My garden first crop was 2 yellow crooked neck squash and 1 zephyr squash. Both are delicious! Both varieties have the same texture and flavor. The Zephyr is the one with the green tip. According to “SpecialityProduce.com” Zephyr squash is a relatively new type of summer squash and botanically a part of Cucurbita pepo. A highly productive hybrid variety the Zephyr is a constricted neck type of squash, similar to that of yellow crook neck squash. It was bred specifically to have superior taste, quality and adaptability. Its fruit can be harvested at varying stages of maturity, with the medium size of five to seven inches being the most recommended…
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Garden Planted
It is after April 15 and the danger of frost has passed so I FINALLY PLANTED MY GARDEN. Crook neck yellow squash & goldy zucchini Of course, there is always a chance of a freak frost, but doubtful. As noted in a previous blog post http://joannsfoodbites.com/foodie-bites/top-5-prepping-for-your-herb-garden/ I have already prepped my planters. I had to change my game plan so, I have tried something new. I planted my two squash plants and one zucchini in an old wheelbarrow. The wheelbarrow has a huge gash in the bottom, to provide adequate drainage for my plants. I used a high quality potting soil and will watch them closely. I am also trying…
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Properly Storing FRESH Herbs At Home
These days, home cooks can buy fresh herbs at their local supermarket. Most retailers sell cilantro, flat leaf parsley, curly leaf parsley, basil and thyme. Always buy the freshest bunch. Try smelling them. Fresh herbs should have a strong, fresh aroma. The leaves should look clean, green and crisp. Once home, do not clean them right away. Water on the leaves creates a home for mold and the plant will deteriorate much faster with damp leaves. Instead, wait till just prior to use, before rinsing them – but RINSE them before consumption. Some “food writers” recommend cutting the tips of the stems off before storing them; however, I have never…
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Top 5: Prepping for Your Herb Garden
Now that it is March, it is time to start thinking about your own herb garden. First establish which zone you live in for hardy planting….see my previous post http://joannsfoodbites.com/foodie-bites/getting-your-spring-plants-ready/ Most herbs seeds can be planted outside, once the danger of frost has passed. However, horticultural expert, Doug Johnson says when dealing with herbs, it is more advantageous to plant a seedling in your garden or containers, instead of from seed. Planting from seed will require you to thin out the plant during the season. Here are his top 5 things to do, right now, to prepare for an herb garden. 5. GET AN ASSESSMENT OF YOUR SOIL QUALITY. If…
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Composting at Home
To decrease our carbon footprint, home cooks should consider home composting. Benefits to home composting include not only reducing your carbon footprint, but also growing a better home vegetable garden. Composting is the process of controlling the decomposition of organic matter by providing the proper environment for the process to take place. Devices can be purchased to start your composting project, such as this metal container with holes in the top to allow the material to breath during the decomposition process. These are relatively inexpensive, but not necessary. A good compose pit can be just a loose pile or old pallets stacked in a square. Just allow 1 cubic yard…
