GenAcres Homestead

List of Items NOT Safe to Can Pressure canning and water bath canning have recently become much more popular due to the increase in home food growers, so it follows that there's also a big increase in newbies or first-time canners.

Leaf mold A free, readily-available resource! Leaf mold (leaf compost) is quite simply decomposed leaves. It is one of the best soil amendments you can use to bring new life to your soil. It has a texture much like compost, dark brown to black, and has an earthy aroma.  Leaf mold acts mainly as a soil conditioner by improving the soil structure. It WILL NOT add nutrition to your garden plants but it will enhance the condition of your soil creating a soil that is rich in calcium and magnesium and is less prone to compaction.

   Why is my Hosta Growing So Slowly? Ever wondered why your hostas are growing so slowly, or not growing at all, or are actually shrinking from year to year?   Even though hostas are naturally very hardy plants, which is one of the reasons they remain so  popular for perennials gardens, their ability to put on healthy growth each year depends on several things.

   Fall Care for Hosta Plants With fresh air and fewer insects and plant diseases to worry about, Fall is a pretty great time in the garden. But for hostas, those beautiful leaves are beginning to die back making the plant look a bit ragged, but the plant is just conserving energy and getting ready for their winter sleep where they will await warm Spring temperatures.

      Cutting Back Hosta Blooms Although hostas are basically grown for those beautiful leaves, there are some hosta varieties that have quite beautiful flowers. Removing these are not necessary for the health of the plant, so whether you choose to cut the flower spikes off or allow them to grow and flower is a matter of personal choice.

Dill is a warm-season annual herb that has feathery leaves on fronds that add a pleasant anise-like flavor to kinds of seafood, soups, salads, and sauces.  Its subtle taste complements fish and shellfish. In addition to providing aromatic seeds and foliage, Dill will brighten your garden with its yellow-green flowers in the spring and fall. Types of Dill Bouquet is the most popular Dill grown for its fragrance of leaves and seeds.  Used for both pickling and cooking. Taller Varieties include Mammoth and Long Island and may need to be staked. Fernleaf Dill Weed (aka the Fish Dill) is popular for its use in fish. Starting Dill from Seed Seed Longevity:                                     3 years. Seed Dowing Depth:                              ¼”. Best Soil Temp for Germination:            60-70 degrees. Days to Germination:                             7-10 days. Spring Sowing:                                       Direct sow after last frost. Sow Indoors

Signs of Spoilage in Home Canned Food When preserved correctly, homemade canned foods won't go bad, ever. But realistically speaking, the food can last for at least two to five years easily without compromising on the taste or nutritional value.