The plan of “going green” has become one of the worlds most followed trends in the past couple of years and people are trying to find for more and more ways to go “green” and as environmentally friendly as possible. This is done by recycling and conserving water, but living “green” can go beyond this - even your garden can be designed to be eco-friendly.
1. Accurate time watering: Water your garden at night or early in the morning. This will save a generous amounts of water, because watering at the hottest part of the day will cause water to evaporate and your plants might dry out.
2. Plant trees in important spaces: You can easily save energy by planting larger trees on the north side of your house. This will help keep the house cool in summer and warm in winter, when shedding trees will let sunlight through.
3. Make your garden edible: If you plant your own vegetables and a selection of plants and spices usable in cooking, you will help the environment by reducing the toll farming takes. Make sure you properly place plants that grow well together.
4. Lights that save: If you have backyard lighting, provided with motion detectors and solar-powered capabilities to conserve energy. Take it a step further and transform your whole house to be solar powered.
5. Mulching: Place mulching around plants and trees to keep moisture locked in longer. If you use environmentally friendly resources, such as coconut fibre mats, bark or shredded “green” paper, it will decompose and not pollute the environment.
You can, by re-designing your landscape, make the earth cleaner and be more sensitive towards the environment.
Every purchaser of pot seeds looks for trustworthy traders and valuable crops. Preferably, the seed bank you go with promises guaranteed delivery of the favorite varieties — but watch out for tricks. So here’s the things you should keep in mind in order to dodge the typical difficulties and locate an approved stockist for your stockpile.
Click here and check out this splendid reliable source for cheap weed seeds facts!
In marijuana seeds as in anything else, the upper hand is with the online outlets when it comes to the capability to offer a significant assortment of hybrids. Thus, far from the limitations of what is on sale locally, you’re given infinite possibilities in the question of strain and strength.
Should you honestly trust your local stores? Make no mistake, Web seedbanks boast far better security. Even if the domestics exercise caution, they might be under surveillance — or arrested before you receive your order, neither of which bodes well. Always remember that you and your seller can identify each other.
Using the dual methods of minimizing the paper trail and guaranteeing there’s nothing unusual regarding the parcel, Web retailers will provide an astonishing quantity of discretion. This means that you’ll find the majority request payment in cash and not credit cards. Even those prepared to take payment via electronic transfer erase all relevant records as soon as they can.
Locating a reliable seedbank is imperative. Better yet, you may set up steady consignments without any worries about their security. To make that choice, however, look at their reputation. This reputation will appear as online testimonials and happy reviews in the Web age.
Decide which types and strains you’re interested in trying. Before making a final decision, remember to look at the yield, your ideal weeks flowering, individual plant heights, harvest months, and the THC levels of the hybrids. It should go without saying that you should consider how to cultivate your plants. Soil or hydroponics — there’s a chance you’ll find a strain which works in either, though remember it’s just as likely that your choice will be limited in that case.
The situation cries out for a reputable seed bank promising frequent packages of excellent seeds for your setup. So relax and savor the fruits of your labors — happily, the greatest part of the time you’ve had to invest was done with when you were starting out.
You ought to bear two things in mind when buying Amsterdam seeds: value and trustworthiness. Preferably, the seedbank you choose promises swift shipping of the favored varieties — but beware scams. This calls for the thorough examination of several angles so you can reduce the risks before you decide on a cannabis seed seller you can be sure of.
Compared to brick and mortar vendors, online stockists providing pot seeds can reliably guarantee standards of quality and make several types available. Thus, instead of the restrictions of what you can scrape up locally, you have total choice concerning strain and kick when shopping. Should you honestly trust your domestic sellers? Make no mistake, internet seedbanks boast minimal risk of exposure. Even if the locals exercise care, they might be being followed — or arrested before giving you your order, neither of which bodes well. In addition, your vendor and you know one another — and that obviously affects you. Using the twin strategies of minimizing the paper trail and guaranteeing that nothing stands out about the packaging, online vendors offer an amazing degree of secrecy. It’s usually a wise move to refrain from using bank payments, so they’ve introduced transactions tracking cash as an alternative. Even those prepared to take payment via bank transfer eliminate all relevant records immediately. You’ll understand now the need for a seedbank that won’t disappoint you. Naturally, you’ll want more than one packet of seeds — and knowing the people who supply you will be around as long as you require definitely doesn’t hurt. To find one, though, go by their prestige. Worthwhile supplier should by now have built up a strong name with shoppers and you’ll probably encounter several good columns.
