Fern Fischer
I keep busy with organic gardening and living green, including healthy cooking with garden goodies. I enjoy writing about all of these, but my special interest is quilting, vintage quilts and textiles and restoring antique quilts. I write freelance for several online sources and the occasional print publisher.
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some college, school of life, experience in the slow laneInterests
quilting, quilt restoration, sewing, antiques, organic gardening, preserving garden food, environmental issues, living green, pets, Christianity, family and home life, cooking, retirement, healthy lifestyle, history, writingMotto
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Plant a Wheelchair GardenBuild a wheelchair garden for the plant-lover in your life. Think elevated planting boxes and hanging plants -- beautiful gardens are possible simply by changing the focus away from ground-level planting areas. -
Favorite Cool-Season Annuals: Try Them in Your Garden!Stretch your garden budget! Start cool-season annuals from seed, and have enough plants to fill your garden and extra plants to give away! -
How to Activate Your Compost Pile in Cool WeatherA hot compost pile makes free fertilizer fast. You can't just build a pile of garbage and expect it to be compost. Mix and turn the pile and make those microbes work for you. -
Should I Use Garden and Yard Waste in My Compost?Healthy soil means healthful garden produce. Compost means healthy soil. Start your compost pile NOW! -
What Lumber is Safe to Use in the Garden?Are the new "Green" lumber treatments safe for use in the garden where food will be grown? -
Termites: Alternatives to Poisonous InsecticidesAsk your pest control professional about biological and non-toxic termite controls. -
A Beginner's Garden: Choose Heirloom Tomato Seeds and PlantsFor the best tomatoes, grow your own. Just buy some tomato plants and set them out in your garden or in a large pot, right? Not necessarily...
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Make Your Own Plant Potting SoilMake your own potting soil to put some green in your plants and keep some green in your wallet. -
Easy-to-Grow Houseplants that Keep Indoor Air CleanHouseplants remove toxins from indoor air ... as much as 90 percent of the toxic gases given off by plastics like PVC or those in carpeting, as well as formaldehyde and other chemicals from processed wood products and laminate furniture. -
Paintbrushes, Rollers, or Painting Pads?Using the right tools will make your painting job much easier. -
Lemi Shine Removes Hard Water Spots and Long-Term Mineral Build-UpLemi Shine is made from all natural fruit acids, citrus oils and fragrance. It is completely environmentally friendly. Even the packaging is 100 percent recyclable. -
How to Make Compost the Easy WayMaking compost doesn't require expensive equipment or a chemist's formula. All you need is a pitchfork, an accumulation of yard and garden waste, and a small place to build your pile. Here are a few tips to help you get started. -
Best Cookie-Baking TipsProblems with cookies are usually due to issues that you can easily correct. Some common cookie boo-boos and their remedies are listed. -
How to Care for a Wooly Bear CaterpillarYou can keep wooly bear caterpillars over the winter, but do so according to the rules of nature. Simulate the natural process so your wooly bears will morph into pretty yellow Isabella Tiger Moths next spring! -
Wooly Bear Caterpillars: Fact and FolkloreWooly bear caterpillars are found throughout North America. What child hasn't been fascinated by one of these harmless little fuzzy guys? -
Gifts for Backyard Bird WatchersA gift that enhances your favorite bird-watcher's experience will last year round. -
Persimmon Seed Weather PredictionsFolkloric weather indicators around the U.S. this fall point to a cold, snowy winter. Will they be correct?
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Gathering Wild American PersimmonsForage for free food, and eat healthier, too! Wild persimmons are very high in calcium and vitamin C, and are often more nutritionally dense than cultivated persimmons.
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Zucchini Thwarts Black Bear AttackJust when you thought there were no more ways to use a zucchini --
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A Beginner's Garden: Why and How Guide to Saving Your Own Garden SeedsBuying seeds every spring is expensive. You can save seeds from your own garden vegetables to plant next year, and you'll save money, too.
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A Beginner's Garden: Why and How Guide to Saving Tomato SeedsBuying seeds every spring is expensive; buying plants costs even more. You can save seeds from your own garden vegetables to plant next year, and save some money, too.
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Budget Some Organic Dollars and Feed Your Family the Healthiest Fresh FoodsBuy organic foods whenever possible -- Wow, those prices! Here are lists of "dirty" foods you should buy organic, and "clean" foods you can buy non-organic without feeling guilty.
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How Clean is Your Fresh Produce?Does washing the produce you bring home from the market or grocery store get it clean?
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A Beginner's Garden: Grow Elephant Garlic, Allium AmpeloprasumFall is the time to plant garlic to harvest next summer.
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How to Plant Elephant Garlic and Regular GarlicFall is the time to plant garlic to harvest next summer.
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Livestrong Day and FREE FRS Healthy Energy ProductsLearn the benefits of Quercetin and get $27.42 worth of FRS healthy energy products FREE for a limited time. Pay $3.95 Shipping. If you do not want to continue receiving products, call the toll-free number to cancel.
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How to Divide Crowded IrisesCrowded irises are susceptible to pests and disease. Divide and transplant the rhizomes in the fall and keep your irises healthy.
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How to Divide and Transplant IrisLearn to plant irises like a pro. It's so easy!
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Blue Flowering Plants for Your Perennial GardenPlan your perennial garden with color in mind. Use a splash of color here and there, or design with an entire color scheme. Fragrant flowers add to the ambiance.Also published on:
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How to Control Squash Bugs Without PoisonsTake steps this fall to control next year's squash bugs and squash vine borers without poisons!
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Red Flowering Plants for a Vibrant Perennial GardenPlan your perennial garden with color in mind. Use a splash of color here and there, or design with an entire color scheme. Plant most perennials in the fall, and they will bloom the following year.
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How to Make Emergency Repairs to a Cheap, Battery-Powered LED FlashlightA couple of small hand tools and some wire are all you need for a simple emergency repair.
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How to Repair a Cheap, Battery-Powered LED FlashlightWhen the contacts break in a flashlight, make an emergency repair by completing the circuit with common copper wire.
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Planting and Growing Your Own SteviaForget carcinogenic, artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes. Grow your own stevia in your garden or as a houseplant.
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How to Plant Stevia and Grow Your Own Natural Sugar SubstituteStevia plants are easy to grow from seeds. Start them indoors early for best results.
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What is Stevia, Anyway?The food sweetener industry has latched onto another new one -- stevia. So what IS this stuff? Just another new sugar replacer, or something better?
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How to Grow Stevia in Your GardenHow to prepare stevia seedlings for transplanting, and how to set them out into the garden. Grow stevia in your garden, or indoors in a windowsill or under plant lights!
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Crazy Lady Stuffs Cat into Trash CanWhat's wrong with people?
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Fishing Spiders Are Organic Garden HelpersAlthough this spider looks menacing, it is not aggressive towards humans.
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Neem Oil as an Organic Garden PesticideSpray an organic neem oil solution on your garden plants, and take care of chewing and sucking insects once and for all. It's easy, safe and inexpensive, and you'll see results.
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Keeping Your Summer Kitchen OrganizedTips to cope with a busy summer kitchen and garden. It's not easy with small children in the house!
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White Whole Wheat Bread?A relatively new type of bread has been appearing on store shelves called "White Whole Wheat Bread," which seems an oxymoron to health food aficionados.
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Organic Rose Gardening and Fungus DiseasesFungus spores overwinter in the soil, and they are activated when weather conditions are right. Recognize and treat fungal problems as soon as you notice them.
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Summer Care for Your Rose GardenDon't worry if your roses seem to be sadly stagnant during the summer heat, it's natural. Use these tips to help them make it through the heat and to revive them for another round of late-summer and fall blooms.
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Organic Garden: Review of Zucchini "Eight Ball"These prolific plants produce softball-sized squash that are perfect for any traditional zucchini recipe. No more of those over-sized, two foot long zucchini haunting your garden!
