In northern climates, gardeners grow what is called hardneck garlic because it thrives in cold temperatures. In late spring, hardneck garlic produces a leafless, curly, flowering stem called a scape. The scape itself is delicious, and can be used in many ways. Garlic scape powder is one of many ways I use garlic scapes, and while I love garlic powder and make my own, making scape powder is a much easier process.
Continue ReadingChickweed Salve for Itchy Skin (and tips for foraging)
Chickweed is a wonderful herbal “weed” to forage, and is both edible and medicinal. Be sure to try this chickweed salve recipe – it’s easy to make and is great for itchy skin and all types of skin irritation.
Continue ReadingBeginner’s Guide to Water Bath Canning
What is Water Bath Canning
Water bath canning is a great skill to have when it comes to preserving the harvest. Choose water bath canning to preserve high acid foods like jams, jellies, fruit, most tomatoes and sauces, pickles, relishes and vinegar based condiments.
Even if you live in a small apartment, this is a skill you can learn and practice now before you are able to move to your dream homestead. Fruits and vegetables can be purchased at Farmer’s Markets even if you don’t yet have your own garden.
Continue ReadingLow-Carb Zuppa Toscana (Tuscan Soup) with Stinging Nettle (or other wild greens)
Zuppa Toscana – Tuscan Soup with Stinging Nettle
Low Carb Zuppa Toscana is an amazingly delicious soup. Since I love all things foraged, I created this soup with stinging nettle instead of spinach or kale. But yes, you can use either of those if you can’t find nettle.
I highly recommend using sausage from pastured pork, grass-fed butter, and organic vegetables in the recipe. With the wild foraged stinging nettle, it will certainly be a nutrient dense meal.
How to Safely Forage and Use Stinging Nettle
How to Identify Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle, or Urticia dioica, is a flowering perennial that loves rich soil and partial shade and gets its common name from the sharp hairs that sting when touched. I love to forage and use stinging nettle and most often find it growing along moist, forest trails.
Continue ReadingYour Seeds Aren’t Germinating? Here’s Why
Germination Issues – Seeds Aren’t Sprouting
Growing plants from seed is a great way to save money and a great way to grow varieties not available in local nurseries. But it can be such a disappointment when those seeds don’t sprout. There are a number of reasons your seeds aren’t germinating and most of them can be prevented, or corrected.
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