Need To Know Information

I've been wanting to get an early start and plant some seeds so that after the last frost I can put them in the ground. The problem is knowing when I can expect to be frost free.

SO... I googled it!

What I found was a nifty little site called Dave's Garden. Which has all kinds of gardening information including a look up by Zip Code of the First and last freeze/frost date. Here was my results:

Each winter, on average, your risk of frost is from November 14 through April 1.

Almost certainly, however, you will receive frost from December 2 through March 20.

You are almost guaranteed that you will not get frost from April 13 through October 29.

Your frost-free growing season is around 227 days.

So I think I'm safe to get started and by the time the date for the last possible frost comes and goes I'll be all set with a healthy batch of seedlings.

Second Catalog

This one is from Gardens Alive. It has all sorts of natural garden supplies to help organic gardeners. I have really been enjoying looking through it.

I found the Mason Bee nest and the information about them fascinating. They are suppose to be 95% more efficient at pollinating and don't sting. Sounds like a definite plus for a gardener.

They are so sure you will like them that then sent this coupon with it.

It's $25 dollars off no matter how much you spend. So if I spend $20 then I get it free. Definitely a plus for someone who is trying to save some cash.

Order Your Seed Catalogs

Woo Hoo I got my first seed catalog of the year. It's Burpee's Catalog and I've been enjoying looking through it. They have some really interesting looking choices. You should see those blue potatoes. They also have a collection set for Patios and Small Gardens. It has several of the plants I grew last year including cherry tomatoes, peppers eggplants and a lettuce blend. I'm definitely adding it to the possible order list. I can't wait for the rest of my catalogs to come in.

I'm posting several direct links to the different seed companies that I'm ordering my catalogs from that way you can use them to order yours too.

Burpee Seeds and Plants

Seeds of Change Organic Seeds

Park Seeds

Gurneys Seeds

Harris Seeds

Despite The Snow

I've started planning for my next container garden. I think I will start early and plant seeds once a weed so that I have several plants that arrive at maturity at different times during the spring and summer. I'm going to be ordering some seed catalogs tomorrow. I'll try and remember to post some links so if you need your catalogs you can order too. I'll be looking for compact plants that will do well in a container. I still want to grow tomatos, eggplants and peppers. I didn't have much luck with the broccoli so I think I'll skip them this year since I'm very limited on space. I'm also looking at growing some winter squash so we have some nice fresh veggies in the winter.

For a Little While

For a couple of weeks the weather had been very warm here I even considered setting up a makeshift greenhouse to start some seedlings. Silly me!

Tonight it is going to snow. Don't get me wrong I love snow... absolutely love it... but It was so warm I just couldn't resist thinking about some lovely fresh tomatoes and zucchini.... yummm fresh veggies. It's time for me to order my seed catalogs I think I'm going to try and find some more compact plants. I won't be able to go for heirloom plants I have to go for something newer so my little tiny backyard.

Time to Get out of the Winter Funk

Ok I have to admit it's hard to write about gardening in the winter. Now it's time to start shaking off the winter blahs and start thinking about some nice fresh mouth watering veggies. Well the other day in the mail I got an advertisement for the Earth Box

This is apparently the ultimate in container for gardening in. I would love to try it but I'm not sure if I really want to spend $55 to $60 on a plastic pot for plants. I think I will have to keep an eye out to see if I can find one for less so I can try it. If it works as wonderfully as the ad promises it would be worth the cost in the long run.

Sorry I Forgot to Post my Pumpkin Recipe

It's been a little nuts around here with all the Christmas stuff and working more hours. I forgot to share my tasty recipes with you. Well I hope you froze some of that pumpkin you made (or at least have a can or two lying around after Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here are a few of my favorites.

Easy Pumpkin Loaf

Preheat Oven to 350.

1 C Sugar
1 C Cooked Pumpkin
1/4 C Salad Oil
3 egg Whites
2 TBS Skim Milk
2 C Sifted Flour
1tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Cardamon
1/4 tsp Nutmeg
1/2 C chopped Walnuts (optional)

Combine sugar, pumpkin, oil, eggs and milk. Mix flour baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices then add to sugar mixture. Blend well and add nuts. Pour into a greased and floured 9x5x3 inch loaf pan and bake for 1 hour.

Pumpkin Casserole

Preheat oven to 350

3 c Cooked Pumpkin
1/3 c Butter
1/4 c Light Cream
2 TBLS Brown Sugar
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Pepper
1/4 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Nutmeg

Mix ingredients in given order and pour into a buttered casserole dish. Spready with net topping and bake for 30 minutes.

Nut Topping
1/4 C Dark Brown Sugar
2 TBLS light corn syrup
2 TBLS melted butter
1 c Chopped Walnuts

Mix until crumbly.

Pumpkin Soup

3 C Cooked Pumpkin
3 C Chicken Broth
1 Tbls Butter
1 Tbls Flour
2 Tbls Brown Sugar
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/8 tsp Pepper
1/2 tsp Ginger
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 C Julienned Ham
3/4 C. nonfat condensed Milk
Nutmeg

Melt butter in pan and add flour stir until flour is golden brown. add pumpkin and chicken broth. Mix well. Mix in other ingredients in order listed except for Nutmeg. Heat but do not boil! Serve with a sprinkle of nutmeg.