ELK RIVER AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLY

304.965.5312

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• New expanded bays with heavy duty lifts

• Exhaust

• Front End Work

• Brakes

• Computer Diagnostic Service

• AC Service

• Major & Minor Engine Repair

• 2 & 4 Wheel Alignments

• Tire Service (we have over 5 different suppliers for any brand, any type of �

• Transmission Service

• State Inspections

• Modified inspections

We are excited to introduce ERL’s newest segment, The Elk’s Garden. Here we will feature vegetable gardening tips as well as tried and true canning recipes from our Elk River gardeners! This month we will start where it all begins

With The Seeds

So Many Choices

One of the first things you will want to start thinking about is what do you want to grow in your garden. Local gardener Laura Boggess Shafer said, “It’s time to decide and order your seeds. There are seed catalogs everywhere now. During COVID it was hard to even find seeds.” You can google vegetable seed catalogs online and find an array of free 2023 seed companies such as Roher, Berlin, Rare Seeds by Baker Creek, Burpee, Gurney’s, Harris, Seed Savers Exchange and more. It’s easy to request a free catalog to be mailed to you. Also, don’t forget your local co-op, local nurseries, and hardware stores which carry a wide selection of flower, vegetable and herb garden seeds.

NOTE: If you order your seeds now, you can store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator until you are ready to start your seedlings or plant them in the ground.

Starting Your Seedlings

Some of your vegetables may need to be started indoors now and transplanted to your garden later. These include tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and several others. The seed package or catalog information will say something like “start seeds indoors 7-8 weeks before the last spring frost.” It will also tell you when you should move your seedlings outdoors, which is usually in the late spring once the sun has had a chance to warm the soil. Other vegetables prefer to be planted directly in soil of at least 65 degrees F. These include cucumbers, beans, squash, corn, carrots, and herbs.

According to the 2023 Frost Dates Calculator (almanac.com) the last spring frost date is April 23 for the Charleston Yeager AP, WV location (30% probability which means there is still a chance of frost occurring after that date). Towns to our north may find this date to be a week later. For most of West Virginia the last frost dates are May 1 to May 15. The first 2023 fall frost is expected around October 21.Always check your local forecast and your local extension office.

Choose Your Containers

You can use a variety of containers for starting seeds as long as you have proper drainage and enough depth for root development. Most seeds need a depth of twice their diameter and very small seeds can just be gently pressed into the soil.

You can purchase plastic trays with clear, fitted dome covers. Many people opt to create their own planting flats. You can use recycled materials such as plastic food containers or recycled newspapers and paper cups. The clear plastic containers act like mini-greenhouses to help germinate your seeds. Egg cartons can also be used if you can afford eggs.

You can cover the container with plastic wrap or place it in a plastic bag to encourage humidity and seed germination. Again, read the back of your seed package. They will list the best temperature for seed germination, which is usually 65-75 degrees

F. Place your flats in a warm location in your home for the germination process. You can then move them to a bright location as they continue to grow.

Laura Shafer also shared a GrowVeg tip where seeds were started in small cups/containers with potting media and then were placed in a plastic tote. “When it is a nice day, remove the lids off of the totes and let them enjoy the warm air and when it is colder, put the lids back on and stack them in a corner. It’s a great way to introduce tomatoes and squash plants to the weather before transplanting them outdoors.” Laura and her grandson, Wade, are going to try some seeds in totes like this. We will check in with them next month and see how the seedlings are growing!

Lots Of Resources

While it is still cold outdoors, take some time to google vegetable gardening or browse your local library. Pinterest is also a great resource and we like WV Extension programs, both local county offices and online, for an abundance of advice and management techniques. The more you know, the better equipped you can be to be ready for spring gardening.

Share your gardening tips and canning recipes! Your expertise is invaluable to young gardeners! Email cyndi@ elkriverliving.com and please attach any photos as well. You can also text the info to Cyndi at 304.546.9243. We would love to have early photos of tilling the gardens, young seedlings, and anything else you want to share. SHARE WITH US!

The Holberts Are At It Again

THIS TIME THEY ARE SMOKIN’ ON THE RIVER!

Entrepreneurs Matt and Nikki Holbert are no strangers in the Elk River community. Not only do they own Bricks and Barrels, Axes & Ales, and The Lucky Dill Deli in Charleston, they opened Take Me Home Airbnbs, The Clendenin Brewing Company, and Clendenin Catering in Clendenin.

WAIT, there’s more! They are now the new owners of Rollin’ Smoke BBQ located at 4008 Crede Drive, Charleston, on Route 119 between the Mink Shoals and Big Chimney 1-79 Exits!

The Holberts have a great new menu, and for gettogethers, you can’t beat their party-pack menus and delicious add-ons including wings, buffalo chicken dip, nachos and chips, fruit tray, vegetable tray, charcuterie tray and dessert tray.

Speaking of get-togethers, Super Bowl weekend Rollin’ Smoke BBQ served over 7,500 wings in their famous hot BBQ, Garlic Parmesan, BBQ, and Hot as Hades flavors as part of their Super Bowl Weekend package. Just saying, that’s a lot of chicken on the Elk!

Their regular menu has sandwiches and platters featuring hickory-smoked brisket, chicken, locally-sourced smoked sausage, pork, ribs, and bologna. Also, we love to stop for smoked brisket tacos with cabbage slaw and salsa verde, their cheesy hashbrown casserole or their hickorysmoked salmon when it is available! Our very favorite dessert is Nikki’s homemade bread pudding with caramel sauce. It is heaven on a fork. Their wings and mac & cheese bowls are also local favorites. Delicious sides include your choice of smoked baked beans, red skin potato salad, smoked mac & cheese, southern coleslaw, smoked potato wedges, and smoked collard greens.

There are even more exciting changes coming this summer. Rollin’ Smoke BBQ will be serving your favorite beverages from The Clendenin Brewing Company, both on-tap and in growlers. Matt said, “We are also planning to remodel the dock and picnic areas next to the river, including adding a playground for the kids. Patrons will be able to kayak on the Elk and stop in for food, refreshments, and a good time with friends. We want Rollin’ Smoke BBQ to have the same family welcoming atmosphere as we have at The Clendenin Brewing Company.”

One of the perks of owning several businesses is you never know when one of Nikki’s famous entrees makes a guest appearance at one of their other establishments. Rollin’ Smoke BBQ pulledpork or pulled-chicken sandwiches along with their buffalo chicken dip and mac and cheese bowl are regulars at The Clendenin Brewing Company and recently their mac & cheese bowl was also at Axes and Ales in Charleston. Pair it with one of The Clendenin Brewing Company beverages or other local drafts for an awesome combo.

Dine in or pick up, the choice is yours. As soon as the weather warms a bit, you will definitely want to enjoy a booth or picnic table overlooking the beautiful Elk River. The view and the food can’t be beat. You can call ahead for pick up at 304.965.0808 or use their NEW online ordering feature located on their Facebook/Rollin Smoke BBQ. They are open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM so whether you are looking for lunch, brunch, dinner or a snack, Rollin’ Smoke BBQ needs to be one of your destinations of choice!