Archive for December, 2010
Monday, December 20th, 2010
Garden Success Tip of the Week
DON’T FORGET – Keep your poinsettia in bright light, away from drafts (hot or cold), cooler temperatures, even soil moisture, and never leave water in the saucer after watering. Check the water level – daily – in the Christmas tree stand. Don’t ever let it dry out, as the bottom will begin to seal over. If you’re using a live / balled and burlapped tree for Christmas, don’t forget the 2, 7-10, 2, Plant it routine. And keep that root ball slightly moist while indoors. If your amaryllis finishes flowering early, remove the entire flower stalk and let the foliage grow all winter. When those paperwhites finish flowering, pitch them out. They’re only a one shot deal. If you haven’t already, clean those bird feeders. Use 10% bleach – 90% water solution. Clean, rinse, rinse, dry, and refill will top grade bird feed. Cheap feed produces fewer “cheeps”. Spray those exposed leafy evergreens (and needled) with WiltStop to help add winter protection against moisture loss (can’t be freezing to do this).
RECOMMENDED BOOKS – Every now and then, someone will ask what books we recommend or use for our own reference materials. And fortunately we have industry magazines, emails, bulletins, manuals, etc that are available for our use. But, there are many great books available for anyone to use, not only for good reading, but for use as a reference. Now, we all have our preferences, but I thought I’d list a ‘few’ you may want to consider next time you’re considering purchasing books about gardening, landscaping etc for yourself or as a gift. And if you have a favorite, let us know. We’ll check it out and maybe add it to our list!
Kris Wetherbee “Attracting Birds, Butterflies and other Winged Wonders to Your Backyard”(www.kriswetherbee.com)
Tracy DiSabato-Aust “The Well-Designed Mixed Garden” (www.tracylive.com)
“50 High Impact Low care Garden Plants”
“The Well Tended Perennial Garden”
John Malins “The Pruner’s Handbook”
McGee & Stuckey’s “The Bountiful Container”
Edward Smith “Incredible Vegetables from Self Watering Containers”
Scott Zanon “Desirable Trees for the Midwest”
Janice Doherty “A Calendar Year of Horticultural Therapy”
Manuals:
Michael A. Dirr “Manual of Woody Landscape Plants”
Steven Still “Manual of Herbaceous Ornamental Plants”
Ashton Ritchie / Scotts “Lawns – Your Guide to a beautiful yard”
The OSU Extension “Midwest Home Fruit Production Guide” / Bulletin 940
(estore.osu-extension.org) 740-833-2030 Delaware Co. Office
Magazines: Organic Gardening / Fine Gardening / Horticulture / Southern Living / Garden Gate
*These are just a few of the many books and magazines available that I use. Let us know if you have favorites!
Tags: garden books, garden guides
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Monday, December 20th, 2010
Plant of the Week
 Okay, so you’d like to have a live tree to decorate for Christmas, but you’re not sold on a cut tree, and you have no place to plant a live evergreen. Well guess what? I have your answer – it grows indoors, and it really is a pine!
Okay, it’s a tropical pine, and it’s called Norfolk Island Pine. It’s actually a native of Norfolk Island which is near Australia in the South Pacific, and in its native habitat, grows as high as 200 feet! But, when grown in a container – indoors, stay smaller and really make a nice houseplant that can easily be decorated for the holiday season.
You’ll find Norfolk Island Pines in all sizes, short and tall, single stem or multi-stem, and they really do make the perfect indoor pine to be decorated for the holiday season. Norfolk Island pines need bright light, nothing direct – love the cooler temperatures – and enjoy even watering, so water it well, let it get close to dry (not totally dry), and water again. Otherwise, this tropical plant is one of the easiest plants to grow indoors.
Now be careful when you’re decorating your Norfolk Island Pine and don’t use ornaments or lights that may be too heavy for the stems. But otherwise, this cool looking easy to grow indoor pine should be around for you to decorate for many holidays to come
Tags: norfolk island pine
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Monday, December 20th, 2010
Problems in the Garden this Week
*LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT GARDENING GIFT? – Gardening is the number one leisure activity in the world. So it only makes sense that a gift for the garden makes the perfect Christmas gift for your favorite gardener. But if you can’t decide exactly what to buy, here’s the perfect solution. A Natorp’s Gift Card! It’s available in any amount, redeemable at either of our 2 locations, and can be purchased at one of the garden stores, or online at www.natorp.com! Worry free – No hassle Christmas shopping! Get your favorite gardener a Natorp’s Gift Card this Christmas! As ‘Eddie’ would say, “Clarke, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.”
