Gardening – Pickling- Fermentation
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Gardening season begins and it’s a big decision about whether to plant now or wait another few days to make sure no more frost is imminent. Last season, right after we planted beets and tomato plants that we had started inside in February, we got a hail storm that killed the tomato plants.

One part of gardening I’m not real good at is planning ahead. I keep thinking I’m going to change that part of my character but it doesn’t seem to happen. But, do as I say not as I do I remembering hearing a lot of when I was a kid.

So the idea today is short. Plan ahead for what you will do with your vegetables to get the most health benefits you can and I’m talking about fermentation. The benefits are widely known and you can find lots of information out there on it. If your doctor has given you any antibiotics you will need to add probiotics or good bacteria in your bodily system.

To get more out of your garden and learn basic techniques for lacto-fermented vegetables, like making your own sauerkraut, fermented pickles, and other vegetables take a look at Culture for Health by clicking here or the Pickle Crock picture. Makes my mouth water already just thinking about it. Also, you will find many other fine products for making your own kefir, yogurt, cheese and lots more. Even kefir soda pop!! Never heard of it before but can guarantee the grandkids will be getting a taste of healthy pop for a change assuming they visit me again. Go ahead and shop around and learn about the cultures. Also, while there be sure and sign up to get the free ebook of Kefir Recipes. I just got my copy and there is a lot in there to learn and make. The link again to learn about kefir, yogurt and fermenting vegetables for storage is here.

Sauerkraut and Pickling Crocks and Supplies

Experience Trumps Book Advice
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Come Into My GardenGood experience is better than book advice and I should add world wide web advice.  There is sure an over abundance of info out there.  But, if there is no personal experience for you to brag about—if you start here you can learn a little bit I hope. Just remember any printed directions are imperfect because they may not be adaptable to the particular conditions of your locale. 

Additional reliable advice I like is in seed catalogs and I think I’ve mentioned that before in previous posts.  Your local garden supply should also have lots of useful information as well. You can always ask a senior citizen too if you aren’t one already. This is one area asking your teenager will get you a blank stare. They may know techie stuff like texting but they don’t know beans about gardening.  (If you click the picture it will expand so you can see the whole picture.)

As I write this it is once again spring.  The last snow has disappeared and yesterday’s downpour was welcome to me.  I could do without the hail but the rain was much needed.  Continue reading

Discover Benefits of Growing Your Own Herbs
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Fresh BasilGrowing your own herbs has many benefits the least of which is saving money. Did I say the least of which is saving money. Wash my mouth out with peppermint tea and kick my tired old knees. It is all I ever seem to think of anymore. My normal reaction here, at this, point is to jump up and down and holler about the price of gas, but, let’s move along to the purpose of this article and discover why I think you should have your own herb garden instead of going to the store if you can. For some people, an herb garden is a necessity, for their lifestyle and needs and they look for ways to expand it where they can every year.

If you have not priced fresh herbs recently or even dried herbs you will wonder why you didn’t start growing your own herbs a long time ago. Some are just ridiculously expensive and some prices I’ve seen are prohibitive. I buy with the idea of saving money on doctor visits thinking that an herb a day with my apple will keep the doctor away. Supermarket prices are out of my league. My lifestyle needs are health / economy driven usually and or pain / stress reducing needs. Continue reading