Kupa Kupa (Plantain)

Many people go to all sorts of crazy measures to eliminate this "weed" from their gardens and yards. But! There are some astonishing uses for this little plant. It is, actually and herb that is native to Asia and Europe. You can find it all over the U.S. It is called Plantain or White Man's Foot (I don't know why). Other regional nicknames include:
Doc Leaf
Indian Tobacco
Kupa Kupa (New Zealand) I like this name!

There are two variants of Plantain – Broadleaf and Lance. The leaves of this herb are edible, and you can cook, steep, chew, crush, juice, and use it in salads. It is normally found growing in the rocky, poor soil alongside the dandelions. The great health and medicinal values of plantains are numerous. There is even a pill form called plantago mayor or Llanten. People who have allergic reactions to grass and weeds might want to avoid this -- get tested for this specific plant. Be SURE you are not using a plant that has been sprayed or affected by pesticides!

Plantain can be a wonderful solution for hikers and all nature lovers, who are highly susceptible to mosquito bites. This astringent nature of this herb enables it to extract the insect toxins from human body. Simply crush (or chew up) the leaves and place leaves on the bite as a poultice. This is helpful for bee stings, also. There is usually immediate relief.  

It can also be used as a natural cure for rashes, acne, slivers, and glass splinters.
After applying the poultice, cover the area with a clean and soft cotton cloth and leave on four to twelve hours for the healing to take place. 

You can easily incorporate these weeds in your DIY natural emergency kits to prepare insect repellent balms. 
The uses continue!  It is an effective ingredient in  homemade skin wash.
Steeped like a tea, it can be applied as a natural solution for hemorrhoids.
The leaves and seeds of Plantain have a positive impact on the human digestive system. It has a soothing and healing effect, especially for those whose digestive system is affected by the prolonged use of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or antibiotics drugs. Plantain is also beneficial for those who have Celiac disease or food allergies.

While leaves can be used in the form of tea or prepared into soup, seeds are either used in ground or soaked form. The ground seeds of this astonishing herb bulk up the absorbant fiber, mucilage.  The plant is closely related to psyllium. 

Consuming this before meals is known to aid in weight loss.
 
Plantain is a good source of silica and is a gentle natural expectorant. These properties make it an ideal natural formula for colds, coughs, and lung disorders. The natural diuretic properties of this herb transform it into a powerful solution for various kidney disorders. Plantain helps soothe menstruation by slowing down the blood flow. As a styptic, you can use it topically to ease the bleeding from wounds. It is also beneficial for healing various types of skin disorders.
From the digestive issues to the skin disorders, menstruation troubles to arthritis, plantain is a one-stop solution for various troubles affecting the humans. Include it in your diet as a salad leaf or chew it to quench your thirst. This versatile herb is worth learning about and incorporating into your life.


Sources:
– http://www.lifeadvancer.com/this-little-weed-is-one-of-the-most-useful-medicines-on-the-planet
– Project.Nsearch: Most Useful Medicines on the Planet
– Wikipedia: Plantago Major
– Prescription for Herbal Healing: 2nd Edition – Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
– Hygieia: A Woman’s Herbal – Jeannine Parvati
– Healing Secrets of the Native Americans – Porter Shimer

Other good references:  
Back to Eden by Jethro Kloss 
http://www.urbanoutdoorskills.com/cookingplantain.html 


A side dish recipe:Wash leaves thoroughly. Younger leaves are less bitter.
Boil (?) for a minute.  (NOTE! Many people stress that boiling it kills the nutrients)
Soak for 3-4 hours
Rinse 2-3 times; squeeze leaves a little to remove some of the bitter juice.
Mix with garlic, soy sauce and perilla oil
Stir fry
Soak them again for 3-4 hours
Put leaves back in the pan over medium heat for a few minutes stirring occasionally.
Let them cool down, mix with sesame oil and seeds.
Enjoy!

Another recipe and good detail:

http://www.urbanoutdoorskills.com/cookingplantain.html
There is really a sweet spot between 3 and 5 minutes of boiling. 3 minutes for young leaves (nice bright green) and 5 minutes for older leaves.
For simplicity's sake: You can boil both for 4 minutes.

Place in cold iced water and call it a day. 

Some of the leaves can be a tad bitter after 4 minutes (nothing wrong with bitter) and it helps adding some salt to the water when boiling.

