Holidays and Notable Events: Presidents Day

This U.S. holiday is designated as "Washington's Birthday" in section 6103(a) of title 5 of the United States Code, which is the law that specifies holidays for Federal employees.  It specifically honors George Washington, the first President of the United States.

The holiday was celebrated on Washington's actual birthday, February 22, from 1796 to 1970.

On January 1, 1971, the federal holiday was shifted to the third Monday in February by the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, placing it between February 15 and 21 and never on Washington's actual birthday.

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George Washington Portrait

Tips from the Farm Kitchen: Reheating Frozen Foods

It is not necessary to thaw foods before reheating, though you may safely do so (in the refrigerator, not at room temperature) if you wish. If you do thaw foods, decrease the reheating time accordingly.

Here are some reheating guidelines:

• 325°-350° is a good oven heat for reheating 
• a covered pot on a medium-low burner is a good rule for stovetop reheating
• 70% power is a good setting for microwave reheating 

Continued at... Reheating Frozen Foods

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Home Grown: Horticulture Lexicon

In gardening and other forms of horticulture, there are many terms that can be confusing, if not intimidating. Understanding the vocabulary or professional gardeners can make gardening a lot more enjoyable, productive, and successful.

Here are a few terms that appear in catalogs, on  seed packets and in stores that sell plants. These terms can be applied to vegetables, flowers, shrubs, and many other types of plants.

F1 Hybrid: These are seeds that are from the first generation of a cross between two known varieties. These varieties are often grown for specific traits such as color, flavor, size, and disease resistance. Seeds of F1 Hybrids do not remain true to type in future generations, so saving the seeds and replanting them will not give you the same thing you had the previous season.

Continued at... Horticulture Lexicon

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Cat Grass Kits from Auburn, Georgia

Now available with  Catnip and Cat Grass  in Pet Supplies:
Cat Grass Kits from Auburn, Georgia

Each kit includes two full size reusable trays, one without holes and one with holes in the bottom for roots to grow and have drainage. The tray without holes on the is placed on the bottom and the one with holes in it above.

Comes with enough soil to make at least 3 trays and enough seed for up to 6 trays.

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Recipe File: Cajun Guacamole

Now being prepared in the Farm Kitchen:
Cajun Guacamole

1 cup finely diced red bell pepper
4 ripe, fresh California Avocados
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 cup small cherry tomatoes (cut in halves or quarters, if large)
½ cup thinly sliced green onion
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tsp. chopped, fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 of that amount of dried thyme
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper

Set aside a small amount of the diced red peppers for garnish.

Coarsely mash (do not puree) avocados; stir in lemon juice.

Fold in remaining ingredients.

Top with reserved tomatoes and serve.

Place in a bowl in the center of a serving plate and surround with celery stalks and cooked shrimp for dipping.

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Home Grown: Forcing Bulbs for Winter Blooms

To add a bit of color to the dull days of winter, consider starting a process known as "forcing bulbs.".

It is possible to get bulbs like daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, and crocus to bloom indoors during January, February or March.

"Forced bulbs" are those which are induced to flower at something other than their normal time. The process is relatively simple and involves five basic stages or steps.

Continued at... Forcing Bulbs for Winter Blooms

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Odor Control products from Auburn, Georgia

BAC-AZAP Odor Control products now available from Cooper Seed and Feed in Auburn, Georgia

Composed of a blend of natural organisms and enzymes that consume decaying organic odor-causing matter, BAC-AZAP eliminates the source of foul odors.

This natural odor eliminator is unsurpassed in controlling odors caused by urine, feces, vomit, grease, proteins, decomposing plant and animal matter and other organic matter. Also prevents drain fly infestations and eliminates skunk odor. Plus, BAC-AZAP is salmonella free, biodegradable, non-toxic, non-pathogenic and non-caustic.

Great for both interior and exterior use, BAC-AZAP is easily applied. Simply spray BAC-AZAP on the affected area. BAC-AZAP will continue to work until the job is done. BAC-AZAP can be used on walls, ceilings, floors, carpet, fabric, furniture and in drains... virtually anywhere.

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