Garden season

It's officially upon us...Garden Season! I don't know where you are on your journey during your homesteading life but most people start with gardening. For us that seems to grow every year as our needs grow, our daughter grows and we are learning to preserve more and not rely on the grocery stores as much.

This year we are hoping to finally start pressure canning as well which means I can grow even more foods to preserve. Over the past few years I have gotten really good with water bath canning and as of last year dehydrating things for my family.

Last year was the first year I set myself a goal for preserving items and truly started keeping great records of what I grow, what I put away. What we liked, how we liked it, etc. Now I have heard many say they do this and honestly I would say it is something I wish I truly stuck to sooner. This year after having those records I know what I need more of and what I don't.

With us starting to preserve differently I also know what jars I need, what containers work best for what in the freezer. What produce I can use in several different preserving techniques.

During your gardening season I hope you have fun, take great notes, and learn to save as much of it as possible for you to really enjoy later. Having fresh canned pineapple in the off season has been amazing. Having fresh tomatoes for the whole year has been so great and saved so much money. Same with all the snacks our daughter enjoyed. Last year was the first time I thought of freezing our watermelons and cantaloupes and they ended up being some of her favorite treats to have this past year during all seasons.

So I hope you make a goal, I hope you try to reach it and I hope above all you enjoy this season of your life.

Happy gardening!