Author: Gabe

  • Homemade Spiced Apple Cider Jello

    Homemade Spiced Apple Cider Jello

    One of the many fall highlights for us is the start of apple cider season. There’s just something about it that fits perfectly with the crispness of the air, the vibrant colors of the leaves, and the smells that accompany the changing of the seasons. It’s equally delicious enjoyed cold and fresh or served warm, mulled with spices. Because of its deliciousness versatility, we also figured that it would be delicious transformed into apple cider jello.

    Safe to say, apple cider jello has become a new favorite.

    Spiced Apple Cider Jello

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  • How To Grow Garlic

    How To Grow Garlic

    Although now is the time of year that we want to throw in the trowel and wash our dirty hands one final time, there’s still more to be done in the garden. At least if you want to grow your own garlic. Planting this late seems crazy, but this is key in how to grow garlic successfully.

    If you live in a locale that has an actual winter, getting your garlic in the ground before the onset of the cold weather is crucial for a good harvest the following summer.

    How To Grow Garlic (more…)

  • Natural Homemade Hand Sanitizer

    Natural Homemade Hand Sanitizer

    I’m by no means a clean freak or a germophobe. Having kids will remove any tendencies to that behavior.

    In general, I’m not terribly concerned about super sanitary conditions. I eat raw cookie dough. At home, my five second rule stretches into hours. And washing my hands when I come in from working in the garden usually consists of a vigorous scrub under the water to remove most of the visible dirt, no soap involved. (Unless I’ve accidentally grabbed a slug, the slime of which seems to require paint thinner to remove.)

    But sometimes there are situations that will turn even the hardiest of folk squeamish, like a public restroom at the county fairgrounds. In these cases, it’s nice to be able to clean up a little more thoroughly. And if you don’t have soap (or you don’t even want to touch the soap dispenser), having a good homemade hand sanitizer available could be a lifesaver. Literally.

    Homemade Hand Sanitizer

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  • Best Zucchini Recipes: 20+ Healthy and Delicious Ways to Use Your Summer Squash Bounty!

    Best Zucchini Recipes: 20+ Healthy and Delicious Ways to Use Your Summer Squash Bounty!

    A lot of people like to grow zucchini. They’re pretty easy, productive, and forgiving. Sometimes too easy, productive, and forgiving. In reality, we could probably get all we need from one plant. But honestly, who only grows one of something?

    If you’re starting from seed, you’re going to plant at least a few in case one doesn’t come up and one gets eaten by a slug. Then, when they all come up, who has the heart to pull up the others? And of course, if you’re buying plants, they only come in the three packs anyway, and you don’t buy three just to throw away two.

    So inevitably, we end up with a lot of zucchini, and man cannot live on zucchini bread alone. I mean, it’ll carry me a long way, but not forever. To help you in these trying times, I’ve put together a bunch of the best zucchini recipes from my fellow bloggers. They’re easy, healthy (generally), and all in one place.Best Zucchini Recipes

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  • The Backyard Medicine Cabinet: Catnip

    When most people think about catnip, they (rightly) picture tipsy felines rolling around in a flower bed where it’s planted.

    More accurately, most people probably don’t think about catnip… But if you did, I’m sure that’s what would pop into your head.

    It is true that due to some chemicals contained within the plant, catnip does have a strange effect on many cats (which I’m assuming is where the name comes from). But most leave it at that, and don’t realize that the plant also offers a number of benefits for people.

    Backyard Medicine Cabinet - Catnip

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