Pomplamoose

Cuteness. I like their version of Lady Gaga's Telephone. Even La Vie en Rose is great. Apparently they have a song used in a car commercial...more power to 'em.
(Found through Candice Stringham).

Garden on the Deck: Carrots & Brussel Sprouts

Carrot Seedlings, 4/23/10.

Today it hailed.
But there are carrot and beet seedlings, and (of all things) a Brussels sprout starter, that are thriving, despite the cold. And the squirrels are reeking havoc on our newly planted seeds. I'm ready to ring their furry little necks.

Brussels Sprout plant, 4/18/10.

Not feeling very healthy this week... Not sure what the problem is, either. But you know how I love forking over $ to doctors so they can run tests and take x-rays and then say "you should probably rest." (Last year, I went through this same rigmarole for my broken toe. Yes, I know what that says about me.)

More Blossoms

The Birds on Guitar

Linkshare: A musical art exhibit. Check it.

(Found on Providence Daily Dose)

Garden on the Deck: Cilantro

Cilantro 4/10/10.

Last year we bought starters and had great success growing cilantro on the deck. When the plants bolted, I saved their seeds and direct seeded them this year as early as possible. Planted 3/20, these little seedlings seem to be doing well. But I didn't know the seedlings would look like this...nothing like cilantro leaves when they're reading to be cut. Now I just need to find a way to keep Cat from eating them.

4/14/10.

Blossoms

Blossoms, taken 4/10/2010.

Garden on the Deck: Seedlings Die & Beets Appear

I spent the last 4 days out-of-town, at a conference, and I left Chris with the orders..."don't worry about the seedlings, they need to dry out a bit". Apparently they took a dive on the very last day. I was a sad seedling care-taker, when I found these little eggplant & spinach seedlings dead.

Spinach & Eggplant Seedlings 4/14/2010.

So, either the mold, or the lack of watering killed them. This means I'll have to pick up starters at the plant sale in May. The spinach seedlings weren't doing well before I left, but the eggplants had looked so healthy last week... Let's reminisce...

4/3/2010.

And as Mufasa teaches us about the circle of life...I can also report that today I found the first sign of a root vegetable. My first ever root vegetables, planted directly in soil, outside on the deck. Rock on.

First sign of Beet Seedlings 4/14/2010.

Recipe Rursday: Curry + Getting it Right

Curried Tofu, 3/27/10.

I've never shared our curry recipe with anyone because we've never made curry that doesn't suck. Until now. This recipe came as a recommendation from Chris' co-worker, and was a big success. It was perfect for us (meaning, it's simple) and I recommend it highly. Soooo tasty.

Tofu Curry with Cashews
(altered from Chicken Curry with Cashews at Epicurious)

• 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped (2 cups)
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoons curry powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 container of extra firm tofu, cut into cubes (instead of chicken)
  
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 3/4 cup cashews (1/4 pound)
• 3/4 cup plain whole-milk yogurt

• Accompaniment: cooked basmati or jasmine rice
• Garnish: chopped fresh cilantro

Heat butter in a 5- to 6-quart wide heavy pot over moderately low heat until foam subsides, then cook onions, garlic, and ginger, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add curry powder, salt, cumin, and cayenne and cook, stirring, 2 minutes.

Separately, we pan-sauteed/fried the cubes of tofu, until each side was seared just a bit, so the cubes don't crumble when added to the pot.

Add [tofu] and cook, stirring to coat, 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, including juice, and cilantro and bring to a simmer, then cover and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, 10-15 minutes longer (even longer won't hurt).

Just before serving:
Pulse cashews in a food processor until very finely ground, then add to curry along with yogurt and simmer gently, uncovered, stirring, until sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes.

Truck Farm

Link Share: Episode #1 of a mini-documentary about the building of a truck farm. Check out Episode #2, it has a cool series of photos that show the vegetables growing over time. The videos on youtube are here or see the truck-farm website. And they're coming to Brown Univ. 4/19/10.

