Pickling!

Two summers ago I went to a fermentation workshop at Blooming Glen Farm in Bucks County, PA with Amanda O’Brien of Phickle.com. I really enjoyed the workshop and learned a ton. I left feeling inspired and determined to eat only fermented veg from then on. But I ended up killing everything I tried! My cabbageContinue reading “Pickling!”

In the Garden :: May 30

Things are growing pretty well…for the most part. The onions are still completely choked with weeds, but the garlic is looking really good. I pulled a few garlic hoping to give the remaining plants more space, so we’ll see… I harvested the teeniest little carrot the other day, while I was working with the tomatoes.Continue reading “In the Garden :: May 30”

In the Garden :: April 27

Things are coming along pretty nicely these days. Our number one biggest success has been the garlic! I planted it in October and basically crossed my fingers. I was surprised not to find any scapes this spring, but the leaves seem pretty tall and full. Out of curiosity I went ahead and pulled “one,” butContinue reading “In the Garden :: April 27”

Seed Starting

We’ve been planning and scheming and getting ready to start seeds. Two weeks ago I thought I bought a seedling heat mat but when we got home I could not. find it. anywhere. Farmer Tripp set up the trays and the mini greenhouses in the workshop while I was at the National Ladies Homestead Gathering Annual Board Meeting inContinue reading “Seed Starting”

What’s in Season in October? Pumpkins (of course)!

Pumpkins and squash are believed to have originated in the ancient Americas. These early pumpkins were not the traditional round orange upright Jack-O-Lantern fruit we think of today when you hear the word pumpkin. They were a crooked neck variety, which stored well. Archeologists have determined that variations of squash and pumpkins were cultivated alongContinue reading “What’s in Season in October? Pumpkins (of course)!”

What in the world am I doing?

It’s the end of August, and another summer not living on a farm is almost gone. In April we “moved to town,” and I tried to figure out how that could be a step in the right direction. Although our chickens are living on someone else’s farm and my neighbors are less than 100 feetContinue reading “What in the world am I doing?”

What’s in season in August? Okra!

Okra, native to Africa and a beautiful relative of hibiscus, was brought to North America in the 1600s. This tropical plant quickly became popular in the Deep South both as a side dish and as a thickening for gumbo and stews. It can, however, thrive in any climate where corn will grow. Depending on theContinue reading “What’s in season in August? Okra!”

What’s in Season in July? Zucchini!

Someone I know said “We’re not even growing any zucchini in our garden this year!” because it is so very prolific and some members of her family aren’t big fans. Zucchini definitely grows well, but it is also incredibly versatile in the kitchen, playing the lead role in savory dishes as well as sweet ones.Continue reading “What’s in Season in July? Zucchini!”