Gary's Simple Gardens

Ripening Your Soft Fruits

2011-08-07T15:14:00.000-07:00

Every year when the local Peaches, Nectarines, Plums and Melons are gone and the Central American or Mexican fruit come in...so do the complaints. And I can't say that I blame them. The "so called" soft fruits are hard as a rock and have absolutely no flavor. Folks love their fruits and melons, but they just can't stand to eat them during the winter months. For some of you folks out there that don't know why...I'll explain it.

Every grocery store wants shelf life. They don't want "tree ripened" fruit coming in to their store, because they don't get enough shelf life. Tree ripened fruit comes in and for the most part; you have about three days to sell it, or it turns bad. Therefore, when fruits are grown in Chili, Costa Rica, Honduras or Mexico, they are picked very green. Most of the fruit will have no color at all. The growers and packers want them to look pretty for sale; therefore, they will place those fruits into a large room where they will be gassed. Now I won't go into all the scientic jargon about what this gas does to your fruit, so I'll give it to you in laymens terms. The gas kills any bugs that come on the fruit and it excites the enzymes in the fruit which causes it to continue to change color. The packing houses' will however, call it a ripening process. I say "bull-hockey."

Basically all that happens to the fruit is that it begans to change color so that the peach looks more like a peach. They go through this process so that the soft fruit that you purchase in the winter will look nice and pretty. And of course; as a consumer; you like to see pretty. It "excites your enzymes to buy" so to speak. Then you take them home thinking that you are going to sit them on your kitchen counter for a couple of days and they will be great. Afterall; they sure look pretty. After a couple of days the fruit continues to change color and you think it's ready to put into your cornflakes. But when you start eating it, you then realize that the Peach still has no flavor and it's still hard as a rock. And then you come into me and say "Gary; them dog-gone Peachs you sold me the other day taste like cardboard and they never do ripen up. Ok! You've got the skinny on why...now let me try and help fix it..

After you have purchased those foriegn fruits; get yourself a small paper sack from the cashier. Don't be bashfull...just ask the cashier for one. The store owes it to you for selling you an inferior product anyway. When you get home; put those peach's, nectarines and plums into the sack with a BANANA PEEL. Not the whole banana...just the peeling. Fold the paper sack down until it's fairly close to the fruit and then sit it on the counter. You can do this with canaloupe and honey dew mellons also. And be sure to do it with those tasteless Mexican tomatoes too.

Now to explain why and what is happening in that sack. The banana peel emmits a gas (much like the gas they use to excite the enzymes in fruit) and it continues to excite the enzymes in the fruit. Except when it is done in this manner; the fruit continues to ripen much like when left on a tree or bush to ripen. Not only will the fruit continue to change color, but the fruit will soften as well. Mexican tomatoes are famous for having no flavor. Follow this procedure and you will have more flavorful tomatoes. Now please understand...this fruit is still not going to taste as good as it would if it was vine ripened, but it will certainly be more tolerable. I will however, give you a couple of hints about using this method. Do Not Use a Plastic Bag...it has to be paper. And don't leave your fruit in the bag for more than about two days, or you will end up with rotten fruit. I hope this tip has helped a few folks out there who love their soft fruits and mellons. Good Luck!

A New Garden Plot

2011-08-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

When I first moved to the current location in Missouri that I'm at now from the South Coast of Oregon; I knew that my gardening experience would change dramatically. However, I didn't realize that I would create such a jungle.

One of the first things that I looked for when I attained this home in the Springfield area was to where I was going to put the new garden. We are in the middle of 270 acres here, but only one of them is mine. Therefore, I knew that it would be the same place where a garden had been in years past. It was a small plot that I knew would just never be large enough so...I went bigger.

This plot was at the time about 20x25 and I increased it to 40x50 and all in a hearty fescue grassed yard. I knew that I was going to have problems this year trying to keep under control.

Since I moved here late last year, I didn't have time to take the precautions in which I discuss in my book Simple Gardens Exposed.

Therefore, I knew that I would have a fight on my hands, but I pressed on in order to fulfill my desire for a garden this year. Working up the ground with my rear tine tiller wasn't a problem. After several passes the ground was in fairly good shape and proceeded to plant.

I didn't take the time to draw out a real good plan for planting this year and I suffered some because of it, but overall; everything turned out extremely well. We were able to plant many things that we couldn't grow in the Northwest region and was excited at the prospects.

After getting everything planted we proceeded with laying down the black plastic between the rows in order to keep the grass from growing back. Everything looked great. The Drip Irrigation was built and in place, the plastic was between the rows as is suggested in my book; however, I was not ready for what happened over the next month.

The fescue began to push up the plastic around the edges. I knew that fescue grass is a formidable foe, but this stuff is ferocious. I tried to pull it the best I could. I laid straw on top of the plastic to try and keep it down, but the winds this year always seemed to be blowing about 40 mph., so it was always being pushed and raised to allow more air to get in. This caused me a little grief so I made wire pins to push into the ground to hold the plastic down. This helped tremendously, but the fescue was already taking a strong hold.

I didn't wish to use any spray to kill the grass so this year I just fought it by hand. I didn't divide and conquer in any sense of the word. That is the reason why that this year I will have the time to implement all the options of which I wrote in my book for having a weed free garden next season.

We had a fantastic garden, but we put a lot of work into it. I knew that it would be tough working up a new plot of land like that, and I knew that it would be especially bad with the fescue I had to fight. It would have all been easier if I would have been able to have enough time to work the garden according to Simple Gardens Exposed.

The work is always worth the enjoyment of seeing things grow and produce. And with all the extra product we grew; we were able to help with the food share program in our area plus help out a lot of needy folks in our church.

I do; however, look forward to this year and being able to work the garden the right way and not having to fight the weeds and grass next year. I will implement everything that I have written and follow my own advice. I've used my method for years, and it works every time. This year the plot fought me pretty good, but next year the victory will all be mine.

If you're interested in gardening methods that are proven to reduce labor and disease by up to 60%, then go to Simple Gardens Exposed and order my book. The book has been reduced from $12.95 to $3.95 for a short time and will give you a much needed revelation about how little work there can be when a garden is prepared the right way.

Thanks for reading and good luck!.

The Mid-West Heat has Fried the Garden

2011-08-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

The mid-west is on its way to breaking some serious heat records. Temperatures are soaring to well above 100 degrees with no relief in sight.Apparently the official diagnosis is "drought". I'm one of the luckier individuals here in my area as far as the garden is concerned and part of that luck is due to; what I believe, is My Drip Irrigation System.

While everyone is complaining that they can't get enough water to their gardens so that the plants can survive...my garden is still doing fairly well. However, the heat has made a tremendous difference in the plant bearing property.

The plants are definitely stressed and showing extreme signs of wear, but they are still surviving and bearing fruit. I notice much of the corn stalks in the gardens now are burnt up. They are brown and look now what they would normally look like in late August.

My corn is still green, but the corn cobs are not filling out properly and those cobs that are still small are not growing much in size.

