Friday, May 27, 2011

Growing Herbs: Jaime Oliver

I have been a long time fan of Jaime Oliver. He has huge dreams that I hope come to fruition. Have a fantastic weekend!!


Thursday, May 26, 2011

Recycled seed container

I have the gardening bug, like two fold because I really didn't get to garden last summer.  Lots of my spring posts are going to be how to stretch your buck in the garden.  I've been inspired by Gayla Trail the author of Grow Great Grub, and You Grow Girl.  I bought her book Grow Great Grub last year just for the eye candy, and now I'm putting some of her ideas and practices to use.

One of my weaknesses is the veggie dumplings from Whole Foods. This is the container said dumplings come in.  Perfect for lettuce because of it's shallow root system.  It would also be good for some herbs, or sprouts.  If you have one of those pop out herb windows in your kitchen, you could probably grow fresh spring lettuce all year long.

First things first, you need to cut holes in the bottom of your container for proper drainage.  Simple enough, a sharp knife, or scissors will do. Next fill it with some potting mix, or a seed starting mix. I used a blend of mesclun for my spring lettuce.  I love the variety, and to me variety means something will pop up, guaranteed.  It's just yummy too.


Keep it moist for a few weeks in your spring weather.  The seeds like chilled nights, and don't do too well when it gets super hot.  The Colorado weather right now is perfect for them because it still dips into the 40's and 50's at night.  Sometimes even the 30's.

In a few weeks you should have sprouts, and in about a month they should be ready for you to eat.  I did this container two weeks ago, and the sprouts are what I'm looking at today.  Two more weeks, and we should have our own home grown lettuce.  I have plenty of these containers too, so if I wanted to do another round of them, I could.  Then I could constantly have fresh lettuce to munch on.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Garden Update

The garden is up and moving lately. It's been fun this month seeing what will pop up, especially since this is my first spring here at this house.  Let me show you some of the things I've found and what I'm trying to identify.



This first lovely purple thing is a bush.  It's directly next to the window that is next to my computer and I smell it ALL DAY.  It's beautiful, and it makes my house smell lovely.  I don't know what it is, but it has beautiful little purple trumpet shaped flowers all over it.  I'm in love with this one, I hope it blooms all summer long.



This one I did recognize as bleeding hearts.  I feel lucky to have one of these, I know in Virginia at least they are expensive and hard to get.  I'm delighted to have it growing in my garden.


A few weeks ago I posted pictures of a beautiful blooming tree.  Now said tree has fruits growing on it, and I'm not sure what they are.  I'm thinking they are pears.  I hope they are pears.  How nice would it be to be able to can pears this summer and fall.  This would be a real treat to us.


This is another flowering, fruiting tree.  I'm guessing it's an apple tree, I should have tried to get a shot of the leaves too, but I"m pretty certain about this one.  I'm thrilled that I"ll have two fruit trees at my disposal, even if they are a little young and small.  Next week I"ll let you know how the veggies are coming along.  I don't have anything to harvest yet, but I may be able to have some lettuce by next week.  Let's hope so!





Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Garden Update

It's a little sad honestly, to see this post from last year and how my garden exploded this week into full growth.  My garden this week, is just barely getting started.  Sunday I noticed I finally had some lettuce sprouts.  I planted them almost three weeks ago, and I was beginning to wonder if they were going to come up at all.    I had also planted some cauliflower, which may have also come up.  They need to grow a bit more before I can figure out what is what.  I forgot to label. ;)



The blueberries are doing well, however I was dissapointed to find spittle bugs on them already.  I pulled off the very small infestation, and will probably make the repellent recipe that is linked here.  For now they've been hosed down, and I"ll keep an eye out.  Anymore spittle bugs, and they get garlic...and tons of it.


There are some peas that I planted mid-March on the equinox.  I did it to bring in spring, and I finally transferred it out to the garden.  In all honesty, I wasn't sure if pea transplants would do well.  I've heard they don't, but this one seems to be doing alright.  I may try this technique next year as well, especially since this growing season starts so late.   


The tomatoes I planted a few weeks ago are doing fine.  Maybe I"m just being impatient this year, I don't know.  I usually put these puppies in the ground by May 15th.  I may put the larger ones I bought at the store out and cover them when it dips too cold, but these guys I think are going to wait until labor day.  I love Colorado, I really do.  I think my garden here though is going to be quite a challenge.  

Monday, May 2, 2011

Menu Plan Monday

This passed week has been very strange. It's been busy, it's been emotional..just wow. Really. I think that I've been living under the misconception that I'm actually in control of my life. Sure, I make some decisions and I try to keep drama out, but..wow. Just wow. So, this week's menu plan will also be combined with a to-do list. Because no matter what happens..there are things that have to be done anyway.

This week, my goal is to apply as a teacher to every county that's local to my home. Getting a teaching job is going to be so incredibly difficult with how each county has had to lay off so many teachers. I won't be surprised if I don't get a job...but I definitely won't if I don't try. I also hope to put some time away to update my daughters dresser. Its old, cheap and ugly. However, this green momma has some leftover paint, and got some new drawer pullies from the local craft store. Hopefully this will end up being a cute little project for her. I'm also hoping to make some jelly...I've had the ingredients staring at me for weeks. We are out of jelly...must make jelly.

So..anyway, here's my menu plan for the week.

Monday: Five minute Gourmet Alfredo
Tuesday: Mini burgers and fries
Wednesday: Burger Mac with any left overs from yesterday.
Thursday: Quick Pizza (I'll be at work, friend is cooking for the kids) <3
Friday: Out to celebrate!
Saturday: Also out, playing a gig...
Sunday: Rosemary Chicken

Have a great week everyone!


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