#locavore — Public Fediverse posts

2025 gardening scorecard: self-replicating leafy greens

This year’s gardening season was easier than usual mainly because in some ways, 2024’s gardening season never ended: As spring rolled around, I was delighted to see that last fall’s arugula, spinach, parsley and even cilantro had somehow survived a winter with multiple snowfalls and sub-freezing days.

I don’t know why that happened this year but not in earlier years (see my recaps of 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011), but I appreciate that unearned benefit anyway.

Arugula: A+

My go-to leafy green remained undefeated for yet another year, providing sandwich fixings and delicious additions to a variety of other recipes–it’s great to throw into an omelette, a pan sauce, on top of pasta or even as a garnish for a pizza just out of the oven.

Herbs: A

I’m using to parsley doing well, but cilantro persisting through summer and fall was not what I expected; neither was cilantro briefly returning in the fall. Thyme thrived for a second year in a row, and I had more rosemary and sage from the pots on the back patio than I knew what to do with. Mint, however, suffered from my irregular watering.

Spinach: B+

This did immensely better in the spring than in the fall, even though I sowed a fresh set of seeds in the fall. I continue to endorse this as an entry-level kitchen-garden crop over lettuce because, like arugula, it’s useful for so much more than salads and sandwiches.

Peppers: B-

All credit here goes to my wife, who once again grew bell and jalapeño peppers in a planter in the driveway for some of our most cost-effective gardening. Those plants, however, were not as productive as in past years, even discounting the peppers that some of our local squirrels snacked on.

Lettuce: C

This was one of 2025’s gardening disappointments; like last year, I didn’t get much out of the plants that grew from the seeds I planted in the spring. That still represents a decent ROI when you look at what good lettuce costs at a farmer’s market, but I can’t help thinking of how much better this crop fared in earlier years.

Tomatoes: D-

Yet another year, yet another year of disappointment in my attempt to grow one of my native state’s signature crops. This is starting to look like an annual slow-motion, step-on-the-rake exercise in which most of the tomatoes I grow only start to ripen once we run into a period of drought or or travel prevents me from harvesting and enjoying the results. It’s frustrating, but of course I will try again next year.

#arugula #basil #bellPepper #cilantro #greens #homegrown #kitchenGarden #lettuce #locavore #Mint #parsley #rocketLettuce #spinach #thyme #tomato #tomatoes

2025 gardening scorecard: self-replicating leafy greens

This year’s gardening season was easier than usual mainly because in some ways, 2024’s gardening season never ended: As spring rolled around, I was delighted to see that last fall’s arugula, spinach, parsley and even cilantro had somehow survived a winter with multiple snowfalls and sub-freezing days.

I don’t know why that happened this year but not in earlier years (see my recaps of 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011), but I appreciate that unearned benefit anyway.

Arugula: A+

My go-to leafy green remained undefeated for yet another year, providing sandwich fixings and delicious additions to a variety of other recipes–it’s great to throw into an omelette, a pan sauce, on top of pasta or even as a garnish for a pizza just out of the oven.

Herbs: A

I’m using to parsley doing well, but cilantro persisting through summer and fall was not what I expected; neither was cilantro briefly returning in the fall. Thyme thrived for a second year in a row, and I had more rosemary and sage from the pots on the back patio than I knew what to do with. Mint, however, suffered from my irregular watering.

Spinach: B+

This did immensely better in the spring than in the fall, even though I sowed a fresh set of seeds in the fall. I continue to endorse this as an entry-level kitchen-garden crop over lettuce because, like arugula, it’s useful for so much more than salads and sandwiches.

Peppers: B-

All credit here goes to my wife, who once again grew bell and jalapeño peppers in a planter in the driveway for some of our most cost-effective gardening. Those plants, however, were not as productive as in past years, even discounting the peppers that some of our local squirrels snacked on.

Lettuce: C

This was one of 2025’s gardening disappointments; like last year, I didn’t get much out of the plants that grew from the seeds I planted in the spring. That still represents a decent ROI when you look at what good lettuce costs at a farmer’s market, but I can’t help thinking of how much better this crop fared in earlier years.

