Saturday, August 30, 2014

The Great Zucchini Hop

It's that time of year when blogland is FULL of zucchini recipes!  It's true!  For most gardeners around the country, the abundance of Zucchini is a love/hate situation.  We love that Zucchini is such a heavy producer and hate to let it go to waste.

If you're a Florida Gardener like me, you're just now planting Zucchini again!  In fact, Mary's Heirloom Seeds offers 2 varieties of Organic, Non-GMO, Heirloom Zucchini.

Black Beauty Zucchini (picked small)

Grey Zucchini Squash

One of my favorite zucchini recipes is Zucchini Carrot Patties.
Oh so delicious!
Now it's time to share YOUR zucchini post!


Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Organic Plant Nutrients, Pest Control and My Raised Bed Garden

Good Morning!  My last newsletter was quite possibly my most controversial yet.  After sending out What is a GMO ... Just the Facts! I received so many emails of support and thanks for bringing to light such an important topic.  At Mary's Heirloom Seeds we feel that Education is KEY to a healthy existence.

Now for our latest...Organic Plant Nutrients, Pest Control and Raised Bed Gardens



Mary's Heirloom Seeds Newsletter
Plant Nutrients, Organic Pest Control & Raised BedsAugust 26,  2014
In This Issue
GROW!
Plant Nutrients
Helpful Links
Raised Bed Garden

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If you have additional questions about GMOs and Heirloom seeds after our last newsletter please feel free to ask.
Education is a priority here at Mary's Heirloom Seeds.
We're here to help!



If you're growing a veggie garden or you've ever grown a garden then you probably know that nutrients are very important.  Sun and soil (and SEEDS) are also important. Nutrients play an integral role in plant health.


Plant Nutrients-Getting Started

Most "all-in-one" type offertilizers have an "NPK" rating.  NPK stands for Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium(potash). 
What does each nutrient do?
In addition to other properties, Nitrogen helps plant foliage to grow strong. Phosphorous helps roots and flowers grow and develop. Potassium (Potash) is important for overall plant health.


  • A complete plant food with all 15 essential nutrients
  • Originally developed for professional gardeners
  • Complex blend of natural organics provide complete and balanced feeding of all 15 nutrients
  • Environmentally safe
  • No sludges, hazardous or toxic ingredients
  • Easy to use  
  • Works in gardens, yards, lawns, and soil beds
  • Perfect for revitalizing soils that have been heavily worked
  • Scent serves as a deterrent to common garden pests such as rabbits and deer
  • Also helps accelerate composting breakdown of carbon based composts such as leaves and straw

Phosphorus is involved in many plant processes, including:
  • Energy transfer reactions
  • Development of reproductive structures
  • Crop maturity
  • Root growth
  • Protein synthesis


 

Helpful Links:

Organic Pest Control

There are so many recipes out there for DIY pest control. But first, start with Prevention!
Companion Planting is based around the idea that certain plants can benefit others when planted next to, or close to one another.

Companion planting exists to benefit certain plants by giving them pest control, naturally without the need to use chemicals, and in some cases they can give a higher crop yield.

Diatomaceous Earth is a natural and organic way to deter or eliminate pests from the garden.
DE kills aphids, white flies, beetles, loopers, mites, snails, slugs, leaf hoppers, and harmful pests.

A few of my DIY Recipes include:
All-Purpose Insect Spray or
Soap and Water spray

For my soapy water spray I use Dr. Bronner's

Combine 1 tablespoon of Dr. Bronner's castile soap with water in a clean spray bottle. Invert it gently several times to mix, but do not shake the bottle.
Apply the insecticidal soap spray to your plants in a heavy coating, as the spray only works if it saturates the insects you're trying to kill.
Repeat once per week until you don't notice any insects on your plant. Spray plants in the early morning because pants and blossoms are most open.

My new Raised Bed Garden

We have been on a roll in the garden lately.  In Florida, it is so hot during the summer months that NOW is when we get started again on the bulk of planting.  I received my raised bed garden kit from Garden in Minutes at the end of July and so far I am thrilled with the results!
Or  watch our videos here

In approx 4 weeks from seed our Acorn Squash is thriving.  Look at these beautiful plants!
Organic, Heirloom Acorn Bush Squash
The whites stuff on the leaves is left over DE from 9 days ago.


The Radish and Beets are doing Great! 

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Tuesdays with a Twist #73 is LIVE!

Good Morning and Welcome to another No Rules Party!

