"Planting a Vegetable Garden: Part I"

This show is all about the basics of planting a vegetable garden. From selecting the right spot, to tilling the soil, to laying out your rows, and then finally planting all those beautiful seeds! It can be hard work depending on how big you plan on making your garden, but believe me the pay off is worth it. When you see those fresh, gorgeous vegetables that you grew yourself, you will feel so proud! And the taste is out of this world!! (Not to mention the money you will save!) Today's veggie planting includes Peppers, tomatoes and green beans. All favorites here in the south.

"Planting a Vegetable Garden: Part II"

On this show, I  finish up planting my  vegetable garden by planting Corn, Okra, Cucumbers and Squash. These are all garden staples here in the south. The choice of corn is a popular one called Silver Queen. I also like Peaches and Cream as well. The Okra is a special favorite in our house because of all the fried okra I get to make throughout the year!  And nothing tastes like fresh crisp cucumbers right out of the garden! You can also use these to make your very own pickles! So get out those hoes and tillers and plant yourself your very own vegetable garden. You have no excuse now that you know how!

"A Visit to Crabtree Farms"

On this show I took a trip to Crabtree Farms in Chattanooga, TN. Today more and more people are turning to locally grown produce for their food purchases. Not only does it help your area’s economy, but you also get wonderful fresh produce as well.Crabtree Farms is a non profit research and educational project promoting sustainable agriculture through their many programs. I had so much fun touring the farm and meeting some of the many people who sustain it and who make it all possible.

If you would like to learn more about Crabtree Farms please visit their website at www.crabtreefarms.org. I am sure they would love for you to come and visit. They are open from May through November. If you are unable to come here to Chattanooga be sure and search for a CSA program in your area. It's so important to support locally grown produce in your area!

"Getting Ready for Spring Planting"

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Winter is here and there's not much to do outside in the freezing weather. So that means it's time to stay indoors and start planning for the spring. At this time of year I always get an abundance of seed catalogs. I love going through them all and dreaming of the things I will plant and maybe the possibility of trying something new in the garden. On this show, we will go step by step in ordering our seeds or plants for spring. I will also show you how to create your very own gardening journal to keep up with and catalog all of your lovely plants. I'll also show you how to start your seeds indoors to create those little seedlings that grow into gorgeous big vegetables and flowers.I even have a great little gift idea to make to put in your spring Easter baskets! Even though we have to stay inside while the weather is so cold, we can still start making plans for warmer weather and spring planting!

"Christmas Decorating"

Christmas is here and it's time to start decorating! Why not get out in your yard and see all of nature's natural decorating tools? We'll be making pine cone ornaments, wrapping packages, making special food treats for our feathered friends, creating evergreen swags, making seed paper ornaments, and I'll show you some great gift giving ideas. Use the beauty that's right outside your door. It's fun for the family and easier on your wallet. I have included the planting instructions to put on your tags for your gifts. I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!!

Planting Instructions for Bulbs in soil:
Place soil in pot about ¾ deep. Place your bulb in the soil
and add additional soil around it leaving your bulb partially
exposed. Add some water and place in a dark space until
your bulb starts to sprout. Then place it in a sunny location.
Add water as needed but don’t over water it.


Planting Instructions for Bulbs in stones:
Fill your container with water until it reaches just
below your bulbs. Keep in a dark place until your bulbs
start to sprout. Then place in a sunny location.
Check on your water level and make sure it stays
right below your bulbs.


Planting your seed paper:
Soak your see paper ornament in water and then
plant ½ inch deep in soil once the danger of the last
frost has passed. Keep warm and moist until
the seeds germinate. The paper will recycle into the soil.

"A Very Berry Adventure"

On this episode of How Does Your Garden Grow? I took a trip to The Blueberry Farm in Walker County, GA. Joe and Simone Kilpatrick own and run the farm. I love blueberries so much ,and I've wanted to start my own bushes for some time now. So Joe told me all about how to plant and nurture my berry bushes, and I even learned about blackberries as well. After getting my young seedlings, I then went home and put them in the ground. I am happy to say they have grown a bit since I planted them last fall. I even had a few blackberries this summer! Planting blueberries does take a lot of patience since it takes at least 3 years for your bushes to start producing. But, once they do, your patience will be rewarded! Try planting some for yourself.

"Fall Decorating"

Fall is here and it's time to get out those pumpkins and cornstalks and ornamental corn! I love this time of the year. You can make your yard come alive with fall decorations. On this show, I make some cute and simple scare crows using items I already had at home. I also show you some neat ways to make your outdoor fall party even more fun. And to go along with it, I throw in some pumpkin trivia to test your knowledge on the subject. So join us for a lot of fall fun on this episode of How Does Your Garden Grow?