The Drip Irrigation System that I designed and built has already paid for itself this year in continued yields of Tomato's, Bell Peppers, Hot Peppers, Pumpkins, Cantaloupe and Watermelons. The Sunflowers are still doing good and I always plant lots of flowers in my gardens that are still doing well. Marigolds are huge and blooming beautifully.

I believe that most of the production that I'm still receiving right now is positively due to The Drip Irrigation System. It puts the water right at the root; therefore, there is very little dehydration of water before it get to the plant and there is no water on the foliage that can lead to disease, bugs and of course; leaf burning.

If you would like to learn more about Drip Irrigation, just visit Gary's Simple Gardens and read an article that wrote concerning the many benefits to your garden.

I do think that if we don't see some relief from these soaring temperatures soon...the garden along with the mid-west will fry like a chicken.

Pray for Rain! .

Squash Pie...Don't laugh, This is Good!

2011-07-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

If you're still looking for ways in which to use up all the excess Summer Squash...here's a recipe that will knock your socks off.

This recipe calls for Summer Yellow Squash, but Zucchini will also work just as well.

If you like Custard Pies at all, then this one will greatly surprise you. This pie has a wonderful filling that is much like the texture and taste of custard with a little bit of a twist.

The only way to really explain it...is to bake it. I won't include a pie crust here because there are so many variations and most folks have their own special way of making those anyway. I've never tried this in a Graham Cracker crust, but I think that's next on my list, so without any more ado...here is the filling.

Pie Filling Ingredients:

2 1/12 c. summer squash (with the peelings and seeds)
cut, cook & drain
1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1/2 c. sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Place all ingredients, except nutmeg into blender or your mixer. Blend until thick and frothy. Pour mixture into uncooked pie shell. Sprinkle liberally with the nutmeg. Sprinkle edges of the pie crust also. Bake at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes or until a knife inserted comes out clean. Cool thoroughly and enjoy.

Monsanto...Devil in Disguise

2011-07-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

Monsanto claims to be an agriculture company who contends to help the farmers by offering seeds with the best possible germ plasm for improved genetics for a higher yield. They claim to deliver superior genetics to allow farmers to get more from each seed that they plant. However, a lot of concerned Americans are afraid that their true intentions lies elsewhere. According to Peter Montague in his article "The Bad Seed the Monsanto Corp. of St. Louis has been maneuvering to dominate the worlds supply of seeds for staple crops. "

One point that Mr. Montague points out in his article is that farmers who use these patented seeds must buy new seed from Monsanto every year. A farmer who fails to retain traditional seeds of his own would become solely dependent upon Monsanto for their seed every year.

An investigation by Donald C. Barlett and James B. Steele as released by vanity Fair in May of 2008, tells of Monsanto's threats to anyone who is even suspect of planting their G.M. (genetically modified) seeds.

An article printed by Organic Consumers Association states that Monsanto is putting normal seeds out of reach.

There are also two other companies that are coming into a close second to Monsanto. Dupont and Syngenta is also a forward thinking group that is also aligned to make an impact in seed market domination. I chuckle when I go to the feed store, or a large department store and I see Northrup King seeds as the predominate seed that the common gardener picks up to plant in their garden.

Folks...Northrup King seeds is not the same company that it was back in 1940. Northrup King seeds is a division of the Syngenta company. If you look on the package of most every seed that they put out...it uses the label Hybrid. These seeds are genetically modified to resist bugs, weather and certain chemicals. It seems that they can resist everything but a tornado or flash flood.

If you are not familiar with Hybrid seeds, then it would be in your best interest to research what the term Hybrid means. In most cases it is lower nutrient content and your ability to glean seeds from the plant is futile. They will produce seeds, but in most cases they are dormant.

Monsanto does seem to have more than just controlling the worlds seed supply as their goal; they are also the makers of Roundup. This product has been the best selling herbicide for the last 30 years. Now (to make it easier on the farmer) Monsanto has now even genetically modified their soybeans to be resistant to Roundup. This seems like a match made in heaven.

The Roundup can be sprayed directly onto the soybeans with the intention of killing the weeds that's growing in and around them without harm to the beans. Aren't you happy for the farmers that grow these beans? They get to save some time and money and you get to eat the Roundup. And we wonder why Cancer is on the rise!

I could go on about Monsanto, Dupont and Syngenta for pages; however, the point that I make with this article is to start planting your garden with Heirloom Seeds. Heirloom Seeds has a great assortment and they are reasonable. You can click on their site right here and see that they have a full assortment of heirlooms. You can purchase heirlooms from them and then start saving your own seeds from your own crops.

I've been asked the question about what Heirloom Seeds are. The best way to explain it is that they have been around for centuries and are what God created. And personally I don't think that Monsanto can top that...no matter how hard they try. Don't be fooled by seeds that promote faster growth, bug-resistant and earlier crops. More than likely these are Hybrids and they won't give you the nutrition that your body really needs.

GO HEIRLOOM!"

Heirlooms...Saving Your own Seeds

2011-07-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

This gardening year marked the advent of my first seed saving year from the garden. Not all has turned out as I expected, but…this is gardening.

I have wanted to accomplish this feat for years, but because of past obligations concerning time; I just never did. And I suppose that many of you hobby, and even fanatical gardeners are much the same way. However, if you can at all swing the time…I think you would find it very satisfying.

The most important aspect of saving your own seeds is that you will contribute to saving some of the many species of fruits and vegetables that are disappearing every year due to lack of interest. After all, it’s the grocery stores that determine most of the world market in both supply and demand. And if the Purple Potato is not selling well in your local produce department, then next year the farmer will not grow them and produce something else that will sell; which of course, is the more popular Russet Potato. This is happening more than you may realize. There is an excellent article on Sustainable Nutrition that will open your eyes to the fact that we have lost many of the heirloom fruits and vegetables just because there is not enough of a market to sustain them.

You and I have the unique opportunity of sustaining many of the heirlooms that are available today and we will profit in many ways from their special heritage.

One of the most valuable traits is the fact that we won’t have to buy all of those expensive seeds anymore. Don’t think they are that expensive? Think again! You could be paying as much as $2500.00 a pound for carrot seeds. Here is an interesting comparison by Robert Wayne.

A Quick Comparison of Vegetable Seeds to Silver Dollars

The small seed envelopes available for sale at hardware stores and supermarkets are generally priced between $0.97 to $1.69 per package. Each individual package usually contains somewhere between 100 mg to 3.5 g of seed, with an average of 900 mg of seeds per package. 1000 mg equals 1 gram and 1 gram equals 0.035 standard ounces. Therefore 900 mg equals approximately 0.0315 standard ounces or 0.0287 troy ounces. If the average seed package contains 900 mg of seeds and cost $0.97 then that is equivalent to $33.80 per troy ounce, which far exceeds the current market price of a one-ounce United States Silver Eagle. (Note: $0.97 / 0.0287 troy ounce = $33.80 per troy ounce.)

