Cold frames. They are the workhorse of my garden. Every year, they are pulled into service, both in the early spring and then again in the fall. They alone, allow us to extend our growing season from late February – November (and sometimes into December) which is pretty darn good for living in USDA hardiness […]
Green Tomato Wine 101
At the end of harvest season, gardeners typically make one last harvest before the first freeze. One item that folks generally end up with is green tomatoes. Now there are a variety of things you can do with green tomatoes: make chutney, fried green tomatoes, mock apple pie, or simply store the tomatoes and let […]
Preserving Oregano for Marvelous Meals
As an avid gardener and home cook, herbs will always have a place in my garden. Origanum vulgare, otherwise known as oregano, has been in my garden for over 20 years and that spot is well deserved. In fact, it planted just a few feet from the patio so it is at arm’s reach when […]
Fall Gardening for your Chickens
For those of us who do not live in a temperate region, fall can signal a change in diet for backyard chickens. Hens with a summertime free-range lifestyle, may now be sequestered to their coop and run and be subjected to a diet consisting of grains and layer mash, with nary a leafy green in […]
Yes You Can! Make Soap at Home
As a self-proclaimed do-it-yourselfer, I look for the next item to make rather than buy. My goal of self sufficiency is mostly driving this desire, but also knowing what is in health and beauty products is another reason. And given that our skin is our largest organ, protecting the rest of our body, it deserves […]
Baked Mushroom Polenta
Growing up in the rural midwest, food was traditional Americana. Steak, potatoes, gravy, eggs, corn, pot roast, white bread, and green bean casserole made frequent appearances at our family table. There was no ethnic aisle in the grocery store and most recipes were either handed down through the family or shared at church potlucks. With […]