This is just a continuation of yesterday’s post. Any thoughts on this? Dr. Mercola has a few ideas, do if you’d like to see what his take on this is, click here.
I found this video to be just a little disturbing. The information is good though, because we can look out for this sort of thing at the store. However, didn’t this just make you want to grow your own, so you don’t have to worry about it?
I’m so excited today. I’m taking the Master Gardener class again! I need to update my knowledge about strawberries (I have some that make Great Leaves, but rarely produce the quantity of fruit one hopes for in one’s garden.
Also, I want to learn how to create better fertilizer from my left-over fruits and vegetables. I have neighbors with horses, so manure isn’t usually a problem – but I use a lot of veggies in smoothies, salads and when we juice. The leftovers I have donated to those with chickens sometimes, but frequently it just gets tossed.
Benjamin wants to learn how to be prepared, and he is on the journey with me to understand exactly WHAT can be eaten right out of the yard, by the wayside, and even in our garden that we thought was a ‘weed’ but is actually a really good addition to a salad!
Can’t wait to share with you what we learn today!
Winter has arrived gently this year, although the wind is as vicious as ever. Our greenhouses are almost completely shut down, all old plants that survived most of the fall and early winter taken out, and soil amended and resting. Amid all this activity, and resting soil, I look forward to beginning new seeds which usually starts in February for me. What will I grow? I asked Ben that question, and he wants to grow an unusual plant called a ‘snake gourd’. Well! We’ll have to make sure we get the seeds, so his experience next year will be all he’s hoping it will be.
Yes, the music is provided by a daughter (years ago) that had just learned a melody on the violin. In spite of its amateur tones, I hope you enjoy the whole video in the spirit in which it is intended. Happy Holidays!
Just a reminder that if you’re going to keep those cool weather crops thriving – it’s time to make certain that your secondary plastic covers are in place, ready to protect your precious crops from the brutal weather conditions that come with winter.
I have found that my cool weather crops (lettuce, chard, spinach, carrots, radishes, and even my beets!) survive beautifully with a second protective covering of plastic positioned over them inside the greenhouse. My greenhouse is a cold frame, with no special cooling or heating currently in place – so special care is taken to keep the crops growing (and thus harvested!).
Chat with me about your growing solutions in the face of winter, and how you have handled the cold.
There are many things that stress us out, and fear is often at the top of the list. So many are fearful of this virus, and its complications. I prefer to be proactive in my approach to it.
First, you’ll find me an advocate of the healthy diet. Eating right feeds our bodies at the cellular level and greatly enhances our immune system’s ability to keep us healthy. “Eat your greens…” is often spoken at our dinner table.
There are essential oils we can ‘eat’ that will also boost our immune system. My favorite drink consists of water with lemon, orange, and grapefruit essential oils in it. Sooo refreshing-and good for you too. (There are many delicious recipes for refreshing drinks)
Second, cleanliness. If you come in contact with an ill person, just remember this simple activity. Wash your hands, consistently. My favorite cleanser is the foaming Thieves hand soap. It will help you cleanse, AND defend against threats to your health and well-being.
An extra boost that will help you defend your home and family is to put some Thieves essential oil directly on the bottom of your feet. (Some persons with sensitive skin need a carrier oil, but we used it straight.) Your skin will absorb the antiseptic nutrients in the oil, and you’ll go to sleep pleasantly surrounded by the fabulous mixed aroma of Cloves, Rosemary, Lemon, Eucalyptus, and Cinnamon Bark.
This essential oil blend was tested at Weber State University and found to be highly antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-infectious. It can help the body fight the flu, colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, and sore throats.
So reduce your stress level, get some Thieves, and be prepared for a delightful, scent-ful way to combat illness this winter season.
Any questions?
Often I’ll chat about an herb or plant, how to grow it, how to fertilize it, how to harvest it, or how to get it to go to seed so you can have a better crop next year. We will study garlic later, but because it’s Halloween time, I thought I’d share some of the folklore associated with garlic.
Garlic was used to increase your courage, and that was good especially when trying to evade evil spirits on All Hallows Eve. Its smell is often thought of as unpleasant by many, and yet used extensively in recipes. It is used as a protection against evil, because wicked spirits can’t stand its smell either. Oh!, and in some cases, garlic has even been used as an aphrodisiac!
Happy Halloween!
