Saturday, August 31, 2013

September Garden Planting Guide

Sweet Peas

September Flowers: African Daisy, Bachelor Button, California Poppy, Flax, Foxglove, Marigold, Pansy, Petunia, Snapdragon, Stock, Sweet Pea, Verbena, Viola, Wallflower.
September Herbs: Marjoram, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme
Vegetables: Beans (bush), Brussels sprouts, Carrot, Celery, Fava Beans, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mustard Greens, Onion sets, Radish, Swiss Chard.
* Remember to mulch even in the cooler months ahead.
* Check for feeding (fertilizing). Azaleas, cyclamen, roses and fuchsias this month.
*Plant perennials. Plant sweet peas the first week of September (specifically the early variety: Mammoth, Early Spencer or Multiflora).
*referrences from Pat Welsh’s Southern California Organic Gardening Book- a month by month guide to gardening in Southern California.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Fig Fest San Diego 2013







www.figfestsd.com




Enjoy fresh and dried California figs, delicious recipes, entertainment and more at the first San Diego Fig Fest. Savor gourmet food samples, extraordinary wines and craft brew from California's best chefs, food purveyors, wine makers and breweries.
The festival will take place at the new San Diego Public Market, just minutes from the city's vibrant downtown. Attendees will experience a unique community treasure in the making. TICKETS:  Adults $55   Children $20
When: 
Sunday, September 8 from 4 to 7 p.m.

San Diego Public Market, 1735 National Ave.

For more info: 
www.figfestsd.com
*reprint

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

DIY Succulent Vertical Garden

My project this week: Creating a vertical succulent garden using a Wine Riddling Rack.
This added a lot of warmth and beauty to my stucco wall just outside my kitchen.
Find these wooden racks on Amazon and ebay.
Vertical Wall Hanging Succulent Garden
 This is a Wine Riddling Rack- or use a wood pallet

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

DIY: SEASONED SEA SALT



Use the herbs that are in your garden for this seasoned sea salt. Every time I make my seasoned salt it is a little different, but always amazing. Mixing in some dried flowers works well too- try lavender, rose, nasturtium. Creating different batches and blends is fun.

RECIPE:
1 Cup chopped mixed herbs: use your favorites- Chives, Parsley, Rosemary, Basil, Thyme, Oregano.
1/2 Cup Sea Salt
1/2 Cup Kosher Salt
1/8 Cup of extra herbs to save on the side.
DIRECTIONS:
1. Blend Sea Salt in the Blender a few seconds until it is the same size as Kosher Salt.
2. Transfer both Salts to a food processor and add chopped herbs- pulse until well mixed and the size of the salt is to your liking.
3. The salt will turn a nice green color- I like to keep my seasoned salt on the coarse side.
4. Turn mixture into a pan and add the last 1/8 Cup of chopped herbs, mix well.
5. Cook at 200 degrees for 1 Hour or until all herbs are dried out. Mix after 30 minutes and break up all the chunks.
6. Cool completely, Return to the food processor for a few QUICK pulses to blend evenly.
7.  Store in air tight jars. Shelf life lasts months at room temperature.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

DAHLIA CLOSE UP

MACRO PHOTO: DAHLIA
I find that miracles happen in my garden every day.
It is always a blessing and moment in gratitude when I discover a new bloom!

Monday, August 5, 2013

Mason Jar Strawberry Shortcake

Mason Jar Dessert: Layered Strawberry Shortcake
Pinterest
MASON JARS- SLICED STRAWBERRIES- GRAHAM CRACKER CRUST- COOL WHIP, OR REDI WHIP IF SERVING IMMEDIATELY- PUDDING (Vanilla)- POUND CAKE AND ANGEL FOOD CAKE MIXED TOGETHER AND BROKEN INTO BITS. LAYER IN THE JAR AS DESIRED... so easy!


Pound Cake and Angel Food Cake mixed together

Graham Cracker Crust Topping

Lids were placed to save them for later eating



Thursday, August 1, 2013

AUGUST PLANTING GUIDE

AUGUST PLANTING GUIDE FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Beans: Bush and Pole
Beets
Carrots
Celery
Corn
Cucumber
Lima Beans
Radish
Summer Squash
Swiss Chard
Flower planting guide
Nasturtium

Baby's Breath- Bachelor Button- Cosmos- Flax- Foxglove- Hollyhock- Marigold- Nasturtium- Petunia- Phlox- Poppy- Primrose- Snapdragon- Stock- Sweet Pea- Wallflower

The August planting guide is a bit more sparse than other months of the year so planting carrots in several varieties can help with the Need to Seed addiction!
The Round Baby Romeo carrots look great in soups and salads. Try using the carrot planting strips for very simple planting and success. GREAT TIP: Pouring very hot to boiling water over the carrot seeds just before topping them with soil in their little trenches will help them to germinate faster.