Sauteed Spring Vegetables

 

Ingredients  

Ingredient Checklist

• 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon salt
•        6 ounces carrots, peeled and cut diagonally into 1-inch-long pieces
• 6 ounces beans (wax and/or green), trimmed and cut diagonally into 1-inch-long pieces
• 6 ounces asparagus (green and/or white), tough ends trimmed, cut diagonally into 1-inch-long pieces
• 6 ounces sugar snap peas, trimmed, strings removed, and cut diagonally into 1-inch-long pieces
• 6 ounces cherry tomatoes (yellow and/or orange), cut in half 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 small red onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 cup basil leaves, torn in half 
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and carrots; cook 2 minutes. Add beans, asparagus, and sugar snap peas; cook until tender but still crisp, about 2 minutes. Drain and transfer vegetables to a large bowl of ice water to cool. Drain again.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add onions; cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add blanched vegetables, tomatoes, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Raise heat to medium-high; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes.

• Remove from heat, add basil and toss to combine.

• • This recipe offers a light fresh taste from the season. It also is very healthy. For added protein, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp. 

  ENJOY  

• • https://www.marthastewart.com/345553/sauteed-spring-vegetables




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Instructions Checklist

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Perennials For Pollinators

 Each Year the pollinator population gets smaller and smaller. We carelessly spray chemicals to kill the pests we don't want and inadvertently kill some of the ones we do want. However, it is within our power to help rebuild the pollinator population. By planting attractants we provide food and nutrition for the next generation of pollinators.

Some of the best attractants are perennial and native flowers such as coneflower, daisy, and tickseed. Designate one area of your yard to these types of flowers and add a shallow birdbath, because, just like you they need water too.

Any flower that produces pollen will be utilized by the pollinators. However, some are better than others. below is a list of some of the best attractants.

 sunflowers     cosmos

Golden Rod     zinnia

verbena           milkweed

snapdragons    bee balm

As you are planning your pollinator garden use the opportunity to teach your children about the importance of pollinators in the ecosystem. instill in them the desire to preserve and protect the environment and all that keeps it in balance.

Lets Get Planting

 Spring has finally sprung and it is time to really focus on our gardens and flower beds. Any avid gardener knows that this time of year brings color and joy to every space. There is nothing better than the feel of soft fresh soil on your hands. Whether you are planting vegetables for preserving or to eat fresh through the growing season, it is time to get those babies in the ground and started growing.

Annual flowers give a burst of color throughout the growing season. Though they do not over-winter, they allow you to change up the theme or color combination from year to year.

Maybe you are considering a new shrub that will bring beauty and happiness to your space for many years to come. Despite common belief, you can plant now. Just remember to dig your hole twice the size of the pot,  don't cover the top of the root ball with soil when you backfill the hole, loosen the roots a bit before putting the rootball in the ground, and most importantly, water, water, water. This is true of all new plantings. Water is the key to success with any plant. 

Now that everything is planted, you're done, right? Well, no. Your plants will need plenty of water and some fertilizer to give you their best. You also want to be sure that the planting area stays free of weeds as they will steal water and nutrients from your plants. Also, you will want to be sure to follow the lighting recommendations that come with your plants. 

If you have any questions you can call your local nursery or your local extension office for more information.