Hidden Treasure Tuesday

Our hidden treasure this Tuesday is new to us here at Commonwealth! This year, we've started stocking SMART POTS!

So what makes Smart Pots such a treasure?

Besides the fact that they are new to us here, Smart Pots have a lot of things about them you're going to like. According to the Smart Pot website, you'll like them because they are BETTER. Better than what?  They are

• Better than Standard Black Plastic Containers
• Better than Ceramic (Clay) Containers
• Better than Raised Beds
• Better than Decorative Containers

 Smart Pots are aeration containers. They air prune roots to increase ability to take up fertilizer (food). Smart Pots are a smart choice for container gardening, great for a wide variety of plants, and strong enough to plant trees in as well!
Remember to mention Facebook or the blog when you come in to purchase, and we'll give you 20% off of the purchase on the treasure item of this week!

Growing Food for Real

Had an interesting conversation with a customer about what variety of tomato to grow.
His claim:  "If one is truly interested in providing food economically for themselves & their family they should grow 'Ace'.  It is truly productive and cans the best.  Don't mess with those fancy foolish heirlooms because they don't provide enough fruit."  This is paraphrased but basically what he said. 

O.K. so this got me thinking.  I must say I agree with his practicality.  That is my nature.  Therefore, my recommendation for the most productive (and they taste good) tomatoes are:  Ace, Super Marzano, Goliath, Big Beef & Fantastic.  All of these will produce lots & lots for canning & freezing.

Of course, I have to throw one in just because it just tastes too darn good and it is:  Striped German.

In other conversations I've been told Cherry tomatoes make great sauce.  Haven't tried it but anyone who grows the cherry type knows they will have enough to feed the neighborhood with just one plant. tee hee

Yum, yum the 6 paks will be ready at Commonwealth Garden Shoppe in about 11/2 weeks.  Great price for putting in larger pots in your greenhouse 'till it getts warmer.  If you want to put them outside you will need 'wall o'water'/Harvest Guards to keep them warm enough to grow and not die from frost.  Come on in to the Garden Shoppe on April 1 and see the potted tomato in a pot with a harvest guard. 

More Granny Organic opinions on vegetable gardening are sure to come.
Keep smiling!
p.s.  Thank you to Sonny Sherman (May he rest in peace) for telling me about Ace tomatoes many, many, too many to count years ago.

Living Easter Baskets

Most everyone is familiar with the idea of a living Christmas tree. We like to carry the idea of using live plants in our holiday celebrations, so we are hosting a living Easter basket workshop!

Here are just some of the flowers we have on hand to add to your own personalized baskets.

Our workshop is March 26th at 1pm. Cost of the workshop is cost of supplies only! RSVP and have your basket ready for Easter on the 31st of this month!

Tomatoes

Common questions when the weather is nice in March: 
"When should I plant my tomatoes?"  "Do you have tomato plants?"
It shocked Granny Organic to hear that the plants are available in a local "Big Box" store. 
IF you have a greenhouse - go for it. Be prepared to pot them up into larger containers.
"Why can't I just grow them in the house?"  Well, if you have grow lights you can.  Without adequate light they will become very tall, pale & spindly.

So, When? - May 1 to June 1 are the dates in our community for putting tomato plants outside.  Yes, it depends on your location.  If it is too cool they will either die from frost or just plain not grow.

Do we have plants yet? - NO.  We will have 6 packs & 4" available around April 1.  Hmmm that's April Fools day.  Tomato plants will need to stay in a greenhouse until May 1 at the earliest.So, don't be foolish.  Let Bruce babysit your plants until the weather is warmer.
Watch the blog for a list of our tomato varieties which are lovingly grown by Bruce using organic fertilizers & soil.

Happy Gardening from Granny Organic

Tomatoes

When is the best time to plant tomatoes?

Hidden Treasure Tuesday

Kale this variety has a delicious, sweet and mild flavor.

Lettuce is a great early season plant to get in the ground now!

Did you know that the leaves of a pea plan TASTE like peas!? 

Have you got Garden Fever!? We know a lot of you do. It's hard to keep from putting plants into the ground NOW!! Which is why Bruce makes sure that we have vegetable starts ready for you! He also makes sure that the starts we have in stock are plants that will do well being in the ground this time of year. That way, you don't get an early start with plants that won't survive the cold and wet of Oregon's early Spring. Come on in and let us help you! It's not too early to get your edibles in the garden, and if you know what plants to do it with. 
Remember to mention Facebook or the blog when you come in to purchase, and we'll give you 20% off of the purchase on the treasure item of this week!

Hidden Treasure Tuesday

This week, our hidden treasure doesn't hide very well! They are splashing color and cheer all over the Shoppe! We're excited to share our Primroses with all of you for just $0.99 cents each for the rest of this week! An excellent way for your garden or windowsill to get a shot of color! Come in, say hey to Ralph, and pick out enough blooming sunshine to chase any cloud away.