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Mosquitoes Be Gone – Essential Plants for Your Garden

Warmer temperatures are here, which means summertime is just around the corner. With all the fun and sun that summer brings, it also unfortunately brings along nature’s perpetual pest – mosquitoes. These pesky insects can easily ruin your quality gardening time, so what better way to make sure that you get to tend your plants in peace than by investing in plants that actually repel mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes Be Gone!

Below you’ll find a list of nature’s own natural mosquito repellants, as well as some additional tools and tips to ensure that these pests are kept far at bay and you get to focus your quality time back on your garden!

Lavender:

This plant does much more than make an appearance in your favorite perfume or tea. Have you ever noticed how other insects, and even frequent garden animals such as rabbits, never decimate a lavender plant? Their beautiful fragrance actually hinders a mosquito’s ability to smell! Lavender is also one tough plant – it is highly durable in extreme heat and is drought-resistant once it has been fully established in a garden. It actually thrives best in warmer temperatures, so southern homesteaders rejoice!

Marigolds:

Similarly to lavender, marigolds are another beautiful garden addition that emit a smell which deters mosquitoes from flying near. These potted plants should be placed near your front door or on the back patio to ensure that mosquitoes do not go flying where they’re least wanted and risk slipping inside to escape from the summer heat. Marigolds are good for more than repelling mosquitoes – professional gardeners have even observed that they will deter aphids, thrips, whiteflies, bean beetles, squash bugs and tomato hornworms.

Mosquitoes Be Gone – Essential Plants for Your Garden

Citronella Grass:

You might not know it by name, but you would certainly know it by smell. This plant is the most commonly found ingredient in store-bought mosquito repellant sprays, and for good reasons; this low-maintenance plant is easily the most effective at repelling mosquitoes when planted live in a garden. It should be housed in large planter with other vegetation, as it does not do well in colder climates and thrives in the heat. Depending on how warm your climate gets in the summer, citronella grass can even be planted directly into the ground.

Catnip:

Part of the mint plant family, catnip has similar powers of aroma in repelling mosquitoes from your garden. Catnip is easy to access and is highly available in all garden and home center stores, and is highly effective in deterring those pesky bugs from disturbing your garden. Unfortunately, it can tend to be a bit invasive and might start to take over the rest of your garden if not monitored carefully.

Rosemary:

This plant comes highly recommended as a natural mosquito repellant by the New York Botanical Garden Society. Their woody, earthy scent not only repels mosquitoes, but has been known to scare off other pesky insects such as cabbage moths and carrot flies.

Mosquitoes Be Gone – Essential Plants for Your Garden

Mosquitoes Be Gone – Essential Plants for Your Garden

A positive upside to growing rosemary in your garden is that it does well in containers, which means that it could grow and thrive in climates that experience winters. They also do equally as well in hot or dry climates. Need a few more reasons to love rosemary? It can be easily pruned into decorative shapes or borders to jazz up your garden, and you can add it to a garden salad or use it as a seasoning for your favorite summer dishes!

Basil:

Much like rosemary, this herb that is traditionally used to season and spice up a number of dishes can also be used to repel mosquitoes. All types of basil will effectively accomplish this aim, so you should feel free to experiment with different types of basil and find a type that works best with your garden and your sense of smell. To maintain basil, make sure that the herb is kept damp, is drained thoroughly and frequently, and enjoys lots of sunshine. Basil can be planted directly in the garden alongside the other plants, or can be kept in a container with other flowers or herbs, as long as they are grown and sprout at the same time.

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Scented geraniums:

This is one final popular option that you might decide to use as a natural mosquito repellant. Also recommended by the New York Botanical Garden, this lemon-scented flower serves the same function as the previous plants in that its smell deters mosquitoes from flying near. Like most of the others, scented geraniums flourish best in hot, dry, and sunny environments, but can be maintained and kept in colder environments with lots of pruning and attention to growth.

Mosquitoes Be Gone – Essential Plants for Your Garden

Mosquitoes Be Gone – Essential Plants for Your Garden

Extra Protection:

Looking for a little extra protection from mosquitoes this summer? Below is a list of specific requirements that you should look for in a pest repellant yard spray to ensure that you are being safe to your garden. You’ll be able to keep the beauty, health, and vibrancy of your plants while making sure that those pesky pests stay far away from your flowers (and your eardrums!):

  • Look for products that contain sodium chlorine and potassium sorbate. These are classified as non-toxic yard and plant sprays, as the ingredients can be found in common household items such as soaps and shampoos. Potassium sorbate is an organic compound that is often used as food preservative.
  • Look for sprays that have a long-lasting efficiency, somewhere around 8 weeks’ time. This ensures that the spray not only gets rid of existing pests, but prevents any others from creeping in.
  • Make sure that the spray you purchase states that is has non-staining properties. The last thing you’d want to do is discolor your grass or ruin a nicely-stained fence with your pest repellant spray.

Avoiding mosquitoes is important on a number of levels: not only are they pesky for you, your pets, and your garden plants, they are known to carry a number of diseases that can be extremely harmful. Including these plants in your garden and knowing what to look for in pest sprays will surely make your home a much safer place this summer – not to mention, you’ll never find a better-smelling garden in your neighborhood!

Up Next: Pickled Cactus Recipe with a Sweet Twist

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Self Sufficiency

NYC Adds Nearly 4,000 People Who Never Tested Positive To Coronavirus Death Tolls

New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll Tuesday, bringing coronavirus-related deaths in the city to around 10,000 people.

The city decided to add 3,700 people to its death tolls, who they “presumed” to have died from the virus, according to a report from The New York Times. The additions increased the death toll in the U.S. by 17%, according to the Times report, and included people who were suffering from symptoms of the virus, such as intense coughing and a fever.

The report stated that Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio decided over the weekend to change the way the city is counting deaths.

“In the heat of battle, our primary focus has been on saving lives,” de Blasio press secretary Freddi Goldstein told the Times.“As soon as the issue was raised, the mayor immediately moved to release the data.”

The post New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll appeared first on Daily Caller

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Self Sufficiency

How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar

The thing about homesteading is you get to create your own ingredient right from scratch! Cheese, yogurt, butter and now sauerkraut, a delightfully sour and crunchy ingredient you can use on your meals — or consume by itself — while on a homestead, or while facing this health crisis!

This homemade sauerkraut is a great meal because it has a long shelf life. You can either make plain sauerkraut or mix it with herbs and spices. In this tutorial let us make Lacto-fermented sauerkraut that preserves all the good probiotics in a jar, good for your guts.

So how to make sauerkraut in a mason jar?

RELATED: How To Make Buttermilk On Your Homestead

Delicious Sauerkraut Recipe Every Homesteader Should Know

Why Make Sauerkraut?

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Not only does sauerkraut spoil a long time, but it is also a meal in itself, and it is also easy to make! You don’t need to be an expert cook, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.

So let us get started. Here are the steps in making sauerkraut in a mason jar.

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of cabbage or 2 1/2 lbs cabbage
  • 1 tablespoon of salt

Tools Needed:

  • knife
  • bowl
  • mason jar
  • smaller jar
  • rubber band

Step 1: Wash & Clean the Tools & Ingredients



Wash all the equipment and utensils you need. Wash your hands too.

You don’t want to mix your sauerkraut with bad bacteria, anything that is going to make you sick.

Next, remove the faded leaves from your cabbage. Cut off the roots and the parts that don’t seem fresh.

Step 2: Cut the Cabbage Into Quarters & Slice Into Strips



Cut your cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, slice it into strips.

Step 3: Place in a Bowl & Sprinkle With Salt



Put the stripped cabbage into a bowl. Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 tablespoon of salt.

TIP: Use canning salt or sea salt. Iodized salt will make it taste different and may not ferment the cabbage.

RELATED: Homemade Yogurt Recipe

Step 4: Massage the Cabbage



Massage the cabbage for five minutes or more to get the juice out.

TIP: You’ll know it’s ready when you see a bit of juice at the bottom of the bowl and will look similar to coleslaw.

Step 5: Press Cabbage Into the Mason Jar



Add the cabbage to the mason jar gradually. Press it in hard to allow the juice to come out. Do this every time you add about a handful of cabbage.

IMPORTANT: Food should be covered by the liquid to promote fermentation. Add any excess liquid from the bowl to the jar.

Step 6: Press a Smaller Jar Into the Mason Jar



You want to squeeze every ounce of that juice from the cabbage. To do this place the mason jar in a bowl and get a smaller jar.

Fill it with water or marble to make it heavy. Press it into the bigger mason jar. Allow any juices to rise to the surface.

Step 7: Cover the Jars With Cloth & Tie With Rubber Band



Leave the small jar on. To keep your jars clean from annoying insects and irritating debris, cover your jars with a clean cloth. Then, use a rubber band to tie the cloth and the jars together, putting them in place.

Step 8: Set Aside & Check Daily

Set it aside in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the water level daily. It should always be above the cabbage.

Step 9: Taste Your Sauerkraut & Keep at Cool Temperatures

Homemade Sauerkraut Cumin Juniper | How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar

After about five days, you can taste your sauerkraut. If the taste is to your liking, tightly cover it with the lid and store in the fridge or cellar.

NOTE: If after five days it’s still not your desired taste, leave it for a few more days. This will allow the fermentation process to continue.

You can now enjoy your sauerkraut in a mason jar. Enjoy its goodness! You can use it as a side dish or mix it with your favorite sandwich.

Things to Remember in Making Sauerkraut

  • Store away from direct sunlight and drafts.
  • Colder weather will make the process longer. Spring is the best time to make them since the warmth helps activate the fermentation.
  • Always make sure that the cabbage is below the water level during the entire fermentation process.
  • If the water level decreases during the fermentation process, you can make a brine and add it.

Let us watch this video from Kristina Seleshanko on how to make delicious Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar!

So there you have it! Making Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar is as easy as slicing the cabbage into strips. Remember that as long it remains unopened, your sauerkraut can last for months. Best of all, you can partner this sauerkraut in many recipes.

What do you think of this homemade recipe? Share your best sauerkraut recipe in the comments section below!

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Self Sufficiency

9 SPRING VEGETABLES FOR YOUR GARDEN

Having plants in the house will bring peace to people. Having a little garden with vegetables is even better! You can grow these vegetables in your backyard garden easily as well!

RELATED: Microgreens Growing Guide

In this article:

  1. Tomato
  2. Eggplant
  3. Beet
  4. Spinach
  5. Pea
  6. Carrot
  7. Radish
  8. Cauliflower
  9. Asparagus

Growing veggies in your garden will give you an opportunity to understand what you eat and value it more. Early spring is when most vegetables are being planted. Keep reading to learn about 9 spring vegetables that anyone can grow in their garden!

Tomato

Tomato is the most popular garden vegetable in the States! There are different varieties to choose from. Tomatoes need to be planted in early spring because they won’t survive a frost.

Because tomatoes are consumed daily, try adding them to your garden! They’re not difficult to grow either.

Eggplant

Eggplants are known to have low-calorie, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Plus, they are delicious! So why not plant them in your garden?

Eggplants shouldn’t be planted too early because they won’t be able to survive a frost. So you could consult an expert in your area before you plant your eggplants.

Beets

Beets are known to be a superfood for its various health benefits. They’re easier to grow in the garden, usually around late March or early April.

If the weather is always cool, beets will keep getting bigger and bigger. Once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need to harvest them, or they’ll go to waste.

Spinach

Spinach is a delicious early spring veggie, and it’s also very beneficial for health. And it’s not difficult to grow spinach in your garden!

Spinach needs cold weather to grow. Getting spinach to grow is easy, but keeping it growing will require some extra care.

Pea

Peas are usually planted in late April. Peas will die in freezing temperatures, but they also won’t survive the heat either. So make sure you plant your peas in early spring.

Peas are widely used in many different ways, and there are different types of peas. The soil you’ll be planting your peas should be suitable for them, so make sure you ask while buying seeds.

Carrot

There are different types of carrots, but regardless of their size and color, it’s a fact that carrots are both delicious and rich in vitamins.

They’re root vegetables, so with proper sun and watering, they can be picked up as baby carrots as well.

Radish

A radish is an excellent option for beginners because it doesn’t require too much care. Radish is easy to harvest.

Radish grows fast, so it’s better to keep an eye on it after a few weeks. Radish usually is grown pest-free, but there’s always the chance of unwanted guests, so watch out for worms. Radish can be eaten raw or can be added to garnish recipes.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower isn’t the easiest vegetable to grow at home, but it is very popular.

Cauliflower grows better in colder weather, so before you plant it, consider the climate of your garden. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is known to be very beneficial for health.

Asparagus

Freshly picked, tender asparagus is very delicious!

Asparagus plants get more productive with each harvest, and mature asparagus harvest can last for months! Make sure you plant them at the correct time, or else they might go to waste.

All the vegetables listed above are great for your healthy diet, and it’s fun to watch them grow. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your own veggies and eat healthy this spring!

So tell us which veggies will you be growing this spring? Tell us in the comments section!

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