Even self-pollinating (self-fertile, self-fruitful) fruit trees and shrubs will increase productivity with a second like-plant nearby.
Click on the pictures below to view our guides or print.
APPLES:
STONE FRUITS:
BLUEBERRIES:
]]>A. Planting Trees & Shrubs
B. Planting Perennial & Annual Plants
You can plant your tree or shrub as long as your soil isn't frozen. Ideally, you want to plant it as soon as you get the plant home. If you're going to keep it containerized for any period of time, keep it in a shady spot, sheltered from injury, and make sure the soil stays moist.
Make sure you have some extra soil on hand! You'll need it in a few steps. We recommend:
You'll also want to purchase mulch and fertilizer. We recommend these fertilizer options:
Digging Your Hole:
For trees, dig a hole at least 12 inches wider than the width of the root ball and 2 to 3 inches shallower than the root ball depth. The top of the root ball should be slightly above the surface of the ground.
For shrubs, dig a hole 2 to 3 times as wide as the root ball and the same depth as the root ball. The top of the root ball should be level with the surface of the ground or just slightly raised.
Before planting, fill your empty hole to the surface with water. Repeat this step 2 to 3 times.
Planting:
Gently remove the container without disturbing the root ball. Cut any circling roots and place the root ball into your hole. If your root ball is really compacted, make a few shallow cuts through the roots on the sides and bottom.
We recommend using a transplanting solution such as Garden Rich Root & Grow Root Stimulator & Plant Starter over the root ball to help your newly planted tree or shrub grow new roots.
Start refilling around the root ball with your soil. When the hole is about half refilled, straighten and level the plant, tamping the soil down carefully. Water, and then fill the rest of the hole with your soil.
Use extra soil to build a ring 6 to 10 inches from the outside of the hole. This will enable water to collect and trickle slowly down to the roots while minimizing runoff.
We recommend:
Watering:
Water your newly planted tree or shrub slowly. This allows for deep penetration, encouraging root development. Plants should receive about 1 inch of water per week during the growing season.
NOTE: Your original soil will dry out faster than any new soil you've added. Monitor your plant's water needs carefully for the first two growing seasons so it can flourish. Clay or heavy soil will need less watering, while sandy soil will need more.
General Watering Guidelines:
If you're relying on rain to water your tree or shrub, pay attention to how much you're getting to make sure it's enough to keep your soil sufficiently moist.
Staking:
The weight of the root ball is normally not sturdy enough to hold your newly planted tree in place, so you want to stake your plant so it can stay firmly planted.
Trees with trunks up to 3 inches in diameter can be supported with two 2" x 2" x 6' stakes firmly driven into the ground at a 45 degree angle. Stake close to the trunk and attach to the tree with a staking wire. Remove stakes and wires after one growing season.
We recommend:
Mulching:
To prevent water loss and keep lawn mowers and trimmers from getting too close to your plant, add a 2 to 3 inch layer of shredded mulch or bark chips around your tree or shrub.
NOTE: Don't make your mulch layer so deep that it rests closely against the trunk or stems of the plant. This can promote disease or pest injury.
Fertilizing:
We recommend 1 of these 2 options:
Jobes Fertilizer Spikes for Trees & Shrubs
FOR FRUIT & CITRUS TREES & SHRUBS WE RECOMMEND:
Protecting Your Tree or Shrub:
We recommend Bonide Go Away Deer & Rabbit Repellent to protect your plant from wildlife. Long-lasting and weather resistant, Shot Gun Repels-All keeps animals such as deer and rabbits away from your plants. Simply follow the directions on the label.
Most perennials and annuals like a well-drained soil rich with organic matter. We recommend amending your soil with 2 to 3 inches of Coast of Maine Penobscot Organic Blend Compost & Peat.
You'll also want to purchase mulch and fertilizer. We recommend 1 of these 2 fertilizers:
Preparing to Plant:
Prepare your soil, then place your plants around your planting area while still in their pots. Make sure you have considered how tall the plant will grow, how much it will spread, and whether your plant likes sun or shade.
Digging Your Hole:
Dig your hole wide enough and deep enough to accommodate your plant. Water thoroughly and then remove your plant from the pot, inverting it and supporting your plant's root ball.
Planting:
Place your plant into the hole, then fill to ground level with soil. Water the plant again to ensure the soil fills in completely around the roots, eliminating any large air pockets.
Fertilizing:
After watering, we recommend applying Espoma Bio-tone Starter Plus fertilizer to help your plant grow new roots.
Watering:
Monitor your plants daily, watering slowly as needed to allow for deep penetration, encouraging root development.
Feed Your Plants:
We recommend feeding perennials biweekly with Espoma Organic Plant-tone. Feed annuals weekly or biweekly with Espoma Flower-tone. Feed vegetables weekly with Espoma Garden-tone.
Mulching:
To prevent water loss and keep lawn mowers and trimmers from getting too close to your plant, add a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around your tree or shrub.
NOTE: Don't make your mulch layer so deep that it rests closely against the stems of the plant. This can promote disease or pest injury.
]]>If you want your lawn to be nice and green, check your soil! One of the easiest things to work on is your soil pH. In this article, we'll explain:
Nutrients
pH is a measurement of the concentration of Hydrogen ions. By neutralizing an acidic soil we are decreasing the amount of Hydrogen ions in the soil. Excess Hydrogen bonds with soil nutrients, forming compounds that grass plants can’t absorb and that the microbes in the soil aren’t able to feed on.
Maintaining a pH between 6.5 and 7 is the best thing we can do to maximize the available nutrients for our lawns.
Image Credit: Jonathan Green
In the northeast we have a naturally acidic soil (i.e. a pH less than 7). A pH close to 7 (neutral) frees up nutrients and promotes microbial activity providing incremental soil nutrients. If we fertilize our lawns without first correcting the pH, we could waste anywhere from 20 - 70% of the fertilizer.
With a low pH, the Nitrogen and Potassium we fertilize our lawns with will bond with the excess Hydrogen to form compounds the grass plants can’t access.
How to improve your soil pH
Test your pH using Mackey's Soil Test Kit or a pH meter prior to putting down any fertilizer. (Click below to learn more about Mackey's Soil Test Kit.)
If your pH is below 6.5, don’t worry, there are solutions that can quickly improve your pH. Greenlawn Ultrafast Lime adjusts the pH as fast as four weeks and Jonathan Green’s Mag-I-Cal improves soil pH in as little as two weeks!
Both of these products provide Calcium, which bonds with the Hydrogen, neutralizing the acidic soil. (Click on each product to learn more.)
When to apply lime and Calcium products
Apply lime any time during the growing season (when the ground is not frozen, so in the Northeast, this is usually April), so that the calcium can dissolve and work into the soil. If you're pH is really low, you can apply lime up to 3 times per year (spring, summer, and fall). Keep in mind that fast acting products (as shown above) work in as little as 2-4 weeks, where as traditional powdered or pelleted lime takes 3 to 4 months. It used to be common practice to apply lime every Fall. The goal here, is to prepare the soil for next Spring.
