Rayneschild April, 2011

Now begins the time of year that we start our gardens.  Before I start working a patch of ground I like to spend some time there and talk to the nature spirits.  I touch the earth and ask permission to use it:

I seek to borrow this ground from thee

My reasons why, you’ll shortly see

I will use this place in honor true

And when I’m done return it to you

This is a sacred space and I’d like to stay

And use it’s gifts then go away

After I use this place you’ve agreed to lend

We’ll all part as brand new friends.

After asking permission I sit quietly until I feel that it’s ok.  Sometime’s I get a sign, a breeze, a bird that’s much closer than usual whatever it is, I just know.  Once the connection is established whatever I grow alway’s seems to flourish if I work in tune with the Earth Spirits.

Tags: garden

• Articles

Anne Baird June, 2010

POT GARDENS

I spent the weekend replanting seventeen pots on my patio.

It was time. My glorious crop of spring crocuses, grape hyacinth, daffodils and tulips had finished. Only the memory of their pastel beauty and a tangle of withered blossoms and dead, brown leaves remained.

But before you plant new flowers in a pot, you must first clear out the old. Unless you do this, there will be no room for new growth. Every gardener knows that!

Clearing is hard work.

My bulbs were firmly entrenched. Their roots went deep. Worse, they were tangled with the roots of the palm I plant at the center of every pot. This palm is the heart and soul of each container, and continues for many seasons. I had to fight every rooted bulb to dislodge and remove it, without destroying the palm, though it inevitably suffered damage as I gently separated its roots from those of the tenacious, clinging bulbs.

When all was done, I dug in the hardened dirt to make it soft. I refreshed it with new soil, and mixed it together, rubbing it between my fingertips as though I was blending butter and salt to make pastry. When the soil was light and tender, the pot was ready to receive new planting. The palm looked chastened, and a bit fragile, but I knew it had the strength and stamina to send out new roots, and to regain its vitality. I let the pots rest overnight to absorb the shock of having been cleansed and fertilized.

Next day, I planted summer flowers. White impatiens, red geraniums, yellow marigolds, and blue, trailing lobelia. Soon, the pots were brimming with color and new life again. I swept the terrace, dumped the garbage bags filled with exhausted soil, and stored a few healthy bulbs for Fall’s replanting. A good watering, and my garden was good to go. I was filthy and tired, but deeply happy. Cares seem to melt away when you kneel in your garden!

When I’m gardening, I feel I am doing exactly what I should be doing. After all, God himself planted the first garden. And the very first job he gave to the very first man was to tend that garden and keep it beautiful. Gardening is God’s or the Goddess’s work.

Many have observed that gardening is a metaphor for life. It was one of Shakespeare’s favorite themes. “Our bodies are our gardens…our wills are our gardeners,” he famously said.

But human hearts and souls are gardens too. Every once in a while, we must clean out our inner pot. Get rid of worn-out bulbs and dead plants ~ old habits, griefs, attachments, disappointments, betrayals, outgrown dreams and obsessions ~ that no longer make life beautiful or give us joy.

It is desperately hard work. The old will not yield to the new without a struggle. There will be tearing and wrenching as you dig out and discard ideas and thoughts that have outlived their time. There may be a period of seeming barrenness, when life seems fragile, and stripped of the growth that once filled it. This is an illusion. A temporary condition. The old served no purpose since it was dead.

New growth and beauty will emerge when we make room for it! Try it, and watch your garden grow.

Anne Baird, Designer/Owner of GODDESS CARDS, is a self-taught artist who has been painting and writing since childhood. Her chosen media for her unique line of greeting cards is watercolor, with touches of gouache, ink and colored pencil.

Her GODDESS CARD line grew from a birthday card she created for her daughter, Amanda, in 2001. Amanda was disheartened at being a curvaceous beauty in the Land of Thin. (Los Angeles.) That seminal card declaring, “You’re a GODDESS, not a nymph!” evolved into a long line of love notes and affirmations for ALL women. At over 125 cards, the line is steadily growing.

Anne is inspired by the archetypal Legendary Goddesses, who have so much to teach today’s women. Her greatest inspiration however, comes from the Goddesses of Today, who write her with wonderful suggestions and thoughts that expand her consciousness and card line.

She has launched  an E-Goddess Card website, where the Goddess on the Go can send Goddess “e-cards”, enriched with music and stories, at the click of a mouse. (A virtual mouse.)

Tags: abundance, garden

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OSusun S. Weed September, 2009

Wild Foods for Wise Women
The Missing Part of Your Diet May Be In Your Own Back Yard

Boost Your Immunity and Prevent Cancer With Dandelion, Honeysuckle, Clover

and Other Ordinary Weeds

Did you know that many of those unglamorous “weeds” that you’ve been poisoning or pulling out of your garden and lawn are some of the world’s most well-respected and powerful healing plants? If not, you aren’t alone: many people don’t realize that common ordinary weeds can build and maintain good health. Common weeds that grow by you can boost your immunity, strengthen your liver, help you build strong blood, counter colds and the flu, increase your vitality, and even prevent cancer.

Health-promoting weeds are easy to find (even in the city), easy to identify, easy to prepare, incredibly abundant, and as delicious as high-priced gourmet goodies. Go outside right now and see if you can find one or more of my seven favorites: Burdock, Dandelion, Honeysuckle, Plantain, Red Clover, Violet, or Yellow Dock.  (To the botanist: Arctium lappa, Taraxacum officinale, Plantago majus, Trifolium pratense, Viola odorata, and Rumex crispus.) You probably take them for granted. But if they could talk, they would say “Here we are! We love you! We’re waiting to change your life!”

How can they change your life? When properly prepared and used, these weeds can boost your immunity, strengthen your liver, renew your energy, and help prevent cancer. And the best part is, they’re free!
Immune System Boosters

Dandelion and Honeysuckle are particularly good builders of the immune system. (The immune system is a network of cells and cell products that defends the body against disease-causing organisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and cancer cells.) Dandelion root tincture (20 drops, 2-3 times a day) actually increases the production of interferon, a protein that inhibits viral multiplication and activates T-cells.

Can a powerful immune system prevent cancer? Put cancer into remission? Prevent the recurrence of cancer that has been treated? Stop a cancer from metastasizing? In my book Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way, I answer these questions affirmatively (and share recipes for immune-building soups, too). Building powerful immunity can help us remain cancer-free and it provides long-lasting benefits – and long life – for relatively little effort.
Liver Strengtheners

The liver is the body’s recycling center. This large organ is critical to healthy digestive functioning, utilization of hormones, and removal of chemicals from the body. Dandelion is an outstanding liver strengthener. It is known to protect, heal and tone up the liver, helping to relieve food allergies and aid digestion, as well as repairing damage done by drugs, chemicals, alcohol, and infections such as hepatitis. Burdock, Red Clover, Plantain, and Yellow Dock are also powerful liver strengtheners.

Most experienced healers that I’ve met are unanimous in their agreement that a healthy liver is the basis for a healthy and long life. Perhaps the single most important benefit to be gained from befriending the weeds is the strengthening of your liver function.

Dandelion, Yellow Dock, or Burdock roots are used in tinctures (20 drops, 2-3 times a day) or vinegars (1-2 large spoonsful on salad daily); Red Clover is best taken as an infusion; Plantain leaves are eaten in salad or infused in apple cider vinegar.
Blood Builders

Yellow Dock builds strong blood. Strong blood is rich in iron and other minerals needed for health. Strong blood is nutrient-rich – so vital organs get the nourishment they need for optimum functioning. Strong blood helps muscles work well without cramping and aching. Strong blood is low in cholesterol and moves easily through the circulatory system. Strong blood is packed with plenty of energy: for life, for work, and for sex.

Other green allies that build strong blood are Dandelion leaves, Red Clover blossoms, and Plantain leaves. (And for strong veins, Burdock root vinegar is a trusted ally.) Daily doses of Yellow Dock root – vinegar (see below) or tincture (5-20 drops once or twice a day) – often increase iron levels in the blood twice as fast as iron supplements.  If you wish to avoid alcohol, soak chopped fresh Yellow Dock roots (or any of the other plants mentioned here) in vinegar to cover for 6 weeks. I use 1-2 tablespoons a day of the resulting medicinal vinegar to build strong blood.
Counter Colds and the Flu

Throughout the orient, Honeysuckle flowers are steeped in water and the resulting strong tea – scientifically established as antiseptic, anti-microbial, and anti-infective – drunk to ward off colds and the flu.  (An injectable form of Honeysuckle is used in Chinese hospitals to counter severe infections.)  Red Clover blossoms mixed with ordinary mint and steeped in hot water for several hours is an effective “cold remedy” passed down from Colonial housewives.
Increase Vitality, Even Prevent Cancer

The leaves of Violets and the blossoms of both Honeysuckle and Red Clover are renowned as safe, life-enhancing tonics. In addition to enhancing vitality and rejuvenating fertility, they have proven effectiveness against pre-cancerous conditions. Red Clover especially is noted for its ability to reverse in situ breast cancers, cervical dysplasia, and pre-cancerous polyps of the colon. Violet, whether drunk in infusion or applied as a poultice, has a reputation as a dissolver of breast lumps and a protector of the lungs, even checking the growth of tumors.
Anti-Cancer Agents

The most amazing thing about these seven humble plants is that each of them has been associated with cancer prevention. Plantain is an important Latin-American folk remedy against cancer. Burdock as a specific cure for breast cancer dates back to at least 1887 in the Ukraine. Around the world, Red Clover is a widely used folk remedy against cancer and is known as “The herb of immortality.” Dandelion is known to stop the promotion of oncogenes. (When damaged or turned on, an oncogene initiates cancer.) Violet slows tumor growth. Honeysuckle is a popular anti-cancer agent in China. Yellow dock is one of the original plants in the Native American anti-cancer brew now known as Essiac.

As you can see, these seven plants are not useless weeds by any means. Even if you don’t reach out and pick them from your yard (or that nearby vacant lot), I know you’ll be more aware of the abundance of green blessings surrounding you.

For more information on how to prepare and use herbs consult any of my books including Healing Wise and Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way. (Available in book stores and health food stores, or by calling 1-800-356-9315)
How To Use These Amazing Plants

Burdock:

* Dig first-year roots in autumn; use mature seeds.
* Used internally, it resolves chronic skin problems; fresh root binds and removes heavy metals and chemicals.
* Use daily for six or more weeks;  it is not unusual to take burdock regularly for 2 to 3 years.
* Dried root infusion: 1 to 2 cups.
* Cooked, dried, or raw root: eaten freely.
* Fresh root vinegar: 1-4 tablespoons.
* Tincture of fresh roots or seeds: 30-250 drops.
* Infused oil of seeds: as needed on skin or scalp to encourage growth of new hair.
* Burdock is slow acting but miraculous.

Dandelion:

* Leaves are nourishing, roots are tonifying.
* Improves outlook, improves digestion and appetite, relieves food allergies.
* Can use daily for prolonged use.
* Fresh leaves and flowers: eaten freely.
* Cooked greens: ½ to 2 cups (125 to 500 ml).
* Dried root infusion (tea) 1 to 3 cups (250-750 ml).
* Tincture of fresh plant, including root: 15-120 drops.
* Wine of fresh flowers: no more than 6 oz (200 ml).
* Infused oil of fresh flowers: as needed.
* Dandelion is a superb ally for liver and breasts. Regular use – internally before meals and externally before sleep – helps keep breasts healthy, reverses cancerous changes. Digestion is settled and strengthened a few minutes after taking a dose. Results in breast tissue are slower, taking six weeks or more to become evident.

Honeysuckle:

One of the most vigorous vines known, Honeysuckle makes an excellent complementary medicine for many Western drugs, moderating or eliminating many of their damaging side-effects. The flowerbuds are harvested in May or June, dried quickly in the sun without turning or handling, infused in water overnight (one ounce dried blossoms to one quart boiling water in a tightly sealed jar steeped for 4-10 hours), and drunk freely.
Plantain:

* Use leaves, harvested any time, or ripe seeds with hulls.
* Internal use:
* Seeds: anti-microbial, against thrush;
* Leaves: promote blood clotting, increase in iron, strengthen digestion.
* Used externally: leaf poultice or oil reduces cysts, heals skin and connective tissues, stops itching and prevents scars.
* Daily use: no limit.
* Raw leaves: 3-20 chopped in salad.
* Fresh leaf vinegar: 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml).
* Fresh leaf oil/ointment or poultice: as needed.
* Internal response is prompt; noticeable improvement in blood iron is seen in two weeks of daily use. External response is also rapid: itching ceases, bleeding stops, pain abates, and swelling recedes in minutes. Plantain promotes quick, scarless healing from all wounds.

Red Clover:

* Use the just-opened blossoms with a few leaves clinging.
* Internally: alkalinizes, builds blood; helps prevent the recurrence of cancer, protects liver and lungs, improves appetite, relieves constipation, eases anxiety; relieves symptoms of menopause, increases fertility.
* Externally: softens and reduces breast lumps; is antifungal.
* Daily use is without limit.
* Fresh blossoms: eaten freely.
* Infusion (tea) of dried flowers: up to one quart (1 liter).
* Tincture/mother tincture of fresh blossoms: 15-100 drops.
* Fresh flower vinegar: 1-4 tablespoons (15-60 ml).
* Note: Over consumption of blood-thinning coumarins, which are present only in low amounts in red clover but found in greater amounts in other clovers such as sweet clover, can lead to the breakdown of blood cells and increase risk of hemorrhage.
* Red clover (legume family) shares with its sisters, lentil and astragalus, the ability to repair damaged DNA, turn off oncogenes, and reverse both pre-cancers and in situ cancers.  According to J. Hartwell, author of Plants Used Against Cancer, medical literature has reported and confirmed hundreds of cases of remission of cancer after consistent use of red clover. I agree.

Violet:

* Use the leaves, harvested any time, even during flowering.
* Externally: Eases pain and inflammation, heals mouth sores, softens skin, antifungal.
* Daily dose: Use without limit, non-toxic.
* Fresh leaves: in salad, as desired.
* Dried leaf infusion: up to one quart (1 liter).
* Fresh or dried leaf poultice: continuously.
* Internal and external use of violet can shrink a breast lump in a month.

Yellow Dock:

* Use roots of a plant at least two years old, dug after autumn frosts, or very early in the spring; leaves, harvested at any time, use ripe seeds.
* Internally: as root tincture or vinegar, yellow dock builds healthy blood, protects liver, and acts as a laxative. As a seed tea, it heals mouth sores and checks diarrhea.
* Externally: Poultices dissolve lumps, counter tumors and kill fungus infections.
* Can be used daily for up to 12 months.
* Tincture of fresh roots: 10-60 drops per day.
* Fresh root vinegar: 1-2 tablespoons (30 ml) per day.
* Dried seed tea: no more than one cup (250 ml) per day.
* Fresh root oil/ointment: liberally, as needed.

Tags: backyard, garden, healing, health, Herbal, herbs

• Herbal

Administrator September, 2009

Your Own Faery Garden

Faeries aren’t as cute and innocent as authors like Shakespeare has made them
out to be. Granted, there are good faeries but with the good, you always have
to expect the dark side ) If you believe and love faeries, then you may
want to attract them into your home at times other than Midsummer.  A good
way to attract faeries to you is to give them their own little garden.  It
doesn’t have to be elaborate (keep in mind they don’t like metals, iron,
etc.). As a matter of fact, a small container garden would do just fine.
Here’s a list of flowers that are said to attract them and why.

Foxglove - Name is derived from “Little Folks’ Glove”. They use the blossoms
for hats and boots
Campanile-they use for drinking vessels
Bleeding Hearts – they use to store faerie dust and other treasures
Tulips – are used as cradles for their young
Monkshood-are worn as helmets by faerie guards and knights
Lily of the Valley – it said their little bells rings when faeries are
singing
Ferns-make excellent privacy screens
Moss and thyme are favorites for bedding material.
Primroses–make the invisible visible. Eating them lets you see faeries. If
one touches a faerie rock with the correct number of primroses in a posy, the
way to faerieland and faerie gifts is made clear. The wrong number means
certain doom.
Ragwort-used as makeshift horses by the faerie.

Wild Thyme-part of a recipe for a brew to make one see the faeries. The tops
of the Wild Thyme must be gathered near the side of a faerie hill.
Cowslips-these are loved and protected by the faeries. They help one to find
hidden faerie gold.
Pansies-the flower that was used as a love potion by Oberon, a faerie king
thought to have been invented by Shakespeare.
Bluebell-one who hears a bluebell ring will soon die. A field of bluebells
is especially dangerous, as it is intricately interwoven with faerie
enchantments.
Clover-a four-leafed one may be used to break a faerie spell.
Hazel-Celtic legend says it is the receptacle of knowledge; the hazelnut is
a symbol of fertility in England.
Rowan-protects against bad spirits. Used in butter churns so that the butter
would not be overlooked by faeries. Bewitched horses may be controlled by a
rowan whip. Druids used rowan wood for fires with which they called up
spirits whom could be forced to answer questions when rowan berries were
spread over the flayed hides of bulls.

Fairy Ring Mushroom-marks the boundaries of faerie rings.

Plants and the Fae who are attracted to it:

Basil- The Fae of the Basil help us awaken greater discipline and devotion
Buttercup- This flower and its Faerie bring healing energies, They help us
rediscover our self worth
Carnation- Their energy is healing to the body, contact with them strengthens
the aura
Clover- The clover Faeries assist in finding love and fidelity
Daisy- The daisy is a favorite of Dryads (wood nymphs) The Faeries help
awaken creativity
Gardenia- This special Faerie stimulates feelings of peace, The Fae of this
flower are VERY protective towards children
Heather-The Fae of this flower are drawn to humans who are shy
Jasmine- These Fae love to invoke pleasant dreams, They have also been known
to help develop mental clarity
Lily- These Faeries help in the development of purity and humility
Rose- The Faerie of the rose can help in all aspects of love and fertility
Sage- They awaken a sense of wisdom in your life
Snapdragon- These bring humans great protection
Thyme- Thyme draws the wee Folk into your sleeping chambers

Some more flowers that Fae are attracted to:

Achillea millefolium (common yarrow)
Aster novi-belgii (New York aster)
Chrysanthemum maximum (shasta daisy)
Coreopsis grandiflora/verticillata (coreopsis)
Agastache occidentalis (western giant hyssop or horsemint)
Lavendula dentata (French lavender)
Rosemarinus officinalis (rosemary)
Thymus (thyme)
Buddleia alternifolia (fountain butterfly bush)
Buddleia davidii (orange-eye butterfly bush, summer lilac)
Potentilla fruitiosa (shrubby cinquefoil)
Petunia hybrida (common garden petunia)
Verbena (verbenas, vervains)
Scabiosa caucasica (pincushion flowers)
Cosmos bipinnatus (cosmos)
Zinnia elegans (common zinnia)

Light

Faeries also love light so putting many bright white flowers would also
welcome them into your little garden.

If you want to attract water spirtes
Incorporating the sound of water somehow (like a little fountain statue)
would definitely make them happy. And also, pay attention ) Work with them,
make them your allies. . .learn about the elemental realms and learn to work
with energy

Here’s a little ritual to make faerie allies:

Air Fairy– Nature: Cloud, Storm  Elemental: Slyph

The power of the eagle
the power of the storm
And the hand of valor
Which a blade well becomes~
Come now breath of Dana

The air fairy is easiset to make contact with during sunset, or on a foggy or
misty day. To connect with this ally means allowing time for cloud watching.
The air fairy is the sculptor of the imaginary world and will
reveal itself through the a cloud formation, in a thunder cloud or a
glittering glimpse from the corner of the eye. To call this ally, you must go
outside in an open space, turn 3 times in a deosil circle, each time throwing
up a handful of glitter into the air. On the completion of the third round,
lay down and say the chant above while looking at the clouds. The use of a
flute or whistle will help call the slyph. They love music and vibrations.
The whistle or flute will help you attune yourself with the air fairy. Once
an Air ally has been found, theirs is the energy of inspiration. They will
help free the mind by drawing you into the imaginary realm, floating you into
unfettered territory so the mind disengages the ego, and your inner
child can dance freely. You will know you have made an ally if you return
from your day dream feeling refreshed and inspired. Don’t forget to ask the
air fairy to identify themselves, providing instructions on how to further
communicate with it. It is also important to present their realm with a gift
(the glitter won’t work).
I would encourage leaving a decorated feather which is to be tossed in the
air and left behind for your new Ally.

Tags: fae, faeries, faery, fairies, fairy, garden

• Articles

Beckah Boyd March, 2009

Keeping Your Familiar Safe in the Garden

Ostara is a time of fertility; many of the rituals that take place are based around blessing the seeds for this year’s crop of plants. We look around us and nature is awakening, birds, animals and plants are all awakening around us. We are coming out of our own winter stupors. It is a beautiful time. The old Sabbats were all based around the planting cycle. In that vein we are going to talk about how to keep your furry friend safe from common plants and chemicals that can have severe even lethal effects on him or her.

Most animals (like us) have very sensitive digestive systems. I know it is tough for me to keep plants in the house, as my cats love things to munch on especially foliage or thin branches. Even though a plant may not be toxic it could cause a bout of indigestion. There are plenty of common plants that can harm or even kill a beloved pet so let’s review them.

