As nighttime temperatures dip towards freezing, many gardeners are frantically harvesting the last of the garden bounty. They know that their remaining nights are numbered. Summer flavors are nearly done. Tomatoes. Peppers. Eggplant. Squash. Basil. Fresh produce from a garden is truly sublime. The flavors are fresh and vibrant. They are far superior to the […]
Gardening
A Fall Pest: Grey Aphids
If you grow anything in the brassica family (kale, collard greens brussels sprouts,cabbage, etc…) you have seen them. Small. Grey. In clusters. Hanging out on the under side of the leaves. And they tend to make their appearance in late summer, early fall. What are they? Grey aphids. Grey aphids are also known as cabbage […]
Tomatoes: What Not to Can
It is that time of year where tomatoes are abundant. Perhaps you are growing them in your garden? Or perhaps you find them by the case at your local farmer’s market? But regardless of where they come from, do you know which tomatoes to avoid for canning purposes? According to NCHFP, “Select only disease-free, preferably […]
Clove Currant: An Heirloom Fruiting Shrub
There is an heirloom fruiting shrub that seems to be, as the saying goes, “Always the bridesmaid, never the bride”. It is never the one that people clamor for at the nursery, but plays a supporting role to raspberries and even gooseberries. If only people would stop searching for the most popular shrubs… this quiet […]
Asian Pear: The Unsung Fruit Tree
When people think about planting fruit trees in their garden, popular fruits are at the top of the list. Apple. Cherry. Peach. Plum. Of course, it goes without saying that it also depends on what USDA hardiness zone in which you reside. But let me ask you this. Have you ever thought about planting an […]
Farmers' Market: What are 2nds?
I have a love affair with farmers’ market. These weekly events provide a vast array of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, wines, breads, eggs, and canned goods offering the very best of the season from early spring through the fall. With very little effort, it is easy to compose a meal from a single pass through […]