How to apply lime and Calcium products
Lime and other products are easily spread using a broadcast or drop spreader. I recommend applying at the recommended rate on the package. Otherwise, the product will under perform if applied to lightly or you'll have additional waste by over applying. If you want to drastically improve your soil pH, I believe increased frequency of applications is better than increased 'dosage.' Keep in mind, the product needs to be watered in to work. Try timing the application prior to a rain or irrigate afterwards to ensure the product is dissolved into the intended areas.
We have Softneck Garlic Bulbs for planting at all of our Mackey's locations! Softneck Garlic is easier to raise, keeps longer, and usually produces more cloves.
Some things to keep in mind:
WHEN TO HARVEST, HOW TO HARVEST, AND HOW TO STORE YOUR GARLIC
2 : How to prepare your lawn for planting grass seed.
Try to make sure your lawn is in the best shape possible before seeding or overseeding:
Crabgrass and Weeds-
Excess Thatch-
Soil pH-
Grubs-
3 How to Plant Grass Seed
4: After planting the seeds
5: Watering
6: The first spring
An in depth interview with Barry Green, President and 5th generation of Jonathan Green, a leading lawn care products company. Barry helps us understand the difference in grass seeds and shares the development of his company's famed Black Beauty varieties.
Barry Green, President of Jonathan Green Inc.
Listen on Spreaker, Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or Stitcher:
Join us as we learn from this leading expert in wild life habitats and populations.
]]>Few know the wildlife of Connecticut as well as this episode’s guest, Patrick Comins, Executive Director of the Connecticut Audubon Society. Terry and Len sit down with Patrick, who shares with us the history and accomplishments of the Connecticut Audubon Society, tips on how you can make your back yard a wild bird sanctuary, and how a car accident changed the course of his career.
Join us as we learn from this leading expert in wild life habitats and populations.
Connecticut ranks number 1 as the state with the highest percentage of the population living in Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas. According to the USDA Forest Service, 72 percent of Connecticut’s residence live in or in close proximity to areas of significant wildland vegetation.
As award winning experts, authors, retailers, and manufacturers, Dr. Bob and Susan Goldstein have truly made an impact on an industry and touched the lives of our pets.
Listen to "Finding Another Way – Earth Animal founders Dr. Bob and Susan Goldstein" on Spreaker.
]]>
Join us for a meeting of old friends with new stories.
]]>Join us for a meeting of old friends with new stories.
Listen to "The Farmer’s Almanac: Forecasting weather and life events with Peter Geiger" on Spreaker.
Farmer’s Almanac:
When it was founded, the Almanac was about teaching skills to immigrant populations. Now, it’s about teaching skills to younger people who want to be more sustainable and favor homemade solutions.
The Almanac also features recipes, which come from reader entry contests. This year’s winners were required to focus on bananas in their recipe. Other sections include famous firsts, life hacks, and weather.
Geiger said that the 2019 Almanac gave a good prediction for this year’s weather. Almanacs, including the Farmer’s Almanac, have secret methods for predicting the weather more than a year in advance. Terry shares his concern about the weather forecast for September 2020, in which Geiger reveals his interpretation of the almanac’s prediction.
Tips/ Life Hacks:
Here are some of the Life Hacks that Geiger shared with us during the show:
Wash your window vertically on one side, and horizontally on the other side, so you can tell which side still has dirt or streaks.
To melt the ice of your windshield wipers, spray a mixture of half vinegar and half water.
For better traction on ice, you can spread kitty litter or coffee grounds.
To get moles to leave your garden, put a mesh bag with garlic cloves into a mole hole. Moles don’t like the smell of garlic, and will abandon that hole.
Keep stud earrings together by keeping connected with a button.
When cooking, boil water before putting in above-ground crops. Boil below-ground crops with the water. Above-ground crops have thinner membranes and need less cooking time.
]]>Now let's make your tree look beautiful and thrive!
Before you bring your tree inside:
Now that your tree is inside:
Keep in mind that it is natural for your tree to lose needles on the inside branches. You may have heard about additives you can use in the water to help your tree last longer. The jury is still out on whether anything works, or if one works better than another. Water is still the most crucial element to guarantee lasting freshness.
Christmas Trees are a renewable resource. Here are some ideas how you can recycle your tree after the holiday.
Tuck in for this heartwarming episode of Growing Home.
What is Chicken Soup for The Soul?
The book series was started by motivational speakers Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen back in 1993. The original book is a compilation of stories they two of them told during their lectures.
The name of the series comes from chicken soup being a common folk medicine. In fact, Amy said that almost every culture that has chicken, uses chicken soup in that way.
The original book became “a nationwide phenomenon”, eventually selling 8 million copies.
It was soon expanded into a full book series, with specific subjects for each title. Chicken Soup for the Soul was the best-selling book series until it was overtaken by the Harry Potter books.
Eventually, Jack and Mark were too busy to run Chicken Soup for the Soul, so they sold it to Amy and her husband, Bill Rouhana, in 2008.
Amy went and relaunched the series as being more “relevant, topical, diverse and useful”.
The business has expanded into a variety of products, from videos to pet food. Amy edits the book, whereas Bill runs the rest of the brand.
Chicken Soup’s Latest Titles
The newest Chicken Soup titles are Chicken Soup for the Soul: Life Lessons from the Cat and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Life Lessons from the Dog.
Amy says that the Chicken Soup staff are “crazed” about pets. As a result, they release cat and dog volumes every year and a half.
The proceeds last four releases of their cat and dog volumes have supported American Humane, the oldest animal welfare organization in the country.
The pet books emphasize stories about adopted pets, as the staff of Chicken Soup want people to adopt pets, or get pets from reputable breeders.
When adopting, consider adopting black-furred pets, senior animals, and pit bulls, as they are the least adopted pets from shelters.
When you buy a Chicken Soup for the Soul Book from Mackey’s, you are also giving to shelters in our area!
Editing a Chicken Soup Book
People can go to chickensoup.com and click “submit your story”. Then, people are walked through the process of submitting a story, including writing guidelines, and a list of titles currently in development.
Thousands of stories are submitted to the offices for each volume. The editing team cut stories on the until there are only about a few hundred left. Then, the editing duties are passed on to Amy.
Amy then makes the “tough choice” to pick the final 101 stories for the book, leaving the “cream of the crop”
Amy likes that the book is in 101 parts, because you don’t feel like you have to read it in one shot, though she thinks the stories are engrossing enough you might do that anyhow.
Tales for Tails
Writers who have their work printed in a Chicken Soup for the Soul book can buy copies of their book for a break-even price. In turn, the writer can set up readings in their local pet stores, and can sell those books to raise funds for shelters across the country.
Expanding the Brand
The first non-book product the Chicken Soup name was used for is their pet food brand.
Amy says the pet food relates to Chicken Soup’s mission, as they are “passionate” about dogs and cats, and how well they’re cared for.
