Root Cellaring

In an era where refrigeration and modern preservation techniques dominate, there's a charming resurgence in the age-old practice of root cellaring.

DIY, Cooking, Fall, Gardening, Home Canning, ProduceJohn MorganSeptember 6, 2024root, roots, root vegetable, cellar, preservation, fall, autumnComment

The Basics of Freezing Produce

Freezing is an excellent way to preserve fresh vegetables at home. Freezing does not sterilize food; the extreme cold simply retards growth of microorganisms and slows down changes that affect quality or cause spoilage in food.

Fall, Gardening, DIY, Produce, WinterJohn MorganAugust 18, 2024freezing, freeze, vegetables, produce, preservation, canningComment

Pressure Canning Basics

Pressure canning is the only safe method of preserving low-acid foods. Low-acid foods include vegetables, meats, fish, and poultry. Pressurized steam creates the needed temperature of 240 degrees Fahrenheit or higher that will destroy the bacterial spores naturally present in these foods. As the jars cool, a vacuum is formed, sealing the food in the jars and preventing any new microorganisms from entering and spoiling the food.

Cooking, DIY, Gardening, Produce, SafetyJohn MorganAugust 17, 2024canning, pressure canner, produce, vegetablesComment

Water Bath Canning Basics

The tasty high-acid menu includes choices ranging from sweet to savory. Fruits, fruit juices, jams, jellies and other fruit spreads, salsas, most tomatoes, pickles, relishes, chutneys, sauces, vinegars and condiments are among items safely preserved using the water bath canning method. Because these common foods contain high amounts of acid or the recipe incorporates the correct balance of acid, water bath canning is the recommended method.

Cooking, Gardening, Project, Summer, DIY, Fall, ProduceJohn MorganAugust 16, 2024canning, home canning, water bath, acidComment

Planting Turnip Seeds: A Beginner's Guide to Growing a Cool Crop

Now is the time to plant turnips! These cool-weather crops are not only delicious and versatile but also relatively easy to grow from seeds.

Fall, fertilizer, Gardening, Plant Care, Produce, seed, vegetable, Victory Garden, WinterJohn MorganAugust 18, 2023turnips, turnip, fall, autumn, garden, cover crop, winter, cool weatherComment

Planning Your Fall Garden in the Mid-Ohio Valley

It might not seem like it now with weather forecasts showing a heat wave approaching next week, but fall is on the way. As the Mid-Ohio Valley transitions from the warmth of summer to the cool embrace of autumn, it's the perfect time to start planning your fall garden.

container garden, Fall, Gardening, Plant Care, Produce, Raised Beds, vegetable, Victory GardenJohn MorganJuly 21, 2023fall, garden, vegetables, planningComment

Pruning and Suckering Tomato Plants: A Guide to Maximizing Yield and Plant Health

To ensure a bountiful harvest and promote healthy growth, it is crucial to understand two essential techniques: pruning and suckering.

Gardening, Plant Care, Pest Control, Produce, SummerJohn MorganMay 26, 2023tomatoes, tomato, suckering, pruningComment

Growing Summer Squash

It might not seem like it with the current cool weather, but now is the time to start planting summer crops. One summer favorite is yellow squash.

Cooking, Gardening, Plant Care, Pest Control, ProduceJohn MorganMay 5, 2023squash, summerComment

Wet Summer Disease on Tomatoes

Earlier this week, I received some troubling photos from Cynthia, one of our readers. The photos featured tomato leaves that were yellowing, wilting, and spotted.

Edible Mixed Containers

You might have limited space for traditional gardening or want a focal point for your patio that features a tasty treat, here are some awesome mix ideas.

Hydroponic Gardening

I have been gardening all winter. Fresh lettuce, kale, herbs, peas, tomatoes, and even violas freshly harvested each week.

Raised Beds (Part 1)

This past weekend I started on a project that has been years in the making.

DIY, Gardening, Landscaping, Plant Care, Produce, Project, Spring, Summer, Raised BedsJohn MorganJuly 2, 2021garden, gardening, raised bed, Victory Garden, vegetablesComment

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