In the Garden ~ Unwanted Pests

 

Photo credit Judy GallagherWikimedia Commons

               Every year as a gardener we are faced with having to do deal with unwanted pests in the garden.  For the most part it is a fairly simple task and we can remediate with house hold methods and scare off anything we do not want or need in the garden.  There are times when we have to work a little harder because the bugs are persistent or cause so much damage that we have to replant.

              

               Sadly, this year is one of those years.  We lost four squash plants to vine boring bugs, that make it hard to come back from without wholly removing the plant from the garden and starting over.  This year I let the bug run it course to see if it would affect any of my other plants or manage to contain itself to just the few it infected.  So far so good, they have managed to stay within the radius of the first infected plants and we are now on the offensive trying to keep them away, as opposed to defense and removal.

 

Image from University of Minnesota

               Here are a few tips to help keep out squash bugs and squash vine borers from your garden naturally.  We do not use chemicals in our garden, but if that is your jive go for it.  One, plant your squash early and in a new location from where you planted it last year.  This will help to establish your plants early and strengthen the stems of your plants to hopefully deter squash vine borers from arriving on the scene.

 

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Secondly, we are a big fan of companion planting.  We like to mix plants together to optimize our growing space as well as help to keep pests away.  Besides planting marigolds around the garden we missed the boat a little and could have done a bit more to help keep our garden performing better.  Nasturtium and radish both make great companions to squash plants. Which isn’t to say we did not plant any, just that we planted in different spot and did not optimize this “protection” from unwanted pests.  As we get ready to plant for the fall, we will add in better companion planting for better growth and protection.

 

Third, there is always the option of wrapping the stems of your plants with aluminum foil or nylon to help prevent squash borers from laying eggs and then entering the plant.  This is a simple solution that could yield great results, especially if you cannot get your plants in early enough to help strengthen the stems. 

 

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Fourth, prevention with growing can come in a couple of different forms and can be non-toxic.  Neem Oil, Diatomaceous Earth (DE), and a dish with soapy water, can all help deter and prevent both bugs from coming near your plants. The Diatomaceous Earth causes the squash bugs to dry out and then die.  The dish with soapy water attracts the moths that lay the squash borer eggs and will drown them to prevent them from laying eggs.  The Neem Oil is just a great, organic product to put all over your garden for general health and pest control.  It can be used by targeting specific areas or all over. 

 

Do not let the bugs take over your garden this year.  There are plenty of ways to prevent loss and keep your garden pesticide free.  After all that’s probably why you grow your own food to begin with.  Companion planting and useful item such as Neem Oil and DE can help keep your garden healthy.  Even with these few options there are still more out there that can be used to help prevent and keep bugs away from eating your food. 

Around Town ~ Tolleson Family Market

 

               This week for Around Town we stopped by the Tolleson Family Market located at 300 Connally street, on the corner of Daivs and Connally Street.  They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  This family-owned business is a great way to gather all your locally owned and sourced products right in the heart of downtown Sulphur Springs. Tolleson Family Market is the perfect spot for “Farm to table all natural goods.” 

              

               Not only do they have house made soap, but there is also an assortment of canned goods, tea, meat and produce.  Jenna works hard to create and curate items from local growers, farmers and artists to fill her shop with one of a kind goods.  They have created partnerships with various farms to fill their shelves with sustainable products and goods. 

 

               Jenna and Cory work with G5 cattle and process the left-over fat to create culinary tallow that is ready for cooking or baking.  I can hardly wait to try it out in our next batch of pastry for our guests.  She also makes tallow soap that can be used as an overall cleaner, for hair, body and face.  No unhealthy products in this soap, it’s all natural and smells amazing.  If you do not want tallow soap, they also carry goat’s milk soap from Red Gate Farms.  You are bound to find a favorite from either batch.

 

               Let’s talk more about the meat and produce that they offer.  G5 cattle supplies the beef and tallow that they sell.  However, they also have pork products from Pasture 1301 and produce from Paris Natural Farms.  Runamuk Farms provides their pasture raised eggs for sale and they even have a mushroom supplier.  I’m so happy I stopped in and found out about this great source of fungi.  Mushrooms are a favorite and we enjoy farm fresh when we can.  Not only do they offer fresh produce but have a wide variety of canned goods that Jenna makes herself.  There are canned items under Miranda’s Kitchen label as well as, premade meals if you need something you can just pop in the oven on those busy nights but still want a homecooked meal.

 

               Jenna also has a line of loose-leaf tea available, which I can attest is wonderful.  We have tried several of her blends and have not found one we do not like.  Each tea blend is carefully created with local ingredients and packaged into resealable pouches.  You will not go wrong with your tea selection from Tolleson Family Market.  I just need to figure out the best way to share it with guests, and I think we could transition away from bags. 

 

               With the help of Amazon publishing, Jenna has a published book series for children that you can pick up in store.  These books are a great addition to any children’s library.  You can even pick up a copy from the Amazon website, if you do not have time to stop into the store. 

 

               Tolleson Family Market does not want to stop there.  They plan to add some fresh made meals in the form of sandwiches and salads, as well as a micro bakery for visitors to enjoy in store or at home.  Currently, while you browse their selection of products you can order a smoothie or bowl that will make your tummy say thank you.  Everything is made with a fresh, healthy ingredients, no syrupy sugar substitutes here, only items that will help fuel your body.

 

               Be sure to stop in early the next time you are in town to grab your loaf of fresh bread from the market, and pair it with some local honey.  There is something for everyone at Tolleson’s and you can walk away happy knowing that you are shopping local, and supporting the farming community in and around Hopkins County.

Travel Fun ~ Costa Mujeres, Mexico

 

               We have finally made it to summer and there is still so much going on that time away from the hustle and bustle of the school year seems like a distant memory.  Right before school ended and we were thrust into summer fun.  I snuck away for a little trip with my daughter and sister-in-law.  We had a five-night stay in Costa Mujeres at an all-inclusive resort.  For easy, safe, fun travel to Mexico I highly recommend an all-inclusive resort.  Food almost 24/7, drinks and entertainment when you need and want it.

              

               We really enjoyed our visit and the resort was awesome.  They had multiple restaurants available for dining, including the always available buffet as well as snack bars, and juice bars.  We had fun selecting our restaurants each day and each one was better than the last and the food was delicious.  Since we do tend to drink alcoholic drinks, it was nice to have mostly what we wanted, when we would like it.  The coffee bar was good too. So, if you wanted to grab a coffee before breakfast, or after dinner, there was always an option.

 

               Our resort offered offsite tours as well, which we took advantage of and really enjoyed both tours that we booked.  The first tour was a triple feature.  Included was a visit to the Tulum ruins, cenote, and swimming with sea turtles.  Lunch afterwards was included with the tour as well.  Our second tour we took, brought us from our resort beach to Isla Mujeres for shopping and lunch, then snorkeling along a shipwreck.  Both were entertaining and enjoyable.  However, if you want to just sit back and relax at your resort that is always an option as well.  With an all-inclusive resort you basically have everything you need right there.

              

               With food and drink options covered, the resort tries really hard to make sure you have everything you could possibly want during your stay.  They offered boutique shopping, spa services, yoga on the beach, and nightly entertainment.  Their party directors have fun lined up for everyone of any age to enjoy during their stay.  A nightly show is performed on the stage, there is a disco and even a teen game room for the kids to hang out in while visiting. 

 

               Our favorite was probably the food selection and just time to sit back and relax without having to set an alarm and be anywhere.  I was all for someone else cooking for a few days and having rooms cleaned by someone else.  Sometimes it’s great to get away and leave everything up to someone else to do.  I will say, this time around I did not prepare for being gone at home like I normally would. Since my husband was not traveling with us, I figured he could manage all the food and cleaning on his own.

 

               My daughter enjoyed her trip to Mexico but wants to see the big city on her next visit, so we shall see what we can come up with for Mexico City.  If you are on the fence about taking a trip, do not hesitate.  Plan your vacation and step away from your everyday life.  It’s important to take time for yourself to feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle what life throws at you each day.

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Citrus Basil Gin

 

Summer is in full swing, and the garden at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast, is bursting with colors and flavors that remind us regularly of summer.  The tomatoes are slowly turning red, which is amazing considering how much rain we have gotten this Spring and early Summer.  The new herbs are coming in great, and I can hardly wait to enjoy all of them in new dishes and cocktails.

 

               This month I really wanted to feature St. Germain as one of the liquors in our cocktail and set out to find just the right mix to bring out the flavor of the Summer.  Basil is one of our all time favorite Summer herbs and does not disappoint in this mix.  The jalapenos really come out in this drink as well.  The longer you let the basil and jalapeno set in the Gin the stronger the flavor will be.  You could even go so far as to let it steep overnight if you really want to experience the flavor of those two items.

 

               The grapefruit adds a bit of tart to counteract the slight sting of the jalapeno in each sip.  The basil just adds that bit of Summer you are looking for on those warm Texas evenings sitting on the porch or back deck.  This drink is simple to make but complex in the flavors.  You won’t want to miss this one!

 

Citrus Basil Gin

 

2 ounces Gin

3-4 sliced jalapeno

4-6 basil leaves

2 ounces Grapefruit juice

1 ounce St. Germain

Club Soda (optional)

 

Add your jalapeno, basil and gin to a shaker cup and muddle the leaves and slices down to release the flavor.  Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes.  Depending on how strong you want the basil and jalapeno to be.  Add ice to your shaker cup, then add in St. Germain and grapefruit juice.  Give it good shake.  Pour over iced filled, sugar or salt rimmed glass.  Garnish with a sprig of Basil.

 

               St. Germain is one of our favorite liqueurs to use, it is smooth and a little sweet.  Since the elderberries are slowly starting to ripen out along the road, I felt it was time to revisit this French creation.  Not only do we have some basil which is a personal summer time staple, we also have the use of the elderflower liqueur, St. Germain.

               We hope that you will enjoy this refreshing summer cocktail and as always drink responsibly and have a designated driver. Be sure to check out our video on how we made this drink on our YouTube channel.  Cheers from the Oaks Bed and Breakfast.

Your Garden ~ Plants that Deter Pests

 

Over breakfast one recent morning, a guest asked what type of plants deter bugs the best. This made me stop and think about what we have planted and why. The majority of our garden, flowers and herbs included, we use to make pretty arrangements and feed our family and guests.  While this is all important so is keeping the bugs away so that we have these great food options available.

 

Marigolds ~ This year I went on the offensive and intentionally planted flowers to help deter pests. Marigolds are great to keep out bugs and rabbits from munching on your gardens. Plus, they provide an early pollinator to attract bees and butterflies.  Just the scent of the bloom will keep away unwanted bugs and rabbits from your garden. This year I chose to plant them in various locations around our garden beds and at the ends, to hopefully help maximize my results.

 

Basil ~ We typically always plant basil because who doesn’t like basil. In the past we planted up to four different varieties, but this year only have two. Basil does a great job of being aromatic and repelling mosquitos and houseflies from your yard and home.  I’m thinking of adding some more pots with a variety of herbs to help keep the flies down in higher traffic areas and doors. All those kids coming and going can sometimes lead to doors being open to let in flies.

 

Lemon Grass ~ Lemon grass is a beautiful addition to your garden beds.  We usually place one or two on the end and watch as they sway in the wind. While also pulling double duty at deterring unwanted pests. Pests go beyond those blood sucking mosquitos to roaches, flies and other smaller insects.  Of course you can still use it in the kitchen as well.  Lemongrass thrives in a hot climate, so it works well in the Texas summer.

 

Mint ~ We pretty much always have mint growing in a pot around the bed and breakfast.  A leading herb in many of our cocktails and food dishes, it also provides the added bonus of repelling spiders, ants and mosquitoes.  Be careful when you plant, since it can spread, and you may never get a chance to get rid of it. 

 

Citronella Grass ~ Everyone is familiar with citronella being in mosquito repellents and bug repellents but do not realize that it is a grass.  Sure, there is a plant as well and you can probably find both at a local garden store.  Citronella grass can be hard to distinguish between lemon grass from afar, so get up close to help make the determination.  Citronella grass has red colored pseudostems while lemon grass has green.  Add these around your house and garden to help keep pesky mosquitoes at bay.

 

Rosemary ~ Probably another of my favorite herbs to plant for flavorful dishes and as a bug repellent is rosemary.  Rosemary will help protect your garden from a wide variety of bugs that want to feed off your bounty.  We typically have them planted at the edge of our garden like a Rosemary “hedge” of sorts and a way to keep the bugs away.

 

Chrysanthemums ~ These flowering plants are probably one of the most versatile plants to help deter bugs.  In Texas you know we love and enjoy mums later in the year, as is evidence of the giant monstrosities people create in the name of Homecoming.  In the garden they do not need to be nearly as large, to help repel ants, Japanese beetles, roaches, bed bugs, spider mites, ticks and so much more.  Plant these beauties around your house and garden to enjoy the benefits of their bug fighting prowess. 

 

This list is not a complete list of amazing plants to help fight off pests to keep your garden healthy and thriving.  There are more options that you might want to use to help keep your garden healthy or your home bug free.  Since we try to use organic means of gardening and pest repellants these options are wonderful for our garden at the Oaks Bed and Breakfast.

Around Town ~ Vintage, Treasure and Finds!

 

A new way of shopping has hit Sulphur Springs full force. Vendor shops are not a new trend but are definitely on the rise. Vintage, Treasure and Finds is one such shop that recently opened this past February at 325 S. Davis Street. The owner, Judy Heilman is no stranger to the retail shop business but she has adopted this new model in her most recent endeavor.

 

Vintage, Treasure and Finds is open five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This shop is located across the street from The Rail Yard and The Produce Stand on Davis Street just North of the Railroad tracks.

 

Over sixteen vendors have their wares in the new shop and what a great collection of options to choose from. Each vendor purchases and maintains a booth spot inside the shop which allows for the daily management from Judy and her business partner.

 

I know you might be wondering what is different from this shop space compared to the others in town with a similar business model. Well I would say the majority of items offered at Vintage, Treasure, and Finds are antique. Used books, classic games, vintage kitchen ware and so much more adorn the spaces in the shop.

 

Judy saw a need for a shop like this in Sulphur Springs and really wanted to bring the idea from Winnsboro to consumers here locally. Mostly women vendors and a few couples, operate the spaces inside. The booth rentals allow the vendors to display items for sale and not have the same overhead as from a typical brick and mortar store. It allows for people to see if what they have to offer is what the people want to purchase. So far the store has been having great success. With the vendor booths spots full, they have a wait list for when someone leaves.

 

This Saturday they are having a sidewalk sale with additional vendors popping up for your shopping experience. This outdoor market will be open from 10 am to 5 pm Saturday, May 18. Be sure to play to stop by and find something wonderful from their selection of outdoor decor, plants and so much more. They accept cash, check or credit cards on any purchase made at the store. There is no excuse to stay away, we hope to see you there.

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Spicy Citrus Basil Margarita

     

    Summer is fast approaching and we here at the Oaks Bed and Breakfast in Sulphur Springs, Texas are counting down the days until Summer Vacation becomes a reality.  Until then we are whipping up some delicious and spicy Margaritas to enjoy on the back porch.  We happened to be hosting a party last week and the signature cocktail they wanted to serve was a spicy Margarita so I figured why not make that our cocktail of the month.  

    I will say when making your simple syrup the longer you can let it set the stronger the spice level will be in your drink.  I made mine and used it right away after it cooled a bit so it took a little time to build up on the spice level.  Depending on how spicy you want your drink to be might determine how long you let your simple syrup sit.  I would even go so far as to store my jalapeno and basil in the syrup overnight to really get the flavors into the syrup.   

    Since we made these with fresh squeezed lemons and limes there is a little bit of prep work that goes into getting ready for this drink.  The salt on your rim can be another place to add a little kick to your drink.  Find the premade salt or make your own to your desired salty and spicy taste. 

    This amount of ingredients made two drinks, so be sure to have  friend or a really big cup to enjoy your Spicy Citrus Basil Margarita.

Spicy Citrus Basil Margarita

2 Lemons, squeezed

3 limes, squeezed

2 ounces Tequila

1 ounce Jalapeno/Basil Simple Syrup

Pour everything into an ice filled shaker cup.  Shake well to combine, and pour over a salt rimmed glass filled with ice.  Garnish with lemon or lime slices, basil and jalapeno slices. This drink makes enough for two glasses, or one generously proportioned glass.

    We hope that you will try and love our Spicy Citrus Basil Margarita. You can add and remove items as you wish, but these are nice and tangy with the citrus as well as a late spiciness at the back of the drink.  As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver.  Cheers!