Pic of the Side- see how far down it is!
Picture of the back where it is the highest:
Anyone else doing lasagna gardening? Let us know about it!
-Mom and E
Friday, February 28, 2014
Lasagna Gardening Update
Some time has passed since we first put all of our yard waste, leaves, coffee/tea ground, and kitchen scraps. While we didn't get it as high as I wanted we did manage to get a decent amount piled on. Since, I had a day off (and a nice one as well) I snapped some pics of how it currently looks. Some spots have broken down more than the others. Mostly the side of the house. The back I put on last and it has broken down less than the side. The front area is also higher, but when I pushed some back I saw beautiful dark dirt! So very exciting. Here are the few pics I snatched ( didn't get one of the front since it needs a little straightening up and I just didn't have time).
Pic of the Side- see how far down it is!
Picture where the grape plant is- by the way does anyone know of anything that is small and would grow well with the grape?
Picture of the back where it is the highest:
Anyone else doing lasagna gardening? Let us know about it!
-Mom and E
Pic of the Side- see how far down it is!
Picture of the back where it is the highest:
Anyone else doing lasagna gardening? Let us know about it!
-Mom and E
Thursday, February 27, 2014
E's Recipes- Mini Quick Quiche
A few weeks ago E and I made quiches. E had picked out leeks as his new to try veggie (we do that about once a month or so). We used half in these quiches and I used the rest in a delicious soup (which we will not include since I made it when E wasn't here). Originally, we thought about a big quiche, but realized we wouldn't have time. So, instead we decided to make these, which we put together the recipe from several internet sources (sorry we don't remember which ones).
Here's is what we used:
Cresent round- (we used 1 1/2 rolls to make 12 so one round per mini quiche you want)
1 cup half and half (you could use milk if you wanted)
3 eggs ( we used whole eggs, but some people use a combination of 2 whole and 1 egg white)
Leeks (we used two)
Salt, pepper, parsley, oregano (a pinch or two of each-or another combination of herbs/spices)
Swiss Cheese (though we forgot to get a pic and you could use any cheese you want with however much you like)
and of course... BACON
You could use any combination of veggies/meat/spices etc. you like
Steps:
1. Roll out the dough so that it is flat.
2. Place in the muffin pan. Note- you may want to make the edges go up past the muffin pan a little farther to help hold in the quiche mixture later.
3. Cut up leeks and bacon. (see above)
4. Cook leeks and bacon:
5. Mix together the half and half, eggs, herbs and spices.
6. Place bacon and leeks into the muffin pan.
7. Pour Mixture into the muffin pan. Note- We made ours too full, which in turn made a mess when we cooked it. We had to cut excess eggs from between the muffin spots- they looked ok when we did that and took them out, but we had to clean the pan forever and the bottom of the oven. I'd say 3/4th would be better.
8. Take out, let cool then eat and enjoy!
- Mom and E
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Wisdom Wednseday
Sometimes, we hold wisdom and hope in our own hearts and souls.
E's first thoughts about a Spring garden is: A bunch of flowers: Sunflowers, marigolds, daisies, you know those types of flowers.
My first thoughts about a Spring garden is: Earth, fresh veggies, freedom.
What is your first thoughts when you think Spring garden?
- Mom and E
P. S. look forward to some updates coming your way in the next few weeks- lasagna gardening and seed starting as well as a new E's Recipe!
E's first thoughts about a Spring garden is: A bunch of flowers: Sunflowers, marigolds, daisies, you know those types of flowers.
My first thoughts about a Spring garden is: Earth, fresh veggies, freedom.
What is your first thoughts when you think Spring garden?
- Mom and E
P. S. look forward to some updates coming your way in the next few weeks- lasagna gardening and seed starting as well as a new E's Recipe!
Monday, February 24, 2014
Planting seedlings in a store bought tray
E picked out a seed starting tray that already had dirt in it to do in addition to our wintersow and other starting containers. Usually we just recycle pots and other containers, but not this time. The nice thing is that you don't seem to get as much dirt everywhere. This is just a run of the mill set we picked up at the dollar store, but you can find them anywhere.
First we watered a little bit, and pressed the dirt down some since in some spots the dirt was pretty high and we wanted a well watered start.
Then we used then eraser end of a pencil to poke holes in the soil to place our seeds in.
Then we placed the seeds in the holes. Here is a pic of some sprouted peas we put in since you can see it much better.
Lastly we covered the seeds and watered again.
We will post updates soon, as we did this a couple of weeks ago and some seeds have sprouted. Have you started anything yet?
