Here is one of my favorite recipes to combat powdery mildew:1 Tablespoon of Murphy’s oil soap1 Gallon of water3 Tablespoons of baking sodaA spray bottle, or sprayerMix all ingredients together and pour into the spray bottle, or sprayer. Spray on affected plants. I know it’s not quite that time of year yet, but it never […]
Natural Algae Remedy
Here is a simple way to keep slimy green algae from growing in fountains and birdbaths. When you clean the birdbath or fountain and fill it with fresh water, add lavender flowers. Bind about eight lavender flowers together with a string or rubber band and lay the bundle in the water. The anti fungal properties […]
Herbs and Flowers For Shade
Many herbs will grow well in the shade ( four hours or less of sun per day). Here are some herbs that tolerate partial shade: angelica, catnip, chervil, dill fennel, sweet woodruff, lemon balm, tarragon, lovage, parsley, pennyroyal, and pineapple sage. Mint can survive anywhere, including shady spots. Chives will grow well in the shade, […]
Make Your Own Seed Tape
Instead of buying expensive prepared seed tapes you can make your own. Cut newspaper into 1″ wide strips. Create a paste from flour and water about the consistency of thick gravy. Dot the paste on the newspaper strip at evenly spaced intervals and apply the seeds. Cover the seeds with more paste, then lay the […]
Control Invasive Herbs
Some herbs can be invasive, such as bee balm, costmary, mint, and wormwood. These herbs spread by aggressive underground runners. These herbs can still be enjoyed and controlled if you plant them in a container, or barrier the roots can’t penetrate. Find an old bucket or pot. You want to look for a pot that […]
