Deanna from Little Mountain Ranch 
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.
Chive blossom vinegar is one of those little kitchen projects that feels a bit like magic. In the early summer, when the garden is just beginning to hit its stride, you can take a handful of blossoms from your chive plants and steep them in vinegar. Just a few days later, you’ll have a stunning pink infusion that smells wonderful and adds the perfect kick to salad dressings, marinades, and roasted veggies.
Sweet cherries and cardamom are a match made in summer kitchen heaven. This jam is warm and rich with just a hint of spice—perfect for spreading on toast, spooning over yogurt, or layering in desserts. And if you’re looking for something a little different, the same base can be turned into a cherry concentrate for … Read more
Every summer, just as the fireweed starts painting the roadsides in shades of pink, I gather a basket and head out for one of my favourite preserving projects. If you’ve got a handful of fresh fruit and a sunny windowsill, you have everything you need to make beautiful, naturally thickened fruit preserves. I call it …
Every summer, just as the fireweed starts painting the roadsides in shades of pink, I gather a basket and head out to harvest for one of my favorite summer preserving projects: fermented fireweed tea. In our modern world, it’s a beautiful link to the past, known traditionally as Ivan Chai or Koporye Tea. This Russian …
There’s something deeply comforting and healing about a bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s made from ingredients you’ve grown and preserved yourself. Home-canned soups offer a range of health benefits, from providing gentle support during illness to offering nourishing, nutrient-rich meals during busy seasons when you need a quick, satisfying option. This winter, I … Read more
