This fresh pesto appetizer with tomato and mozzarella slices might be my favorite appetizer of all time. It’s easy to make, and virtually everyone seems to like it. Fresh pesto is an Italian classic that is popular around the world. The star of a great pesto is the fresh basil, and basil is one of my favorite herbs. (See below for tips on how to grow your own fresh basil.) And when you add fresh pesto to tomato slices and mozzarella slices, you have the ultimate Italian appetizer! I like to make the pesto ahead of time and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. Then, when guests arrive, I assemble the tomato and mozzarella slices. I add a dollop of pesto to the top of each stack. The appetizers are ready in minutes. Warm fresh pesto appetizers right out of the oven. Yum! How to Make My Fresh Pesto Appetizer with Tomato and Mozzarella Slices Pesto Ingredients 2 cups basil leaves ¼ cup pine nuts 2 cloves of garlic 2/3 cup olive oil ½ cup grated … [Read more...] about Fresh Pesto Appetizer with Tomato and Mozzarella Slices
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Container Gardening for Beginners
Gardening is trending again, and container gardening for beginners is leading the way. People who have never grown plants before are suddenly interested in planting a garden. “Whether you live in a densely packed city or in suburbia, you can successfully grow edible plants and vegetables,” said Randy Schultz, content editor for Home, Garden and Homestead. “You can grow tomatoes, beans, spinach, squash and so much more. Container gardening for beginners is the way to go, and the time to start is right now.” What is container gardening? Quite simply, container gardening is growing plants in pots, planters, tubs, half barrels, an old cowboy boot or any other thing that can hold some potting soil and a plant. Basically, it is growing a plant in anything that’s not a traditional in-the-ground garden plot. That’s why container gardening for beginners is so perfect. No garden plot is required, and you can grow a single tomato plant or a few herbs if that’s all the space you … [Read more...] about Container Gardening for Beginners
How to Start a Victory Garden 2.0
The COVID-19 outbreak has forced millions of people worldwide to quarantine and stay at home. But instead of feeling helpless, thousands of people are turning to gardening by starting a Victory Garden 2.0. Why? Because growing plants and tending a garden provides stress relief, a healthy outdoor activity and food security. Many people don’t realize that gardening has a history of being a coping tool during times of national crisis. During the first World War, the U.S. government encouraged Americans to plant vegetable gardens. Today, in a time of crisis that seems a lot like a war, these “victory gardens” are seeing a huge resurgence. It's time we all embrace it. It's time for everyone who has a backyard, patio or a sunny balcony to start a Victory Garden 2.0 of their own. The History Of Victory Gardening Starting a victory garden is about as American as apple pie. Growing a backyard vegetable garden has been an essential part of American life since America was comprised of British … [Read more...] about How to Start a Victory Garden 2.0
Tips for growing successful container gardens
Planting a garden is a traditional springtime activity, and planting container gardens is growing more popular every year. Container gardening is the perfect way to grow plants if you don’t have enough garden space for a traditional vegetable garden or flower bed. Growing container gardens also makes it possible to grow herbs, flowers and even vegetables on decks, patios, balconies, or right outside the kitchen door. There are three things you need to consider before you dive into container gardening. The first is where you want to put your container garden. The second is determining what plants you want to grow. Third, you must choose the right containers for your container garden. Choose the Right Location for Container Gardens Sometimes it’s easy to select a spot for your container garden. If all you have is a balcony or a spot next to your doorstep, deciding where to put your growing containers is simple. Just pick a sunny spot in the space that’s available. But what if … [Read more...] about Tips for growing successful container gardens
Top 10 Vegetables for Container Gardening
Container gardens can be an oasis of beauty on a deck, balcony or patio. Even container vegetable gardens can be beautiful. But most gardeners who grow vegetables in containers don’t do it for the beauty. They’re in it for the tasty vine-ripened tomatoes, the spicy hot peppers, the crunchy radishes and the tender salad greens. If you’ve never tried container gardening before, you’re missing out on a great way to learn about gardening. And if you have grown vegetables in containers, you might be surprised at the new varieties of veggies that have recently been introduced with container gardening in mind. Whether you are a newbie to gardening or a Master Gardener, now is a great time to grow a container garden full of edible plants. My list of the Top 10 Container Garden Vegetables is below, along with descriptions, photos and a link to where you can buy the seeds. If you want to read more about container gardening, read Tips for Growing Successful Container Gardens. Start … [Read more...] about Top 10 Vegetables for Container Gardening