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Keeping in Touch:  Danger of Extinction  |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 12 2009 : 11:36:13 PM
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okra should be sown directly in the garden as soon as the soil is warm... thin your seedlings to 18 inches apart when they reach 2 inches in height. pick the pods when they reach 3-4 inches long to prevent them from becoming fibrous/tough. Keep the pods picked to keep production up.They are heavy producers and depending upon how many folks you have to feed you can wind up picking okra out the wazoo..my mom planted just 4 seeds for okra last year and had more than enough plants for one person. She said she wound up with plenty of okra for fresh use and for freezing.
another thing of note is that the okra is actually related to hibiscus..when it flowers...do take notice of the flowers as they are lovely..usually a pale yellow with a purplish throat...very pretty..and even if you don't eat okra..it is worth having around simply for the flowers.Not only can the okra be breaded and fried..it can be added to soups/stews....although some people don't like the slight "slime" factor when okra is boiled...but in with the right ingredients it really is hardly even noticed. I have used it in sausage stews wherein you take your fave ground bulk sausage and brown it,some tomato sauce, herbs,spices and lots of veggies/whatever you like..fresh green beans, carrots,corn,fresh okra and let simmer in a crockpot all day..very yummy and hearty.
I've not grown either the leeks or swiss chard before..but cetainly want to give those a try.Good luck.
~I Dream of a Better World..where chickens can cross the road without having their motives questioned!~
blogs:http://gardengoose.blogspot.com/
and http://thevictorygardener.blogspot.com
magazine: www.stliving.net
etsy shops: http://GardenGooseGifts.etsy.com
and http://myvictorygarden.etsy.com |
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Corinnelouise
True Blue Farmgirl
957 Posts
Corinne
France
957 Posts |
Posted - Mar 13 2009 : 01:56:13 AM
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Hello dear Mavens, sorry I haven't been around lately, we have troubles with a non internet connexion and we we are connected, have to take care of priorities so I have been quite deprived.
We have a few new Mavens, I have updated the list and will send it over this week-end. Karen won't appear on the new list, she asked me to be taken out.
I got a small cold frame and will start the first seeds in a couple of days.
Amy Grace should be back from Paris now, we haven't been able to see each other and I hope she enjoyed her time there.
Have a great day,
Corinne
Sister # 101 |
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homemom
True Blue Farmgirl
1593 Posts
Ruth
Warwick
RI
USA
1593 Posts |
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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - Mar 13 2009 : 06:33:22 AM
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Hey everyone - just got back late last night. Long day flying, both trans-atlantic flights had a baby crying nonstop:( Oh well. I'm feeling culture shock more than anything. That and weather shock - it was early spring weather in France so on the airplane I was thinking "oh, I'll go to the seed and feed, buy a good shovel, start working on the garden", no, we have more snow and record low temps here - 3 degrees day before yesterday. So my garden is on hold again.
We stayed at a b&b that is a working farm in Normandy - absolutely beautiful. You just get much different ideas about using space - we are spoiled here in the states and have a lot of it, but you can really do a lot with a little.
Ruth - thanks for the scarf, I love it - amazingly I bought a hat the exact same color while over there.
Corinne - so sorry I didn't get to see you, someday.....
Talk to y'all soon
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22944 Posts
22944 Posts |
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homemom
True Blue Farmgirl
1593 Posts
Ruth
Warwick
RI
USA
1593 Posts |
Posted - Mar 13 2009 : 07:11:19 AM
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Welcome home, Amy Grace~I am so glad that you received the scarf and that you like it. I love the book you sent me. I would love to hear more about that farm in Normandy. I am limited on space and could always use more ideas. Do you have pictures to share?
Ruth
 Living the farm life in my heart.
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Ruth
http://farmgirlinmyheart.blogspot.com |
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soapmommy60543
True Blue Farmgirl
2197 Posts
Ann
Oswego
IL
USA
2197 Posts |
Posted - Mar 13 2009 : 08:30:57 AM
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AmyGrace - welcome home! I'd love to hear more about that Normandy farm, too... I'm doing SFG, and would love to learn more...
Alee - great job on those finals!
We moved our little milk jugs into the small greenhouse we bought for our homeschool. The seedlings sure are much happier now! A big surprise this morning - DD announced that the jug where we've got some onion seeds started actually smells like onions! I told her that's a good sign.
I don't know which is worse - my soil depravation , or God deciding that winter weather should continue after giving us two days of 65 degree sunshine . Have to have a chat with the Man Upstairs about this... I NEEEEEEEEEED MY DIRT!
Blessings to all!
Sign up for Earth Hour at my blog:
http://suburbanprairiehouse.wordpress.com
Craft Fasting since March 1, 2009 |
Edited by - soapmommy60543 on Mar 13 2009 08:34:24 AM |
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sjs
True Blue Farmgirl
247 Posts
Stephanie
Oakland
CA
USA
247 Posts |
Posted - Mar 13 2009 : 10:31:25 AM
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Can someone post a link to the heirloom book lists? I've looked all over and can't seem to find them.
