The Natural Cycle

       Every element of nature- animals,insects, plants and soil all work together to create a natural cycle of events in the garden. The Plants feed the animals, The Animals manure the land, The Manure feeds the soil, The Soil feeds the plants, then the process starts over again. But whenever you add non Organic sources to the garden,those sources disrupt the natural order of things. 

Composting 101

Example of a three section Compost Bin.

A Compost pile that has reached the correct temperature.  

Some experts would explain composting in a way that would have you running in the other direction.
But I'm going to explain Composting in a way that is concise as possible.When you've finished reading this post,
you should be able to go right outside and start your compost pile.Composting is really easy , and takes little time to manage.Compost improves your soil,reduces the amount of water used, adds nutrients and wards off plant and vegetable diseases. For your garden add 1 to 3 inches of compost to your garden.

So what is Compost? Simply, it's Organic matter that has decomposed and is used as fertilizer and a soil amendment. What can't you put into a compost pile? Meat, grease and diary. So what can you put into a Compost pile? Fruits and Vegetables,paper clippings,brown paper bags, Coffee grinds (and the filter),grass clippings and leaves to name just a few. A simple ratio to remember is 1 part green and 2 parts brown. Greens are grass clippings,fruit and Veggie clippings,etc. Browns are paper bags,leaves,etc.

Moisture is very  important for the compost pile,it should say as wet as a sponge, and be turned once a week so that the pile gets oxygen,to help with the decomposing. You can start your compost pile right on the ground, with nothing surrounding it,or you can get 4 6ft posts and some chicken wire to make an enclosure. Or you can get a couple of pallets (7 is the preferred amount) to make a 3 section compost bin. Just connect the pallets together with some nails at each corner,one nail at the top,middle and bottom. Each section of the 3 section bin serves a purpose,and it's quite simple. The first section (going from left to right) is for newly added compost. The second section is for the compost that's half way done. And the third section is for the finished product. You can add compost when planting new plants and trees. You can also add compost as mulch around trees and plants.              

Cool and Warm Weather Vegetables

Onions are both Warm and Cool Weather crops, depending on the variety.

Tomatoes are a Warm weather crop.Tomatoes are actually a fruit,not a vegetable.

Zucchini is a Warm weather crop.

Watermelons(and all other Melons)are a Warm weather fruit.

Squash is a Warm Weather crop.

Shallots are a Warm and Cool weather crop.

Corn is a Warm weather crop.

Green Beans are a Warm and Cool weather crop.

Okra is a Warm weather crop.

The Cucumber is a Warm weather vegetable.

The Eggplant is a Warm weather vegetable.

The Sweet potato is a Warm weather  crop.

 The Pumpkin is a Warm weather vegetable.   

Potatoes  are a Warm weather vegetable.

The Pepper is a Warm weather fruit.

The Leek is a Cool weather crop.

Fennel is a Cool weather crop.

                 Beets are a Cool weather crop.

Brussels Sprouts are a Cool weather vegetable. 

Lettuce is a Cool weather crop.

Horseradish is a Cool weather crop.

Belgium Endive is a Cool weather crop.

Rhubarb is a Cool weather vegetable.

Spinach is a Cool weather crop.

Cauliflower is a Cool weather vegetable.

Garlic is a Cool weather bulb.

The Parsnip is a Cool weather vegetable.

Turnips are a Cool weather vegetable.

Collard Greens are a cool weather vegetable.

Radishes can be grown in both the cool weather and summer months. 

Rutabagas are a Cool weather crop,in the same family as the turnip.

Broccoli is a Cool weather crop.

Swiss Chard is a Cool weather crop,closely related to Spinach.

Cabbage is a Cool weather vegetable.

The Carrot is a Cool weather crop.

Celery is a Cool weather vegetable.

Recipe : Hearty Harvest Soup

This is possibly of the best soups I've ever had. It has the right balance of  flavors that all work well together. I just had to share this recipe with everyone.It's inexpensive and so easy to make too. And if you like, you can add cheese filled tortilini.

THE INGREDIENTS

Use 3/4 of this Box or 2 (14oz) Cans.

Organic Danver Carrots

2 Small Zucchini or 3 cups of Zucchini cubed.

2 Cups of Frozen corn.

  Use 1 (14.5 oz) can of Italian-Style stewed  tomatoes.

Use 1 lb. of Organic Sweet Italian Sausage (Removed from casing.)

Use 1 (14.5 oz) can of Great Northern beans, undrained.

1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.

1 Clove of Organic Garlic thinly sliced.

3 Cups of Organic Spinach chopped.

                                                                    THE DIRECTIONS

           Step 1- Brown the sausage with the garlic in a stockpot or dutch oven. Stir in broth,tomatoes and 

           carrots,  then season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat,cover, and simmer for 15mins.

         

          Step 2- Stir in beans with liquid,zucchini  and 2 of the 3 cups of spinach.simmer for another 15mins.

          

         

          Step 3- Remove from heat, add the remaining cup of spinach, let soup sit for 5 mins.,then serve. 

          

         Total time spent: 45mins.   

                                                                      THE BREAD