[Did you know that Charles Dickens had three alternative names for Tiny Tim? They were Little Larry, Puny Pete, and Small Sam. By the way, can you name the four ghosts in this holiday classic? -Christmas past, present and future, as well as the ghost of Jacob Marley.]
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Monday, December 20th, 2010
Garden Questions of the Week
“What’s the deal? Moles have all of a sudden started digging up my yard! There are mole hills everywhere. When do they hibernate?” -They don’t – they’re active year-round. And this time of the year those male moles are digging new subsurface highways to cover the females in their territory. Check our web site for the mole control tip sheet. Or, if you don’t want to deal with them, just give The Mole Man (Tom Schmidt) a call. It’s like calling in Clint Eastwood to clean out the bad guys who took over the town! Unless you’re lucky enough to have his daughter come out – certainly the best looking mole trapper you’ll ever find! (Thank goodness she doesn’t look like Tom.)
“Help! I always seem to over water my houseplants in the winter. Any suggestions on making sure they stay watered but no too much water?” -Sure do. As a general rule, let the plant’s soil get close to dry before watering again. Remember the plants are slowed down this time of the year and usually require less watering. Granted, there are a couple plants that like good even moist soil, but generally speaking, monitor the soil and water when close to being dry. Also, research has now proven its best to water with warm water rather than cold. So, use warmer water to water your plants. You may see that help them as well.
[“Hot cockles” was a popular game at Christmas in medieval times. Other players took turns striking the blindfolded player, who had to guess the name of the person delivering each blow. “Hot cockles” was popular until the Victorian era.]
Tags: moles
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Monday, December 20th, 2010
From the Garden to the Kitchen
Yardboy, here is a great last minute gift to whip up for the holiday. Peppermint bark is a huge seller at the stores right now and when you give this gift, be prepared to get more than the usual “thanks”. It’s what I call a cult gift – I make it every year.
My Favorite Peppermint Bark
12 oz favorite chocolate chips
12 oz white chocolate chips
1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract or few drops of food grade peppermint oil, to taste
1/2 cup peppermint, crushed
Prepare pan: either a 9×13 or cookie sheet lined with sprayed foil. Melt dark chocolate chips on stove in double boiler or a nonstick pot on low or in the microwave. (Regardless of which way you melt them, for both the chocolate and white chocolate pull off heat when there are still a few remaining lumps. Stir to smooth.) Pour onto prepared foil and spread in an even layer. Place in refrigerator until hard. This can take 20-30 minutes. Melt white chocolate chips using the same technique. Stir in extract. Let cool a little bit so it doesn’t melt the chocolate layer when you pour it on top. Pour this over chocolate layer, and, working quickly, spread to cover. Sprinkle with crushed candy, pushing it into the chocolate gently. Chill until hard. Lift foil out of pan and shake off excess candy. Peel off foil. Trim edges. Cut as desired. Keep refrigerated, covered.
Rita’s clone of Martha Stewart’s Peppermint Bark (Another trendy and expensive bark to buy.)
12 oz white chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract or few drops of food grade peppermint oil
1/3 to 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
Following techniques and pan recommendations in Williams Sonoma clone, melt chocolate and add extract. Stir in candy. Spread on prepared sprayed foil. Refrigerate until hard. Peel off of foil and cut or break into desired shapes.
Tips from Rita’s kitchen:
Stir in a cup of Rice Krispies and you have another Martha clone!
-Rita Nader Heikenfeld, CCP / Herbalist www.abouteating.com
["I once read where in Norway, on Christmas Eve, after dinner and opening of all the presents, all of the brooms in the house were hidden. The Norwegians believed that witches and mischievous spirits would come out on Christmas Eve and steal all their brooms for riding. So after reading that, I now put all of our brooms away so Rita doesn't go flying around with her friends on Christmas Eve." -Frank Heikenfeld
"Ron, will you be emailing "The Gardeners Night Before Christmas" this year?" -Why, funny thing you should ask! Here you go, just in time!
The Gardener's Night before Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the yard, the branches were bare - the ground frozen hard. Knockout roses were dormant, the others mulched all around, the evergreens had been sprayed with WiltStop, to keep them safe and sound.
The perennials were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of Espoma's Garden Food danced in their heads. The newly planted shrubs had been soaked by the hose
To settle their roots for a long winter's doze.