- Mom and E
First we watered a little bit, and pressed the dirt down some since in some spots the dirt was pretty high and we wanted a well watered start.
Then we used then eraser end of a pencil to poke holes in the soil to place our seeds in.
Then we placed the seeds in the holes. Here is a pic of some sprouted peas we put in since you can see it much better.
Lastly we covered the seeds and watered again.
We will post updates soon, as we did this a couple of weeks ago and some seeds have sprouted. Have you started anything yet?
- Mom and E
Friday, February 21, 2014
Planting with E- Indoor Herb Garden
We were at Wal-Mart the other day to get dirt to winter sow (see previous posts) and we picked up a good sized pot. E just wanted it (ok- he wanted an even bigger one, but I talked him down to a slightly smaller one). We've finally decided what to do with it- make an indoor herb garden!
Since we had some pop bottles left over from winter sowing we decided the best way to sort of separate the herbs would be to use those to our advantage. Since we were afraid of the roots becoming bound we decided to cut the bottom out of them. We meant to get pics, but as you know our intentions of doing this only happen about half the time. We get to into what we are doing to stop and take pics.
We put a layer of dirt in the pot so that there would be more room for the roots once they grown down below the pop bottles. Also so the pop bottles would line up close to the top, but still have enough room left to conceal them with dirt. Then we set the pop bottles in the pot, and filled them almost all the way up with dirt.
The hope is that their roots will have room to spread closer to the bottom and the others will have root room closer to the top. Who knows if it will work - we sure don't. What fun is life without trying new things though?
So we planted cilantro in one pop bottle and parsley in the other. Then filled the rest of the pot with dirt (well almost to the top- we ran out of dirt, but it is pretty full and we think it will be enough). We then planted basil and red leaf lettuce in the spots without pop bottles. We know red leaf lettuce isn't exactly a herb, but E wanted to see what it looked and tasted like before we planted it outside in the Spring, so in it went!
Here is a pic of the finished product (do you like the worm peeking up out the middle that tells you if it needs watered or not- E loves it):
We'll update when they start coming in and let you know how it goes! What's something you have tried just to try it and how did it go?
-Mom and E
Since we had some pop bottles left over from winter sowing we decided the best way to sort of separate the herbs would be to use those to our advantage. Since we were afraid of the roots becoming bound we decided to cut the bottom out of them. We meant to get pics, but as you know our intentions of doing this only happen about half the time. We get to into what we are doing to stop and take pics.
We put a layer of dirt in the pot so that there would be more room for the roots once they grown down below the pop bottles. Also so the pop bottles would line up close to the top, but still have enough room left to conceal them with dirt. Then we set the pop bottles in the pot, and filled them almost all the way up with dirt.
The hope is that their roots will have room to spread closer to the bottom and the others will have root room closer to the top. Who knows if it will work - we sure don't. What fun is life without trying new things though?
So we planted cilantro in one pop bottle and parsley in the other. Then filled the rest of the pot with dirt (well almost to the top- we ran out of dirt, but it is pretty full and we think it will be enough). We then planted basil and red leaf lettuce in the spots without pop bottles. We know red leaf lettuce isn't exactly a herb, but E wanted to see what it looked and tasted like before we planted it outside in the Spring, so in it went!
Here is a pic of the finished product (do you like the worm peeking up out the middle that tells you if it needs watered or not- E loves it):
We'll update when they start coming in and let you know how it goes! What's something you have tried just to try it and how did it go?
-Mom and E
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Wisdom Wed
Funny Old Wives Tales
If a girl bites off the head of a butterfly she will get a dress of the same color.
Feed your watchdog gun powder to make him fierce
To successfully grow hot peppers one must be mad when they plant them.
If your wife can't get pregnant spank her with a split shingle
One of my favorites from childhood was:
If you swallow a melon seed it will grow inside you- every time I swallowed one I freaked out!! LOL
If a girl bites off the head of a butterfly she will get a dress of the same color.
Feed your watchdog gun powder to make him fierce
To successfully grow hot peppers one must be mad when they plant them.
If your wife can't get pregnant spank her with a split shingle
One of my favorites from childhood was:
If you swallow a melon seed it will grow inside you- every time I swallowed one I freaked out!! LOL
Monday, February 17, 2014
Garden Plan 2014- Front of House
Here is our last garden plan- I wonder if you are sad or excited - lol some people may find it neat to see what others are planning while some may just be over it- so for better or worse here you go!
I don't have pics of the front garden area from last year as it just didn't grow as well as the others. Mostly our fault since we didn't put much energy in after our expansion and it being a late addition (back and side of house) there wasn't much time to devote to the front. I work away from home much of summer, so last minute additions cramp our style. That's why we are making plans for a change. Now, if it was just me (mom) these plans would change multiple times, but E is much more a make a plan and stick to it so who knows!!
