Why I raise Heritage Breed Pigs

What is a Heritage Breed?

Heritage breed pigs have bloodlines that go back hundreds of years. They are likely raised on pasture or woodlands because they were bred for that kind of environment. Heritage breeds are know for the best tasting meat because they feed on pasture and forage eating nuts and other wholesome foods they find in nature.

Best Qualities of Heritage Breeds

Excellent Flavor

Professional chefs love heritage pork because of its moist, tender meat. Depending on what breed you are raising, the meat will vary in taste. We raise American Guinea Hogs on our homestead, and they have a sweet buttery taste. I have to say, it's the best pork I've ever eaten. American Guinea Hogs are known as a "lard hog" so you will get less meat than a leaner "bacon hog."

Adaptability To The Environment

Heritage breeds are well suited to the natural environments. They can be put on pasture, or in wooded areas.

A Healthy Choice 

Not only are heritage breeds more disease resistant, but they are also a healthy choice for your diet. Heritage breeds are pasture raised, so they have a higher amount of vitamins and also have a better ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 fatty acids. Pigs such as American Guiena Hogs like we raise on the homestead produce a lot of lard, which is higher in Vitamin D, which non-heritage breeds do not.

Other important nutreints that hertiage breeds offer is Vitamin E and Seleium. These vitamins make it possible for you as a homesteader to raise antibotic free pork, and also cuts the need for giving them synethic vitamin supplements. Other benefits include healthier litters and easier labors.

 

Marketability

Heritage breed pigs can fetch top dollar on the market as they are well favored by chefs. People are willing to pay more money for ethically and humainly sourced meat, with exceptional flavor. You can raise 10 pigs for every acre of land, and when pigs are on pasture or clearing wooded acres, you already are making profit by saving on feed. 

Heritage breeds

American Guiena Hogs

My personal favorite because we raise them on our homestead. For my resources and needs, Guiena hogs are a perfect size producing 60 to 80 pounds of meat for the freezer.This may not sound like alot of meat, so if you have a larger family, you might want to consider a leaner hog such as a Berkshire, that will provide more meat, but for my little family the American Guiena is the perfect amount. The breed is also very economical to raise as they will pasture and forage. Another reason this breed is number 1 is their temperment. Guiena's are very docile, while many of the standard size hogs can be mean spirited.

KuneKune

My number 2 would be KuneKune pigs. I am partial to this breed because they are also raised on our homestead. Kunekune's are the perfect grazing pig with upturned snouts that keep them from rooting up the ground. This breed also has very sweet dispostion. They are small size pigs with females weighing 100 to 175 pounds and males weighing 200 to 250 pounds.

With today's raising grain prices this breed is a great choice because they can survive on grazing during the summer months, and if needed you can supplement with minimal organic grains or table scraps. As with American Guiena hogs, KuneKune meat is exceptional, and loved by top chefs. Although these pigs are small compared to market hogs.  Quality is better than quanitiy when it comes to taste.

Gloucestershire Old Spots

This breed is known to be very intellegent, docile, and hardy. This breed is one of the oldest breeds. Old spots are a large sized breed with boars weighing as much as 600 pounds, and sows at 500 pounds. This breed is a fast grower reaching it's full market weight in just 7 months. The Old spots are excellent foregers and grazers making them more affordable to raise than non hertiage breeds. This breed was traditionally used in England to clean up apple orchards.

As with all hertiage breeds the meat is second to none. This breed unlike American Guiena hogs has less fat content.The Old spots are a dual-purpose hog that is good for pork and bacon. Less fat makes for more meat, which means more profit, this breed has just enough fat to make if flavorable, this breed is a very sensible choice for a homestead pigs.

Mangalitsa

This hertiage breed are prized for their flavorable meat. Chef's will pay a lot more for the meat because it is known to be the best tasting pork in the world.This breed is a slow growing breed that takes up to a year to reach full market size. The name Mangalista means "hog with a lot of lard." you will find that many of the hertiage breeds have a high lard content, which gives the meat it's rich, buttery, highly flavorable meat. Commerical pigs are breed to be leaner in order to produce more meat and more profits and flavor is not in the equation.

