Growing Nicely

The peas, green beans, carrots, chard, potatoes, lima beans, corn, spinach, arugala, turnips and flowers are doing well thus far.  There were many weeds to pull, soil to amend and watering the past couple of weeks.  I prepared a couple more garden beds and plan to use one for tomato, basil, marigold and chives.  The other one for corn, pole beans and watermelon.

Yet to find Nasturtium seeds as pest repellents for the vegetables, and Tansy to repel the cucumber beetle, although Zinnia seeds are planted. I've found that petunias repel the squash bug.

The compost heaps are doing very well which helps immensely, and I continue to add to two new heaps. One is completed, one is almost and there are two new heaps of sticks, weeds, dirt, and vegetation scraps.

Update: The Zinnias have grown tall and healthy, although I have a concern about mildew growing on them. When I grow them this year, 2012, I'll have to watch them to keep it to a minimum. Milk jugs with a bit of milk filled with water and poured in a spray bottle may help to combat mold. Also, keeping them thinned so they get enough air circulation. Even better yet, I'll stop planting them near a solid fence and plant them in areas that are more open instead.

Last season, companion planting worked very well in mitigating the bad bugs and attracting the beneficial insects. The garden environment was is harmony, however I still have to combat the zucchini vine borer (SVB), and cucumber beetle.

There are a few winter varieties of squash that have different stems. The SVB is unable to burrow through to the inside; Seminole squash. I hope to find these, Cucurbita maschatas and Trombochino this year as a summer squash.

sageymania

Natural Healing with Herbs

I'm anticipating on sprouts popping up within the next few days. Additional plantings of lately - cucumber seeds, more daisies, cosmos, marigolds, turnips, peppers, and another row of snow peas.

I'm looking for medicinal herbs and plants to add to the garden such as marshmallow, licorice, angelica, chamomile, echinacea, feverfew, aloe vera, hops, passion flower, skullcap, gotu kola, lemon balm, and nettles. These are very handy to have when illnesses occur as you generally just have to steep either fresh or dry leaves and make tea. To add flavor, mint leaves, cinnamon, lemon balm and honey can be added.

Dandelion leaves, roots and flowerheads are chock full of vitamins, minerals and fiber, easily cooked similar to the way one would season and cook spinach. Red Clover is also a wonderful herb in that it assists the cirulatory system. Horseradish helps to clear up sinus congestion and a stuffy nose, while thyme and nettle clears up chest congestion.

Hops and skullcap are helpful for anxiety and nervous complaints or for indigestion and cramps resulting from anxiety. Use the tea before bed if you experience insomnia.

To make tea, steep 1 to 2 tablespoons of hops flowers in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes. For anxiety, drink 2 to 3 cups of tea made from hops and skullcap throughout the day.

sageymania