Therefore, in today’s normal global economy, seeds are more expensive per ounce than pure refined silver. And history has repeatedly demonstrated that during serious worldwide famine conditions, food and seeds eventually become more valuable than gold.

We look at that $0.99 on a package of seeds and think…“ that’s not really to bad” until we look at Robert Wayne’s comparison and then think “ maybe I could save a few of my own seeds”, however; that is not the only benefit. According to Mother Earth News the value could far exceed the initial cost of seed.

Let me first say that in order to save your own seeds, you first have to plant Heirloom Seeds. The main reason of course; is because the big seed companies like Mansanto and a couple others, have genetically changed many of our seeds that have taken both flavor and nutrition from our tables. This is called Genetically Modified Foods. They make the seed this bug proof, and that disease proof along with producing earlier and yielding more until you have a product that looks good…but has little value. And the main point in fact is that these seeds cannot reproduce themselves. They come up once at that's it!

This year I ordered most of my seed from an online Heirloom Seed Company. Now Heirlooms are not that much more expensive than the department store seeds, but the great part is that you only have to buy them once. The initial cost is a little more expensive, but next year I don’t have to buy near as many seeds and because of how seed saving works; I will only have to buy a few packages next year. This is because it takes two years for some of the seed saving process.

If you are just getting started (as I am ) in the seed saving process, then I would go online and look for some books on the subject. There is no end to the supply or information on this art.

Anyway, I had a few problems to start off with some of the seed. They were certainly alright, but some of them were packaged incorrectly which gave me a bit of a surprise, but…that was really quite alright. I would look online, or order some of the Heirloom catalogs and make your choice based upon guarantee and not on price. Some companies will give you a guaranteed growth and some will not even mention it. Look for the obvious!

So far I am very happy with the production and the taste of my Heirloom Veggies. The flavor is fantastic and in my opinion…the yield has been no less from the hybrid junk. I fought off a few bugs, horn worms and a little blossom end rot, but that’s to be expected with Heirlooms.

My advice…plant enough for both you and the bugs and you’ll have more than enough for all of you. Of course, if you use my bug juice; you won’t lose to awful much.

I’ll write a little more on this subject a little later because my garden is just now starting to come to an end and I’m just now starting the seed saving process.

Go Heirlooms!

Great Zucchini Bread Recipe

2011-07-25T14:02:00.000-07:00

This is a fantastic way to use up some that extra Zucchini Squash that's coming up in the garden now. And the great thing about this idea is that you can prepare it now and have it ready for the holidays. This bread; when wrapped properly will freeze very well and makes a great Christmas gift too.

Ingredients

* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 3 eggs
* 1 cup vegetable oil
* 2 1/4 cups white sugar
* 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 2 cups grated zucchini
* 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Grease and flour two 8 x 4 inch pans. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Sift flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
3. Beat eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar together in a large bowl. Add sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture, and beat well. Stir in zucchini and nuts until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pans.
4. Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack for 20 minutes. Remove bread from pan, and completely cool.

Nutritional Information open nutritional information

Amount Per Serving Calories: 223 | Total Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 26mg
Powered by ESHA Nutrient Databas

To freeze the bread:

Let the loafs cool naturally to room temperature. Then double wrap with saran wrap with foil on the outside. This loaf will keep about three months in the freezer. Just about time for Thanksgiving.

Good eating!

Cants on the Vine

2011-07-22T20:09:00.001-07:00

Cantaloupe is doing very well These Cantaloupe have matured a little early with the recent heat in the mid-west, but I won't complain. We look forward to some fine eating.

Why Drip Irrigation

2011-07-22T06:39:00.001-07:00

Watering the garden is not just a luxury...it is an integral necessity. However, the way in which we water our gardens is purely the decision of its owner. For countless years the chosen methods of watering has been either flood or over-head watering. Each method will certainly accomplish and fulfill the need; however, I daresay that both methods can lead to a lot of extra work. Since the advent of water pumps, the American gardener has given up the process of flood irrigation, so for the sake of space; I will address the main source of watering for the modern day gardener.

Water is the sustainable element to any garden. Crops must have it to grow, but how the water is delivered to our gardens can be causing about as much harm as good. A fairly daring statement I know, but ask yourself a couple of questions.

What happens when water is put where it's not supposed to be?
What is the long-term result?
Of course we have to think about where water is not supposed to be. If you have a leak in your roof for an extended period of time, then you will end up with destroyed ceilings and structures and if water gets into walls it will rot your wall Joice's and cause some nasty molds.

Water works the same way in your garden when it gets to places in your garden where it's not supposed to be. When you use an over-head sprinkler system, then you are watering your entire garden site. My question is why would you want to do this? The water will sometimes stand in your plants for days on end. If you have a few days of lower temperatures, then you stand the risk of that water causing mold, bacteria and mildew which; of course, causes disease. And if you are watering your Tomato plants foliage..then be prepared for disease. Always water your tomato plants at the root.

Also understand, that bugs need water. Now grant you; they don't need much, but if you have water standing in the crevices of your corn and lettuce it only stands to reason that you will help draw them to your garden for a fresh drink. Now starts the bug infestation!

The next bad omen to over-head watering is the fact that when you water...you are watering everything. Again I will ask...Why? It's the corn, tomatoes, beans and lettuce that you care about...why water the weeds and give them the ability to take over? Weeds already have everything that they need to flourish in your garden. They have nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium. If you add water, then the weeds will flourish and you have to be out in the garden on your knees pulling weeds.

With a drip irrigation system; the drip line goes right down your garden rows alongside your fruits and veggies. You turn the water on and the drip emitters will drip at about 1GPM (gallons per minute) which means that your veggies is all that's getting watered. Your not watering in the isles of your garden, or around its edges...just the plants that you intend to water.

There is also other benefits to using a drip system. It will save you hundreds or maybe even thousands of gallons of water throughout your gardens growing season. And if you are watering with city water...that could cost you a lot of unnecessary money.

In using a drip system...the water goes directly to the root of your plants from where they drink from anyway. They do attain some water through their foliage, but let your plants get it from the early morning dew...not a sprinkler system. If your not watering over-head, then there will be no water sitting on your plants for an extended period of time; thus giving molds and disease no place to begin growing. You will have also done a great dis-service to the local bugs of your community which has relied on you in the past for a cool drink of water.

Another added benefit of drip irrigation is the fact that you can directly fertilize your garden plants through it. Now if you've fertilized your garden site according to my book Simple Gardens Exposed...then you won't have to fertilize through it, but it's good to know that that option is there.

Drip Irrigation systems can be expensive. However, in my book Drip Irrigation Made Simple...you can build one yourself with less than half the cost of conventional systems. The choice is up to you, but if you want to cut down on the weeding, the bugs and the disease in your garden and save lots of money in the process?...then install a drip irrigation system.

Save yourself a lot of time. With a drip system you can turn on one valve and water your entire garden in about an hour. You don't have to go out and move the sprinkers anymore or fuss with the hoses. A drip system just makes gardening more SIMPLE.

