Gardening remedies

My chemical free garden remedies that I have found to be effective.....all in one place for easy reference.  

 Fungicide - Blight preventer for tomato plants

1 T. baking soda (Sodium bicarbonate - contains salt which may damage the plant and soil if it builds up) 

1 T. oil

few drops (1/4 t.) dish soap (DAWN) 

water to make 1 gallon

Mix in spray bottle.  Completely spray the tomato plant at the first sign of blight.  If I see blight starting I spray all plants with this to prevent the spread.  Spray in the morning or evening, never in the heat of the day.  Repeat every 7 to 14 days.   

You can spray baking soda fungicide on a wide variety of plants, but some species are highly sensitive and can suffer leaf burn.

(Safe to Spray)These plants handle baking soda solutions well if properly diluted:

Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, and zucchini

Fruits: Grapes, strawberries, and melons.

Ornamentals: Roses, zinnias, peonies, and lilacs.

Sensitive Plants (Avoid or Use Caution)These plants are prone to severe leaf damage or chemical burning:

Herbs: Mint, basil, rosemary, and oregano (their delicate leaves easily scorch).

Foliage: Ferns, orchids, and succulents

Fruit Trees: Apple, peach, and cherry trees often exhibit high sensitivity.

Crucial Safety Tips

Sun protection: Never spray in direct sunlight or during intense midday heat.

Soil defense: Avoid oversaturating the ground, as sodium buildup harms soil health.

The 24-hour test: Spray one leaf first and wait a full day to check for wilting or browning.

Better Fungicide (AKA: the Cornell Formula) 

1 T. potassium bicarbonate (does not contain sodium like the one above)  

1 T. oil

few drops (1/4 t.) dish soap (DAWN)

water to make 1 gallon

Mix in spray bottle.  Completely spray the tomato plant at the first sign of blight.  If I see blight starting I spray all plants with this to prevent the spread.  Spray in the morning or evening, never in the heat of the day.  Repeat every 7 to 14 days.   

Feed the Soil

2 T. molasses

1 T. yeast

2 c. warm water

1 c. buttermilk

1 T. baking soda

14 c.. warm water

Mix the yeast, molasses, and 2 c. warm water first. Wait 30 minutes to an hour for the yeast to wake up and create bubbles. Stir in the buttermilk, baking soda, and the rest of the water. Pour about 1 cup of the liquid onto the dirt near the base of each plant, do not pout on the foliage or stem.  Do this only 2 to 3 times a month.  Pour any leftover mix onto your compost pile. Never store the mix in a closed bottle because active yeast builds up gas and can explode.

The Science

When you combine these four items, you create a "microbial cascade." That feeds tiny living things in your dirt.

Molasses: Loaded with natural sugars and iron. It acts as a superfood to wake up sleeping, healthy microbes in your soil.

Yeast: A living microbe. When mixed with sweet molasses, it multiplies and ferments. This process creates B-vitamins and helps plants absorb nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from the dirt.

Buttermilk:  Provides the soil with beneficial bacteria (like lactobacillus) and soluble calcium. Calcium helps build strong plant cell walls and stops problems like "blossom end rot" on tomatoes.

Baking Soda: Balances the soil's acidity. It creates a slightly alkaline (basic) barrier on the dirt that stops harmful fungi and mildew from growing.

Hydrogen Peroxide 3%  =  5 uses in the garden 

1 ) prevent/treat root rot = 

2) sanitize tools = full strength, to prevent spreading disease

3) soak seeds for faster germination = soaking seeds in a solution of 1 tsp of 3% hydrogen peroxide to 1 cup of water for 30 minutes before planting can help the seed coating to soften and germinate faster. Rinse before planting.

4) foliar spray =  a solution of 1 T. peroxide to 1 cup of water, spray the infected plants foliage to fight bacteria, fungus and pest infestations. This can help with aphids and spider mites.

5) oxygenate soil = when properly diluted, peroxide provides that extra oxygen atom to plants at the root making it an excellent fertilizer. Mix 1 tsp of peroxide per cup of water and water plant at the roots.

Various formulas for each use, I suggest you research your particular problem before treating so you have the right formula.  

Spoiled milk in your garden is a natural source of calcium and nitrogen. To avoid attracting pests and causing foul odors or root rot, you must dilute it with water at a ratio of 1 part milk to 5 parts water and pour it at the base of plants like tomatoes or squash.    Helps cure powdery mildew and blossom end rot.  

