Plant Sales

  Well after another weekend at the local markets I have come to the conclusion that vegetable transplants sales have been very slow compared to last year. Seems like most people who made a big push to be more self sufficient and grow their own veggies during hard times found out it is not as easy as it may appear. You really need to enjoy this lifestyle, as trying as it can be at times. Hopefully we will have plenty of the real veggies coming in next week and throughout the rest of the season. Good Luck to all those who do like to get their hands dirty.

When In Doubt - Use Thyme

Thyme is one of those wonderful and versatile herbs that is easy to grow outdoors. It needs good sun and well-drained soil that is not compacted. Plants should be spaced 10” to 12” apart since they really like to have room to grow. They are low-growing with the stems typically reaching 8” in height. These plants tolerate drought and freeze relatively well.



Wait a minute, did you say freeze? Yes, as a matter of fact, these plants can be perennials. At the end of the season, clear away any leaves or debris and push some dirt up around the bottom of the plants to help protect them from the elements. Thyme does a good job of extracting “goodness” from the soil, so you should either add manure to replenish the soil nutrients or move the plant to a different location for the following year.


If one plant it not enough for you, thyme can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or dividing sections of the plants with ample roots attached.


Great, that was easy, but now what do I do with my beautiful thyme? Eat it! Thyme can be used fresh or dried and is particularly good to add to meats, stews, tomato, eggs or lamb.


For fresh thyme there are two methods typically used for cooking. Entire sprigs (stems and leaves) can be used in a “bouquet garni” style where the sprigs are used in the cooking process, but are removed before eating. The stems are woody and you probably don’t want to eat this part of the plant. The second method is to remove the leaves and add them directly to your soups or stews or meats. Thyme is slow to release its flavor so it is best to add early in the cooking process. If you wait until the end, the flavor will be too strong.


Fresh thyme can be stored in the refrigerator if you wrap the sprigs in a moist paper towel and then cover with plastic wrap. Unfortunately it only stays fresh about a week. But not to worry, this is an easy plant to grow yourself! It doesn’t get any fresher than that.


To help make it through the winter, when you long for the fresh herbs from you garden, just pull out some of your own dried thyme. Thyme is one of the best herbs for drying since it retains so much of its flavor. You can have your own thyme for up to a year this way. When substituting dried thyme in a recipe, only use about 1/3 the amount of fresh thyme you would normally use.


Did you know thyme and lavender grow well together? They have the same growing requirements, so try this pair.


“To smell of thyme” is a compliment to the early Greeks. This meant you were admirable, brave and energetic.


Thyme also has medicinal purposes, but there is just not enough thyme in my day to get into that right now.


I have heard it said in cooking – when in doubt, use thyme!

Weekend Markets

Had a great time at the 2 markets we attended this week. Sold plenty of tomato,squash,cuke and herb plants. Also brought onions and potatoes this week along with fresh spinach, swiss chard and asian greens. We also have Free Range eggs which are always a big hit.
Most Henderson county markets should be in full swing by middle of this month so check out our weekly blogs for what we will have available.

First Big Spring Storm

Welcome to the world of Agriculture says Mother Nature! Just finished planting around 150 tomato plants,limas and greasy beans and then Wham full blown spring thunderstorm hit us. In about a 45  minute period we received about 2.3 in rain and quarter size hail here in Tuxedo. Have not checked corn or other veggies that are already up, but should know by this afternoon how things turned out.
    Going to Saluda tailgate market this afternoon with tomato plants, greens, onions and eggs. Same thing tommorow at Hendersonvill market.

Rainy Sunday

Well looks like another rainy weekend here in Tuxedo. Had a really nice B-day party for Brody yesterday with all his friends coming over. They all had a great time fishing, riding horses and chasing chicks and pigs among other activities.
   Went out a checked all the veggies this morning and everything is moving along just great. Corn is about ready to be cultivated, beans breaking through the ground, plenty of greens and onions. Wonderful time of the year here in NC