tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.comments2024-03-04T08:20:43.291-06:00Get Me To The CountryJeanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11333123227073032453noreply@blogger.comBlogger3449125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-45166337870643862562024-03-04T08:20:43.291-06:002024-03-04T08:20:43.291-06:00Bears! I will no longer complain! At least nothing...Bears! I will no longer complain! At least nothing in my garden can eat me!<br /><br />Squirrels are a problem for me too. Last fall I saved a five-gallon bucket of walnuts in the shed and yesterday I discovered they had found it, eaten all and left the shells for me to pick up. All that work bending over went to waste! They love my tomatoes so I hang a plastic produce mesh bag (saved from the grocery) over each tomato as it begins to ripen. The bags are easily moved from tomato to tomato and just hang over the branch. Birds hate the bags also. Another trick I have used is to grow Aunt Ruby's Green tomatoes. They never turn red so the birds and squirrels don't bother them. Raccoons will get them because they graze at night and sneak down the row taking one bite out of each. I have a couple of pieces of chicken wire bent into a dome that I plop over anything newly planted. It seems the squirrels like the freshly dug soil for some reason but will leave the plants alone after they are established. I wonder if they think another squirrel has planted a nut in the freshly dug soil and are trying to steal it. Last summer I moved a strip of black netting around in the garden to deter anything walking through at night. I used it until I got tangled up and fell hard. I saved it but will be more careful where I put it this year.<br /><br />We love the wildlife and enjoy watching it but when they start eating my food - well, the boxing gloves come out!Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11333123227073032453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-38926121546242282882024-03-03T11:28:22.513-06:002024-03-03T11:28:22.513-06:00We have encroaching wildlife here as well because ...We have encroaching wildlife here as well because of excessive clearing of forests for housing and apartments. Bear activity has become worrisome as one nearby had one try to come in their doggie door! We make sure our storm doors are locked at night in hopes that it would slow down a bear if it tried to come in. Some days we have had one just strolling down our street. At night our driveway alarm and motion lights are going crazy with deer grazing in our yard. But, those doggone squirrels re the worst! They destroy everything. I planted pansies in window boxes last fall and they were completely gone in a few days. I guess they ate them roots and all. I have given up trying to grow herbs because they just dig them up and destroy them. We long ago gave up on tomatoes. They eat them but not the entire tomato. They take them and eat one bite and then leave it. This is really frustrating. I hope you can find some way to keep the critters out better than we have been able.Lanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09380649410508372279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-42547905719719680742024-03-02T11:22:38.034-06:002024-03-02T11:22:38.034-06:00Lots going on in your garden despite the weather. ...Lots going on in your garden despite the weather. I could do with some of that manure here lol! B xCoastal Rippleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13355914194686166834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-66303572578406788652024-03-02T08:03:50.603-06:002024-03-02T08:03:50.603-06:00Yesterday I put the winter radishes into ferment -...Yesterday I put the winter radishes into ferment - a first for me. Today, I will be experimenting with dehydrated caramelized onions and mushrooms in the crockpot with a roast. I don't know how long it will take or how much broth to add or how to season it. Now that you mention lentils, I am realizing I have pulled almost all of my canned beans from the shelf. The learning and work never seems to end.Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11333123227073032453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-82507972333748977872024-03-01T07:32:32.646-06:002024-03-01T07:32:32.646-06:00What a wonderfully bountiful garden! I'm so g...What a wonderfully bountiful garden! I'm so glad you had good success this winter, and had enough to put food up. We know all about garden critters, and appreciate the hawks and owls, though they do take out one of our chickens now and then. I love canning in the winter, and try to do it on the coldest days. Today's high is going to be 48, so it'll be lentils today. I love opening these jars up, along with home canned tomato sauce, chop some onions and peppers, add a few spices, and it's sloppy joe's for dinner. Happy March!Lauriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01156180100389224114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-64419810661479454062024-02-29T21:13:05.713-06:002024-02-29T21:13:05.713-06:00Hootie is a hoot! He will sit and stare at me with...Hootie is a hoot! He will sit and stare at me with those big eyes patiently waiting for me to finish weeding and leave HIS hunting grounds. His wings make a loud whooshing sound that is startling if your back is turned.