Companion Planting.....

Companion planting is the equivalent of planning a dinner where feuding relatives have to sit at the same table. One can sit here, but not too close to this one or prepare for a fight that would rival what you’d see on “reality” tv (though there’s no hair pulling in the plant world). Companion planting is confusing, frustrating and oh how I wish I’d thought of it! That’s because it’s also genius. It’s an inexpensive and easy way of using nature to ward off pests, improve soil conditions and help your crops thrive. And while one can’t be expected to remember every single combination, there are a few that stand out.

Garlic, onions and roses

There’s something ironic about the combination of stinky (but yummy) garlic and sweet smelling roses that makes the two a perfect pair. Last fall I planted some garlic and onions amongst two rose bushes to test the theory. Wow! While all my other roses had aphids galore, these were pretty much aphid free. Japanese beetles also neglected to makes themselves at home. I ended up with lovely healthy roses without the help of pesticides or fertilizers, as well as a harvest of garlic and onions. Win-win.

The three sisters

Corn, beans and squash (usually pumpkins) aren’t just a great combination for your Thanksgiving table. Together they make up what’s known as “the three sisters.” According to Iroquois legend, the three balance and aid each other in production. Modern scientific evidence supports this theory. The beans put nitrogen into the soil via their roots, which helps the corn. The beans also climb the corn stalks, stabilizing them from harsh weather. The squash below acts like a natural mulch, helping keep the soil moist and keeping predators from getting to the corn or beans. Renee’s Garden (www.reneesgarden.com) even sells a seed packet with all three, appropriately named Native American Three Sisters Garden.

Of mints and marigolds

Catnip is a popular member of the mint family that is said to repel flea beetles, Japanese beetles, squash bugs, ants and weevils. While it can get invasive it will also drive away mice, if the cats it attracts do not get to them first. Marigolds (French and Mexican varieties) are supposedly supposed to ward off bad nematodes (worms). They also help control squash vine borer, cucumber beetles, tomato worms and whiteflies. Nasturtiums help deter many cabbage family and tomato pests. Nasturtium leaves and flowers are also edible and taste great in salads. Another win-win. Common annuals like pansies and petunias, as well as perennials like lavender or geranium can help keep pests in check too.

B.F.F.s and Frenemies in the garden

Sometimes even the vegetable garden is like a high school campus. Some plants will be a carrot’s B.F.F. (best friend forever) and others will act like a frenemie (I don’t make up these words; ask your 12 year old what it means). For example, lettuce and cabbage are not friends. They may look alike, act alike, etc. but they don’t grow well together. Supposedly cabbage influences flavor and inhibits growth. The same goes for corn and tomatoes. The same worm can easily take out both plants, but I’ll confess I planted them together this summer (oops). I just took extra precautions and sprinkled cornmeal around the plants (tomato, corn worms eat this and well…. explode. I know,.. gross.)

Beans don’t get along with onions and garlic. Carrots don’t get along with dill. And don’t get me started on potatoes and tomatoes, which are so particular about who they hang out with I’ve labeled them the divas of the backyard garden. Don’t plant squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, asparagus, parsnip, sunflowers, raspberries, or turnips near potatoes. And keep dill, cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi, potatoes and walnut trees away from tomatoes. Good grief. See what I mean?

Anyway, there you have it, a sneak peak into the world of companion planting. While you may experience different results or find certain companions are more fool proof than others, it’s worth a try.

Homemade Laundry Detergent....

Sulfates, Dioxane, Nonylphenol Ethoxylate? Oh my! Often the ingredients found in store bought detergents and fabric softeners aren’t user or eco-friendly. They may smell nice and clean, but what you’re really smelling are chemicals. Nasty, skin irritating chemicals. If you’re looking for a more natural alternative there are plenty of options. Making your own homemade detergent is easy, fun and super cheap; we’re talking pennies a load. Here’s the recipe of some powder detergent I made this past weekend.

