#herb preservation

[doseofindependence]

The Ultimate Guide to Herbs: Harvest and Dry Like a Pro

Are you ready to elevate your culinary creations and enjoy fresh, aromatic herbs year-round? Discover the ultimate guide to harvesting and drying herbs in our latest article! Learn the best times to harvest, how to dry your herbs to perfection, and tips f

The Ultimate Guide to Herbs: Harvest and Dry Like a Pro Learn how to harvest and dry herbs like a pro with our ultimate guide. Preserve flavors, maintain potency, and enjoy your garden’s bounty year-round. Introduction Herbs are nature’s little miracles, offering a treasure trove of flavors, fragrances, and health benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious newbie, the process of…

[julianplum]

Prompt 9: preserves + moon // gouache and neocolor crayon on hot press paper

[tiktok-singularity]

Meal prep/planning.

Frozen chopped herbs and garlic

[pearlmroach]

Fast Growing Vegetables You Can Grow In Under 60 Days

Gardening is a rewarding hobby that not only provides fresh produce but also offers a sense of accomplishment. For those who are impatient or have a short growing season, fast-growing vegetables are a perfect solution.

Many vegetables can be harvested in under 60 days, allowing you to enjoy homegrown produce quickly. Here are some top choices for fast-growing vegetables, along with tips on how to grow them successfully.

1. Radishes

Growing Time: 20-30 days

Radishes are one of the quickest-growing vegetables, often ready to harvest in just three to four weeks. They thrive in cool weather, making them ideal for spring and fall planting.

Radishes prefer loose, well-drained soil and full sun. Plant seeds about half an inch deep and one inch apart. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, and thin seedlings if they become crowded to ensure proper growth.

2. Lettuce

Growing Time: 30-45 days

Lettuce is a versatile leafy green that grows rapidly. There are various types of lettuce, including leaf, romaine, and butterhead, all of which can be harvested in under two months. Lettuce prefers cool weather and partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Sow seeds directly into the soil, about a quarter-inch deep, and thin the seedlings to give each plant enough space. Regular watering is essential to keep the leaves tender and sweet.

3. Spinach

Growing Time: 35-45 days

Spinach is another fast-growing leafy green that is packed with nutrients. It grows best in cool weather and can be planted in early spring or fall. Spinach seeds should be sown about half an inch deep and spaced an inch apart.

Thin the seedlings to allow for proper growth. Spinach requires consistent moisture and well-drained soil. Harvest the outer leaves as needed, or cut the entire plant when it reaches maturity.

4. Arugula

Growing Time: 30-40 days

Arugula, also known as rocket, is a peppery green that adds a unique flavor to salads. It grows quickly in cool weather and can be planted in early spring or fall. Arugula seeds should be sown about a quarter-inch deep and spaced an inch apart. Thin the seedlings to allow for adequate growth. Arugula prefers well-drained soil and regular watering. Harvest the leaves when they are young and tender for the best flavor.

5. Green Onions (Scallions)

Growing Time: 50-60 days

Green onions, or scallions, are easy to grow and can be harvested in about two months. They can be planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Sow the seeds about a quarter-inch deep and space them an inch apart. Green onions prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist for the best growth. Harvest when the green tops are about six inches tall.

6. Bush Beans

Growing Time: 50-60 days

Bush beans are a great choice for a fast-growing vegetable that produces a generous harvest. They thrive in warm weather and should be planted after the last frost. Sow the seeds about an inch deep and three inches apart. Bush beans prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during flowering and pod development. Harvest the beans when they are firm and crisp.

7. Zucchini

Growing Time: 50-60 days

Zucchini is a prolific summer squash that grows rapidly and produces abundant fruit. Plant zucchini seeds directly in the garden after the last frost, about an inch deep and spaced two to three feet apart. Zucchini needs full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently and mulch around the plants to retain moisture. Harvest the zucchini when they are six to eight inches long for the best flavor.

8. Turnips

Growing Time: 40-60 days

Turnips are a versatile root vegetable that can be harvested for both their roots and greens. They grow best in cool weather and should be planted in early spring or late summer. Sow the seeds about half an inch deep and spaced an inch apart. Thin the seedlings to four inches apart once they start growing. Turnips prefer well-drained soil and consistent moisture. Harvest the roots when they are about two to three inches in diameter.

Growing Tips For Success

Soil Preparation: Ensure your soil is well-prepared before planting. Loosen the soil and add compost or organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.

Watering: Consistent watering is crucial for fast-growing vegetables. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot and other issues.

Sunlight: Most fast-growing vegetables require full sun, which means at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose a sunny spot in your garden for planting.

Succession Planting: To ensure a continuous harvest, practice succession planting by sowing seeds every few weeks. This way, you'll always have fresh vegetables ready to pick.

Pest Management: Monitor your garden for pests and take action as needed. Use organic pest control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, to protect your plants.

Conclusion

Growing fast-growing vegetables is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh produce quickly. With a little planning and care, you can have a bountiful harvest in under 60 days. Whether you have a large garden or just a small space, these vegetables are perfect for any gardener looking to maximize their growing season. Happy gardening!

[failsquirrel]

me when i completely switch focus from my original ocs to warrior cats once again.....thinking of doing a story that's partially a warriors rewrite but also it's own thing with different characters

[tarot-junkie]

DAMN. DAMN. WHEW. YAS!

Shared food amongst friends.

[lianathedeadlyvine]

I made a little over 7 cups of peach-ginger butter and canned most of it. It is very delicious and is smoother than apple butter. I think I’ll make some more when the peaches are in season.

