#also need to buy rosemary seeds

[bitchy-peachy]

Gonna burn some medicinal herbs to relax even more LMFAO.

Wish I had bought the cauldron I saw at the mall. Burning herbs is dangerous without one although the metal pan is ok for now.

[turtlesandfrogs]

I made this Pre-pandemic for a "Starting plants from the grocery store" class I was teaching, here it is edited down for anyone interested.

For saving seeds, the fruit should be fully mature for the seeds to be fully mature. Therefore, you can use seeds from a winter squash but not a baby zucchini, and the likelihood that the seeds of a tomato (or red bell pepper) will grow are much higher than for a green bell pepper. Unfortunately, many are either going to be poorly suited for your conditions, or hybrid, which we'll touch on later.

Stem cuttings are a great way to start many common culinary herbs! Especially basil!

Some tubers to consider starting from are sweet potatoes and actual potatoes.

And then of course, the bulbs! Green onions and garlic are your best bets!

These are outdoor plants and thus are Somewhat Fussy if you're going to grow indoors. Do not overwater them (eg, letting them sit in a tray of water for days) nor let them dry out completely. Try to keep them evenly moist, with thorough waterings that then pour out the bottom of the pot unimpeded. 

Given that they are outdoor plants, a south-facing window (assuming you’re in the northern hemisphere) or grow lights are your best bet. If they don’t get enough light, they will turn pale and stretch towards their light source. They won’t grow as quickly or as healthfully as they would with sufficient light.  

Examples:

Tomatoes & peppers! Tomatoes are the one that actually inspired me to make this because I saw this clip on starting plants from kitchen scraps, and they buried the whole dang half of a tomato! Don’t do that! What a waste of a tomato half! EAT your tomato! Take the seeds out! 

If you’re intending to grow these outdoors, start them about 6 weeks before your last frost. If you have not grown plants from seed before, here’s some information from another class I taught: https://tinyurl.com/seedstarting2020

If you’re intending to grow them indoors the whole time, you will likely need grow lights for both tomatoes and peppers, and they like it if you keep your house on the warm side. I would suggest growing them outdoors and buying seeds for a dwarf tomato if you really want to grow indoors.

The down side is that most are hybrid, so when you grow out the seed, it's not necessarily going to grow well, be productive, or taste good. Even if it is open pollinated, it's probably been bred to thrive in conditions unlike those you can provide. If you need a successful crop, I highly suggest buying seed, or swapping with a reputable source. Although if you like and can find yellow pear tomatoes, those are an exception to this entire paragraph.

Basil! Basil is a great one to do stem cuttings of, get it started indoors, and then plant out once night time temperatures stay above 50f (10c). I prefer to start them straight into soil, and seem to have a higher success rate this way. To do this, remove all leaves except the top bud, and bury the stem in soil up to just beneath that bud and firm gently. Keep the soil moist and the pot above 60f, and you should have a good success rate. This method works for mint, lemon balm, rosemary, sage, etc, as well.

Green onions- really easy, put the bottom inch or so in soil and they’ll grow very well for you. I prefer soil over water because a) the water gets stinky, and b) they grow better and stronger in soil.

AND MORE:

Sage, rosemary, and thyme (also any stemmed herb): just like basil

Lettuce, carrots, beets: you get the tops, but usually they’ll try to bolt. Easier just to buy seeds. If you want, I usually start in shallow water and then plant as soon as I see roots growing. Again, keep the soil moist, and for these ones, keep them in a cooler part of your house. But really, they almost always bolt in my experience.

Sweet potatoes: Get them in the fall, it takes months for them to start growing (unless you're somewhere warm apparently? ). They will sprout, grow roots, take slips to plant outdoors once night time temperatures study above 50f (10c)

Garlic, just grab a clove and plant in the fall. Boom. GARLIC.

Squash- you don’t know what you’ll get, because they might be cross pollinated with another variety or hybrids. If you do grow it out and it’s bitter, don’t eat it, it’s poisonous. If you want to know more, search “toxic squash syndrome”

Ginger: Plant the rhizome in summer, harvest before frost, or overwinter indoors with a lot of light.

Pineapple: Doable, but it takes three years to get a harvest. Plant in well draining soil, and give it as much heat and light as you can.

Just for fun: (Unless you’re in the tropics or have a lot of patience.)

Mango, avocado, citrus. Take years, and a different climate than I have to fruit. If you’re in the tropics, go for it, but know that avocado pollination can apparently be tricky. I am not in the tropics, so I do not have direct experience with this. Citrus I think I've read also don't come true from seed.

Apples, pears: take years, and don’t come true to type. You do not know what you’ll get, and you’ll probably get something that is not worth eating (but would work for cider). These do need a cold dormancy period in the winter to do well. Of course, you could plant them and then top graft if it does turn out they don’t taste good.

Plums, peaches, apricots: take years, often do come true from seed, but peaches and nectarines are very susceptible to peach leaf curl, so may just die depending on where you are.

[sea-lestial-dream-witch]

Welcome Spring Rituals🌺🌼🌿🍃

Spring is a time of rebirth and rejuvenation: the bees are back, flowers are blooming, and plants and animals are no longer dormant and hibernating. Throw away the old and make room for the new during this season.

Here are some ways to welcome the season of Spring. Many of these are quick or easy, great for beginner witches, those on a budget and witches in hiding!

• Cleanse while you clean: Do a deep clean of your home or space. Use lemon, white vinegar, rosemary - something potent and cleansing. Wash your pillowcase, blanket and bed sheets. After your space is clean, open the windows and light a candle/incense or use room spray to freshen the area. You can also banish stale energies while doing this. *Please exercise caution while using cleaners*

• Throw out the old: Donate, sell, give away, recycle and dispose of that which you no longer need. A fresh, clean space creates a clear mind.

• Garden: Plant herbs, flowers, and plants native to your area. Don’t have a lot of space or know-how? Next time you go to the grocery store grab cilantro, basil, green onion (or look into other easy options) and chop off the bottom of the stems at an angle, place in a cup of tap water indoors by a window that gets plenty of sun. Such plants can easily survive in water and after they grow roots place them in a small cup or bowl of soil. If you can’t buy soil go outside and grab some if it’s organic and safe (untouched by unsafe pesticides and fertilizers). Some things can grow by being planted whole or sliced (ginger) or by extracting seeds (tomato) so take your time and do research before you spend unnecessarily.

• Save the Bees: Learn about flowering plants in your area that attract bees. Buy some seeds and plant away! You can also look into flowering plants which attract butterflies and hummingbirds if you wish. If you cannot buy seeds you can learn how to remove them from the insides of some flowers and plant them.

• Flower power: If you live in an area with many flowering plants, go out and admire their beauty. Envision how they’ve survived year after year, how the balance of rain and sun allows them to flourish, and how they’re part of a delicate, beautiful, natural system. If you have your own garden, pluck some flowers if you wish and make a beautiful bouquet to decorate your space with.

• Crystal cleanse: Renew your crystals by cleansing and recharging them. Gather rain water or use moonlight (or a preferred method) to pamper them a bit! Go a step further: clean and cleanse your altar and witchy tools.

• Mindfulness: Spring is a wonderful time to meditate more - light some incense, use meditation tools such as a tuning fork or chimes. Listen to guided meditations. This is also a great time to journal more and sort through your thoughts. Leave behind old, stale energies of the previous year to allow newer, better things to take that place.

• Burn the past: Write a letter (to yourself) about past grief, regrets, and failures. Burn this letter and bid farewell to the feelings and emotions attached to it. After, you may write and keep a separate letter full of goals, wishes and aspirations to last you until next Spring or longer.

• Kitchen witchery: Cook and/or bake and imbue the foods you make with positive things such as peace, good health, and prosperity. Look into recipes specifically meant for spring and utilize produce which is commonly used during springtime. Add color to your food through the use of different veggies, fruits, spices, herbs, etc.

• Expand your craft: Ever tried sun magic? Wind magic? Used sound in your craft? Learn how to make sigils, try a new spell, make a spell jar, research and aspect of witchcraft you don’t know much about. Educate yourself on cultural appropriation, respecting closed traditions, how people around the world welcome springtime, the history of witchcraft both in the east and west.

• Expand your skills: Try something new! Take an art or cooking class, buy a cookbook, learn to crochet or sew, consider hobbies that are practical and exciting. Invite new skills and interests into your life. Study plant identification, learn how to garden on YouTube, learn how to identify stars… whatever may interest you, be open to it. Look for online tutorials, videos, free apps, library books, and people to aid you.

• Create: Spring brings vibrant colors and we can find so many ways to honor this. Draw, color, doodle, write, sing and dance. Paint a birdhouse, or some stones. Decorate your Grimoire or Book of Shadows. Add color to your life.

• Glamify: When you have free time, try on different clothes, makeup, hairstyles, and jewelry. Mess around, have fun with it, and see which combinations make you feel best. Glamours are such a subtle way to practice your craft. Wear colors that make you happy whether it’s clothes, accessories, hair or nail polish!