Wishing you gardening success!

Japanese Beetle Help

2011-07-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

The Japanese Beetle is here to stay says The U.S. Department of Agriculture and they are spreading.

But for those of you that have some precious rose bush's or garden vegetables that you want to protect from being eaten, there is a natural way to help keep them off.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup dried cayenne peppers
1/2 cup jalapeno peppers
1 gal. water

Bring the water to a boil and add the peppers. I would suggest that you have the fan going above the stove or the steam will bring you to tears.

Let the mixture boil for approx. 30 min. and then remove from the heat and let steep all night. Strain the mixture with cheese cloth and place it in your hand held sprayer and spritz anything that you want to protect.

Make sure that you cover completely and re-spray after a rain or watering. I would suggest washing if you get any on your skin. It won't really hurt you, but it's doggone uncomfortable.

Great Way to Freeze Strawberries

2011-07-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

To freeze berries,remove the stems and rinse carefully so as not to bruise. You can dry in a colander or on paper towels. Then put them on a sheet pan or tray in the freezer. The berries should freeze fairly hard in about an hour. Then you can remove the berries and place them in either quart or gallon size freezer bags. This way they won't stick to each other and you can measure what you need at the time you need them.
Great idea for your morning cereals, pies and ice cream toppings.

Here is an odd, but great Strawberry Recipe.
Strawberries with Balsamic Vinegar and Black Pepper

Ingredients:
1 quart strawberries, washed and hulled
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
4 tablespoons or more cane or brown sugar, depending on the sweetness of the berries
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Halve strawberries if large. Cut in thirds or quarters if very large. Put in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with sugar. Toss and set aside for 30 minutes.

2. Sprinkle vinegar and pepper on berries and toss again. Serve immediately!

This may sound very strange, but if you're ever in the mood for something different...this will please the pallet.

Picking the Perfect Pineapple

2011-07-16T10:02:00.001-07:00

When it comes to tropical fruits; the Pineapple is second in sales directly behind the Banana. The fruit is sweet and when eaten will give you a burst of flavor like no other fruit. It is as if there is an explosion of sweet freshness that over-whelms the senses.

The Pineapple is not just tastee, but it is packed with nutrients that is extremely important to the internal organs and muscle health. And although this article is not necessarily about the health benefits of the little miracle...I think they are worth looking into. Therefore, if you will will go to Nutrient Data you will fined out just how vitamin packed the Pineapple really is.

Now that we know that the Pineapple is good for us...we can discuss the best method for picking out the little jewel.

In my thirty or so years in the Produce business, there was not a week that went by without some sweet little lady coming to me asking me to pick her out the perfect Pineapple. I was of course; perfectly willing to do so, but I always felt just as obligated to instruct her on learning the task herself. I finally realized that some of those wonderful ladies already knew how to pick out their Pineapple, but what they really wanted was just someone to talk to. And usually the joke was on me, because I never really ever seen it coming.

Pineapple is like most all other fruits...they are picked too green for human consumption. They are picked this way because of the need for in-store shelf life. They are gassed to kill insects and to excite the enzymes of the fruit to continue the ripening process. I am not one whom agrees with this particular process; however, I am also not anyone who can change it.

Therefore, one might say that "we just have to go with the flow" and in most cases the delectable fruit will finally come to ripen. And of course, it then becomes our responsibility to find that mature point of edibility. And of course; your question about the subject is...when is that?

The best way to pick out that perfect Pineapple is to navigate your way to the top of the leaves (also known as the crown) and reach into the very top of the crown and try to pull a leaf from the very center. You should not have to pull hard in the least. Give the leaf a slight tug and if the Pineapple is ripe...the leaf will come out very easily.

In some cases the leaf you touch might even just fall out. If this happens, take a second look at the Pineapple itself and make sure it is not bruised in any way. You don't want the Pineapple over-ripe.

A second method is to look on the bottom portion of the Pineapple and observe the core. If you have small amount of mold just starting to grow on the core...this is a good sign that the sugar content of the fruit is high. This type of mold needs two sources in which to grow and they are moisture and sugar. Therefore, if you've got a little mold, then it must have a fairly good source of sugar available. Don't be afraid of the mold, but don't consume it either. It will wash and or cut off without doing you any harm.

Now if you pick a Pineapple where the top center leaf plucks out easily and when you turn it over and find a small amount of mold on the core, then you've hit paydirt. That Pineapple will be both juicy and sweet. When you peel the fruit for eating just cut the mold from the core and then enjoy. But don't throw that core away!

There is probably two dozen things you can do with that core, so don't waste it. Here's just a few.

Blend it up to make a delicious smoothie
Use it for your Pina Colada
Use it for a meat tenderizer
Rub the core and the Pineapple on your skin to reduce the signs of wrinkles and aging. See Pineapple Face Mask
Put the core into a chicken and roast it (delicious)
Put them into a punch bowel
Slice up the core and put a chunk into your tea or lemonade

You get the idea here? In other words...you paid for it so by-all-means utilize the core. Why throw it away? Do some research and find out the many other uses for your Pineapple core and skins. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Good Luck!

Early June...Garden off to a good start

2011-07-14T14:31:00.000-07:00

After the hard rains in May; the garden finally gets off to a good start. May was a very rough start for the mid-west as far as gardens are concerned. After the heavy rains, I had to replant my Green Beans and Corn twice. The rains washed out the seed and some just plain rotted right in the ground. This was my first year planting in my home state of Missouri, but overall...I'm very happy.

This has been a tremendous learning curve coming from the South Coast of Oregon. Many different bugs to contend with here. A lot more destructive insects, but thank the Good Lord for my bug prevention tonic. It has certainly been a blessing this year.

The Trouble with Tomato's

2011-07-12T18:33:00.000-07:00

I have met a tremendous amount of friends and acquaintances throughout my years and many of them because of a common interest...the fun of gardening. However,out of all the conversations that I have engaged in about gardening, the most talked about has been growing the Tomato. And the most important thing that I think I can tell anyone about the trouble with growing the Tomato is that there is to much human intervention

When these acquaintances found out that I was a farmer and avid gardener they immediately assumed that I might know everything there was to know about growing the Tomato. And I would like to make one point perfectly clear...I don't. Of course most of us know the common element of the species... and that is that they like lots of sun and they seem to be susceptible to every disease and bug on the planet. This of course is the reasoning as to why many folks have went to growing the Hybrid Tomato.

Some has resolved to the fact that since we seem to be incapable to growing the sensitive fruit on our own, then we can turn to science for all the answers.

But I daresay that science has not done that great of a job in and of itself. Science in its quest to answer and solve every question of the world; has decided that they can do a far better job than nature, or in my belief; God himself. They figure that nature has not done a good enough job on its own; therefore they can improve by genetically changing the way the tomato grows.

