-Luis Guerra- Looking to add another ferment to your recipe book? Here is a good project to try with all those tasty peppers once the crops start coming in. As much as I love peppers on everything, sometimes there are just too many in my garden to eat before they go bad. Fermenting some of them for use in hot sauce is a great way to preserve the harvest. I really enjoy making fermented hot sauces, exploring how versatile the flavors of peppers can be. First, start with the peppers of … [Read more...] about Fermented Hot Sauce
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Autopots All The Way
Many people have the desire to learn about hydroponics, but many times they are intimidated by all of the pumps, timers, and equipment associated with the hobby. Here’s a spotlight on one of the systems we feel is a great starting point for automation without needing to have a full understanding of hydroponics. The Autopot is one of our favorites because it is so easy to maintain. Unlike other growing systems, the Autopot does not require electrical power, making it reliable and easy just … [Read more...] about Autopots All The Way
Dealing with Pests in the Garden
-Chris Amaya- It’s mid year and the garden is blooming, the sun is ablaze, and the pests are rampant. I get several questions every week in the shop about infestations and what to do about them. The term “pest” can range anywhere from your neighborhood deer to tiny little specs in the dirt that are too small for the naked eye to see. For many people, the damage has taken a huge toll already that can set back the due date for fruits and vegetables. In this blog I specifically want to cover … [Read more...] about Dealing with Pests in the Garden
Kettle Sour vs Barrel Sour
-Ryan Blankenship- Over the past 3-5 years I have noticed there have been a large number of breweries putting out sour beers. Sours have actually been around since the early 1800s when brewers would use open vats to ferment, and wild yeast, or Brettanomyces, would enter the wort creating a sour taste. A sour ale is an ale that is made intentionally acidic by adding either Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, or Brettanomyces. The pH is extremely low, usually between 3.3-3.5. In order to create … [Read more...] about Kettle Sour vs Barrel Sour
Raspberry Infusions
At 5 AM yesterday morning my neighbor caught me picking raspberries in my pajamas. Having accessorized my bunny print PJs with pink fluffy socks and sandals, I was quite a sight that early in the day. There was a reason for my unusual fashion statement, though. Because of a very mild winter and a warm wet spring, all of the fruits, herbs, flowers and vegetables on my tiny urban farm have exploded into production all at once, a full 3 weeks ahead of schedule. Keeping up with the harvest has … [Read more...] about Raspberry Infusions
Advantages of Ebb & Flow
-Gabrial House- Today we are going to look at the advantages of setting up an Ebb & Flow hydroponic garden. Ebb & Flow also known as “flood and drain” is an effective, easy to use, hydroponic system for both expert and novice gardeners alike. Ebb & Flow consists of a flood tray, tray stand, reservoir, and pump. You will also need a couple feet of black vinyl tube, ebb and flow outlets, and screens. The setup is super simple. The flood tray sits on the tray stand above … [Read more...] about Advantages of Ebb & Flow
Fruit-Lover’s Paradise
-Pam Scott- “It’s the Berries!” A phrase hailing back to the 1920’s, expressed by my little grandmother, when something was “super good.” Berries are super good. There is nothing better than standing in the garden on a warm spring morning and eating the first strawberries off the plant. Having planted as many small fruits as I can fit into my small city garden, I have been enjoying a bounteous harvest of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and grapes for quite a few years. When … [Read more...] about Fruit-Lover’s Paradise
Summer is Saison Season
-Jonathan Campbell- The origin of the farmhouse saison leads us to the southern Belgian countryside circa 1700. Saisons were traditionally brewed in the fall and stored in the cold winters to be used as a safe form of drinking water in the spring and summer for seasonal farmworkers or ‘les saisonners.’ This style takes on as many forms as there are farmers. Variation is at the core of this beer, and that gives us a lot of wiggle room as homebrewers. In the past, these brews tended to … [Read more...] about Summer is Saison Season
Cooking with Kombucha
-Jenn Hawthorne- Kombucha, commonly known as “tea vinegar,” is a probiotic drink that has recently gained mass popularity. If you have had, want to have, or regularly enjoy this drink, the following may interest you. What I generally see and hear from people is different combinations of juices, herbs, fruits, spices, and even in some cases hops and grains, being added to kombucha during the second fermentation. These additions to this healthy elixir are all quite wonderful. What I … [Read more...] about Cooking with Kombucha
Starting Seeds Under Lights
-Luis Guerra- You may have noticed that this year at several Fifth Season locations we grew our own plant starts to sell. Combined from our Asheville, Carrboro, and Charlottesville, VA stores, we sowed thousands of seeds. We grew heirloom tomatoes, some of the hottest peppers in the world, culinary herbs, and many types of greens for salads and sautéing. We started mixing our own starting soil recipe, using all organic components and natural trace minerals. During your next visit, ask … [Read more...] about Starting Seeds Under Lights