Tomatoes: D-

Yet another year, yet another year of disappointment in my attempt to grow one of my native state’s signature crops. This is starting to look like an annual slow-motion, step-on-the-rake exercise in which most of the tomatoes I grow only start to ripen once we run into a period of drought or or travel prevents me from harvesting and enjoying the results. It’s frustrating, but of course I will try again next year.

#arugula #basil #bellPepper #cilantro #greens #homegrown #kitchenGarden #lettuce #locavore #Mint #parsley #rocketLettuce #spinach #thyme #tomato #tomatoes

2025 gardening scorecard: self-replicating leafy greens

This year’s gardening season was easier than usual mainly because in some ways, 2024’s gardening season never ended: As spring rolled around, I was delighted to see that last fall’s arugula, spinach, parsley and even cilantro had somehow survived a winter with multiple snowfalls and sub-freezing days.

I don’t know why that happened this year but not in earlier years (see my recaps of 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011), but I appreciate that unearned benefit anyway.

Arugula: A+

My go-to leafy green remained undefeated for yet another year, providing sandwich fixings and delicious additions to a variety of other recipes–it’s great to throw into an omelette, a pan sauce, on top of pasta or even as a garnish for a pizza just out of the oven.

Herbs: A

I’m using to parsley doing well, but cilantro persisting through summer and fall was not what I expected; neither was cilantro briefly returning in the fall. Thyme thrived for a second year in a row, and I had more rosemary and sage from the pots on the back patio than I knew what to do with. Mint, however, suffered from my irregular watering.

Spinach: B+

This did immensely better in the spring than in the fall, even though I sowed a fresh set of seeds in the fall. I continue to endorse this as an entry-level kitchen-garden crop over lettuce because, like arugula, it’s useful for so much more than salads and sandwiches.

Peppers: B-

All credit here goes to my wife, who once again grew bell and jalapeño peppers in a planter in the driveway for some of our most cost-effective gardening. Those plants, however, were not as productive as in past years, even discounting the peppers that some of our local squirrels snacked on.

Lettuce: C

This was one of 2025’s gardening disappointments; like last year, I didn’t get much out of the plants that grew from the seeds I planted in the spring. That still represents a decent ROI when you look at what good lettuce costs at a farmer’s market, but I can’t help thinking of how much better this crop fared in earlier years.

Tomatoes: D-

Yet another year, yet another year of disappointment in my attempt to grow one of my native state’s signature crops. This is starting to look like an annual slow-motion, step-on-the-rake exercise in which most of the tomatoes I grow only start to ripen once we run into a period of drought or or travel prevents me from harvesting and enjoying the results. It’s frustrating, but of course I will try again next year.

#arugula #basil #bellPepper #cilantro #greens #homegrown #kitchenGarden #lettuce #locavore #Mint #parsley #rocketLettuce #spinach #thyme #tomato #tomatoes

2025 gardening scorecard: self-replicating leafy greens

This year’s gardening season was easier than usual mainly because in some ways, 2024’s gardening season never ended: As spring rolled around, I was delighted to see that last fall’s arugula, spinach, parsley and even cilantro had somehow survived a winter with multiple snowfalls and sub-freezing days.

I don’t know why that happened this year but not in earlier years (see my recaps of 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011), but I appreciate that unearned benefit anyway.

Arugula: A+

My go-to leafy green remained undefeated for yet another year, providing sandwich fixings and delicious additions to a variety of other recipes–it’s great to throw into an omelette, a pan sauce, on top of pasta or even as a garnish for a pizza just out of the oven.

Herbs: A

I’m using to parsley doing well, but cilantro persisting through summer and fall was not what I expected; neither was cilantro briefly returning in the fall. Thyme thrived for a second year in a row, and I had more rosemary and sage from the pots on the back patio than I knew what to do with. Mint, however, suffered from my irregular watering.

Spinach: B+

This did immensely better in the spring than in the fall, even though I sowed a fresh set of seeds in the fall. I continue to endorse this as an entry-level kitchen-garden crop over lettuce because, like arugula, it’s useful for so much more than salads and sandwiches.

Peppers: B-

All credit here goes to my wife, who once again grew bell and jalapeño peppers in a planter in the driveway for some of our most cost-effective gardening. Those plants, however, were not as productive as in past years, even discounting the peppers that some of our local squirrels snacked on.

