Thursday, February 7, 2013

This Pretty Aqua Vendor Apron is Back in Stock

This pretty little apron sold out in one fell swoop when a catering company down in Texas bought all six.  Well, I was finally able to find a bit more of the contrast fabric!  So, as of today, there are a few more available here


Once these are gone...I'm afraid there will be no more.  Enjoy this refreshing, simple beauty while you can!

Friday, February 1, 2013

Sowing the Seeds of Spring


This past Saturday, the hunky handyman husband and I took our fresh from the mailbox seed packets out to his “office” and got a head start on planting our spring/summer vegetable crop.  One thing in my favor is that I am the lucky wife of a Horticulturist, who comes with access to a state of the art germination chamber—are you jealous?  I must admit, it really is pretty cool to be able to sow seeds in mid-January!  I always enjoy heading out to the greenhouse range and pretending it's a sultry summer day, whatever the blustery weather is like out in the "real world."  I also love seeing Rob in his natural habitat. Playing in the dirt is quite therapeutic, and highly under-rated if you ask me.

Anyhow, there has been one unexpected turn of events.  Due to the high tech growing conditions, our lettuce germinated in only three days--YIKES!

 


We purchased our seeds purchased from Johnny’s Selected Seeds last year, and had really good luck with everything except the peas.  So, we stuck with Johnny's for most of our seed needs. Although, this year I am adding a highly recommended snap pea called "Maestro." It's from Burpee Seeds and I’m pretty excited about it —you can find it here.


 
Santa Barbara County is in Zone 9, making these the perfect peas for my climate.   If you’re not sure what garden varieties do best in your area—head on down to your local nursery and ask them what they recommend.  PLEASE NOTE: While I have nothing personal against the big box store garden centers—I can say with confidence that they are not nearly as knowledgeable, experienced, or invested in your success as your local nurserymen and women. When it comes to veggie growing tips and tricks--always shop local :)

The thing I’m most looking forward to these f-f-f-frosty California days is our upcoming fun and flavorful tomato selection.  We're growing these varieties this year: Celebrity--our go-to basic tomato, Roma Amish Paste for sauces and Caprese salads, Yellow Pear--such cute tasty little gems, and  the Five Star Grape—your basic garden candy.


I can almost taste the basil and tomato-y goodness now! 

If you only had room for one thing in your summer garden--what would it be? I'd have to go with tomatoes--and cheat of course, by sneaking in a bunch of basil around the base of the plants.