Thugs for Hire

I have issues (doh).

  

Namely, oyster scale in my trees, threatening their existence and, annoying aphids.  We, they, I... need help!  Here in Wyoming, scale is epidemic and trees are dying at a rapid pace.  So far, the only "safe" remedy is to climb the infested tree and scrape the nasties off (did that), smother the buggers with horticultural oil (done did that), or hit em with a high power water blast (did that too).  ...and we're still fighting the fight!

I dislike scale immensely!

Systemic insecticide, a popular option is absolutely out of the question and not an option as far as I'm concerned, as it's suspect of bee colony collapse.  



And aphids...while not as lethal as scale, annoy the heck outta me and I'm fed up with them too.  I had such high hopes for my morning glory this year, it literally jumped up the tuteur after planting.  Aphids spoiled our fun and I'm HOT about it.

It's time for a hired gun, the little garden thugs themselves...Ladybugs.

These wonderful little monsters are more than good luck, so much more!  They're natural predators of aphids and scale, I'm praying they find and eliminate the demons seeking to undermine our hard earned flora that we fight for and nurture everyday.

Rustic had just returned home from Ace Hardware and mentioned that they had Ladybugs.  Whoop!  I burned rubber in the cul de sac on my way out...picked up 4 containers and gave the little red thugs a pep talk all the way home about what they need to do.  FEAST on horrid scale and enjoy aphids for dessert.


As per instructions, I watered because the thugs will be thirsty and you don't want them flying away to find a drink somewhere else.  I should tell you that evening release is optimal but we've had such nasty winds, I decided to release them in the morning when it's calm.

I set them free in 3 different places in the backyard and it was FUN.  I was still in my "blogging clothes" PJs way too long because it was SO cool watching them get organized!  I was a natural "scarecrow" I tell ya, but very effective in frightening the hungry birds away :)

...and they're off!

Get em!!

Get some :)

Rebecca

Daybook 10

Outside my window- It's really warm out today... Like, 80 degrees.

I am thinking about- Morgan just informed me that the latest version of "Fate" looks like it has multi-player, which would be awesome! :D

From the kitchen- I made granola this morning, and mac & cheese for supper.

I am creating- I finally finished a scarf I've been knitting for quite awhile...

I am reading- Yesterday I finished reading "The Invention of Hugo Cabret".

I am hearing- Random "Phantom of the Opera" songs via YouTube. :)

I am planning- I've got time to make dessert before Dad gets home for supper...

I am wearing- Jean capris, and a pink polka-dotted shirt.

My hair is- In a knot.

Around the house- I got all the laundry washed and folded, now I just have to get the Minions to put it away... :D

How to Deep Water Tomato Plants

Every summer I spend countless hours trying to get the tomato plants deep watered even though they're in raised beds.  It's so hot and windy in the summers that even drip hoses aren't effective (unless I leave them on 24/7).  

 

Actually, the Worm Tower inspired this idea of burying a perforated tube for deep watering.  I remembered reading somewhere (sorry, can't remember where) that deep watering tomatoes makes for a stronger, healthier plant and, a bumper crop!  But, truthfully?  I'm looking for a time and water saver every bit as much!

My intention was to buy drain pipe (pvc with pre-drilled holes).  It was much too expensive and too big around for what I had in mind.  But, right next to the PVC was this perfed tubing and it was cheap ($5.50 for 10ft @ Home Depot).  And, it was small enough to fit in the Pathfinder :)

I bought two 10ft lengths for $11.00.  I cut twelve 16" pieces for two tomato beds (6 tubes for each bed).  Less than $1 for each tube...and that makes me happy!

I used a chop saw to cut the tubing, worked great!






















I had already planted my tomatoes so I had to be careful digging in the tubes but it was doable.

I have approximately 12" of good soil in my raised beds, then I hit clay and shale...I dug down to bottom, inserted the tube then pulled the soil back in and pressed it firmly around the tubing.  If your beds are deeper than mine, you can cut your lengths a little longer.

I put one tube between each plant and one tube on each end of my rectangular bed.
















In my digging around, I was happy to see lots of earthworms!  To christen the Deep Water summer season and give the worms a special treat, I poured two pails of weak manure tea in each tube, followed by another dousing of plain ol water later that evening.  

Warning!  I've been advised by a master gardener that I might need bigger tomato cages when using this method.  Hurray!!

Be sure to share your deep water tales...inquiring minds want to know!

Rebecca

June 1, 2, 3 & 4

June 1- Johnny Jump Up

The Johnny Jump Ups are growing...

June 2- Army Worm

I hate these worms. They're everywhere.

June 3- Matthew 12:21

...The latest page in my collage book. :)

June 4- Lamb

Our ewe had her lamb today!

Grilled Artisan Bread & Easy Summer Dining

This is where the day began and how a simple, yet scrumptious dinner was born.  

Rustic and I left Dodge behind this morning and headed north up La Barge Creek to 9000 ft where a snow drift became an annoying obstacle.  Sad to say, we chickened out of busting through the drifts, however, if I had new tires we would have lived dangerously!

Instead, we chatted with the Big Piney Game and Fish Warden who stopped to see if Rustic was poaching again (kidding!), and 3 guys on all terrain BMW bikes in Kevlar pants who were lost (sorta) hoping to get to Alpine. They eventually shamed us by busting through the snow drifts, dang them.  All that is neither here nor there...la dee da :) 

 Let's talk about food!

Oh but before we talk about food, Ms. Moose wandered by too...she wasn't up to no drift busting either.

Food, at last!

When Rustic and I first got together, he served amazing bread along with an amazing dinner.  Obviously, I was impressed...I followed him to crazy WY.  Quite simply, the bread was grilled and didn't include butter.  WOW, what a concept!   Since those first lovely days, we have served this bread COUNTLESS times to family and friends and everyone wants to know how it's made!  It's so easy it's embarrassing :)

Here's the lowdown...

Buy this or something along this line, a crunchy artisan bread.

Slice and drizzle with a good Extra Virgin Olive Oil and sprinkle with Kosher salt (sparingly).  Then place on a hot grill and watch it carefully...it doesn't take long to crispify.

Excellent!  So good, crispy and flavorful!  You won't miss the butter at all, I promise.

May I take a moment to brag now?  We harvested our Arugula and Spinach for our salad tonight!  Our first harvest of 2012.  Grilled chicken salad with our fresh greens was spectacular, I was SO proud!  If you haven't planted arugula, do so next year...it has a crisply peppered flavor that compliments spinach so well.  Don't forget to make the Blind Dog Grill in Park City, UT's wonderful Penny's Bleu Cheese Dressing to finish the deal!  

Okay, back to the bread...make this, if you do, you'll make it over and over again!

Bon Appetit!

Ciao & goodnite!

Rebecca

10 Reasons Why a Woman Should Smoke (BBQ)

Why Women Should Smoke!

1.  Men don't think we can do it.


2.  It gets you out of the kitchen.


3.  Hydration (beer, margaritas) is fun.


4.  The food impresses the heck outta people.


5.  Lump wood charcoal is better (healthier) than charcoal.


6.  Cool BBQ gear!  I love the iGrill - a wireless iPhone/iPad app and device for controlling temps.  


7.  Apparently, "Women who smoke have sex appeal".  This comes from a reliable source, a professional (male) BBQ pit master.  Kinda weird hearing your son say that...but, who knew?!  Ha!


8.  BBQ is the new pop culture!  Hop online and find a BBQ forum, meet new friends!  There are literally hundreds of BBQ forums now, forums are a great way to get into the basics of BBQ.


9.  Smoking is a healthy way to add flavor to foods, vegetables, cheese and fish included!


10.  There's just nothing like sitting down to a plate of "melt in your mouth" ribs cooked low and slow while bathed in hickory smoke!

Three racks of spareribs and ends after the first hour on our Big Green Egg.


How to get Started in BBQ...

If you're lucky enough to have a local BBQ store nearby, stop in and let them help you decide what BBQ/Smoker would work best for you.

Along with BBQ forums there are lots of great online sources of information and BBQ products such as www.bbqislandinc.com.  Here, you can see and learn about different cookers, they ship anywhere in the USA and Canada.  Check out my favorite BBQ pit master, Bam Bam's BBQ on FB for awesome competition BBQ recipes as well as his "day in the life of a BBQ pit master".  I just know we'll see him on TV some day!


Do you know what I love most about backyard BBQ?  When I'm cooking outside I can garden, drink, smell like a campfire, cook and still have sex appeal, apparently, maybe, doubtful!  HA!  Doesn't get any better than that :)

BBQ is looking better and better isn't it??

Rebecca

Sweet & Delicious Tomatoes! My Go-To Tomato Fertilizer

Contrary to popular belief, I have a lazy side when it comes to gardening, especially veggie gardening.  Yes, I garden organically which can be a bit more work (with a bigger payoff!) but I also take advantage of all the "organic" products out there when it makes sense to my wallet and, my life.

With a big weekend of gardening ahead for many of us, I thought I'd share my go-to "lazy self" organic tomato fertilizer which I'll be installing tomorrow!

Jobe's Organic Fertilizer Spikes for Vegetables

We have the SWEETEST tomatoes every year and I blame it on this product...love, love it!  I have absolutely no affiliation with this company, no sponsorship or, sponsors, none, zero, zip!  LOL...only  Rustic has the guts so far :)  But, even he will swear by these!

I've purchased from Amazon and Ace Hardware locally.  Give em a try!  They're affordable, quick and easy and, best of all, they produce a deliciously sweet tomato yield!

Happy Gardening!

Rebecca