Beneficial Insects: Nature’s Tiny Helpers

  In the grand tapestry of the natural world, insects often play the role of villains, causing crop damage and spreading diseases.

   However, there’s another side to the story: the world of beneficial insects. These tiny creatures are essential to maintaining a healthy ecosystem and can provide significant benefits to agriculture.

   Let’s explore some of the most common and important beneficial insects.

  Pollinators
Perhaps the most well-known group of beneficial insects are pollinators. These creatures, including bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds, play a vital role in the reproduction of many plants.

   By transferring pollen from the male part of a flower to the female part, they enable plants to produce seeds and fruits. Without pollinators, many of the fruits, vegetables, and flowers we enjoy would cease to exist.

  Predators and Parasitoids
Many insects are natural predators of other insects, particularly pests that can cause damage to crops. Ladybugs, lacewings, and ground beetles are examples of predatory insects. They feed on aphids, scale insects, and other harmful pests, helping to keep populations under control.

  Parasitoids are another group of beneficial insects that prey on other insects. They lay their eggs inside or on their host, and when the eggs hatch, the larvae consume the host from the inside out. While this may sound gruesome, parasitoids can be very effective in controlling pest populations.

  Beneficial Flies
Flies often get a bad reputation, but not all flies are pests. Tachinid flies, for example, are parasitoids that attack a wide range of insect pests, including caterpillars, beetles, and flies.

  Hoverflies, on the other hand, are beneficial pollinators and predators of aphids and other small insects.

  Beneficial Wasps
Wasps are often feared for their stings, but many species of wasps are beneficial insects. Parasitic wasps lay their eggs inside or on their host, and the larvae consume the host from the inside out. These wasps can be effective in controlling populations of pests such as caterpillars, beetles, and flies.

  How to Attract Beneficial Insects to Your Garden
If you want to encourage beneficial insects to visit your garden, here are a few tips:
* Plant a variety of flowers: Provide a continuous source of nectar and pollen for pollinators.
* Avoid using pesticides: Pesticides can harm beneficial insects as well as pests.
* Provide shelter: Beneficial insects need places to hide and overwinter. Consider leaving dead wood piles or creating bee houses.
* Encourage native plants: Native plants are often adapted to local conditions and can provide a valuable food source for beneficial insects.

  By understanding the importance of beneficial insects and taking steps to support their populations, we can help to maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem.

  I try to plant new and more flowers each year to attract pollinators to our gardens. What if anything are you doing to attract beneficial insects to your yards or gardens?

  What are Jerusalem Artichokes?
Despite their name, Jerusalem artichokes are not artichokes at all! They’re actually tubers of a sunflower-like plant, native to North America.

  These starchy, nutty-flavored tubers have gained popularity due to their health benefits and unique taste.

  I had a small patch many years ago when I lived out on the farm. I enjoyed eating them and I like the way they looked.

  Ever since I moved away, I wanted to grow some more, but until recently, I wasn’t able to find any.

  I found someone selling starts on eBay and decided I’d give them a go. It started out well, all of the tubers parts started to grow. However, about half died before I could get them planted.

  Out of the half that lived, there were six. Half of those died after being put outside, it just got way to hot to fast, that being said three are doing well and look to be starting to spread. I won’t eat any this year and maybe not even next year.

  I plan on digging next spring and starting several other small patches. I figure the more spots they are in, the more likely they will grow and spread,  which is exactly what I want for our food forest.

  Growing Jerusalem Artichokes
Jerusalem artichokes are a low-maintenance crop that can thrive in various soil conditions. Here’s a brief guide to growing them:
* Planting: Plant tubers in early spring, about 6 inches deep. They can be planted close together as they spread underground.
* Care: Jerusalem artichokes require minimal care. They need regular watering, especially during dry periods.
* Harvest: You can start harvesting tubers in late fall or early winter. Simply dig them up using a garden fork. Keep in mind that they can be difficult to remove, as they form a network of underground tubers.

  Health Benefits of Jerusalem Artichokes
Jerusalem artichokes are packed with nutrients and health benefits. Some of the key benefits include:
* Prebiotic fiber: The tubers contain inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber that promotes gut health.
* Low glycemic index: Jerusalem artichokes have a low glycemic index, making them a suitable choice for people with diabetes.
* Nutrient-rich: They are a good source of potassium, iron, and vitamin C.
Culinary Uses of Jerusalem Artichokes
Jerusalem artichokes can be used in various dishes, both sweet and savory.

