Sunday December 27 is the 4th day of Christmas. Here is when you begin to sing "Four Calling Birds, Three French Hens, Two..." As Daniel Medina reminded the Lighthouse fellowship last night, there are many more days of Christmas celebration than your local retailer will remind you. For the stores, it's time to buy your Champagne for New Year's but for Christians in a traditional celebration there are 12 days- thus the carol of old. And for that matter, Christians should be celebrating Emmanuel-"God with us" all year long.
But when you wind down your Christmas celebrations in as far as decorations go, there are some environmental considerations. There are several options for recycling your Christmas tree. (If you had the heart to cut down a lovely tree just to look at it for a couple of weeks.) It takes time, but if you'll flatten out the large pieces of wrapping and tissue paper, fold up the 'gift bags, you may have plenty for future gift wrapping opportunities. You can reuse some of the Christmas card envelops to hold seeds but at least get the snail mail addresses of friends and family for future letter writing.
As for post Christmas Miami community celebrations, look for the Three Kings Parade in Little Havana to celebrate Epiphany and the King Mango Strut- the Orange Bowl parade that feature political spoofs and general tongue-in-cheek parade humor.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Gifts for the Gardener
Do all the gardeners on your list and the rest of the world, a big favor and choose your gifts well. Quality, recycled and Fair trade are items they'll appreciate the most.
-Don't buy cheaply made anything. If it's just going to break, why waste your money.
-Give seeds from your garden last summer. Ok, maybe you've already used them. Fun to plan for next year.
-Save hair from your next hair cut. Don't think I'm crazy. Hair is an excellent composting material and a good mulch. It has more nitrogen than manure and is slow to release.
-Composting worms would be a nice gift for your friend that doesn't like to turn their pile very often.
-The ashes from a fire are great for soil here in South Florida, any where for that matter. Since very few homes have fireplaces here, have a party with the bonfire and then give the cooled ashes for the present later as a remembrance of the fun.
-Please don't buy anything remotely made by slave, underpaid, underfed labor. (Almost anything made cheaply by large corporations or anything not certified "fair trade.") The fact that you and I are both reading computers means we're rich by World standards. The idea that any of us would buy something made by a poor soul that left their agrigarian life to move to a factory to be sitting all day long to assemble meaningless gadgets for us to give as a gift to someone who has the privledge and choice to grow a little garden on the side is ironic, wrong and sad.
- There's a bonus to looking for real tools, made well, by folks who use the money directly to support their families and give work to the neighbors. You'll probably need to shop in a locally owned store. Many Ace hardware stores are locally owned. Look closer. You'll find some. Antique, thrift and second hand stores often have old tools. They've lasted this long, they'll last the gift receiver.
-Don't buy cheaply made anything. If it's just going to break, why waste your money.
-Give seeds from your garden last summer. Ok, maybe you've already used them. Fun to plan for next year.
-Save hair from your next hair cut. Don't think I'm crazy. Hair is an excellent composting material and a good mulch. It has more nitrogen than manure and is slow to release.
-Composting worms would be a nice gift for your friend that doesn't like to turn their pile very often.
-The ashes from a fire are great for soil here in South Florida, any where for that matter. Since very few homes have fireplaces here, have a party with the bonfire and then give the cooled ashes for the present later as a remembrance of the fun.
-Please don't buy anything remotely made by slave, underpaid, underfed labor. (Almost anything made cheaply by large corporations or anything not certified "fair trade.") The fact that you and I are both reading computers means we're rich by World standards. The idea that any of us would buy something made by a poor soul that left their agrigarian life to move to a factory to be sitting all day long to assemble meaningless gadgets for us to give as a gift to someone who has the privledge and choice to grow a little garden on the side is ironic, wrong and sad.
- There's a bonus to looking for real tools, made well, by folks who use the money directly to support their families and give work to the neighbors. You'll probably need to shop in a locally owned store. Many Ace hardware stores are locally owned. Look closer. You'll find some. Antique, thrift and second hand stores often have old tools. They've lasted this long, they'll last the gift receiver.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
How Carolling is like Gardening
A large group of friends and school pals gathered to carol tonight. We have a great neighborhood and figured they 'get it.' You'd think South Florida warm weather would encourage such an activity. But in my 13 years here, I haven't seen it until tonight.
