Dayton "Dirt" - March 4, 2011

Local foods seem to be all the rage today with more homeowners growing more produce and fruits and the proliferation of produce markets. Gardeners are learning once again that they can take control of the family’s food supply by growing and preserving fruits and vegetables right out of the backyard.

I remember my mother and her mother making pickles and the two of them arguing on the correct amount of ingredients to make the pickle’s while the quart jars boiled in a canner filled with boiling water on the stove on a hot August day. The argument between my mom and grandmother was solved in that each of them made their own batch.

Well, it didn’t take long to find out that my grandmother’s batch was crisp and delicious even though she never measured any of the ingredients except with her eye. Mom’s batch of pickles was soft and mushy and had to be thrown out. I guess it pays to spend some time in the kitchen with your mother as you might just be surprised what you might learn. Sorry mom.

Tom

Oh, I almost forgot, one of our most popular seminars over the years had been what’s new in perennials and this year there are more new plants as ever. Come join us for the perennial seminar at 11 a.m. on March 12th.