Time to decide which breeds and types you want to try. Before making a final choice, remember to consider the harvest months, your favorite weeks flowering, individual plant heights, THC levels, and even yield of the hybrids. The biggest issue, of course, is your planned method of growing them. Does your setup employ hydroponics, or bring them out of the soil? Depending upon the answer, you might have to change your preference. So, ultimately, we come to this point; and in this article you’ll read much on what to consider when shopping for skunk seeds. This can take a degree of deliberation, but once you find it, you have the capacity to enjoy your plants free from apprehension.
There are a lot of reasons why you would need a shed and fortunately there are garden sheds to suit just about every requirement. Sheds may be bought just about all over but what you will notice is the price will vary tremendously. You should not have to forego the shed you require because it is excessively dear though. A garden shed is something you purchase once and use for a long time and if you take a look on the net you can find Cheap garden sheds at some pretty silly prices. I do not mean cheap and silly as in quality but as in monetary value. You’ll find you can find the garden shed you want for the cost of the one you were about to settle for much less and if you own a garden that you tend to every day you will most in all likelihood require to look into a wooden garden shed as a place to put the tools, water hose and fertilizer etc..
Protecting your garden tools and making them well obtainable is a very good idea. You can find garden sheds on the net that are the very same sheds you’d buy in the shop. In fact, you can even go to the store and shop even touch them to find if it’s what you need and then you can go online and buy it for a lot lower price. The difference in price is significant!
Because GardenDirect.co.uk was started around nineteen ninety six it has speedily become one of the current profiting mail order stockists of plants and garden tools. Within the business’s twelve years that they have been open Garden Direct presently have two million customers that have been pulled with good convenience, low charges, brilliant value for money & year after year high quality plants and garden tools. GardenDirect.co.uk’s products are so varied; www.gardendirect.co.uk are likewise consistently praised in their exotic shrub varieties which are also continually brought to said range, and it of course includes garden tools and accessories that can help buyers that can buy the very finest for their well kept garden. Garden Direct sell more than 130 million greatest prize shrub plants each year, the vast majority produced at GardenDirect.co.uk’s own nurseries, all this permits you to be assured about one’s buy and be sure that what folk have ordered is of the highest quality standard.
The online shop of course supply the choice of a catalogue aimed at folk to inspect through & buy from in some own time. www.GardenDirect.co.uk offer a wide choice from old favourites to other unique forms you yourself will often not notice located in most gardening stores; the catalogue can also comprise a selection of seasonal deals also. Garden Direct have particular options of plants which people might well purchase from Garden Direct’s website. People might often either go for a plug, ready or super seeding. All of which are totally diverse, plug flower plants, supplied 4-6cm tall in a plug of compost all these are the best superior value for money, you then have the bigger ready flower plants that are supplied at 6-8cm tall & being also more aged will often be planted straight into one’s garden, finally you have super shrub plants these are idyllic for people who have less time to spare, sold at 9-11cm high they don’t forget might well be directly planted into your garden.
Along with plants you sell the established gardening products that you yourself can acquire; the above mentioned consist of garden tools, gardening sheds & gardening shears along with numerous others. Should one be looking to buy garden tools, they can order them online at Garden Direct, without the hassle of having to go to a garden centre.
It’s early in May a beautiful fairly warm day so I’ve decided to enjoy it and sit on the front porch.
While relaxing in a rocking chair with my eyes closed, just enjoying the sun and early warmth I begin to hear a sound off in the distance. At first it’s not recognizable, sounds almost like a hum from a model airplane.
As it begins to get louder I’m beginning to think I know what the source of this strange noise is.
I open my eyes and sure enough just as I thought there is a small green colored Hummer hovering right at the edge of the porch - coincidentally right where a feeder normally hangs - now I’m not certain but he appears to be looking right at me like he’s trying to tell me “Hey, I’m back, where’s the food”.
Every year it’s the same, they show up around Mothers Day and every year I’m always a little surprised to see them and of course not prepared. Well so much for my relaxing afternoon, it’s time to get out the feeders, clean them and make up some food then get them hung. And so begins another season with these marvelous entertaining little birds.
Attracting Hummingbirds:
Hummers have a good memory they can remember where to find food sources from previous years. However in order for them to remember your home you will first need to let them know about it.
There are two ways to accomplish this, first by planting or hanging flowers that will attract them, second is to have an additional food source such as a hanging feeder that you keep filled with a syrup solution.
Flowers that have red to orange blossom colors are known to attract them but they will visit any color if they discover sufficient nectar.
Blossom shape is also important as this little birds beak is long and tapered, so downward-hanging blossom - Honeysuckle is a good example - are a favorite.
Several other varieties are as follows. These particular flowers are geared for the Northeast - where I happen to live - so you will want to check within your region for appropriate blooms.
Perennials:
Bee Balm
Salvia
Foxglove
Lilac
Hollyhock
Forsythia
There are several Annuals that will also satisfy their little palettes.
Fuchsia
Impatiens
Petunia
As these are favorites in the use of hanging baskets each summer try hanging several around your home. The most common place of course is on your front porch or on hooks around a deck or patio; another idea is to hang some right from tree branches. I’ve done this and not only do the Hummers like them; it also adds color and interest out in the yard.
Putting Up A Feeder:
From elaborately decorated glass to simple plastic there are numerous types of feeders to choose from.
I will tell you from experience, I’ve used both - the decorated one just because it was pretty, the Hummers really didn’t care - and I ended up with a simple teardrop shaped clear glass container with perches around the base, it was easy to tell when the solution was low and simple to take apart.
Where to hang your feeder or feeders - once you start, guaranteed you’ll have to have more than one - is up to you and the layout of your home and yard. If you have an open porch this is a great place or from tree branches. Most people look for spots where the birds can be seen; after all half the fun comes from watching these little dynamites. Feeders that mount to windows with suction cups are another alternative.
What To Fill Them With:
Two choices here, pre-made solution or hand made, the choice is up to you. I personally have done both but if you prefer to make your own the following is the standard recipe.
One part ordinary white cane sugar to four parts water
Boil the water is you wish however it is not really necessary
Store unused syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
If you choose to make your own solution, do not add honey as it ferments very rapidly and can be fatal to the birds. Also the addition of red food coloring is not necessary, they will find the food without it.
Maintenance of Feeder:
Sugar and water mixed together will ferment - not good for the birds - which limits it’s usability, this can happen very quickly during hot summer months.
Therefore when temperatures range between 60-85 degrees - or higher - the mixture really should be changed about every three days, of course if you happen to have a few Hummingbirds visiting your outdoor diner then you will be refilling about this amount of time anyway. If you should notice any cloudiness in the mixture change it right away.
Before refilling feeder be sure to thoroughly clean the feeder with warm soapy water and rinse very thoroughly. This is where having a feeder that comes apart easily is important.
Attracting these wonderful little birds is not only entertaining it’s also beneficial as they also eat insects.
Plant some Bee Balm, hang a container filled with a beautiful Fuchsia plant and last but not least put up a feeder. You’ll find that having your peaceful afternoon snooze on the porch interrupted is worth it.
If you would like to learn more about the Hummingbird the following web site are filled with lots of great information.
The Hummingbird Society - www.hummingbirdsociety.org
The Hummingbird Web Site - www.portalproductions.com
This is a share ware article. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright © 2005 bonnie carrier.
