tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15434274085139481742024-03-27T19:53:32.131-04:00Feathers in the woodsA healthy living blog all about growing food, herbs and flowers as cheaply as possible. Tutorials on preserving and using herbs for health. Alternative healthcare, green living, gardening and doing everything as naturally as possible! Home remedies. LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.comBlogger290125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-72217142980362325852024-02-29T13:08:00.000-05:002024-02-29T13:08:23.873-05:00How to get rid of stink bugs in your homeAre you lucky enough to live in a place that doesn't have infestation of stink bugs every year? Unfortunately we've been dealing with them for quite some time! As I've struggled with keeping them out of the house I have learned quite a few things that work... and a few that don't!<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4m54dS9hOVMP-zBZ_dT6bqK5t1NhRPkqR_VvhnHdDF5Epkr4y9SxdAewaxgyZiTtlqHLgIIIvQEoSYP4t_krT7lQ1d_C56CSMdLLaHr30Bb-xSzGGu-8d2Ad6j6ilz3ZAxWBDfr3_uSwM1Q9gr53I3eB45mjIN9fWKZOdnKgZ3T0PpRxMSyf2B7cRfQ/s3000/How%20to%20get%20rid%20of%20stinkbugs%20indoors.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stink bug crawling on curtain indoors" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4m54dS9hOVMP-zBZ_dT6bqK5t1NhRPkqR_VvhnHdDF5Epkr4y9SxdAewaxgyZiTtlqHLgIIIvQEoSYP4t_krT7lQ1d_C56CSMdLLaHr30Bb-xSzGGu-8d2Ad6j6ilz3ZAxWBDfr3_uSwM1Q9gr53I3eB45mjIN9fWKZOdnKgZ3T0PpRxMSyf2B7cRfQ/w266-h400/How%20to%20get%20rid%20of%20stinkbugs%20indoors.png" title="How to get rid of stink bugs indoors and prevent them from coming back!" width="266"></a></div><br>One of the things that helped was getting new siding on the house! No, I don't recommend this for everyone! In our defense the wood siding that was on our house was about 25 years old and badly needed replaced for other reasons! Effective, yes! Practical, no! Only get new siding if you need it.<br>
<br>However by getting new siding we found out that some stink bugs were getting into our house through the attic crawl space so we had to address that.<br>
<br>One of the things I tried that didn't work was sprinkling diatomaceous earth all around the entire outside of the house. Stink bugs don't crawl up to your house and then crawl up the house and get in. They fly and land wherever they want and try to find a crevice to get in. So anything working on the perimeter of the house will not work at all.<br><br>I found a mix of keeping them out and getting rid of the ones that were inside the house already was the easiest way to keep the stink bug infestation down to just a random one or two a week. Still annoying, but not so bad!<br>
<span></span><span></span><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2024/02/how-to-get-rid-of-stink-bugs-in-your.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-8515630858818716762024-01-23T14:33:00.000-05:002024-01-23T14:33:18.712-05:00Lavender sleep sprays DIYYears back I bought a bedtime spray from Avon and I used to spray it in my bedroom and on my pillow every night before went to sleep. It was lavender and I used it religiously until I could no longer buy it. What do we do when we can't buy something anymore? We make it!<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAx7rHPX1CviiSIwebr3yJL16zmUmvbSqbOf4XT0sMjUcdkcjejc4GnNn51WUZN1hfmUBzEjdeGdwvufJvZIYWU2bWhaIRPZ9BbiGL5dQSyM6-yi5hHWP6ys5aljkNXQ00mf6o3hE3J9aRefTuda2nDvzPt_GMChBWZFK8X4EO7he-34wkLyWOz54lOI/s3000/Make%20lavender%20sleep%20sprays.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bottle of homemade lavender sleep spray" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAx7rHPX1CviiSIwebr3yJL16zmUmvbSqbOf4XT0sMjUcdkcjejc4GnNn51WUZN1hfmUBzEjdeGdwvufJvZIYWU2bWhaIRPZ9BbiGL5dQSyM6-yi5hHWP6ys5aljkNXQ00mf6o3hE3J9aRefTuda2nDvzPt_GMChBWZFK8X4EO7he-34wkLyWOz54lOI/w200-h400/Make%20lavender%20sleep%20sprays.jpg" title="How to make lavender sleep spray at home using essential oils. Use aromatherapy to help you fall asleep fast and naturally!" width="200"></a></div><br>Lavender is well known for its aromatherapy properties. Many people use it to help calm down, or even to go to sleep. One of the great things about using a particular item to help you go to sleep is that you get so used to it happening before you go to sleep, that it becomes a trigger that tells your body to go to sleep.<br><br>It's why all the experts recommend bedtime routines for children who can't fall asleep well or even for adults who have trouble falling asleep at bedtime. For me, a spritz of my Lavender Lay Down Spray tells my mind to calm down and get ready to sleep. <br><br>Thankfully this sleep spray is one of the easiest and cheapest recipes I make... Because I use it every night, so I go through quite a bit! <br><br>You're only going to need three things for each of these recipes. Well, four if you count the spray bottle. Distilled water, witch hazel or micellar water and lavender essential oils.<br><br><span></span><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2024/01/lavender-sleep-sprays-diy.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-64374612154105507022023-10-29T11:21:00.001-04:002023-10-29T14:36:43.197-04:00Uses for fallen leaves<p>I live in the woods. My house is on a 2-acre clearing smack dab in the center of the woods. When your house is surrounded by acres of trees you have a lot of fallen leaves to pick up every year! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBJ-pjaIMZxw2dhlJoVXsyVeL_pzlYRP0ODePMalJHkQ6qr4gwj2MyU41Om4Xh1CNDmDw1zvr1hZApw1zrtY-cqR3Xl4Js4Jj1UQGKtAZNATEZgvacpoUPi38iB5R2HAxQXOD_AidLPjjEa2gBWwuXm4Egr4HBuYm53qgDTnM058tAgzi2mhrysrXW8Y/s3000/uses%20for%20fallen%20leaves.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fallen leaves in yard being cleaned up for use in garden" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBJ-pjaIMZxw2dhlJoVXsyVeL_pzlYRP0ODePMalJHkQ6qr4gwj2MyU41Om4Xh1CNDmDw1zvr1hZApw1zrtY-cqR3Xl4Js4Jj1UQGKtAZNATEZgvacpoUPi38iB5R2HAxQXOD_AidLPjjEa2gBWwuXm4Egr4HBuYm53qgDTnM058tAgzi2mhrysrXW8Y/w200-h400/uses%20for%20fallen%20leaves.png" title="How to use fallen leaves in your yard or garden. Front compost to leaf mold, easy ways to use autumn leaves." width="200"></a></div><p>At first you just rake them into the woods or burn them or even suck them all up with a lawn vacuum type thing and dump them somewhere deep in the woods where they can't blow back out. After a while though you come up with ways to use said leaves, because leaves could be very useful for a gardener!</p><p></p><p>There is one school of thought that leaves and dead plants should be left where they fall as certain insects will hide in them over winter and the leaves help them to survive. Unfortunately many common garden pests are on that list and allowing them a space to survive over winter is making more pest problems for yourself next year!</p><p>I'm pretty sure that's how my earwig problem got so bad the last 2 years! </p><p>I also didn't till for 2 years because of a new fence, so that certainly didn't help. Tilling does help break up their little buggy homes and disrupts the lifecycle of many garden pests so I can't blame my earwig problem on 1 thing...but I'm sure the 2 changes worked together to make the garden particularly buggy this year. That won't happen again!</p><p>30 years gardening and still learning and trying different things. About the leaves though...<span></span></p><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2022/09/uses-for-fallen-leaves.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-15099290268449284722023-09-11T16:52:00.192-04:002023-10-23T22:57:48.254-04:00Make your own grape jam!<p style="text-align: left;">One of my favorite things to make instead of buy is grape jam! I grow concord grapes and there is just no comparing the flavor from homemade jam to store bought. It's one of the simpler canning recipes out there, though it can be a bit tedious at first.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SYkZnck5A807kSlycBA5IFUQ6juGuOYzE1qRYsScM8BlorkgE-t-BgeZw_cekOw9Evm3cjQjTxkpYB62UiZWort-uUGKrWS77SNoIq6O1hUG8RgEY4MLNvGXW9XWkBE2i9GJWgbMr3vb2qO5pUd_0MxWnGELoZW2e1FOEoETqV_i5v2GJbluKg17ncI/s3000/How%20to%20make%20grape%20jam,%20and%20can%20it.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Homemade grape jam and concord grapes" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SYkZnck5A807kSlycBA5IFUQ6juGuOYzE1qRYsScM8BlorkgE-t-BgeZw_cekOw9Evm3cjQjTxkpYB62UiZWort-uUGKrWS77SNoIq6O1hUG8RgEY4MLNvGXW9XWkBE2i9GJWgbMr3vb2qO5pUd_0MxWnGELoZW2e1FOEoETqV_i5v2GJbluKg17ncI/w200-h400/How%20to%20make%20grape%20jam,%20and%20can%20it.png" title="How to make and can concord Grape Jam! Homemade grape jam is so much better than store bought! Easy recipe with canning tutorial." width="200"></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Grape jam is probably the only preserve I make every single year! It's also one of the simplest preserves to make. All you really need is grapes, sugar, water and lemon juice. First you separate the grapes and cook them apart, then strain, blend and combine and cook again. That's it!</p>It's also really easy to water bath can grape jam, so if you're new to canning...it's a great way to get started without investing a ton of money.<span></span><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2023/09/make-your-own-grape-jam.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-37865212116497645932023-08-23T13:46:00.014-04:002023-08-23T14:17:36.782-04:00How to grow bush beans<p>I have been growing bush beans in my home garden for years! They are one of the easiest vegetables to grow and generally produce well from spring into fall. They are one of the easiest vegetables to grow and 1 plant will produce dozens of beans! Plus they don't take up a lot of space.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8B-QHQxfVgePcO53Y2QLd3OhtRJU8Qu4VTdSiNzPKyeiWRHHvF4YIcAOISXhPnddTWcPF6pnaQIIYxYFt-qUzJ1BULRMRwZC81U4Ecl9yTKMgNmsf3GwyAB0JZyjDjuc7npWUsMPKtwtcW8HqLkDibkx_kdTbaiVJIzGDkTNEIWNXL2OWNUBA8iFo8b0/s3000/How%20to%20grow%20bush%20beans.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to grow bush beans, a guide" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8B-QHQxfVgePcO53Y2QLd3OhtRJU8Qu4VTdSiNzPKyeiWRHHvF4YIcAOISXhPnddTWcPF6pnaQIIYxYFt-qUzJ1BULRMRwZC81U4Ecl9yTKMgNmsf3GwyAB0JZyjDjuc7npWUsMPKtwtcW8HqLkDibkx_kdTbaiVJIzGDkTNEIWNXL2OWNUBA8iFo8b0/w200-h400/How%20to%20grow%20bush%20beans.png" title="Growing bush beans, everything you need to know. With this ultimate guide, you are equipped with the knowledge and techniques to grow bush beans like a pro. Start implementing these insider tips now!" width="200"></a></div><p>A few years back I started growing more than just the standard Blue Lake bush beans. I love the color of purple bush beans and have recently started growing some of the yellow bush bean varieties! It's crazy how many different types of bush beans are out there! So lets talk about growing them.<span></span></p><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2023/08/how-to-grow-bush-beans.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-82833947256328429332023-06-30T23:59:00.007-04:002023-07-01T00:57:44.610-04:00How to raise Monarch Butterflies<p>Last year was my first full year raising monarch butterflies. Since the 1970s the monarch butterfly population has been declining. As the only butterfly to make a 2 way migration, the monarch butterfly can live long and go through quite a lot. Or it can have a very short uneventful life. It all depends what time during the year they come about.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGsjCz8elGIfNYVOTfezmFmS9TBLFi1H8gssXixUxKCfhN9oKoPMBw7qaVOof-qaIYHNSX4tIriG1PYjydXXkN-ncnHuOiIsV7tZArHDNnu56dMlrXJQFZpqJkDJyW-KRIYj3q4RHi2Lm50kzXMTBkzTbdFKPa5AWG_-CBUu0p4nUZxYScFToRRt-obY/s3000/How%20to%20raise%20Monarch%20Butterflies.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Raising monarch butterflies" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGsjCz8elGIfNYVOTfezmFmS9TBLFi1H8gssXixUxKCfhN9oKoPMBw7qaVOof-qaIYHNSX4tIriG1PYjydXXkN-ncnHuOiIsV7tZArHDNnu56dMlrXJQFZpqJkDJyW-KRIYj3q4RHi2Lm50kzXMTBkzTbdFKPa5AWG_-CBUu0p4nUZxYScFToRRt-obY/w200-h400/How%20to%20raise%20Monarch%20Butterflies.png" title="How to raise monarch butterflies from caterpillars or even eggs" width="200"></a></div><p>Let's start with the sad facts. A monarch butterfly egg only has about a 10% chance of becoming a butterfly when left in the wild. However if those eggs are brought into a controlled environment, hatched and the caterpillars raised to a chrysalis, that changes to a 90% chance that each egg will make it to a butterfly. </p><p>That's an insane difference, isn't it?</p><p>If you guessed that is why I raise monarch butterflies, you're correct! There are lots of <a href="https://monarchbutterflylifecycle.com/blogs/raise/monarch-diseases-parasites-prevention" target="_blank">disease and predatory insects</a> that affect the monarch caterpillar. Last year I lost less than 10% of my monarchs, almost all of them in the caterpillar stage. I released almost 40 healthy butterflies!</p><p>One of the other problems monarchs face is that the caterpillars only eat milkweed. It grows wild pretty much everywhere but is often perceived as a weed and most people don't want weeds growing in their yards. </p><p>Milkweed grows wild on the side of the roads which would be a good thing but many states have a mowing program and will mow it right down with no concern for the monarch caterpillars that are living on it!<span></span></p><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2023/06/how-to-raise-monarch-butterflies.