The Organic Yard

2006-07-11T07:34:00.000-07:00

Outdoor Ceiling Fans
An advantage of outdoor ceiling fans is that they can be great for keeping bugs away. It is difficult for bugs like gnats and mosquitoes to fly in the downward draft created by outdoor ceiling fans. Having an outdoor ceiling fan makes it possible to have a fun, bug-free time outside without having to use annoying bug lights or smelly, oily bug spray.

2006-07-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

Mosquito Repellents
1. Cover yourself with light weight clothing.
2. Mix a few drops or more of essential oil of citronella in water in a spray bottle. Take it outdoors with you and spritz your exposed skin as needed to keep mosquitoes off and keep yourself cool.
3. Purchase natural insect repellents containing cedar or citronella oil; "double strength" types work extremely well.
4. Spray yourself with rosemary tea! Steep 2 tablespoons rosemary in 1 cup boiling water for 20 minutes, strain and cool.
5. For yard parties surround area with citronella torches or bucket-candles (every 8-10 feet). Light 1-2 hours before party starts. Put fans where people will be hanging out a lot! Garlic Barrier™ is an effective spray. Look for it in businesses that carry organic gardening supplies.

2006-07-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

Vinegar And Apple Cider Vinegar - Herbicide, Fungicide And More!
Used full strength, vinegar acts as an herbicide. It is especially effective on weed seedlings in the cracks of sidewalks. Grocery store vinegar is a 3% acetic acid solution. It works, but may require repeated applications. 10-20% vinegar is available from landscaping companies and a few nurseries. Its extra strength makes it more effective. Apple cider vinegar, diluted 2 ounces per gallon of water, controls powdery mildew. Diluted 1 ounce per gallon of water, it lowers the pH of alkaline tap water to a better pH for plants. Common vinegar mixed with water is a great all purpose cleaner for kitchen and bathroom counters, cabinets, floors, mirrors and windows. Best of all, insects don't like it!

2006-07-06T13:01:00.000-07:00

Corn gluten meal can be applied as a pre-emergent weed killer. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of dandelions, crabgrass and many other annual weeds.It is a by product of corn syrup and cornstarch production. It contains nitrogen and protein and is soldas animal feed for cows, chickens, and is used as filler in pet foods. Corn Gluten meal can be applied as fertilizerand as a pre-emergent weed killer. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of dandelions, crabgrass and many otherannual weeds. It needs to be supplemented with phosphorus and potassium if you plan to use it for fertilizerthough. The best thing about this method is that it is almost completelysafe. Kids and pets can walk on it barefooted without worry. The only concern is application rate, ten pounds isperfect for a 500 square foot plot, if you go heavier than that, you may not get the seedlings you want to emerge!Some gardeners purposefully apply heavily in paths, it works well and nothing grows there for the entire season!

2006-07-06T09:32:00.000-07:00

What on Earth is "Diatomaceous earth". Diatomite is used as an insecticide due to its abrasive properties. The fine powder abrades the cuticle, the waxy outer layer of insects' exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate. It is sometimes mixed with an attractant or other additives to increase its effectiveness. There is evidence that the ancient Egyptians and other early cultures used D.E. to protect their grain stores from insects.

Because insects must come in contact with diatomaceous earth dust for the dust to be effective, it is important to know how to apply the dust to stored grain or an empty bin for maximum effectiveness on insects.

2006-07-06T09:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome everybody. I hope we can share ideas on organic products.