Making Peace with Weeds

I like to consider us a people marked by peace and understanding, kindness, goodness, you know all of those cool fruits of the Spirit. Yet find me in the garden swamped by weeds and you will see a woman bent on scorching the earth to rid itself of such vile plants. BUT! the upside is that weeds can sometimes be advantageous to have hanging around. The following weeds you might want to think twice about giving the ol' heave ho.

Dandelions - Wait, did she just say dandelions? Like "the" weed in everyone's yard that we all hate? Oh no she didn't! Dandelions are rich in minerals and young ones can actually be pulled (before turning bitter) and mixed into salads. The dandelion's roots can be made into a caffeine-free herbal tea even!

Lamb's Quarters - This plant attracts hoverflies, which eat every gardeners nemesis, aphids. They are high in iron, protein, calcium, and vitamin B. You can even sub this for spinach in salads!

Ivy - Attracts butterflies and bees

Clover - This is a nitrogen fixing plant, taking it from the air and fixing it into the soil in a form accessible to other plants.

Nettle -Important food for butterflies and you can boil the young leaves and eat them as a spinach substitute.

Chickweed - Good source of "green manure" because of how fast it grows.

Toadflax - Good source of nectar for insects who are into that sort of thing.

Slugging It Out- natural pest control

As I read Jenny's post, I realized that I take a lot of things for granted when it comes to gardening. I grew up on a farm and some of the things I do in my garden are almost second nature to me; some I have read, researched, or learned by trial and error. Some of these natural pest controls might not be second nature to newer gardeners. So, here are a few tips and tricks; maybe other contributors will have more tips and tricks to share too.

1. Slugs
These slimy, snail-like creatures really like to eat gerber daisies, some types of hostas, and other shade-loving plants. We decided to treat for them before starting to plant any flowers, herbs, or vegetables this year!

Place containers with low edges- like clay pot basins, plastic pot basins, and tin pie plates among areas where slugs are prevalent. If you use deeper containers, slightly bury the containers so the top edge is near the soil. In the evening, fill the containers with (cheap) beer. Though the yard will smell like a frat party, slugs will crawl in and drown. Replace beer every other day for about a week. Repeat treatments might be needed later in the season, but usually if caught early, less problems will be had later!

2. Marigolds & Petunias
Plant these among vegetables to help deter pests.

3. Companion Plants
Consult a companion planting guide; many different ones are available online. Some plants help protect others against pests- especially certain insects. Some herbs and vegetables do not thrive next to incompatible plants.

4. Herbs
There are also guides for herbs. For instance, when basil is planted among tomatoes, it supposedly improves the flavor of the tomatoes! This is one of my favorite herb sites- recipes; growing guides, facts sheets, etc.

• Mosquitoes- When working in the yard, we crush catnip leaves and spread the juices on our arms & legs for a natural mosquito repellent. Of course, bring some leaves inside the house is always a treat for our cats too. One hint on growing catnip- plant in pots off the ground unless you want to attract all the neighborhood cats!
• Insects- Citronella will repel insects, but works best if some leaves have been crushed to give off their stronger odor.
• Ants- Pour boiling water on the problem ant hill; try to kill the queen and the rest of the colony will follow.
• Yellow jackets/ Wasps- Use a natural trap (purchased or made) from a plastic bottle. Bait with fruit juice and a tiny bit of lunch meat; we found ours at a used store, and it been very successful for us. Another type is a water trap made from a plastic two-liter bottle; another similar idea.
• Cats & Dogs-Rue, citronella, lemon peels, grapefruit peels, orange peels, pine cones, geraniums, fuchsia, marigolds, and petunias all supposedly repel cats; and some repel dogs. (Look up more info on rue before planting though- it's incompatible with at least sage, basil, cabbage, and cauliflower!)
• Chipmunks & Squirrels- If chipmunks are digging holes in the garden or squirrels in flower boxes, sprinkle areas with dried red pepper flakes. For more critter suggestions, check online.

5. Sprays
There are homemade herbal garden sprays, insect repellent sprays, natural bug sprays to be used in the garden, herbal insecticides, etc.

Best of luck "slugging it out" with the pests! Feel free to share your own insights on garden pest controls and natural insect repellents.

Easy to Grow/Hard to Kill Gardening

Yesterday I was on the playground with my kids, having a conversation with Chelsea Kay *waves* and it dawned on me that there are probably just a few reasons why people are intimidated or are hesitant to take the plunge and try gardening.

1. lack of desire to get dirty/work in the yard
2. fear of failure

So while I can't do a thing about a person's lack of enthusiasm about working in the yard, the second part I might be able to help you get over! I think the key is starting small and starting with things that require little work but have a high yield. That way you will not only build confidence but see the literal fruits of your labor. So for the intimidated in the group, try the following easy to grow plants

Flowers:
Lilies - You could practically set these on fire and they would come back!
Black Eyed Susans
Hostas - Perfect for shaded areas of your yard
Yarrow - Is heat and drought tolerant
Lamb's Ear

Edibles:
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Zucchini
Red & Green Peppers
Lettuce

Indoor Growing:
Aloe - Smells wonderful and is great for cuts!
Bonsai trees
Ponytail Palm - Great for people who forget to water their plants!

Herbs:
Basil
Parsley
Chives
Mint - If you plant this outside, make sure you watch it. It's been known to grow wildly!
Lavender
Oregano
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme