Diana's Organic Garden

2006-11-17T08:07:00.000-08:00

Her's something interesting to research. I've always believed that herbs and natural foods... work as well as or better than modern medicine WITHOUT all of those nasty side effects.
Rosemary for muscle pain? Kelp for with hair loss? Cilantro can soothe a headache? NewsTarget and Truth Publishing have launched the internet's largest free searchable database of healing foods, herbs and nutrients. Look up any ailment and find a quick guide to treating the problem with everyday natural ingredients. http://www.healingfoodreference. com/

2006-09-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the year when my organic gardens need to be readied for winter (and next spring).

We've been trying to pull out the last of the weeds that snuck in and grew when we weren't looking.

The garlic has been planted and we've pulled up almost all of the potatoes and carrots ... .

Soon the gardens will be covered with leaves from our yard and that of my parents and some neighbors. These help to feed the soil and gets thje ground/earth ready to grow next year's crops.

I refuse to use chemical fertilizers like Miracle Gro ... because I prefer to allow the earth's natural systems to do their thing. I also don't wish to add to the pollution of our planet.

The no-till gardening method looks interesting. I'd like to try that. It allows for the organic build-up of soil without disturbing the worms and microOrganisms.

I also want to build a more formalized organic herb garden. I will have it in raised beds for ease of use and for comfort.

Oh, if I only had more time and less aches and pains - LOL.

2006-09-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

The house/shop was highlighted on the Yahoo group Organic Gardening and Homesteading.
It was so exciting. I am very pleased that other folks appreciate the efforts I'm making.

Here's the article with an introduction by Linda from OGH:

Thu Sep 21, 2006 6:37 am (PST)
Our featured member this week is Diana, dianas_ craft.antiqueshop , her write up will speak for itself, its very moving. I think it will bring back lots of memories for many of us.
OHG homepage picture (today) is Diana's Grandparents, beautiful home.
There's more pictures in photos of Diana's homestead, in the Cafe.
I read the first part as a poem, and it is a treasure.
Now lets walk up the pathway to her house and see if Diana is home.
Thank you for sharing Diana, its wonderful, take good care linda.
All Enjoy

Diana wrote:
I see my grandma everywhere here.
She's cooking dinner.
She's canning at the sink.
She's at the old wringer washer.
She's outside picking off the bad bugs.
She's in her rocker crocheting or embroidering.
She's in her gardens weeding - she's weeds - she's weeds.

She just died in 1999 at the age of 98.
She still mowed her own lawn in her early eighties.
She was tough, yet she was kind.
She had many memories and stories of her joys (children, marriage, friends...) and of her not so joyous times ( being put into several foster homes - some abusive; losing her first daughter at 5 years old; outliving a son, a husband, a grandson (my brother), and many friends.
She was sad to have outlived so many friends and family members, but she did not give up until her last few months. She was in so much pain and was ready to go and await the resurrection.

I still see grandpa here too, although he died in 1976.

He's telling a joke.
He's pounding in a nail.
He's wearing his old red hat.
He's smoking that familiar stinky cigar.
He's sitting in his chair while I clip his toenails.
He's losing at Dominoes and he says "You're cheating" with a laugh.

I hope you all didn't mind me telling you why I love this place.
It reminds me of them and my brother.
I have great memories of all of us here.
It has always been my "home" and now it is officially my home.

As near as we can tell, this house was built in 1825.
My grandparents bought it in the early 40's. It had no windows or doors and was clearly abused/neglected.
Grandpa worked at demolition of old buildings as well as other odd jobs. He would save the windows and doors... from those jobs and use them in their house.
Grandma said that Grandpa made it as nice as he was able.
She also said that the front room and their bedroom used to be the old front porch, but Grandpa closed it in to give them more living space. On one of the walls you can still see the square nails. Also, the backroom (washroom) and the bathroom used to be the old back porch.
There is a hand dug cellar probably 12 x 12 feet with huge wooden logs/beams and stones for its support.
There is an upstairs it's probably about 12 x 24 feet. It is all insulated now, but I would love to know if it was an open loft at on time.
I still use the 25-30 foot hand dug well for my water supply. The surrounding area is swampy because of the nearby springs and creek so, as long as I don't wash more than 2 loads of clothes a day, I never run out of water.

I have a little gift/antique shop in the front of the house and I love it.
I am having too much fun making soaps and scouring estate sales looking for vintage items and antiques for my "Vintage and /or Handmade Items Room".I have a ton of photos on my website of the shop, the gardens, the pets... http://www.dianascraft-antiqueshop. 4t.com

2006-09-15T07:59:00.000-07:00

I had two new customers this week !
One lady just loved that we had Italian charm at good prices. She bought 4 and ordered 2 more for now. She also bought a bunch of other things too.
A gentleman ordered 4 bars of goat milk soap for him, 1 for his sister AND a bottle of lotion.
My regulars have been faithful customers - some of them making weekly visits.
Thank you to all of you who have made opening my little Gift- Craft-Antique Shop a joy and a success.

