Mama Dukes' new garden addition doing great - Just Bag It!

Just a few updated pictures of the newest addition to Mama Duke’s property.


This new addition contains approximately 57 plants (all but 12 were started from seed).

The plant list includes:


Several Types of Tomatoes


Several Types of Peppers


Squash


Zucchini


Watermelon


Cantaloupe


Cucumbers


Corn


Bush Beans

Hello Tomato Freaks

Weare  so excited that our tomatoes in the greenhouse have finally produced fruit!  Here are a couple of photo's of our first few tomatoes...can't wait to eat them!

Here is a link for you tomato freaks titled: "TOP TEN WAYS TO USE TOMATOES", enjoy!
www.squidoo.com/tenwaystomatoes
 

Mama Duke Expands

Do to the over whelming request for Mama Duke's vegetables', we recently expanded. 

We have now included a Gated Garden on Mama Duke's property to protect our investment.

You may contact us via this website for a tour of the grounds, anytime.

Small outdoor garden - no tilling!

Okay, I just couldn't help but to try this.  If you are someone who wants a small garden, keep watching and we'll see how this works.

I thought why do we have to buy the soil, put it in containers or till the ground and mix it with the ground soil to grow a garden? 

Why not just poke about 9 holes through the bottom of each bag, flip it over, cut out a square and plant the plants right in the bag?  The holes give the plant roots room to grow.  They can even grow into the ground through these holes.

So, we'll see how it goes...but I encourage you to try it!

Third harvest of lettuce

I would have never of thought that I would be so inspired by Lettuce of all things...but I am!  This is our third harvest from the same lettuce plants!

Hello Cauliflower!

We were excited yesterday morning when we were greated with cauliflower heads!

Canning (food preservation) Second Session - Strawberry Lime Jam

Okay, I know in the last canning session I said it didn't get any easier, but it did!  In this modern day of convenience I figured that someone must have figured out how to involve the microwave in canning and after some research, I found a recipe that worked!  And it was super easy (although slightly messy).

This jam came out thicker than the first Strawberry Jam I made  (there was nothing wrong with the first Strawberry Jam, it's just the texture of this jam was slightly stickier.  Both were delicious).

Here it is:


1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups sliced, hulled strawberries
2 tbsp  Lime juice

1. Place sugar and strawberries in two alternating layers in a DEEP 12-cup microwavable bowl.  Pour lime over top.  DO NOT STIR.

2. Microwave, uncovered, on High (100%) for 5 minutes, stirring twice.  Microwave uncovered, on high for 10 minutes or until mixture will form a gel, stirring every 4 minutes.

3.  Ladle into hot jars and process for 15 minutes (florida) or as directed for your altitude (northern states 20 minutes).

Makes 1 1/2 cups

I must admit that with the LIME juice being added, the taste is one you must acquire (must like lime).

Broccoli Debut

Our broccoli has made its debut. We love broccoli and all the nutrients that come along with it. As a greenhouse plant, it's not the most practical as the yield does not justify the space it takes (being space is limited in a greenhouse).


We have not harvested any yet; it will be a few more weeks and something to continue to look forward to.

My first Canning Session

Okay, I will admit right off the back that all of these strawberries did not come from my garden.  Just to anxious to try canning to wait for them.  Besides, PUBLIX was having such a great sale!

My first attempt at canning is going to be that of Strawberry Jam (not to be confused with Jelly).  I figured for my first attempt I'd try something as simple as possible and trust me, it doesn't get any simpler than this.

Favorite Strawberry Jam


Generations have made Strawberry jam to preserve this favorite summer fruit. Traditionally, low-pectin strawberries are cooked for long periods to achieve a gel. This method uses standing periods alternating with much shorter cooking times. It makes a jam that retains its lovely red color and fresh flavor.


Here is what you need:

4 Cups of Strawberries halved or quartered  (depending on their size)

2 Cups of Sugar

1/4 cup of Lemon Juice

1. Mix berries and sugar and let stand for 8 hours, stirring occasionally

Quartered Strawberries

Sugar and Strawberries

2. Place berry mixture in a medium stainless steel or enamel saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.  Add lemon juice, return to a boil and boil rapidly for 5 minutes.  Remove from the heat, cover and let stand for 24 hours.

Boiling Strawberries, sugar and lemon juice

After 24 hours

3.  Bring berries to a full boil over high heat and boil rapidly for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat.

4. Ladle into hot jars and process for 10 minutes (per preserving steps).

Hot Jars

Jam placed in jar

Jars of Jam being processed

Makes 2 1/2 cups

Mama Duke's Strawberry Jam

Nice YUMMY chunks of strawberries
No skimping in this JAM!

There is a little bit more information as far as equipment necessary and if this is something you'd like to know..just shoot me an email and I'll be happy to give you the list.

Clean jars, lids, screw bands, jar lifter, and funnel

Boiling Water Canner/large stock pan

Now, what are you waiting for?  You don't even have to have a garden to can...purchase vegetables in season when they are at excellent prices and preserve their delicious taste for winter!