They modify and try to create a seed that is resistant to bugs, will produce earlier, attain greater yields, grow in cooler climates and have better nutrition. And it's all well and good just as long as we continue to purchase and plant the seeds that science creates for us. However, in depending upon science, we seem to lose our own ability to sustain ourselves. These Hybrid seeds will not reproduce themselves; which means you are now completely dependent upon someone else for your gardening endeavors.

I do have a somewhat reserved appreciation for science, but not when it comes to messing with our food. Science has unlocked quite a few doors about the questions we have always had about why things go wrong. They have taught us about the PH factor of our soils, they have explained what's in soil and what makes it produce the foods that we consume and science has helped reveal the type of nutrition that is available in those foods. And as far as I'm concerned...that's as far as science needs to go. The growing process should then be left to us.

I believe that we as gardeners should take the common sense approach to growing the Tomato. And of course; my common sense approach is to first get away from the Hybrid seed. You do have the ability to grow the old fashioned, been around for thousands of years Tomato. Just use common sense. And since I have opened my mouth; I will do my best to explain how I do it.

The first step is to plant Heirloom seeds. These seeds have been around since time began. They are strong and have adapted themselves to growing in places that we thought a Tomato could never grow. Nature is like that...it survives if left alone.

The first consideration to growing any plant in the garden is the soil. There again; science offers us so many quick fix's and easy solutions. But here again; I use the common sense solutions. Your soil has most of every thing it needs to grow good Tomatoes; however, if we nurture the soil a little, then we can produce great Tomatoes.

Always remember that your soil is alive. It is a living element that has good minerals and bacterium that feeds the plants that you grow. Therefore, if you take care of your soil...it will take care of you. Amend the soil with an all natural compost, you can grow cover crops in the fall of the year, you can till in roughage such as wheat or oat straw to help make your soil loamy and you can stop using chemical fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides which destroys the good bacterium in your soil. You can also prepare your soil in the way in which I describe in my book Simple Gardens Exposed and you will help build a soil to its ultimate abilities.

Now for the common sense approach to successful Tomato yields. The human make-up is to nurture. We do it with our children when they are babies. It's in our DNA. We want to make sure that a baby has everything it needs to grow up healthy and strong and productive; therefore, we nurture it. But sometimes we have a tendency to go a little to far.

Let's use an example or hypothesis of what I'm speaking of. If you were to have a child, and let's say that you carried that child constantly. You would never let it down because you were always affraid to let that baby crawl or learn to walk because of the fear you would have of it falling and getting hurt. Then by reason; you would have over-nurtured and done that child a great dis-service by never letting it strengthen its muscles and grow. Therefore, it's a possibility that your child would always be sickly and unable to care for itself. Even into adulthood.

I'm going to say that the Tomato is much the same way. We're so afraid that it's going to hurt itself, that it's going to take a fall and get a bruise or bump. We want to nurture that plant because we are afraid of the risks involved in its learning process. Here's my advice to you...leave the poor thing alone and let it learn to walk and crawl with minimal assistance. When a child is learning to walk, we might aid in that child's endeavor by holding its hands while its learning and gaining strength in its limbs, but eventually that child's instinct is going to take over so it can walk by itself.

If we do what is right for the soil, then that Tomato plant will have most all the assistance that it needs from us to prevail. But our nurturing instinct tells us that we have to water it, feed it, help support it all the way through its growing and producing life. And most of the time all we are doing is aiding in its ability to become sick.

If you take a look at all the disease's that can affect the Tomato, most of them is caused by our need to over nurture. Allow me to explain...

Problem: Plant producing more foliage than fruit.
Cause: To much Nitrogen/Lack of Calcium

Problem: Early Blight:
Cause: Usually to much water

Problem: Gray Leaf Spot
Cause: Usually from over-head watering

Problem: Verticilium Wilt
Cause: Lack of good bacteria in soil

Problem: Anthracnose
Cause: To much water/Over-head watering

Problem: Blossom End Rot
Cause: Not enough calcium/Phosphorous

Take a look at just a few of these diseases and causes. Most of the causes are because we are doing either to much nurturing or we're going about the nurturing in all the wrong way. Two of the most damaging reasons for sick Tomato's is because we haven't taken care of the soil properly, or we are watering incorrectly.

If you are using an over-head sprinkler system to water your Tomatoes...you are inviting disease and bugs. If you are watering properly-that is to say at the root or ground level, then you're watering correctly, but possibly to much.

I don't use over-head watering with none of my gardens, but especially the Tomato. Now you can't help it if it rains and the plants get wet. That, of course, is nature and you can't control that. However, if you do end up with a problem on your plants because of to much rain, then you can help out a little, but only if it's absolutely necessary.

My method of watering for many years now has been a drip irrigation system, but I'm very watchful not to over-water. I watch my plants and if I see that the foliage is just starting to droop a little, then I know that it's time to water. My drip emitters are 1 gph (gallons per hour) emitters, so I will water them for about an hour and then turn the water off. One gallon of water will do a large, healthy tomato plant for at least 4-5 days. Now if you are in extremely hot conditions...you will be different. But let your plants tell you when they are ready for water.

Now I always prep my soil to make sure that there is all the Nitrogen, Calcium and Phosphorous that my garden needs before I plant, but there is one thing that you can do for your plants that won't harm in any way.

Save your eggshells and throw them into a container that is stored out of the house. The garage would be good! Let the eggshells dry. Then when your plants just start to put on blossoms, take the eggshells and crush them up and bury them around your Tomato plants. They don't need to be deep. Just a couple of inch's should do it. Eggshells are full of Calcium. Putting the eggshells around your plants will give them a little Calcium injection which aids in the production and health of your fruit.

Now we might discuss when we might need to do a little more nurturing. The Tomato isn't unlike any other fruit tree. And of course I'm assuming that everyone knows that the Tomato is a fruit and not a vegetable. Fruit trees have to be pruned for maximum yield and so does the Tomato. They produce suckers that extract and take nutrients away from maximum fruit bearing potential. Suckers need to be removed. If you don' know how to accomplish this, then a great article by Frank Ferrandino can be very helpful and I would encourage you to visit his site.

There are times when your best efforts are somewhat detoured by the on-set of a rainy, moist, cool week and you see your plants become a little stressed. This is a time when they are susceptible to disease and predators. In aid to this condition the following is two natural recipes that have helped me and my Tomato's greatly. These two concoctions can be sprayed on your plants with great success.

Excessively wet plants can bring the on-set of Aphids. Here's a recipe that will help. Aphids and other bugs hate it.

2 cups water (preferably distilled)
1 cup dish soap
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
1 cup canola oil

Mix together into a garden sprayer and spray the plants. The oil helps to protect the plants from more moisture, the dish soap allows the solution to help stick to the plant and the Cayenne Pepper will give the bugs a very hot pallet. They don't like trying to eat the Cayenne.

This is a recipe that I have used on my fruit trees and garden plants for years and have been very happy with it. This helps to keep the scale off from my apples.

3 bulbs Garlic
1 small onion
1/2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper
2 gallons of water (filtered or distilled)
1/4 cup dish soap

Place the water into a large pan and bring to a boil. Peel and chop the Garlic and onion and add to the water. Boil for approximately twenty minutes. Remove from heat and add the canola oil, Cayenne Pepper and dish soap and let steep over night. Strain the liquid through some cheese cloth or old towel. When ready to use, add a half gallon of water per gallon of the solution and spray onto your plants.

This concoction will not only deter bugs, but will also help to protect the plants from disease. The Garlic acts as a anti-bacterial and helps to ward off disease. Both of these recipe's are great, but of course, the best solution is and always will be... prevention.

Take care of your soil, stop the over-head watering and excessive watering, clip off the suckers, if you smoke...wash your hands before you handle the toms and don't over-nurture your plants. Tomato's will tell you when they need your help, but if they don't tell you...then leave 'em alone.

There is a lot of information that I could continue to share here, but for lack of space...I'll call it good. But if you have any more questions like how to stop cut worms or how to build a drip irrigation system, then you can leave a comment on one of my blogs or contact me at simplegardens121@gmail.com

Good Luck & Great Gardening!

Take the Labor out of Gardening

2011-07-09T18:04:00.000-07:00

This 31 page booklet will tell you how to
increase YOUR FRUIT YIELDS up to 30%

Hello… I’m Gary Brill…
author of SIMPLE GARDENS EXPOSED.

I have been a Farmer and a
Produce Department Manager
for most of my life, so you could say
that veggies are my business, but…

MY PASSION IS GARDENING…
With Farming and working a full time job,
there never seemed to be enough hours
in a day in which to grow a great garden.

I finally developed a METHOD OF GARDENING where I no longer fight the weeds, battle the disease, or compete with the bugs just to have my favorite fruits and veggies.

AND YOU CAN TOO…at http://www.simplegardensexposed.com

2011-07-08T13:48:00.000-07:00

. Sunflowers growing well. This pic about the middle of June.

Give Bugs a Heartburn

2011-07-08T08:58:00.000-07:00

The bite that burns.
If you are anything like me (and let's hope you're not)you don't like using chemicals on you're food.

Here is a recipe that will give many bugs a heartburn that they'll never forget.

8 qts water
1 large onion
1 bulb garlic
1 tbsp red Cheyenne pepper
1 tbsp dish soap

Peel and cut up a large yellow onion, one bulb of garlic and place them into the water. Add the red pepper and bring to a boil. Let simmer for approx. 15 minutes. Remove from the stove and let it steep over-night.

Filter the solution through a cheese cloth and pour into your garden sprayer. Add approx. a gallon and a half of water and the dish soap. Shake well and spray on everything.

This spray is completely natural and can be sprayed on everything; including flowers and Roses. Be sure to spray on top of the leaves as well as underneath.

Do you think this concoction would give you a heartburn? Think what it would do for the bug!

July Heralds Harvest

2011-07-07T18:36:00.000-07:00

This is my first year with growing a garden in the mid-west state of Missouri and I've never had such a harvest so early. Growing in the Northwest for so many years has lent me to believe that you don't really get much of a harvest until August or September. With the Cooler climate there, you don't plant until late May or early June, and depending on how your summer fares will depict your harvest.

I knew that the Mid-West would give me a far superior harvest, but I didn't expect it so soon. I've already canned up my Beets, most of my pickles and will be canning up Green Beans tomorrow. Of course, I've been eating Lettuce, Radish's, Greens and squashes since early June.

What has surprised me is how fast the Corn is coming on. And I'm now growing Watermelon and Cantaloupe of the which I have never grown on the coast of Oregon. However; all has not been exactly perfect.

Beginning in June I began harvesting in direct competition with the Japanese Beetle
( a new adversary ), but for the most part I am winning with the help of my bug detracting recipe. But I must admit...even my famous bug detractor doesn't discourage these ferocious eaters much.

Another pest that I am not used to fighting is the Tobacco Horn Worm. Over-night they almost destroyed 5 of my Tomato plants. I have found that wood ash helps to detour them tremendously.

Overall though...I am excited about the Watermelons, Cantaloupe and Corn on which I will soon feast. More to follow!

Time to Plan the Garden

2010-01-04T16:11:00.001-08:00

This is the time of year when it is either snowing, raining or freezing, so you really haven’t got a whole lot to do outdoors right now anyway so…why not take the time and plan your garden.

You might say within yourself that you really don’t need to plan the garden. You can design and plan your garden as you go along, but every year you end up saying to yourself…” I wish I’d done it different”.Planning a garden is not cumbersome or boring. On the contrary; planning a garden can be fun and make your garden more organized and fruitful. You just have start by getting organized. Here’s a few idea’s that will help to make it fun.

1.)Draw Out Your Garden Plot

There is no better way to draw out your garden plot than with a piece of graph paper. Buy a graph tablet and use it to map out your garden. It’s always best to start your drawing by scale. Know how much space you have in your garden by drawing an outline of your garden. You don’t have to be exact; after all, you’re not building a house. But some gardens are not always square or oblong. Some gardens have different shapes, so it’s best to draw out your garden according to its dimensions.

In drawing out your garden plot in this way, you will be able to best decide where you intend to plant which products. Think about your garden space and remember that some plants take more space to grow than others and try to place plants where you can utilize all the available space. Planting helter-skelter is less labor intensive, but rest assured that without putting some thought into the process…you will be cheating yourself out of all the benefits that a planned garden can offer.

A good example would be to plant your corn on the far end of your garden where it will not shade any of the rest of your garden. Plant pole beans on the outskirts of your corn so that the vines can use the corn as a trellis. You can also plant low growing vines like cucumbers and melons on the outskirts of your corn. This is a space saving idea that I’ve used in my gardens for years. Some of the vine will grow into your corn plot instead of into your garden area. Four or five of the vines grown in this manner can save a lot of space.

2.)Consider Succession Planting

While planning your garden it is also a good idea to decide rather you are going to be doing extra canning or freezing this year. If you are, then it would be a good idea to consider succession planting. The concept of succession planting is great for the gardener who wants to have a continuous supply of fresh fruits and vegetables from the early spring until very late into the fall.

This is a fantastic concept because when one product is done for the year, then you can replace something else in the same exact spot. Of course in doing this you will also have to do a little long range planning.

A good example is to plant something that you will harvest in August or September. You will then pull up the spent vine or remaining plant; throw them into the compost pile and then replace it with a product that likes cooler weather with a shorter growing span. For this I will sometimes use Radish, Lettuce, or something in the Cole family.

3.)Choosing Your Seed

The new seed catalogs should be coming to your door very soon. If you don’t subscribe to any of the seed catalogs; it would behoove you to do so. There are a tremendous amount of catalogs out there, but my best advice is to try and find them from your particular state. These will offer seeds that are more acclimated to your area. However, if there is none available for your state, then do an online search for seed catalogs. When it comes to seed catalogs; there is always an inexhaustible supply.

Of course, I am a huge proponent of Heirloom Seeds, but if you are alright with planting the Hybrids, then by-all-means knock yourself out. Following this article are some websites where you can find some of my favorite seed catalogs.

When choosing my seed, I always put them into three categories.

a. Must have
b. Want to have
c. Can maybe fit in

The “must have” seeds are my staples. Those are the fruits and veggies that I want most. For most everyone the staples are going to be different. My staples might be Radish, Lettuce, Tomatoes, but yours could be Carrots, Cucumbers and Strawberries. This is why planning your garden ahead is so very important. If you have your seed catalogs now; you have the ability to look through them and maybe find seeds that have a shorter harvest time, or have better bug resistance. You might decide to have a bush bean this year versus a pole bean which takes more space. There are a multitude of things to consider, but enjoy the process. Make it a family project and have fun with it. After all, that’s what a garden is supposed to be.

My “want to have” seeds are self explanatory. If I have enough room in the garden, or if I plan to do some extra canning or freezing, or maybe I want to give some more away this year, or it could be that I just want to experiment, then these might be the seeds that I want to grow. And here again I can’t emphasize the need for a little planning ahead of time. If you have drawn out your garden plot and you have your seed catalogs in front of you, then you can have a better idea as to whether you have the space to grow all the things you must have along with all the items that you want to have. Be sure to look at the seeds growing and harvesting time, spacing and zones.

The products that I “can maybe fit in” are those items that I would like to try or maybe experiment with. I do my best to make my garden fun; therefore, I’m going to do a little experimenting to see if I have found myself a new favorite, or maybe I’ve still got a lot of pickles that I canned up from last years garden, so I’m going to try something different in their place this year. It doesn’t hurt to experiment once in a while. Maybe you’ve never grown artichokes before and you would like to give them a try. I say… GO FOR IT!

However, Artichokes can take up some room, so once again you need to do a little planning.

4.)Inter-Planting

In this last segment on garden planning I would like to emphasize the concept of Inter-Planting. Some gardeners might have their own ideas about the process, but I will offer you mine. No matter the size of your garden and no matter what you plant in that garden, be sure to Inter-Plant its entire contents. In my book Simple Gardens Exposed, I go into this process in great detail and will always enforce the concept in whatever garden I grow. I cannot emphasize enough about the value of co-planting Garlic, Herbs and Flowers into garden plot. I am never particular about where I plant these items in my garden, just as long as they are mixed completely and thoroughly into the entire garden. I won’t go into the entire process here because it is to lengthy; however, if you want the why’s and wherefores of the process, then you can download my book for only $12.95.

Of course my book contains a great deal about how to make gardening simple, but it will also tell you the value of the Inter-Planting process. Inter-Planting can be one of the most valuable methods you can use for your garden, so when you are making your garden plans; don’t forget to incorporate this method onto your garden graph.

In closing; this article is mainly meant to serve as a reminder that garden planning can make your gardening simple and less time consuming. It is not for me to say how you plant your garden or what products to fill it with; however, in creating a garden plan, you will certainly be able to achieve the most that your garden plot has to offer.

My Hope is that your New Gardening year is a bountiful one!

My Favorite Garden Catalog Sites:

Heirloom Seeds

Heirloom Seeds.com

Territorial Seed Co.

Johnnys Seed Co.

Jung Seed Co.

The Gardeners Prayer

2009-05-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

Lord bless these hands with strength I pray
that they may be able to toil day by day
bless the soil in which I plant
To bring forth fruit Lord please us grant.

Bless the lettuce, beets and potatoes please
Let them grow and produce with ease
allow the carrots, beans and kale
onions and radish come without fail

Bless the corn that it may rise
to reach the clouds in your blue sky
Its golden nuggets so ripe and sweet
give hearty meals to us who reap

Grant us much sunshine dear Lord we pray
so that our gardens will grow each day
It’s not just for our family or for greed
But to help feed others that are in need

Bless the fruits of our labor dear Lord we pray
and give us strength to plant another day.

Author: Gary Brill
Simple Gardens Exposed

Please feel free to copy The Gardeners Prayer if you so desire. I would only ask that the authors name be included. Thank you!

Simple Seed Germination

2009-04-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite tunes from Elton John is the song entitled "The Circle of Life". Although germinating a seed has nothing to do with the movie...the concept of a life full circle remains the same. It is magnificent to watch something so small and trivial as a seed perfect itself into a sustainer of life.

It is that full circle that perpetuates a seed to grow into a life that will draw from the soil its needed sustainment and then grow into a plant that will take carbon dioxide and filter it and produce oxygen. It is also pure amazement to me that a seed so insignificant can grow into a fir tree that will reach 90' tall. And from that same tree, we will heat our homes, build our house, create furniture and paper.

We understand that the whole perpetuation of the vegetable life is dependant upon one small seed being able to germinate so that it can reproduce itself by many fold. It seems; at times, a contradiction of life itself that a seed must produce a plant, and then that same plant be required to die in order to reproduce.

It seems that most all life is based upon this very same principle and as much as I am awe-struck of this concept...I am glad that it is so.

It is for this reason why that one or two plants can virtually turn into millions of plants that will either produce a flower, grain or a fruit that will virtually help feed millions and billions of people. Every time we sit down to eat; we as humans minimize the fact that something has given its life, so that we may be nourished in order to grow.

Therefore, it is for this reason that gardening for me is such a pleasure. I get to help return the favor to nature and its abundance to my well being by spreading and propagating the seeds in order for them to continue their mission of life sustainment to me and mine. And one of the ways that I perform this task is to simply give the seeds and opportunity to germinate. And this; of course, is the reason for this writing.

I would like to share with you a quick and simple way in which I germinate a lot of my seeds-if I am for some reason...way behind in getting my seeds started. This method is fast and I don't recommend it for all seeds, but it works for many of them.

I first take a piece of aluminum foil that's about 24" in length. You can make it any length you choose, but I very seldom plant more than a row of any one item longer than that.

Then I will take paper towel and lay it down on top of the foil about the same length. Then I will lay out my seed in the desired spacing on top of the paper towel.
For lettuce...I don't worry to much about spacing, but for radish's; I will space them about 1" apart. You can look on a package of seed and it will usually tell you about how far to space them.

Then I will take another strip of paper towel and lay over top of the seeds. (I don't use the full width of the towel. I use just enough width to adequately cover the seeds.)

I then take a misting bottle full of non-chlorinated water and spray the paper towels until wet.

Take your fingers and press the paper towel down over top of the seed until the towel does a good job of folding around the seeds. Then I place the whole thing on top of my fridge or in some other warm place.

I mist the paper towel every day so that the towel stays moist. Do not over-spray. You just want the towel staying moist. The area that you place the seed in or on should be at least 72 degrees. This could be on top of the VCR, refrigerator or a stove of some sort. Just make sure the top of the stove don't get to warm.

You don't need light. At this point...light is not necessary.

Somewhere in the vicinity of 5-6 days; your plants should be sprouting and on their way to growth. You can check them and you will see when they have germinated and are on their way to growth. This is the time when I take them out to the garden for planting.