In a two gallon glass jar with a lid I mixed the following: 
4 cups Arm and Hammer Washing Soda
4 cups of Borax
4 cups baking soda
2 finely grated bars of Castile soap (I grated them by hand but some people use a food processor) 
15-20 drops of essential oils (optional). 
Mix the soap and essential oils first, then add the dry ingredients. This makes for easier mixing.

Washing soda or sodium carbonate is like baking soda’s big, bad brother. It’s great for stains, but should be used with more caution than baking soda (don’t use this in your cookies). The only place I’ve been able to find this is at Winco, but know it’s cheap and goes a long way. Don’t use this on wool or silk and no matter how nice you make your soap smell with the help of essential oils (EOSs) don’t stand there and breathe this stuff in. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean you should lick, eat, inhale or rub it all over yourself unless you know for sure it’s okay to do so. Alright, I’ll stop with the mom lecture.

You can find Borax, a.k.a. sodium tetraborate at Save Mart, Target, etc. It softens water and helps the rest of the ingredients do their job better. You’re probably familiar with baking soda, a.k.a. sodium bicarbonate. It cleans, and deodorizes. Some use this instead of washing soda. I just like to use both.

Some of our mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers used soaps like Fels-Naptha or ZOTE for laundry. Many of these soaps are still around if you look hard enough and I frequently have found recipes that included grated versions of these as well. While these are effective, they often contain dyes, perfumes, and other non-eco friendly, petroleum based chemicals. For this recipe I am suggesting Castile soap because it’s biodegradable, vegetable based, and many already include essential oils so you wouldn’t have to buy any. Dr. Bonner is a great brand. So is Kirk’s Original Coco Castile soap (also at Winco). I used Kirk’s for our detergent because it is coconut oil based rather than olive oil based, which means more cleaning power. It also grates into a fine powder that mixes easily into the rest of the ingredients. Some people use two cups of soap for every other two cups of borax, washing soda and/or baking soda they put it. I don’t just because you don’t actually need that much soap to clean clothes and using too much means soap buildup on your clothes.

A word on essential oils; these are not the weak smelling perfume oils you’d buy at Hobby Lobby (no offense Hobby Lobby). These are 100% pure essential oils (EOs) which are very powerful and should only be used in small amounts. I purchased mine from Plant Life Body Care (plantlife.net or search on Amazon.com). They even sell EO blends like “Clean House” or “Holiday”, which both smell heavenly.

This recipe is safe for HE (High Efficiency) washers because it’s low sudsing (we have an HE). You’ll only need 1-2 tablespoons (yes that says tablespoons) per load in a HE washer and about 2-3 tablespoons in a regular washer. Wash in warm water in order for all the detergent ingredients to dissolve.

If you want to wash in cold water or don’t like the recipe above, but want the same non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning action I recommend Charlie’s Soap (www.charliesoap.com, or you can buy a smaller container for less on Amazon.com). It’s also coconut oil based. I use this on my husband’s work shirts which often look like a forklift ran over them before they are washed. It works wonderfully! Many people also use Charlie’s to clean cloth diapers because it’s hypo-allergic.

Instead of regular fabric softener I use white vinegar in the rinse cycle. It’s cheap (about $2 a gallon), works great; helps eliminate odors and no, it doesn’t leave a vinegar smell on your clothes. It also helps clean your washer, gets rid of hard water build up and helps keep whites from graying. I use about the same amount I would of fabric softener. Some people add a couple drops of EOs into the vinegar instead of adding it to the detergent. I might try this if I planned on sun drying the clothes outside ( the cheapest and most eco-friendly way to dry!). If your clothes have to smell like flowers or potpourri there are also alternatives to conventional dryer sheets (so…many…chemicals). I just put about 5 drops of essential oils on a small damp cloth like a washcloth and throw it in the dryer with the wet clothes. The vinegar has already worked its magic as a softener in the washer so if a slight scent is all you want a few drops of EOs will work just fine.

Experiment and see what works for your washer/dryer, your family and you!

Pets on the Homestead.....

