tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19265656161676256392024-03-13T11:51:12.317-07:00One Love FarmAfter ten wonderful years, we have sold One Love Farm. You can still browse the site for pictures and tips on organic gardening in RI. And, you can follow our new venture, New World Gelato. http://newworldgelato.com/One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.comBlogger350125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-91951083641778888412012-10-16T11:49:00.000-07:002012-10-16T11:49:13.373-07:00Lunch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r7TlJYjcVtw/UH2qj1ab5UI/AAAAAAAAC1A/PCrfyLEKaW8/s1600/DSC03468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r7TlJYjcVtw/UH2qj1ab5UI/AAAAAAAAC1A/PCrfyLEKaW8/s400/DSC03468.JPG" /></a></div>
My favorite meal is anything fresh from the farm. Today for lunch I sauteed some <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2011/08/onions.html">red onion</a>, <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/10/peppers.html">sweet red peppers </a>and <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/07/zucchini.html">zucchini</a> in olive oil. Once soft, I added some cooked rice. So glad I got those <a href="http://www.onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/10/zucchini_15.html">zucchini</a> inside before the <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/10/frost.html">frost</a> last weekend.One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-37154964054741309782012-10-15T05:43:00.001-07:002012-10-15T05:43:24.820-07:00Zucchini<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whqwl2W1RSk/UHwBZ7hVyzI/AAAAAAAAC0M/-Vu4b37prmE/s1600/Zucchini.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whqwl2W1RSk/UHwBZ7hVyzI/AAAAAAAAC0M/-Vu4b37prmE/s400/Zucchini.JPG" /></a></div>
Friday night we had a hard <a href="http://www.onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/10/frost.html">frost</a> in Rhode Island. So, whether they were ready or not, I had to pick all the produce except the cold loving beets and arugula.<P> The zucchini were small, but I had to get them in so I picked all of them. I would have liked to let them grow bigger for another week or two but I am enjoying these baby zucchini with rice and in omlettes.One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-63097910847487425462012-10-14T05:09:00.000-07:002012-10-14T05:09:11.354-07:00Frost<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Do-CpvAr7u8/UHqpKpwoo0I/AAAAAAAACzM/V8QTmeyc6yQ/s1600/Mini%2BZinnia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Do-CpvAr7u8/UHqpKpwoo0I/AAAAAAAACzM/V8QTmeyc6yQ/s400/Mini%2BZinnia.JPG" /></a></div>
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We got a hard, killing frost all over Rhode Island Friday night. I took this first picture Friday morning, knowing that the mimi zinnias would be gone by Saturday morning. Some veggies, like beets, do well in the cold. But most like peppers, eggplant and tomatoes are done for the season.One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-46261807540270302312012-10-12T04:49:00.000-07:002012-10-12T04:49:04.155-07:00Cosmos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uwjtdryh2lo/UHgDOk7sorI/AAAAAAAACyY/bc1sPtQzhJw/s1600/Cosmos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uwjtdryh2lo/UHgDOk7sorI/AAAAAAAACyY/bc1sPtQzhJw/s400/Cosmos.JPG" /></a></div>
The forecast is calling for a killing frost tonight. So, I'm enjoying one last day of flowers before the cold temperatures finish them for the season. I'm also harvesting as many veggies as possible since they will probably be gone by tomorrow morning as well.One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-82633180218616851762012-10-11T08:42:00.001-07:002012-10-11T08:42:30.211-07:00Daisies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rJVPdVGLaE0/UHbokC0cLWI/AAAAAAAACxY/VCT_kL7UEaM/s1600/Daisy%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rJVPdVGLaE0/UHbokC0cLWI/AAAAAAAACxY/VCT_kL7UEaM/s400/Daisy%2B1.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KChdneYM9yE/UHbokRLtAcI/AAAAAAAACxk/VuFKgD-y5y8/s1600/Daisy%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KChdneYM9yE/UHbokRLtAcI/AAAAAAAACxk/VuFKgD-y5y8/s400/Daisy%2B2.JPG" /></a></div>
