WEEKLY GARDEN THREAD VOLUME 42 OCT. 17, 2014

Free Republic | 10/17/2014 | greeneyes

[greeneyes]

The Weekly Gardening Thread is a weekly gathering of folks that love soil, seeds and plants of all kinds. From complete newbies that are looking to start that first potted plant, to gardeners with some acreage, to Master Gardener level and beyond, we would love to hear from you. This thread is non-political, although you will find that most here are conservative folks.

No matter what, you won’t be flamed and the only dumb question is the one that isn’t asked. It is impossible to hijack the Weekly Gardening Thread. There is no telling where it will go and... that is part of the fun and interest. Jump in and join us!

NOTE: This is a once a week ping list. We do post to the thread during the week. Links to related articles and discussions which might be of interest are welcomed, so feel free to post them at any time.

[Tilted Irish Kilt]

Oh, and another thng , if you are drying fruit or making 'fruit leather' or roll ups ,
consider using parchement paper over the trays , cut to size and shape.
It may slightly slow down the drying process , but you will give thanks when it comes to clean up time.
If drying tomatoes (for powder or paste), or mushrooms , and most vegtables, you will be intensifiying the flavor.
I recall the counsel of someone on this board who suggested that if you dehydrate Jalapenos or hot peppers,
you do so outdoors on the back porch with the wind going away from the house.

[greeneyes]

Yes, that’s what I did too - I used parchment paper for strawberry fruit leather, which I made from the pulp left over after I juiced strawberries to make strawberry syrup.

I have no experience with hot peppers, but that advice makes sense to me.LOL

[JRandomFreeper]

Nothing is so much like a punch to the gut as looking around and someone that is supposed to be there... isn't.

Glad Priss is back.

Take care of you and yours.

/johnny

[TEXOKIE]

Thanks for the further tips and info on dehydrating/dehydrators, TIK! It sounds as though the Excaliber is the gold standard to strive for and save my pennies, while I can get good results and experience with an el cheepo in the meantime! Thanks again to each of you!

[greeneyes]

You are welcome.

[Ellendra]

I’ve always found parchment paper sticks to the fruit worse than the trays do. Plastic wrap works, though, as long as you remember to leave room for airflow.

[Tilted Irish Kilt]

Ellendra:" Plastic wrap works, though, as long as you remember to leave room for airflow"

I don't like the possibility of PBA leeching into food.
I might reluctantly consider it for Dried leafy spices, but that's all, nothing that would have maximum contact with the film.
There are too many unknowns with full contact with the film for my liking- but that's just me .

[tubebender]

Remember that Garlic I planted early last week? Well the 3 rows of Chinese Red is up and growing and I still have 4 more varieties to plant…

[greeneyes]

Thanks for the picture. That’s some quick growing garlic.