Archive for the Category ◊ gardening ◊

Black & Decker NLP1800 Cordless Chainsaw – What a Tool!
Author: Judy Conway
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Do You Want to Make Tree Trimming Easier? Use the Black and Decker NLP1800 Cordless Chain Saw! From past personal experience I have learned that trimming trees and hedges can be an over-whelming task. See one of my first encounters with “trimming” in my previous post “Learn How To Conquer Yard Work.” I quickly learned that a week of manually cutting back these hedges with a hand tree saw was not the way to go. So if you want to make tree trimming easier, use the Black and Decker NLP1800 Cordless Chain Saw.

Having spent an exhausting week trimming the Variegated Chinese Privet in my backyard and getting the wise suggestion from my son-in-law, I looked into purchasing a chain saw. At the first mention of purchasing one of these, I had visions of cutting off a limb or two (of my own body)! I began a search for a chain saw that a retired gardener like me could handle. I discovered the Black and Decker NLP1800 Alligator Lopper Cordless Chain Saw. In reading the reviews I noted that this chain saw was light weight, had some safety features and was something I felt I would be able to handle. With fearful thoughts of operating a chain saw I asked my son-in-law to show me how to operate it before I commenced the large project of trimming these same hedges on the front side of my house. These too had grown well above six-feet high. As a matter of fact they were as high as my second story bedroom window. If you want hedges that grow rapidly, I would definitely suggest these.

In the beginning ....

One Saturday afternoon we tackled the job. I was blessed that my son-in-law opted to do the cutting down of all of the limbs. I assisted in piling all the cuttings in a rather larger pile. After about two hours in the intense heat and wearing down the batteries, we decided to finish the rest of the job on Sunday afternoon.

By Sunday afternoon the tall hedges were all cut down. However, that most definitely was not the end of this chore. I spent a good two weeks using this awesome chain saw cutting up limbs and trimmings and bagging them. The Black and Decker NPL1800 proved very helpful with this as well. It works well on trimming the smaller growth on your trees and bushes too. This chain saw was not only useful in cutting down the hedges, but when it came to cutting up all of the debris it made my job a lot easier.  I know that if I had tackled this job manually …. I would still be cutting.  I am grateful that my son-in-law suggested a chain saw.  It made light work of a really overwhelming project

I am a 65 year old, semi-retired grandma and if I can handle this chain saw  … anyone can.  I am now off to tackle a very large bush that has grown enormously high around a tree in my back yard. I am so grateful for this tool.

Do you want to make tree trimming easier? Use the Black and Decker NLP1800 Cordless Chain Saw and you will be able to enjoy your fun activities quicker.  Honestly, the Black and Decker NLP1800 Cordless Chain Saw is an awesome tool.  If you would like to check one out for yourself, please click on the image below.  Happy trimming.



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Flower House FHPH155CL Pop-Up Plant House
Author: Judy Conway
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Summer is coming!  The Flower House FHPH155CL Pop-Up Plant House is the perfect solution to get your gardening off to a great head start.  You can set this up on soil or hard surfaces.  This will provide protection for your plans and definitely extend your growing season.

I personally have problems with birds, squirrels and rabbits admiring my vegetable garden.  This will definitely solve this problem.  The Plant House promotes and maintains high humidity levels to provide an excellent growing environment.

This is a portable, pop-up greenhouse that is easy to assemble.  There are screened vent openings allowing for optimum air circulation.  These vents can be closed to increase higher humidity levels, if you want.  If necessary an electric heater can be used at night and in cloudy, snowy conditions.

The PVC material is UV resistant.  The greenhouse comes with a shade cover, stakes, high wind tie-downs and a free storage bag with a shoulder strap.

This Plant House has a 4-1/2 star rating at Amazon.com.  For further information and to review customer comments please click on the link below.

I wish you great success with your Flower House FHPH155CL Pop-Up Plant House and the best crop ever!

 
 

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The Nesco/American Harvest Food Dehydrator Is Always There For You
Author: Judy Conway
•

 

Having been the leader in food dehydration for over 30 years, Nesco/American Harvest is considered to have the best food dehydrators in the world.  Nesco/American Harvest Food Dehydrator processes fruits, vegetables and jerky for times of need, like the times we are experiencing this winter with some severe snow and ice storms. Without a doubt the Nesco/American Harvest food dehydrator is always there for you.

