Deanna from Little Mountain Ranch 
In This Post Why Can Your Own Beans? The Importance of Soaking and Rinsing Method 1: Parboiling (Best for Large/Firm Beans) Method 2: Soak & Heat (Best for Smaller/Softer Beans) A Look at Pressure Canners The Canning Process: Step by Step Troubleshooting: Flat Sour and Starchy Jars Printable Checklist Today, we are tackling one of … Read more
Over the last few months, we’ve spent so much time together in the garden—growing, harvesting, and preserving all of that wonderful food. We recently did a tour of the pantry where it’s all stored, and now comes the best part: using it.
In This Post Why I Adore Beets (and How to Store Them) A Quick Note on Prepping Beets Recipe 1: My Favourite Beet Borscht Recipe 2: Zesty Ginger Beet Relish (Canning) Recipe 3: Harvard Beets (Canning) Recipe 4: Simple Roasted Beets with Balsamic & Honey Printable Checklist I am on a mission to convert as … Read more
Welcome back to the garden! We’ve reached my very favourite time of year—early to mid-July. After a long, cool spring, everything is finally starting to take off. The weeds are mostly managed, the big overwhelming harvests haven’t started yet, and the first flowers are beginning to bloom. It’s the garden’s sweet spot, and I’m so happy to take you on a full tour today.
This time of year, as the garden starts to wind down, our work shifts from harvesting outside to preserving inside. It’s a busy season, but one of my favorites, because it’s all about stocking our pantry for the quiet months ahead. For the first time in over 15 years, I didn’t raise our own meat
If you’ve ever grown onions, you know the harvest is one of the most rewarding moments of the season. But the real magic comes afterward: when you cure, store, and preserve them properly, your onions can last for months and provide homegrown flavour all winter long.
Squash is one of the most generous crops in the garden, but knowing when to harvest makes all the difference in how long it will last and how good it will taste. Whether you’re picking tender summer squash for tonight’s dinner or waiting on winter squash to fully mature for the pantry, the right timing … Read more
When I first envisioned building a forest garden on our property, I pictured a space that could mostly care for itself—fruit trees, berries, herbs, and medicinal plants all layered together like a natural ecosystem. And while that vision has come to life in many ways, I’m now several years in, and it’s time to take a closer look at what’s working… and what needs to change.
I don’t know about you, but by the time August rolls around, I’m looking at my garden zucchinis like they’ve turned into monsters overnight. You go away for a day or two and come back to a plant offering up what feels like a wheelbarrow full of squash! If you’re in the same boat, this … Read more
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a pile of garlic scapes and wondering what to do with them all—this one’s for you. For many of us who grow our own garlic, the harvest of these curly green stems is a sure sign that summer is in full swing. Garlic scape salt is one of my favorite and, I think, the best way to preserve that fresh, garlicky goodness for months to come. It’s simple, versatile, and makes the perfect seasoning for everything from roasted veggies to scrambled eggs and even garlic bread.
