Garden Results

 Here is a picture of what we got out of all our garden building efforts this year.....

Okay that picture is a bit of an exaggeration, but not by much... we got:

Enough garlic to fill a 750ml Jar with honey

10 tomatoes

15 potatoes

1 small cucumber

tons of herbs and flowers

So if your wondering why I haven't been posting, its because there just wasn't anything to talk about. Our winter stock of teas, herbs, flowers is set but I had to purchase a few items from the Hutterites (Amish) in order to get 12 jars of vegetables fermented for winter. 

Our Elderberry plants ( 2 of them) survived and seem to be doing well. Both blueberry plants, the strawberry plant and the cherry tree are all doing well also.

I guess this year will just be chalked up to preparation for coming years. Our infrastructure of raised beds, herb and flower gardens etc are all in place. Our intention for next year is to build a greenhouse 10 x 26 in the area where our in-ground garden and shed (shed has been dismantled and removed already) are currently. A new shed will be built on the north side of our house.

We are going back to Salt Spring Island very soon to visit friends and extend the fall season before coming home to a settled winter. For any new readers, we lived on Salt Spring 2018 - 2020.

Sod this, I'm Preparing for Spring

The advantage to a cold winter is that Spring looks all the better. 

Happy New Year everyone, by the way.

I refuse to acknowledge this cold wave we're having (we get a reprieve today (Jan 1) and tomorrow then after another week of mid -20s (Celsius) those who never get it right are giving everyone hope by saying it will be in the range of 0C (32F) for about a week -- I'll believe it when I see it.

Good news for the chickens though, I will leave their coop door open today and tomorrow for some much needed fresh air. I've had to keep them cooped up (pun intended) due to the extreme -40C temps. (-40C is also -40F for anyone who doesn't know -- also known as 'Damn Cold')

We decided to start planning our garden...

So because we want to learn to save our own seeds, I ordered this book which comes highly recommended by numerous homesteading peeps.

We need this book because every veg/plant, etc has different times/ways to save the seeds, for some the seeds are saved early in the growth and for others you let a few of them grow long past picking before saving the seeds.

Seed to Seed

We have 1 of these standing storage racks but to ensure it is the same size as the other I have ordered 2 of them to snug side by side.

Storage rack for seed trays

(I noted the price increased $5 since I ordered them yesterday)

And a lesson learned from last year when I started all our starts but then had to buy a bunch of starts because they didn't get strong enough even with the greenhouse.... this year, grow lights!

Full spectrum LED grow lights

As for the seeds, as you may know - if you plan to save seeds you need heirloom seeds (ie non-gmo) as the gmo seeds are sprayed and processed in such a way that they do not propagate well. By buying only heirloom seeds we ensure the heritage of the seeds, 'Purebred' seeds if you will.

Here in Alberta, there are a few heirloom seed companies and I chose to order from Heirloom Seed Vault and Wildrose Heritage Seed Company.

It is also worth noting that when buying seeds, you should always try to buy locally because by way of example, tomatoe seeds sold in Alabama will not be as hearty as those sold in Alberta, not to mention the much shorter growing season here.

Everyone should try to grow something, even if its just a few small herbs in the kitchen window, or a single tomatoe plant on the veranda. It gives you a sense of something.... I can't quite put my finger on, but suffice to say it makes you feel warm and fuzzy. A huge garden like we tend to do is not necessary for everyone but having a plant growing somewhere just, well... feels right for us. And many typical house plants are edible too... multi purpose. Not to mention the many many that are just growing wild outside your door, yes YOUR door, every door, free for the taking, and often medicinal.

May your next salad be wild! 

A few more things from the garden

Trying to stay on top of the garden harvesting while maintaining product for the weekend market...

Love these baskets!! So Red Riding Hood

Radish from the greenhouse

Beet greens

Green Onions from the side of the house

You may recall that I had a few extra of each bulb after the first onion planting so I put them just off the deck on the side of the house close to a part of the side garden which won't grow anything... voila! 

