tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28827804108724433862024-03-14T02:06:12.255-04:00Vegetable and Fruit Gardening in SW FloridaVegetable and Fruit Gardening in SW FloridaUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger708125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-70525635343312088172018-08-11T18:05:00.001-04:002018-08-11T18:14:07.903-04:00Consensing my blog: PLEASE READ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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LOTS of things are happening in my life so there have been many less posts than usual.<br />
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Long story short, John needs a pool, and we will be moving late October to another location in Lehigh. I figure this is a great opportunity to condense my last blog data into a new one. <span style="background-color: yellow;"><b>A wiser one. </b></span><br />
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Please visit: <a href="http://karenthegardenlady.blogspot.com/">karenthegardenlady.blogspot.com</a> and hit the subscribe button if you want to know how I handle a partially wooded lot, grow food, add color, butterflies, and survive frosts in SW FL.<br />
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The main photo at the new blog is my OLD garden. Work with me ladies and gents. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-34907250543170963052018-08-01T08:54:00.001-04:002018-08-01T08:54:43.315-04:00FREE Fall/Winter/Early Spring SEEDS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="510" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qGUeuhClbXo/W2Gtfd_ISAI/AAAAAAAAQLI/76NVmyHKvAwO5C4OE5d158rTro9QDN61wCLcBGAs/s640/151616015753521096free-clipart-seed-packets.hi.png" width="544" /></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span><span><span style="color: black;"><span><b><span><b>Lee County 4-H Youth offer <span class="il">FREE</span> <span class="il">seeds</span> <br /></b></span></b></span></span>For the fourth year in a row, the 4-H youth community have been gifted <span class="m_5236973789552354713gmail-m_-4216220701520343935gmail-il"><span class="il">seeds</span></span> by Rural King of Bonita Springs. This year, Lowes of Cape Coral has also donated their excess seed. As one of the youth community service projects, members sort the donated seed packets to</span></span><span><span><span><span> create a variety pack then offer it to the public at no charge. <br /></span></span>F<span class="il">ree</span> Fall vegetable <span class="il">seeds</span> are available at </span></span><span><span><span><span><span class="il">Veterans</span> Park Rec
Center at 55 Homestead Road South in Lehigh Acres. For Rec Center hours or directions, call </span></span></span></span><span id="m_5236973789552354713gmail-m_-4216220701520343935gmail-DeltaPlaceHolderMain"><span><a href="tel:%28239%29%20369-1521" target="_blank" value="+12393691521">239-369-1521</a></span></span><span>.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-14183269948077681902018-07-27T01:20:00.000-04:002018-07-27T01:21:10.799-04:00Baking a Difference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<i>This is the youth I mentor... </i><br />
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Fourteen year old Dominique Desir spent her summer vacation baking goodies for the Lehigh Acres’ Sheriff’s Office. She even grew the pumpkins that she used in her pies, muffins, breads, and cobblers. <br />
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Sergeant Drum and all of his deputies showed up at the garden to thank her for her wonderful home cooking and to present her with two aprons. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-65666085772151426002018-07-18T07:32:00.000-04:002018-07-18T07:32:04.131-04:00Cucumbers versus Pickling Melon in SWFL Summers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Volunteer cucumber above.</div>
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Pickling melon plant above, fruit shown below. </div>
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Neither of these were sprayed with organic controls. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-4247151694009212082018-07-10T09:24:00.000-04:002018-07-10T09:24:01.141-04:00Plants are Weird<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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This pineapple has decided to give birth to a twin top! I hope to separate the two and plant both separately. </div>
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Need to learn how to grow pineapples in SW Florida? </div>
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Click this link to read prior posts:</div>
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<a href="https://growagardener.blogspot.com/search?q=pineapple">https://growagardener.blogspot.com/search?q=pineapple</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-31418211847244510852018-07-05T18:17:00.001-04:002018-07-05T18:17:46.757-04:00Trespassers and PALMETTO BERRY HARVEST<br />
PALMETTO BERRY HARVEST<br />
<br />
... effective <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1835240734" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">July 17, 2018</span></span>, Saw Palmetto will be included in the Exploited Plant list in Florida. <br />
