Gardening
Genetically Modified Food
Genetically-modified food. It is the new catch phrase, but what does it mean? And, what does it mean to homesteading families like mine? Simply, genetically modified foods have undergone a change in its DNA. There are two main kinds of changes: cisgenesis and transgenesis. Cisgenesis occurs when genes are transferred artificially with plants or animals that could procreate naturally. An example of... »
An Indoor Greenhouse
In my last article, "Semper Gumby", I mentioned that I started sprouting cabbage and snow pea plants indoors. Today I wanted to describe the process. First, I purchased a Jiffy Greenhouse. I paid about $6.00 for it. It has 72 peat pellets in which to start seeds. I definitely did not need that many cabbage or... »
Semper Gumby
This winter has been extreme for almost all parts of the United States. Whether you have had heavy snowfall, blizzards, freezing nights, and/or massive rainfall, gardeners must take into consideration the weather for a successful harvest. Valentine's Day is usually a day when people prune rose bushes and plant potatoes in Southeast Texas. ... »
Garden Planning Time
If you have been in Southeast Texas for the last few days, then you would have thought that it was springtime. It is January even though it feels like March this week. I am sure that the weather will change soon and that it get cold again. Texans say that "If you don't like the weather, wait 15 minutes." As... »
Blast of Artic Cold
The middle part of the United States, including Texas, is bracing for an arctic cold front this week. Well below freezing temperatures have already found there way in Northern states like Minnesota. In our area so far away from the Arctic, we are expecting temperatures to fall in the teens for days. Highs will be in the 30s. Meteorologists are... »
Homemade Gift Ideas, Part Two
This idea is much easier to make than the concrete bench in "Homemade Gift Ideas, Part One." It takes only some of your time and resources. It costs very little to put together. Last year I made "Farm Fresh Baskets" for friends and family. I found some inexpensive baskets in red, green, and/or gold. I shredded some white computer paper in... »
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
We finally finished laying and grouting the tile in my dining and living rooms. It was back-breaking work. I wonder how long until our backs and knees stop aching. The thin-set and grout have done a number on my hands, too. I am so glad this part of the project is over. Now we can stand back and admire our... »
Pumpkins
It is that time of year again. The night air is getting much cooler. The leaves on the trees are beginning to fade into different shades of yellow-green. And, pumpkins are everywhere. Churches are selling them in big lots. Stores have them out as decorations. I sadly did not get any pumpkins from... »
Honeybees
Just the other day, I watched a documentary called, "The Last Beekeeper." I had heard about the declining population of honeybees, but did not know the reason. It seems that neither do scientists. They are calling the sudden and unexplained death of hives "Colony Collapse Disorder"... »
Preparing for a Fall Garden
It is now mid-August on a year with record highs and little rain. Most people in my area start planting their fall garden in the middle of this month. The last thing that I want to think about right now is planting a fall garden, but my family does... »
The Great Pumpkin Mystery
I purchased my garden plants and seeds from the local feed store like I have for years. I have always had great luck. Apparently this was not my year. I do not know if it has anything to do with the store changing hands or just plain bad luck. Regardless when I prepare for my fall garden, I am going... »
It’s a Jungle Out There!
Life does not wait for you and neither does your garden. So, I dedicated a large portion of my day to tend to my garden. It was starting to look neglected after our hospital visit. The corn had to be harvested, other vegetables needed to be picked, etc. Jake joined me in the... »
Cucumbers
Cucumber plants like to climb. We have tried various things for them to climb like cyclone fencing and tomato cages. These items served their purpose, but we have the best luck with a piece of cattle panel. We had to buy a cattle panel for an unrelated project. It... »
Squash, It’s What’s For Dinner (Again!)
I really like the movie, "Forrest Gump," with Tom Hanks. One of my favorite scenes of the movie is when Bubba is listing all the ways one can prepare shrimp. During this time of the year, we have yellow crookneck squash in abundance. We give some away, but still seem to eat squash once a day. Therefore like Bubba, I... »
The Pick of the Garden
Taking my own advice about staying cool in the summer, my children and I were out in the garden early this morning. Our objective was to dig up some potatoes and pick whatever else was ready. Isaac, who is two years old, loves to dig for potatoes. He squeals with delight with every one he finds. He thinks that he... »