Bonnie P. Carrier is the creator of Savvy Home Decorating & Savvy Outdoor Decorating. She is the mother to two grown daughters and a very spoiled 4yr old Blue Merle Sheltie named Toby. Stop by for information and ideas for both inside and outside your home.
http://www.savvy-home-decorating.com
http://www.savvyoutdoordecorating.com
Did you know that pottery buying is actually an easy process?
People spend their weekends digging through all sorts of rummage
sales, yard sales, and specialty stores looking for the perfect
piece of pottery to go in their home. In fact, there is an
incredible home furnishings store in our city that has simply
amazing pieces of pottery that anyone would love to buy
(including us). However, we are constantly amazed by the large
amount of people who don’t have any idea what the different
types of pottery are and how to buy the right type of pottery
for their home. Pottery shopping is actually a fairly easy
process once you get the hang of it. Follow these simple steps
and you will be ahead of 95% of pottery buyers who end up paying
more and getting less.
1. Get educated on the different types of pottery. Can you tell
the difference between Stoneware pottery and Polish pottery?
Pottery comes in many different styles and can sell for all
sorts of different prices. Spend the $7 on an informative
pottery book from Amazon.com and truly take the time to learn
all about pottery and how to tell the good stuff from the bad.
2. Use the internet to familiarize yourself with pottery.Guess
who is the #1 used car dealer on the face of the earth right now
(and probably for the foreseeable future)? Ebay. Guess who also
has extensive pottery listings? That’s right: Ebay. Ebay isn’t
just for swapping beanie babies anymore. There are immense
amounts of people who sell things on Ebay including lots of
pottery. If you simply watch what is selling on Ebay and the
prices that they are going for, you can get a pretty good idea
of what the new and used pottery market is like offline too.
I’ve generally found most ebay items to sell for at least a 25%
discount to new offline merchandise.
3. Finally, you must compare pottery prices. Without proper
price comparison, the other two points are almost meaningless.
There are tricks to getting the best deal on pottery by
comparing prices and no one should buy any without price
comparison.
A drill press, also known as a pillar drill, is the stationary form of a hand-held drill. The advantage of the drill-press over the hand drill is the tool’s accuracy and power. A drill press is a very valuable tool with several different types and models of drill presses to choose from. Here are a few things to consider when purchasing your own drill press.
Floor vs. Bench-Top Model
A floor model is set directly on the floor while the bench-top model of a drill press is set on a table top. The floor models are typically better buys with more accessories and attachments and are able to handle larger projects than the bench-top models. The floor model is always a good pick unless you are looking for something that is a bit more compact to save space for a smaller shop.
Multiple Spindle Speeds
If you plan on using your drill press for woodwork and metalwork, it is important that your drill press has several speeds to suit the project you are doing. When working with metal you will want to use lower speeds while wood projects need to be in the medium to high range of speeds. For maximum versatility, look for a drill press that can operate between 500-4,000 RPM (a machine that only reaches to 2,000 is suitable if you will only be using it for drilling and not for other projects).
Horsepower
Just like with a car, you want a power tool that has some power. Greater horsepower allows you to drill larger holes through tougher material. You should look for a machine that has at least HP.
Drill Press Table
Good drill presses have tables that can be raised, lowered, and swiveled 360 degrees around the column of the drill press. This allows greater flexibility with your work.
Depth-Stops
The depth-stop manages the depth of the hole being drilled by controlling how far the quill descends into the material. Depth-Stops are a must for projects with repetitive boring in order to keep consistency. Look for a drill press with the “Easy-to-Stop” drill feature.
Mass
If you have two drill presses that are equal in every aspect except for mass, always go for the heavier one. As with most stationary shop tools there is an advantage with weight. The weight absorbs the vibration from the drill press allowing the machine to run more smoothly.
Useful Accessories
There are some accessories and attachments that can improve the use of your drill press. Something to look for is a drill press clamp. This keeps your material firmly in place while you are working. You should always avoid holding the project by hand when you are working with a drill press. Fences are also useful attachments that help keep the project in position during drilling.
A drill press can be used for a lot more than drilling if you have the right attachments and accessories. These extra uses include sanding, grooving, and mortising. Mortise attachments are very popular, allowing you to drill precise mortises with your drill press.
Ability to Be Serviced
As with all major power tools that are purchased, one should make sure that the tool can be upgraded and serviced. Are there repair parts readily available? It is important that your drill press can be easily serviced when needed.
When making an investment in a drill press, you want to purchase a tool that is suitable for your needs. Do your research and find out what products are available what they have to offer. Make sure to look at the above features of a drill press in order to select one that is right for you.
About the author:
Kaitlin Carruth is a client account specialist with http://www.10xMarketing.com- More Visitors. More Buyers. More Revenue. To learn more about drill presses, please visit
http://www.toolamerica.net/drill-press.html
It’s August, the weather has cooled a bit here and the summer
monsoons where I live in New Mexico have begun. The kids are
starting back to school and I feel the onset of fall. I’m
getting that garden planning itch again! It happens 2-3 times a
year… This time, it’s time to start ordering bulbs and
perennials for fall planting. I’m always planning how my garden
will look better next season and I suppose most of you do the
same. Fall is the perfect time to plant for established growth
next spring!
Take a good look at your garden now and think about areas you
need to fill in. Do you need late season color, early spring
blooms? Are there bare spots or places where plants like poppies
or tulips go dormant and you need a filler to keep your garden
alive with color? I find the best time for next years planning
is in the fall when bloom time and plant combinations are fresh
in my mind.
You may be disappointed with a plant combination you chose last
season. Fall is the perfect time to rearrange. Get rid of
overgrown plants and revive areas with new color or foliage
combinations. Think about areas in your bulb or perennial garden
you want to develop. What size, shape and bloom color do you
need? Plant them this fall and watch your pans come to fruition
come spring.
Shrubs and trees do take years to mature and fill their place.
You can get a jump start by planting them this fall. When spring
arrives they’ll be much more hardy and will require less babying.
Fall is the perfect time to mail order bulbs, perrenials,
shrubs, hedges and trees. We’re winding down the season and if
you’re anything like me you’re just not ready to quit quite yet.
Sure there’s clean up to be done, but I find more planting helps
to finish those mundane cxhores. As I clean out I plant new!
Ordering online or by mail
Ordering plants online can be a bit scary. How are the plants
shipped? Will they be good quality? Will they arrive at the
right time and will I be prepared to plant them then?
Fear not! I’ve ordered in fall for years and have had
tremendous results!
Plant Quality and Guarantees
Nurseries do differ in what and how they ship so make sure you
do some research, but almost all reputable mail order nurseries
do guarantee their plants to grow or your money back. I’ve never
had trouble collecting on that promise and I have used it a time
or two for certain plants. I also admit, a bit grudgingly as a
then new gardener, that I should never have ordered those
specific plants for my climate. Nevertheless the nursery did
stand behind it’s guarantee.
How Plants Are Shipped
Some plants will be shipped bare root, others as potted plants.
This depends on the plant variety and I’ve actually found
preference to bare root plants. They do look dead when they
arrive (they are actually dormant), but I assure you that unless
they have visible signs of disease like rot they’ll thrive come
spring.
*Note - If you do get any plants that look like the crown has
rotted either ship them back immediately or just phone the
nursery and they’ll ship out new ones.
When to Plant
While you never know exactly when your plants will arrive, they
are shipped to you at the proper planting time for your
gardening zone. If plants arrive and it’s not convenient to
plant immediately just make sure you follow the directions
included in your shipment for keeping your plants viable until
you can plant them. If you’ve planned ahead you will know where
they go and it’ll take you little time to get them in the
ground. A Saturday afternoon will usually give you ample time to
get this done.
Keep in mind these companies have been in business for years
and years and have shipped bare root and potted plants for eons.
They do know what they’re doing and most of them do it very
well. They’d be out of business if they couldn’t fulfill your
planting requirements.
Gardening Budgets and Selection
You can’t beat the cost and selection of ordering by mail! Most
mail order companies offer plant varieties you’ll never find
anywhere else. The selections seem endless and I’ve been amazed
what I can grow in New Mexico. Take advantage of fall specials
and free shipping and you get a double bang for you buck. For
about half of what I spend on a trip to the garden center on a
single spring garden binge, I can have more variety and many
more plants shipped to me at home.