Lettuce: C

This was one of 2025’s gardening disappointments; like last year, I didn’t get much out of the plants that grew from the seeds I planted in the spring. That still represents a decent ROI when you look at what good lettuce costs at a farmer’s market, but I can’t help thinking of how much better this crop fared in earlier years.

Tomatoes: D-

Yet another year, yet another year of disappointment in my attempt to grow one of my native state’s signature crops. This is starting to look like an annual slow-motion, step-on-the-rake exercise in which most of the tomatoes I grow only start to ripen once we run into a period of drought or or travel prevents me from harvesting and enjoying the results. It’s frustrating, but of course I will try again next year.

#arugula #basil #bellPepper #cilantro #greens #homegrown #kitchenGarden #lettuce #locavore #Mint #parsley #rocketLettuce #spinach #thyme #tomato #tomatoes

Ok fedifolk, hit me with your best recipes for celeriac and/or turnip. Our farm share included both (2 medium celeriac, 1 big turnip) and I've never cooked them before. Recipe search is an AI wasteland these days so I turn to the real people of Mastodon.

#recipes #cooking #food #locavore #farmshare #csa

Ok fedifolk, hit me with your best recipes for celeriac and/or turnip. Our farm share included both (2 medium celeriac, 1 big turnip) and I've never cooked them before. Recipe search is an AI wasteland these days so I turn to the real people of Mastodon.

#recipes #cooking #food #locavore #farmshare #csa

J'ai trouvé une salle de boxe où me défouler juste à côté, et du coup, j'y vais quasiment 3 fois par semaine, soit le matin avant le boulot, soit à la pause de midi. Et sur le chemin du retour, je passe par mon magasin de fruits/légumes/viande fermier favori qui me permet d'être #locavore et de ne manger que des produits de saison et sains. Bref, cela va être compliqué de trouver aussi bien et pratique.

J'ai trouvé une salle de boxe où me défouler juste à côté, et du coup, j'y vais quasiment 3 fois par semaine, soit le matin avant le boulot, soit à la pause de midi. Et sur le chemin du retour, je passe par mon magasin de fruits/légumes/viande fermier favori qui me permet d'être #locavore et de ne manger que des produits de saison et sains. Bref, cela va être compliqué de trouver aussi bien et pratique.

Vous avez aimé #DryJanuaryFr ?
Vous aimerez #FévrierSansSupermarché
#zerodechet #consommation #locavore #ReseauVRAC

https://planetezerodechet.fr/fevrier-sans-supermarche-defi-vert-grande-surface-zero-dechet/

@laurenslater @mayodsl
#locavore

https://www.wacoca.com/videos/2534624/celebrity/ Everything We ATE at TOKYO DISNEYSEA + the RIDES! #ate #Celebrities #Celebrity #disneysea #food #FoodAndTravel #FoodGuide #FoodTour #FoodVlog #locavore #rides #StreetFood #TOKIO #tokyo #travel #TravelGuide #TravelVlog #Vlog #Vlogger

https://www.alojapan.com/1182729/the-ultimate-mt-fuji-day-trip-japan-travel-guide/ The Ultimate MT. FUJI Day-Trip! | Japan Travel Guide #food #FoodAndTravel #FoodGuide #FoodTour #FoodVlog #locavore #MountFuji #MountFujiDestinations #MountFujiTour #MountFujiTravel #MountFujiTrip #MountFujiVacation #StreetFood #travel #TravelGuide #TravelVlog #Vlogger #富士山 The Ultimate MT. FUJI Day-Trip! | Japan Travel Guide On an absolute day for it, we took the journey to Lake Kawaguchiko to admire the icon that is Mt. Fuji. So let’s hop on…

2024 gardening scorecard: abundant arugula

After twenty years of practice at growing vegetables around our house, the results of the 2024 gardening season suggest that the experience really has taught me something about cultivating a particular leafy green. Tomatoes, alas, remain an opportunity for continued learning.

(For your reference: my 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 gardening grades.)

Arugula: A+

After a few years of this delicious, versatile green being a spring-only benefit, the seeds I sowed in September exceeded all expectations–even after multiple frosts that felled lesser plants. Better yet, I saw some arugula growing in the lawn next to this raised bed; if that self-sowing trend continues, in a few years I may be able to graze on my own lawn like a sheep.