Last year we planted some potatoes (not much success but we did get a few), our strawberry grew (as it has for a few years) but we leave it for the bunnies- sort of our sacrifice plant, our herbs did well, we tried eggplant (it didn't have enough time to mature), our poor cabbage did it's usual which was succumb to the slugs (but hey they left everything else alone) and our asparagus seeds grew a few (though we accidentally weeded a few out on accident). Thus, the garden had spots of growth and spot of nothing or sad looking plants. Hopefully this year will be better!!!
Now, after much ado, here is the plan:
It is a weird space that we inherited when we bought the house (way back when in 2007). It was our first garden spot and began E's love for gardening. It has one decent sized bed and some smaller ones connected. It is deeper than the other beds, but also can't be made wider as it is hemmed in by the house and the sidewalk.
Here is the key:
Green rectangle- asparagus bed (we are going to plant some more seed this year). Yes, we are aware that crowns give you a head start, but we like the challenge of seeds and they are much more affordable. Since we plan to live here awhile waiting a few extra years for asparagus is no biggie.
You will notice there are things to be planted in the front:
Blue line- pansies and possibly other flowers.
But nothing in the back row- that is because it is hard to keep that part watered as the roof overhang blocks rainfall and it is a pain to water the front bed (maybe we should invest in a longer water hose this year?).
Green circles: tomatillo plants- we have never grown these, but do like some green sauce and hope they'll do well. The end of the bed (towards the end of the house) gets pretty good sun so they should do alright.
Red dot- Jalapeno hot pepper- PB is hoping to make salsa and can a few jars.
Oval cutout/tear drop- potato plants- We are hoping to have better success since this will be the second year we grow them.
Maroon star with green outline- our strawberry plant- which despite our clay like soil is still going after several years.
White circle- snow white cherry tomato plant hanging down
The little bed part closest to the front door (opposite end of asparagus bed) doesn't really grow much- I don't know why- hopefully our sort of lasagna gardening will help with this. We have put bulbs down and shall see if anything happens. We may just throw the towel in if not and put cute garden decorations and solar lights there.
Hope you liked see our many posts on garden plans. When Spring comes around expect updates of us actually planting and (hopefully) things growing!
Mom and E
I don't have pics of the front garden area from last year as it just didn't grow as well as the others. Mostly our fault since we didn't put much energy in after our expansion and it being a late addition (back and side of house) there wasn't much time to devote to the front. I work away from home much of summer, so last minute additions cramp our style. That's why we are making plans for a change. Now, if it was just me (mom) these plans would change multiple times, but E is much more a make a plan and stick to it so who knows!!
Last year we planted some potatoes (not much success but we did get a few), our strawberry grew (as it has for a few years) but we leave it for the bunnies- sort of our sacrifice plant, our herbs did well, we tried eggplant (it didn't have enough time to mature), our poor cabbage did it's usual which was succumb to the slugs (but hey they left everything else alone) and our asparagus seeds grew a few (though we accidentally weeded a few out on accident). Thus, the garden had spots of growth and spot of nothing or sad looking plants. Hopefully this year will be better!!!
Now, after much ado, here is the plan:
It is a weird space that we inherited when we bought the house (way back when in 2007). It was our first garden spot and began E's love for gardening. It has one decent sized bed and some smaller ones connected. It is deeper than the other beds, but also can't be made wider as it is hemmed in by the house and the sidewalk.
Here is the key:
Green rectangle- asparagus bed (we are going to plant some more seed this year). Yes, we are aware that crowns give you a head start, but we like the challenge of seeds and they are much more affordable. Since we plan to live here awhile waiting a few extra years for asparagus is no biggie.
You will notice there are things to be planted in the front:
Blue line- pansies and possibly other flowers.
But nothing in the back row- that is because it is hard to keep that part watered as the roof overhang blocks rainfall and it is a pain to water the front bed (maybe we should invest in a longer water hose this year?).
Green circles: tomatillo plants- we have never grown these, but do like some green sauce and hope they'll do well. The end of the bed (towards the end of the house) gets pretty good sun so they should do alright.
Red dot- Jalapeno hot pepper- PB is hoping to make salsa and can a few jars.
Oval cutout/tear drop- potato plants- We are hoping to have better success since this will be the second year we grow them.
Maroon star with green outline- our strawberry plant- which despite our clay like soil is still going after several years.
