Kitchen Gardeners

My green thumb came only as a result of the mistakes I made while learning to see things from the plant's point of view. - Fred H. Ale

Latest Activity

Marilyn Gang replied to Michelle W. Flannery's discussion 'Growing Mushrooms'
August 2008, at a Vesica Institute workshop seminar series in Asheville, North Carolina, I met Andrew Goodheart. Andrew is a permaculture expert and showed me how to grow Oyster Mushrooms --- in a zip loc bag !!! I was so amazed and astounded tha...
on Wednesday
msgrubbyfungus joined Michelle W. Flannery's group
Native American Heritage Group
For those who share a Native American heritage by blood, and those with a spiritual kinship to the original people of the US, who wish to explore that heritage through traditional Native American planting and gardening methods.
October 25
Michelle W. Flannery replied to N & K Grant's discussion 'Dried Carrots and Potatoes' in the group Preserving the Harvest
Yes (blanch), and yes (good).
October 21
Rachel Sukeforth joined Michelle W. Flannery's group
The Recycle Bin
Reduce! Reuse! Recycle! It's the new mantra. What are you doing, and how are you doing it, especially in your garden! Do post pictures!
October 20
Gillian replied to Michelle W. Flannery's discussion 'What Vegetables Are You Planting for Fall/Winter 2009?' in the group Kitchen Gardens, Southern Style
Hi Stephanie, You asked about the yellowing leaves on tomatoes. As branches form from the central leader two branches will appear, one that is going to from the fruit and another one which is longer, is probably there to protect it while young. Th...
October 19
Glenn Fletcher commented on Michelle W. Flannery's group 'Native American Heritage Group'
Hi Jane You are the first person that i have heard of who is growing the beans, besides myself. They have done really well and grew just as you describe. [See photo] I bought mine from this site in England. One of the reasons i tried them was the ...
October 19
Stephanie Hankins replied to Michelle W. Flannery's discussion 'What Vegetables Are You Planting for Fall/Winter 2009?' in the group Kitchen Gardens, Southern Style
What are the yellowing leaves? I am getting them!!!!!
October 19
Penelope and Terri joined Michelle W. Flannery's group
Orchards
For those who are growing small orchards, fruit and nut trees, and grapes. Let's discuss growing, pruning, harvesting, care and maintenance.
October 19
vicki carson replied to Michelle W. Flannery's discussion 'Growing Mushrooms'
My husband and I have grown shiitake mushrooms on hardwood logs for about ten years now. We buy the mushroom spawn (mail order) in form resembling 2" sections of 1/4" doweling, which we then insert in holes drilled in logs. We paint over the inse...
October 17
Michelle W. Flannery commented on Pattie's group 'North Atlanta Seedsavers'
Hi Kate. I was telling folks more than a month ago that we are going to have a harsher winter than usual here in Georgia. It will be colder, longer, and wetter. We may get snow, several snows, and ice storms. And yes, it will start early. How do ...
October 16
Jan Stapleton replied to Michelle W. Flannery's discussion 'Growing Mushrooms'
A friend in Minneapolis recommends using spores from Field &Forest Products in Peshtigo, WI (www.fieldforest.net). He has grown shititakes for years in his back yard with great success. We are having some green oak logs/limbs cut for us this winte...
October 16
Wishingdeeply joined Michelle W. Flannery's group
Root Cellars and Food Storage
For those who have root cellars, want root cellars, and want to know more about root cellars; and for those who want to know the various methods in which to store and preserve their harvests.
October 15
Katie-Lynn McDonald joined Michelle W. Flannery's group
The Recycle Bin
Reduce! Reuse! Recycle! It's the new mantra. What are you doing, and how are you doing it, especially in your garden! Do post pictures!
October 14
Carol joined Michelle W. Flannery's group
The Recycle Bin
Reduce! Reuse! Recycle! It's the new mantra. What are you doing, and how are you doing it, especially in your garden! Do post pictures!
October 12
Amelia Smith joined Michelle W. Flannery's group
Orchards
For those who are growing small orchards, fruit and nut trees, and grapes. Let's discuss growing, pruning, harvesting, care and maintenance.
October 8
Michelle W. Flannery updated their profile
October 6
Michelle W. Flannery commented on Gail Wolf's blog post 'What The World Eats'
Great post Gail! It is important to be world-aware, if only in order to be grateful for what we have. There are always people better off and worse off than us. When I was young, growing up on the coast of NC, my family fished commercially, raised ...
October 2
Michelle W. Flannery replied to Glenn Fletcher's discussion 'Preserving Jars' in the group Preserving the Harvest
I've been canning for only three years. Each year I increase my efforts and fill my pantry shelves a little more. That means also that each year I've needed more and more jars. I haven't been able to find any second-hand jars, so I've been buying ...
October 2
N & K Grant commented on Michelle W. Flannery's blog post 'Preserving Figs and Fig Recipes'
Great information, Thank you!
October 1
Kathryn commented on Michelle W. Flannery's blog post 'Preserving Figs and Fig Recipes'
Thats just the recipe İ want Michelle, thanks.
October 1