Get on the Mailing Lists
Make sure you’re on the mailing list for the following
nurseries at least! You’ll get a catologue several times a year.
Take it into the garden with you,look around and plan
accordingly. Then hop online and place an order or order by
mail, but use the online resources for their help with plant
combinations and companion planting. They offer great
suggestions you may not have thought of before. Remember -
pictures will help any gardener no matter how experienced.
Mustard plants have been used for thousands of years for their pungent flavour in condiments, spicy greens for side dishes and salads, and in traditional folk medicine and Chinese herbal medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The name mustard comes from the Latin mustum ardens, or “burning must.” It was so named because as the seeds were pounded with unfermented grape juice, or must, their pungent qualities developed, hence “burning.” Mustards seeds are mentioned in ancient Sanskrit writings dating back about 5,000 years ago and the Bible calls mustard “the greatest among the herbs.” Valued for their intense flavours and healing properties, mustard seed and the plant itself have been grown for its beautiful yellow flowers and spicy seedling leaves. Members of the Brassicaceae family, mustard is a cruciferous vegetable related to cabbage, Brussel sprouts, kale, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower, rutabagas, turnips, radishes, horseradish, cress, and broccoli with the attendant phytochemicals properties.
Mustard is categorised as a food, medicine, spice, and condiment. White mustard (Sinapis alba) also known as yellow mustard is a native of North Africa, central Asia, and the Mediterranean. This is the mustard that is used extensively in the production of American prepared mustards, as it is the least pungent. Brown mustard (Brassica juncea) is native to Asia and is the seed used to prepare specialty mustards such as Dijon. Canada is the world’s largest exporter of mustard seed and among the top five producers in the world. Saskatchewan produces over 80% of the domestic total and the brown mustard seed used for Dijon mustard comes from Saskatchewan.
Mustard seeds contain many healing properties and have been used for centuries by Chinese herbalists to treat abscesses, bronchitis, colds, rheumatism, toothache, ulcers, and stomach disorders. They are an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, phosphorous, and a good source of iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and manganese. Mustard seeds have been shown to help reduce the severity of asthma, decrease some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and help prevent cancer. Mustard plasters are still being used today to treat rheumatism, arthritis, chest congestion, aching back, and sore muscles. To make a mustard plaster, mix equal parts powered mustard and wheat flour, dilute the mixture with sufficient cold water to achieve a soft paste. Spread on a clean cloth such as cotton flannel, linen, or several layers of muslin. Remember that mustard is a hot herb and contact with the skin may cause blistering and should be avoided. Leave on for approximately 15 minutes. If the patient complains at any time during treatment, remove the plaster immediately. After the plaster is removed, bathe the treated area with cool (not cold) water to stop the burn. Dry the area and finish up with a dusting of baby powder or cornstarch to soothe the skin.
Mustard greens are the leaves of the mustard plant Brassica juncea. Mustard greens originated in the Himalayan region of India and have been grown and consumed for more than 5,000 years. All young mustard leaves can be used for mustard greens, however Chinese mustards or mustard greens (Brassica juncea var. rugosa), broad-leaved mustard greens, or (Brassica juncea var. foliosa), thin-leaved mustard greens, are the best mustards for greens. These varieties are also known as gai choy, Indian mustard, leaf mustard, mustard cabbage, Bamboo mustard cabbage, and Sow cabbage. Mustard greens are a staple vegetable in many cultures around the world. They are used much as spinach, dandelion, or beet greens are used (see recipe for Sautéed Mustard Greens).
Mustard greens are an excellent source of vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. They also contain vitamin B6, folic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, niacin, vitamin A, and are an excellent source of phytochemicals thought to prevent cancer. In Chinese herbal medicine, mustard greens are used to treat bladder inflammations and to stop hemorrhage. Eating mustard greens is thought to offer great benefit to individuals suffering from conditions ranging from asthma to heart disease to menopausal symptoms.
