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Garden Planning
Just because your spring garden is coming to end does not mean the work stops. There are plenty things to add to your to-do list for August and September. Start planning now and start prepping your calendar for the tasks below. I love using this garden calendar for all my gardening to-dos. I stay organized so I don’t fall behind on any of my garden upkeep. Protect Squash Ripening fall pumpkins & winter squash need to be protected. Slip something beneath them to prevent rot at the bottom. I use a piece of cardboard. Gather Fruit Any fruit fallen from the trees needs to be gathered. Remove Self Sowing Seed…
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May In The Garden
This month had me thinking of Cinco de Mayo which is a regional celebration in Mexico. The holiday commemorates an initial victory of Mexican forces over French forces in the Battle of Puebla in May, 1862. The date is observed in United States and other areas around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. There are foods associated the these celebrations and many are found in the garden. Jalapeno peppers, green chiles, salsas made with fresh tomatoes and even calabacitas made with fresh squash and zucchini. We also think about the weather in May. This is the season for heavy rain, hail, and winds which we’ve had…
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Growing Herbs
When I first started out gardening I wanted to begin small with something I could manage. I was not very knowledgeable or informed yet on all the ins and outs of gardening, nor did I have the space for a large garden. So, I started with herbs. Herbs are an easy place to start. They just need a little sunshine, soil with good drainage and some room to grow. Herbs can turn ordinary meals into something special with a pinch of this and a bit of that and meals can be transformed. I have planted herbs for a few years and they bring an interest to gardens which otherwise would…
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Homemade Italian Spaghetti Sauce
Where the flavor starts… Italian cooking is not a quick process. It is a social event. The kitchen is the gathering place, and as I cook, there are wooden spoons flying around tasting my sauce. When I make tomato sauce, it slowly cooks 2-4 hours depending on the amount of sauce I am making. The house is filled with such a pleasant aroma. The meal is greatly anticipated and enjoyed. As many Italian cooks declare “flavor in Italian dishes builds from the bottom up”. True authentic cooking like my dad did started with lard as the base with finely chopped onion and any other vegetables like celery, carrot, or garlic.…
Home Grown is Best