Mangalitsa's like all hertiage breeds are great foragers and will eat from pasture or forest, eating acorns and chestnuts, garden scraps, and most all vegatation making them affordable for small farms with a great feed ratio conversion. Mangalitsa's have a wonderful temperment, and are easy to manage in a pasture setting. This breed however are rooters and if you are pasturing you will need to reseed where you have keep them.

Hampshire

This breed began in Kentucky in the early 1800's. It is known for it's good natured additude and it's hardiness. This breed is medium to large sized, and grows quickly. They are great at foraging, which saves the homestead money in feed cost.
The Hamshire unlike many hertiage breeds is not considered a "Lard pig" they are very lean which means more meat, and more money when the pig goes to slaughter, and the meat is sold at market, or more meat in the homesteads freezer. Hampshire meat is mild flovored and maybe the leanest pork available.

Duroc

This breed is a great homestead pig because of it's docile personality and it's ability to produce large litters. This breed is known to reach market weight quickly making them the second favorite breed in the United States with farmers. Duroc's are great foragers, which saves money on feeding costly grains. At maturity the weight of Duroc's can be 700 to 800 pounds. The meat is a marbled red and very high quality.

Tamsworth

This hertiage breed is a medium to large sized bacon hog. They are slow growers. At maturity they weight about 500 to 600 pounds, and are ready in 25 to 30 weeks for slaughter. Tamsworth's are a breed that was originally raised as pature hogs, so they don't do well in confined areas. This breed loves to forgage in the woodland and in pastures. The meat's flavor is impacted by what they eat, and because they forage, the meat has a nutty sweet flavor.

Helpful Resources

Budgeting for Food Inflation

 

By now we all have heard about the looming grocery shortage and the inflation that is to follow. Being thrifty with our money is more important than ever. It is important with the shortages to make your meals stretch and to make them budget-friendly. When possible, it is Important to stock up on groceries for our pantries, and buy one or two extra cans of vegetables, soups, beans, and canned meats when you go shopping. Remember it's more important to buy good sources of protein, and good sources of carbohydrates and stay away from simple carbs.

Food price predictions for 2022                        (The following percentages are for 2021/22) 

• Beef and Veal 20%
• Pork 18%
• Poultry 19%
• Fresh Fruits/Veggies 13%
• Eggs 17%
• Dairy Products 10%
• Fish and Sea Food 15%
• Fats and Oils 19%
• Sugar and Sweets 11%
• Cereals/Bakery 12%

Information gathered from USA Today

Money-saving tips

Grow a garden. With the cost of fruits and vegetables rising an additional 3 to 4 percent on top of the 7.7 percent that it rose in 2021, it only makes sense to grow your own food. Potatoes can be grown in buckets, baskets, and raised beds. Potatoes would be my number one plant to grow. Other good choices would be any root vegetable that will keep for months like acorn squash, spaghetti squash, beets, and carrots.

Raise chickens. Because of the Avian Flu, chickens are getting harder to acquire. A new law in North Carolina prohibits the sale of chickens because of the Avian Flu. So if you live in a state that hasn't passed a law against buying poultry, go buy yourself a flock to keep in your backyard. They take up little space and are easy to care for so if you live in an area where you are allowed to have them, I would definitely recommend you do so. Eggs are the perfect food and could keep your family from going hungry.

Time out your food shopping trip. The best time to go shopping for meat is around 9 or 10 in the morning to get markdowns. Take the meat home and repackage it in freezer bags and it will last for months. I have also found salad, fresh stir fry, and fruits half off during the morning hours. 

Check out your local bread store. Many bread stores offer great deals on many kinds of bread and bakery items. Most of the time it is half what you would pay at your local grocery store. If you get a great deal, you can freeze bread to keep it fresh.

Create a shopping list. Making a shopping list and sticking to it takes effort on your part. Learning to discipline yourself from impulse buying will save you a lot of money. Don't think you can't have a treat now and again, but budget for that treat on your list.

Stay away from prepared foods. These foods cost extra because they have done all the work for you. Bagged salads, shredded coleslaw, shredded cheese, and frozen meals are easy but costly. Putting in your own effort to grate, shred, and cook not only saves money but is healthier for you.

