Volunteering and Exploring Indiana Dunes National Park
As someone who loves gardening, hiking, and parks… I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to volunteer at Indiana Dunes and contribute to the Great Marsh restoration efforts.
A Slow Week in the Garden, But Time for Cake!
This upside-down cake recipe has been a reliable go-to of mine for nearly a decade. This recipe is super flexible, forgiving, and comes together in a pinch.
Cleaning Up the Garden and Canning Sauce
It’s been a busy week in the garden as we’ve started transitioning our raised beds for fall and winter.
Stuffed Tomatoes
It's officially Tomatogeddon in our vegetable garden! 'Tis the season of complete chaos in the garden!
Canning Homemade Pickles
The garden is in full swing, and we just picked a bountiful harvest of cucumbers. There’s no better way to preserve these crunchy delights than by making homemade pickles.
Homemade Rhubarb Butter
This morning, we finally got around to picking our overgrown rhubarb. We’re going to use some of it to try a new recipe and freeze the rest.
Fresh Tomato Pie
The garden is flourishing, and my kitchen counter is overflowing with tomatoes. It’s the perfect time to make a fresh tomato pie! This savory Southern dish is a wonderful summer entree or side, ideal for using up those extra garden tomatoes.
Grandma’s Quick Refrigerator Pickles
Who doesn’t like fresh cucumbers out of the garden? I have a couple of extra cucumbers from the garden and thought these refrigerator pickles would make for a nice treat.
First Cabbage Harvest & Homemade Sauerkraut
Hello, fellow yardeners! This past Sunday was a special day in the garden: I harvested our first batch of cabbage—four beautiful heads, fresh and ready for eating.
Blueberry Troubles and Harvest Success
Sadly, our blueberries are suffering from chlorosis, which is easily recognized by yellowing leaves with green veins. For reference, the photo at the top of this post is from my healthier plants and the image below is from my plant suffering from chlorosis.
Exploring Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park, located in the rolling hills of central Kentucky, is a natural and historical marvel that captivates visitors with its vast subterranean wonders and rich heritage.
Celebrating Family Traditions with Potatiskorv
The recipe for our Potatiskorv is a closely guarded family secret, passed down from one generation to the next. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a symbol of our heritage and the bonds that tie us together. The ritual of gathering in the kitchen, sharing stories, and working side by side is what truly makes this tradition special.
From Seder Table to Garden Bed
The past couple weeks have been a whirlwind of activity here at Midwestern Yardener, what with the Passover buzz and our early planting escapades. I have been neglecting everyone a Yarden update and it is about time I spill the beans on all the garden fun we've been having lately!
We Found Onions
I have been on the search for onion sets, and finally found some this weekend.
Cabbage are in the Ground
The cabbage seedlings were looking extra beefy and I decided it was time for them to find new living quarters. I determined that the weather was steady enough that I could plant them in the garden.
Installing the New Raised Beds
It might have been a chilly weekend in northern Indiana, but that didn't stop me from diving into some garden work! The Vego 10 in 1 raised bed kits I ordered online finally arrived, and I was stoked to clear out space for them in the backyard.
Mallowing Around
This year we are planting Okra Heavy Hitter from Baker Creek. Okra is in the mallow family and grows not only tasty vegetables but also a beautiful display of large moon-shaped flowers, similar to what you would see on your typical rose of sharon or hibiscus.
Bursting into Spring
I know it isn’t truly spring yet in Northern Indiana… but I will enjoy every ounce of sunshine I can get. The garden agrees and is already starting to burst into life.
A Flat Full of Nightshade
Ten days ago we planted our cabbage, I am happy to report that we now have seedlings! Today we planted our nightshades; tomatoes, peppers and eggplant to be more specific.
Lincoln Park Conservatory: Sweet Gnome Chicago
Nestled between the city of Chicago in Lake Michigan, Lincoln Park is one of Chicago's most significant public parks, featuring the Lincoln Park Zoo, Conservatory, outdoor sculptures, picnic areas, and walking trails.