Home & Garden Special

[annie]

Harvesting frequently and spending time with your garden to see what is happening to the plants on a daily basis if possible does them good and it is good for you too! Picking fruits and herbs often stimulates new growth and makes everyone happy.



Add a little more every year. Experiment with something new each season and try adding fruits or nuts, Asian or Italian types of produce such as Lemon grass or Arugula and spice up your kitchen garden for the best flavor possible.



Remember that no one is more of an expert than you are about the plants that you grow. Watching their progress will help you to understand their needs and the environment around them. Just because a bug is spotted in the garden, does not mean that a catastrophe has occurred, there is likely a larger bug around the corner that wants to eat him! Always spray food plants with caution and make sure the product is approved for vegetables, do not use Raid on something you are planning to eat. There are many organic type pesticides which are very safe not only for you but for those good bugs too.



Whether you plant a large kitchen garden or a small container garden, everyone can find room for a few vegetables which add so much to our lives.

[annie]

Quick ways to use fresh herbs

1. Chop fresh rosemary leaves, garlic, squeeze a lemon and drizzle some olive oil to marinate chicken, steaks, pork chops, tenderloin, or lamb before grilling or roasting for amazing flavor.

2. Mix fresh herbs with cream cheese or goat cheese for a quick, elegant snack spread. Use lighter herbs such as parsley, basil, chives, dill or marjoram. Add zesty sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor.

3. Add fresh herbs to a blender or food processor with shallots, 2 tbsp. vinegar or lemon juice, 1 tsp. dijon mustard. While blender is running drizzle 1/2 - 3/4 cup olive oil until well emulsified for a fresh dressing for grilled vegetables or salads.

4. Bundle fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley and marjoram with kitchen string and simmer in canned chicken stock with a peeled onion and garlic clove for quick flavorful soup bases. Add vegetables, chicken, pasta or rice for a healthy low cal meal.