GARDEN TRICKS

It’s almost time to dig out your gardening gloves and tools to prepare for spring planting. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or someone who’s been at it for years,  tips always help to make gardening easier.

• Place egg shells around the bottoms of plants to add calcium to the soil. The shells also discourage pests and small bugs.
• Garden markers can help you easily identify what’s planted where.

• Make your spring gardening chores easier with a DIY watering can made from a half gallon plastic milk jug. Heat a strong needle and poke holes through the plastic cap. It’s a nice size for watering seedlings and small plants.

• Start your seeds in eggshells. By starting your seeds instead of buying plants that have already begun to grow, you can cut your gardening costs.

• Plastic forks inserted stem side down into the ground can help keep little critters (like bunnies) away from small plants. 

• Epson Salt! Because it is rich n magnesium ad sulfate, it is great for plants. a) You can mix it into your soil to help seeds germinate better. b) You can mix a couple of Tablespoons into your watering can once or twice a month. c) Tomatoes and peppers benefit the most because they both tend to grow well in a magnesium rich soil.
• Save veggie cooking water. Let it cool, and then use it to fertilize your garden.
• Not everyone has the skills, tools, materials, or time to make a raised wooden garden bed. How about a cinder block bed?

sources:

http://www.onecrazyhouse.com/gardening-tricks/

and http://www.listotic.com/20-insanely-clever-gardening-tips-and-ideas/8/

8 American Foods Banned In Other Countries

You have heard, "innocent until proven guilty," right? It is an approach that works well for our justice system, but it is not a good approach for our diets.

Thinking that things are safe just because they are on a store shelf, allows dangerous chemicals to permeate our food supply. Because most people expect organizations like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to protect us, it is surprising to learn how many everyday foods contain additives that have been banned in other parts of the world. 

While the human body is resilient, the fewer known carcinogens and toxins you can expose your family to the better - especially when there are so many healthy and affordable alternatives readily available. My company has been a Godsend to us because we learn about these things before the mainstream public. I am passionate about getting the word out. People have a right to know!

Here are 8 products you should eliminate from your home and diet.. 

Finding substitutions

Giving up products your family loves might be easier with a few recommendations. Here are some substitutions on which you can rely.

1. Wild Salmon

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch guidelines offer several sustainably harvested choices for salmon lovers including wild-caught Alaskan Salmon, Washington Salmon, and Oregon Salmon. 

2. Soda

Try a natural soda like Zevia or make your own seltzer and add fresh organic lemon or organic lime juice! 

3. Bread

Many commercial bakers, including Best Foods, Inc. (maker of Arnold, Entenmann’s, and Orowheat brand breads and rolls), Pepperidge Farm, and Pillsbury, have switched to bromate-free processes. In addition, some supermarket chains, like Giant, do not use bromate. Bromate is listed as a carcinogen in California, and Proposition 65 requires baked goods sold in California to bear a store-level cancer warnings if they contain dangerous levels of bromate. As a result, most California bakers have switched to bromate-free processes. Many breads throughout the United States are now being labeled bromate-free. If you do not see a label that makes it clear a product does or does not contain bromate, try to avoid products that contain “enhanced flour" to be safe. 

4. Jello 

Love Jello but don't want the artificial dyes? Mama Natural offers her DIY organic jello recipe using juice. 

5. Chips

Go to any natural food aisle and you'll find a host of olestra-free and artificial dye-free chips. Some of our favorites include Terra Chips (made with vegetables and dyed with juice), Stacy's Pita Chips, and Good Health Avocado Oil Kettle Chips.

6. Cereal

Cereals are another product category with dozens of delicious toxin-free options - including "junk food" cereals that kids love like Cinnamon Harvest Kashi and Gorilla Munch. Make your own corn tortilla chips!  They taste better and they have no preservatives.

7. Milk

When it comes to milk, look for milk that specifically states it is rBGH-free or buy organic (which has to be rBGH-free by law). It is more expensive, but worth the extra cost if you can afford it. Try almond or coconut milk -- you might just love it!

8. Chicken 

As with milk, the most "natural" (a.k.a. containing the fewest chemical additives) version of chicken is organic. For ethical reasons, you should also consider buying humanely raised meat and poultry when possible. 

By keeping an eye out for some of the most dangerous chemicals, and making a few substitutions next time you shop, you can reduce your family's exposure to dangerous chemicals and help support companies that are working to provide safer and more sustainable food. 

Thank you to Green Mom and her guide for the succinct organization of the basic info!