The food itself is “super-premium”, avoids Chinese ingredients, and is recommended by breeders.
For every package of food sold, four meals of Chicken Soup food are donated to shelter animals.
The Chicken Soup for the Soul brand has also expanded into movies, television, and podcasts.
|
Story About the Name
The Nantucket Spider name was a joke name that stuck. Jeffrey was out for a weekend in Nantucket, and he wished he had something to keep the horse-flies away, “like a Nantucket Spider.” That was when his old friend Nancy showed him the first formula of Nantucket Spider.
For the record, Jeffrey wanted to say that they aren’t from Nantucket, nor does it repel spiders.
The Original
Nancy, a former environmental lawyer, prefers using natural products. Once, she used a bug spray with DEET in it while on the job, and it melted her stockings. When she tried using natural bug sprays, she thought they were either too greasy or too “lotion-y.” As well, she found them to be hard to apply.
Nancy, who Jeffrey says is “a Renaissance woman,” decided to experiment until she found something that worked for her. The original formula, and all subsequent formulas, are made from essential oils and water, “ingredients you can pronounce.”
In particular, some of the herbs in the original formula include rose geranium, peppermint, clove, rosemary, and lemongrass.
The original formula is 99% effective against mosquitoes.
Many bug sprays, organic or not, use emulsifiers to prevent ingredients from settling. Nantucket Spider products don’t use emulsifiers, as they give the spray a milky consistency, and can cause stains. As a result, you need to shake before spraying on your clothes or yourself.
The two of them started making Nantucket Spider in Nancy’s kitchen. Quickly, they started selling to 10 stores in their local area.
Other Formulas
Bug Repellent for Dogs
They started making a dog formula, as customers wondered if they could spray The Original on their dogs. The Original contains citrus, which dogs shouldn’t come in contact with. The dog formula includes cedar, peppermint, and rose geranium.
Summer Camp Natural Bug Repellent
Their children’s formula, Summer Camp, is citronella free. It’s fine to use the original formula on children, but some kids and adults may be sensitive to the scent of citronella.
Extra Strength Tick Repellent
The other products do repel ticks, but they found interest in a dedicated anti-tick formula.
Nancy started by looking up what ingredients were allowed in tick formulas. They eventually settled on a formula that can repel 92% of deer ticks.
The tick formula has a stronger scent than most of their products, a “spicy vanilla” smell. This includes cinnamon and vanillin sourced from clove.
If you spray the tick formula on your clothes, you will still smell it the next day. It was important to make the tick formula long lasting, as you won’t hear a tick crawling on you if the repellent wore off. However, they do not recommend applying the formula directly to your face because of its strength.
Using the tick formula should be used as a part a process to keep ticks away. Other things you can do include bathing daily, and keep playthings and outdoor furniture at least a foot away from the woods.
Testing Insect Repellents
Testing these products can be expensive because it may be difficult to collect enough insects to test with. With testing the tick formula, researchers had to find active ticks. They did this by putting ticks in a sideways petri dish, and see if they’ll walk form the bottom to the top.
After the active ticks are collected, they are moved to another petri dish on one side, with the other covered with the repellent. The effectiveness of the repellent is determined by seeing how many of the ticks cross to the other side. The fewer, the better.
What to Look for in Natural Bug Repellents?
You want between 4 and 15 percent active ingredients. Less than 4%, and the bottle isn’t effective enough. More than 15%, and they tend to not feel good on the skin.
The more variety in active ingredients, the better. This means that the formula will be better at repelling a variety of insects.
Natural repellents should smell good. Repellents need to be applied all over the body, and you’ll use more of a repellent that is pleasant smelling.
Keep the application method in mind. This will dictate the recommended use, and you need to be sure the recommend use fits your needs.
Growing the business
There’s a learning curve to starting a business, and the Nantucket Spider team believe that they’re on the bottom of the curve.
Nancy and Jeffrey tried to be thrifty when they started, like designing a label with Adobe illustrator before the free trial period ran out.
They soon contracted a factory in Norwalk to make the repellent.
Jeffrey said they didn’t have a business plan when they started. He wasn’t thinking of Nantucket Spider as a business, rather as a way to solve a problem.
Eventually, Jeffrey got around to making a business plan. He had a consultation with a Small Business Association mentor. Jeffrey said that meeting helped him focus on what was the appeal of the Nantucket Spider products.
Jeffrey sent free samples to more stores in his area, and by the end of the company’s second year, they were being sold in over 130 stores.
As of 2019, Nantucket Spider products are sold in 1800 stores regionally, and they’re preparing to expand nationally.
However, surprising problems still come up. Nancy said that with online sales, people complained that they were being sent malfunctioning bottles, when in reality, the trigger spray was just locked. Now, they ship their online orders with the trigger spray unlocked and not attached to the top of the bottle.
Regulations
Nancy says that people should be familiar with regulations if they want to set up their own business
Nantucket Spider pays attention to EPA regulations, but those are enforced differently at the federal and state level. For example, one ingredient might be okay in one state, but not okay in another.
Even product labeling can be subject to state regulation. For example, states may have rules about the size of the font, where the ingredient list is placed, or even the use of slogans in advertising.
Testing a product is often required before registering a label.
Ethos of the Company
Jeffrey, a vegetarian, says that we’re not supposed to be afraid of the natural world. He says that everything has a right to live, “just not on me.”
Bug repellents shouldn’t scare people. The Nantucket Spider branding emphasizes summer fun, since Nancy wants the company to be “the sunscreen of bug repellent.” As such, they use bright and colorful labels.
]]>
|
Growing Home Podcast Grab Bag:
A new feature for the podcast!
Email us ideas, questions, and compliments ;) in-between episodes at podcast@mackeysinc.com to get entered to win a prize! We will be picking winners and prizes at random.
The contest starts after next episode!
National Pollinator Week:
National Pollinator Week is June 17 to June 23. It was created as an act of the US Senate.
Len recommends celebrating with Mead, which is a liquor made with honey.
Plant Reproduction:
To create seeds and fruits, plants need to be able to transfer pollen from male to female.
In species that use sexual reproduction, genes need to be sufficiently changed between generations or else the species as a whole can be vulnerable, therefore not being able to compete in nature.
Some plants feature male and female parts in the same flower, or male and female flowers on the same plant. Len says that Easter Lilies are a good example of this.
Other plants, like squash, have their male and female flowers growing at different times. (Len says the male squash flowers are tasty if you fry them with cheese).
Many plants rely on pollinators to carry pollen to other plants, but other plants can use the wind to pollinate.
Pollinators include animals like bees, beetles, butterflies, hummingbirds and bats.
Artificial methods of pollination, including spraying the plants with pollen, are not as efficient as bee pollination.
Attracting Bees and Other Pollinators:
Flower color is a way to attract bees. Bees see colors that aren’t visible to humans. Using those colors, the flower looks like a target, signaling the bees.
