Sunday, January 21, 2018

Garden Plans...

 January is a time for garden catalogues, hot cocoa, and planning.   There were a few things I did last year that I will definitely incorporate into this year's garden.  

I love using basil, oregano, parsley, and garlic in an ice cube tray covered with olive oil.  I froze them and then add one to two cubes when I brown meat or saute vegetables.  They are wonderful and easy to use.  The herbs taste fresh.
 I've never planted basil or oregano before.  I enjoyed them profusely.  Especially basil leaves on pizza.  I know it sounds crazy, but it adds a bite.   The other Pinterest project that I found incredible was cutting my cherry tomatoes into quarters, drizzle with olive oil, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.  Roast at 350 for 45 minutes.  Freeze on the pans and then transfer to a freezer bag.  These are amazing.    They are great fresh out of the oven and also tasty on pizzas.
  Lemon cucumbers and geherkin cucumbers are also at the top of my list.  I try to plant the tiny geherkins somewhere where they are easy to see, but find they do better if they are running rampant and are hidden under the lemon cucumbers or beans.







I also plan on planting more of these little acorn squash.  They worked great on the grill this winter.  I have two left and I wish I had a few more.  They were the perfect size and tasted great.

Loofahs are again on the list.  I grew one once 3 years ago and haven't been able to replicate the success again.  The loofa was wonderful and I used it of a long time.  I want to grow several and give them away as gifts.  Maybe this will be the year.  

I will again grow my pumpkins in the green house and let them crawl out the top.  I still have my platform incase one grows on the roof again.
 I am going to take a small red box and fill it with moss.  It will be the perfect setting for the little garden house my brother made me.  I am super excited about this project. 

Last, but not least, I plan on continuing with the sunflowers in the washtubs.  They looked great this summer and it was fun to watch the goldfinches eat the seeds this winter.

That is a few of my gardening plans.  It was nice to relax and think about warmer weather.  I am feeling much better and even painted the upstairs bathroom this weekend.  I also took Ella for a much needed snowshoeing trip.



 

What are you excited to plant in your garden this year?  Do you have something that is tried and true and then something you haven't tried before?





4 comments:

  1. Oooh, I just received my seeds last week. The fun bit is I'm continually working on my very deficient seed saving skills so didn't have to buy as many this year. I'm going to try cushaw squash this year. Just discovered them this year, and they are delicious so hope they grow. Makes me want to play in the dirt which is frozen solid at the moment.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You make gardening seem like an art!! I have frozen rosemary leaves in olive oil and enjoyed it...but I never thought to try garlic and other fresh herbs as well. Great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Our main seed order has arrived this week too but this year we will probably grow much the same things as last. I freeze herbs in sprigs and just crumble a few as required.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have my seed catalogs, but I haven't opened them. They make me so homesick for gardening. But Feb. is almost here,
    I am so glad you are feeling much better. Your pizza sounds so good.
    I like the idea of putting those herbs in ice trays. What a great idea.
    My mulch pile continues to grow and is it hot. I am ready to play in the dirt but right now its just mud. Have a wonderful week.

    ReplyDelete

Sit on my porch and let's chat. Due to the amount of spam I am closing my comments to Anonymous users. Sorry.