2006-09-09T06:40:00.000-07:00

Wow ! What a month August was !
We had to try to keep up with all of the gardening chores, the kids were getting ready to go back to school, it was TOO hot outside for me, and the most exciting of all - I got two Beagles !!!
The "girls" are about a year old and they were already housetrained - YEAH !
Their names are Sassy & Suzy and they are just Soooooooooo sweet.

I love beagles. They are big enough to roughhouse with, but not dangerous. And yet they are not high-pitched yipping little ankle biters. I love beagles - Oh, I guess I said that already {Grin}
These girls are going to be inside dogs - other than our walks and "potty time" of course.
Our cats haven't been too thrilled with the idea of having dogs in the house, but I think they'll come around eventually. For now, the cats choose to stay on a completely different floor from where the dogs are at the time.

2006-07-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

Here's a description of how essential oils are extracted:
http://www.deancoleman.com/whatareoils.htm

2006-07-11T13:43:00.000-07:00

Do you have "Good" or "Bad" bugs in your garden ? Here are two places to help you determine whether you have friends or foes:

http://whatsthatbug.com/

http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/

2006-07-04T05:13:00.000-07:00

The value of compost - OR - Yet another reason to be an organic gardener
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/VH019 This site has a chart of which minerals are added to your garden by using compost from different types of materials. There is also other information as well.

2006-07-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

Need to find mosquito avoiding tips ?
Look here: http://www.dianascraft-antiqueshop.4t.com/custom3.html
Also here is a link for even more tips: http://www.pioneerthinking.com/sj_mosquitoes.html

2006-06-13T11:22:00.000-07:00

I received a question today from - - - Anonymous :
"What about natural fly /flea killing plant(Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium)."

My answer is: Yes, it is a natural insecticide - BUT it can still have an effect on the "good bugs" and the honeybees, also fish, pets, and people too... so please be very careful if you do decide that you HAVE to use it.
For more information please see these pages:

http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/empm/pubs/fatememo/pyrethrin_efate2.pdf#search=

http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/63874

http://experts.about.com/e/p/py/Pyrethrum.htm

2006-06-09T06:39:00.000-07:00

Insect got you Bugged? Additional natural options

This website offers advice and some organic methods:

http://www.ghorganics.com/page9.html

2006-06-05T04:31:00.000-07:00

Insect-Repellant and/or other qualities of Plants

Basil -- Flies, Mosquitoes, Asparagus Beetle, Tomato Worm
Borage-- attracts bees, deters tomato worm, improves growth and flavor
Calendula -- Asparagus Beetles, Tomato Worms
Caraway -- repells ants and flea beetles
Catnip -- Ants, Aphids, Cockroaches, Flea Beetle, Japanese Beetles
Chervil -- deters slugsChrysanthemum -- Mexican Bean Beetle
Cosmos-- Mexican Bean Beetle
Coriander -- Aphids
Dandelion -- Colorado Potato Beetle
Dead Nettle-- Potato Beetle
Fennel-- Fleas
Feverfew -- attracts aphids away from roses so can be used as a "trap plant"
Flax -- Potato Beetle
FOUR-O'CLOCKS -- Kills Japanese beetles (poisonous to humans)
Garlic -- Aphids, Borers, Japanese Beetles, Spider Mites, Ants
Geranium-- Cabbage Worm, Red Spider Mite, Japanese Beetle
Horseradish-- Potato Beetle
Hyssop -- Cabbage Moth
Larkspur -- kills japanese beetles (poisonous to humans)
Lavender-- Mice, Ticks, Moths
Leeks -- repel carrot flies
Lemon Balm -- Use to ward off squash bugs
Marigold -- Mexican Bean Beetle, Nematodes, aphids, Colorado Potato Beetles and whiteflies Mint-- Ants, Aphids, Cabbage Moth, Fleas, Mice
Mole Plant -- Mice, Moles
Nasturnium -- White Flies, Squash Bugs, Striped Pumpkin Beetle, Wooly Aphid (apple)Oregano-- Cabbage Butterfly, Cucumber Beetle
Parsley-- Beetles
Pennyroyal-- Fleas, Flies, Mosquitoes
Pot Marigold -- Asparagus Beetle, Tomato Worm
Radish -- Cucumber Beetle, Flea Beetles
Rosemary-- Bean Beetles, Cabbage Moth, Carrot Fly
Rue -- Flies, Japanese Beetle, Cats, Dogs, aphids, fish moths, flea beetle, onion maggaot, slugs, snails,
Sage -- Bean beetle, Cabbage Moth, Carrot Fly, Slugs
Summer Savory -- bean beetles
Sunflower-- Armyworm
Tansy-- Ants, Fleas, Flies, Japanese Beetle, Moths, Striped Cucumber Beetles, Squash Bugs (poisonous to humans DO NOT EAT)
Thyme --Cabbage Worm
Valerian -- Good anywhere in garden
Yarrow -- plant near aromatic herbs to enhance production of essential oils, also attracts bees