I don't remember planting daisies in any of our patio containers, but this week they started to bloom, so they must have come from somewhere. The flowers will be short lived as we are expecting a frost Friday night.One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-15070171665950580662012-10-10T04:59:00.001-07:002012-10-10T04:59:53.699-07:00Hydrangea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dNy5Ok8qkY4/UHViIetH6AI/AAAAAAAACwM/y2N1fcdWIsY/s1600/Hydrangea%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dNy5Ok8qkY4/UHViIetH6AI/AAAAAAAACwM/y2N1fcdWIsY/s400/Hydrangea%2B1.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ih-6XcFuAU/UHViJdc0uJI/AAAAAAAACwY/vXciW-nz-Uo/s1600/Hydrangea%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ih-6XcFuAU/UHViJdc0uJI/AAAAAAAACwY/vXciW-nz-Uo/s400/Hydrangea%2B2.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3DZhR8NtNg/UHViKAN3P6I/AAAAAAAACwk/o6Go1XLTCnE/s1600/Hydrangea%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3DZhR8NtNg/UHViKAN3P6I/AAAAAAAACwk/o6Go1XLTCnE/s400/Hydrangea%2B3.JPG" /></a></div>
In August, I posted pictures of the <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/08/limelight-hydrangea.html">Limelight Hydrangea </a>when it was in full bloom. In the fall, these blooms start to turn pink which can be even more striking.One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-10878738583644150952012-10-09T04:39:00.000-07:002012-10-09T04:39:06.813-07:00Burning Bush<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ao_qvcq5wfA/UHQLI4bkOTI/AAAAAAAACvY/V5td9mFH-3o/s1600/Burning%2BBush.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ao_qvcq5wfA/UHQLI4bkOTI/AAAAAAAACvY/V5td9mFH-3o/s400/Burning%2BBush.JPG" /></a></div>
In 2010 I posted about burning bush. If you look at that <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/search?q=burning+bush">picture</a>, you can see the burning bush is not as vibrant this year. However, that photo was taken at the end of October so my hope is that the red color will intesnsify as it gets cooler later in October.One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-46895811549738194532012-10-08T05:09:00.000-07:002012-10-08T05:09:39.012-07:00Sedum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dsNhqGkIEiw/UHLB9YWngDI/AAAAAAAACuk/ff0FR7s2J-Q/s1600/Sedum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dsNhqGkIEiw/UHLB9YWngDI/AAAAAAAACuk/ff0FR7s2J-Q/s400/Sedum.JPG" /></a></div>
Check out how the sedum has turned from <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/09/sedum.html">pale pink </a>to burgandy in a few weeks.One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-17301330212611027932012-10-07T05:57:00.000-07:002012-10-07T05:57:15.155-07:00Dill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GRoTrlFlb10/UHF5USOAUYI/AAAAAAAACt0/omtTdC_6BIQ/s1600/Dill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GRoTrlFlb10/UHF5USOAUYI/AAAAAAAACt0/omtTdC_6BIQ/s400/Dill.JPG" /></a></div>
There was no frost warning for Rhode Island last night, but I was still concerned. When it gets down into the low 40s in Providence, I can get a frost in Hope Valley. This morning the temps stayed in the mid 30s so we missed a frost. But, we're expecting more of the same this week, so we will be on the lookout for frost.<P>While out this morning seeing if there were any signs of frost, the dill caught my eye. I really like the way the morning dew looks on the leaves.One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-42319495667755467142012-10-05T05:08:00.001-07:002012-10-05T05:08:27.070-07:00Peppers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AunsnDrRsno/UG7L0YhifMI/AAAAAAAACtE/5fNPlhd-ldo/s1600/Peppers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AunsnDrRsno/UG7L0YhifMI/AAAAAAAACtE/5fNPlhd-ldo/s400/Peppers.JPG" /></a></div>
New England is not an ideal climate for growing peppers. They like long summers that are hot and dry. That is why they thrive in places like Mexico, and the southwest United States. But, we grow them here in Rhode Island because I love the challenge and people enjoy them at the market.<P>We grow a lot of red peppers at One Love Farm. For them, the growing season is even longer than green peppers. That is because you have to be patient and wait for them to turn red. And now is that time. We have had a few over the past few weeks, but now it seems they are turning at a quicker pace. <P> That is a good thing because the first frost at One Love Farm is likely fast approaching. The earliest we have had a first frost is October 6th, which would be tomorrow. But, usually the first frost happens between the 10th and 12th. That means it is a race against the inevitable frost clock to get as many red peppers picked as possible.One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-90428176332984287242012-10-04T04:57:00.000-07:002012-10-04T04:59:11.850-07:00Dill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yqv-3jkkfuw/UG13Asq0iVI/AAAAAAAACsU/QlGWSXiB6-I/s1600/Dill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yqv-3jkkfuw/UG13Asq0iVI/AAAAAAAACsU/QlGWSXiB6-I/s400/Dill.JPG" /></a></div>
