Saturday, January 24, 2015

Want to Grow Blueberry?

You're in luck!  
We just added Organic Blueberry Seeds!!!!



Mary's Heirloom Seeds
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I said the same thing last month.......and now we've added MORE SEEDS!

We are busily packing up NEW seed varieties and re-stocking for 2015.
We added a few NEW Varieties this week.  Some are special requests and others are just to unique and exciting to pass up!  They're amazing!!!

NEW SEED VARIETIES


You do not have to start your blueberries from cuttings or nursery shrubs. For the patient gardener, growing blueberry shrubs from seed can give you excellent results.
Just give it time, enough sun and acidic soil and you will have some wonderful blueberry plants out your front door. Blueberry plants will start producing berries when about 2 years old, but will not mature and offer maximum berry yield until they are about seven years old.
In order for blueberry plants to produce berries the soil pH needs to be between 4.5 - 5.0. Soils not within the range of pH acceptability for blueberry plant growth must be prepared before planting. If the pH is too high, the growth of the plant is slowed and the foliage turns yellow. Blueberries require adequate water, especially the first year that they are planted, to properly establish a good root system. During the growing season, blueberry plants typically require 1 inch of water per week.

The Valerian root is what is harvested for medicinal use. Valerian has been called nature's tranquilizer. It is used to soothe anxiety, relieve pain, and calm minds that cannot fall asleep. In many parts of the world, Valerian root is the standard care for stress and relaxation.  

Valerian (Valeriana Officinalis) - Start Valerian seeds and grow this well-known herb plant. Valerian is highly prized as a medicinal herb. It is a hardy perennial with a history of use dating back to the 16th century. It is very ornamental with fern-like foliage and pink flower heads that attract butterflies. The Valerian herb is also referred to as All Heal and Garden Heliotrope.   

 75-95 days Very large, up to 2 lbs. each. The yellow fruit has red marbling through the flesh and is one of the most beautiful tomatoes!
The flavor is very sweet and fruity; good yields.



FREE SEEDS!


Have you read my article 

From my article, 
FREE Seeds for the BEES and BUTTERFLIES!
This morning, someone on our facebook page commented on our post about MILKWEED.
They said, "Monarch Butterflies are about the be placed on the Endangered Species list (thanks Monsanto!).  
If we all bought at least one package of these with every order maybe we could help." 

 Mary's Heirloom Seeds wants to help save the BEES and the BUTTERFLIES! 
From NOW thru January 31st, ALL orders will include a FREE PACK of MILKWEED or  ZINNIA...Your Choice!
  Just leave a comment with your order 

$10 Order Minimum 
(including sale and regular priced items) 
All of the seeds listed are
open-pollinated, non-gmo & non-hybrid, unpatented, untreated, heirloom garden seeds  
For more info, stop by our Ordering & FAQ page 

BACK IN STOCK

COMFREY
ARNICA
If you have additional questions please feel free to ask.  We usually reply to emails within a few hours. 
Thank you and have a wonderful weekend!

Happy Planting,




http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marys-Heirloom-Seeds/229833070442449

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Friday, January 23, 2015

REAL FOOD Friday #72 is LIVE!

Hello and Welcome to REAL Food Friday!
I'd like to thank all of the conscious bloggers who followed the guidelines and 
shared REAL FOOD recipes and organic gardening and posts. Thank you for sharing!

Please take a moment and follow your co-hosts on FB, Twitter, Bloglovin and/or Pinterest.  We appreciate it!


Did you see my #realfoodchallenge article?
JOIN ME!
Would you like to join one of our link-ups? We have openings for 
Tuesdays with a Twist and REAL Food Friday!
Send me an email to mari_backtonature@yahoo.com

On to the PARTY!  We're your hosts
Lydia @ Lydia's Flexitarian Kitchen 
Marla @ Organic4 Greenlivings 
me...Mary @ Back to the Basics and Mary's Kitchen 
Heather @ Cook It Up Paleo 
Joyce @ It's Your Life 

Mary’s Kitchen  
If you're interested in co-hosting let us know! 
You can email Mary at mari_backtonature@yahoo.com

In case you missed "What is Real Food" here's a recap...
I know "Real" food may not seem like as much fun as the sugary, chemically, DIY recipes out there on the internet.  This is why REAL Food Friday is so unique.  This is the place to share your unprocessed, gmo-free, locally grown and/or fair trade posts. Here's a great reference from Food Myths.
 We are trying to make a difference 1 recipe at a time!

If your post includes items like *margarine, *granulated sugar, *food dye, packaged baking mixed with ingredients that you cannot pronounce (betty crocker, duncan hines, pillsbury, bisquik, general mills) then it WILL be deleted.