A food dehydrator will take the worry out of being house bound during blizzards, ice storms, hurricanes, etc .and facing the dilemma of finding the shelves in your grocery store bare.  You will always have vegetables, fruits and meat to create wonderful soups and stews or delicious desserts, just to mention a few.

A food dehydrator can save you money.  If you are a gardener,  here the perfect way to utilize your crops for future use.  Or if your local store is running a sale on produce you can buy at a lower price and dehydrate for later use at a savings!  Fruits are very tasty when dehydrated as well.  I especially like apples, strawberries and pineapple.  With the fruits you can also make fruit leathers, which most children love.

Below is a list of drying information for various vegetables and fruits:

Vegetables:

  • Beans, green:Stem and break beans into 1-inch pieces.Blanch. Dry 6-12 hours until brittle.
  • Beets: Cook and peel beets. Cut into 1/4-inch pieces. Dry 3-10 hours until leathery.
  • Broccoli: Cut and dry 4-10 hours.
  • Carrots: Peel, slice or shred. Dry 6-12 hours until almost brittle.
  • Cauliflower: Cut and dry 6-14 hours.
  • Corn:Cut corn off cob after blanching and dry 6-12 hours until brittle.
  • Mushrooms: Brush off, don’t wash. Dry at 90 degrees for 3 hours, and then 125 degrees for the remaining drying time. Dry 4-10 hours until brittle.
  • Onions: Slice 1/4-inch thick. Dry 6-12 hours until crisp.
  • Peas: Dry 5-14 hours until brittle.
  • Peppers, sweet: Remove seeds and chop. Dry 5-12 hours until leathery.
  • Potatoes: Slice 1/8-inch thick. Dry 6-12 hours until crisp.
  • Tomatoes: Dip in boiling water to loosen skins, peel,slice or quarter. Dry 6-12 hours until crisp.
  • Zucchini: Slice 1/8-inch thick and dry 5-10 hours until brittle.

Fruits:

  • Apples:Peel, core and slice into 3/8-inch rings, or cut into 1/4-inch slices. Pretreat and dry 6-12 hours until pliable.
  • Apricots: Cut in half and turn inside out to dry. Pretreat and dry 8-20 hours until pliable.
  • Bananas: Peel, cut into 1/4-inch slices and pretreat. Dry 8-16 hours until plialbe or almost crisp.
  • Blueberries: Dry 10-20 hours until leathery.
  • Cherries: Cut in half and dry 18-26 hours until leathery and slightly sticky.
  • Peaches: Peel,halve or quarter. Pretreat and dry 6-20 hours until pliable.
  • Pears: Peel, cut into 1/4-inch slices, and pretreat. Dry 6-20 hours until leathery.
  • Pineapple: Core and slice 1/4-inch thick. Dry 6-16 hours until leathery and not sticky.
  • Strawberries: Halve or cut into 1/4-inch thick slices. Dry 6-16 hours until pliable and almost crisp.

You can pre-treat your fruit with lemon juice or ascorbic acid so it won’t darken while you are preparing it for drying. Just slice the fruit into the solution and soak for 5 minutes.

Dried fruits can also be used to make beautiful wreaths and swags for gifts combined with cinnamon sticks and bay leaves.  These last for years and you can refresh their fragrance with a spritz of cinnamon oil.

Here is how you would prepare your fruits and vegetables for use in your recipes:

  • Apples: Add 1 1/2 C. warm water to 1 C. apples and soak for 1/2 hour.
  • Beans, green: Add 2 1/4 C. boiling water to 1 C. beans and soak for 1 1/2 hours.
  • Beets: Add 2 3/4 C. boiling water to 1 C. beets and soak for 1 1/2 hours.
  • Carrots: Add 2 1/4 C. boiling water to 1 C. carrots and soak for 1 hour.
  • Corn: Add 2 1/4 C. boiling water to 1 C. Corn and soak for 1/2 hour.
  • Onions: Add 2 C. boiling water to 1 C. onions and soak for 1 hour.
  • Peaches: Add 2 C. warm water to 1 C. peaches and soak for 1 1/4 hour.
  • Pears: Add 1 3/4 C. warm water to 1 C. pears and soak for 1 hour.
  • Peas: Add 2 1/2 C. boiling water to 1 C. peas and soak for 1/2 hour.
  • Potatoes: Add 1 1/2 C. boiling water to 1 C. potatoes and soak for 1/2 hour.

Many people enjoy meat jerky. Jerky does not store as long as fruits and vegetables. For storage longer than a month you will want to consider storage in the freezer or refrigerator. To aid in the curing of jerky, meat must be marinated in salt and spices. In days of old people used 1 1/2 cups pickling salt to 1 gallon of water and soaked the meat strips in this for a couple of days.  Below are several marinade recipes for you to choose from. You will want to marinade the meat strips overnight.

Jerky Marinade No.1

  • 1/4 C. Soy sauce
  • 2 T. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 t. pepper
  • 1/2 t. garlic powder
  • 1 t. liquid smoke
  • 1 t. salt

Jerky Marinade No.2

  • 4 t. salt
  • 1 t. pepper
  • 1 t. chili powder
  • 1 t. garlic powder
  • 1 t. liquid smoke
  • 1/2 C. water

Jerky Marinade No.3

  • 1 C. ketchup
  • 1/2 C. vinegar
  • 1/4 C Worcestershire Sauce
  • 2 t. dry mustard
  • 1 t. salt
  • 1/2 t. pepper

In checking the shelf life of dehydrated fruits and vegetables most resources recommended one year.  Be sure your items are stored in a dry environment.

If you are an avid camper, a dehydrator can help in the preparation of awesome trail mix!!  There are many recipes and suggestions on the internet proving the Nesco/American Harvest  FD-80 Square- Shaped Food Dehydrator Is always there for you. To learn more information about this dehydrator please click on this link:



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Do You Think You Need A Lawn Service?
Author: Judy Conway
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MTD Yard Machines Lawn Mower 4.5HP Tecumseh En...
Image via Wikipedia

“Do you think you need a lawn service” might very well be a question you have asked yourself many times.  Two weeks ago this very same question crossed my mind.

As is my routine, I put on my heavy duty sneakers, wrapped my bad knee with an Ace bandage and began one of my least favorite chores … mowing my lawn.  I only have a third of an acre so it is no big deal.  I am a very independent 64-year old grandmother who enjoys doing things herself.  I really do not like to burden others with my responsibilities.  Keeping my yard looking cared for is one of those responsibilities.

I put gas in the mower, gave a yank on the cord and I was off.  The front yard and one side is a breeze to do.  However the other side yard has a challenging slope.  I have discovered that the best way to cut this side is going front to back, and back and forth.  However, this time I was at the top and noticed that I had missed a spot.  Not thinking I turned the mower down the slope and went after the uncut spot.  It was a matter of seconds when I realized the mower was picking up speed and had a mind of its own heading down the slope.  I tightened my grip and hung on.

I am not quite sure what happened at the bottom but it was not long and I discovered I had fallen and the lawnmower had flipped over.  I had visions of being chopped up and my sole goal was to hang onto the handle on the mower to keep it pushed away from my body.

I lay there for a few seconds and had the crazy thought, “I hope no one saw me do this.”  I managed to get back up on my feet and turn the mower back over.  By this time the oil in the mower was dripping on the motor and I was engulfed in thick white billowing smoke.  So thick in fact that it filled the space between my neighbor’s house and mine and I could not even see the street in front of my house.  I was dreading the arrival of the fire department!  After the mower was right side up, the smoke situation cleared up and I took my wounded pride and body back up the hill and finished the flat part at the top.

After all was said and done, I realized that I had sprained my shoulder when I fell on the ground and possibly bruised my ribs.  It was a full week before I could take a deep breath and even get out of bed without being in excruciating pain.  I am extremely thankful that it was not worse.

I would like to pass along a tip that I practice myself.  When you are outside doing yard work, cleaning your gutters, etc. be sure you have your cell phone in your pocket.  You never know when you might need to call for help!