The "algae" characteristics makes it perfect for creating Asian-style dishes. The leaves won't taste like algae but you can add the right condiments and you could fool many people into thinking that  they're actually eating algae.

Seasoning:

1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon soy
1 garlic clove
and, in my case because I didn't have sesame seeds I used roasted white sage seeds and some of my California black walnuts.

Mix and let rest for 5 minutes. Super yum!

A Ladder of Roses

There is a really neat project happening over at Woodlands Home.

I feel compelled to participate! Here is My Point of View on Ladders. . . . 

Check it out at Woodlands Home and join the weekly project. 

This is the first image I thought of when I heard, "ladders."  I searched for awhile before I was able to find this photo. It is perfect -- exactly what I had imagined! 

I have been slowly nurturing my gardening skills and find I love eclectic garden art, fountains and planters. 

I suppose our recent trip to nearby Arbor really sparked my interest in bohemian gardening!

Today I filled a white wood and glass birdhouse with black soil and planted English Ivy in it. Very pretty! If I must say so myself. 


Graphic Source:  Garden Notes

Garlic Fire Spray and More!

 Non-Toxic Organic Garden Pest Control Solutions 

 

GARLIC FIRE SPRAY is the stuff of legend. There are many recipes, but they consist of some or all of the following: garlic, chili peppers, soap, vegetable oil, kerosene and water. Don't leave home without a concoction of this. Depending on its strength it will slay dragons and ants (must have dragons if we mention legends)!
The brew I use at the moment is very effective and goes like this:

• 2-3 garlic bulbs (about 6-10 cloves per bulb)
• 6 large or 12 smaller hot chilli peppers (any variety will do, or if unavailable try 1-2 tablespoon hot chilli powder)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 squirts of liquid detergent (approximately 1 heaping tsp) recommendation: LEMONBRITE
• 7 cups water. (Use about 2-3 cups in the blender, and top up with the rest later)

Put the whole lot into a blender and vitamize well, then strain through muslin, a coffee filter or similar. Pour what you need into a spray bottle for use and keep the rest in jars with lids on in a cupboard or on a shelf somewhere, well labeled.

Read the rest of the article here.
SOURCE: my friend, Sandie. Posted in full @ Coffee Ground and Egg Shells

Sage Advice About Herbs

- but, oddly enough, no advice about sage!

Many of the most commonly grown garden herbs thrive in bright sun and very warm soil. Herbs like tarragon and lavender, basil, oregano and thyme are perfect in a container or bed located in bright sun that mimics their Mediterranean heritage. Does that mean for a shady yard growing herbs is out of the question? Not at all!

There are several herbs native to woodland habitats that thrive in shaded areas. Some herbs, though not native to shade, will happily grow in dappled sun but with a more loose and upright habit.

Consider growing these herbs in a shady corner of the garden, as accents under trees, or in containers for an area with dappled sun. The herbs listed with an (N) are native to shade, the others will grow in full sun or partial shade.

• Angelica: (N) The leaves are delicious in soups, salads, stews. The stems are often candied and are used to replace rhubarb in  recipes.
• Beebalm: As well as being a magnet for bees and butterflies in the garden, the leaves make a delicious tea.
• Chervil (N): The leaves and stems are prized in French cooking.
• Dill: Delicious used to season fish, eggs and vegetables. Host plant for Black Swallowtail butterflies.
• Fennel: Leaves, stems and seeds have a light licorice flavor. Excellent as a substitute for celery.
• Ginger (N): Use the root fresh or dried to add a spicy citrus flavor to dishes. Also wonderful for tea blends.
• Lovage: The leaves have a flavor similar to celery and make an ideal substitute. It’s easiest to dry the leaves for use.
• Parsley: Available in curled leaf and flat leaf varieties. Cilantro ("Chinese Parsley" is the key ingredient in salsa verde.
• Rosemary: Pine and mint flavors. Excellent in salad dressings and marinades, also wonderful with orange peel for tea.
• Sweet cicely (N): Tastes of celery and anise. Wonderful in soups and with fish and fruit.
• Sweet woodruff (N): Vanilla scented. Wonderful as an ingredient for tea, May wine and potpourri.
• Tarragon: Light licorice flavor is wonderful with meat and vegetables. Ideal in sauces, vinegars and butters.
• Thyme: There are several varieties each with their own unique flavor, all include a faint clove taste. Excellent for use in cooking as well as in tea.

