Blueberry bushes

Blueberry bushes I lovingly planted with good dirt, etc.(first 2)

Blueberry bushes Ernesto planted while I was in the hospital
by digging a hole, putting the plant in the hole and putting
the same clump of grass back that he dug out!  

helping again….

I wonder what they have found?

Good to know what these look like!

Green tomatoes

Yesterday I counted about 200 green tomatoes on the plants…  hhmmm…

fried green tomatoes

green tomato salsa

green tomato BREAD???

Green Tomato Bread

• ½ cup canola oil
• 8 ounces nonfat yogurt, plain
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup Splenda (or use all sugar)
• 2 cups green tomatoes, pureed, juice drained and discarded
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions --------Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two loaf pans. Combine oil, yogurt, eggs, sugar, Splenda and green tomatoes in a large bowl and mix well. Sift together all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices and add to wet ingredients along with the whole wheat flour. Stir together just until combined. Divide evenly between two prepared pans and bake just until a toothpick comes clean from the center of the bread, about 45 minutes. Let cool in pans, then remove. To retain moisture, wrap in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. May be frozen.

Dandelion

 

Overview:

While many people think of the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) as a pesky weed, herbalists consider it a valuable herb that can be used as a food and medicine. Dandelion is a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Dandelion leaves are used to add flavor to salads, sandwiches, and teas. The roots are used in some coffee substitutes, and the flowers are used to make wines.

Traditionally, dandelion roots and leaves were used to treat liver problems. Native Americans also boiled dandelion in water and took it to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn, and upset stomach. In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion has been used to treat stomach problems, appendicitis, and breast problems, such as inflammation or lack of milk flow. In Europe, it was used in remedies for fever, boils, eye problems, diabetes, and diarrhea.

So far, there have not been any good quality scientific studies on dandelion. Today, the roots are mainly used as an appetite stimulant, and for liver and gallbladder problems. Dandelion leaves are used as a diuretic to help the body get rid of excess fluid.

Plant Description:

Hundreds of species of dandelion grow in the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Dandelion is a hardy perennial that can grow to a height of nearly 12 inches. Dandelions have deeply notched, toothy, spatula-like leaves that are shiny and hairless. Dandelion stems are capped by bright yellow flowers. The grooved leaves funnel rain to the root.

Dandelion flowers open with the sun in the morning and close in the evening or during gloomy weather. The dark brown roots are fleshy and brittle and are filled with a white milky substance that is bitter and slightly smelly.

Parts Used:

Dandelion leaves act as a diuretic, increasing the amount of urine the body produces. The leaves are used to stimulate the appetite and help digestion. Dandelion flower has antioxidant properties. Dandelion may also help improve the immune system.

Herbalists use dandelion root to detoxify the liver and gallbladder, and dandelion leaves to support kidney function.

Medicinal Uses and Indications:

Traditionally, dandelion has been used a diuretic, to increase the amount of urine the body produces in order to get rid of excess fluid. It has been used for many conditions where a diuretic might help, such as liver problems and high blood pressure. However, there is no good research on using dandelion as a diuretic in people.

Fresh or dried dandelion herb is also used as a mild appetite stimulant and to improve upset stomach. The root of the dandelion plant may act as a mild laxative and has been used to improve digestion. There is some very preliminary research that suggests dandelion may help improve liver and gallbladder function, but the study was not well designed.

Some preliminary animal studies also suggest that dandelion may help normalize blood sugar levels and lower total cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL, "good," cholesterol in diabetic mice. But not all the animal studies have found a positive effect on blood sugar. Human studies are needed to see if dandelion would work in people.

A few animal studies also suggest that dandelion might help fight inflammation.

Available Forms:

Dandelion herbs and roots are available fresh or dried in a variety of forms, including tinctures, liquid extract, teas, tablets, and capsules. Dandelion can be found alone or combined with other dietary supplements.

How to Take It:

Pediatric

Ask your doctor before giving dandelion supplements to a child, so your doctor can help you determine the dose. Eating dandelion in food is safe for a child.

