Growing A Potato Vine Plant

I wondered for a long time how I could grow my own sweet potatoes. I knew that those little sprouts had something to do with growing more sweet potatoes!!!

I came across yet another super easy tutorial with info-graphic on face book this morning that teaches us all how to do this very thing. So I thought I would share!!

How to make:

• Take a sweet potato that has several eyes.
• Stick four or more toothpicks or shortened skewers into the middle of the potato. Suspend the potato in a wide-mouth glass jar resting the toothpicks on the glass rim to support the potato. Fill the jar with water until it covers some of the eyes on the bottom of the potato.
• Place the jar in an area with filtered light and watch the roots grow and the eyes sprout.
• When the plant has developed a good root system and has grown at least three leaves on each sprout, move it to a pot and cover the roots and the potato with soil.
• Clip the ends of the vines when they reach eight to 10 inches long to encourage a bushier plant. Fertilize the plant on a regular basis and enjoy the beautiful results.

Source: Goods Home Design

Foods That Will Re-Grow From Kitchen Scraps, Cleanse the Liver, and Boost Your Brain!

Compliments of The Farmacy!

 

Click to enlarge photo

Counter High Garden Boxes

Ana White has come up with some great plans for a counter high garden box for those of us who have trouble doing our gardening on the ground like we use to.  I am very envious of these garden beds. They are absolutely GORGEOUS!! My husband is not going to be to happy about them though lol. Below are the plans to build your own.

(Note: As suggested by a reader of mine who has already built these, she recommends that you come up with a drip system for watering because of the heat and to also make them deeper than 6 inches for optimal root growth.)

Dimensions

Dimensions: 

24" x 48" x 32"

Materials and Tools

Shopping List: 

2 - 4x4 fir or cedar post (fir is cheaper and lasts nearly as long)
2 - 1x8x8 cedar boards
2 - 1x3x8 cedar boards
1 - roll of 1/4" hardware cloth 50x24" (make sure to get hardware cloth with 1/4" holes, 1/2 inch is too large and all your dirt will fall through)
16 - 2 inch 14-20 hex bolts
16 - washers
16 - Threaded inserts (http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/Hex-Drive-Threaded-Insert-4ZU78)
12 - 1 1/2 inch brass or galvanized screws

Tools: 

measuring tape

square

pencil

safety glasses

hearing protection

drill

compound miter saw

Cut List

Cut List: 

Legs: cut the 4x4's into 4 - 32 inch legs
Sides: cut one of the 1x8x8 into 2 - 48 inch lengths
Ends: Cut one of the 1x8x8 into 2 - 24 inch lengths
Bottom slats: cut the 2 - 1x3x8 into 6 24 inch lengths
Bottom hardware cloth: cut the hardware cloth into a 24x50 inch rectangle.

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Step 1

I cut all pieces out and assembled the bed using one or two pin nails on each side of the leg to hold together...I then used a hand drill to drill the three or two holes(which ever you decide on) onto each side piece only going through the the side piece and only marking the legs. The leg holes really need to be drilled as straight as possible and at the depth you need for your bolts. I used a drill press to make sure of the depth and that the holes are very straight to except the thread inserts.

You can read the bit below for other info but I would definitely use the hand drill for marking the legs.

Drill your three holes in the 1x8 pieces then place them against the 4x4 pieces in the location they need to be(I set up all the pieces and number the legs and the boards and draw arrow for the top on the boards for later reference then using one pin nail on each side to hold it all together I mark where the holes will go on the legs) and using a center punch hammer into each hole marking the 4x4 so you can drill the corresponding holes. I used all 1/4-20 screws and I used E-Z LOK threaded inserts instead of drilling all the way through the 4x4. I made sure that I drilled the hole deep enough in the 4x4 so that when I inserted the thread and bolted the sides on I would be able to screw them on tight.

Step 2

He is an image of the planter upside down with the 1x8 bolted into place

Step 3

Attaching the hardware cloth. I made sure that when the planter was together that it was no more then 24 inch wide this way the hardware cloth would fit the width without me having to sew together or cutting down the width. I only had to cut the length because I purchase hardware wire that was 24 inches wide by 25 feet long. I can make 6 planters with this one roll of hardware wire.

Step 4

close up of how staple the hardware cloth around the legs.

Step 5

Once the hardware wire is stapled into place I need to add slats to the bottom so that the weight of the soil will not pull off the hardware cloth.

Step 6

placing the slats equal distances apart and screwing into the bottom using two screws in each end of each slat.

Step 7

The planter turned right side up

Step 8

another close up

Step 9

used coconut cloth in the bottom however you could use newspaper, compost or anything that isn't harmful to the soil and your plants to keep the dirt in.

Step 10

And this is how my garden grows.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions: 

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth. It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Home Remedy For Repelling Ticks & Fleas

It is that time of year again!! Fleas and ticks are starting to be reborn just to terrorize us and our beloved animals.

However, there is good news!! You do not have to go broke treating your animals, yourself or your yard to repel these nasty boogers.  You can make your own using natural ingredients at half the cost.  Below are a few ways to keep the ticks off you, your pets and your yard.

Garlic;

• Ticks HATE Garlic so as my Grandmother and Ben Franklin use to say.... "An ounce of prevention is greater than a pound of cure." Plant garlic in your yard, around your yard or anywhere you do not want the ticks to live.  Not only will these deter them from your yard, you will also have fresh garlic when you need it.  You can also eat raw garlic or take garlic tabs so it is in your blood. They can smell it and will not attach themselves to you if garlic is in your system. (Garlic tabs are safe for your dogs as well.

Neem Oil;

• You can either use neem oil or soak neem leaves in hot water and then apply this on the skin.
• For Pets; Prepare a general flea and tick spray by mixing 2.5 ml (1/2 ounce) of organic neem oil with 1-2 ml (1/4-1/2 ounce) of mild soap or detergent and 2 cups water. For a stronger solution if there is a problem or the dog will be going into deep bug country, mix 5 ml neem oil, 2 ml mild soap or detergent and 2 cups water. Use warm, not hot, water to dissolve the oil. Mix water and soap first and then slowly add neem oil for flea and tick control. Add to sprayer and use immediately. Discard after use. Neem oil is unstable and breaks down after 8 hours. Mix new each time.
• Place a few drops of neem oil on palms and simply rub hands through your pet's fur for effective flea and tick control. Neem oil is best used this way for dogs, only, not for cats. For sensitive dogs, dilute the neem oil 1:10 in a light carrier oil like almond or jojoba and rub palms first. Then run hands thoroughly through the dog's coat for natural, effective flea and tick control.
• Warnings
  Caution is advised when using neem oil on animals that are breeders or about to be bred. Use neem oil at half strength for flea and tick control.
  Do not treat cats with concentrated neem oil that is left on the skin. Using neem leaf tea is far safer for felines.  

Tea Tree Oil; 

• Tea Tree oil is a great repellent. Once mixed, you spray it on the skin or fur and rub in.  I also make sure and pray it on our shoes and pant legs if we are going camping or into the woods so we don't carry home any piggy back riders.
• To make; Mix two ounces of tea tree oil in water and pour it in a spray bottle. Spray this regularly on your skin.
• You can also Spray your yard area with this mixture.

Other effective natural remedies:

• Natural herbs; Lavender oil, Lavender plants, Lemon Grass, Peppermint or citronella are all very effective in keeping fleas off your yard. We make sure to have some every year and we have not had to use chemicals on our yard/ house or body for fleas, ticks or mosquitoes in 3 years now. 
• A few more ways to repel fleas and ticks; eucalyptus, myrrh, rosewood, or Lemon.
• Lemon; Take 6 lemons and cut in half. Boil these in a quart of water and steep for a few hours. Strain the solution and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the pet’s fur but avoid the eyes.

These are just a few of the simple ways you can prevent an infestation of fleas or ticks in your living area and make the family pet a happy go lucky Fido instead of a miserable, itchy one.

Please feel free to leave ideas and other remedies in the comment section below!!

66 Foods You Can Grow In Containers

No More complaining you can not grow your own food because you live in an apartment or in the city!! There is no excuse for not growing something you can eat and not buy.

Below is a list of things you can grow in containers!!This list was generated by Dr Akilah El – Celestial Healing Wellness Center.

Tree fruits – including apples

1. Apples can be grown in a container; you can also grow them on the balcony or other small space using a technique called espaliering.
2. Kumquats
3. Avocados (plenty of extra tips online if you search)
4. Blackberries
5. Blueberries (sometimes helpful videos are available online)
6. Pomegranate
7. Cherries
8. Figs
9. Pears

Citrus fruits

Citrus trees in particular are said to be good for beginning gardeners and are easy to grow indoors, so don’t let inexperience or lack of outdoor space stop you from enjoying fresh-picked, hyper-local fruit.

10. Dwarf oranges
11. Grapefruit
12. Tangerines
13. Meyer lemons
14. Limes

Tropical fruits

Tropical fruits can also be surprisingly easy to grow indoors, even in non-tropical climates. Such as…

15. Bananas (look for container gardening tips online)
16. Pineapple
17. Papaya
18. Guavas (several varieties)

The real surprises

19. Hops—yes, as in the “spice” ingredient in beer. Turns out they’re easy to grow!
20. Aloe Vera
21. Strawberries
22. Tea (well, herbal tea)
23. Quinoa!

The non-surprises

24. Tomatoes
25. Summer squash
26. Other squashes, like acorn and pumpkin
27. Hot Peppers
28. Sweet peppers
29. Cucumbers

Melons

30. Small cantaloupe
31. Jenny Lind melon (an heirloom cantaloupe)
32. Golden Midget Watermelon

Herbs

Just about any herb grows well indoors—just be sure that if you’re going to do any container-sharing, you do your research first about which herbs co-habitate well together. (Some will hog water, for example, and leave the others dried out.)

33. Basil
34. Oregano
35. Parsley
36. Rosemary
37. Chives
38. Catnip
39. Thyme
40. Sage
41. Parsley

Leafy Greens

42. Kale
43. Mesclun greens
44. Spinach
45. Swiss chard
46. Lettuces (plenty of options there, from micro-greens to head or loose-leaf)
47. Mustard greens
48. Collard greens
49. Arugula

Root Vegetables

50. Carrots
51. Beets
52. Potatoes

Other healthy-sounding stuff

53. Sprouts
54. More sprouts: mung bean and lentil sprouts
55. Wheatgrass
56. Kohlrabi
57. Turnips
58. Rutabagas
59. Celeriac
60. Parsnips
61. Jerusalem Artichoke
62. Sugar snap peas
63. Rhubarb (not ideal in a container, but it can work)
64. Mushrooms (again, more tips online if you look)
65. Pole Beans
66. Aaaand… asparagus, although some disagree that it does well in a container. Try it if you’re ok with a risk!

Re- Growing Celery

 Don't toss that celery base! Did you know you can use it to re-grow a new bunch of celery?
I recently came across this topic on both Facebook and Pinterest, so I had to learn more. (Who knew that celery proliferation was all the rage?) It's apparently quite simple: just stand the base in a small dish of water for a week or so until new leaves appear in the center. The leaves will be yellow at first, and once they really emerge and turn green, you can plant the celery in the ground or in a pot.

You can also re-grow green onions, potato ends, ginger root, pineapples, avocados and garlic the same way.

Source

DIY Compost Bin or Washing Machine?

DIY Compost Bin or Washing Machine?

Materials:

• 3 2x4 x 8 pressure treated lumber

• 1 galvanized chain link fence post

• 4 3.5inch 1/4 bolts with washers and nuts

• 6 or 8 6" 60d nails

• one 55 gal barrel (must be food grade)

• 4 latches

• one piano hinge

• one box of 10-32 3/4" nuts and bolts ( make sure they fit your hinges and latches)

The Picture is self explanatory. Paint if you want.  If you wanted you could even fashion some sort of handles at either end of the fence post to turn your compost bin and shake things up a bit.

I have been told this sort of compost bin is only good for kitchen scraps because it dries out very easily due to the holes placed in the barrel so watering it on a regular basis is a necessity.  A man also suggested adding some rods through the barrel to loosen and break up the material as you spin the barrel.  Otherwise your compost could turn into a solid chunk making it near impossible to remove from the barrel (unless the door is bigger.)  Sounds like good advise in my opinion. 

My thoughts when I first saw this was a home made washing machine.  I do not think it would be that hard to add some sort of rings to the door making the door air tight. What is all of your opinions about this contraption?  Any ideas? 

Keepin it Spicy,
Jalapeño Gal

DIY Raised Bed or Gardening

DIY Raised Bed For Gardening

Guest article by GardenGalBevy

For this project, you will need two 8 foot 2×12 planks (cut in half), 4 corner brackets, screws, weed preventing landscape cloth, scrap cardboard, veggie scraps, green leaves, green grass clipping or other green matter, leaves, twigs, dried hay/grass or other brown material, organic soil.

NOTE:(we made our raised bed 3×6 to fit our space. you can make yours whatever size you wish. 4×4 is easier to work without the need for stepping in the soil. and we used brackets we had on hand.  choose whatever works best for you.)

4 Simple Steps to Grow a Hundred Pounds of Potatoes in a Barrel

4 Simple Steps to Grow a Hundred Pounds of Potatoes in a Barrel

by Timothy Hurst on June 1, 2010

1. Select and prepare a container

You'll need to pick out a container such as a 50-gallon trash barrel or one of those half whiskey barrel planters. Alternatively, you can buy used food-grade barrels or commercially-available potato planters. Just about any 2 to 3-foot tall container will work, but be sure to select a container that either already has holes in it, or is okay to cut holes in. Next you'll want to clean your container with a mild bleach solution to get out any of the nasties that have been lingering in there. If you don't want to use bleach, you can make a bleach alternative to use instead.

Good drainage is critical for the cultivation of healthy potatoes so you'll want to cut or drill a series of large drainage holes in the bottom and bottom sides of your container. Alternatively, you can cut out the bottom altogether and place it on a well-drained surface like your garden bed.