I think it's a pretty safe bet to say that just about everyone in the civilized world has at least heard of Vicks VapoRub.  That congestion-relieving smell of camphor, eucalyptus, and menthol immediately transports us back to our childhood years, when Mom would slather that stuff all over our chests at night whenever we were sick with a bad cold.  I still use it to this day for my daughter when she is sick.

A Natural Alternative

As much as love using Vicks, there's one ingredient I'm definitely NOT a fan of--PETROLATUM (duh, duh, DUUUUUHHHH!).  So in my search to find a more natural

version of this product, I've come across a fantastic recipe from one of my favorite DIY moms, Wellness Mama.  Click here to learn how to make your own.

During my search for the many uses of Vicks VapoRub, I came across a handful of really useful ideas.  Here they are...

Top 10 Uses for Vapor-Rub (in no particular order):


NOTE:  These remedies work with both the conventional brand and the homemade version

1. Bug Bites - I use a little dab on my daughter to relieve the itchiness of mosquito bites.  The look of relief on her face after applying it tells me that it works!
2. Insect Repellent - Rub some on your skin and/or clothes in order to keep those little nasties from biting you.
3. Alleviate Bruises - Mix a little vapor-rub with sea salt as soon as you get a bruise (may also work for an existing bruise, too).  It helps break down the blood build up in the bruise, while helping to dissipate the coloring.
4. Cuts and Scratches - Apply ointment to cuts and scratches to encourage faster healing.
5. Sinus Headaches - Apply a small amount underneath the nostrils.  The vapors will help open the sinus cavities and alleviate pressure.  DO NOT APPLY INSIDE THE NOSTRILS!
6. Acne - Apply vapor-rub on acne several times per day to soothe and dry out breakouts.  NOTE:  I have yet to test this theory and will report back my findings when I do.  :-)
7. Nail Fungus - Apply directly to the infected nail and surrounding nail bed at least twice a day.  For at bedtime, be sure to wear cotton socks so that you don't get the stuff on your bed sheets.
8. Athlete's Foot - Hey, if it works for nail fungus, it'll work for this, too!  Apply vapor-rub on and around the infected area of your foot twice a day, wearing cotton socks when applied before bedtime.
9. Healing Cracked Skin on Feet - At bedtime, rub vapor-rub all over the dry skin on your feet and put on cotton socks.  In the morning, wash the vapor-rub off with warm water and a soft cloth, then take a pumice stone or foot file (not the one for nails, but the really BIG one just for feet) and exfoliate the skin.  Do this daily for super soft feet that will look good in any pair of sandals!
10. For Colds - In addition to applying vapor-rub the "ol-fashioned way" and rubbing it on your chest, you can also rub it on the soles of your feet in order to alleviate congestion so that you can sleep at night.

These, of course, are but a few of the many, many uses of vapor-rub.  For additional ideas on how you can use this versatile ointment, check out this article by Seema Sharma on Feminiya.com.

As always, feel free to share your own favorite uses for Vicks VapoRub, or even a more natural version that you love to use.  I love to learn from you!  :-)

If you enjoyed what you've read and feel others could benefit from this information, please do share the link to this post on your favorite social media site.  While you're here, you can sign up for the Dirt Momma newsletter to receive updates on what's been going on in Dirt Momma's homestead, and learn a few tips and tricks along the way!   Thanks so much!  :-)

Until next time...here's to your health!

Spring Cleaning the Winter Away!

I've been in the process of weeding out all the nasty and harmful chemical cleaners in my house (and still have to convince the hubby that this is, indeed, a good idea), and have been researching various effective natural cleaner recipes.  The most simplest I've found that I've been using on the counters, tabletops, and floors in the kitchen and bathroom is this one (My apologies to whoever had posted this on another site, as I can't remember where I found it.  If this is yours just let me know and I'll give credit where credit is due.  Thx!):

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1 cup white vinegar
• several drops of the following essential oils (in any combination or just one of your faves):  lemon, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus

Mix together in a spray bottle (preferably dark glass, but a plastic one will be fine for now).  Shake vigorously prior to each use.  Spray on to surface.  Wipe with either a damp or dry cloth.

That's pretty much it!  I've been using it for the past few months and love it...especially the scent!