Just like the statement you have to get back on the horse when you fall off, I am still going to be mowing my lawn.  The experience did find me asking myself the question, “Do you think you need a lawn service!” So as you are out there doing your yard work….be careful!

Judy Conway

Email:judyconwaymarketing@gmail.com
http://homebusinessinatlanta.com
http://fullservicemarketingtools.com
http://beadazzledjewelrycreations.com
Skype ID: judy.conway

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Learn How To Conquer Yard Work!
Author: Judy Conway
•

This has been my summer to learn how to conquer yard work.  It has never seemed as difficult as it has been this year …. And I still have two months or more to go!! I started early and decided it was time to trim my hedges.  The plant is known as Variegated Chinese Privet  or Ligustrum sinensis ‘Variegata’.  In just reading about it to be sure I spelled this information correctly it was noted as a fast grower, growing 4-6 feet tall and equal in width.

Hedges to be Trimmed

I would like to add my two cents on this statement. The hedges that I trimmed were at least 12 to 15 feet above my fence!  I trimmed these back to below the fence line and they have already reached a substantial 3 feet above the fence!  I have more of these lovelies (do not get me wrong, they are beautiful bushes/trees) in another area of my front yard and they have grown past my second floor bedroom window.  I think it is fair to say they grow much higher than 6 feet. This pivet would be a welcomed addition to any yard.  It is especially great as it grows in full or partial sun.  However, if you choose this hedge, be sure you own a very aggressive hedge trimmer or you have a good tree saw (or a landscape service)! As my “hedge” had grown to a height of about 15 feet I chose to tackle the project with my trusty tree saw.  These hedges grow many limbs from each plant.  You will want to keep them trimmed back as they tend to get bare on the bottom if you do not. I have 18 of these hedges along the fence in my backyard, each with approximately 6 offshoots.  I hope this gives you the picture of a totally overwhelming project for a 64 year old retired, single grandma!  Needless to say, I have never met a task that I was not willing to tackle and this was not going to be the first time. I did start out with the hedge trimmer, but soon discovered this was too big of a job for that.  So I resorted to my tree saw and worked on cutting each limb.  Now my job was complicated somewhat as I live in Georgia and we are overtaken in the summer by a plant called kudzu.  It has a way of winding its way into your yard and throughout your trees and bushes.  You really have to keep an eye out for it.  I was just reading that kudzu came over from Japan and now covers over 7 million acres of the southeastern United States.   I am blessed with a lot of aggressive plants.

Kudzu Covered House

As I would cut down a limb I would pull it down and put it in a pile.  In some cases the growth was entangled with other branches and this was no easy job.  And then when you throw kudzu into the mix of things it got really hard!  One time I had cut the limb at the bottom and was trying hard to pull it down and the kudsu had tightly wound itself throughout the top of the branch.  I backed up and pulled with all my might and after a few moments it loosened, and then loosened some more and before I knew it I was traveling at a pretty quick pace backwards in my yard.  I hung on for dear life and had visions of what lay behind me.  I was either going to fall just short of my concrete patio, or land in the blackberry bushes around my bird feeders.  With a loud oomph I landed flat on my back just short of the patio. This is where I must tell you, that if you are going to do these tasks, you have to approach them with a sense of humor.  I laid there flat on my back laughing.  Thankfully my yard is quite private and no one had caught sight of my antics.  Laughter truly is the best medicine. Another word of advice I would like to offer is make sure you have your cell phone in your pocket.  You never know when you might need to call for help.  I learned that lesson one year as I was on a ladder cleaning out my gutters and the ladder decided to fall to the ground.  My life crossed before my eyes as I fell to a standing position with the ladder sort of wrapped around my legs.  Other than an increased heart rate and scrapes and bruises I was okay.  But the thought crossed my mind that if I had fallen on the ground and been unable to get up no one would have known I was there.  My family was out of town and would be gone for days.  Hence, my advice about carrying your cell phone at all times. The hedges got trimmed and they have grown back beautifully filling in on the bottom.  No matter how hard I try to keep these under control, it seems to be a full time job.  Before the summer is over they will need trimming again. I have learned a lot about how to conquer yard work this summer.  As this article has become quite lengthy, I will be back shortly to tell you about my bout with poison ivy and a run away lawnmower!  The most important tool you need to conquer yard work is the ability to laugh at yourself.  Heaven knows I will be a stand-up comic by the time this summer draws to a close! Keep Smiling, Judy Email: judyconwaymarketing@gmail.com http://homebusinessinatlanta.com http://beadazzledejewelrycreations.com http://fullservicemarketingtools.com Skype ID:  judy.conway

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Woodworking Projects
Author: Judy Conway
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Recently my daughter and her husband started on another one of their renovations projects.  This time it is putting laminate flooring throughout their entire upstairs (3 bedrooms, two baths and a hallway).  Being around this type of activity always makes me want to do something creative and gratifying.  The woodworking projects I have found in the Woodworking4home package gives me the incentive and direction to get busy and start building!

This package provides step-by-step plans, photos, diagrams and instructions for  14,000 various woodworking projects including, but not limited to, plans for arbors, beds (headboards, bunk beds cribs and more) dressers, benches, chairs, coffee tables, gazebos, greenhouses, bird feeders, boats, children rooms projects, computer desks, dog houses, pergolas, sheds, playhouses and the list goes on.  This is the most extensive list I have personally come across.

I am a retired, single grandmother and I will be investing in these plans and putting them to use.  With the economy the way it is today, I am always looking for ways to save money and building my own tables, cabinets, etc. will not only be fun, but also help me stretch my social security payments!!

With this Woodworking4Home package you will have instant access to 14,000 plans and projects of high quality that are suitable for beginners.  (This means a lot to me!)  These plans have been tried and tested.

You will also receive free bonuses and free future updates.  This is a one-time charge.  The sale price of $49.00 provides you with a lot of information.  This product also comes with a 100% Money Back Guarantee.  If for any reason the product fails to perform exactly the way it is described to you, you have 60 days to receive a refund with no questions asked.  You basically have nothing to lose.

I hope this information will be helpful to you.  Please stop back and let me know how your projects are coming using this Woodworking4Home package providing you with woodworking projects.

Happy building,

Judy Conway

Email: judyconwaymarketing@gmail.com
http://homebusinessinatlanta.com
http://fullservicemarketingtools.com
http://beadazzledjewelrycreations.com
Skype ID:  judy.conway

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Ways to Cut Expenses and Save Money
Author: Judy Conway
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Save Money
Image by voobie via Flickr

 

I am writing this article to provide you with some suggestions for ways to cut expenses and save money in your daily life.  For those of us who have been laid off, had to take lower paying jobs or been faced with not being able to find a replacement job and opted to take an early retirement … corners need to be cut for sure.

I do not think that many people are prepared for the day when they find themselves with an almost empty bank account and the pantry in a shape of hungry despair.

It is amazing how much you can save at the grocery store if you choose not to purchase prepared foods.  Not only do you save money, but in the long run it is healthier for you.

Check your supermarket sales for the week and plan your meals using items that are on sale.  If there is a really good sale on chicken, seafood, or whatever, perhaps you may want to stock up on these items.  You could spend a little bit more one week, but the next week you would have already purchased your meat items, so it averages out.

The internet contains a wealth of information for cutting food costs.  I just Googled “recipes that allow you to cut food costs”, and the page that came up provided me with recipes for when you are on a budget, how to cut food costs, cheap and healthy (15 nutritious foods for about $2.00), a website that provides a weekly inventory management system to cut food costs and even a site to guide you on making your own baby food.  One of my daughters made her own baby food.  She saved a lot of money and her children are not picky eaters and are very healthy.

Be sure to sign up for the coupon sites.  It is absolutely amazing how much you can cut off your grocery bill if you take the time to clip coupons.  You can even go to a specific site, like Kraft, Maxwell House, or many others, and get additional coupons that you do not find in your weekly newspapers or at other coupons services.  I have saved at least half of my total grocery bill just by clipping coupons.  Nowadays, clipping coupons should be a requirement if you are trying to save money.  Get your kids involved.  They love to clip coupons.

