I say ToMAtoes; do you say ToMAHtoes?

Regardless of how you pronounce this beloved seasonal vegetable here on my little patch of heaven, trying to get a photo of an abundant tomato harvest isn’t easy when my girls/chickens are out and about. That’s why you see 2 of them approaching the bowl of tomatoes perched on our outhouse stoop. I thought you’d like to see a photo of all these different kinds … Continue reading I say ToMAtoes; do you say ToMAHtoes?

Neighbor Noah and Her First Place Garlic

We’re so proud of our neighbor, Noah, who won first place in her 4H group in the garden vegetable category for her home grown hard neck garlic. Noah now gets to go to the Ohio State fair and compete there! The other day Noah brought me a sample of her tomato basil mozzarella salad. She used her garlic in the salad and boy was it … Continue reading Neighbor Noah and Her First Place Garlic

Fried Green Tomato BLT’s and Classic Fried Green Tomatoes

Fall is officially here. There’s a slight nip in the air and it’s time to retrieve sweaters from the back of the closet, get the split firewood stacked, and use up the last of the garden produce.  On my little patch of heaven that means fried green tomato BLT’s.   Thick slices of firm green tomatoes with just a hint of color makes the best … Continue reading Fried Green Tomato BLT’s and Classic Fried Green Tomatoes

Two Caprese Recipes

After feeding my little flock of chickens this morning, I walked over to the vegetable garden to see what needed picking. Well, just about everything. Cucumbers, squash, corn, and tomatoes. I was happiest about the tomatoes. What I thought would be an early harvest turned out not to be so. Some of my tomatoes, for some unknown reason, are taking their good time about ripening. … Continue reading Two Caprese Recipes

Caprese Salad 2 Ways

After feeding my little flock of chickens this morning, I walked over to the vegetable garden to see what needed picking. Well, just about everything. Cucumbers, squash, corn, and tomatoes. I was happiest about the tomatoes. What I thought would be an early harvest turned out not to be so. Some of my tomatoes, for some unknown reason, are taking their good time about ripening. … Continue reading Caprese Salad 2 Ways

Summer Watering Tips

Home > Plant Care > In the Garden Blog > Gardening Tips > Summer Watering Tips From colleague and garden expert, Ron Wilson of Natorp’s nursery, another timely tip for summer. SUMMER WATERING PLANT TIP During the heat, you need to make sure to check your plants often. Always check your plants each time before you water. Physically and visually check to make sure water is needed by pulling the mulch aside to … Continue reading Summer Watering Tips

Why are my tomatoes turning black?

From friend and garden expert, Ron Wilson/Natorp’s Nursery. Home > Plant Care > Why are my tomatoes turning black? The common gardening question, “Why are my tomatoes turning black?” The answer is Blossom End Rot. Blossom End Rot usually occurs earlier in the season, due to up and down temperatures, poor plant establishment, wet spring, and tapers off as the season progresses and plants become better rooted and weather adjusts.  It … Continue reading Why are my tomatoes turning black?

Boone County Arboretum Annual Tea Recipes

Oh gosh, I had so much fun doing my first Zoom presentation for the Boone County Arboretum’s Annual Tea with Josh, Nicole, Stephanie, Donna, and Kris last night. Log onto to their site to see just how lovely and productive this community arboretum is. There may be time for you to bid at the silent auction, too. My talk was about the 4 seasons and … Continue reading Boone County Arboretum Annual Tea Recipes

Diner Style Salmon Patties Amid a Winter Storm

As I write this column, another winter storm is predicted. I took a photo of the outhouse when I went outside to feed the “girls”/chickens. All I can say is, I’m sure glad we’re living today and not years ago when all along our country road, outhouses were essential.  So were cook stoves that used wood as fuel.  I guess what I’m getting at is … Continue reading Diner Style Salmon Patties Amid a Winter Storm

My Vegetable and Berry Garden: Late June

Thought you might like a peek at the garden taken at dusk yesterday.   Rain, our grey cat, takes refuge in the cool soil.  We have a cutting flower row, tomatoes, squash, some herbs, cucumbers, onions, and growing along the trellis behind Rain, black raspberries. I’ll post a photo of my herb garden later. It’s really beautiful and abundant with herbs and edible flowers. Have … Continue reading My Vegetable and Berry Garden: Late June