Homemade Allergy Tincture

Another recipe for alternative "medicine." So far I have been very pleased with all the recipes I have tried.  
From the Vegan Lip Balm, Basil Lemonade and now herbal tinctures...It's so easy!

For my allergy tincture I used Doc's Allergy Tea.  It is an herbal combination which can be used as a tea, infusion or tincture.  The ingredients include: organic Nettle leaf, organic Fennel seed, organic Lemongrass, organic Spearmint leaf, organic Eyebright, organic Calendula flowers, organic Peppermint leaf, organic Red Clover herb and blossoms, organic Lavender flowers, organic Blue Vervain, and organic Stevia leaf.

Yes, I've had plenty of "can I smoke it?" comments!

I won't get into the specific properties of each herb but I can tell you that, used as tea, it is wonderfully minty and works well for seasonal allergy relief.  

If this is your first time making a tincture you might read "What is a Tincture?" Explained.  There are quite a few helpful links and additional recipes.

You'll need:  A clean jar, vodka or everclear, herb(s), measuring cups and/or scale, labels and cheesecloth or strainer.  If you don't have a strainer you can use a funnel with a coffee filter.

Homemade Allergy Tincture

Tincture at 2 weeks

Ingredients:
1 ounce Allergy herbal tea (dry herbs)
2-3 cups vodka (alcohol)
For a stronger tincture use less alcohol
*DO NOT use rubbing alcohol*

Directions
Place the herbs in your jar and cover with alcohol (vodka). 

Shake every other day (or every day)   
**Label your jar**

Tincture is ready in 4-6 weeks, strain out herbs and place in a darker jar or leave in a dark place (cabinet). 
Dosage for Adults: 1 - 2 ml, two times daily

*Because I used alcohol as the solvent and I'll keep the finished tincture in an amber bottle, this herbal remedy should last indefinitely.  I could pass it on to the next generation but we'll use it up before then!

I just added a new combo pack...
Grow Your Own Herbal "Medicine" Kit  Check it out!!!

Looking for more recipes?
Cayenne Tincture
Homemade Chamomile Tincture
Fresh Basil Tincture 

You'll find me sharing HERE. 

"What is a Tincture?" Explained

Yarrow, a great herb 
for Women's Health

There are many ways to use herbs for medicinal purposes and one of the is in a tincture.  Other uses include consuming in food, salves, herbal vinegar and herbal oils, teas and even syrup.  I thought I would start with Tinctures because it is quite simple and easy to use.




From squidoo:  What is Menstruum?
Menstruum is general vodka, when making a true herbal tincture. Vinegar can be used, it is safer than alcohol, but is less effective at leaching out the medicinal components of the plant. When tincturing dried herbs, water is mixed with the vodka or alcohol. The ratio of vodka or vinegar to water depends on the plant material being used. For that reason, I always recommend consulting a recipe specifically for the herb being tinctured.

An herbal tincture is simply an herbal extract.  Herbal remedies have been used throughout history to treat illnesses and ailments without "modern medicine" and pharmacueticals.  Tinctures are easy to make, home remedies.  If properly prepared and stored, your tincture will last indefinitely.

I used whole flower Chamomile from Doc's Herbal Tea

You'll need:  A clean jar, vodka or everclear, herb(s), measuring cups and/or scale, labels and cheesecloth or strainer.  If you don't have a strainer you can use a funnel with a coffee filter.

The best way to use liquid herbal tinctures is to put the suggested amount in a glass of water, tea, or juice and drink the entire contents.  You can just consume straight but some tinctures can be a little stout or spicy (like the cayenne).

Single herb tinctures use only 1 herb variety.  Combination tinctures are a blend of specific herbs used for a specific purpose.  I prefer to use homegrown herbs as often as possible.

Helpful Links to learn more about plants and tinctures:

Benefits of Herbs

Buy Heirloom Herb Seeds

Cayenne Tincture

Homemade Chamomile Tincture

Fresh Basil Tincture
Cayenne and Lemon "Immunity Juice"
Herbal Preparation

I am currently working on an Allergy tincture.  
I used 1 ounce of  Doc's Allergy Tea from Doc's Herbal Tea.  I'm not at the stage in my life for the "Flashes" Tea but I'll be making up a batch for a friend.  Stay tuned!

I Finally Reached 300 Followers!!!