Discount Food Stores. There are several discount food stores in East Tennessee where I live. United Grocery, is one of the most popular ones. You can also find stores with close-outs that can help save on your food bill. Don't be afraid to shop around to get your best deals.

Try cheaper cuts of meat. Rising meat prices may mean that you will have to buy cheaper cuts of meat. Chicken thighs and drumsticks, instead of breast and tenderloin. Cubed steak instead of Ribeyes. Ground pork instead of ground round. Many of these lower-cost meats, actually are good for you and are as tasty as their counterparts.

Be a part-time Vegan. Try going meatless for a couple of nights a week. Eggplant, beans, and mushrooms are good meat substitutes in many dishes. Going meatless for a few days will make a noticeable difference in your wallet.

Buy frozen fruits and vegetables. During the fall and winter months when you can't grow a garden, buying frozen veggies and fruits is cheaper than buying fresh. Frozen vegetables and fruit still retain the vitamins and nutrients as when they were first picked, and they keep much longer. I remember many times when I would buy fresh, and they would go bad before I used them and that was money wasted.

Shop less. This is one I am working on. The less you go, the less you spend. Make a meal plan for two weeks, take inventory of the toiletries, and other things you need, so you have no excuses for a store run. Make your shopping list, and stick to it. This will cut down on unneedful impulse buying, plus, this will give you more time to do other things besides running to the store every week.

Check unit prices. A bigger package doesn't always mean a greater value. 

Buy in season. If you are buying your produce in the marketplace, buy items that are in season because they will be cheaper, and be better tasting as well.

Make your own. I know many people who love their iced coffees, frappes, and other coffee specialties. Try making your own at home. Make your own lunch to take to work this will save you at least $30 on coffees and $30 on lunches each week. Take that money and pay off a debt.

Buy store brand. In all actuality, most of the time you can't tell the difference in the quality or taste of a store brand vs. a name brand. Did you know some store brands and name brands are processed in the same factories? While the difference in price may be only a few cents, if you buy the item in bulk, that is a big saving.

Portion control. As high as food costs are soaring, I am afraid that many of us will be having to practice this one, especially with the expected shortages. Many of us eat too large a portion. Cutting back will help with the food bill, and make the food last longer.

Check the date. When buying food it is important to check the best by date. Check your pantry regularly for expiration dates and plan meals with those things in the pantry that are soon expiring. 

Use coupons and special offers. Take advantage of special offers like BOGO, and even better if you have a coupon for the item to use with the special offer. Learning the art of coupon clipping and learning to stack coupons will not save you money, but you can end up with free items.

Eat at home. Not only do home-cooked meals taste better, but they are healthier for you. Look for prices at your favorite eatery to go up exponentially due to rising food prices and shortages. Make eating out for very special occasions only.

Half and half. To make meat stretch out longer, use half a pound of meat instead of a pound of meat for a recipe, and then add something else to the dish to replace the lower meat content such as beans, pasta, eggplant, squash, or other favorite vegetables.

Shop local Try to buy what you can from your local farmer, or farmer's market. The quality and freshness along with amazing prices is a great deal.

Use rebates If you have a smartphone, you can use rebate apps for cashback rewards. Here are a few of the most popular. 

• Ibotta is an app that you can utilize to shop for the best deals for things you buy. It also offers 40% cashback, on qualifying purchases. Ibotta is free, and you can price compare over 5000 stores. 
  

Steps to start saving with Ibotta

1. Search for offers.  Start by preselecting your rebates before you go shopping. Rebates will be found under the “find offers” tab within Ibotta app. Search by categories.
2. Ready to Shop. Select your rebates, always check the offers you have chosen for specific terms, and make sure you are buying the right brand, quantity, and size.  Rebates, like coupons, have specific requirements, so if you choose the wrong thing, you won't be credited for your purchase.
3. Verifying your Purchase. Simply take a photo of your receipt with the Ibotta app to verify your purchases.
4. Redeem your cashback. Ibotta will deposit your cash into a rewards account within 48 hours of you submitting proof of your purchase. You, however, can't cash out until you reach $20. Ibotta offers many ways for you to Cash out which include: PayPal, Venmo, and gift cards to companies like Amazon, Starbucks, and Target.
5. Ibotta will let you link your store loyalty cards to your account so you automatically earn for eligible purchases, and you don't have to select rebates. 