We have 2 NEW additions at Mary's Heirloom Seeds
Organic PEPPERMINT seeds

 In case you missed it... Mary's Heirloom Seeds has been nominated for the AMERICAN MADE AWARDS!
http://www.marthastewart.com/americanmade/nominee/89614/food/marys-heirloom-seeds

The more social shares on Facebook and Twitter, the better our chances of earning one of 200 wild-card finalist spots for grand-prize consideration.

There's still plenty of time to plant seeds in August!
Check out our September Seed Planting Guide for the US by region 

Back to the Basics

We're your hosts 

FEATURES:  

Making a Home for Pollinators from Maple Hill 101
Making Mozarrella Cheese From Oak Hill Homestead

Dill - Not Just for Pickles from Gentle Joy Homemaker

Free Amigurumi Baby Chick Pattern from Jenny and Teddy


If you've been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.

Back to the Basics

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 
Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!
*Pictures should be your own* 
By linking up you give us permission to use these photos
 (with proper link backs) in our features.   And now for the party!

Sunday, August 24, 2014

What are GMOs ... Just the facts!

Below is a copy of our recent mailing for Mary's Heirloom Seeds.  
GMOs are Deadly Poison!
This is a very important topic so please don't just skim.  
Read and understand.  Ask questions!


graphic-fist-globe.gif


What are GMOs?

Mary's Heirloom Seeds  -   Newsletter
We've had so many questions  about GMOs vs. Heirlooms.
Here ya go!
What's the big deal about GMOs?

I have always felt that Education is the first step towards a healthier existence.

As I have stated on our fb page, It is my understanding that GMOs are created to withstand millions of pounds of toxic, cancer-causing pesticides which kill insects and weeds while leaving the GMO crop.  Recently, it has been revealed that pesticide resistant "super-weeds" are cropping up all over the place. 
Mother nature always wins!

First, there is no long term testing on what GMOs will do to the human body or the environment.

Next, pesticides kill bees and other beneficial bugs that the earth needs to continue to produce for the billions of inhabitants.

Also, if GMOs where such an amazing invention...Why are there still millions of hungry people in this world? My short answer...Money!

What some people do not realize is that Monsanto, one of the largest producers of chemicals and GMOs also created Agent Orange, DDT and Asparatame.
Want to know where some of these Monsanto Executives now work?
Here's one of my articles, The Dark Side of Food and Food Production

Another important article is What is an Heirloom Seed?

On our website I have the following info: What is a GMO?
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) are created using gene-splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, GE) In 60 other countries around the world there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production of GMOs, because they are not considered proven safe. In the U.S. on the other hand, the FDA approved commercial production of GMOs based on studies conducted by the companies who created them and profit from their sale. If you will do the research you will see that GMO veggies don't produce viable seeds and they digest differently than heirloom veggies. For more information, check out The Non-GMO Project

I highly recommend checking out GMO Free Florida on fb. Trish Sheldon is an amazing women that I have come to know (you can tell her Mary sent you) and the page has a lot of FACTS. I specify "facts" because there is a lot of misinformation out there.

As a blogger I am aware that Monsanto actually hires people to post comments on both facebook and anti-GMO blogs. Even I have been "trolled" by these people.
Here's another one of my articles The Politics of Food

YOU can help by sharing this newsletter and sharing our facebook page!
Like us on Facebook

Below are a few links that I have found for real, factual information. http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/gmo-myths-and-truths/
  http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/gmos-and-your-family/
  http://gmoawareness.org/gmo-facts/


Speak up!  Educate!  For your children, your friends and family...Speak up for people you don't even know.  Be aware, be active and do your part to ensure food safety for generations to come!

As always, If you have additional questions please feel free to ask.
Unless I am at the Farmer's Market I usually reply in 2-3 hours.

-Mary
Stay Connected  
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Friday, August 22, 2014

SEPTEMBER Seed Planting Guide for the US by Region

Are you ready to get started on your Fall Garden?








Mary's Heirloom Seeds Newsletter
FALL Planting Guide for the US
PART 2

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 The more social shares on Facebook and Twitter, the better the our chances of earning one of 200 wild-card finalist spots for grand-prize consideration.



It can be tough thinking about FALL when it's hot out and the garden is still producing. We like to plan ahead!

This year we're planning ahead for our FALL Garden!
GARLIC should be planted at the END of September or Early October.  Get ready... and don't miss the NEW HEIRLOOM SEED varieties at the bottom of the page! 
 
