The articles in this category are provided by members. Tips on gardening and recipes for garden fertilization and pest management.
Deer Repellent Recipe
- Written by: Nancy Graham
1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
20 drops of clove oil
5 drops vegetable oil
5 drops of dish detergent
Pour in gallon container and fill with water. Use as needed. Also a good idea to keep in refrigerator.
Newspapers & Bananas
- Written by: Stevie Fava
I put down a layer 6-7 sheets of newspaper under my mulch. Helps keep down weeds, keeps plants moist, feeds worms and thus enriches the soil. Ink is now plant pased and save for even vegetables. I don't use the slick, heavy insert paper.
I bury banana skins under the roses. The skins decompose rapidly and roses are doing great.
Weed Killer Recipe
- Written by: Nancy Graham
2 Tbls Epsom Salts
1/4 Cup of Original Blue Dawn dish detergent
1 Gallon of white vinegar
Keeping Down Weeds
- Written by: Diane Gillespie
I'm still a big believer in putting down newspaper with either grass cliippings or wood chips on top as a weed barrier.
I keep large black pots out in the garden so when I walk around and weed, I simply throw the weeds in the pot. Worms go in through the holes and it turns to compost.
Propagating Favorites
- Written by: Linda Zwart
Find a branch that will reach the ground at the bottom of one of your favorite bushes. While still attached to the bush bend the branch down to see where it touches the ground. That's where you will scrape away the bark on the under side of the branch and rest that part into loosened soil just below ground level. Cover the section of the branch generously with soil and place a rock on top,heavy enough to hold it down. Water it now and then. Do it anytime during the growing season and next summer you wiIl have a rooted offspring to cut off and plant somewhere else. I've successfully rooted Hydrangeas, a Miss Kim Lilac, and a rhododendron.