“It’s difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato.” ― Lewis Grizzard
I admit it… I haven’t always trellised my tomatoes. I’ve always used the standard tomato cage, but trellising is something I recently started doing. Yes, I have always known it is the best way to grow my tomatoes, I just never took the time. Well friends, I am taking the time now as it will provide me with a healthier & more abundant crop of tomatoes!
Quite friendly, I got tired of my tomato plants sprawling all over the tomato cages & the raised beds taking up valuable space all the while making it difficult to harvest those ripe, juicy fruits. Trellising my tomato plants will provide more space for me to grow around them. This will allow me the opportunity to succession plant more effectively.
It will also improve airflow and reduce the risk of diseases. Not to mention, trellised tomatoes are easier to care for and harvest, resulting in a better yield.
Now you are asking, “Ok that’s all great Jean, but where do I start? You start right here friends! In today’s episode, I’ll provide you with 5 tips for successfully trellising your tomato plants, from choosing the right trellis to proper pruning techniques. Whether you’re a veteran gardener or novice just starting out, these tips will help you achieve a bountiful tomato harvest & beautiful garden. So let’s get started and take your tomato growing to the next level!
Watch my YouTube Video as I explain Why Trellising Your Tomato Plants is a Must-Do and 5 Tips for Success!
I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
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Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day, Jean
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Container Gardening with Herbs: Learn how-to make & grow an herb garden planter!
The container gardener is limited only by your imagination! Whether you have a large garden, raised beds, or the smallest patio or balcony, Jean will show you how you can reap a crop of herbs. It’s all in the harvesting friends! Today Jean Roman will showcase how you can create thriving herb containers you’ll be able to bring in during the winter as well, if you choose! Whether you are an experienced or novice gardener, this class will be loads of fun with tons of great information!
It’s strawberry season in Michigan friends! Join Jean Roman as she teaches you how easy it is to make homemade freezer strawberry jam! Recipe will be included. Roman will have her popular cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats available at a discounted price for attendees today. Samples will be provided.
Easy & Delicious Pesto Sauce- How to make & preserve it! Jean Roman, Author, Podcaster, & Self-professed Master Gardener will teach you how to make her delicious & incredibly easy Pesto recipe, and how to preserve it so you can have it all winter long. She will share tips on how to grow & stimulate continued growth of your plants. Roman will have her popular cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats available at a discounted price for attendees today. Samples will be provided.
Plan your fall garden now! Lettuces, spinach, kale, broccoli, & more!
August 5th, 2023
Did you know you can continue growing delicious, fresh veggies late into the fall? Well, you can even here in Michigan. All you need to know is the right crops to plant, and how to care for them. Join Jean Roman as she guides you through the steps of preparing for a bountiful fall garden.
Homemade Marinara Sauce- How to make & preserve summer’s bounty! Jean Roman, Author, Podcaster, & Self-professed Master Gardener will teach you how to make her delicious & incredibly easy Marinara sauce recipe from your homegrown tomatoes. Don’t grow your own? That’s ok, Jean will share how you can purchase large quantities at your local farmers market. She will have her popular cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats available at a discounted price for attendees today. Samples will be provided.
Fall Garden Clean Up: 10 Step How-to Fall Vegetable Garden Clean Up
Cleaning up your fall vegetable garden is an important step in preparing for next year’s crop. By removing dead or diseased plants, clearing debris, and adding compost and organic matter to the soil, you can improve the health of your soil and reduce the risk of pests and diseases for years to come. Jean Roman will go over her easy 10 Step How-to Fall Vegetable Garden Clean Up.
This month I’ll be discussing how to source local food, the issues with locating it, and why it is so important to support our local farmers markets. Be sure to visit my Facebook Event Calendar & register so you don’t miss an episode!
May’s Lineup!
May 3rd, 2023
Walt Gajewski, Market Manager for The Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market!
