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All You Need To Know About Growing Cucumbers
I love growing cucumbers. The best memory I have is taking a big bite out of an extremely bitter cucumber. That was early in my gardening journey and I had planted a cucumber meant for pickling, not eating raw. Who would have thought there was a difference? I sure didn’t. So, when picking seeds to plant make sure you read the seed package carefully. Decide What To Grow Cucumbers have a refreshing taste mostly because they are high in water. They are divided into 2 categories: those used for pickling and those used for slicing. Pickling cucumbers tend to be bitter and are not good when eaten raw.…
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Canning Peppers: How To Preserve Peppers
My favorite gifts to give are canned goods. So, once my garden starts taking off I like to begin some of my canning. I get asked frequently for my canned pepper recipe each year – Enjoy! I have harvested my first round of peppers (mostly different types of jalapeños) and it is time to preserve them for later. The heat level of the peppers can be adjusted based on the type of pepper planted however, mine all go together in jars. My family can handle the heat. I do put a mixture of red and green peppers together as it makes a pretty combination especially for Christmas gifts. 2 quarts…
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Pecan Trees
When I am in the garden and need a break in the shade my go to place is always under my pecan tree! Pecan trees are native to the United States and they thrive in the Southern locations. They are of the most desirable trees for home yards. They are large trees, and provide natural shade and the nutritious value make them a favorite. They do very well in Texas. My pecan tree was transplanted from a Pecan Farm 17 years ago and with this one tree we have plenty of nuts for our family plus plenty for holiday gift giving. We live on a little over a acre and…
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How To Make Sourdough Bread
I love getting lost in my kitchen on days when it is too hot to be in the garden. How many of you can relate? Living in Texas during the dog days of summer, some days are too hot to get out in the garden. It can get to 90-95 degrees by noon. Those days I make sure the garden is watered, harvest what is needed in the morning and move to the kitchen. Today is was one of those days. My sourdough starter was in need of a feed so I decided to make fresh sourdough bread. It requires minimal work once you get your starter going however, it…
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Dog Days of Summer
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac the Dog Days of Summer is the hottest, most sultry days of summer. It is usually 40 days beginning July 3 and ending August 11. This means we are right in between the two major planting seasons for vegetable gardens. It is typical at this time to see some empty spaces as certain vegetables succumb to oppressive heat and sometimes pests. It seems we have started those hot sultry days earlier than usual as our high temperatures have been above normal. Trying to establish young plants during this time is very difficult as I am experiencing with my tomatoes plants. During this time first…
Home Grown is Best
