"Insecticide." The word along makes me cringe. I am sure BlogSpot will inundate this post with adds for round-up and other chemicals that may very well kill the pests in your garden but may also poison your backyard's ecosystem. But this post is about a natural system of ridding your garden of pests... well that is a lofty dream... let's just try to cut the pest population down to a reasonable size.
First, a word of caution: this solution can cause leaves (especially tomato leaves) to burn. Do not use in direct sunlight. Apply the solution around dusk or dawn. Let it sit for 20 minutes or so. And then water your garden to wash the solution off.
Also, this solution will kill beneficial insects like ladybugs and ladybug nymphs (learn what a lady bug nymph looks like). So try do not to spray them!
The solution is simple:
Dish soap and water. Yep, that's it! (I use seventh generation or another plant based dish soap). Dish soap and water works really well on a large variety of garden pests. Just fill a spray bottle with water. Add about a tablespoon of dish soap. Shake/mix. Spray directly on insects (they like to hang out on the undersides of the leaves.) Water afterwards.
Squirting the underside of leaves can be exhausted, so I like to use a insecticide sprayer. Add a tablespoon of soap to one gallon of water. Mix. Pump to pressurize. Spray away! And then water.
So far I have successfully used it to combat aphids and squash bugs.
What insects have you found it useful on? Please comment!
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Make Your Own Miniture Hoop House
This year I found a simple, cheap, and effective way to cover my vegetables. I built temporary, miniature hoop houses. All you need is wire, wire cutters, and old sheets or clear plastic!
I used a roll of thick old wire that had been sitting under leaves in my father's back yard. I cut my wire in big half circles (or more like 3/4 circles), their shape was already perfect for my minutes hoop house. I took the pieces of wire and poked the ends into the ground on either side of the garden bed. I could have bought clear plastic to cover the hoop houses, but instead I tried just using old bedsheets, since I had them lying around already. All season I left the hoops bridging the beds and just threw the sheets over them when there was a chance of a freeze. It was much easier than I would have thought and cost me nothing. Most importantly, it saved my little plants!
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Stripping Cloth Diapers
This winter my son's diapers became unbarably stinky! The ammonia and bacteria build was intense! In desperation, I tried everything.
In the end, the best solution happened to be super cheap and easy:
Washing Soda -- Pour two or three tables spoons of washing soda into the load like you would powdered detergent.
Hydrogen Peroxide -- Pour two or three tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide into the bleach cup on your washer.
And Sunshine -- I would also recommend drying your diapers in the sun. The sunshine really helps bleach them white and takes out the smell.
Though this works great for regular stripping, rinse the diapers well, since the hydrogen peroxide is a little harsh for some skin. Also, I would not advise doing this as everyday washing since that hydrogen peroxide can build up and may irritate delicate skin. (This disclaimer is a new edit because I used this method of cleaning instead of soap for 6 months and my newborn son began to have a reaction to it.)
In the end, the best solution happened to be super cheap and easy:
Washing Soda -- Pour two or three tables spoons of washing soda into the load like you would powdered detergent.
Hydrogen Peroxide -- Pour two or three tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide into the bleach cup on your washer.
And Sunshine -- I would also recommend drying your diapers in the sun. The sunshine really helps bleach them white and takes out the smell.
Though this works great for regular stripping, rinse the diapers well, since the hydrogen peroxide is a little harsh for some skin. Also, I would not advise doing this as everyday washing since that hydrogen peroxide can build up and may irritate delicate skin. (This disclaimer is a new edit because I used this method of cleaning instead of soap for 6 months and my newborn son began to have a reaction to it.)
Make your own Cloth Wet Wipes
I used cloth diapers for years before I started using cloth wet wipes because I assumed cloth wipes would make cloth diapering harder. But I would wipe my baby's butt with a disposable wipe and put the dirty wipe inside the cloth diaper. When it came time to wash the diapers, I found myself pulling out the disposable wet wipes and throwing them in the trash. Turns out, this act of turning towards the trash can was more work than just throwing the wipes in the same place the diaper was headed.
Cloth diapering is challenging, but cloth wet wipes are an easy addition! It is really not any more work, it costs nothing, and it is better for the ecosystem and, therefore, our troubled world!