LOVE the Purple Opal Basil

WOOHOO!  I love you guys...Seriously!  I am thrilled that you've taken the time to follow and read the organic gardening, DIY and herbal posts.

I'm on a bit of an herbal-remedy-sharing kick lately.  Have you noticed?
Fresh Basil Tincture
Homemade Chamomile Tincture
Homemade Cayenne tincture
Cayenne Pepper and Lemon "Immunity Juice"

I'm working on an Allergy mixture at the moment which I'll try to get finished up by the end of the day.

ALSO, I'm working on a big giveaway to celebrate reaching 250 "likes" on facebook (once I get there).  
If you have a moment, check out Mary's facebook page.

HOMEGROWN Baked Acorn Squash

Last but certainly not least...If you are looking to start a veggie/herb garden or expand your current garden, 
please check out 
Mary's Heirloom Seeds.  
We are a "mom and pop" company (I'm Mary).  



I package ALL of the seed packs by hand once orders are place.  We include free seed pack on orders over $15 and shipping is FREE!

Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY MONDAY! 

Fresh Basil Tincture

I'll most likely be jumping from dried herb to fresh herb tinctures in the next few days since I'm using up what I've got.  Basil is one of those homegrown herbs that you can never have too much!  Growing your own is much more cost effective that buying cut herbs or even a plant from the store.  Grow from seed and grow organically.  It's easy!

So far I have shared Chamomile tincture and Cayenne tincture recipes.  You can read about Basil here.

Fine Verde Basil

From The Herb Companion:

"One of the primary medicinal uses for basil is for its anti-inflammatory properties. This effect stems from eugenol, a volatile oil in basil that blocks enzymes in the body that cause swelling, making basil an ideal treatment for people with arthritis.

Basil, especially as an extract or oil, is known to have exceptionally powerful antioxidant properties that can protect the body from premature aging, common skin issues, age-related problems and even some types of cancer. The herb also contains the flavonoids orientin and vicenin, which are plant pigments that shield your cell structures from oxygen and radiation damage.  

Basil oil can be used to treat constipation, stomach cramps and indigestion as well as the cold, flu, asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis and sinus infections. It is also a great source of magnesium, an essential mineral that helps the body’s blood vessels relax, which can improve blood flow." 

If you were to purchase a tincture in the store, it would cost 

approx $45 for 4 ounces.  Making your own is the best way to go.

Now for the recipe!!!  

fresh basil, washed

 You'll need a sterile jar with a lid, fresh basil and alcohol (Everclear)

fresh basil, chopped

Fresh Basil Tincture  

Day 1

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh Basil, chopped

2 cups Everclear

Directions

Place the herbs in your jar and cover with Everclear.  Shake every other day (or every day)  **Label your jar**

Tincture is ready in 4-6 weeks, strain out herbs and place in a darker jar or leave in a dark place (cabinet).

Dosage for Adults: 1 - 2 ml, two times daily

*Because I used alcohol as the solvent and I'll keep the finished tincture in an amber bottle, this herbal remedy should last indefinitely.  I could pass it on to the next generation but we'll use it up before then!

Day 10

Disclaimer: Not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
 
Do you use herbal remedies?  Have something growing in your garden but you don't know what to do with it?

Homemade Chamomile Tincture Recipe

Remember the organic, whole flower Chamomile I told you about HERE? 
(I made tea with it)  It's even better with Vodka!

Organic, whole-flower Chamomile

Let me explain.  I haven't lost my mind or gone off the deep end.  I'm talking about herbal tinctures!  I won't get into the WHY of using alcohol because this guy explains it very well.

The most simple explanation is that the alcohol will extract the good stuff from the herbs and preserve it indefinitely (if stored properly).  The actual alcohol content is minor considering you will only consume 2-10 drops at a time.

As I said yesterday...Making herbal tinctures  for the first time may seem like a daunting task.  Or maybe you think herbal remedies are for granola-eating, tree-hugging dirty hippies.  (I happened to like hippies)

What do you think people did before they had an over-flowing medicine full of junk for that "nightime sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching, stuffy head, fever"???  (Blah...That stuff gives me nightmares!)

They made their own medicine!  And it worked!

I have posted about the health benefits of Chamomile before...

Chamomile can be used topically or orally to treat a number of everyday ailments, such as:

Insomnia and other sleep disorders

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Muscle twitches

Wounds, burns, and scrapes

Skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, chickenpox, and diaper rash

Stomach problems such as menstrual cramps, stomach flu, and ulcers

To make your tincture you'll need:
Glass jar *Re-use a pasta sauce jar*
1 cup Dried whole-flower Chamomile
2 cups Vodka
1 cup boiling water

I chose to use dried herbs because I have them on hand.  Because I am using dried herbs I do not need to use 100 proof alcohol and I skipped the water.  There are tons of recipes out there.  When I use fresh herbs I'll use Everclear instead of vodka.
I used organic, whole-flower Chamomile from Mary's Tincture Shop in the Mary's Tincture Shop section.

Directions:
Make sure your jar is clean.  Place the herbs in the jar and Add vodka (and water). Cover tightly with a lid.

Shake or agitate once a week.  Tincture is ready in 4-6 weeks.
Strain out herbs and place in a clean jar.

Dosage for Adults: approx 1 teaspoon 1-3 times per day as needed.  Not for long-term use.

I thought I might share another recipe from Wellness mama:
Ingredients:

1/2 to 1 cup of fresh or freshly dried Chamomile flowers

approximately 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups boiling water

approximately 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups vodka or rum

Quart size glass jar with airtight lid

Directions:

1. Put fresh or dried Chamomile flowers in clean quart size glass jar

2. Pour boiling water over flowers to just cover them (may have to stir)

3. Fill the rest of the jar with vodka or rum (do not use rubbing alcohol or non-consumable alcohol!) and tightly cover with airtight lid.

4. Store in a cool, dark place and shake daily for 4-6 weeks. This will make a strong tincture!

5. After 4-6 weeks, remove from cabinet, and pour through a cheesecloth or strainer. Store in a jar or in tincture vials for easy use.

6. Normal dose for adults is up to 1 tsp 1-3 times a day as needed. For infants, only a few drops are needed, and often it can be rubbed on the gums or stomach for teething or colic pain. For toddlers and older children 1/4 to 1/2 tsp can be taken 1-3 times a day while needed. It is especially useful for babies and young children who are having difficulty sleeping. A dose right before bedtime can help relax and sooth them for more peaceful sleep.

Disclaimer: Chamomile is contraindicated during pregnancy. Not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

Homemade Cayenne Tincture Recipe

Making herbal tinctures  for the first time may seem like a daunting task.  Or maybe you think herbal remedies are for granola-eating, tree-hugging dirty hippies.  (I happen to like hippies)

What do you think people did before they had an over-flowing medicine full of junk for that "nightime sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching, stuffy head, fever"???  (Blah...That stuff gives me nightmares!)

They made their own medicine!  And it worked!

The Health benefits of Cayenne Pepper include: Immune and Cardiovascular support, boosts metabolism and blood flow, high in Beta-Carotene and Vitamin A (which fights infection).  Cayenne is recommended for people with Arthritis, Asthma, Fibromyalgia, Gout, Headaches, Lupus, IBS, Cough and Congestion.  
Vitamin A is essential for healthy epithelial tissues including the mucous membranes that line the nasal passages, lungs, intestinal tract and urinary tract and serve as the body's first line of defense against invading pathogens.

Sunday I shared my Cayenne Pepper and Lemon "Immunity Juice" recipe.  We are still drinking 1 glass each, 2 to 3 times per day.  This is my first attempt at a cayenne tincture so I'll let you know in 2-3 weeks how it turns out.  This is not a "cure" for anything, nor is it a replacement for any doctor-prescribed medication.

An herbal tincture is typically an alcohol extract of a plant or herb. The strength of each tincture recipe may vary depending on the herb as well as the solvent.  Rubbing alcohol CANNOT be used!!!! And make sure you label every tincture...Trust me.  If you are working on more than one tincture at a time you won't remember which is which in 4-8 weeks.

Cayenne Tincture

Tincture at 1 week

Ingredients:
Cayenne Pepper, powder
Alcohol (vodka)
I use regular (inexpensive) vodka for dried herbs.
I prefer to use a stronger alcohol such as Everclear (95%) with fresh herbs due to the water content in fresh herbs. 

Directions:  For this recipe I used 1 part Cayenne to 2 parts Vodka.  
Example: 1 cup cayenne, 2 cups vodka.
Add both ingredients to a jar with a lid and place in a dark place.  Shake or stir every other day.  