SEPTEMBER Seed Starting Guide for the
US by Region

GULF COAST
 
Arugula, Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Collards, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Endive, Kale, Lettuce, Mustard, Okra, Onions, Peas, Radish, Rutabaga, Summer & Winter Squash, Swiss Chard and Turnips.
Transplant: Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower and Eggplant.
Herbs: Basil, Chamomile, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Echinacea, Lemonbalm, Lemongrass, Mugwort, Oregano, Parsley, Sage, Stevia, Tarragon, Thyme and Yarrow
WILDFLOWERS!


SOUTH FLORIDA 
Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage,
Chinese Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Collards, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplants, Endive, Kale, Lettuce, Mustard, Peas, Peppers, Radishes, Romaine, Rutabagas, Spinach, Squash, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes and Turnips.
Herbs:  Anise, Basil, Borage, Caraway, Lemon Balm, Lemon Bee Balm, Parsley, Sage, Stevia and Thyme.
Flowers:  Bachelor's Buttons, Calendula, Forget-Me-Nots, Globe Amaranth, Lupines, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Sunflowers, Yarrow and Zinnias.

 
SOUTHWEST  
Sow Outdoors: Arugula, Beans, Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Chinese Cabbage, Collards, Endive, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mustard, Onions, Peas, Radish, Rutabaga, Spinach,
Swiss Chard and Turnips.
Transplant: Broccoli, Brussels Sprout, Cauliflower, Celery, Kale, Leek, spinach, Squash and Tomatoes  
Herbs: Basil, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Dill,  Lemonbalm, Parsley, Sage, Stevia, Tarragon, Thyme and Yarrow
WILDFLOWERS!

 
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Sow Outdoors: Arugula, Calabrese Broccoli, Pak Choy,
*Especially the Extra Dwarf Pak Choy* Kale, Lettuce, Mustard, Radish and Spinach
Don't forget your Organic GARLIC
  
   
SOUTHERN INTERIOR 
Sow Outdoors: Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Pak Choy Cabbage, *Especially  Extra Dwarf Pak Choy* Carrots, Collards, Kale, Lettuce, Mustard, Onions, Radish, Rutabaga, Spinach Swiss Chard and Turnips  
Herbs: Basil, Calendula, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Parsley, Sage, Tarragon, Thyme and Yarrow  

CENTRAL MIDWEST 
Sow Outdoors: Arugula, Beets, Cabbage,
Pak Choy Cabbage, *Extra Dwarf Pak Choy* Collards, Endive, Kale, Lettuce, Mustard, Peas, Radish, Rutabaga, Scallions, Sorrel, Spinach and Turnips
Cover Crops: Alfalfa, Oats, Barley and Buckwheat   
Herbs: Chives, Cilantro and Parsley 

NORTH CENTRAL ROCKIES 
Sow Outdoors: Arugula, *Extra Dwarf Pak Choy*
Pak Choy, Lettuce, Mustard, Sorrel, and Spinach
Cover Crops: Alfalfa, Oats, Barley, Buckwheat and Wheat 
   
 
MID-ATLANTIC 
Sow Outdoors: Arugula, Pak Choy Cabbage,
Endive, Lettuce, Mustard, Parsley, Radish, Scallions, Sorrel, Spinach and Turnips.
Cover Crops: Alfalfa, Oats, Barley, Buckwheat and Wheat 
Herbs: Chives, Cilantro and Dandelion  
  
MARITIME CANADA & NEW ENGLAND 
Sow Outdoors: Arugula, *Extra Dwarf Pak Choy*
Pak Choy, Lettuce, Mustard,  Sorrel, and Spinach
Cover Crops: Alfalfa, Oats, Barley, Buckwheat and Wheat  
 

*NEW* HEIRLOOM SEED VARIETIES
 
CINNAMON BASIL 
 
PEPPERMINT 
 
RED SHISO BASIL 
    Mary has signed the Safe Seed pledge.    
Seed Orders placed Monday-Thursday are shipped
within 24 hours
, except for holidays.
 
What will YOU plant this SEPTEMBER?  If you have additional questions please feel free to ask. 
We usually reply within 2-3 hours unless we're at the Farmer's Market.
You can find us at the YGFM Saturday & Sunday in Booth #218 from 8am-4pm.
 
HAPPY PLANTING!
                                 
Mary
The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest her or his patients in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.
Thomas A. Edison 
 "The garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway."
Michael Pollan