeterminedgardener.com/2010/08/extending-your-growing-season-with.html" target="_blank">winter container garden</a>. </p> <p>When you transplant an eggplant, pepper, or tomato plant great care needs to be given to not disturb the roots anymore than is absolutely necessary. Plan to dig a very large root ball and if you are putting it in a container choose an oversized one.</p> <p>Since I have had <a href="http://www.onedeterminedgardener.com/2010/08/how-to-squash-bug-tutorial-for.html" target="_blank">problems with squash bugs</a> this summer, I will pull out all of the squash and cucumbers plants as soon as I harvest the last squash. Then I will burn the plants in an effort to eradicate the bugs. I will use the ashes to amend the soil for next year’s garden. </p> <p>It won’t be long before I am searching high and low for recipes using acorn squash: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJWVuQjMliI/AAAAAAAACXI/9suuwNQU_q8/s1600-h/September2010%20235%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="September2010 235" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="201" alt="September2010 235" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJWVuxtzWqI/AAAAAAAACXM/mcjFoHLBKGk/September2010%20235_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0"></a> </p> <p>I have at least 12 of these gianormous squash, even though I did not intend to grow acorn squash. Since we had such a long winter, my garden got off to a late start. I started to panic and was afraid that none of my seeds would germinate, so I bought a 4 pack of seedlings labels crookneck squash. My zucchini and straightneck squash seeds germinated and produced fruit before the store bought seedling even produced a single flower. Once they finally started producing fruit, I was confused because they were the weirdest looking crookneck squash I had ever seen! Once they matured a bit more I realized what I had on my hands. Being lazy didn’t quite work out as planned this time!</p> <p>Each one of my potato plants is producing 3 –5 pounds of potatoes! I dig up all of the potatoes by hand so that they will not be damages by the tools: <img title="August2010 398" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="179" alt="August2010 398" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJWVvNUkS-I/AAAAAAAACXQ/XxpbwoFFmQE/August2010%20398_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0">So far I have only been digging up what I will use for dinner that night, but I will dig up all of the potatoes before the first hard frost. Potatoes can weather a light frost, but they should never be allowed to freeze. After I dig up the potatoes I cure them by letting them sit for about 2 weeks in a dark, cool, dry location. They will be stored in our garage this winter which remains very cool, but does not freeze. </p> <p>Since we have such a short growing season, I start my tomatoes inside while there is still snow on the ground. Once it warms up a bit they are moved to a portable greenhouse and sometime in June they are moved to the <a href="http://www.onedeterminedgardener.com/2009/05/our-raised-garden-beds.html" target="_blank">raised bed garden</a>. Despite this tender care, <a href="http://www.onedeterminedgardener.com/2010/06/hang-on-little-tomato.html" target="_blank">my tomatoes got off to a rough start</a> this year and I wondered if I would ever have much of a harvest: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJWVw-WXunI/AAAAAAAACXU/Gi8MrXI-p7k/s1600-h/September2010%20237%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="September2010 237" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="228" alt="September2010 237" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJWVxhFXmcI/AAAAAAAACXY/s7IjXJGU-co/September2010%20237_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="302" border="0"></a></p> <p>My worrying was for not! That is one of four cherry tomato plants. I also have two Romas and two Early Girls that I use in canning, which is another area that I expend quite a bit of energy.</p> <p>How do you prioritize the work you do in your garden? And, iIf you have any acorn squash recipes, please leave me a link! </p> <p>To view other vegetable gardens, visit <a href="http://www.5dollardinners.com/2010/09/square-foot-gardening-season-update.html" target="_blank">Grow.Eat.$ave</a> at <a href="http://www.5dollardinners.com/2010/09/square-foot-gardening-season-update.html" target="_blank">$5 Dinners</a>.</p> Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-45254634184216045902010-09-17T15:08:00.001-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.137-07:00Lazy Gardening: Frugal and Green!<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJPmzRIfqQI/AAAAAAAACWU/8CxNS1Aesrs/s1600-h/September2010%20247%5B5%5D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="September2010 247" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJPmz3aIHWI/AAAAAAAACWY/mrjCUaFCnEQ/September2010%20247_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="September2010 247" width="220" /></a> Some of you may not be ready to discuss the impending change of season. However, it is just around the corner; I already have leaves that are beginning to change color. Autumn is the when, whether you realize it or not, you lay the foundation for next year’s garden. It sounds like a lot of work, but this is a time when being lazy really pays off! <br />
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When a fellow gardener visited my home she asked if I mulched my hollyhocks over the winter. I confessed that since they are next to the fence, leaves collect there naturally providing them with all the insulation they need. I am too lazy to remove leaves only to lay down mulch. Plus the leaves are free and when they break down they add nutrients to the soil. <br />
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I let leaves collect around the base of all of my plants, including hardy perennials like the <a href="http://www.onedeterminedgardener.com/2010/07/my-favorite-drought-tolerant-plant.html" target="_blank">Russian Sage</a>, and leave them there until after the last frost: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJPm1pewC_I/AAAAAAAACWc/WOha2SnuffA/s1600-h/September2010%20241%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="September2010 241" border="0" height="210" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJPm2DoepAI/AAAAAAAACWg/E07EBTIgHbU/September2010%20241_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="September2010 241" width="240" /></a><br />
I collect the leaves that fall on concrete and use them to mulch my berries. I have experimented and found that my berries are happier when mulched with leaves instead of straw. <br />
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I don’t rake the leaves that fall on the grass, I mow them, but as when mowing grass, I don’t bag the clippings. Instead, I let the clippings add nutrients to the soil. The clippings also help retain water during drought conditions.<br />
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When writing about <a href="http://www.onedeterminedgardener.com/2010/09/frugal-flowers-chrysanthemums.html" target="_blank">chrysanthemums</a>, I shared that I do not cut dead branches back until new growth has appeared in the spring. I apply this to most of my other plants as well. Besides if I cut back my hollyhocks after they were done blooming, what would my morning glories climb? <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJPm24GqK_I/AAAAAAAACWk/roDFZmeSeKQ/s1600-h/September2010%20228%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="September2010 228" border="0" height="383" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJPm3TfuETI/AAAAAAAACWo/Faz8Twus-ws/September2010%20228_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="September2010 228" width="232" /></a><br />
