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Keep slugs off your prize plants by surrounding the plant with a layer of crushed eggshells or copper sheeting / items. Alternatively feed them something tastier than your prize plants - the slugs in my garden love pumpkins and melons!~
Milk is an effective organic fungicide / germicide - useful for protecting vegetables, plants and roses. Try mixing one part cow's milk to nine parts water and pouring this over the affected plants. ~
Plant Garlic near your Rose bushes to discourage aphids~
If you grow Tomatoes try growing some Basil alongside them, apart from keeping flies and mosquitos away the Basil will also enhance the flavour of the Tomatoes~
When frost is expected spray plants late in the evening with cold water - the heat generated as the water evaporates helps prevent frost damage~
Rainwater is better for plants than tap water - [rainwater can be collected in a barrel, but do keep the barrel covered to keep the water fresh longer and to prevent insects laying their eggs in it]. If you only have tap water fill up a watering can / container and leave to stand for a few hours before using on your plants. [This will allow the chlorine to evaporate].~
Comfrey makes an ideal natural fertiliser. The quick method is to boil some water, pour onto dried Comfrey and leave to infuse overnight. Strain and use to feed plants. The more traditional method is to steep plenty of comfrey leaves in a covered tank for a few weeks. Use in the garden or for houseplants~
Water used to cook vegetables in makes a nourishing drink for houseplants and garden plants.~
Cardboard egg cartons can be recycled into environmentally-friendly seedling pots. When it's time to plant the seedlings out simply cut the container into separate containers and plant in the ground. Grapefruit and Orange rind halves also make useful natural seedling pots.~
Banana skins are rich in potassium - place a banana skin underneath rose bushes or under vegetables when planting up, or place around plants as a mulch - the skins decompose quickly and supply the soil and plants with a boost of nutrients, including sulphur, magnesium, calcium, phosphates, silica and sodium. Also an excellent compost ingredient which reputedly helps to speed up the composting process.~
Lawns grow well during the waxing moon period - if you are looking for a lush, thick lawn mow it during the waxing phase. If you prefer a slow growing lawn, it is best to mow during the waning moon. [For more Moonlore click here].~
Aromatic herbs such as Rosemary, Sage, Lavender, Lemon Balm and Geranium make additions to bonfires - they not only smell good but help deter mosquitos and midges.~
A Rosemary infusion makes an ideal solution for cleaning food shelves and cupboards~
Infuse a few sprigs of fresh or dried Rosemary in boiling water - allow to cool to a suitable temperature and use to wash down food storage surfaces~
Mix Salt and Vinegar [or Lemon Juice] together to make an abrasive surface cleaner~
Baking Soda can be used to freshen, clean and deodorise - makes a useful scouring powder [do not use on Aluminium]. Mix baking soda with warm water to clean tarnished silver, stainless steel sinks and surfaces, floors and windows~
Tea Tree essential oil has remarkable antifungal and anti-bacterial properties - add several drops to water and use to wipe down bathroom surfaces, shower curtains and wooden items prone to mould / fungi~
Scratches in wood surfaces can be treated with a Walnut kernel - rub in circular motions first and then with the grain. Polish with a soft cloth once dried. This really does work - and the oil from the walnut kernel will help seal the scratch. Magic! Hazelnut kernels can also be used~
Use fresh Lemon Balm leaves to scent and polish wooden furniture~
Make a flea-repellent pet cushion with dried herbs such as Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Fleabane [Galium verum] and Pennyroyal. Eucalyptus leaves can be scattered around - the sticky surfaces will trap the fleas and all you need to do is sweep the leaves away. I personally stick to Lavender, Peppermint and Rosemary herbs, with the addition of Marjoram and Catnip if it's a cushion for a cat! Dogs like Aniseed, so you could include some in a dog cushion if so desired.~
Add a few drops of Peppermint essential oil to a cotton wool pad or tissue and place in your hoover - this will help freshen the air as you vacuum and is an excellent flea remedy! [Not suitable for upright vacuum cleaners with a bag].~
Keep weevils out of stored grain, flour and cereals by placing a Bay leaf on top.
Basil will repel flies and mosquitos - grow some in a pot on a kitchen windowsill.~
Remedy a thingyroach infestation by spraying a strong Catnip infusion on all appropriate surfaces, or scattering Catnip leaves around. [Make the infusion by simmering the leaves in water]~
Ants dislike strong smelling herbs such as tansy, lemon thyme, rosemary, sage and catnip - bruise fresh cut sprays of these herbs and hang them in food cupboards to deter ants~
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