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

Unprecedented Drought Grips Mid-Ohio Valley: A Closer Look at 2024's Water Crisis

As we navigate through the summer of 2024, the Mid-Ohio Valley finds itself in the throes of what has been described as an exceptional drought, marking a historic event for the region's environment.

conservation, Editorial, Fall, Gardening, History, Plant Care, Science, Story, Summer, USDA, WaterJohn MorganAugust 30, 2024drought, water, dry, summer, 2024, conservation, climate, environmentComment

Fall Pollinator Plants: How to Keep Your Garden Buzzing Into Autumn

Fall is a critical time for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects as they prepare for the colder months ahead.

Fall, Gardening, Landscaping, Plant Care, Science, Trends, Water, WildlifeJohn MorganAugust 23, 2024autumn, fall, plant selection, pollinatorComment

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

Summer Compost Care: Keeping Your Pile Healthy

Summer is prime time for composting, but the heat can bring its own set of challenges. With a few simple tips, you can keep your compost working efficiently all summer long.

Compost, DIY, GardeningJohn MorganAugust 9, 2024compost, summer, gardeningComment

Planning Your Autumn Landscape

As summer wanes and the crisp air of autumn is on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to turn your attention to planning a fall landscape.

DIY, Fall, Gardening, Landscaping, Patio, Plant Care, Summer, Tree, TrendsJohn MorganAugust 2, 2024autumn, fall, chrysanthemum, pansies, pansyComment

Beat the Heat: Top Heat-Resistant Plants for Your Landscape

With summer's blazing heat, keeping your garden looking lush can be quite the challenge. But don't sweat it! There are plenty of plants that not only survive but thrive in hot, sunny conditions.

DIY, Gardening, Landscaping, Plant Care, Summer, Succulents, TrendsJohn MorganJuly 26, 2024lantana, sedum, lavender, russian sage, coneflowerComment

Maximizing Mid-Season Growth for Annuals

This blog post will delve into the specifics of deadheading and pruning annual flowers, providing you with the knowledge to keep your garden looking its best and your thumb a little greener.

container garden, DIY, Gardening, Plant Care, Summer, toolsJohn MorganJuly 19, 2024green thumb, pinching, pruning, deadheadComment

Gardening During a Heat Wave

Gardening is a rewarding activity, but during a heat wave, it can present unique challenges. Here are some essential tips to help your garden survive and thrive during a heat wave.

Raised Bed Gardening: A Guide for Beginners

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, raised bed gardening offers numerous benefits that make it an attractive option for all.

container garden, DIY, Gardening, Plant Care, Raised BedsJohn MorganJune 21, 2024raised beds, raised bed, gardening, Garden, design, planComment

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