​Avalon Gardens Farm​
Nanuet, New York 

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In the heart of my apartment balcony and walkway, a small garden thrives—lush with vegetables and brimming with purpose. Watching plants grow brings me a quiet joy, a connection to nature that’s rooted in childhood memories of waking up at 5 a.m. to watch Modern Farmer on TV. That early fascination blossomed into a lifelong passion, one that now nourishes not just my home, but also my work in the food industry. Growing food isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of life that reminds me daily of where it all began.

10-9-25

Getting close to moving the herbs indoors

Freeze watch for overnight Oct 10th, 2025

Guarding the Garden   Adventures of Skel and his friends

6.23.25

                  Eggplant                                   Roma Tomato                     Husky cherry Tomato

Lily's Cumbers

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Pickling cucumbers can be eaten raw. They are not just for pickling; they are also delicious fresh, especially when young and deep green. Pickling cucumbers are known for their firm texture and fewer seeds, making them a good choice for salads or snacking. 

Here's why you can eat them raw:

• Nutritional Value: Like other cucumbers, they are a good source of vitamins and minerals. 

• Pickling is Optional: You don't have to pickle them; they are fine for eating fresh. 

• Taste: While some might find them less flavorful than slicing cucumbers, they are still palatable and refreshing when fresh. 
• Texture: Their firm texture makes them a good addition to salads or enjoyed on their own. 
• Versatility: They can be sliced, diced, or cut into spears and used in various dishes. ​

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The start of my planting season March 20th indoor to start

In Bergen County, NJ, the best time to start planting vegetables depends on the last frost date, which typically falls around mid-April[1]. Here are some general guidelines:
​

• Cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and peas can be planted as early as late March to early April.

• Warm-season crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers should be planted after the last frost, usually in late April to early May[2].

For a more detailed planting calendar, you can refer to resources like the Almanac which provides specific dates based on your zip code[1].
Are you planning to grow any specific vegetables this season? 🌱

References
[1] Planting Calendar for for Places in New Jersey | Almanac.com
[2] Planting Calendar for Bergenfield, NJ | Almanac.com
[3] new-jersey-vegetable-planting-calendar - Urban Farmer

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2025 Season

Check your growing zone                                                   buy growing zone maps on Amazon

                                            books about home vegetable gardening

​In Rockland County, NY, the best time to start planting vegetables outside depends on the type of vegetable and the average frost dates:

• Cool-season vegetables like peas, lettuce, and spinach can be planted as early as mid-April[1].
• Warm-season vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers should be planted after the last frost date, which is around mid-May[1][2]. It's generally safe to plant these by early June[3].

References
[1] First Planting Dates - Cornell Cooperative Extension
[2] 2025 Planting Calendar by Zip Code | The Old Farmer's Almanac
[3] Vegetable Planting Guide

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Growing vegetables in pots or containers is a great way to maximize space and enjoy fresh produce. Here are some of the best vegetables for container gardening:

1. Tomatoes: Choose dwarf or bush varieties like cherry tomatoes.
2. Peppers: Both sweet and hot peppers thrive in containers.
3. Lettuce: Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach grow well in shallow pots.
4. Herbs: Basil, parsley, and cilantro are perfect for small containers.
5. Radishes: Quick-growing and ideal for small spaces.
6. Carrots: Opt for shorter varieties like baby carrots.
7. Cucumbers: Bush varieties are best suited for containers.
8. Beans: Bush beans are compact and productive.

Make sure your containers have good drainage and use high-quality potting mix.
​

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A post shared by Resh Gala | Organic Gardener (@reshgala)

Winter 24-25

Spring - Summer 2024 

​8 Tomato Plants 1 Roma, 5 Cherokee Purple and 1 Husky Cherry 
2 Red Peppers, 1 eggplant, 6 cucumbers and 4 pickling cucumbers
1- Basil 1- Curly Parsley
2 cilantro 1 Italian parsley
​
Balcony Tomatoes

The Old Farmer's Almanac Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook (Old Farmer's Almanac (Paperback)​ Common culinary herbs are essential ingredients in various cuisines around the world. Here are some of the most frequently used herbs and how they can elevate your dishes:

1. Thyme: Known for its earthy and slightly minty flavor, thyme pairs well with roasted meats, stews, and sauces. It’s a staple in Mediterranean and French cooking1.
2. Sage: With a warm and savory taste, sage complements poultry, stuffing, and pasta dishes. It’s also popular in Italian cuisine1.
3. Rosemary: This aromatic herb has a pine-like flavor and works wonderfully with roasted vegetables, lamb, and bread. It’s commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes1.
4. Mint: Refreshing and bright, mint is perfect for salads, teas, and desserts. It’s widely used in both sweet and savory recipes1.
5. Dill: Dill’s delicate flavor enhances fish, pickles, and creamy sauces. It’s a staple in Scandinavian and Eastern European cooking1.
6. Cilantro (Coriander): Loved by some and disliked by others, cilantro adds a citrusy and herbal note to salsas, curries, and salads. It’s prevalent in Mexican, Indian, and Thai cuisines1.
7. Basil: A superstar herb, basil is a must-have for Italian dishes like pesto, caprese salad, and tomato-based sauces. It’s also used in Thai and Mediterranean cooking1.

Remember, these herbs can transform a simple dish into something extraordinary. Experiment with them to discover your favorite flavor combinations! 🌿🍽️
For more detailed information on cooking with fresh herbs, you can explore this guide from EatingWell2.
​
The Ultimate Raised Bed & Container Gardening Guide For Beginners: Grow Your Own Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Cut Flowers

Rutgers
Tomato Varieties Search
Tomatoes
There are more than 15,000 varieties of tomato varieties in active cultivation 
worldwide and 3,000 heirloom or heritage tomatoes.

I have very strong ties to New Jersey, even though I now live just over the border in Rockland County. I would not want to see the official Nickname of the state be changed away from the " Garden State"  Not only so much of the history of the state and its deep connection to food and nourishing large parts of the region and country.   

See the controversial history of it's nickname https://www.state.nj.us/nj/about/facts/nickname/

Why is New Jersey Called the Garden State?

Avalon Gardens 2019-2018

Avalon Gardens Farm facebook page click on image

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My indoor herbs

Live Herb Plants, 4 Quart Pots - Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Oregano, Indoor/Outdoor, Stargazer Perennials... click to buy on Amazon

Adventures of Skel

Skeleton Tee Shirts

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"Hoppy"
upsidedown bird

New Hummingbirds page

Italian Parsley decided to look like a firework on top

​Numex Lemon Spice New Mexico Chile Pepper Premium Seeds for Planting Packet

Rosemary

Franchi seeds on Amazon

oct 2023 click on photos to buy on Amazon

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3/14/25

​Some plants that can improve your wellbeing include: 
​
Lavender
Known for its stress-relieving qualities. It can slow down the heart rate and lower blood pressure.

Snake plant
Believed to reduce anxiety, improve respiratory problems, and cure the symptoms of a headache.

Chrysanthemum
Can brighten any space, bring a sense of joy and calm, and help lessen symptoms of worry and stress.

Other plants that can improve your wellbeing include: 

Golden pothos, Orchid, Aloe vera, Fern, Rosemary, Spider plants, Rubber plants, Peace lilies, English ivy. 
 
Indoor plants can improve your wellbeing by: 

·         Boosting oxygen levels
·         Purifying the air
·         Filtering out chemicals
·         Improving mood
·         Improving focus
·         Increasing productivity

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​Top 10 Herbs​

​1.  Basil    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basil
​
Commonly used in Italian dishes, basil is great for adding flavor to soups and sauces. When cooking, add it towards the end to maintain flavor. When growing, keep soil moist, and water the plant the night before harvest.  Pinch or cut off any flowers spikes that form.  Harvest basil frequently and it will continue to grow.

2.  Cilantro  
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coriander 
Cilantro is most common in Mexican and Asian dishes. The flavor is strong, so use sparingly, and add more to taste. To harvest, use sharp clean scissors and cut approximately 1/3 of the way down your plant. The plant will continue to grow new leaves. Harvest weekly for continued growth.

​3.  Dill
A delicious addition to dips, soups, herb butters, salads and fish dishes, dill has the strongest flavor just before flowering occurs. It’s best to harvest only what you need for recipes. Using pruning scissors, cut stems flush with the main stem, so the plant can continue to produce. Harvest often to avoid seed production.

​4.   Mint
Spearmint is typically used in desserts, teas and jellies, whereas peppermint is generally used for its strong aroma. For a large amount, cut right before flowering – about an inch from the pot. Individual leaves can be harvested at any time.

5.  Oregano
Oregano is most common in Italian and Greek dishes; often used in soups, stews, and sauces.  Harvest individual leaves from the stem or harvest a long stem with leaves on it. Allow the plant to grow to minimum of 4 inches previous to harvesting. Regular trimming keeps the plant bushier.

6.   Parsley (Italian)
Italian Parsley is commonly used in soups, sauces and salads, and reduces the need for salt. It’s generally used to add flavor to dishes, rather than a garnish.
Harvest when the leaf stems have three segments. Cut leaves from the outer portion of the plant and leave the inner portions to mature.

​7.   Parsley (Curly)
Curly Parsley brings a crisp taste to salads, vegetables, and herb butters. It’s most often used as a garnish. Just like the Italian Parsley, cut leaves from the outer portion of the plant and leave the inner portions to mature.

8.   Rosemary
Used for poultry, lamb and soups, rosemary has a sweet and resinous flavor. Trim stems to harvest and pull leaves off by hand or use full stems as skewer. Cut stems completely back to a main or side branch

​9.   Sage
Popular in poultry and meat seasoning, sage is great in many culinary dishes. It’s a staple in stuffing.
Using sharp scissors, cut leaves directly off of the plant and harvest as needed. Harvest youngest and most tender leaves for best flavor.

10.   Thyme
Thyme can be used in almost any dish, but especially marinades, vegetables, pasta, potatoes, and pizza. For strongest flavor, harvest thyme just before blooming. Snip the top 2/3 of each shoot and avoid cutting into woody section of plant

​​Start your garden with Bonnie Plants Harvest Select plants and raised bed soil, available only at The Home Depot. Along with Bonnie Plants’ $250,000 donation to AmpleHarvest.org, your shared surplus harvest can help give families access to fresh produce. #DonateYourHarvest
​
​Food for Thought
How to start a container garden in 5 simple steps

The best vegetables to plant in late summer

Finding the Good
Growing community; Community gardening projects are feeding more than hungry

Student Gardens: Growing on Grounds

The Need
Bronx food pantry struggling to keep food cool and keep up with demand. Here's what it says it needs.

Record heat is set to drive the cost of fruits and vegetables higher

One in 11 people went hungry last year. Climate change is a big reason why

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