How to get your tomato starts off on a strong foundation

The last few years I have only planted one tomato plant: a Sweet 100 or Sweet Million, whichever variety was available that year. This lone tomato plant had a prominent place among the all the planters on our backyard deck, trellised up against the privacy screen around the spa. With only one tomato plant to lavish my attention on, it grew to amazing proportions and continued to produce huge clusters of sweet mini cherry tomatoes until a hard frost would do it in. This is how I lay the foundation of my colossal tomato plant:

First start with healthy young plants. It's okay if they are leggy, but avoid the rootbound who are sure to have suffered stress from bouts of water deprivation. I usually only buy one plant, but the nursery had one plant in a 4" pot for $1.99 or a 4-pack for $1.29 and as my daughters expressed an interest in gardening on their apartment decks, I made the logical choice of more plants for less money!
Next start with a deep, but not necessarily oversized pot, as this is a transition home. Add an inch or two of good soil. Having just had 6 yards of 5-way mix delivered by dump truck to our driveway, I had lots on hand!

Now here's the hard part: Cut off all branches up to the last two sets of leaves. Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or garden snips as you want a clean cut, not a tear that might wound the stalk.

Next take the rootball and place it on it's side against the soil, bending the stalk gently upward to center the stalk in the pot.

Next surround the stalk with the soil, gently tamping in place, up to the remaining set of leaves, hopefully not too far above the top of your container.

Tomato plants will send out roots all along the buried stem which will result in more roots and stronger growth. Having more roots allows the plant to take up water in a more even way, helping to avoid the stress brought on by drought-to-flood situations common to plants in deck planters.

I will repeat this process a time or two into successively deeper pots until I have their final destination prepped and ready, at which time I will repeat the process, leaving only 2 sets of leaves above the soil.

Don't be afraid to snip off any early blossoms. I want the plants to first put down a good foundation of roots to support the abundance of fruit to follow, which will in turn produce better quality and quantity of the harvest!

Next, I watered thoroughly with tepid water from the house as it's still too cold outside and the water from the hose would be shocking to these beauties.

Finally, I placed the planted containers into a garbage bag lined laundry basket to bask in the warmth of my house and the warmth of the light coming through the sliding glass door onto the deck, until all danger of frost has passed.

I hope this primer will assist you in your gardening pursuits!

A hearty welcome to an early spring

I was standing at my sewing room window while talking on the phone with my Auntie Jan about what a beautiful springlike day it was when a little male hummer with a bright red godet flew up to the window, said "zeep, zeeep, zeep" to announce he was here and hungry and off he zipped!

It was an amazingly mild winter with only one prolonged spell of snow and ice back between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Looks like the only casualty in the yard is the supposedly "hardy" gardenias I bought from Lowes. Wish I'd saved the receipts-do they offer a guarantee anymore?

♪♫•*¨*•.A sewing we will go, a sewing we will go, hi ho the dairy-o, a sewing we will go ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸

This morning at the crack of dawn (that'd be 6am for us ol' retired folks) I placed the call to register for the Martha Pullen School of Art Fashion in Huntsville, Alabama from Monday, July 19th to Sunday, July 25th. I am so excited I can hardly sit still enough to type!

It was a hard to decide on which of the 11 schools to attend, but I finally decided to take the Louise Cutting Fashion School Thursday through Sunday. I will also be taking her 3 pre-day classes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

I have tried to find pictures on the internet of the patterns we will be using in each of the classes. Here's my best bet:

Monday from 8:30a-4:30p, I will be taking the Tabard class. This is the description from the school brochure:

The tabard originated as a humble peasant’s garment before the Middle Ages when heraldic emblazons elevated it to noble status. Today, this short coat is worn open or belted, sleeveless or short sleeved. Louise Cutting has designed a tabard for you that is loose fitting, off the shoulder, and sleeveless. This vest style coat features a bulk-free, easy cut-on front with side and hem facings. The straight hem utilizes Louise's easy mitered corners and her "X" stitched boxes to create deep, comfortable side vents. This stylish garment in linen will add polish to a pants and top outfit. The pattern will be available in sizes XS through 3XL and, with Louise and Sandy’s assistance, any needed alterations will be an easy adjustment. You will have an assortment of kits to choose from that include several different colors and patterns, so your personal style will be reflected in the finished project.

Tuesday, this will be my class:

The “Nine Lives Vest” is from the “Shapes” pattern line by Louise Cutting and can easily be worn as a top rather than a vest. Create an asymmetrical linen vest with differing shoulder seam lengths, stand-up collar and diagonal hem. This easy and versatile button front vest/top looks great with or without a blouse or t-shirt underneath. The pattern is available in sizes XS through 2XL, but with the help of Louise and Sandy, alterations can be made for additional sizes. The vest will be made of a linen blend fabric and students will be given a choice of kit colors in class.