If you are a regular listener, you all know I love to share the back story with all of you on how I know and met my podcast guest… and this one is really near & dear to my heart.
I met this guy over a decade ago during my Mennonite days behind my table at the Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market. He was a volunteer with the market and always was so happy & energetic about it. He had real passion is the best way to describe it. Of course that’s why we clicked! Our hearts were both in that happy place!!!
Are you a biking enthusiast? Podcast with Bike Dearborn Founder & Lead Biker, Tracy Besek
Join me today as Founder & Lead Biker for Bike Dearborn, Tracy Besek & I chat it up about biking safety, advocacy, and being a part of this great group!
This month’s focus has been on local food, and healthy life choices. I tend to focus a lot on farmers markets, but obviously there are so many other ways to invest in healthy life choices, exercise being another obvious one!
My guest today and I met almost ten years ago during my tenure in Dearborn with both the DDA and the Chamber of Commerce. We collaborated together with the city’s farmers market I managed… OK, yep I’m going to tie in the farmers market again, LOL.
5 Reasons to Support Your Local Farmers Markets: How they benefit people both health wise & the local community!
If there is one thing I’m passionate about, it’s local food & farmers markets! I was a farmer for almost 15 years, and most of that time a farmers market vendor. I know what it’s like to be on both sides of the table~ as a vendor, and a market manager.
My heart is most at home in the garden & the farmers markets. Today I will talk to you about my heart felt desire to inspire every person to shop at the farmers market. When you do you are supporting local producers, your local economy, help the sustainability of farmland, and so much more!
Maybe you’ve even been contemplating becoming a market vendor! Do you create, bake, grow, or develop something? Well, a farmers market might be your first step to a successful business start up. Farmers markets are great starting points for local entrepreneurs!
I want this podcast to inspire you… please let me know in the comments below if I did!
Let’s talk food advocacy with Michigan Farmers Market Association (M.I.F.M.A.), Executive Director, Amanda Shreve.
Food is Medicine! Join Jean as she chats it up with Amanda Shreve, Executive Director for the Michigan Farmers Market Association.
During the month of May Jean will be focusing on local food and how to source it, along with talking to professionals in the industry who fight the good fight advocating for fair food. Jean couldn’t think of a better organization to include than MIFMA~ Michigan Farmers Market Association and its wonderful Director, Amanda Shreve!
Amanda has been part of the MIFMA team since November 2009. She says, “I am passionate about connecting the public with agriculture and growing awareness of what it takes to produce our food supply in a safe, equitable and environmentally sustainable way. I recognize that farmers markets are a very visible and tangible way to establish, maintain and grow this connection.”
May 31st, 2023
Let’s talk about growing food with Dawn Green, Horticulturist & Owner of Dawn Gardens, LLC!
Join Jean as she chats it up with fellow gardener extraordinaire, Dawn Green! We’ll discuss the importance of raising your own food, and the joy & fulfilment it brings!
“Growing your own food may be one of the most powerful steps you can take for the health of yourself, your family, and your planet.” ― Lindsay Oberst (foodrevolution.org)
I often mention the fond memories I have of my childhood, and blueberries bring back so many of them. I clearly remember the blueberry season and my grandmother and mother purchasing a flat of them to freeze and make blueberry preserves… oh the smell that wafted through our home during those canning and preserving months.
My favorite dessert my grandma made was blueberries with cinnamon & sugar. Yummmm… and today, my children love it just as much! As soon as the boys see blueberries at the farmers markets, they look longingly at me with the, “are you getting them mom???” Of course I do. Now that my daughter is almost thirty with her own son, we have both introduced this delicacy to him as well!
Growing up I have also mentioned we always had a garden. Blueberries were not one of the things we grew, but it is something I grew on my farm. They are relatively easy to grow and care for, which is what we are going to discuss in today’s blog post!