Lagniappe:

1. Finding herbs that will flourish in your light conditions may require a bit of trial and error. 
2. Remember that soil health is just as important in shady areas as sun. 
3. Compost and organic fertilizers will enrich your soil and keep your herbs healthy and strong. 
4. Be aware that frequent applications of fertilizers to herb plants will diminish their essential oils and lessen their flavors. 
5. Applications of liquid kelp twice a season will provide beneficial nutrients. 
6. There are many other plants native to shady woodlands that have herbal uses. 
7. For more information on your local native herb plants check with your local Cooperative Extension.

SOURCE: http://www.getinthegarden.com

Vertical Garden in Shoe Pockets

Step 1Materials needed 

• Hanging shoe pocket organizer.
• Pole and attachments ( curtain pole or pipe fittings, screws). 
• Strong metal saucepan or utensil hanging hooks 
• Compost of a good quality moisture holding type. 
• Water Crystals (optional)
• Selection of plants or seeds... e.g. mixed leaf salad, herbs, sorrel, peas, mini tomatoes. 
• Piece of wood 2"x2" as long as the width of the pocket store to keep the base of pockets away from the wall. 
• Trough planter to catch drips.

Step 2 Attach pole to shed, wall or fence
Attach a strong chrome pole with metal fittings to the wall you are using. You could use a curtain pole. Make sure to attach it at the correct height - especially if you want to grow plants in a trough below ( see step 7). This uses the surplus water from the pockets above. We plan to we simply hang our vertical garden from the top of our 8' fence.

Step 3 Attach hanging shoe store
Use strong hooks or wire to attach the shoe pockets. They must be strong enough to support the weight of the compost, plants and water.

Step 4 Test drainage
Pour water into the pockets to check the drainage, if they don't drain then make a few small holes in each of the pockets.

Step 5  Fill each pocket with compost
1) Before you add your potting soil/compost . . . HINT: place a few water crystals in a container with water and allow them to swell.  If not done first, the crystals grow so much that they can push the compost, seeds and plants out!

2) Add the water filled crystals to a good moisture retaining compost.

3) Fill to 1" below the rim so that water does not pour out over the rim

Step 6 Add plants or seeds
Sow seeds or add seedlings.

Suggestions: herbs like thyme, sorrel, chives, basil, peppermint  OR - salad mixed leaf, mustard, cut and come again OR spinach, minibel tomatoes, 'petit pois peas (you can eat the young leaflets and tendrils) OR strawberries OR flowers

Step 7   A Drip Aid
Use a piece of wood to make sure the excess water drips into the trough below.

Step 8Maintaining a healthy hanging garden
- Water slowly with a gentle flow, or you may wash soil and plants out of the pocket and it will dirty the crop below.

- Plants like tomatoes will need regular Tomato fertilizer  (use slow release granules) as the fertility of the compost will soon get exhausted.

- Do not over pick salad leaves, so the plant regrows.

- It is important to keep a look out for aphids, slugs, caterpillars and other pests.

- Remove diseased , infected or damaged leaves... compost them.

- Remove unproductive plants and compost them

- When reusing pockets add some fresh compost.

SOURCE: Instructables.com

AUTHOR: http://www.instructables.com/member/pippa5/

ADDED INFO:

Green Tomato + Banana + Paper Bag = ?

Do you usually set those "not yet ripe" tomatoes down on the sunny kitchen sill and wait patiently for them to ripen? Ever wonder if there is a way to speed things up a bit? Well, there is! Try the paper bag method.

1. Insert ripening banana and amount of tomatoes as will fit into a paper bag (thus, the name!)

2. Store in a warm, semi-humid area away from sunlight.

3. This method is useful when you don't have a lot of room and you only have a few tomatoes

GREAT TIPS:

• The bananas must be "ripening" - they are at their most useful when they are yellow with green on the ends. (#4 or #5 )

All ripening fruit produce ethylene, a gas that helps ripen the fruit. Bananas are not the only fruit you can use but they generally produce so much ripening gas in comparison to other fruits that they provide the best "booster" source of ethylene. And, unlike tomatoes, bananas ripen very well after they have been picked.

