Garlic Success
Much to my surprise my garlic survived. I planted it in this area last fall before we decided to clear the area for raised beds. After the area was cleared and gravel bed installed we were surprised to see the garlic shoots arrive. Nature finds a way!
Our DIY Tomato Trellis: A Sturdy, Affordable Farm Store Hack
If you’ve ever grown indeterminate tomatoes, you know the struggle. Those flimsy, cone-shaped cages from the big box stores just can’t handle a vigorous, 8-foot-tall tomato plant loaded with fruit. They inevitably end up toppling over in the first summer windstorm. After years of frustration, we decided to find a better way. Our research led us to the local farm supply store and a wonderfully simple, cheap, and incredibly sturdy solution: building a trellis out […]
Comfrey Returns
The Comfrey has returned this spring as I had hoped it would. Last year was the first year for it and I had hopes that it would over winter and show itself again this spring. I have several buckets of comfrey tea to use as fertilizer on the garden after using the leaves from last year to steep all winter.
Peppers Are Planted!
The selections so far this season are: Jalapeno Serrano Red Bell Pepper Cayenne
Pickles
A new batch of pickles is brewing. These are the best pickles we have ever made and this method has turned out great each and every time. 5.6 % salt brine, cucumbers, fermented garlic, dill, tea bag (to keep them crisp) plus time = awesome pickles. Taste every few days and refrigerate once they taste good to you.
Fermentation
We have dabbled with fermentation for several years, starting with a referral to the book by Sandor Katz – Wild Fermentation. We continue to learn more with each batch of pickles, yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, etc. It is an exciting world of flavors, textures and colors that fail to disappoint. I would be lying if I said we never had a failure that we ending up composting instead of consuming. But it is a journey through […]
Excited for Spring
This winter was an interesting one with a lot more snow than normal. Needless to say I am ready for all of the spring blooms that are starting to come out to shake off the dreary winter in the PNW.
New Garden Area Takes Shape
We have carved out a new area with southern exposure for a full sun area for the tomatoes, peppers, etc. Stay tuned as this area takes shape.