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-26196245041060111752023-05-01T17:28:00.145-04:002023-05-08T11:05:49.613-04:00How to grow tomato plants in containers<p style="text-align: left;">The one good thing about the big shut down a few years back is that so many people are more interested in growing their own food! Since a large number of people live in apartments or just don't have a yard to plant in, container gardening has become a way they can still grow some of their own food...even with limited space!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_AuHKydvNFEqJTLsMwthPBG-H47yl3xrAne0x1jKQ2DQT9eDnjPeHFir8xcEkMiL2DfWbfoDSiai8c_Xa2KEEc-H17tZVd3gUqVAetOXk216c99SdRPBeI27dPFca5UwH6bMwWle96jlV8vcDCgEiia5VUQWCbKay_KIDTJQyVdnkWB5TNBRJ8kC/s3000/How%20to%20grow%20tomatoes%20in%20pots.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="tomato plant growing in pot on porch" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_AuHKydvNFEqJTLsMwthPBG-H47yl3xrAne0x1jKQ2DQT9eDnjPeHFir8xcEkMiL2DfWbfoDSiai8c_Xa2KEEc-H17tZVd3gUqVAetOXk216c99SdRPBeI27dPFca5UwH6bMwWle96jlV8vcDCgEiia5VUQWCbKay_KIDTJQyVdnkWB5TNBRJ8kC/w200-h400/How%20to%20grow%20tomatoes%20in%20pots.png" title="How to grow tomato plants in containers on your porch!" width="200"></a></div><br>If you would like to grow some of your own food in containers then tomatoes are the perfect plant to start with. As long as you have sunlight, tomatoes can be grown anywhere. Growing tomatoes in containers is not limited to people with a lack of gardening space though. Plenty of home gardeners grow their vegetables in containers, even when they have free space in the backyard. <br><br>There are many reasons for container gardening, but we grow tomatoes in containers mostly for convenience, control, and flexibility. Also if you have a <u><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2017/05/how-to-keep-deer-out-of-your-garden.html" target="_blank">problem with deer in your garden</a></u>, putting your plants on your porch in containers can circumvent that! Not many deer are comfortable walking up onto your porch! Nor are <u><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2015/03/8-ways-to-keep-rabbits-out-of-your.html" target="_blank">rabbits which can really damage a traditional garden</a></u>! <br> <br> Growing tomatoes in containers is not too different from growing tomatoes in the outdoor soil. Like planting in the ground, it's best to raise young tomato seedlings carefully indoors until they're strong enough for transplant. This gives them a few extra weeks to grow instead of waiting to plant seeds when the soil is warm enough.<span></span><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2020/07/growing-tomatoes-in-containers.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-8154725352406090142023-03-27T01:26:00.002-04:002023-08-23T14:22:52.694-04:00 Vegetables That Grow Well In Partial Sun<p>My garden is mostly in full sun, but because it's situated approximately 20' from the edge of the woods, it takes awhile for the sun to get to it in the morning. 11 am to be exact. The definition of full sun is at least 6 hours of direct sun per day, partial sun is 4-6 hours of direct sun per day, partial shade is about 1-4 hours of direct sun that isn't the hot afternoon sun.</p><p>From the second the sun comes over the trees, till about 7 pm in summer, the garden gets sun.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QvLQsiSrIfXDyQ2of9yBB-CTcs0-w4h9PxKF_ZIFTLg0Ew6vRpPY_Og3CSBDxFNeGVGx1QLOB2EJOFnVCPFnBgwPF6p2L7TuEYdrQvPyvraKxnGFPsXor0fWK2nAvwfpC39c8O-T-tS30hPkLJqr8KurD8FiLmRcT37pihwYHmnbnA4Rzjs4xWgn/s2204/Vegetables%20for%20shade%20garden.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Vegetables growing in shade" border="0" data-original-height="2204" data-original-width="1470" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QvLQsiSrIfXDyQ2of9yBB-CTcs0-w4h9PxKF_ZIFTLg0Ew6vRpPY_Og3CSBDxFNeGVGx1QLOB2EJOFnVCPFnBgwPF6p2L7TuEYdrQvPyvraKxnGFPsXor0fWK2nAvwfpC39c8O-T-tS30hPkLJqr8KurD8FiLmRcT37pihwYHmnbnA4Rzjs4xWgn/w266-h400/Vegetables%20for%20shade%20garden.png" title="Planning where to plant vegetables that like some shade." width="266"></a></div><p>That should be all there is to it, but because of plant placing there are a few areas that don't get as much sun as others. For instance, since my tomato plants grow to be about 4' tall, anything planted behind them doesn't get as much sun. Asparagus creates the same problem. </p><p>When planning my garden I need to take this into account.</p><p>We talked about figuring out how much sun your garden gets in <u><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2019/01/sun-mapping-the-garden.html" target="_blank">How to Make a Sun Map for your Garden</a></u>. If this is your first time gardening in your location (or you're moving the garden plot) you'll want to make a sun map first. If you've been using that spot for a few years you're probably familiar with the way the sun moves across your property during the growing season.</p><p>Knowing which parts of your garden has less sun, or which plants will block the sun once they're full grown is essential to planning a garden where all your plants get the correct amount of sunlight for optimal growth! <span></span></p><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2023/03/vegetables-that-grow-well-in-partial-sun.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-22791374017136209452023-02-18T21:34:00.003-05:002023-03-27T00:10:00.881-04:00How to start seeds cheaply<p>Lots of people are looking to start a garden this year! I can totally understand that, especially with the way food prices are. Unfortunately because food prices are up people don't have a lot of extra money to spend on a garden. It's a real catch 22 isn't it? Don't worry, you're in the right place! I love to talk about frugal gardening and seed starting is no different. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1w7LXah4nVJvVQi0DiVHtnqfvJGRqDlRAxmFAuKGN8bMnTf-WRoYSt2zI9-1f3U_1QkKKfbJYQnRqVkBufcFONCKEEhJPoeYSpL3433sDrGHq-PMvOv1U5a5PoZhhdF-4ho4yEHu8_KKdtFNGHjEMIME1GDpM_zFb7oIJaPPM1fZB7WGrvCQMFca/s3000/How%20to%20start%20seeds%20cheaply.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Starting seeds cheaply" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1w7LXah4nVJvVQi0DiVHtnqfvJGRqDlRAxmFAuKGN8bMnTf-WRoYSt2zI9-1f3U_1QkKKfbJYQnRqVkBufcFONCKEEhJPoeYSpL3433sDrGHq-PMvOv1U5a5PoZhhdF-4ho4yEHu8_KKdtFNGHjEMIME1GDpM_zFb7oIJaPPM1fZB7WGrvCQMFca/w200-h400/How%20to%20start%20seeds%20cheaply.jpg" title="How to get your garden started without spending a ton of money. Lots of people garden to save money at the grocery store which is counter productive if your garden costs a lot to plant! Tips and tricks to save money planting." width="200"></a></div><p>Over the years I've come up with lots if ways to save money on seed starting supplies and today I'd like to talk about them. I'm going to do a mini round up here with a bunch of the posts that I've already written on parts of this topic and I'm going to round it out with some new ideas, so let's get started on how to start seeds cheaply!