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I also leave my <a href="http://www.onedeterminedgardener.com/2010/07/daylilies-and-repurposing-their-stems.html" target="_blank">Day Lilly</a> Stems intact. I do not remove them until I can do so effortlessly. Then I use the <a href="http://www.onedeterminedgardener.com/2010/07/daylilies-and-repurposing-their-stems.html" target="_blank">dried stems as stakes</a> when starting climbing plants in the spring.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJPm47w58AI/AAAAAAAACWs/3DFKnCKl6Go/s1600-h/September2010%20245%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="September2010 245" border="0" height="315" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJPm5bE3TlI/AAAAAAAACWw/acz5B50KZ1E/September2010%20245_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="September2010 245" width="238" /></a>Sometimes we work harder and spend more money than necessary to keep our yards looking nice. Do your yard and your wallet a favor and embrace your inner lazy gardener! Tomorrow I will share some of the gardening tasks that I do expend energy on.<br />
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This post is linked to <a href="http://www.tootsietime.com/2010/09/fertilizer-friday-flaunt-your-flowers_16.html" target="_blank">Flaunt Your Flowers/Fertilizer Friday</a> and <a href="http://lifeasmom.com/2010/09/finding-cookbooks-for-less-frugal-friday.html">Frugal Friday</a> because I am frugally fertilizing my flowers through sheer laziness! :-) <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJPm8Sfh0PI/AAAAAAAACW0/bLZW5tcsIDA/s1600-h/fertilizer%20Friday%5B5%5D.png"><img alt="fertilizer Friday" border="0" height="195" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJPm9LS02AI/AAAAAAAACW4/eZey04XJiYo/fertilizer%20Friday_thumb%5B3%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="fertilizer Friday" width="121" /></a>Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-87493367464839551872010-09-15T01:36:00.000-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.140-07:00Radish Recipe at $5 Dinners<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJCEbzsk91I/AAAAAAAACVA/L8ZyrL491aw/s1600-h/September2010%20193%5B4%5D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="September2010 193" border="0" height="209" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJCEcFneWVI/AAAAAAAACVE/RdPJOFnuSwI/September2010%20193_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="September2010 193" width="240" /></a> <br />
On the second and fourth Tuesday of each month I will be posting a recipe and/or gardening tip at <a href="http://www.5dollardinners.com/2010/09/aleas-chicken-radish-salad.html" target="_blank">$5 dinners</a>. Erin shares delicious, healthy dinners for less than $5.00 a meal. She is also a square foot gardener and hosts <a href="http://www.5dollardinners.com/garden/grow-eat-save" target="_blank">Grow.Eat.$ave</a> on Saturdays. <br />
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Last night, I shared my recipe for <a href="http://www.5dollardinners.com/2010/09/aleas-chicken-radish-salad.html" target="_blank">Chicken and Radish Salad</a> along with a few quick tips for growing radishes at $5 Dinners. I hope you will visit me there and share your favorite fall recipes or gardening tips!<br />
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I didn’t use the Watermelon and Black radish pictured above in my salad. I used the more conventional Easter Egg and Cheriette Radishes instead. And I used the leftover radish tops in <a href="http://www.premeditatedleftovers.com/2010/09/radish-leaf-soup.html" target="_blank">Radish Leaf Soup</a>. <br />
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How do you use radishes?Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-85309469899518922972010-09-14T14:53:00.001-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.143-07:00The Controversial Chrysanthemum<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TI_uxApbIHI/AAAAAAAACUQ/5eDd0-pzeVo/s1600-h/September2010%20172%5B9%5D.jpg"><img title="September2010 172" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="235" alt="September2010 172" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TI_uyFM8UDI/AAAAAAAACUU/pY31PwMPWSI/September2010%20172_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="236" align="left" border="0"></a> Chrysanthemums can be a lovely and frugal addition to your garden, <strong>IF you</strong> <strong>don’t treat them like fall blooming annuals!</strong> Mums are actually pretty hardy perennials. I was chatting with a friend about being saddened to see my neighbors discard their mums after they have stopped blooming for the season. We wondered why people did that. Yesterday, I was thumbing through a gardening book that I picked up at the library sale for a dollar and it recommended buying new mums each year. Seriously? What kind of gardening advice is that? Telling people to go buy new flowers does not teach them anything about growing plants!<br><br>Mums are quite inexpensive to buy and I do take advantage of sales on them like the coupon for Buy 2 mums/ Get 1 Free from the <a href="http://lm.logicalmedia.com/z/17476/CD10041" target="_blank">Home Depot Gardening Club</a>. But I do not buy mums with the intention of discarding them when they are done blooming. I buy more mums because we have one acre that we are trying to landscape and it takes a lot of plants to fill up an acre!<br><br>Mums are actually quite easy to grow. They <strong>grow best in sunny spots, with well drained soil</strong>. I mix compost into the soil, because <strike>that is how I justify keeping horses</strike> it does double duty, both nourishing the plant and helping to retain moisture near the roots. Although, Chrysanthemums do not like to sit in water, they do require a deep watering a couple of times a week. <br><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TI_uzhr2OgI/AAAAAAAACUY/z0QLyQg8Fm4/s1600-h/September2010%20173%5B10%5D.jpg"><img title="September2010 173" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="189" alt="September2010 173" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TI_u0FBQzoI/AAAAAAAACUc/qg568evrIAk/September2010%20173_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="247" align="right" border="0"></a> Most of the mums you find in local garden centers have been bred to branch naturally, which makes them low maintenance. More branches = more blooms. so if you have a very leggy mum, you will want to move it to a sunny spot and prune it back to about 12 inches high. If you are going to prune or pinch back your mums, do so before July; you want to give the plant plenty of time to develop healthy buds.<br><br>Since <strong>mums do not bloom until late August or early September</strong>, I use them as a background plant in the spring and summer. I usually have a mix of spring and summer blooming bulbs and annuals in front of the mums. When they foliage of the summer blooming flowers dies back, I remove it and let the mums be the star of my fall garden.