"I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." -- James Madison
nathanbforrest45 (08-19-2019)
I lived in Del Rio TN, right next to Grainger County. Those tomatoes were to die for. I must say I found a produce stand in Ocala Fl that is selling Grainger County tomatoes and while they taste better than those from Publix they are lacking something. I think they picked them too early in order to ship them down here in the heat.
Collateral Damage (08-20-2019),Retirednsmilin308 (08-20-2019)
Collateral Damage (08-20-2019)
You have every right to brag about getting a good crop this year. It takes hard work.
The fruit and vegetable roadside stands are doing great in my neck of the woods.
Nothing beats scrambled eggs, sliced tomatoes and avocado for breakfast.
I learned early " a man's gotta know his limitations ". No green thumb here.
Though the Rosemary bush is doing fine and so is my "mango" tree that loves high humidity.
donttread (08-21-2019)
Do you have that book....The Apartment Gardener? Lots of good info in it for your situation.
Once all this "Hey, honey, let's install new flooring" tizzy is over with I could send it to you if you like. I am not needing it anymore since I discovered my mere touch is enough to kill a plant.
Peter1469 (08-20-2019)
Next time use a machete.
I found a baby rabbit dreadfully hurt and wrapped it up in paper towels so it could not see.
It is about as quick and humane as one can get.
Lay the poor baby on something wood though. You don't want it to be on a soft surface.
The wood back surface ensures a quick and clean cut.
The paper towels absorb so the baby's body can be burned and release his little spirit to start over again and grow to be a healthy fat grown-up rabbit.
Last edited by Retirednsmilin308; 08-20-2019 at 07:07 AM.
Del Rio is but a few miles from home.
Unfortunately, the early picking is the downfall of enjoying things from other places. Come winter, I judge the season by the pre-availability of Grainger Tomatoes... the countdown starts in February for the greenhouse tomatoes, lol.
Ever go over to the WNC Farmer's Market outside of Asheville? Wonderful produce there.
"I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." -- James Madison
A lady at the Farmer's Market (next to the World Famous Moose Restaurant) told me a quick and easy way to can tomatoes in your oven. I have had good results using that method although I have had a lot of feedback telling me I was going to poison the entire universe because the 250 degrees in the oven was different than the 250 degrees in a pressure cooker!
Anyway, for the ETWNC area its called the Wheel of Fortune - Jeopardy Method, You prepare the tomatoes as you would normally. You set your oven to 250 degrees. Put as many jars as will fit into the oven when Wheel of Fortune starts. You take them out when Jeopardy is over and let them cool down overnight. I have never had a bad batch or any that did not seal. I wouldn't try it with those veggies that require higher heat to preserve but I can do 10 or 12 pints at a time in the oven.
By the way, all I do to my tomatoes is put them in hot water to remove the skins. Chop them up. Fill the jar and add one teaspoon of salt to each pint jar. If you want salt free just don't put any salt in them. Every now and then I put a couple of sprigs of basil and garlic in as well.
Down here in Ocala I have to change my schedule since Jeopardy comes on before Wheel of Fortune so I have to reverse the timing!!!!
Quick story about fruits and vegetables. I bought a bushel of peaches from the Farmer's Market. Took them home and my brother in law left them on the back balcony. Next morning I had a bushel basket of peach pits and several happy raccoons! The little devils came back every night for a month looking for more peaches.
Collateral Damage (08-20-2019),Peter1469 (08-20-2019),Retirednsmilin308 (08-21-2019)
BTW, did you know that ETWNC does not actually stand for East Tennessee - Western North Carolina but
Eat Taters and Wear No Clothes.
Last edited by nathanbforrest45; 08-21-2019 at 09:40 AM.
A deer got in my garden and ate all my corn.