Adult

Ask your doctor to help you determine the right dose for you. Some traditional doses include:

• Dried leaf infusion: 1 - 2 teaspoonfuls, 3 times daily. Pour hot water onto dried leaf and steep for 5 - 10 minutes. Drink as directed.
• Dried root decoction: 1/2 - 2 teaspoonfuls, 3 times daily. Place root into boiling water for 5 - 10 minutes. Strain and drink as directed.
• Leaf tincture (1:5) in 30% alcohol: 30 - 60 drops, 3 times daily
• Standardized powdered extract (4:1) leaf: 500 mg, 1 - 3 times daily
• Standardized powdered extract (4:1) root: 500 mg, 1 - 3 times daily
• Root tincture (1:2) fresh root in 45% alcohol: 30 - 60 drops, 3 times daily

Precautions:

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider.

Dandelion is generally considered safe. Some people may develop an allergic reaction from touching dandelion, and others may develop mouth sores.

If you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigold, chamomile, yarrow, daisies, or iodine, you should avoid dandelion.

In some people, dandelion can cause increased stomach acid and heartburn. It may also irritate the skin if applied topically.

People with kidney problems, gallbladder problems, or gallstones should ask their health care provider before eating dandelion.

Possible Interactions:

Dandelion leaf may act as a diuretic, which can speed up how fast drugs leave your system. If you are taking prescription medications, ask your health care provider before taking dandelion leaf. If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use dandelion without first talking to your health care provider:

Antacids -- Dandelion may increase the amount of stomach acid, so antacids may not work as well.

Blood-thinning medications -- Theoretically, dandelion may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you already take blood-thinners such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), or clopidogrel (Plavix).

Diuretics (water pills) -- Dandelion may act as a diuretic, increasing the amount of urine to help your body get rid of excess fluid. If you also take prescription diuretics or other herbs that act as diuretic, you could be at risk for an electrolyte imbalance.

Lithium -- Animal studies suggest that dandelion may make the side effects of lithium worse. Lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder.

Ciproflaxin (Cipro) -- One species of dandelion, Taraxacum mongolicum, also called Chinese dandelion, may lower the absorption of the antibiotic ciproflaxin from the digestive tract. Researchers don' t know whether the common dandelion would do the same thing.

Medications for diabetes -- Theoretically, dandelion may lower blood sugar levels. If you take medications for diabetes, taking dandelion may increase the risk of low blood sugar.

Alternative Names:

Lion's tooth; Priest's crown; Swine's snout; Taraxacum officinale

• Reviewed last on: 1/2/2011
• Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

Read more: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/dandelion-000236.htm#ixzz29HVGfO4B

Medicinal Uses of Common Dandelion

 

Gardens Ablaze gives a very nice summary of the many health benefits of the common dandelion:

The humble little Dandelion has remarkable nutritional value, being very high in vitamins A and C, with more beta carotine than carrots and more potassium than broccoli  or spinach, not to mention healthy doses of iron and copper for good measure.  Medicinally, Dandelions are considered very safe and effective as a general tonic that helps strengthen the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, stomach, and intestines,  improving bile flow and reducing inflammation in cases of hepatitis and cirrhosis.  Dandelions also help to dissipate gallstones and are believed to improve kidney function, thereby improving overall health and clearing skin problems.

Dandelion tea is the perfect choice for those with the above problems or those who lead relatively sedentary lifestyles and who experience discomfort associated with this, such as constipation, digestive disorders, indigestion,  and general sluggishness and fatigue.  Just one cup per day will yield noticeable results within the first few months.  Tea may also be of benefit for many of the problems associated with diabetes and low blood sugar. 

Externally, the white sap from the stems or roots can be applied directly to ease the pain of sores and bee stings, and is useful in the elimination of warts, acne, and calluses.

Dandelion coffee is made by grinding roasted roots, and makes a nice substitute for regular coffee, but without the caffeine (see main Dandelionpage for instructions).  People who can't tolerate much coffee can drink as much as they please and reap the health benefits without any side-effects.  For the sweets lover, ground root mixed with warm milk and a little sweetener makes a very tasty and nutritious creamy beverage with few calories.

Although dandelion is generally considered safe, like any food/herb it may cause reactions in some individuals. The University of Maryland Medical Center offers a more detailed explanation of medicinal uses of dandelion, along with potential drug interactions.

bowling bowl art… who knew!!!