• Humidity is also an important factor for indoor ripening. Too much humidity can encourage rotting (and the dreaded fruit flies); too little humidity and you might end up with dehydrated tomatoes. Keep a close eye on their progress and adjust things as you see fit.

• For the best flavor, eat the tomatoes as soon as they have ripened. They will gradually lose their flavor after about one week of storage in the refrigerator.

•This makes a great science experiment for kids as well. It is another way to enthuse them with the joys of harvesting from one's own garden.

H/T Keeper of the Keys

Natural Aphid Control

I highly recommend Garden's Alive's Lady Bugs. Here is their information:

Adult lady beetles and their larvae are an excellent, non-chemical way to control aphids, Colorado potato beetles (egg stage) and other insect pests in your garden. But unlike the lady beetles sold by most other companies, ours are:

• screened to remove patasitoid-infested beetles
• ready to lay eggs the day you release them
• hungry for pests!

Up to 20% of the lady beetles shipped by other companies are parasitized. So, not only will their lady beetles die shortly after you receive them, but they'll also release parasitoids that will kill any lady beetles previously in your garden.

Our Sta-Home lady beetles arrive healthy and ready to feed on pests! Females immediately lay eggs, which provide a second wave of pest-eaters within a week. And these larvae, which can't fly, have an even bigger appetite than the adults!

• We precondition our lady beetles by feeding them a healthy diet to encourage egg laying. We also remove all parasitoid-infesting beetles so they don't attack your purchased or existing beetles.

• One package of about 900 Sta-Home adults will produce more than 10,000 pest-eating larvae in your garden within 30 days! We ship at the proper time for your area or on the date you specify.

Note: We take great care to ensure that your insects arrive safely and in good health, ready for your garden. We normally ship them on Monday or Tuesday so they arrive before the weekend.

Pricing? Here it is. Go to Gardens Alive to order. This is just a cut and paste. :-)

1 pkg of Sta-HomeTM Lady Beetles (covers 1,000 sq ft)
1+	$13.95	Qty
1 of 3 pkgs of Sta-HomeTM Lady Beetles (1 package each of 3 shipments at 3-week intervals)
1+	$35.95	Qty

Cross-posted @ Coffee Grounds and Egg Shells

The Tickle Me Plant

Just in case you have not met, I would like to introduce you to the Tickle Me Plant.

The Best Nest carries these amazing seeds and plants. So come on by!

What's so special about this plant? The leaves react to your touch. Touch the leaves and they will fold together for a time and eventually reopen. Perfect for you and your young gardeners in training!

You can find more information about these plants at Wikipedia

9th Grade Student's Essay Rocks!

Pesticides do not know when to stop killing!

It is simple. With some basic research anyone can easily learn enough facts to make some important changes.


This comic comes from a student's website.
I loved his online essay -- please check it out. This link will take you directly to the "Table of Contents" for his pesticides essay.

Lamb's Ear

Lamb's Ears is so widely grown and cultivated that it seems to be a native of almost everywhere.

I first put the name together with the plant when visiting my friend, Kathy in PA. She taught me about Lamb's Ear and guess what? It grows beautifully in my neck of the woods, too. (S.E.Texas)

Actually, it is native to Northern Turkey, the Southern Caucasus Mountain region and Southern Iran where it grows on rocky hills and scrub areas. In other words, it is a weed. Which is exactly the quality it makes apparent in a rational planned garden. Like many weeds we adopt, it does its own thing. This makes it important to use it the right way in your garden and not try to make it something it isn't.

For instance, it isn't the border plant to end all border plants.

So what are they best for? Pure pleasure. Let them be free and they will spread their seeds and grace the garden with their downy softness and tall graceful purple flower heads. Here a Lamb's Ear and there a Lamb's ear, almost everywhere there will be a Lamb's ear, and you will be glad you let them have their way.
While Lamb's Ears can take partial shade, they can't take excess water, which makes them a poor choice for planting near a lawn.

Oh, and some of you may wonder why an Herb Company grows Lamb's Ears. While there are a few folkloric references to herbal uses for Lamb's Ears, like to staunch wounds (thus the old name woundwort) and as a washcloth, it has a home here because of its association with the medicinal herb Betony. Both are in the genus Stachys and we tend to collect as many members of any herbal genus as possible. We don't always like all the different species, but Lamb's Ears found a permanent, yet variable, spot in our gardens.