Milk thistle is an herb that offers some benefits, such as promoting liver and heart health. While others consider the plant an invasive weed, preppers know that milk thistle is useful when turned into a potent extract. (h/t to SurvivalSullivan.com) Continue reading
Since soil can harbor pests, diseases, and weed seeds, it’s always a good idea to sterilize garden soil before planting [1] to ensure the most optimal growth and health of your plants. While you can go out and purchase sterile potting mixes to meet your needs, you can also learn how to sterilize soil at home quickly and efficiently. Continue reading
Weed Management Mistakes – 5 Weeding Mistakes To Avoid In Gardens
We all have them – weeds. It’s how we handle those weeds that’s the problem. It is probably safe to say that weeding is a necessary drudgery. Most gardeners hate weeding, myself included, but we hate weeds more. Continue reading
Information On How To Protect Outdoor Plants In Winter
Fall is the best time to get out in the garden and secure your sensitive and tender plants. Protecting plants in winter can help prevent winter scald, frozen roots, foliar damage and even death. Cold weather plant protection takes a little pre-planning and some equipment in harsher zones. In mild and temperate climates, it usually just means re-mulching and dividing peonies [1] and other early spring bloomers. Fall maintenance should include a plan for winter protection for plants and winter plant covers. Continue reading
Before you bring new houseplants into your home, they probably spent weeks or even months in a warm, humid greenhouse. Compared to a greenhouse environment, the conditions inside most homes are quite dry, especially in winter when the furnace is running. For this reason, it is important that you learn and practice appropriate humidity houseplant care to ensure the longevity and health of your beloved plants. Continue reading
I love making natural beeswax candles with essential oils for my friends!
Beeswax candles scented with real essential oils make the perfect gifts.
Natural beeswax candles have no synthetic ingredients that can cause negative reactions. In this recipe, we’re using pure essential oils (no thanks to artificial fragrances!), so they’re even gentler. They’re great options for people with sensitivities.
Or you can leave out the essential oils altogether, and just make unscented beeswax candles. If you use very pure beeswax, your candles will smell like honey!
In ancient Egypt, Aloe vera was known as the “plant of immortality,” and it’s easy to see why. In addition to its well known use as a first aid ointment for minor burns, cuts and scrapes, aloe is also useful for a variety of other medicinal and nutritive uses, both external and internal.
Plants bring movement and life to every room in your home. However, you will be pleased by the whole picture only if there is harmony in the arrangement and color of the plants you have chosen. Once you have learned how to take these things into account when choosing your indoor plants, you can let your taste and imagination plan the plant decor you have living in your home. Continue reading
Herbal tinctures are liquid herbal extracts that confer protective effects against infections and diseases better than capsules or supplements. This is because tinctures best preserve the active constituents of the medicinal plants. Liquid extracts also enter the bloodstream faster and are absorbed better.
I have a compost tumbler that I make liberal use of; however, I got to wondering if I could grow food from veggie scraps [1]. Most of us have rooted an avocado pit [2] with mixed results, but can you take the tops of carrots and grow them? I had to try.