White circle- snow white cherry tomato plant hanging down
The little bed part closest to the front door (opposite end of asparagus bed) doesn't really grow much- I don't know why- hopefully our sort of lasagna gardening will help with this. We have put bulbs down and shall see if anything happens. We may just throw the towel in if not and put cute garden decorations and solar lights there.
Hope you liked see our many posts on garden plans. When Spring comes around expect updates of us actually planting and (hopefully) things growing!
Mom and E
Friday, February 14, 2014
Thursday, February 13, 2014
E's Recipes- Growing Sprouts
We ordered a sprout bag and some sprouts to try them out. E wanted something that was easy and quick to grow- and he thought sprouts were cool.
Day One: Starting the sprouts
Bags of sprouts: lentils and peas (sorry the pic is terrible but it was infinitely darker when I took it and when I lightened it this is what happened)
Soak 8-10 hours to wake the sprouts up
Wet sprout bag and rinse sprouts
Hang sprout bag
Day Two: Rinse and repeat
Rinse sprout bag twice (separate times during the day) and rehang bag
Day Three: Rinse and repeat
Just starting to sprout
E was super excited
Day Four: Rinse and eat
Have you grown sprouts? We think it's a great and easy way to turn kids onto eating something healthy and fun to grow!
Day One: Starting the sprouts
Bags of sprouts: lentils and peas (sorry the pic is terrible but it was infinitely darker when I took it and when I lightened it this is what happened)
Soak 8-10 hours to wake the sprouts up
Wet sprout bag and rinse sprouts
Hang sprout bag
Day Two: Rinse and repeat
Rinse sprout bag twice (separate times during the day) and rehang bag
Day Three: Rinse and repeat
Just starting to sprout
E was super excited
Day Four: Rinse and eat
Have you grown sprouts? We think it's a great and easy way to turn kids onto eating something healthy and fun to grow!
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Wisdom Wednesday
The LOVE of gardening:
The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heat with nature. To nurture a garden is the feed not just on the body, but on the soul. - Alfred Austin
The love of gardening is a seed once sown never dies. - Gertrude Jekyll
Hope everyone has a great Valentines Day whether you are spending it with that special loved one, family, friends or just a day of pampering yourself. Even if you are in a not so good spot love wise (such as a recent break-up) do try and find the little things in life that you enjoy and spend the day doing them.
-Mom and E
The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heat with nature. To nurture a garden is the feed not just on the body, but on the soul. - Alfred Austin
The love of gardening is a seed once sown never dies. - Gertrude Jekyll
Hope everyone has a great Valentines Day whether you are spending it with that special loved one, family, friends or just a day of pampering yourself. Even if you are in a not so good spot love wise (such as a recent break-up) do try and find the little things in life that you enjoy and spend the day doing them.
-Mom and E
Monday, February 10, 2014
Valentines Day gifts for those who love gardening
Valentines Day Gifts for Gardeners:
As we are drawing close to Valentines Day we thought we'd put a little gift giving guide for gardeners similar to how we did at Christmas. Maybe your special one loves gardening and you are hoping to get a last minute gift or you have a family member you want to get a more personalized gift for. Here are some suggestions- hope it helps!
One of the most basic and obvious gifts for a gardener is a potted plant. It is actually the perfect time for it. Many gardeners would rather have a plant they can love and nurture that a cut flower which will ultimately wilt and die away.
I (mom) can remember one year in high school when I had a "secret admirer" who left notes all day with a riddle and at the end there was a very pretty potted tulip. It would have won my heart if the giver hadn't recently broken up with my cousin. I guess it is all about timing huh?
Listen to what kind of flowers that person is considering growing this next Spring or would like to have, but just have never "justified" buying. Try to make sure that you select a flower that is not only pretty and one they desire, but please be sure it smells good. Some flowers are beautiful but smell terrible. You don't want to evoke images of Pepe Le Pew (image from Wikipedia)
Not sure what you want, but know you'd like to get something in the garden realm? Here are a few links that might just help:
Here is a link to pottery barn, which has many options including live plants, terrariums, succulents, and outdoor garden decor. Prices, of course, vary from $20 something to high up there. There is wide selection though, and something for small, big and in between budgets: http://www.potterybarn.com/shop/gifts/gifts-for-gardener/
What about garden stepping stones that you have personalized. You could put special dates, names of places that are meaningful to both of you or write out a sweet love poem with them. If you can't afford many of them but love the idea you could put your pet names for each other or a short love quote or line of "your" song:
http://www.personalizationmall.com/Outdoor-Gardening-c106.lp?fitemid=30421&did=286568&utm_source=GoogleBase&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=COf_m-OCjLwCFSFo7AodKnIA1A
Know someone who likes something a little different plant wise - how about some succulents?
http://www.proflowers.com/succulents-suc
You could get a gardener who loves tea made from fresh herbs some lovely tea to drink while the winter winds down and make a cute little basket with it:
http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade/plants_and_edibles?q=tea+bag&order=most_relevant&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US&search_submit=&hp_ref=primary&ref=related&page=1
Just remember that to most people it is the thought that counts and not the amount spent. Good luck with your Valentines Day shopping.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Wintersow on the porch
Here is the finished winter sow project- duct tape and all- on the porch ready to get the bit of winter we have left. Fingers crossed it works since we originally intended to set these out in December. We are a little behind, but do have some winter left (pic taken 1/25/14). Perhaps we will get more than a dusting- even without much snow it has stayed COLD COLD COLD!!
It's not very beautiful, but should get the job done of making hardy little seedlings. We shall see!
We did get a lil more snow a few days later- maybe it'll be enough- I think we will have to check to see if they are dry when it warms up.
Wish us luck!
-Mom and E
It's not very beautiful, but should get the job done of making hardy little seedlings. We shall see!
We did get a lil more snow a few days later- maybe it'll be enough- I think we will have to check to see if they are dry when it warms up.
Wish us luck!
-Mom and E
Thursday, February 6, 2014
E's Recipes- His creative birthday dinner
This is a little bit of an old recipe-but E wanted us to share it. He wanted a low key birthday this year (Jan 11th) since he felt like all we do during Christmas break is run around everywhere. He had been watching a Rachel Ray cooking show (I can't remember which one, he loves Rachel Ray). It was an episode that involved roasted zucchini strips. E decided that they would make a great road way, which made him come up with this for a birthday dinner:
The green strips are the zucchini which Ethan called his road. The grapes were representative of cars going along the road. In the middle was a rice and veggie island and the meat on top was the volcano on the island with pesto sauce as the lava.
What can we say- it was all his idea.
Pretty easy to make though. Roast the veggies, cook the rice and cook the meat to your preference (steak, but you can use whatever you want). The build with rice topped with roasted veggies topped with mean topped with pesto sauce in the center. Then add the zucchini road and place the grape cars. Surprisingly it tasted very good.
For fun here is his cake (he wanted all the candles since they were sparkler candles and said it doesn't matter if some are pink):
The green strips are the zucchini which Ethan called his road. The grapes were representative of cars going along the road. In the middle was a rice and veggie island and the meat on top was the volcano on the island with pesto sauce as the lava.
What can we say- it was all his idea.
Pretty easy to make though. Roast the veggies, cook the rice and cook the meat to your preference (steak, but you can use whatever you want). The build with rice topped with roasted veggies topped with mean topped with pesto sauce in the center. Then add the zucchini road and place the grape cars. Surprisingly it tasted very good.
For fun here is his cake (he wanted all the candles since they were sparkler candles and said it doesn't matter if some are pink):
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Wisdom Wednseday
For today we will simply leave you with a great quote about February, which we find inspiring and very fitting for gardeners. Enjoy!:
The February sunshine steeps your boughs and tints the buds and swells the leaves within- William C. Bryant
Friday, January 31, 2014
Garden Plan- Side of House
Here is our plans for the 2014 garden bed on the side of the house. Like the others this one is an in ground bed. The edging we used was broken up stone we recycled from a flower bed that had been around one of our light poles. Here is how it looked last year when things were just starting to grown. We didn't think to get a pic when everyone was looking lush and full, but this will give you an idea of the size and such.
First up is the end closest to the back. We planted cucumber and though they are small here they certainly grew!! In fact, they outgrew our little red trellis and clung to the window screen (thus you notice that for 2014 they are moving to the back where we will use a much taller system).
This picture is the opposite end of the house where we planted tomatoes and marigolds (and yes, we started them with the puny cages but built better systems later in the season).
We think these will work together. The only worries we have is that last year we planted tomatoes in the end where the pineapple tomatoes are going this year. Hopefully we won't have any diseases since we had no problems last year. We also planted bell and banana peppers where the Mexibel and banana peppers are so once again crossed fingers all went well last year so hopefully no problems this next year.
Last year we didn't have much time for fill in crops so it was mostly tomatoes (which did well), pepper plants (which also did well), cucumbers (they always do well) and marigolds with some blank spots in between. This year, as you can see, we plan to have a few things that harvest quickly and we can succession sow and will hopefully fill in the spots.We may plant some quick growing crops like radish, spinach, etc. in between the tomatoes and peppers while they grown or some sort of herb or flower here and there to make it prettier.