<span></span></p><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2023/02/how-to-start-seeds-cheaply.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-45311381449701690142023-01-10T23:24:00.003-05:002023-02-18T20:39:12.224-05:00How to use Arnica<p>Earlier this year I had surgery. I was lucky to get a doctor that believes in supporting modern medicine with natural methods. She prescribed arnica and pineapple as ways to support my body as it was healing. I have used arnica for years, but had never thought to use it after a major medical event like this.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMo9_DzOy64ryo5RMHqGEzDuUxKt3IeTsT_Isrvfe_do0HPcNkSi90rNjW69F0k8f50HcgQO3MdEzgZar1D2Eb01o7XI2m1ZshmKkJyeYDovWySrHfHs_PnGrJz7YblFOHYLQ33_HhMyv4wJm_uDj9mkSA55feMSSZrGBoqd8csV7m07Yq0Eyxlfuf/s3000/How%20to%20use%20Arnica.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Arnica flowers, how to use for muscles" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMo9_DzOy64ryo5RMHqGEzDuUxKt3IeTsT_Isrvfe_do0HPcNkSi90rNjW69F0k8f50HcgQO3MdEzgZar1D2Eb01o7XI2m1ZshmKkJyeYDovWySrHfHs_PnGrJz7YblFOHYLQ33_HhMyv4wJm_uDj9mkSA55feMSSZrGBoqd8csV7m07Yq0Eyxlfuf/w200-h400/How%20to%20use%20Arnica.jpg" title="How to use arnica as a cream or tablet for swelling, bruising and pain. Two different form of Arnica, how they work and how to use them effectively." width="200"></a></div><p>Mostly I use arnica for bruising. I have a cream made with arnica and I have some homeopathic tablets and I would use one or both to help myself heal from bruising or muscle strain. </p><p>My stepdad had a really bad injury on his arm a few years ago and I decided to get him some arnica cream to help it clear up more quickly, so I looked online and I found that there is a whole line of arnica products and these are now sold in every major grocery store! </p><p>I find that absolutely amazing because the last time I had to buy it, I had to go to a specialty herbal shop because I couldn't find it anywhere else.<span></span></p><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2023/01/how-to-use-arnica.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-77803045385599450382022-12-22T23:41:00.023-05:002023-01-05T14:43:19.936-05:00How to make a corn heat bag<p>Today I'm going to put together a simple tutorial on how to make a corn heat bag. I have several of these in different sizes and they are amazing used hot or cold for basically any injury you might have. I've had my original one for over 20 years and other than the fabric getting kinda dingy, it still works great!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63XE4v4V8VDuTits_BSL_1hT7ebzTHvflmsN9OiKAyZMREixZz-bhzLo-KYX0aYh5mcR-nWGx3eT3mklHHjPwbpd-KhinfBPUNBN5GQ_w6cqW9jHWEzzcVnr6OExi5w9WDrh7W2s9hRznwc8yUqid2qz2ahSpyhe6b6FI7dgoP3oL-AQEvpcINky-/s3000/Make%20a%20heating%20bag%20with%20corn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Homemade corn filled heating bag on a sore ankle" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63XE4v4V8VDuTits_BSL_1hT7ebzTHvflmsN9OiKAyZMREixZz-bhzLo-KYX0aYh5mcR-nWGx3eT3mklHHjPwbpd-KhinfBPUNBN5GQ_w6cqW9jHWEzzcVnr6OExi5w9WDrh7W2s9hRznwc8yUqid2qz2ahSpyhe6b6FI7dgoP3oL-AQEvpcINky-/w200-h400/Make%20a%20heating%20bag%20with%20corn.jpg" title="How to make a corn heat bag for sore muscles. Can be stored in freezer to use cold for bruising or heated in microwave for muscle soreness or injury." width="200"></a></div><p>I've made several more since that original one and I keep a smaller one in the freezer and the larger ones just in the cupboard to warm up when needed. Depending where you're at in an injury, you could use hot or cold, so I like to have a few ready. I swear I get hurt more living on a farm than any other time of my life! But I digress...</p><p>Let's talk heat packs!<span></span></p><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2022/12/how-to-make-corn-heat-bag.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-69282365122744713402022-12-02T12:37:00.005-05:002022-12-02T21:10:59.946-05:00Cranberry almond bars<p>This recipe is one I make every single year when cranberries start showing up in stores! There aren't many recipes you can make using fresh cranberries, and it seems that their tartness means they always get relegated to cranberry sauce. These cranberry almond bars will make you change the way you think of cranberries though!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA86q3Bowca6XWdPYKAGu9h6zy_r291uQCtGbnXQyaTZpYFbNpC38fC3pBuMhPR0CiP9BRHs21w27kli38mE2igrcZ5KRwagCuoPDMYQNs5gsdN3apAF5cUp4rgzlQfjs8AZ6gaKkRds-8uh8k-ItGvOjGPksKwpr6z5mIgScDG8-SMDbN5PUjcHac/s3000/Cranberry%20almond%20breakfast%20cake%20recipe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cranberry almond bars packed in liners" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA86q3Bowca6XWdPYKAGu9h6zy_r291uQCtGbnXQyaTZpYFbNpC38fC3pBuMhPR0CiP9BRHs21w27kli38mE2igrcZ5KRwagCuoPDMYQNs5gsdN3apAF5cUp4rgzlQfjs8AZ6gaKkRds-8uh8k-ItGvOjGPksKwpr6z5mIgScDG8-SMDbN5PUjcHac/w266-h400/Cranberry%20almond%20breakfast%20cake%20recipe.jpg" title="How to make the best cranberry almond bars for your holiday celebration! These simple to make cake squares are great as breakfast cake or dessert!" width="266"></a></div>
<p>I think people are afraid to use cranberries in a lot of baking solely because of that tartness. Whatever goes on as this recipe bakes though, turns the cranberries super sweet! I like to add almonds because I like the unique cranberry almond flavor, but they are just as good with pecans.</p>
<p>I cut these into cranberry almond bars or squares, but you could also just serve it as a cake. <span></span></p><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2022/12/cranberry-almond-cake-bars.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-91974589269140907602022-11-26T20:38:00.008-05:002024-01-23T14:40:34.689-05:00How to make an Aromatherapy Bedroom Gnome with Lavender!<p>When my kids were little I had typical screwed up, parents sleep schedule. I was often trying to fall asleep when I had time to sleep and not necessarily when I was tired! Yeah, that! I got this cute little sleepy time teddy bear with a little lilac colored robe on and he was filled with lavender. I would set it on my pillow next to my face and it would help me fall asleep.</p>