Nectar is used as a fuel source for bees and larvae. The Bees process the nectar into honey. As honey is heavily concentrated nectar, bees need to visit many plants for a sufficient amount of honey.
Pollen is also a food source for the bees. Pollination occurs when the bee accidently drops pollen while trying to collect more and as a result, fertilization occurs.
Tropical orchids have structures inside the flower that trick bees into trying to mate with it.
Some plants attract pollinators by providing a protective habitat. For example, skunk cabbage, makes a smelly chemical that also provides warmth for bugs. As a result flies might be attracted to the cabbage.
Species that prey on pollinators, like spiders and wasps, also like to hang out on plant.
Honey tasting:
Honeybees will go after different kinds of plants, depending on what’s in season. This results in different honeys with different colors and flavors.
Spring Honey has a lighter color, and has a faint honey flavor. Len says it tastes more like agave nectar
Mid-Season Honey has a cider-like, light brown color. The honey has aromatic qualities, and Len says it would taste good on an English Muffin.
Fall Honey has a molasses like look, and has a full-bodied, citrusy taste.
Bee-havior:
Some Bees will only visit certain plants, like the squash bee only goes to squashes.
Other bees, like bumblebees and honeybees, will visit any flower that has pollen and nectar.
Honeybees tend to pollinate major food crops, like almonds, apples and squashes.
Honeybees are good about returning to their hive, and as a result, can be easily transported between farms to fertilize the flowers.
Squash bees like to have nests in the ground. Their nests might get torn up when readying the ground for the season.
Honeybees only come out when the weather is warm enough, and may not come out in inclement weather. Native bees will be visiting flowers sun up to sun down, and will go out in bad weather.
Mason bees can visit 20,000-100,000 flowers a day, where honeybees can visit 50-1,000 flowers a day.
Native bees can be given houses, but they might not always be interested.
Using Plants for Healing:
Native bees are known to visit white turtleheads when they need to get rid of parasites. The actual compound that helps the bees is currently unknown.
Butterflies:
In a given season, Monarch Butterflies will go through four generations.
Swamp Milkweeds are a non-invasive plant that attracts butterflies. The caterpillar will feed on the leaf, and the butterfly will feed on the nectar.
(Availability varies by store. Please call for details)
Safely Using Insecticide.
Bt is a natural insecticide that won’t harm bees. However, it does control many other insects, like caterpillars.
Don’t apply an insecticide while the plant is flowering, so you don’t risk harming pollinators.
]]>
|
Macrophylla Hydrangea
Most kinds of hydrangea are easy to grow, but the macrophylla hydrangea are particularly hard to grow.
The flowers of the Macrophylla hydrangea can be shaped as ‘mopheads’ (which look ball-like) or ‘lace caps’ (which have a ring of flowers surrounding smaller flowers).
Macrophylla hydrangea prefer warmer climates. Here in CT, that means along the shore and the Connecticut River. The climate is similar to the plant’s home of coastal Japan.
The color of its flowers can depend on the soil ph. Bellow 7, you get blue hydrangeas; above 7, you get pink hydrangeas. As a result, the color of the plant may change if the plant was grown in a different part of the country than where its planted.
Some of the newer macrophylla varieties are reblooming, meaning they’ll bloom at least twice in their season. The re-blooming behavior is achieved in plants that are bred to have shorter internodes, which is the stem growth between blooms. The shorter the internode, the shorter production cycle for the plants next set of blooms.
Serrated Leaf Hydrangea
Serrated leaf hydrangea originates from mountainous areas of Japan. These plants are hardier, so they can stand up to the temperatures of northern Connecticut. These plants are also smaller and have lace cap flowers.
Smooth Leaf Hydrangea
The smooth leaf hydrangea originates from the US. Also known as the Annabelle, its name comes from being found in Anna, Illinois. It has a mophead flower and is known for attracting pollinators. These plants can have difficulty supporting their large flowers after a rain, but have been bred to strengthen their stems. They are also late bloomers from mid-summer to late fall.
Hydrangea Paniculata
Hydrangea Paniculata are later bloomers with cone shaped flowers. These flowers bloom very late, between August and October. These hydrangeas are hardy and tree-like. They can be pruned in late fall or early spring. Paniculata can grow 2 or 3 feet in a season, so be fine with cutting it back aggressively. Len recommends this plant as a beginner’s hydrangea.
Oak Leaf Hydrangea
Oak Leaf Hydrangeas are Len’s favorite. A native plant, they have a “graceful” conical flower and the flowers grow at the end of the branch, so you can easily see all the flowers. The flower starts as a white pink, and eventually turns purple. The leaves also turn colors from a green to a deep red.
Climbing Hydrangea
Climbing hydrangeas can grow on arbors and up brick walls. The climbing hydrangeas have lace-capped flowers. They take time to get established and need a substantial structure for their heavy vines. The climbing hydrangea will start growing significantly after 3 years, then you need to start training the flower. Use a pergola, or a metal arbor to hold it.
Planting the Hydrangea
Hydrangeas like to have access to morning sun and shade.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the container for the plant.
Score the roots before planting and put it in the soil as deep it was in the pot.
Only water manually for the first year. Fertilize only after the plant is established, or if it’s absolutely necessary.
Regular fertilizing can make a plant too big in a matter of years, and can also make a plant “floppy.”
Hydrangeas need good drainage. Terry added peat moss and compost to his soil to help with drainage.
Caring for Hydrangeas
Keep the hydrangeas as warm as possible in the winter. Temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit can kill the budding of Macrophylla hydrangeas that will flower in season.
You can wrap the hydrangea in burlap to protect it. Have a generous amount of material ready, and wrap the whole plant two or three times. Save the burlap so you can use it for years to come.
Pruning Hydrangeas
Prune back the new growth Hydrangeas (Paniculata, Smooth leaf) aggressively, as they can get out of hand. Use hand shears/loppers to keep them trim. Marcophylla hydrangeas should be pruned immediately after flowers pass bloom in the current season.
]]>
Rose Varieties
Tea Roses are the kind of rose you’d cut and bring into the house. They have large flowers and double petals, which give a multi-layered look. They may or may not have thorns and a fragrance. As well, they can be trimmed into that distinctive shape.
Climbing Roses need space to grow upon, but Len says they can look remarkable. They have large flowers, and need support. They don’t need to be pruned, but “trained” in order to grow properly
Multiflora Roses act like rambling tea roses, but it blooms in a cluster for quarter-to half-dollar sized flowers. These flowers need some structure so they can hold up in the rain.
Shrub Roses have been bred to be more compact and fragrant. They are marketed toward people with smaller yards. Len says most roses sold nowadays are shrub roses.
Beach Roses are often associated with Cape Cod. These plants can grow in poor soil, but demand a lot of sun. The flowers are half an inch across, and can be white, pink or purple. They’re also fragrant, and it's hips are used to make jelly.
Native Roses include the Swamp Rose and the Virginian Rose. They’re single flowers, and are, as Len says, “as tough as nails”, because they can hold up in moister soils.