Everywhere I go the pitter-patter of little feet follows me around the homestead. And while they like to leave me “presents” I’d rather never get, are bona fide “pooping machines” and seem to constantly bicker, I don’t know what we’d do without our entourage consisting of four cats and one, very patient dog. Pets on the homestead are almost a standard. They take care of some of the jobs we often miss. From security to pest control, pets make the homestead an even merrier destination. But wonder if your cat likes to use your garden as a litter box and your dog tends to dig up plants? Well, I have some ideas that may help.

Dog Gone Gardening

Have you ever heard of the term “dogscaping?” I hadn’t till this piece, but apparently it’s catching on. It’s basically creating a landscape plan that meets the needs of the one who often spends the most time in the backyard, your pooch. Dogscaping includes all the essentials, a place to do their “business,” shelter from the elements, proper fencing, clean water and space for exercise. But dogscaping takes it a step further with dog friendly paths and choosing non-toxic plants. It also means refraining from spraying toxic chemicals all around the yard since most chemicals remain in the environment for a while.

Some people forsake landscaping certain areas because their pets take over. Sometimes (not always) this is because dogs need a place to excrete energy and if they never go for walks or get to chase other dogs at the dog park they will take it out on your hydrangeas. Certain plants, dogs tend to leave alone such as palms, roses or other tough rooted plants. Landscape rock will keep your dog from digging in flower beds. If your dog has a habit of digging up your newly planted additions buy larger, more mature plants (the bigger the dog, the bigger than plant needed). Yes, they are more expensive, but you’ll save money in the long run because you won’t have to buy another plant later to replace the one they dug up.

If your dog is digging up your veggies, it’s time for some type of fencing and raised beds. Growing veggies in large pots also helps and there are many varieties that thrive in pots. If your dog lies in a spot after they dig they might just be trying to keep cool. Dogs instinctively dig to get to cool soft dirt to lie on. Clear a shady spot in the yard and dig in some sand. Water it once and a while.

Dogs often act like sentries, patrolling the homestead (usually the fence line). So if you plant in their patrol route your plants will get trampled. Keep the perimeter clear and pay attention to the normal routes your dog takes.

Don’t expect a picture perfect yard if you plan on sharing it with your pooch all the time. They don’t know that you shelled out bucks for your new flowers or veggie plants. They are just being dogs and often just investigating their territory. So why not find a middle ground with Fido, they spend more time at home than you do.

The Cat Garden

If felines seem to take over your whole yard or go to others’ yards, maybe it’s because they also need a spot of their own. While it’s almost impossible to keep a cat from doing what it wants, making your yard more attractive to your felines may encourage them to not venture elsewhere. We’re planning a small portion of the yard as a cat garden in order to encourage ours cats to relax and play away from our crops. Essential components will include a wood framed sand box (for you know what), cat friendly plantings such as alyssum, catnip, catmint or oat/wheat/rye/barley grasses, logs and trees to scratch and climb, as well as a shaded water feature. I get the grasses mixture seed packet at Orchard Supply, but I’m sure you can find it online. It’s made by Renee’s Garden and it’s called Gourmet Cat Treats, Mixed Greens. The cats love it and it helps keep the hairballs down. It also lasts for multiple sowings. It might be wise to put trailing plants (wisteria, climbing roses, honeysuckle, etc.) near your fence line so other cats don't visit the cat garden.

Keep the cat garden away from toxic plants such as most types of lilies, most flower bulbs (like tulips or crocus), castor beans, yew and English Ivy. Better safe than sorry.

Keeping Critters Out

If you’re plagued by other people’s pets always visiting your yard you can always make it less user friendly. Trailing or climbing plants can make it hard for other animals to make their way across the fence line. Before you race to get cayenne pepper or moth balls (toxic!) to repel pets know that there are plenty of other methods that don’t involve potentially injuring or poisoning someone else’s furry family member.

Proper fencing will keep dogs off your lawn, whether it’s a picket fence using reclaimed wood or a natural fence of rosemary or Spanish lavender. Roses or palms also work by creating a prickly perimeter.

Soft soil is inviting to both cats and dogs; they think of it as a really nice toilet or place to play. Landscape rock or pointy plants will help lessen the appeal. Certain plants such as citrus, lavender, rue, rosemary and apparently a plant called Coleus canina, nicknamed “scaredy cat plant” (that one you’ll probably have to find online) exude an aroma that cats and some dogs don’t like.

Remember the vinegar weed spray recipe I gave you a few weeks back? Dogs and cats really don’t like the smell of this either so I guess it doubles as a pet repellent spray. You can also purchase Critter Ridder, a granular repellent that I’ve heard works well. It’s all-natural, organic and combines the scents of other animals that pets find offensive.

Still, some animals won’t care if your yard is an inviting place to hang out or go to the bathroom. Using repellants AND making your yard unfriendly to animals is a better duo.

Bread at its Best....

We’re talking about bread again this week, but this time it’s actual bread, the hot and fluffy kind that makes those on the Atkins Diet squirm. I know many people assume they don’t have time to make bread and settle for the “fresh” alternatives at the supermarket. But making homemade bread is easier than you think.

It offers a taste and texture that can’t be matched. It also gives you the opportunity to control what’s in your bread in case you want less carbs or if a family member has a specific food allergy. If you’ve ever read the label on a package at the grocery store you’ll usually notice high fructose corn syrup and then a guessing-game of words will follow. Less bread, more other stuff.

Some complain that fresh bread doesn’t last as long and they’re right. But if you want your bread to last five months or survive a nuclear explosion, I have one word for you… ew. To extend the life out of homemade bread I usually place fresh loaves (that have fully cooled) in a secure bag in a dry, cool place (under 68 degrees) like a bread box. It’s a toss up when it’s summer since loaves left in hot kitchens will mold and those put in the fridge will go stale faster. Experts say to eat it or freeze it, though I will confess I’ve put bread in the fridge before and it was perfectly fine. But usually if I make multiple loaves, I let them cool, slice, and then put them in a bag in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature.

The major complaints with bread relate to kneading and waiting for it to rise. If you have a bread machine, you won’t need to knead. And there are some great no-knead recipes out there if you dread working the dough. I don’t have a problem with kneading. It’s kind of nice after a bad day to take my frustrations out on the dough. Try it and you’ll see. As far as rising, some take more time than others, but you can always make breads on a slower night, and then freeze for later use. I let the dough rise in a wooden bowl in a warm/dry room and cover it with a slightly moist tea towel. It should swell, look pock-marked and smell yeasty after it’s done. If I’m in a rush I’ll turn the oven on to the lowest setting and let the loaf slowly rise in the baking pan.

If you’re looking for more shortcuts there are plenty of store-bought bread mixes that will suffice. I recommend Bob’s Red Mill bread mixes (www.bobsredmill.com). You can find them at any Save Mart and Watson’s in downtown Visalia. Bob’s mixes come in a variety from Gluten Free to organic, rye bread to Irish soda bread. Quick breads are another option. I use a basic quick bread recipe and then add corn meal to make corn bread, pumpkin puree for pumpkin bread or mashed bananas for banana bread. So on and so on.

If you want tasty homemade bread, but don’t want to make it yourself Lady Bread Bakery is your answer. You can catch Owner Jennifer Harvey at both Exeter and Visalia Farmers Markets and at Monet’s baking away on Mondays. She offers more than 18 varieties from her garlic sourdough (my favorite) to the Tuscan Sunrise bread (my husband Will and the Sun-Gazette Editor Reggie Ellis’ favorite). Jen also offers bread making classes and sells her breads online (www.ladybread.com).

I called Jen to get some bread making tips for beginners since she bakes at least 150 loaves a week (I’m pretty sure than lands her in the expert category). And this is what she said. First she said make sure you have everything you need before you start. Once you mix in the yeast, you may not have time to run to the store. Second she said to work with your environment. If your kitchen is too hot, turn on the a/c, but at the same time a warmer kitchen makes bread rise faster. Third, find something else to do so you don’t rush the bread. From bills to laundry, give the bread time to rise and fully bake. She said lots of people get anxious and they end up with an undercooked loaf.

