February 2014

Space Saving Pallet Garden

February 20, 2014 // 0 Comments

This is a short video about making a vertical garden planter out of an old shipping pallet. It’s a neat idea for gardeners who have limited space or wild rabbits. Look at all the plants you can grow in just this one pallet. It resembles the square foot gardening plan that is so popular these days. You could [ ...click to read more ]

Tomatoes with Basil; or, Companion Planting with Herbs

February 16, 2014 // 1 Comment

I’m going to plant basil alongside my tomatoes this year. Basil is supposed to repel the tomato horn worm, and also improve the taste of the tomato berries. I also want to see if it will discourage deer from snacking on the leaves, with the basil growing right beside them. I know that deer do not like [ ...click to read more ]

Dried Herbs and Birds

February 12, 2014 // 2 Comments

No doubt about it, we are in a deep freeze with ice, snow and sleet. With the temperatures hovering at freezing, the snow and ice will stick around for awhile. I’m filling my bird feeders several times each day. Even the little birds are pushing and shoving to grab a few seeds at the feeders. I have 3 hanging [ ...click to read more ]

Recipes for Valentine’s Day

February 7, 2014 // 0 Comments

We don’t eat out on Valentine’s Day. We prefer a quiet evening at home with a simple meal and music. Everyday is Valentine’s Day for me because I have a loving and thoughtful husband. We give each other a card, and a red rose on this day, and have dinner together. He likes salmon, so here is my [ ...click to read more ]

From the Herb Basket – 7

February 3, 2014 // 0 Comments

During World War 2, wild rose hips were harvested to prevent scurvy in children. For best flavor in dried herbs begin the drying process within minutes of harvesting. Calendula flowers stimulate the growth of new, healthy skin. Add 3 tablespoons of the flowers to 2 ounces of extra virgin olive oil. Stir gently and [ ...click to read more ]

February in the Herb Garden

February 1, 2014 // 0 Comments

February has 28 days this year. Mild, even warm days can be followed by spells of bone-chilling temperatures and heavy snow. Protect tender herb shoots that may emerge this month. A one or two inch layer of finished compost or well-rotted leaf mold can be applied to the herb beds. A favorite soil conditioner of mine [ ...click to read more ]