Here is how I do it:
Cut cotton cloth into squares with pinking sheers. I made my wipes out of old recieving blankets. They are cheap and easy to come by. But you could use an old fannel shirt. I like fannel because it is assobant and soft, but any soft cotton fabric will work. I am sure you could cut and hem the edges of your wipes, but I wouldn't bother. I mean they don't need to be pretty right? Just cut the cloth into squares with pinking sheers.
Soak them in a solution of water, baby soap, and tea tree oil. Some people put a solution in a spray bottle and wet each wipe when it is used. This way you only make the solution once. I perfect making a wet wipes batch after each wash so when I am up to my elbows in poop that wet wipe is ready! The solution I use is just warm water, a little squirt of natural baby soap, and a drop or two of tea tree oil to prevent mildew, mold, or bacteria. Just lay the cloth wipes in an old plastic wet wipe container, pour the solution over the wipes, and vuala! Wash them along with your diapers.
Cloth diapering is challenging, but cloth wet wipes are an easy addition! It is really not any more work, it costs nothing, and it is better for the ecosystem and, therefore, our troubled world!
Here is how I do it:
Cut cotton cloth into squares with pinking sheers. I made my wipes out of old recieving blankets. They are cheap and easy to come by. But you could use an old fannel shirt. I like fannel because it is assobant and soft, but any soft cotton fabric will work. I am sure you could cut and hem the edges of your wipes, but I wouldn't bother. I mean they don't need to be pretty right? Just cut the cloth into squares with pinking sheers.
Soak them in a solution of water, baby soap, and tea tree oil. Some people put a solution in a spray bottle and wet each wipe when it is used. This way you only make the solution once. I perfect making a wet wipes batch after each wash so when I am up to my elbows in poop that wet wipe is ready! The solution I use is just warm water, a little squirt of natural baby soap, and a drop or two of tea tree oil to prevent mildew, mold, or bacteria. Just lay the cloth wipes in an old plastic wet wipe container, pour the solution over the wipes, and vuala! Wash them along with your diapers.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Natural Yeast Infection Remedy
Women love to talk, but not about their yeast infections. I assume some women rarely get them. Others, more than want to admit it, battle with this annoying yet harmless ailment often. It is usually of no fault to the woman, some bodies get imbalanced easier than others. There are many things you can do to prevent reoccurring yeast infections, but it is a case of every woman needing to discover her own imbalance and her own remedy.
I have found lots of things that help but the only natural cure I have discover is tea tree oil. Do not attempt to apply tea tree oil to your sensitive skin undiluted! It burns! Also make sure you do not have an adverse reaction to tea tree oil ahead of time on a part of your body not as sensitive.
You will need:
one tampon
an cooking oil of your choice (vegetable oil is fine but you could also use olive oil or coconut oil)
tree tree oil
small flat dish or plate with a good rim
Try doing this just before bed and wash your hands first.
1. Pour a little cooking oil into a flat dish. The oil should just barely cover the bottom of the dish. Add a few drops of tea tree oil and mix well. The size of your dish will change the exact amounts. Try only a few drops at first and see how it feels. Some women are more sensitive than others.
2. Take the tampon out of its package and out of any covering that is around it so that it is just the cotton part your leave in your vagina. Roll the naked tampon in the oil. If you have a particularly bad infection I would recommend adding a drop of tea tree oil to the end of the tampon (now that it is soaked in oil) and 2 or 3 more evenly distributed along the sides.
3. You will now need to insert the tampon with your fingers. Just push the tip inside your vagina and gently push it inside. It does not need to go all the way up, just until it is completely inside you or an inch beyond your vaginal opening. Lastly, rub a little of the left over oil from your dish around the outside of your vagina. Cover anywhere that feels like it has the yeast infection with the oil mixture. Wear light cotton underwear to bed. Leave the oiled tampon in overnight and remove it in the morning.
Though it might burn a little at first, you should feel almost instant relief. By morning, if I used the right amount of tea tree oil, my yeast infection is gone and doesn't return anytime soon. If not, or if it comes back in a day or two try the method again. You can make the mixture with more tea tree oil if you desire. If you make it too strong, it will burn. But you will be fine.
I have used this method with breastfeeding and while pregnant. Because it is topical you should have no problems using it anytime.
Good Luck!
I have found lots of things that help but the only natural cure I have discover is tea tree oil. Do not attempt to apply tea tree oil to your sensitive skin undiluted! It burns! Also make sure you do not have an adverse reaction to tea tree oil ahead of time on a part of your body not as sensitive.