 I ran out of Pickled Beets (among others) at the market and when refilling my market container I realized I'm almost out completely... so I contacted the woman who made them last year... she won't be doing them again this year.....

So rather than sod about - I am switching them out. I have Rhubarb in Betty as I type and expect that to finish in the next hour or so as well as a batch of sliced Oranges waiting to go in this am because I also want to replace the Tomatoes w/ Italian Seasoning as they don't sell very well. 

Ready for the market

With the market beginning tomorrow, I had to get a few last minute details sorted. My handwriting is atrocious so Stacey gave me some stickers she had kicking about and I managed to get the display labels on.

Display finished

I didn't have anything to put on the bottom right shelf so I decided to do flowers. Hadn't done any flowers (other than herbs/weeds), so it was a bit of an experiment too. For the most part it worked great but the petals expanded - turns out they are hollow, bet you didn't know that!! The larger petal flowers actually did terrible though. If I had laid them flattened to have the flower facing forward (I didn't put any thought into this) it would have worked great but I just put them down and that's how they came out which doesn't work for my display purpose.

Before

After

If you've been following us for awhile you know that we tend to do some 'interesting' stuff. We tried to do something yesterday but our friends boat had engine trouble so we had to turn back. He has since repaired it and we will try again today, so stay tuned for yet another adventure possibility.

Gorgeous day for a boat ride

Eye strain

I have strained my right eye 2 days in a row so Brad went to the pharmacy and picked me up an eye patch to help keep it closed so it can rest. I realized this morning as I sat down here to do my morning computer ritual that the early morning sun comes in the window right on that eye and I have to EVENTUALLY pull the curtain across. This morning I pulled the curtain before sitting down so we'll see if that helps.

There was a rock pile here when we moved in. We don't know if its a dog's grave or just a pile of rocks but we prettied it up regardless.

Lemon Grass hasn't grown much but its in good shape

In the greenhouse

Extra plants growing in the greenhouse and my pea hangers are developing nicely, I should be able to hang them out any day now.

Stevia, Leeks and Carrots growing on the ground there

4 Popcorn and 17 Corn cracked so far

Today we hope to have that adventure we attempted yesterday.

 

Still puttering

The 2 large Tomatoe planters I made had to be moved from the greenhouse to the deck so I got that done and set beside the chaise lounge between the HorseRadish pots.

HorseRadish and Tomatoes

If you recall I had a plant growing in here that didn't look like the other horseradish planter sprouts, turns out its the same thing... horseradish. Whew.

HorseRadish

Our Strawberries from last year were just left on the deck as is all winter and they are thriving again this year. I didn't know that would happen, I must admit.

Potatoes had to be unrolled and reloaded with more soil for more potatoes to grow.

My Daisy plant that Brad gave me on Mother's Day was put into a bigger pot and set on the deck too. Hopefully it will last longer this way, as its so bright and cheery.

Previous Romaine planting in these pots did not germinate so I tried it again, we'll see. 

I did put the previous seed packet seeds into water and they all floated (sure sign they're dead), so I used a different package this time....

These 3 trays are for Broccoli microgreens which we did indoors in early spring and we really loved them, nice mild nut flavour so I have 3 trays and I planted one, will plant them every week in rotation.

Also moved 2 Lemon Balm plants outside beside the microgreens.

Eurasian Collard-Dove?

 I did a bunch of stuff in the greenhouse too but didn't get pics so you have that to look forward to LOL

I haven't checked the weather yet but the sun is out and its a blue sky so the day looks promising.

Water and Corn

I mentioned in a previous post that its been a very dry spring here. With our cistern getting uncomfortably low even with all of our water conservation efforts, we decided to be proactive and take measures to ensure we can meet our needs. 

There is a place in Nanaimo where you can purchase water for something like $16 for 1000 gallons, there is an application process for that and we have applied and should hear sometime this week. Regardless, we hope to be able to find purchasable water somewhere but either way, you need something to put it in.

