Interesting blog on gardening for food and eating wild plants, in New York City, [I think].
http://ledameredith.net/wordpress/
Carrot Raisin Applesauce
Serves 2
4 apples
2 carrots
2 Tbs. honey
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup apple juice
First puree apples, then add carrots and honey. Mix
raisins, and eat hot or cold.
We got our tax rebate and yesterday went to Costco.
There was no big bags of rice.
None.
I live in Oregon. Not Portland.
No big city, just an average city.
No rice.
Food prices are rising noticeably.
And largely.
I got my pressure canner/cooker and can’t wait to try it out.
Ordered 2 Cansolidators from Costco. $59.99 for 2.
Will be ordering op seeds next.
[I found the above post a sample of todays going on’s.
granny]
Bananas
A professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class told his class
about bananas. He said the expression ‘going bananas’ is from the
effects of bananas on the brain. Read on:
Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!
This is interesting.
After reading this, you’ll never look at a banana in the same way
again.
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose
combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial
boost of energy.
Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a
strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one
fruit with the world’s leading athletes.
But energy isn’t the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can
also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and
conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst
people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a
banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that
the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve
your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains
regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of
hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in
potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much
so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana
industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk
of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England
) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at
breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has
shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making
pupils more alert.
Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help
restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without
resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a
banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach
and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels,
while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you
suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood
sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing
the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it
amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous
system.
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in
Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like
chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found
the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report
concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to
control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every
two hours to keep levels steady.
Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal
disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw
fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also
neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining
of the stomach.
Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a ‘cooling’
fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of
expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to
ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help
SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer
tryptophan.
Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up
smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium
found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine
withdrawal.
Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the
heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body’s water balance.
When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our
potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a
high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes: According to research in The New Engl and Journal of Medicine,
eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by
strokes by as much as 40%!
Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to
kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart,
with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster
or surgical tape!
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you
compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the
carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and
twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and
is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that
well-known phrase so that we say, ‘A banana a day keeps the doctor
away!’
PASS IT ON TO YOUR FRIENDS
PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I
will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of
the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth.
Amazing fruit.
So, in honor of our favorite Spring edible, Kimberly has a
delicious recipe for you. It is one of our family favorites and Kimberly’s
specialty... nettle soufflé.
Nettle Soufflé
Spring has come once again, and for me that is a signal that it’s
time to integrate all these delicious wild spring greens into my
family’s diet once again. This year I’ve been doing some new things with
nettle and dandelion, and trying to find ways to get these nourishing
herbs into my children’s diet. Well, I know my son loves cheese soufflé,
and I found a recipe for nettle soufflé so I decided to try it out.
Why would I want my family to be eating stinging nettle?
Well, it is a truly amazing nourishing herb, packed with vitamins,
minerals, amino acids, and even protein. Nettle is an especially good
source of iron, phosphorus, potassium, and the B complex vitamins. Eating
nettle helps nourish our circulatory, immune, endocrine, nervous,
urinary, and digestive systems. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
There’s much more I could say, but I want to get on to this delicious
soufflé recipe.
This recipe is a combination of one from Susun Weed’s Healing Wise
and Mollie Katzen’s The Enchanted Broccoli Forest.
You’ll need:
1 1 /2 cups water
4 cups nettle tops
2 T olive oil
1 onion, minced
2 T whole-wheat flour
1 cup nettle broth
6 eggs
1 /2 cups grated cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste
What to do...
Preheat your oven to 375.
Start by cooking the nettle in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Drain
well, saving the broth.
Puree nettle in blender and set aside.
Sauté onion in oil until golden.
Add whole-wheat flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
Slowly add a cup of nettle broth and cook, stirring often for a few
minutes until thick.
Set aside.
Separate the eggs, putting both yolks and whites in large separate
bowls.
Beat the egg yolks with a whisk. Then add the nettle broth with
onion and mix with the yolks.
Add the nettles and cheese and whisk again.
Beat the egg whites with a hand mixer until they are stiff.
Gently mix (fold) the egg whites into the yolk mix.
Bake undisturbed for 40 minute and serve immediately after you
remove it from the oven.
It’s so fun to be able to make a beautiful soufflé. I enjoyed
eating them so much when I visited Paris in college. I was thrilled to
discover that they are not difficult to prepare. Now, adding nettle to the
mix makes them even more nourishing and delicious
www.learningherbs.com
“God’s Not Mad At You...No Matter What!”
_Plant Oils Fact Sheet | Pesticides | US EPA_
(http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides/ingredients/factsheets/factsheet_plant-oils.htm#summary-table)
_http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides/ingredients/factsheets/factsheet_plant-oils.htm#summary-table_
(http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides/ingredients/factsheets/factsheet_plant-oils.htm#summary-table)
Summary of Infromation for Plant Oils That Are Pesticide Active
Ingredients PLANT OIL
(No. of Products) USE SITES ACTIONS ON
TARGET PESTS OPP #
(CAS #) REGISTRATION/
REREGISTRATION (YEAR) Anise a (1) Ornamental plants, lawns Repels dogs
and
cats 004301
(8007-70-3) 1952 / 1993 Bergamot a (2) Ornamental plants, homes,
garbage
cans Repels dogs and cats 129029
(8007-75-8) 1972 / 1993 _Canola_
(http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides/ingredients/factsheets/factsheet_011332.htm)
b (3) Food crops, ornamental
plants, houseplants Kills insects 011332
(10962-03-0) 1998 Castor (5) Ornamental plants, lawns, garbage cans
Repels
dogs, cats, wildlife such as moles, deer, rabbits, squirrels 031608
(8001-79-4) 1947 / 1994 Cedarwood a (1) Mothproofing Repels larvae of
clothes moths 040505
(800-27-9) 1960 / 1993 _Citronella_
(http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides/ingredients/factsheets/factsheet_021901.htm)
ab
( 30) 1) Humans and their clothing, homes, outdoor areas
2) Ornamental plants, garbage dumps 1) Repels insects and ticks
2) Repels dogs and cats 021901
(8000-29-1) 1948 / 1997 Eucalyptus a (4) Cats, dogs, humans and their
clothing, homes Repels mites; Repels specified insects, including
fleas and
mosquitoes 040503
(8000-48-4) 1948 / 1993 _Jojoba_
(http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides/ingredients/factsheets/factsheet_067200.htm)
b (2)
[Note: May work as physical barrier] All crops Kills/repels whiteflies
on
all crops. Kills powdery mildew on grapes and ornamentals 067200 1996
Lavandin
(2) Homes, especially closets, drawers, clothes storage containers
Repels
clothes moths 040500
(8022-15-9) 1996 Lemongrass a (2) Ornamental plants, garbage dumps
Repels
dogs and cats 040502
(8007-02-01) 1962 / 1993 Methyl salicylate (5)
[Notes: Also called oil of wintergreen; may be toxic in large
quantities]
Ornamental plants, indoor and outdoor residential sites (including
clothing),
garbage dumps. Repels dogs, cats, moths, beetles _076601 (119-36-8) RED
(PDF)_
(http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides/ingredients/tech_docs/red_076601.p
df) (31 pp, 165 K, _about PDF_ (http://www.epa.gov/epahome/pdf.html) )
1972 Mint (1) Ornamental plants in ponds with or without fish Kills
aphids
on plants (used with thyme herb) 128800
(8006-90-4) 2000 Mustard a (11)
[Note: Also known as allylisothio-cyanate] Homes, ornamental plants,
garbage
cans
1) Repels dogs, cats, wildlife such as deer and raccoons
2) Repels and kills insects, spiders, centipedes, etc. 004901
(57-06-7) 1962 / 1993 Orange a(2) Ornamental plants, homes, garbage
dumps
Repels dogs and cats 040517
(8008-57-9) 1972 / 1993 Soybean a(2) Food and feed crops, ornamental
plants,
indoor and outdoor sites
Kills mites.
Kills beetles and other insect pests 031605
(8001-22-7) 1959 / 1993
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resin_identification_code
Interesting.
I just read that some baby bottles are being recalled, but not the details.
It is said the 7 in a triangle on the bottom of a baby bottle means it came from China, there is one available made in Germany, none from America.
There is good information at these links:
http://www.survivalistssite.com/
http://blogs.survivalistssite.com/blog/sustainable.php
http://blogs.survivalistssite.com/blog/jeanann.php
Spacing for container grown vegetables:
http://www.landrethseeds.com/newsletters/Latest/Current%20Issue/Garlic.html
Fun and Games!
This is the last two weeks of the Win a Jan Brett Visit to your
School or Library contest. You can enter at:
http://janbrett.com/contest_2008/free_school_visit_contest_2008.html
On Screen Computer Games
~ Interactive Coloring Pages
http://www.janbrett.com/coloring_aplet_new/Color.html
~ Hedgie’s Alphabet Game
http://www.janbrett.com/games/hedgies_alphabet_game/intro.html
~ Mouse Concentration
http://janbrett.com/piggybacks/mouse_concentration.htm
~ Hedgie Scrambler Game
http://janbrett.com/games/hedgie_and_henny_puzzle.htm
~ Is Hedgie the Most Handsome Animal in the Forest Game?
http://www.janbrett.com/hedgies_the_best.htm
~ Hedgie’s Book a Matic
http://janbrett.com/bookamatic/hedgies_book_a_matic.htm
~ Decorate a Jan Brett Gingerbread House
http://www.janbrett.com/trim_a_jan_brett_gingerbread_baby_house.htm
~ Hedgie Loves to Read
http://janbrett.com/hltr/hltr_main.htm
Printable Games
~ Flash Card Sight Words
http://janbrett.com/games/flash_card_dolch_word_list_main.htm
~ Flash Card Colors
http://janbrett.com/games/colors_main.htm
~ Flash Card Shapes
http://janbrett.com/games/geometric_shapes_main.htm
~ Flash Card Phonograpms
http://janbrett.com/phonograms/phonogram_fc_main.htm
~ Addition Flash Cards
http://janbrett.com/games/addition_flash_cards_main.htm
~ Subtraction Flash Cards
http://janbrett.com/games/subtraction_flash_cards_main.htm
~ Multiplication Flash Cards
http://janbrett.com/games/multiplication_flash_cards_main.htm
~ Division Flash Cards
http://janbrett.com/games/division_flash_cards_main.htm
~ Matching Numbers Game
http://janbrett.com/games/matching_numbers_game_main_page.htm
~ Matching Animals Game
http://janbrett.com/games/matching_animals_game_main.htm
~ Gingerbread Baby Board Game
http://janbrett.com/games/gingerbread_baby_board_game.htm
It’s a pleasure to be in touch.
Sincerely,
Jan Brett
View all Jan Brett’s Free How to Draw Videos
http://janbrett.com/video/video_main_page.htm
Read all about Jan Brett’s books and get the best bookstore prices -
http://www.janbrett.com/bookstores/hedgies_lets_go_shopping.htm
[I gave a second thought to posting this one, but it is a part of knowing what survival may be needed for and is an alert to be on the alert, I have not seen it quite this strong before, rather it has mainly only been hinted at.
granny]
Homeland Security Unveils Plans To Thwart Small Boat Terror Attacks
April 28, 2008
As boating season approaches, the Bush administration wants to enlist the country’s 80 million recreational boaters to help reduce the chances a small boat could deliver a nuclear or radiological bomb along the country’s 95,000 miles of coastline and inland waterways.
According to a Wednesday intelligence assessment obtained by the Associated Press: “The use of a small boat as a weapon is likely to remain al-Qaeda’s weapon of choice in the maritime environment, given its ease in arming and deploying, low cost, and record of success.”
While the United States has so far been spared this type of strike in its own waters, terrorists have used small boats to attack in other countries.
The millions of humble dinghies, fishing boats, and smaller cargo ships that ply America’s waterways are not nationally regulated as they buzz around ports, oil tankers, power plants, and other potential terrorist targets.
This could allow terrorists in small boats to carry out an attack similar to the USS Cole bombing, said Adm. Thad Allen, the Coast Guard commandant. That 2000 attack killed 17 U.S. sailors in Yemen when terrorists rammed a dinghy packed with explosives into the destroyer. “There is no intelligence right now that there’s a credible risk” of this type of attack, Allen said. “But the vulnerability is there.”
To reduce the potential for such an attack in the United States, the Department of Homeland Security has developed a strategy intended to increase security by enhancing safety standards. The Coast Guard is part of the department.
Today, officials are to announce the plan, which asks states to develop and enforce safety standards for recreational boaters and asks them to look for and report suspicious behavior on the water - much like a neighborhood watch program. The government will also look to develop technology to help detect dangerous materials and other potential warning signs.
The United States has spent billions of dollars constructing elaborate defenses against the giant cargo ships that could be used by terrorists, including strict regulations for containers and shipping.
Source
The Heritage Foundation ran an in-depth report on this in June of last year.
Globally, terrorists have shown an increasing interest in using small boats to attack military and commercial shipping and maritime facilities. The tactics and techniques of using commercial or non-commercial vessels (under 500 tons) or swimmers to emplace or deliver improvised explosive devices have proven effective and exportable. Contemporary operational practices by transnational terrorist groups include refining proven attack methods, sharing lessons learned, and encouraging others to adopt effective tactics. Thus, the possibility of such attacks in U.S. waters should not be ignored.
The small-boat threat needs to be addressed, but rather than focusing on this particular terrorist tactic, Congress and the Administration should invest in assets that improve the overall security of the maritime domain. The maritime sector is a large and diverse field with unique and daunting threats. Efforts should be expanded to improve U.S. situational awareness and law enforcement response rather than fixating on specific attack scenarios involving small boats or other terrorist threats.
The Small-Boat Threat
The definition of “small-boat threat” encompasses a variety of possible weapon-delivery vehicles, tactics, and payloads. Vessels include everything from large craft such as small freighters, large privately owned yachts, fishing trawlers, and commercial tugs to dinghies, jet-skies, and submarines, including mini-submarines like those used by the Japanese in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
An attack could involve suicide bombers, as in the case of the attack on the USS Cole, or vessels on autopilot or remotely controlled. Improvised explosive devices could be delivered or emplaced by boats or swimmers (assisted or unassisted by breathing devices). This could involve placing a “parasite” on the hull of a craft or deploying tethered (anchored to the sea bottom) or untethered (floating) mines in a sea lane, waterway, or port traffic area.
Besides conventional explosives, the bombers could detonate nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological devices. Attacks could occur while the targeted ship is docked at shore, approaching a port, sailing in international waters, or in U.S. or Canadian coastal waterways. In addition to ships, attacks could target port facilities; commercial infrastructure (e.g., an entertainment pier, bridge piling, or pipeline); or public events.
How Small-Boat Attacks Are Carried Out
Read More
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Written by national · Filed Under Homeland Security News
Earthquake Preparedness - What To Do Before, During and After an Earthquake
April 28, 2008
With the number of earthquakes increasing in several states, we offer the following information as public service. This brief guide provides information on how you can protect yourself and your family, before, during and after an earthquake.
What to Do Before an Earthquake
Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and following local seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes.
Six Ways to Plan Ahead
1. Check for Hazards in the Home
* Fasten shelves securely to walls.
* Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
* Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
* Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
* Brace overhead light fixtures.
* Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
* Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
* Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
* Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
2. Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors
* Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
* Against an inside wall.
* Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
* In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.
3. Educate Yourself and Family Members
* Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes. Also read the “How-To Series” for information on how to protect your property from earthquakes.
* Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
* Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
4. Have Disaster Supplies on Hand
* Flashlight and extra batteries.
* Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
* First aid kit and manual.
* Emergency food and water.
* Nonelectric can opener.
* Essential medicines.
* Cash and credit cards.
* Sturdy shoes.
5. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan
* In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
* Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
6. Help Your Community Get Ready
* Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency information on earthquakes. Localize the information by printing the phone numbers of local emergency services offices, the American Red Cross, and hospitals.
* Conduct a week-long series on locating hazards in the home.
* Work with local emergency services and American Red Cross officials to prepare special reports for people with mobility impairments on what to do during an earthquake.
* Provide tips on conducting earthquake drills in the home.
* Interview representatives of the gas, electric, and water companies about shutting off utilities.
* Work together in your community to apply your knowledge to building codes, retrofitting programs, hazard hunts, and neighborhood and family emergency plans.
What to Do During an Earthquake
Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.
—
If indoors
* DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON on until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
* Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
* Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
* Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.
* Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
* Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
* DO NOT use the elevators.
—
If outdoors
* Stay there.
* Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
* Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
———–
If in a moving vehicle
* Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
* Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.
—
If trapped under debris
Do not light a match.
Do not move about or kick up dust.
Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
What to Do After an Earthquake
* Check yourself for injuries. Often people tend to others without checking their own injuries. You will be better able to care for others if you are not injured or if you have received first aid for your injuries.
* Protect yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and work gloves. This will protect your from further injury by broken objects.
* After you have taken care of yourself, help injured or trapped persons. If you have it in your area, call 9-1-1, then give first aid when appropriate. Don’t try to move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
* Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards. Putting out small fires quickly, using available resources, will prevent them from spreading. Fire is the most common hazard following earthquakes. Fires followed the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 for three days, creating more damage than the earthquake.
* Leave the gas on at the main valve, unless you smell gas or think it’s leaking. It may be weeks or months before professionals can turn gas back on using the correct procedures. Explosions have caused injury and death when homeowners have improperly turned their gas back on by themselves.
* Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline, or other flammable liquids immediately. Avoid the hazard of a chemical emergency.
* Open closet and cabinet doors cautiously. Contents may have shifted during the shaking of an earthquake and could fall, creating further damage or injury.
* Inspect your home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe. Aftershocks following earthquakes can cause further damage to unstable buildings. If your home has experienced damage, get out before aftershocks happen.
* Help neighbors who may require special assistance. Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.
* Listen to a portable, battery-operated radio (or television) for updated emergency information and instructions. If the electricity is out, this may be your main source of information. Local radio and local officials provide the most appropriate advice for your particular situation.
* Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, drop, cover, and hold on! Aftershocks frequently occur minutes, days, weeks, and even months following an earthquake.
* Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines, and stay out of damaged areas. Hazards caused by earthquakes are often difficult to see, and you could be easily injured.
* Stay out of damaged buildings. If you are away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe. Damaged buildings may be destroyed by aftershocks following the main quake.
* Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights to inspect your home. Kerosene lanterns, torches, candles, and matches may tip over or ignite flammables inside.
* Inspect the entire length of chimneys carefully for damage. Unnoticed damage could lead to fire or injury from falling debris during an aftershock. Cracks in chimneys can be the cause of a fire years later.
* Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents, for insurance claims.
* Avoid smoking inside buildings. Smoking in confined areas can cause fires.
* When entering buildings, use extreme caution. Building damage may have occurred where you least expect it. Carefully watch every step you take.
* Examine walls, floor, doors, staircases, and windows to make sure that the building is not in danger of collapsing.
* Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas, using the outside main valve if you can, and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
* Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell burning insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
* Check for sewage and water line damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water from undamaged water heaters or by melting ice cubes.
* Watch for loose plaster, drywall, and ceilings that could fall.
* Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies. Telephone lines are frequently overwhelmed in disaster situations. They need to be clear for emergency calls to get through.
* Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard. The behavior of pets may change dramatically after an earthquake. Normally quiet and friendly cats and dogs may become aggressive or defensive.
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Posted by: “darjay22”
Ran out of chocolate syrup and spouse tried this recipe which was
pretty good. The hot fudge for ice cream was really good.
We got the organic vanilla used in these recipes in the form of
vanilla beans from this link for 30 cents a bean. Extremely cheap.
http://www.organic-vanilla.com/servlet/StoreFront
Chocolate syrup
2 squares unsweetened chocolate
2 cups boiling water
4 cups sugar
2 T vanilla
Pour two cups boiling water over two squares of unsweetened chocolate
slowly. Add sugar and bring to a boil and boil 3 minutes. Cool, add
vanilla. Store in fridge. ( We halved this recipe easily.)
Hot fudge sauce
2 squares of unsweetened chocolate
I cup sugar
1 cup boiling water
3 T. butter
1 tablespoon corn starch plus tablespoon water to mix
dash salt
1 tsp vanilla
Pour boiling water over two squares unsweetened chocolate,butter,
melt, then add sugar. Mix cornstarch in tablespoon of water and add
to chocolate sauce.Simmer till thickened. Add dash of salt and 1 tsp
vanilla. Refrigerate after cooling. Must be heated after
refrigeration for ice cream. However, eating it out of the jar is
pretty tasty.
darjay
southern OKlahoma
[useable]
Hints by JD:
beans - most have fairly mild taste. you can use one that matches the
color
of what you’re cooking, soup, stew, even muffins, and mash up a few
beans to
add to the dish. adds little or no flavor, lots of fiber and a good
bit of
protein. for chocolate chip muffins, for instance, mash up some black
eyed
peas (cooked) and add to the batter. makes the muffins look even more
chocolaty.
dehydrating - we’ve lately been given from 5-10 lbs of apples every
week.
while i eat at least one good apple every day, i can’t use that many
apples! we have dehydrators. we have an apple peeler/slicer/corer.
we can
fill the dehydrator with evenly sliced half moons of apple and have an
entire batch of 6-7 apples dehydrated in 4 hours. no fruit fresh,
salt,
sugar, or other flavoring needed. however, you can sprinkle the wet
apples
with a tiny bit of cinnamon or whatever before dehydrating - not too
much as
the dehydration process will intensify the flavors. we store in mason
jars
and zip lock bags. they are a very popular snack and good for us. i
have 2
of the apple peeler/corer/slicers as i used to sell pampered chef.
but, i
see them regularly at thrift stores. children LOVE to operate them, so
have
at it with your kids. apple peels also make great fried pies. wash
the
apples before peeling, place the peels in a bag and toss with a bit of
flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon and wrap in pastry (or make a regular
pie),
then bake or fry the ‘pie’. yummy! cores and seeds go to the birds
and
squirrels.
want to learn a craft (or anything else) for free? check out
www.gutenberg.org for free downloads of books that are no longer
covered by
copyright. also, plenty of other great online sites for this -
www.about.comis a good place to start.
store cleaning supplies safely in the room they’ll be used. this makes
a
quick clean up much easier. i have been known to buff in the buff
because i
didn’t have to run to a closet somewhere to find the cleaning supplies
and
rags. stock up on the supplies when they’re on sale - or when you make
up a
big batch - and each batch will last a lot longer since you’re using
only a
small bit of each one. i’m NOT a happy housekeeper, so when the mood
strikes me, i like to have everything handy to take advantage of the
opportunity to clean up quickly.
share your food - if you cook more than you can eat of something, put
the
extras in a baggy, disposable container (from the thrift store or
whatever)
and take to an elderly neighbor or a friend in a retirement home.
these
people seldom get the kind of variety in their diet that the rest of
us
enjoy.
jd in st. louis
[Interesting, had you heard of it?]
Thought this might be of assistance to some on the group. I have
Catalpa trees around my home for shade and they would invariably get the
Catawba worms shortly after the leaves got big and beautiful. Here is how I
eventually stopped the problem altogether:
Boil one whole garlic bulb in four quarts of water until very mushy.
Allow to cool and dump the whole thing around the base of the tree. Do
this once every three weeks in the growing season for each tree you are
protecting and start very early. I did mine the first week in March here
in the deep south. blessings, deb in AL
growing mulberry trees
Posted by: “JV”
If you want to grow from seed then just mash the fruit slightly on top
of a
pot of soil and put in a sunny window. When about 6 inches tall plant
outside and keep well watered for the first 6 months.
To grow from cuttings, take cuttings from the ends of the branches that
are
about 6 inches long, shove them into a bowl of mud. Keep the mud in a
shady
or indirect sunlight location and keep it constantly damp. In about 8
weeks
start letting it dry to normal soil conditions then plant into your
yard.
Expect a couple not to make it, but most will root easily using this
method.
Good luck, mine will be a few weeks still
Jo-Anne
Mullberry Juice and Mulberry Jelly Recipes
Posted by: “Marcia
Hello All, I went digging into my recipe archives for this information,
but it is great and workable recipes.
Mulberry Juice for canning
Wash perfect mulberries. Cover with boiling water and bring to a simmer
over low heat. Do not boil, but cook slowly until fruit is very soft.
Strain through a muslim bag or one made of several layers of
cheesecloth. Add sugar if desired, about 1 cup to each gallon of juice. Pour
into hot sterilized jars, filling them within 1/2” of the top. Adjust
lids and process in water approximately 180degrees F., not boiling.
Boiling will ruin the flavor of fruit juices.
Pints 15 minutes. Quarts 20 minutes.
I usually can the juice without sugar.
Tart Mulberry Jelly
from the kitchens of MCP
3 and 3/4 cups Mulberry juice- unsweetened( 3 quarts of mulberries)
1/2 C lemon juice
1 package of MCP jam and jelly pectin
5 and 1/2 C. sugar
To prepare fruit
Rinse and fully crush berries one layer at a time to let juices flow
freely.
To make jelly
Measure sugar into dry bowl to be added later. Measure Mulberry juice
into 6 or 8 qt. kettle. If short of juice, fill last cup with water to
equal exact amount. Add lemon juice. Add pectin to juice in kettle,
stir well. Place over high heat, bring to a boil stirring constantly.
Add measured sugar, mix well. Continue stirring and bring to a full
rolling boil (a boil that cannot be stirred down). Boil hard exactly
two minutes, remove from heat. Skim foam and pour into glasses. Follow
directions in pectin package for sealing glasses.
The canned mulberry juice is drinking gold in the winter. Mix with
7-up or tea for a wonderful beverage.
The jelly is a very sweet jelly. Wonderful on toast.
Mulberry trees here we come. Marcia
With warmer days also bring those biting insects...
Citrus De-Flea Bath
Collect a batch of citrus fruit. Oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and
limes all work, and can be tried in combination. Squeeze out the
juice. It might be a good idea to remove all of the inside pulp, but
it’s more work and not necessary.
Put all of the squeezed-out rinds in a big pot, and fill it with
water. Bring to a boil, and then turn down the heat and simmer for
several hours.
When the rinds have reached a limp, squishy state, scoop them up and
mash them in order to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Return
that liquid to the pot, and continue to simmer for a few more hours,
allowing the liquid to cook down to some degree. Cool the liquid and
pour through a fine strainer or cheesecloth to remove the pulp.
Bottle it up and refrigerate.
In case you wind up with more than you can use in a reasonable time,
the liquid freezes well and works fine when thawed. (Remember, this
concoction doesn’t have “preservatives”.)
You may also add a quarter of a cup or so to a dog’s bathwater. The
liquid is not sticky, does not stain coats, and kills fleas on
contact.
Tick Repellant
From Annie Berthold-Bond
I dug deep in my herbal formula for this recipe out of desperation,
given that I live in the epicenter of the tick-generated Lyme disease
epidemic. I tested the essential oil that is recommended for ticks,
Rose Geranium, by putting a few drops no more! on our dogs’ collars,
to see if it would repel ticks. Lo and behold, we went from 20 ticks
a day on each dog, to none.
Simple solution:
Two tablespoons of vegetable or nut oil almond oil contains sulfur, a
repellent in its own right.
10 to 25 drops of Rose Geranium essential oil.
Combine the ingredients in a glass jar; shake to blend. Makes 2
tablespoons. Shelf life: six months. Dab a few drops on skin or
clothing, making sure to avoid eyes.
Helpful hints:
Palmerosa is a sister essential oil to Rose Geranium, and it also
repels ticks. It is cheaper, and sometimes easier to find, than Rose
Geranium. Another good repellent that also worked on our dogs is
feeding them garlic pills on a daily basis.
Flea Killer
This is not a flea control; it just kills fleas on contact. Put ¾ to
1 inch of rubbing alcohol in the bottom of any size jar. Add a tiny
bit of Dawn dish detergent. Pour warm water into job to top and mix
together. Apply this to a DRY dog and work into a lather. Rinse. All
fleas will be dead. Use cream rinse on dog after bathing.
Mosquito Remedy
We have no idea why this one works, but people swear by it. Put some
water in a white dinner plate and add a couple of drops of Lemon
Fresh Joy dish detergent. Set the dish on your porch, patio, or other
outdoor area. Mosquitoes flock to the dish and drop dead shortly
after drinking the mixture usually within about ten feet of the dish.
Lets not forget about the great new Mosquito Remedy Listerene
Jim from woodhenge.org made a cordwood house. So did Rob Roy from
Earthwood, http://www.cordwoodmasonry.com/.
http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/compost.asp
Let Starbucks help your garden grow Coffee grounds can provide a valuable source of nutrition for your garden if used properly. The proper amount to be used depends on the condition of the soil and, more specifically, what you are growing in your garden. Check with your local gardening expert to see what is best for your situation. Here are a few general tips.
Applying coffee grounds directly in the garden Coffee grounds can be applied along with other materials as a side dressing for vegetables, roses, and other plants. Coffee grounds are high in nitrogen, but are also acidic. Adding brown material such as leaves and dried grass to the mulch will help keep a balanced soil pH.
Mixing coffee grounds in your compost Coffee grounds act as a green material with a carbon-nitrogen (C-N) ratio of 20-1. They make an excellent addition to your compost. Combined with browns such as leaves and straw, coffee grounds generate heat and will speed up the composting process.
Using coffee grounds in a worm bin: Worms fed with coffee grounds combined with other materials will flourish.
For more information about composting, here are a few helpful Web sites:
compostingcouncil.org (US Composting Council)
compost.org (Composting Council of Canada)
mastercomposter.com
What’s in Coffee Grounds? Starbucks commissioned a study in 1995 to better understand the make up of the organic matter we call coffee grounds. The following is the result of an analysis of our used coffee grounds performed by the University of Washington College of Forest Resources:
Primary Nutrients
Secondary Nutrients
Nitrogen 1.45%
Phosphorus ND ug/g
Potassium 1204 ug/g
Calcium 389 ug/g
Magnesium 448 ug/g
Sulfur high ug/g
Notes:
ND = indicates sample is below detection limit
ug/g = microgram / gram
Granny Note:
The Yahoo Group that had this link, talked about how they go into the Starbucks store and ask for the used grounds, it appears that Starbucks saves the grounds for farmers and gardners.....
granny
http://groups.msn.com/gardenofwitchery/crittercontrol.msnw
[adorable photo of Raccoon doing laundry]
Critter Control
You know, as gardeners, we want to have our cake and eat it too. We love wildlife. Indeed, we have our little garden ponds with goldfish and frogs, our birdfeeders and birdhouses. We love Nature, and we do enjoy the wildlife that comes to call. We don’t like it, though, when the creatures like our places so much that they start viewing our flower beds, plants, and vegetable gardens as the equivalent of a salad bar. I am no different. When we first moved out here from town, we put in a vegetable garden with corn and other goodies. The cottontail rabbits made short order of the beans and other veggies while the raccoons set their sights on the corn. Needless to say, we harvested very little produce that year.
This isn’t a problem just for rural gardeners, either. When we lived in town, we still had rabbits, chipmunks, and the occasional raccoon who would raid the veggie patch and other plantings. Birds would strip the cherry crop, if we would let them. Every wild thing enjoyed the strawberries. Squirrels, crows and starlings would decimate the birdfeeders. I am sure you all have had similar experiences. What can we do?
First of all, despite all our efforts, there will still be some losses. You can keep a dog out back patrolling the place, but sooner or later Fido will be coming indoors, he won’t be out there 24/7. You can spray to your heart’s content, but something invariably will be poached from your plantings. The goal will be to minimize damage, and to prevent as much decimation as possible. Without further adieu, let’s explore some tactics to keep the varmint damage down to a minimum:
Deer
Now I feel sorry for deer. I really do. With all the expansion that has been going on between commercial businesses, new housing developments, and other urban sprawl, much of the natural habitat has diminished for these lovely creatures. Definitely, all of their natural predators are pretty much a thing of the past as well. Many states have instituted special deer hunts on public lands and parks that before were protected habitat for deer because of population increases and pressure on the environment. Even though these efforts have been very successful, deer are becoming an increasing problem with home owners in town as well as in the country.
It’s controversial, but one way people handle deer is to place a feeding station for them. It has to be maintained, though, through good and bad weather, and it can become an expensive proposition if there are a lot of deer in the area. The controversy about this is that it might possibly be illegal in some localities, it is interfering with the natural flow and cycle of the deer, and this can override the deer’s natural foraging activities and will keep them in the area longer than they might normally be.
If you aren’t that dedicated or wild about intervening and having the deer at your place in any way, shape or fashion, there are other alternatives that can be used.
Deer Sprays And Other Deterrents
—You can always mix up a batch of eggs, raw of course, and add water to them. While a half-dozen or so eggs are relatively cheap, when blended with water and sprayed on desirable plants, it will act as a deterrent to deer. It will need to be reapplied after overhead watering or rain, though.
—Another way to keep deer at bay is to scatter human hair clippings in the garden.
—Deer do not like the scent of soap or aftershave. Perhaps this is why hunters avoid using any scented toiletries before they go out deer hunting. So, this is one that might be easier on the nostrils than the rotten egg approach!
—Hang small bars of soap from the branches of trees and shrubs. You can either hang them in panty hose, or you can poke holes into the bars of soap, run twine through them, and tie them about twenty feet apart on branches of trees and shrubs. You can also hang soap from stakes placed every few feet around plants in the perennial boarder. The beauty of using scented soaps is that they will retain their odor for a long time, and do not need to be reapplied after every rain.
—Another smelly deterrent which is also good for the garden is to use a kelp and fish emulsion spray on ornamentals:
Mix 1 tablespoon of kelp, 1/3 cup of fish emulsion, 1 tablespoon of liquid hand soap, and 1 tsp. of hot sauce together into one gallon of water. Spray on plants every week or after a heavy rain. This one is also good for deterring insect pests as well, and will feed your plants to boot!
Plant A Deer-Proof Garden
Perhaps this is a bit misleading, but it does seem that most deer do not like the following plants. I say this is misleading since someone out there reading this will be sure to comment that the deer ate some of these listed plants, anyway! This list is of the plants that MOST deer will avoid. If deer cannot find other forage, they will resort to eating some of these plants; however, if other food sources are available, most deer will leave the following plants alone:
Mints of all types
Artemesia
Candytuft
Marguerite
Obedient Plant
Spurge
Yarrow
Beebalm or Monarda
Columbine
Marigolds
Rhododendron
Sage
Cone Flower
Cranesbill
Liatris or Blazing Star
Rosemary
Lamb’s Ears
Wisteria
Lemon Thyme
Foxgloves
Forsythia
Wormwood
Miscanthus
Butterfly Weed
Mexican Oregano
Oregano
Santolina
Squirrels and Chipmunks
Not only do squirrels and chipmunks raid ground feeders and, in the case of squirrels, pole and tree feeders, they also can cause considerable damage to plants and bulbs. There are a few deterrents and planting strategies that can be used to deter them and minimize the damage caused by these critters:
—Chipmunk & Squirrel Repellent: Mix 3 tablespoons of cayenne pepper into very hot water, about a quart. Strain into a spray bottle. Add a teaspoon of a mild soap to the spray, and spray plants. This will need to be reapplied after watering overhead or after a rain.
—Spread used kitty litter around ornamental plants only. This one might work at deterring squirrels and chipmunks, but might also attract any outdoor cats who might be lurking around. So, only use this on ornamentals and only if there are no cats in the area.
—Planting Potion: Take 1/3 ounce of hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of liquid soap, 2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper powder, 1 crushed garlic clove, and add to a pint of water. Allow this to brew for about a half hour, then strain into a spray bottle. You can spray plants, tree trunks, and also spray into planting holes when you plant new bulbs in the fall. If you apply this to above ground plants or trees, it will need to be reapplied after a rain.
—For Birdfeeders: Mix in crushed, not ground, fresh cayenne pepper with the seed mix.
—Place chicken wire over bulbs when planting, about an inch or so above the bulbs and before backfilling with soil.
—Plant daffodils if you have a terrible problem with squirrels and chipmunks. They will not eat daffodil bulbs.
—Plant crown imperials in your bulb plantings. These bulbs reputedly repel rodents and other small digging animals.
—Apply squirrel baffles to feeders.
—Try to use a good quality squirrel-proof feeder that will tip the squirrel out of the feeder when they attempt to raid it.
Raccoons
Raccons are opportunistic animals, and are omnivorous by nature. Think of all the foods we as humans consume, and they will eat it all, plus pet food and plants and some unmentionable “foods” as well. They commonly cause problems in the vegetable garden and in garbage cans. Believe me, even with a large garbage can, raccoons can get into them and wreak havoc! There is nothing so unpleasant as picking up trash that is strewn around the yard after a visit from these nocturnal marauders. Here are a few tips:
—To keep raccoons out of garbage cans, pour a cop of household ammonia over the trash.
—Wrap a two or three foot wide piece of of sheet metal around the trunks of fruit trees. Position these strips about two feet above the ground to create a raccoon baffle.
—Plant cucumbers among your other plants. Raccoons do not like cukes.
—Spread a boarder of lime around your garden perimeter. About a two feet wide. Since raccoons are meticulous animals, they do not like to tread on lime.
Rabbits and Mice
Rabbits can quickly destroy a vegetable garden or prized tulip bed. They love plants nearly as much as we do! Mice can also be a problem, especially in the winter. If you do not have a cat or dog patrolling your yard, you might wish to try a few of these remedies:
—Rabbit and Mouse Scatter Spray:
1 small bottle of hot pepper sauce or 5 tablespoons of fresh ground cayenne pepper.
1 gallon water
1 teaspoon mild liquid detergent such as dishwashing detergent
Spray plants liberally. Reapply after rain or overhead watering.
—Moth Balls, the safe way: Place moth balls in a plastic container, such as a margarine tub. Cover it, poke holes in the container and lid, and tuck under plants. The smell will last a long time, and acts as a deterrent to rabbits, mice, and other four-legged creatures while being unavailable to pets. You can also sink these into the ground just to the rims, and punch holes only in the top, then barely cover with just enough mulch to hide them. This will prevent over-curious kids or pets from investigating the contents of the containers.
—Blood Meal: Sprinkle blood meal liberally around planting areas. Reapply after rain or overhead watering.
—Chicken Wire: Extend chicken wire fencing from about 12 inches below a garden area to about 2 feet above the area. Be sure it is a fine-mesh so small mice cannot get in.
—Tree Wrap: Wrap trunks of young trees in the late fall before the snow falls to keep mice and rabbits from stripping the bark from young trees. You can also spray trees with planting potion that is listed above for squirrels.
Moles
—Place Juicy Fruit gum in mole runs
—Place chocolate Ex-Lax in mole runs
—Blend 1 Tbsp castor oil with 2 tbsp. liquid soap, blend so this is about the consistency of shaing cream. Add 5 or 6 Tbsp of water and blend some more. Add 1 Tbsp to 1 gallon of water. Poke holes in the run at every few feet, and pour into the holes. Water this in after applying.
—Take human hair clippings and poke holes in the run and place the clippings.
—If you have a cat, take the used litter (urine, feces, and all), and poke holes in the run and add the used litter with all its goodies down into the run, every few feet.
—Take cheap perfume or aftershave and pour into the run.
Birds
While birds are among our most welcome visitors to the garden, and are usually more friend than foe, at times even these beneficial animals can be a bother. Here are some ideas:
—To deter larger birds from raiding bird feeders, buy feeders that will only allow small birds to feed.
—Apply bird netting over cherry and other fruit trees. This works when the trees are smaller. This will also work in berry patches and with blueberries.
—Place metal strips in trees to twirl and reflect light. It won’t deter all of the feeding on fruit trees, but it will minimize the amount of crop losses.
—Just before fruit ripens, place an artificial owl or eye scarecrow or two in your trees. If placed too early, the birds will get used to it. The idea is to simulate a predator.
—If you have the room for it, plant a self-fruitful variety of mulberry tree on the back side of your property, away from seating areas. Mulberries are messy, but birds prefer to eat mulberries over cherries. Both ripen at about the same time.
Cats ‘N’ Dogs
I have owned both cats and dogs. Or, dogs and cats, if you prefer. They are wonderful companions to have around, but make lousy visitors to gardens. I actually had a watermelon-eating dog once, so not only does Man’s Best Friend leave calling cards and holes all over the place, he can develop a liking for some produce, it would seem! As for cats, the surprises often come when someone goes out to plant a few new prized flowers or whatever in the garden. Some cats feel that gardens are giant litterboxes, and this can be a most unpleasant experience, believe me! Here are a few ideas to keep Fido and Fluffy at bay:
Keep Diggin’ Dogs at bay:
If your dog is digging, he is usually following his natural instincts or is bored. Keep in mind that a dog parked out in the backyard all day is going to have to entertain himself in some way, so provide him with other diversions as well!
Spray the holes and other areas of the yard with the following:
—Cayenne Pepper Spray:
one whole garlic, crushed
1 hot onion, chopped
1 quart of hot water
2 teaspoons of crushed cayenne pepper (fresh)
2 tablespoons of hot sauce
Mix, allow to steep for about four or five hours. Spread on areas where dogs trample down plants when they lie down, compost heaps, ornamental plants, or where dogs like to dig or plants they use as urinals.
No Cats or Dogs Allowed!
—Place brambles or other clippings of roses and other thorny plants down around flower beds to deter them from resting in your flower beds, or to keep them from digging.
—Cats detest the smell of citrus. Place orange or other citrus peels around flower beds to deter cats from resting in plantings or digging.
These are a few ideas of critter control. There will always be visitors, welcome and unwelcome, to the garden. The trick is to prevent as much damage as possible while living in peaceful co-existence with these animals.