It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays and gift-giving is just around the corner. Have you ever considered giving some of your prized home-canned products?

Send in a picture of your jars ready to be gifted. Photos will be judged on product and creativity of gift presentation. 

Email a picture of your 2022 home canned pickles along with your name & county. Send to Paula May by August 26, 2022

The winning photo and participant will be featured in the September Extension Explores newsletter with the winner receiving pickling spices and supplies. 

Gardening Tips

Lucas Holman, Warren County Extension Agricultural Agent & County Director shares information on how its green time in Tennessee! 

"I truly believe that greens planted in the fall do better than when they are planted in the spring. We have less insects and they seem to sweeten up after a light frost. If they get enough size on them, you can have greens most of the winter. I remember picking collards in the middle of January two years ago. 

In middle Tennessee I have had the best luck planting greens during the month of September. I try to plant them on a day when there is a definite chance of rain. Try broadcasting the seed with a little sand and then gently rake soil over them. Depending on the heat and the chances of rain you may have to help get them established until the temperatures cool down. Typically, we get enough rain and the weather cools of enough for them to take off great. Some examples of things you can plant now are lettuce, spinach, collards, and turnips. Shouldn’t we all be eating a few more greens during the winter?

Finally, be sure and contact your local Extension office if you have other questions about cucumbers or growing plants. Click here to find your Extension office information. 

Happy gardening!

To learn more about horticulture check out the UT Hort Website.

Photo Source:  Lucas 

Troubleshooting

We are nearing the season when we begin to think of preserving gifts for others. Sometimes our best efforts are met with discouragement. This month, we will visit problems with jars sealing and how to solve the issue. Here are the main reasons why jars may not seal:

1. Chips or cracks in jar sealing surface – examine jars carefully before applying lid by observing and carefully rubbing finger around the mouth of the jar. Discard any jars with uneven or chipped surfaces.
2. Failure to properly prepare flat lids –Some lids require simmering prior to application while others may be applied directly to the jar. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations. 
3. Particles left on mouth of jar – A clean, damp cloth should be used to wipe top of jar before applying flat lids to remove any seeds, seasonings, etc.
4. Using bad ring bands – Use rang bands in good condition. Bands should be free from rust, dents or bends.
5. Ring bands not applied to correct tightness – Apply fingertip-tight over flat lid, but do not overtighten.

There is great news for those unsealed jars! You are able to reprocess the product as long as it is less than 24 hours. Choose a new sterilized jar, a new flat lid and ring. Start your product by reheating and placing in hot jars. Process your product once again for the recommended time allowance. If you have accurately problem solved, you should have safe and sealed jars.

• Extra: Be sure to label each batch of product with date and product. If you do more than one batch in a day, be sure to mark which batch you are working with. This way, if a jar unseals later or you detect spoilage, you will know which jars to toss or check for safety purposes.

Remember that your local FCS Extension Agent is available to help guide you through any other canning questions. We are happy to help. Click here to find your Extension office information.