As we planned, folks started joining on organically. Without trying we had 8 families. One mom had a great idea to put out some flyers to let the neighbors know we were coming. I googled "how to go carolling" to find a example.
Carolling in Miami is like gardening, there is very little information on it. Almost none. It's a lost American tradition. Now granted, Miami isn't "American." It's a special case. Arguably, (read- Immigrant Power in Miami) the only US city that became a new creation as immigrants did not assimilate but recreated a new community. Latin America has Las Posadas. Caroling is different. It's actually much easier. Just walk around and sign together. Maybe that's why there isn't much information posted.
However, the neighbors didn't know what to do. Most didn't come to the door. A sweet elderly woman peeked out of her front window from behind her blinds. A couple of houses came to listen. Overall it seemed this was the missing link- the uncomfort of mismatched social expectations.
In the end, we had a great time. It was cold (75 F) and drizzling. We decided to pretend it was snow and plow ahead. Our homemade song books (Thanks Melissa) disintegrated. We sang anyway. We sang for our jewish neighbors with the inflatable polar bear holding a dreidel. They invited the pack of kids in to light the next menorah candle. We sang for the older neighbors. We splashed in puddles. We feasted on impromptu "pot luck" of the non-requested items that the families brought to the gathering house. (a great Latin tradition- always bring something when you go to someone's house.)
The lesson- next year we'll do it again. And we'll put out flyers so the neighbors know we're coming. But next year, the flyer will explain what the neighborhood should do as follows...
As we planned, folks started joining on organically. Without trying we had 8 families. One mom had a great idea to put out some flyers to let the neighbors know we were coming. I googled "how to go carolling" to find a example.
Carolling in Miami is like gardening, there is very little information on it. Almost none. It's a lost American tradition. Now granted, Miami isn't "American." It's a special case. Arguably, (read- Immigrant Power in Miami) the only US city that became a new creation as immigrants did not assimilate but recreated a new community. Latin America has Las Posadas. Caroling is different. It's actually much easier. Just walk around and sign together. Maybe that's why there isn't much information posted.
However, the neighbors didn't know what to do. Most didn't come to the door. A sweet elderly woman peeked out of her front window from behind her blinds. A couple of houses came to listen. Overall it seemed this was the missing link- the uncomfort of mismatched social expectations.
In the end, we had a great time. It was cold (75 F) and drizzling. We decided to pretend it was snow and plow ahead. Our homemade song books (Thanks Melissa) disintegrated. We sang anyway. We sang for our jewish neighbors with the inflatable polar bear holding a dreidel. They invited the pack of kids in to light the next menorah candle. We sang for the older neighbors. We splashed in puddles. We feasted on impromptu "pot luck" of the non-requested items that the families brought to the gathering house. (a great Latin tradition- always bring something when you go to someone's house.)
The lesson- next year we'll do it again. And we'll put out flyers so the neighbors know we're coming. But next year, the flyer will explain what the neighborhood should do as follows...
- Open the door. Say Hello. Politely listen to song or two. Say a big Thank you and wave the kids good bye. We'll happily move along.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Recycling Water
Living in Miami in the winter is glorious. Your summer is our winter. With highs of 84 each day, sun, sun, and more sun. We get an occasional rain, but it only happens when a major cold front blasts across the States. Denver gets 14 inches of snow. Chicago gets ice. We get a rain of clouds and some rain.
In this dry season, it's important to get enough water to our gardens. The standard way would be to water the garden from the hose. However, Miami is in a drought. Crazy right? we are surrounded by water, it's true. But we get our drinkable water supply from a large underground aquifer that starts at Lake Okeechobee in the central part of Florida. To water our lawns or wash our cars from the hose, is literally taking water from our mouths. Instead we can easily recycle gallons of water.
Simple. Keep a bucket near the shower and a pitcher next to the kitchen sink. The shower bucket can catch the extra water from the shower. Many people let the water warm up a bit before jumping in, catch it instead of wasting it. Most people rinse their dishes before loading dish washer. Many people toss out the water left undrunk in a glass. Catch it in the pitcher. The plants won't mind the bits of orange juice pulp or the crumbs from the sandwich.
Try it and tell us how it goes.
In this dry season, it's important to get enough water to our gardens. The standard way would be to water the garden from the hose. However, Miami is in a drought. Crazy right? we are surrounded by water, it's true. But we get our drinkable water supply from a large underground aquifer that starts at Lake Okeechobee in the central part of Florida. To water our lawns or wash our cars from the hose, is literally taking water from our mouths. Instead we can easily recycle gallons of water.
Simple. Keep a bucket near the shower and a pitcher next to the kitchen sink. The shower bucket can catch the extra water from the shower. Many people let the water warm up a bit before jumping in, catch it instead of wasting it. Most people rinse their dishes before loading dish washer. Many people toss out the water left undrunk in a glass. Catch it in the pitcher. The plants won't mind the bits of orange juice pulp or the crumbs from the sandwich.
Try it and tell us how it goes.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Those darn hookworms again
And yet again, I went to check on my dear pepper plants, red bell pepper and habenero peppers only to find that two enormous hookworms had eaten every leaf available and half of any fruit hanging!! The amount they had eaten tells you how long it had been since I had checked on the plants- it was a very busy month. Oh well.
They were huge! I should have taken photos! I pulled them off and threw them in the lake to be a very happy snack for a nice fish.
The point of writing about this incident is the plants survived. I kept them watered. God helped with some occasional rains due to the cold fronts coming across the rest of the country. And leaves are coming back and there is the beginning of a flower. So to those of you struggling, I hope this is encouraging. Just keep at it.
I was so inspired that I've planted for the winter. Trying peas again, more tomatoes of course, spinach, iceberg lettuce, and spearmint. The pineapples are growing along nicely and the new key lime tree is happy as well.
Any fun winter gardening stories from you?
They were huge! I should have taken photos! I pulled them off and threw them in the lake to be a very happy snack for a nice fish.
The point of writing about this incident is the plants survived. I kept them watered. God helped with some occasional rains due to the cold fronts coming across the rest of the country. And leaves are coming back and there is the beginning of a flower. So to those of you struggling, I hope this is encouraging. Just keep at it.
I was so inspired that I've planted for the winter. Trying peas again, more tomatoes of course, spinach, iceberg lettuce, and spearmint. The pineapples are growing along nicely and the new key lime tree is happy as well.
Any fun winter gardening stories from you?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Growing your Pineapple Tops
Maybe it's our tropical climate but growing pineapples seems easier than what I had read about on various websites, dedicated to gardening in the temperate climates.
Fresh pineapple is one of those things that will spoil you by living here. I don't think I'll ever eat canned pineapple again as long as I can help it. The canned version sucks up so much of the tin flavor you can hardly recognize the pineapple.
Anyway, every time I get a fresh pineapple, I simply slice across the tip top of the main fruit just below the fountain spray of leaves out of the top. I've left it sitting next to the sink for a few days, mostly because I forget to take it outside. This lets it dry out a little. Drying is supposed to help it from rotting. Next I stick it in a shallow hole, cover the bottom well and press it down, just like planting any other seedling.
After a month, the bottom most leaves die off and you can start to see a little new growth coming in the center of the leaves. But I haven't been doing this long enough to count the months until a new fruit comes along. Everyone tells me it averages 2 years. We'll see and we'll post when it comes time.
Try it and tell us how it goes.
Fresh pineapple is one of those things that will spoil you by living here. I don't think I'll ever eat canned pineapple again as long as I can help it. The canned version sucks up so much of the tin flavor you can hardly recognize the pineapple.
Anyway, every time I get a fresh pineapple, I simply slice across the tip top of the main fruit just below the fountain spray of leaves out of the top. I've left it sitting next to the sink for a few days, mostly because I forget to take it outside. This lets it dry out a little. Drying is supposed to help it from rotting. Next I stick it in a shallow hole, cover the bottom well and press it down, just like planting any other seedling.
After a month, the bottom most leaves die off and you can start to see a little new growth coming in the center of the leaves. But I haven't been doing this long enough to count the months until a new fruit comes along. Everyone tells me it averages 2 years. We'll see and we'll post when it comes time.