   Here are some ideas:
* Roasted: Roast them with other vegetables for a delicious side dish.
* Mashed: Mash them into a creamy puree, similar to mashed potatoes.
* Soup: Add them to soups and stews for a hearty and flavorful meal.
* Fries: Cut them into fries and bake or air fry for a healthier alternative to traditional French fries.
* Sweet treats: Use Jerusalem artichokes to make fritters, pancakes, or even ice cream.

  A Note on Gas
One thing to keep in mind is that Jerusalem artichokes contain inulin, which can sometimes cause gas and bloating. If you’re sensitive to this, you may want to start with smaller portions.

  Cooking the tubers can also help reduce this effect.
Jerusalem artichokes offer a unique and delicious addition to your garden and diet. With their health benefits and versatility in the kitchen, they’re a crop worth trying.

  Long story short, I am constantly looking for ways to make life a little better. I’ve started taking mushroom gummies, not the ones advertised to get a buzz with but rather one that is supposed to be healthy, but that a topic for another time.

  I recently came across hydrogenated water and have been reading up on it. My unit came in today. To be honest it seems to make the water taste a bit different.  However I’m giving it a go. Might be something for you to consider as well. And no I’m not selling anything, at least not at this point

  Hydrogen Water: The New Hydration Hero?

  What is hydrogen water?
You’ve probably heard of alkaline water, but have you encountered hydrogen water?

  This isn’t your average H2O. Hydrogen water is infused with molecular hydrogen gas, which is believed to have potent antioxidant properties. The idea is that by drinking this water, you’re supplying your body with extra hydrogen, which can help neutralize harmful free radicals.

  Potential Benefits of Hydrogen Water
While research is still ongoing, some studies suggest that hydrogen water may offer several benefits, including:
* Antioxidant effects: Helping to combat oxidative stress, a factor in aging and various diseases.
* Reduced inflammation: Potentially easing inflammation associated with chronic conditions.
* Improved athletic performance: Possibly enhancing endurance and recovery.
* Skin health: Some believe it can contribute to healthier and more radiant skin.

  How to Incorporate Hydrogen Water into Your Life
There are a few ways to enjoy the benefits of hydrogen water:
* Hydrogen water generators: These devices produce hydrogen-rich water directly from your tap water.
* Hydrogen water bottles: These portable bottles infuse water with hydrogen using electrolysis.
* Hydrogen water tablets: Dissolving these tablets in water creates hydrogen-rich water.
* Bottled hydrogen water: Available in some stores, but often more expensive than other options.
Important Considerations
* Scientific research: While promising, the research on hydrogen water is still relatively limited. More studies are needed to fully understand its benefits.
* Cost: Hydrogen water generators and bottles can be a significant investment.
* Taste: Some people find the taste of hydrogen water slightly different than regular water.

  Conclusion
Hydrogen water is an intriguing addition to the world of wellness. While more research is necessary, many people are drawn to its potential health benefits. If you’re curious about trying hydrogen water, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons and consider your individual needs and budget.

  Have you tried hydrogen water? What was your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

*https://megmill.com/articles/eating-with-intention/
* https://ketogenicendurance.com/2023/04/24/travis-jaw-dropping-transformation-unleashing-the-power-of-the-carnivore-diet-you-cant-afford-to-miss/

  Or bargains to help you get where you want to be?

  I used to be a diehard fan of Craftsman hand tools and wouldn’t buy anything else unless, of course, it was snap on or something along those lines.

  However, Craftsman is now made in China as is nearly everything else anymore. Finding quality tools made in America that the beginner or hobbyist can justify affording is nearly a fools errand, it seems.

  Don’t get me wrong, I still look for the made in America labeled tools, but I generally don’t see it anymore. I’m, of course, not saying nothing is made here, only that it keeps getting harder to find and more expensive to buy when and if you do find it.

  The government over taxing businesses has driven most manufacturers to do business overseas in an attempt to remain profitable and with the way things are going I personally don’t see that changing anytime soon.

  An individual still has to have tools, though, and ones that don’t cause buyers’ remorse as you’re checking out are not a bad thing.