I'm still in the process of finding other recipes that are good for other household cleaning (toilets, bathroom scum, windows, etc).  During my research, I've found the following websites to be helpful:

From Mother Earth News (you can also go to their website and do a search for "natural cleaning products homemade":

• Homemade Green Cleaning Products for Every Household Need
• Natural and Homemade Cleaners
• Green Household Cleaners:  Clean Your Home Naturally

One of my favorite homesteading blogs is Wellness Mama.  You can find oodles of natural cleaning (and natural everything else for that matter!) recipes on her site.

Well, I hope this gets you inspired to do some natural cleaning around your home this season.  Feel free to share your favorite cleaning recipes in the comments section below.  I look forward to hearing from you!

If you enjoyed what you've read and feel others could benefit from this information, please do share the link to this post on your favorite social media site.  While you're here, you can sign up for the Dirt Momma newsletter to receive updates on what's been going on in Dirt Momma's homestead, and learn a few tips and tricks along the way!   Thanks so much!  :-)

Until next time...happy cleaning!

My First Original Knitting Patttern!

During the holidays, I decided I was going to knit something for a friend of mine as a Christmas gift.  So I started knitting a yarn over (yo) pattern from scratch.  After a couple of attempts, I finally succeeded in creating a knitting pattern for a super-cozy wide scarf from one skein of bulky yarn that was kicking around in my stash.  Here's the pattern:

Materials:

1-2 skeins of any Red Heart bulky/super bulky yarn (Baby Clouds, Light & Lofty, Snuggle Bunny).  Just about any brand of soft bulky/super bulky weight yarn will do for this pattern.

Size 11 (8.0 mm) 14” long straight needles

Special abbreviation:  yo k2tog – It’s a basic yarn over stitch, except you knit 2 stitches together after wrapping the yarn around the needle.

Instructions:

Cast on 26 stitches

Row 2:  *k2, yo k2tog.  Repeat from* up to last 2 stitches, K2Row 1:  k to the end

Repeat rows 1 & 2 until you reach desired length

End with Row 1 (k to the end)

Bind off.

You may or may not wish to add tassels to the ends of the scarf.  If so, try using a contrasting color to make the scarf look really cool!

I hope you find this knitting pattern as fun to do as I did.  Please let me know what you think by posting in the comments section below, along with ideas on how you made this pattern even better.  I look forward to hearing from you!  :-)

If you enjoyed what you've read and feel others could benefit from this information, please do share the link to this post on your favorite social media site.  While you're here, you can sign up for the Dirt Momma newsletter to receive updates on what's been going on in Dirt Momma's homestead, and learn a few tips and tricks along the way!   Thanks so much!  :-)

Until next time...happy knitting!

Apple Picking and Supporting Local Agriculture

Always a fun activity for the entire family, apple picking is a great way to ensure fresh healthy produce for your family, while supporting local farms.  The only downside is that there are not too many local farms that provide organic apples, peaches, and pumpkins; although they do exist!  More must be done to encourage our farmers to move away from harmful pesticides and work towards using organic-friendly alternatives. That being said, it is still always best to purchase locally-grown food.  Did you know that the apples you find in the grocery store (including the organic ones), not only may have come from halfway around the world, but have been stored for about a year or so in cold storage, thereby decreasing the health value of the apples.  Basically, the apples in the grocery store may have low to no nutritional value whatsoever!  Check out this post by FoodRenegade.com to learn more:  http://www.foodrenegade.com/your-apples-year-old/.  If that doesn't encourage you to go apple picking, I don't know what will! "Thanks for the tip on apple picking, Dirt Momma," you may ask, "But what am I going to do with all those delicious freshly-picked apples?"  Well I thought you'd never ask!  ;-)

1001 Ways to Use Apples

There are oodles of amazing recipes using apples that can be found in cookbooks and online.  You can make apple sauce, apple preserves, apple pie filling, cookies, cakes, cider, compote...the possibilities are nearly endless! Inspired by the super-easy bread pudding recipe I use from Mark Bittman's book, How to Cook Everything, and the apple crisp topping recipe that is in my copy of The New England Cookbook by Brooke Donjy, I thought I'd try to combine the two, with some adjustments.  The experiment paid off--my family loved it!  So head on over to your local orchard to go apple picking, then try the following recipe:

Apple Cranberry Bread Pudding with Oatmeal Crisp Topping

For the bread pudding:

