Getting Started

Growing up Amish, the eldest daughter in a family of seven, canning and preserving were always a part of family life, a part of summertime that went hand in hand with gardening. Now, as a mother of four growing boys with a large garden, I still find canning and preserving a part of my summer tradition. I love gardening, and preserving the beauty of my garden is just another part of that tradition.

Canning and preserving can be hard work, but with the right equipment and some time spent in the kitchen, you will reap the benefits of your labor all winter long. There’s such a wonderful feeling of satisfaction placing your gleaming jars on shelves or cupboards and knowing that it was your efforts that put them there, and for me it’s knowing exactly what’s in those jars. No artificial ingredients at all, just fresh food from my garden. I still buy fruit from local orchards (as we don’t have fruit trees), but that’s okay, as I still know where the food’s coming from.