Kitchen Garden Questions – #1

January 24, 2015 by

I’ve had several questions sent to The Mail Box on kitchen gardening and thought you may find the information useful:


Question – I plan to plant Kentucky Wonders this year in a raised bed,
and I don’t know how many to plant for canning purposes. Will one teepee produce
enough beans to can, or do I need to have more? (Check out my post building a bean teepee). 


Response – If you’re going to pressure can your green beans, I would suggest that you
plant bush beans instead of pole beans in your raised bed.  If you plant bush
beans you will be able to harvest enough from the bushes to fill your
canner with 6 – 7 quart jars per load. Planting pole beans gives you a gradual
harvest throughout the planting season. I’m sure you don’t want to spend time
canning 1 or 2 quarts of beans. I use pole beans because I freeze my harvest and
can put them away a quart at a time. 

 
You didn’t mention the size of your raised bed. A 4 x 4 raised bed should
hold about 32 plants if you space the seed about 6 inches apart. You may be able
to plant about 4 inches apart and get a few more plants in the bed. Using
a gallon bucket for your harvest is a good way to determine how many quarts you
will be canning.  Five gallons will yield around 18 quarts. 
 
There is a disadvantage to bush beans, you have to bend over to harvest
them. 

Question – I am tired of procrastinating with this container garden! I am ready to get
started! My plan is to purchase organic, nonGMO seeds from SeedsNow. I’ve been
doing research but I feel like I’m overthinking things and I need to just jump
in and give it a try. I think container gardening is the best start. I’m
concerned about planting a garden in my yard because my hubby uses a lot of
pesticide to control fleas and other pests. I plan to buy the following seeds:
lettuce, spinach, bell peppers, collard greens, and tomatoes. I would appreciate
any advice you can give me. I also have a few questions.
1. Should I use organic potting soil so that my veggies are truly
organic?
2. What should I plant that can grow year round?
3. Can I start planting now?

Response – Glad to hear that you’re ready to jump into container gardening. I think
you’re wise to use containers if pesticides are being used in your yard. They’ll
grow just as big and delicious in a container. Lettuce, spinach, peppers and
tomatoes grow well in containers. I’m not sure about the collard greens, but
give it a try.  I’ve been gardening for years, and I’m not always successful
with everything that I plant. Here’s a few tips: 
 
  • Use deep plastic containers for your tomatoes and peppers, and make sure
    your container is large enough for a stake. Paint buckets from Home Depot or
    Lowes work well for tomatoes and peppers. Remember you will have to drill holes
    in the bottom for drainage and come up with a staking system. If you can find a
    large, plastic flower pot with good drainage that’s even better. 
  • While choosing your tomato seeds, select the Indeterminate tomato variety.  
  • Old wash tubs, basins, flower pots, window boxes, whatever you can locate,
    will be great for lettuce and spinach.  These are cool weather crops, but
    can grown from spring until a hard frost hits in shady areas. If you have a cold
    frame, you can extend your growing season.    
  • Using organic soil in your containers is a good idea.  Do you plan to start
    you seeds inside under grow lights?  If so, I use Miracle Grow Seed Starting
    Mix.  You don’t want to use regular potting soil for this step.
  • Plant according to the zone that you live in. I’m in zone 6B, so I plant
    what will grow in this region and the planting times states for that region.  
Have questions?  Send an email to The Mail Box using rhonda@mother2motherblog.com.  I will respond.  


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Kitchen Gardening: Guide to Companion Planting Book Giveaway

September 1, 2014 by

Mother 2 Mother is giving away a copy of this beautiful book, The Mix and Match Guide to Companion Planting by Josie Jeffery.  I did a review on this book, please see it here.  This is a great book for beginner gardeners and a great reference for advanced gardeners.  



The book is full of information on the history of companion planting and organic soil preparation and composting.  The content of the book lists common kitchen garden plants with information that is easy to read and follow.  The illustrations are beautiful and the book is beautifully made.  I was given a copy as compensation for an honest review.  I am so pleased to be able to share a copy with you.  


Here’s how you can win:




  • Like My Facebook Page And Leave A Comment To Let Me Know- Give Yourself 5 entries
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  • Connect With Me On Linkedin And Leave A Comment To Let Me Know – Give Yourself 5 entries
  • Leave A Comment On One Of My Post – Give Yourself 5 entries
  • Follow My Blog By Joining or Subscribing to Mother 2 Mother (On The Right) – Give Yourself 10 entries



This give away is open to US Residents 18+ only.  The give away will end September 30, 2014 at mid-night.  The winner will be selected by Random.org.  You will be notified by email, so please leave a valid email address.  Invalid email addresses will be disqualified and a new winner selected.  Good Luck!  