We've been growing dill for several years at One Love Farm. Here is a post from <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2009/06/herbs.html">2009</a> when we planted dill in an herb garden near our patio. I also posted in <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/06/dill.html">June</a> about this years crop. That crop from June went to seed in August and we pulled it out and planted some lettuce in its place. Some seeds dropped in the beds and now we have a nice fall crop of fresh dill.<P>Dill is nice to use fresh in salads. But I also like to make a quick refrigerator pickle. Slice up some carrots, sweet peppers, cucumbers and a clove of garlic. Cover in white vinegar and add some dill. Put in the fridge overnight. These pickled veggies are great as a side dish or on a salad.One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-87452403033504029412012-10-03T05:28:00.000-07:002012-10-03T05:28:22.971-07:00Zucchini<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c2izZQn2iEc/UGwqbEzRS5I/AAAAAAAACrk/hW3DPo2xuMo/s1600/Zucchini.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c2izZQn2iEc/UGwqbEzRS5I/AAAAAAAACrk/hW3DPo2xuMo/s400/Zucchini.JPG" /></a></div>
Zucchini is normally harvested in late June and July. This year, however, when the zucchini was done in August, I planted some more seeds for a fall crop<P>As most folks who plant zucchini in New England know, there is one pest that is always on these plants. The Squash Beetle overruns the zucchini plant, eventually killing it. I have given up trying to control these pests because organic methods have proved worthless. They laugh at insecticidal soap and plucking them off one by one is not feasible. So, I take the position that I will have zucchini for a few weeks, then the plants will succumb to the squash beetles and the crop will be done for the year.<P>That is until I realized that the squash beetle has a defined life cycle. They hatch in July, devour the plant and are gone by early August. The seeds I planted in mid August are ready to bear fruit and are squash beetle-free! Now I need to pick them as quickly as possible until the frost comes, which usually hits One Love Farm between October 6th and October 12th.One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-33320774524259378262012-10-02T03:43:00.000-07:002012-10-02T03:43:55.281-07:00Arugula<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r7FfMIQfOs8/UGrD3dQZVfI/AAAAAAAACq0/vKSXLB_ioNg/s1600/Arugula.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r7FfMIQfOs8/UGrD3dQZVfI/AAAAAAAACq0/vKSXLB_ioNg/s400/Arugula.JPG" /></a></div>
Arugula is one of my favorite greens. While we grow it successfully in the <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/05/arugula.html">spring</a>, it is even better in the fall. That's because the increasingly cool nights give the green that distinctive peppery bite that makes it so delicious. As you can see from <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/09/succession-planting.html">this picture</a>, this new batch of arugula is doing well with less insect damage than the crop I planted nearby. We will continue to harvest arugula well into October as it can tolerate several degrees of frost. In fact, I have harvested it some years until Christmas and even under patches of snow!One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-63199851360872093022012-10-01T04:55:00.000-07:002012-10-01T04:55:16.809-07:00Strawberries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6leDP7uTFVU/UGmB-BPG0YI/AAAAAAAACqE/5k3LMryRDHk/s1600/Strawberry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6leDP7uTFVU/UGmB-BPG0YI/AAAAAAAACqE/5k3LMryRDHk/s400/Strawberry.JPG" /></a></div>
Strawberry season has been over for several weeks. But, I still need to maintain the planting bed. Strawberrys like to be weed free, so we monitor the area and pull any unwantededs out.<P>Strawberries send out runners in late summer and fall. These runners root in the soil and become new plants that will bear strawberries next year. I'm posting this picture to show the agressiveness of the runners. They are spilliing out of the bed's border, trying to find a spot to take root wherever possible.One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-44465187069708936462012-09-30T05:32:00.000-07:002012-09-30T05:32:29.231-07:00Cosmos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_qGSPh-PzfE/UGg67Bv9AsI/AAAAAAAACpU/a1JBc-EEYVc/s1600/Cosmos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_qGSPh-PzfE/UGg67Bv9AsI/AAAAAAAACpU/a1JBc-EEYVc/s400/Cosmos.JPG" /></a></div>