Try it and tell us how it goes.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Coffee Grounds Great for Pineapples but not good for the Peppers
After wondering why the Habenero Pepper plants were not blooming, a little research turned up vital information on my habit of tossing the coffee grounds around. Coffee grounds are rich in Nitrogen. Pineapples love them. But Peppers and Tomatoes in the same family, do not. The additional Nitrogen inhibits blooming.
I stopped sprinkling the grounds, added a little manure mixture, plenty of water (it's been dry lately.) and the pepper plants bloomed accordingly. We've already harvested 2 fine looking peppers. I can't stand the heat, but the pepper lover in the family said they were perfectly hot and extra tasty.
I stopped sprinkling the grounds, added a little manure mixture, plenty of water (it's been dry lately.) and the pepper plants bloomed accordingly. We've already harvested 2 fine looking peppers. I can't stand the heat, but the pepper lover in the family said they were perfectly hot and extra tasty.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Gardening around the world
This article isn't directly connected to gardening but I just had to share it as I seek to understand what gardening means in other parts of the world. How would our lives be changed if we had to deal with the implications of gardening where cluster bombs are present? This is the reality for many in Laos, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Vietnam.
http://www.themennonite.org/issues/12-18/articles/Battle_zones_lethal_harvest
May we think beyond ourselves and realize the implications our individual and countries actions have on those in our neighborhood as well as across the ocean.
http://www.themennonite.org/issues/12-18/articles/Battle_zones_lethal_harvest
May we think beyond ourselves and realize the implications our individual and countries actions have on those in our neighborhood as well as across the ocean.
Monday, September 28, 2009
snakes....community....neighborhoods
a plan has been made...the layout has been measured...the land has been stirred...the grass has arrived...the community gathers...grass is laid...a knock on the door...a neighbor stops by...there are snakes coming out of your grass...the snakes are entering my yard...
Snakes...should we be alarmed? Little black ones (garden snakes) are crossing into the neighbors yard. We appreciate the neighbors concern for the children of the school as well as the neighborhood but what do you do? After a wonderful discussion with the creator of the Outdoor Living Lab project I see with new eyes how this project could impact the community.
It brings people to the school. It is action and new movement. Stirring up the dirt to lay sod probably stirred up the snakes habitat. Maybe we're stirring up the neighborhood too. The snakes could have been there all along but seeing change and new things can be scary, seeing snakes even though they've probably been there all along might have come with the new grass. Are they harmful? Where does the fear come from? from change? from culture?
It is wonderful to see the good neighbors concern for the neighborhood and the school. While at the same time how do we learn about and teach about good snakes? How do we bring a sense of security and comfort with the change? it will take time, education and dialogue.... Snakes can be helpful in the environment. If snakes are good we should leave them be and if they're harmful we should leave them alone because we could be severely injured....
May conversations continue as we learn from each other and grow in community through a changing environment. A change for the better...for sustainability...for the future of mother earth and our livelihood!
Snakes...should we be alarmed? Little black ones (garden snakes) are crossing into the neighbors yard. We appreciate the neighbors concern for the children of the school as well as the neighborhood but what do you do? After a wonderful discussion with the creator of the Outdoor Living Lab project I see with new eyes how this project could impact the community.
It brings people to the school. It is action and new movement. Stirring up the dirt to lay sod probably stirred up the snakes habitat. Maybe we're stirring up the neighborhood too. The snakes could have been there all along but seeing change and new things can be scary, seeing snakes even though they've probably been there all along might have come with the new grass. Are they harmful? Where does the fear come from? from change? from culture?
It is wonderful to see the good neighbors concern for the neighborhood and the school. While at the same time how do we learn about and teach about good snakes? How do we bring a sense of security and comfort with the change? it will take time, education and dialogue.... Snakes can be helpful in the environment. If snakes are good we should leave them be and if they're harmful we should leave them alone because we could be severely injured....
May conversations continue as we learn from each other and grow in community through a changing environment. A change for the better...for sustainability...for the future of mother earth and our livelihood!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Productive Compost Again
It's happened again. A perfectly good plant has risen from the compost. I don't compost like folks do 'up north.' I simply go out and dig a hole for the kitchen scraps. It never fails. A few days will pass and it has all been turned back into lovely unrecognizable, organic matter.
