Category: Gardening

The Secret Reward of the Harvest

11/23/2020

by Gina L.
from Virtuous Daughters, December 2018/January 2019~Volume 18, Number 5

"Panning for Gold" Proverbs 31 Study Series Part 22
~Proverbs 31:31~

I have never been a great gardener. It is partly because I don't have a natural knack for it and mostly because I rarely take the time to actually plant anything. You don't reap if you don't sow! One year though I read a book on wide raised-bed gardening, and it had great pictures and compelling text and inspired me to try. Could a rookie grow produce like that bountiful harvest pictured in the book? Judging from what that plot of ground in our backyard had previously yielded, one would have had many doubts.

His Yield in Your Field

8/10/2020

by Gina L.
from Virtuous Daughters, October 2016~Volume 16, Number 7

"Panning for Gold" Proverbs 31 Study Series Part 7
~Proverbs 31:16~

A church we attended some time ago that was meeting in a rented building became very excited to come across a beautiful piece of land—5 acres—in a very desirable area. The price was just a fraction of the worth of the field and dreams of building a church were bustling throughout the congregation, no one more excited than the dear pastor himself. They went full speed ahead and were soon in a contract that was contingent upon inspection, and good thing. When the engineer got back with the church, they found that the whole plot was a terrible flood plain, and to build anywhere on it at all would cost a fortune in excavating. The congregation was heartbroken and cancelled the contract. They are still meeting in a rented building, but that field could have financially broken that little church. It is good they considered the field before they bought it.

Proverbs 31:16 says that the Virtuous Woman considereth a field and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. Over the last few months we have learned much about the Virtuous Woman. She is a trustworthy, willing worker, who always does her husband good and cares greatly about what she feeds her family, even rising early to prepare their food. We have seen much said about her character and working hands, but did you realize that this woman also uses her mind well? She is a thinker.

Vegetable Gardening

5/18/2020

by Emily M.
from Virtuous Daughters, June 2004~Volume 4, Number 3

Vegetable gardening can be fun and enjoyable if pests or diseases don't strike your plants before you can harvest your produce. Here are a few tips that might help your garden be successful.

It's Too Important!

5/18/2020

by Tiffany S.
from Virtuous Daughters, June 2010~Volume 10, Number 3

Every day is busy for me, but a particular day was just crazy. Sleeping in that morning didn’t help my problem of not having time for practically anything—even really basic things, like eating, drinking, and having my quiet time. About 3pm or so, I looked out the window and noticed the roses drooping in the hot sun.

Container Gardening

5/11/2020

by Brianna
from Virtuous Daughters, June 2004~Volume 4, Number 3

The first step to container gardening is to find the right container for your plants. There are many creative options which are open to you, some of which are: barrels, old tires, buckets, flower pots, boats, children’s toys, wagons, virtually anything that can contain soil.

In the Garden

4/27/2020

by Mrs. Lori B.
from Virtuous Daughters, June 2010~Volume 10, Number 3

“In the Garden”
I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear the Son of God discloses.

(Refrain) And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own; and the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice, is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me within my heart is ringing.

I’d stay in the garden with Him though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe His voice to me is calling.
(words and music by C. Austin Miles, 1868–1946)

Garden Tips

4/6/2020

by Emily B.
from Virtuous Daughters, July 2010~Volume 10, Number 4

Tomato cages aren’t just for tomatoes! Use them for cucumbers and squash, too! These vine-like plants will climb right up them—you’ll get a bigger harvest, the fruits will be straighter, and the slugs can’t eat them! The cages are also great for supporting tall or large plants such as hibiscus and peonies. Place the cage over the dormant plant and let it grow right up into it. Our hibiscus grew over six feet tall when we did this!
To speed up germination, soak hard-shelled seeds (such as morning glories) in a cup of water overnight, or knick them with a sharp knife.
Store leftover seeds from this year in a jar in the refrigerator! This will keep them viable for longer. If that is not practical, store in a cool, dry place, where mice or other rodents cannot get into it!
Are slugs eating your plants? Sprinkle crushed eggshells around the plants and the slugs should leave them alone, as they won’t crawl across the sharp pieces.
To save a potted plant that is so dried up you think it’s dead: soak it in a bucket of water for about 30 minutes to an hour. And just maybe, it will revive. At least it’s worth a try! :)
African Violets don’t like wet leaves! Water them from their saucers about once a week.
If you’re growing seedlings inside, place the pots/seed tray on your dryer when it’s on. The extra heat will help with germination. After the seeds sprout, you may want to move the plants to a sunny window, for at least part of the time. When to start vegetable or flower seeds for planting outdoors varies with where you live...
To improve the soil in your vegetable garden: in the fall, winter, or early spring, spread dead leaves, wood ashes (in moderation) and fairly weed-free grass clippings over your garden. Till it before you plant in the spring.
Harvesting and using herbs: Herbs are best harvested right before they bloom. This is when their flavor has reached its peak. Of course, you can make small harvestings from them as you need the herbs. For bushier plants, pinch back the stems occasionally. This happens naturally when you harvest them. To dry herbs, carefully rinse them, and then hang them upside down in a well ventilated area, not in direct sunlight. Currently, I use a clothes drying rack in our cool, mostly dark basement. When the herbs are dried, you can crush them and store them in clean glass jars. Preferably, store them in the dark or use a dark container. Herbs can also be frozen. You can just freeze them in baggies or chop them up and put them in ice cube trays with water. When making a soup or stew, just add an ice cube with herbs and it will melt right in.
When arranging plants in a new garden, remember this simple rule: If the garden is against a house or fence, and will mostly be viewed from the front, place the taller plants near the back. If the garden is more of an “island” in the yard, place the tallest plants in the middle.

Time to Weed!

3/23/2020

by Emily B.
from Virtuous Daughters, June 2010~Volume 10, Number 3

Gardening is an activity I really enjoy . . . That is, I enjoy most of the work related to gardening! Some parts of it aren’t as much fun, but they still play an important role in the end product, whether it is a beautiful flower garden or a bountiful harvest of vegetables. I think most gardeners would agree that weeding isn’t the most pleasant task in the garden, although it is necessary to maintain your garden’s beauty.

Article Library

The Secret Reward of the Harvest

His Yield in Your Field

Vegetable Gardening

It's Too Important!

Container Gardening

In the Garden

Garden Tips

Time to Weed!

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