Busy As A Bumble Bee!!

Yep, that's me, busy as a bumblebee! I have certainly been out exploring Porter Co. these past few weeks. Many of you have been calling in with questions about your lawns and gardens, which has gotten me out of the office and to your homes to diagnose your problems. I am learning something new everyday, and loving every minute of it!
I am currenlty working on a photo album of places I've been, and things I've been doing around the county. Hopefully, that will be posted soon for all of you to see. Instead of spending time trying to catch you up on all I've been doing, I'm just going to start with what I'm doing this weekend.
LaPorte County is hosting their spring garden show in LaPorte tomorrow from 8-3pm. I will be attending to check out ways we can improve our garden show in Porter Co. I am looking forward to learning more about herb and vegetable gardening from Liz Maynard and other speakers they have throughout the day. After my day of fun & learning, my husband and I are going to make the trek up to Holland, Michigan to check out the famous Tulip Festival. Neither of us have been, so we are very excited about the tulips, the events, food, and camping! Don't worry, there will be lots of pictures to document our trip.
Enjoy over half a million tulips in City parks, public areas, and along City streets. Premier tulip plantings at Window on the Waterfront and Centennial Park. Tulip Lanes start on 12th St & River Ave, where six miles of tulips in brilliant array line Holland’s streets.


Other happenings and news that has enhanced my life is my adventure in finding local food. Since I have been meeting farmers in Porter Co. I have found great food sources for my everyday needs. I am so proud of Porter Co. for making it possible for residents to buy almost all they need from local farmers instead of the grocery store. I get so giddy when I go to the farm, and talk with the family that is producing my food. It is so rewarding to know that the money I am spending is supporting families in my county. Plus, the food is amazing! Not one complaint from me. I have been shopping at Sanders Dairy Farm Market, and Birky Country Farm Market. I have been buying raw milk (un-pasteurized & un-homogenized), Valpo velvet ice cream, amish butter, noodles, eggs, honey, cheese, Birky pork & beef, pies and more! My fruits and vegetables are coming from a CSA with J-N-J Organic Farm, local Farmer's Markets, and local orchards. I encourage all of my readers to check out these farms, and test the local food, you won't be disappointed. If you just want a taste of country, visit Birky Farms, just south on SR.49, on Fridays and Saturdays for lunch from 11-1pm. I have been going every Friday to try a new slice of pie each week. So far, my favorite is the Very Berry pie!
We should have a local food movement, and see how many people we can get on board to support our community and have a healthier lifestyle!

Get Involved!

Today, I want to put the focus on my readers, and prospective readers. I am curious to know what topics you all are interested in learning more about. Write in suggestions, comments, questions, ideas, or share your knowledge of topics with us. We are all eager to learn more, and you can help me with your feedback. Please send back a list of at least 5 topics you would be interested in, and I will do the research and post your topics.



When the weather starts getting warm, and the grass greens up, people want to rush outside and start planting. When in doubt, go to the Farmer's Almanac! The Farmer's Almanac is a very trustworthy guide for planting. The almanac follows the moon calendar. If you are wondering what it means to garden according to the moon, here is some more information:

"Gardening by the phases of the moon is a technique that can speed the germination of your seeds by working with the forces of nature.
Plants respond to the same gravitational pull of tides that affect the oceans, which alternately stimulates root and leaf growth. Seeds sprout more quickly, plants grow vigorously and at an optimum rate, harvests are larger and they don't go to seed as fast. This method has been practiced by many for hundreds of years, and is a perfect compliment to organic gardening because it is more effective in non-chemically treated soil.

Lunar planting is influenced by two factors:
The lunar phase controls the amount of moisture in the soil. This moisture is at its peak at the time of the new and the full moon. The sun and moon are lined up with earth. Just as the moon pulls the tides in the oceans, it also pulls upon the subtle bodies of water, causing moisture to rise in the earth, which encourages germination and growth. Tests have proven that seeds will absorb the most water at the time of the full moon.

The astrological signs of the zodiac correspond with the elements of water, earth, fire, or air. Each plant has a preference for what elemental sign it is planted in. The best time for starting seeds of most annual plants is during the fertile water signs, but root crops like earth signs, and flowers especially like the air sign of Libra. The moon sign changes every few days."(©2000-2009 Divine Inspiration Publications)


April 2010
4th-5th Barren Days. Do No Planting.
6th-8th Favorable Days For Planting Beets, Carrots, Turnips, Radishes, Onions, And Other Root Crops.
9th-10th Excellent Time To Kill Weeds, Briars, Poison Ivy, And Other Plant Pests.
11th-13th Favorable Days For Planting Root Crops, Extra Good For Vine Crops. Set Strawberry Plants.
14th-15th Poor Planting Days. Break Ground Or Cultivate.
16th-17th Favorable For Planting Beans, Corn, Cotton, Tomatoes, Peppers, And Other Above Ground Crops.
18th-19th Poor Days For Planting, Seeds Tend To Rot In Ground.
20th-21st Plant Tomatoes, Beans, Peppers, Corn, Cotton, And Other Above Ground Crops On These Most Fruitful Days. Plant Seedbeds. Start Flower Gardens.
22nd-25th Grub Out Weeds, Briars, And Other Plant Pests.
26th-28th First Two Days Good For Planting Corn, Melons, Squash, Tomatoes, And Other Above Ground Crops. Last Day Favorable For Planting Root Crops. All Days Favorable For Sowing Grains, Hay And Fodder Crops, And For Planting Flowers
29th-30th Good Days For Planting Beets, Carrots, Radishes, Turnips, Peanuts
, And Other Root Crops. Also Good For Cabbage, Cauliflower, Lettuce, Kale, Celery, And Other Leafy Vegetables. Start Seedbeds.
( ©2010 Almanac Publishing Co.)

Now you know a little more about how the Farmer's Almanac works, and why it can be helpful when you are questioning the weather, and if you should plant. Pass the word on to your friends and neighbors. We would love to hear back from you if any of these tips helped you during this planting season!

Easter weekend

Welcome Back Everyone! Whether you've been on spring break, took a short Easter vacation, or you just haven't logged on in awhile...we are glad to have you join us! I personally had a wonderful Easter vacation. I got to celebrate the new birth of my cousin, Erica's, baby. Erica & Nathan had a beautiful baby girl named Avery Katherine. Everyone was healthy and happy! The weather and fresh spring blossoms made the new birth extra special. Avery had lots of visitors the first couple of days, but she is now home sleeping and eating all the time. I took lots of pictures, so I will share a few with you. Only because I can't resist bragging about her:-)


Spring is my favorite time of year. Everything starts to turn green again. Grass looks so lush, and the trees unfurl their bright green new leaves. Daffodils, and flowering trees bring color to our eyes, and fresh spring scents througout the air. Everyone is eager to get outside and do yard work, plant gardens, put down fresh mulch, and play in the lush green grass. I don't want to put a damper on your plans, but just remember it is the beginning of April. We are not yet past our last frost date, which is usually around Mother's Day. If you are planning on planting soon be sure your seeds/plants can tolerate cool nights, and possible frosts.

We welcome questions and comments so be sure to join our blog and post whatever's on your mind! Now get outside and enjoy this wonderful spring weather we are having:-)