When out on the drive there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, knocking over my herb planted Earthbox as I threw up the sash.
I looked across the lawn where the new fallen snow, had covered the turf type tall fescues growing below. When what to my wondering eyes should appear? But a Natorp Truck in my driveway, filled with great gardening gear!
Saint Nick was the driver, the jolly old elf, and he winked as he said, "I'm a gardener myself. I've brought Radius tools, a moisture meter, a Ross Root Feeder, too
A bird feeder, Bionic Garden Gloves and Stihl Pruners just for you!
An Adjust O Rake, a shovel, and TLC grass seed for Joe Strecker to sow, Herb seeds for our friend Rita and all natural bug sprays for old Buggy Joe. Here's Bonide's Weed Beater Ultra and Bayer's Tree and Shrub Insect Control, some Plant Tone, some Miracle Gro, and some MoleScram to repel that mole.
Here's DeerScram and Repels All to keep those hungry deer at bay, sulfur, Soaps, oils, and Espoma fertilizer for gardening the 'all natural way'. Bonide’s new Weed Beater Complete to feed the lawn and stop those crabgrass and other pesky seeds, and here's a really cool Garden Stool that helps to save your knees!
To make your gardening easy, 'Sucker Stopper' and 'Over the Top'. Don't forget the Roundup and Preen, man these products really rock! Here's Pine Soil Conditioner, SweetPeet, and composted manure, a green Christmas year-round, these garden gifts will ensure!"
Then Jolly Saint Nick, having emptied the load, started the Natorp's truck and took to the road. And I heard him exclaim through the motor's loud hum, "Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a Green Thumb!" -Author Unknown (Natorp revised 09)
[The poem commonly referred to as "The Night Before Christmas" was originally titled "A Visit From Saint Nicholas." This poem was written by Clement Moore for his children and some guests, one of whom anonymously sent the poem to a New York newspaper for publication.]
OBKB. That’s it for this year. We’re going to enjoy the rest of the holiday season, then get back at it in a few weeks. Until then, do yourself a favor. Go out and have the best rest of 2010 of your life. Here’s to 2011! See ya. RW, the Yardboy. (Join Ron Wilson ‘In the Garden’ every Saturday from 6-9am on 55KRC The Talk Station / XM 158, and from 10-noon on 610 WTVN (Columbus). Catch his gardening segments on Local 12 WKRC Saturday and Monday mornings.)
TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD- If you’re like me, I just love reading trivia, old sayings, proverbs, ‘words or wisdom’ – you know, the kind of stuff that makes you stop and think for a minute or two! And, there’s no time better than at the end of the year, or heading into the New Year! So, here are a few goodies you can ‘ponder’ over:
-End the year square with every man and woman. –R. Thomas
-There’s no limit to the amount of good people can do if they don’t care who gets the credit.
Here’s some weather folklore: -A green Christmas brings a white Easter – snow on Christmas night means a good hop crop – if it rains much during the 12 days after Christmas, it will be a wet year to come – so far as the sun shines on Christmas Day, so far will the snow fly in May. –Old Farmer’s Almanac
-Never insult an alligator until you’ve crossed the river -If you lose the power to laugh, you lose the power to think. -You can’t steal second base and keep one foot on first -What happens to you on the inside becomes reality on the outside -God is in the details, so pay attention to the details. -Be happy while you’re living, for you’re dead a long time -First one downstairs gets to pick the cartoons -Never take a sleeping pill and laxative at the same time -The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well. -Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Careful Builder I saw them tearing a building down- a gang of men, in my hometown. With a heave, and a ho, and a ‘yes, yes!’ yell, They swung a beam, and a sidewall fell. I said to the foreman, “Are these men skilled? Like the ones you’d use if you had to build?” He laughed and said, “Oh, no! Indeed! The most common labor’s all I need. Because I can destroy, in a day or two, what it takes a builder ten years to do.” And I thought to myself, as I went my way, which of these roles am I willing to play? Am I the one, who’s tearing down, as I carelessly make my way around? Or am I one who builds with care? So my family, my community, is just a little better, because I was there? -Author Unknown
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Monday, December 6th, 2010
Garden Success Tips of the Week
Poinsettia Care: One of the Holiday’s most popular indoor plants, the Poinsettia provides a wonderful array of colors not only throughout the Holiday season, but well into the winter season. Here’s how to get the most from your poinsettia:
During the Holiday Season
-Your poinsettia will be properly wrapped, covered and protected for you to transport it home from our garden stores. Do remember that extended exposure to low temperatures can damage the bracts and leaves.
-Once home, carefully unwrap your poinsettia, place in a well-lit area, with temperatures around 60 to 70 degrees. Warmer temperatures will shorten its life. Keep the plant away from warm or cold drafts, away from open doors and away from cold windows.
-Poinsettias require evenly moist soils, but not soggy wet conditions. Water thoroughly when the soil surface feels dry, let the soil dry a bit, and then water again. Note: Always remove the decorative pot covers when watering; do not allow water to sit inside the cover, or in saucers below the pot.
-It is not necessary to fertilize the plant while in ‘bloom’, but do feed monthly if you keep the plant after the Holiday season. Miracle Gro works great!
After the Holiday Season
-Maintain the above mentioned care information, feeding the poinsettia monthly. The goal is to grow it as a houseplant, keeping it as healthy as possible. It may lose a few leaves here and there, but that is to be expected.
-When the bracts lose their aesthetic appeal (or late spring, whichever comes first), cut the poinsettia back to about 6-8 inches or so above the soil. Repot into the next sized container, and when frost is past, move the plant outside to enjoy the summer in a bright (not full sun) location. Water, and feed as needed. You may want to pinch your plant once or twice throughout the summer to keep it compact and full. Do this lastly around the first of September. Move indoors before the threat of cold weather or frosts, providing the same location indoors as during the holidays.
-Poinsettias are short day plants, which mean they ‘flower’ about 8 to 10 weeks after the daylight shortens to 10 to 12 hours. To have your poinsettia in color for the Holidays, keep it in complete darkness (‘complete’ meaning no lights on whatsoever) for about 14 hours (5:00pm to 8:00am) from October 1st until Thanksgiving. Remember, your poinsettia will still need bright light during the day, monthly feedings until December, and watered as needed.
*Research conducted at The Ohio State University and other institutions has proved that the old theory “poinsettias are deathly poisonous to humans” is false. And although recent studies have” suggested” the same for most home pets, if you are uncomfortable / unsure and do not want to take a chance, place your poinsettias out of your pet’s reach.
Keeping Holiday Greens Fresh – If you’re like us, you still enjoy decorating with live fresh greens. Great feel and you can’t beat those wonderful smells. But there’s nothing worse than having your fresh greens and wreaths fall apart before the Holiday season is over, so here’s a few tips to help keep them fresher, longer.
1.) Make sure they’re as fresh as possible when you buy them. Bend the needles for flexibility, and give them a light shake. A few needles will fall, but it shouldn’t in excess.
2.) Feel free to soak your greens in a tub of water overnight to help rehydrate them.
3.) Take them out of the water, let them dry. Then, give them a good spraying of an anti transpirant such as WiltStop. This is an all natural product, made from pine resin, that coats the needles and seals in the moisture, which will help keep those greens and wreaths fresher, longer. And once it dries, it gives your greens a very attractive shiny appearance. Don’t forget that WiltStop can also be used on your Christmas tree, as well as helping to protect evergreens outdoors from winter damages.
4.) Be smart when using your greens, and try to keep them away from sources of heat, burning candles, or even sunny windows if you can. And check them on a regular basis. If they get too dry, just get rid of them; we don’t want any fire hazards around the house
Keeping that live ‘cut’ Christmas tree fresher: If you’re going to put the tree up when you get home, have the folks at the store put a fresh flat cut on the bottom, removing about 1 inch. Then sleeve the tree for transporting home. If you’re not going to put it up right away, do not put a fresh cut the bottom. Caring for your cut tree: [A Christmas tree is a living thing; treat it as you would a cut flower to keep it fresh]. 1.) If you buy your tree several days before setting it up, store it outdoors in a cool and shady place, protected from wind and sun. You may want to make a fresh flat cut on the butt of the tree (remove about 1 inch), and store upright in a container of water. 2.) Spray your tree with WiltStop. This seals moisture in the needles, keeping your tree fresher, longer. Do this before bringing the tree into the house. (Use WiltStop on all your fresh Holiday greens.) 3.) When you bring the tree inside for decorating, make another fresh flat cut at the base before placing it in the stand. If you’re going right from our tree lot to the indoors (within 6-8 hours), our garden pros will make the fresh flat cut for you. 4.) Place a ‘tree disposal bag’ around the base of your tree before putting the tree in the stand. This bag will help make clean up easier after the holidays are over. 5.) Your new tree is thirsty! After placing your tree in the stand, add warm water (with tree preservative if you’d like) to the stand immediately, and be prepared to add this water solution daily, or as needed. Do not let the stand go dry. Once dry, the bottom of the tree will seal back over and no longer take up water. 6.) Place your cut tree away from fireplaces, radiators, heat ducts, and any other source of heat. Even in front of picture windows exposed to the sun will heat up. 7.) Remember to check your Christmas lights for safety, and turn them off when the tree is unattended. And continue to check your tree for freshness. Use good judgment when deciding if a tree is too dry and needs to be taken down. After the Christmas holiday: 1.) Place your tree outdoors to make a shelter for birds and other wildlife. 2.) Participate in a park or city program that shreds trees for use as mulch. 3.) Cut the boughs off and use them to winter mulch perennials. 4.) Think of other ways to use your tree, rather than sending it to the landfill. Do not burn your tree in the fireplace.