I now have three beautiful baby Mango trees. They are just striving to be the biggest best sweetest mangoes ever. I've gotten the "go" to replant these tree-wannabes elsewhere. Another 5-6 years and we'll see some blooms hopefully.
I now have three beautiful baby Mango trees. They are just striving to be the biggest best sweetest mangoes ever. I've gotten the "go" to replant these tree-wannabes elsewhere. Another 5-6 years and we'll see some blooms hopefully.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Garden Fatigue- or on-going program
A while back, Glenn, the national director for DOOR, likened the running of the DOOR program to growing a garden not building a building. It's not something we build and it's done. Instead it's the kind of thing that takes constant care.
In the case of my garden, it's time to remove the seeds atop the old lettuce stalks, dig under the unproductive tomato vines, keep spraying the pepper plant leaves, plant the new mint and start new seeds. Florida is supposed to have 3 growing seasons. Let's try to get as many as we can. Square foot gardening should indicate we can keep growing all year.
But the warning comes in the example of my mother. She planted much too big of a garden. She's 74 this year and honestly she does not need the production of the 20 or so tomato plants she has. She and my dad cannot eat the remaining 24 watermelons. She canned as many of the green beans as she could and they keep coming. She's been at this since April and she's pooped.
If we run programs in a way that we're overworked, we'll wear out before the harvest is finished for the season.
In the case of my garden, it's time to remove the seeds atop the old lettuce stalks, dig under the unproductive tomato vines, keep spraying the pepper plant leaves, plant the new mint and start new seeds. Florida is supposed to have 3 growing seasons. Let's try to get as many as we can. Square foot gardening should indicate we can keep growing all year.
But the warning comes in the example of my mother. She planted much too big of a garden. She's 74 this year and honestly she does not need the production of the 20 or so tomato plants she has. She and my dad cannot eat the remaining 24 watermelons. She canned as many of the green beans as she could and they keep coming. She's been at this since April and she's pooped.
If we run programs in a way that we're overworked, we'll wear out before the harvest is finished for the season.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Basil Plants per Pesto recipe
It takes 8 basil plants to produce enough leaves for the 2 cups called for in the recipe I have for Pesto. I am totally blessed that I happened to have planted enough seeds for 8 plants. I'll mark that up to God for the help. Of course I should note that my basil variety produces broad leaves about 2 inches wide and 3 1/2 long approximately. I'll make more this weekend.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Unidentified egg sacks under leaves
The habenero plants I started in May are getting along fine and a few flowers starting to appear. However, this month they're being invaded by white eggs sacks. I haven't been able to identify them yet but they maybe aphids. We'll figure that out later. Until then, a simple home remedy is working great. I've sprayed them with a solution of about 40% white vinegar and 60% water. it is the same solution we used to spray wayward trails of ants when they've come in the house. The ants are to lay down the fearful hormone trail and never come back. That has only been somewhat helpful at best. But the egg sacks respond as hoped. The sacks shrivel and go away. The white flying pests that hang around also go away. And that's all I want. Leave my peppers alone so they can bloom and grow and produce some peppers.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Gardening Practice
I'm in the small Amish community of Summertown, TN. This is the town where my parents live and my little 74yr old mother has a garden much too big for her to handle. I'm excited to have a few days to spend with her and to be in this area.
The produce is abundant and varied. It's amazing. Hopefully I'll bring home a lot of it.
August will be a good time to come visit.
The produce is abundant and varied. It's amazing. Hopefully I'll bring home a lot of it.
August will be a good time to come visit.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Not a Year Around growing season
In theory a tropical climate does have a year around growing season. The exception is the rainy season. For us it's June. It rains often enough that even a very protected, well drained plot is nearly drowning. The mildew on the peas won. I'll give it some time off and see about July.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Location Location Location
I've planted all over the yard. There is full sun and in Miami full sun can mean 14 hours of sun. I have some things planted in shade, which still means 6-7 hours of sun. With the summer rains beginning, I'm not as concerned with sun as I am with flooding. It seems the best location has been on the south side of the house, in a raised bed, without roof run off. The daily rains this week blow in but don't drown. The plants are dark green and growing strong.
The peas are not doing well though. They've grown tall but my research tells me they are suffering from powdery mildew. Some reading tells me to try sulphur powder. Any advice out there?
The peas are not doing well though. They've grown tall but my research tells me they are suffering from powdery mildew. Some reading tells me to try sulphur powder. Any advice out there?
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Seasonal Rhythym
Gardening, and I'm guessing farming, is the trying not to kill what you've planted. There are other good things to do, pruning and thinning are new to me. I can't really control the "growing" part of growing veggies. That's completely God's work. I can make sure it gets some water. I can bring pots in for light or warmth. But I think I'm only trying to keep them from dying.
I've been out of town this week. I can't be there to watch over the plants, especially the new baby carrot sprouts that have only just appeared. This time of year, there is usually an afternoon shower to provide moisture and plenty of sun. I'm much more peaceful with letting God take care of my plants. I don't always feel that peace in the care of the people around me. I feel that I need to nurture, water, encourage, urge the growing process. But it's the same as those baby plants. God is in charge of the growing.
If some of the other gardening principals work then there is much more to learn.
I've been out of town this week. I can't be there to watch over the plants, especially the new baby carrot sprouts that have only just appeared. This time of year, there is usually an afternoon shower to provide moisture and plenty of sun. I'm much more peaceful with letting God take care of my plants. I don't always feel that peace in the care of the people around me. I feel that I need to nurture, water, encourage, urge the growing process. But it's the same as those baby plants. God is in charge of the growing.
If some of the other gardening principals work then there is much more to learn.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Hookworms on my Tomato plants
The bright green, rather hansom, caterpillar ate. I waited. He ate. I wondered, maybe he's a beautiful butterfly getting ready to hide away for the big metamorphosis. He ate. And I resorted to research. He's destined to eat the whole plant and then become a moth. Not that I have anything against moths, but I'm not as willing to sacrifice my tomato plant for them. Removal was the answer. Tomato plant saved for future humans not future moths.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Composting in Miami must be the easiest thing ever
I've grown to love the humidity here. I miss it when I travel to dry states. My lips immediately rebel upon entering MIA and overkill air conditioning sucking every last drop of moisture from the air.
Humidity and heat make the easiest place to compost. Disintegration maybe what the thing that is done best here. Having some friendly earthworms crawling around the landscaping beds is helpful too certainly. But I only need to bury the kitchen scraps. Two days later they're gone. Worm food. New dirt.
If you're new to composting there are a few rules. Don't try to compost the meat or the oily.
Humidity and heat make the easiest place to compost. Disintegration maybe what the thing that is done best here. Having some friendly earthworms crawling around the landscaping beds is helpful too certainly. But I only need to bury the kitchen scraps. Two days later they're gone. Worm food. New dirt.
If you're new to composting there are a few rules. Don't try to compost the meat or the oily.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Reduce- Reuse- Recycle
I was in college when Earth Day made it's big comeback. Maybe not big enough, but we're getting there (well maybe not.) The 3 word phrase reduce- reuse- recycle gets thrown around a lot more now. But so often folks don't realize, there is an order to which it goes.
First you want to REDUCE your consumption. Cut back. Buy less. Take your own beverage in a cup. Drive less. Wear the same clothes.
Then if you have to buy it, or you already bought it, then REUSE it as many times as possible. I was reusing the bread wire ties to tie up my beans today. I packed the kids lunch in the bag the bread came in. Of course this lends itself to the many appliances that are being repaired instead of tossed. A friend of mine said he fixed his own refrigerator 3 times- I was impressed.
Lastly, if you have to toss it, RECYCLE. Cutler Bay's new recycling program added many more plastics that can be recycled than before. Good for them. Of course my favorite recycling these days is composting. Recycling food waste back into dirt. Amazing.
First you want to REDUCE your consumption. Cut back. Buy less. Take your own beverage in a cup. Drive less. Wear the same clothes.