<p>The kids knew this and if they couldn't fall asleep they would ask me to bring them "smell my butt teddy". That was the teddy bears name because the lavender scent was strongest at his butt. lol Kids are funny. <br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFwynw6wGI9aOYrYIdHhDAvXxZOdPoxN8W-amAtrPm0gEXK0WzXLR246Go9sVFdSD_orPGP2JrZNpZ1YMD49F2qluP50JHlgwh42RRm7mh2DQzI2tWKj9vaelCfD_x4U_sAqMbyGcNrxo-o4mGc5etasfcMXOzKSviPgbXAgzpJzTc6EyzcFpeFvr/s3000/Bedroom%20gnome%20Lavender%20DIY.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Aromatherapy Bedroom Gnome Lavender" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFwynw6wGI9aOYrYIdHhDAvXxZOdPoxN8W-amAtrPm0gEXK0WzXLR246Go9sVFdSD_orPGP2JrZNpZ1YMD49F2qluP50JHlgwh42RRm7mh2DQzI2tWKj9vaelCfD_x4U_sAqMbyGcNrxo-o4mGc5etasfcMXOzKSviPgbXAgzpJzTc6EyzcFpeFvr/w266-h400/Bedroom%20gnome%20Lavender%20DIY.jpg" title="How to make a Lavender Bedroom Gnome. Use the power of Aromatherapy to help you fall asleep faster." width="266"></a></div><p>Well it's many years later and I still use a lavender spray or <u><a href="http://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2017/12/easy-sew-sinus-headache-pillow.html" target="_blank">lavender eye pillow</a></u> to help me fall asleep some nights.</p>
<p>So I started thinking that a lavender gnome would be super easy to make and really cute, plus ya know, gnomes are trendy right now! I've made a lot of gnomes as décor, so I decided to write out the way I do it and show you how I make this cute little gnome to help you fall asleep faster. </p>
<p>Since gnomes are small, this is a perfect project to use up scraps of fabric and notions. <span></span></p><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2022/11/aromatherapy-bedroom-gnome-lavender.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-2175920994665554652022-10-16T14:15:00.012-04:002022-10-16T14:28:04.415-04:00How to plant bulbs in fall<p>Autumn has arrived and that means it's time to put the bulbs in so next year's flowers will pop up in the spring! The first couple times I planted bulbs I did it all wrong! I planted them too shallow, I planted them too close together and I planted them at the wrong time of year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKegKUM4tv6wL8f3ug_M82_X6Y2lOcwfQzVKjsJ8Tg5mixD5ZLRX6sdf0SqzicSfvATi4UbwKCerDQdywtvi7ouF6w-HTVm7iNIXVN25acCVd0wK5J1aRoYSc48nwZbTTqHF_4qBaGT4ZZtvPLP9Q4GZlBwuBg56hApsWIGefcldKf1DJD0B2Ielyt/s3000/How%20to%20plant%20flowering%20bulbs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Flowering Iris planted in fall, how to" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKegKUM4tv6wL8f3ug_M82_X6Y2lOcwfQzVKjsJ8Tg5mixD5ZLRX6sdf0SqzicSfvATi4UbwKCerDQdywtvi7ouF6w-HTVm7iNIXVN25acCVd0wK5J1aRoYSc48nwZbTTqHF_4qBaGT4ZZtvPLP9Q4GZlBwuBg56hApsWIGefcldKf1DJD0B2Ielyt/w200-h400/How%20to%20plant%20flowering%20bulbs.jpg" title="How to plant flowering bulbs in fall to assure a plethora of blooms in spring." width="200"></a></div><p>I learned the hard way that if you plant them too shallow the chipmunks will dig them up and eat them. If you plant them too close together as certain bulbs multiply you're going to have to thin them out, and soon. And if you plant them in the wrong season well you might not get anything for a year if at all.</p><p>So today I want to talk about what I've learned and put into practice since the first disastrous set of bulbs I planted.<span></span></p><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2022/10/how-to-plant-bulbs-in-fall.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-85732054312335381732022-09-25T13:01:00.003-04:002023-10-29T13:55:14.827-04:00How to make leaf mold<p>It's that time of year again, when the garden is winding down just as the leaves are falling and filling up the yard! I know it's a pain in the butt and a lot of work, but I look forward to the leaves falling because <u><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2022/09/uses-for-fallen-leaves.html" target="_blank">they are so great for the garden</a></u>!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRh3hTX0HVZ_pQloZvSbSe7GIsZZXn3qCRaatEzcxZe0uv3WpXK6nSRjuY53NhA0YHg5aV8HI2JqAPCk11v-teXx_uuujJp7A0M2bjtkZIUvZ_n7VlaETXXShR2NRpjASHvvWO0EUwYHxzikUBSAVdu0JYBmQkpD-JoES01un1dVTr2dNeso0XZvE/s3000/How%20to%20make%20leaf%20mold.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Leaf mold pile, How to" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRh3hTX0HVZ_pQloZvSbSe7GIsZZXn3qCRaatEzcxZe0uv3WpXK6nSRjuY53NhA0YHg5aV8HI2JqAPCk11v-teXx_uuujJp7A0M2bjtkZIUvZ_n7VlaETXXShR2NRpjASHvvWO0EUwYHxzikUBSAVdu0JYBmQkpD-JoES01un1dVTr2dNeso0XZvE/w200-h400/How%20to%20make%20leaf%20mold.jpg" title="How to make leaf mold to use in the garden. This cold process using only piles of fallen leaves creates an excellent soil amendment that helps retain moisture and condition soil." width="200"></a></div><br>
<p>Not only do leaves make great mulch, but they help insulate the plants for winter and protect the garden. They also give insects a place to hide over winter which could be bad or good depending on the types of insects! </p>
<p>You can also use fallen leaves to make leaf mold. If you spend any time in the woods you'll notice the forest floor is covered with a thin layer of really dark earth. This is the breakdown of fallen leaves and helps improve the structure of soil while supporting plant growth and helping the soil to retain moisture.</p>
<p>You can use your Autumn leaves to do the same thing on a larger scale and use it in your garden and landscaping. This is <u><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2019/06/one-bin-always-ready-compost-method.html" target="_blank">similar to compost</a></u> except you're only using fallen leaves and it takes a super long time compared to compost!<span></span></p><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2022/09/how-to-make-leaf-mold.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-75648550662827803232022-08-14T13:57:00.005-04:002023-07-01T00:54:17.753-04:00How to: plant a butterfly garden<p>I don't know if you've heard, but the monarch butterfly is decreasing in population lately. They have declined by 85% in the last decade. Now Monarchs are different than other butterflies in that they only have one host plant for the caterpillars and it happens to grow in ditches in a long roadside so it's often treated as a weed and destroyed. That plant is milkweed, more on that later.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-He8lchDfKRTNEN3DXRcs9ttvGx6_Jfqug9AggpW0mwZzYlLi0R_IlrSqU2RtJAPBzMFEFbJbhR0rwnfMFB0aBjaOdUvGD57bKhOz_vkbUCvlWazMSSwDf9qeFBje5U_7HwW-QtVEy6hqiFoXC9pGVuVxyawprFCkmKt_D02Syx8rRfm-BjKwQiLG/s3000/How%20to%20butterfly%20Garden.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="butterfly on flower in butterfly garden" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-He8lchDfKRTNEN3DXRcs9ttvGx6_Jfqug9AggpW0mwZzYlLi0R_IlrSqU2RtJAPBzMFEFbJbhR0rwnfMFB0aBjaOdUvGD57bKhOz_vkbUCvlWazMSSwDf9qeFBje5U_7HwW-QtVEy6hqiFoXC9pGVuVxyawprFCkmKt_D02Syx8rRfm-BjKwQiLG/w266-h400/How%20to%20butterfly%20Garden.png" title="How to create a butterfly garden in your yard. Features and plants your garden needs to attract local and migratory butterflies." width="266"></a></div><p>However it's not just the monarchs! Over 450 butterfly species have declined in population since 1972! Butterflies are crucial pollinators (along with bees) for many produce crops. No pollinators equals no food! We already know there's <u><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2016/06/10-ways-to-attract-bees-to-your-garden.html" target="_blank">problems with the bee population</a></u> and now... here we are with butterflies!