An Unconventional Recipe or Two

Today is something different.  A couple recipes that have nothing to do with eating and one that makes for a yummy sweet treat.
Hopefully these will help someone else.  I will list a couple other tips that I use as well!

YARD AND GARDEN

Here is a recipe for homemade fertilizer for flowers and garden.    This is a concentrate - so make sure you use as directed.

Don't FORGET - you can use compost to help your plants get nourishment.

NO compost - use the egg shells all crushed up, coffee grounds or tea bags, and pulverized banana peels are great too.  There are lots of great ways to add vitamins to your soil!

Here you go - a homemade weed killer.  Do not get this on desirable plants - it does act like Weed-Be-Gone and will kill whatever you get it on.

I use this in fence rows and in the grass/weeds growing in the gravel out back.  

I usually keep Epsom salts on hand all the time (great for a hot bath as well).  I get it at Dollar Tree for $1 a bag.  If out - I have used table salt (although it doesn't dissolve as well).

I find it works best on a warm and sunny day - and no rain for a day or two.  I love that this is pet and animal friendly!!!!!  No toxic chemicals to make anyone sick!!!!!

Another tip I use - after you get done canning and have no plans to use the water in the water bath again (I always use a couple times) - pour that boiling water around the porch, fence rows or in cracks of drive to kill the weeds.  Boiling water works quickly.

I have a couple areas in the fence row that have had poison ivy growing that has been quite stubborn to kill.  I have used the scalding water and then I pour straight vinegar on it.  It seems to have taken care of the problem.

I love doing things the natural way if at all possible.  I really don't want ANY wildlife put at risk or any neighborhood pets.

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Spring in the U.S. brings forth dandelions!!!  Please don't kill them - they are much needed for the bees.  We need bees to grow everything!  They are so very important.

Dandelions are also full of vitamins and minerals for us as well.  I remember my parents used to cook the greens - it sure was  a lifesaver for the family at times.

DANDELION JELLY

I have made dandelion jelly before.  It has a honey taste and it is quite good.  It is a little work picking the flowers.  You need to make sure that you use only the flowers and not the green collars in this (they are a bit bitter).

After following the above directions - place in jelly jars and water bath process in boiling bath for about 10 minutes.  It may take a few hours or days to firm completely - which is just general rule of thumb for jellies.

Make sure your flowers come from an area that has not had any chemicals sprayed on them.

(Click on above recipe to see enlarged)

Hope one or more of these unconventional recipes or tips helps you out.

So many ways to save money, use what we have and stay home doing it!!

SPRING BLESSINGS