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This means that it is unlawful for any person to willfully destroy or
harvest such plant without first obtaining written permission from the
landowner and a permit from the state. Any person transporting for the
purpose of sale, selling or offering for sale such plant must have a
permit in his/her immediate possession. <br />
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It is unlawful for any person to falsify any paperwork/document that permits another person to destroy or harvest such plant.<br />
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ANY person transporting or conveying on any public road or highway must
have a permit in his/her immediate possession. Any person who violates,
commits a Misdemeanor of the 1st Degree and is subject to be arrested.<br />
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IF YOU ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH TRESPASSERS HARVESTING SAW PALMETTO
BERRIES, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF'S OFFICE OR CALL THE FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES AT 1-800-342-5869.<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-88042578006872983992018-06-23T10:53:00.001-04:002018-06-23T10:53:06.804-04:00New Berry Vegetable Times Newsletter.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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View it here:<br />
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<a href="https://gcrec.ifas.ufl.edu/berry-vegetable-times-newsletter/">https://gcrec.ifas.ufl.edu/berry-vegetable-times-newsletter/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-53813662391925193502018-06-16T08:20:00.001-04:002018-06-16T08:20:15.999-04:00Seminole Pumpkin Pancakes<br />
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The husband stated these are KEEPERS. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Seminole Pumpkin Pancakes</b></span><br /><br />
<b>Bowl one mix</b><br />
3/4 Cup flour<br />1/4 Teaspoon salt<br /> 1.5 Tablespoon sugar<br />3/4 teaspoon baking powder<br /> 1/4 teaspoon baking soda<br />small handful of chocolate chips<br /><br />
<b>Bowl two mix</b><br />
1 egg<br />
2 HEAPING <span style="font-size: large;">HEAPING</span> Tablespoons of cooked Seminole pumpkin <br />1/4 Cup Milk <br />
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<b>Slowly add bowl one to bowl two.</b><br />
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<b>If mix is not pour-able, add milk a Tablespoon at a time. </b><br />
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<b>Makes three full sized pancakes. </b><br /><br />More on growing Seminole Pumpkins here: <a href="https://growagardener.blogspot.com/search?q=seminole">https://growagardener.blogspot.com/search?q=seminole </a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-89726832204163264702018-06-16T06:10:00.000-04:002018-06-16T06:42:47.336-04:00Upcoming classes to mark on your calendar<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Upcoming classes </b></span><br />
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<b><span style="background-color: yellow;">Lee County Master Gardeners Present</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: yellow;">YOUTH SUMMER GARDENING CAMP DAY </span></b><br />
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LIMITED to 30 participants. <br />
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Lee County Master Gardeners, Lee County 4-H, and Lee Parks and Recreation are hosting a Youth
Gardening Camp Day on Thursday, July 12th from 9am–3pm at the Lee County
4-H Building located at 2000 N Recreation Park Way in North Fort Myers.
The 4-H Building is located on the property between the football
fields. The workshop is open to youth ages 9-18 and 4-H
membership is not required. COST: $10. The camp fee includes all supplies plus
pizza lunch. <br />
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This year's theme will be INSECTS in the
garden including bees, butterflies, ladybugs, and fire ants. In addition, each
youth will make an origami seed packet, seed tape, melon seed craft,
newspaper pots, and more.<br />
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Sign up here: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/youth-summer-gardening-camp-day-tickets-43827467134">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/youth-summer-gardening-camp-day-tickets-43827467134</a><br />
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For more information contact Lee County 4-H Agent Cathy Suggs at
239.850.4175 or Lee County Master Gardener Karen Harty at 610.530.8883.<br />
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If you are an adult and would like this same camp for a day, please contact Karen Harty at 610.530.8883. </div>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;"><b>CITRUS</b> <b>CLASS </b></span><br />
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REGISTRATION REQUIRED. I will be teaching 4-H youth and parent <b>Citrus</b> how-to for SWFL Fair on <b>Saturday, September 29th</b> 2018 at <b>Veterans Park Rec Center</b> in Lehigh from <b>10am to 3pm</b>.
This is a Master Gardener level class in an easy-to-understand
presentation filled with tons of information on growing citrus in SWFL. There were about 50 youth participants and 50 adult attendees to this class last year. </div>
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<b>Adult NON-4H attendees: </b>REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Suggested donation is $20 for the class only. Trees will be
available for purchase directly from a nurseryman (cash only). Bring your own lunch. </div>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;"><b>TOMATO</b> <b>CLASS </b></span></div>
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REGISTRATION REQUIRED. I will be teaching 4-H youth and parent Tomato how-to for SWFL Fair on <b>Saturday, November 10th</b> 2018 at <b>Veterans Park Rec Center</b> in Lehigh from <b>12pm to 3pm</b>.
This is a Master Gardener level class in an easy-to-understand
presentation filled with tons of information on growing tomatoes in SWFL.
This is our first year. </div>
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<b>Adult NON-4H attendees: </b>REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Suggested donation is $10 for the class only.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-58761740229267020982018-06-15T09:54:00.001-04:002018-06-15T10:04:47.557-04:00Choosing a Yam to Grow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Boy are there lots of varieties of yam. Some are edible. Some have edible leaves. Some are only used for medicine. <br />
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Below I am chatting about C variety <i>Dioscorea polystachya</i> <br />
<ul>
<li>"Just like Rambo movies, there is Yam A, Yam B and, yes, a Yam C, the
Chinese Wild Yam or the Cinnamon Vine yam, either way we get Yam C,
botanical name, <i>Dioscorea polystachya</i> aka <i>D. oppositifolia</i> (Dye-os-KOH-ree-uh or in Greek thee-oh-skor-REE-uh) [op-os-i-ti-FOH- lee-uh]. <i>Dioscorea oppositifolia</i> only grows in India, where I presume it is eaten. D<i>. polystachya</i> is the one growing in North America. <i>D. oppositifolia</i> is called by some websites <i>D. batata. </i>Regardless, the accepted name for now for the Chinese Yam is<i> Dioscorea polystachya.</i><i>" </i>(quoted from <a href="http://www.eattheweeds.com/yam-c-the-chinese/">Eattheweeds.com</a>) </li>
</ul>
I purchased a "ñame"
Yam C variety tuber at Walmart to try. Cutting off the thick, woody
peel left me with a slippery tuber (yams are slippery when cut) that I
cut into pieces and tossed into water so it did not brown. It was
sauteed with a blend of other root vegetables and sausage. The taste was
similar to Irish potato with a very dry and fluffy texture. This
variety would be perfect for mashed "potato" or soup. I am going to try
several varieties of Yam C before making my decision on which to grow in
my garden. <br />
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<b>Based on research and not on personal experience (yet) here are my findings...</b><br />
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Do NOT eat raw. <br />
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Growing: Probably best to grow in pots where it can be contained. <b>Yam C can become <a href="https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu/assessments/dioscorea-polystachya/">invasive</a> if aerial tubers are not harvested. </b><br />
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Parts to eat: Underground and aerial tubers. <br />
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Propagation: Cut and plant the ends of the yam (with at least two inches), plant aerial tubers, vine cuttings.<br />
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Ready to eat: Tubers ready in 4 to 6 months. If left in the ground tubers can grow massive.<br />
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NOTE: I did not find any notations of sweet potato weevils or root knot nematode damage however the ñame I purchased appeared to have minor root knot nematode damage. <b><br /></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-70699110678214936292018-06-13T10:04:00.003-04:002018-06-13T10:04:48.607-04:00Collier Class on Tropical Fruit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-20556084202217342192018-06-03T21:13:00.000-04:002018-06-13T10:04:01.145-04:00Pumpkin Dessert Recipe<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pumpkin Dessert Recipe</b></span></span><br />
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<b>In a large bowl mix:</b><br />
2 cups roasted pumpkin<br />
1 cup evaporated milk<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (I add nutmeg and allspice too)<br />
<b>Pour into a 9x13 pan that is lightly coated</b><br />
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<b>Mix in another large bowl:</b><br />
1.5 cup sugar<br />
1.5 cup flour (I use white Whole Wheat)<br />
1 teaspoon cinnamon <br />
2 Tablespoons corn starch<br />
Sprinkle this evenly on top<br />
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<b>Melt in a bowl: </b><br />
2 sticks butter (I nuke the sticks on high for one minute then stir them up until fully melted. If using a glass pan, put a cookie sheet under the pan before putting in oven. <br />
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<b>Bake</b><br />
325º for one hour and 10 minutes. If using a glass pan, put a cookie sheet under the pan. Check that the very center has set and is not wet. If it is wet, add another 5 minutes. <br />
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Remove. Allow to cool to warm. Serve with ice cream.<br />
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This recipe is a real hit with my husband! <br />
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More on growing Seminole Pumpkins here: <a href="https://growagardener.blogspot.com/search?q=seminole" target="_blank">https://growagardener.blogspot.com/search?q=seminole </a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-60674091370294958222018-06-01T06:59:00.003-04:002018-06-01T06:59:52.357-04:00Harvesting and Storing Pigeon Peas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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There are small insects that love pigeon peas. I grow a bush version both the ground and in pots but must keep an eye on the pods for holes to know if the bugs got into them. Certain times of the year, I can lose the entire harvest. This fall, winter, and spring have been great for my pigeon peas. This bush version can take quite a hair cut when the get leggy and usually produce at least a second time before dying off. </div>
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Watch the pods for the color change right before they turn dark brown and harvest then. Most of them will contain peas that are not dried or fully dried. Personally I let the pods dry on the counter so they are easier to open, then collect all the peas, if needed I dry them more on the counter, then bag and freeze them for a few days before adding to my storage jar. This prevents hidden insects from chowing down inside my jar of peas without my knowledge. </div>
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My favorite recipe for pigeon peas is to add them to rice. Using a large, wide pot, soak long grain rice with pigeon peas before cooking. Add a bit more water than the volume of rice and peas. Example: 1/2 cup pigeon peas, 3/4 cup rice, a bit more than 1-1/4 cup water. Soak for at least an hour but I have soaked for 6 hours too. Bring to a boil. If there is not enough water to do this, add just enough to bring to a boil. Cover and do not open until you serve rice. Turn heat down to simmer for 15 minutes then turn off heat completely and allow pan to sit on the warm burner for at least 20 minutes. This works great when you are not sure when you will be eating dinner. Last night it sat for 2 hours while I waited for my husband to wake up. He likes his rice/pigeon peas with any kind of sauce. My favorite is to add lentils to the pea/rice mix then after cooking stir in hot taco sauce and cheese. </div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-52571337681933369532018-05-24T13:18:00.000-04:002018-06-15T11:58:38.858-04:00Updated EASY Veggie/Fruit BreadsAfter making batch after batch of these breads, this has become my standard for making fruit/veggie bread. I love easy...<br />
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<b>Preheat oven to 350º</b><br />
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<b>Mix well in bowl 1:</b><br />
<i>About</i> 2 cups mashed or grated garden item such as bananas, sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin. They can be raw or cooked. <br />
Dash molasses (I use blackstrap)<br />
2 eggs <br />
4 tablespoons melted butter<br />
dash vanilla<br />
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<b>Mix well in bowl 2:</b><br />
1.25 cups sugar<br />
2 cups flour (I use King Arthur WHITE Whole Wheat)<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/2 teaspoon baking powder<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
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<i>I mix "bowl 2" in bulk. Each recipe fits perfectly into a <a href="https://amzn.to/2KNYP2C">24 oz, wide mouth canning jar</a>. That way I can just pull a jar from my pantry and add the wet ingredients.</i><br />
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<b>Bread addition ideas: </b><br />
Cinnamon (I use up to 2 teaspoons per batch)<br />
Allspice (just a tad)<br />
Nutmeg (just a tad)<br />
Chocolate chips (1-2 handfuls)<br />
Chopped nuts (1-2 handfuls to mix or sprinkled on top)<br />
Raisins (1-2 handfuls)<br />
Edible seeds (1-2 handfuls)<br />
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<b>Mix dry into wet</b><br />
Mix should be glossy. If not, add water (I use potato water) a tablespoon at a time until there is a gloss. My carrot version consistently needs water added. <br />
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<b>Spray nonstick, then fill pan(s)</b><br />
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<b>Times are approximate:</b><br />
350º for 60 minutes in one bread loaf<br />
350º for 45 minutes for two bread loaves<br />
350º for 30 minutes for cupcakes<br />
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If you don't have a cupcake tin, use narrow mouth canning jar screw lid rims. These are carrot and raisin muffins ready for the oven. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-59131719844252117412018-05-12T11:19:00.000-04:002018-05-12T17:26:58.691-04:00Processing tomatoes for juice and sauces<div style="text-align: left;">
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">To date, this is the easiest method for processing tomatoes.</span></b></div>
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<li>Prep tomatoes by rinsing and cutting in half (and veggies if you like a V8 kind of juice and sauce).</li>
<li>Put in crock pot on high until clear liquid is visible and veggies are cooked tender.</li>
<li>Prep containers for tomato juice. I use wide mouth canning jars because you can throw these in the freezer.</li>
<li>Place a canning funnel on top of one container and place a sieve on top of the canning funnel. My FAVORITE sieve is one that the handle broke off because it does not fall out of the funnel. </li>
<li>Remove the clear liquid with a solid food measuring cup and run liquid through sieve and funnel to fill containers. This is your juice. You can add salt, lemon, sugar... then chill. </li>
<li>When you cannot remove any more liquid, cool the solids by removing the crock from the crock pot and placing on a cooling rack.</li>
<li>Process cooled solids through a food mill. Scoop out with the same measuring cup used for the juice to save on dishes. Use these solids are tomato sauce. </li>
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Personal note: In my lifetime I have owned a very expensive Kitchen Aide mixer with all the attachments plus an expensive Squeezo, however I have sold them because I love my $50.00 <a href="https://amzn.to/2GaGSbC" target="_blank">OXO Good Grips Food Mill</a> so much. </div>
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This mill does take some getting used to how it latches and the order things go, but it far surpasses everything I have owned so far: </div>
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<li>My Kitchen Aide I had to stand on a ladder to get high enough to put items in and the "pusher" sent tomatoes everywhere in the kitchen. </li>
<li>The Squeezo leaked at every joint and I still had to stand on a step to reach the hopper comfortably. </li>
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I use my <a href="https://amzn.to/2GaGSbC" target="_blank">OXO Good Grips Food Mill</a> by placing it in my sink over a large bowl. It is easy to add solids to and work the crank working from above. You will need to do small batches, but it is worth it. To top all this off, IT IS DISHWASHER SAFE. Crank it in both directions to get the most out of your solids. Remember to compost the remains!</div>
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Blackberries below. </div>
