How To

Turmeric Powder | How to make your own

January 26, 2022 Leave a Comment

This blog post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my houseplant habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and you’ll keep me in the garden. It’s a win for everyone, really.

Turmeric is a spice used in many food dishes today. It comes from the root of the Cucuma longa plant, which is part of the Ginger family. It is a superfood with medicinal properties and worth adding to your spice cabinet. One of the prominent active ingredients is Curcumi, which is said to have strong anti-inflammatory properties. It also shows promise in helping with depression. There are so many wonderful benefits of adding Turmeric to your diet that it’s a no brainer! To learn more about the benefits of Curcumin, check out this article.

Let me teach you how easy it is to make your own Turmeric powder.

Turmeric Roots make easy Turmeric powder — Turmeric Rhizomes

List:

Gloves

Sharp Knife

Cutting Board

Grinder or Mortar & Pestal

Air-Tight Container

Dehydrator or Oven

Buy Turmeric

I chose to buy organic Turmeric, but feel free to purchase what you have access to nearby.

Clean your Turmeric

I gave my Turmeric a good rinse in the sink to make sure there wasn’t any dirt or debris. You don’t need to peel your Turmeric. You will dry and grind up the skin with the root.

Using your cutting board and knife, slice your Turmeric roots into round slices. You can also slice them lengthwise. No matter how you slice them be sure they are not to thick. Be sure to put your gloves on before you begin slicing. Turmeric will temporarily stain your fingers, cutting board and clothing.

Oven Instructions:

Lay your sliced Turmeric out on a parchment lined pan. Set your oven to 200 degrees. You will need to check your Turmeric every 30 mins making sure it’s drying. Once your pieces have reduced in size and are hard, they are done.

Dehydrator Instructions:

If you are using a dehydrator, you will want to follow the directions for drying. My dehydrator took about 12 hours to dry. I checked the slices every three hours to make sure they were drying properly.

Grind:

When your Turmeric has dried, it’s grinding time! I ground my Turmeric using this grinder from Amazon. If you prefer Mortar & Pestle, it’ll require more effort but it’s always worth it.

Grinding Turmeric Yellow nail from not wearing gloves

Storage:

Now that you’ve made Turmeric powder, it’s time to store it in an airtight container. Stored this way, your powder can last for 3-4 years.

Now you have your own stash of this amazing spice. You can use it in your everyday cooking including baking and smoothies; the list goes on! How will you use your Turmeric powder?

Happy Gardening

Ciearra

How to Make Garlic Powder

December 9, 2021 Leave a Comment

Is there any better smell than garlic? We love garlic in our house, although the kids would tell you otherwise. We eat it in some way, shape or form in our meals daily. There’s nothing more rewarding than having your own fresh stock pile of dried herbs, spices, and powders. I have started drying and powdering my own home grown garlic BUT you don’t have to grow your own to make garlic powder. You can purchase garlic from the grocery store to dry and powder; while it may not be as pungent as home-grown garlic, it’s much more convenient. Whichever route you go, nothing beats fresh garlic powder!

bulb of garlic and scattered cloves of garlic in peel on gray table — Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

In order to make your own fresh garlic powder, you will need fresh garlic, a dehydrator or oven, grinder, and an air tight storage container.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase I may receive a small commission. This commission will pay for my plant addiction.

white and brown ceramic bowl dried herbs and spices ginger and garlic — Photo by lilartsy on Pexels.com

I used my dehydrator that I got for Christmas last year and I love it. You are welcome to use your oven for this if you don’t have a dehydrator. Here are a few dehydrators on Amazon that have great reviews if you want check them out.

composition of cut in half and pieces of garlic — Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

First thing’s first! Peel your garlic and be sure not to leave on any skins. I don’t think it would hurt if you left some on, but best practice would be to remove every bit you can.

You don’t want to dice up your garlic too small. I like to cut mine into slivers; that way it doesn’t become too small to handle during the drying process.

The drying process in the dehydrator took about 22 hours. Be sure to start as early as possible so that you don’t have to leave your oven or dehydrator on the entire night.

If you are drying your garlic in the oven, you will want to set the temperature to 150-200 F and let the garlic dry for about two hours. Once you hit that first hour, keep checking it to make sure it’s drying and not burning. You’ll know it’s done when you can bend a piece and it snaps.

Once your garlic has dried, you will need a grinder or a mortar and pestle. Here is the link to the grinder I am using.

When your garlic is powdered, you will want to store it in an air tight container. I have been loving these cute little mason jars for my powders and herbs. If you want some for yourself, you can check them out here.

Your garlic powder will keep for 3-4 years if you keep it properly stored. Keeping a stockpile of freshly ground herbs and spices will help ensure you have more intense, vibrant flavors to add to your favorite dishes.

Happy Gardening and cooking,

Ciearra

11 Tips to Winterize your Home and GARDEN

October 31, 2021 Leave a Comment

Hey friends!

Its that time of year where you need to winterize your home and garden for the long winter months. Warm weather can’t last forever so winterizing your home and garden is so important. Here in Ohio we can dip into the negatives for days on end and It’s best to be prepared than to scramble around trying to get things done when its zero degrees out.

snow covered house and trees — Photo by Jill Wellington on Pexels.com

1. Cut back your perennials after your first frost. Now before you head out with the machete not every perennial need to be cut back. Hostas are the main plants that I’m taking down after the freeze. I’m leaving all of my shrubs in tact until spring. Do your research to figure out which plants require cut backs and which you can leave for winter interest in the garden.

2. Mulch your garden beds. Mulching is Heavy duty work but to help insulate the plants leave a good 2-3 inches of mulch in your garden beds. Doing this will help them carry on through the winter months.

I have been making and using leaf mulch each year and it works just as well. You can mow your fallen leaves with a lawnmower then spread it out in your garden beds. You can even add it to your raised garden vegetable beds.

Leaf mulch breaks down over time and makes great compost for your garden beds.

3. Drain your hoses and irrigation systems. You don’t want water to freeze in them over winter. Also be sure to put all of your hoses away in a garage or shed for storage.

If you have fountains or water features its a good time to dry those out give them a good clean and cover for winter. This is one of the most important home and garden winterizing tasks to get completed. Nobody needs a pipe bursting over winter.

4. Clean your tools! It’s very important to clean and care for your tools throughout the season but if your like me and forget at least give them a good cleaning before you put them away for the winter.

It doesn’t hurt to clean the lawn mower too!

5. Clean your pots, seed starting trays and put them away.

This will give you a jump on the spring season.

6. Change out the filter for your heating system and clean your vents. If needed schedule a checkup for your system.

Nothing worse than your heating unit breaking down in the middle of winter.

7. Get your fireplaces inspected and cleaned before lighting. No need for any home fires.

8. Stock up on firewood. Weather you buy firewood or chop it yourself you will need a stockpile before temps drop low.

9. Cover or put away your garden furniture. Tables, chairs, benches and cushions should be put away. The winter can be hard on certain materials and you don’t want to risk damaging that new patio set.

rectangular brown wooden table — Photo by Blank Space on Pexels.com

10. Protect your house plants from cold drafty windows and dry heating. If you have chilly windows in the winter pull your plants back or cover your windows with plastic to keep out the cold and hold in the warmth. Make sure to add in extra humidity using pebble trays, misters or humidifiers.

potted green indoor plants — Photo by Huy Phan on Pexels.com

11. Clean Your Gutters and downspouts. Last but not least clear out any debris from the gutters and make sure the downspouts are clean and clear of clutter.

wood light art water — Photo by Eva Elijas on Pexels.com

I hope this list helps you get started preparing for winter!

Happy Gardening!

Ciearra

HOW TO GROW NASTURTIUM

October 9, 2021 Leave a Comment

Nasturtiums are so gorgeous! They are a great plant to have in the garden. You can start them indoors four-six weeks before your first frost date. Then plant them outdoors after the threat of frost is gone. You can plant them in the landscape, in pots and hanging baskets. What’s even cooler is they are totally edible! Add the foliage and flowers to your salad for a zing!

how to grow nasturtium — Alaska Dwarf Nasturtium

You and easily order seeds online. Once you have a collection of see you can grow from your own stock every year.

Nasturtiums are beautiful trailing over a raised garden bed or covering up a less than pretty space in the garden. They are often used as a sacrificial or trap plant for aphids and squash bugs. Plant them next to your Brassicas and they’ll help keep pests away. If you haven’t started a vegetable garden yet check out my post on how to get started.