• 2 cups whipping cream
• 1 cup half & half cream
• 4 Tbs butter (salted or unsalted)
• 1 Tbs pumpkin pie spice (I recommend Trader Joe's brand--has cardamom and orange peel)
• ½ cup packed organic brown sugar
• pinch of sea salt
• 8 slices crusty artisan bread
• 3 eggs
• 3 apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
• 1 cup plain or orange-flavored dried cranberries

For the topping:

• ½ cup oatmeal (NOT instant)
• ½ cup packed organic brown sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose unbleached flour
• 1 Tbs pumpkin pie spice
• 1/8 tsp sea salt
• 5 Tbs cold butter (salted or unsalted), cut in pieces

To make the bread pudding, preheat the oven to 350° F.  In a saucepan, over low heat, warm up the whipping cream, half & half, butter, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and sea salt, until the butter is just melted.  In the meantime, grease a 1 ½ quart or 8-inch casserole dish with butter.  Cut or tear the bread into small pieces (not too small, though--about the size you'd use for dipping in fondue should be fine). Place the bread pieces in the casserole dish and cover with the hot cream mixture over it.  Use a rubber spatula to gently press the bread into the liquid so that it soaks up the liquid.  Beat the eggs for a moment then stir into the bread/cream mixture.  Add the chopped apples and dried cranberries and stir into the bread/cream/egg mixture.  Place casserole dish in a larger baking pan (a large oven-proof skillet works, too!).  Fill the larger pan with water up to about an inch from the top of the casserole dish. To make the oatmeal crisp topping, mix all the dry ingredients together.  Add the cold pieces of butter and with a food processor (or a clean, bare hand) combine the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse meal (pea-sized pieces are fine, too, though you may want to add a bit more flour to get more of that coarse meal consistency).  with a rubber spatula, spread the oatmeal mixture over the top of the bread pudding mixture. Bake for about 1 hour or until you can insert a knife into the middle and it comes out mostly clean.  The center can be slightly wobbly.  Serve either warm or cold with either freshly whipped cream and/or all-natural French vanilla ice cream (homemade is even better!).

Making bread pudding is one of the many delicious ways you can use those wonderful fruits collected from apple picking.

There you have it!  Feel free to try the above recipe out and share your success stories, along with any changes you made to it to make this recipe even better in the comments section below.  You may also share your favorite recipes that turn those delicious fruits from apple picking into something amazing!  I look forward to hearing from you.

If you enjoyed what you've read and feel others could benefit from this information, please do share the link to this post on your favorite social media site.  While you're here, you can sign up for the Dirt Momma newsletter to receive updates on what's been going on in Dirt Momma's homestead, and learn a few tips and tricks along the way!   Thanks so much!  :-)

Until next time... Enjoy apple picking!

According to Organic Gardening, here in Zone 6 during the month of June, it's time to plant sweet potatoes, while late plantings of summer squash, okra, corn, beans, and cucumbers are OK to do as well.  I'd even add sunflowers to that list.  If your local nursery or garden center is still offering flats, you can still plant tomato seedlings, as well as peppers, herbs, and just about anything else that may be available.  You could still plant lettuces, too--just make sure they are getting some shade for those super-hot summer months (you can try companion planting and plant them around your tomatoes and they'll get the shade they need).

So what happens if you can't get that garden up and running in time for harvest in August?  Take these next few weeks to plan for a fall harvest and/or a cold frame garden for the winter.  Around the beginning of August, you can plant spinach, radish, turnip, beet, bush bean, and mustard.  In September, you can plant onion, lettuce, kohlrabi, cabbage, cauliflower, carrot, and broccoli.  And remember, there's always garlic planting in the fall for next summer's harvest!

So relax and have fun gardening this season, knowing that you can still grow your own veggies and enjoy the fruits of your labor.  :-)

What are YOU growing in your garden?  Feel free to share and include your gardening zone in the comments section below.  I look forward to reading about your adventures!

If you enjoyed what you've read and feel others could benefit from this information, please do share the link to this post on your favorite social media site.  While you're here, you can sign up for the Dirt Momma newsletter to receive updates on what's been going on in Dirt Momma's homestead, and learn a few tips and tips along the way!   Thanks so much!  :-)

Until next time... Happy gardening!