Make it a family project and plant a garden.  It is a fun experience to see the plants grow and be able to harvest your “crops”.  I bought a spaghetti squash last fall and dried and saved the seeds.  I planted the seeds last week and I already have the plants coming up.  Spaghetti squash is healthy and tasty.  If you were to buy this in your grocery store it could be costly at $1.50 a pound and for one big enough to feed your family could weight three to four pounds. Just by taking a few minutes to rinse and dry the seeds you have saved a lot of money.

The wildlife (birds, squirrels, chipmunks) are a big help in spreading the seeds of various plants in your yard.  A couple of weeks ago while cutting my grass I discovered there were many little blackberry bushes sprouting in my lawn.  I have two bird feeders and thanks to the birds this year I have a many blackberry bushes that will be providing fruit this year growing under the bird feeders.  I am going to dig up these new little plants and plant them in a more appropriate place than the middle of my lawn!  These bushes will provide blackberries for eating, or making preserves and pies.  The best part is I did not even have to purchase these bushes.

Make use of the internet to save on other items you need.  Amazon has very reasonable prices on many items.  In most cases if you spend over $25.00, your shipping is free. Please check out the Amazon link on this page to compare prices.

eBay is another site that can save you considerably.  I recently found a seller for the ink cartridges for my Cannon Pixma 530 printer.  We all know how expensive these cartridges can be.  I have ordered cartridges from various suppliers.  I have even used Staples, who provides good service.  However, I found an eBay auction and have been extremely pleased with the product.  I discovered that you can order directly from the company.

I know we are all apprehensive about trying “other than manufacturer’s brand” of ink cartridges.  These cartridges come with the chips in place.  You simply have to take them out of the box, remove the plastic wrap, usual tab and cover from the cartridge and you are good to go!  They come with a one year money back guarantee.  I have saved a remarkable amount buying my cartridges from this company.  Check out their products at compandsave.com.  I recently ran out of one of my cartridges and was pleasantly surprised at the great customer service and speed in which I received my order.

You can cut your utility bills.  If you have ceiling fans be sure they are running 24/7.  In the winter you will save on your heating expenses and in the summer you will save on air conditioning.  Be sure your blades are set to go in the correct direction … counter clockwise in the summer and clockwise in the winter.  I have vaulted ceilings and when I first moved into my house my electric bill was outrageous.  I called the electric company and was told the tip about running my fans.  It has made all the difference in helping me cut costs in this area.

I could go on and on about saving money.  You see I had to learn this talent when my children were nine and ten and I got divorced and became a single mom.  There are some every day expenses that are pretty much fixed but if your search hard enough you will find ways to cut costs.

I hope this information will be helpful in ways to cut expenses and save money.  If you have other suggestions please contact me at Skype (my Skype ID is listed below) and I would be happy to share your ideas in future articles.

Judy Conway

Email:  judyconwaymarketing@gmail.com
http://homebusinessinatlanta.com
http://fullservicemarketingtools.com
http://beadazzledjewelrycreations.com
http://joinjudyconway.com/bestdealsonline
Skype ID: judy.conway

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Things You Should Know About Poison Ivy
Author: Judy Conway
•

In writing articles we are encouraged to write on subjects we are passionate about.  As I sit here  with my right eye half swollen shut, I am VERY passionate about poison ivy.  I would like to start this article by quoting the saying, “Leaves of three, let them be.” My goal is to provide you with information on the things you should know about poison ivy.

Here is a picture of poison ivy climbing a tree to help you identify the plant that can cause you a great deal of pain and money.  Poison ivy also be a free standing plant.

 

 

Poison Ivy on a Tree

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In my entire 64 years I have never been allergic to poison ivy.  That was until about two years ago.  I was using the weed whacker in my back yard.  I was wearing shorts and upon cutting through numerous poison ivy plants and flinging these pieces of plant up and down my body.Let me tell you I ended up being covered in a severe  poison ivy rash.  I never traveled far from my spray bottle of alcohol.  It took several trips to the doctor, a shot and then a two week regimen on steroids before I began to find comfort.

For this reason, I am extremely careful trimming around this area in my yard.  I was working at eliminating new growth the other day when the end of one of the vines hit me in the face under my eye.  I had gloves on, long pants and a long sleeved shirt and was still attacked by this obtrusive plant.  I instantly came in the house and took off the gloves and put those in the trash, put my clothes in the washing machine and began washing my face and body with cool water. The are various schools of thought on washing to rid the skin area of the urushiol oil that causes the rash.  Some advocate the use of soap and water, while others say the soap just spreads the oil on your skin.

I really thought I had been successful until the next morning when I got up and saw a bright read blotch under my eye.  Before long the blisters appeared.  I am including below some facts on the rash:

The poison ivy rash typically starts one or two days after exposure, though the delay between contact and its onset can be longer, up to several days. This may lead to confusion over where the exposure took place. The first signs of the rash are curved lines of red, itchy bumps or blisters. These continue to appear for many days, depending on how much resin touched the skin at a given point. This makes it seem as though the rash is “spreading,” although the fluid in blisters is just part of the allergic reaction and contains no chemicals or bacteria. It also makes it appear that there may still be poison ivy in clothes and/or on pets. Although this is theoretically possible, repeated washing of these often produces no improvement.

I am thankful that I escaped with only the one area being affected.  Not being able to totally see out of one eye is the biggest inconvenience as I work on the computer.  It was good to read that poison ivy is not contagious, neither from one person to someone else nor from one part of the body to another.

I would like to insert a word of caution here.  Even though you do not make contact with the poison plant yourself, the oil can get on your dog or cat’s fur and they can bring you the gift of this lovely rash without your even knowing it.

The best precaution you can take against this is to be certain you do not have this plant in your yard.  There are a few products that are good at eliminating the plant from your yard all together.  Make sure you read the label to see if it will destroy any of your other plants.  I used the spray a couple of years ago and I eliminated all of my blackberry bushes!

Glyphosate-  The product is sold under the trade names of Roundup, Roundup concentrate and Kleenup. It is applied to the foliage of poison ivy but is trans-located throughout the plant, including the roots. Glyphosate has no soil activity. It will kill or injure all plants contacted by the spray, including grasses. Applications near the foliage of desirable ornamentals should be made with extreme caution. Glyphosate should not be applied when rain is expected within six hours of application because its effectiveness will be reduced. After treatment, the vegetation should not be disturbed for several days. Remember, dead poison ivy still contains poisonous oils and should be handled with care if the soil in a treated area is to be worked. When glyphosate is the active ingredient listed on the label it is identified as Isopropylamine salt of glyphosate.

Amitrole -  Amitrole is sold under the trade names of Amitrol-T, and Weedazol. It is applied to the foliage and is translocated throughout the plant. It is nonselective, therefore it will kill or injure any plants to which it is applied. It also remains active in the soil for several weeks after application, therefore it is important not to use it near other desirable plants. The soil activity also prevents the planting of new vegetation for several weeks.

It should not be used in areas where food crops will be raised or animals grazed. When amitrole is the active ingredient listed on the label, it is identified as 3-Amino-1,2,4-triazole.

2,4-D -  This product is sold under many trade names and is often mixed with 2,4-DP to improve its effectiveness on woody plants. Weed-B-Gon Jet Weeder is a 2,4-D product for use around the house that can be purchased at most lawn and garden centers. It is not the most effective treatment for controlling poison ivy, but it does not kill grass.

I am taking Benadryl and a triple strength antibiotic ointment with pain reliever.  Here are some other suggestions for treatment of the rash:

Once it begins, the rash will usually clear on its own by 14-21 days. Treatment is directed at controlling the itching. Oral antihistamines (like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may help the itch somewhat, but often they do no more than make people drowsy. Cortisone creams, whether over-the=counter or by prescription, are only helpful if applied right away, before blisters appear, or much later, when the blisters have dried up. Compresses with cool water or Burow’s solution (available without prescription) can help dry the ooze faster.

When the rash is severe, such as when it affects the face or causes extensive blistering, oral steroids (for example, prednisone) can help produce rapid improvement. This course of therapy should be maintained, often in decreasing doses, for 10-14 days or even longer in some cases, to prevent having the rash rebound and become severe again. Patients who are given a six-day pack of cortisone pills often get worse again when they complete it, because the dose was too low and administered for too short a time.

Here are some cases where you may be best to consult your physician. Far more powerful agents are available by prescription for the rash and itching of poison ivy.

Facial or genital involvement. The skin in these areas is easily damaged and scarred, and swelling from rhus dermatitis can be dramatic.

Involvement of large areas of skin. Ten percent of the body’s surface, or about the size of the entire front abdomen.  This is too large of an area to self-treat.

Signs of infection. These include pain and tenderness, growing redness around the rash, or pus. Clear or slightly yellow transparent fluid is common from poison ivy blisters and is not a sign of infection.  Be cautious if you find yourself scratching the rash as dirt and bacteria can be under your nails and cause infection.

Extreme itching. Itching which disturbs sleep or normal daily activities despite using OTC treatments should be treated by a physician.

I hope that you will find this information on poison ivy helpful.  Ideally, I hope that you will never have to use it.  The internet holds a plethora of information on this topic.

Happy gardening and I wish you a summer that is poison ivy rash free!

Judy Conwway

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Tips on Creating a Raised Planting Area
Author: Judy Conway
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Assorted flowers in Park Seed Company Garden
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Creating a raised planting area may be the answer to your drainage problems. If your current planting goals involve sufficient water drainage, I am sure you are aware of how frustrating it is to have a yard that has soil that just won’t cooperate. A few plants can deal with the surplus water that occurs from existing in an area that doesn’t drain appropriately. In some cases, it might just prompt them to bloom more lushly. On the other hand, other plants don’t cope as well, and it will make them to die a ghastly, bloated death. You should always find out about the drainage necessary for every plant you purchase, and ensure that it will be appropriate for any of the areas you are considering planting it in.

In order to test how much water your chosen patch of soil will hold on to, dig a hole around ten inches deep. Fill it with water, and check back in a day when all the water had left. Fill it back up once more. If the 2nd hole full of water hasn’t drained off in 10 hours, your soil has a low saturation point. This means that when water soaks into it, it will stick around for a long time before dissipating. This is unacceptable for almost any plant, and you are going to have to do something to fix this situation if you want your plants to last.

The typical way for improving drainage in your plot is to build a raised bed. This entails making a border for a small bed, and adding sufficient soil and compost to it to boost it above the rest of the yard by at least 5 inches. You’ll be very surprised at how much your water drainage will be enhanced by this small modification. If you’re setting out to build a raised bed, your potential area is either on grass or on dirt. For each of these cases, you should build it to some extent differently.

If you desire to start a raised garden in a non grassy spot, you won’t have much difficulty. Just acquire some sort of border to retain the dirt you will be adding. I’ve found that there is not anything that works quite as good as a few two by fours. After you’ve formed the wall, you must put in the right amount soil and steer manure. Depending on amount of time you plan to wait before planting, you will possibly want to regulate the ratio to allow for any wasting away that may occur.

If you’re setting out to set up a raised bed where sod already exists, you will have a tad more difficult time. You will want to cut the sod around the perimeter of the garden, and flip it over. This may sound uncomplicated, but you will require something with a very sharp edge to trim the edges of the sod and get under it. Once you have turned it all upside down, it best to add a layer of straw to discourage the grass from growing back up. After the layer of straw, simply add all the soil and steer manure that a ordinary garden would require.

Planting your plants in your new spot shouldn’t present many problems. It is essentially the same procedure as your normal planting session. Make certain that the roots don’t extend too far into the first ground level. The whole point of setting up the raised bed is to keep the roots out of the soil which saturates easily. Having very long roots that extend that far totally destroys the project.

Once you have plants in your new bed, you’ll see an almost direct improvement. The added soil facilitates better root growth. Simultaneously, evaporation is prevented and decomposition is halted. All of these things added together makes for an ideal environment for almost any plant to grow in. So don’t be intimidated by the thought of adjusting the very topography of your yard. It is an uncomplicated task as I’m sure you’ve come to realize, and the long term results are gratifying to say the least.

Happy planting in your new raised planting area. I wish you prosperous crops or beautiful blossoms, whatever the case may be!

Judy Conway

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