Whether you’re a novice or seasoned gardener, this guide will walk you through the process of planting and caring for blueberries. From choosing the right variety to ensuring proper soil acidity and irrigation, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started. So grab your gardening gloves and let’s get planting!
Blueberries are one of the healthiest fruits you can eat. They are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, and they have been shown to improve heart health, brain function, and digestion. In addition to being nutritious, blueberries are also incredibly versatile. They can be used in a wide variety of recipes, from pancakes and muffins to smoothies and salads.
But why grow your own blueberries? For one, they are much fresher and tastier than store-bought berries. You also have more control over the growing process, which means you can ensure that your blueberries are grown organically and sustainably. Plus, growing your own blueberries is a fun and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Choosing the right blueberry variety
Before you start planting blueberries, it’s important to choose the right variety for your location and climate. There are three main types of blueberries: highbush, lowbush, and rabbiteye. Highbush blueberries are the most common type and are suitable for most regions. Lowbush blueberries are smaller and more cold-hardy, making them ideal for northern climates. Rabbiteye blueberries are native to the southeastern United States and are well-suited for warm, humid climates.
When choosing a variety, look for one that is disease-resistant and adapted to your local climate. Some popular highbush varieties include Bluecrop, Jersey, and Duke. For lowbush blueberries, try Northland or Patriot. For rabbiteye blueberries, consider Tifblue or Brightwell.
Preparing soil for blueberry planting
Blueberries thrive in acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. If your soil is too alkaline, you can lower the pH by adding sulfur or peat moss. It’s also important to ensure that your soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter.
Before planting blueberries, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and tilling the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches. If your soil is heavy clay, consider adding sand or perlite to improve drainage. You can also incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to add nutrients to the soil.
Planting blueberries – step by step guide
Once you’ve prepared the soil, it’s time to plant your blueberries. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
1. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball of your blueberry plant.
Mix some peat moss or compost into the soil at the bottom of the hole.
2. Place the blueberry plant in the hole, making sure that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
3. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently as you go.
4. Water the plant thoroughly, making sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged0
.
Space your blueberry bushes about 4-6 feet apart to give them room to grow. You can also plant them in rows with about 8-10 feet between rows.
Watering and fertilizing blueberries
Blueberries need regular watering, especially during the first few years after planting. Water deeply once a week, making sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base of the plant can help to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilizing is also important for blueberries, especially in the early spring before new growth appears. Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for blueberries, or one that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Follow the instructions on the package for application rates and timing.
Pruning and training blueberry bushes
Pruning is essential for maintaining healthy blueberry bushes and promoting fruit production. In the first year after planting, remove any flowers or fruit that appear to allow the plant to focus on establishing strong roots and branches.
In subsequent years, prune your blueberry bushes in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or diseased wood, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against one another. Thin out the center of the bush to improve air circulation and light penetration.
Training your blueberry bushes to a central leader system can also help to promote healthy growth and fruit production. To do this, select a single stem to be the central leader and remove any side shoots that appear below it. As the plant grows, prune back any lateral branches to encourage upward growth.
Harvesting blueberries
Blueberries are typically ready to harvest in mid to late summer, depending on the variety and location. Ripe berries will be plump and have a deep blue color. To harvest, gently pick the berries off the bush, being careful not to damage the plant or surrounding fruit.
Storing and preserving blueberries
Fresh blueberries can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for later use by spreading them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Once frozen, transfer the berries to a sealed container and store in the freezer for up to six months.
Blueberries can also be preserved by canning, making jam, or dehydrating. Canned blueberries can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to a year, while blueberry jam can be stored in the refrigerator for several months or in the freezer for up to a year.
Stay tuned for the next in this series, How to Grow & Care for Rhubarb with a bonus video of me showing you how to properly harvest rhubarb!!
Here is a super easy pie filling recipe! This recipe can be found in my cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats & Treats on Page 305.
Ingredients: Yields filling for 1 standard pie crust. This is a goop type pie filling.
