Hand Pollination

Larger and stronger produce is something we hope to accomplish.  One method that helps squash along the way is hand pollination.

First, identify the male and female flowers.  The female flower has fruit at the base and the male does not.

Remove the male flower and peel back the petals to reveal the stamen. 

If the female flower is closed gently open it.  If it is open then access to the stigma is easier.  Touch the stamen to the stigma and make sure the pollin is applied.

There you go.  Simple as that.  Soon there will be a good sized squash to enjoy.

Drying Herbs

I came in with a bit of an herb harvest today.  Some items are washed and ready for immediate use, some are frozen for medicinal use ( Chamomile and Lavender Head Pain Remedy  ), one is being dried in a colander ( Dried Lemon Thyme  ), and several are now hanging to dry or being turned into sun tea.  This post is about the ones that are hanging to dry.

I am currently drying, chamomile, chocolate mint and spearmint for tea as well as rosemary to add to an herb jar for use in the winter.

Seperate herbs. Lightly rinse and shake them. Seperate larger clumps into smaller groups so the centers can dry more easily.

Use garden twine to lightly tie bundles together.  They should be tight enough that the plants won't fall out but loose enough that air can circulate to dry them.

I like to hang mine from my curtain rod at alternating heights in an east facing window so they get morning sun.

After a week, check the bundles.  The leaves should be thoroughly dried before removing them from the stems and storing them in labeled glass jars for future use.

Lavender and Feverfew Head Pain Remedy

Feverfew and Lavender.  Lovely garden friends.  So many fantastic uses for both.  A favorite of mine is to ease headaches and migraines.  Feverfew is to be avoided in pregnancy.  And one should consult their health care providers before using them medicinally.

These plants are best used fresh but can be frozen to use during off seasons.  They should be harvested leaf, stem, and flowers when the flowers are young.

Feverfew is most effective when chewed and lavendar when made into a tea or infusion. Feverfew can be made into capsules, if the taste is objectionable. Just a few leaves and flowers of both or either tend to be enough to alleviate the pain.  

Dried Lemon Thyme

Lemon Thyme is not only a pretty plant that smells wonderful, it also is an herb that accompanies fish and chicken dishes nicely.

When I harvest this plant, I rinse it lightlu and let it sit in a mini colander for several days to a week to fully dry.

Once it is dry, I label a jar and prepare the leaves. They slide off the stems with ease.  

Gather the leaves and dried flowers and pour through a funnel into the jar.

Cover.  For best flavor, use within a year.

Rose

Besides putting on a beautiful show, this plant has become a favorite of mine for sever reasons.  It is fantastic for pollinators. The petals have a spinach texture and a lovely flavor for salads. I use water extracted from them to cool sunburns, as a skin toner, and to cook with. I love to add them to a bit of warmed goat milk to bathe in or use to moisturize my skin. It is known to be antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.  It helps to support collagen production, which as a middle age woman is a fantastic perk.

Medicago Lupilina

This plant is from the legume family and has many names including black medic, black clover, hop clover, and trefoil. They thrive in nutrient poor soil and add nitrogen back to the soil. Pollinators love them. They are edible for both humans and animals.  The leaves have been stir fried, sauteed and added to stews. The seeds are ground to flour. 

Western Chorus Frog

Even though I live in the desert and toads are more commonly seen, spring time and irrigation brings out these lovely singers.  We often find them in the control box for our sprinklers.  The dogs have learned to respect them and toads.  One mouthful is enough to make them reconsider their decision to play with them and leave them alone.

Dandelion

Often seen as a weed but truly is a hidden treasure.  It is edible all around.  The flowers are delicious in a salad, the leaves are tasty sauted, and the root is a good substitute for coffee when boiled up.  The plant is often used medicinally as a diuretic and liver tonic.  As it blooms early in the season, it is perfect for pollinators.

Bye Bye Squash Bugs

So I forgot to plant nasturtiums in my squash beds this year.  Squash bugs took advantage of my error and are now infecting my delicate baby squash plants.  Time to take control...

DE - Diatomaceous Earth. Insect's nemesis. It will destroy even the good bugs so I don't recommend using it broadly in gardening efforts. It is something to not apply in the wind as it acts like fiber glass on the lungs if breathed in and can create damage. Food grade is the more safe option to use.

Yes, this garden guardian came out today. DE will kill beneficial nematodes. I don't want that. I have learned to grow squash in planters to prevent damage to in ground or raised bed soil. The balance for a healthy garden is my goal.  But squash bugs!

They and the rodents tend to be the bane of my gardening adventures.  This morning a squash bug was walking boldly on the plant.  A few leaves were yellow showing they are infected from these bugs. Not this year!  We want our zucchini. Time for a rescue!

Out came the DE. There is no light sprinkling it on the plant.  Nope.  I covered it thickly with DE.  Bye bye squash bugs.  Not this year! Sorry squash plant that I neglected to get this out and protect you in time.

Other organic methods that work include using duct tape to remove eggs from the leaves and soap water to wash them. But nasturtiums.  They are the best defender.  Definitely not forgetting them next year.