I had found the recipe, "Entire Wheat Bread," in my dog-eared paperback copy of The Fannie Farmer Cookbook.  This recipe is actually a "no-knead" one; however, I do some "kneading" when I make this (and all bread recipes, for that matter), as I prefer to mix the ingredients with my hands.  The downside to the Fannie Farmer recipe is that no rise time is given, other than instructing to rise until "double in bulk" for the first rise and until "not quite double in bulk" for the second rise, so I usually figure about an hour for the first rise and about 30-45 minutes for the second (NOTE:  don't worry too much if the dough grows to double in size or completely  fills the bread pan during the second rise--as I had done once--the bread will still come out just right!  :-) ).

After using this recipe a couple of times, I started feeling adventurous about using other flours, so I decided to try the recipe with about a 50/50 mix of whole-wheat and rye flour with some oatmeal thrown in.  To my most pleasant surprise, it worked!  I plan on trying some other flours as well, but for now, here is the recipe I came up with:


Easy-Peasy Whole-Wheat Rye Oatmeal Bread


Ingredients:

• 2 cups hot milk
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 package dry yeast (I use SAF Perfect Rise Yeast)
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 2 1/3 cups of whole-wheat flour
• 2 1/3 cups of rye flour
• 1 cup of dry oatmeal

Mix the molasses and salt with the hot milk in a large bowl and set aside to cool down to lukewarm.  Mix the yeast with the water, let sit for 5 mins, then add to the warm milk mixture.

In a separate bowl, mix the two flours and oatmeal together.  Add the flours to the liquid mixture and either stir with a wooden spoon or mix with your hands until well mixed.  Allow the dough to sit in the bowl, covered with a damp cloth and placed in a warm spot (I usually place the bowl on top of the stove) until doubled in size (about 1 hour).  Mix again for a a moment with the spoon or hand-mix, turn the dough out into a greased bread pan, then cover with the same towel and let sit in a warm spot until nearly doubled in size (about 45 minutes).

Preheat the oven at 350° F.  When the bread has finished the second rise, take a serrated knife and make a 1/2-inch slice right down the middle of the bread, longways.  Then lightly brush the top with milk, sprinkle some wheat germ on top and place in the oven on the top rack with a small ovenproof container of water on the lower rack right under the bread.  Bake for about 45-60 minutes (depending on your oven).  When done (the bread should have a hollow sound when you knock on the bottom with your hand), turn out on a cooling rack and allow to sit for about 15 minutes.  Can be served warm or cold.

So that is the recipe, my friends.  Give bread making a try and let me know how you like it.  Feel free to share your favorite bread recipes here as well in the comments section below.

I'm also researching gluten-free bread recipes that are easy to make, and will feature the results in a future post.

If you enjoyed what you've read and feel others could benefit from this information, please do share the link to this post on your favorite social media site.  While you're here, you can sign up for the Dirt Momma newsletter to receive updates on what's been going on in Dirt Momma's homestead, and learn a few tips and tricks along the way!   Thanks so much!  :-)

Until next time... Happy baking!

During the last decade or so, knitting has been regaining popularity with a new generation.  No longer does knitting evoke images of old ladies sitting around in rocking chairs in the kitchen with their itchy balls of woolen yarn; today, you'll see knitters from a variety of backgrounds converging at their local Starbucks to knit, chat, and drink the java. As a recent convert to the woven arts, I've quickly realized WHY knitting is so popular:  the ability to create something out of yarn with nothing but a pair of pointy sticks is pretty amazing--and rewarding, too!  Knitting is also a great way to relax at the end of a super-crazy-hectic day.  And it's extremely portable as well--just pop your ball o' yarn and a pair of knitting needles in your purse and you can knit virtually ANYWHERE!

This is the first project I've ever done as a knitter using a knitting loom. My daughter loves her new hat!

There are a few different methods of knitting:  there's the more traditional method (the more common styles are English and Continental--though there are several others known around the world), which uses a pair of straight knitting needles--either pointed at one end or at both ends.  Then there's knitting "in the round" with circular needles, which are a pair of knitting needles connected by a flexible cord.  The other method is what is known as loom knitting, which requires a circular or straight "loom" with pegs around which the yarn is wrapped and a hook is used to pull loops of yarn over the hooks.  For those who are more well-versed in the knitting arts, I invite you to elaborate on this or anything else you've read in this article by posting in the comments section below.   Thanks! There are a variety of books and online resources that provide plenty of information for the beginner knitter.  Here are some that I've found to be extremely helpful (along with some additional sites that were recommended to me by a friend of mine).

