The Lettuce Balls Continue April 21, 2010

Finally got my lettuce balls done!   First, thanks to my in-laws Alex and Mary Jo for helping me finish them.  They helped me shop for final supplies and install the post for the balls to hang from.  It was a great time and I definitely needed the advice and support!  BECAUSE… 

I think this is the summer of experimentation.  I have really enjoyed diving into all of these new garden projects….I’m just not sure how well they are going to turn out!  My seedlings never made it 😦  So I ended up buying some.  And some are dying.  BUT, I planted them, set up my post, and have them hanging.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed.  If they don’t work then they don’t work.  Sigh.  I can always buy some more seedlings and keep,  yep, trying.  We’ll see!  But here’s the great work that’s gone into them!  Enjoy….(and send them positive thoughts!).

The sign makes me smile even if the lettuce doesn’t!

Lettuce Balls April 9, 2010

Nathan and I just set up my lettuce balls!  Lettuce balls, you ask?  Yep!  Lettuce balls or salad balls as my inspiration calls them…

Click to see instructions more clearly

Remember the seedlings I planted and am growing?  Well, once they are ready for transplanting, they’ll go into these planters.  Here’s a slideshow showing the steps…Enjoy! 

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The Bradford Store March 30, 2010

In my dad’s post last week, he mentioned that he went to The Bradford Store in Huntersville, NC to visit a family-owned business that sells a lot of local food.  Well, when I went home this past weekend, he invited me to go back with him and shop!  Of course I jumped at the chance and we went!  It was definitely everything I thought it would be…lots of charm and yummy food. 

We first checked out the garden store.

It was a nice sunny day!

It is run by T. McCloud, and he sells goods for farming and gardening.  We checked out his chicks…

And then saw his chickens and roosters in the moveable coop.

Afterwards, we checked out his seedlings.  He had many types of lettuce, along with spinach, broccoli, and herbs.  My dad picked up a flat along with some compost.  (He tells me he’s already planted them, so look for an update next time I go home. Good work, Dad!)

After the garden section, we headed into the store.  It was so homey and warm…they actually had a wood-stove burning!

I was so impressed with the selection.  They had everything from produce to dairy to meat to bake mixes to cosmetics.  I picked up A LOT of goodies so I’m excited about cooking this week. 

And before we left, we picked up one more item at the store….Seafood!  Now, I know what you’re thinking.  Seafood?  Mountains?  North Carolina?  Yep!  And it all came from the NC Coast by two local men.  I know it’s not “local local,” but I think a five hour drive is close enough.  And it was super fresh, just obtained the day before. 

There were a few choices, including flounder and scallops, but I went with the shrimp.

I am really looking forward to cooking this week, so check back often to see what I create in the kitchen!  Have a great day!

Seedlings Update March 28, 2010

Remember when I planted my lettuce seeds the other day?  Well, they are coming along!  Check it out!

Seedlings! March 26, 2010

Remember when I bought supplies to plant seedlings last week?

Well, I planted them!  Here’s the step-by-step process: (it was very simple!)

1. Opened the boxes

(Another view of the pretty box)

2. Added water until they doubled in size

3. Placed two lettuce seeds in each one

5. Covered the trays

6. Ultimately placed inside where it was warm with artifical light

Click to see larger

Above is my plan from Organic Gardening of what to do with the seedlings.

What do you think of the idea?  Ever done something like it before?

I’ll keep up updated on the seedlings’ progress!