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April 24, 2014
     
Out on a Limb
....the birds of the air can perch in its shade. Mark 4: 30-32 

The Mustard Seed


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Have you ever grown your own potatoes?  If you haven't, you should try it, it's really very simple, and there's nothing quite so good as harvesting your potatoes and cooking them in a fry pan that very same night.  Some might say they prefer not to use a lot of butter, but I'm not one of them, 
I say the more butter the better!  Our recipe below calls for olive oil, 
but the truth is that all real cowboys use butter, not olive oil, so feel free to use either.
 
You've probably heard that potatoes are started by planting "eyes" or "seed" potatoes.  
This is how it works:  You buy seed potatoes from a reputable company that sells potatoes for planting.  These cost less than the potatoes at the store, and they are certified virus free so they won't spread soil born disease.  You usually start with a whole potato that you cut into smaller pieces.  These pieces get planted in your garden according to instructions on the package and they begin to root. In a few weeks, a plant begins to emerge and it grows all summer long.  In the fall, you dig up the whole plant and you will find lots of potatoes in place of the one small chunk you planted.  As the plant grew, it was photosynthesizing more energy than it needed, and this extra energy was stored as starchy 
tubers that we know and enjoy as potatoes. 
 
Of course you realize that this is how our faith is supposed to work, right?  Just like a potato plant soaks up the sun and creates a harvest of potatoes for others to enjoy as well as to propagate, we are intended to soak up the blessings of God, we then share those blessings with others, which creates a bountiful harvest.  Like seed potatoes, the more seeds we properly plant, the greater the harvest. One church says it this way:  "With open hands, we receive from God all He wants to give us, believing 
He wants to give us a lot, and, with open hands, we give it away, believing we cannot out give God!"
I encourage you to try growing some potatoes this spring.  And, as you plant them, as you water them, as you weed around them, do those same things with your faith.  
 
If you do this, you will enjoy a bountiful harvest that will not only satisfy you
 for today, but will also carry on well into the future, perhaps even for eternity!
 
If you want to learn more about potatoes and faith, I recommend a wonderful family friendly movie called "Faith Like Potatoes." I promise it will inspire you, encourage you and perhaps even help you produce a more bountiful harvest...
 
Carpe Diem for Christ,
Mark Halla
Steward
 
 
Potatoes 101

Potatoes are a very popular food choice all over the world. Most people, unfortunately, eat their potatoes in the form of greasy French fries or potato chips. 

Eating potatoes in such a way can be a potential contributor to a heart attack. However, if you remove the extra fat and grease, potatoes can be a healthy, low-calorie, high-fiber food that can offer significant protection against heart disease and cancer. Potatoes are a rich source of vitamin B6, potassium, copper, vitamin C, manganese, phosphorus, niacin, dietary fiber, and pantothenic acid. (www.whfoods.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tips On Growing 

Your Own Taters: 

   

Dig straight, shallow trenches, 2 to 3 feet apart, in prepared soil. Plant seed potatoes 12 inches apart and cover with about 3 inches of soil. 

When the shoots reach 10 to 12 inches tall, use a hoe or shovel to scoop soil from between rows and mound it against the plants, burying the stems halfway. Repeat as needed through the growing season to keep the tubers covered. (www.organicgardening.com)

 

 

 

   

 

 

Cowboy Potatoes

Ingredients:

2 medium potatoes, scrubbed

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup onion, diced

1/4 cup bell pepper, diced

salt and pepper

 

 

Directions:

1. Peel potatoes, if desired (some like to leave the peel on) and cut into 1/2" dice.

2. Heat olive oil in large skillet (you can reduce the amount of oil if using a non-stick skillet). Add the potatoes, spreading into a single layer. Don't stir yet! Let them get golden brown on one side.

3. Stir the potatoes, and let them brown on another side. Stir again, adding the pepper and onion. Continue to cook until the onions and peppers are tender. If the potatoes are not done, reduce heat to low and cover the skillet until they're done.

4. Add salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

 

http://www.food.com/recipe/cowboy-potatoes-449786

by dianegrapegrower

 

The Buzz 
 
Earth Day was April 22
National Arbor Day is April 25
 

 

 

Upcoming Classes:
FREE Gardening and Jam Preserving Class with The Akerbergs!
Date: May 3, 2014
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location: 10000 Great Plains Blvd, Chaska, MN
 
Join us on Saturday, May 3rd, for our Free Gardening and Jam Preserving class, 
with our guest speakers The Akerbergs! The Akerbergs will be sharing their 
gardening tips & ideas on what to plant now so you can harvest, can & make the preserves (jam) that you want to later. 
Walk-ins are welcome. 

 

 

FREE Gardening with Earthworms class with 
The Worm Farms of Minnesota!
Date: May 24, 2014
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location: 10000 Great Plains Blvd, Chaska, MN
 
Join us on Saturday, May 24rd, for our Free Gardening with Earthworms class with The Worm Farms of Minnesota! The Worm Farms of Minnesota will be sharing the benefits of 
incorporating Earthworm castings into your garden. 
Walk-ins are welcome.
 
 
RSVP to our events on Facebook and invite your friends! 

 

 

 

The Crew 

 

It's hard to wait for a tree to grow up. So, we offer different sizes in some tree varieties. Select the size that's right for you.

 

If you're wanting to start large, but fear the labor - have no fear, our crew is here!

 

 

 

 

Do You Want to Order Your Plants Online?

We have partnered with Monrovia Nursery

and now you can order your plants online

and pick them up at The Mustard Seed!


Click here to see how it works.

 

 

Ann Mayer
Staff Profile
Name: Ann Mayer

Family Info: I have been blessed with Andy, my patient husband of many decades and best friend since 9th grade.  My three adult kids, Patricia, Caroline and Tim, have been my teachers through life, opening my eyes and heart.  I am forever thankful! xoxo

Position With Company: General Manager

Hobbies: Making wine and cheese with Andy.  Kayaking, hiking, reading and not horseback riding (inside joke), but seriously, never again.

Food: Wine, cheese, asparagus and Jerry's bread.  

Goal This Year: To empower, educate and encourage each individual in the Mustard Seed Family and have our customers reap those benefits!  And to not be convinced to jump out of a perfectly good airplane with Andy.

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The Mustard Seed Landscaping and Garden Center 

6055 Hwy 212, Chaska, MN  55318
952-361-9954
The Mustard Seed Landscaping and Garden Center at Halla Nursery
10,000 Great Plains Blvd.
(Pioneer Trail & Hwy 101, Chanhassen)  
952-445-6555  
www.TheMustardSeedInc.com

Seasonal Hours:
M-F 9-8 p.m.
Sat. 8-5 p.m. 
Sun. 11-4 p.m.

 

  

 

 

__________"Rooted in integrity and founded on faith..."__________