Blog

Welcome to Mary Margaret's Blog

What In The World Is A Garlic Scape And How Do I Use It?

You’ve heard of garlic. You’ve used it. You love it!

But when you add the word “scape” at the end of garlic, you’re confused.

What the heck is a garlic scape?

I totally understand. Garlic scapes are not something I’d ever heard of until I got into farming.

They look like this:

 

 

How To Harvest Fresh Basil So You Can Enjoy It All Summer

Basil is one of those veggies that we can all pretty much agree that we love!  

In fact, the taste of fresh basil with tomatoes is the quintessential taste of summer, don't you think?

And luckily basil is really not that hard to grow...

 

 

Or is it?

Do I Need To Harden Off My Seedlings Before Planting? Yes and Here's How

I did not grow up farming. Not even close! (Suburb outside of Austin, Texas)

I had no idea what “harden off” meant as a kid until I started working on a vegetable farm in my early 20's.

Now that I've run my own organic vegetable farm with my husband for over 15 years, I do know a thing or two about hardening off plants (and what happens if you don't!).

But, if you're like I was and you're not sure what I'm talking about, no worries! I'm here to help because I want you to have success the first time!

Having These Condiments On Hand Will Help You Eat More Veggies

Have you ever been stuck inside cooking for your family when you'd rather be outside enjoying the weather, gardening, or playing with your kids or grandkids?

That's happened to me and here's an important part of how I tackle and overcome it without sacrificing serving good food.

 

I serve home cooked food exclusively at our house, heavy on the veggies, of course!

Yet, I spend very little time in the kitchen, relatively.

I don't run to the store all the time. (We've all got better things to do, right?!)

Our Four Best Tips For a Successful Gardening Season No Matter What

Do you have plans to do a garden this year?

I imagine that your memories of last year's gardening season are still in your mind as you plan for another year.

With record rainfall in 2023, I have heard from so many home gardeners (and farmers) that it was a hard garden year with big disappointments.

And as you well know, gardening is hard work. It's one of the most satisfying things you do, and at the same time, one of the most challenging.

Did your cucumber seedlings die?

How I Use This Vegetable in Almost Every Meal I Cook

One of the most used veggies at our house is a humble one.  

It is borne out of the earth with dirt clumped on it's roots and smeared on it's skin. It's pungent, even smelly at times, and not really one you eat straight out of the garden.

But none the less, it's just about the most used vegetable at our house!

Clue: I think it even competes with carrots!

Can you guess?

Yes!

What is in a Summer CSA share?

When I signed up for my very first CSA share as a customer back in 2004, I really had no idea what I was getting into.

I was taking a leap of faith based on a paper brochure and a phone conversation with a farmer. 

Maybe you know what I felt like?

Of course, this was back before it was common for most small businesses to have a website full of more information on their products.

What is in the Spring CSA?

As the colder weather and darker days set on, you're already dreaming of spring, right?  Of course!

And of all things greeeeeen!!! 

Well...

We know what it’s like!

If you love garden fresh taste, and can't wait for green things to start growing before your garden gets going or your Summer CSA starts, we can help!

Yes, You Can Still Plant Garlic and Here's Where To Get Seed

That's right. Lay your fears and disappointment aside. It's not too late to plant garlic.

In fact we feel good if we're getting ours in by the end of October.

To be honest, the fall harvest season on our farm is so busy that some years it's well into November before we get our garlic planted!

So, yes, you can still plant garlic now!

 

 

 

 

Struggle With Root Vegetables? Here's How To Love Them

Despite this warm summery weather, with October upon us we are decidedly headed towards winter here in Central Maine.

Booooo, I hear from the crowds...

And that means bye, bye to most of our favorite garden stuff like tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, basil, lettuces, and more.

It also means hello to the hearty fruits of our labors that will carry us on through the fall and winter.

You know what I'm talking about:

The stuff with substance. The stuff that makes up the term “comfort food”.

 

Pages