Wednesday will be the Anything But Ordinary Top. I haven't been able to figure out which one of her patterns will be used for this class, but again, here's the description from the school brochure:
Ordinary becomes extraordinary in this cropped, pull-over style top (all sizes) with a buttoned tab closing on the left shoulder. Its sleeves are short with slightly dropped shoulders. Mitered corner side seam vents at the top’s hem show beautifully in linen. You’ll be able to complete this top quickly and have an extraordinary complement to so many of your outfits.

On Thursday, the official school starts and we begin with a 2 day class on the High Five Jacket:

This jacket is fast and fun to make! After working with Louise and Sandy to determine your perfect size and any needed pattern alterations, you will be ready to create the High Five Jacket. Choose from an assortment of colors and prints in linen, linen blend or tencel fabrics. While making this stunning swing style jacket, you will learn techniques for perfect precision hems, mitered corners and three-quarter length sleeves. Add a fabulous button, and take home a great finished jacket, an altered just-for-you pattern to use over and over, and lots of construction and fitting knowledge, ready to use with all your future garment sewing projects. Patterns will be available in adult sizes 6-20. Louise and Sandy will work with you to find your smaller, larger or in-between pattern size.

On Saturday and Sunday, I will be attending the One Seam Pants class:
Nearly every designer’s offerings include a pair of one-seam pants that make everything else in the collection look great. You’ll learn to achieve a fabulous, flattering fit by applying the secrets Louise has uncovered in her extensive study of designer garments. Louise and Sandy will teach you to use the chart included in the pattern instructions, measure and make pattern alterations, and then construct a great pair of one-seam pants with a custom fit. You will choose from a selection of colors in linen, tencel or linen blend fabrics. This pattern offers the option of a pant leg that falls straight from the hip or a narrower leg and snugger fit. Join Louise for two fun-filled days of creating your first pair of perfect-fit one-seam pants, and take home the knowledge and skills to supplement your wardrobe by using this pattern over and over. Patterns will be available in adult sizes 6-20. Louise and Sandy will work with you to find your smaller, larger or in-between patter size.

I have actually had the pattern for the One Seam Pants (a title she has trademarked, by the way) for about 4 years now but haven't tried to make it because she mentioned in her 45 minute Sewing Expo class that I've taken twice (two years apart) that you cannot make a muslin for this pattern and expect it to come out anything like it would when you use a fashion fabric because of the drape issue with muslin fabrics. I've been thinking about using something cheap from Walmart's $1.50 yard bin but have never found anthing suitable. Plus I'm not sure about a choice of fashion fabric for this project either. Now my problem is solved! The class will provide me with a selection of fabrics to chose from!

I am most excited about this school as I will get to work with the pattern designer/drafter for a personalized fitting! It's so hard to fit a pattern to yourself without any help! (Again, I miss my Mama)

Tomorrow, I will post about the evening classes I will be taking for my heirloom sewing for babies interest!

A Hearty Welcome to an Early Spring

I don't care what the calendar says, it's been spring here for a couple of weeks! The daffodils are all up and dotting the landscape with bits of sunny yellow.

The cherry blossoms trees are adornedwith their pale pink finery, the strong breezes off of the bay send showers of tiny petals to dance and swirl across the lawns.

This Spice Viburnam bush is ready to flower. This will smell heavenly when the blossoms open!
Even the lilac bushes are budding out!

I was standing at my sewing room window admiring the beautiful sunny day when a jewel in flight appeared before my eyes! The hummingbirds are back! A full week before they arrived last year, according to this post from last spring. He knew I was looking at him from the other side of the glass, he zipped side to side making a 'zeep, zeeeep, zeep' noise to announce that he was here and hungry! The feeders are up and being frequented!

I love this time of year! I cannot wait to start gardening! Let's get our hands dirty!

Hello, my name is Karen and I have a fabric addiction...

This is the email I recently sent to my 'partner in crime', my sister who attended the recent Sewing Expo with me.

Good Morning Sis,

Well, I have been stewing and worrying about having to tell Brent about my fine fabric induced euphoria and the resulting Mastercard bill for $330!

I've kept the fabrics next to my chair in the living room, tidily bundled and sheltered in my leather footstool. I touch them, I run my fingertips lovingly over them, I pet them frequently. Every. time. I. sit. down.

So, last night before dinner he decides to pay bills. We've been doing it together. I don't know if you remember me saying this, but when I went to work full time, I told him I couldn't do it all by myself, so he took over bills. I always said, I paid the bills for the first 15 years, he pays the bills for the next 15. Well, he paid the bills for 11 years, and when I retired I wanted back in....so, we do it together.

