With the growing season fast approaching, here’s some tips to help get you going.

Harden off tomato plants for two weeks before planting. When soil temps reach about 55°F, transplant seedlings into the garden in deep holes, so that the first set of true leaves rests on top of the soil. Roots will form along the underground stem portion and create a sturdier plant. Establish tomato stakes or cages to give the plants support at the time of planting. Staking keeps developing fruit off the ground while caging allows the plant to hold themselves upright. Water generously for the first few days to reduce shock to roots, then give the plants about 2 inches of water per week in the summer. Keep the watering consistent!

With the growing season fast approaching, here’s some tips to help get you going.

For beans, wait until the soil temperature is 60°F before planting seeds. When it’s warm enough, turn over soil with a spading fork so that it’s lose to a depth of about 8 inches and mix in some compost. Plant seeds about 1 inch deep and as they grow thin them to about 2 inches apart!

Happy Planting!

Recipe Monday:

Chocolate Peanut Delight:

1 package (18-1/4 ounces) chocolate cake mix
1/2 cup butter, melted1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 cup chopped peanuts, divided
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 carton (16 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
4-1/2 teaspoons butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, but-ter, milk and egg. Add 3/4 cup of peanuts. Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, peanut but-ter, sugar, condensed milk and vanilla until smooth. Fold in 3 cups whipped topping. Spread over the crust; top with the remaining whipped topping and peanuts.

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate chips and butter on high for 1 minute or until melted. Stir in vanilla until smooth; drizzle over cake. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours before cutting

Starting to get things together for next months newsletter. If you got a growing tips and would like to be featured in next months tips from the trenches section. Don’t hesitate to reach out! #growstr

With the growing season fast approaching. Here’s some tips to get you going.

Start Cucumbers indoors, provide a bottom heat of about 70°F by placing planted seeds on top of a refrigerator or water heater to take advantage of the extra warmth. When seeds sprout move them to a sunny spot. Plant outdoors no earlier then two weeks after the last frost date.