Profile Information

Where do you live and garden?
John and I call our place "5 Acre Farm." We're east of Atlanta, Georgia, USA. (Zone 7b-8). Long growing season. Mild winters.
How long have you been growing food?
forever!
Dream garden travel destination:
OK, I confess! I'd love to visit Martha Stewart's gardens in Connecticut and Maine, and since I'd be in Maine anyway, the homestead of Scott and Helen Nearing. Hey Beva, could I stop in and see your garden too?
Favorite foods:
fresh raw vegetables, especially green beans, and tomatoes on white bread with mayonnaise.

This Is John

Michelle W. Flannery's Videos

Michelle W. Flannery's Blog

Michelle W. Flannery

In Spite Of It All

Once my summer garden was established this year, I started planning ahead for the fall garden. I was anxious for a successful harvest of collards, broccoli, cabbage and other crops to round out my pantry and freezer storage. Unfortunately, or fortunately, as the case may be, my summer garden is not ready to let go of the fertile soil it has so comfortably spread it's roots in.

Even when I turned my back on the garden, and left it alone for several weeks to wither and pass on so I could return l… Continue

Posted on September 23, 2009 at 11:00am — 6 Comments

Michelle W. Flannery

Of Rain and Floods, and Grubs and Chickens

Georgia has been blessed this year to receive more rain than we've had in a decade. But the blessing became something more difficult this week, as an enormous amount of rain, especially in the last 3 days, has fallen in heavy showers lasting day and night. Today, there was severe flooding in many areas.

I'm sorry for all those who have suffered the damage and loss of property and life in this downpour. I'm blessed to be able to say that we have not experienced flooding or damage on our property… Continue

Posted on September 21, 2009 at 11:25pm — 3 Comments

Michelle W. Flannery

For KGI Rhubarb Growers and Eaters: Rhubarb Recipes

Rhubarb has been the topic of discussion a few times here at KGI, I think. I don't grow it myself, or eat it. However, I subscribe to a recipe newsletter that, today, posted a number of rhubarb recipes from other subscribers. It looked like too great a group of recipes all in one place to just delete. So I thought some of you who are growing rhubarb, and do eat it, might like to see them. Here you go!

RHUBARB PUNCH
Chop rhubarb and cook it in water. After it's cooked, mash and strain. Us… Continue

Posted on August 14, 2009 at 10:17pm — 3 Comments

Michelle W. Flannery

Preserving Figs and Fig Recipes

My figs started coming in three days ago, and now folks at KGI are discussing their fig trees and, hopefully, their abundant harvests of these delightful fruits! I've learned to be more selective about giving them away. Last year I gave several pounds to a relative who didn't bother to refrigerate them, and allowed them to spoil before tossing them out! I might try to sell some at the local farmers' market if I can get them there fresh enough and keep them cool. We'll see.

As it is, I'm process… Continue

Posted on August 3, 2009 at 3:00pm — 5 Comments

Michelle W. Flannery

Summer Squash Pancakes

I found this recipe and thought some members might like to try it. If you've got an over-abundance of squash this year, then you're like me, looking for something to do with them all!

