Wow! Are they doing an article on your garden? Staying busy in the garden kills two birds in one. It helps to make it look clean and well kept while giving you something to do to relax.:hugs
@digitS' is ground squirrels the same thing as chipmunks. I haven't seen any here but we sure got a mess of grey squirrels. I've been thinking squirrel and dumplings sound pretty good!
I put a lot of wood chips, sawdust, chicken litter in the garden last summer and this winter and the dirt looks pretty good for a couple of inches. A big difference than the red clay. I throw in what kitchen waste the chickens won't eat (which is practically none). I also put a lot of peat moss...
A couple of days ago my grandson and I planted some sprouted potatoes from the kitchen.
Yesterday I fertilized the plants. I noticed a bloom on the tomato that just sprang up. I can't believe what a difference a week has made in the plants they have grown so quick. I still want to plant some...
If I was making it to gift I would definitely strain better. When I give someone jam or jelly I always look for the prettiest looking.
Every time someone says they don't care for strawberry preserves and then taste mine they always want a jar (or two). I don't think it's because mine is better...
@w_r_ranch salsa verde is one of my favorite condiments. Tamales are just not the same without it!
@baymule I do the same thing with my apple peels and cores. Those peels make a really pretty jelly. I like the idea that nothing is wasted. Whatever pulp that is left goes to the chickens.
We actually bought a really big pot this year. My son drilled some holes in the bottom for me. I have cherry tomatoes I planted from seed that I plant on putting in it along with some herbs.
Plums I canned Saturday. I used the cold pack method so there is a lot of juice. I'm canning a batch of strawberries right now to free up some freezer space. I canned a lot of strawberry preserves but everyone keeps wanting some so I may need to make some more.