Herbs: A

Basil was another pleasant surprise: I could have made pesto sauce almost every week. Parsley did great too, allowing me to make parsley-walnut pesto for the first time in a while, and I also had my first good season in years of growing thyme (in a raised bed that I inexpertly rebuilt after the old one rotted apart). Rosemary and mint did well for a stretch, but I didn’t take enough advantage of them before a dry spell took out both.

Peppers: A-

My wife’s decision a few years ago to augment the two raised beds I’d built with a wheeled planter in the driveway paid off again with a great crop of bell and jalapeño peppers that represented some of our most cost-effective gardening efforts.

Spinach: B-

This played a small second fiddle to arugula, with modest spring and fall crops that I could throw into pan sauces or use as a fancier-than-usual quesadilla filling–but not enough to make a salad out of.

Tomatoes: C-

Sigh. My luck was better with plum tomatoes than with slicing tomatoes, but once again I had an unfortunate lack of overlap between fruit starting to ripen, sufficient rain to propel that process, and my being around to eat the results.

Lettuce: D

I got a few sandwich fixings’ worth out the seed packet I planted… which is a not-awful rate of return considering what lettuce costs at a supermarket and how badly it can age in the fridge.

Beans: D-

I chalk this subpar outcome up to inattentive gardening. But it’s not like I didn’t have enough other plants to tend to over those summer months.

#arugula #basil #beans #bellPepper #greens #homegrown #jalapeno #kitchenGarden #lettuce #locavore #parsley #peppers #rocketLettuce #spinach #thyme #tomato #tomatoes

2024 gardening scorecard: abundant arugula

After twenty years of practice at growing vegetables around our house, the results of the 2024 gardening season suggest that the experience really has taught me something about cultivating a particular leafy green. Tomatoes, alas, remain an opportunity for continued learning.

(For your reference: my 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 gardening grades.)

Arugula: A+

After a few years of this delicious, versatile green being a spring-only benefit, the seeds I sowed in September exceeded all expectations–even after multiple frosts that felled lesser plants. Better yet, I saw some arugula growing in the lawn next to this raised bed; if that self-sowing trend continues, in a few years I may be able to graze on my own lawn like a sheep.

Herbs: A

Basil was another pleasant surprise: I could have made pesto sauce almost every week. Parsley did great too, allowing me to make parsley-walnut pesto for the first time in a while, and I also had my first good season in years of growing thyme (in a raised bed that I inexpertly rebuilt after the old one rotted apart). Rosemary and mint did well for a stretch, but I didn’t take enough advantage of them before a dry spell took out both.

Peppers: A-

My wife’s decision a few years ago to augment the two raised beds I’d built with a wheeled planter in the driveway paid off again with a great crop of bell and jalapeño peppers that represented some of our most cost-effective gardening efforts.

Spinach: B-

This played a small second fiddle to arugula, with modest spring and fall crops that I could throw into pan sauces or use as a fancier-than-usual quesadilla filling–but not enough to make a salad out of.

Tomatoes: C-

Sigh. My luck was better with plum tomatoes than with slicing tomatoes, but once again I had an unfortunate lack of overlap between fruit starting to ripen, sufficient rain to propel that process, and my being around to eat the results.

Lettuce: D

I got a few sandwich fixings’ worth out the seed packet I planted… which is a not-awful rate of return considering what lettuce costs at a supermarket and how badly it can age in the fridge.

Beans: D-

I chalk this subpar outcome up to inattentive gardening. But it’s not like I didn’t have enough other plants to tend to over those summer months.

#arugula #basil #beans #bellPepper #greens #homegrown #jalapeno #kitchenGarden #lettuce #locavore #parsley #peppers #rocketLettuce #spinach #thyme #tomato #tomatoes

2024 gardening scorecard: abundant arugula

After twenty years of practice at growing vegetables around our house, the results of the 2024 gardening season suggest that the experience really has taught me something about cultivating a particular leafy green. Tomatoes, alas, remain an opportunity for continued learning.

(For your reference: my 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 gardening grades.)