What do you think of our plans? Would you recommend changing any of it up or believe anything won't grow well together?
Good luck with your own 2014 plans!
Mom and E
First up is the end closest to the back. We planted cucumber and though they are small here they certainly grew!! In fact, they outgrew our little red trellis and clung to the window screen (thus you notice that for 2014 they are moving to the back where we will use a much taller system).
This picture is the opposite end of the house where we planted tomatoes and marigolds (and yes, we started them with the puny cages but built better systems later in the season).
What you don't see is the middle part where we had peppers planted. It is a long though narrow space, but we can't really build it out because there is the driveway and PB did ask that we leave enough grass for him to drive the mower down it. So it is exactly that wide.
Here is our plan for this coming year (once again sorry for the pic quality- they were taken on the cell phone. I know you can do it straight from the phone, but I haven't figured that out yet- eventually the quality will get better).
Since the picture doesn't look like much (and is probably a little confusing) here is the key:
Yellow circle- Pineapple Tomato
Dark green circle- Bell Pepper
Pink circle- Potato Leaf Type Tomato
Light green circle- Banana Pepper
Red circle- Mexibel Pepper
Purple circle- 1884 Tomato
Yellow/Orange Hexagon - Marigold
Dark Green Diagonal Stripe- Mixed Leaf Lettuce Blend
Light Green Bar- Chives (or something similar to fill in)
Maroon Diagonal Stripe- Red Lettuce
Last year we didn't have much time for fill in crops so it was mostly tomatoes (which did well), pepper plants (which also did well), cucumbers (they always do well) and marigolds with some blank spots in between. This year, as you can see, we plan to have a few things that harvest quickly and we can succession sow and will hopefully fill in the spots.We may plant some quick growing crops like radish, spinach, etc. in between the tomatoes and peppers while they grown or some sort of herb or flower here and there to make it prettier.
What do you think of our plans? Would you recommend changing any of it up or believe anything won't grow well together?
Good luck with your own 2014 plans!
Mom and E
Thursday, January 30, 2014
E's Recipes- Dorito's Locos Tacos
E has another major interest (as we've mentioned in the new layout post)- cooking. He wants to share some of his recipes.
E's loco's taco's:
E loves Taco Bell's Doritos Locos Tacos. When we found nacho cheese taco shells at Wal-Mart the other day we just knew we had to make some.
Steps:
1- Cut up peppers and onions and put in cooking pan.
2- Cook on medium heat (with your choice of oil) until soft and onions are translucent.
3- Add your choice of meat and cook until done, then drain fat.
4- Add taco seasoning and 2/3 a cup of water and cook until water is evaporated.
How to build E's Locos Tacos:
1- Lay the meat flat on the bottom of the taco shell.
2- Sprinkle on a pinch of cheese and make sure it gets everywhere- use more pinches if needed.
3- Get two to three leaves of lettuce and place on top.
That's it! Eat
Of course you can add some additions (mom usually does- avocado, cilantro, tomato,sour cream and salsa), but E is a traditionalist and wanted to make it exactly like Taco Bell. They were pretty good. So good, in fact, that we neglected to get pictures in favor of stuffing our faces.
Enjoy!
-Mom and E
E's loco's taco's:
E loves Taco Bell's Doritos Locos Tacos. When we found nacho cheese taco shells at Wal-Mart the other day we just knew we had to make some.
Steps:
1- Cut up peppers and onions and put in cooking pan.
2- Cook on medium heat (with your choice of oil) until soft and onions are translucent.
3- Add your choice of meat and cook until done, then drain fat.
4- Add taco seasoning and 2/3 a cup of water and cook until water is evaporated.
How to build E's Locos Tacos:
1- Lay the meat flat on the bottom of the taco shell.
2- Sprinkle on a pinch of cheese and make sure it gets everywhere- use more pinches if needed.
3- Get two to three leaves of lettuce and place on top.
That's it! Eat
Of course you can add some additions (mom usually does- avocado, cilantro, tomato,sour cream and salsa), but E is a traditionalist and wanted to make it exactly like Taco Bell. They were pretty good. So good, in fact, that we neglected to get pictures in favor of stuffing our faces.
Enjoy!
-Mom and E
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Widsom Wednesday
Old wives tales about parsley
We thought that today we would share information about old wives tales concerning parsley. We have had good luck with parsley- it is a herb that certainly grows well here in TN. In fact ours was going strong with no row covers until the polar vortex and of course it just couldn't survive a cold snap of below zero weather. We have found several different beliefs about parsley:
Parsley should never be transplanted but grown from seed
It is believed that the roots grow down to the devil and back up again.