Tincture should be ready in 3-4 weeks.  Once your tincture is ready, strain through a coffee filter or cheesecloth into a dark jar.  If you do not have a dark jar, leave in a dark place.

Dosage for adults: 5-15 drops at a time, up to three times per day.
Add to water, tea, tomato juice...Something.  It's hot!

Disclaimer: Should not be taken with ACE inhibitors. Not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

Depending on the day of the week, I'm linking up HERE.

Random Garden Update

Last week I was pretty busy with the Region-Specific Gardening info.  I had a blast putting it all together with the help of Mother Earth News.  This week I'll be sharing a few herbal recipes {some from the garden} so I thought I'd give you a garden update.

This might be the largest tomato plant I've ever grown in Florida.  It has taken a bit of organic soil amendments like seaweed and homemade compost.

This is a Red-Fig Tomato grown from heirloom seed.  

85 days.  Indeterminate.  Small, 1-1/2-inch red fruit are pear-shaped.
The fruit is sweet and tasty. Great for drying or preserving. 
This heirloom dates back to the 1700's. 

Freshly harvested tomatoes...Great on salads!

Also producing in the garden are the Black Beauty Eggplants
(still) after 2 years!

80 days. (Solanum melongena)  Also know as "Imperial Black Beauty". Black Beauty has large, jet-black fruits that are egg-shaped.  Between 4-6 inches. Fruits set freely and quickly, so that the entire crop can be gathered before the frost. 
Remember to germinate seeds at about 70 degrees in the greenhouse or inside. Transplant when all danger of frost has passed.

Last week when I had a bit of free time I planted quite a few more seeds: Amana's Orange, Beefsteak and more Pink Oxheart Tomatoes, Black Beauty and Japanese White Egg eggplants, Bell Peppers and more Basil. All heirloom, non-gmo seeds!

Genovese Basil for "growing gifts"

The Kentucky Wonder and Blue Lake Bush beans have been transplanted into containers (ready for the move), as well as the Radicchio, Swiss Chard, Serrano Peppers and Pak Choy Cabbage. 

Blue Lake Bush Beans transplanted in their temporary home

Fingers crossed...We'll be moving in March!

Cayenne Pepper and Lemon Juice

I am determined to stay healthy this "flu season."  Working in a medical office I am constantly coming in contact with sickies.  I decided to take matters into my own hands.

peppers

Cayenne Pepper is a nightshade vegetable.  While adding a little (or a lot) of hot and spicy to any dish, cayenne pepper can also be very therapeutic.  Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin which can open up your sinuses, fight inflammation, cardiovascular support, helps with ulcers, boosts immune system and metabolism.

THIS is what got my attention:  "Cayenne pepper's bright red color signals its high content of beta-carotene or pro-vitamin A. Just two teaspoons of cayenne pepper provide 47% of the daily value for vitamin A. Often called the anti-infection vitamin, vitamin A is essential for healthy epithelial tissues including the mucous membranes that line the nasal passages, lungs, intestinal tract and urinary tract and serve as the body's first line of defense against invading pathogens." source

powder

I decided to make this remedy for several reasons.  #1 is that my husband has asthma and allergies so I'd like to give him a healthier alternative than the OTC junk he takes everyday.  #2 is I hate getting sick and since I so rarely get sick I'm a miserable sickie. 

Cayenne Pepper and Lemon Juice recipe
1/2 lemon squeezed
*If you don't have fresh, used 2 tablespoons of "real lemon" or equivalent*
1/4 - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (powder)
*If it's your first time, start slow*
8 ounces water

Directions:  
Add all ingredients to a large glass.  Stir and chug.
I do this 3 times per day

*Update*  We have been drinking this for 48 hours.  Since I wrote this post 24 hours ago, my husband has not had to use his asthma inhaler.  That's HUGE!

This worked so well we now offer a DIY Cayenne Tincture Kit 

DIY Tincture kits include:
1 - 32 ounce Glass Jar with lid, 1 - 2 ounce Amber Bottle with dropper top,  2 customizable labels, 1 ounce of Organic Herbs (additional herbs available)  and Detailed Instructions

 Find our more @ Mary's Tincture Shop

While my husband calls this mixture "floor cleaner" because it smells lemony, he actually asked for a glass when I went in to make mine this morning.  It's amazing what nature has to offer!

