The Practical Windowsill Herb Garden

When space is limited you can grow a few herbs in a windowsill herb garden. In pots or boxes that are placed in a window preferably facing south.

In cities all over the world where no garden is available you can see herbs grown in pots and other types of containers placed on the terraces, porches, balconies and windowsills to accommodate the household need for fresh herbs. There are a lot of herbs that can be grown in a windowsill herb garden that cannot be grown outside, and growing then indoors is a very good solution if you have that problem.

If you only grow in a few small pots on the windowsill you cannot expect to have enough to harvest and dry to use in winter, but if you choose to grow the evergreens you will be able to have them fresh almost all year. If you make the effort to find herbs of different varieties with more contrasting colors and choose containers with care, you can have a windowsill herb garden that is just as beautiful but obviously more useful than growing ordinary flowers.

Basil and Marjoram which can be frost sensitive are perfect examples of herbs to grow indoors in a windowsill herb garden.

Pick and prune every day to ensure fresh supply for cooking and also that they won't get too big. It is also recommended to shower them often if you face very dry climate, but don't be afraid to leave them for a few days as these culinary herbs typically are very tough plants.

When it comes to culinary herbs, a container that can hold 1/2 gallon of soil is a minimum, and if you consume more herbs and want to maximize yield, at least 1 gallon containers are to be used.

With bigger containers you can grow a lot more and if space is of concern this is often the best choice as you can actually grow multiple herbs in the same pot, it will carry more nutrients, can hold water longer, and it typically gives much bigger yield per square foot used compared to smaller containers.

By placing a suitable table by the window you can make your garden considerably bigger and it's also a good move if you don't have a windowsill in the desired window. If you can't find one that fits the purpose, you always have the option of having one made. And if you don't have a window that get a lot of sunshine, you can get growing lights to help those plants get the lighting they need. These are some ways you can get a lot more from your garden and will definitely be worth the effort to set it up, because it is no myth that fresh herbs is by far the best tasting and you will have just about an unlimited supply for your cooking, minor ailments or recreational use.

Mitchell L Williams is an herb garden enthusiast. For more great information on herb gardens, visit http://www.homegrown-herbs.com.



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Fire Pit Cooking Tips

The crackling warmth of a campfire evokes a nostalgia which is longed-for in today's hectic world. But many people are discovering that it doesn't take a trek into the woods or a night of roughing it in order to enjoy the experience of a campfire. In fact, the experience of a campfire awaits just outside the backdoor. All it takes is the simple purchase of a fire pit.

These pits have surged in popularity over the last few years and now include all manner of color and design. They are well-suited for every yard, from the most rustic to the extravagantly luxurious. And fire pit devotees use their pits for far more than just aesthetic value. In fact, many owners have turned these pits into an extension of their kitchens. And these kitchen pit enthusiasts are cooking a delicious array of foods.

However, when cooking on a fire pit, keep in mind a few considerations. First, decide what type of fuel you prefer. You should be able to use either wood or charcoal with your firepit. And with the purchase of a grill accessory, you can turn your fire pit into a large grill. With such an accessory, you can grill a wide variety of meats and veggies over the surface of your fire pit.

Of course, the ever popular camp method of foil-cooking can be used with a home pit. Just throw some meat and veggies into a double layer of foil. Fold into a neat packet and crimp the edges securely. Then just lay your foil packet on top of the smoldering coals, and toss a few coals on top. In a quarter of an hour or so, your tasty, pit-cooked meal should be ready.

And sometimes, sticking to the basics is best. Adults and children alike crave the simple joy of roasting weenies and marshmallows over an open flame. So, scour your yard for some long sticks or simply uncoil some metal coat hangers, and have a go at pit-roasting. Don't forget the chocolate to make s'mores!

These cooking ideas are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the versatility that a fire pit offers a home cook. Besides tasty cuisine, your pit will provide you and your family with memories that will last long after the fire burns out.

Geoffrey F. Moore
Fire Pit
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Spring Fever

I really have spring fever and wish this cool weather would end and it would warm up!!I want to start my garden and get out of this house.



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Natural Insect Repellents

It is getting to be that time of year again. Here is a list of some natural repellents. If you have any other tips for insect repellents post in the comments form.

The best oil for repelling insects is Lavender. Variations can be Citronella and Virginian Cedarwood.

Or you could always resort to the very first herbal repellent, chewed TOBACCO!!

Dissolve 1/2 c. or more of baking soda in bath water to soothe skin irritations from sunburn, insect bites, poison ivy, and itchy rashes such as chicken pox or hives.

Make a paste with water and baking soda and rub insect bites to relieve itchiness.

As soon as possible after being bitten, moisten your skin and rub an aspirin tablet right over the bite. This helps control inflammation.

To prevent insect bites and actually repel them, take oral tablets of Thiamine Chloride. This B vitamin repels insects by being excreted through the skin.

To prevent bites, bathe in a very diluted solution of chlorine bleach before going out. Mix two capfuls of bleach in a tub of warm water. Soak in it for 15 minutes. This repellent should last several hours.

Certain bath oils, such as Alpha-Keri and Avon's Skin So Soft have a repellent effect as well.

Soothe insect bites by covering the area immediately with salt.

* * * * * * * * * *
Atlas Cedar repells insects.

Camphor White can be used as an insect repellent.

Cedarwood Virginia can be used in the wardrobe to repel moths.

Citronella is useful as an insect and cat repellent.

Clove could be an effective mosquito repellent.

Geranium repels insects.

Lavender repels insects.

Thyme can ward off rodents and get rid of fleas.

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Become Self Sufficient ~~ Start A Home Based Business!

There are tons of ways to make money at home. I used to make money by making and selling cloth diapers, I have done ebay, I make money writing, Blogging, and with other things online. It is not hard. Some of the stuff online is even free to start! Which is a real winner.

I have a blog where I post work at home ideas. There are a ton of them over on Work at Home Mom Blog. I have had that blog for about 4 years so if you look back through the archives you will find a ton of info. I have been looking back over it myself and am surprised at some of the great money making ideas.

I think that even if you have a "real" job, it is a good idea to have a back up plan for something else so that you will always have money coming in. With this bad economy , I would not start something that is too risky or has a huge start up cost.

Just check out some things and use skills that you already have. If you can sew - try something using that, can you knit, bake, make candles, chop wood, etc etc!!
Use your skills and you should do great!








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