Thanks!!
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Learning to live is learning to let go.
Visit my food blog! http://www.wasabimon.com - natural cooking to live for.
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soapmommy60543
True Blue Farmgirl
2197 Posts
Ann
Oswego
IL
USA
2197 Posts |
Posted - Mar 13 2009 : 12:13:20 PM
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Our little milk jug and water bottle starters...
They are as anxious for spring as we are...
Sign up for Earth Hour at my blog:
http://suburbanprairiehouse.wordpress.com
Craft Fasting since March 1, 2009 |
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farmmom22
True Blue Farmgirl
616 Posts
Tammy
Scottsville
KY
USA
616 Posts |
Posted - Mar 13 2009 : 12:48:49 PM
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Thanks Tina for the okra info! It's actually the okra seed I received from you so I'm glad you could answer my question! So now what about leeks and swiss chard?
http://afarmgirljourney.blogspot.com/
Farmgirl Sister #492
Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. -Carl Bard |
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soapmommy60543
True Blue Farmgirl
2197 Posts
Ann
Oswego
IL
USA
2197 Posts |
Posted - Mar 13 2009 : 1:46:07 PM
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Just a thought about HR 875...
No, the USDA will probably not be trouncing through anyone's back yard to dig up their homegrown potatoes, but they could cut off our sources (ie SSE, BC, SofC, etc.).
Sign up for Earth Hour at my blog:
http://suburbanprairiehouse.wordpress.com
Craft Fasting since March 1, 2009 |
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QueenofQuiteAlot
True Blue Farmgirl
865 Posts
Dalyn
Milk 'n Honey Ranch
Central, WA
USA
865 Posts |
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
Posted - Mar 13 2009 : 3:43:45 PM
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Welcome back Amy and Corrine, missed you!
Stephanie, I believe the list of books are over in the hen house.
I agree with Ann about the HR 875 if you havent yet watched the video Future of Farming, google it, it is well worth the time. Also read "in Defense of food" by Michael Pollan...Ann your spring planters are awesome.
Dalyn~ If you dont hear from anyone specific about your seed, check over at the Maven henhouse.
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
http://farmchicksfarm.blogspot.com/http://renenaturallyspeaking.blogspot.com/
Circumstances made us FRIENDS; MaryJane's has made us SISTERS :) |
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Thistle Cove Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
141 Posts
Sandra
Tazewell
VA
USA
141 Posts |
Posted - Mar 13 2009 : 3:59:53 PM
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Another great place is in the Ozarks, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds http://rareseeds.com/ I met this young fellow a few years ago when we were both working the Small Farms event and he impressed the heck out of me. Jere Gettle has his head so firmly attached to his shoulders, doing such great work, it was a pleasure to shake his hand.
Thistle Cove Farm ~ God's blessings on you, yours and the work of your hands & heart ~
www.thistlecovefarm.com
www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
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Thistle Cove Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
141 Posts
Sandra
Tazewell
VA
USA
141 Posts |
Posted - Mar 13 2009 : 6:11:02 PM
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I just spoke with Daddy and he's bringing me some of his thornless blackberry plants. Nope, they aren't heritage but they are from Daddy's garden and that makes them "almost" heritage -smile-.
Around here folks are getting anywhere from $2 to $4 per plant!
Thistle Cove Farm ~ God's blessings on you, yours and the work of your hands & heart ~
www.thistlecovefarm.com
www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Mar 13 2009 : 7:16:15 PM
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Another thing I like about okra is when it's dried you can use it in flower arrangements. Lots of florists use it and may buy some if you have alot extra. It looks really pretty with dried hydrangia blooms.
I would also like to know about swiss chard. Thinking about growing some. WOuld it be better to start with seeds or plants?
Alos I want to start a rhubarb bed. But they are SO expensive for just a few plants. I sure wish I had gotten some of my MIL's plants years ago now.
Kris
Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you. Maori proverb |
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gramax18
True Blue Farmgirl
106 Posts
Elinor
meeker
Colorado
USA
106 Posts |
Posted - Mar 13 2009 : 7:58:59 PM
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About the swiss chard question. I have raised it for many years and it is easy. Just sow in the garden when you plant the other crops. It grows well and you can pick it all summer and into the fall.
I plan on tring to leave some in the ground this fall so it will seed the next year and I can gather my own seed.
Have fun with your garden.
Elinor |
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StasiaSpins
True Blue Farmgirl
78 Posts
Stasia
Augusta (Eau Claire)
WI
USA
78 Posts |
Posted - Mar 13 2009 : 9:59:46 PM
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This is why we chose heritage breeds from the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy's lists for our farm.
http://www.albc-usa.org/
And we were amazed at the difference in taste of an organic heritage chicken as compared to an organic "regular" white meat chicken! The "old" dual purpose breeds have fantastic flavor.