It's been overcast and rainy for the past few days in the Rhode Island. So, here's a picture of a cosmos to brighten the day. You can see the <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/08/purple-basil.html">purple basil </a>and <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/08/mini-zinnias.html">zinnias</a> in the picture as well.One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-12968156219461702032012-09-28T04:32:00.000-07:002012-09-28T04:32:44.675-07:00Beets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eEhgpcA0ek4/UGWINBGnzzI/AAAAAAAACok/a8Xrbq4iZds/s1600/Beets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eEhgpcA0ek4/UGWINBGnzzI/AAAAAAAACok/a8Xrbq4iZds/s400/Beets.JPG" /></a></div>
You can really feel the change of the season at One Love Farm. Days are cooler (it is barely getting to 60 today) and shorter (it is getting dark before 7:00). Tomatoes are done, basil is getting to the end, and I'm just waiting on some peppers to turn red. <P>But, the fall season has tons of upside, too. Fall <a href="http://www.onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/09/carrots_22.html">carrots</a> are crisp and tasty. Dill has reseeded itself and is sprouting. <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/09/lettuce.html">Lettuce</a> and <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/09/succession-planting.html">arugula</a> love the cool nights. And, the fall planting of beets is ready for harvest.<P>Beets are a cool weather crop. They like warm days, but also chilly nights. In the summer, they languish in the heat. Now, they are really coming into their own. Last week I pulled over 20 pounds of the root crop for the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Richmond-Farmers-Market/359196275156?ref=hl">Richmond Farmers' Market</a>. Hopefully, I will get at least that much for tomorrow's market.One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-16658653982419673742012-09-27T02:21:00.001-07:002012-09-27T02:21:41.693-07:00Grapes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4QAk2mMsWuk/UGQWfKrRSsI/AAAAAAAACn0/By0n8S7u2LU/s1600/Grapes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4QAk2mMsWuk/UGQWfKrRSsI/AAAAAAAACn0/By0n8S7u2LU/s400/Grapes.JPG" /></a></div>
Last year I posted about a grape vine that survived the purge when I pulled out the small vineyard a few years ago. This picture shows one of the grape clusters ready for harvest this year. I think I'll be making <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2011/09/grapes.html">sorbet</a> again.One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-17344146123173185092012-09-26T04:35:00.000-07:002012-09-26T04:35:59.175-07:00Eggplant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gnfcTqGVkkc/UGLkcEtJZxI/AAAAAAAACnA/LsuADLlXmOA/s1600/Eggplant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gnfcTqGVkkc/UGLkcEtJZxI/AAAAAAAACnA/LsuADLlXmOA/s400/Eggplant.JPG" /></a></div>
Unlike the incredibly production eggplant crop in <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2010/09/italian-eggplant.html">2010</a>, this has not been the best year for eggplant. Growing conditions have been good, though not great as we never got the intense summer heat that eggplant likes.<P> My problem was the greenhouse. Eggplant needs to get off to a strong start. This year, the eggplant got hammered by insects in the greenhouse. This causes stunted growth with the plant, fewer flowers and late development. <P>While everyone else has been harvesting eggplant for weeks, I am just now getting a few fruit. We will continue to harvest until frost, but certainly not in the quantities we are used to at One Love Farm.<P>I have posted many times before about eggplant. Here is a link to my first post about <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2010/09/italian-eggplant.html">eggplant</a> in 2008. Here is a post in <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2010/07/eggplant.html">2010</a> about the lost eggplant year of 2009 (probably the reason there are no posts about the sad eggplant crop that year). I also posted later in 2010 about <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2010/09/more-eggplant.html">eggplant parm</a>. In 2011 I talked about flea beetles preying on eggplant in <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2011/07/eggplant.html">this post</a>. And, in <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2011/09/eggplant.html">this post</a> from last year, I talked about how to freeze eggplant.