On Facebook Marketplace we found some water totes. They were previously used for simple syrup (sugar water used in things like Tim Horton's Ice Caps and other cold drinks, so they are food grade and many many people use them for water, especially gardens but even to store for their own home use. 

We arranged to buy one and then decided enroute that 2 would be simpler as we could reload quicker and then just pump one from the truck to one in the garden. They have an intake on the top and a spigot on the bottom so they are perfect for this application.

2 water totes for water storage (naturally, as I type this it is raining...)

Our corn has been put in finally. These are sweet corn, the POPcorn is still sprouting in the greenhouse.

Our landlord put his corn in just a few feet from ours. 

It will be interesting to see the difference as the summer progresses between ground cover with soaker hose and 'free range' corn.

 

More garden planting

Friday was our friend Stacey's birthday, so I made a Lavender Salve for her and Brad picked up a chocolate cheesecake - he had them write 'Happy Birthday' on it too. She came by for a coffee and seemed quite surprised.

Stacey's b/day

Yesterday (Saturday), we spent the entire day in the garden. Everything we had left has now been planted. Including the Tomatoes and Peppers. We covered the new plants with bird netting to keep the Quail out of them until they are big enough. There is room for more so we will pick up 24 Spinach or Romaine, 12 Fennel and 6 Thyme while we're across in Nanaimo tomorrow. 

Some garlic which did not sprout was replaced with extra pepper plants since they are great companions to each other.

Basil, Oregano and more Pepper plants

Sage waiting to go in and a couple of zucchini down the end

Everything is looking great though under those row covers.

Had a bunch of extra Brussel Sprouts in the greenhouse in case the row covers didn't work, so they went in too.

We have 13 Tomatoe plants, 38 Pepper plants, about 120 Onions of varying colours, 75 Carrots, around 120 Garlic bulbs, 4 Zucchini and 4 Cucumber and a ton of herbs and other stuff that I can't recall at the moment but anyway, it's a big garden for 2 people, we will surely share with friends but Betty will be well fed come fall.

Saw this red and black floating top hat in the water

Turned out to be just another barge

 The local farmer's market is due to begin May 22nd so I am going through stock and ensuring that I have a good supply to start the season with. Hopefully Covid won't cause it to be shut down.

Tidbits

The government replaced a temporary covid sign of the same message with a permanent one. This tells me they don't anticipate this being over anytime anywhere near soon. Apparently in Saskatchewan they are already talking about August, which (to my mind) means maybe next spring.

Permanent Covid sign

The garden is coming up vegetables.

I put the lettuce in yesterday because they will be under the row covers. The tomatoes and peppers are still waiting their turn in the greenhouse.

The ferry passing by in the night - from our dining room window

Who said Quail are small... the quail on this orchard are large. This feeder, you may recall, is about 12 inches high.

My Dr called on Monday to discuss my bloodwork results. He is very surprised, but in agreement, that my thyroid is definitely giving out something. My medication was 75 (I thought it was 50) and he has now reduced it to 50 and we will check it again in 2 months.

 

What else is growing and why

*** There is Health Benefit information in this post for the purpose of shedding light on options, please do your own research before consuming and/or using any Medicinals/Edibles.

My Garden Helper

Potatoes are coming along nicely

Horseradish on the right but not on the left, instead something my app can't decide on so I'll leave it to grow a bit more.

Horseradish Benefits: 

Strengthens Immune System, Treats urinary tract infections, Helps to regulate blood pressure, Helps in digestions, Useful during pregnancy, Helps relieve pain, Helps prevent cancer, Treats sinus infections, Good for teeth, Helps metabolism.

Horseradish edibles: Aside from the obvious condiment... Roots can be sliced and roasted as with parsnip, Young leaves can be added to salads, pickles or cooked as a potherb. Sprouted seeds can be used to season salads.