2006-06-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

Why have an organic garden ? - Beneficial Insects

Assassin Bug -- Caterpillars, Flies
Damsel fly --Aphids, Caterpillars, Leafhoppers, Thrips; attracted by: Alfalfa.
Ground Beetle --many Caterpillars, Cabbage Maggot, Colorado Potato Beetle Larvae, Cutworms, Slugs, Snails; attracted by: Clover.
Honeybee -- Pollinator for many crops
Hover Fly (Syrphid Fly) -- the larvae eat aphids, some beetles, some caterpillars, leafhoppers, mealybugs and thrips
Lacewing --Aphids, Corn Earworms, Mites, Thrips
Lady Bug/Beetle --feasts on Aphids and is attracted by: morning glory vines, angelica, coreopsis, cosmos, sweet alyssum and tansy.
Minute Pirate Bug --Leafhopper nymphs, Spider mites, Thrips
Predatory Mite -- European Red Mites, Spider Mites
Praying Mantis -- Also eats beneficials, but not enough to want to keep them away
Soldier Beetle --eats Aphids, Beetle larvae, Caterpillars, Corn Rootworm, Cucumber Beetle, Grasshopper eggs-- attracted by: Goldenrod, Milkweed, Hydrangea
Spined Soldier Bug -- Caterpillars, Sawfly larvaeTachinid Fly --Caterpillars
Yellowjacket -- Flies, caterpillars

Many beneficial insects like hoverflies are attracted to: Sweet Alyssum, Buckwheat, Cilantro, Fennel, Mustard, Yarrow, chamomile, asters, cornflower, black-eyed Susans and marigolds.

Beneficial predator insects are attracted to these pollen and nectar plants :Carrot, Catnip, Coneflowers, Daisy, Dill, Fennel, Goldenrod, Lemon Balm, Mint, Parsley, Peppermint, Spearmint, Thyme, Yarrow. ________________________________________________________________________

2006-05-31T07:55:00.000-07:00

Organic Gardening isn't scary... - it's NATURAL.

If we were all better Gardeners/Farmers who paid attention to the natural order of things and worked WITH nature, we wouldn't need poisons or artificial fertilizers.... If we looked for the cause of a problem and networked with others around us, we would find that there are indeed others who have come up with observations and have noticed some natural solutions to gardening/farming problems.

Sometimes the answer is to plant extra and allow for "sharing" with the critters. Sometimes it's planting several varieties to compensate for plant diseases or insect infestations. Many times, companion planting can solve the insect problem. Most of the time the "good" bugs will take care of the problem for us IF WE DON'T PANIC - because when some people panic, they tend to want to go crazy and spray everything in site killing ALL the insects including butterflies, bees, and eventually the birds... that dine on the insects.

These chemicals also get into our air, water, and food.... And people wonder WHY we need so many doctors.

This mindset of "modern gardening" reminds me of most modern medicine. You have a pain/problem... a doctor gives you a pain reliever. The doctor usually doesn't seek the source of the pain so you get the pain again. The doctor gives you stronger and stronger medicines.... Eventually, you have kidney or liver failure because your body can't take the poisoning anymore.
If the doctor would have bothered to check, perhaps he/she would have noticed that your pain was only caused by too little or the wrong exercise. I know people who complain for 6+ months out of the year about thier back. They take medicines and see doctors and chiropractors.... Almost magically it seems, the pain is gone all summer and most of the fall. What is this mystery ? They are couch potatoes until it is time to work in the garden. All of a sudden they are getting the needed exercise and VOILA ! - the pain is gone.

Day one !

2006-05-30T04:52:00.000-07:00

I decided to try my hand at creating my own blog.

Diana's Organic Garden will focus on my gardens, the how-to of creating and maintaining an organic garden, the joys of small town-rural living in my hometown of Hubbard Ohio, my family, and my little gift shop.

I have a gift, craft and antique shop in Hubbard, Ohio that features goat milk soaps, glycerin soaps, potpourris, drawer sachets, car air fresheners, eye pillows, neck pillows, shoe deodorizers and etcetera made from the flowers, herbs, fruits ... that are grown in my organic garden.

My shop - Diana's - also features handmade items ranging from hand-crocheted hats to hand loomed-woven throw rugs. I have a whole room dedicated to these handcrafted items.

Recycling is also very important to me as I believe it goes hand in hand with organic gardening.
Most of my soap molds are items that I saved to reuse-recycle.
All of my vegetable plants, flowers, herbs, fruits ... are either eaten, used in my aromatherapy products, in my sachets-air fresheners ... or are composted to feed next years organic garden.