Top Vegetables for Outdoor Gardens

June 20, 2016 by 2 Comments

Backyard Vegetable Gardens can provide healthy rewards for you and your family.  Have you thought about growing vegetables in your outdoor garden this summer?   In this post you will find a list of the best vegetables for outdoor gardens.  Not only will you find tips on the best vegetables to grow in your garden, we also offer advice on important garden maintenance tasks.  

vegetables for outdoor gardens

 

 

1) First, beans, broccoli, sprouts and cabbages are some of the easiest and best vegetables for outdoor gardens.  These will grow great even in a small outdoor garden. They  offer a long list of advantages and can be prepared in a variety of ways. Not to mention the aesthetic advantage that these low-growing veggies offer. They cover the pots or the area in your garden with a green texture that will become one of your most favorite garden corners.

2) Cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, sweet corn and potatoes – don’t forget the most important vegetables that every gardener should have. Or at least some of them. These plants require just basic care and some are suitable for almost a year-round harvest if you have a greenhouse.

3) Next, carrots, beetroot, onions and herbs – these small yet delicious plants are perfect vegetables for your outdoor garden.  They can even be grown in pots.  Choose these plants if you prefer green colors or if you want to harvest some good-quality veggies in the autumn. These edibles grow underground and are more resistant to the climate conditions, so you can start the season with planting these about a month before the last frost in the springtime.

You could use these few tips for growing vegetables too:

– Make a gardening schedule.  The schedule should include the dates for sowing and starting seeds, the dates for planting directly outdoors and the expected harvesting periods. Do this for every different veggie in your garden. Don’t forget to include other important dates and tasks in your schedule.  For instance, the expected first and last frosts for the year.  The preferred datefor great garden maintenance services. The frequency of watering during the hottest months, the dates for weed control, etc.

– Choose the harvest periods, which will help organize the sowing and select the right dates for it. If you pick the right moment, you can get the advantage of a double-season harvest for some fast-growing edibles.

– Always try to plant good-quality seeds if you want to get the best harvest. Contact the gardening experts in your region to discuss the details and to get help with the selection of the best seeds.   The experts can also assess the specific conditions of your garden and give you indispensable advice for your specific case.

– Consider the regional and climatic factors.  The location plays a major role in all the activities in your veggie garden. Some plants prefer slopping terrains, while others – only a certain type of soil.  Other veggies prefer terrains with a southern (usually warmer) exposure, while others grow better in shaded terrains.

– Finally, make different combinations of vegetables to take full advantage of their individual benefits. When sowed in a combination, some plants absorb only certain types of nutrients from the soil.  And, leaves the other nutrients at the disposal of the other veggies. Other plants grow high and have a large leaf structure, which provides the important shaded conditions for some low-growing veggies.  Other combinations of veggies give just aesthetic advantages, but are very effective too. Choose wisely and make sure you give your plants the proper garden care they need at every stage of their growth.

Bio: Ella Andrews is a content writer. She has a passion for home maintenance, healthy living and gardening  projects. She is presently focused on writing and enjoying every opportunity to share tips and advice with her readers.

 

 

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20 Flowers To Use In A Wildflower Garden

April 28, 2016 by 1 Comment

First, summer is around the corner.  And if you’re like me you can’t wait to get outside and start working in the garden. I have found that there’s nothing prettier than a wildflower garden.  Not only are they beautiful, but they attract birds  and butterflies.  As a result, I love sunflowers in my garden.  They can be used in a wildflower garden, but there are so many flowers that can be used in addition.  Be sure to check out my other gardening tips too.

 

 

garden wildflowers

 

 

Flowers for a wildflower garden:

 

 

  1. Coneflowers
  2. Red and Yellow Poppies
  3. Black Eyed Susan
  4. Zinnia
  5. Shasta Daisy
  6. Cosmos
  7. Coreopsis
  8. Autumn and Lemon Queen Sunflowers
  9. Turtle Heads
  10. Fireweed
  11. Blue Aster
  12. Cornflowers
  13. Texas Blue Bonnet
  14. Sweet William
  15. Wild Petunias
  16. Four O’Clocks
  17. Blanket Flowers
  18. Butterfly Weeds
  19. Wild Golden Glow
  20. Marsh Marigolds

 

 

growing wildflowers

 

 

Sowing or planting any or all of these flowers will result in a beautiful garden.  Furthermore, wildflowers look great even among grass and weeds.  However, I do recommend that you remove as much grass and weeds as you can from the area where you will be sowing your seed. This will give the seeds an opportunity to  sprout and grow a strong root system.

