What are ‘spring onions’? Same as Scallions or Green Onions? Spring onions look similar to scallions but notice they have a small bulb on the end of the stalk. They come from the varieties of onions that are grown to produce bulbs. They are harvested before the bulb is fully formed but after the green […]
Making Pickles: Super Easy, Super Delicious!
Got Cucumbers? Make Pickles! I grew up eating my Aunt’s homemade pickles but amazingly I never tried to make them myself until last summer. I have limited veggie garden space so I only grew one kind of cucumbers: the slicing kind. But last year I had a free package of pickling cucumber seeds so I […]
Enjoy the Fruits of Summer All Year
The wonderful fruit of summer is here! Whether from your own garden, a local farm stand or farmer’s market, it’s time to make the most of the delicious fruit of summer. The picture above is the harvest from my garden yesterday. Sometimes it’s a bit overwhelming and a challenge to use it all before it […]
Strawberry Pot Herb Garden
An Herb Garden in a Single Pot I love to cook with fresh herbs, but I hate the expense and waste of buying those little packages of herbs and only using a sprig or two. For about the same cost as a package of herbs at the supermarket, you can buy a 3″ or 4″ […]
Navel Oranges Ready to Harvest
Harvesting, Storing, and Using Navel Oranges Just when there isn’t much fruit to harvest in the garden, the navel oranges are ripe! Nothing says ‘California’ like a bowl full of bright oranges on your counter! Especially if you have East Coast relatives visiting over the holidays! If you are lucky enough to have an orange […]
Gifts From the Garden: Herbs
It’s that time of year again, the holidays are upon us! If you are looking for a thoughtful hostess gift, something for a cook, or just want to dress up your own holiday table, consider creating gift baskets, pots, centerpieces and place settings using herb plants. Here are a few ideas: 1. Herb Centerpiece (pictured […]
Meyer Lemon
‘Improved Meyer’ lemon blossoms and mature fruit My Meyer lemon tree is my favorite plant in my garden. I use the fruit almost daily in cooking and in my tea, and to make killer lemon bars! See recipe below. Everyone who lives in southern California and other mild winter areas should consider planting a lemon […]
Lovely Lavender!
My lavender has been in full bloom for the last month and what a treat to walk by and enjoy the wonderful fragrance! History: For centuries, lavender has been used to perfume linen and bedding. It not only smells good but its essential oil is an antibiotic that destroys the bacteria that causes tuberculosis and […]