….Now I know what I can do with that bowling ball that’s been floating around in my yard all summer!!

              

Dehydrate …. why?

Here are some things you can use dehydrated fruit for.

• Breads such as banana bread, banana fig bread, pumpkin bread, pineapple and breakfast bread.
• Muffins, strawberry and blueberry muffins
• Fruit leather
• Fruit butters such as apple, peach and pear butter
• Pies, fruit
• Fruit cobblers
• Over dry cereal (instead of fresh)
• Cookies and cookie filling
• Cake fillings
• Dried Fruit candy
• Fruit Horns, a type of pastry
• Fruit Fritters
• Puddings
• Trail Mix
• Granola
• And just plain eating

Salsa!

Well I should have taken a picture it was so pretty!

Tomatoes: red, yellow, darker red (so good)
Cherry tomatoes: red, yellow
Tomatillos: purple, verde

Not shown…  red and green peppers and peaches

Chopped ‘em all up and added some already made salsa for flavoring and it was yummy!

     

Rain all around…

and Larsen has a 22% chance of precipitation ….  go figure…  this is why my soil is sandy I guess….

A day of ups and downs….

….for the tomato plants, that is!! 

9:20 in the morning – not so bad…  will water later…

4:00 in the afternoon!!  What happened?!?!  OMG!  Get the hose QUICK!!!

Two hours after the watering and good thoughts!! (Picture immediately above and below are the back of the row of tomatoes.  What a difference!

How to Propagate Daylilies

 

From Gardner Scott  http://gardenerscott.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-to-propagate-daylilies.html
 
Daylilies are a rugged perennial that can endure sustained neglect and still grace the gardenscape with beautiful strokes of color. I know because I've been a daylily abuser. They do so well in poor soil, harsh weather, bad light, and bone-dry conditions that it's easy to forget that they can thrive with a little help. With just moderate maintenance the plants will prosper and you'll realize you want more in your garden. That's no problem because daylilies are very easy to propagate.
Daylily flowers provide a rainbow spectrum of color that bloom over a long period and the plants offer sizes that vary from small feathery clumps to large, fans of green foliage. Because of these differences in color and size, I've found that I occasionally plant with an aesthetic vision in mind but when the plants mature I want to adjust their positions and multiply the plants I especially like. Easy propagation is a godsend in those situations.

Early summer in my new daylily bed
There are only two primary forms of propagating daylilies. The first is by seed. After blooming and pollination, the flowers dry and a small, green seed pod develops at their base. The seed pod will grow over the course of a few months and the seed pods will turn brown as they mature. The brown pods will eventually crack open. Inside will be glossy black seeds. These young seeds need cold exposure to germinate so they should be planted in the fall for natural winter cold or they should be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for about a month. After this cooling period they're ready to sow outside in spring.
Collecting and sowing seeds from daylilies in your garden is a crapshoot. The daylilies you grow are probably hybrids. They won't grow true to the parent plant when grown from seed because it is a cross of other varieties. If you have multiple varieties of daylilies in your bed, there is no telling which flower pollinated another. With varied hybrid parents or different hybrid cultivars involved with pollination, the resulting seed will grow into an unknown, future plant.
It can take three years for a seed to germinate and grow into a plant that flowers. After all that time, be ready for a surprise when the plant produces that first bloom. There's no way to tell what color or size it will be ahead of time, but with so many positive attributes that daylilies offer, it will probably be a nice surprise.
If you don't plan to save the seeds, remove the seed pods. Plants that produce seeds will usually have fewer flowers the next year. Since one of the reasons you grow daylilies is for the flowers, there's no reason to intentionally restrict future flowers.
The second form of daylily propagation is division. Large clumps of daylilies can be divided easily and this is the preferred method of propagation when you want your plant to have the same size and color as the parent. It also will produce flowers faster. Each plant grows into a clump that will be ready for division about every three or four years. Undivided plants will begin to produce fewer flowers so you're doing yourself and the plant a favor by dividing regularly.

A plant I want to divide
Daylilies can be divided in spring or fall. The plants that are divided in spring grow quickly afterward, but they seldom bloom in that first year. Primarily for that reason, I prefer to propagate in the fall. Fall propagated plants will almost always bloom the next year. You should wait until after the plant has flowered, but dividing and transplanting the divisions should happen at least six weeks before the ground freezes.
Start by digging up the entire plant. Beginning about six to eight inches away from the plant, push your spade as deep as you can in a circle around the plant. Lift out the plant with the spade, trying to keep the rootball intact. This shouldn't be too difficult but larger plants may have roots deeper than the hole and can be torn in the process; that's okay, but try to avoid it.

The intact clump
Brush or wash away the soil attached to the roots to expose them. Many daylily roots are enlarged and tuberous. This is where the plant stores food and water and enables the divisions to grow well after transplanting. The more roots in the division, the better chance for survival of the transplant.
You'll be able to see how the fans form distinctive and individual sections where they attach to the roots. Each of these sections can be pulled apart from the others. I find it easiest to begin by lightly shaking the plant and seeing where it begins to separate naturally. Then I gently pull apart the plant into two divisions. Often each of those divisions can be pulled into two or three additional divisions.

Divisions after separating
With larger plants and clumps, they may not separate with gentle pulling. You may need to slide two garden forks, back to back, in the middle of the clump and pry it apart. You can do the same with two spades but that causes more damage; garden forks reduce root damage. As soon as the divisions are smaller, they can usually be further divided by hand.
Divisions should have three or four fans with stout roots attached. These will establish more quickly, grow into good clumps, and flower within a year. You can also divide to the point where you have individual fans with just five or six slender leaves. These individual fans can be transplanted with no problems but may take a few seasons before they reach a size where they will begin flowering.
Some old, large clumps may have roots that are so extensive in the center that it is virtually a solid mass. These clumps may need to be cut apart with a garden knife or sharp spade. Try to cut in such a way that you keep the integrity of the individual fans intact.
The divisions should be transplanted soon after digging up so the roots don't dry out. On each division, cut the leaves so that only five or six inches remain above thecrown. This reduces water loss and stress. The crown is the part where the leaves and roots meet and is usually cream colored. Place the plant in the hole with the crown about one inch below the surface level.

Transplanting a division
Daylilies do best in full sun in moist soil with organic matter added. If you can prepare the transplant area ahead of time with organic matter, do it. Adding a high phosphorus fertilizer will help stimulate root growth. If you're transplanting divisions among other, established plants, as I often do, at least add a handful of compost and fertilizer to the soil in the hole for each plant. Firm the soil around the roots and fill the hole.
After the divisions are in the ground, water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist until the ground freezes. Use a few inches of mulch to moderate soil moisture and temperature levels. Mulch also reduces weeds and highlights the beauty of the plants.

New divisions in place
There is a third propagation method that is available for some varieties of daylily. Miniature plants may grow along the stem, or scape, of some daylilies. This miniature plant will form leaves, a crown, and even roots if left on the plant long enough. These miniature daylilies are called proliferations and are clones of the parent. The proliferations can be potted up or transplanted. Cut the scape above and below the proliferation. If roots haven't develped, dipping the crown in rooting hormone helps initiate root growth. None of the daylily varieties I grow form proliferations, so I don't have personal experience with this method.
In time daylilies will form dense mats of plants. By dividing them you can keep the plants under control and looking their best. Propagation is a great way to expand their wonder to other areas. And don't forget that you may have many gardener friends who would love to have some of your extra divisions.

What I learned….

Went to a series of classes 1.5 hours long over the last 2 months at the Waupaca County Extension office and really… I had a great time and learned lots!  Certainly worth the 5 afternoons I spent driving there (20-25 minutes one way – as easy as getting to Appleton).
Much of what I learned is what I do NOT want to do so I’ll start with that.

• I don’t want to do canning…  water canning OR pressure canning.  Just don’t – thought I did but no.  Have taken my water canner back to Wal-Mart.  I’m sold on the jars however!
• I don’t want to do pickling – no interest…. don’t really like the stuff. 
• I don’t want to do freezing – what if the electric goes off then you lose everything…. and lord knows around here the electric goes off.