Also, before you purchase your seed or flowers know the difference between annuals, biennials, and perennials.  So, here’s a straight forward description of each:

  • Perennials  – Most of the wild flowers listed are annuals, Cosmos, Poppies, Cornflowers, and will return year after year.  They bloom abundantly and will drop lots of seeds before dying   More plants will grow the following year.
  • Annuals –  You will have to purchase annuals yearly. Marigolds, petunias, geraniums are popular annuals.
  • Biennials –   Biennials will sprout one season but not bloom until the next year. They self-seed, so more and more plants will sprout in the spring. Black-eyed Susan and Sweet Williams are examples of biennials.

 

Finally, regardless of whether you’re planning a cottage garden or just a small spot in your backyard, plant plenty of flowers.  Most importantly, there’s nothing better than being able to enjoy the fruits of you labor.  And bringing fresh cut flowers into the home.

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5 Amazing Gifts From Your Garden

April 4, 2016 by 2 Comments

Garden gift ideas don’t have to be purchased.  You can make amazing gifts from your flower and/or kitchen garden?  Second, family and friends appreciate homemade and handmade gifts.  Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on gift ideas from your backyard garden. 

Making gifts has become the norm in my house.  I know my family and friends appreciate them and I save money by not having to purchase retail.   Next, when I’m planning my summer and fall gardens, I always add extra flowers and gourds to ensure that I have enough for myself, family and friends.

 

 

garden gift ideas, gifts for gardeners

 

 

 

 So, here’s a list of my favorite garden items for gift giving and uses:

 

Dried Flowers – Plant plenty of roses, herbs, Hydrangeas, coneflowers, and wildflowers.  Anything that can be used in crafts, to make potpourri, or sachets bags.

Pressed Flowers – Pansies, daisies, violets, ferns, roses, daffodils, cosmos, poppies, gladiolus, and verbenas make great pressed flowers. They are beautiful on cards, bookmarkers and in crafts. Additionally, make sure the colors are bright and vibrant when you pick them.  Most importantly, they should also be dry when you pick them.

Dried and Fresh Herbs – Oregano, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme and Marjoram make the best dried herbs.  Find a cute decorative jar, pint size jelly canning jars, put a decorative label on with the name of the herb, and tie a pretty ribbon.  Grow fresh herbs in Mason Jars, tin buckets, chalk painted clay bowls, tea cups or anything imaginative. Basil, Cilantro, Parsley, and Chives make great gifts.

Gourd Birdhouses – Grow bottle gourds and make decorative birdhouses for family and friends. You can paint sunflowers on them, paint them in your family and/or friends favorite colors. Be creative.  These make the perfect house for Purple Martins, Red-headed Woodpecker, Bluebirds, Tufted titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker, and Northern Flicker.

Sunflowers – Last, sunflowers make beautiful flower arranges.  Cut a few and place them in a mason jar, tall metal vase, a boot and any other creative container.  You can also dry them for floral arrangements and use the seeds to roast or feed the birds. Squirrels love to eat the sunflower heads.

Finally, get your children involved in planting flowers and gourds. They will love painting and turning them into birdhouses.  Also, they can also remove the seeds from the sunflowers and roast them or save the seed to feed the birds during the winter months.  As a result, make sure you plant plenty of everything.  You’ll want items for garden gift ideas and you will want to keep a few items for yourself.

You may also Holiday Gift Ideas for Bird Lovers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Why You Should Winter Sow Seeds

February 14, 2016 by 4 Comments

Today, I’m sharing tips on winter sowing seeds. Starting plants indoors is at the top of my backyard vegetable gardening list.  As a matter of fact, I started about 25 heirloom tomato plants under grow lights.  I’m hoping to get my garden in early this year and possibly get some plants in the garden twice.  My stash of canned tomatoes, sauce, corn, green beans, peppers and herbs is getting low.  

 

 

winter sow seeds

 

Did I mention that my tomato sauce is kid approved?  My grandchildren and son-in-law love it.  My daughter uses it in recipes that call for red sauce, and trust me there isn’t a morsel left on the plate.  One of my brothers requests it for his deer baloney during hunting season.  After taking inventory, I realized that I needed to replenish my stock if I plan to share it.  So, I’m going to winter sow seeds and grow others under the grow lights for my summer garden.