Time to link up your Real Food posts!  
The party runs from Thursday at 7pm EST through Monday at Noon.
Please follow your hosts and consider adding the Real Food Friday button.


Tuesday, January 20, 2015

We are GROWING and Expanding

Why is it so important to GROW?
HEALTH is one of the primary reasons I am so passionate about teaching people to grow food.  Growing your own organic food is healthy, saves money and is great exercise.

If we all choose to grow organically, we can also do our part to save the bees!  In case you missed it, check out Plant for the Pollinators and Increase Your Crop Yield.


We are offering FREE Bee-Friendly seeds with purchase at Mary's Heirloom Seeds!

From Food Prices are on the Rise,
"Arugula is an easy green to grow and takes approx 40 days.  It needs soil, water and sun.  Arugula can even be grown in a recycled plastic or wood container. No need to go out and spend a bunch of money.  At Mary's Heirloom Seeds you can purchase a packet of non-gmo, open-pollinated Arugula seeds (300 seeds) for only $3.00!

That means for $3 you might grow 300 bunches (or more) of Arugula versus $3 for a single small bunch at the store!

Education is a HUGE priority here at Mary's Kitchen as well as Back to the Basics and Mary's Heirloom Seeds.  We choose to SHARE this information for free.  we even send out a weekly e-newsletter for FREE even though it costs us for the service.  For all of you bloggers out there reading this...You know that blogging is not free.  I may not pay for my blog site but I spend hours working on educational posts and updating my site.

February 1st we have an opportunity of a lifetime!  We will be expanding our garden by at least 10 times the size.  This will be a HUGE undertaking.  We've had quite a bit of help along the way.  My family has been so supportive.  My Mom especially has been a HUGE help...Thanks Mom!  We've know this day would be here (at least I had prayed it would) and our dreams are finally coming true.

We have already had several donations via GoFundMe made for our Educational Program.
Our educational program has included several FREE workshops in our community.
Donations of SEEDS to several school and community programs
LOTS of educational posts that I personally spent hours researching

THIS is why we set up a GoFundMe last year.  The donations we have received so far have made a huge difference!




2015 will be our biggest and most exciting year EVER!  We've set our goals and we are putting things in motion to bring you MORE educational info on Organic Gardening and Health-related topics.

With our NEW expanded growing area we'll be able to share 
Multiple options for growing organic vegetables
More Organic Home Remedies
Educational VIDEOS since we've been asked about 100 times!
More FREE seeds
More donations to local programs

FREE FOOD...This is another dream of mine.  With the additional growing space we hope to be able to give back to our community by sharing extra produce with our families, local community and food banks for the homeless.

Additional donations made to our GoFundMe will be used to plant 
FRUIT TREES so that we my increase our donations
LUMBER to create raised beds and control pests
EDUCATIONAL material for organic growing
FREE SEEDS for School Educational programs

Can you tell I'm excited!!!!!  This project has been a year in the making and it's finally happening!!!



http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marys-Heirloom-Seeds/229833070442449

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Sunday, January 18, 2015

DIY Herbal Books

I'm trying to keep up with my own goal of 365 days of DIY in 2015 here at Mary's Kitchen.  Trying being the operative word.  BIG changes are coming so I'm running around like crazy trying to get everything put together.

BOOKS are a great place to start with DIY projects.  Today we're talking HERBAL BOOKS.  Below are a few of my favorites.  These are affiliate links so if you choose to purchase from the links I might make a small commission.  Every little bit helps!














These are just a few of the books I have found to be helpful.  I love Rosemary Gladstar.
If  you're looking for a goo all-in-one, I highly recommend Homegrown Herbs from Tammi Hartung.




Friday, January 16, 2015

REAL FOOD Friday #71 is LIVE!

Hello and Welcome to REAL Food Friday!
I'd like to thank all of the conscious bloggers who followed the guidelines and 
shared REAL FOOD recipes and organic gardening and posts. Thank you for sharing!

Please take a moment and follow your co-hosts on FB, Twitter, Bloglovin and/or Pinterest.  We appreciate it!


Did you see my #realfoodchallenge article?
JOIN ME!
Would you like to join one of our link-ups? We have openings for 
Tuesdays with a Twist and REAL Food Friday!
Send me an email to mari_backtonature@yahoo.com

On to the PARTY!  We're your hosts
Lydia @ Lydia's Flexitarian Kitchen 
Marla @ Organic4 Greenlivings 
me...Mary @ Back to the Basics and Mary's Kitchen 
Heather @ Cook It Up Paleo 
Joyce @ It's Your Life 

Mary’s Kitchen  
If you're interested in co-hosting let us know! 
You can email Mary at mari_backtonature@yahoo.com

In case you missed "What is Real Food" here's a recap...
I know "Real" food may not seem like as much fun as the sugary, chemically, DIY recipes out there on the internet.  This is why REAL Food Friday is so unique.  This is the place to share your unprocessed, gmo-free, locally grown and/or fair trade posts. Here's a great reference from Food Myths.
 We are trying to make a difference 1 recipe at a time!