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Parts of the food mill. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-1539438267152575992018-05-02T08:12:00.001-04:002018-05-02T08:13:38.215-04:00Veggie Casserole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Start with a layer of rye bread. It really does make a difference in how this tastes. I forgot to take a photo. Add layers of veggies you have on hand: tomatoes, onions, peppers, baby pumpkins, carrots, eggplant, I threw in some canned mushrooms. Bake until fork comes out tender then sprinkle with cheese and serve. Soy sauce is my condiment of choice for this dish. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-85354496468029702062018-05-02T08:08:00.001-04:002018-05-02T08:08:48.881-04:00Passion and Peaches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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More good, bad, and ugly. </div>
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Again, my passion vine died. Literally rotted at the soil line with the help of insects. I don't think I will do passion again unless I grow from seed. It is disappointing when you buy a plant every couple of years and only get one harvest. Plus that harvest was early, they didn't fully ripen. </div>
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Peaches are in full swing. Florida peaches are smaller than the northern variety but they taste the same. The birds must have decided my tomatoes were better to eat so they are leaving the peaches. I do have insects inside so I am picking them when they just turn pink, cutting off the flesh and removing any dark spots, then nuking for a few minutes before freezing in snack bags for smoothies. If you let them ripen on the counter, they are unusable if you have worms inside. Next year I will work on a spray program or just do this again. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-18367779394119707432018-04-14T11:16:00.003-04:002018-04-14T11:17:41.068-04:00Potato Disapointment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Seventh year in a row with regular Irish-type potatoes and they are still a massive disappointment. We have changed plant dates, varieties, watering routines, soil mixes, pH, sprays, ant controls...<br />
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If you have this figured out for SWFL, please let me know because we will no longer be growing these. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-66417276227292188872018-04-14T11:12:00.005-04:002018-04-14T11:12:57.544-04:00My favorite carrot-in-a-pot two years running<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Unwashed, fresh from the garden, and MUCH larger than they appear in the photo...<br />
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<b><span class="st" data-hveid="46" data-ved="0ahUKEwjD0snIhrraAhUSx1kKHfRbCosQ4EUILjAA">Chantenay Red Core Carrot</span></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-10677824616718273012018-04-12T10:04:00.000-04:002018-04-12T10:04:21.796-04:00Are you growing Lychee or Longan?I am NOT but I wanted to share this with anyone wanting more information...<br /> <br /><br /><br /><b>NEW SERIOUS PEST OF LYCHEE AND LONGAN FOUND IN FLORIDA </b><br /><br />WEBINAR <br /><br />DATE: Tuesday, April 17th, 2018 <br /><br />TIME: 2PM-3PM <br /><br />LOCATION: WEBINAR – on-line access <br /><br />TARGET AUDIENCE – Commercial growers <br /><br />Link to the meeting on Zoom – <a href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/0w-zCYEY99H0ErpuZW_I2">https://ufl.zoom.us/j/817474946</a> <br /><br />Note – you may need to download Zoom first. <br /><br /> <br /><br />AGENDA <br /><br />2PM Dr. Daniel Carrillo Introduction and Welcome <br /><br />2:05PM Dr. Daniel Carrillo Current situation and description of the erinose lychee mite and damage caused <br /><br />2:30PM Dr. Jonathan Crane Current control recommendations <br />Commercial growers<br />Nurseries<br />Urban – homeowners with lychee trees <br /><br />2:50PM Questions and Answers <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br />Jonathan H. Crane, Tropical Fruit Crop Specialist <br /><br />University of Florida, IFAS <br /><br />Tropical Research and Education Center <br /><br /><a href="https://maps.google.com/?q=18905+SW+280+St.+%0D%0A+Homestead,+FL+33031&entry=gmail&source=g">18905 SW 280 St.</a> <br /><br /><a href="https://maps.google.com/?q=18905+SW+280+St.