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Growing Squash: Increasing Garden Yield and Pollinating to Save Your Own SeedsLearn why you might need to hand pollinate and how to distinguish the male and female flowers in Lesson One. Read this guide for hand-pollinating details.
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Growing Squash: How to Increase Your Squash Garden YieldSquash, pumpkins, melons, and cucumbers (members of the cucurbit family) have separate and distinct male and female flowers. Insects are required for the best pollination, or you can step in and help Mother Nature.
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Tips for Organic Rose GardensLearn how to recognize rose borers and how to treat them, and use your compost the most efficient way.
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Cleaning Up Your Garden After Storm DamageWhen Mother Nature lashes out, clean up and assess your garden as soon as possible to save as many plants as you can. There is no need to give up and plow it all under! Plants will recover to produce at least a partial crop for your efforts.
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Identify Carpenter Bees and Get Rid of Them SafelyCarpenter bees in your walls? Learn how to identify them and get rid of them easily, without resorting to toxic chemicals.
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Mosquito Repellent Safe for KidsThe Insect Repelling Mosquito Eliminator hangs anywhere and keeps those pesky skeeters away. Move it with you around the yard or campsite, or hang it on your backpack. It's completely safe, and contains no hazardous chemicals.
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Basil in the Garden, Basil in the KitchenGrow several basil varieties to add color and fragrance to your garden and different flavors to your cooking.
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What is Patent Leather?Oil has been used to finish and preserve leather for centuries, but the patent leather process was different.
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How to Xeriscape Your YardIf you are tired of trying to manage the hassle and cost of irrigation for your yard and garden, restyle your planting areas. Xeriscape instead of landscape.
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Bats and the EnvironmentBats are some of the most helpful little mammals on the planet.
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Spread of White-Nose Syndrome, Geomyces DestructansMystery still surrounds the disease that kills cave bat populations.
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A Beginner's Garden: How to Grow Brussels SproutsBrussels sprouts are a cool weather crop with a relatively long growing season. With careful planning and cooperative weather, you can grow two crops a year!
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Organic Insect Control for Fruit TreesOrganic control of insect pests on fruit trees takes some time and knowledge. Having safe, chemical free fruit to feed your family is well worth the effort.
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Organic Insect Control for Apple TreesOrganic pest control methods are safe and effective. Use them properly, and enjoy blemish-free fruit.
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A Beginner's Garden: How to Turn Your Raised Bed into a Greenhouse or ColdframePlastic tunnels and row covers are nothing new, but purchasing specialty items is expensive, and really not necessary. Use cheap materials, readily available, and make your own plant protection. This method goes beyond a simple plastic sheet over a plant.
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A Beginner's Garden: Soil Layers and Planting Your Raised BedAvoid crooked placement and tilted beds. Take time to level your raised bed frame before you fill and plant it.
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A Beginner's Garden: Make a Raised Garden Bed the Easy WayA raised bed is an ideal place to grow lettuces, spinach, and other low growing vegetables that may be overpowered by taller vegetables in a traditional garden. It's also great for carrots, onions, turnips, and other root crops that need deep, loose soil.
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How to Make an Easy Raised Bed or Cold FrameRow covers are nothing new, but they are seldom secure enough to withstand high winds. Using this method, spring storm damage is a thing of the past. See accompanying how-to articles.
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Mourning Doves: Provide Nesting Places to Attract Wild DovesMourning doves are found all over North America, wintering as far south as Panama and Caribbean islands. They are friendly birds who take up residence near humans.
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How to Grow Roses from SeedsCommercially grown hybrid rose bushes are created by grafting the cultivar onto a rootstock. It is illegal to propagate patented varieties by grafts or cuttings. You may save seeds from your roses, and have fun experimenting with your own new varieties!
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Mourning DovesMourning doves have built a nest on top of an arbor, just below an upstairs window in perfect view. I'll update as things develop...
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Garden Tips: Renovate Your Strawberries AnnuallyStrawberries are one of the easiest fruits to produce in the home garden. But after only one year, your strawberry production will drop significantly. No need to buy new strawberry plants! Follow these tips to invigorate your strawberry garden.
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In the Herb Garden: Grow OreganoOne of the basic herbs no garden should be without, oregano will liven up your kitchen, too.
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Health Bill Ads Replaced by ACORN Ad...A HaikuNo sooner is the Health Bill vote over than we are bombarded with fund-raising schemes from ACORN on websites everywhere.
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Snake Repellent: This Everyday Item Really Works. Same Ingredient as the Expensive StuffMothballs, moth crystals... What is this stuff, anyway?
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Some ConsolationSometimes, you have to step back and get the long view.
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Maple Rice Pudding Recipe, Make it with Real Maple Syrup!No refined sugar in this recipe, just natural maple syrup. Use honey instead of maple syrup for another taste treat!
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Tips for a Water Garden or Small Garden PondLearn how to keep the water quality high, and you will circumvent a host of potential problems in your water garden.
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A Beginner's Garden: Using Recyclable Newspaper Plant Starting PotsTry these tips for using my eco-friendly, recyclable newspaper plant starting pots.
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A Beginner's Garden: Space-Saving Method to Grow Onion PlantsMake your garden more cost effective by starting your own plants from seeds.
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In a PickleLimerick Alert.
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Yellow Hat GrouchGrouchy Limerick
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RetrospectStay sane on a busy day.
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Indiana Heritage Quilt Show, New and Old Quilts GaloreA special exhibit at the Monroe County History Center is entitled "The Nine Lives of Quilts." It begins with design concepts and ends with Antique Quilt Restoration. The 2010 weather forecast is for Perfect Spring, so wear walking shoes, and enjoy!
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Overcome Drafty Windows and Start Your Garden Plants IndoorsDo you have a lovely south-facing window, perfect for plants? Is it too cold and drafty for starting seedlings? Here are some tips to grow seedlings even on a drafty windowsill.
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Beginner's Garden: Start Plants Indoors from SeedTips to get off to the right start with seeds indoors.
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The Interesting History of American SassafrasScientific analysis in 1960 determined that this common folk remedy is not safe for ingestion. But the aroma it emits is as safe and pleasant as ever.
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Sally O'MalleyLimerick
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A Beginner's Garden: What Are Tubers, Bulbs, Corms, Rhizomes?Tubers, bulbs, corms and rhizomes are each specific types of plant structures that some plants use to store food they will need the following spring.
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Make a Simple Bluebird HouseMeasure, cut, drill, and assemble. Leave the wood natural to attract birds. Paints and sealants may be toxic.
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Make Biodegradable Plant Starting Pots from NewspaperMake these little plant pots to start your garden seedlings in this year. They are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and they will help you recycle that stack of newspaper right into your garden.
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How to Force Early Blooms from Flowering Trees and ShrubsWhen that sunny day arrives in late winter, go out into your yard and make some cuttings of flowering shrubs and trees. Follow this Winter-Buster guide, and force them into early flowering indoors.
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Chase Away the Winter Blahs by Forcing BulbsPerk up your home or office and begin feeling better NOW. All you need are some flower bulbs and a container with drainage holes and a saucer. Add a little potting mix or gravel and some water to create an indoor spring flower garden.
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Make Your Own Biodegradable Plant Starting PotsVary the size of the tumbler or the folds in the paper strip to make different sized pots.
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Review: Electric Quilt Company SoftwareWhile there are several companies that produce quilting software, Electric Quilt Company wins my vote for most versatile and easiest to use. It does just about everything except thread the needle.
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How to Use a Stovetop PercolatorIf you've never used an old-fashioned stovetop coffee percolator, here are some basic tips to get a good pot of coffee. This is my favorite way to make camping coffee. See slideshow how-to.
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How To Use an Old-Fashioned Percolator CoffeepotIn response to requests on how to use the coffee pot featured in my article, Coleman 14-Cup Stove-Top Percolator. Round disk percolator filters may also be used, or no filter at all.
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Review: Gilmour Wheeled Garden SprayerThis is the perfect sprayer for any garden or yard need. Anyone can use this sprayer, because there is no pumping.
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A Beginner's Garden: Top Vegetable Picks for Your Home GardenEverything looks fresh and delicious in garden magazine and seed catalog pictures. When you choose what to grow in you vegetable garden, the most important thing to consider is what your family likes to eat.
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Valentine RosesMy favorite kind of valentine roses...
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Finding the Perfect Coffee GrinderThe perfect antique is one that not only has stood the test of time, but is still useful in its original form.
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What Exactly is "All Beef" Hamburger?If you have a weak stomach, do not read this. And take it from me...stop buying hamburger.
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A Beginner's Garden: Five Favorite Annual FlowersIf you are a beginning gardener and you don't want to invest lots of money, annual flower seeds are a good place to start. Seed packets, a few hand tools, and a small patch of earth are all you need.
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New Year's Resolutions for GardenersJust some ideas to take the edge off a wintry January day.
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Myth Debunked: Poinsettias Are NOT PoisonousFavorite holiday plants are safe to display in your home.
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Growing Roses: How to Do the Minnesota TipThe Minnesota Tip may sound like a new dance, but it is actually a very effective technique for winterizing roses in cold northern gardens.
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Grow and Use Lakota SquashLakota squash are easy to grow. Additional information at http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2447922/lakota_squash_growing_and_using_this.html?cat=30
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Lakota Squash: Growing and Using This Heirloom VegetableCommercial seeds are available for Lakota Squash, or you can save your own seeds each year for your next garden. Lakota squash is not a hybrid, so it may cross pollinate with other winter squash that are growing nearby.
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Fun with TurkeysThe turkey business is hard work, but the Turkey Trot Festival is a fun celebration of this bird that supports a rural economy.
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Turkey BusinessBehind the dinners are the farms.
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How to Make Pansies Bloom AgainPansies are annuals that will have two rounds of blooms. Follow these tips to get the most from your pansies.
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Keep Deer from Eating Your Fruit Trees This WinterIf you live in an area where deer and other wild animals abound, keep your home orchard and other garden plants safe from their winter nibbling.
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Design Tips for a Zinger of a Spring Bulb GardenWhether you plant a few or en masse, here are some design tips to help you get the most out of those humble bulbs.
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How to Make Authentic Swedish CoffeeSwedish coffee is a method of brewing a perfect pot.
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Coleman 14-Cup Stove-Top Percolator - Product ReviewGood coffee starts the day off right at our house, and bad coffee has the exact opposite effect. Finally, I found the way to a perfect cup of coffee!
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Grow Spearmint in Your Garden, HomeOf all the plants in the mint family, spearmint is my favorite. It has a natural sweetness and freshness. Spearmint tea is soothing and invigorating at the same time. Besides that, it just smells good.
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How to Use Flaxseed in Your Daily DietYou've read about the health benefits of flaxseed, but now that you've bought a package, what exactly can you do with it?
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How to Use Jewelweed: A Simple, Natural Remedy and PreventativeThis is one lovely plant that should be in every natural remedy arsenal.
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Experiment with Healthy Salad DressingsPlaying with food is fun! Even the kids get into stirring and experimenting with simple salad dressings.
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Easiest Dill Pickles You'll Ever MakeAnother recipe from way back when.
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How to Make a Corn Husk WreathThe neutral color of a natural corn husk wreath makes the perfect base to add decorative items for any season. Even though this is so versatile, the corn husks cry out "Autumn!"
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What is Meant by "Mad as a Hatter?"Does "Mad as a Hatter" conjure up visions of Alice, Wonderland, tea parties, and white rabbite? Read on for the dark truth behind this simile.
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What is a Drupe?Besides being one of those great words everyone should use now and then, a drupe is a category of fruit.
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Fourteen Carat Carrot CakeI made one of these for my Mother's birthday every year...her favorite cake.
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What Are Organic Eggs?What makes an egg "organic" and some tips and tidbits about eggs.
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Free Range Chickens and Their Eggs"Free Range" Chickens can mean just about anything a farmer wants it to mean. Be sure you know how the hens that laid your free range eggs were raised.
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Protect Your Home Orchard from Marauding CrittersIt seems like the local wildlife is waiting in the wings, watching your fruit ripen so they can swoop in and eat it just before you harvest it. Here are some tips for the home grower to thwart the pesky varmints.
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Chilled Carrot SaladMake this delicious salad a day early, and let it chill while the flavors blend overnight in the refrigerator.
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Best Zucchini Nut BreadThis recipe makes TWO large loaves, perfect for a family or to eat one now and freeze the second for later.
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Asparagus Beans in the Garden and Stir-FryMildly flavored and easy to grow, these Asian vegetables add something special to your garden and table.
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How to Kill Dandelions: Best Ways to Eradicate WeedsThere are several ways to kill dandelions, both organic and non-organic. Organic methods are just as effective as chemicals, and are safe for the environment.
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Managing Cholesterol: What is Niacin?Use niacin to help manage your cholesterol, but only under your doctor's supervision.
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Help Your Kids Get Good Grades by Developing Good Study HabitsIt's never too early or too late to improve study habits. Here are some ways parents can help.
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White Coat HypertensionIf you are consistent and serious about getting accurate blood pressure readings, your own home BP device will provide data that is just as reliable as a 24 hour monitoring device or clinic readings.
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How to Make Last Year's Poinsettia Bloom This WinterKeep your poinsettias from year to year, and coax them into bloom every December. Growing instructions are in this article.
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Garden Tiller 2009 Review: Mantis 2-Cycle TillerWhen I needed to replace my garden tiller this spring, I checked around. Nothing I could find came close to my faithful Mantis.
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What Are Enriched Eggs?"Enriched" or "Fortified" eggs are hitting supermarkets everywhere. They have been popular in Europe for several years. Just how does an egg become enriched?
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Revive Your Container Garden for Autumn PleasureYour beautiful container garden can continue to grow through autumn. You only need to switch your techniques to match Mother Nature's winding down of the season.
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Some Fun Facts About NutsToasted or raw, they're good and good for you.
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Mr. Raccoon Gets a Tummy AcheCritters make any outdoor experience more fun, and this trip was no exception.
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Southern Molasses Pecan PieThis pecan pie has a true old-time taste. Use dark, unsulphured molasses to sweeten the filling.
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Tips to Keep Your Late Summer Garden Going StrongA schedule for ending the summer garden and beginning the fall garden, based on a midwest zone 5-6 location.
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Some Common Diseases of Garden PotatoesSome potato diseases are not treatable, but home gardeners can improve their potato yield by following good garden sanitation practices all year long.
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Tips for a Super Fall GardenIf you want a productive fall garden, you must plan and plant in mid-summer. Here are some tips to get started with "double-cropping".
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Peanut Butter MuffinsA few basic ingredients makes these outstanding muffins.
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Summer Plum Harvest Means Plum-Nut BreadUse any kind of plum in this recipe.
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"Sehr-Gut" German Potato SaladGerman Potato Salad is served warm, and is a tasty side dish any time of the year.
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Organic Pest Control for Your Lawn: All About NematodesFor a natural, organic treatment to get rid of lawn insect pests, the answer is beneficial nematodes.
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Baby Proofing on the GooWhen you travel with your small children, take along the safety gadgets you will need. It will take the baby-proofing responsibility off of grandparents.
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Labor Day Barbecue FeastThese Labor Day Barbecue recipes feature quick and easy ideas for the grill. Simple ingredients and great taste make these perfect crowd pleasers or just right for a small gathering.
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Hoosier National Forest Offers Over 266 Miles of Wilderness TrailsThe Hoosier National Forest covers 430,000 acres of woodland in southern Indiana. The area includes some privately held land as well as many small towns. Trails for hiking, horses and mountain biking are found in the forest.
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Straight from the Garden Summer Raw Food RecipesNot only are raw foods the healthy choice, they will keep you cool on a hot day. Each of these recipes uses zucchini in an interesting way.
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The Perseids: Nature's Fireworks in the Summer Night SkiesKids of any age will enjoy staying up to watch the meteor showers.
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Winterize Your Home Before Old Man Winter ArrivesWork from a list, and you'll focus on the chores most important to your home situation.
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Tips to Winterize Your Yard and GardenProtect your landscaping investment and enjoy an easier spring awakening by taking care of your lawn and garden this fall.
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Homemade Sandwich SpreadThis is a quick and easy recipe. Use the spread on sandwiches, or use it instead of mayo to mix up ham salad or tuna salad by simply adding it to the ground meats.
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Easy Bread and Butter PicklesUse cucumber or zucchini slices to make the best pickles ever. These are very fast and easy.
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Little PhoebesMother Phoebe, nest, and babies... blink and they're gone!
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What's so Great About Beets?Beets have long been esteemed for their detoxification and healing properties. You may not know about the less common Golden and Striped varieties.
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Pioneer Mothers Memorial: a Day-Hike into the Indiana's PastThe Hoosier National Forest is in many parcels throughout southern Indiana. Trails run through the areas, many with great historical or scientific significance.
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Pickling is More Than Just CucumbersPickling technique to use with many vegetables.
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Old-Fashioned Food Preservation Techniques: FermentationHistorical methods of food preservation may have surprising health benefits.
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A Beginner's Medicinal Herb GardenMany herbs that are used medicinally are also lovely plants that you can be proud to grow in any garden. This list of herbs is easy to grow and use, just right for beginners.
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Eastern Phoebes Take the StageEnjoy phoebes while they are here. When the bugs are gone for the winter, so are the phoebes.
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The Connection Between Minerals and High Blood PressureSome interesting research on hypertension is on the subject of the minerals sodium, potassium, and magnesium and their relationship to blood pressure.
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Keep Your Nose to the GrindstoneWe don't give grindstones much thought anymore, but it used to be that when a mill was built in an area, a town would flourish.
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More Things to Do with Extra CabbageGardens seem to explode with vegetables in mid-summer. Here are some recipes for quick and easy ways to preserve your excess cabbage.
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Pioneer Village is Living History at Spring Mill State Park Near Mitchell, IndianaSpring Mill State Park is one of southern Indiana's gems. The restored early 1800s pioneer village is only one attraction.
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Natural Wonders at Spring Mill State Park Near Mitchell, IndianaSpring Mill State Park is one of southern Indiana's gems. The restored early 1800s pioneer village is only one attraction.
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The Historic Spring Mill Inn and Interpretive Naturalist ServicesSpring Mill State Park is one of southern Indiana's gems. The restored early 1800s pioneer village is only one attraction in the park.
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Visit Spring Mill State Park, Mitchell, IndianaSpring Mill State Park features living history pioneer village and working water-powered grist mill and sawmill, Gus Grissom Memorial
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Selenium: Under-Appreciated and UnderestimatedThis trace mineral works overtime in the immune system, keeping joints healthy, and helping rid the body of heavy metals.
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Echinacea: Growing, Harvesting and UsingEchinacea is easy to grow, beautiful in the garden, and useful for healthy teas that boost the immune system.
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Medicinal Infusions from the Home Herb GardenMaking an infusion is a simple way to get the best from your herb garden.
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"Dog Days of Summer": The Meaning of the PhraseEach summer between July and August the constellation "Canis Major" appears in the northern hemisphere during what is usually the hottest time of the summer. You would also be correct to refer to the Dog Days as the "canicular days".
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Healthy Vs. UnhealthyIt's our personal responsibility to make healthy choices.
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Natural Insomnia RemediesHere are some herbal remedies for insomnia can help you catch some quality ZZZZZs.
