Planning a dye garden for myself

If I'm lucky this is what we'll get done this coming summer. I forgot to label the water barrel (bottom right) and the composter (the yellow and brown box at the top), and the small shed (empty white box at the top).

Different apple sauce recipes

If you've been storing apples it might be time to start using them up before they go bad. You can make up some of these recipes and freeze them, or can them... Or, like at my house, just eat so much apple sauce that you feel oogy.

Storing vegetables for the winter

We've just bought a house, and included in this lovely, new home is an under-porch root cellar. I've always wanted one, and I even bought books to teach myself how to use one (when I didn't have one and there wasn't even one in my near future- yes, I'm a bit obsessed). They use no electricity, but they can require a bit of attention and maintenance. Most storage-worthy fruits and veggies will keep for 3-6 months tops, depending on the variety and conditions.

Some veggies need a moist environment, and others need a dry one, and some need cooler and others warmer. It can be difficult to provide all conditions in one room. However, the one most important thing that needs to be provided is ventilation. Without that it won't matter if you have everything else perfect.

A tiny masterclass in apple tree pruning

This is something I need to learn how to do.

Leftover roasted root vegetable soup

You can make this recipe dairy free and vegan if you substitute coconut oil for butter and full-fat coconut milk for the cream.

If you don't have leftovers you can roast up some cauliflower, parsnips and carrots

Leftover roasted root vegetable soup with caramelized onions and apples

• Roasted root veggies
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (uless there's already garlic in your roasted veggie mix)
• Enough vegetable broth to cover your veggies
• 1/2 cup cream (or more, to taste, especially if you're making a big pot of soup)
• 1 large yellow onion
• 1 large apple, diced
• 1 teaspoon oil of your choice (or butter)
• Salt and pepper

Hot spiced cider

Hot Spiced Cider

• One small apple (optional)
• 1/2c brown sugar or dark honey
• 8c apple juice or local cider
• 1tsp whole allspice (I never have it around, but it's yummy if you do)
• 1tsp whole cloves
• 4-6 whole cinnamon sticks

Apple peel chips and apple cider vinegar

Apple Peel Chips

• Some apple peels
• Cinnamon and sugar to taste
• 1/2 Tbsp melted butter or other neutral oil
• Pinch of salt