Asparagus 1

Asparagus 2

Asparagus 3

Stevia (sugar substitute found at any health food store)

Stevia Benefits:

Weight control, Cancer prevention, Improves bone health, Regulates blood pressure, Skin care, Improves oral health, Cures allergies

Stevia Edibles: 150x sweeter than sugar. Dried leaves can be ground and used as a sweetener or soaked in water and the liquid used in making preserves. Powdered leaves can be added to herb teas.

The white flowers are (will be) Saskatoon Berries

Saskatoon Berries Benefits:

Immunity, Heart health, Inflammation, Fiber, Brain and Nerve, Energy, Stomach ailments, Mild laxative. Juice used to make eye and ear drops. 

Saskatoon Berries Edibles: Fruit used in soups, stews, meat dishes, pemmican and dried cakes.

St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort Benefits:

Smoking cessation, Menopausal mood swings, Reduces pregnancy pains, Anti-cancer effects, Cure hangovers, Cure Parkinson's Disease, Treats sinus congestions, Lowers blood pressure, Cures depression (not to be mixed with some depression meds - research required), Controls anxiety, Alleviates pain, Antiviral, Alleviates joint pain.

St. John's Wort Edibles: Leaves, flowers, seeds used in tea. Leaves and flowers can be tossed in salad.

Greenhouse planter box now includes Salsa tomatoes and jalapenos

This planter box is mostly for salsa. Tomatoes, Jalapenos, Bunching onions and Cilantro with a couple of Brussel Sprouts, Beets and Radishes thrown in.

Yesterday I started Corn...

... and POPcorn

Tomatoes, Peppers and Romaine are thriving in the greenhouse

Two tomatoe plants that were unlabeled as to which type of tomatoe, will go on the deck in these big pots. I soaked Pea seeds overnight and they will go in these hanging baskets - don't know if that will work but I don't see why not, so...

Carrots and Leeks

Lamb's Ear

Lamb's Ear Benefits:

Antibacterial bandage, Bee stings, Insect bites, Colds, Gum and throat infections, Asthma, Eyewash, Toilet paper, Absorbent pads

Lamb's ear edibles: Young leaves in salad, steamed as a green, battered, stir fried.

Side garden onions

When I planted onions in the large garden I had a few bulbs left over so I put them in the side garden in a patch that doesn't grow things well... never expecting that they would come to anything as the ground is so shallow here, but here they are in all their glory just the same as the ones in the garden.

Small garlic patch

We have a large garlic patch out by the main garden with 92 plants in it.

Some likely familiar medicinal plants

Robbie and I foraged enough for 4 Betty trays (1 full load)

2 of Purple dead nettle, 1 of plantain and 1 of plantain seeds

Purple Dead Nettle

Medicinal uses: Astringent, diuretic, diaphoretic and purgative. Anti-inflammatory, Anti-bacterial and Anti-fungal. Leaves used on wounds or cuts, poultice.

Edibles: Pesto, soup, salads, smoothies. Any way you would use any green leafy vegetable or herb.

Plantain

Medicinal uses: Cough, Wounds, Inflamed skin or dermatitis, Leaves crushed and applied topically for insect bites, stings, eczema and small wounds or cuts.

Edibles: Infections, Inflammation, Kidney, Bladder, stomach and intestinal problems, Breathing conditions.

Plantain seed head can be dried and ground to a flour

Medicinal Uses: GI (Gastro-Intestinal) therapy, Treat hyperlipidemia, Anti-cancer effects, Respiratory treatment, Chronic bronchitis, Asthma, Cough, Cold, Laxative, Insect repellant.

Edibles: Eat as insect repellant, Salad, Breads, Grind to use as flour.

I have found learning about our local weeds to be quite fascinating and I hope you are finding it interesting - if nothing else. If others are interested I will continue to add details here and there, otherwise I won't be discussing it again so please let me know your interest level in the comment section below. 

I have not been able to find anything which will replace my thyroid medications as they appear to be made from pig thyroid hormones which I guess explains the weight gain. LOL