Jean Ann Van Krevelen, Feb 26, 2009, 7:47PM EST

Had a question about how I store potatoes. I do a couple of things to store...one is the basic keep it in a cool dark location...but if you harvest them all at once, this won't work for long. I also freeze them...here's what you need to know to do that. Cook them through and mash them. Then, store them in a vacuum sealed bag or freezer bag. You need to know that they will be a bit soggy when you un-thaw them. I find that adding a bit of olive oil to the skillet, then potatoes, butter and a splash of milk, then cooking down the liquid makes a very yummy side dish. It ends up tasting like twice baked potatoes.

Jean Ann Van Krevelen, Feb 25, 2009, 11:33AM EST

Just had a question about the Chervil photo: Chervil is a delicate herb, a part of the carrot family, and tastes a bit like fennel. It is often used in French cooking...has a very delicate flavor, so add it at the last minute. It also doesn't like the heat, so if you are growing in the garden, must be early spring.

Jean Ann Van Krevelen, Feb 25, 2009, 11:16AM EST

Just wrote a new post: Just wrote a new post on Gardener to Farmer: Yardsharing and Seed Starting with my neighbor Liz... I share some of my seed resources and growing mediums...http://budurl.com/j8z8

Jean Ann Van Krevelen, Feb 24, 2009, 8:03PM EST

Woo hoo! Photos uploaded to group!

Jean Ann Van Krevelen, Feb 21, 2009, 5:56PM EST

Anyone thinking of yardsharing this year? Here's a podcast series about the subject...very cool! http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=29493&cmd=tc

Jean Ann Van Krevelen, Feb 20, 2009, 12:15PM EST

Glad you have joined Sandy! Can't wait to hear all about it... This is my second year here, so I have a ton left to do...

Sandy McFerren, Feb 19, 2009, 6:05PM EST

Hi my name is Sandy.
Several years ago, I was building my garden from scratch. I did not have any tools other than shovels, hoes, rakes. Plenty of heavy cardboard and the truck loads of shredded bark and such from the powerline trimmings. That was in the early 90's. I cleared the land and built the beds. I used straw, horse and cow manure.
This spring I am starting all over again on another place. I haven't gardened in over 7 years, busy working and such. This year I will have a tiller. At my age, I need the help. I am also going to have my first chicken yard.
I believe we all need to provide as much of our own food as possible. The way the economy is going, who knows what is going to come our way.
Anyway, I am glad to see this group. Thanks for allowing me to join and chime in my thoughts.
Sandy McFerren

Jean Ann Van Krevelen, Feb 18, 2009, 8:34AM EST

Welcome to my Grow Your Own Food Group! Right now, photos and videos seem to be disabled...suspect that has something to do with the group updates Gather is making. But, that shouldn't stop us from having great conversation! Join in and let's support each other in growing organically and sustainably...