Butterfly in butterfly garden
Aug 28, 2010 Uncategorized
My daughters and I started a butterfly garden a couple of years ago, though we have seen a few butterflies pass by this was the first time we have been able to capture one on camera.
This butterfly was visiting our butterfly bush, which for by many standards is basically a noxious weed. But it doesn’t need much water, makes pretty flowers, and butterflies/bees like it so seems like a good plant to me.
Protecting Your Plants and the Planet: Eco-Friendly Large Pest Control–Guest Post
Aug 18, 2010 Uncategorized, deer, pests, rabbits
Photo from Alberta Home Gardening
You’re not the only one who enjoys your garden—deer, rabbits and even household pets may find your flowers or vegetables to be tasty treats. And, of course, dogs and cats may mistake your garden beds for a great place to do their business.
While organic or eco-friendly pest control is a good idea for combating any type of pest, it is especially important to use non-harmful deterrents when dealing with larger animals, particularly household pets. Fences, lighting, noisemakers and a variety of biological sprays and spreads can help make your garden less appealing and less accessible to unwanted guests.
Soil Logic Moisture X-Tend testing and review
Aug 16, 2010 Uncategorized, moisture sensor, product review, water
I was contacted by SoilLogic and offered a free sample of their product Moisture X-Tend. Though I could attempt to describe their product, I will let them do it in their own words…
Moisture X- Tend helps water penetrate the surface of the potted soil easier and remain within the soil root zone up to 4X’s longer than untreated water.
This innovative soil moisture management product helps prevent water from evaporating too quickly or draining past the roots of the plant. Moisture X-Tend is so easy to use – just add and mix the recommended amount directly to our watering can and water as usual.
The specific claim on the bottle that got my attention was that by using the product you can actually water plants 4 times less often. I must say I was a little skeptical about this claim, though I decided to give it a try.
My first attempt was shortly after I brought out a couple of my pepper plants from my grow box. They both were bearing fruit of similar size and overall plants were of very similar size. I started by watering one plant with water and the second with Moisture X-Tend and I observed their physical appearance over a period of time. There was one problem on day two it rained ruining my results.
Having an empty client controlled grow box in my garage equipped with a moisture Vegetronix sensor, I decided this would be a great place to conduct my testing. I watered two identical pots filled with Miracle Grow Potting Mix (without moisture control) with 250ml of liquid. One being purified water, the second with Moisture X-Tend as described in the directions and monitored the moisture saturation over time.
As you can see the Moisture X-Tend started out with a much greater water saturation immediately after the watering and continued to hold the moisture 1.5 times longer than water alone.
Now this 1.5 times is quite a difference between the 4 times claim on the bottle, though in their defense this was from a single application and the FAQ on their website mentions that watering frequency is reduced after about a month of use. I also was using a 4 inch pot and I would suspect that a larger pot would show better results. If there is interest I am considering extending this experiment over a longer period of time to attempt to prove/disprove the 4 times claim that they mention on the bottle.
Though for me this is not practical to use all summer Moisture X-Tend is a great option when you are going away for a few days on vacation and do not have an automated watering solution or are forgetful like me and just get busy and neglect those poor plants for a day (or two) too long.
Tags: water
How to make jalapeno pepper powder
Aug 10, 2010 Uncategorized, dehydrator, jalapeno, peppers
Other than gardening I also enjoy cooking manly foods such as chili and BBQ rubs. One seasoning I have heard being used for both recently was jalapeno pepper powder. Not seeing any in local stores and having an abundance of jalapeno peppers in my garden I decided to attempt to make my own.
Small container pond (water garden)
Aug 8, 2010 Uncategorized
Don’t have the space, money, and/or time to have a full size pond? May want to think about adding a small container water garden. All it takes is a sealed decorative container and you can have an attractive addition to your garden.
I would also recommend the mosquito prevention techniques of creating moving water with a pump or add some goldfish to eat the mosquito larva.
Via apartment therapy, via Likehacker
How to braid garlic (for guys)
Aug 7, 2010 Uncategorized, garlic bulbs
I normally hang my garlic off my bike to allow it to cure and store to use over the winter, but given the large amount of garlic I have grown and I have gotten into better shape and am actually using my bike, I decided to attempt to create a pretty garlic braid. After spending a 10-15 minutes checking on the internet on the various knots and techniques to braid garlic.
Lacking some basic knowledge and first hand experience braiding, I eventually got confused, gave up, and just winged it and discovered a technique I call “Braiding Garlic For Guys” knowing if I handed the bulbs to my two daughters they would have made a perfect braid with them in just a few minutes. And yes, my wife does not trust me to do our daughters hair…
Tags: garlic