Rose Breeding
1970’s: Plant breeders thought to breed disease resistance into roses. As a result, disease resistant roses tend to be less fragrant. Other roses had their thorns bred out, and gained bigger flowers.
Tea Roses and Climbing Roses used to grafted on to Dr. Huey roses, because of its strong root stock. As a result, is possible to get yellow roses one year, and have a red rose growing the next year.
1990’s: started the popularity of own-root roses, resulting in heartier roots, and no Dr. Huey roses the next year. Also, breeders start using branded pots to stand out.
Re-blooming roses last from June to October, and you don’t need to trim them.
Planting Roses
Generally, roses like to have at least six hours of sun each day.
Len says that roses are “finicky” because they need both constant moisture, and good drainage. In order to keep a good balance, you should use mulch with your roses.
Buy own-root roses. These roses aren’t grafted, and will stand up to the new England climate on their own.
When planting a rose from a pot, dig a hole that’s twice as wide as the pot, then fill it in at the same level the stem was in the pot. You can also mix compost into the soil you dug up. This makes the soil flaky and soft, so the roots will grow out of the pot soil.
Roses like an alkaline soil. Due to that, you should mix in sand or vermiculite to help with drainage. Mixing in peat can make the soil too acidic.
Except with the native roses, you should use fertilizers. Len recommends Rose-Tone by Espoma. Top dress a handful or two of fertilizer before mulching, then add a little more just before the plant flowers.
Pruning Roses
Prune roses with hand shears.
When pruning, see if you need to deadhead your roses, which means cutting off withered flowers. Use a clean cut to get rid of these dead parts, in order to encourage new blooms.
Don’t prune beach and native roses until after their season. These plants can get big, but you should cut them in the fall.
For shrub roses, prune them in the fall, then cut them back a foot in the spring.
When you trim a rose cane, make sure you keep a bud that faces outward. Otherwise, you’ll get a dense plant that wouldn’t have good airflow.
Pests and Diseases
Tea Roses need to be pruned regularly, and you need to watch for pests like aphids.
If you make the tissues of your plant too juicy, it can attract pests, which is why you should feed your plants with rose food.
Rose slugs, the larvae of the rose chaffer, tend to make holes in the rose.
A common disease is black spot, which is fungus growth on the plant. This is caused by a lack of air circulation inside the plant.
Len uses Captain Jack’s Dead Bug Brew by Bonide to take care of pests. The bugs will become paralyzed, and be broken apart by bacterial byproducts. He also uses neem oil, which is both insecticidal, and fungicidal. These products should be applied between rainstorms, as the plants are more vulnerable when wet.
Never spray the flower of a plant with insecticide, as it will harm helpful pollinators.
Spray pesticide early in the morning, so it can dry quickly.
Assorted Rose Facts
The Wars of the Roses were English civil wars in the 17th century. Both sides, the house of Lancaster and the House of York, represented each other with roses.
In the Victorian era, having a rose garden was considered a status symbol, and would require plenty of gardeners to maintain them.
The Rose Garden in Elizabeth Park in West Hartford is the oldest municipal rose garden in the U.S. Len recommends checking it out in late May or early June.
Other Featured Products
]]>
Purina History
Purina was founded as the Robinson-Danforth Commission in 1894. Their first feed was Horse and Mule Chow.
Founder William H. Danforth made the connection between nutrition and an animal’s health and wellbeing.
Created checkerboard logo in 1902.
Established research farm in 1926.
Hired the first dedicated equine nutritionist in 1965.
There are two Purina companies. In 1986, Ralston-Purina split. The Purina brand that appears in grocery stores is owned by Nestle. The Purina brand that appears in feed stores, like Mackey’s, is owned by Land O’ Lakes. Karen Davison works for Land O’ Lakes’ Purina.
Products are tested on both company-owned animals, and animals out in the real world, including employee owned animals.
High Fat Diets for Horses
Horses don’t ordinarily have high fat diets, so horses sometimes won’t eat it. In developing this kind of product, taste and nutrition are taken into account.
High fat diets are good for racing and brooding horses.
Purina had researched high fat diets in horses since the 70’s. They sold their first high fat horse product in the 80’s.
Outlast
Outlast is a dietary supplement designed to control stomach acids. It can be top-dressed or given as a snack, especially before or after stressful or strenuous activity. Outlast is also found pre-mixed into some of Purina’s horse feeds.
Click on the image to check them out;
Outlast’s key ingredients are proprietary forms of magnesium and calcified seaweed that has a high buffering capacity.
Many horses develop gastric discomfort, or even ulcers. This is caused by stomach acids accumulating and damaging the stomach. The pain from this will make horses behave differently and hard to ride.
Owners that feed Outlast will notice that their horse will calm down with it.
Consult Purina brochure and veterinarian about gastric issues. Use Outlast to support whatever treatment suggested by veterinarian.
Independent Purina dealers are taught about their products. The Purina Animal Nutrition website also has tools to help determine what product is the best for their animal.
However, keep in mind what kind of feed a horse needs and how much to give. Some feeds are made to be given in small amounts, and others in large amounts.
Weight Tape and Healthy Horse App
Most horse owners don’t know their horse’s weight. The average guess tends to be off by 150 lbs in either direction. An 1100lbs horse could be seen as weighing from 850 to 1350lbs.
Purina’s weight tape is based on a statistical regression equation, which makes it highly accurate. However, it’s ordinarily only useable with horses up to 1350.
Purina developed the Healthy Horse app in conjunction with Dr. Krishona Martinson of the University of Michigan. After us take measurements of the horse with a 100 inch cloth measuring tape, it will calculate the current weight and ideal weight, which is a body conditioning score of 5.
Feeding recommendations are based on “the average horse”, when in reality, nobody has “the average horse”. Among other things, the owner should consider the horse’s metabolism, and the quantity and the quality of hay fed to the horse.
Using the Henneke body condition system is important in determining a horse’s health and weight. In specific, the owner should be feeling where fat accumulates on a horse, including the crest, withers, topline, tail, shoulders and ribs.
Weigh hay when you buy it and when you feed it to your horses.
Use the Purina Feed Scoop when feeding Purina products for accurate measurements. There are different markings for different kinds of Purina food.
If you have any questions, you can call 800-227-8941 for Purina’s customer service. Customer service agents will answer simpler questions, but if you have a more complicated question, you’ll be forwarded to one of the PhDs at Purina.
]]>Hosts Len & Terry
Spring Planting
Temperature
The last frost of the year usually occurs around May 15th.
Plants that prefer warmer weather, such as tomatoes, might not be available until early May. Local growers and stores risk losing plants if they go on sale too early. They also prefer to sell their plants close to their peak. Another advantage to buying local plants is that they have lived through the winter, and are more resilient to extreme temperatures.
You can try growing from seeds early, but the plants need to start indoors.
Warm weather plants like a soil temperature of at least 55F.
Due to the temperature differences, there’s usually a two-week delay between plant releases in the Mid-Atlantic vs New England.
