Gardening has been great for my kids. It helps their bodies – maybe they will try that vegetable that they grow on their own. It helps their minds – learning where food comes from and how it grows. And it helps their souls – time outside and the sense of accomplishment that comes when that first seed sprouts! We have also hit a few hurdles on our journey, so we keep it simple – the attention span of a 6-8 year old is not lengthy enough for some of the more advanced techniques out there. We … [Read more...] about Gardening with Kids–Making it Work!
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A Year in the Organic Garden – March
Welcome back to our “Year in the Organic Garden Series!” In February, we focused on techniques for successful seed starting. If you missed the post, or want to refresh your memory, please take a look at February in the Organic Garden. Now that we’re caught up, we turn our attention to the official start of the outdoor organic gardening season. March is prime for cool season crops which means we’ve got a lot of leafy greens, brassicas and root crops to sow and grow. We’ll get to that … [Read more...] about A Year in the Organic Garden – March
Building Raised Beds on a Slope
Hi all! Sometimes we get questions from folks that want to build raised beds, but aren’t sure how to do so in a sloping space. It is important that your beds be close to level so that water is evenly distributed. Your plants will like that part and it does look better this way too! So, we rolled up our sleeves and took a run at the project. Here’s how we did it and we’re pleased with the results. Hopefully you’ll find this information helpful and if you’ve got tips on how we could have … [Read more...] about Building Raised Beds on a Slope
Winter Houseplant Care
You may have noticed lately that the days are getting the tiniest bit longer. The buds on the trees are beginning to swell and the leaves on the tulips and daffodil bulbs are attempting to peek through the mulch. Some heartening signs of spring but the truth is… we are still deeply embedded in winter. The verdant awakening of spring is still on hold. You have probably also noticed that your houseplants are enjoying a bit of a rest as well. Most tropical plants will go through a dormant … [Read more...] about Winter Houseplant Care
A Year in the Organic Garden – February
Welcome back to our “Year in the Organic Garden Series!” In January, we focused on the purpose of this series, soil testing and garden planning. If you missed the post, or want to refresh your memory, here’s the link January in the Organic Garden.. Now that we’re caught up, we turn our attention to indoor seed starting as the primary activity for February. Starting your organic garden from seed does take some time and attention, but it is also cost effective and rewarding. Even great … [Read more...] about A Year in the Organic Garden – February
A Beginner Grows Some Spuds
I found myself with more personal “me” time this past year and was determined to occupy the “free” time with a new hobby. Enter the world of gardening…oh boy! There’s a lot going on with that word “gardening.” Simple, rewarding, economic, healthy they all said, and yes, while these things are true – there’s so much to this hobby called gardening! Determined never-the-less, I decided to start my “garden” with some “easy” to grow potatoes. Simple, tasty, and inexpensive (btw, groceries are … [Read more...] about A Beginner Grows Some Spuds
A Year in the Organic Garden – January
Welcome to a new year and a new blog series for our readers! By far, the most frequent questions we receive are about proper techniques for successful organic gardening for both edibles and flowers. We thought it would be fun and useful to pull together a series that follows each season and serves as a resource to answer those very questions. Our plan is simple. Early each month we will post an article to share our advice on what a successful organic gardener should be focused on in the … [Read more...] about A Year in the Organic Garden – January
A Year in the Organic Garden – December
Welcome back to our “Year in the Organic Garden Series!” In November, we protected our crops from frosts, finished up planting for the year, and made great use of the leaves that fell. If you missed the post, or want to refresh your memory, please take a look at November in the Organic Garden. In December, we’ll take advantage of one of the slowest months in the Organic Garden and begin planning for next year. As always, we welcome your own comments, questions and contributions to help … [Read more...] about A Year in the Organic Garden – December
Getting to the Root of it
Root vegetables such as carrots, beets, parsnips, rutabagas, and others are a delicious addition to any fall or winter dish. If you’re lucky enough, and have been patient, you’re sure to be rewarded with delicious, nutritious tuber meals this winter! Proper harvesting and storing your fall bounty are key to culinary success. There’s no need to feel overly rushed when it comes to harvesting beets, carrots, and parsnips. These root vegetables are cold hardy and can tolerate autumn frosts. … [Read more...] about Getting to the Root of it
Matt’s Hot Sauce
Hi everyone, this is Matt from Carrboro. One of my favorite hot sauce brands has been a little difficult to find at stores for the past year and bland table fare at my house just isn’t going to get the job done.. Lightbulb moment…I would take matters into my own hands! I had a bumper crop of peppers this year and wanted to take a shot at making a fermented hot sauce. As I was using what I had, this recipe isn’t intended as a clone for the hot sauce with a rooster on the bottle. But it … [Read more...] about Matt’s Hot Sauce
