Love by the Sun Garden by the Moon

have been aware for centuries of the effects the moons cycle has on the growth of plants because of the effect that it's gravitational pull has on moisture in the soil.  A very real phenomenon.
 Basically the trick is to sow and plant when the moon is waxing... and cultivate, weed and eradicate pests and diseases when the moon is waning.   


This means that there is an optimal time in each lunar month to perform each type of gardening activity, sowing, planting, harvesting, seed collection etc.  


The basic activities in the various phases of the moon are 
- New moon-  brings in an upsurge of energy so we sow, plant, and transplant annuals which produce above ground crops. (tomatoes, peas,etc...)
 Avoid harvesting at this time as rot sets in more quickly and mow and trim if growth is to be encouraged. 
-1st quarter - the sap is still rising, so carry on with more or less the same activities as in the new moon.
 -Full moon-  sees a peak in electromagnetic energies - the sap begins to flow downwards towards the roots so it is a favorable time to plant anything for which good root growth is important. (carrots, beets, etc...) We also harvest at this time as there is less chance of rot setting in.
- 4th quarter - is the barren time of the lunar cycle so it is an optimum time to weed and cultivate as well as harvesting. It is not a good time to sow and plant although transplanting can begin about 3 days before the new moon arrives.

There is also an aspect of astrology to be taken into consideration, if you are up for it.    From what I understand, the sign that the moon is in, whether it is a fertile (water and earth signs) or barren (fire and air signs) can increase or decrease the benefits.. 

I  order this book, "In Tune with the Moon" and am excited to be a bit more mindful of this gardening aspect this year. 
 
When planting I use a farmers almanac to keep track of my crops.  
Tons of other places online to find info on planting by the moon.... here , here,here  and here.   for starters.

Herkimer Mining

One of my favorite hobbies is to go mining. You know, searching for rocks with a hunch and a hammer.     Herkimer Diamonds are a type of Quartz found only in Herkimer New York.  They are similar to the Lake County Diamonds in California but outshine the latter.  Herkimer mining is extremely rewarding when you put in alot of hard work.  There is nothing like finding a crystal that has grown from the Earth in a million year process.     I recently went to Crystal Grove Diamond Mine and Campground.  For $10 a person you can mine all day long.  You can camp there too, and everyone there is extremely kind and helpful.  I found a bunch of stones and got some great advice from some serious miners.  Here are some pictures of what I collected.

Tons of double terminated herkimers on matrix with druze and dolamite

Herkimers on matrix with druze (needs to be cleaned)

druze

druze

druze

Ramp Pesto with Hazelnuts

If you are like me, growing and foraging your own food is extremely rewarding.  Lucky for my that when I am unable to gather food in the woods, I have plenty of friends who do so!  For Earth Day a friend of mine gathered some ramps in the woods and shared this wonderful recipe with me.  I was some what concerned that I was not going to like it but let me tell you, this was some delicious pasta!!

Blanch ramps

Dry roast whole hazelnuts until golden brown in pan.

Throw ramps and hazelnuts in food processor and process.

Shave asiago cheese and add to mixture

Salt and pepper to taste

Drizzle olive oil on mixture until texture is right

Serve with hot pasta.

One Week After Germination

After a week my seeds have sprouted and I decided to pick a few plants with strong roots to transplant into larger pots.  I have not decided if I will grow my plants in 5 gallon buckets or transplant them directly into the ground.  However, I will transplant all flowers from original seedling tray to a small pot to help establish root growth.  Weather permitting, I bring the transplanted plants outside in the sun every day and bring them in every night. It is important to get your plants strong so leaving them out in the sun and wind will aid in that.

Soil Mixing and Germinating

Spring is finally here and if you haven't already, it's time to get your garden started. I picked out a few packs of organic seeds and used some seeds that I have collected from food purchased straight from the farm and started to germinate!  Germinate means to start the seeds growing process.  The seed requires a warm damp dark spot to germinate.  I purchased a tray for seedlings with a clear top to act as a greenhouse.  I have a 95% success rate with germinating and recommend that you establish a good root system before transplanting out doors.  


You will need to mix your own soil: 
1 bag of soil
1 small bag of silica or perlite
1 bag of worm castings
1 brick of coco
Rainbow Grow Mix (it's an all natural fertilizer with mycorrhizae)


You will need for germinating:
1 tray with clear plastic top.  The one I purchased allows for water to drain out the bottom and it has a catch tray built in. 
Seeds
Water (let sit for 24 hours so chlorine is eliminated) 


In a large plastic storage bin dump bag of soil in with half of bag of worm castings, silica and 1/8 of the brick of coco and Rainbow grow.  Mix by hand using your fingers to turn the soil in your hand.  Once soil is mixed set aside.


Next add soil to top of plastic tray.  Wipe excess away so you can see individual slots for planting seeds.  with your finger push down in the center of each slot about an 1/8 of an inch.  Plant 1-3 seeds in each whole, cover with soil and water lightly.  Place top on tray and let sit in a warm space for a week.  Water only if needed, soil should be damp all the time.  After a week you will notice the seeds have sprouted.  Remove the cover once a day and let plants establish roots.  After two weeks you will have a strong root base and your plants will be ready to transplant outside.  

Coming Soon!

Ramp Pesto Pasta with Hazelnuts
How to start germinating seeds
Composting tips
Herkimer Mining

Discussing Reggae Sundays vs Knicks Game

So sometimes I do silly things.  This is one of them!

Jack Milton Young

The wonderful life of Jack Milton Young as seen through pictures.

My Animoto Video

Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

I cut a bunch of California Navel Oranges in half and made a nice fresh cup of juice.  Nothing tastes better than fresh juice!

Egg and Sausage Casserole

This recipe is very simple.  You must prepare the eggs one night prior to serving.
You will need:
8 Eggs
1/2 c light cream
4 pieced white bread cubed
1 lb Italian sweet sausage
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

In a bowl mix eggs and cream together.  In a casserole dish spray with non stick spray and place a layer of cubed bread on bottom of dish.  Pour egg mixture over bread and cover.  Place in fridge overnight so bread soaks up eggs.  The next morning brown sausage in pan and drain.  Pour sausage over break and eggs and coat with a layer of cheese.  Bake in oven at 350 for 30-45 mins.

Easter Egg Fun

Blood Orange and Chili Pepper Tilapia and tri-color quinoa

1lb tilapia fillets
1 tbsp of ground chili powder
1 tsp pink Himalayan sea salt
1 lemon (squeezed)
1 tbsp ground pepper
1tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 blood orange (sliced)


Season fillets with all ingredients.  Place orange slices on top. Broil for 7 mins and serve.

Buffalo Rae's Turkey Burgers

1lb turkey meat
1 cup bread crumbs
1/3 cup mustard
1/3 cup yellow onion diced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Combine all ingredients and form patties.  Grill medium heat 4 minutes on each side.  Add avocado and wickles (wicked good pickles) and enjoy.