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

Penelope 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.
19 hours ago
John 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!
December 10
Glenn Fletcher left a comment for Michelle W. Flannery
December 2
Michelle W. Flannery left a comment for Glenn Fletcher
December 1
Glenn Fletcher left a comment for Michelle W. Flannery
December 1
Michelle W. Flannery commented on Gillian's blog post 'Recycling to make a beautiful garden feature'
Beautiful and creative Gillian. I really like this idea, and the product of this idea!
November 30
Our pantry provided a Thanksgiving feast for family and friends. And the garden is still giving up tomatoes and peppers by the baskets-full!
November 30
Michelle W. Flannery updated their profile
November 30
Tamra left a comment for Michelle W. Flannery
November 16
Michelle W. Flannery left a comment for Tamra
November 16
Late November, very cool weather, but I'm still harvesting cherry tomatoes and peppers of all kinds from my garden here in NE Georgia!
November 16
Sheryl Stewart replied to Michelle W. Flannery's discussion 'Optimum Storage Conditions for Vegetables' in the group Root Cellars and Food Storage
Hi Joel Thanks so much. I will see if I can find one.
November 16
Joel LeGrand replied to Michelle W. Flannery's discussion 'Optimum Storage Conditions for Vegetables' in the group Root Cellars and Food Storage
Hi Sheryl, I am sorry, I helped at a friends wedding & was 1:00 am getting in and did not look the book up. It is"Root Cellaring"by Mike & Nancy Bubel, Rodale press(ISBN 0-87857-277-5). My copy was copyright 1979. You can get it at some used booksto…
November 15
Sheryl Stewart replied to Michelle W. Flannery's discussion 'Optimum Storage Conditions for Vegetables' in the group Root Cellars and Food Storage
Hi Joel I do have a root cellar that was built under the porch on the side of the house. It is the old stone and masonary footing of the house but has two grates on either end that can get closed off if needed. My son in law has built shelves on eit…
November 15
Tamra left a comment for Michelle W. Flannery
November 15
Jeff Wright and Sheryl Stewart 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.
November 15
Joel LeGrand replied to Michelle W. Flannery's discussion 'Optimum Storage Conditions for Vegetables' in the group Root Cellars and Food Storage
Hi shery, The reason farmer put thing in the cellar was it stayed 55-60 degrees year around & a dry cool mostly. The best thing is to store any veggies where air can circulate. One way is to build a 2"x4" frame with cross runner every 24", you can c…
November 15
Sheryl Stewart replied to Michelle W. Flannery's discussion 'Optimum Storage Conditions for Vegetables' in the group Root Cellars and Food Storage
Hi Michelle I was wondering if someone can tell me how to store potatoes, carrots and squash in my root cellar. I have never used one before but remember my Dad using sand in plastic containers for the carrots and wrapping the potatoes individually…
November 14
Sheryl Stewart commented on Michelle W. Flannery's group 'Root Cellars and Food Storage'
Hi Everyone. My name is Sheryl and I just moved into a home that has a huge pantry and root cellar. I haven't seen one since I was on the farm as a young girl and now wish I had been paying attention when my Mum and Dad settled the garden harvest in…
November 14
kate copsey joined Michelle W. Flannery's group
Georgia Gardeners
This group is for folks who live and garden in Georgia. Let's talk about issues that are specific to our state, like the drought, clay soil, extreme heat and humidity, what grows well here, what doesn't, and year-round gardening.
November 10

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 (467 comments)

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At 5:03pm on December 2, 2009, Glenn Fletcher said…
I hope you get over your cold soon Michelle.
With ref to the tomatoes. I,ve only once ever had a problem with not being able to eat anything. When i was 16 i worked in a strawberry canning factory for a month. I don,t think i could eat strawberries again for the remainder of my teens, after consuming so many strawberries in that month.
At 7:43am on December 1, 2009, Glenn Fletcher said…
Hi Michelle, i hope you are well
Our tomatoes are now just about finished. Over the last few weeks i have been weaning myself back onto supermarket tomatoes.
When you eat your own tomatoes they seem just like ordinary tomatoes. Its only when you compare them with store bought ones that you realise how poor store bought tomatoes really are.
At 9:25am on November 16, 2009, Tamra said…
Thanks, I did not know that about water expanding vertically rather than horizontally. I will keep thinking to find a use for all these wonderful gallon glass jars. I hate to just recycle them.
At 9:30am on November 15, 2009, Tamra said…
Do you remember our discussion about a year ago, about the plastic bottles I was using as heat sinks? You and your hubby gave me lots of great advice about how to better use them. Well I need more advice.

