HOME CANNING/LET'S GET STARTED

     BY JOAN RICKETTS LOCKE

 

 

It doesn't matter whether you have a large garden, small backyard garden, or put some vegetable plants in pots;  the pleasure you receive from a "bounty of your own hand," will yield you enjoyment through all phases of  home gardening.  Just something about getting your hands dirty working with Mother Earth!

Get the whole family involved...children love to garden.   You will "grow" memories working together while enjoying the fresh fruits and veggies.  The pride and accomplishments the children gain...priceless!

What do you do with all that wonderful bounty?  You've picked, cleaned and eaten those great tasting green beans...oh...how many times!  The solution to continue the gardening experience is Home Canning.  With preparation now, come wintertime, you will still be enjoying the fruits of your labor from the garden.

Let's get started...

However you choose to process your veggies,  always begin with fresh veggies and fruit and make sure you wash them well.   There are several methods of processing:  water bath canner, pressure canner or the freezer method.  Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions.  Start with clean jars, lids and rings.

Discard any jars with chips or cracks, or any lids and rings that are bent or rusty.  These defects will affect the quality of your canning.

   Special Note from Joanie:  Each year my garden seems to grow in size and that means a lot of work.  So each year I say, "I'm only planting green beans, corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and onions."  That sounds reasonable right... and then Aaron, my grandson, comes over and we just have to plant carrots and cabbage so he can enter them in the county fair.  Aaron won "Best in Show" with his cabbage and he calls his carrots, "Prize winning carrots." We also "just have to plant" sunflowers, and transplant the seedlings from the pumpkin that was left in my flower bed.  It took me awhile but finally I realized we can plant all of these goodies, just not so many.  My advice..."keep it fun, but keep it manageable!"

 

Up next...some tried and true family recipes for you to try.    Enjoy!!