 

Here’s a few good reasons why you should at least try winter sowing: 

 

1. Cost Effective –  Winter sowing can be done cheaply.  For example, plastic containers, duct tape, a utility knife, seed starting mix and outdoor space is basically all you need.  A single plant at a garden center will cost $2.00  –  $4.00.  Things can get expensive if you’re trying to plant a garden to feed a family over the winter at that price.  

2.  Saves Indoor Space – Indoor germination requires space.  Once the seedlings germinate they require a warm space with proper lighting.  Many gardeners don’t have space inside their homes for this endeavor.  As a result, they resort to direct sowing in the garden or purchasing expensive plants at the garden center.  Furthermore, you can use your deck, shrubbery beds, backyard tables, backyard benches, your garden, the options are limitless.  I don’t recommend concrete areas unless you have a bedding of straw.  Your plants won’t appreciate a cold bottom from the concrete.

3.  Nature Does The Work – Once you place your containers outdoors, you let nature take its course.  The rain, snow, light and moderation of the temperature will help germinate the seed and cause the plant to grow at the right time.  Once spring arrives, you will have to take the top off the plants and give them water, separate or thin them and prepare them for spring/summer planting. How easy is that!

4.  Doesn’t Require A Light System – Nature will provide all the light that your plants will need when you use the winter sowing method.  Indoor sowing requires grow lights or some type of fluorescent lighting system.  I have an indoor system and it works great; however, if you have to spend money to set up a system why not go the free route.

5. Doesn’t Require Hardening Off – The rigid, mild, and warm temperatures prepare seedlings for movement to the garden.  When you sow seeds indoors you will have to get your plants adjusted to being outside. This requires you to harden off your plants.  Gradually expose your plants to shade, sun and nights before transplanting them in the garden will be necessary.

Once I complete my winter sowing seeds list, I will be posting a list of seeds you can outdoor sow successfully too.  Start gathering your jugs and containers, you will have plenty of time to start your winter sowing too.  You may also like My Winter Sow Seed List.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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7 Uses For Sunflowers

August 23, 2015 by
Today, I’m going to share a few gardening tips on uses for sunflowers.  So, don’t throw those dried sunflowers away. First, I love the strength, grace and beauty of sunflowers in my garden.  They’re one of my favorite summer flowers.  I love sunflowers because they stand tall, erect and they’re showy.  They tower above everything else in the garden, and their bright color makes an impact.  Furthermore, there are different varieties to grace your garden and they all grow to various heights.  This particular variety is the Russian Mammoth.  It usually grows to about 10 or 11 feet.  The fence in the background is 6 foot.   So, it is truly massive.  A bee is enjoying the pollen on the sunflower below.  
sunflowers

 

It is true that sunflowers make a statement.  But, did you know that every part of the sunflower is beneficial?  Sunflowers are actually considered the cash crop.  There are uses for flowers that include the seeds, petals, stalk, leaves and roots.  Here are a few examples:

 


 

1.  Seeds – Humans eat the seeds raw, roasted or dried. Therefore, they are a healthy snack and a great source of protein, Vitamins A, B, E and iron.  I love the seeds raw in salads or roasted to snack on.

2.  Birdseed Use – Birdseed mixtures often contain sunflower seeds.  Furthermore, I actually leave the majority of my sunflowers in the garden for the cardinals and finches to enjoy.  You will find black oil sunflower seeds in my bird feeders during the winter.

3.  Petals – Additionally, sunflower petals can be dried and used along with other natural items for summer or fall potpourris.

Mammoth Sunflowers, sunflower variety, how to grow sunflowers

 


 4. Leaves – Another use is the leaves.  Also, sunflowers leaves can grow quite large and tasty.  Sunflowers leaves are often used to feed livestock or seeped to make tea.

5.  Stalks – Noteworthy, the stalks of sunflowers are strong.  I actually use some of my sunflowers stalks as a trellis for my cucumbers.  Consequently, you can cut the sunflowers off at the base and allow the stalks to dry over the winter. Next season you have a great source of poles to use as a trellis for your veggies.  You can also break them in sections, dry them, and use them in fire pits or wood stoves over the winter.

 

russian mammoth sunflower

 

6.  Roots – Next, the roots of a sunflower can grow quite deep and large.  As a result, they are used to make herbal medicine.