We don't breed or eat anything else from our farm (just use the sheep and goats' fiber, and the mammoth donkeys are for riding of course!)... but we still like to support breeders of heritage livestock, who keep the lines alive, so we buy our lamb meat from the folks who bred our Jacobs - again, there is no comparison between the "real" flavor of a heritage breed.
We shop locally for organic heritage pork and beef as well - we're lucky to live in a very slow foods/local foods aware area.
We hope to focus on Golden Laced Wyandotte chickens, which originated in our area, to make more breeding stock and table fowl available to people in the future - our way of perpetuating what we can. 
http://YarnAndABarn.blogspot.com
http://www.TuppinzFarm.com
Heritage Sheep ~ Goats ~ Donkeys ~ Poultry
Spinning ~ Knitting ~ Weaving ~ Quilting ~ Crocheting |
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marcy jo
True Blue Farmgirl
453 Posts
Marcy
Wawaka
Indiana
USA
453 Posts |
Posted - Mar 14 2009 : 09:05:10 AM
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Hi Everybody! Been out of the loop lately trying to get caught up with life!! I just might get some seeds started this weekend. Its supposed to be 50 most of the week!! First the barn needs a good cleaning and the storage shed needs massive help!!
Kristin--I want a rhubarb bed too so I bought some seeds to start. Do you want some? I believe you cant harvest until year two, but the price is just right.
Dawn--I sent you a surprise!!!!! You should get it in a day or so!!!
Hope everyone is doing well..have a great weekend!
Marcy #257
http://marcyjosmarket.blogspot.com |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Mar 14 2009 : 09:35:21 AM
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Marcy, YES! I would love some. Just let me know how much. You can e-mail me. Thanks. I just know in Johnney's catalog they were $25 bucks for 3 crowns. But I guess they spread and multiply, How long do seeds take to get going?
Has anyone grown shallots? They are so good.
And I did not know Golden Wyandotte came from WI. How interesting. They sure are pretty chickens. I may have to get a few more of those, too. My Buff's won't be here til April 24th. Long time to wait. I guess I could be stocking up on feed now.
It's a rainy ole weekend here, so can't do anything outside. Just watch the rain fill up the little pond in the pasture for the ducks. They are such happy creatures when it rains and fills it up. What duck joy!
Hope everyone has a great weekend. I love hearing about all the garden prep. It really is getting me inspired for sure.
Kris
Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you. Maori proverb |
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farmmom22
True Blue Farmgirl
616 Posts
Tammy
Scottsville
KY
USA
616 Posts |
Posted - Mar 14 2009 : 10:18:56 AM
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Thanks Elinor for the swiss chard info!
Kristin, I planted shallots for the first time this year. I hope they do good. Is there anything special I should do to them? I planted onion sets and green onions from seed as well. I love to use onions when I cook. Now all I need to know about is the leeks! Corrine can probably tell me since she sent me the seed.
It's cold and rainy here today. UGH! It was beautiful last weekend and then all this nasty mess has to come. I guess I'll start some more seed inside today and dream of warm weather!
http://afarmgirljourney.blogspot.com/
Farmgirl Sister #492
Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. -Carl Bard |
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soapmommy60543
True Blue Farmgirl
2197 Posts
Ann
Oswego
IL
USA
2197 Posts |
Posted - Mar 14 2009 : 10:20:55 AM
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Can someone post a link to the Future of Farming video? I'm having trouble finding it...
Sign up for Earth Hour at my blog:
http://suburbanprairiehouse.wordpress.com
Craft Fasting since March 1, 2009 |
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
Posted - Mar 14 2009 : 3:03:22 PM
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Hi girls! I just had a great visit with Lora and her hubby. They came to Ohio to pick up chicks and I fed them and sent them off. I can't wait til the spring gathering here at my farm to meet more of you. I too, am enjoying the garden chatter. Kris, I'd love to send you some rhubarb, but mine is in its 2nd year.... I want to wait a bit before I divide and conquer. I've done chard right in the ground as well and am going to try it again this year. Also, I'm a dummy and started carrots only to think that they wont transplant well.... I shall soon find out.
For the newbies: I'm hosting an heirloom plant sale and farmgirl gathering here in Ohio the weekend of May 23rd. You are more than welcome to email me for more information.
I completely agree about heritage animals. The taste is phenomenal. I wont do meat birds again, only heavy roo's.
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!
Dawn #279
MJ's Heirloom Mavens-QMD
http://harvestthymefarm.etsy.com
http://harvestthyme.blogspot.com
~live big, ride hard, and shoot straight." |
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Keeping in Touch: Danger of Extinction |
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Danger of Extinction
