Laura Blodgett's Blog

Thirteen years ago I went shopping for my first Netafim supplies. Yesterday I hooked up a section of Netafim that I created about eight years ago to attach to a hose. I have used this particular double-line unit nearly every year since and it worked great yesterday. (Those are some grapes I started from cuttings […]

In keeping with the pencil case theme for grandchildren this year, I am making kitty cases or pouches for the girls. So far they are a big hit. This pattern is for sale on Etsy as Tiger Zippy Critter by Stubbornly Crafty. I have no relationship with this creator other than having purchased the pattern. […]

The grafting of trees and roses on other root stock has long been frustrating to me. I know people think they have their reasons, but I tend to think God knew what he was doing with the original plants. In support of my position are the troubles with rootstock suckers, as well as winter die-back […]

Your seedlings will have three main stages that affect how you water them: Their watering needs will vary according to: There are some basics: Happy planting!

Make your pattern pieces or decide to measure directly as you cut You can make your chicken from any size square, but I found I liked the 4 inch square size the most. Because I was going to be making several of them, I cut some pattern pieces out of my roll of manila pattern […]

Almost one year ago today, I made my favorite and very successful seed starting soil for the first time. Not only was it a fraction of the cost of pre-mixed potting soil, it was at least as good as anything I have purchased in a bag. I actually like it better than anything I have […]

I have been working on perfecting my pancake recipe for my whole adult life. I’m not saying it’s perfect now, as I am constantly surprised by learning new things. However, I am extremely satisfied with this recipe. It combines several things I have learned. Things like: Here’s my sour dough discard pancake recipe: Pre-heat griddle. […]

To get the full pattern for this shark pencil case, you will need to go to the Studio 7t7 website and sign up for her email newsletter. It is free with signing up. I am not associated with her. I simply found the pattern when researching gifts to sew for my grandchildren this coming year. […]

It was my husband’s idea. I had never heard of anyone growing sweet potatoes in Idaho. To inspire me, he found videos about growing sweet potatoes for us to watch together in our home dinner theater (aka watching from the comfortable couches in the living room). The southern accents and plant life in the videos […]

Perhaps you have tried to harvest an onion that overwintered in your garden, but upon digging it up discovered it felt mushy. Your first instinct was probably to throw it away. Nobody wants to eat a mushy onion. But there might be another option. The onion might not be mushy because it is rotten. It […]