Filed Under: book give aways, home gardening, Uncategorized Tagged With:

Guide to Companion Planting Book Review

July 7, 2014 by

I am now a book reviewer for Crown Publishing, a subsidiary, of Random House.  I will be reviewing various books published by their company.  I jumped at the opportunity to become a member, I love to read and I also love to have reference books around if I need to refresh my memory on a particular subject. As you know, I’m a home gardener.  I received a copy of The Mix & Match Guide to Companion Planting by Josie Jeffery to review.  This book was heaven sent, as I companion plant my kitchen garden.  


I was impressed with the book when I opened the package. The cover and binding of the book are beautiful.  It would be easy to wipe off dirt or accidental spills and the illustrations as you see are just lovely.  It’s a hardcover book with a strong binding.  You won’t have to worry about this book falling apart, it is quality.  


The book is very detailed, but not to a point where you would loose interest in the details.  For example, it gives the history of companion planting and how it is used around the world.  It provides information on soil preparation, manure, composting, and setting up rain barrels to help water your garden.  This is information that you truly need to know if you want to become a sustainable gardener and do it efficiently and at minimal cost.  I have been composting for years, added manure, have devised a method to keep weeds down, but have yet to add a rain barrel.  I hope to add a barrel this summer for next year’s use.  


Lets move to the content. I love how the book is designed.  The book is set up with 2 cards, for a lack of a better word.  One card has the name of the vegetable/flower along with information on when to plant, where it should be planted, growing tips and when to harvest.  Opposite the first card is the second card which shows a beautiful picture of the plant.  The content is set up with three sections, which is great if you want to hold your place to make notes on a particular plant, but still want to browse another section or find a particular plant in another section.  


In the back of the book is a place to make notes.  I think the books to beautiful to write in, so I would make notes elsewhere.  It also contain an index in the back of the book, which will help you find a particular page for the plant you wish to research.  


I have this book a thumbs up and 5 stars.  It’s actually one of the most beautiful and informative gardening books that I have come across, and it’s an easy read. The book retails for $17.99 in the states and $20.99 in Canada. I would encourage you to purchase a copy, especially if you’re a beginner gardener.  It’s a great reference for the advance gardener as well.  I’m grateful that I now own a copy.  


Note:  I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books for this review.  



Filed Under: book reviews, home vegetable gardens, Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

DIY – Flower Pot Tower

June 5, 2014 by

I’ve been wanting to make a flower pot tower for some time, and I finally got around to it.  I was quick pleased with how it turned out and how easy it was to make.  If you’re interested in making your own, you will need the following:


1 piece of rebar or a garden stake (Found at Lowes or Home Depot) 
1 10 inch clay pot
1 8 inch clay pot
1 6 inch clay pot
potting soil
1/2 flat of petunias


Place your rebar into the ground where you will be placing your tower.  Place the largest pot over the rebar. The hole in the pot will be large enough to place the pot over the rebar easily.  Fill the pot with potting soil.  Place the next pot over the rebar and fill with potting soil and than the third. Place petunias around the perimeter of each of the pots and water thoroughly.  Looks like I need to add a few more petunias to the top.  I want it be full.  

If you want to add a 4th or 5th pot, you will need to use a longer stake.  I recommend a garden stake, which can be purchased at your local garden center for a few bucks.  You can cut the stake down once you reach the desired height of your tower.  


You can also spray paint your pots the desired color if you want to a pop to your yard or add a saucer beneath the pots.  Quick and easy project.  

Filed Under: containers for flower, flower pot towers, Uncategorized Tagged With:

5 Health Reasons To Garden

May 17, 2014 by

Summer is around the corner and I’m looking forward to having fresh and chemical free vegetables.  Backyard Vegetable Gardening has become a part of my soul.  My grandfather was a gardener, and I guess it seeped into my heart when I visited his farmette during the summer.  There are many reasons to garden, but the health benefits alone are a good enough reason to at least have a small garden.

 

Backyard Gardening

 

I’ve been backyard gardening for several years and wanted to share the health benefits of having a kitchen garden:

1. High In Antioxidants

Garden herbs help reduce heart attacks.  Additionally, they are high in antioxidants according to Fitness Magazine. Oregano, basil, rosemary and parsley are a few of the herbs that you will find in my backyard kitchen garden.  I love using oregano and basil in my sauces, parsley on potatoes and rosemary on chicken and in stuffing dishes.

2. Exercise

Having a backyard kitchen garden provides an opportunity to get moderate exercise.  It required you to use your arms to rake and hoe, bend and stoop to plant vegetables, herbs and flowers.  Furthermore, you stretch and use muscles that you haven’t used for some time.  Personally, the first few days in my backyard garden leaves my muscles sore and helps for me get a good night’s sleep.

3.  Boosts Vitamin D

Sunshine is the best way to boost Vitamin D intake.  I could be in my garden for an hour or two several days a week.  So, I wear a sunhat and plenty of sunscreen while gardening.  Bug spray helps too.