Then if you have to buy it, or you already bought it, then REUSE it as many times as possible. I was reusing the bread wire ties to tie up my beans today. I packed the kids lunch in the bag the bread came in. Of course this lends itself to the many appliances that are being repaired instead of tossed. A friend of mine said he fixed his own refrigerator 3 times- I was impressed.
Lastly, if you have to toss it, RECYCLE. Cutler Bay's new recycling program added many more plastics that can be recycled than before. Good for them. Of course my favorite recycling these days is composting. Recycling food waste back into dirt. Amazing.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Cucumber flowers and the sexes
In this new hobby, I've taken on some reading. They don't call these years the information age for nothing. There's a ton of information out there. I was reading about cucumbers. I have 3 vines and one is doing super well.
The interesting cucumber fact is the first flowers are the male flowers. Following a bit later are the female flowers. Pollen has to make it from one to the other and if all goes well, just below the female flower the baby cucumber will begin to form.
The male flowers are slightly larger and all of mine have been really good-looking hearty flowers. The female flowers may be slightly smaller and sometimes more hidden under the broad leaves of the vine, but they are the creative and productive members of this little family. Amazing.
The interesting cucumber fact is the first flowers are the male flowers. Following a bit later are the female flowers. Pollen has to make it from one to the other and if all goes well, just below the female flower the baby cucumber will begin to form.
The male flowers are slightly larger and all of mine have been really good-looking hearty flowers. The female flowers may be slightly smaller and sometimes more hidden under the broad leaves of the vine, but they are the creative and productive members of this little family. Amazing.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
First Fruit Offered
yep, the first Tomato was laid as an offering tonight at church. And like good Levites, we ate it. Maybe the second will be ready for the elder's meeting tomorrow.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Might apply but probably doesn't
Here's a web 'community' I stumbled upon yesterday. Freedom Gardens I honestly wasn't looking. It covers the US and has a great vibe to it and a great philosphy behind it, but as with most general gardening sites, books, and advice it doesn't always apply to Tropical Miami (Gardening Zone 10b-11.)
Which is actually true about everything. When we first moved to Miami in 96, my dear supervisor sent me two books to read ahead of my assignment. They covered wonderful information and their exciting experience in their context. But no it didn't apply here.
Even our laws, especially traffic laws, seem like only suggestions. They don't actually apply. Can you see anywhere else in the country, a vehicle with a home made vehicle tag on cardboard? Surely you remember where the 2000 election of the president of the USA was decided! To vote you don't have to be alive.
This advice will save you a lot of money in buying books. It'll save you time in reading what other people in other places have done. It might apply, but maybe not. It always amazes me and still sometimes surprises me.
Which is actually true about everything. When we first moved to Miami in 96, my dear supervisor sent me two books to read ahead of my assignment. They covered wonderful information and their exciting experience in their context. But no it didn't apply here.
Even our laws, especially traffic laws, seem like only suggestions. They don't actually apply. Can you see anywhere else in the country, a vehicle with a home made vehicle tag on cardboard? Surely you remember where the 2000 election of the president of the USA was decided! To vote you don't have to be alive.
This advice will save you a lot of money in buying books. It'll save you time in reading what other people in other places have done. It might apply, but maybe not. It always amazes me and still sometimes surprises me.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Sharing Tropical Gardening Advice
Are you gardening in Miami as well? Please email or post a comment and please consider contributing to this blog. I think we should share as much good advice as we can. But at least add on as a follower.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Lettuce- the lesson for the day
Lettuce here, or at least the type I've planted, needs more shade to thrive. Also lettuce needs to be picked younger before it gets bitter.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Uses for Used Coffee Grounds
No sense in re-creating the wheel. Go to this website for a good list compiled over the last 3-4 years. http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf442790.tip.html
Lots of uses include but not limited to- fertilizer, worm food, grass greener, wood or cloth stain, exfolient, and my favorite idea- stuffing for a pin cushion.
Lots of uses include but not limited to- fertilizer, worm food, grass greener, wood or cloth stain, exfolient, and my favorite idea- stuffing for a pin cushion.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Folks don't try to make their friends garden
Gardening doesn't lend itself to the evangelical. However, gardening is incredibly related to my view of Christianity. It's certainly used over and over as fonder for parables in both old and new testaments.
It's patient, for sure. It is slow and careful.
It's based upon a simple and complex relationship. I guess all relationships are complex. In gardening it's soil, seed, sunlight, rain, pollenation, etc.
You can't force it, but it happens naturally as if it were forced.
It's productive. Hopefully fruit is produced.
It can be done alone or with others. I think of the solitary guru on the mountain as well as the communes or abbeys.
But gardening is interesting in that it's not something folks try to get their friends to do. Thought provoking...
It's patient, for sure. It is slow and careful.
It's based upon a simple and complex relationship. I guess all relationships are complex. In gardening it's soil, seed, sunlight, rain, pollenation, etc.
You can't force it, but it happens naturally as if it were forced.
It's productive. Hopefully fruit is produced.
It can be done alone or with others. I think of the solitary guru on the mountain as well as the communes or abbeys.
But gardening is interesting in that it's not something folks try to get their friends to do. Thought provoking...
Growing Pineapples
Today's subject of interest and eventual research, Pineapples. Here in Miami, it seems a natural to grow pineapple. Of course I was shocked to see my first plant. Our friends Bob and Debbie had a pineapple plant growing at every corner of their pool. She told me how she did it and I was inspired. I've found some others who are growing pineapples.
Here are links to pages that will be more helpful than if I write something on my own.
From Hawii a very informative article, heavy on the science. http://tpss.hawaii.edu/pineapple/pinegrow.htm
A personal article from Southern California http://wierdling.longboys.net/images/pineapples/pineapples.html
Worthy of note: Pineapples like acidic soil. To help that along, sprinkle used coffee grounds in when you plant it, and later around the plant.
Here are links to pages that will be more helpful than if I write something on my own.
From Hawii a very informative article, heavy on the science. http://tpss.hawaii.edu/pineapple/pinegrow.htm
A personal article from Southern California http://wierdling.longboys.net/images/pineapples/pineapples.html
Worthy of note: Pineapples like acidic soil. To help that along, sprinkle used coffee grounds in when you plant it, and later around the plant.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tomato Gardening Tip
In the best case scenario, each blossom will produce a fruit. Maybe not the first couple of blossoms but the second or third bunch should. Mine aren't "setting fruit" so well. So I went researching.
Tomatoes are self-pollenating. Having a pot of tomatoes on your porch up against a wall may mean they won't get enough breeze to blow the pollen around. According to one of the gardening gotta have books, Square Foot Gardening, you can gently shake the plant. The author says it's best to do this at mid-day or early afternoon. I'll keep you posted on my results.
Tomatoes are self-pollenating. Having a pot of tomatoes on your porch up against a wall may mean they won't get enough breeze to blow the pollen around. According to one of the gardening gotta have books, Square Foot Gardening, you can gently shake the plant. The author says it's best to do this at mid-day or early afternoon. I'll keep you posted on my results.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Planting a Relationship
A simple introduction of yourself may seem innocent enough. Hi, I'm Heidi. And you are? Small conversation starts. It's a seed and a seedling. So easy.
Will the plant be a vegetable, a fruit or a weed? You just don't know at the beginning. Watch and see.
Will the plant be a vegetable, a fruit or a weed? You just don't know at the beginning. Watch and see.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
It's a Food Driven Book
I get to arrange speakers to share their local insights with interested groups that not only want to volunteer in the community but learn while they're at it. A few summers ago, a local pastor and good friend was asked to speak to a group. He declared, the Bible is a food driven book. I lost all train of thought and focused in. Yes!
It starts in a Garden. In some ways, eating starts the whole SIN thing. It ends in a big party. There are countless feasts along the way. Jesus brings the wine to a wedding feast. When their aren't enough guests the servants were told to get folks off the street. It's beautiful.
What could be less violent? Sitting together and eating. What a great expression of Christ's call to peace. "Eat and drink and Remember me." Ok.
It starts in a Garden. In some ways, eating starts the whole SIN thing. It ends in a big party. There are countless feasts along the way. Jesus brings the wine to a wedding feast. When their aren't enough guests the servants were told to get folks off the street. It's beautiful.
What could be less violent? Sitting together and eating. What a great expression of Christ's call to peace. "Eat and drink and Remember me." Ok.
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