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TJPSi7xZAUI/AAAAAAAACWI/ljwfrggGDB0/s1600-h/April%202010%20315.jpg"><img title="April 2010 315" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="179" alt="April 2010 315" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TI_u2MmtjZI/AAAAAAAACWM/G3DVj2ye3lo/April%202010%20315_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" align="right" border="0"></a><br><br>If you want your mums to survive the winter (and if you are still reading, I assume you do) pinch the dead flowers, but <strong>do not cut back the branches until spring</strong>. I also add a <strong>couple of inches of mulch to protect the roots</strong>. <br><br>Here is the really frugal part: <strong>Mums are easy to divide</strong>! In the spring (after the last frost and after you see new growth) dig up the entire plant. then using a clean knife or spade, cut pieces of new growth from the outer part of the plant making sure that you have roots as well. Plant immediately in a prepared bed. It is not necessary to divide mums each year; I only divide my mums every couple of years. <br><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TI_u37qRt0I/AAAAAAAACUo/R69Y4T5fv_I/s1600-h/September2010%20171%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="September2010 171" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="197" alt="September2010 171" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TI_u4BAzLtI/AAAAAAAACUs/SAhvAk0AmHY/September2010%20171_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" align="left" border="0"></a> <br>Do you treat your mums like annuals or do your appreciate them for the perennials that they are? <br><br>To view lovely gardens, cultivated by sweet gardeners who will not get up on their soap box about something so controversial as mums visit <a href="http://msgreenthumbjean.blogspot.com/2010/09/its-bloomin-tuesday_13.html" target="_blank">Bloomin’ Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://www.anoregoncottage.com/2010/09/tuesday-garden-party-some-peppers.html" target="_blank">Garden Party Tuesday</a>.<br><br>On Friday, the controversial topics will continue as I write about how being a lazy gardener is not only frugal, but better for your plants. :-) Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-73077343981348078362010-09-11T13:07:00.001-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.146-07:00Easy Cucumber Sandwiches<p>There are many great cucumber sandwich recipes for feeding a crowd. The problem is that since the recipes are intended to make a lot of sandwiches, we tend to only serve them when there is a crowd instead of enjoying them on a daily basis. Below is an easy recipe for one cucumber sandwich. You can easily double or triple it for a small tea party.<br><br><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br><br>2 tablespoons cream of cheese<br>1 teaspoon creamy Italian dressing<br>1/4 teaspoon sugar <br>1 teaspoon minced onion<br>2 slices of bread<br>12 thin slices of cucumbers<br><br><strong>Directions:</strong><br><br>In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, dressing, and onion. Spread the cream cheese mixture on the bread slices: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TIvlgyfxZRI/AAAAAAAACS8/2t_bLP85vfc/s1600-h/September2010%20118%5B5%5D.jpg"></p> <p><img title="September2010 118" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="204" alt="September2010 118" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TIvlhjNysiI/AAAAAAAACTA/CHXxLww8pMs/September2010%20118_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" border="0"></a> <span id="goog_2060954368"></span><span id="goog_2060954369"></span><br><br>Place cucumber slices on one slice of bread: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TIvli3a1ZcI/AAAAAAAACTE/o_TsAqDyUe8/s1600-h/September2010%20121%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="September2010 121" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="212" alt="September2010 121" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TIvljQusKsI/AAAAAAAACTI/snqQe2ewXwQ/September2010%20121_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0"></a> <br><br>Top with the other slice of bread. Cut into triangles, but DON’T cut off the crusts because that is just a waste of good bread! :D <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TIvlkc-ODGI/AAAAAAAACTM/pLYbDnLGmGY/s1600-h/September2010%20123%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="September2010 123" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="205" alt="September2010 123" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TIvlkw_a1FI/AAAAAAAACTQ/nTilvwwB4hk/September2010%20123_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a> <br>And if there happens to be any cream cheese mixture leftover, feel free to scoop it up with some cucumber slices: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TIvlmXcUbBI/AAAAAAAACTU/MEAyxMWMya0/s1600-h/September2010%20131%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="September2010 131" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="174" alt="September2010 131" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TIvlmwVypEI/AAAAAAAACTY/YH7I8OmkO7I/September2010%20131_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0"></a> <br>How do you enjoy your cukes? </p> <p>For more cucumber recipes, visit <a href="http://www.5dollardinners.com/2010/09/grow-eat-save-cucumbers.html" target="_blank">Grow.Eat.$ave</a> at <a href="http://www.5dollardinners.com/2010/09/grow-eat-save-cucumbers.html" target="_blank">$5 Dinners</a>.</p> Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-50220476171003224042010-09-10T01:24:00.001-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.149-07:00Late Summer FlowersI wish that I had massive blooms all summer long, but since I live in the desert I have come to appreciate when something, anything is in bloom! Fortunately there is one time of year where I can sit back and enjoy the beauty! Late summer ( I refuse to call it fall) is when I have best displays of color on my property. Since the weather is more tolerable, I use this time to flaunt my flowers and throw garden parties.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.onedeterminedgardener.com/2010/08/rose-of-sharon.html">Butterfly Bushes</a> have filled out: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TInrB8BifrI/AAAAAAAACSM/fXFRu9uanao/s1600-h/September2010%20008%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="September2010 008" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TInrCQQNcfI/AAAAAAAACSQ/l7YhxTUqK6A/September2010%20008_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="September2010 008" width="179" /></a> <br />
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The <a href="http://www.onedeterminedgardener.com/2010/08/rose-of-sharon.html">Russian Sage</a> is in full splendor: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TInrE_k9HRI/AAAAAAAACSU/kYA_uokXxUY/s1600-h/September2010%20006%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="September2010 006" border="0" height="179" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TInrFp1_wCI/AAAAAAAACSY/u_Onfm1sPK8/September2010%20006_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="September2010 006" width="240" /></a> <br />
The <a href="http://www.onedeterminedgardener.com/2010/08/rose-of-sharon.html">Rose of Sharon</a> is blooming: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TInrHLnrw4I/AAAAAAAACSc/q8Iu8ukUCZg/s1600-h/September2010%20001%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="September2010 001" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TInrHr3K4-I/AAAAAAAACSg/ZVR_51p0U7A/September2010%20001_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="September2010 001" width="223" /></a> <br />
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The mums are beginning to open: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TInrJwpnmjI/AAAAAAAACSk/woJrbC5QhhA/s1600-h/September2010%20015%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="September2010 015" border="0" height="175" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TInrKoHHleI/AAAAAAAACSo/BNsdVfJjtTw/September2010%20015_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="September2010 015" width="240" /></a>Speaking of mums, if you are a member of the <a href="http://lm.logicalmedia.com/z/17476/CD10041" target="_blank">Home Depot Gardening Club</a>, you should have received a coupon for Buy 2 mums/ Get One Free. I add several mums to my garden each year because they are such hardy perennials. I plant them towards the back of a flower bed and they create a lovely backdrop through out the spring and summer. In the late summer when I pull out the dying flowers, they get to become the stars!<br />
