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

Pass the Peas (7 Layer Salad w Peas) Please!

Today, as usual, Matt Swaim and I had our Thursday morning chat on the Sonrise Morning Show. The subject was peas. I’m growing peas and love them. PEAS Beans are mentioned in the Bible, and Biblical scholars believe peas were included, as well, since they are part of the pulse/legume family and were eaten during Bible times. 2 SAMUEL 27:28:  They brought him and those who … Continue reading Pass the Peas (7 Layer Salad w Peas) Please!

Take the Chill off with Black Eyed Pea Stew

Hard to believe that September has passed and we’re into the first week of October. The corn stalks have turned a dark tan, which means it’s time to cut them down for bundling. Corn stalks make a nice autumn display. We prop them up behind the straw bales alongside the outhouse. The little ones put pumpkins, squash and gourds on top of the bales and … Continue reading Take the Chill off with Black Eyed Pea Stew

Pick a Peck of Pickled Peppers and Green Tomatoes Too!

I’m not sure if it was the mention of pickled hot peppers on Ron Wilson’s gardening show recently when we were chatting that brought on a deluge of requests, or if it was the fact that I’ve been talking about pickled peppers in my classes. So for those who asked, I’m sharing Ron’s mom, Nell’s pickled pepper recipe again. It’s a seasonal one for which … Continue reading Pick a Peck of Pickled Peppers and Green Tomatoes Too!