7.  Dried Flowers – Last, sunflowers can be dried and used in floral arrangements.  They are quite pretty in fall arrangements or on wreaths.  Some of the best flowers for dried arrangements are those that are just opening.  So, pick sunflowers before are they fully open.  They will continue to open as they dry.

 Finally, I hope that you like our uses for sunflowers and you will plant a few in your garden.  It’s a great project to do with kids too.  You may also like:  How Make Bottle Greenhouses    As a matter of fact, this is how I start my sunflower seeds.

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Heirloom Tomatoes & Their Characteristics

May 9, 2015 by
Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on heirloom tomatoes and characteristics.  First, I have my tomato plants under the grow lights, and hopefully I will be tilling the garden in a few weeks.  I believe the last frost date in Zone 6B is around May 15.  When I think of backyard vegetable gardening, heirloom tomatoes on a BLT is the first thing to come to mind.  They take up much of the space in my backyard vegetable garden. 
heirloom tomatoes

 

Why?  Because they have a totally different taste from store brought tomatoes and hybrid tomatoes. It’s hard to describe the flavor of a tomato, it must be experienced. I’m a visual person, so I thought you would like to see the end result of what is being planted in my garden.  Additionally, learn a few characteristics of my favorite tomatoes.  Also, I hope this information will help you make a decision on what tomatoes you want to purchase before you buy from your local garden center.

Before you select your tomato plants, decide how you want to use your tomatoes.  Do you want to use them for sandwiches slices, make sauce, paste or salsa.  Or do you want to use them in salads?  Will you canning them?  I love slicing tomatoes in the summer and just eating them with a little mayo and pepper. Yum! I also make salsa, sauce, freeze them and can my harvest, so I need a variety in my garden.

 

Heirloom Tomatoes and Characteristics:  

 

1. Brandywine Pink (Heirloom)  – First, I like this tomato for its color and taste. How often do you see a pink tomato? The Brandywine Pink has a sweet taste, so I use it on sandwiches and as my go to when I want my sliced tomatoes with mayo. I also cut these in cubes for salads and tacos. I grow the Brandywine Red and Brandywine Yellow as well.

2. Hillybilly (Heirloom) –  Next, the Hillbilly originated in my home state West Virginia. The color is a mix of yellow and red. It is delicious and has a sweet taste. It slices beautifully. I also add it to fresh salsa or salads.

3. Yellow Beefsteak (Hybrid) –  So, I like the size of this tomato. It’s great for slicing.  The tomato is large and it’s great for thick slices.  Also, I add it to salads and salsa. I have a mixture of beefsteak seeds, so I don’t know if I’m going to get red, yellow, orange or green. It’s always nice to see what the end result is in the garden.

4. Brandywine Yellow (Heirloom) –  This tomato has a better taste that the
Brandywine Pink, but it doesn’t produce as many tomatoes and it’s the last tomato plant in the garden to produce fruit. If you find that you like this tomato, you may want to double the amount of plants in your garden and stalk them well. They produce fruit up to 2 pounds each. Very pretty in salads or slices.

5. Cherokee Purple (Heirloom)  – This tomato has beautiful deep burgundy color. The flavor is bold. This tomato is what home gardening is about, and no home kitchen garden is complete without at least one plant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.  Amish Paste (Heirloom) – This is the tomato that I use for sauce. It’s a plum tomato that is meaty. I also use for salsa. Be warned, this plant grows hardy amounts of fruit that will topple your cage if not heavily stalked.

 

 

 

 

 

7. Better Boy (Hybrid) – One of the most popular if not the most popular tomato in the garden. This is the slicer of all slicers and great on burgers. Nice medium size tomato that you can’t go wrong planting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.  Early Girl (Hybrid) – Another kitchen garden favorite.  As result, I plant Early Girl because it produces early and it’s a great slicer.  Early Girl is perfect on burgers as well as my go to for tomatoes and mayo.

 

 

9. Paul Robeson (Heirloom) – Last, this tomato is called the luxury tomato. It is named for Paul Robeson who was considered elegant, renowned, and charismatic. I think this is my favorite tomato.  I remember the first time I tasted this tomato, I fell in love.  Because the taste is indescribably delicious, it will have a place in my garden if no other makes it way in.
Heirloom tomatoes are not know for their beauty, but their taste.  The crack and have other blemishes, but the taste remains superior.  I hope that you found my list of favorite heirloom tomatoes beneficial.  You may also like:  10 Benefits of Vegetable Gardening.
 
 
 
 
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Grow Your Own: 13 Money Saving Fruits and Vegetables

February 7, 2015 by
A must for my backyard vegetable gardening are vegetables that I can preserve for meals and herbs for seasoning sauces and other dishes. Each season I select the top money saving fruits and vegetables that I need to plant in my kitchen gardening. Budgeting and doing things in the most efficient and frugal way is my motto.  Additionally, I also plant a few fruits that I can enjoy in the summer.   They taste so much better when they are in season.  Because I grow my own, I don’t have to purchase from the grocery store.  Which saves me money.

garden tips, gardening, money saving tips

 

 

 

Here’s my top 13 money saving fruits and vegetables:

 

  1. Tomatoes – I plant and harvest enough to preserve whole or quartered for soup.  I also make sauces for spaghetti and other pasta dishes, chili, and salsa. I also grow cherry tomatoes for salads and snacking.
  2. Peppers – I pickle and freeze them. Great in dishes, on sandwiches and on top of nachos and cheese.
  3. Zucchini – I make fresh muffins and zucchini bread.
  4. Green Beans – I freeze green beans for soup and for other side dishes during the winter.
  5. Onions – A majority of my dishes call for onions, so I preserve these for using during the winter.
  6. Garlic – Fresh garlic is great in salsa and sauces.
  7. Herbs – I dry my herbs for winter use.
  8. Potatoes – Red and Yukon Gold potatoes get plenty of use in my house.
  9. Cucumbers – Great for salads and homemade pickles.
  10. Lettuce – I grow leaf lettuce for sandwiches and salads during the summer.
  11. Strawberries – Great for jam.
  12. Watermelon – I love fresh watermelon on a hot summer day. I grow Sugar Babies.
  13. Cantaloupe –  Great breakfast fruit.

 

 

Backyard Garden Tips

 

So, this is a picture of one my Sugar Baby watermelons from my backyard vegetable garden.  I picked it at the peak of ripeness and chilled it for a few hours.  It was sweet and delicious.  It’s great being able to walk to your garden and pick a watermelon or cantaloupe on a hot summer day.  What does your family eat most from your kitchen garden or containers?  These are the veggies that you should plant. You will save money on your grocery store bill and they will taste much better.
 You may also like:  Kitchen Garden Sowing Schedule                         15 Ways To Save Money
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DIY Newspaper Seedling Pots

January 24, 2015 by
DIY Newspaper Seedling Pots are fun to make and great for the environment. Furthermore, newspaper seedling pots are biodegradable.  And, you can plant them directly into your garden or container.  Most importantly, they will decompose and help nourish the soil.

So, to help cut down on my gardening expense I make newspaper seedling pots.  I can get newspaper from family and friends or from the recycling center. They are all too happy to get rid of it, and I’m happy to recycle it.  These frugal containers have become a big part of my gardening season.  As a result, I thought I would show you how to make these pots.  If you have children that can handle making the newspaper seedling pots, let them spend the afternoon making them for you.   Making newspaper seedling pots is a great gardening with kids project.

 

newspaper seedling pots

 

 

DIY Newspaper Seedling Pots:

What you will need:

 

 

Easy Steps:

 

Step 1 – First, as shown in the picture below use 1 single sheet of newspaper folded in half.  Do not use the glossy or colored sections of the newspaper. The ink is not environmentally friendly. 

Step 2  – Second, fold the sheet of newspaper in half not length wise.

Step 3 –  I used a pint size canning jar.  Also, leave about a 1/4 inch of the mouth of the jar out of the newspaper as shown below.

Step 4 – Roll the jar until all of the newspaper is used. Make sure the newspaper is rolled tightly and evenly.

Step 5 –  Next, tape the ends of the newspaper together.  Kraft Paper Tape is biodegradable, so you can leave it on your pots when planting them directly in the garden or pot. 

 

  

 

 

Step 6 – Additionally, turn the jar upside down. The opening of the jar should be face down, and why you should leave about 1/4 inch of the jar out of the newspaper.

Step 7 – Next, fold the bottom of the newspaper as if you’re wrapping Christmas gift.  Tape the folds down with the Kraft Paper Tape. 

Step 8 – Remove the jar from the newspaper.  

 

 

newspaper seedling pots

 

 

Step 9 – Last, fold the top of the pot down about a 1/2  – 1 inch to make the pot smaller.

 

 

newspaper seedling pots

 

 

Fortunately, these seedling pots are ready to start your herbs, tomatoes, peppers, squash, zucchini, melons etc. Simply, fill the pot with seed starter mix (I use Miracle Gro), and you’re ready to plant your seeds according to the package. 

Most importantly, when you start your seeds you will want to water from the bottom up so you won’t displace your seeds.  What do I mean by watering from the bottom?  Place your seedling pots in a tray.  Pour water into the bottom of the tray, and allow your pots to soak up the water instead of watering the seedling from the top.  Watering from the top can dislodge you seed.  Also, add more water if necessary.  You can use tin roasting pan from the dollar store, plastic storage containers, your oven roasting pan, and anything you can find to house your seedling pots. 

 

 

DIY newspaper seedling pots

 

Also, I recommend planting 2 or 3 seeds in your pot.  You have better odds of germination using 2 or 3 seeds. Once the plant(s) has grown 2 – 3 inches, you can leave the strongest seedling and discard the other plants. It’s simple, just pinch off those you don’t want and discard them.  

Finally, now start making those newspaper seedling pots so you will be ready to sow your seeds and remain on schedule with your kitchen garden. Also, it’s best to make the pots in advance so you will be ready to go.
You May Also Like:  Kitchen Garden Sowing Schedule
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Vegetable Garden Planting Schedule for Zone 6B

January 17, 2015 by

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on my vegetable garden planting schedule for Zone 6B.  Organization is key when I’m planning my kitchen garden. I have a short growing season, so it’s imperative that I sow my seeds timely.  I want to make sure that I give my plants adequate time to germinate, be transplanted and grow in my containers or garden.  Check out my other backyard vegetable gardening tips before you leave.

You can start sowing your seeds too.  First, I live in Zone 6B.  As a result, I work in my garden from mid-May until October. I can produce quite a few crops in that time period if I stay organized and on track. It also serves as a Check List and keeps me focused on what I will be planting during the season.

 

 

garden schedule for zone 6B

I set up my grow lights inside in February or early March.  I sow my tomatoes, peppers, herbs, melons, squash, and zucchini seeds inside.  Indoor sowing gives me a head start on the growing season.  And, starting my plants from seed also saves me money.  As you can imagine, purchasing plants from a garden center can get expensive.  My goal is to grow fresh produce at a bargain price.

 

 

Vegetable Garden Planting Schedule: 

 

 

vegetable garden sowing schedule

 

 

 

If you are a beginner gardener, check the planting zone for your area. You may be able to sow or plant earlier than my schedule.  So, you may have a longer growing season than I do.  Adjust the schedule according to your zone.

Also, I’m more of a summer gardener than spring.  However, I do plant lettuce which is a cool weather crop.  I’m thinking of sowing my lettuce in containers this season.  We’ll see how that goes.  I’m also going to grow carrot and radishes this season.  (Be sure to check the blog for those posts).  These are cool weather crops, and can be planted in the spring and fall. 

 

 

garden schedule for zone 6B

 

 

 

Collard greens will be planted in the fall this year. I like to have fresh collard greens to serve at Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays.  And I love cauliflower in a cheese sauce.  Yum!

So, seeds should be sown indoors 6 – 8 weeks before the growing season begins.  You don’t want to start them too early because they could become too large before you get them transplanted. Furthermore, your plants could start blooming and you don’t want that to happen either. 

I will also be starting my sunflowers using the winter sowing method in the next few weeks.  You can check out my winter sowing seed starting method.  I hope that you find my vegetable garden planting  schedule beneficial. You can download it here.



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How To Make Homemade Tomato Sauce

September 20, 2014 by
It’s homemade tomato sauce making time!  Last week-end I made my first batch, and it was delicious.  So, I’m going to tell you how to make homemade tomato sauce that your family will love.  Using tomatoes from my backyard vegetable garden, I canned 7 quarts of the best homemade tomato sauce on the east coast.  My sauce is versatile, I use for pasta dishes and mix some in my chili.  It makes the best addition to a pot of chili on a cold winter day.  
Furthermore, it’s kid approved.  My grandchildren pound on the table for it.  As a matter of fact, my daughter has requested 20 quarts for her household alone.    
how to make homemade tomato sauce
I believe the secret to great sauce is lots of garlic.  Fortunately, I grow my own garlic and fresh herbs.  It’s great being able to go to my backyard vegetable garden and harvest basil, oregano and garlic.  See those white pieces in the sauce below, that’s my home grown garlic.

Here’s my recipe for 7 quarts of homemade tomato sauce:

  • 30 lbs.  of tomatoes (I used a combination of Roma and regular beefsteak)
  • 15 gloves of garlic
  • 1 cup of white onions  (2 medium onions)
  • fresh basil, parsley, and other seasonings to taste
  • 2 cups of sugar
  • 2 small cans of tomato paste to help thicken the sauce

 

homemade tomato sauce

 

  • First, remove the skin from the tomatoes. If you have a sauce maker, now is the time to use it.  I don’t have a sauce maker, so I make my sauce like my grandmother. I remove the skin from the tomatoes by blanching them, and immediately placing them in a large bowl of ice water.  Check out my post on How to Blanche Tomatoes.
  • Next, place the skinless tomatoes into a large bowl.  Squeeze the tomatoes into small pieces. Yep, that’s my clean hands in the bowl (below) squeezing those tomatoes into pieces.  You can also use a potato smasher to squeeze the tomatoes.  Most importantly, wear gloves if you’re allergic or feel more uncomfortable sticking your hands into the tomatoes.
  • Breaking the tomatoes into pieces helps the sauce to cook down faster.  Secondly, it keeps the sauce from getting too thick. I like a little movement with my sauce. I can always thicken it later with paste depending on what dish I am preparing.
  • If you have a sauce maker, you can skip these steps.  The sauce maker removes the skin and seeds from the tomatoes.  If you don’t have a sauce maker, you can follow my steps and remove them by hand. In my opinion, they’re really not that noticeable once the sauce cooks down.

 


 

 

  • Place a colander into a large bowl or pan.  Place cups of the sauce mixture into the colander and press the sauce down with a spoon until the seeds and juice run out into the bowl.  The holes in the colander will be large enough for the juice and seeds to pass through.
  • To remove the seeds from the juice you will need a fine wire strainer or sieve. The strainer should allow the juice to run through, but small enough to hold the seeds.  Pour the juice into the strainer to remove the seeds.  Once you get a rhyme going, it doesn’t take long.
  • Now, add the juice back into the tomato meat and repeat until you have the majority of the seeds removed from the juice and meat of the tomatoes. You won’t be able to remove 100% of the seeds, but that’s okay,  The seeds enhance the flavor and you won’t even know they’re in the sauce. That’s why I don’t have a sauce maker, I am the sauce maker as grandma used to say!

 

 

 

 

 

  • Your next step, chop the garlic and onion into fine pieces. If you have a chopper use it, it will save you time. (You can also prepare the garlic and onion ahead of time.)  Cover the bottom of the stock pot with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and heat until it’s hot.  Add the garlic and onion, cook until tender, 2 -3 minutes.  Be careful not to burn it, it will ruin your sauce. Stir it constantly.  In my opinion, homemade tomato sauce is about the garlic, onions and fresh herbs. Besides the love that goes into it.  These ingredients are what separates it from the grocery store sauces.
  • Pour in the tomato mixture and bring to a boil.
  •  Once the tomato mixture is boiling point, lower the heat.
  • Next, gradually add in your paste.  I only add 1.5 cans of paste to my sauce with 2 cups of sugar.  You may like the taste of 2 cans and less sugar.  Add your ingredients gradually until you reach desired taste.  Add lots of fresh basil to the mixture.
  • Finally, simmer for 5 hours. Be sure to stir it constantly.  You want to make sure the tomato pieces, garlic and herbs don’t fall to the bottom of the pot and stick. The longer you cook it, the thicker the sauce will become. You will want to taste the sauce throughout the cooking process to determine if you want to add more herbs, sugar or additional paste to thicken it.


 Also, you can freeze the sauce or can it.  Because I don’t have room in my freezer I choose to can my sauce. I prepared my jars and can the sauce according the directions included with my canner.  I placed 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of Himalayan pink or canning salt in the bottom of my quart jars.

Next, I hot pack quart jars with the sauce and water bath them for 45 minutes.  Or, you can freeze the sauce in quart size freezer bag.  Allow the jar to sit overnight to ensure the jars seal. Once they are sealed, they are ready for the pantry.

Last, save money by freezing or canning homemade tomato sauce for the winter.

 

Noteworthy:  The sauce takes time so enjoy a glass of wine or play with the kids while you’re preparing.  It’s worth the work and wait.  

 
Filed Under: Nature-Gardening, Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , ,