文章
粉团
2017年05月23日
This homemade pesticide recipe is CHEMICAL FREE, all natural and easy to prepare. 5 effective ingredients together and your plants will be free of pests.
We all know how harmful chemical pesticides are, for the ecosystem and our environment. And after knowing all that if you’ve thought to go organic and looking for some natural ways to get rid of garden pests, you’re on right track.
Commercial pesticides are one of the most effective ways to tackle the problem of pest infestation but if you want to use homemade natural pesticides like this one, use it regularly for better results.
You can apply this amazing pesticide using the sprayer on your vegetable garden and herbs suffering from common pests and really it does work. Once in a week is sufficient, however, if the invasion of insects is way too much to handle you can apply more frequently. Once the plants start to recover, use it in every 2 weeks or so to get rid of pesky pests.
Things You’ll Need2 Whole Garlic Heads (Separate and peel the cloves)2 Tablespoon Turmeric powder2 Tablespoon Cayenne pepper (Or use any other hot pepper variety)2 Small Squirts of Dishwashing Liquid3 Cups of Mint Leaves (Sprigs included)12 Cups of WaterPreparationStep 1
Add garlic and mint to crush it in a food processor for a few seconds. Once done, add the water (in the quantity mentioned above) and pepper to the mixture.
Step 2
Transfer the mixture into a pot or boiler to boil this solution for a few minutes.
Step 3
Once boiled, remove from heat and let this sit overnight. That’s all, your natural pesticide spray is ready.
Step 4
Now strain the solution and add the liquid dish soap into it. Keep the solution into a bottle or sprayer.
Also Read: Plants That Attract Ladybugs In The Garden
How to Use it
Shake well before using it every time. Spray the solution all over the leaves of affected plants, don’t forget the undersides. The best time to use it when the day is cloudy, preferably in the evening or in the early morning.
We all know how harmful chemical pesticides are, for the ecosystem and our environment. And after knowing all that if you’ve thought to go organic and looking for some natural ways to get rid of garden pests, you’re on right track.
Commercial pesticides are one of the most effective ways to tackle the problem of pest infestation but if you want to use homemade natural pesticides like this one, use it regularly for better results.
You can apply this amazing pesticide using the sprayer on your vegetable garden and herbs suffering from common pests and really it does work. Once in a week is sufficient, however, if the invasion of insects is way too much to handle you can apply more frequently. Once the plants start to recover, use it in every 2 weeks or so to get rid of pesky pests.
Things You’ll Need2 Whole Garlic Heads (Separate and peel the cloves)2 Tablespoon Turmeric powder2 Tablespoon Cayenne pepper (Or use any other hot pepper variety)2 Small Squirts of Dishwashing Liquid3 Cups of Mint Leaves (Sprigs included)12 Cups of WaterPreparationStep 1
Add garlic and mint to crush it in a food processor for a few seconds. Once done, add the water (in the quantity mentioned above) and pepper to the mixture.
Step 2
Transfer the mixture into a pot or boiler to boil this solution for a few minutes.
Step 3
Once boiled, remove from heat and let this sit overnight. That’s all, your natural pesticide spray is ready.
Step 4
Now strain the solution and add the liquid dish soap into it. Keep the solution into a bottle or sprayer.
Also Read: Plants That Attract Ladybugs In The Garden
How to Use it
Shake well before using it every time. Spray the solution all over the leaves of affected plants, don’t forget the undersides. The best time to use it when the day is cloudy, preferably in the evening or in the early morning.
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文章
Abigal
2017年05月16日
We all know by now that #composting is important to the #environment . It allows natural waste to return to the earth, while adding a nutrient rich material to our gardens. Here is a break down of the top 3 most common techniques for composting for the home #gardener .
Hot Composting – Open Bins
Hot composting is the most intensive method, but also the fastest way to get finished compost. It involves building compost piles that have a balance of green material (nitrogen), oxygen, water and brown material. The most common method is a three bin open bin method. Made of open slats to allow the piles to breathe, this option is not a great choice for those with limited space, or who will not keep up with turning the pile…. But for those with a little space in the back of the garden, it’s the fastest way to generate a larger amount of compost, and to utilize a larger amount of scraps. Here’s how to make an open bin hot compost pile.
Build or buy three, side by side compost bins. ‘Backyard Feast’ has a complete tutorial on building the ultimate compost bin.
Bin #1 will be for brown materials…kind of a holding area for things you want to compost.
Bin #2 is where all the action happens.
In this bin, layer brown and green materials (green materials include fresh grass, leaves, veggie scraps, etc… browns include dried leaves, twigs, and dead plant material) until you have a ratio of approximately 2 parts brown to 1 part green.
Wet the pile with water until moist, but not soggy.
Turn the pile regularly with a spading fork to allow air to reach the pile and to mix the nitrogen throughout the pile.
Wait for the pile to get hot, and to start composting for you! Basically, the more attentive you are to turning the pile, keeping it moist and not adding any new material until its finished, the faster you will get compost. That gives you a window of 6-12 months. Compost is done when it is warm, not hot, and smells and looks like a sweet soil amendment, and no longer like rotting cantaloupe. :) Move the compost in bin #2 to bin #3 to “settle” and continue to cool until you need to use it. Start another hot pile in bin #2 from all the stuff you have been holding in bin #1!
The benefits to having the three bin system is that you can continue to collect brown materials during the season in bin #1, and that once you move the compost to bin #3 to settle, you can start over again with a new compost pile. Moves things along a lot faster!
You can also create a hot compost pile in just one bin if you have don’t have space, or don’t have much material to compost… it just means you can only work on one pile of compost at a time. ‘This Old House’ shows you complete plans on making a single compost bin.
Hot Composting – Closed Bins or Tumblers
This is a one bin system where you use a closed bin or tumbler, add the same “hot” ratio of green to brown and water, then turn the bin itself to mix the ingredients once a week or so. This saves you from having to deal directly with the compost, and saves a little on your back as well! The downside is that you can only make a small amount of compost at a time. If you don’t want to buy a tumbler, ‘Full Measure of Happiness’ shows us how to make a DIY compost bin from a plastic garbage can!
A more intensive project will keep you composting like a pro. ‘Urban Farm Online’ has a tutorial for this DIY compost tumbler you can use year after year.
Cold Composting – Otherwise known as the lazy mans compost pile!
So for all of you groaning out loud because all that sounds like so much work, I have good news. Stuff will compost with or without your help. It’s just a matter of how fast! Cold composting works, but it can take 1-2 years, depending on what kind of materials you have in your pile. Basically, this is the way to do it…
Make a pile 3×3 feet of compostable materials, the smaller the pieces, the better, so shred!
Add some water, or not, and cover if you want to speed the process along… or not. :)
When, and if, you think of it… turn it, water it, and then forget it again.
Wait until it’s done. Voila!
This info graphic by Well Home tells your everything you need to know about hot and cold composting, and also some less well known (and one icky!) composting techniques.
That’s it! Three easy techniques for composting everyone should know! It’s not rocket science, and there is no compost police that is checking to make sure you have turned your pile this week. Just remember, the more attention you give it, the faster it will give you a wonderful, organic soil conditioner for your garden!
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文章
Hande Salcan
2017年02月21日
I don’t like the idea of adding chemicals to our environment, whenever it can be helped. And let’s be honest… If you are growing your own veggies, you are probably after some of the health benefits, right? Ok, and then there is the cost factor as well… why wouldn’t you make your own #organic fertilizers for your garden, instead of buying expensive specialty products? It is easy, it is healthy for both your family and the earth at large, and it is cost effective.
Basically #plants need three major nutrients to thrive, Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K). You might see these displayed on commercially made fertilizers in number form, for example, 10-5-5. Nitrogen is necessary for leaf and green growth, Phosphorus for flowers and fruit, and Potassium for gemeral health of the plant. That having been said, plants need a lot of other nutrients as well, called Micronutrients. Some of these include Magnesium, Calcium and Sulfur. Plants are also affected by the acidity of a soil, and the biodiversity of bacteria that creates a healthy environment, all of which can be improved with organic fertilizers. Now that you have the basics down of why we are doing this, let’s get down to some simple recipes for our choices for top organic #garden fertilizers you can make!
Coffee Grounds Fertilizer
Coffee grounds is a natural fertilizer that not only adds nitrogen to poor soil, it also increases the acidity of soil. This will especially make your roses, hydrangeas, magnolias and rhodies happy!
Work up to 25% coffee grounds into soil at the base of the plants. Coffee grounds will also improve the organic matter in the soil.
Banana Peel Fertilizer
High in potassium, phosphorus and calcium, banana peels are great for flowering and fruiting plants. Simply bury a peel under the ground at the base of the plant, and allow to decompose. You can also freeze overripe bananas that you would have otherwise thrown away, and then bury next to a needy plant when needed. If you prefer to make a spray, soak a peel in water for 2-3 days, then use the water to spray plants or seedlings.
Epsom Salt Fertilizer
Epsom salt is available at your local drug store, and adds important magnesium and sulfur to the soil. Especially good for tomatoes and roses, Epsom salt tea is great for starting seedlings and reducing transplant shock as well. Known for giving plants a deep green color, especially on magnesium low soils, this is a simple and quick recipe. It is pretty impossible to over do this fertilizer, as it breaks down in to a simple magnesium component.
Recipe
1 Tablespoon Epsom Salt
1 Gallon water
Use from a watering can for both indoor and outdoor plants. Can also be mixed into the soil around plants at a rate of 1 tablespoon for every 1-2 feet in height of plant. Water in well.
Egg Shell Fertilizer
Egg shells are very high in calcium, which is necessary for good cellular growth in all plants. If you have ever had blossom end rot on your tomatoes, then you probably have calcium deficient soil. You can crush up used egg shells and just bury them beneath the surface of the soil, or for a faster response, you can make a spray.
Recipe
20 egg shells
1 Gallon Water
Boil the egg shells in the water for a few minutes, then let them sit in the water overnight. Strain and use as a spray or water from a can directly into the soil.
Grass Clippings Tea
Here is a great way to get a high nitrogen fertilizer, and use up those annoying grass clippings at the same time!
Recipe
1 Five gallon bucket filled with fresh grass clippings.
Cover with water
Allow to sit for 3-5 days. Dilute the strained fertilizer tea by using one cup tea mixed with 10 cups fresh water. Pour onto soil.
Compost Tea
Made in exactly the same way as grass clippings tea, but with organic compost. This gives a much richer tea with a variety of nutrients, perfect for any plant.
So spend a little time setting aside some egg shells and coffee grounds, or drop by the drugstore for some Epsom salts. You will be saving yourself some cash, and creating a healthier environment for your plants, and the planet!
Basically #plants need three major nutrients to thrive, Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K). You might see these displayed on commercially made fertilizers in number form, for example, 10-5-5. Nitrogen is necessary for leaf and green growth, Phosphorus for flowers and fruit, and Potassium for gemeral health of the plant. That having been said, plants need a lot of other nutrients as well, called Micronutrients. Some of these include Magnesium, Calcium and Sulfur. Plants are also affected by the acidity of a soil, and the biodiversity of bacteria that creates a healthy environment, all of which can be improved with organic fertilizers. Now that you have the basics down of why we are doing this, let’s get down to some simple recipes for our choices for top organic #garden fertilizers you can make!
Coffee Grounds Fertilizer
Coffee grounds is a natural fertilizer that not only adds nitrogen to poor soil, it also increases the acidity of soil. This will especially make your roses, hydrangeas, magnolias and rhodies happy!
Work up to 25% coffee grounds into soil at the base of the plants. Coffee grounds will also improve the organic matter in the soil.
Banana Peel Fertilizer
High in potassium, phosphorus and calcium, banana peels are great for flowering and fruiting plants. Simply bury a peel under the ground at the base of the plant, and allow to decompose. You can also freeze overripe bananas that you would have otherwise thrown away, and then bury next to a needy plant when needed. If you prefer to make a spray, soak a peel in water for 2-3 days, then use the water to spray plants or seedlings.
Epsom Salt Fertilizer
Epsom salt is available at your local drug store, and adds important magnesium and sulfur to the soil. Especially good for tomatoes and roses, Epsom salt tea is great for starting seedlings and reducing transplant shock as well. Known for giving plants a deep green color, especially on magnesium low soils, this is a simple and quick recipe. It is pretty impossible to over do this fertilizer, as it breaks down in to a simple magnesium component.
Recipe
1 Tablespoon Epsom Salt
1 Gallon water
Use from a watering can for both indoor and outdoor plants. Can also be mixed into the soil around plants at a rate of 1 tablespoon for every 1-2 feet in height of plant. Water in well.
Egg Shell Fertilizer
Egg shells are very high in calcium, which is necessary for good cellular growth in all plants. If you have ever had blossom end rot on your tomatoes, then you probably have calcium deficient soil. You can crush up used egg shells and just bury them beneath the surface of the soil, or for a faster response, you can make a spray.
Recipe
20 egg shells
1 Gallon Water
Boil the egg shells in the water for a few minutes, then let them sit in the water overnight. Strain and use as a spray or water from a can directly into the soil.
Grass Clippings Tea
Here is a great way to get a high nitrogen fertilizer, and use up those annoying grass clippings at the same time!
Recipe
1 Five gallon bucket filled with fresh grass clippings.
Cover with water
Allow to sit for 3-5 days. Dilute the strained fertilizer tea by using one cup tea mixed with 10 cups fresh water. Pour onto soil.
Compost Tea
Made in exactly the same way as grass clippings tea, but with organic compost. This gives a much richer tea with a variety of nutrients, perfect for any plant.
So spend a little time setting aside some egg shells and coffee grounds, or drop by the drugstore for some Epsom salts. You will be saving yourself some cash, and creating a healthier environment for your plants, and the planet!
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文章
Hande Salcan
2017年02月21日
Starting a small #garden with your child or grandchild is an excellent way for children to learn to learn how to care for the environment and gain an appreciation for the many birds and insects with whom we share our gardens. Tending a garden also serves as an introduction to the changing weather patterns and the seasonal cycles of nature from planting the seed, harvesting (e.g. eating the vegetables, picking and drying the flowers or collecting the seed) and then preparing for the next season. They also learn an important life lesson in responsibility. If they don’t water and nourish the plants they can die through lack of attention.
If you can, With your child decide what kind of garden your child would like – butterfly, herb, flower, vegetable etc. To make the project more fun and real buy child sized gloves, planting tools, wheelbarrow and watering can.
Sketch a plan for the garden and mark off the area in the garden. Maybe a flower garden around a playhouse or a small vegetable patch they can call their own.
Turn the soil breaking up any lumps and condition with organic compost if necessary.
If you don’t have a suitable area of ground use container pots, planter boxes, or even an old half wine barrel will do.
Children can get interested in gardening from a very young age and with a little encouragement discover this fun hobby while enjoying the two things they love – dirt and outdoors.
With very young children it is easier to grow flowers directly from seed. The roots on seedlings easily become damaged as they take them from the pots and transplant into the soil.
Let children choose their own plants and look for easy germinating types such as Cosmos, Snapdragons or the all time favourite Sunflowers. Bulbs are also a great favourite amongst young children but they can be typically impatient waiting for the bulbs to sprout and grow.
For vegetables – carrots, peas and strawberries tend to be a favourite as they are easy to grow and great to eat. One study found that when four-and five-year-olds spent about 30 minutes a week for eight weeks tending a garden, they were more likely to eat their vegetables. A challenge for most parents.
Create a garden journal and take photos as the project progresses so your child will have something to remember over the winter months until the next season begins.
If you can, With your child decide what kind of garden your child would like – butterfly, herb, flower, vegetable etc. To make the project more fun and real buy child sized gloves, planting tools, wheelbarrow and watering can.
Sketch a plan for the garden and mark off the area in the garden. Maybe a flower garden around a playhouse or a small vegetable patch they can call their own.
Turn the soil breaking up any lumps and condition with organic compost if necessary.
If you don’t have a suitable area of ground use container pots, planter boxes, or even an old half wine barrel will do.
Children can get interested in gardening from a very young age and with a little encouragement discover this fun hobby while enjoying the two things they love – dirt and outdoors.
With very young children it is easier to grow flowers directly from seed. The roots on seedlings easily become damaged as they take them from the pots and transplant into the soil.
Let children choose their own plants and look for easy germinating types such as Cosmos, Snapdragons or the all time favourite Sunflowers. Bulbs are also a great favourite amongst young children but they can be typically impatient waiting for the bulbs to sprout and grow.
For vegetables – carrots, peas and strawberries tend to be a favourite as they are easy to grow and great to eat. One study found that when four-and five-year-olds spent about 30 minutes a week for eight weeks tending a garden, they were more likely to eat their vegetables. A challenge for most parents.
Create a garden journal and take photos as the project progresses so your child will have something to remember over the winter months until the next season begins.
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