If your post includes items like *margarine, *granulated sugar, *food dye, packaged baking mixed with ingredients that you cannot pronounce (betty crocker, duncan hines, pillsbury, bisquik, general mills) then it WILL be deleted.


Time to link up your Real Food posts!  
The party runs from Thursday at 7pm EST through Monday at Noon.
Please follow your hosts and consider adding the Real Food Friday button.


Monday, January 12, 2015

DIY Seed Starting in February

If you live in a warmer climate OR you have the space to start seeds indoors, here's great place to start!  As part of our 365 Days of DIY in 2015 we'll also be sharing Seed Planting Guides for each month.  Care to guest post?  Let me know!


Happy Planting!

Mary's Heirloom Seeds Newsletter
FEBRUARY Planting Guide


Quick Links

FAVORITES!
Thai Holy Basil
Dear Mary,
We're getting closer to February!  Are you ready to start planting?
Below are suggestions for seed-starting in February by region.  If it's still cold outside you might be


February Seed Starting by Region



GULF COAST    
Arugula, Asparagus, Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Swiss Chard, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Endive, Fennel, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Melons, Mustard, Onions, Peas, Peppers, Radish, Radicchio, Scallions, Sorrel, Spinach, Tomatoes, Turnips and Watermelon.
HERBS and Wildflowers!
SOUTHWEST 
Sow Indoors:  Swiss Chard, Eggplant, Peppers, Scallions, Tomatoes, Basil and Chives.  
Sow Outdoors: Arugula, Artichoke, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Swiss Chard, Collards, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Pak Choy, Peas, Radish, Rutabaga,  Spinach, Turnips and Tomatoes.
HERBS: Cilantro, Dill, Fennel, Oregano, Parsley, Sage, Sorrel, Tarragon and Thyme.

Don't forget the Wildflowers!

PACIFIC NORTHWEST 
Sow Indoors: Artichoke, Asparagus, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Fava Bean, Kale, Leek, Lettuce, Onion, Pak Choy, Peas, Radicchio, Spinach and HERBS
 
SOUTHERN INTERIOR 
Sow Indoors: Arugula, Broccoli, Celery, Swiss Chard, Eggplant, Endive, Fennel, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce, Onions, Pak Choy, Peppers, Radicchio, Scallions, Tomatoes, Basil and Chives.
Sow Outdoors: Arugula, Asparagus, Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Collards, Endive, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mustard, Pak Choy, Parsnips, Peas, Radish, Radicchio, Rutabaga, Sorrel, Spinach, Swiss Chard and Turnips.
HERBS: Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Parsley, Sorrel, Tarragon, Thyme and Wildflowers!


CENTRAL MIDWEST 
Sow Indoors: Asparagus, Broccoli, Cabbage, Celery, Kale, Leek, Lettuce, Onion, Radicchio, Chives, Fennel, Parsley, Oregano, Sage, Tarragon and Thyme


NORTH CENTRAL ROCKIES 
Sow Indoors: Arugula, Artichoke, Asparagus, Cabbage, Celery, Endive, Kale, Leek, Lettuce, Onion, Radicchio, Scallion, Sorrel and Spinach.
Indoor HERBS: Basil, Chives, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon and Thyme.
  
MID-ATLANTIC 
Sow Indoors: Artichoke, Arugula, Asparagus, Broccoli, Cabbage, Celery, Swiss Chard, Eggplant, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce, Onions, Peppers, Radicchio, Sorrel, Spinach and Turnips.
Indoor HERBS: Basil, Chives, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage and Thyme.

MARITIME CANADA & NEW ENGLAND
March is the first month to sow indoors.

Check out our video Seed Starting Made Simple! 
 
All of the seeds listed are open-pollinated, non-gmo and non-hybrid,non-patented, untreated, heirloom seeds.
$10 minimum order
Mary has signed the Safe Seed pledge.  
Seed Orders placed Monday-Thursday are shipped
within 24 hours, except for holidays. 
Free Shipping on all Heirloom Seeds! 
We have 2 SPECIALS going on through January 15th.
-4 ounces of Organic Sprouting seeds with purchase of Mary's Sprouting Kits
AND...FREE Pack of Seeds If your order contains
-Seeds and Organic Plant Food
If your order contains all of the above then we'll include 3 FREE Packs of heirloom Seeds!!!
There you have it!!! 
What are YOU planting in February?
-Mary 

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