Learn What Johnny’s Selected Seeds Recommends:

By Guest Blogger: Joann Matuzas, from Johnny’s Selected Seeds

Peas and fava beans are the first seeds planted in my garden when the soil is workable. Both seeds thrive in cold, damp weather. When I moved to Maine an old-time farmer told me you “plant your peas and pay your taxes on the same day.” It has worked for me for the last five years.

The key to growing strong bean and pea plants is to use inoculant at planting time. Inoculant is a beneficial bacteria that helps the roots bind nitrogen resulting in stronger plants with higher yields. It is easy to use and inexpensive. I put the inoculant in a zip lock bag and then roll the peas or beans in it as I am planting.

I like to trellis my peas to conserve space, make picking easier and to add a vertical element of interest to the garden. I found a great trellis design in Eliot Coleman’s “Four Season Harvest” book. You take two 8 foot 2″ x2″ posts (or 3 for a longer trellis) and sharpen them to a point at one end and drive them about 1 1/2 feet into the ground 5 feet apart. Thread the trellis down the two (or three) posts and then thread the trellis through a crossbar that is secured on top of the uprights. By the Fourth of July you will be harvesting peas.

Technorati Tags:
first seeds , early gardening, spring seed, peas, beans

by sduncan
No Comments »

A dog may be man’s best friend, but who (or what) is a cow’s best friend? The other day I was driving past a farm and saw something kind of neat: a cow resting her head on the cow next to her. They were both lying down, as were a lot of the other cows, but these two had a connection. They didn’t seem like mother and calf, more like friends.

Can cows have friends?
For many of us who have pets, we know the joy (and work) they bring to our lives. They rely on us, play with us, and sometimes keep us from feeling lonely. We enjoy our relationships with them, but at times may not stop and observe their interactions with other pets or animals of the same or even different species.

A Lesson to Be Learned
Seeing the cows on the side of the road reminded me of how important it is in our every day busy lives to stay connected to friends and family. Next time you have some time, watch your pets interact. Check the zoo or farm and see how even animals are connected to each other in some way. Connection is important for all of us, whether we walk on two legs or four.

In the 2008 Farmers’ Almanac, we have a great story that offers ideas and ways to stay connected on all levels. Here are a few useful tips from this story, written by Deborah Tukua:

How to Stay Connected:

• Find ways and times to have special time with others. Go walking together. Plan a lunch. Find routine ways to stay in touch with family and friends.
• Plan date nights with your spouse. Not only will you have a chance to have an intimate conversation with your spouse, but also the children can get special nights with the grandparents, other relatives, or best friends while you’re out.
• Be a good listener. We learn when we listen.
• Spend time with each child individually, doing something he or she enjoys. Take an interest in their interests.
• Put the welcome mat out. Make your home a place that others will enjoy visiting.
• Establish a regular phone time (don’t just rely on e-mail and texts either!).
• Write a monthly family (news)letter and mail (e-mail) it to friends and family.
• Prompt children to write thank-you notes and letters, especially to relatives who live in other areas.

For more great ideas, be sure to read the whole story on page 72 of the 2008 Farmers’ Almanac.

Technorati Tags:
animals as friends, staying connected, beat loneliness, ways to enjoy friends, farmers almanac tips

by sduncan
No Comments »