MY KINGDOM FOR A TREEWritten by Arleen M. Kaptur
When you decide that you would like to raise some fruit trees in your garden area, its time to find ideal plant to start with. The best trees are at least two years old and from 3-5 feet tall. They will survive disturbing transplanting process and also bear fruit faster. Start with a reputable garden nursery that you trust. The young trees should have their roots wrapped in damp packing material and plastic. This prevents roots from drying out and causing tree to die. When you get your tree home, leave it in a cool, shaded area, with packing material intact. On day you intend to plant it, remove material and place roots in a pail of water to soak ideally overnight. Make a large hole, at least half size of full spread of tree’s root system. Use rich topsoil in bottom of hole to give added nourishment and strength to your fruit tree. To loosen soil and give area a chance at good moisture and drainage, mix 1 part peat moss to ever 2 parts of topsoil. If ground you are working with is extremely acid, use limestone to bring it to good planting earth. Do not use fertilize when you plant your tree. Most soils are just fine for normal growth and disturbed roots will be extremely sensitive to burning by chemical fertilizers. You may use a fertilizer when roots are established and have taken to area. Prune your tree to give it added strength. Giving your new tree a little careful attention when planting will insure a healthy, strong tree to bear all fruit that you want it to produce.
| | MEMORIAL DAY MEAL IDEAS Written by Arleen M. Kaptur
Memorial Day marks beginning of vacation season and end of school year for many youngsters. On this day of new beginnings, American Flags, Uncle Sam images, and other patriotic symbols decorate our homes and grace our table. Also Spring flowers add delight and beauty to our surroundings. Indeed, it is a wonderful time of year. Not to mention those great Memorial Day picnics and barbecue meals. Possibilities abound for food that you can serve: Fried chicken, deviled eggs, cheese and fruit platters, pink lemonade, ice cream and pies. Menus are fun to plan and always have end result of great eating and a fun time for all. So get those picnic baskets out, clean out grill, and get ready for official start of summertime fun. VERY SPECIAL POOR BOYS - 2 tbs. butter 4 hot dogs, cut into 1/2” slices 1 onion, chopped 1 green or red bell pepper, chopped 1 tbs. flour 1 loaf of French bread, cut in half lengthwise 1 tsp. seasoned salt 2-1/2 cups washed and drained sauerkraut 1-1/2 cups grated American cheese, cheddar, or pepperjack cheese or a combination of both Melt butter in a pan. Add hot dogs, onions, and green pepper. Over medium heat, cook for about 10-12 mins. stirring occasionally. Add flour and seasoned salt to pan. Lower heat to low and stir until everything is well blended. Continue stirring until mixture thickens. Add sauerkraut and cheese to pan. Continue stirring over low heat until cheese melts. Wrap foil around French bread, leaving top open. Remove top half and spoon your mixture onto bottom portion of French Bread. Bake in oven (350) for 20-25 mins. Remove and place top half of bread over mixture. Cut into serving pieces and serve. ***** PICNIC THREE-BEAN SALAD 3/4 cup sugar 2/3 cup vinegar 1/3 cup salad oil salt and pepper to taste 1 onion, chopped 1 red/green bell pepper, chopped 1-15-/1/2 oz. can EACH wax beans, green beans, and dark kidney beans Drain beans and rinse under cold water. Set aside. Combine sugar, vinegar, oil and salt and pepper. Stir until combined. Add onion, bell pepper, and stir once again. Add drained beans and with a spoon, being careful not to break beans, stir until blended. Refrigerate overnight. Place in a glass bowl to show off colors of this welcome salad treat and serve. *****
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