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Now, if only the gladiolas will bloom before the first freeze! <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TInrLZXAUtI/AAAAAAAACSs/QqJs6-lowLk/s1600-h/September2010%20016%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="September2010 016" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TInrMJfF_XI/AAAAAAAACSw/JAJiKOo8CJk/September2010%20016_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="September2010 016" width="155" /></a> Is your garden petering out or finally taking off?<br />
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To view gardens from around the world, visit <a href="http://www.tootsietime.com/2010/09/fertilizer-friday-flaunt-your-flowers_09.html" target="_blank">Flaunt Your Flowers Friday</a> at <a href="http://www.tootsietime.com/2010/09/fertilizer-friday-flaunt-your-flowers_09.html" target="_blank">Tootsie Time</a>.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TInrOLxyHlI/AAAAAAAACS0/xER4e6skjGE/s1600-h/fertilizer%20Friday%5B4%5D.png"><img alt="fertilizer Friday" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TInrPsomYcI/AAAAAAAACS4/OqmWXJ1gYyI/fertilizer%20Friday_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="fertilizer Friday" width="145" /></a>Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-83918343169401528692010-09-04T01:48:00.001-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.151-07:00Eating the Rainbow: Vegetable Garden Update<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TIIHuYW1D9I/AAAAAAAACPY/pJW9vqnMv9Q/s1600-h/August2010%20484%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="August2010 484" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="240" alt="August2010 484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TIIHuiltx_I/AAAAAAAACPc/BAV-x2nAsr8/August2010%20484_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="181" align="left" border="0"></a></p> <p>I tell everyone that I plant vegetables in unusual colors for my kids. I say that “kids like eating colorful food. It makes meal times more fun…” But I also tell people that I am reading the Percy Jackson books so I can discuss them with my children. And I tell people that I watch Pixar movies with my kids, because “it is important to watch movies with your kids rather than use them a video as a babysitter”. Truth be told, I enjoy colorful vegetables, children’s literature and Pixar movies, as much as, if not more than, my children! </p> <p>My son is proudly holding an Atomic Red, a Lunar White, and a Bambino Carrot. We pulled a few carrots for a salad. I hope the next time we pull one up we get a Cosmic Purple! </p> <p>We have been enjoying Blue Potatoes, which are blue on the inside too: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TIIHwARhA_I/AAAAAAAACPg/3865C4fo7jE/s1600-h/August2010%20062%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="August2010 062" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="175" alt="August2010 062" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TIIHwvHlKgI/AAAAAAAACPk/Lsv6LVtwYMw/August2010%20062_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0"></a>Although our purple pepper seeds did not germinate, we have still enjoyed green, red, orange, and yellow peppers: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TIIHxJ39-jI/AAAAAAAACPo/iN-5qpJFXqk/s1600-h/August2010%20092%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="August2010 092" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="240" alt="August2010 092" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TIIHxjYRGdI/AAAAAAAACPs/-h00GhVICHw/August2010%20092_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="162" border="0"></a></p> <p>Earlier this week, I shared my recipe for <a href="http://www.5dollardinners.com/2010/08/herbed-chicken-vegetable-confetti.html">Vegetable Confetti</a>, which calls for colorful peppers, at <a href="http://www.5dollardinners.com/2010/08/herbed-chicken-vegetable-confetti.html">$5 Dinners</a>.</p> <p>The first couple straight neck yellow squash on the bush below, were unsurprisingly yellow. The last several squash have been green on the bottom 2 inches of the fruit: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TIIHyopcagI/AAAAAAAACPw/namnwIyg6ac/s1600-h/September2010%20024%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="September2010 024" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="September2010 024" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TIIHzOXUZaI/AAAAAAAACP0/28FUdgHg1Is/September2010%20024_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0"></a> They still taste like yellow squash to me.</p> <p>One of my green bean plants is producing purple green beans: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TIIHzkReTNI/AAAAAAAACP4/0h8hYqVarSo/s1600-h/September2010%20021%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="September2010 021" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="240" alt="September2010 021" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TIIH0KJhNOI/AAAAAAAACP8/QcT77B5__oc/September2010%20021_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="161" border="0"></a> I don’t know why I have purple green beans. I only know that I did not plant any purple green beans. Of course, I did not plant morning glories in my potato patch, but some were growing in there.</p> <p>And how about one normally colored vegetable? I have never been so glad to see pumpkins ripen! Last week, I went to 7 different stores trying to find pureed pumpkin and finally settled for pureed sweet potato. In response to last year’s pumpkin shortage, I planted Small Sugar Pumpkins which are great for baking. However, it will be a little while before this one is turned into a pie: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TIIH1OEsKwI/AAAAAAAACQA/vD9zuMcncYA/s1600-h/September2010%20018%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="September2010 018" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="188" alt="September2010 018" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TIIH1gaVIZI/AAAAAAAACQE/RUnxzUlXGPs/September2010%20018_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0"></a>Last week I picked up a few ears of Sweet Red Corn at the Farmer’s Market and it was the best corn that I have ever tasted. I definitely want to add some to my garden next year and not just because it is red. Really!</p> <p>Do you like eating unusually colored vegetables? Or do Blue Potatoes just seem wrong to you?</p> <p>To view vegetable gardens from all over the country, visit <a href="http://www.5dollardinners.com/2010/09/square-foot-gardening-peppers-harvest.html" target="_blank">Grow.Eat.$ave</a> at <a href="http://www.5dollardinners.com/2010/09/square-foot-gardening-peppers-harvest.html" target="_blank">$5 Dinners</a>.</p> Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-22725628008554720742010-08-31T23:47:00.001-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.154-07:00Repurposing a Drink BucketI know you are thinking that I am going to share a creative way to use your drink bucket as a planter. I’m not. I like pretty things, especially flowers, but I am more of a function before form type of person. Below are a couple of practical ways that I repurpose my bucket when we are not entertaining.<br />
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~ We use the drink bucket to keep our stainless steel water bottles cold while we work in the yard. This eliminates the back and forth in dirty shoes across the kitchen floor to get ice water.<br />