1 ½ cup water
1 cup white sugar
⅓ cup clear gel
1 to 3 TBSP jello to match the flavor of your fruit being used
4 to 6 cups of fresh, cleaned fruit.
Directions:
Mix sugar and clear gel in a medium sized stock pot; add water and mix with a whisk until well blended.
Heat on medium high until low rolling boil; it will instantly begin to thicken; add fruit stirring gently so as not to smash fruit. I use a rubber spatula; add Jello and cook until thick and bubbly.
Remove from heat & cool for about 5 to 8 minutes on a cooling rack; pour into a prepared pie crust of your choice.
You make a crumb topping or use another pie crust.
If you enjoyed this blog, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
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“From plants that wake when others sleep, from timid jasmine buds that keep their odor to themselves all day, but when the sunlight dies away let the delicious secret out to every breeze that roams about. ” Thomas Moore
Over the years I’ve shown you oodles of photo’s of my gardens, and have always stressed my love of the cottage garden. That love has not waned once over the years. I have always been fascinated with the charm of a cottage garden. And what better way to create a stunning cottage garden than by incorporating pollinator-friendly plants in it?
In today’s blog post, I’ll start by walking you through the steps to create a beautiful cottage style pollinator garden with both annuals and perennials.
But before we get rolling, be sure to SUBSCIBE below so you don’t miss an episode!
One of the main reasons I’ve always been drawn to the cottage garden is its informal and relaxed appearance, along with a mix of colorful flowers and foliage plants. These gardens are often associated with old-world charm, and the inclusion of pollinator-friendly plants can make them even more appealing.
Pollinator gardens are designed to attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects, which help in pollinating plants, ensuring a bountiful harvest, and keeping the ecosystem in balance.
Let’s Look at the Importance of Pollinator Gardens
Pollinator gardens are essential for supporting the health and survival of our planet’s ecosystem. According to the Pollinator Partnership, pollinators are responsible for over 75% of the world’s food crops, and without them, our food supply would be severely impacted.
Pollinators are also crucial for maintaining the biodiversity of our planet, as they help in the reproduction of plants, which in turn provide food, shelter, and habitat for other wildlife.
What are the Benefits of Using Both Annuals and Perennials in Your Garden?
Annuals and perennials are two types of plants that can be used in pollinator gardens. Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season, where perennials come back year after year. It’s beneficial to incorporate both as annuals usually fill in with blooms in between the bloom cycles of your perennials.
Using a mix of both annuals and perennials in your garden can provide several benefits. Annuals bloom all season long, providing a continuous source of nectar and pollen for pollinators. Perennials, on the other hand, provide a more stable source of food and habitat for pollinators.
Let’s Design Your Cottage Style Pollinator Garden!
Designing a cottage style pollinator garden is all about creating an informal, relaxed atmosphere. You can achieve this by incorporating a mix of plants with different heights, textures, and colors.
To create a natural-looking garden, you can plant in irregular groups or drifts, rather than in straight rows. You can also include features such as a birdbath or a small pond to attract birds and other wildlife. I love to use garden art in my gardens. I even have an antique lightning rod!
Consider these factors as well:
Is your garden up against a wall or does it have a backdrop? If so, you want to be sure to have your taller plants placed in the rear, cascading downward in height as you move towards the front of your garden.
Is your garden located in an area where it can be walked around on all sides? If so, you will want the tallest plants placed in the center, then cascading downward to the edges.
Selecting the Right Plants for Your Garden
When selecting plants for your garden, it’s essential to choose varieties native to your region. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them more resilient and less reliant on fertilizers and pesticides.
Some excellent choices for a cottage style pollinator garden include lupines, foxglove, hollyhocks, peonies, coneflowers, black-eyed susans, bee balm, and milkweed. These plants are attractive to a wide variety of pollinators and are relatively easy to grow.
