Mobile Watermelon Seed Processing
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We are always trying to innovate our routines at SSE and this year, Seed House Manager Tom Wahlberg managed to simplify and quicken the way we collect watermelon seeds.
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Step Up to the Plate: Stewed Lettuce
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According to William Woys Weaver’s 1997 book Heirloom Vegetable Gardening: A Master Gardener’s Guide to Planting, Seed Saving, and Cultural History, the lettuce we know as 732 ‘Paris White Cos’ was "sold in this country as early as 1802 by Bernard M’Mahon of Philadelphia. M’Mahon sold it under the name White Cos." Weaver describes the lettuce as “a heavy drinker and will never develop its famous crispness unless it is kept well-watered, none of which seemed out of the ordinary to me. But Weaver goes on, “This is also one of the popular lettuces that was used for stewing..." Yes, you read that correctly. Stewed lettuce. It sounded slimy to me, but intriguing nevertheless.
Read More4 Tips for Planning a Successful Seed Swap
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A successful community seed exchange requires some planning. Even if the event is completely free, if people leave feeling frustrated or confused, that can be worse than having no event at all. So here are our tips to help you prepare a successful swap. Don’t worry too much – guest blogger Steph Gaylor has always found that people who love plants and seeds are generous by nature, and it isn't hard to keep their good energy going once you have it.
Read MoreDrought Strategies for Vegetable Gardening
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When we look to the American West the scarcity of water is plainly visible. But what can we do? How can we all use our water more responsibly now to ensure a more secure future? Shrink or eliminate our lawns? Sure. Use drip irrigation? Yes. Recycle water? Of course. Plant more vegetables and fruits? Believe it or not, yes.
Read MoreBuilding Community: Think Outside the Seed Packet
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I have an opportunity to develop a municipal-level seed library as a regional destination, and I'm writing about it all through SSE to inspire you to do your best in your community. There's opportunity out there, and my advice to you is stay open to all the possibilities.
Read MoreFeaster Heirloom Mustard Feast
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When he donated seeds to us last year, Jerome said, “Cool weather is greens weather, and we like to eat these greens on special occasions. A popular menu is to have them served with sweet potatoes and ham.” Well, this year, Jerome wanted to share his tradition with the staff at SSE, so he sent up a box of freshly picked greens to help us celebrate New Year’s Day!
Read MoreTrue Grits
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Whether you take your grits sweet, with honey and milk, or savory with cheese and roasted alliums, the simplicity of this comforting dish will have you reaching for your grain mill in addition to your coffee grinder in the mornings.
Read MoreThe Seed Garden: A New Seed Saving Guide
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The Seed Garden: The Art and Practice of Seed Saving is now available! With over 300 color photographs, simple lessons, master classes, and over 75 crop profiles, this long-awaited resource is sure to provide guidance for new and seasoned seed savers. Here's a reminder of what's inside. Don't forget to order your copy!
Read MoreWinter Care of Your Fruit Trees
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With October here and a distinct chill in the air, it time to think about protecting all your fruit trees that you’ve nurtured through the growing season. Fruit trees are especially attractive to animals that love to eat the bark and nibble the buds for winter food. If you want to avoid the cost of replacing trees year after year, make a plan now to keep pests away.
Read MorePollination and Preservation
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Step by step guides to the hand pollination of corn and squash as well as resources on rearing pollinators for your fields or gardens. Free downloadable resources for you to save and print, including a guide to Midwestern Native Pollinators.
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