You will need:
one tampon
an cooking oil of your choice (vegetable oil is fine but you could also use olive oil or coconut oil)
tree tree oil
small flat dish or plate with a good rim
Try doing this just before bed and wash your hands first.
1. Pour a little cooking oil into a flat dish. The oil should just barely cover the bottom of the dish. Add a few drops of tea tree oil and mix well. The size of your dish will change the exact amounts. Try only a few drops at first and see how it feels. Some women are more sensitive than others.
2. Take the tampon out of its package and out of any covering that is around it so that it is just the cotton part your leave in your vagina. Roll the naked tampon in the oil. If you have a particularly bad infection I would recommend adding a drop of tea tree oil to the end of the tampon (now that it is soaked in oil) and 2 or 3 more evenly distributed along the sides.
3. You will now need to insert the tampon with your fingers. Just push the tip inside your vagina and gently push it inside. It does not need to go all the way up, just until it is completely inside you or an inch beyond your vaginal opening. Lastly, rub a little of the left over oil from your dish around the outside of your vagina. Cover anywhere that feels like it has the yeast infection with the oil mixture. Wear light cotton underwear to bed. Leave the oiled tampon in overnight and remove it in the morning.
Though it might burn a little at first, you should feel almost instant relief. By morning, if I used the right amount of tea tree oil, my yeast infection is gone and doesn't return anytime soon. If not, or if it comes back in a day or two try the method again. You can make the mixture with more tea tree oil if you desire. If you make it too strong, it will burn. But you will be fine.
I have used this method with breastfeeding and while pregnant. Because it is topical you should have no problems using it anytime.
Good Luck!
Friday, December 7, 2012
Home Made Salsa
Salsa is totally overpriced! Most cheap salsa doesn't taste all that great anyway. Yet, salsa is so simple to make. All you need is a blender...
Blend together:
1 lg. yellow onion (peeled and quartered)
1 lg. can (28oz) of Tomatoes (they can be whole or diced, it doesn't matter)
4 garlic cloves (peeled)
1 or 2 pickled jalapenos (or just to your preferred taste)
1 or 2 TBS lime or lemon juice (again to taste)
After this has been blended well add some cilantro. I use a whole bunch of fresh leaves. Give the blender one final whirl to mix in the cilantro and chop it up a little but you don't want to blend it too much or the salsa will turn a gross green-brown color.
If you like chunky salsa, mix in a small can of diced tomatoes (14.5oz) and a small can of tomato paste (6oz).
If it is not as hot as you like add some of the juice from the pickled jalapenos at the end.
Refrigerate and enjoy!
Blend together:
1 lg. yellow onion (peeled and quartered)
1 lg. can (28oz) of Tomatoes (they can be whole or diced, it doesn't matter)
4 garlic cloves (peeled)
1 or 2 pickled jalapenos (or just to your preferred taste)
1 or 2 TBS lime or lemon juice (again to taste)
After this has been blended well add some cilantro. I use a whole bunch of fresh leaves. Give the blender one final whirl to mix in the cilantro and chop it up a little but you don't want to blend it too much or the salsa will turn a gross green-brown color.
If you like chunky salsa, mix in a small can of diced tomatoes (14.5oz) and a small can of tomato paste (6oz).
If it is not as hot as you like add some of the juice from the pickled jalapenos at the end.
Refrigerate and enjoy!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Natural Cold and Flu Prevention
It is cold and flu season. Half the people you know are sick. Everywhere you turn there are advertisements for medicines that will numb some of your cold and flu symptoms so that you can function. But wouldn't it be better to just not get sick in the first place? The flu shot is no solution because you can not immunize yourself against every virus you might encounter, there are too many. So the only way to stay healthy this season is to boost your immune system. I tried many different methods of boosting my immune system while working with 2 and 3 year old kids (who leak and spread germs constantly) and found some very effective herbs, vitamins, and tinctures.
Here are a few of my favorite remedies:
1) Source Naturals makes a product called Wellness Herbal Resistance Liquid. It is a tincture that contains Echinacea, Goldenseal and Yin Chiao Formula among other herbs. Both Echinacea and Goldenseal are very effective by themselves, but combined with the Chinese herbs in the Yin Chiao mixture, it really works! The same company (who did not pay me to write this) makes a tincture for children called Wellness Herbal Kids. It has basically the same active herbs in it but is less potent and made without alcohol but with vegetable glycerin instead so it taste much better. (I have also tried the Source Naturals Wellness Formula tablets or pills and found that they are less effective.) The amazing thing about this tincture is you can take it even after you start feeling sick and it will often kick the sickness before you get it. Most other immune boosters must be taken in advance so that they are in your bloodstream when you encounter a virus, but this tincture formula not only works that way but is also somewhat effect if you take it when you feel the first signs of an illness. (This product should not be used while pregnant or breast feeding.)