Arugula: A+

After a few years of this delicious, versatile green being a spring-only benefit, the seeds I sowed in September exceeded all expectations–even after multiple frosts that felled lesser plants. Better yet, I saw some arugula growing in the lawn next to this raised bed; if that self-sowing trend continues, in a few years I may be able to graze on my own lawn like a sheep.

Herbs: A

Basil was another pleasant surprise: I could have made pesto sauce almost every week. Parsley did great too, allowing me to make parsley-walnut pesto for the first time in a while, and I also had my first good season in years of growing thyme (in a raised bed that I inexpertly rebuilt after the old one rotted apart). Rosemary and mint did well for a stretch, but I didn’t take enough advantage of them before a dry spell took out both.

Peppers: A-

My wife’s decision a few years ago to augment the two raised beds I’d built with a wheeled planter in the driveway paid off again with a great crop of bell and jalapeño peppers that represented some of our most cost-effective gardening efforts.

Spinach: B-

This played a small second fiddle to arugula, with modest spring and fall crops that I could throw into pan sauces or use as a fancier-than-usual quesadilla filling–but not enough to make a salad out of.

Tomatoes: C-

Sigh. My luck was better with plum tomatoes than with slicing tomatoes, but once again I had an unfortunate lack of overlap between fruit starting to ripen, sufficient rain to propel that process, and my being around to eat the results.

Lettuce: D

I got a few sandwich fixings’ worth out the seed packet I planted… which is a not-awful rate of return considering what lettuce costs at a supermarket and how badly it can age in the fridge.

Beans: D-

I chalk this subpar outcome up to inattentive gardening. But it’s not like I didn’t have enough other plants to tend to over those summer months.

#arugula #basil #beans #bellPepper #greens #homegrown #jalapeno #kitchenGarden #lettuce #locavore #parsley #peppers #rocketLettuce #spinach #thyme #tomato #tomatoes

Menu, in the end, thank you to all the suggestions! Starters- Greek dolmades with lots of herbs in the filling, Sourdough bruschetta with cherry toms and basil. Homegrown olives. Mains of fresh pasta with pesto, button squash, tromboncini, cherry toms, leek. Parmesan for on top. Sourdough garlic bread, Greek salad based on cucumber and green beans. Dessert of rhubarb and gudgin crumble with homemade vanilla icecream. Almost all #FromTheGarden, #homegrown #retrosuburbia #permaculture #locavore

Menu, in the end, thank you to all the suggestions! Starters- Greek dolmades with lots of herbs in the filling, Sourdough bruschetta with cherry toms and basil. Homegrown olives. Mains of fresh pasta with pesto, button squash, tromboncini, cherry toms, leek. Parmesan for on top. Sourdough garlic bread, Greek salad based on cucumber and green beans. Dessert of rhubarb and gudgin crumble with homemade vanilla icecream. Almost all #FromTheGarden, #homegrown #retrosuburbia #permaculture #locavore

Restoring a Cornerstone of the Local Grain Economy – Civil Eats
https://civileats.com/2024/11/20/the-craft-milling-movement-gears-up/
#locavore #heritage #flour #mill #grain

I wnt the banana and honey toast today. Rye and linseed sourdough with ladyfinger bananas and honey, all homegrown/homemade but for some rye flour. #retrosuburbia #locavore #fromthegarden #permaculture

I wnt the banana and honey toast today. Rye and linseed sourdough with ladyfinger bananas and honey, all homegrown/homemade but for some rye flour. #retrosuburbia #locavore #fromthegarden #permaculture

Hard choice this morning. Toss up between topping the rye and linseed sourdough toast with ladyfinger banana and honey (we robbed the hive yesterday) or poached eggs on spinach, with parsley chives cherry tomatoes. Both options all from the garden except for some flour and linseed meal. #fromthegarden #retrosuburbia #permaculture #locavore

Hard choice this morning. Toss up between topping the rye and linseed sourdough toast with ladyfinger banana and honey (we robbed the hive yesterday) or poached eggs on spinach, with parsley chives cherry tomatoes. Both options all from the garden except for some flour and linseed meal. #fromthegarden #retrosuburbia #permaculture #locavore

#Glasgow City Council are trying to shut down the very successful garden nursery run by #Locavore at #Bellahouston. Please give Locavore your support.
https://www.change.org/p/glasgow-city-council-let-locavore-stay-at-bellahouston-nursery

#Glasgow City Council are trying to shut down the very successful garden nursery run by #Locavore at #Bellahouston. Please give Locavore your support.
https://www.change.org/p/glasgow-city-council-let-locavore-stay-at-bellahouston-nursery

Thuoght of the day: we need to change to a #locavore diet. Not eating anything that hasn't come from within a few miles away.