Before planting your garden, it is essential to create a planting plan. This plan should take into account the size and shape of your garden, the location of existing plants and features, and the sun and soil conditions.
If it’s a brand new garden spot, then you’ll still need to design this in order to utilize your space and be sure not to over plant. I recommend if this is a new garden you fill in the empty spaces with annuals so it looks full and beautiful. The perennials will fill in the following year.
Start by drawing a rough sketch of your garden, including any existing plants or features. Then, decide on the placement of your pollinator-friendly plants, considering factors such as height, texture, and color.
Once you have a rough plan in place, you can refine it by selecting specific varieties of plants and determining the number of plants needed for each area
Another factor is if you are partial to particular colors. I personally prefer pinks, purples, blues, and whites. I tend to be drawn to plants in those colors. Use what makes you happy and fits into the scheme of things for your gardens.
Some Final Tips for a Successful Pollinator Garden!
Remember to choose plants that are native to your region, create a planting plan, and care for your garden regularly. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the beauty and diversity of your garden!
Here are some of my favorite flowers to incorporate for pollinator gardening. Take into consideration I am a cottage gardener, so these flowers are well suited to that style. This is by far not an exhaustive list, more so a list of mine & Tim’s personal faves! Pollinator’s aren’t just for bees, I grow some of these specifically for my little feathered friends. Also, my garden themes generally incorporate purples, pinks, blues, and white. I don’t use very many red, and I don’t really include orange or yellow with the exception of Black Eyed Susan’s.
Annuals include:
Cosmos
Mexican Sunflower
Milkweed
Verbena
Zinnias
Sunflowers~ I like to incorporate a row of these in the back of my garden so the blue jays can harvest the seeds once they’ve developed.
Perennials include:
Purple Coneflower or Echinechea~ I don’t cut back the seed heads as goldfinches feast on these in the fall and throughout the winter months.
Alliums
Bee Balm
Black Eyed Susans
Liatris
Lavender
Lupine
Lavender~ my lavender plants are generally covered with honey bees while in bloom. I just love to hear the buzz of the little guys.
Any variety of mint~ this serves two purposes… one for me to make yummy mint tea, and one for the bees!
“Maybe a person’s time would be as well spent raising food as raising money to buy food.“ ― Frank A Clark
Over the years I have grown just about everything possible for my growing zone with the exception of fruit trees. I’ve had an apple tree, but I dare not say I am an expert in this field of horticulture.
My specialty has always been heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables, with a focus on tomatoes and lettuces.
I often talk about my childhood and growing up with my grandmother and mother in the kitchen and our gardens. They are very fond memories that I truly love to share. We always had a beautiful, well kept little vegetable garden in our backyard, which included both raspberries and strawberries. My grandmother never grew blueberries though. She said they took up too much space. Space she didn’t have to give up.
I have personally grown all of these delicious fruits and today I’m going to touch on raspberries. If you missed last week’s blog post on How-to Grow Grapes & Care for Them, check that out as well!
If you are looking to add some delicious and nutritious berries to your garden, then look no further than raspberries! These juicy, sweet berries are easier to grow and care for than you may think that many home gardeners enjoy in their gardens.
In today’s blog post, I will walk you through all the tips & tricks you’ll need to know about planting raspberries, from choosing the right variety and caring for your new berry bushes. We’ll cover all the basics, including when and where to plant, how to space your plants, and what kind of soil and nutrients your raspberries will need to thrive. So whether you’re a novice or die hard gardener, read on to learn how to grow your own delicious raspberries and enjoy fresh, sweet berries all summer long!
Let’s get planting those raspberries!
What Variety of Raspberry Should I Choose?
Before you start planting raspberries, it’s important to choose the right variety for your garden. There are two main types of raspberries: summer-bearing and everbearing. Summer-bearing raspberries produce one large crop in early summer, while everbearing raspberries produce a smaller crop in early summer and a second, smaller crop in fall.
