Gardening Websites

I ran out of the Gardening Websites handout. So for those of you that didn't get them here you go.

Rainbarrels
http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu/HomeGardening/PDFs/Fact%20Sheets/Rain%20Barrels.pdf

Composting
http://hillsborough_fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/Compost-Happens.html

Gardening Almanac
http://hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu/HomeGardening/Garden-Almanac.html

Vegetable Gardening Guide
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vh021

Growing Vegetables in containers
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vh032

Edible Landscaping
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_edible_landscapes

Fruit Trees
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg248

Herbs
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vh020

Florida Gardening Forum
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/flgard/

March 19, 2011 Readiness Fair

Don’t be like Chicken Little and panic when the sky starts falling……
Be Prepared!


I am a firm believer in being prepared. There are so many unforeseen circumstances that can happen in our lives- job loss, medical expenses, natural disaster and more. Being prepared can make it easier to handle these situations.


I hope everyone had a great time yesterday at the 2011 Readiness Fair. It was a pleasure to meet so many wonderful people interested in gardening. I received lots of great questions and wonderful feedback. I also promised many of you that I would post the information here on my blog. I will not be able to post everything today but I will do my best to post everything within the week. If I forget something or if you have ANY questions, please let me know and I will do my best to help.

Rain Barrels

Did you know that one inch of rain on a 1000 sq. ft. roof can produce approximately 625 gallons of rain water? That is amazing to me. Think of all that rain water you could be collecting and using for on your landscaping or gardens. Not only is this water FREE, it is also better for your plants than tap water.
I have had a rain barrel for about 5 years now and I love it. It is great to used in times of drought and when we have water restrictions.

To some home owners rain barrels are an eye sore, but they don't have to be. Rain barrels can be painted to match your home so they blend in, or you can but it in a less noticable place and hide it with plants. You could evn pain it with with some sort of design. Do what ever works for you.

If you live in Hillsborough County you can get a rain barrel for free by attending one of their work shops. Just call the Hillsbrough County Extension Office and sign up (813)744-5519. IF you don't feel like attending a workshop or if you live in a different county here is a link with directions on how to make one.http://hillsborough_fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/RainBarrels.html

If you google "How to make a Rain Barrel" there will have plenty of links for videos and step by step directions.
Good Luck!

Flying Flowers

I thought I would share a few pictures I took of a Monarch Butterfly on some orange Lantana and a black buumble bee on some purple Lantana. Enjoy!

Just wanted to say...

Homemade Raspberry Marshmallows

If you’ve never made a homemade marshmallow, you must give it a try. Homemade marshmallows are so soft; they practically melt in your mouth. Think of all the different flavors you can make; vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cinnamon, the possibilities are endless. The good news is they are not very hard to make. But I warn you, once you try homemade marshmallows; you will never want the store bought ones again.
I got this recipe from Martha Stewart. The only thing different from Martha's recipe is that I made my marshmallows with Raspberry Seedless Jam instead of Strawberry, only because that is what I had on hand.

■1/2 cup water
■2.5 cups sugar
■2/3 cup strawberry jam, preferably seedless
■2/3 cup light corn syrup
■dash salt
■2/3 cup water
■4 envelopes gelatin
■red food coloring
■icing sugar, for dusting
1.Add first 5 ingredients to a large saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer.
2.Meanwhile add 2/3 cup water to mixing bowl and sprinkle all of gelatin over top to soften (at least 5 min.).
3.Once the boiling liquid has reached 238ºF on a thermometer. Remove from heat and pour over softened gelatin.
4.With the whisk attachment, beat on low for approximately 5 min. Gradually bring the speed up to high, beating on each speed for 5-8 min. until mixture has cooled and peaks form when beater is lifted (30-40 min. total).
5.In the last 10 min of beating prepare jelly roll pan (15×11 inch). Spray with cooking spray (or grease canola oil) and place a piece of parchment over top, pressing down to stick to the oil. Grease the top of the parchment.
6.Once done mixing add red food coloring bit by bit and mix in until the pink color you desire is achieved.
7.Pour marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan and smooth top. Let sit, uncovered, for 3 hours or overnight until dry.
8.Dust work surface with icing sugar and flip pan over to release the dried marshmallow. Peel off the parchment paper.
9.Grease a 1.5 inch heart shaped cutter with cooking spray or wipe down with oiled paper towel. Cut out to desired shape and toss into icing/powdered sugar to coat.

* these will last for up to one week in an airtight container at room temp.

* dip in chocolate for a little added fun.

* You can chop up the scraps and use them as “mini marshmallows”.

* Or maybe some Home made Moon Pies...yummy!

Chocolate Dipped Oreo's

Are you looking for an easy Valentine's treat to make with the kids? Or maybe you just want to make a super cute treat to give to your friends. Chocolate dipped Oreo's are a yummy and simple treat that is sure to please everyone. One thing I love about making these is that they are so easy to make. Just dip the Oreo in chocolate and decorate. How easy is that?

All you need is-
Double Stuffed Oreo's
Skinny Craft sticks
Melting Chocolate or Almond Bark
Icing and sprinkles
Parchment or wax paper

Melt your chocolate according to the package directions. Dip the tip of the craft sticks in the melted chocolate and insert into the Oreo "stuffing". Let this dry before you coat the rest of the cookie in the chocolate. By letting it dry before dipping it helps "glue" the stick to the Oreo. Next dip the Oreos in chocolate, decorate and let dry on parchment paper. How easy is that!
*Tip* If melting chocolate is too thick, add a teaspoon of shortening and stir. Continue to add shortening until you reach desired thickness.