You can read about the Health benefits of Lemon HERE.  
I make Basil Lemonade and posted the recipe last year.  It was a hit!  
Helpful link for Cayenne Pepper.

Disclaimer: Should not be taken with ACE inhibitors. Not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

Linking up HERE.

Veggie Garden in New England and Maritime Canada

I'm WAY out of my growing zone at this point and I would love to have feedback on what works and what does not for those of you in this area. 

As you might already know, I have a unique selection of heirloom garden seeds available at Mary's Heirloom Seeds.  I am in the process of adding a few more varieties and any suggestions would help.

And now on to the garden!  According to Mother Earth News, the top 10 crops for the Maritime Canada and New England region are: Carrot, Cherry Tomato, Cucumber, Slicing Tomato, Summer Squash, Onion, Pole Beans, Snap peas, Lettuce and Garlic.

Extra Dwarf Pak Choy

Here's were this region varies from the previous...Mother Earth News suggests that you plant (inside) in March.  Seed varieties to plant in March are: Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Celery, Chard, Bean, Fennel, Leek, Lettuce, Onion, Pak Choy, Peas, Peppers, Radish, Rhubarb, Radicchio, Spinach, Tomato and Herbs.
Don't want to garden but like the idea of fresh greens?  Try SPROUTS!  Find out how to get more free seeds HERE!

My advice to anyone getting started:
-Plant ONLY Heirloom Seeds.  Find out why...
-Plant Basil!!!  It's easy.
-More easy varieties are: lettuce, beets, radish, turnips and borage.
-Try Peat Pellets for seed-starting made easy.
-Plant more seeds than you think you'll need.  Stuff happens!
-Take notes or keep a log of what works, what didn't work, questions and comments.  Or blog about it!

Pink Oxheart Tomato (my favorite)

If you are looking for additional help for natural or organic pest control check out "Natural and Organic Pest Control." I use Neem Oil for powdery mildew when I just can't get rid of it any other way.
Consider Companion Planting for natural pest control and healthy veggies.

Helpful links:

Basil!

Garden Spotlight: Pink Oxheart Tomato

Garden Spotlight: Marglobe Tomatoes 

Garden Spotlight: Japanese White Egg (eggplant)

Spaghetti Squash (summer)

Garden Spotlight: Beans

Garden Spotlight: Corn

Would you like more gardening info specific to your area?
Let me know!
Southern US (Gulf Coast) 
Southwest US
Southern Interior
Mid-Atlantic Coast
Central / Midwest US
Pacific Northwest US
North Central and Rockies US 

Linking up HERE!

If you haven't already checked out Mary's facebook page...What are you waiting for?  I'm planning another giveaway...bigger than before.  Once my page hits 250 "likes" I'll announce the big giveaway.

Veggie Garden in the North Central and Rockies

The Region-Specific Gardening series is almost complete. 
Yes, I understand that these are not USDA zones but they're a great place to start. 

Starting seeds indoors in February is a great way to get your garden started early and have a thriving garden.  Seeds can be grown under light or in an area that gets plenty of sun.  I've seen quite a few people set up in their garage with lights and shelves.  It can be done!

source

 According to Mother Earth News, the top 10 crops for the North Central US and Rockies are:  Bulb Onion, Cherry Tomato, Carrot, Spinach, Snow/snap peas, Lettuce, Bush snap peas, Slicing Tomato, Potato and Radish.

I have said this in EVERY post so far...Grow Herbs!!!  If you have never grown a garden and you think you have a brown thumb...Try Basil!!!

Seed varieties to get started in February include:  Cabbage, Celery, Endive, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Onion, Radiccio, Spinach and Herbs.

Bulgarian Giant Leeks

Don't want to garden but like the idea of fresh greens?  Try SPROUTS!  Find out how to get more free seeds HERE!

My advice to anyone getting started:
-Plant ONLY Heirloom Seeds.  Find out why...
-Plant Basil!!!  It's easy.
-More easy varieties are: lettuce, beets, radish, turnips and borage.
-Try Peat Pellets for seed-starting made easy.
-Plant more seeds than you think you'll need.  Stuff happens!
-Take notes or keep a log of what works, what didn't work, questions and comments.  Or blog about it!

If you are looking for additional help for natural or organic pest control check out "Natural and Organic Pest Control." I use Neem Oil for powdery mildew when I just can't get rid of it any other way.
Consider Companion Planting for natural pest control and healthy veggies.

Helpful links:

Basil!

Garden Spotlight: Pink Oxheart Tomato

Garden Spotlight: Marglobe Tomatoes 

Garden Spotlight: Japanese White Egg (eggplant)

Spaghetti Squash (summer)

Garden Spotlight: Beans

Garden Spotlight: Corn

Borage

Would you like more gardening info specific to your area?
Let me know!
Southern US (Gulf Coast) 
Southwest US
Southern Interior
Mid-Atlantic Coast
Central / Midwest US
Pacific Northwest US

Linking up HERE!

If you haven't already checked out Mary's facebook page...What are you waiting for?  I'm planning another giveaway...bigger than before.  Once my page hits 250 "likes" I'll announce the big giveaway.

Veggie Garden in the Pacific Northwest US

Now we travel to the northern portion of the West Cost...
The Pacific Northwest!  This region includes most of Oregon and Washington state as well as the northern "tip" of California.

According to Mother Earth News, the top 10 crops for the Pacific Northwest are:  Pole snap beans, Snow/snap beans, Potato, Garlic, Cherry Tomato, Summer Squash, Chard (so easy to grow), Lettuce, Onion and Carrot.

If you've been following the "Region-Specific Gardening" series, February is the time to get you seeds planted!  So NOW is the time to plan for that garden you've always wanted or have been thinking about expanding.

Tom Thumb Lettuce

Mother Earth News recommends you plant the following varieties in February:  Artichoke, Asparagus, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Fava Bean, Kale, Leek, Lettuce, Onion, Peas, Radicchio, Spinach and HERBS!

That's a nice list of veggies.  What are you planning to grow?
Don't want to garden but like the idea of fresh greens?  Try SPROUTS!  Find out how to get more free seeds HERE!

My advice to anyone getting started:
-Plant ONLY Heirloom Seeds.  Find out why...
-Plant Basil!!!  It's easy.
-More easy varieties are: lettuce, beets, radish, turnips and borage.
-Try Peat Pellets for seed-starting made easy. 
-Plant more seeds than you think you'll need.  Stuff happens!
-Take notes or keep a log of what works, what didn't work, questions and comments.  Or blog about it!

If you are looking for additional help for natural or organic pest control check out "Natural and Organic Pest Control." I use Neem Oil for powdery mildew when I just can't get rid of it any other way.
Consider Companion Planting for natural pest control and healthy veggies.

Helpful links:

Basil!

Garden Spotlight: Pink Oxheart Tomato

Garden Spotlight: Marglobe Tomatoes 

Garden Spotlight: Japanese White Egg (eggplant)

Spaghetti Squash (summer)

Garden Spotlight: Beans

Garden Spotlight: Corn

Borage

Would you like more gardening info specific to your area?
Let me know!
Southern US (Gulf Coast) 
Southwest US
Southern Interior
Mid-Atlantic Coast
Central / Midwest US

Linking up HERE!

If you haven't already checked out Mary's facebook page...What are you waiting for?  I'm planning another giveaway...bigger than before.  Once my page hits 250 "likes" I'll announce the big giveaway.

New Year...New Page!

I completely forgot to share this post...Ooops!!!

I spent New Year's day relaxing.  We watched movies, ate homemade sugar cookies and played on the computer.  Well, it wasn't all play!  I completely revised Mary's Heirloom Seeds.  We're talking serious facelift!  I also started working on another page.

New banner/picture for my Home Page

I added the New Arrivals page in late November 2012.

Even more new seeds arriving next week!

New banner/picture for Heirloom Tomato Seeds

Now...The new page!  I thought I should add a few gardening tips and seed-starting info.  I pretty much used previous posts that I shared here but added a few updates.  There's a great recipe for soil mixture for container gardening, seed-starting made easy and helpful links.

For my webhosting I use fatcow.  They are fantastic!!!  They have a drop-and-drag option to build your own website.  It's easier than blogger and I've had even less issues with fatcow than with blogger.  One great feature for me is that they are powered by "green" energy!  They didn't pay me to gush...I just really like em cuz they're affordable AND reliable! 

I always enjoy working on our different sites.
Next projects is revamping Mary's Basics.