+%0D%0A+Homestead,+FL+33031&entry=gmail&source=g">Homestead, FL 33031</a>-3314 <br /><br />Tel: 786-217-9271 <br /><br />Fax: 305-246-7003 <br /><br />Cel: 786-255-5878 <br /><br />Faculty page: <a href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/ozNkCZ6G99umrJ8fXlxtv">http://trec.ifas.ufl.edu/crane</a> <br /><br />FruitScapes: <a href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/Pi1hC1wpvvSj2VBIODRxF">http://trec.ifas.ufl.edu/fruitscapes</a> <br /><br />Course offering: <a href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/5EykC2kqwwtxPMZtLF98d">http://trec.ifas.ufl.edu/crane/teaching.shtml</a> <br /><br />Laurel Wilt: <a href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/uRt8C31rxxs86n9Fpaojh">http://trec.ifas.ufl.edu/RAB-LW-2/index.shtml</a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-48828015291576887622018-04-10T11:45:00.002-04:002018-04-10T11:45:09.481-04:00The Ugly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RwiAjnqP6hs/WszbTZdbWnI/AAAAAAAAP14/-uQh_gk5XBY06alKlUsPwytoEVgfdirlQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3077.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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I promise to show the ugly in the garden as well as the beauty.<br />
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This is what birds did to my peaches and nectarines.<br />
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What am I am doing about it?<br />
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Picking them as soon as they start to blush with a pink color. That means checking twice a day. I allow them to ripen on the counter which is less than perfect but it means we will have peaches.<br />
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What do I plan to do in the future about it?<br />
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Trim my trees WAY back so that I can get either netting, pinwheels, tinsel, or a dog involved next year. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-55337071601070424582018-04-06T08:17:00.000-04:002018-04-06T08:17:04.356-04:00What to do with all the Eggplant<div style="text-align: left;">
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This round of eggplant was planted late last year and is in full production now. While we use what we can fresh, we also don't want to waste the surplus. </div>
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<b>How to freeze Eggplant </b></div>
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Wash. </div>
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Pierce fruit so it does not explode in the oven.</div>
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Bake at 350º until fruit collapses.</div>
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Cool.</div>
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Remove skin.</div>
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Freeze. </div>
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<b>My freeze method</b></div>
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Place cooked eggplant in a gallon bag and don't fill it very full. Remove air and zip closed. Squish/flatten contents. Freeze flat or fold in half and freeze. This allows me to break off pieces and use instead of having to use the entire contents at one time. </div>
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Add to soups, meatloaf, meatballs, hamburgers, and more. <br /></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-3582726218589424552018-04-05T06:03:00.002-04:002018-04-05T06:03:59.236-04:00Summer Crops to Plant NOW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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*parts of these plants are poisonous or should be prepared in a special manner<br /><br />
Amaranth<br />Arugula<br />Basil<br /> Basket Vine/Haitian basket vine/hoop vine*<br /> Bitter Cucumber/bitter gourd/bitter melon/Balsam pear/Sopropo<br />Brazilian Spinach<br /> Bunching Onion/Welsh onion/Japanese bunching onion<br />Cassava/Manioc/Tapioca/Yuca*<br /> Ceylon Spinach (Talinum triangulare) AKA Waterleaf, Philippine Spinach<br /> Chaya/Tree Spinach (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius)*<br />Chayote<br /> Cherry Tomatoes (NOT pear) (nightshade family)*<br />Collards<br />CowPea/Adzuki Bean, Southern Pea<br /> Cranberry Hibiscus/False Roselle/Maroon mallow/Red-Shield hibiscus (invasive)<br />Edible Hibiscus<br /> Eggplant/Aubergine/melongene/brinjal/guinea squash (nightshade family)*<br />Egyptian Spinach<br /> Ethiopian Kale/African Cabbage/Abyssinian cabbage<br />Garlic Chives/Chinese chives<br />Hot Peppers (nightshade family)*<br />Jicama/yam bean*<br /> Katuk/star gooseberry/sweet leaf/leaf vegetable/tropical asparagus<br />Lagos Spinach/Quail Grass*<br />