Where to Plant
Many factors need to be taken into account for when you plant, including how wet the soil is, how much sun there is, and how large the plant itself will be.
Sunniness Guide:
Experienced garden center staff, like those at Mackey’s, can make suggestions on what to plant based on where you’d like to plant.
Unpacking
When unpacking plants from a seed starting tray, Len says to use “five fingers and a thumb”. He holds the plants by the stem in-between his fingers, and turns the planter upside-down, against his palm. Then, pinch off any roots that are growing through the container. Finally, squeeze each section to release the plant. Also, take the time tear off some of the congregated roots so they’ll grow better once planted.
When unpacking from a larger container, still use “five fingers and thumb”. Hold the stem in-between your fingers with the container upside down. This time, tap the container to release the plant. Break up any root balls before planting.
Planting
When planting a tree or shrub, the hole should be twice as wide as the pot, and as deep as the pot is long, to allow for more space for the roots. Also, the soil should be level with the bottom of the stem. The plant may rot if the soil is mounded up the stem.
Most perennials like to be planted half an inch deeper than they are in the store-bought pot, as they need support. However, irises like to have their rhizomes exposed, so plant it so the rhizomes are peeking out.
Don’t plant summer and fall bulbs early. Due to their cost, Len thinks it’s not worth the risk to plant them outside of the May 15th- Labor Day time frame. When you plant bulbs, give them some bone meal. This will help the plant produce more bulbs, and make those bulbs stronger.
If you are growing vegetables from seeds, place each seed 6-8 inches apart. If you want to plant seeds now, Len recommends getting seeds for plants that can be harvested within 50 days. Otherwise, it may be better to get a plant that’s already been growing, so you can maximize the harvest time. However, if you’d like to grow squashes and pumpkins from seed, plant in June or early July, as they’re harvested toward the fall, and benefit from the warmer weather.
When planting, form a dike around your plant, a few inches wider than the planting hole. This is to prevent run-off.
Use compost when you can. It contains nutrients plants need, plus it also stimulates bacteria and fungi, including ones that’ll help your garden.
When mulching, make a donut shape around your plant. You still get the benefits of mulching, while avoiding potential rot on the stem. This also discourages voles from getting to your plants
Don’t fertilize immediately after planting, as the roots need time to get established. Wait a week, then top dress with fertilizer, or water with a fish emulsion.
On most bags of fertilizers, you’ll see a series of three numbers, representing the nutrient content. Nitrogen is the left digit, phosphorus is the middle, and potassium is the right. Nitrogen helps with greening and top growth, phosphorus helps with root development, and potassium prevents disease.
Lawns
*Clarification: We say in the podcast that zoysia grass is illegal to buy in Connecticut. In reality, it’s not on Connecticut’s invasive species list, but it isn’t commonly sold in stores. We still don’t recommend planting zoysia in your lawn.
When buying grass seed, the overseeding coverage applies to planting on an area with existing grass. If you need apply a new lawn, then apply twice as much seed, which leads to only half as much coverage.
Generally, use the springtime to treat weeds, and plant grasses in the late summer or early fall. You want the grass to have established roots before the warm weather hits, but the soil will still have warmth to help it grow. In our area, you should be planting cold weather grasses.
A few weeks before planting grass seed, apply a fast acting lime to your lawn. The lime will break down and help grasses absorb fertilizer.
Walk over new grass seed. This helps it make contact with the soil.
When you plant grass seed, be sure to apply a starter fertilizer to jump-start root development. Also, you can cover the area with shredded straw. It keeps moisture in the soil, protects the new seeds, and gives nutrients when it decomposes.
Len recommends using Johnathan Green’s Black Beauty grass seeds. To learn more, you can listen to our conversation with Barry Green, the owner of Johnathan Green.
If you need to fill in or cover up a lawn quickly, you can use an annual ryegrass mix early in the season. However, this grass won’t return for next year, and you’ll need to seed with a perennial grass toward the end of the season.
You can also consider adding clover to your lawn. It’s good at filling in your lawn, and produces nitrogen for your grasses.
If you have an area of the lawn that you don’t have grass on, you can plant wildflower seeds. It’s a low effort method to prevent weeds from growing.
You don’t need to irrigate your lawn if you have “living soil”, meaning that there are plenty of nutrients and microbes.
]]>
Hosts Len & Terry
Spring Landscape Maintenance: Dos and Don’ts
If you’re ready to get to work on your landscape for the spring and summer, Terry and Len have some advice for you to get started. Some gardening is better done earlier, and some is better done later. Just remember, it’s better to garden a little every day, rather than trying to get all the work done at once.
Pruning
Prune before you mulch, so you can cover the trimmings with mulch. Also, the trimmings will break down and provide nutrients.
Don’t prune in the summer, since it’s too dry. Also, don’t prune after September, as new growth may not harden in time for winter.
Prune spring flowers, like Rhododendron and Azealia after they flower. Prune summer flowers, like Spirea and Rose of Sharon, in early spring.
You can prune Roses in early spring. Don’t prune Roses in the winter to avoid dieback.
Many hydrangeas, including, climbing hydrangeas and Annabelle, can be pruned now. However, don’t prune Macrophylla variety hydrangeas in the fall because the new buds will have already started growing. Fully cover the plants to protect them for the winter.
Prune shrubs, berry bushes, and fruit trees in late winter.
Mulch
Apply mulch some time from late winter to early spring. Mulch maintains moisture in the soil, beautifies the garden, and keeps weeds from growing. If you put down 3 or 4 inches of mulch, it should last at least two years.
Len recommends getting cedar and pine bark mulches. Low quality mulches may break down without giving your plants nutrients. Also, they can develop unsightly, though harmless, fungi that spread and can even grow on your house.
Cedar mulch also repels insects and rodents due to its scent. Click here for Cedar mulch options: http://bit.ly/2GrPDBK
Planting
“If the soil is squishy, then its mighty risky”. For example, if you plant something early in damp soil, a freeze could push the plant out of the ground.
Pansies can be planted early and are hardy enough to handle the cold temperatures and most frosts.
If the temperature is still cold, then it’s ok to keep your garden plants in the house for a week or two.
Last killing frost in CT is around May 15th.
Many vegetables, including tomatoes and peppers, needs to be around 55F.
Use a meat probe to test soil temperature.
Ocean temperatures can also be a good indicator for soil temp.
Buy plants from local growers, as those plants will be acclimated to the climate and will stand up better to the seasonal conditions.
Perennials and annuals can be planted almost as soon as they appear for sale
You have to consider what conditions a plant likes. Just because you like the look, doesn’t mean that the plant will look that good. For example, if you don’t have a sunny, well-drained spot to plant, then it might not be a good idea to get roses.
When buying plants, take notes about the part of the garden you’d like to plant, including location, soil and sunlight. Then consult knowledgeable nursery staff, including those at Mackey’s, to see what plants can be successful in that part.