Pretty general but glad I discovered those things right now.  I may change my mind later but for now, that’s it!
Now…  what I do want to do:

• I do want to make jam…  when I get berries from what I’ve planted….   grapes, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries…  yum!  No this year however.
• And I’m still sold on dehydrating and have been for a year now.  So far: peppers, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, leftover chili, apples and pears.  On the horizon – everything I just listed plus: oatmeal (cook then dehydrate so it can be used right away on cold cereal and rehydrated in milk); broccoli (think broccoli cheese soup); salsa, beans (same concept as oatmeal); peaches, bananas, and other fruit: carrots, pumpkin and maybe some herbs such as mint and now I learned to make “leathers” (fruit leathers as a treat and vegetable leathers (tomato sauce leathers for pizza)!

I bought some books (well worth the money) and each class had specific handouts for that class so I have lots of good reference materials.   The classes were $5 each and with each one except the dehydrating class we got 2-3 jars of whatever we did.  In the dehydrating class we had a great piece of pizza that was made with tomato sauce leather!  Good stuff!

Idea: stack for strawberry tower!

Strawberries I think….

…. should go in here..  no…  maybe raspberries…  hhmmm…  well before anything is planted there has to be dirt!

The future is now…

Doesn’t look like much now but I see strawberries, raspberries and blueberry bushes along this fence and some wildflowers surrounding the concrete blocks!

You see junk…

…  I see trellises….  $2 each for the ones that look like a deck railing and $1.50 each for the vertical ones! 

….and since I already had the truck to get the blocks I thought I might as well take advantage of the shelves for $5 each and the almost-new-I-can-believe-someone-would-get-rid-of-the-chairs-just-because-the-glass-table-blew-away lawn chairs that are REALLY comfortable!

Concrete blocks!!

OMG!  I bought 54 concrete blocks at ReStore in Appleton today for $.25 each….  that’s twenty-five cents each!!  Can you say “RAISED BEDS”!

Pear answers!!

A ripe pear is a sweet pear.

A little known fact about the pear is that it is one of the few fruits that does not ripen on the tree.  The pear is harvested when it is mature, but not yet ripe, and, if left at room temperature, it slowly reaches a sweet and succulent maturity as it ripens from the inside out.

As tempting as the pear might be right from the grocer’s stand, a little bit of patience and know-how will ensure the pear reaches its peak flavor.

So, how do you know when the pear has ripened to sweet and juicy perfection?

While a Bartlett’s skin color brightens as it ripens, most varieties of pears show little change in color.

The best way to judge ripeness for non-Bartlett varieties is to Check the Neck™: Apply gentle pressure to the neck of the pear with your thumb. If it yields to pressure, it’s ripe.  Easy, isn’t it?

Here’s what you need to do to ripen your pears:

• Leave firm, unripe pears at room temperature so that they can ripen.
• Check the Neck for Ripeness daily, by applying gentle pressure to the neck, or stem end, of the pear with your thumb. If it yields to pressure, then it’s ripe and ready to eat!
• Once the pear is ripe, it can be refrigerated to slow the ripening process and saved for use up to five days later.

To Prevent Browning

Keep a fresh fruit fresh.
Like many fruits, the flesh of cut or peeled pears will eventually brown. This natural oxidation process won’t affect the taste or quality. However, to keep your pears looking appetizing and to prevent browning, dip them in a mild solution of 50% water and 50% lemon juice!

Refrigerating Pears

Remember, don’t refrigerate an unripe pear!
Ripened pears can be used at once or put under refrigeration (35º to 45º F) until you want to use them. Refrigeration will delay further ripening but will not stop it altogether, giving you adequate time to include fresh pears in your menu planning.  Remember, pears need to ripen at room temperature, so don’t refrigerate an unripe pear!

Speedy Ripening

Flavor well worth the wait
Place underripe pears in a fruit bowl at room temperature near other ripening fruit like bananas, which naturally give off ethylene and will help speed up the ripening process. And if you find yourself with a few too many overripe pears, blend them into smoothies, soups, sauces and purees!

Now what?

….and there are more to pick!

Tomatoes!

 

Can’t forget the flowers!

Tomato update

The front of the raised bed!

The rear of the raised bed!

Waiting to see what this is!

Yum… little tomatoes slightly bigger than cherry tomatoes.

So what the heck are tomatillos?  We’ll see!