You’re probably waiting for me to give you a recipe. Well, what I’ll give you is a few links and suggestions as to where you can get recipes that I’ve found to work well. For a delicious, country white bread recipe visit www.farmgirlfare.com. Go to Recipe Index and find, Farmhouse White: An Easy Basic White Sandwich Bread Recipe. Blogger Susan walks you through the process and provides pictures. This bread is soooo good (hence all the extra o’s). You can also Google homemade bread and get more recipes than you ever wanted along with YouTube videos on how to bake various loaves. Pita bread, Indian fry bread, garlic bread sticks, the list goes on and on. You’ll find bread recipes everywhere from in the Better Homes and Gardens cookbooks to best sellers. A very popular book is Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day (www.artisanbreadinfive.com). I haven’t tried any of their recipes yet, but thousands of other people have and rave.

Well, there you go, bread at its best. It’s time to roll up your sleeves and bring out the flour. And feel free to drop off a loaf at the paper. We reporters get hungry.

Bread and Butter.....

The homesteading community has long been known as those who long for self sufficiency. Some enjoy not having to visit grocery or big box stores; others fear the future and in turn stock up on whatever survival needs they can. We’re all trying to navigate these tumultuous times and all have our own input/output filter when it comes to information and anxiety.

I guess if I had to choose from a list of choices as to my perspective I’d probably have to choose D) None of the above. I don’t consider myself a professional optimist, even if I’d like to be one, nor am I the eternal pessimist. Been there, done that. My political platform is vast, my religious faith is simple and while self sufficiency is something I strive for, it’s not my saving grace.

We all choose our life’s bread and butter. Once buttered, bread and butter can’t be separated and it’s the same with our perspectives. Worry stems from fear, faith from love. One tends to stick with the other. It’s only smart to have a family disaster plan, lessen your carbon footprint and wonder where your kids are past 10 p.m. but if you find yourself continually thinking and fretting about the future maybe it’s time to go back to the bread box.

Someone once told me that they had a God given gift to see all the bad things that could potentially happen in life. While I wasn’t about to refute their proud (yet strange) statement, I thought back to a time when I did nothing but think of everything that could go wrong. I didn’t consider myself pessimistic, I thought of myself as someone who sought to prepare for the worst, continually. I thought it would help me weather life’s storms much easier and that in the end I would emerge unscathed from disasters.

I could not have been more wrong. After years of quitting things, dismantling my own dreams and living in fear it occurred to me, I wasn’t better off. I looked back at my track record, most of the bad things I presumed would happen, didn’t. And while good things did happen I was so preoccupied preparing for the next disaster that I didn’t take the time to celebrate those things. Worry and fear (while easier) weren’t getting me anywhere and so I took a chance on faith and love. Wisdom is not grounded in fear, but love; a love that knows that God is in charge and I am not. And that all my worrying wasn’t helping me fulfill his plans and purpose for my life.

I read people’s comments at the end of news stories. I shouldn’t, but I do. At the end of a debt deficit article I saw someone saying civil war was on it’s way and another said we should do away with the government all together. Really people? Last time I checked no states had plans of succeeding and while our government is far from perfect I’d take it any day over what most other countries put up with (You heard me North Korea).

I will be honest as someone who works in the media industry that there is pressure to find a story that gets attention. And even though we’re not technically supposed to interject our views into regular editorial content, it happens. It’s a 24 hour news cycle and often shortcuts are taken in exchange for entertainment value. It’s not that anyone should be ignorant to what’s going on, but don’t let it make you feel like everything is hopeless. Our polls, surveys and editorial commentaries don’t determine the future; they’re best guesses. The media doesn’t know what their bread and butter is, they’re just trying to make deadline.

Let’s go back to self sufficiency. It means “able to maintain oneself or itself without outside aid: capable of providing for one’s own needs.” It’s often associated with homesteading articles about solar or wind power, rural farming and the like, all wonderful things. It has to do with where we get our literal bread and butter from. But just as important is perspective (the other bread and butter). We can be completely self sufficient (in the traditional sense), but be bound by worry and fear, envisioning disaster at every turn. Or we can believe that no matter what lies ahead, we’ve chosen to do the best with what God has given us and we’ll leave the rest up to Him. We can’t control the future, but we can choose our bread and butter.