  In that light, I had been looking for my mig welder, and at first, I thought someone may have borrowed it without my knowledge or it had been stolen. I have a nice stick welder but I like the mig better. Anyways,  after having given up I found it in one of my sheds, the sides were taken off so I’m guessing I was having troubles and decided to fix it.

  I simply don’t remember even trying to work on it so I’m going to buy another and try to trouble shoot the old one when I’m trying to get things taken care of. It’ll make a good starter for one of the boys if they decide to try their hand at welding.

  I found this welder online on sale for $89, with a new spool of wire, with taxes and shipping it comes in at a little over $129. A similar Miller welder was around $1,000.

  While I’d prefer a Miller or even a Hobart welder, I simply can not justify the cost. If I was trying to run a business with it, then I may, but this is just for my personal use, and I had great luck with my last off brand welder for years. It still bothers me that I don’t remember trying to work on it, but it would have been around the times our world got turned upside down and we ended up going through things I would never wish on anyone else.

  Something else I currently have on my wishlist is a mini excavator. I have several projects I want to do and even a reoccurring task for which one would be ideal. And again, Harbor Freight has something that I believe would work well, and I’ll likely get serious about getting one next year unless I decided to take on monthly payments.

  It’s around $3,000, but the videos make it seem it would be perfect for what I want to do with it. And it would save me that much or more for what someone else would charge me , so I’m convinced I will be getting one unless, of course, I come across something better.

  Overall, I believe the tools from Harbor Freight are a decent value for the money. Of course, they are not all the same, so I’d look for the ones with a lifetime warranty and make sure you can get by with cheaper tools. If you’re running a business, it may not make sense, but then again, it just may.

  Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas.

  For some time now, I’d viewed having a lawn as a waste of time. There was a decent start for one years ago. However, a move to another state left it neglected and much of it died off.

  About five years ago or so, the water line coming into the house gave up and broke, it was so rusted out that it was replaced from the meter to the house. The trenching and digging killed off what grass was making a comeback.

  I started making raised garden beds and working towards establishing a food forest.  We often have it pounded into our heads that if we would just forsake beautiful lawns, we could grow all the food we need and end end hunger.

  I took that idea and ran with it. If it didn’t produce food for us then it was to be covered with cardboard and wood chips to control the weeds.

  It wasn’t until just a few short months ago that I was reintroduced to going outside and touching grass. It was at a roadside rest area, and I was encouraged by my significant other to take my work boots and socks of and walk barefooted through the grass. It felt amazing, and I’ll never be the same! Thank you, Karen, you mean the world to me!

  I was told the garden beds and plants were all wonderful but that it would be nice to also have a private retreat of sorts where we could just sit and enjoy nature and walk barefooted through the grass. And it would give the boys a place to play.

  All things I took seriously and thought about for longer than I should have to be honest.

  So fast forward to maybe a month ago, I have a neighbor who has been giving me thier yard waste for out compost which I greedily accept because I can use more compost than I can currently produce.

  Anyway, long story short, they decided to dig out a part of their lawn to put in a patio area. When I saw some of it could be used to put grass plugs into my yard I decided to salvage what I could, much to my surprise and delight most of it was buffalo grass.

  I’d wanted to plant buffalo grass because it’s a native grass to our area and takes minimal care to thrive. But the cost of seed is around $50 a pound and I struggled to justify such a cost for something that doesn’t produce food yearly.

  The patches are growing and spreading well. It won’t be long before I’ll be able to take plugs and spread it all across our lawn.

  I know I may end up having to fight it to keep it out of the garden beds and such but since discovering grounding I’ve decided it will be worth it and I may end up potting some of it up and selling it for plugs to others.

  The color is much better today than when I put it in and though it’s not easy to see at least in pictures is that there are little sprigs of grass popping up in between the bigger patches from rhizomes. There are a good number of stolons as well.

  I’ve taken the stolons and buried them to help ensure they root and spread better and faster.

  Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to stop by. I hope you have a great day, and please feel free to share your experiences with growing buffalo grass.