When choosing a raspberry variety, consider your climate and growing conditions. Some varieties do better in certain areas than others. For example, some varieties of raspberries are more cold-hardy than others and can withstand harsh winter conditions. Other varieties are more resistant to certain pests and diseases.
Here are some popular raspberry varieties to consider:
Heritage: A popular variety of everbearing raspberries that produces sweet, juicy berries. Heritage raspberries are hardy and disease-resistant, making them a good choice for gardeners in colder climates.
Caroline: Another popular everbearing variety, Caroline raspberries are known for their large, firm berries and disease resistance.
Tulameen: A popular summer-bearing raspberry variety, Tulameen raspberries are known for their large, sweet berries and high yield.
When and where do I plant my raspberries?
Raspberries should be planted in early spring or fall, when the soil is cool and moist. Planting in the heat of summer can stress the plants and make it harder for them to establish roots. When choosing a location for your raspberry bushes, look for a spot that gets at least six hours of sun per day and has well-draining soil.
It’s also important to choose a location that is free from competing plants and weeds. Raspberries can be quite aggressive and will quickly spread and take over an area if not properly maintained.
Planting raspberries – Step by Step Guide
Once you’ve chosen your raspberry variety and prepared your soil, it’s time to plant your bushes.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to planting raspberries:
Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of your raspberry plant.
Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, making sure the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface.
Tamp down the soil around the plant to remove any air pockets.
Water the plant thoroughly after planting.
When planting raspberries, it’s important to space your plants properly. Raspberries should be spaced about 2-3 feet apart in rows that are 6-8 feet apart. This will give your plant
Pruning raspberry plants
Proper pruning is essential for healthy raspberry plants and good fruit production. Raspberries should be pruned twice per year: once in late winter or early spring, and again after harvest.
In late winter or early spring, prune out any dead, damaged, or diseased canes. Then, thin out any weak or spindly canes, leaving only the strongest, healthiest canes.
After harvest, prune out all of the canes that produced fruit. These canes will not produce fruit again and should be removed to make room for new growth.
Pruning raspberry plants properly is essential!
Proper pruning is essential for healthy raspberry plants and good fruit production. Raspberries should be pruned twice per year: once in late winter or early spring, and again after harvest.
In late winter or early spring, prune out any dead, damaged, or diseased canes. Then, thin out any weak or spindly canes, leaving only the strongest, healthiest canes.
After harvest, prune out all of the canes that produced fruit. These canes will not produce fruit again and should be removed to make room for new growth.
Harvesting and storing raspberries
Raspberries are ready to harvest when they are fully colored and easily detach from the plant. Harvest your raspberries in the morning, when they are cool and dry, to help prevent bruising.
Raspberries are best eaten fresh but can also be frozen or canned for later use. To freeze raspberries, simply wash and dry them, then spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
Common mistakes to avoid in raspberry planting and care
When planting and caring for raspberries, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
Planting too close together: Raspberries need plenty of room to grow and should be spaced at least 2-3 feet apart.
Over-fertilizing: While raspberries do need regular fertilization, too much fertilizer can lead to excessive growth and weak canes.
Pruning at the wrong time: Pruning at the wrong time of year can harm your raspberry plants and reduce fruit production.
Neglecting pest and disease control: Ignoring signs of pests or disease can quickly lead to a larger problem that is harder to control.
Stayed tuned for next weeks blog post on how to plant and care for blueberries!
If you enjoyed this blog, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
If you aren’t following me on Facebook & Instagram go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Raised Bed Gardening: Why raised beds are so much easier to use & grow your veggies in! Jean Roman, Author, Podcaster, & Self-professed Master Gardener will show you why raised beds are more efficient to use for home gardeners. Raised beds offer less weeding, less watering, and eliminates the need for tilling! You’ll wonder why you haven’t been gardening this way!