You should pick parsley not cut it or you will be crossed in love
Never give parsley away-if you do the person who gave it away or someone in their family will be punished within a year
If you sow parsley on Good Friday it will ensure it comes up double
Parsley growing in a garden is a sign of a strong woman
Parsley will only grow outside the home of an honest man
Parsley is a remedy for baldness (in both men and women) - simply grind it with water (nowadays we would use a food processor) and put the paste onto your scalp and massage. Then wash out.
Not an old wives tale but there are many medicinal and homeopathic uses for parsley:
It is suppose to be good for heart health
Helps protect against rheumatoid arthritis
It is suppose to help with urinary tract infections
Relives constipation
Helps with high blood pressure
It will make menstrual flow heavy
Helps with prostate and spleen conditions
Also suppose to help with coughs and congestion
Do you know any old beliefs or sayings that deal with parsley?
We thought that today we would share information about old wives tales concerning parsley. We have had good luck with parsley- it is a herb that certainly grows well here in TN. In fact ours was going strong with no row covers until the polar vortex and of course it just couldn't survive a cold snap of below zero weather. We have found several different beliefs about parsley:
Parsley should never be transplanted but grown from seed
It is believed that the roots grow down to the devil and back up again.
You should pick parsley not cut it or you will be crossed in love
Never give parsley away-if you do the person who gave it away or someone in their family will be punished within a year
If you sow parsley on Good Friday it will ensure it comes up double
Parsley growing in a garden is a sign of a strong woman
Parsley will only grow outside the home of an honest man
Parsley is a remedy for baldness (in both men and women) - simply grind it with water (nowadays we would use a food processor) and put the paste onto your scalp and massage. Then wash out.
Not an old wives tale but there are many medicinal and homeopathic uses for parsley:
It is suppose to be good for heart health
Helps protect against rheumatoid arthritis
It is suppose to help with urinary tract infections
Relives constipation
Helps with high blood pressure
It will make menstrual flow heavy
Helps with prostate and spleen conditions
Also suppose to help with coughs and congestion
Do you know any old beliefs or sayings that deal with parsley?
Monday, January 27, 2014
Updated Wintersow Pics
We know we discussed winter sowing awhile back, but we finally got the dirt to do it. Hopefully we are not too late!! The premise is easy- if you put your seeds outside to sprout it will be more akin to how things happen in nature. Your seeds and thus seedlings (plant starts) will be more hardy come the cool weather when you first put them out. We are experimenting this year and winter sowing, starting some plants indoors and planting some directly into the ground. One of the coolest things about it is that you can recycle plastic containers (such as milk jugs and pop bottles) to start them in.
We ended up planting quite a bit this way:
Tomatoes
-Snow White Cherry
-Chocolate Cherry
-1884 Purple
-Pineapple
-Potato Leaf Type (wintersown- that is all the info they gave us)
Peppers
Jalapeno
Mexibel
Bell
Other
Tomatillo's
Marigold
Nasturtiums
Here is how they look now:
All we have left to do is get our duct tape to seal them better and write the type on to tape to the bottom - then out they go. We'll do another post closer to Spring when they start coming in!
We have never winter sown, and can't wait to see the results. Either way it turns out E had a good time:
We also planted mint for inside the house (plain pot).
Tomorrow we are going to plant an indoor herb garden with basil, parsley, cilantro, and one more but not sure yet - so when they start coming in we'll post updated pics.
Do you have any gardening projects going or are you planning and waiting impatiently for Spring?
Mom and E
We ended up planting quite a bit this way:
Tomatoes
-Snow White Cherry
-Chocolate Cherry
-1884 Purple
-Pineapple
-Potato Leaf Type (wintersown- that is all the info they gave us)
Peppers
Jalapeno
Mexibel
Bell
Other
Tomatillo's
Marigold
Nasturtiums
Here is how they look now:
All we have left to do is get our duct tape to seal them better and write the type on to tape to the bottom - then out they go. We'll do another post closer to Spring when they start coming in!
We have never winter sown, and can't wait to see the results. Either way it turns out E had a good time:
We also planted mint for inside the house (plain pot).
Tomorrow we are going to plant an indoor herb garden with basil, parsley, cilantro, and one more but not sure yet - so when they start coming in we'll post updated pics.
Do you have any gardening projects going or are you planning and waiting impatiently for Spring?
Mom and E
Friday, January 24, 2014
Our indoor winter mini garden
Mid December:
When we cleaned up the garden we saw that we had a pepper plant that was tiny still. It had one small green pepper on it, so we brought it in to see how it would do. Then E wanted to plant chives and small onions. Next it was carrots and flowers. I explained things would grow slower, however he had to have it. No biggie to me- seems like it is a great winter fix and a good learning experience.