Nasturtium’s are not too picky about the type of soil you plant them in so use what you have available. They are forgiving if you forget to water them and they love full sun. They can tolerate part shade but do much better with 6-8 hours of sun.

how to grow nasturtium from seed — Fresh Nasturtium seeds

Be sure to collect and dry seeds for the next growing season! Nasturtiums are heavy seeders and you’ll have plenty to plant or share with friends next year! Nasturtiums grow pretty quickly from seed. Feel free to start them directly in the garden after your first frost date.

Happy Gardening!

Ciearra

How to make a Grape Vine Wreath

September 27, 2021 Leave a Comment

Hey Gardeners!

So finally I had an idea of using the vines for a possible wreath. I dug through Pinterest to figure out the best way to make a wreath. This Grape Vine wreath is perfect for all year round and you can decorate it to your hearts desire.

I have a rogue grape vine in the west side garden that has been a pain in my side to control since moving to this house two years ago. The prior owners didn’t supply it with the proper support so it’s been growing all over everything. I’m constantly cutting it back from my plant babies and it’s extremely annoying.

I decided to use a wreath frame that I already had on hand to get the shape that I wanted. You can get a frame for as low as $1 at dollar tree if you need one.

I used string to hold the vines onto the wreath and to help keep the shape.

Once I was satisfied I set the wreath in an area where it can set / finish drying. I cut fresh vines so I wanted to give them time to dry in place before I decorated my wreath.

You can use what ever you want to decorate your Grape vine wreath. It’s all up to you!

Let me know if you try making a Grapevine wreath of your own

Happy Gardening

Ciearra

How to Dry Oranges for Holiday Decoration

September 27, 2021 Leave a Comment

I love drying Oranges! It makes the house smell like the holidays and I love holidays. I’ve been experimenting with drying citrus for the last few years and I can tell you that it’s super easy and great to have it on hand for all your crafty needs. Now you can dry all citrus so it’s all your preference.

Learn how to dry oranges for holiday decoration — Dry Oranges, Grape Fruit and Lemon Grass

Before getting started you will want to choose what kind of citrus you would like to dry. I’ve dried Oranges, Blood Oranges, Lemons, Limes and Grapefruit. They all dry very well and smell amazing during the process. They also hold up pretty well during the holiday season.

Next, you’ll want to grab yourself a cutting board, sharp knife and your citrus of course. Slice your citrus into 1/4 inch pieces. If you want to dry the end pieces, you absolutely can. If you cut your citrus too thick, it’ll take longer to dry – just a word from the now-wise.

Heat your oven to 200 degrees F. Cook time will be around 2 – 2 1\2 hours checking every half hour to make sure they are properly drying. Now I’m going to give you a few options for where to place your slices. You can put them on a pan with parchment paper. You will want to flip your slices at the half way point. You can lay your slices directly on the rack in the oven and not have to flip them. Or you can put them on a pan that has a rack. Or you can put them in a dehydrator and avoid the oven all together!

I used my dehydrator this year and I loved it; however, it took about 24 hours for them to fully dry. That’s a long time to keep an appliance running, especially unattended while sleeping. Not to mention the fact that my house is super old and so if the electricity… I don’t need a fire happening overnight, you know what I’m saying?

How to Dry Oranges for Holiday Decor. Fall, Thanksgiving, Christmas — Dry Oranges for snacking or decoration

No matter how you are dehydrating your citrus, you will need to keep a close eye on it. In the oven they can burn/ darken quickly. If you like to have a mix of orange or burnt orange like me then that’s great, but the lemons and limes do not look good if you let them go too long so keep an eye out if you decide to dehydrate them.

My last year’s dried oranges are still hanging in my kitchen and window sills. They looked so beautiful I never took them down after the holidays. They are still bright, vibrant and just a tad bit dusty but still going strong. Once your citrus is dried you can use them right away to make holiday decor, or you can store them. I have some in Mason jars and some displayed in wood bowls and both displays look fabulous!

Want to learn how to dry oranges for holiday decor? Dry Oranges — Dried Citrus, Oranges, Lemon Grass. Holiday Decoration

Happy Holidays!

Ciearra

Turmeric Powder | How to make your own

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