Thuoght of the day: we need to change to a #locavore diet. Not eating anything that hasn't come from within a few miles away.

#AMAP #Locavore #EnDirectDeLaFerme #BioEtLocal #Consommacteurs
@Clailou @RennesAndTic

J'vous préviens, je raconte ma vie... 😁

Sur un autre fil, je disais que j'avais été Amapienne, mais que j'avais changé d'option.
Précisions : c’était une Amap très spécialisée (légumes + option œufs/quinzaine), où l’on ne voyait jamais personne (cagettes posées dehors en haut d’un escalier derrière la MPT).
Pas mal de ratés, pas top. 😖

⤵️

#AMAP #Locavore #EnDirectDeLaFerme #BioEtLocal #Consommacteurs
@Clailou @RennesAndTic

J'vous préviens, je raconte ma vie... 😁

Sur un autre fil, je disais que j'avais été Amapienne, mais que j'avais changé d'option.
Précisions : c’était une Amap très spécialisée (légumes + option œufs/quinzaine), où l’on ne voyait jamais personne (cagettes posées dehors en haut d’un escalier derrière la MPT).
Pas mal de ratés, pas top. 😖

⤵️

It’s been weeks since I’ve collected any vegetables or herbs from the raised bed and the containers outside the back porch, but dinner tonight featured one remnant from the 2023 gardening season: a jalapeño pepper picked a little underripe that had somehow aged gracefully in the fridge. That makes today a good day to put a period on yet another campaign of trying to grow a fraction of our own food.

(For your reference: my 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 gardening grades.)

Herbs: A

Parsley, rosemary and sage–most started from tiny shrubs bought at farmers markets or garden centers instead of grown from seeds–did better than in previous years. So did the basil plants I bought and the basil seeds I grew indoors in what’s probably the most useful PR swag I’ve ever received, a tiny hydroponic container picked up at a event in Tysons hosted by Cox cable towards the end of 2022. Alas, mint didn’t last long enough for me to enjoy a mint julep on the front porch as is my right as a Virginia resident.

Cucumbers: A

The wheeled planter my wife bought in 2022 again justified its cost, hosting vines that yielded enough cucumbers for us to need to look up new recipes beyond one grandmother’s cucumber-salad instructions.

Peppers: A–

The same planter also hosted bell and jalapeño pepper plants that, as noted above, kept growing after our other plants had shut down in fall. Which is good, since peppers can be among the more expensive veggies in a supermarket.

Arugula: B

The vegetable that’s usually been my most reliable crop was not this year, mainly because the second-harvest seeds I planted in early September got once again washed out by heavy rains. Perhaps I need to work on the drainage of that raised bed. I also need to remember to buy enough arugula seed packets in the spring to have more than one try at a fall crop.  

Tomatoes: C+

I had one tomato plant get off to a fabulous start, then be deprived of just enough rain for just enough times when I was out of town for the thing to die. The plum-tomato plants next to it, however, kept on cranking on until well into fall, allowing for some delicious pasta sauces.  

Spinach: C-

This was a disappointment during the spring, and yet I see a few hardy leaves outside ready for use as a food accoutrement on this cold January day. That counts for something.

Lettuce: D

I remember having a few weeks in the spring when I could accessorize a sandwich with very-locally-grown lettuce. And then summer happened, and the seeds sown in the fall might as well have dissolved into the grounds. Sigh. But I’m sure things will turn around this summer!

https://robpegoraro.com/2024/01/04/2023-gardening-scorecard-a-good-year-for-small-form-factor-green-leaves/

#arugula #basil #bellPepper #cucumbers #gardening #herbGarden #homegrown #jalapenoPepper #kitchenGarden #lettuce #locavore #parsley #rosemary #spinach #tomato #tomatoes

It’s been weeks since I’ve collected any vegetables or herbs from the raised bed and the containers outside the back porch, but dinner tonight featured one remnant from the 2023 gardening season: a jalapeño pepper picked a little underripe that had somehow aged gracefully in the fridge. That makes today a good day to put a period on yet another campaign of trying to grow a fraction of our own food.