<br /><br />Congratulations on the new load of compost! I call it black gold. Hubby has other choice names for the putrid smelling load of mush he gets to unload. <br /><br />If I were you, I would sneak at least one vegetable plant in with the flowers. Pick something exotic like red okra or potato leaf tomatoes. Red Noodle yard-long pole beans draped over the front door so people would have to duck would be entertaining, or you could ignore me and just enjoy beautiful flowers.Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11333123227073032453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-13400465502502952912024-02-29T20:29:02.204-06:002024-02-29T20:29:02.204-06:00Come on over! Be sure to bring your shovel. We are...Come on over! Be sure to bring your shovel. We are expecting another load of manure when the weather clears and could use your help!Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11333123227073032453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-6992374847722437142024-02-29T14:55:26.789-06:002024-02-29T14:55:26.789-06:00How this post gladdens my heart, especially to hea...How this post gladdens my heart, especially to hear about Hootie! After years of country living I'm am now in a busy town and for the first time have no space to grow fruit and veg. After years of growing my own produce it is quite a shock to see the pathetic little punnets of fruit for sale in the shops at ridiculous prices!<br />I've just had a delivery of compost for the flower beds and I felt just like you with your delivery from the farmer, such super stuff! Hope you manage to keep the critters out.Share my gardenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13288916401614816319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-20529012384805600812024-02-29T11:21:50.594-06:002024-02-29T11:21:50.594-06:00Wow, impressive! And yummy! I'll be right over...Wow, impressive! And yummy! I'll be right over. ;-)Beth at PlantPostingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10473637655960119672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-51517419088083437262024-02-25T08:30:06.482-06:002024-02-25T08:30:06.482-06:00We are on the map! That's awesome! What are we...We are on the map! That's awesome! What are we going to do with all of this fame? Now let's hope they don't build a theme park around it and charge admission. <br />Good job, George<br />Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11333123227073032453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-15943831084489454072024-02-24T23:15:57.561-06:002024-02-24T23:15:57.561-06:00Hi Jeannie, just wanted to know your excellent blo...Hi Jeannie, just wanted to know your excellent blog post has been the basis of Berlin Spring getting put on the map (literally!) on FindASpring.com. I submitted an entry with a link to your blog post and just got noticed it was approved.<br /><br />Berlin Spring on FindASpring:<br />https://findaspring.org/spring/locations/north-america/usa/tennessee/berlin-spring/Georgehttps://findaspring.org/members/georgeowen2/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-67207974556441165492024-02-12T09:30:15.698-06:002024-02-12T09:30:15.698-06:00The Merlot Lettuce seeds came from Baker's Cre...The Merlot Lettuce seeds came from Baker's Creek seed company.<br /><br />Finding the right time to plant has been impossible for me to figure out. It seems the weather patterns shift so much that I never know what is best until it is too late. What has worked is staggering the planting times. Start some seeds and then a few weeks later, plant a few more, and then a few more again, etc. Keep planting seeds. I see people who plan by the calendar but that has never worked for me. Last year I lost everything because of an early winter storm. <br /><br />Here is a blog post where I listed what is possible to grow through the winter. That list is even longer now since companies are always breeding more winter hardy varieties. <br />https://getmetothecountry.blogspot.com/2016/12/winter-garden-what-is-growing.html<br /><br />It all depends on what your family likes to eat. We want not spicy fresh salads and variety which is why I try to grow so many different things. What are your goals? What does your family like?