Gwyn grew up in Emporia and Salina. She graduated from Mills College, in Oakland, Calif., and has master's degrees from Emporia State and Kansas University. She lives with her husband Mike, stepson Cassady and four dogs in rural Douglas County, where she gardens. When she's not writing about foods and gardening, Gwyn Mellinger is teaching journalism at Baker University.
Recent Stories
Repairs send household into pioneer era
Friday, May 9, 2008
I’ve developed a new appreciation for the trials of my pioneer foremothers, even if my own compromised situation is a long way from replicating theirs. Contractors working in our basement removed our hot water heater and furnace last week. Then, intermittent wet weather extended a three-day project into an ordeal of indefinite duration.
Asparagus shunned by skeptics
Sunday, April 27, 2008
While I fantasize about having more asparagus than I can possibly eat, I understand that not everyone shares this passion. At the same time, I can’t tell whether the asparagus detractors are a significant segment of the eating population, as I don’t think anyone polls for this sort of thing. Without hard data, we are left to speculate, which is more fun anyway.
Boomer-friendly garden gadgets popular
Friday, April 18, 2008
Long ago, in a much simpler time, growing vegetables was a straightforward matter. When our grandparents were wielding the hoe, they worked the soil, planted their seeds and let nature take its course.
Tillers’ effectiveness, cost vary
Friday, April 11, 2008
For many vegetable growers, April is the most important month in the gardening cycle. People who do not plant early vegetables usually turn the soil for the first time in April. For them, the work they do this month will be the first opportunity to reconnect with the piece of ground they have been working for the past several seasons.
Carrots a challenge, but can be grown
Saturday, March 29, 2008
One of the vegetables that can be directly seeded into the garden this time of year is the carrot, which has developed — unfairly, I might add — a reputation for being difficult to grow.
Different techniques head off nature’s interlopers in the garden
Monday, March 24, 2008
As we begin planting this year, it will be important to think proactively about protecting new plants from the local wildlife. Given the spike in the four-legged population in recent years, defensive gardening is a must, even in town.
Difficulties increase in finding nutritious, affordable food
Friday, Feb. 22, 2008
Strolling through the supermarket last week, I spotted a cherry pie on sale for $2.99. If I pick and pit the cherries, I can make a cherry pie at less cost, but if I have to use canned pie filling, I can’t beat that price.
White chocolate makes cookie guilty pleasure
Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008
Every so often, I am confronted by what I deem to be the tastiest cookie ever invented, which features hazelnuts and chunks of white chocolate as its main ingredients.
Too-far-gone fruit isn’t necessarily a bad thing
Monday, Feb. 4, 2008
I found myself a few weeks ago with a supply of over-ripe bananas. I like my bananas with sugar spots, but these were too far gone even for me, so I let them continue to ripen until they were black.
Root vegetables add heft to hearty soup
Friday, Jan. 25, 2008
A lot of people are complaining about the weather, but I don’t mind a few weeks in the dead of winter when the high temperatures never break out of the low 30s. This is turtleneck-sweater, curl-up-by-the-fire weather.