Heirloom Vegetables: What is an Heirloom & why should you plant them? Jean Roman, Author, Podcaster, & Self-professed Master Gardener will discuss the value of Heirloom seeds & plants regarding their bio-diversity, natural disease resistance, along with some of her favorite varieties she has grown for over 20 years! She will also discuss the benefits of companion planting and how Heirlooms benefit from it.
It’s strawberry season in Michigan friends! Join Jean Roman as she teaches you how easy it is to make homemade freezer strawberry jam! Recipe will be included. Roman will have her popular cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats available at a discounted price for attendees today. Samples will be provided.
Plan your fall garden now! Lettuces, spinach, kale, broccoli, & more!
July 15th
Did you know you can continue growing delicious, fresh veggies late into the fall? Well, you can even here in Michigan. All you need to know is the right crops to plant, and how to care for them. Join Jean Roman as she guides you through the steps of preparing for a bountiful fall garden.
How-to Make Marinara Sauce
August 26, 2023
Homemade Marinara Sauce- How to make & preserve summer’s bounty! Jean Roman, Author, Podcaster, & Self-professed Master Gardener will teach you how to make her delicious & incredibly easy Marinara sauce recipe from your homegrown tomatoes. Don’t grow your own? That’s ok, Jean will share how you can purchase large quantities at your local farmers market. She will have her popular cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats available at a discounted price for attendees today. Samples will be provided.
Easy & Delicious Pesto Sauce- How to make & preserve it! Jean Roman, Author, Podcaster, & Self-professed Master Gardener will teach you how to make her delicious & incredibly easy Pesto recipe, and how to preserve it so you can have it all winter long. She will share tips on how to grow & stimulate continued growth of your plants. Roman will have her popular cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats available at a discounted price for attendees today. Samples will be provided.
Fall Garden Clean Up: 10 Step How-to Fall Vegetable Garden Clean Up
Cleaning up your fall vegetable garden is an important step in preparing for next year’s crop. By removing dead or diseased plants, clearing debris, and adding compost and organic matter to the soil, you can improve the health of your soil and reduce the risk of pests and diseases for years to come. Jean Roman will go over her easy 10 Step How-to Fall Vegetable Garden Clean Up.
November 2023
Stay tuned for more information coming for my November Class!
“Growing your own food may be one of the most powerful steps you can take for the health of yourself, your family, and your planet.” ― Lindsay Oberst (foodrevolution.org)
Did you know you could grow ginger root? Well, you sure can and it is super easy to do. I found this information provided by Penn State Extension and had to share it with all of you. I’ve also included a few recipes to use with your ginger root!
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Let me know if you’ve ever grown your own, and how it worked out in the comments below! I love your feedback.
How to start your ginger indoors!
What is ginger anyway? Ginger is a subtropical plant which requires a longer growing season to reach maturity. If you live in the Midwest or any other area that has a harsh winter, you will need to start your ginger indoors and bring it in over the cold winter months. It is essential to start your ginger root indoors a couple of months before it can be planted outdoors. You can keep it in a container, or grow it in the ground.
Follow these easy steps to grow your own ginger root:
Preparing the ginger for planting:
Cut ginger root into 3-inch pieces, ensuring each contains at least three growth buds.
Allow pieces to callous over for a week before planting.
Choose a good potting mix & container:
I recommend using an organic potting soil with some type of moisture control if possible. You will need a container with a water tray. A great option is a large mixed greens plastic container. You can use the lid as the watering tray and they are the perfect depth to plant your ginger root.
Spread the soil in the container so that it is uniformly 3 inches deep and lay the ginger pieces horizontally on top.
Bury the ginger root:
Cover with an additional inch of soil.
Caring for your ginger root:
Water from the bottom every five to seven days until sprouts emerge. Then water enough to keep the soil moist but not wet.
After sprouts emerge, use a seedling heating pad and grow light to provide the necessary warmth and 16 to 18 hours of light required to get ginger established.
How to prepare & plant your ginger outdoors.