Summer Squash Pancakes

3 c. grated squash
1/2 t. salt or lemon pepper
3 t. minced fresh parsley
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
3/4 to 1 cup Italian style bread crumbs
Dash of pepper

Mix all ingredients to make a fairly thin batter. Drop by spoonfuls into oiled skillet. Cook. Tu… Continue

Posted on July 26, 2009 at 8:16am —

Michelle W. Flannery's Photos

Comment Wall (465 comments)

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At 1:02pm on September 22, 2009, Gail Wolf said…
Hi Michelle,

I'm so glad to hear that you've not suffered any damage or losses to the Georgia rainstorms! I am sorry for everyone who has. Every now and again we have a similar thing happen here in the Pacific Northwest. Fortunately I do not live anyplace where flooding would occur, but many here do. Again, glad to hear that everything's okay!
At 9:35am on September 22, 2009, JC said…
Sore index finger again...A better pict and page may be coming, when it gets done raining and when I have time. I have some nice cinderella pumpkins this year.
I could spend all day on your page, but must take care of some apples!
I named a chicken after you. She made a lovely topiary out of a romaine lettuce plant.
At 8:04pm on September 20, 2009, RawZi said…
I hope you're been having success and happiness whatever was going on! Sounds good :) ttys
At 11:02am on September 12, 2009, Karen of Georgia said…
Hey there, I haven't been on here in quite some time. The kids are back in school now and we have swine flu............just great. My tiny little garden did OK for a first timer. I got some tomatoes and I got lots of herbs and hot chili peppers which I can use lots of in my cooking!
The garden is too shady though and hubby still won't give me any of his precious lawn.:( I'm going to have to use more containers or something next year. I'll be thinking of that over the winter.
I took the photo from my deck and don't know how to rotate it. Also, how did you get such a great page? I'd love some info on how to do this blog style with the great backgrounds.............it makes the page so much more interesting!
At 8:33pm on September 4, 2009, Joel LeGrand said…
Hi Michelle,
Just wanted to say hello, we have not been on the same group in some timeso I missed your wit & wisdom.
LOVE YOUR PAGE!!!!
At 12:05am on September 2, 2009, Kathryn said…
http://www.notquitenigella.com/2009/05/16/cucumber-pickles-nqns-mums-recipe/ this recipe seems nice Michelle she used lebanese cucumbers but you can use any kind dont let that throw you off.
At 5:00am on September 1, 2009, Ian said…
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for the message, I have reinforced your request. If she persists I shall ban her.
Hope your garden is growing well.
I'm supposed to be roto tilling a couple of beds this morning but it's raining.
Ian
At 10:15pm on August 31, 2009, JC said…
Hey Michelle, Ouch My finger got tired scrolling down your page. Do you happen to know if anyone has added any recipes for preserving crabapples and plums?

Jayne and patricia loidolt
At 4:11am on August 30, 2009, Jane said…
Hi Michelle,
I have just sown seeds for tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, chillies, basil and bok choy which I will transplant once the weather warms up in a few weeks. The lack of water means I am trying out early fruiting tomatoes this year- it was just too hot last summer (46 C) meant all of them were sunburnt. You may have read about our terrible bushfires- so sad.
Hopefully this year it will be a bit cooler- but it is always hot up at our farm (and no I am not mowing the lawn in a dress- just a pair of baggy old shorts!) We spend a lot of time in the river and our Labrador sits in an old kids wading pool most of January. Hard to believe now as we eat a Sunday Roast by an open fire! My oldest son has brought home abunch of Uni students for dinner so I had better get going! Cheers
Jane
At 12:01am on August 27, 2009, Kathryn said…
Eggplant isnt for everyone, İ cant eat it semi raw, it has to be cooked really well. You have to fry them for a far while. You know you can roast them in your oven or on the grill then make a cold dip-paste-spread adding a bit of garlic, lemon, salt and olive oil. İ love that you can have it with salads or as a spread on bread with sandwhiches.
At 10:49am on August 24, 2009, RAINBOW said…

At 9:53pm on August 22, 2009, Gail Wolf said…
PS. I like your new graphics.
At 9:52pm on August 22, 2009, Gail Wolf said…
Hi Michelle,

Just wishing you a happy Saturday evening!

