Spring has Sprung

Spring, 2009. Day One. Friday was the first day of spring, but we started our spring cleaning and greenhouse growing weeks ago. John placed an ad on Craigslist for a plant nurturer and has been dealing with the deluge of applicants for the part-time, minimum wage job. The job does come with some perks, though, like getting to spend the day in the greenhouse with wonderful, fragrant, growing things. We found someone who seems to be a perfect fit and she will be starting on Wednesday. I made a video of everything in the greenhouse on Friday. I am not a cinematographer but the Flip Video that Selene gave me for Christmas is a lot of fun and so easy to use. The video came out pretty well, but I have been struggling for the last few days to upload it, without success. I am guessing it may be too big. So, instead, I am inserting a link to the Proven Winners web site, where you can see photos of many of the plants we are growing, sign up for the 'winner's circle' and get a free idea book. If I ever discover how to post the video, I will.

Here's the link:

http://www.provenwinners.com/winnerscircle/ce_winnerscircle.cfm?winnerscircle

Pumpkin Carving (and seed eating)

We all know that when choosing pumpkins to carve, the face is the most important thing! Some people like tall faces, others like perfectly round ones. People that like to carve really scary pumpkins often will chose those that have bumps or scars on their skin (as long as the scars are healed over) to add to the creepy appearance. Some folks think that you can only make jack-o-lanterns out of the larger pumpkins, but I have seem some of the cutest ones made from little sugar pumpkins. The trick there is to make the candle hole in the bottom of the pumpkin and not take off the top. I actually prefer to make cut a bottom hole in all of my jack-o-lanterns, and just place it over the candle or light. Then, I never have to worry about the top caving in.

Pumpkins for carving do not have to be perfect. You can often get a discount on a pumpkin that has a bad spot and work that part in to your design. Speaking of design, there are a variety of patterns available in kits or on-line that allow you to create amazing designs. If you prefer to “free-style”, pick up a pumpkin carving knife. They are small and flexible, and have great teeth for cutting the pumpkin, but not the carver! Don’t forget to save the seeds from your pumpkin!! One of the best things about carving a pumpkin is baking the seeds! Check out the recipe below.

Hickory Dell Farm is holding a pumpkin decorating contest on Sunday, October 19 from 1 - 3. Click here for more info http://www.hickorydell.com/seasonalspecials_specialevents.html

Baked Pumpkin Seeds
Cooking spray, olive oil, or butter
The seeds from your pumpkin
Optional: Salt, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, or other seasoning of choice
PREPARATION:
Rinse pumpkin seeds. Use your fingers to remove all the pulp. Drain seeds and discard pulp. Spread out on paper towels on a cookie sheet to dry overnight. Preheat oven to 250 F.
Line a baking sheet with non-stick foil. Toss seeds in olive oil, butter, or spray with cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, or your choice of seasonings. Toss to coat. Bake about 1 hour, tossing every 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown. Cool pumpkin seeds before eating. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 months or refrigerate up to 1 year.