(For your reference: my 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 gardening grades.)

Herbs: A

Parsley, rosemary and sage–most started from tiny shrubs bought at farmers markets or garden centers instead of grown from seeds–did better than in previous years. So did the basil plants I bought and the basil seeds I grew indoors in what’s probably the most useful PR swag I’ve ever received, a tiny hydroponic container picked up at a event in Tysons hosted by Cox cable towards the end of 2022. Alas, mint didn’t last long enough for me to enjoy a mint julep on the front porch as is my right as a Virginia resident.

Cucumbers: A

The wheeled planter my wife bought in 2022 again justified its cost, hosting vines that yielded enough cucumbers for us to need to look up new recipes beyond one grandmother’s cucumber-salad instructions.

Peppers: A–

The same planter also hosted bell and jalapeño pepper plants that, as noted above, kept growing after our other plants had shut down in fall. Which is good, since peppers can be among the more expensive veggies in a supermarket.

Arugula: B

The vegetable that’s usually been my most reliable crop was not this year, mainly because the second-harvest seeds I planted in early September got once again washed out by heavy rains. Perhaps I need to work on the drainage of that raised bed. I also need to remember to buy enough arugula seed packets in the spring to have more than one try at a fall crop.  

Tomatoes: C+

I had one tomato plant get off to a fabulous start, then be deprived of just enough rain for just enough times when I was out of town for the thing to die. The plum-tomato plants next to it, however, kept on cranking on until well into fall, allowing for some delicious pasta sauces.  

Spinach: C-

This was a disappointment during the spring, and yet I see a few hardy leaves outside ready for use as a food accoutrement on this cold January day. That counts for something.

Lettuce: D

I remember having a few weeks in the spring when I could accessorize a sandwich with very-locally-grown lettuce. And then summer happened, and the seeds sown in the fall might as well have dissolved into the grounds. Sigh. But I’m sure things will turn around this summer!

https://robpegoraro.com/2024/01/04/2023-gardening-scorecard-a-good-year-for-small-form-factor-green-leaves/

#arugula #basil #bellPepper #cucumbers #gardening #herbGarden #homegrown #jalapenoPepper #kitchenGarden #lettuce #locavore #parsley #rosemary #spinach #tomato #tomatoes

Long starfruit season. I can pace myself. I like it like that. 💚 I wasn't able to go pick any for over a week, I was worried they would split from all the rain or be pau. Nope. Plenty still. Prob at least another month of starfruit ripening. 🥰
#freshfruit #gardening #tropical #fruit #Farm2Face #locavore #eatLocal #homesteady

Long starfruit season. I can pace myself. I like it like that. 💚 I wasn't able to go pick any for over a week, I was worried they would split from all the rain or be pau. Nope. Plenty still. Prob at least another month of starfruit ripening. 🥰
#freshfruit #gardening #tropical #fruit #Farm2Face #locavore #eatLocal #homesteady

I like fall around D.C., but I don't like this sign of it, seen at my usual farmers market this morning: "Last day for peaches/nectarines." At least we still have plums! #locavore

I like fall around D.C., but I don't like this sign of it, seen at my usual farmers market this morning: "Last day for peaches/nectarines." At least we still have plums! #locavore

@cardamomaddict Yum! You might like #Locavore, too, if you’re not already aware of it.

@cardamomaddict Yum! You might like #Locavore, too, if you’re not already aware of it.

Watermelon was on sale, and there was room in the fridge for it. So I will be happily feasting on melon for the next while.

Now to decide what else to make for dinner. I was going to have grilled (plant-based) cheese on whole-grain bread with tomato soup, but I ended up having that for lunch instead today.

🤔 🍉

#WhatsForDinner #Food #Today #GoodThingsGrowInOntario #Locavore #Watermelon #Fruit

Watermelon was on sale, and there was room in the fridge for it. So I will be happily feasting on melon for the next while.

