I made this weed killer spray in summer this year, applied it amply and didn’t have any issues with weeds anymore until now. It’s a simple mixture from household ingredients but indeed very effective and convenient. Mix in an ordinary spray bottle (though I, personally, prefer the pump type, like this):
Dried Tomatoes
Anyone like dried tomatoes as much as I do? They’re versatile and delicious and I like to use them mostly in pasta sauces, so it was time again for me to make some. It’s a simple process, especially with the aid of a food dehydrator, but it can also be easily done in your trusty old kitchen oven.
Mushroom Bucket Update (Straw Method)
Not very much of a money shot, buuut: After nearly six weeks of having the opportunity to colonize the straw bucket, a lot of good looking oyster mushroom mycelium has formed. I wasn’t even sure if the leftover spawn was still propagable, but I suppose nature found it’s way.
The straw was thoroughly pasteurized and then inoculated by beginning of september, plus the bucket received Micropore™ taping to cover the ventilation holes.
I’ll give them another week or so at 19°C and with raised humidity in their dark corner to proliferate and fruit. Beautiful, right? Once they’re fully grown I’ll make this yummy recipe from them 🙂
Growing Oyster Mushrooms on Straw – Bucket Method
Following the last two mushroom bags I made, I decided to eventually use up the leftover oyster mushroom spawn I was procreating then. It was sitting in a dry cool an dark place so I’m cautiously optimistic it might still be alive. This time, I wanted to try it with a straw growing substrate as shown in many internet publications and videos. So here’s a summary of what I did and in about a month’s time I hopefully can post an update on some progress.
Drying Herbs
I had to cut some side branches off the sage and rosemary bushes in the garden. I know it’s not exactly the right time now, but these guys were really just getting too big 🙂 I seem to be physically just not able to just throw away this aromatic, fragrant goodness so I dried them for further use in the kitchen.
Solar Power for the Greenhouse
It was already last year that I started planning a simple solar power system for the greenhouse, since the next power outlet is a tad bit away. After much back and forth, I finally dug up enough time and nerves to complete it by the end of may.
How to: Grow Basil at Home
I sincerely love Basil. Best used fresh, this herb an enrichment for for a lot of dishes from pesto to all kinds of pasta, also poultry and countless sauces and even soups. Always a great addition.
Unfortunately, Basil a is a little diva-ish to have around and grow. I f***ed up numberless times when I tried to grow or even just maintain my basil plants, but finally, meanwhile I seem to have developed at least a little knack for it. I have actually managed to germinate as well as propagate, grow, perpetuate and correctly prune several basil plants on my southern windowsill! Here’s what I can share:
Compost Tumbler
Now I found a cheap plastic drum from a marine equipment store on eBay and decided to give it a shot – not much effort and a simple homemade construction. I don’t have any experience with this type of composting, but since I expect to have ample need for compost this summer, the project is worth the time as well as the (little) money to me.
