{Tomatoes and Basil – August 2012}
This year I’m on a mission to grow 4,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables in my suburban backyard. In 2012 I was able to grow 2,028 pounds, and in 2013 I’m going double or nothing. I have absolutely no idea if I’ll be able to achieve my goal. But, as with any adventure, half the fun is getting there. ~Mavis
Here is what I have harvested so far this year:
Beets – 14 ounces
I finally got a round to cooking those beets and made a lovely Roasted Red Beet & White Bean Hummus. Does anyone know if you can freeze hummus? Because if you can, I think I’m going to have to add a few more rows of beets to my garden plans.
Egg Count – 59 {2.5 per day average}
Our dear sweet Jersey the not so Giant chicken died about a week ago. Everything about it was sad, especially since she died of natural causes. Jersey was also one of our best egg layers so not only did we lose her, but we also lost about 5 eggs a week when she passed. Luckily 2 of the baby chicks we brought home last September have begun to lay. We also have another 5 chickens that have not started laying yet so once that happens, it’s going to be egg city around here.
Potatoes – 2 pounds 9 ounces
I found these babies while I was clearing out one of our raised garden beds. If every winter was as mild as this one has been, then I’d totally plant winter potatoes every fall. Seriously, harvesting potatoes in January? That is just crazy!
Sprouts – 6 ounces {I’m currently growing some more alfalfa sprouts right now in the kitchen}
Wheatgrass – 2 ounces
Not only is growing wheat grass cool, it’s good for you too. Does anyone know the street value on wheat grass? Do they sell wheat grass at a regular grocery store, or do you have to go to a specialty store to purchase some?
Total Food Harvested in 2013: 3 pounds 15 ounces
Total Eggs Collected in 2013: 59
How is YOUR garden planning going so far? Is the ground still frozen? If so, when does it usually thaw?
~Mavis
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Kay says
I’ve bought wheatgrass at Whole Foods for $7 a quart sized, maybe smaller, bag. It’s expensive stuff but sooooo good for you!
Mavis says
Whole. Lee. Cow.
Mary says
Did you know that you can cut (harvest) wheatgrass three or four times and it will grow back and the nutrients in the soil wear out and then you start all over again. The worn out soil is good for worm bins and compost piles.
Becca says
Here in Northwestern Oregon (suburbs of Portland) we get freezes all the way into May….sooo it’s a long time yet until I can start gardening. I can’t even start seeds indoors because they will be ready to go out long before the out is ready for them to come. I’m hoping late March/early April to start some seeds…
Lon says
Lettuce and sprouts can be grown and harvested indoors in the cold months. Also some herbs. If you set it up now, when it gets closer to Spring, you’ll be ready to start planting your outdoor garden starts. There are lots of “when to start” guides on the internet for indoor planting. Just count back from your local last-frost date and plant away.
Sarah M. says
I once went crazy buying hummus at Costco (it was on sale, what else was I supposed to do?) and bought more than we could eat in a week. I froze 2 containers, and they thawed out perfectly. You can freeze hummus.
Mavis says
Sweet diggety! You made my dreams come true. 🙂
Corrine says
Mavis,
Are you familiar with the Spring Green Elephant Plant Swap in Redmond, WA? All sorts of plants are shared & sometimes seeds. It’s worth the drive. Be there at 10am to experience it all.
Please forward the invitation; it’s a public event.
Saturday March 2, 2013, 10:00 AM to Noon
Church of the Holy Cross
11526 162nd Ave NE
Redmond, WA 98052
The theme is Bareroot Bonanza!
It may still feel wintry, but spring is on the way. March is an excellent month to divide and move dormant plants. Annual seeds can be traded for spring planting. It�s time to dream big for the coming summer.
Rain or shine, Puget Sound gardeners gather to share and exchange plants and knowledge with all. The Green Elephant Plant Swap is hosted in North Redmond, WA, at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross; The site offers parking, covered areas, indoor facilities, kitchen, memorial garden, grass labyrinth and playground. It is five minutes from I-405 and I-520.
Contact: Jim Eichner, cell phone: 425-223-7249
How it works: No sales, just exchanges and freebies, please.
Tailgating Encouraged. The format for the trade is like a tailgate party. Traders exchange expert gardening information as well as plant materials. In two hours all the deals are sealed. We have plenty of new parking.
Free Stuff. Many gardeners generously share plants from the abundance of their gardens�An excellent way to begin your garden. Also an excellent way to thin out that giant patch of shasta daisies, etc. There is always a pile of plants free for the sharing at the swap.
What if I have nothing to trade? Cookies and chocolate work like money at the Green Elephant!
Mavis says
Sounds Awesome Corrine! Thanks for letting me know. I’ll try and make it.
Gail J says
I am thinking about getting some chickens. We live in the high desert in So Cal and everything I read seems to say that chickens are a lot of work….need heat in the winter, cool in the summer and on and on. Is it really that hard??