Gail
At 10:42am on August 20, 2009, sandra anderson said…
Hi Michelle!
I've been around, just not posting. I read all of your posts, for insiration...and it helps me feel connected (not in a weird stalker way!!) Battling the heat, trying to keep everything alive has worn me out this summer!
Also, I've been helping my mom a lot lately...she is struggling not only with the recent loss of my father, but some health issues (non life-threatening)...so being her "support" keeps me pretty busy.
I looked at the calendar and am shocked by how quickly the summer has gone by!! Nic starts school in a couple of weeks...that will mean more freetime in the garden for me.
Well, I have a mountain of laundry to get through today...and a Tie Dyeing session with Nic and a bunch of his friends..so I'll let you go. Thank you for reaching out..I appreciate it!
At 8:54pm on August 19, 2009, RAINBOW said…

u r so welcome
At 11:19am on August 19, 2009, RAINBOW said…
YOUR PAGE IS GREAT VERY NICE
At 6:42am on August 17, 2009, Stephanie Hankins said…
Thank you for the wonderful comment. It is encouraging music to my ears and my garden!
Have a growing day!
Steph
At 3:32pm on August 16, 2009, Alex Kallas said…
The amounts of non soil medium will depend on the plants preference. Since the plants do not have to chase water and nutrient like in the ground, the roots are naturally confined and the plant works on growing goodies instead.
At 12:40pm on August 16, 2009, Jacq Bailey said…
Hi, Michelle --
I think I accidentally responded to your post on Alex's site -- my apologies! Thanks for the advice. I'm curious to know what kind of chickens you're raising? I've been thinking Plymouth Rock and perhaps Sussex, as they seem to be good dual producers. Any thoughts?
At 12:37pm on August 16, 2009, Alex Kallas said…
Thank for your interest. Hydroponics has been around for a few thousand years. Quite simple. Start with an understanding what plants you want to grow, what their requirements are, and the rest will be easy. Just like in soil but without the associated challenges.

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Latest Activity

Strumelia replied to Valerianella's discussion 'Honeybees Face Towering Threat From Cell Phones'
I think increasing pesticide usage, both in commercial agriculture and in home lawn use is playing a much larger part than cell phones. I read lots of articles written a few years ago claiming this cell phone issue as the cause of colony collapse....
18 minutes ago
Paul Lambert is now a member of Kitchen Gardeners
Welcome Them!
30 minutes ago
Desi Powell replied to Valerianella's discussion 'Honeybees Face Towering Threat From Cell Phones'
Wow this is a really scary article. Thank you for posting it to keep us all informed.
1 hour ago
Ann Vaughn joined Matthew Stover's group
Kitchen Gardeners TN
This group is for persons wishing to share, discuss, and meet about ways to vegetable garden in the state of Tennessee.
2 hours ago
Ann Vaughn left a comment for Joel LeGrand
2 hours ago
Valerianella added a discussion
Honeybees Face Towering Threat From Cell Phones
Honeybees Face Towering Threat From Cell Phones Posted by: Dr. Mercola November 07 2009 | 26,681 views Studies have brought out evidence to support the theory of colony collapse disorder (CCD) among honeybees due to bioactive microwave radiation ...
3 hours ago
Kathryn commented on amna mufti's blog post 'FOG'
I dont think mother nature can help you with your potato crops but I will pray to God to make the sun shine for you both and all the other farmers over there.
4 hours ago
Kathryn commented on amna mufti's blog post 'Chiles.'
Sounds like a pleasent and productive day.
5 hours ago
amna mufti commented on amna mufti's blog post 'FOG'
Yes! but the nature never betrays us and when it seems it is her plan.
5 hours ago
Strumelia commented on Joy Williams's group 'BeeKeeping'
Adrian, the old frames are totally beyond reusing- not worth trying to scrap and clean....I have all new frames waiting to be nailed together and new wax&wire foundation too. When I do the split i will be putting one old deep on each stand- with b...
5 hours ago
Salma Kamal commented on amna mufti's blog post 'FOG'
Yes ! and pray for sunny days and rains as well.Here In Islamabad, we received heavy rain fall , last night ,after many dry months. I was worried that we would not be able to do wheat sowing in time.This been Barani area, we are always at mercy of...
7 hours ago
Salma Kamal and Hamood Ahmed Siddiqui are now friends
8 hours ago
Mike Taylor left a comment for amna mufti
9 hours ago
amna mufti added 2 blog posts
10 hours ago
Hamood Ahmed Siddiqui commented on Salma Kamal's photo 'Silybum Marianum'
Nice Work keep it up
11 hours ago
amna mufti left a comment for Mike Taylor
12 hours ago
Adrian Fox commented on Joy Williams's group 'BeeKeeping'
Definitely aim to progressively replace those black frames with new foundation as soon as there is a reasonably strong honey flow next spring. Don't force the pace, let the bees work at their own rate, and don't split the brood nest by plonking fo...
13 hours ago
Tamsin Salehian joined Maggie's group
Gardening in Australia
Australia's climate varies from tropical to cool mountain. This group will discuss kitchen gardening in the variety of climates and conditions found in Australia.
14 hours ago
Tamsin Salehian joined Melissa's group
Gardening with Children
Ways to garden with small children, fun ways to get kids interested in gardening and how to teach them to love and care for our Earth.
14 hours ago
Strumelia replied to Gary Gill's discussion 'Show your Hives' in the group BeeKeeping
Here is my first hive, which I plan to split into two hives in the Spring....
18 hours ago