Lettuce (under shade)<br />Lima Beans<br /> Longevity Spinach/Moluccan spinach/ Dawn Dewa (Gynura nepalensis)<br /> Malabar Spinach Basella/Indian Spinach/Vine Spinach/Country Spinach… and many other names.<br /> Moringa/Horseradish Tree/Drumstick/The Miracle Plant<br />Mustard<br />Okinawa Spinach<br />Okra/Lady’s Finger/Gumbo<br />Oregano<br />Peanut/groundnut<br /> Pigeon Pea/Gandule bean/tropical green pea/kadios/ Congo pea/ gungo pea/ gunga pea/no-eye pea<br /> Prickly Pear Cactus/Opuntia/nopales/paddle cactus<br />Purple Lablab/Hyacinth Bean<br /> Purslane (edible weed highest in omega-3s)<br />Roselle/Florida cranberry (Hibiscus Tea)<br />Rosemary<br />Seminole Pumpkin/Tropical Pumpkin<br />Sesame Seeds<br />Sugar Cane<br /> Sunset Hibiscus/aibika/sunset muskmallow/hibiscus manihot<br />Sweet Potatoes<br />Tanier/tannia/yautia/malanga*<br />Taro/Dasheen/eddo/cocoyam*<br />Tropical Lettuce/Indian Lettuce<br />Tropical Pumpkins<br />Water Chestnut<br />Winged Beans<br /> Yams (NOT “Wild” or “Bitter” or “Air Potato”)*<br /> Yard Long Beans/Bora/Long-Podded Cowpea/Asparagus Bean/Chinese Long BeanUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-167832860890345032018-04-04T10:28:00.005-04:002018-04-04T10:28:57.109-04:00New Zealand Spinach has a mind of its own<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<b>New Zealand Spinach</b></div>
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<b><i>Tetragonia tetragonioides</i></b></div>
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While advertised as being able to "take the heat" this plant does not do well for me in the summer with our high heat and humidity. It does "take the heat" when our humidity is low in winter and early spring. </div>
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My first New Zealand spinach seed was planted about five years ago in my old garden behind the house and I have never purchased seed again. It never came up during that first summer but later it happily germinated when the weather started to cool off in the fall. </div>
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My New Zealand Spinach now self sows or is helped a little by me. When I harvest, usually about March, I strip off the best leaves to cook then compost the remains (with seeds attached to vine) in an area I want it to germinate and come up in the fall. </div>
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The remains are moved around different places in the gardens year after year. Crop rotation my way. What amazes me is that seed has come up in places I have not "placed" it for several years. </div>
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How to use? Rinse, add some water, cover, cook until tender. New Zealand Spinach is one of the few tropical-types that you can cook. I like to eat with butter, salt, and a bit of apple cider vinegar. Our leftovers are diced, mixed with parmesan, mayo, and perhaps a dot of something zingy and used as a dip. Unfortunately, I eat this "dip" with a spoon I love it so much. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2882780410872443386.post-51946641723179945262018-04-04T09:52:00.000-04:002018-04-04T09:52:14.414-04:00Another lovable weed ground cover: common yellow woodsorrel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<br /><b>Common yellow woodsorrel <i> </i></b></div>
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<b><i>Oxalis corniculata </i></b></div>
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Again. This is me rethinking something that I am constantly -trying- to remove from my garden. I have fond memories of this plant from when I was young... My mom taught me when I was a kid that the leaves were edible and tangy. I learned later in life that eating a small bit of oxalis is fine, but we shouldn't overdo it. <a href="https://www.livestrong.com/article/472236-side-effects-of-oxalic-acid/">https://www.livestrong.com/article/472236-side-effects-of-oxalic-acid/</a></div>
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So when woodsorrel showed up in my garden, I had a love/hate thing going on with it. I googled common woodsorrel to find out it is a Florida Native <a href="http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/oxalis-corniculata">http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/oxalis-corniculata</a> and decided instead of trying to yank it out (nearly impossible anyway) from under my peaches and blackberries, that I am going to embrace yet another "weed" groundcover into my garden <i>in certain areas</i>. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com