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Nettles mean springtime

For herbalists and wildcrafters, nettles (Urtica dioica)  mean spring has arrived. They have been a spring staple for centuries and have been enjoyed over much of the world. Nettles leaves and roots are rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, silica iodine, silicon, sodium, and sulfur.. Many of these ingredients act as antioxidants in …

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wasp, insect, sting

WASPS AND HORNETS!

WASPS AND HORNETS! Most of us have had those moments of trying to enjoy a summer day while being pestered by a wasp or hornet. The sting hurts and people are afraid of them because of it. BENEFITS Most of the time these insects are beneficial. They hunt other insects, some of which are pests. …

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Beneficial Insects

What’s all the buzz about beneficial insects? Well, for one thing they help with pollination which gives a bountiful harvest. Whether you grow apples, cherries, blueberries, tomatoes, beans, flowers or other crops, they all need pollinators. Unless you are using a broad-spectrum insecticide, you likely have more insects in your garden than you might realize. …

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Mason Bees

I have to admit, although I was a honey bee keeper for a couple decades, I have only recently become enamored with Mason Bees. These industrious little creatures are fun to watch and super easy to care for. I think they are my favorite beneficial garden insect.   I was fortunate enough to get my first …

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Nettles- Yum!

It’s the time of year when the nettles are up and the green is on. This is one of the times of year when wildfoods and medicine is abundant on SongCroft so you can often find me roaming the land with a basket, shovel and scissors in hand. Today I was out wild-harvesting the nettles, …

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Garden Insect Help

Floating Row Cover Floating row covers can be very helpful in the garden. They are made from a spun fabric and if you are careful with it, it can last for many years. Although the fabric covers the vegetable rows, it still allows water and sun (although often reduced to about 70%) through. What’s really …

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