<P>This year, I am preparing eggplant in a new way. Baba ghanoush. First I roast my eggplant on the grill with the skin on. When the skin gets charred I peel it off under cold water and chop the cooked eggplant. Setting the eggplant aside, I put some tahini paste and salt in a food processor and drizzle in olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Then, I fold in the eggplant. Most recipes will have you add the eggplant to the food processor, but I prefer to have the eggplant chunky for a nice texture. Just make sure the eggplant is fully cooked or it will be stringy and chewy (the worst!). Serve with pita chips or veggies like cucumber rounds or carrot sticks.One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-45884314110500852232012-09-25T04:32:00.000-07:002012-09-25T04:32:10.473-07:00Mike's Wild Cherry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R-_xsncGQPA/UGGRfzKPohI/AAAAAAAACmQ/Rx9E4N9_-dM/s1600/Mike%2527s%2BWild%2BCherrty.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R-_xsncGQPA/UGGRfzKPohI/AAAAAAAACmQ/Rx9E4N9_-dM/s400/Mike%2527s%2BWild%2BCherrty.JPG" /></a></div>
Tomatoes are almost done for the season. But, I have been able to scare up a couple pints of <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/09/mikes-wild-cherry-tomato.html">Mike's Wild Cherry Tomatoes</a>. These tiny beauties will sprout anywhere (check out my post earlier this month about a <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/09/rogue-tomato.html">tomato plant </a>that sprouted behind the patio stairs). <P>I used the little cherry tomatoes to make a nice marinara. Using <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/08/curing-onions.html">onions</a> and <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/09/carrots_22.html">carrots</a> from the farm, I sauteed them in olive oil and then added some <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/07/garlic.html">garlic</a> I pulled earlier this summer. After roasting the tomatoes in the oven, I used the immersion blender to make tomato sauce which I added to the onion mixture. Taking the marinara off the heat, I added some <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/07/garlic.html">basil</a> leaves. One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-49077996442601703732012-09-24T04:39:00.000-07:002012-09-24T04:39:04.303-07:00Spirea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv2_oyHOTds/UGBCzc5LyqI/AAAAAAAAClU/S8fNzSIEc9A/s1600/Spirea%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv2_oyHOTds/UGBCzc5LyqI/AAAAAAAAClU/S8fNzSIEc9A/s400/Spirea%2B1.JPG" /></a></div>
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When we bought this property in 2002, there was zero landscaping on it, except for a single tree in the front yard. So we spent the quite a bit of time planting. Near the back of the house, we planted lilacs, herbs, azelea, astilbe and spirea.<P>Spirea gets its name for for its alternating leaf pattern. There are a hundred varieties that come in tons of colors, so spirea is definately worth planting.One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-44747640063193478382012-09-23T05:35:00.000-07:002012-09-23T05:37:59.065-07:00Purple Basil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dPSThlfQRXY/UF8BYw754pI/AAAAAAAACkk/NYXe3_sTOQY/s1600/Purple%2BBasil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dPSThlfQRXY/UF8BYw754pI/AAAAAAAACkk/NYXe3_sTOQY/s400/Purple%2BBasil.JPG" /></a></div>
Last month I posted about <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/08/purple-basil.html">Purple Basil </a>and how it had reseeded itself in the herb garden. I also posted about it <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2011/07/purple-basil.html">last year</a>.<P>This picture shows purple basil going to seed. You can see why the plant is able to reproduce so prolifically. The seed heads are huge, filled with tons of seeds that will make an amazing purple basil patch next year.One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-86957057380911284702012-09-22T03:19:00.000-07:002012-09-22T03:19:02.339-07:00Carrots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2K3XBVLmvgQ/UF2OiNuJIVI/AAAAAAAACj0/wEVLQYdJ_zU/s1600/Carrots.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2K3XBVLmvgQ/UF2OiNuJIVI/AAAAAAAACj0/wEVLQYdJ_zU/s400/Carrots.JPG" /></a></div>
Today is the first day of Fall. And I sure do like the veggies that the season brings. Crisp greens, beets for roasting, sharp radishes and, of course, carrots. <P>We plant carrots in the spring as well, but I really love them in the fall. They grow more quickly when planted in late July and August with the warm days and nights. But, as the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, the carrots really flourish. They get big and sweet and are perfect for salads and soups and stir frys or even smoothies.<P>Here are links to two posts from this year about carrots. This one gives several tips on <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/06/carrots.html">growing successful carrots</a>. This one talks about the gospel of <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/06/succession-planting.html">succession planting</a> which I have been preaching hard this year.One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-33724562054138192182012-09-21T10:18:00.000-07:002012-09-21T10:18:43.336-07:00Rogue Tomato<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBudMNF8JWs/UFyg4UBn46I/AAAAAAAACi4/ELSTsJ_aOtA/s1600/Rogue%2Btomato%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBudMNF8JWs/UFyg4UBn46I/AAAAAAAACi4/ELSTsJ_aOtA/s400/Rogue%2Btomato%2B1.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dxc6ug4T9c8/UFyg459Go4I/AAAAAAAACjE/4SHzdWipvho/s1600/Rogue%2Btomaro%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dxc6ug4T9c8/UFyg459Go4I/AAAAAAAACjE/4SHzdWipvho/s400/Rogue%2Btomaro%2B2.JPG" /></a></div>
Tomatoes like a spot with well drained soil and lots of sunlight. Except when a seed drops behind the stairs leading to the patio. Then, they grow competing with spearmint and other plants in damp soil that only gets a couple hours of sunlight a day. And, they produce fruit!One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-6032410675381793352012-09-20T05:25:00.000-07:002012-09-20T05:25:35.949-07:00Turtlehead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w8Fu-1uYEyc/UFsJmtvGHgI/AAAAAAAACh8/mjiluLWlHTI/s1600/Turtle%2BHead%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w8Fu-1uYEyc/UFsJmtvGHgI/AAAAAAAACh8/mjiluLWlHTI/s400/Turtle%2BHead%2B1.JPG" /></a></div>
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Turtlehead is one of our favorite perennials at One Love Farm. We planted it next to the driveway so we can see it all the time. It has glosssy green leave most of the year, but the explosion of pink blossoms in September is what we look forward to.<P>Turtlehead can be grown in shade or sun. We have ours in full sun, but if you grow it in shade, pinch the plant back to keep it from getting too leggy. Turtlehead likes moist soil with lots of composted leaves. That said, we don't regularly water our turtlehead and it has done well for many years.One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926565616167625639.post-54227103313907918102012-09-19T05:25:00.000-07:002012-09-19T05:25:12.055-07:00Ornamental grass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NwMbqszQ0ls/UFm1S_3JwFI/AAAAAAAAChM/iTR2skCuGJM/s1600/Ornamental%2BGrass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NwMbqszQ0ls/UFm1S_3JwFI/AAAAAAAAChM/iTR2skCuGJM/s400/Ornamental%2BGrass.JPG" /></a></div>
The area around One Love Farm used to be a large strawberry and pumpkin farm. Then, in the early '90s it was divided up and sold off as housing plats. This flat land with no landscaping presented a blank canvas when we bought the property in 2002. With a single tree in the front yard and grass everywhere else, we knew it would take a while to create the images in our mind.<P>The first thing we did was to build a brick paver patio. On the hottest August day in 2002, Karen's brother and I set brick pavers on a huge 20'x25' outdoor patio. I remember I couldn't walk for a week after that. <P>Karen's brother made an off the cuff remark that we should build a berm around the patio for privacy. He may have been half joking, but I thought it was a great idea. So, I had 120 yards of fill trucked in and Karen and I started working on putting plants on the mound.<P>We first added some pine trees and <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/05/mountain-laurel.html">mountain laurel</a>. Later, we would plant a <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/04/weeping-cherry.html">weeping cherry</a>, <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/08/rose-of-sharon.html">rose of sharon</a>, <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/08/russian-sage.html">russian sage</a>, <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/06/roses.html">roses</a>, <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2010/06/lupine.html">lupine</a>, <a href="http://onelovefarm.blogspot.com/2012/06/lavender.html">lavender</a> and countless other plants to fill in the huge space. But, one of our best ideas was planting ornamental grasses on the berm. The verigated leaves provide a nice contrast in the summer and in September they send up the plumes that you see in this picture. They also provide shade for us to grow hosta and privacy for when Karen and I want to enjoy a meal or a bottle of wine on the patio.One Love Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083535063326605322noreply@blogger.com0