Canning Supplies

[Lazy Gardener]

I have lots of jars, don't like the regular mouth quarts, but I'll use them. I try to use those for stuff I give away. LOL That way if I don't get them back, it doesn't hurt my feelings. I need lids, both sizes. I've found some and bought them, but I want a 2-3 year supply.

Bay, I almost exclusively use small mouth jars. I find this makes it easier when buying lids. Only one size to need to stock. Yeah... it makes filling a bit more difficult with some products. But, I can make adjustments. Of course, there are times when large mouth MUST be used, and I have a few for that purpose. By re-using lids if they are in like new condition, I find that my supply of lids is not likely to EVER run out, unless they STOP manufacturing them altogether.

 

[tortoise]

Okay, good point! Tiny house, big ventilation system??? 🤣

 

[Lazy Gardener]

We had a black lab who would let a butt ripple. She'd turn, and look at her hind end in total perplexity. "Who buzzed my butt????" Then, as the green cloud wafted up, she'd get up and try to escape it.

 

[Mini Horses]

Never heard of kexle but sure won't want to buy any.

 

[Hinotori]

I shall revive this ol thread,

My father and Bubbles where canning pickled zucchini and recently purchased some kexle canning lids and almost every one warped or creased in the pressure canner. The older kerr lids in the same canner did not. Anyone else see this themselves?

I've only used Ball or Kerr lids so I couldn't say.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Our Walmart has regular mouth jars (with rings and lids) at least half of the time I've looked for 'em. I haven't bought anymore partly because I have quite a few and partly because I prefer the wide mouth. Maybe I should...

 

[Lazy Gardener]

Elliott Coleman says that every layer provides 1.5 zones of protection. Here in 4B, with a poly tunnel, and mulch, I have wintered over greens very well. If I can keep the rodents out of my greenhouse, I can have greens until Thanksgiving, then start up enjoying them around end of Feb. Compare this to my neighbors: Typically, they plant on Memorial Day, (though they could plant peas by Mid April IF they did not TILL THEIR SOIL) And they wind their gardens up with first fall frost which can occur as early as Sept 10. @Rammy : Greenhouses may be back ordered due to the prepping frenzy. If so, You can put up a reasonable high tunnel (this is what an UNHEATED GREENHOUSE Technically is) with a couple of cattle panels and some PT 2 x 4's, and some greenhouse poly. You could even make do with construction plastic, but it won't last more than a year, while the greenhouse poly will last 4 years.

 

[Rammy]

I've discovered that an unheated greenhouse isn't really much different from just covering your rows in the garden, it just lets you get at the plants more easily. A rule of thumb is that every layer of protection over your plants counts as one planting zone- so if you have an unheated greenhouse in zone 5, it's like zone 6 inside. If you use a greenhouse plus a low tunnel inside the greenhouse, it's closer to zone 7 under the hoops.

Another tip for unheated greenhouses: If you get one that has a rounded roof, like a high hoop tunnel, snow can pile up on top and possibly cause damage. Placing a string of Xmas lights (the little ones, not the big old fashioned type)- especially red lights, will create just enough heat to melt the inner layer of snow and allow it to slide off the roof.

It hardly ever snows here but thats a good tip to remember about the lights.

 

[Mini Horses]

This is a good time to buy those lights with Christmas decorations out. I've used white in my barn for a gentle light when foaling or kidding season...not heat LOL.

I'm in zone 7 so most any greenhouse works for keeping cole crops going in most years. I'd like one for starting early more than most else. I'm about halfway there with what things I need to build one. Slowly getting there. Can't see ever popping for cost of pro one. we get rare, light snow.

I am of the opinion that the food chains will be seeing some shortages or disruptions, again. Grow your own! Prices have been increasing for a while. Heck, even seeds are sometimes tough to get for favs! Certainly pricier. Save your seed! I'm pretty good with jars, ample lids for now but will order a supply of lids when available to buy reasonably.

 

[Mini Horses]

With nice sunny days the cement blocks will absorb heat. They used to heat bricks, wrap in a blanket and put into beds to keep feet warm.

A couple of lights will give enough heat in some mildly cold climes to keep above actual freeze temps in there. Just so much depends on the extreme and length of time for that extreme, plus size of unit you have. May work well one year, not so much the next.