4.  Reduces Stress

Gardening reduces the Cortisol level, which is produced when you’re feeling stressed.   Pulling weeds and nurturing your backyard garden plants can be therapeutic.  It provides an opportunity to clean your head, think about life and make future plans.

 

Backyard Gardening

 

 

 

5.  Better Nutrition

Home grown vegetables, herbs and fruits provide better nutrition and are more flavorful than most store produce.  Most importantly, my backyard garden is organic.  No harmful chemicals are used in our around my garden.


So, home grown herbs and vegetables have become an important staple in my home.  Additionally, I look forward to picking fresh lettuce, tomatoes and herbs for my dishes  And, preserving them for use during the winter.  The flavor versus what is purchased in a grocery store is beyond comparison.  I enjoy walking into my garden and retrieving peppers and tomatoes straight from the vine when I’m cooking. The fresh herbs provide a wonderful enhancement to sauces, stuffing and salads.  Fresh cucumbers straight from the vine, basil and spring water makes a refreshing drink on hot summer days.

Start planting and reap these health benefits as well as a new found flavor and perspective on fruits and vegetables.  Start with container gardening.  Plant a few herbs and tomatoes in containers, and than start planning for next year’s raised bed or roll gardens.

You may also like:

Gardening With Children

Using Eggshells In The Garden














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

My 2014 Vegetable Garden Plan

March 27, 2014 by
home vegetable gardens


Spring is here and I’m making plans for my 2014 vegetable garden.  This is a picture of a few of my sunflowers from last year’s garden.  It was quite productive.  I’m planning to put more flowers into my garden and cut back on the peppers this year since I have a nice supply stored.  My pepper focus will be belles this year for vegetable trays and the freezer.  

I started my seeds this week and have several that have germinated already.  I use my laundry room to start my seeds since they don’t need light to germinate.  I like to grow everything from seed, because it’s cheaper than purchasing plants from a garden center and because it gives me a jump start on the growing season.  Direct sowing everything can be quite challenging.

I purchase my peat pots on clearance each year from Big Lots or the Dollar Store and save them for the next season.  Each pot is filled with a seed starting mix, I use Miracle Gro, watered from the bottom by placing them in a tray filled with water, and covering them with Saran Wrap, which helps keep the pot moist and assists with germination.  Once the seeds have germinated, I immediately move them under this grow light to keep them warm and assist with growth.  My grow light is 4 foot long, so I’m able to get quite a few pots under it, and I raise the light as they get taller.

Here’s my list of seed starts for 2014.  I only plant vegetables that I will eat, can or freeze:


Fruit:


2 Sugar Baby Watermelons
1 Yellow Watermelon
2 Hales Cantaloupe

Misc.

2 Crookneck Squash
2 Zucchini

Tomatoes:


1 Mortgage Lifter 
1 Paul Robeson
1 Tiffen Mennonite
1 Oxheart
1 Early Girl
1 Delicious
1 Cherokee Purple
1 Red Brandywine
1 Sweet 100

Herbs:


2 Spicy Globe Basil
2 Genovese Basil
1 Oregano
2 Dill (Use to make dill and spicy hot pickles)
2 Cilantro (Use to make salsa)


Peppers:


1 White Belle
1 Golden Wonder
1 Mixed (It will be a surprise)
1 Jalapeno

I will be direct sowing the following:

Greens:


Blue Lake Greenbeans (Pole)
Jade Greenbeans (Bush)
Butter Crunch Lettuce
Noble Spinach

Cucumbers:


Boston Pickling
Marketmore
Lemon
Salt and Pepper

Garlic  (Already growing)
Red Onions
Carrots

Not sure I will get 100% germination, but I’m hoping for at least 80%.  I currently have 1 1/2 flats on the heating pads to germinate and about 6 starts that have already sprouted under the grow lights.  I’m hoping to have the 1/2 flat germinated by next week.  Stay tuned.  










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Freezing Green Tomatoes

October 29, 2013 by

Today, I’m sharing tips on freezing green tomatoes.  My mother and sister loved fried green tomatoes.

 

 

 

fried green tomatoes

Fried Green Tomatoes anyone?  They’re delicious.  I had a ton of green tomatoes left in my garden, and decided to freeze them for use during the winter.  Yes, you can freeze them or water bath them in the canner in wide mouth pint jars.

I decided to slice and freeze mine.  The easy way to prepare them for the freezer is to slice and than place individual slices on a cookie sheet or pizza pan.  Make sure slices are completely frozen, otherwise, they will stick together.  Place individual slices in freezer bags.  When you’re ready to prepare them, place the frozen slices into an egg and flour batter and drop them into hot oil until golden brown on both sides.  Season to taste.