Maintaining small engines is essential for their longevity and optimal performance. Whether you have a lawnmower, chainsaw, or other machinery, proper care can save you time and money. Let’s dive into some key tips:

1. Regular Maintenance:
   • Change the oil: Regular oil changes keep the engine lubricated and prevent wear. Refer to your equipment’s manual for the recommended oil type and frequency.
   • Clean the air filter: A clogged air filter reduces efficiency. Clean or replace it periodically.
   • Inspect spark plugs: Replace worn-out spark plugs to ensure smooth ignition.
2. Fuel Considerations:
   • Use fresh gas: Stale fuel can cause starting issues. Use fresh, ethanol-free gasoline.
   • Avoid ethanol blends: Ethanol can damage small engines. Opt for ethanol-free fuel if possible.
3. Carburetor Care:
   • Clean the carburetor: Over time, carburetors accumulate debris. Remove and clean them to maintain proper fuel flow.
   • Adjust settings: Learn how to adjust the carburetor for optimal performance.
4. Visual Aids:
   • Check out this video tutorial by Living Web Farms. It covers diagnosing and repairing common problems in 2- and 4-stroke engines.
   • Another helpful resource is this video by Happy Wife Acres, which demonstrates compression testing, carburetor cleaning, and more.

Remember, a well-maintained small engine will serve you reliably for years.

  The black currants are in full bloom, raspberries are coming up again as well.

  I haven’t had any luck with the raspberries. The canes have come on  really well for the last two years but have produced no fruit. I guess more research is in order.

  We picked up an apple tree and a peach tree, seriously considering going back and getting a plum tree.

  Got a trailer load of wood chips, I’ll put down a layer of cardboard and cover with around six inches of wood  chips.

  The apple, peach and now plum trees are all neatly tucked in and starting to show signs of life. The honeycrisp apple tree is by far the most active with leaves showing up. The other two have green in the branches so I’m hopeful.

  Onions are coming along nicely, as are the strawberries, so much more to get planted. There are still a considerable number of containers to fill, and a couple of raised beds to finish building that were started last season.

  Compost bins are filled nearly to the top, and the main bin will get turned over in about another month. I used some homemade compost as filler for the pots that have an assortment of peppers started in them. After they get a little bigger, I’ll try to separate them.

  We picked up some Jerusalem artichokes, I find them tasty and have been reading they spread easily and are hard to maintain in a given area. This is what we want. The more food we can produce, the more independent we can be. I am once again under the weather. it seems the school is the perfect breeding grounds for a whole host of illnesses.

  In any event almost everyone here fell ill but we’ve seen the worst of it, I hope.

  I’m working on the solar power setup again. Our last electric bill was quite a bit higher than expected since we keep cutting back on it. I was told it was because their cost of materials had risen, the conversation almost turned hostile when I told them I would be converting things to run from my solar panels. I was told I would need to discuss that with corporate, I told them that since it wasn’t grid tied that I wouldn’t be talking to anyone about it or what I am doing.

  I will convert one system or perhaps one room at a time, at least as much as I can. With our current lifestyle, I can’t likely just cut the cord, though I would like to. I had what I thought was a decent charge controller, but it stopped working before I could get serious with it. So, for now, I’m just charging batteries with a cheap eBay controller and a 100-watt panel to run my 12v GMG  grill.

  Thank you for stopping by.

Last year, we had a beefsteak tomato plant in this planter. It did quite well, as you can tell from what remains. I had actually pulled several hands full of dead stems out before it dawned on me to take a picture.

  I’ve read you shouldn’t compost tomato plants due to disease issues. For what it’s woth,  I have always tossed mine into the compost pile.

  I’m not saying you should, but I’ve learned   over the years that there are as many ways of doing a thing as there are people doing said thing. Do a little research and decide for yourself. Just remember, don’t blame me if you do it and things go poorly for you. Enough with the disclaimer.

  This year, we will have a Super Sweet 100 in it. The year before last, the one we had gave us lots of great little tomatoes.  This year, we got two for the price of one.

  The planter had two plants growing in it, so I soaked the soil in water and teased the roots apart. Some broke, no doubt, but so far, both plants look healthy and not stressed out. Of course, I mudded both into their new homes. It’s a bit overcast and cool, so that helps out a bit as well.

  There are many more plants that need attention as well as repairs to made to the greenhouse etc. But we will work things as time becomes available.  There are three new fruit trees that were planted as well, but that will be for another post I think. I hate rambling on when there are things that need done. I will of course post updates so you can see how these two plants fare over the summer.

  I think this year I will try to take a few starts to overwinter so we’ll have a head start next season. Thank you for stopping by, as always. Your comments and suggestions are welcome.