Now to decide what else to make for dinner. I was going to have grilled (plant-based) cheese on whole-grain bread with tomato soup, but I ended up having that for lunch instead today.

🤔 🍉

#WhatsForDinner #Food #Today #GoodThingsGrowInOntario #Locavore #Watermelon #Fruit

We’ve officially reached that wonderful time of year when there are so many different types of fruit in season I can hardly keep up with them.

Grapes and blueberries are on the menu for this weekend. I think watermelon might need to be my next pick once my fridge has the space for it. 🍉 🍇 🫐

#Locavore #GoodThingsGrowInOntario #Ontario #Food #WhatsForDinner #Fruit

We’ve officially reached that wonderful time of year when there are so many different types of fruit in season I can hardly keep up with them.

Grapes and blueberries are on the menu for this weekend. I think watermelon might need to be my next pick once my fridge has the space for it. 🍉 🍇 🫐

#Locavore #GoodThingsGrowInOntario #Ontario #Food #WhatsForDinner #Fruit

Who else thinks about “Peaches” by
The Presidents of the United States of America during peach season?

I love these lines in particular:

“Millions of peaches, peaches for me
Millions of peaches, peaches for free”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=do5KKKxI7FQ

🎶

#Songs #Peaches #Locavore #Food #Lyrics

Who else thinks about “Peaches” by
The Presidents of the United States of America during peach season?

I love these lines in particular:

“Millions of peaches, peaches for me
Millions of peaches, peaches for free”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=do5KKKxI7FQ

🎶

#Songs #Peaches #Locavore #Food #Lyrics

I had a nice big bowl of pasta with meat sauce for lunch, so dinner will be light tonight as I’m not very hungry and have some produce to use up.

I’m having almond milk, apricots, grapes, carrot sticks, and peas and corn with vegan butter and whatever spices sound good for it when I go rummage around in my cupboard.

#WhatsForDinner #Locavore #GoodThingsGrowInOntario #SeasonalFruits #SeasonalVegetables

I had a nice big bowl of pasta with meat sauce for lunch, so dinner will be light tonight as I’m not very hungry and have some produce to use up.

I’m having almond milk, apricots, grapes, carrot sticks, and peas and corn with vegan butter and whatever spices sound good for it when I go rummage around in my cupboard.

#WhatsForDinner #Locavore #GoodThingsGrowInOntario #SeasonalFruits #SeasonalVegetables

Green beans and wax beans are well in season now. I love this time of year. #GoodThingsGrowInOntario #Locavore #GreenBeans #WaxBeans #Food #Ontario #Toronto

Green beans and wax beans are well in season now. I love this time of year. #GoodThingsGrowInOntario #Locavore #GreenBeans #WaxBeans #Food #Ontario #Toronto

Dinners this weekend will be turkey sandwiches with a side of locally-grown blueberries and/or vegetables I cooked and seasoned tonight.

My appetite shrinks during hot, humid weather, so meal planning is quick and simple on days like today.

I won’t use this hashtag again until the menu changes.

(I’m including the gif because it makes me chuckle. I’ve never actually seen Duck Dynasty).

#WhatsForDinner #Food #Foodstodon #GoodThingsGrowInOntario #Blueberry #Vegetable #Sandwich #Locavore

Dinners this weekend will be turkey sandwiches with a side of locally-grown blueberries and/or vegetables I cooked and seasoned tonight.

My appetite shrinks during hot, humid weather, so meal planning is quick and simple on days like today.

I won’t use this hashtag again until the menu changes.

(I’m including the gif because it makes me chuckle. I’ve never actually seen Duck Dynasty).

#WhatsForDinner #Food #Foodstodon #GoodThingsGrowInOntario #Blueberry #Vegetable #Sandwich #Locavore

Finally obtained our first box of #Colorado #peaches for the season. So perfectly ripe—I washed one and the skin just started peeling from me gently rubbing the fuzz off.

Ate it over the sink with juice running down my arms.

So wonderful.

#locavore #summerfruit #foodgasm

I had my first apricots of the season as part of my lunch today. They were delicious.

#GoodThingsGrowInOntario #Food #Apricot #Ontario #Fruit #Locavore