From the KGI Main Site

Gardeners Have the Power!

Braised brussels sprouts with pine nuts

Garden Q & A: extending the salad season

New White House kitchen garden videos

KGI is going to the White House (and we want to take you with us)

Optimal timing for your garlic harvest

Garden Q & A: Harvesting tomatoloons

Roasted potatoes with basil vinaigrette

Garden Q & A: Organic pest controls

Paella with tomatoes

Notes

HOW TO - ADD A LINK

Several people have experienced difficulty putting working links into comments and blogs etc and I know it is clumsy.... so here is how you do it.....

First type the text you want to appear....  ie  IAN'S PAGE

Then go back and highlight the link text.

Then hit the hyperlink button...a pictogram of a chain link.

Your browser may intervene and request permission to allow temporary scripting or some similar message.   Allow it and go back and highlight the text again

… Continue

Created by Ian Jun 7, 2009 at 7:28pm. Last updated by Ian Jun 8.

Forum Policy

Hi, I'm starting to put together a few guidlines on using the discussion forum on here.

I would be happy to hear any comments you may have.  This is very much a work in progress so plese feel free to ask me to add anything you think is needed.

I don't want to make our community hide bound by rules and regulations but I think that, as the community has grown, some explanation of what is expected is needed.

Administration

You can refer any que

… Continue

Created by Ian May 23, 2009 at 1:55am. Last updated by Ian May 25.

Climate maps

Hi following recent discussion I have put climate maps of the USA, Australia and Europe on here for reference..

 Climate map of the USA

Climate map of Australia

Climate map of Europe

 

… Continue

Created by Ian Sep 12, 2008 at 6:20pm. Last updated by Ian Apr 14.

Recipes, Recipes, Recipes

Hi Everyone,  I've started to collect together recipes from various posts on the site and put them all together here.

If you have a recipe you want to add on here, just post it on the site and leave a comment on my page telling me where it is and I'll go and fetch it back here.

They are organised in Contributor Order but I'm open to better suggestions!

BEVA'S RECIPES

… Continue

Created by Ian Jun 2, 2008 at 9:54am. Last updated by Ian Apr 13.

US STATES ABBREVIATIONS

 

US STATE ABBREVIATIONS

AK - Alaska               AL - Alabama              AR - Arkansas
AZ - Arizona              CA - California           CO - Colorado
CT - Connecticut          DC - Dist of Columbia *   DE - Delaware
FL - Florida              GA - Georgia              GU

… Continue

Created by Ian Jan 27, 2009 at 4:27pm. Last updated by Ian Jan 27.

HOW TO - MAKE COMPOST

Recently there was an excellent discussion about composting. I’ve pulled together all the various comments here. You can also watch KGI's video on composting here.

 

 

KATE’S ADVICE

I used to have a tumbler that we made from a wine-barrel but

1 you have to fill it up all at once

2. it seemed mostly

… Continue

Created by Ian May 30, 2008 at 5:29am. Last updated by Roger Jan 15.

Notes Home

Welcome to Notes.

To view notes that are in the system hit the "all notes" button above.

Continue

Created by Ian May 28, 2008 at 12:10pm. Last updated by Ian May. 30, 2008.

A Note about Notes

I have just written this note so that I can see what we can achieve by using this new feature.

If you read this and have any suggestions then please leave a comment on my page or email me.

Ian

Continue

Created by Ian May 28, 2008 at 6:19pm. Last updated by Ian May. 28, 2008.

 

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