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~ When I had to do an emergency harvest of my spinach plants, the bucket was the perfect place to temporarily hold the plants. I put a couple inches of water in the bucket and then harvested the spinach at my leisure. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcCTxt1IXPEKRMwIDKduBTid8Hfdg4_E66RUFs0fZb_-siSmVkz9dxkg4d_GPV6R3AOTG002wK_irb53DrOPyFN45OTPdwMPUepgQJVT-GPQQadCMo2i6_6z7jA-MQFI5-5KLL7GQBqNM/s1600-h/June2009+310.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcCTxt1IXPEKRMwIDKduBTid8Hfdg4_E66RUFs0fZb_-siSmVkz9dxkg4d_GPV6R3AOTG002wK_irb53DrOPyFN45OTPdwMPUepgQJVT-GPQQadCMo2i6_6z7jA-MQFI5-5KLL7GQBqNM/s320/June2009+310.jpg" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a><br />
The drink bucket is a great place to hold recently purchased flowers. A little water in the bottom ensures that they do not wilt while waiting to be planted: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TH33F74-92I/AAAAAAAACN4/xvodrM2eThM/s1600-h/August2010%20392%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="August2010 392" border="0" height="296" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TH33GRjzHtI/AAAAAAAACN8/3zXwRsispzM/August2010%20392_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="August2010 392" width="234" /></a>When I plant the flowers I just pick up the bucket and tote it around the yard with me. I place the emptied pots back in the bucket, so I only have to make one trip to my recycling/trash bins.<br />
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It also serves as a pond when my youngest son needs to a place for his ducks to swim!<br />
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Do you repurpose your drink bucket?<br />
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This post has been linked to <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/2010/08/wfmw-back-to-school-tips/" target="_blank">Works For Me Wednesday</a>.Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-56166075219732380562010-08-27T22:53:00.001-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.157-07:00Green Beans with Garlic<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THimzS_kwEI/AAAAAAAACLU/40Tw8YSMais/s1600-h/August2010%20477%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="August2010 477" style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" height="240" alt="August2010 477" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THimz8n2uyI/AAAAAAAACLc/s_slQs5c_z4/August2010%20477_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="101" align="right"></a> The green beans have only come in dribs and drabs for most of the summer. However, I am finally harvesting them fast enough to serve green beans as a side dish, rather than merely using them as an ingredient in soup. </p> <p>I prefer to eat my veggies with just enough seasoning to highlight their natural deliciousness. Not too much, otherwise the seasonings overpower or muddy the flavor. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the tastiest!<br><br><strong>Ingredients:</strong> <br>1 pound of whole uncooked green beans,rinsed, ends trimmed <br>2 tablespoons butter <br>2 - 4 garlic cloves, minced <br>dash (or two) of coarse black pepper <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2FKjXprh7lEVu39B3eyg99zWRTDcsiZ9kxNa1oNT0CayMF8_UJU661i2af-UkIxHKumxsMj5N3fbr-hF4EMVByuGOUx39AhzV4_WVq1tX886xg8GUcyA3_NUAdpNrJFJYpsedakGA-r-/s1600-h/Summer2009+170.jpg"></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361165092974278210" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 223px; cursor: hand; height: 237px; text-align: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2FKjXprh7lEVu39B3eyg99zWRTDcsiZ9kxNa1oNT0CayMF8_UJU661i2af-UkIxHKumxsMj5N3fbr-hF4EMVByuGOUx39AhzV4_WVq1tX886xg8GUcyA3_NUAdpNrJFJYpsedakGA-r-/s200/Summer2009+170.jpg" border="0"></a>Put green beans in a double boiler. Bring water to a boil. Cover with lid and reduce heat. Steam the green beans for 10 - 15 minutes or until they are tender (the time will vary depending on type and thickness of green beans) . They can be a little under done, because they will be cooked some more in the next step. If you don't have a double boiler they can be boiled for 10 minutes instead. <br><br>Add butter and garlic to a large skillet. Cook over a medium-high heat until the butter melts. Add green beans and pepper; toss gently until beans are coated and heated through. <br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THikYLXM7CI/AAAAAAAACLM/tfJK32m9qpc/s1600-h/Greenbeans%5B6%5D.jpg"><img title="Greenbeans" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="228" alt="Greenbeans" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THikYjwzC1I/AAAAAAAACLQ/_yJSvYVn_z4/Greenbeans_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="302"></a> <br>For more garden recipes, visit <a href="http://www.5dollardinners.com/2010/08/grow-eat-save-green-beans.html" target="_blank">Grow.Eat.$ave</a> at <a href="http://www.5dollardinners.com/2010/08/grow-eat-save-green-beans.html" target="_blank">$5 Dinners</a>. Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-62733814255000629692010-08-27T11:55:00.001-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.160-07:00My 3 Year Old’s Flower GardenIncluded in my post on <a href="http://www.onedeterminedgardener.com/2010/08/gardening-with-children.html" target="_blank">gardening with children</a> was the tip to allow children to have their own garden. Below is Andrew’s garden. He picked out all of the flowers himself and helped plant them.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THgJ9pMXROI/AAAAAAAACKU/mD-WRINUsas/s1600-h/August20101745.jpg"><img alt="August2010 174" border="0" height="216" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THgJ-vehBwI/AAAAAAAACKY/NSMbNARL9ZY/August2010174_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="August2010 174" width="358" /></a> It is heavy on orange flowers because one of our <a href="http://www.onedeterminedgardener.com/2010/08/gardening-with-children.html" target="_blank">gardening rules</a> is that he is only allowed to pick orange flowers: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THgJ_EinbbI/AAAAAAAACKc/AvURtfIATyw/s1600-h/August20101734.jpg"><img alt="August2010 173" border="0" height="199" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THgJ_U6QSpI/AAAAAAAACKg/dPAeCEeiTYw/August2010173_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="August2010 173" width="240" /></a>Allowing a child to pick out their own flowers, teaching them their names, and discussing the plant’s growing needs is a great way to pass on gardening skills. I don’t have a picture of his garden since it has filled out, but I have snapped a couple of close ups of the Black Eyed Susans:<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THgKAzdP-ZI/AAAAAAAACKk/0iyx4Cf6rBU/s1600-h/August20101925.jpg"><img alt="August2010 192" border="0" height="265" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THgKBxK1xaI/AAAAAAAACKo/d5SrCQUXqoE/August2010192_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="August2010 192" width="255" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THgKDIi-BMI/AAAAAAAACKs/ZAWIsM1HAYE/s1600-h/August20101935.jpg"><img alt="August2010 193" border="0" height="242" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THgKDi3p0_I/AAAAAAAACKw/brRKX61xbJ0/August2010193_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="August2010 193" width="261" /></a> We have come to a compromise on my son’s “favoritist flower ever”: Gerber Daisies. Since his favorite flower is an orange Gerber Daisy, he is technically allowed to pick them. However, he is always very sad that they don’t last long after picked (and carried all over the yard). So I have planted his Gerber Daisies in little pots that he can carry with him without doing much damage. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THgKETPjtgI/AAAAAAAACK0/k2PG6BWFSAQ/s1600-h/August20101534.jpg"><img alt="August2010 153" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THgKE1diPiI/AAAAAAAACK4/JCEFfUBUrQE/August2010153_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="August2010 153" width="229" /></a>This solution makes us both very happy. Well, except for the fact that he now carries my <a href="http://www.onedeterminedgardener.com/2010/08/extending-your-growing-season-with.html" target="_blank">container garden</a> all over the backyard, but I am trying to remain philosophical about that.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THgKFlGNdJI/AAAAAAAACK8/PzAEr3iiKEg/s1600-h/August20101554.jpg"><img alt="August2010 155" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THgKGHt_IvI/AAAAAAAACLA/McXwLKOSzu4/August2010155_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="August2010 155" width="213" /></a> To view gardens from all around the world, visit <a href="http://www.tootsietime.com/2010/08/fertilizer-friday-flaunt-your-flowers_26.html" target="_blank">Flaunt Your Flowers Friday</a> at <a href="http://www.tootsietime.com/2010/08/fertilizer-friday-flaunt-your-flowers_26.html" target="_blank">Tootsie Time</a>. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THgKId1kycI/AAAAAAAACLE/-kSUcIBNITk/s1600-h/fertilizerFriday5.png"><img alt="fertilizer Friday" border="0" height="161" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THgKJKlz9kI/AAAAAAAACLI/fpOQ6jZHwmg/fertilizerFriday_thumb3.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="fertilizer Friday" width="100" /></a>Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-65346868693537573012010-08-24T01:25:00.001-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.163-07:00Extending Your Growing Season with a Container GardenContainer gardens are not just for apartment dwellers! Even though I live on several acres and have a nice sized garden, I have a container garden. We have a short growing season, coupled with a 30 degree temperature swing every day. This means that spring and fall are pretty inhospitable to plants that like warm temperatures, particularly tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. So at the end of the season when the nurseries start marking down their veggies, I pick up a few:<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THOCDjHPX0I/AAAAAAAACIQ/Ms1xIEgplig/s1600-h/August2010%20433%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="August2010 433" border="0" height="323" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THOCEBPO-AI/AAAAAAAACIU/MNpaibCvtwk/August2010%20433_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="August2010 433" width="231" /></a> They look a little pathetic. Yes, I know, the tomato plant looks really pathetic. The plants were bone dry and shriveled when I bought them (The cashier looked at the plants and said, “well aren’t you a dear soul?” then looked at me like I was Mother Theresa. Or insane; it is hard to tell the two expressions apart). However, they are already showing signs of recovering with nutrient rich soil and water. The tomatoes are ripening and the plants are beginning to flower again: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THOCE4y87pI/AAAAAAAACIY/pmP1niJP2tc/s1600-h/August2010%20436%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="August2010 436" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THOCFcghY5I/AAAAAAAACIc/9TUScdJkS8Y/August2010%20436_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="August2010 436" width="235" /></a>Once our evening temperatures start to dip into the 30’s, I bring the containers into the garage at night. I put them back out during the day, so they can benefit from the warm afternoon sun and increase their chances of being pollinated.<br />
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<strong>Things to consider when starting a container garden:</strong><br />
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~ Pick the healthiest plants available. There is no reason to follow my example and rescue dying plants.<br />
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~ <strong>Look for varieties that remain fairly small</strong>. These words will often be included in their name: Compact, Space Saver, Patio, Bush. You can grow large varieties if you have large containers, they are harder to lug back and forth. <br />
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~ Select a container that will allow for root growth. I use a rule of thumb of picking a container that is at least twice the size of the plant’s root ball.<br />
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~ You will need something besides plain old dirt when potting these plants. I<strong> use a mix of 1 part compost to 2 parts commercially prepared potting mix</strong>, but any nutrient rich mix will work.<br />
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~ Ensure that your<strong> container has holes at the base to permit draina</strong>ge. You can always create holes yourself by using a hammer and nail to create holes. <br />
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~ <strong>Container gardens need to be watered daily</strong>. If you are going to be away for a day or two, you will want to put the containers in a large tub with an inch of water in it or make arrangements for someone to water for you.<br />
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Container gardens are a little extra work, but eating fresh tomatoes and peppers while watching the snow fall makes it worth the effort!<br />
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Did I mentioned that I have a short growing season? What hurdles do you face when gardening?<br />
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This post has been linked to <a href="http://msgreenthumbjean.blogspot.com/2010/08/its-bloomin-tuesday_23.html" target="_blank">Bloomin’ Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://www.anoregoncottage.com/" target="_blank">Tuesday Garden Party</a>.Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-10488749199064975662010-08-21T11:07:00.001-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.167-07:00How to Get More from Your Square Foot Garden with Succession PlantingIf you have ever tried square foot gardening, you know that you can grow an amazing amount of food for your family in a few raised beds. However, there are a few things you can do to maximize your limited space. <strong>Intense Square Foot Gardening </strong>is particularly useful if you are living in an area with a short growing season.<br><br><strong><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THAVylIA5LI/AAAAAAAACHw/qrf-5JlVSXU/s1600-h/ARadish%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="ARadish" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="160" alt="ARadish" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THAVzGuj-KI/AAAAAAAACH0/0Amro4YGNPs/ARadish_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" align="right" border="0"></a> Same Crop Successive Gardening</strong> extends the harvest of a type of vegetable. Instead of planting all of my crop at once, as is common in traditional row gardening, I make several successive plantings. I make 3 smaller plantings of peas, 7 days apart. I plant 10 – 20 radish seeds every week, switching to a milder radish like Cheriette, when the summer heat is known to intensify the flavor of radishes. I start 4 –6 new lettuce and spinach plants every 2 weeks, and pinch leaves from the inside rather than wait to harvest a whole head. In the spring and fall I can grown any variety, once it gets hot I switch to heat tolerant plants like Buttercrunch and Spinach Mustard, then switch back to Romaine and a compact variety spinach in the fall.