As we start to go into fall soon we want to start considering what types of leafy veggies we want to plant so we can harvest them before the first frost season. As previously mentioned in the last segment we talked about preparing your soils in your garden and that is important to having a successful garden. As the temperatures start to cool down, it is time to start considering … Read More →
Here are wonderful alternatives to synthetic chemicals — and they’re easy to make. Gin Weed Control: 1 oz. gin 1 oz. apple cider vinegar 1 Tbsp. baby shampoo 1 quart water Mix ingredients in a bowl; transfer to a spray bottle. On a hot, sunny day, spray this mixture on the weeds. Cat-Away Solution: 2 Tbsp. cayenne pepper 3 Tbsp. powdered mustard 5 Tbsp. plain flour 1 large bowl 2 … Read More →
With the summer winding down, you should be getting ready to plant your fall vegetables. I recommend planting corn, squash, melons, beans and, of course, pumpkins for your children. Unfortunately, it’s still so hot that planting anything can be trying. I find the biggest problem lies in staying cool while gardening this time of year. Luckily, some smart manufacturers have recognized the problem and made products to help keep gardeners … Read More →
Nature has created its own way of cleaning up through decomposition, and such is the case of a sick tree. Insects and microbes that may be infecting a tree are not truly causing sickness in the tree, but rather they are the one’s doing their job to decompose the sick tree. Sickness in tree’s is actually known to be caused by environmental conditions, such as chemical pesticides, soil compaction, plants … Read More →
We are coming up on the most productive time of year for gardening in the Southwest. The key to a great garden is in the soil. The first thing to remember is that the soil needs a lot of organic material. This makes for a richer, more productive, chemical‐free garden. To achieve good soil, lay down a 6‐inch layer of compost, and then add blood meal and bone meal (about … Read More →
Have you ever walked through a spider web and had chills run up your body? Now what about at black widow spider web? If you ever have you would know how they seem to spread across wide areas with an extremely sticky and dense feel to them. Besides their terrible webs black widow spiders are known to be one of the most dangerous, and feared, of the arachnid class. It … Read More →
There are a number of organic techniques I use to reduce the amount of pests in and around my home. Best of all, none of them will harm pets, children or the environment. Surrounding your garden with upright rosemary not only repels insects, but it makes a nice hedge. Rosemary naturally repels insects and smells and looks great, too. If you have ant problems, try sprinkling bay leaves in and … Read More →
There is no reason you should spend a lot of money on fertilizers, weed killers and insect control products at the store. Most of the time they are made with dangerous, synthetic chemicals that we shouldn’t put in the house or ground, anyway. Below are a few recipes for organic controls that use ingredients you probably already have in your cupboards. Solarizing the Soil Supplies: • Shovel • Clear plastic, … Read More →
This time of year, yards are full of weeds, but there are organic ways to get rid of them. Spraying 100 percent vinegar on weeds works great. Or, trying using a hula hoe to cut weeds below the root line. The small hoe is available at any home center, hardware store or nursery. To get rid of weeds at the roots, use Finale or Round-up. Use either product early in … Read More →
You may have heard of the “one spot” treatments for fleas and ticks, such as Frontline Plus, however I truly believe that anything which totes a “one spot” treatment is too toxic for our furry friends. The organic remedies are a great deal safer, and in my eyes beneficial for your home and pets. To treat your furry friends I would look towards bathing them regularly with herbal shampoo’s that … Read More →