Sharing the Love...E Gets Grow Lights

E's Grow Lights, 4/6/2010.

This is E. The woman responsible for bringing gardening into my life. She lent me her unused pots, as she moved into a community garden, and I caught the gardening bug. This year I had a chance to give back (a very tiny tiny bit), by helping her set up grow lights of her own. Happy B-day E!
I don't know if this is realistic, but it's our thought that grow lights mean we can grow things all year round. Forever and ever.

Garden on the Deck: Moldy Seedlings & Dampened Spirits

Mold on the Eggplant Seedling Cups, 4/7/2010.

It seems that some of my seedling cups are being struck by "Damping Off Disease", or MOLD. Luckily the white nasties are only on a handful of the seedling cups (in the spinach/eggplant section of my seedlings) and haven't affected the plastic trays at all. That's what I get for being 'env-friendly' & going organic. And, my spinach seedlings are very tall, but spindly or "leggy," as well. I've now got a fan aimed at the plants, set on a timer, to dry them out and to encourage some toughening up.

Gathering advice on how to fix the problem, I found the following from Gardeners Net:

"Let There be Water, in just the right amount- - Provide water to your seedling every couple of days. Do not soak the soil each night. Overly wet soil encourages the development of damping off disease. Let the soil dry out a little on the top, then water thoroughly. Watering from the bottom is preferred. If you have a seed tray, add water to the bottom of the tray . The soil will absorb it through the bottom holes in your container...your container does have holes in the bottom, doesn't it!?!
Guard against Leggy Plants- - Seedlings are leggy when their main stem or stalk grows tall and thin and can hardly support the leaf structure. It is caused by insufficient sunlight and a sheltered environment. Indoors, they do not experience the effect of wind, and do not need to develop structure to defend against it. Most seedlings do not even experience a slight breeze. When transplanted outdoors, "leggy" plants can be damaged or broken by the wind.
Let there be no Damping Off Disease: Those of us who have grown seedling indoors for any number of years know what "Damping Off" disease. This is a white mold that forms in the top of the soil. Damping Off disease flourishes in cold, wet damp weather along with little sunshine. It quickly spreads across the soil and wilts the seedling. Take it's habitat away, and the disease can not survive. Plants on the other hand, love just the opposite conditions. The more you make conditions ideal for your plants, the more likely you will avoid Damping Off Disease and other mold and fungal problems.

If you do experience problems, do not give up hope. Here are some things you can do to minimize or eliminate disease problems: First, get the plant in direct sunlight if at all possible. Stop watering until the surface is very dry. Water only from the bottom. Scrape as much of the mold off the soil as possible. Stir the top of the soil without disturbing the roots. It will also speed drying. Increase room air circulation. You can gently blow air on your plant trays with a small fan. Avoid sowing your seeds in the basement and leaving them there for a couple of days. While the trays are conveniently out of the way, this is a perfect breeding ground for Damping Off Disease. More on Damping Off Disease."

Recipe Rursday's Spring Grilling: Fish Tacos & Kabobs

Veggie kabobs, 3/20/10.

After Chris brought home the new grill, we had to feed our guest Brian K, something deliciously grilled: veggie kabobs & grilled shrimp on skewers + seasoned with salt & pepper only. I learned my lesson from over-doing it with herbs (see last July's Grilled Shrimp & Veggies). We also no longer over grill/cook the shrimp!

Fish Tacos, 3/21/10.

The next night we made a dish that I've only had at the hands of my masterful chef-friend, Ashley. Years ago, he made me my first fish tacos, on-the-grill and in corn tortillas. I remember that we watched Lost that night. I remember the dinner well...that's how good the tacos were.
My suggestion would be to pick up a hearty fish. We grilled tilapia (surprise), that was thick enough to hold together on the grill. Corn tortillas on the grill are so tasty. Add jalapeno wheels, shredded cheese, and avocado, then feast. Salsa works too. I also finally agree with the crowd that corn tortillas work better than flour tortillas for fish tacos.