<br><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THAV0ZqKIpI/AAAAAAAACH4/jbDa0iCcZK4/s1600-h/ASpinach%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="ASpinach" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="128" alt="ASpinach" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/THAV1Gb6SGI/AAAAAAAACH8/b9NWOHlfPPY/ASpinach_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="146" align="left" border="0"></a> Planting <strong>Different Crops in Succession</strong> ensures that you maximize your garden space. After I harvest a crop, I inspect the soil for harmful insects, replenish the soil with compost, and plant a new crop. This works best when you pair a cool weather crop with a longer season heat tolerant crop (e.g. follow broccoli and cauliflower with squash plants). Or follow a long growing crop like potatoes with a cool weather crop like kale or spinach.<br><br><strong>Grow Different Varieties of the Same Plant</strong> to extend your harvest time. By planting tomatoes with <strong>different maturity dates</strong>, I ensure that I have a continuous supply of tomatoes without being completely swamped by plants that all ripen at the same time. <br><br>As room is created in my garden, I am adding these <strong>cool weather plants</strong>: Broccoli, Cauliflower, Radishes, Spinach, Lettuces, Kale, Peas, Turnips, Kohlrabi, Curley Spinach, and Swiss Chard.<br><br>What are you planting this fall?<br><br>To view more vegetable gardens, visit <a href="http://www.5dollardinners.com/2010/08/square-foot-gardening-august-update.html" target="_blank">Grow.Eat.$ave</a> at <a href="http://www.5dollardinners.com/2010/08/square-foot-gardening-august-update.html" target="_blank">$5 Dinners</a>. Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-63194434641204112572010-08-20T01:27:00.001-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.170-07:00Rose of Sharon<p>Just last week I was <strike>complaining </strike>commenting that my Rose of Sharon had not yet bloomed. Yesterday, when I walked out the door, I spied a branch that had a few blooms on it: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TG48aBr2cWI/AAAAAAAACHI/gPbJWymAi8A/s1600-h/August20102105.jpg"><img title="August2010 210" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="219" alt="August2010 210" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TG48ayk6P6I/AAAAAAAACHM/ZnDKEoPo5Es/August2010210_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" border="0"></a>This shrub was planted long before I moved here, so I am not sure which variety I am growing. Rose of Sharon love warm temperatures so it does not normally do well in a zone 4 climate. However, my front entrance is in the shape of a U and the one unwalled side has a line of pine trees, creating a microclimate warm enough for my Rose of Sharon to flourish: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TG48cMzVu4I/AAAAAAAACHQ/kcbJu9WqKrY/s1600-h/August20101765.jpg"><img title="August2010 176" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="299" alt="August2010 176" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TG48c6EbsTI/AAAAAAAACHU/ffhwUOPrHqY/August2010176_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="205" border="0"></a> It really is as tall as my house and it is gorgeous when it is completely decked out in blooms! And yes, we do trim it back each year, but it is hard to tell from looking at it.</p> <p>From the look of these buds, I won’t have long to wait: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TG48dhGK8bI/AAAAAAAACHY/UM1fwB_3Ads/s1600-h/August20101784.jpg"><img title="August2010 178" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="218" alt="August2010 178" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TG48eAqwrBI/AAAAAAAACHc/lAQzUTJxyvo/August2010178_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0"></a>Not only does this plant <strong>bloom late, it leafs out late</strong>. If you start one this summer, do not assume the worst if it is still bare in May. It is <strong>fairly drought tolerant</strong>. We have it on a drip line and only water it 3 times a week for less than 15 minutes each time, but I do not know the flow on the drip line to tell you how much water in inches we are giving it each week. To <strong>provide more insulation</strong> during our cold winters, I let the leaves that fall around the base remain there until spring. </p> <p>To view gardens from around the world, visit Flaunt Your Flowers Friday at <a href="http://www.tootsietime.com/2010/08/fertilizer-friday-flaunt-your-flowers_19.html" target="_blank">Tootsie Time</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TG48gQjX9_I/AAAAAAAACHg/o2lvrFunqJ8/s1600-h/fertilizer%20Friday%5B5%5D.png"><img title="fertilizer Friday" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="181" alt="fertilizer Friday" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TG48hrht0ZI/AAAAAAAACHk/Td-VYTKTkUw/fertilizer%20Friday_thumb%5B3%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="112" border="0"></a></p> Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-34390196669760049312010-08-17T18:38:00.000-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.173-07:00I Finally Captured a Butterfly…I finally captured a butterfly on a Butterfly Bush! We have a dozen Butterfly Bushes scattered through out our backyard and they do attract butterflies, but I never seem to have my camera when the butterflies are visiting. When I was watering yesterday, I noticed a few butterflies, dropped the hose and ran for my camera. Fortunately, this glutonous little Swallowtail was still drinking the nectar when I returned: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TGpSYXZs0hI/AAAAAAAACGU/opkxPsBc8iE/s1600-h/August2010%20318%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="August2010 318" border="0" height="281" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TGpSY4aVATI/AAAAAAAACGY/Ew1czCqSeOw/August2010%20318_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="August2010 318" width="325" /></a> Here is the butterfly from another angle: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TGpSaM_TK3I/AAAAAAAACGc/o7UvJK94XxI/s1600-h/August2010%20317%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="August2010 317" border="0" height="306" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TGpSa5jAyqI/AAAAAAAACGg/g-5RwMmNWd4/August2010%20317_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="August2010 317" width="321" /></a> Is there a photo that you long to capture, but still alludes you?<br />
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This post has been linked to <a href="http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/2010/08/818-outdoor-wednesday-84.html" target="_blank">Outdoors Wednesday</a> at a <a href="http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/2010/08/818-outdoor-wednesday-84.html" target="_blank">Southern Daydreamer</a>.Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-44474432394769680822010-08-17T01:50:00.001-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.176-07:00Square Foot Garden Update: Some Like it Hot!