After the danger of frost has passed and the temperature at night is consistently above 40 F, ginger can be transplanted outdoors. Follow these steps:
Harden off plants for five days to prepare for outdoor planting.
Choose a sunny site with loose, loamy, well-drained soil with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. You may also grow ginger in containers if soil conditions are not favorable.
Dig a shallow trench and plant ginger 3 inches deep and 12 inches apart so that sprouts are visible just above the soil. If you choose containers, plant each plant in a container with a 12-inch diameter or larger.
When new shoots form or the pink shoulders of ginger are visible, hill your plants (pile more soil around the base of each shoot) with an inch of soil and add a granular fertilizer.
Water plants two to three times a week, soaking them deeply.
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is sometimes called ginger water and it wonderful for the stomach or gut. It is, quite simply, hot water infused with fresh ginger. It has a bit of spice which is easily adjusted by adding more ginger or letting it steep longer. Adding honey adds the final touch to make this tea a favorite for all.
Here’s what you’ll need:
2 TBSP freshly grated or sliced ginger root
4 cups spring water
1 TBSP fresh lime juice
1 to 2 TBSP local honey, to taste
1. Peel your fresh ginger and slice it as thin as you can to maximize the surface area. This will ensure a very flavorful ginger tea.
PRO TIP: Use the large slicer side of a 4 sided cheese grater.
2. In a medium sized pot, add the water and ginger; bring to a boil for at least 10 minutes. For a stronger and tangier tea, allow to boil for 20 minutes or more, and use more slices of ginger.
3. Remove tea from the heat, strain, and add the lime juice and honey to taste.
Dijon Ginger Dressing
This zesty dressing will make any salad better. You can use it as a marinade for chicken as well!
Here’s what you’ll need:
1 ½ TBSP grated ginger, lightly packed
2 TBSP white wine vinegar
1 TBSP your favorite Dijon mustard
1 TBSP honey
½ cup safflower or canola oil
¼ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp pink Himalayan salt
Peel your ginger and grate it finely
Blend all ingredients in a small blender or immersion blender.
Store refrigerated for up to 1 week.
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“I love things that are indescribable, like the taste of an avocado or the smell of a gardenia. ” Barbra Streisand
Welcome to Day 18 of my Gardening 101 Part 2 on how-to create a container garden. In Part 1 I discussed how to create an herb container garden, today let’s look at how to incorporate veggies into containers.
Many of the elements will be similar, especially in the types of containers, making this post a bit shorter. If you missed Part 1, just jump on over for an informative recap!
If you are a novice gardener you may be wondering how you can grow veggies in containers. You may be an experienced gardener who is considering the option of moving your veggies from a standard tillable garden to downsize or just utilize space more effectively.
If you are a novice gardener you may be wondering how you can grow veggies in containers. You may be an experienced gardener who is considering the option of moving your veggies from a standard tillable garden to downsize or just utilize space more effectively.
If you’ve been eyeing up container gardening lately, then you’re probably wondering what it has to offer you. After all, growing in a garden doesn’t really work like that. As you all know I am a huge advocate for container and raised bed gardening. Raised beds are in reality just another form of containers, as I showed in Part 1. You can grow herbs and vegetables in a standard tillable garden, but that type of gardening takes so much more effort and planning. With container gardening, everything becomes simpler and more accessible than it is with other methods.
If you missed my two part series on the benefits of raised bed gardening, click these links. Part 1 and Part 2.
Have you been wondering how to get started with a vegetable garden, or just want to be able to grow your own vegetables at home? Well, a vegetable container garden might be just the answer you’re looking for. A vegetable container garden is essentially an easy way to extend the space of your yard so you can grow plants more effectively.
With this guide, I’ll be showing you everything you need to know about creating successful container gardens as well as the many benefits they have to offer. After reading through the following tips, you will understand why having a container garden is one of the best ways to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables all year round.
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For Dragonflies And Me 