Lately we have been consuming lots of apple juice from one gallon glass jars. I got to thinking that unlike plastic would not break down in the garden. So I have thought about filling them with water about 2/3 of the way full, so the jar would not crack if the water freezes. And I was wondering, is glass better storing and releasing heat than plastic?
At 8:58am on November 10, 2009, kate copsey said…
Michelle - hope you are enjoying this little downpour. My veggies are close to swimming again.
At 7:11am on November 10, 2009, Kathryn said…
I havent seen any activity from you in October Michelle and we are nearly half way through November. Hope you and John are ok, take care.
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 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 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

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KG Day - Help us choose a date!

Kitchen Garden Day has traditionally been celebrated at the end of August which is a great time for gardens in temperate, northern climates but not a great time for many other gardeners around the world (e.g. August is winter in the southern hemisphere, monsoon season in India, too hot for many gardeners in southern states, etc.).

We're exploring the possibility of changing the date to the spring and would like your input. Please answer our poll here.

Latest Activity

Joel LeGrand commented on Stephanie Hankins's photo 'PC110450'
Hi, Wonderful colors, makes me hunger. Enjoy!
2 hours ago
Joel LeGrand left a comment for p verrill
2 hours ago
Joel LeGrand left a comment for Justice Bell
2 hours ago
Rana shafiq ur rehman and Alex Kallas are now friends
7 hours ago
Maggie left a comment for JACQUELINE PIGDON
7 hours ago
Kathryn left a comment for Kristi Birchenough
11 hours ago
Stephanie Hankins commented on Stephanie Hankins's album 'Veges!'
I started my first garden ever in late May! Thanks to all my friends and everyone on here, I feel I have been soooo blessed! I can't wait to work my soil and begin again in March!!!!!!!
13 hours ago
Stephanie Hankins added 3 photos to the album 'Veges!'
13 hours ago
Kay Robbins left a comment for Stephanie Hankins
13 hours ago
p verrill, Justice Bell and Judith Van Bockern joined Kitchen Gardeners
15 hours ago
Stephanie Hankins joined Joy Williams's group
Tomatoes
I think this might need it's own category, don't you? Tomatoes are one of the most popular things to grow and we've been placing them in all kinds of groups, but the fact is we almost all grow them, and they have specific needs.
15 hours ago
Stephanie Hankins left a comment for Kay Robbins
15 hours ago
Joel LeGrand left a comment for Angela
15 hours ago
Joel LeGrand left a comment for Amanda Byrnes
15 hours ago
Joel LeGrand left a comment for Judith Van Bockern
15 hours ago
Joel LeGrand left a comment for Nina Minaz
15 hours ago
Joel LeGrand commented on Joy Williams's group 'Garden Pests'
sorry I meant GOURMET.
16 hours ago
Joel LeGrand commented on Joy Williams's group 'Garden Pests'
Hi everyone, I got my information from the 2010 catolog, I left the website so anyone could look the product up. The catolog says that it is safe for vegetables,that the oil repellent in some bugs & suppresses feeding instincts in others. I have not…
16 hours ago
Joel LeGrand left a comment for Angela
16 hours ago
Peter Robertson replied to Katie-Lynn McDonald's discussion '100-mile diet'
Could that couple have been Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon? I was fortunate to attend one of their presentations at the SW Michigan Harvest Fest '07. It was inspiring!! What energy and ideals. With feature articles in print media and great local exp…
17 hours ago

From the KGI Main Site

"First Garden" now has the "First Hoophouse"

Big Question: Feast or famine?

Roast Your Own Chestnuts

More photos from KGI's first global gathering

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

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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