Tags: poinsettia care
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Monday, December 6th, 2010
Problems in the Garden this Week
I did go and ask ole Buggy Joe to see if he had any last words for 2010. He said this time of the year he’s always getting asked about the cold weather and how if affects bugs. “I’ve already gotten a few questions asking if the cold weather will kill insect pests. In my usual highly informative approach, my answer has been, “yes, and no.” The “yes” is for insect pests that are living near the edge of their low temperature threshold. It’s exactly like the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones. Unfortunately, entomologists haven’t created an “insect hardiness zones” map, but we do know some insects such as bagworms can be affected by low winter temperatures. That’s why we see fewer numbers the further north we travel in Ohio. However, since bagworm eggs can easily survive the low temperatures we’ve experienced thus far, the weather hasn’t yet helped us out for next season. The same is probably true for the other “edge” insect pests.
The “no” is for insects that actually benefit from low temperatures because they are genetically programmed to survive them. Japanese beetle grubs are a good example. They feed heavily in the fall and accumulate fat for the winter – I can relate! Since they are cold-blooded, their metabolism is linked to temperature. The colder it gets in the winter, the less fat they burn. On the other hand, the warmer it gets, the more fat they burn. Since they don’t feed during the winter, warm temperatures can cause a serious problem for them – they can eventually run out of fat reserves and starve to death. This is why we see fewer numbers of Japanese beetles the further south we drive.” As usual, Joe is never at a loss for final quotes! So a special thanks to you, Joe Boggs, wherever you are, pupating for the winter.
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Monday, December 6th, 2010
Garden Questions of the Week
“I don’t know when to cut down my Ogon and Japanese Blood grasses. First year and they both were outstanding!” -The Ogon grass is evergreen so clean up as needed next spring before new growth starts. You can cut back the Blood grass fall or spring, but it usually lays down after if turns brown, so a late fall cut back may be best for overall appearances. For those grasses that maintain a nice appearance over the winter, I say enjoy the look and cut them back late winter early spring.
“Why do cats like catnip?” -It’s called “nepetalactone” which has a hallucinogenic effect on cats, and catnip has it. Cats will react differently to it, including neutered or non-neutered cats – lions, pumas and leopards like it. Cats’ getting a buzz from this is harmless, and non-addictive, so don’t worry about your cat becoming a catnip junkie.
“Can we go ahead and dormant spray now?” -Yes, we have had enough cold weather to go ahead and dormant spray as needed. Be sure to read the label as there are temperature level requirements for spraying. And yes, you can use a regular dormant oil or Horticultural oil for dormant spraying.
“You’ve been telling us to hold off – okay to put roses away for the winter?” I haven’t seen the actual soil temps lately, but the goal is for the soil to reach down to the 30’s. We’re getting close – probably close enough.
“We would like to go with a live evergreen (with roots) this year for Christmas. Any tips on getting this plant to live?” -Yes we do! Choosing to have a ‘live’ Christmas tree serves a dual purpose. Not only is it your tree indoors during the Holidays, it eventually becomes a part of your landscape for many more years to come! Here’s how to help make your decision to chose a ‘live’ Christmas tree successful, by following our “2, 7 to10, 2, Plant it” routine! [ NOTE: “Live” (balled & burlapped / container grown trees aren’t quite as easy as dealing with real ‘cut’ trees, thanks to the weight of the root ball, and moving it in and out of the house. So, be prepared, by having the proper equipment and labor in making the needed moves. You’ll also need a waterproof tub large enough to handle the root ball of the tree (or saucer large enough to fit under the bottom of a ‘potted’ live tree), mulch to place around the root ball, and WiltStop to spray the tree.]
Following the “2, 7 to 10, 2, then Plant It! Routine”: (2 days in an unheated garage, 7 to 10 days maximum in the house, 2 days in an unheated garage, and plant it!)
Once the live tree arrives at home: [2 DAYS] -Begin the “routine” by moving the balled & burlapped / potted tree into the unheated garage for 2 days. This allows the tree to adjust to the warmer temperatures once indoors. Spray the tree with WiltStop to help minimize moisture loss and needle drop. (If the tree is not ready to begin the “routine”, place it in a protected spot next to the house, semi-shady, and keep the root ball moistened until you’re ready to begin.)
Moving the live tree Indoors: [7-10 DAYS] -After the 2 day acclimation period in the unheated garage, it’s time to move the tree indoors. -Be sure to locate your tree in the coolest part of the room, away from sources of heat, or constant air flow. In front of sunny picture windows is not the best location! -Once inside the home, place the tree in a large galvanized or plastic tub. Fill around and on top of the root ball with mulch. Water the root ball and mulch to moisten thoroughly. For potted trees, place a heavy duty saucer or water tight container under the pot to collect water that may flow out of the pot. Water your tree as often as needed to keep the roots and mulch moist, but not soggy. -Miniature lights are the best choice for decorating live Christmas trees, as they create less heat. Check light strands for safety, and turn them off when the tree is unattended. -Leave the tree indoors for 7 to 10 days maximum, NO MORE.
Moving the live tree back outside: [2 DAYS] -After being indoors for 10 day maximum, move the tree back into the unheated garage for another 2 days to readjust to the outside temperatures. Check the weather forecast – you want to plant your tree as soon as possible after the 2 days in the unheated garage. -DON’T WAIT – PLANT IT! You have the options of pre-digging the hole earlier in the month (in case the ground is frozen after the holidays), covering the planting area with a thick layer of leaves or mulch to keep the ground from freezing, and then digging your hole after the final 2 days in the unheated garage, or Just wait and dig the hole when the tree is ready to be planted, no matter what the weather is like! (Trust us, rarely is the ground frozen solid after the Holidays in our area.) Whichever you chose, don’t wait – plant it! -Plant your live tree following our “Planting and Watering Guide”. Be sure to water in well after planting, and definitely a few more times throughout the winter and early spring – very important for the success of the tree.
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Monday, December 6th, 2010
From the Garden to the Kitchen
Yardboy, here is another great gift in a jar. This is perfect for a teacher, mailman, or anyone on the gift list who’s been especially nice throughout the year. I like this also because you can let the little ones help and it’s economical to make.
SHAKER WEEKNIGHT SOUP MIX IN A JAR (1 wide mouth quart jar)
Layer into jar:
1/3 cup good quality beef bouillon granules
1/4 cup dried minced onion
1/2 cup dried split peas
1/4 cup barley
1/3 cup long grain white or brown rice
1/4 cup brown lentils
1/4 cup red lentils
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons dry parsley
Put 1 cup small pasta (I use Ditallini) in a baggie or wrap in plastic wrap and secure top. Place this on top of the dry ingredients. Seal.
For gift tag: Brown 1 generous pound ground sirloin or stew beef (I’m using ground sirloin) in a little olive oil. Remove pasta from top of jar and reserve. Add rest of jar contents to the pot with 11 cups water and one can, 14.5 oz diced tomatoes. Let come to a boil and lower to a simmer for 45 minutes. (If you use quick cooking barley, it will take less time). Add pasta and cook 10 minutes or so until pasta is done.
Gilding the lily: I like to add several handfuls of fresh spinach to the soup after the pasta is done. The residual heat in the pot cooks the spinach nicely.
To serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with a generous amount of cheddar or Parmesan.
Makes 12 generous servings.
-Rita Nader Heikenfeld, CCP Herbalist / PT Witchdoctor www.abouteating.com
OBKB. That’s it for this week. Now do yourself a favor. Go out and have the best week and weekend of your life. See ya. RW, the Yardboy. (Join us every Saturday 6-9am ‘In the Garden’ on 55KRC The Talk Station / XM 158, and 10-noon on 610WTVN Columbus.)
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