What’s better than a beautiful orchid? One that you can get to bloom again. And I’ll show you exactly how to do that in this video!
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Here’s how to ripen all those green tomatoes, fast! #tomato #greentomatoes #gardening #verysmartideas
If you are like me, and your garden is starting to slow down and your basil plants have flowered, don’t toss them, save them to make basil salt. I like to put the basil salt in pretty containers and give them as gifts or put them in a small bowl and use to season soups and stews. #basil #nowaste #gardening #verysmartideas
If you are like me, and your garden is starting to slow down and your basil plants have flowered, don’t toss them, save them to make basil salt. I like to put the basil salt in pretty containers and give them as gifts or put them in a small bowl and use to season soups and stews. #basil #nowaste #gardening #verysmartideas
Trimming excess leaves from tomato plants is essential for optimal growth. By pruning, more energy is directed to the flowers, resulting in increased fruit production that is faster and larger. Additionally, well-pruned plants enable more efficient use of garden space and easier staking! #tomatoes #gardentips #verysmartideas #gardening
I am making these simple, fragrant and game changing bundles this weekend to add to soups, stews and sauces. Bouquet garni or “garnished bundle” as it translates from French to English are bundles or packages of herbs tied together or rolled into a ball and tucked into cheesecloth or even a tea strainer. Bouquet garni is added to broths and other liquids to add deep flavor and is removed prior to serving the dish. While there is no one recipe for a bouquet garni most French recipes use thyme, bay leaf, parsley, and often times have the addition of basil, chervil, rosemary and tarragon depending on the protein or liquid it is flavoring.cookingtips #verysmartideas #frenchfood #france #herbs #growingherbs #gardening #healthyeating
More information and combinations go to verysmartideas.com. #cookingtips #verysmartideas #frenchfood #frenchrecipes #herbs #growingherbs #gardening #healthyeating
Here’s how to keep basil, fresher longer🌱. #gardeningtips, #gardening, #organicgardening, #mygarden, #gardentips #verysmartideas #kitchentips #limbdifferenceawareness
#tiptuesday Did you know it’s a good idea to trim tomato plants? Here’s how to do it.
#verysmartideas #gardentips #tomatoes #summergarden #limbdifferenceawareness #easyrecipes
#TipTuesday is a short and sweet one today! Store your small garden tools in sand to prevent rust from forming.
#garden #verysmartideas #summergardening #outdoorliving #gardentips #gardenreel
Quick tip on basil sprouts! I love doing this to save a little time and money when it comes to gardening. And a little bonus - the mason jars make for cute table decor as well. I love it! 🌱
#verysmartideas #basilsprouts #summergarden #gardentips
Trim basil stems for fluffy, high producing plants all summer long. Here’s how to do it.
#basil #gardening #gardenideas #vegetables #organic #verysmartideas #limbdifferenceawareness
Ramps, aka wild leaks, grow all-over Illinois and throughout the Midwest for a very short period of time in the spring. They are a delicious cross between a scallion and an onion. There are all sorts of things that you can make with ramps. Check these photos out for just a few recipes using this unique produce!
Shown in the photos: pesto made from this seasonal gift, it is fresh, garlicky and bright. Pasta with ramps and mushrooms, and what would cocktail hour be without pickled ramps to eat along side, good cheeses and meats. #ramps #illinois #verysmartideas #easyrecipes #foraging #gardening
Winter garden transitioning into spring isn’t always pretty😅 Can anyone relate?!
But don’t worry - I’ll be planting some more vegetables this weekend and before you know it the garden will be full and beautiful again! 🌿
#verysmartideas #garden #organicgardening #gardenreels #instagarden #trendingreels
Happy Earth Day to my favorite Peeps🌎🌱💚
Did you know Earth day was founded by Gaylord Nelson, a Wisconson politician and environmentalist on April 22nd 1970? Here are five simple things to do to help out Mother Earth!
1. "Plant a tree! Trees help absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, making them a critical part of our ecosystem. Consider planting a tree in your backyard, local park, or community garden to help reduce your carbon footprint and improve air quality."
2. "Reduce food waste by composting! Composting is an easy and effective way to turn food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil. Consider starting a compost bin in your backyard or finding a local composting facility."
3. "Switch to eco-friendly products! Choose products made from sustainable materials and avoid single-use items like plastic straws and bags. Opt for reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and shopping bags to reduce waste and conserve resources."
4. "Reduce energy consumption! Turn off lights when you leave a room, unplug electronics when they`re not in use, and use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances. These small actions can add up to big savings on your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint."
5. "Support local farmers! Buying locally grown food supports the local economy and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food long distances. Visit your local farmer`s market or sign up for a community-supported agriculture program to support sustainable agriculture practices."
#earthday #environment #mothernature #aboutgigi #verysmartideas #organicgardening #garden
Planning a garden: Part 2 of an #easy step-by-step guide to planning your 2023 garden!
#verysmartideas #greenthumb #gardentips #limbdifferenceawareness #organic #gardening #vegetables
Here’s an part 1 of an easy step-by-step guide to planning your 2023 garden! #verysmartideas #greenthumb #gardentips #limbdifferenceawareness #organic #gardening #vegetables
Butter Braised Leeks with Parmesan and Thyme
This recipe makes the MOST delicious #leeks you have EVER tasted. The dish is savory, delicate and loaded with umami flavors. Serve with your favorite beef or chicken recipe. Recipe below or at www.verysmartideas.com
Ingredients:
6-8 medium leeks, about 2lbs, trimmed and rinsed clean
1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc�1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
2 Tbsps cold, unsalted butter, cut into slices
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1/2 cup parmesan or pecorino or cheese, grated
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Directions:
�Step 1. Trim dark-green tops and roots from the leeks then cut in half lengthwise. Remove any tough, bruised outer layers. Hold the leeks to keep them intact and rinse them under running water and drain.
Step 2. In an oven proof pan or cast iron skillet, arrange the leeks in a single layer, close together, with the cut sides up.
Step 3. Add the wine to a small pan and boil for a minute and then add the broth and bring to a simmer. Sprinkle the leeks with kosher salt and a few good cranks of freshly ground pepper.
Step 4. Evenly distribute the slices of butter on top of the leeks and sprinkle the thyme leaves. Cover the pan or skillet with a lid and simmer for 40-45 minutes. Add additional broth if necessary.
�Step 5. Uncover and continue simmering for 15-20 minutes or until the leeks are tender and the broth has reduced by half or more.
Preheat broiler to high
Step 5. Sprinkle the leeks with the pecorino or parmesan cheese and broil for 3-5 minutes or until browned and bubbly.
Add additional salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
#verysmartideas #easyrecipes #Cookinglessons #umami #gardentotable #organicgardening #veggies #cookingvideos