<p>The tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant are definitely liking our hot August days. The tomatoes continue to roll in and show no sign of letting up. I have been using our surplus cherry tomatoes in <a href="http://www.onedeterminedgardener.com/2010/08/broiled-cherry-tomatoes.html" target="_blank">Broiled Cherry Tomatoes</a>. I am waiting for these beauties to ripen to start canning:<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TGpNPvb2CvI/AAAAAAAACFs/b2EE_Iqk380/s1600-h/August2010%20199%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="August2010 199" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="237" alt="August2010 199" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TGpNQIzcPHI/AAAAAAAACFw/_X3bxBQ04bY/August2010%20199_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" border="0"></a></p> <p>We are harvesting peppers daily: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TGpNQ0r2VEI/AAAAAAAACF0/NuAObkpInZU/s1600-h/August2010%20182%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="August2010 182" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="277" alt="August2010 182" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TGpNRajZHgI/AAAAAAAACF4/SUQIyDb2lbc/August2010%20182_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" border="0"></a>What I can’t use now I am dicing up and freezing for later. Peppers keep quite well in the freezer. This year I am growing Salsa Peppers, which are a medium-hot pepper:<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TGpNSGt0HdI/AAAAAAAACF8/T3VliPnqyto/s1600-h/August2010%20033%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="August2010 033" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="345" alt="August2010 033" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TGpNSpO-lAI/AAAAAAAACGA/jFQcXd8qr_w/August2010%20033_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="247" border="0"></a>My husband likes hot-hot peppers and I prefer sweet red peppers. The Salsa Pepper is our compromise. I used just one small Salsa Pepper in <a href="http://www.premeditatedleftovers.com/2010/08/spicy-sesame-stir-fry.html" target="_blank">Spicy Sesame Stir-Fry</a> and I could definitely feel the heat!</p> <p>Have you eaten homegrown potatoes? They are so much tastier than store bought! I go out and dig up some potatoes whenever I need them for a meal. Our favorite way to eat them is in <a href="http://www.premeditatedleftovers.com/2010/08/herb-roasted-new-potatoes.html" target="_blank">Herb Roasted New Potatoes</a>.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TGpNT0JaKAI/AAAAAAAACGE/zGXXcIEQGZA/s1600-h/August2010%20058%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="August2010 058" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="193" alt="August2010 058" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TGpNUcDf0-I/AAAAAAAACGI/cyx-ele66lk/August2010%20058_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" border="0"></a></p> <p>They keep very well in the ground, so I will leave them there until I need them. I will dig up the remaining potatoes before our first freeze and store them in the garage over the winter.</p> <p>The last time I did a vegetable garden update, I ended with a green bean flower. This time I will end with a green bean:<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TGpNU1TDFiI/AAAAAAAACGM/qVzPe0giXow/s1600-h/August2010%20183%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="August2010 183" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" height="295" alt="August2010 183" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TGpNVUIGDWI/AAAAAAAACGQ/lMTMzc5M2jE/August2010%20183_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="206" border="0"></a> I am always amazed at how fast the vegetables develop after the plants have flowered. How are your plants getting along in the summer heat?</p> <p>To view gardens from around the country, visit <a href="http://msgreenthumbjean.blogspot.com/2010/08/its-bloomin-tuesday_16.html" target="_blank">Bloomin’ Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://www.anoregoncottage.com/" target="_blank">Tuesday Garden Party</a>.</p> Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-62042547358868345882010-08-14T10:11:00.000-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.179-07:00Broiled Cherry TomatoesWe are harvesting several cups of cherry tomatoes every day. A couple of Early Girls are ripening each day and it won’t be long before we pick our first Roma tomatoes. When we are over run with Early Girls and Romas, I make and can spaghetti sauce and salsa, but I think it is too much work to put up cherry tomatoes. So when we are over run with cherry tomatoes, I broil them with fresh herbs and top them with cheese. Then I sit back and watch as my kids make a cookie sheet full of cherry tomatoes disappear. <br />
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<strong><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TGY_sIQPhdI/AAAAAAAACEU/UkQE6HaGaE8/s1600-h/August2010%20207%5B4%5D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="August2010 207" border="0" height="179" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TGY_sqGAmMI/AAAAAAAACEY/U3XQsB3v0EQ/August2010%20207_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="August2010 207" width="240" /></a></strong><br />
This recipe is inspired by <a href="http://myyearwithoutspending.blogspot.com/2009/08/auntie-ems-delivery-recipes.html">Oven Roasted Cherry Tomatoes</a>.<br />
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<strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />
<br />
1 pint of cherry tomatoes <br />
2 Tablespoons olive oil <br />
4 cloves garlic minced <br />
1 Tablespoon fresh basil, minced <br />
1 Tablespoon fresh oregano, minced <br />
1 Tablespoon fresh thyme, minced <br />
1/2 teaspoon pepper <br />
~1/4 cup grated cheese (optional) <br />
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<strong>Directions:</strong> <br />
1. Set you oven heat to broil. <br />
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2. While your oven is heating up, slice tomatoes in half and place on a baking sheet, cut side up.<br />
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3. Mix oil and spices together in a small bowl. Brush each tomato with a dab of the mixture. <br />
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4. Broil for 6 minutes. Remove and top each tomato with a bit of cheese. Broil for one more minute. <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TGbNJp3H4FI/AAAAAAAACEc/-7iEtDI3nP4/s1600-h/August2010%20208%5B4%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="August2010 208" border="0" height="136" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TGbNKF6NmAI/AAAAAAAACEg/BGuBU8VbadI/August2010%20208_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="August2010 208" width="202" /></a> Most of the tomatoes disappear as soon as they come out of the oven, but leftovers can be refrigerated. The leftovers are good eaten cold or warmed for 10 seconds in the microwave.<br />
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How do you like to prepare your cherry tomatoes?<br />
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For more ideas on how to cook up your excess tomatoes, visit <a href="http://www.5dollardinners.com/2010/08/tomates-rellenos.html" target="_blank">$5 Dollar Dinners</a>.Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678888033050865485.post-72663202131927693902010-08-09T23:48:00.001-07:002011-06-23T00:42:53.181-07:00Cloudscape<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TGD2OODPrkI/AAAAAAAACD0/zyrxMt7PolE/s1600-h/August2010%20121%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="August2010 121" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" height="296" alt="August2010 121" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Bq7mCCDENkg/TGD2OhC76hI/AAAAAAAACD4/qEjrGG18EN4/August2010%20121_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391"></a> </p> <p>The most amazing cloud formations roll over the mountains in the late afternoon. My oldest son often comes in from feeding the horses, grabs a camera, and heads out to capture the prettiest part of Nevada: The sky.</p> <p>This post has been linked to <a href="http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/2010/08/811-outdoor-wednesday-83.html" target="_blank">Outdoor Wednesdays</a>.</p> Alea Milhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15549333388945700712noreply@blogger.com10