2) Black Elder Berry extract is my new best friend (because I am currently pregnant). I have been using a concentrate made by Sambucus because it was inexpensive and was recommended to me, but I am sure other companies make great extracts as well. This is just the highly concentrated juice of the black elderberry plant mixed with a little vegetable glycerin. It is a great immune booster and is safe to take daily. Again you can find a more diluted formula for children. I drop a 1/8 of a teaspoon (kids don't need much) into my son's juice in the morning and he can't taste the difference. It is also safe to take while breastfeeding or pregnant. It is just a berry so unless you had an allergy to it, it should be safe for anyone.
3) Garlic has amazing flu fighting properties too. It is good for you anytime and is completely safe no matter who you are. Likewise Cheyenne pepper, if you can stomach it, is good at keeping colds away. Turmeric is equally amazing but also very intense. Food can be very powerful if you spice it right.
3) Another thing, safe for just about anyone, is good old vitamin C. I find it most effective if I take a 500 mg tablet once a day with a glass of lemon water. The tablets are good because they are concentrated but pure lemon juice absorbs better and faster. I squeeze an entire lemon into a quart of water. If I feel the first signs of a cold tickling my throat I suck on a lemon and swallow the juice slowly so it attacks whatever is attacking my throat. This is similar (but I find it to be more pleasant) to the method of gargling salt water.
4) Which brings me to my last tip: Drink more water! This should be obvious but most people are dehydrated. Water is good for you in many ways, but it helps maintain a healthy immune system too.
Here are a few of my favorite remedies:
1) Source Naturals makes a product called Wellness Herbal Resistance Liquid. It is a tincture that contains Echinacea, Goldenseal and Yin Chiao Formula among other herbs. Both Echinacea and Goldenseal are very effective by themselves, but combined with the Chinese herbs in the Yin Chiao mixture, it really works! The same company (who did not pay me to write this) makes a tincture for children called Wellness Herbal Kids. It has basically the same active herbs in it but is less potent and made without alcohol but with vegetable glycerin instead so it taste much better. (I have also tried the Source Naturals Wellness Formula tablets or pills and found that they are less effective.) The amazing thing about this tincture is you can take it even after you start feeling sick and it will often kick the sickness before you get it. Most other immune boosters must be taken in advance so that they are in your bloodstream when you encounter a virus, but this tincture formula not only works that way but is also somewhat effect if you take it when you feel the first signs of an illness. (This product should not be used while pregnant or breast feeding.)
2) Black Elder Berry extract is my new best friend (because I am currently pregnant). I have been using a concentrate made by Sambucus because it was inexpensive and was recommended to me, but I am sure other companies make great extracts as well. This is just the highly concentrated juice of the black elderberry plant mixed with a little vegetable glycerin. It is a great immune booster and is safe to take daily. Again you can find a more diluted formula for children. I drop a 1/8 of a teaspoon (kids don't need much) into my son's juice in the morning and he can't taste the difference. It is also safe to take while breastfeeding or pregnant. It is just a berry so unless you had an allergy to it, it should be safe for anyone.
3) Garlic has amazing flu fighting properties too. It is good for you anytime and is completely safe no matter who you are. Likewise Cheyenne pepper, if you can stomach it, is good at keeping colds away. Turmeric is equally amazing but also very intense. Food can be very powerful if you spice it right.
3) Another thing, safe for just about anyone, is good old vitamin C. I find it most effective if I take a 500 mg tablet once a day with a glass of lemon water. The tablets are good because they are concentrated but pure lemon juice absorbs better and faster. I squeeze an entire lemon into a quart of water. If I feel the first signs of a cold tickling my throat I suck on a lemon and swallow the juice slowly so it attacks whatever is attacking my throat. This is similar (but I find it to be more pleasant) to the method of gargling salt water.
4) Which brings me to my last tip: Drink more water! This should be obvious but most people are dehydrated. Water is good for you in many ways, but it helps maintain a healthy immune system too.
What do you do to boost your immune system already? What has or has not worked for you? I am always looking for more remedies. These are just some good ones I have found so far!
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