Friday, October 17, 2014

Using Eggshells in the Garden


Recycling . . . I love using something that is usually thrown away in useful ways.  Eggshells are free and so beneficial in the garden.

As long as I can remember, eggshells were always put in the soil mixture when first planting tomato plants. We sprinkle eggshells as a mulch when slugs become a problem.  Those are the ways we have used eggshells in our organic garden.

I never used an elaborate technique for preparing the eggshells . . . just dried them out before using them. However, I have since learned it is important to prepare them for use in the garden.  Here is an excellent article on how to prepare your eggshells before using them.

11 Ingenious Uses for Eggshells from Good Housekeeping

Other links with information on using eggshells in the garden . . . from eHow and How Stuff Works.









read more

Sunday, September 7, 2014

How to Root Basil Indoors


If you love to cook using fresh basil, here are some ways to start new plants.

I've had great success propagating basil from cuttings . . . take a cutting and prepare as shown in the photo, dip in rooting hormone, plant in a container with well draining soil, water regularly and keep in indirect sun.

Here is another method from Birds and Blooms . . . click here.  

Photo source is Birds and Blooms.



read more