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Unregulated Toxins Are Found in Most Personal Care ProductsTriclosan, phthlates, and a host of other chemicals have made their way into personal care and hygiene products. Learn what to watch out for and how to find alternatives.
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Natural Ways to Build Bone DensityBone loss is especially serious in the elderly. Adopting natural ways to build strong bones will help with many other health issues at the same time.
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Movie Review: The TunnelThis movie is based on the true story of Hasso Herschel and the daring escapes of East Germans into West Berlin in 1961 after the Wall was built.
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A Spreadable Cream Cheese Substitute and What to Do with itMake your own healthy alternative to cream cheese and sour cream.
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Puzzling New Disease in Bats Has Been IdentifiedOnly three years after the discovery of this fungus, 95% of bat populations in affected areas have died.
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How to Keep Worms in Your GardenThe lowly earthworm is nature's invisible plow, improving soil wherever he goes.
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How to Grow Cucumbers: Organic Gardening TipsPlant diseases and insect pests can be thwarted by organic controls.
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Cucumber Sandwiches and Other Cool RecipesNew twists on some old favorites.
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Find Help for Damaged Heirloom QuiltsFamily quilts are passed from relative to relative. By having some restoration or repair work done now, you may be able to prolong the life of your heirloom for future generations.
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Gluten-Free RecipesFor gluten-free foods, substitute rice, corn, potato, and other flours to replace wheat, barley, rye, and oats. Here are three easy recipes.
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Top Ten List of My Favorite Male Country Music SingersA good songwriter can make a singer. And a good singer can make a song.
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Top Ten Favorite Female Country Music SingersThe variety of country styles today offers something for everyone. However, it was the classic original artists who opened doors.
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How a Garden Can Save You MoneyWith a little time and labor, you can save quite a lot of money at the grocery store, and serve your family fresh organic foods to boot.
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Vincennes, Indiana Rendezvous: Memorial Day Historical Re-enactmentRevolutionary War period re-enactment of the seige at Fort Sackville, later Vincennes, Indiana, complete with strictly authentic clothing and citizen and militia encampments. Educational and fun for all.
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Grow Your Own Kitchen GardenA kitchen garden can provide you with your favorite fresh vegetables and small fruits.
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G-OiL: Bio-Tech Motor OilNanotechnology makes this 100% American grown, American made, renewable, biodegradable motor oil possible. It is available NOW in stores nationwide.
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When to Plant Your Vegetable GardenEarly planting can mean an extended growing season, but only if you plant the right crops at the right time.
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Dandelion Greens: Delicious Spring EdiblesGather some nutritious free greens to add to your spring salads. Add some adventure to your meals.
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Tips for Starting a New GardenIf you are planning a new garden this year, here are some tips and shortcuts to help you start right.
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Clean and Sharpen Your Garden Hand ToolsPut your garden hand tools in good condition. You probably cleaned them last fall before storage, but now is the time to examine them and make sure they are ready to use.
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Wilted Lettuce (Recipe)Use leafy greens like Romaine or leaf lettuce and include spinach and dandelion greens. Tender baby lettuces and iceberg grow limp and soggy.
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Spring Salad with Bleu or Gorgonzola CheeseNothing says "Spring Garden" like a fresh salad.
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Lorna Doone and Scotch ShortbreadLorna Doone is a fictional character, but make a batch of these cookies and you'll be snacking on the real thing...almost.
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Plant a Victory Garden in 2009Take up your hoe and grow some of your own food this year.
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High Tech and Low Tech Corn Cob ProductsOnce corn is shelled, the cob can be processed and used for several different purposes.
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Fruit Trees for Your Home OrchardFruit trees require pollinators for good production. Choose the right site for planting.
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Tasty SpinachSpinach is a versatile vegetable, delicious and nutritious. This recipe is fast and easy, and is always a hit with family and friends.
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Power Outages Continue in KentuckyRecent winter storms caused loss of electricity to over 700,000 customers in Kentucky according to officials of the commonwealth. This is a record number, and some will not see power restored for many days.