A kitchen garden, so named because of its proximity to the rear door and kitchen of most pioneer houses, provided an important source of food and medicinal plants for the household. With the Westward Expansion in full swing following the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, tens of thousands of settlers moved west of the Mississippi in search of a piece of land to call their own. As a result, volumes of gardening advice were written and distributed. While some followed the 17th century European garden writers, in many parts of the country, Native American practices were adopted, and in some cases, both styles were implemented in the same plot of ground.
Important considerations included the length of the growing season in the area; the sometimes-drastic differences between high and low temperatures; the type of soil; the local wildlife which might eat the tender plants; the family’s food choices; and the amount of work required to raise a particular crop.
While American pioneers rarely had access to large animal manure, as their European cousins did, they made do with what they had. Dung from a family cow or horse provided fertilizer, as did the roaming herds of bison. Following the example of the Native Americans, pioneers learned that eels and dead fish could also be buried in the soil.
Plant placement depended on fragrance; harvesting styles; whether a perennial or annual; and even fragrance. For example, sweet-smelling herbs and flowers might be planted closer to the kitchen window, while strong-smelling plants, such as cabbage and onions, were relegated to a distant corner. Annual plants, grown from seed, were planted together, while perennials, such as rhubarb asparagus, horse radish, strawberries, and raspberries, were grouped in another bed so the roots weren’t disturbed during harvest, and so that they were contained, as these plants tend to spread. Crops that were harvested continuously, such as radishes and lettuce, were grown in the same bed. Those plants that tended to spread, such as melons, squash, and pumpkins, were set apart, hedged in by cabbages. Crops which could be replanted throughout the growing season, including beets, often were sown a week apart in a separate row, so that a continuous crop provided food throughout the season.
Herbs commonly grown included lavender, marjoram, savory, thyme, and even roses, which provided a bountiful crop of vitamin C-rich rosehips that could stave off scurvy in the winter months. These herbs were dried and stored away, and used in salves, teas, cleaning products, and insect deterrent.
Planting in raised beds of soil allowed for adequate drainage where rainfall was plentiful, while in more arid areas, the plants were sowed at ground level, and often shallow canals were dug around the beds so rainwater collected in barrels could be distributed when the rain was sparse.
Protecting the garden from local wildlife, including rabbits, skunks, raccoons, and deer, was important. Sometimes dense thorny hedges were planted to keep these animals out. At other times, fences were erected, often with sharp points to prevent animals from climbing over. The upright boards, called pickets or pales, were placed close together to keep smaller animals from squeezing through.
To deter insects, a variety of remedies was used. Placing or planting sage as a border around plants sometimes worked. Cabbage leaves laid between plants attracted slugs and snails, and the leaves were burned each morning. Onion skins controlled squash bugs, and soapy water thrown directly on the plants killed some insects, particularly aphids on roses and cabbages.
Preserving the produce of a kitchen garden was often limited to drying or pickling. In particular, peppers and onions were hung in braids or wreaths, while fruit was dried on the roof.
Until the 1930s, seeds were ordered from a catalog at the general store or mercantile. Many hours were spent poring over the pictures, determining if the seed was right for the area and soil type. Pioneers were reluctant to try a new variety because if the seed failed to thrive, their family could go hungry. Favorites with built-in insect resistance and large yields were purchased year after year. Drought resistant plants were important in arid areas, while disease resistant were more important in areas with ample rainfall. Sometimes a household had a large enough garden that they could supply produce to other families, who paid for the herbs and vegetables with eggs, milk, cheese, or perhaps produce the originating family didn’t grow for themselves.
Because early kitchen gardens focused primarily on providing daily food plus durable products to store over the winter and spring, the range of produce was usually wide. However, the staples of potatoes, carrots, turnips, cabbage, beets, and parsnips, which could be stored in the root cellar, was critical, as this would sustain the family when fresh fruit and vegetables wasn’t available. The more delicate crops, such as lettuce, asparagus, berries, tomatoes, cucumbers, and the like, were enjoyed while they were fresh. Pickling, using a brine solution, was common for tomatoes and cucumbers. Peas, beans, beets, and corn were often canned.
For a household blessed with a hard-working woman, sometimes assisted by the children when it came time to weed or turn the soil, worries over not enough food were rare. Today, household gardens are coming back into popularity because of concerns over hybridization of crops, use of pesticides and insecticides, and the fact that many crops are harvested before ripening. There is nothing like the taste of a warm, off-the-vine tomato or sweet berries, picked moments before.
Contest: Leave a comment for the opportunity to be entered into a random drawing for “Kate”, the first book in Oregon Trail mystery series, print (US only) or ebook, winner’s choice.
About Kate:
Kate Benton, daughter of a saloon floozy, runs away, straight into the arms of Tom McBride, fleeing from his outlaw brother’s past. Can these two, damaged by life experiences, tear down the walls that separate them with God’s help? Or are they destined to remain alone forever?
Buy links: Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Kate-Prairie-Roses-Collection-Book-ebook/dp/B084VTBGF2 Publisher:
http://www.plsbookworks.com/2.html
Resources:
https://littlehouseontheprairie.com/pioneer-kitchen-gardens-how-the-pioneers-planned-and-planted/
http://www.lpmastergardener.com/pioneer-heritage-garden.html
http://www.lpmastergardener.com/pioneer-heritage-garden.html
About Donna:
Donna lives in Denver with husband Patrick. As a hybrid author, she writes historical suspense under her own name, and contemporary suspense under her alter ego of Leeann Betts, and has been published more than 30 times in novellas, full-length novels, devotional books, and books on the writing craft. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Writers on the Rock, Sisters In Crime, Pikes Peak Writers, and Christian Authors Network; facilitates a critique group; and teaches writing classes online and in person. Donna also ghostwrites, edits, and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, and travels extensively for both. Donna is represented by Terrie Wolf of AKA Literary Management.
www.HiStoryThruTheAges.com Stay connected so you learn about new releases, preorders, and presales, as well as check out featured authors, book reviews, and a little corner of peace. Plus: Receive a free ebook simply for signing up for our free newsletter!
www.HiStoryThruTheAges.wordpress.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DonnaschlachterAuthor
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/DonnaSchlachter
Books: Amazon: http://amzn.to/2ci5Xqq and Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2gZATjm
Etsy online shop of original artwork, book folding art, and gift items : https://www.etsy.com/shop/Dare2DreamUS
.jpg)
.jpg)
Meet seven American women who were named for various flowers but struggle to bloom where God planted them. Can love help them grow to their full potential?
Kathleen E. Kovach is a Christian romance author published traditionally through Barbour Publishing, Inc. as well as indie. Kathleen and her husband, Jim, raised two sons while living the nomadic lifestyle for over twenty years in the Air Force. Now planted in northeast Colorado, she's a grandmother, though much too young for that. Kathleen is a longstanding member of American Christian Fiction Writers. An award-winning author, she presents spiritual truths with a giggle, proving herself as one of God's peculiar people.