Lawn
You may not want to rake the lawn in the Spring as it will disturb the soil, and will encourage weed growth.
Thatch indicates that there’s a dead area of the lawn, since insects and microorganisms should be breaking down the thatch material.
Len uses a mulching mower so the clippings are cut down to a powder, and can be used as fertilizer
Use soil conditioners to warm up micro-organisms, improve soil aeration, and allow more water to flow.
Use a fast-acting lime product to help regulate the soil. If the soil is too acidic, nutrients won’t be as available for the grass plants to absorb.
If there are patchy spots, you can plant annual rye grass early in the season to cover up the patch quickly, and make sure weeds don’t take it over. In the fall, you can plant a perennial rye grass to permanently fill up the patch. Using annual, fast germinating rye grass is a natural method for deterring weed growth in the spring.
Len also likes to add clover to his lawn. It will grow where grasses don’t and attracts pollinators to your garden. Clover can also be used to cover areas of the lawn you don’t want to take the time to care for. Planting clover will also provide an additional source of nitrogen, enabling you to use less fertilizer.
]]>Hosts Len & Terry
Growing Home - Herbal Remedies
About Kassie Mashiak:
Kassie started studying herbalism in the late 70s, as she wanted to make teas from her garden. She was influenced by the work of individuals like Dr. Bernie Siegel. Kassie says there are multiple herbal traditions, and she practices the western herbal system. Kassie opened Kassandra’s It’s About Thyme- Herbs Unlimited in 1995. She sells herbs in various forms, including tinctures, capsules, and teas. Kassie maintains that herbs should be accessible and affordable. As well, she likes to learn about new uses for herbs from her customers. For more information about Kassie’s products, or herbalism in general, you can call Kassie at 860-749-0839.
http://www.kassandraherbs.com/
Kassie’s Uses for Herbs:
Most herbs have multiple uses, but here are some she pointed out during our conversation.
Alfalfa: Anti-Histamine
Astragalus Root: Immune Enhancer- Be careful if you have an autoimmune disorder
Chamomile: Use while nursing to calm colicky babies
Chickweed: Lots of vitamins, good in salad
Echinacea Root: Immune Enhancer- Don’t use longer than 7-10 days.
Elderberry: Treats Flu, Anti-Viral- Must Be Dried, Cooked or Made into Tea
Elderflower: Clears Mucus Secretions
Goldenrod Flower: Antidote for Ragweed Allergy
Herb Trimmings: put in a bag to keep bugs away from clothes
Lavender: Anti-Microbial
Marshmallow Leaves and Root: Helps with Post-Nasal Drip, may spike blood sugar
Nettle: Anti-histamine- Must be Dried or Cooked, or Made into Tea
Oregano: Anti-Microbial
Plantain Weed: Bug Bites and Skin Irritation
Purslane: Lots of vitamins, good in salad
Raw Local Honey/ Bee Pollen: Immune Booster
Red Clover Flower: Blood Purifier, Lymphatic Cleanser
Tansy: keeps flies away from garden
Thyme: Anti-Microbial
Tropical Hibiscus Flower: Lowers Blood Pressure
Tulsi/Holy Basil: Stress Relief- Don’t use if you are pregnant or nursing. May interfere with monitoring glucose.
A Few Tips for Growing Herbs:
Chamomile is easy to grow and likes humus soil and shade. Roman Chamomile is self-seeding.
Thyme and other “Mediterranean” herbs like dry areas.
Lavender likes good drainage, soil with lime, and a well-regulated temperature. However it’s slow to green up, so it may look dead early in the season. Give it time to grow, and don’t till over where it’s planted.
Make sure to trim Sage in the fall, as it can get out of hand.
Herbal plants like to grow in stone patios.
Purslane likes shady areas.
Harvest Encaenia every 3-5 years, but leave some roots so it can regrow.
When you harvest herbs, pick at the peak of the plant’s season, and do it early in the morning after dew dries, or early evening before dew forms.
]]>Hosts Len & Terry
Growing Home - Growing Potatoes
If you want to start gardening, our own Len Giddix says that growing potatoes is a good place to start because it’s easy to grow and you get a large yield.
To grow potatoes, you should buy seed potatoes, rather than grocery store potatoes. Store bought potatoes are treated with growth inhibitors, and may contain bacteria that will thwart potato growth.
Seed potatoes are specifically bred and treated for disease resistance.
You can get the following varieties of seed potatoes at Mackey’s:
Preparing the seed potatoes
Put a store-bought potato in the ground, with a bamboo skewer attached, in late April or early may, before planting your seed potatoes. This will be a decoy for wireworms. Remove this potato before planting.
Look for seed potatoes with lots of eyes. You can cut potatoes into golf ball sized pieces to grow multiple plants from one potato. Each piece should have at least two eyes
Plant the seed potatoes in late May. It will be after average last frost in CT.
Potatoes need good drainage. Len recommends growing them in a container or a fabric garden bag. Place the potatoes on top of the soil so the plant can send its roots through the container into the existing soil for hydration.
Example: Smart Pot Potato and Squash Grower
Example: Coast of Maine Castine Blend Raised Bed Mix
Use six inches of soil, then lay the seed potatoes on the soil. Cover them with straw so they aren’t exposed to light. Tubers that get exposed to light can become poisonous, because of a protective alkaloid they make to protect themselves from heat.
The soil should be acidic, at 5.5 to 6 ph.
Example: Espoma Soil Acidifier
Amend the soil with minerals. Len uses chicken manure, wood ash, and soil acidifiers.
Growing
Rotate the location of your potatoes every 3 years to minimize the risk of parasites, bacterial, and fungal infections.
Don’t water unless the plant is wilting.
The plants will stem in 2-3 weeks, growing through the straw.
The plants will flower in late June. Pick the flowers off, so the plant will put its energy into the potato tuber. (Also, the flowers and cherry tomato-like fruits of the potato are poisonous)
Check for flowers and bugs on a daily basis. However, potatoes are relatively problem free.
Pests
If there are round holes toward the edge of the leaf, that means Colorado Potato Beetles are on the plant. No chemicals are needed to combat them. Just tap them off the leaves and kill them by hand.
Another common pest is the Wireworm, the centipede-like larva of the black click beetle. They’ll burrow into the potato, and make it unappetizing. When you see the larva cut them in half to kill them, and remove them from garden. They can be used to attract birds, or can be used as fishing bait.
Harvesting
If you want new potatoes, harvest them mid-July. Len says that these potatoes are creamy, and are good to use in potato salads.
For mature potatoes, harvest when the plant browns.
The potatoes may detach from the plant, but can be easily picked out of the soil by hand. No tools are necessary.
Brush or rinse off the soil. Then, put the potatoes in a mesh bag and store them in a dark place, like in the rafters of a garage, for a week.
You can reuse the soil, just not for potatoes and other related plants, like tomatoes. Len says that, if you don’t mind the extra work, you can plant lettuce as soon as you harvest your potatoes.