Ant Trap & Spray

The ants are especially bad this year.  A couple remedies I've found to be successful.   

Ant Trap

1 part borax

3 parts sugar

1 few drops of warm water.

Make a sticky paste.  Make sure borax dissolves.  Soak a cotton ball in the paste or put on a plastic lid or shallow dish.  Place near ants.  The ants will take this back to the nest and kills the nest as well.

Ant Spray

Equal parts white vinegar

Equal parts water

Place in spray bottle.  This spray will kill the ants instantly, but it doesn't kill the nest.  

Mosquito Bite Relief

It's that time of year!!!

Mosquito Bite Relief

1 T. sweet almond oil or any carrier oil

7 drops lavender oil 

3 drops peppermint oil

1 drop tea tree oil

Mix and Pour into a roller ball bottle.

Powdery Mildew Spray

Last week I was dead heading my peonies and discovered they were covered with powdery mildew. So, I mixed this up and they are much better.

Powdery Mildew Spray
1 gallon water
1T. each of baking soda, canola oil and dish soap
Spray all the leaves.

Natural Antibiotic

Natural Antibiotic
24 oz. apple cider vinegar
¼ c. finely chopped garlic
¼ c. finely chopped onion
2 fresh peppers, the hottest you can find (be careful with the cleaning – wear gloves!!!)
¼ c. grated ginger
2 T. grated horseradish
2 T. turmeric powder or 2 pieces of turmeric root

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, except for the vinegar.
Transfer the mixture to a Mason jar.
Pour in some apple cider vinegar and fill it to the top. It is best if 2/3 of the jar consist of dry ingredients, and fill in the rest with vinegar.
Close well and shake.
Keep the jar in a cool and dry place for 2 weeks. Shake well several times a day.
After 14 days, squeeze well and strain the liquid through a plastic strain. For better results put a gauze over it. Squeeze well so the whole juice comes out.
Use the rest of the dry mixture when cooking.

Your master tonic is ready for use. You do not need to keep the tonic in your fridge. It will last for long.

Extra Tip: You can also use it in the kitchen – mix it with some olive oil and use it as a salad dressing or in your stews.

Dosing:
Caution: The flavor is very strong and hot!
Extra Tip: Eat a slice of orange, lemon or lime after you take the tonic to ease the burning sensation and heat.
Gargle and swallow.
Do not dilute it in water as it will reduce the effect.
Take 1 tablespoon every day to strengthen the immune system and fight cold.
Increase the amount every day until you reach a dose of 1 small glass per day (the size of a liquor glass).
If you struggle against more serious disease or infection, take 1 tablespoon of the tonic 5-6 times a day.
It is safe for pregnant women and children (use small doses!) because the ingredients are all-natural and contain no toxins.

Warning: Do not use on an empty stomach, and start with a teaspoon for the first few times. It is POTENT and can cause nausea or vomiting if you are not used to it.

Health benefits

Garlic is a strong antibiotic with a wide range of health benefits. Unlike chemical antibiotics that kill millions of friendly bacteria your body needs, its only goal is bacteria and microorganisms. Garlic also encourages and increases the level of healthy bacteria. It is a powerful antifungal agent and destroys any antigen, pathogen, and harmful disease-causing microorganisms.

Onion is garlic’s closest relative ​​and it has a similar but milder action. Together they create a strong fighting duo.

Horseradish is a powerful herb, efficient for sinuses and lungs. It opens sinus channels and increases circulation, where common colds and flu usually begin, as most doctors would agree.

Ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and it is a strong circulation stimulant.

Chili peppers are the most powerful circulation stimulators. They just send their antibiotic properties to fight the disease where it is mostly needed.

Turmeric is the most perfect spice, cleanses infections and reduces inflammation. Blocks the development of cancer, and prevents dementia. It is especially useful for those who struggle with joint pain.

Apple cider vinegar – there must be something very healthy in the use of apple cider vinegar as the father of medicine, Hippocrates, used vinegar around 400 BC because of its healthy properties. It is said that he used only two remedies: honey and apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar is made from fresh and ripe apples which are later fermented and go through rigorous process to give the final product. Apple cider vinegar contains pectin, a fiber that reduces bad cholesterol and regulates blood pressure.

Health experts agree that people need more calcium as they get old. Vinegar helps the extraction of calcium from foods it is mixed with, which helps in the process of maintaining bone strength. Potassium deficiency causes a variety of problems including hair loss, brittle nails and teeth, sinusitis, and runny nose.

Apple cider vinegar is rich in potassium. Studies have shown that potassium deficiency results in slow growth. All of these problems can be avoided if you use apple cider vinegar regularly. Potassium also removes toxic wastes from the body.

Beta-carotene prevents damage caused by free radicals, maintains skin firm and young. Apple cider vinegar is good for those who want to lose weight.

It breaks up fat which supports a natural weight loss process. Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid, efficient in the fight against fungal and bacterial infections. This acid dissolves uric acid deposits that form around the joints, and thus alleviates joint pain. Dissolved uric acid is later eliminated from the body.

It is believed that apple cider vinegar is useful in treating conditions like constipation, headaches, arthritis, weak bones, indigestion, high cholesterol, diarrhea, eczema, sore eyes, chronic fatigue, mild food poisoning, hair loss, high blood pressure, obesity, and many other health problems.

The master tonic is the best combination to fight each of these conditions. Protect your health using natural antibiotics!

Credits: earthiemama.com/master-tonic
Source: www.healthyfoodhouse.com

Insecticidal Soap

Homemade Insecticidal Soap Recipe

Some of the most common garden pests include: aphids, borers, earworms, maggots, mites, whiteflies, moths, and beetles.  These pests can be treated with soap & water.  

The simplest insecticidal soap is nothing more than a 2% soap solution. To make this at home, you will need:

• Sprayer: Any clean spray bottle or garden sprayer will work fine for spraying insecticidal soap. Make sure the sprayer or bottle hasn’t been used for herbicides.
• Pure Soap: Use a pure liquid soap, such as Castile, or all-natural soap. The active ingredient in insecticidal soap comes from the fatty acids in animal fat or vegetable oil, so it’s important to use the real thing. Don’t use detergents (which aren’t actually soaps), dish soaps, or any products with degreasers, skin moisturizers, or synthetic chemicals. Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap is usually pretty easy to find in stores, or check your local natural-foods store for other options.  Fels Naphta is another good choice.  
• Pure Water: Tap water is fine for making insecticidal soap. If you have hard water, you may want to use bottled water to prevent soap scum from building up on your plants.

To make homemade 2% insecticidal soap, mix together:

• 5 tablespoons soap to 1 gallon of water

OR

• 1 heavy tablespoon soap to 1 quart of water

 Recipe Variations

• Diluted Solution: If the spray causes damage or burns your plant foliage, cut the amount of soap in half and try a 1% solution. This is the concentration usually found in commercial sprays. The lighter solution might be less effective but is gentler on plants.
• Cooking Oil: To help the solution stick a little longer, add two tablespoons of light cooking oil (such as corn, canola, olive, or safflower) per gallon of water to the mix.
• Vinegar: To make a spray that also targets powdery mildew, add a teaspoon of cider vinegar per gallon of water to the mix.
• Garlic or Pepper: To help repel chewing insects, add a teaspoon of ground red pepper and/or garlic per gallon of water to the mix.
• Bar Soap: For a less-exact recipe, drop a bar of pure soap (such as organic bar soap or Ivory) into a gallon of water and leave it overnight. Remove the bar and shake well before spraying.

Other ways to treat......The simplest soap recipe is to take two tablespoons of your household dishwashing liquid and add it to one gallon of water. Simply mix thoroughly and spray on your plants where you see an infestation. You can add several drops of vegetable oil to help the soap bond to the plant as well. If you would like to make a smaller batch of the soap, for use indoors or on a smaller area outside, simply add between 1 and 1 1/2 teaspoons of dishwashing liquid to one quart of warm water. You can put the mixture in a spray bottle to make application easier.

One recipe uses Murphy's oil soap. To create the mixture add 1 to 2 tablespoons of Murphy's Oil soap to 1 gallon of warm water. Castile soap is available in both health food stores and some department stores. You can create a very mild but effective insecticidal soap by combining a household remedy that treats scale insects is to add one cup of isopropyl alcohol to your gallon mixture of dishwashing liquid and water. The alcohol will attack the scales shell and cause it to deteriorate.

If you prefer to use pure soap and not a dishwashing liquid, you can try creating the same blends with these brands, Fels Naptha, Dr. Bronners, or Ivory. Herbs, that contain natural insect repellant properties, may be added your mixtures. It is a good idea to experiment with different combinations until you find the blend that best treats your garden pests. Some of the best herbs to add to your mixtures include Tabasco sauce, garlic, peppermint, and vinegar. By creating your own homemade insecticidal soaps you can rest assured that you are treating insects and protecting your plants while being kind to the environment.

Citrus Bath Salts.....and baking soda uses

Citrus Bath Salts
2 Cups Epsom Salts
1 Cup Baking Soda
Fresh Grated Zest from 1 Orange or Lemon
20 drops of essential oil. Use Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit or Citrus Bliss essential oil by doTerra.
Glass bowl, metal spoon, and large bath salt jar (available at Walmart for $2.97) or use any clear glass jar you like.
Combine Epsom Salts and Baking Soda into a glass bowl.
Stir in freshly grated zest of orange or lemon.
Add 20 drops of essential oil and stir well.
Spoon the citrus bath salts into a clean empty jar and seal.
Let your bath salts sit for a day or two to get infused with the scent of the oil.

For 25 ways to use Lemon oil and other oils go to.....    

 http://www.deniseinbloom.com/25-ways-to-use-lemon-essential-oil/

OR for 60 ways to use baking soda go here.....

http://www.deniseinbloom.com/60-ways-to-use-baking-soda/

Lemons....

Just storing this here for reference....I do know that lemons freeze well and they are healthy for you.  Even though they are acidic they are not acidic to the body.  They neutralize the acid in the body and keep you healthy.  kk

Freezing Lemons - Who Knew?

Read this – it may save your life or the life of a friend or loved one. The more you  read, the more you want to know… it’s not long so, read it.   It’s amazing!         Amazing frozen lemons.  All it is.....is a frozen lemon . Many professionals in restaurants and  eateries are using or consuming the entire lemon and nothing  is wasted. How can you use the whole lemon without  waste?  Simple.. place the washed lemon in the freezer section of your refrigerator. Once the lemon is  frozen, get your grater, and shred the whole lemon (no need to  peel it) and sprinkle it on top of your  foods.  Sprinkle it to your vegetable salad,  ice cream, soup, cereals, noodles, spaghetti sauce, rice,  sushi, fish dishes, whisky.... the list is  endless.   All of the foods will unexpectedly  have a wonderful taste, something that you may have never  tasted before.  Most likely, you only think of lemon juice and vitamin C.  Not  anymore. Now that you've learned  this lemon secret, you can use lemon even in  instant cup noodles. What's the major  advantage of using the whole lemon other than preventing  waste  and adding new taste to your  dishes?  Well, you see lemon peels contain as  much as 5 to 10 times more vitamins than the lemon juice  itself.  And yes, that's what you've been  wasting. But from now on, by following this  simple procedure of freezing the whole lemon, then grating it  on top of your dishes, you can consume all of those nutrients  and get even healthier. It's also good that  lemon peels are health rejuvenators in eradicating toxic  elements in the body. So place your washed  lemon in your freezer, and then grate it on your meal every  day. It is a key to make your foods tastier and you get to  live healthier and longer! That's the lemon secret!  Better  late than never, right? The surprising benefits of  lemon! Lemon (Citrus) is a miraculous product  to kill cancer cells. It is 10,000 times stronger than  chemotherapy.   Why do we not know  about that? Because there are laboratories interested in  making a synthetic version that will bring them huge profits. You can now help a friend in need by  letting him/her know that lemon juice is beneficial in  preventing the disease. Its taste is pleasant and it does not  produce the horrific effects of chemotherapy. How many people will  die while this closely guarded secret is kept, so as not to  jeopardize the beneficial multimillionaires large  corporations?  As you know, the  lemon tree is known for its varieties of lemons and  limes.  You can eat the fruit in different  ways: you can eat the pulp, juice press, prepare drinks,  sorbets, pastries, etc... It is credited with many virtues, but the most interesting is the effect it produces on cysts  and tumors.  This plant is a proven remedy against  cancers of all types. Some say it is very useful in all  variants of cancer. It is considered also as an anti microbial spectrum against bacterial infections and fungi, effective against internal parasites and worms, it regulates blood  pressure which is too high and an antidepressant, combats  stress and nervous  disorders.  The source of this information is  fascinating: it comes from one of the largest drug  manufacturers in the world, says that after more than 20  laboratory tests since 1970, the extracts revealed that It  destroys the malignant cells in 12 cancers, including colon,  breast, prostate, lung and  pancreas... The compounds of this tree showed  10,000 times better than the product Adriamycin, a drug  normally used chemotherapeutic in the world, slowing the  growth of cancer cells.   And what is even more astonishing: this type of therapy with lemon extract only  destroys malignant cancer cells and it does not affect healthy  cells. So, give those lemons a good wash,  freeze them and grate them. Your whole body will love you for  it!!!!!

Recipe to make your bathtub SHINE!!!

This might not sound too exciting....but it sure is to me.  When we remodeled in 2009 we did not put a new bathtub in even though I would liked to have.  I had a hard time justifying a new tub just because the old one wasn't shiny any more.  I have tried every possible remedy from cleaning books, on the internet, and anything else I could find.  But as soon as my tub was dry.....it was not shiny.  Even though it was clean it was not shiny and to me it just doesn't seem really clean if it isn't shiny!!   Have you figured out that shiny is kinda important to me??? Here is the recipe that worked the magic......
To make tubs and sinks shine, use a lemon dipped in borax. Rub the lemon with the borax on the tub and sink. Rinse when done for a sparkling shine.

Read more: How to Make a Bathroom Shine | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2307649_make-bathroom-shine.html#ixzz1zbjtreq4
I suggest you wear rubber gloves and it did say if you don't have a lemon lemon juice would work.  I used 1 lemon and about 1/4 c. borax for 1 tub and 3 sinks.


Here are a few more ideas it gave for a shiny bathroom.

To remove soap scum build up from sinks and tubs use a cloth soaked in white vinegar. Wipe down the tub and sink with the vinegar, then use a different cloth and baking soda. Rub the baking soda all over the tub and sink. Rinse the tub and sink with water.

To clean a toilet, pour some vinegar in the toilet bowl and allow to sit for five minutes. Flush the toilet. If there are stubborn stains, pour the vinegar into the toilet bowl and scrub with a toilet brush.

To remove calcium build up on faucets, take some tissue paper soaked in white vinegar and wrap it around the faucet for two hours. Remove the tissue and rinse with water for a clean and shiny faucet.

To bring out the shine in a faucet, rub flour on the faucet with a dry cloth. Dust off the flour with a different cloth and the faucet will shine. Some people find that vacuuming works better for removing the dust.

Read more: How to Make a Bathroom Shine | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2307649_make-bathroom-shine.html#ixzz1zbkPBb8n

Ants........ How to get rid of

natural remedies to rid your home of ants.... Vinegar Wipe down your countertops, cupboards and any other places where you've spotted ants with a 50-50 mixture of white vinegar and water. Repeat throughout the day to maintain the efficacy Why This Works: Two reasons, really: ants hate the smell of vinegar, and it scents the trails that they use to get around.   Chalk/ Baby Powder Draw a line of chalk or sprinkle baby powder across the spot where the ants are entering your home. Why This Works: Talcum powder, an ingredient in both chalk and baby powder, is a natural ant repellent. Just be careful if you decide to use it: some studies have linked talc to cancer. Borax Mix together equal parts Borax and either syrup or jelly. Then, place where the ants will find it. Why This Works: Once consumed, Borax damages both the ants' digestive systems and their outer skeletons, resulting in death. Herbs/Spices Spinkle cinnamon, mint, chili pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves or garlic –whichever one you happen to have – in the area where you've seen ants and along your home's foundation. Bay leaves can also be placed in cabinets, drawers and containers to further deter those pesky critters. Why This Works: Many plants – including the ones listed – give off a strong scent to repel ants and other insects in the wild, and it works just as well in your home. Coffee Grounds Sprinkle your used coffee grounds in the garden and around the outside of your house. Why This Works: Ants are repelled by the scent given off by the grounds; and incidentally, so are cats. Cucumber/Citrus Peels Leave the peelings in areas of known ant activity. Why This Works: Cucumber and citrus peels are toxic to the types of fungi that ants feed on, and therefore avoided by the ants.

Dishwasher Detergent....and rinse

‎Dishwasher Detergent
1 cup baking soda 
1 cup borax 
1 cup warm water 
Mix well and store in an airtight container.
Use 1 tbsp for light loads or 2 for heavier ones.
For a rinse agent to keep the cloudiness and spots off....fill the rinse container with white vinegar. 


OR try this one....This is the one I used because I have really hard water...
Dishwasher Detergent
1 c. borax
1 c. washing soda
1/2 c. citric acid (double this amount for hard water) I used 1 c. Lemi Shine
1/2 c. kosher salt
Stir together and use 1 T. per load.  
The citric acid may cause this to clump together.  To prevent this leave the lid off for a day or two and stir it often until it dries out.  
You may also use lemon juice as a rinse agent instead of white vinegar.


Now you have a couple of choices to try.  

Septic Tank Bacteria Activator......

Septic tanks require regular maintenance to keep them working properly.  Septic tanks use bacteria, or "activators," to break down solids and keep the system flowing smoothly.

Read more: How to Make Septic Tank Bacteria | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_6175512_make-septic-tank-bacteria.html#ixzz1QRXugj2c
Septic Tank Bacteria Activator
Combine:
2 pkts. yeast or (2 scant Tablespoons)
2 c. corn meal
2 c. sugar
add:
12 c. warm water
Stir and flush down the toilet nearest the septic tank.  Repeat every 3 to 6 months..

5 recipes to unclog your drain......

Clogged drains can be a big pain......and yes I have clogged drains!!!  I found these to be helpful but I still had to call a plumber in the end.....but in the future I will use them periodically to prevent future problems.


1)   Drop 3 Alka-Seltzer tablets down the drain and add one cup of white vinegar (try Heinz White Vinegar). Let sit for 15 minutes to allow the combined ingredients to fizz which will break up grease and allow the clog to wash down easier. Pour a small pan full of boiling water down the drain to flush the drain clean.

2) Pour 1/2 cup  Baking Soda and 1/2 cup Morton Salt down the clogged drain. Then pour 6 cups of boiling water over the mixture and let sit overnight. Flush the drain with water in the morning. The baking soda and salt act as abrasives to force the clog out and flushing with water will cleanse the drain thoroughly.    (Karla has always used 1/2 c. salt, 1/2 c. baking soda, 1/2 c. white vinegar.....followed by 2 qts. or more of boiling water.)

3) Boil 3-4 tablespoons of Dawn Dishwashing Liquid in a pan full of water. Pour the heated mixture slowly down the clogged drain. Let sit for about 20-30 minutes and flush with hot tap water. The Dawn Dishwashing Liquid will break down the grease and the boiling water will force the clog free from the drain.

4) Drop 4-5 Efferdent tablets into the clogged drain. Fill with hot water. Let the mixture sit overnight. Rinse thoroughly in the morning with more hot water to free the clog. Efferdent tablets loosen grease and clean the drain much like it does the stains on dentures.

5) To clear clog drains and keep them clear, pour a bottle of Coca-Cola down the drain and let it sit over night. Rinse the drain well in the morning with hot water. The Coca-Cola will fizz and clean the drain, ridding it of any grease and debris.

Read more: How to Unclog a Drain | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4891012_unclog-a-drain.html#ixzz1QRUF8uJU

Pergo Floor Cleaner.....and tile too!!

I was reading a website listing all the uses for vinegar...
I found this recipe....I tried it and I love it!!!  It works really well....no more streaks....and I don't have to dry my floor after mopping any more!!! 
I mixed this in my 1 quart spray bottle.  Sprayed it on my floor and microfiber mop pad.  Scrubbed my floor and that is it!!!!  Here is the mixture I used.....it just said to use equal parts vinegar, alcohol & water....

Pergo Floor Cleaner
1 1/4 c. white vinegar
1 1/4 c. rubbing alcohol
1 1/4 c. water
3 drops dishwashing liquid
Mix in 1 qt. spray bottle.  Spray and mop.  Use on pergo and tile - makes a great room deodorizer - great for fast cleanups too. 

The Amazing Cucumber.......

I'm looking forward to trying some of these things when I have all those buckets full of cucumbers that I don't know what to do with.
Here is "Jake the Snake", pretending his cucumber is a snake. In 2008 we started growing these Yard Long Armenian Cucumbers. They are the best eating cucumbers I have found. And yes they do grow to be a yard long and they aren't bitter at all. Speaking of snakes....I better tell you how Jake got that name. When he was about 4 we ran into Kasey's 5th grade school teacher, Mr. Diggs (his favorite teacher ever). I told him he needed to come meet Kasey's son. He shook Jake's hand and asked him what his name was. Jake without even hestitating said, "I'm Jake the Snake". It was so out of the blue.....we had never called him that before.....but we sometimes do now.

This information was in The New York Times several weeks ago as part of their "Spotlight on the Home" series that highlighted creative and fanciful ways to solve common problems. Pass this along to everybody you know who is looking for better and safer ways to solve life's everyday problems.

The Amazing Cucumber

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.
2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.
3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.
4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.
5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!
6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!
7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.
8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.
9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!
10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.
11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.
12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.
13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!