When to Start your Seeds

Photo courtesy: www.responsibletechnology.org

One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make is starting their seeds too early. As temperatures begin to climb and the days get noticeably longer, the temptation to force the season is great.  Plants that are started to early will elongate (get spindly trying to find sunlight) and become brittle and susceptible to disease. Even if they manage to grow, the rough start will yield a poor harvest, so you'll end up working hard and wasting valuable garden space for nothing.

The first thing you want to consider before starting seeds is your hardiness zone. A hardiness zone refers to the area of the country you live in. Each zone has different plating times due to weather, frost dates and so on. For folks in the US.. a hardiness zone map is available at:

 http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWe

Each zone has different planting requirements, so check to see what the requirements are in your area.  Most seed packets are labeled with zone planting suggestions so check the labels before opening them. 

The next thing you want to consider is the plant itself. Many herbs won't withstand even a light frost, while some thrive in the cooler temperatures, so it's best to read up on the herb before you plant it. Some vegetables like Kale and Carrots (called cold crops) do well in cool temperatures so starting those in a sheltered garden will work just fine during the colder weeks, such as the end of February in zones 9-6 in the US. Zones 5 and above will still be too cold this time of year, so it's best to wait until mid-March or even early April depending on the zone.

Last but not least, always check to see which seeds you can start indoors and which seeds need to be sewn directly into the ground. Remember, each plant has special growing needs, so always do your homework before you plant. That way, you will save valuable time and money and get the harvest you dream of in the end. 

Until next time,

Be Well!

The Magic of Mud

When I was a kid, there were three things that my siblings and I looked forward to each spring: Easter Baskets, puddles and mud. My favorite was mud. Mud pies, mud soup, mud monsters and who can top magical mud that turns monsters into goo and gives you the power to run super fast? 

Little did I know then that all that mud actually had healing properties as well! Perfect for bee-stings (it will literally draw out the stinger!), sunburns (It will cool the burn and actually help the skin heal) and facials (It will draw out any impurities and leave the face/body cleansed and radiant!), mud is one of the most useful, available and natural remedies there is. 

Not only is it great for healing, but mud is also good at keeping away insects (just ask a Caribou!) and believe it or not, for cleaning! Use mud to get tough goo like auto grease and tar off your hands, then wash as usual. 

So this year, reclaim the inner child in you and get out and play in the mud. Scoop out a little for a nice facial while you're at it. You won't regret it. 

Until next time, 

Be well!

Spring Cleaning Recipes

Ahh, the thought of spring! After months of long nights, cold days and snow, just the idea of spring and pretty flowers is enough to brighten anyone's day. As we anxiously await the warmer temperatures, many of us begin our spring cleaning so that once the weather breaks, we can spend it outdoors. This year, why not help the environment and try a few "Green" cleaning tips?

Here are a few to get you started:

For Walls, Floors and Cupboards:

To 3 Gallons of water, add:

1/2 cup Borax
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup white or apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup salt
1 teaspoon of Bergamot or Tea Tree oil.

Stir to blend and wash as usual. Makes a great disinfectant for kitchen surfaces too!

For Wood Furniture:

Combine 1/2 cup olive oil with 1/8 cup lemon juice and 1-2 drops of Vitamin E oil.

Apply with a clean rag. Leaves furniture shiny!

For Drains:

Pour 1 cup of white vinegar followed by 1/2 cup baking soda into your drain and let set for 15 minutes. Rinse with clean, hot water.

For counters, sinks, tub and tiles:

Mix 1 cup of baking soda with 1 cup of Borax and 1 cup of salt. Dampen the area with a clean, damp rag. Sprinkle a little of the mixture onto the rag and rub onto the surface. Rinse clean.

For stains or mildew, add a little lemon juice.

Garbage Disposal

Add 1 lemon, cut up and one cup HOT white vinegar. Let stand 3-5 minutes. Add 2 cups ice chips and 1/2 cup baking soda and turn disposal on. Rinse with hot water. Repeat as necessary.

Dish Washer Detergent:

Mix 2 Tablespoons of baking soda with 2 Tablespoons of Borax and use to wash dishes. For tough grease and grime, sprinkle a little over the dishes as well.

Tea Pots and Coffee Pots

In the pot, combine 1 cup of vinegar and 4 Tablespoons of baking soda. Let fizz, then use the mixture to scrub the pots clean.

Coffee Maker:

Brew 1 quart (less for small coffee pots) and 1/4 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup lemon juice. Allow to finish the cycle, then brew a pot of clean water.

Microwave:

For caked on grime, combine 1 quart warm water, 4 Tablespoons of baking soda and 2-3 drops of Bergamot or Lemon essential oil. Dampen a sponge or clean rag with the mixture and scrub as usual.

For Greasy Grill or Oven Racks:

Place the racks in a plastic bags outdoors. Mix 1 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup ammonia and pour over the racks. Close the bag tightly and let stand overnight. Racks will wipe clean in the morning. Rinse well with hot water.


For Carpets:

Mix 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/2 cup baking soda and 15 drops of your favorite essential oil. Sprinkle on carpets and let stand overnight. Vacuum as usual in the morning. IMPORTANT: Be sure to test a small, inconspicuous spot with the mixture first, as some oils may stain.

For Smelly gym bags, Suitcases or storage totes:

Sprinkle a little baking soda and let stand overnight. Vacuum out the baking soda and odors in the morning.

Helpful Hint: To prevent critters like cockroaches and bedbugs from climbing into your luggage and coming home with you, sprinkle a little Borax inside. The boric acid will deter the bugs and kill any that come inside.

Experiment with your recipes and have fun!

Until Next Time,

Be Well!

Growing and Using Stevia

photo courtesy: exgrowgarden.com

Over the past decade, Stevia's popularity among gardeners and healthy-conscious people has grown considerably. Part of it's attraction are the super-sweet leaves that are used in place of cane sugar and artificial sweeteners. Up to 30 times sweeter than cane sugar and zero calories, the leaves offer an irresistible alternative for desserts and sweet dishes of all types, including baked goods, since Stevia is heat stable as well.

Stevia is very easy to grow and does well even in colder climates. It is a tender perennial, so it's best to bring this indoors during the winter months. Though it prefers full sun, this tasty herb will tolerate light shade and as long as it has well-drained soil, will grow with very little effort. Starting Stevia from seed can be tricky however. Germination is unpredictable, so it's best to grow this herb from rooted cuttings whenever possible. Plant outdoors after danger of frost has passed. In hotter climates, it's best to grow this plant in an area that gets afternoon shade.

To use Stevia, harvest fresh leaves after the plant has grown to about 8" tall. Dry the leaves out of direct sunlight in an area that gets good air circulation. Once dry, simply crush the leaves and use like regular sugar.

Just a quick note: Though Stevia is heat and shelf stable, it does not work like can sugar in all instances, and should not be used for home canning or to candy fruits.

Until next time,

Be well!

Choosing Organic and Heirloom seeds

For folks in Northern Regions, the beginning of February is always an exciting time. This is when we gardeners order/purchase our seeds and start scrubbing pots and tools getting them ready for planting. Some seeds, such as certain cold crops we can even start now!

To the novice gardener, however, choosing seeds can be a mixture of excitement and frustration. With thousands of varieties and buzz words like "organic" and "heirloom", choosing simple tomato seeds can be exasperating. Here are a few helpful facts to help make the process a little easier.

First up, the buzz words. "Organic" seeds are seeds that are harvested from plants that were grown organically. Typically, these seeds are left untreated. It's important for you to know that organic seeds may NOT be GMO-free. GMO seeds can still be labeled organic if the plants are grown without pesticides.

"Heirloom" seeds are GMO-free. To be considered heirloom, seeds must be 7th generation or later without any genetic modification. Heirloom does NOT mean organic. Heirloom plants may be grown using the full range of pesticides and herbicides as long as they are not labeled organic. GMO seeds are typically never labeled as GMO. Instead, seed companies use clever marketing strategies to gloss over the fact that the seeds are genetically modified. You can quickly weed out the modified seeds by looking for phrases like "Hybrid", "grower-made", "exclusive strain" and industry cues such as a large letter followed by a number such as "F1" after the seed name.

So, if you want seeds that are heirloom and grown organically, it's important to read seed packages and only choose seeds that are labeled as both organic AND heirloom.

Next up, consider your harvest. If you're looking to grow tomatoes for canning for example, don't choose varieties that are "low-acid" as they will interfere with the canning process. Some varieties of vegetables have different light/space requirements for growth as well. Be sure to check growth times and requirements for each before making your selection. For example, if you want to grow green beans, but don't have space for a trellis, you might want to consider growing a bush variety instead.

Last but not least, remember to have fun! Don't be afraid to experiment and keep a journal of the seeds you use along with the results to reference in the future. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how helpful this can be!

Until next time,

Be well!

Natural Valentine

Valentine's Day is a bright spot in an otherwise dreary month. What's not to love about extra hugs, romantic evenings and of course, chocolate? Well, if you're looking to spice up your Valentine's Day this year, here are  few recipes and suggestions for doing it Salvage Earth style!


Before you go spend money on the traditional fare such as teddy bears and flowers, try something natural or homemade instead. Tea bouquets are super easy to make and if your loved one likes tea, will come as a welcome treat! Simply wrap a pipe cleaner around one side of the end of a clothespin and insert a wrapped tea bag into the opening end. Make several of these and bunch together with some pretty ribbon. That's it! If your loved one is a coffee fan, you can substitute the tea bags for single-serve coffee packets instead.

Another fun gift is a batch of home-made chocolate fudge. Quick and easy to make, this recipe is sure to please any chocolate lover!

Ingredients:

3 cups semi-sweet  mini chocolate chips
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (14 oz) can sweetened, condensed milk
1 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)

(for a decadent peanut-butter swirl mix, substitute the butter for 1/4 cup peanut butter.)

Directions:

Combine ingredients in a double boiler and slowly heat until melted, stirring constantly. (or you can place it in a microwaveable bowl and cook on high 2-3 minutes depending on your microwave). Pour into a well-greased 8x8" square pan and refrigerate. If using the peanut butter, hold off on adding it until the chocolate is just starting to melt, then swirl in the peanut butter with a greased spoon for a pretty, marbled effect.

Note: Glass pans work best, but you can use anything.

Now if you're planning a more romantic evening, nothing is more enticing than a sensual massage. The best part is, you can make your own massage oil for a fraction of what you would buy it for in a store and use scents that you love besides.

What you need:

-A clean jar with a lid that seals tight enough to hold liquid.
-1/2 cup Almond oil or extra virgin olive oil.
- A few drops of your favorite essential oil or perfume.

Simply combine the ingredients in the jar and swirl until you get the scent you like.

Herbal bath bouquets are becoming popular once again. A few simple ingredients and you'll have enough to make half a dozen!

Here's what you'll need:

6, (4") squares of pretty fabric or muslin tea bags
2 yards of ribbon (if using fabric)
1/2 cup dried rose petals'
4 tablespoons dried lemon verbena
4 tablespoons dried Rosemary
2 cups lavender blossoms
a few drops of lavender essential oil

Combine all the ingredients in a medium sized mixing bowl. Blend well with your hands. Place 1/4 cup of the mixture in the center of the fabric square or fill the tea bag.  Gather the ends of the fabric up around the mixture and tie off with the ribbon to form a sachet. Place the sachet into a tub of warm water and enjoy! The rest of the mixture can be stored in an airtight jar for up to a year.

Don't forget to add the sachet to your compost heap when you're done with it!

Until next time,
Be well!

Meditation Basics

Meditation reduces stress, improves mood and helps ease depression. It builds heart strength, lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of stress-related diseases. The best part is, you only need about  fifteen minutes of meditation each day to reap the benefits of this wonderful practice.

So how does one meditate, exactly? There are a number of different methods you can use, all of which provide you with great results including mindfulness, transendental meditation, Qi Gong and guided visualization to name a few. If you're just starting out, it's best to start by working on technique and build from there. Consistency is the most important part of meditation. Being consistent in your practice is more important than your technique, so choose a time during the day that you can use regularly. Try to meditate the same time every day and in a place (if possible) that you use for that purpose only. It can be a simple pillow in a corner of your bedroom to a favorite outdoor spot to a whole room dedicated to meditation. Whatever you can make work is great. There is no right or wrong place as long as you're comfortable.

Once you find your spot, it's time to have some fun! Sit comfortably with your eyes closed. Take a few deep breaths in through the nose, and out through the mouth. Focus on your breathing, feeling your lungs expand and contract. Does the air feel warm? Cool? Feel your muscles relax with each exhale. Now, let your thoughts wander. Don't worry about inner stillness just yet. The important thing is that you get into the practice and start allowing yourself to just relax. If you can, try to think of something fun, like walking on the beach, climbing some rocks or enjoying a nice hot bath. Each day, try to hold a visualization of something fun for just a minute longer. Really get into it. If you're seeing a walk on the beach for example, try to imagine what the beach smells like, and feel the sand beneath your toes. After a few days, try to follow your visualization up with just a few seconds of inner silence. Add a few seconds more each day until you can go a full ten minutes. If you have a tough time, there are many audio/visual products on the market today that can guide you through a meditation. There are also a number of other types of meditation that you can try. Mindfulness is another really good one to start with, especially if depression is an issue for you. Start with a few deep breaths, then pick an object like an orange and sit for a few minutes with the orange. Examine it visually. Notice the color, texture and any bumps or marks it may have. Then move to how it smells. Really absorb yourself in it. Does it smell sweet? Bitter? How does it feel? Hold it in one hand and feel the weight of it. Then place it in your other hand. Does it feel the same? What does the surface feel like? Is it smooth? Bumpy? Now break it open and taste it. Notice the flavor and texture. Can you taste it on one part of your tongue more than another? You'll be amazed at how just taking the time to really use your senses and appreciate something can enhance your mood!

Once you're done meditating, it's a good idea to give yourself a few minutes to slowly acclimate yourself back into your day. Don't rush it. Take a minute and stretch, warm up your muscles and allow your mind to adjust to the day. That way, you'll get the most from your experience and want to come back for more.

Until next time,

Be well!