<span></span></p><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2022/08/how-to-plant-butterfly-garden.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-39549445551582710612022-07-31T13:35:00.001-04:002022-07-31T13:35:22.595-04:00Get Started Using Medicinal Teas<p>When you talk about medicinal teas or teas with natural health properties many people immediately think they need to grow, dry and blend their own teas. That couldn't be further from the truth! You can walk into any large grocery store and find at least a dozen different herbal teas available in tea bag form!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xNvFWnHuc-cCYjzbvZNagaAxFx_h0u2U_MO1ZzbxqakI1U4nU6bh_G_qCh16ILshtCbUk7jfjqp3lsmeX4Dv4OtWfHzpJE6AoJ3k-qJssvXilVV3vPCoeeUk_dV6jQSwLrHuwoe_SPdjHKSF0UypZX5X1ay9cWrtL9_toOaZF-NwrAGJqqz0EhQ3/s3000/Getting%20started,%20herbal%20teas%20for%20health.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Various brewed herbal teas and herbs for natural healthcare" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xNvFWnHuc-cCYjzbvZNagaAxFx_h0u2U_MO1ZzbxqakI1U4nU6bh_G_qCh16ILshtCbUk7jfjqp3lsmeX4Dv4OtWfHzpJE6AoJ3k-qJssvXilVV3vPCoeeUk_dV6jQSwLrHuwoe_SPdjHKSF0UypZX5X1ay9cWrtL9_toOaZF-NwrAGJqqz0EhQ3/w266-h400/Getting%20started,%20herbal%20teas%20for%20health.jpg" title="Using herbs for natural healthcare has been around for centuries but many people don't know how to get started, How to use commonly available herbal teas to improve your health, naturally." width="266"></a></div><p>I'm not talking Whole Foods, Fresh Thyme and Trader Joes. Kroger has a great selection of herbal teas as does Walmart, Target, Meijer, Albertsons and most other large grocery stores. Admittedly the small stores might not carry many, but they should have a few. Those first 3 stores I mentioned will have a huge selection available!</p>
<p>Some of the most common herbal teas are peppermint, chamomile, ginger and hibiscus. You can usually find several blends also like detox, immunity and energy blend.<span></span></p><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2022/07/get-started-using-medicinal-teas.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-29885101169734987892022-07-17T13:56:00.004-04:002022-07-17T13:57:00.105-04:007 ways to use rosemary as medicine<p><span style="font-size: large;">I grow many different herbs and one I cannot be without is Rosemary (<i>Salvia Rosmarinus</i> or <i>Rosmarinus officinalis</i>)</span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>.</i> Rosemary is actually a member of the sage family and has needle like (almost pine looking) leaves on woody stems. Most people grow it as an annual since it's not cold hardy but it is actually a perennial. One of the most common kitchen herbs, it also has many medicinal uses.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivii3UxG9ub6mW6Oc0mIFeFDKO5L7avksacCfOE_Pmhbppox6rcWvE84OwsVE2j5we0uURNJzKTsHiEEPhtdneESeLBt6zOkU8_t2po8qvzRiDfUGbmHePP9JFpAHiCJTv7KiGBn_Qdl3BegLHB0ZxLpB6FZkeE3GqGwdbQcJFfRDkcT1ofzFF48_O/s3000/medicinal%20uses%20for%20the%20rosemary%20herb%20plant.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rosemary herb. healing properties" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivii3UxG9ub6mW6Oc0mIFeFDKO5L7avksacCfOE_Pmhbppox6rcWvE84OwsVE2j5we0uURNJzKTsHiEEPhtdneESeLBt6zOkU8_t2po8qvzRiDfUGbmHePP9JFpAHiCJTv7KiGBn_Qdl3BegLHB0ZxLpB6FZkeE3GqGwdbQcJFfRDkcT1ofzFF48_O/w266-h400/medicinal%20uses%20for%20the%20rosemary%20herb%20plant.jpg" title="Herbs as medicine: My top 7 uses for Rosemary" width="266"></a></div><br><span style="font-size: large;">Though rosemary is mostly known for its prominence in cooking, it has been in use otherwise as far back as 5000 BCE. It was grown in ancient Egypt for use in burial rituals and also used in Greece and Rome. In the 14th century, rosemary was used to make one of the first alcohol based perfumes in Europe.</span><br><br><span style="font-size: large;">Throughout history rosemary has symbolized remembrance, being using in many different cultures burial ceremonies. More currently, it holds a place in a often quoted line from the movie Practical Magic. "There are some things I know for certain: always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck, and fall in love whenever you can.”<br></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Rosemary is a natural anti-inflammatory, is antifungal, has antimicrobial properties and is high in anti-oxidants. It can be used to improve the mood, lessen anxiety, reduce fatigue, improve memory and stimulate hair growth. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: large;"></span><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2022/07/ways-to-use-rosemary-as-medicine.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-13791279125605142292022-06-30T12:12:00.247-04:002022-08-16T10:13:56.404-04:00How to grow petunias from seed<p><span style="font-size: large;">Petunias are a garden staple, known for their colorful flowers and great for gardens or containers. They come in more colors and types than you could count! They do great in full sun but because they tolerate shade well they are often placed close to homes where they spent part of the day in the shadow of the house. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9CWFEcheAPApPlPr6AXZb9VEFuuPm4OVTCyLZFi1mhY5shVtH22s3ThBxMeh2MQCxwBEy55IRDC3ZKHZYuWXMnK65FTHtxWUOM0ok4OghmjXj37ICUuiMowbsJ5m9CMjsJak79jj5T7dO4RdAAZSdG-_rygxaLCDMpUzxYnisk5fZuOuIDNfpl4V/s2204/how%20to%20grow%20petunias%20from%20seed.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Petunias growing from seed" border="0" data-original-height="2204" data-original-width="1470" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9CWFEcheAPApPlPr6AXZb9VEFuuPm4OVTCyLZFi1mhY5shVtH22s3ThBxMeh2MQCxwBEy55IRDC3ZKHZYuWXMnK65FTHtxWUOM0ok4OghmjXj37ICUuiMowbsJ5m9CMjsJak79jj5T7dO4RdAAZSdG-_rygxaLCDMpUzxYnisk5fZuOuIDNfpl4V/w266-h400/how%20to%20grow%20petunias%20from%20seed.png" title="How to grow petunias from seed. These colorful flowers are a great addition to any garden or for containers! Easy to start from seed." width="266"></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have been growing petunias for many years. I like using them in the garden but <u><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2017/04/how-to-design-planter-youll-love.html" target="_blank">they're also great in planters</a></u>. Since they spread out so well, they can be used as a pot filler. Their colorful blooms attract lots of pollinators like butterflies and bees. Since your vegetables need pollinators, it's a good idea to welcome add to the garden!</span></p><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2022/06/how-to-grow-petunias-from-seed.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-31768027272898224212022-04-12T22:39:00.003-04:002022-04-12T22:58:57.156-04:0013 Ways To Sneak Some Extra Fruits And Vegetables In Your Family’s Diets <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I write a lot about growing your own vegetables, fruits and herbs. I grow my own for many reasons but mostly because they are cleaner and healthier for you than the stuff sold in stores. Plus it's just easier to pick what you need for dinner from the yard than to drive to the store! As a bonus, when your kids help to grow the produce, they tend to be more willing to eat it! </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXPEIM4H-t5qNNPx-KqB5l3dWSl7Nr1TxOhFf7iw6FQay6KnImF74uO-M72NvADc404_lDaYQvdFtnBuUhCrU2WH4GWQM0gUWx3pWCc9S2edU5JzVxQZwJka4Gwvi2e9xjHbk1evvh1GXalG5TLBFxY44UY5FpMiX48OFROqLZ5syDduEhcIUop6h/s1500/Sneaky%20ways%20to%20add%20fruit%20to%20diet.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fruit and cream cheese sandwich to add fruit or vegetables to diet" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXPEIM4H-t5qNNPx-KqB5l3dWSl7Nr1TxOhFf7iw6FQay6KnImF74uO-M72NvADc404_lDaYQvdFtnBuUhCrU2WH4GWQM0gUWx3pWCc9S2edU5JzVxQZwJka4Gwvi2e9xjHbk1evvh1GXalG5TLBFxY44UY5FpMiX48OFROqLZ5syDduEhcIUop6h/w266-h400/Sneaky%20ways%20to%20add%20fruit%20to%20diet.png" title="Want to add more fruit and vegetables to your families diet? Check out these 10 ways to sneak fruit and vegetables into their diets easily!" width="266"></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>I make it a point to grow at least one new thing every year and the kids are always willing to try it! </span>In the last few years we've grown <u><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2017/07/how-to-grow-cucamelons.html" target="_blank">cucamelons</a></u>, glass gem popcorn, 4 different colors of tomatoes, huckleberries, <u><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2020/08/have-you-grown-ground-cherries-yet.html" target="_blank">ground cherries</a></u>, purple green beans, purple carrots, kohlrabi, <u><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2017/11/how-to-grow-japanese-white-egg-eggplant.html" target="_blank">white egg eggplant</a></u> and more!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">It makes sense to get the kids involved in growing the foods they eat. I mean, if you can get the kids to willingly eat broccoli then you don't have to try to sneak it into their diets. If they're not willing though, that's when things get a little tricky. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">We all know that we should be eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Unfortunately should and do are two very different things, aren’t they? Sometimes it is just not easy to get them all in there, especially with picky kids or cooking from the garden. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I mean, if you've gardened for any length of time you know all the zucchini comes in for like 2 weeks then nothing! Right? Cherry tomatoes are pretty spread out during the season, but how many days in a row can you eat those? This makes it difficult to have a varied diet without getting sick of the crop of the week. So we’ll just have to get creative. </span></p><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2022/04/ways-to-sneak-extra-fruits-vegetables.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-45974443721851295912022-01-28T16:21:00.002-05:002022-04-12T22:32:06.665-04:00How to make Ginger infused honey<p><span style="font-size: large;">Recently I got the *virus that shall remain nameless* and less than a month later, I caught a common cold. I haven't been ill at all in over 2 years so I guess I was due. Some of my symptoms were barely there and others were horrible! During one of these illnesses, winter storm Izzy decided to dump like a foot of snow on us and I live on a farm so that compounded things!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEje1Q8ylQE2s8Cotlpf9mpSLWvc9ut-hHTjx1muTJOabyTXksDfR3GM7atYGVyuLCh_hhATD94xVhVyaUxd2JRE7whnLc-TP6JKqChTYys5kfAiuEhCyRSTe4TY17OH-LuLEkHXs9PnJzHZTlJYKsb_bz__gCTg3lQmtntMoBtEwiNGbuV7Fyl_8GPJ=s2204" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Making ginger honey. A from scratch recipe. Fight colds naturally with honey infused ginger. Easy to follow recipe. 2 methods!" border="0" data-original-height="2204" data-original-width="1470" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEje1Q8ylQE2s8Cotlpf9mpSLWvc9ut-hHTjx1muTJOabyTXksDfR3GM7atYGVyuLCh_hhATD94xVhVyaUxd2JRE7whnLc-TP6JKqChTYys5kfAiuEhCyRSTe4TY17OH-LuLEkHXs9PnJzHZTlJYKsb_bz__gCTg3lQmtntMoBtEwiNGbuV7Fyl_8GPJ=w266-h400" title="Fresh ginger root, bowl of honey...making ginger honey" width="266"></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Trekking over 2 acres back and forth from the house, feed storage and various barns and coops in a foot of snow (twice a day) while sick is not fun at all, plus it will make you super sore! I'm a big believer in natural remedies and giving your body the support it needs to heal itself. I talked about this in <u><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2015/11/10-ways-to-deal-with-cold-naturally.html" target="_blank">10 ways to shorten a cold naturally</a></u>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After the cold/snow combination I needed some help recovering so I turned to some of my favorite home remedies.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>I am not a doctor nor am I any other type of medical professional. This information is for entertainment and educational purposes only.</i><br><span></span></span></p><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2022/01/how-to-make-ginger-infused-honey.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-11323121217490426322021-12-31T01:59:00.098-05:002021-12-31T17:34:34.154-05:00Dry Brushing and Why Everyone Should Do it<p><span style="font-size: large;">For the last few months I have been doing something called dry brushing every day before I get into the shower. It's exactly what it sounds like! You brush your skin without using any oil, lotion or water. I know it sounds uncomfortable and well, 'scratchy' but it's really not! </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLc77sOcsZlUDeHD0W-dnt5Uarrqn1XJncAL4a84-mV6nAqpHhrOxd1vuz5HoQuQHofpuLp8QzaKFvMiO7JvacVQ07y97gIs5-Ekbu-aobP-CkhIWtsswqcjzggoWf1VuX51s7CckzuBGA7ycdUFasqqZAUZozLVwjrqPEOILHiJEdWO_mjgz0WivZ=s3000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bare leg being exfoliated with a dry brush" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLc77sOcsZlUDeHD0W-dnt5Uarrqn1XJncAL4a84-mV6nAqpHhrOxd1vuz5HoQuQHofpuLp8QzaKFvMiO7JvacVQ07y97gIs5-Ekbu-aobP-CkhIWtsswqcjzggoWf1VuX51s7CckzuBGA7ycdUFasqqZAUZozLVwjrqPEOILHiJEdWO_mjgz0WivZ=w200-h400" title="Dry brushing for your skins health! This improves your skin texture along with your immune and lymphatic systems." width="200"></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Dry brushing is a technique that can help improve your skin along with your immune and lymphatic systems. To promote healthy skin, you must exfoliate it as much as you moisturize it. Everyone should consider including this method in their regular skin care routine. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It is simple to use, inexpensive, and something you can do in just about 5 extra minutes. While most people will do their dry brushing technique before getting in the shower, don’t feel like that is the only time you can try it.<span></span></span></p><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2021/12/dry-brushing-why-everyone-should.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-4453463399189347362021-10-29T20:06:00.003-04:002022-07-31T13:43:31.584-04:00Beauty (and health) benefits of Hibiscus<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">It never ceases to amaze me how many foods and herbs have healing properties. Take the hibiscus flower for example. This beautiful, bright bloom is completely edible and for years it has been used for several different ailments...yet most people only know it as the flowering shrub.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSRdCr5j1GPm-4JjKPCrEaTqxjB3zWSVXxj0O_sVntuPgRRNFP0QJdea0iDA1UBXwTCy_rMpC09FLYDTlcJ_Q72cYK7A1OFftO_efgZqfVKYc6AZAf3Crqxaa1G2EEoJcyyiAHYOZuF4/s2048/Health-benefits-hibiscus-tea.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hibiscus tea made with fresh or dried hibiscus flowers." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSRdCr5j1GPm-4JjKPCrEaTqxjB3zWSVXxj0O_sVntuPgRRNFP0QJdea0iDA1UBXwTCy_rMpC09FLYDTlcJ_Q72cYK7A1OFftO_efgZqfVKYc6AZAf3Crqxaa1G2EEoJcyyiAHYOZuF4/w266-h400/Health-benefits-hibiscus-tea.jpg" title="The health and beauty benefits of hibiscus flowers. These dried herbs can be used as a tea or applied to the face topically to see results." width="266"></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>My mother recently said to me "I need to get some Hibiscus tea, it's supposed to help with weight loss." </span>She had read that regular consumption of hibiscus tea can increase your body's metabolism, helping you to lose excess weight. It has so many more health properties too!</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Related reading: <u><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2022/07/get-started-using-medicinal-teas.html" target="_blank">How to get started with herbal teas</a></u>.</span></p><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2021/10/beauty-and-health-benefits-of-hibiscus.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-285628845881808602021-06-13T12:11:00.004-04:002023-04-15T21:44:31.241-04:00What to do with chive blossoms<p><span style="font-size: large;">Edible flowers can add a splash of color and fun to lots of dishes and chive blossoms are one of the few that add flavor too! The chive flower is a small puff of pinkish or light purple florets on a tall, sturdy stalk that shoots straight up from a clump of chives and they're completely edible! They have a light oniony flavor and can be used dried or fresh.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE74EGmvI6f-0lpWuf2r4Foye1nY-i0QtG1jcVZn6ytWBu98O7fn4K1pftX-tpyinw1i2M8iglvesfk0jASg7fE4ReZQpv8yOg3Xr_2EkwDWB99JSMvVSUSM6d7tteg4mkAKBc4AdXNAU/s1653/How+to+use+chive+blossoms.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A clump of chives growing in garden with pretty purple chive blossoms." border="0" data-original-height="1653" data-original-width="1102" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE74EGmvI6f-0lpWuf2r4Foye1nY-i0QtG1jcVZn6ytWBu98O7fn4K1pftX-tpyinw1i2M8iglvesfk0jASg7fE4ReZQpv8yOg3Xr_2EkwDWB99JSMvVSUSM6d7tteg4mkAKBc4AdXNAU/w266-h400/How+to+use+chive+blossoms.jpg" title="How to use chive blossoms fresh plus how to dehydrate and save them for later use. The 6 beste ways to use chive flowers." width="266"></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">All chives produce flowers, so if you're growing chives in your herb garden you will get chive blossoms. If you don't grow chives, look for them at farmers markets. They're a pretty popular item this time of year so many famers sell them. They only bloom once a year though, so make sure you look for them at the beginning of garden season.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Today I want to talk about the best ways to use chive blossoms!<span></span></span></p><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2021/06/uses-for-chive-blossoms.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543427408513948174.post-31023242394072631432021-03-14T13:13:00.004-04:002021-04-18T22:41:57.971-04:00What to forage in spring<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">As spring breaks through the cold we all start to get anxious for warm weather activities! One of my favorite things to do is to forage for wild herbs. These are the basis of many of the salves and teas I make during the year. In the first few weeks of spring I often forage baskets and baskets of herbs to dry!</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LFJp36eV4kUZJn0wFcq8S4rBc-8jzMMVLybJoyb_H_j_WtaHArdE7F400Rcufr2HF0e900oqUNuksrEsaJX1DgD6iGwcktSshpDzNH_W3KP8r5apYtVq2hHBB8cms2OSAHRHXL8_WeE/s1500/5+wild+herbs+to+forage+in+spring.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pictures of wild herbs to harvest in spring" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LFJp36eV4kUZJn0wFcq8S4rBc-8jzMMVLybJoyb_H_j_WtaHArdE7F400Rcufr2HF0e900oqUNuksrEsaJX1DgD6iGwcktSshpDzNH_W3KP8r5apYtVq2hHBB8cms2OSAHRHXL8_WeE/w266-h400/5+wild+herbs+to+forage+in+spring.jpg" title="What to forage in spring. These 5 wild herbs start growing in early spring. From deadnettle to dandelion, here is what you want to harvest now!" width="266"></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There are lots of wild herbs (or weeds) that you can forage for in your yard or local park in summer, but only a few that are ready to be collected this early in the year. Dandelions and plantain are two that start the earliest. Wild violet is not far behind, but only has a window of a few weeks before the flowers are gone.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm in Pennsylvania, so our foraging is dependent on the cold weather breaking. Plants that are just getting started up here, like chickweed are already way out of control in southern states! Many plants prefer spring to fall in the south and die out over summer.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Either way, now is the perfect time to start foraging!<span></span></span></p><a href="https://www.feathersinthewoods.com/2021/03/what-to-forage-in-spring.html#more">Click to continue reading »</a>LA Muranohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00827994015402999638noreply@blogger.com0