Growing Garlic I haven't purchased garlic since 1996. That's because I grow enough to eat a bulb of garlic every day, year-round. While most of my garden adventures are hobby-level attempts at self-sufficiency, my garlic crop is for real. Garlic is an overwintering crop, planted in fall and harvested mid-summer. So if you want to have a crop next year, it's time to think about planting. A year's supply of garlic hanging in your garage hints at many great meals to come, but by the time you reach that milestone the rewards have already been flowing for months. As spring continues, your plants will continue to skyrocket, and in late May—assuming you planted a flowering variety—you'll be treated to a funky display of garlic blossoms curling from the plant tops. The flowering varieties of garlic are collectively called hardnecks, so named because of their woody flowering stalks. The first step in growing your own garlic stash is getting your paws on some good garlic for planting. Ask Ari: Got milk options?
Harvesting and Preserving Dill - Sonoma County Master Gardeners Harvesting Dill by Stephanie Wrightson, SCMGHARVESTING If you allow dill to flower, leaf production will cease; when it sets seed, the plant dies. Dill weed: Characteristic aroma is an indicator of fresh herb quality. Gently harvest your herbs; use pruning scissors. Dill seeds: After flowering, allow the seed heads to dry on the plant. Preserving Dill Fresh dill weed: According to UC/Davis’ Postharvest Technology Research and Information Center, fresh dill stored at 32ºF has an expected shelf life of 3 weeks; whereas at 41 ºF, the maximum shelf life of dill is 2 weeks. Dried dill weed and seeds: Pick for leaf harvest just before flowers open. How to Clean Your Liver with 5 Natural Liver-Cleansing Tips Your liver is like the maid of your body, cleaning up all the toxins you put into it, and therefore keeping all internal systems running smoothly. The modern diet, environmental pollutants, and our increasing dependence on toxic personal care products have put our livers on serious overtime. For this reason, it’s important to know how to clean your liver thoroughly and effectively – oh, and naturally. Your liver works to cleanse the blood and remove toxic substances that we’ve eaten, inhaled, or rubbed on our bodies. When it is overworked—as it is in many modern adults—or when you are under a significant amount of physical or even mental stress, your liver can struggle to keep up. “The thousands of enzyme systems that are responsible for virtually every body activity are constructed in the liver,” explains Dr. How to Clean Your Liver – No Products Required So, what can you do about it? 1. Source: Natural Society Related:
Preserving Your Dill Harvest Preserving Your Dill Harvest Dill is a popular home garden herb which is versatile for both cooking and homeopathy. The seeds are slow sprouting (2 to 4 weeks), but, once established, are easy to grow. It can be grown in deep pots on sheltered patios and balconies in fertile, well drained soil in a sunny location. History of Dill Dill is a native of Southern Europe and Western Asia. Culinary Uses of Dill The herb Dill is very popular in Scandinavian and Polish culinary dishes, being added to everything from vegetables, salads, fish, and sour cream and sauces. The fresh herb is known for its ability to improve appetite and digestion. Medicinal Uses of Dill Dill is one of the main ingredients in old fashioned "gripe water" which was a traditional remedy for stomach aches, gas and colic in babies and children. Harvesting Dill The leaves of this fast growing herb can be harvested after eight weeks in limited quantities for eating fresh, which is when the flavor is at its peak. Drying Dill
Green Living - Gardening - A beginner's guide to permaculture gardening A philosophy of gardening. Gardening and philosophy. Either way it seems strange to the uninitiated. Permaculture is a design system which sprang up during the 1970s oil crisis, a reaction to food insecurity and the desire for self-reliance. When applied to gardening it suggests that not only can we grow food almost anywhere - from fruit shrubs in patio pots to vines on fences - but we can get higher yields with less effort simply by mimicking nature. When I started to view every niche as a potential food-growing zone, for me the world turned into one big gingerbread house. In contrast to many modern agricultural methods, a natural growing system sustains a continuous cycle, with dead plants becoming mulch for new growth. Survey your plot Permaculture isn't prescriptive and methods should be applied to each garden or balcony individually. If you are keen to start growing before your year is up, try a few things out on a small space first. Diversity Zoning Mulch! Forest garden Pests! Books:
Make Your Own Natural Salve for Pain Relief - NaturalON If you haven’t already heard, the health benefits of cayenne are truly amazing. Used as an herbal pain reliever, cayenne has compounds that improve the immune system, stop the bleeding from a cut, and can relieve pain like nothing else! Cayenne is found in many chilies, bell peppers, and paprika. These plants have been cultivated for at least 7,000 years. Early European explorers brought seeds from their visits to South America back to their homelands, and from there they spread quickly throughout the world. Photo credit: bigstock.com The active ingredient in cayenne is called capsaicin, and it’s this ingredient that works so well at reducing pain. If you go to your local drugstore you will find many different types of creams and lotions, all of which contain cayenne to one degree or another. You can use this salve on just about anything from sore muscles to stiff joints to nerve pain and bruises. Take a look at just how easy it is to make your own cayenne salve. Ingredients: Instructions:
Pain Relief Lotion Bars Recipe Lotion bars are one of my favorite natural beauty recipes to make. They are a simple way to moisturize and nourish the skin and they can be easily customized for a variety of uses. This variation is one of my favorites, especially for after athletic training or on sore muscles. These natural pain relief lotion bars smell excellent and work wonders on sore or tired muscles! Pain Relief Lotion Bars Pain relief lotion bars help soothe the pain of achy muscles naturally with herbs and natural remedies. Author: Wellness Mama Recipe type: Remedy Ingredients ⅓ cup coconut oil⅓ cup shea butter, cocoa butter or mango butter⅓ cup beeswax (can add an extra ounce or two if you want a thicker consistency, which leaves less lotion on the skin when used)1 tablespoon of Menthol Crystals10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil½ tsp Arnica Oil (optional)This recipe can be adjusted to make any quantity that you’d like. Instructions How to Use: To apply to skin: hold bar in hand and carefully rub on dry skin.
Easy Crockpot Pulled Pork I’m sick. In my dramatic mind it seems like it’s been weeks since I’ve felt normal, but it’s actually only been about 7 days. I’ve cycled through the typical flu symptoms a couple of times and have been donning a bright red, chapped nose for about four days. Needless to say I’m not looking so hot, nor do I have any desire to cook or bake. Actually the thought of being in the kitchen kind of revolts me because blowing my nose and hacking up a lung don’t necessarily go hand in hand with food preparation…if ya know what I mean. However, Brian has been fine – until yesterday, so I have been relying on simplicity and the crock pot has become my new BFF. Little known fact: I’m not just a baking addict, I also have a serious thing for make up. It’s simple, delicious, and most importantly can be slow cooked all day in the crockpot which requires very little effort. Random Question: If you enjoyed this recipe, you may like...
10 Basic Things a for Healer to Remember by Alison Kain Here are 10 Basic Things a for Healer to Remember A healer should never forget that they are a vessel/channel and nothing else; the healer does not determine the outcome of a healing, the client and Spirit do. If a body is not willing to accept the healing, no healing shall occur. It's Good Karma to Share: