Gardening and Muffins

The garden is coming along splendidly.  We are very excited about our investment and the potentional payoff of it.  I has been difficult this year with the investment of the light shelves for seedlings.  Along with finally putting the last fence post in and then stapling a critter proof fence to the split rail.  We only needed to purchase 12 Kale plants so far.  Along with all of the seedlings we had to try something else new, hardening off seedlings.  This made me the most nervous of all.  We purchased a set of shelves and then mounted them to a simple board with wheels.  I was able to roll out the plants, several hours every day and then roll them back into the garage.

The first day the plants were out 8-12 then 8-2, then 8-4, then 8-8, then 24 hours a day.  This plan worked wonderfully since we had some beautiful weather last week.  I was able to plant 27 cabbage plants, and 18 Broccoli plants.  I then watered them with Miracle Grow Organic Plant Fertilizer.  Using a simple hose attachment I watered all the new plants, here is the one I purchased at our local true value .  It worked wonderfully for the fertilizer and the fruit tree spray.  We also purchased a new Cortland Apple Tree and planted it near the Golden Delicious from last year.  I sprayed down both trees very well, hoping to avoid the Apple tree scab that we had last year.

Here are the Cabbage Plants

The peas have seriously sprouted

Some of the broccoli is looking a bit shocked this morning, but not too bad, I have faith that it will live.

Onions and the Kale have sprouted, just waiting on the carrots.

This year we also put in a garden gate.  We just purchased a simple gate kit from Home Depot and installed it.  After a few tries we had it level and ready to go.  Hopefully this will help keep the critters out also.

Today is a big day for seedlings, today we are going to be starting our Tomatoe and Pepper plants, also we will be working on transfering some Lettuce starts to bigger pots.

Now onto the best part of the day, other than coffee, my new recipe for Oatmeal Cranberry Muffins, using Mary Jane Farm Baking Mix

1 cup milk
1 cup Quick Cooking Oats
1 egg
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
1 2/3 cup Baking Mix
1/2 cup apple juice infused dried cranberries

In a mixing bowl, mix up the milk, oats, egg, oil, sugar, and baking mix.  After mixed through fold in the dried cranberries.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Enjoy!