Mustards are annuals and grow from 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall. The flowers produced are yellow and the white mustard flowers have a slight vanilla scent. They are known as cruciferous plants because they have four-petaled flowers, two long and two short that resemble a cross. Both mustards have pungent-flavoured, broad, dark green, jagged with irregularly cut lower leaves. Mustard is a cool season crop and bolts quickly in warm weather.
Mustards can be started indoors or planted directly into the soil in early spring. If you are starting mustards indoors, adequate light is essential. Hang lights 3 inches (7.5 cm) above the seedlings and leave lights on for 16 hours a day. They prefer a rich, moist, well-prepared soil with adequate drainage. Plant seeds at a depth of inch (6 mm) and follow directions on the seed packet. They grow best in full sun and need to be kept moist during the growing season. Space mustards 6 inches (15 cm) apart. Harvest your mustard plants for greens when the leaves are young and tender, for cooked greens when the leaves are mature, and for seed when the seedpods take on a brownish tinge.
In the kitchen, whole mustard seeds are used in sauerkraut, cabbage, pickles, relishes, curries, sauces, pot roasts, and to flavour meats such as lamb, pork, and rabbit. Use fresh flowers as an edible garnish or cook flowers for 2-3 minutes in boiling salted water. Drain and serve with butter and sea salt to taste. Mustard seeds can be sprouted and used in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish. Young mustard greens are great additions to salads and stir-fry dishes. To make your own mustard condiment, grind, crack, or crush the mustard seeds. Macerate the seeds in wine, vinegar, or water. Make sure the liquid is cold as this causes the chemical reaction that releases the heat and pungency of the seed. Grind them into a smooth paste, adding herbs and spices such as tarragon, horseradish, crushed hot peppers, turmeric, garlic, pepper, paprika, ginger, or hot pepper sauce. Additional options are honey, dark ale, beer, whiskey, wine, wine vinegar, Scotch, or brown sugar. Fruit mustards are made with lemon, lime, orange, or berries. (If you don’t want to bother with grinding your own seed, start with mustard powder or use your favourite prepared mustard and add whatever additions you like.) Prepared mustard is used in vinaigrettes, marinades for meats, poultry, and seafood, mayonnaise, salad dressings, sauces, soups, and stews (see recipe for Basic Mustard.) Prepared mustards get their intense yellow colour from the addition of turmeric.
Basic Mustard
cup (125 mL) ground mustard seeds
cup (50 mL) ice cold water
cup (50 mL) vinegar (white, wine, cider)
2 Tbsp. (30 mL) sugar (to taste)
Grind, crush, or crack mustard seeds. Add the water to the ground mustard and stir. Let sit for 30 minutes in the refrigerator, then add remaining ingredients and blend. If you wish, add herbs or substitute wine for some of the vinegar. Pour into sterilised jars to seal. Refrigerate mustard.
Sautéed Mustard Greens
tsp. (2 mL) olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
1 lg. bunch mustard greens
Wash mustard greens well, dry, and remove coarse stems. Chop stems into small pieces and leaves into 3 inch (7.5 cm) pieces. In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium, add onions and garlic and stir-fry until onions are wilted. Add stem pieces, small amount of water, and place lid on skillet. Cook for a few minutes until stems are slightly tender. Add leaves and sauté until all liquid has evaporated and greens are tender. Season with sea salt or soya sauce and serve immediately.
This recipe can be used for other greens such as spinach, Swiss chard, dandelions, and beets.
Gwen Nyhus Stewart, B.S.W., M.G., H.T., is an educator, freelance writer, garden consultant, and author of the book The Healing Garden: A Place Of Peace - Gardening For The Soil, Gardening For The Soul. She owns the website Gwen’s Healing Garden where you will find lots of free information about gardening for the soil and gardening for the soul. To find out more about the book and subscribe to her free Newsletter visit http://www.gwenshealinggarden.ca
Gwen Nyhus Stewart © 2004 - 2005. All rights reserved.