Filed Under: gardening tips, green tomatoes, home gardens, Uncategorized, Vegetable Garden Tagged With: ,

Vegetable Garden Closed

October 14, 2012 by



I’ll be spending the day closing out the garden.  Frost it hit Friday night, so it’s done for the season.  This is my second year gardening, and I’m really enjoying it.  There’s nothing better than picking fresh vegetables in your back yard and preserving them for future use.  This year I planted a variety of tomatoes, squash, zucchini, peppers, green beans and Sugar Baby watermelons.  

I love sliced tomatoes with a little mayo.  I freeze the green beans to use with green beans and corn for holiday meals and family gatherings.  This year I froze a variety of peppers and tried my hand at pickling them.  I have to say the pickled peppers are the bomb.  I sent a few jars home with my daughter and in-laws and they received great reviews.  They are so good the cleaning lady at my office chased me down as I was leaving with two empty jars asking me to refill them, lol. 
I eat them on nachos, in chili and anything else that I can find to put them on.   I made fresh salsa and canned it.  It’s a lot of work, but so worth it.  I love being able to pull out a jar of garden fresh salsa during the winter and it tasting like I just worked down to the garden and picked the ingredients.  I’ll be munching while reading my kindle when the cold weather sets in.  What I’ve enjoyed most is having my grandson involved in watering and harvesting the veggies. 

Here’s a picture of one of my prized tomatoes weighing in at 1.136 ounces.  It was huge and delicious.  I managed to harvest at least 6 colanders of green beans putting away 5 – 6 quarts in the freezer.  Probably the same amount for peppers.  In addition to the frozen peppers, I’ve canned (pictured below) 30 – 40 pints/quarts of pickled peppers, most given away.  
 
I’m working on 12 pints of salsa this week-end.  I’ll be putting them in baskets along with salsa chips and homemade cookies and brownies for Christmas gifts.   Do you have a garden?  How productive was it?  If not, are you interested in planting one and exchanging gardening techniques and seeds next season?  Please leave me  a comment and let me know your thoughts.  You can find my gardening blog here
Filed Under: beginner gardening, fresh vegetables, garden vegetables, home gardening, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Grow Your Own Veggies

July 16, 2011 by

I decided to plant a vegetable garden this year.  I have fond memories of my grandparent’s garden when I was growing up, and I remembered the taste of a tomato straight from the garden.  There’s nothing like it.  I want Xavier to experience his summer’s in Mama’s garden and enjoying the taste of fresh veggies and fruit.  He loves apples, pineapples, and strawberries.  I’ll be planting an apple tree next year and a strawberry patch in the fall so we can have fresh strawberries next spring and summer. 

This year I planted tons of tomatoes for canning and salsa, green beans, peppers, eggplant, squash and zucchini.  He’s not fond of veggies yet, but I’m adding a little to my sauces so I can sneak some in.  I’m also looking for recipes that I think he may like without there being a hint of veggies.  So far Zucchini Bread without the walnuts, don’t trust him eating those yet, is at the top of the list.  He loves spaghetti, so I’m finely chopping and I do mean finely chopping peppers and onions to add, lol.  He saw a carrot in some sauce once, and it ended his entire meal. 

Planting your own garden is also a great way to save on the grocery bill, and there’s no pesticides used.   It’s also a great family activity.  Xavier is picking hot banana peppers for Mama’s hot pepper ring mix.   He loves a hot banana pepper, cauliflower and jalapeno mix that I purchase from the store.  I’m going to can a few quarts for his enjoyment. 



After picking the peppers, Xavier watered the garden for Mama.  He now understands the importance of sunshine and water to a garden.  I didn’t leave out weeding either, lol.  We’re going to put a little patch for him next year to include strawberries, raspberries and colorful carrots.  Check out his gardening boots.  He loved them so much, he took them home with him to wear when he waters his mother’s flowers.  Aren’t they adorable, I’ll be doing review on the boots in another post.

Because I acquired poor eating habits growing up, I want to teach my grandson the importance of eating fresh veggies and fruit.  What better way than to walk into your back yard and pluck them off the vine.  I must saw that Michelle Obama’s Get Moving program and White House garden inspired me to plant mine.  What an excellent idea to get children involved in an outside activity, and one that is so important to their health.  We need to get them off the computer and sofa and back outside to get some physical activity and fresh air.  I’m grateful that Xavier would rather be outside than in the house.  He runs an entire acre catching fire flies, making mud pies and cakes, swinging from trees.    Do you have a garden?  What outside activities are your children involved in?  Leave us a comment, we may want to try it. 

Filed Under: children's activities, first vegetable garden, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

Mallards Visiting My Backyard

May 11, 2011 by
Mallards

mallards

mallards

I stepped out on my deck this morning to sip a cup of coffee and found these little guys taking a swim in my creek.  Aren’t they adorable.  One of the pleasures of living in the country, you never know what you will find in your backyard.  Happy Wednesday everybody. 

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