<br />Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11333123227073032453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-88429858381974990032024-02-10T16:46:08.709-06:002024-02-10T16:46:08.709-06:00We are near Chattanooga, and your winter garden lo...We are near Chattanooga, and your winter garden looks amazing! Two questions—1) any advice on how I could learn what might grow in a winter garden here, and timing to plant? And 2) where can I purchase some of the same red lettuce seed?Susan Mnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-15721049150016675992024-02-06T15:22:05.772-06:002024-02-06T15:22:05.772-06:00It was wonderful that the vegetable managed to sur...It was wonderful that the vegetable managed to survive despite the snow cover.margihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16639869808566029773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-66299200356465314962024-02-06T10:32:41.740-06:002024-02-06T10:32:41.740-06:00It seems to be a slow learning process finding the...It seems to be a slow learning process finding the right plants and getting them out at the correct time; however, it all hinges on the weather cooperating.Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11333123227073032453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-35608011790271484012024-02-03T06:35:27.754-06:002024-02-03T06:35:27.754-06:00I’m very impressed you grow so much this time of y...I’m very impressed you grow so much this time of year. B xCoastal Rippleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13355914194686166834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-63337683448192347142024-02-03T05:44:45.704-06:002024-02-03T05:44:45.704-06:00Wow that's wonderful how all those plants mana...Wow that's wonderful how all those plants managed to survive despite the snow!Down by the seahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06148800326418238027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-5654282184146853012024-02-02T01:32:18.598-06:002024-02-02T01:32:18.598-06:00Oh my goodness -- those greens look so crunchy and...Oh my goodness -- those greens look so crunchy and delicious! (I am drooling) Even fresh greens from the store look a bit wilted right now. I am going to have to try the Merlot Lettuce, especially. <br /> A good reminder that life can continue, even in the face of storms...Cindy Brickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09255999402913887987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-65071514871652143182024-02-01T07:24:00.487-06:002024-02-01T07:24:00.487-06:00I got out yesterday and worked for a few hours cle...I got out yesterday and worked for a few hours cleaning out the dead plants. I think their good health is from the trailer loads of horse manure.Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11333123227073032453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-3535366671961381562024-02-01T07:20:44.192-06:002024-02-01T07:20:44.192-06:00Eating a fresh from the garden salad while it is s...Eating a fresh from the garden salad while it is snowing outside feels like I am in the Twilight Zone. The flavors are so much better than in the hot weather. <br /><br />If I could find all the varieties that are as hardy as the red lettuce and plant only them, wouldn't that be so much easier? Next year I want to put up fewer hoop houses but still get the same amount of food. Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11333123227073032453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-37209854298014844162024-01-31T16:12:06.122-06:002024-01-31T16:12:06.122-06:00How wonderful to find all those lovely veg under t...How wonderful to find all those lovely veg under the covers. They look so healthy Margarethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08979390044895652899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-83742784411571235082024-01-31T07:59:50.550-06:002024-01-31T07:59:50.550-06:00I'm so glad your garden made it through so wel...I'm so glad your garden made it through so well, with the wintry weather. I've had the same experience with red lettuces in the winter. They're tough! Isn't it the best to harvest fresh greens through the winter?Lauriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01156180100389224114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-21165800741931506772024-01-30T19:04:57.133-06:002024-01-30T19:04:57.133-06:00Wow, that is truly amazing! It almost makes me wan...Wow, that is truly amazing! It almost makes me want to start a winter garden outdoors. Your produce is so lush and healthy! Congratulations!Beth at PlantPostingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10473637655960119672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-60216789573826061122024-01-23T14:34:48.057-06:002024-01-23T14:34:48.057-06:00The greens look so wonderful. You are so wise to ...The greens look so wonderful. You are so wise to put covers on them as you did! Yesteryear Embroiderieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15811251599118118561noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-424277252952787351.post-65896362546539413422024-01-03T22:26:04.967-06:002024-01-03T22:26:04.967-06:00Wow, your greens look luscious. Crunchy and vivid....Wow, your greens look luscious. Crunchy and vivid. Right now, I have gray sagebrush and dark green pines to look at. But come spring, I'm going to try a garden. Again!Cindy Brickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09255999402913887987noreply@blogger.com