[wholelottabotany]

Food Gardening Friday: Herb Harvesting

For the fullest flavor, harvest herbs before they flower. If you've been harvesting branches all season, your plants probably never get a chance to flower. However, by late summer, even herbs that have not flowered will start to decline as the weather cools. This is a good time to begin harvesting and drying your herbs

How to:

-Cut healthy branches from your herb plants.

-Remove any dry or diseased leaves. Yellowed leaves and leaves spotted by a disease are not worth drying. Their flavor has already been diminished by the stress of the season.

-Shake the branches gently to remove any insects. There are always hitchhikers and since you won't be thoroughly washing the stems, you want to get rid of as many as you can now.

-If you've picked your herbs while the plants are dry, you should be able to simply shake off any excess soil. Rinse with cool water only if necessary and pat dry with paper towels. Hang or lay them out where they will get plenty of air circulation, so they can dry out quickly. Wet herbs will mold and rot.

-Remove the lower leaves along the bottom inch or so of the stem. You can use these leaves fresh or dry them separately.

-Bundle 4 - 6 stems together and tie as a bunch. You can either use a string or a rubber band. -The bundles will shrink as they dry and the rubber band will loosen, so check periodically that the bundle is not slipping. Make small bundles if you are trying to dry herbs with high water content, so they get air flow between the branches and do not rot.

-Punch or cut several holes in a paper bag. Label the bag with the name of the herb you are drying

-Place the herb bundle upside down into the bag. You can include the loose leaves you removed from the bottom inch of the stems if you like.

-Gather the ends of the bag around the bundle and tie closed. Make sure the herbs are not crowded inside the bag.

-Hang the bag upside down in a warm, airy room. -Check in about two weeks to see how things are progressing. Keep checking weekly until your herbs are dry enough to crumble and ready to store.

When to Harvest Your Herbs for Drying -For the fullest flavor, harvest herbs before they flower. If you've been harvesting branches all season, your plants probably never get a chance to flower. However, by late summer, even herbs that have not flowered will start to decline as the weather cools. This is a good time to begin harvesting and drying your herbs. -Cut branches in mid-morning. Let the morning dew dry from the leaves, but pick before the plants are wilting in the afternoon sun. -Do not cut the entire plant, unless you plan on replacing it. You should never cut back by more than two-thirds or remove more than about one-third of a plant's branches at one time. Storing dried herbs: 

-Store your dried herbs in airtight containers. Small canning jars work nicely. Zippered plastic bags will do as well.

-Be sure to label and date your containers.

-Your herbs will retain more flavor if you store the leaves whole and crush them when you are ready to use them.

-Discard any dried herbs that show the slightest sign of mold. It will only spread.

-Place containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. There are amber colored canning jars that block sunlight to help withhold damage.

[ominouspositivity-or-else]

quick someone remind me that i need to be a strong smart capable independent young woman and i should not want to spend the rest of my life drying herbs in a nice warm kitchen and baking muffins to eat for breakfasts okay

[ghoulsencyclopedia]

Black Pepper

Associations:

Strength

Energy

Renewal

Emotional Growth

Protection

Purification

Warmth

Confidence

Exorcism

Properties:

Antimicrobial

Preservative

Stimulating

Aromatherapeutic

Antioxidant

Correspondences:

Third Eye, Solar Plexus

Fire

Mars

Masculine

[devourmist]

< which creature are you within the enchanted forest? >

NYMPH

Despite your playful and carefree demeanor, you are a deeply emotional and passionate person. On the rare occasion you become visibly angry, it strikes people as equal parts shocking and powerful. An effective combination. It’s not so much that people see you as weak but rather unbothered. You’re a free spirit. Easy-going and effortlessly charming. But the relaxed grace with which you carry yourself should never be mistaken for indifference.

A group of guards made that mistake. With dissent mounting across the land, the Corrupted Kingdom increased their military presence amongst civilians by tenfold. This included constructing forts to both house more soldiers and intimidate neighboring citizens. You weren’t surprised to see one crop up near your town, but you were outraged to learn that the Head Guard ordered the river that ran through your village be completely diverted towards the fort. In addition to supplying all the food and water for your town folk, that river provided the primary form of transportation and powered the water mills used by most local establishments. Without the river, the town would die out within months. When you brought this up to Head Guard, you were rebuked. “This river will run through the fort,” he had said. Fine, you thought, the river will still run through this fort, but… Sneaking out that night, you sabotaged the irrigation equipment causing the river to completely flood the fort before reverting back to its original course towards the town. The fort was destroyed and the people were saved, but as the guards number one suspect you had to flee.

You took refuge in the close by Enchanted Forest, using your affinity for nature and adaptability to traverse it. You felt a kinship with the wood and water. Upon returning through the Lake Door, you met the Nymphs who resided within the Banished Kingdom. Recognizing your gentle strength and sly disposition, the Nymphs knew you were one of them. During the war against the Corrupt Kingdom, you fought the fight on the sea, sinking ships, but saving the sailors who you quickly persuaded to join your side. After the battles, you and your fellow Nymphs now work to preserve the cleanliness of the planet’s waters, while also facilitating safer travel. You explore the world, leaving each place you visit better after you find it.

tagged by: @cxrnxticn & @caemthe tagging: @hellhunted @nezumivc103221 @tximidity @deityforged @chaoscrawls

[yoshistory]

never understood the restock videos that people do where they wash ALL their produce and put them in baskets like i get that its for easy to eatability but like dont they go bad much faster when you do that

[crudlynaturephotos]

[garm-wars]

Some may be interested in reading the script of "Night Beat" program number 57, a presumed lost episode of the old time radio series which I proudly digitized. The program starred Frank Lovejoy and was written by Herb Purdum. It is available as an OCRed searchable B+W photocopy PDF on Old Time Radio Researchers, and in multiple formats including a digital facsimile preservation PDF on Internet Archive.