We pinched off our pepper so that the plant could concentrate on growing. It has grown some, but not exceptionally so. I wasn't sure if our other seeds would do well for awhile- so you can imagine my surprise when I saw that OUR SEEDS HAVE SPROUTED!! That includes chives (the one I figured would grow), onions and carrots. Did I mention the carrots are cosmic purple?
Beginning of January:
The pepper plant is getting some blooms- so we will see if they turn into peppers. However, we had a little problem when we up potted it... we waited too long and it was a little root bound. As I was trying to free it from the pop bottle container (we meant to only have it in there for a little bit) The cat knocked me just right for one hand (holding the pop bottle pot) to go in one direction and the other (holding the pepper plant) to go in the other. I was knocked off balance and ummm broke the roots in half. So, we shall see. I hope it makes as it was ready to make some peppers- le sigh. E was not happy with Walle (the cat).
Our carrots are growing a little, but seem clumped up- maybe we should thin them and sow a few more in the very noticeable blank areas. Sorry no pic- I couldn't seem to get a good one.
The onions and chives are growing. In the pic is also our little cactus plants and some mint that we just planted today. Do you like E's Popsicle stick fence nestled between the chives and onions?:
The trees are going strong- these were from my grandpa's (E's great grandpa's) funeral and I was scared to death I would kill them, but I've had them since October and here they are still alive! Two of them did lose their leaves before I brought them in (it had a light frost) and I just knew that was it for them. New growth soon appeared and they are good to go. I will up pot them closer to Spring and see if they take off more. By the way, does anyone know what kind of trees these are? Are they ok to keep inside or should I consider putting them outside next fall.
Flowers- not came up yet. To be honest it could be the seeds as they were a random mix (if I remember correctly- E can't remember either so at least we are even). I didn't take a pic because they haven't sprouted. We may need to re-start them.If they ever come up we will post a pic and let everyone know what they are! We like to think of it as a surprise- and we love surprises!
Are you growing things indoors this year or have in the past? We'd love to know what you have grown and get new ideas for next winter
- Mom and E
When we cleaned up the garden we saw that we had a pepper plant that was tiny still. It had one small green pepper on it, so we brought it in to see how it would do. Then E wanted to plant chives and small onions. Next it was carrots and flowers. I explained things would grow slower, however he had to have it. No biggie to me- seems like it is a great winter fix and a good learning experience.
We pinched off our pepper so that the plant could concentrate on growing. It has grown some, but not exceptionally so. I wasn't sure if our other seeds would do well for awhile- so you can imagine my surprise when I saw that OUR SEEDS HAVE SPROUTED!! That includes chives (the one I figured would grow), onions and carrots. Did I mention the carrots are cosmic purple?
Beginning of January:
The pepper plant is getting some blooms- so we will see if they turn into peppers. However, we had a little problem when we up potted it... we waited too long and it was a little root bound. As I was trying to free it from the pop bottle container (we meant to only have it in there for a little bit) The cat knocked me just right for one hand (holding the pop bottle pot) to go in one direction and the other (holding the pepper plant) to go in the other. I was knocked off balance and ummm broke the roots in half. So, we shall see. I hope it makes as it was ready to make some peppers- le sigh. E was not happy with Walle (the cat).
Our carrots are growing a little, but seem clumped up- maybe we should thin them and sow a few more in the very noticeable blank areas. Sorry no pic- I couldn't seem to get a good one.
The onions and chives are growing. In the pic is also our little cactus plants and some mint that we just planted today. Do you like E's Popsicle stick fence nestled between the chives and onions?:
The trees are going strong- these were from my grandpa's (E's great grandpa's) funeral and I was scared to death I would kill them, but I've had them since October and here they are still alive! Two of them did lose their leaves before I brought them in (it had a light frost) and I just knew that was it for them. New growth soon appeared and they are good to go. I will up pot them closer to Spring and see if they take off more. By the way, does anyone know what kind of trees these are? Are they ok to keep inside or should I consider putting them outside next fall.
Flowers- not came up yet. To be honest it could be the seeds as they were a random mix (if I remember correctly- E can't remember either so at least we are even). I didn't take a pic because they haven't sprouted. We may need to re-start them.If they ever come up we will post a pic and let everyone know what they are! We like to think of it as a surprise- and we love surprises!
Are you growing things indoors this year or have in the past? We'd love to know what you have grown and get new ideas for next winter
- Mom and E
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