Save the Honeybees: 7 Steps to Encourage Pollination

Written by Abbie Stutzer

Honeybees haven’t had the best luck lately. Insect-killing chemicals may negatively affect nature’s little helpers by causing Colony Collapse Disorder, which is wiping out hives and colonies at a record pace. Disease continues to affect bees. And this this winter was especially difficult for the pollinators. While bees’ plights are numerous, there are some things bee helpers (otherwise known as humans) can do to help honeybees thrive. 1. Plant pollen-rich and nectar-rich plants Plants that bloom during late winter and pre-spring (February-April) and during summer when there’s a shortage of nectar (June-November) are best. These plants help sustain bees during important, feeding windows. 2. Pick the right colors Plant flowers that bloom in colors honeybees can see (white, yellow, violet, orange, blue, and ultra violet.) Honeybees cannot see red. It also helps to plant in clumps or clusters of same-color blossoms. 3. Never use any chemicals on your plants Organic gardening is best--for you, your plants and the bees! 4. Say, “OK,” to weeds The Rodale Institute says that white clover and dandelions are honeybees’ early- and late-season food sources for nectar (carbohydrates) and pollen (protein). 5. Put out water Place layers of large pebbles that rise above your birdbath’s water line (you can do the same thing in small dishes.) The pebbles give bees a safe place to hydrate. 6. Encourage bee-loving friends Tell fellow gardeners how they can help sustain honeybees. 7. Buy local honey Sustainable, honeybee caretakers tend to make certain bees are treated well. Local, organic farmers also provide the right environment for native and cultivated pollinators. It's important to support these businesses so that they can help support more bees.

How to Transplant Seedlings of the Brassica (Cabbage) Family

The month of April brings warmer spring weather to most regions, meaning that it's time to transplant. If you’ve started seeds indoors, some of them will be yearning for the real ground. The brassica family members, which includes collards, cabbage, broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, cauliflower, andBrussels sprouts, are ready to be transplanted in regions where the last frost date has passed, as are chard, lettuce and spinach. An exciting step towards creating your lush and colorful summer garden, transplanting signifies the turning point in a vegetable gardener's season. The first step is to move flats or pots of your seedlings to an outdoor space where they can get used to natural daylight and temperature fluctuations between day and night. This is called ‘hardening off’, and prevents the plant from going into total shock once it is put into the ground, which will be considerably colder than its little pot. If the plants have grown significantly, they can be up-potted into 4-inch pots, but don’t bother if you plan on transplanting within days. Make sure the soil you are planting in has been adequately limed, as brassicas don’t do well in acidic soil. Augmenting your row or bed with a thin layer of compost will help your transplants get well established, as the extra nutrition will help them send down strong roots. Do not plant brassicas in the same bed two years in a row, as this will likely encourage pests and diseases. Brassica seedlings should generally be between 3 and 6 inches tall when transplanting them, or at least have established their second set of leaves. The first set are heart-shaped, where as the second set take on the shape of a mature plant leaf. Plant spacing will vary according to the type of brassica you are transplanting, so make sure you leave at least a foot in between for larger plants such as kale and sprouting broccoli, whereas small cabbages or dwarf kales only need about 6 inches in between each other. Place your pots out or make holes in the soil to get your spacing right before you start putting plants in the ground. If planting in beds or wide rows, an off-set pattern will be the most efficient and aesthetically pleasing. Narrower rows can be planted single-file. Loosen the soil around the roots gently by slightly pressing all sides of the pot or starter pack, and carefully tip the plant out, disturbing its roots as little as possible. Get the plant slightly deeper into the ground than it was in the pot, only needing to leave about ½ and inch of stem showing above ground. Don’t press too hard when you fill in the space around the transplant as it may compact the soil. Just give it a gentle pat to settle the soil around the fragile roots. Brassicas take well to companion planting, so placing them in between plants that will have long, thin stalks, such as elephant garlic or onions, will still give them ample growing space and sunlight. Interplanting lettuces and spinach is a great way to maximize growing space, as these can be planted fairly densely in between broccoli plants, and will actually enjoy the shade on sunnier days. Brassicas also benefit from growing near chamomile, dill, mint, rosemary, and sa  ge, but avoid placing them right by tomatoes, peppers or eggplant. Images: Myrtle Glen Farm, graibeard  Written by Leena Oijala

 

4 Homemade Green Cleaning Disinfectants

Sanctuary

No one likes germs – that’s why disinfectants are so darn popular. But chemicals in disinfectants (all hail the powerful and creepy bleach) aren’t so great for anything that’s alive. Luckily, there are green cleaning disinfectants you can concoct that will pack a punch to bacteria and leave your home healthy and clean. 1. Vinegar + Water This is my go-to green cleaning disinfectant. Just add a 50/50 mix to a spray bottle and you're good to go! 2. Lemon Juice Sink stinky? Cutting board smelling foul? Simply slice a fresh lemon and use! For suraces: rub the slice over the surface you wish to disinfect. For drains: Either squeeze lemon jucie down the drain, or stick a slice down the garbage disposal and run it for a few seconds. 3. Tea Tree Oil Add a few drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle filled with warm water. Spray and enjoy the fresh, clean scent. 4. Herbs + Vinegar You can distill herbs and use them as natural fungicides and antiseptics. Just add the essential oils to a vinegar, water mix. How to quickly make an essential oil: Chop herbs Pack herbs into airtight container Heat vegetable oil, olive oil, or a nut oil on the stove Remove oil when it's hot to the touch Pour oil over herbs When the mixture has cooled, store it in a dark place for at least a week Strain the liquid into a spray bottle Don’t forget to test surfaces before spraying and spreading your new, green cleaner all over your stuff (wood, marble, fabrics, upholstery, granite, etc.)  Written by Abbie Stutzer