Planting this way is also very simple and easy.

Take the seeds to the garden while still on the foil...this will give you a little stability in handling.

Make a very shallow trough in your garden row the same length as your paper towel.

Lay the foil and seed on top of the trough, then slide the foil out from underneath the paper towel. Now the paper towel should be lying on the soil.

Then cover the entire paper towel and the seed with about 1/2" of soil. (Don't pat the soil down.) Take your spray bottle and soak the soil. As the water is sprayed on the soil, you will see it compress as the air in the soil is replaced by water.

And this completes the germination and planting process. There is no pots that you have to deal with, no potting mix preparation and no root shock. The paper towel will act as somewhat of an insulator from chilly nights and it will decompose in the soil.

I don't try to impress on anyone that this is the best way to start seeds, but it is certainly simple and fast. I don't do this with every seed that I put in the garden, but I do love it for lettuce, radish, carrot, and greens.

You will find that with small seed such as those mentioned above...it will make life a whole lot simpler and you don't have to go back later and thin out.

Just another simple idea to ponder!

2009-03-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

For large quanities of Heirloom Seeds at bulk prices Luscombe Affiliates is a site to visit. Luscomb Affiliates offers many articles with more of a survivalist attitude, but the good intention is there. They offer high quality seeds at a discounted bulk price. You may feel like they are a little apocolyptic; however, if you can overlook the "end of the world outlook"; they offer some good insight of things to ponder.

2009-03-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

Integrated/Companion Planting

Many plants have natural substances in their roots, flower and leaves that can repel or attract insects. The trick; of course, is to know which plants will do the attracting and which ones will do the repelling. This is a science that Herbalist and Horticulturist have been studying for centuries and in my opinion...they have only just scratched the surface.

Probably the best study of this is nature itself. It appears that when God sits things in order, they seem to work in perfect harmony. However, when man steps in and thinks he can do a better job is when that harmony seems to blow up in our face.

Therefore, in my opinion, what we need to do is copy or duplicate nature and they way she sits things in order. Our ecosystem works on the process of integration where ever we go. So what we need to do is to incorporate this same philosophy into our own gardens.

It is not for me or even a horticulturists to say what is best for your little plot of land that you call your garden. The main reason is because of the fact that your garden is not like mine, nor is my garden like my neighbors. I would assume that in order for a Horticulturist to make the best decision for companion planting in your garden would be for them to design the garden from the very beginning.

And I will also offer you this small peice of information...it doesn't matter who designs your garden or what type of a degree they have...you're going to have bugs in your garden. It's nature for heavens sake.

Therefore, my suggestion is to first prepare and maintain your garden site as I have outlined in my book Simple Gardens Exposed. This process alone will cut the bad bugs and disease in your garden by at least 50%. Then I would suggest Integrated or companion planting. However, I don't feel that making a science out of the project is that important. The most important aspect of Integrated planting is to just MIX IT UP!

One tip that I will give you is to plant Garlic. Plant lots of Garlic everywhere. Plant it among your lettuce, cabbage, beets, corn etc. Don't be shy about it. If you don't the stuff, then give it to your neighbors and friends, but grow it. Garlic is a very strong smelling plant and their aren't many critters that like it. And the ones that do usually are under the soil. Garlic is not so much of a bug repellant as it is a cover-up. It's odor is so strong and far reaching that the bugs receptors will smell only Garlic instead of your lettuce. So plant lots of Garlic and send the bugs over to your neighbors garden.

I could spend probably two or three pages telling you which plants to plant next to your carrots and beans, and another two or three pages telling you what I don't know about what to plant next to where. Much of what scientist tell us is factuall, but the rest of it...I think the jury is still out.

I am all about simplicity in the garden. That's why I wrote my books. Why complicate what nature does so easily. Therefore, here is my very simple suggestion to companion planting. JUST MIX IT UP! Don't just plant a single row of anything. Start with some lettuce, then plant some carrots and then Garlic, then plant some herbs and so on and so on.

Plant lots of flowers in you gardens. Plant them every where. Don't go just helter scelter and throw the seeds in your garden like your feeding the chickens. You want a neat and organized garden, but inter-plant the flower among all the fruits and veggies. Just a few of the flower I like to plant in my garden is Coneflower,asylum,daisy,goldenrod and cosmos. These are anuals that attract butterflys and bees. Just make sure that they are anuals.

So naturalize your garden. Create an ecosystem that more closely immitates nature. If you have ever gone into an area that is relatively untouched by man; you will see that there is a few trees, some grasses, some flowers, bushes and etc. Nature just mixes it up.

You know that your garden is going to attract some bad bugs, but some of those flowers are going to attract some of the good bugs. And; of course, some of the good bugs eat the bad bugs and then your going to attract some birds also, and they are going to eat a few of the good bugs. What have you created?...harmony. Nothing seems to get out of control.

Plant lots of herbs. It doesn't matter if you like them or not...plant them and let some of them go to flower. This will attract a tremendous amount of good bugs. Bugs that will help pollinate your garden.

Don't get all tied up in knots about what to plant where, or what to plant next to what. In mixing up your garden in this manner, you will have a much healthier garden and you will have created a patch of ground that well resemble a miniature eden that you will love to work in.

Privacy Policy

2009-03-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for http://www.simplegardensexposed.blogspot.com

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2009-03-10T13:55:00.000-07:00

Produce Tips:

I know that this is a gardening blog; however, I don't think it would be quite fair to keep 30 years as a produce man and what I've learned about fruits and veggies a secret.

We live in a time where science seems to be more to the forefront than common sense.

Not that science is so bad...it's just not great when it comes to our food.

In this day and age, most of the Produce we eat from our local markets is what I call "Forced Grown". Scientist say that our top soil has been depleted and now we face a situation where products can't receive the necessary nutrients they need to produce on their own. You can read a very interesting story on this fact at : http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/348200_dirt22.html?source=mypi I won't get into all the science of soil, but just know that we need it in agriculture. My point on the subject is that the nutrition that we would normally receive from the market fruits and vegetables is being depleted in our foods along with the soil. Therefore in order for the large crop growers to continue to grow our food on the same ground year after year...it has to be fed chemical fertilizers in order to produce. Many folks think that the chemicals can be washed off and that it's alright to consume. And I am here to report that some of it can be. But remember that the chemicals are placed in the soil as well as on the Produce, so getting rid of all the chemicals in your food you might say is "fruitless".

However, I do offer you this one tip in purchasing Produce at your local grocery store. Bring it home and wash it before you put it away or consume it. You don't have to buy those expensive Produce Wash products either. Just run a sink full of very luke -warm water and a small amount of dish soap. This will work every bit as well as some of those expensive products on the market. Don't take for granted that everything has been washed at the packers. Just think of how many people has touched that Red Delicious Apple before you picked it up for purchase. If even only five people handled it before you purchased it...you also have purchased their little germs. And the added benefit is that your veggies will last a little longer in the fridge because you have re-hydrated them. Have a nice day!