Other money-saving apps.

• Rakuten is another popular cash-back app. Like Ibotta you can receive 40% cash back on eligible purchases on things you buy. Rakuten partners with 3,500 stores and only one cashback app may be used per purchase, so if you have Ibotta or another app, you will need to choose between them. It is really a good idea to choose one app, and use that one for all your purchases to avoid confusion.

• Fetch is a receipt-scanning app Similar to Ibotta. The difference between these two apps is that Ibotta offers require shopping at specific stores, while Fetch rewards require you to buy specific brands to earn points you can shop at any store of your choice. Fetch partners with popular brands in varying categories such as groceries, baby products, and cosmetics. Some of the brands they partner with are listed below.
• Betty Crocker
• Heinz
• Hershey's 
• Kraft
• Oscar Mayer
• Pepsi
• Yoplait

Checkout 51 like the aforementioned apps, Checkout 51 allows you to select your rebates before you go on your shopping trip. When you get home you simply take a picture of your receipt and submit it. With this app, you can also link loyalty cards to your account. Checkout 51 partners with such stores as 

• Dollar General
• Aldi's
• Publix's
• Kroger
• Walmart
• Winne Dixie
• Whole Foods
• Costco

Checkout 51 has a section that allows you to pick your offers with such essential items as eggs, bread, and milk.

BeFrugal this app adds both coupons and cashback rewards in one single app. This app is a must for those who are shopping on a budget. This app partners with Coupons.com to offer you printable coupons and sales ads for your favorite stores. It also offers 40% cashback on the purchase. The money will go into your rewards account when the purchases are verified by the retailer. There are several ways to obtain your cash back. You can opt for the check, direct deposit, Paypal, or receive gift cards to Amazon, Walmart, or Kohls.

Why use a money-saving app?

• Time saved by applying digital coupons automatically
• Price history is updated on an item so you know if it's a good deal.
• Rewards you for shopping for things you already need to buy, with cashback.
• You can save even more money by stacking your rebates with other discounts, like coupons.

As grocery costs get higher, it is helpful to look at all ways to cut your food cost, which starts in your kitchen. Start by planning meals, use leftovers to create a new dish, and get creative with making casseroles which are typically cheaper to make. Cashback apps are truly wonderful, but the only one who can truly save you money is you. Cutting back on items that are not essential such as cookies, chips, and soda will save you money, and save your health as well. 

Must have books

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

 

Zucchini casserole is a wonderful dish to prepare this Easter holiday. This dish is cheesy, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients

• 4 pieces of white bread, cubed
• 1/4 of a cup of butter, melted
• 2 cups of cubed zucchini
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 tsp of minced garlic
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
2. Place cubed bread in a mixing bowl, and pour melted butter on top of the bread. Add zucchini, onion, garlic, and the egg and mix well.
3. Put the mixture in a 9x13 glass baking dish and top with cheese.
4. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, uncover and bake an additional 30 minutes.

Caring for baby goats

It is my opinion that baby goats are the cutest animals on the homestead.  We were blessed to welcome three new pygmy dwarf babies in March and they are the funniest, most animated babies that love to bounce, run, and jump on everything. I can have a bad day, and then look outside and see these cute, cuddly, kids frolicking in the meadow and playing with each other, and it brings a smile to my face. Whether you want a goat kid for a pet, or as a future breeder or milk goat, it is important to know the proper care and upkeep of these sweet animals.

What you need to know.

Is your kid bottle-fed? If you decide to purchase a bottle-fed kid you must be ready to commit to feeding the kid for 6 to 8 weeks from a bottle, and every 3 to 4 hours throughout the day. After a week you can start to spread out the feedings to 4 feedings a day. Then two feeds per day at 3 weeks of age. It is important to find out if the kid nursed the mother within hours of being born and was able to get colostrum. If the kid doesn't get colostrum, it makes them very suspectable to disease because they have no to little immunity, and will likely die. If at all possible it is better to let the kid nurse from the mother for a least a couple of days to get the necessary nutrients and immune-boosting colostrum. There would be several reasons that nursing from the mother wouldn't be possible. The mother may reject the kid, the farm where you are buying the kid may want to keep the mother goat for milk for the farm and therefore will sell the kid as a bottle baby, or the mother expired during birth. 
 
