Q&A Master Gardeners with

I’ve read a lot of plant packages saying plants are deer-resistant and then the deer come through during winter and decimate them anyway. How do I know which aredefinitelydeer-resistant?

Although a plant may be marketed as deer-resistant, unfortunately, deer are curious and hungry creatures. Mothers and fawns, especially, are known for their voracity and their tendency to nibble many plants as they move along a landscape. The result is that a planting of young pawpaws or currants, both marketed as “deer-resistant,” might have all the leaves chewed off overnight. After eating a “deer-resistant” plant, an individual deer may feel sick or realize (after a few big bites) that they don’t like the taste of the leaves. If the plant is small to begin with, it may be already dead after being munched. And there will likely be more, unfamiliar deer that also need totastetheplanttocometothesame conclusion.

The only sure-fire solution is to use netting while the plants are small. Some have suggested planting allium crops around young plantings, as deer don’t like the smell. But, I think physically blocking the plants from deer will workbest.If youareabletogrowthe “deer-resistant” plant out to a large enough size — perennials usually reach this stage around 2 or 3 years –you can let deer graze on it and learn theirlessonwithoutworryingthatthe plant will die from its leaves getting eatenoff.

KenEstes,MasterGardener

Makes about 45

Philly Cheesesteak Dumplings

50 thin square eggless wonton wrappers (around 4 inches in size)

Vegetable oil, for frying

Filling:

5 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and finely chopped

1 tablespoon roasted sesame oil

1 pound, 2 ounces cooked, shredded beef short ribs

11 ounces cabbage kimchi, drained and finely chopped

3 1/2 ounces spring onions, finely chopped

3 ounces pickled jalapeños, finely chopped

1 pound, 2 ounces mature cheddar cheese, grated

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

To serve:

Silgochu (dried chilli threads)

1 spring onion, julienned and soaked in ice water until curled, then drained Sriracha

For the filling, first sauté the mushrooms in the sesame oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium-low heat until just softened. Remove from the heat and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the rest of the filling ingredients with the mushrooms. Mix together using your hands, really breaking up the short rib meat to make a uniform texture.

For the dumplings, line a couple of baking sheets with parchment and set aside. Fill a small bowl with water. Unwrap the wonton wrappers and cover lightly with a piece of clingfilm to keep them moist. Lay a wrapper on a clean work surface and put 1 ounce of the meat filling in the center. Dip a forefinger into the water and run it along the edges of the wrapper to moisten the surface. Now bring the open edges to the center, and pinch where the edges meet each other, creating four seams in a cross shape. Set aside and cover with clingfilm or a damp tea towel while you shape the rest. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling, making sure the dumplings are not touching on the baking sheets.

To a medium saucepan, add the vegetable oil and heat to 340 F (170 C). Working in batches, place the dumplings on their sides in the pan in a single layer without crowding. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. Transfer the fried dumplings to a wire rack or kitchen paper-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining dumplings. If you don’t plan on cooking them straight away, you can freeze them on the baking sheets, then bag them up and store in the freezer. Top with some of the silgochu and curly spring onion and serve immediately with the sriracha.

HOME HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

The PathStone Weatherization Assistance Program is available for income-eligible households in Monroe County located outside of the city limits.

Automatically Eligible Income guidelines are:

Family of 1: $34,224

Family of 2: $44,760

Family of 3: $55,296

Family of 4: $65,820

How To Avoid The Cold Comfort Of A Drafty House

For those who live in older homes, the transition to colder weather can be extra disheartening, as the vision of expensive heating bills, chilly rooms and drafty windows dance in their heads. However, it’s easy to change the outlook fromcoldtocozywithafewsimple DIY solutions.

The most effective way to improve the comfort level in your home is to properly insulate. Insulation can beinadequateinolderhomes.Over time, it can settle and compact, creating gaps. Topping up attic insulation will help keep the warm air in, reducing heating bills and preventing stress on your furnace. For easy installation, homeowners andprofessionalsalikerecommend a stone wool batt insulation. For attics, aim for an r-value of R-50 or adepthof16inches.

A little preparation can go a long way to keep the cold at bay. Seal out drafts by replacing worn weatherstripping and caulking along windows, doors, baseboards, and trim. For other ways to beat the cold, consider inexpensive window insulation kits along with thicker drapes, and don’t forget to reverse ceiling fans to push warm air back down.

THIS SPRING, IT’S ALL ABOUT THAT BASS FISHING -AND YOUR BASIC GEAR

WEAR A BASE LAYER. A thin T-shirt is a must as a base layer, better if it is made of fabric that wicks away moisture. There are even some that are made to be water repellent and stain resistant with anti-odor properties for those in warmer climes. Since this is the layer that is in direct contact with your skin, you want something that will allow moisture to escape as you sweat.

Penny Saver

Josie is a rescue cat. She has been a part of our family for 1.5 years and provides great comfort and joy! She loves to watch the birds from the house windows. She also likes to play fetch with her pink stuffed mouse. We throw the mouse and she always returns it to us. She has a sparky personality and always wants to be the favorite cat in the house.

CALIFORNIA SWEET POTATO BLUEBERRY YOGURT MUFFINS

(NAPSI) — If you’re looking for a healthy start to your day, give California Sweet Potato Blueberry Yogurt Muffins a try. Chock full of nutrient-dense ingredients such as blueberries, yogurt and whole wheat, these powerhouse muffins have a secret ingredient: shredded California sweet potatoes. A designated superfood, California sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber. Plus, they keep the muffins moist and tender and add just the right amount of sweetness.

Bake a dozen (or more) and store in individual bags in the freezer for a healthy portable breakfast the entire household will enjoy.

California Sweet Potato Blueberry Yogurt Muffins

Makes 24 regular or 10 jumbo muffins

4 large eggs

1 1/2 c plain yogurt

1/2 c butter, melted

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 c all-purpose flour

1 1/2 c whole wheat flour

2 c shredded sweet potatoes

1 c sugar

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 c blueberries

Preheat oven to 375° F. Coat muffin tins with nonstick spray.

In large bowl, whisk eggs, yogurt, butter and vanilla. In medium bowl, combine flours, sweet potatoes, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix flour mixture into egg mixture. Gently stir in blueberries.

Divide batter between 24 regular or 10 jumbo muffin cups. Bake until golden brown and set, about 25 minutes for regular muffins or 30 for jumbo.

For more recipes & info about California sweet potatoes, visit www.casweetpotatoes.com.