Water Barrels

The Bishop asked me to post that we have a chance to purchase water barrels for a group price with other wards in our stake. These are the 55 gallon food grade water barrels, and if we get enough orders, they will cost $36.00 each. It is very important for us to store water!!!

If you are interested, please let me know asap.

Thanks!

Dry Pack Canner

Reminder!!!!! I have reserved the dry pack canner from October 11th through the 17th. Please advise if you need to use it. It is SO EASY to use. We can also work together to can a lot of different items.

This would be a GREAT TIME to order more grain like the corn previously ordered. I am available to talk to you about this, to order and to pick up your order. Please, just let me know!

Berries and More!

Wendee W. said that Joel uses the cherries from this vendor for his wonderful pies! I am so willing to order and even split orders. See below for pricing. All Orders must be in by October 10th. If we order enough, we will qualify for a discount. All orders come frozen.

Each order is 14 pounds which comes in a box, except sugared strawberries which come in a bucket.

Following are $39.00 for 14#:

Marion Blackberries

Boysenberries

Strawberries, sliced, with sugar

Strawberries, whole, without sugar

Loganberries

Red Pie Cherries

Peaches, sliced

Apricot Halves

Cranberries

Following are $38.00 for 14#:

Red Rhubarb

Apples, peeled and sliced

Following are $44.00 for 14#:

Red Raspberries

Blueberries

Dark Sweet Cherries

Please let me know if you would like to order. Additionally, let me know if you would like to share an order....

Fall Gardens

It is time to plant your fall/winter garden. According to the Gardener's Companion for the San Joaquin Valley, September is the month to plant broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, chinese cabbage, and Kohlrabi. Plant from seeds: carrot, lettus, parsley, pea, radish and spinach. Because we still have hot weather in September, they recommend that you keep your new plantings well watered.

As far as bulbs go, now is the time to buy bulbs. We were supposed to purchase them by Labor Day, and we are supposed to plant by Thanksgiving. Tulip and hyacinth bulbs should be chilled in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks before planting. Do not store these next to your fruit or vegies as gasses from these will promote early sprouting of your bulbs.

See above for information on berry orders.

Frozen Berries

Wendee W. told me today about Bithell Farms in Oregon. She said this is where they get their cherries for Joel's wonderful pies! I would like to start a group so that those who order can have berries/fruit delivered to our stake center. I have written an email to the company to get their new price list; however, if you are interested in checking the website out, please check at www.bithellfarms.com

Wendee says that she and her mom have ordered through them for years, and that the fruit is wonderful.

Give me a call with questions. Orders have to be in fairly soon to meet their October deadline. I am excited!

Gardening, canning, etc!

Sorry for the long break in the action! I actually took quite a few pictures this summer of friends' gardens. This is one idea from the garden of Sherry H. She used cinder blocks to surround her garden, then filled the inside area with good soil. She planted marigolds around the perimeter for insect control. I will try to download more photos with gardening ideas soon.

We had success with the dry canner. We found it very easy to use! I have reserved the canner again for October 11th through the 17th. I will post the prices for the actual cans, lids, etc, soon.

If you have something you are interested in purchasing to dry can, please let me know and it may be possible to put in a group order for better pricing.

Calendar:

Through the University of California Ag Division, classes will be held on the following dates (all classes are held at the Garden of the Sun at 1750 N. Winery in Fresno:

Saturday, September 24,10:00 - 1:30: "Taste of the Harvest". There is a $5 charge, so you will need to register by calling 600-7285 or sending a check to the above address. This class will include a salsa contest, specialty plant sale, informational booths, and a cookbook. They will also have recycled items relating to gardening for sale.

Wednesday, September 28, 9:30 - 11:00: "Pests of Landscape Trees and Shrubs". There is a $15 charge, so register early. Class will cover the more common landscape tree pest problems and go over newer pests in our area. The insects' appearance, typical damage, and most environmentally friendly way to control will be discussed.

Stay tuned! I am late in getting ready for church.....