Bottle feeding how to. Patience is a necessity when trying to teach a new kid to take a bottle. It may take many tries, so don't get discouraged. To encourage the kid, gently open its mouth, and squeeze the milk into its mouth. It will eventually get the idea and start sucking. If the kid doesn't have a good suckling reflex, you may need to dropper feed it, or tube feed it. We had to do this with a bottle calf, and if you have never done this before, I recommend you call a vet. If not done properly, it can go into the lungs instead of the stomach. When purchasing nipples for newborn kids "Pritchard" nipples are best because of there small size makes it easier to suck. 

How much to feed depends on the breed and age. On average you will feed 3 to 4 ounces per 5 pounds of weight for each feeding. 

How long do I bottle feed? As a general rule, it is good to bottle feed for at least 3 months to get them off on a good start. It is a good idea to transition them slowly to hay because they may bloat or have other digestive issues. A good probiotic regime given while they are transitioning to hay will help alleviate this problem.

What do I feed my baby goat? 

• The majority of the goat's diet should come from hay.
• Around 15% should be from grass/weeds, or bagged hay pellets.
• 5% should come from grains.
• Goats also need certain minerals added to their grains when given. (grains are a treat, not a meal.)
• Freshwater, with apple cider vinegar.

What vaccinations do my kids need?

• If you are raising goats for milk or meat, CD-T, protects against Clostridium perfringens types C and D and tetanus and must be given.
• An optional vaccine that may be given is CL (Caseous lymphadenitis), sore mouth, rabies, footrot, and pneumonia.

Housing for your kids

Kids should be kept apart from aggressive goats that are in your goat herd. They can be slowly integrated into the herd when they are better able to stand up to the bullies in the herd.

Kids should be provided with a dry, warm wind-free shelter. Give each kid at least 10 square feet of space. Put fresh hay or shavings for bedding.

When the kids are put out to pasture with other goats or other animals, the pasture should be kept clean of manure to keep down parasite load. 

Kids love to play and climb so making a small area with pallets to climb, big spools, or a small slide entertains them for hours.

Additional Resources

                               

                               

Pizza Caprese

 

 Caprese Pizza

Caprese pizza is a perfect summertime pizza with the delightful flavors of fresh basil and tomatoes out of the garden.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough you can use frozen, homemade, or store brought thin-crust
• 2 fresh ripe Roma tomatoes
• 12 basil leaves, torn or chopped
• 1 package of 8 ounces of Mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees 
2. Slice tomatoes, and tear or chop basil leaves
3. Slice the Mozzarella into thin slices
4. Prepare the dough by placing it on a pizza stone and pressing it out in a 12-inch circle. 
5. Begin placing the tomatoes in circles around the pizza.  
6. Add the basil generously on top of the tomatoes, then drizzle with olive oil.
7. Lay the Mozzarella on top of the other ingredients
8. Bake in a 400-degree oven for 15 minutes or until brown.
9. Allow the pizza to sit for 5 minutes, then cut and serve.

Growing Summer Fruits

 

How to Grow Grapes

Site selection

Planting grapes on elevated or sloped sites are ideal to reduce frost damage or injury to the vines. However, you shouldn't plant on the crest of a mountain because wind and heavier frost that occurs on mountain tops may damage your vines. Grapes like full sun, and well-drained soil.

Soil preparation

Grapevines are deep rooters and need 24 to 36 inches to root. Planting in loose soil will allow the vine to root deeper and spread out, which will make for a stronger and more productive grapevine that will withstand disease, drought, and frost better. 

It is recommended that no fertilizer be used in the soil where you plant your grapevines because it causes growth spikes, which in turn lowers the quality and quantity of fruit production and encourages disease.

When to plant grapes

Plant grapes in late winter or early spring. If you plant too early, the grapevine may not survive if it has to go through long freezes. It is just as important not to plant when the temperatures are too hot and you have little rain.

Planting the vines

When planting your vines, space them 8 to 10 feet apart, and plant them in rows. Inspect your vine for any infected, dead roots, and remove them. Dig the hole for the vine, and make sure the roots fit the hole without having to bend them to fit the hole. Fill the hole level with the soil, or you may want to go a little higher than the hole.

How to prune and train your vines

Taking the time to care for your vines is crucial to the overall health and growth of your vines. Pruning your vines allows for light distribution, which allows for the growth, and riping of your fruit. It also cuts down on pests and diseases. Training your vines to a trellis or other trellising method.

When to expect the fruit from your labor

It takes approximately 3 to 4 years before you can expect to harvest your grapes. Remember patience is required when planting any new fruit vines or fruit trees, but it's well worth the wait!

Grape varieties

• Concord Is a self-pollinating grape that is ready to harvest in late September. An excellent grape for eating fresh, and for making jellies.
• Pinot Noir Is a red wine grape that can be eaten fresh, or to make wine or grape juice. These grapes are harvested in August.
• Sweet Jubliee These grapes are almost black in color and have a very fruity taste, and are larger than most grapes. These grapes can be harvested from late August to September.
• Champagne Is a very small grape that is firm and crisp. This grape is sweet with a hint of tartness. These grapes are harvested in September.
• Cotton Candy Is a white table grape that is so sweet it tastes like Cotton Candy. These grapes are harvested Mid-July to early September.
• Fry Muscadine This grape has superior disease resistance and is cold-hardy. It produces large fruit with excellent taste. Harvest time for this variety is ready to harvest in Mid August to September.
• Sultana (Thompson seedless) Is your classic seedless, green grape. They are sweet small grapes that can be found in any grocery store. These grapes ripen best in hot climates and are ready from August to September.
• Crimson seedless A table grape that is readily available at the supermarket, these grapes range in color from a dark pink to pinkish-red. Harvest time in the United States is from August to November. 

 How to Grow Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the tastiest and most healthy berries you can eat. These berries are one of the highest in antioxidants and can bolster your immune system. Planting these berries is easy, and requires little care. 

Prepare your soil

Begin by loosening the soil and removing any rocks, twigs, or refuge left from your last plantings. Add good-quality compost to the soil approximately two weeks before planting.

Blueberries need an acidic soil of 4.5 to 5.0. Do a soil test to ensure your soil has the right conditions before you begin planting. If your soil is below the needed level, you can amend coffee grounds the soil, which will bring the acidic level up fast. Blueberry bushes will not grow well in neutral soil and may cause the plant not to produce any fruit. After the bushes are established, and you aren't seeing the growth that you expect, check the PH levels again to ensure your soil still has enough acidic properties. If it doesn't adjust the soil by amending again with the coffee grounds.

When to plant

Most gardeners plant well-established plants as planting from seed takes years to enjoy a harvest of berries. Blueberries should be planted in early springtime. These plants require a good sunny place in your garden, but they also need to be where the sun isn't beating down on them too severely.

Pruning

It is necessary to prune your Blueberries regularly, usually several times a year, if they have already produced berries. If the bushes haven't fruited yet, it isn't necessary to prune unless you see branches or leaves dying in order to prepare for new growth. Early spring is the best time to prune your berry bushes. 

Blueberry varieties

• Early bird is the best variety if you live in the South. To ensure pollination, other varieties will also be needed.
• Tifblue is a self-pollination variety. This blueberry is a cross between Rabbiteye and Highbush.
• Rabbiteye is a great variety if you are new to growing blueberries because it is disease resistant, making it an easy, low-maintenance choice for newbies.
• Northern Highbush is an excellent choice for those who live in cold climate areas. This variety is self-pollinating, however, it can be cross-pollinated with other varieties to increase fruit yields.

How to grow figs

Figs are easily grown in the southern climate regions, however, those living in zones 7 and lower can still grow them in a container so that they can be brought in during the winter months especially if you live where the temperature drops below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. 

These trees are fast growers and can reach a height of 15 to 30 feet tall. If you plant these trees in favorable conditions, they can produce fruit as soon as 2 years. Figs produce 2 times a year with the first harvest in late May to early June and the second harvest in September to November.

When to plant

Plant in early spring when the plant is dormant, and plant them 3 inches deeper than the container that they came in. For bare-root planting, cut back one-half of the length. Figs do fine without fertilizer, but if it starts looking as though the spring leaves are not developing well, you can use a little 10-10-10 to encourage more growth.

Where to plant

Figs are sun-loving trees and need at least 8 hours of full sun. When deciding on an area to plant your tree remember it is a fast grower and grows very large. so choosing an area for it to spread out is best. Figs like loam soil, with lots of organic compost added. it also requires good drainage. 

Fig varieties

Figs are one of the oldest fruits recorded in history dating to the beginning of humankind in Genesis. Four varieties are popular with backyard gardeners because they can produce fruit without fertilization. Below are some you might want to try.

• Celeste (Sugar fig) This fig is cold hardy. This particular fig doesn't produce twice a year. It is a wonderful fig that is good to eat fresh or for canning.

• Black Mission This fig is has dark purple almost black flesh. It has a rich decident flavor that can be enjoyed fresh, or dried. This fig produces twice a season, and good for those living in warmer southern climates. 

• Brown Turkey Is a fig that grows well in zones 7 to 9. This fig most often produces twice a season. The fruit is smaller than the other two varieties and not a rich tasting.

 

 

How to grow Cherry trees

 

Cherries are a "stone fruit," which means they have a pit or stone in the middle of the fruit. Cherry trees can be grown almost anywhere in the country, however, they do like it more on the cooler side. 

Where to plant

Cherry trees are very hardy trees that can tolerate frost, lots of rain, heat, and even poor soil. The best place to plant your tree is in an area with fairly fertile soil that will allow the roots of the tree to expand and grow deep. The tree should also have access to full sun, and well-drained soil. Planting cherry trees in clay soil may cause root rot, so you may want to plant in a raised bed if that is your only option.

When to plant

You should plant cherry trees in early spring or in late fall. When planting your trees also select different varieties that will pollinate each other. Cherry trees also come in an array of sizes such as standard which grow 25 to 40 feet tall, semi-dwarf which grows to 15 to 25 feet tall, and lastly dwarf trees which grow 8 to 12 feet tall. It is advised to plant the trees as far apart as their highest perceived height. Dig your hole twice the size of the root ball, and deep enough to leave 2 inches of the graft union above the soil line. Mulch around the trees to retain moisture.

Caring for your trees

• Make sure if you live in a dry area that you regularly water your trees.
• Prune your trees every winter to encourage new spring wood growth.
• In early spring fertilize your trees with a low nitrogen fertilizer several weeks before they begin to flower. (Don't fertilize in mid-summer) due to the trees needing time to harden off before the colder temperatures.

Harvest

You will have to wait a good three to five years to enjoy your first harvest. Cherries are usually ready to harvest and enjoy in June or July depending on your area. 

Cherry varieties

Sweet Cherries

• Black Tartarian (Early) Sweet taste, a great dessert cherry.
• Black Russian (Mid-Season) Wonderful eaten fresh.
• Bing (Late) harvest. The most flavorful. Most common.

Tart Cherries

• Early Richmond (Early) Great for jams, jellies, and pies.
• North Star (Late) Great for pie, and freezes well.

Books I 💗

A Refreshing Summer Time Dessert

 

Southern Style Angel Food Cake

Ingredient

• 12 Eggs whites
• 1 Rounded tsp cream of tartar
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup of cake flour
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 1/2 tsp orange flavoring
• 1/4 tsp. almond flavoring

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees
2. Add cream of Tatar to egg whites and beat until stiff.
3. Sift flour, and sugar, and add slowly to the egg whites.
4. Fold gently after each addition. Fold in the flavorings.
5. Bake in an ungreased tube pan at 300 degrees for 1 hour.
6. Invert pan to cool.

Strawberry topping

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup sugar

Directions

1. In a large saucepan combine the strawberries and sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, and simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Remove pan from heat, and let cool. Add the vanilla, and enjoy!