So he goes to the MC website to see why the bill is so high and I have to confess.

I explained how we were experiencing all the fine fabrics, the textures, the colors, the polished salesman, a true horse trader..."you have to feel this, see how fine, oh it looks so good on you, definitely your color, I'll give you a good deal, feel how fine this is"... and I have to confess how I got carried away...

How I got carried away...I thought the pale celery baby cashmere was $23 or $26 per yard (a definate splurge)...but it wasn't. It really wasn't. When I got home and really looked at my receipt I realized I paid $97 per yard for 2 yards. Yes, ninety-seven dollars a yard! What have I done?

I told him how I almost hyperventilated when I walked away from the stall and realized I had just spent $330 on 4 pieces of fabric and how you kept saying, "Breathe, just breathe". I told him how much I've been dreading telling him how weak I was when I am the driving force behind our NOT SPENDING efforts and how much I regret the price but I cannot regret the fabric. I AM WEAK.

He starts laughing, he laughs until he had tears in his eyes! He says "I bet your a**hole just puckered up!?!!!HAHAHAHA" (how can you say that to your beloved wife?)

I say, "It's not funny, I almost cried right there on the floor of the expo. I couldn't catch my breath..."

I tell him that he cannot tell anyone, especially not his parents, they won't understand...please!

"Nope!" he says. "Everyone always enjoys a good laugh at my expense, now it's your turn!" "I can't wait to tell the family. Remember Dad's famous "The Shirt" story? Well, this is yours!" (insert cackling here)

It could have been worse, he could have been angry. :-)

Well, back to my morning chores. I am determined to start sewing the apron pattern this afternoon!

Love to all,
Karen
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Hello, my name is Karen and I have a fabric addiction.

My most recent textile purchases still have me mesmerized.

1-7/8 yards each of 60 inch wide fine Italian 100 percent cotton shirting that feel like silk, the weave is so fine and tight, the threads are so fine...one is pure white and has a beautiful, intricate trellis pattern woven into it. The other has tiny black squares that form little 'X's in a vertical stripe. Oh, the perfect blouses I will make from them!

Two yards of a 60 inch wide of beautiful olive wool and silk blend that has such a beautiful woven pattern. It is heavier than the shirting but still lightweight. Oh the perfect tunic length over blouse I will make from it!

Oh, how can it describe the pale celery green baby cashmere? It is the most expensive thing I have ever purchased! It is 60 inches wide and I have two luscious yards of it! So soft and delicately woven, so silky it doesn't make me itch at all! I decided on this one for a wonderful wrap that has armholes in the center of a large oval, creating a wrap that can be worn in multiple ways. I dream of the finished garment, I dream of trying out different edge finishes, but how can I bring myself to actually lay scissors to this fabric? Until I cut it, it remains perfection! But, Oh the perfect wrap I will make from it!

(if I can bring myself to cut it...)

Works For Me Wednesday

My post today is for Works For Me Wednesday. You can find wonderful tips and ideas over at Kristin's website We are THAT Family .

This quick and tasty dish was a favorite of my husband while growing up. I can get this on the table in less than 30 minutes, start to finish. It's very budget friendly.

They simply called it:

HotDish:

1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup dried chopped onion (or a pckg of beef onion soup mix for extra beef flavoring)
Lawreys Season Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1 can condensed tomato soup, undiluted
1 can cut green beans
1 lb tater tots or 4-8 cups mashed potatoes

Brown ground beef, drain off fat with turkey baster, putting liquid into glass container. If you can see that alot of beef juice is without fat, return to pan and use to hydrate dried chopped onions. Season with seasoning salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer seasoned beef mix to casserole dish, add undiluted tomato soup and green beans.Top with either tater tots or mashed potatoes.

Be sure to use a deep enough casserole dish so you don't lose the sauce when the weight of the potatoes presses down on the saucy beef.

You can stretch this dish by making the mashed potato topping the main ingredient with a little saucy beef to dress. Or you can keep the saucy beef to pototo ratio even to make it more hardy. Serve with a green salad and french bread (or even plain toast) for a complete meal. Sliced canned peaches or apple sauce also make a nice companion side dish.

When in a hurry to get dinner on the table quickly after work, I'll microwave the casserole before adding the potato topping and then just brown the potatoes under the oven broiler. If not in a hurry, warm in oven at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes till tater tots are browned.

When using mashed potatoes, I will make lots of peaks to brown nicely. Will also sprinkle with a little seasoning salt or just paprika to add flavor and color garnish.

This recipe is easily doubled or tripled. Save time and effort by doubling recipe and freezing half for another meal next week. Just freeze the saucy beef and green bean mixture, add the potato topping on the day you serve it.

How to spend a lazy rainy afternoon...

Surfing the net, reading blogs, of course!