]]>The questions ‘us birders’ ask ourselves and more, in this episode of Growing Home with Harlan Hyde of Aspen Song Wild Bird Food.
Harlan is a longtime member of the ag community and host of our Winter Wild Bird Seminars. Harlan not only provides us with a wealth of knowledge, but reminds us what this hobby is all about. Also, check our website, https://mackeysinc.com/events, for our upcoming seminar dates and times.
Hosts Len & Terry
Since 1818 the Farmers’ Almanac has been our guide to good living. In this episode we chat with Peter Geiger, the 40 year and second generation Editor of the Farmers’ Almanac. Peter shares with us the Almanac’s history and the development of life hacks and predictions.
Hosts Len & Terry
Farmers' Almanac website: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/
]]>Hosts Len & Terry
Episode 3 is our interview with Jonathan Hudak, the chef of Cafemantic, about what he looks for in quality ingredients, how we can prepare to be the chefs in our own homes this holiday season, and bit about what it was like to be recognized by the New York Times.
1. What got you into cooking?
• Started working at the same restaurant as his mother as a dishwasher.
• Influenced by the French Laundry Cookbook
• Eventually worked at Grants in West Hartford as a line cook and chef de cuisine.
• Grants inspired Hudak’s interest in a variety of fine dining
2. When did you start at Cafemantic?
• Founded as a coffee shop in 2012 by Andrew Gutt
• Gutt wanted a dinner service
• Hudak worked as a consultant, but ended up joining Cafemantic
• Cafemantic emphasizes sharing plates, so people can taste a variety of dishes
3. What was it like getting recognized by the New York Times?
• Hudak says it changed restaurant for the better
• “Very flattering” article written in 2014 by Rand Cooper
4. What makes a great meal?
• Good company can make a good meal
5. Presentation
• We’re focused on being a neighborhood restaurant
• More concerned with the flavors than specific plating
6. Thought process behind dishes
• We let season and availably dictate menus
• An experienced chef can predict what a dish may taste like
• Dishes are developed through conceptualizing and what ingredients are at their best
7. What did you learn from working with farmers and fishermen?
• Winter Caplanson started RSAs - Restaurant Supported Agriculture
o We’d get mystery ingredients from different farms and got to see who grew what.
• Cafemantic and Sweet Acre Farm work together with planting.
9. What are the criteria for putting something on the menu?
• Are we excited to make a dish?
• Is the guest excited?
• Is it consistently available?
o Climate can affect how the food behaves
10. What are some tips for Holiday Cooking?
• Get knives sharpened
• Do things ahead of time and try to do things in batches
• Cut all of an ingredient ahead of time
o Ingredients will stay fresh for a few days in Tupperware or a deli container
• It’s peaceful to work in an organized fashion.
• Try to do things simply
• Let other guests bring dishes
• Roasting something ahead, then reheat before serving
• Turkey legs need to be cooked a different temperature than the rest of the bird
o Cook turkey legs in chicken fat, pork fat or duck fat
o Cook the legs ahead of time, then crisp them up in a skillet before serving
• You can make soups ahead of time, just serve with a fresh garnish
11. Is there an easy recipe of yours that can impress guests?
• Butternut squash soup
• People are always asking for it at Cafemantic
• Recipe is below the outline.
12. Anything exciting coming up?
• Busy with catering, but fall dishes are coming out.
• Duck Leg Confit, Cassoulet style will be available the first week of November
13. Restaurant details
• Menu changes regularly, check on https://cafemantic.com/
• Cafemantic also has a catering company: https://www.ctfeast.com/
• Hours:
Sunday 10AM–3PM, 5–9PM
Monday Closed
Tuesday 11AM–3PM, 5–9PM
Wednesday 11AM–3PM, 5–9PM
Thursday 11AM–3PM, 5–9PM
Friday 11AM–3PM, 5–10PM
Saturday 11AM–3PM, 5–10PM
Butternut Squash Soup w/ Nutmeg Crème Fraiche by Johnathan Hudak
Ingredients
6 lb ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH
1.25 lb SLICED YELLOW ONION
2 0Z MINCED FRESH GINGER
.75 lb SLICED LEEKS, WHITE PART ONLY, RINSED 3X
.5 lb SLICED GREEN APPLE
.5 lb SLICED CELERY
.75 lb SLICED CARROTS
.25 lb BUTTER
.5 C HONEY
1 EA SACHET, (FRESH THYME, SAGE, BAY LEAF, PEPPERCORN, ALLSPICE, CINNAMON, STAR ANISE), A FEW PIECES EACH TIED INTO CHEESE CLOTH.
1-2 GAL VEGETABLE STOCK
.5 lb BROWN BUTTER
----------------------------------
1) SLICE SQUASH IN HALF LONG WAY, SCOOP OUT SEEDS, SEASON WITH SALT AND VEG OIL.
2) PLACE A SAGE LEAF IN T HE CAVITY OF EACH SQUASH AND PLACE CUT SIDE DOWN ON A TRAY COVERED WITH PARCHMENT PAPER.
3) ROAST IN A 300F OVEN FOR ABOUT 1 HOUR, UNTIL THE NECKS ARE FORK TENDER
4) SCOOP SQUASH OUT FROM SKIN AND WEIGH OUT 6 LBS. ABOUT 6-8 SQUASH WORTH
5) MELT BUTTER IN LARGE STOCK POT AND ADD ALL VEG.
6) SWEAT UNTIL TENDER WITH NO COLOR
7) ADD HONEY AND LIGHTLY CARAMELIZE
8) ADD ROASTED SQUASH, SACHET AND ENOUGH STOCK TO COVER BY 3-4 INCHES
9) SIMMER ON MED LOW HEAT FOR 30 MIN.\
10) DISCARD SACHET, AND LET COOL TO ROOM TEMP
11) IN BATCHES, TRANSFER TO A BLENDER AND BLEND ON HIGH IN 1 MINUTE INTERVALS
12) COMBINE BATCHES TOGETHER IN POT AND WISK.
13) FOR BROWN BUTTER, HEAT .5lb BUTTER IN SMALL SAUCE PAN AND COOK UNTIL FOAMY, IT SHOULD SMELL SLIGHTLY NUTTY. REMOVE FROM PAN IMMEDIATELY TO STOP THE COOKING. THE MILK SOLIDS SHOULD LOOK GOLDEN BROWN
14) ADD BROWN BUTTER INTO SOUP, WISK AND ADJUST SEASONING WITH SALT, AND ANY FALL SPICES.
Nutmeg Crème Fraiche
1 C Crème Fraiche
½ tsp Nutmeg
½ tsp Salt
Mix together, garnish each soup with a drizzle or scoop of crème fraiche.
Fall overseeding is known as one of the best practices for achieving a healthy, thick, and green lawn.
In this episode we interviewed Steve Rackliffe from the University of Connecticut Turf Science department for advice on how to successfully overseed this fall.
Steve Rackliffe, UCONN Turf Science Dept.
Listen on Spreaker, Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, or Stitcher: