Three California Natives that Double as Culinary Herbs

January 16, 2017

...in a microwave by putting the leaves in one layer between two paper towels. Microwave for one minute and let the leaves cool. If they aren’t brittle, microwave for another minute. Pascal Baudar (a guest on episode 89 of the Root Simple Podcast) has a phenomenal herb blend that uses all three of these herbs combined with some garlic salt. I made a batch last week and have already used it on salmon and popcorn. You can find that recipe on page 158...

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Varroa Mites: No-Treatment is the Best Treatment

Mr. Homegrown

October 25, 2016

Animals, Bees

3 Comments

...g a job with Monsanto. The article looks at Hayes’s work at Monsanto which uses RNA interference (RNAi) to target varroa. It’s easy to see why Hayes would be interested in RNAi technology. It has the potential to knock out varroa mite without the many problems of current miticides. Critics of RNAi, however, bring up the issue of risk management: the unintended consequences of using a novel technology such as RNAi. If something did go wrong it coul...

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Shed Factoids and Resources

Mr. Homegrown

July 9, 2018

Design

4 Comments

...e-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the gross floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, the height does not exceed 12 feet, and the maximum roof projection does not exceed 24 inches, are exempt from building permits. However, any electrical, plumbing or mechanical equipment installed in these structures do require separate permits. In addition, all structures regardless of si...

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Gardenfork’s DIY Rocket Stove

Mr. Homegrown

September 27, 2016

Rocket Stove, Videos, Water and Power

1 Comment

...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6dGHC_Sqok “East Coast Eric” over at Gardenfork did a variation on our five gallon bucket rocket stove. Eric’s version uses a much easier to find plastic bucket and it seems to work without melting. He’s also promising a sequel to this video featuring a unique egg-in-a-hole grilled cheese sandwich!...

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Mulch, mulch, mulch!

Mrs. Homegrown

May 14, 2015

Back to the Garden, Garden Design, Gardening, Permaculture, Soil

11 Comments

...arranted to determine if we should be concerned about using mulch around houses. Also, research is needed on possible repellent mulches such as melaleuca which might serve as an additional barrier for household protection against termites. At this time the benefits of mulches such as water conservation, reduced used of herbicides, and reduced soil erosion are very apparent while the risks to termite infestations due to mulches are unknown. Homeown...

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