Courtesy of the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center 1

Marijuana – Ingestion of Cannabis sativa by companion animals can result in depression of the central nervous system and in coordination, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, and even seizures and coma.

Sago Palm – All parts of Cycas Revoluta are poisonous, but the seeds or “nuts” contain the largest amount of toxin. The ingestion of just one or two seeds can result in very serious effects, which include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and liver failure.

Lilies – Members of the Lilium spp. are considered to be highly toxic to cats. While the poisonous component has not yet been identified, it is clear that with even ingestions of very small amounts of the plant, severe kidney damage could result.

Tulip/Narcissus bulbs – The bulb portions of Tulipa/Narcissus spp. contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.

Azalea/Rhododendron – Members of the Rhododendron spp. contain substances known as grayantoxins, which can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system in animals. Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.

Oleander – All parts of Nerium oleander are considered to be toxic, as they contain cardiac glycosides that have the potential to cause serious effects—including gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.

Castor Bean – The poisonous principle in Ricinus communis is ricin, a highly toxic protein that can produce severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite. Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma and death.

Cyclamen – Cylamen species contain cyclamine, but the highest concentration of this toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant. If consumed, Cylamen can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported in some cases.

Kalanchoe – This plant contains components that can produce gastrointestinal irritation, as well as those that are toxic to the heart, and can seriously affect cardiac rhythm and rate.

Yew – Taxus spp. contains a toxic component known as taxine, which causes central nervous system effects such as trembling, in coordination, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death.

Harmful Common House Plants

While there are harmful plants we need to be aware of, there are also many other beautiful but deadly plants that are kept inside (or outside) of the home that can negatively affect our animals such as:

Aloe Vera

Seven Barks

Tomatoes – The fruit can cause anxiety.

Pothos – can cause severe mouth pain

Lily of the Valley
Red Maple (only to horses though)

White Snakeroot – all parts are poisonous most highly to dogs, rabbits and horses though

Bleeding Heart – extremely toxic to cats

Common Safe Garden Plants

There are some beautiful safe plants for cats and dogs, as well as edible flowers that can be placed in the garden or home and will flourish! Here is a list of some safe plants.

Carnations (pink petals)

Johnny-Jump-Up Petunias Dandelions

Hollyhocks

Snapdragons

Impatiens

Pineapple Sage

Zinnia

Pansies

African Violets

Nasturtiums

Sunflowers

Hibiscus Flowers

Magnolia Miniature Roses

Geraniums

Fern

Lavender

Spider Plant

Grape Ivy

Bamboo

Primrose

Orchid

Cast Iron Plant

To see a full listing of pet friendly plants  http://www.cfainc.org/articles/plants-non-toxic.html

Pet Friendly Pesticides

One of the most important things we need to consider is how you take care of your garden there are a ton of pests that can infest and threaten not only the beauty of the garden now but the potential harvest later. So lets look at some very easy to make, organic pesticides, using things you have around the home!

Clove Water:

Good for aphids and spider mites

1 Tbsp Cloves crushed

1 Spray Bottle filled with water

Directions: Put crushed cloves into water bottle, screw on cap and shake to mix. Spray on top of and under leaves once a day for three days or until all pests are dead. Be sure not to spray buds or flowers.

Salt Spray:

Good for cabbage worms and spider mites

2 Tbsp Salt

1 Gallon of water

Directions: Mix and Spray

Spearmint-Hot Pepper-Horseradish Spray:

Good for many different types of insects

½ C. hot red peppers

Water (read below)

½ C. fresh spearmint

12 C. horseradish root and leaves

2 Tbsp. non-toxic liquid detergent

½ C. green onion tops

Directions: Mix all vegetable and herbal ingredients in a big jar or vat, and then put in enough water to cover everything. Let sit for a couple of hours then strain. Add a half-gallon water and the detergent. To use this solution dilute it by using a half-gallon of the solution with a half-gallon of water. You can use it to spray pretty much any plant safely. Store the mix for a few days in a cool environment.

For more pet friendly and organic pesticides check out these sites!

http://www.riverhouse.com.au/recipes/pest_control.html

http://www.essortment.com/all/homemadeorgani_renu.htm

It’s great to have your cake and eat it to. With a wide variety of plant options, and some old farmer’s tricks for bug care you can have a marvelous garden in your home or outside. Just remember to hide the catnip!

ASPCA

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/17-common-poisonous-plants.html

Tags: animal, familiar, garden, safety

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