• Ravelry.com - This is basically the Facebook of knitting.  It's a great way to connect with other knitters, find groups--either local or online--find helpful tutorials on knitting, as well as an exhaustive collection of knitting patterns (some patterns are free PDF downloads, while others you may have to purchase).
• AllFreeKnitting.com - This website is a valuable resource for free knitting patterns, which are all links to other websites.
• KnittingHelp.com - Lots of super helpful knitting video tutorials to help you improve your skills.  Highly recommended!
• KnittingPatternCentral.com - Amazing resource for patterns and tutorials that knitters can use.
• Knitty.com - This is an online knitting magazine that is published quarterly (winter, spring, summer, fall).  Lots of great ideas, helpful tips, patterns, etc.
• TECHknitting - Great blog that has a ton of technical knitting advice for knitters.

Here are some books that I have found to be super helpful:

• The Cool Girl's Guide to Knitting by Nicki Trench
  
• Stitch 'N Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook by Debbie Stoller
  
• Circular Knitting Workshop: Essential Techniques to Master Knitting in the Round by Margaret Radcliffe
• The Chicks with Sticks Guide to Knitting by Nancy Queen
  

  
You can also check out Pinterest.com to search for knitting ideas.  There are literally thousands to choose from! My goal is document various knitting projects that I'll be working on and share them with you.  Stay tuned!

If you enjoyed what you've read and feel others could benefit from this information, please do share the link to this post on your favorite social media site. While you're here, you can sign up for the Dirt Momma newsletter to receive updates on what's been going on in Dirt Momma's homestead, and learn a few tips and tips along the way!   Thanks so much!  :-)

Until next time... Happy knitting!

When planning out your garden, be sure to keep in mind what parts of your property get sunlight and for how long during the day.  In the winter, it can be a bit challenging--so if you are able to, try to determine the amount of sunlight from the previous summer.

Get creative and try companion planting!  Veggies, herbs, and flowers will gladly play together in the garden--but not always.  You just have to figure out which ones work together and which ones will not.  There is a great book, CARROTS LOVE TOMATOES & ROSES LOVE GARLIC : Secrets of Companion Planting for Successful Gardening that has lots of really useful information on companion planting.

Have some fun creating your garden!  You could add solar lighting, statues, bird baths, glass globes, antique gardening tools...the possibilities are almost endless!

Stumped on ideas to create and/or improve your garden this season?  Check out some upcoming garden shows!  Marie Iannotti has provided a list of upcoming shows for 2013 listed by state.  Check it out on her About.com post.

So enjoy this winter season and take the time to plan out your garden!  If you have some neat gardening design ideas you'd like to share, please DO post them in the comments section below.  Thanks!

If you enjoyed what you've read and feel others could benefit from this information, please do share the link to this post on your favorite social media site.  While you're here, you can sign up for the Dirt Momma newsletter to receive updates on what's been going on in Dirt Momma's homestead, and learn a few tips and tips along the way!   Thanks so much!  :-)

Until next time...

Happy digging!

1. Picture Frame: Have some old picture frames kicking about? Give them new life by repainting them and/or decorating them. Then you can either put a photo in it that holds some sentimental value for you and the gift recipient, or (and this is great for the kids to do) create your own picture to put into the frame. If you don't have any picture frames, you can purchase them cheaply enough from a craft store or "big box" store.
2. Photo Album: Create your own photo album or scrapbook of that trip to the Bahamas with your "BFF". You can purchase scrapbooking materials and photo albums at your local craft store. Take the best of the digital photos from the trip and have them printed on photo quality paper—this can be done either at home or at your local CVS, Walmart, etc. Be sure to also include a disk of the photos so that your friend can view them on their computer, too!
3. Homemade "Coupons": Create coupon books for your friends and loved ones! Some ideas for coupons can be babysitting one night for friends, offering to wash the dishes for your parents (a great one for kids!), a movie night date with your spouse—there are lots of things you can do. And to be extra nice, make sure there are no expiration dates!
4. Recipe Box: Are your friends and family always asking you for the recipe to your famous pot roast or chocolate chip cookies? Now you can share them in a
5. homemade recipe box. Just write down the recipes on notecards in your best penmanship (if possible, include pictures of the finished recipe) and either put them in a nice tin or just tie the stack of recipe cards in a nice ribbon. Another option is to punch a hole in the top corner of each card, use a ribbon or twine to tie them together to create a recipe "book".
6. Recipe Kit: Have you ever received a jar with all the dry recipe ingredients and a recipe for Aunt Matilda's Famous Hermit Cookies as a holiday gift? Well now you can make your own! Just measure out and mix the dry ingredients to your favorite cookie recipe, place them in a clean jar, and tie a copy of the recipe to the jar. To add a creative touch, cut out a piece of fabric and either cover the top of the lid and secure with ribbon/elastic or place it in between the lid and the band (for canning jars).

As much as we want to get the latest gadget, game, toy, etc. for the people on our holiday lists, a thoughtful, homemade gift can be more meaningful and appreciated by the person receiving it. Feel free to share your favorite DIY gift ideas in the comments section below.

If you enjoyed what you've read and feel others could benefit from this information, please do share the link to this post on your favorite social media site. While you're here, you can sign up for the Dirt Momma newsletter to receive updates on what's been going on in and around Dirt Momma's homestead, and learn a few tips and tips along the way! Thanks so much!

Until next time... Happy holidays!

Ahhhhh, garlic!  With a variety of uses--both culinary and medicinal--it's no wonder that it is such a popular plant to grow!

The garlic plant (Allium sativum), which produces a bulb, is a member of the lily family, just like shallots, onions, and chives.  To learn more about garlic, check out this article on Wikipedia.

Here in New England, the best time to plant is around October/November, before the hard frost sets in.  In this article, I'm going to demonstrate how easy it is to plant and grow your own garlic.  Check it out...

Step 1.  Soak garlic cloves for several hours (preferably overnight) in a water/liquid seaweed fertilizer mix.  I usually add about 1/2 -1 Tbs of liquid seaweed to 4 cups of water.

***While the garlic cloves are soaking, prepare the garden bed for planting; making sure weeds are removed, soil is amended with compost, etc.***

Step 2.  Once the soil has been prepared, lay out the cloves in rows prior to planting in order to determine proper spacing.

Step 3.  Dig a hole, about 4-5 inches deep, and place clove in with point facing up and cover with soil.

Step 4.  Once all the cloves have been planted and covered with soil, add a thick layer of chopped leaf mulch to prevent weeds.  This mulch will decompose and provide some nutrients to the garlic during the growing process.

By the time winter arrives, you may see new shoots of garlic sprouting out of the ground.  These will go dormant during the winter season, only to start sprouting again once the frost has melted and the days get warmer in the spring.

By late spring/early summer, you will start to see scapes on the hardneck varieties.  These can be cut off and cooked, as they have a light, garlicky flavor.  There's a great pesto recipe on the Green Mountain Garlic website.  Cutting off the scapes will also ensure that the plants energy gets diverted to growing the garlic head.

By around July/August, the garlic will be ready to harvest.  When the lower part of the leaves start to dry and turn brown, then it is time to dig up the garlic.  If you dig them up early, the heads will be too small, but if you wait too long, the heads won't store very well.

Once you've harvested your garlic, you will need to let them cure by placing them spread out in a cool, dry location for a few weeks to allow the heads and leaves to dry.  Once cured, then you can trim the leaves off of the heads and store them in a cool, dry place (sense a theme here?)--I keep mine in netting bags that I've saved from potatoes and onions that were purchased at the store.

Softneck varieties can be braided and hung up in (you guessed it!) a cool. dry place for easy access to fresh garlic.  Click here to learn how to braid garlic.

You may want to set aside a few heads for planting in the fall.  Be sure to choose the largest heads, as the size of the garlic bulb determines the size of the plant.

So that is pretty much how to grow garlic.  Try it for yourself--you'll be glad you did!  Feel free  to share your experiences in the comments section below.  I'd love to hear from you!

If you enjoyed what you've read and feel others could benefit from this information, please do share the link to this post on your favorite social media site.    

While you're here, you can sign up for the Dirt Momma newsletter to receive updates on what's been going on in Dirt Momma's garden and kitchen, and learn a few tips and tips along the way!   Thanks so much!  :-)

Until next time...

Happy digging!