• Rest: Stop. Slow down, breathe mindfully. Turn off or silence devices, log off social media. Take a substantial break from screens. Take a nap. Have a soothing cup of tea. Stare at the sky. Spring is a time of growth and growth requires rest.

•Pampered and polished: Massage yourself from head to toe with lotion or body oil. Take your time and go in slow circular motions. Don’t neglect your scalp, face, neck, shoulders or feet. Visualize leaving old pains and worries in the past.

Do something extra for yourself, whether this means added rest, an at-home facial, deep condition for your hair, maybe you need a good back scratch or to stretch out, or a cooling or heating pad (frozen veggies or warm dishcloth can be used) over your eyes or a sore area. Listen to your body and tend to yourself when possible.

Take a steamy shower or bath. Toss flower petals, herb sprigs or citrus slices into your bath. After, indulge in a lotion, perfume, or body oil you enjoy. Wash away the energies of the past and the remnants of winter. Surround yourself with what makes you happy and feel good.

• Say thank you: Thank special people, loved ones, and pets. Take a while to think about those who uplift you, support you, make you laugh, and listen to you. Show gratitude towards others. You may also thank the universe, nature, and God or deities you worship however you see fit, whether this means time spent in nature, prayer or offerings.

• Share your bounty: Cook and bake for your loved ones, give them something from your garden such as flowers, herbs, veggies etc. This can also be as simple as giving someone a genuine compliment. Have a “one dish” party with friends/family in which everyone pitches in. Come together and teach people something or learn something new. Plant a garden with your friends/family/community. Share your resources but do not dim your own flame to keep others lit. Take time for yourself, too.

🌊sea star witch🌟

These are mere suggestions and we tend to know what suits us best. I understand not everyone has the time, energy, spoons, resources or funds for all or half of these activities.

If you’re stumped, burned out and exhausted (like I am) don’t feel pressured to try all or most of the above. Slow down and tend to yourself.

Sit back and enjoy the beautiful spring skies, listen to the birds, watch the flowers grow, watch clouds pass by over head. Appreciating spring can be as simple as this!

[haruharuz]

Let's talk about one of my upcoming DIY's! If you love plants but say "oh but I don't have a balcony/lots of light/a yard" this is for you.

The most important thing to note about this entire project is that you need to be intentional about what you're buying and doing. So ask yourself a couple questions:

What kind of plants am I going to grow? How big are they?

Do I need to automate things or will I be able to do everything on my own?

This helps you determine how big of a glass cabinet/greenhouse you need and if you're going to be using smart plugs or not.

Now you can absolutely just buy a damn greenhouse online and put it inside. Don't let no one tell you that you can't. But if you're a DIY hottie and like to do things yourself and learn, you could benefit from doing this yourself.

You'll need some tools, for assembly. Probably a circular hole saw to cut a hole in the bottom of your cabinet, some magnets or something to keep the lights up and basic skills. Also a bowl of water to help humidity can be put at the bottom.

"What kind of plants can I grow?" Basically anything that can fit. Plants that need heat and lots of sunlight should be placed towards the top, plants that are okay with a tiny bit less heat and sun should be at the bottom.

"I don't know what to grow!" Cool, Here's some ideas:

Basil

Parsley

Tomatoes

Green onions

Lettuce

Peppers

Lavender

Rosemary

Chamomile

Dandelion

Garlic

Carrots

Marigold

Generally the more space, the better. So if you can get a really tall cabinet and just use a big step stool to reach the plants, do it! You can also buy acrylic shelves to place inside to promote airflow.

Plants can get big, don't be afraid to cut them down a little if your greenhouse becomes more of a jungle than you're okay with.

You can automate this whole thing (save for the watering, kind of) using smart plugs to turn off the fan and lights. For watering, you can buy self watering plant spikes for some of them (unless you want to water them, then that's fine)!

You'll want fertilizer (you can DIY it, or you can buy something like fish fertilizer), soil, and some pots of some sort.

Groceries have been god awfully expensive and this can help save money over time. Less trips to the grocery store and most importantly- you're not riding on someone else to make the prices for you. You pay for the electricity to run it, the water, the materials, and seeds. That's all you need.

example :

good luck and remember: DIY with caution and care!

[katsukiizmoon]

╰┈➤ ꒰🍓🪴🌱 ┊Katsuki Inspired Garden ꒱

『♡』 Do you want a garden? Do you also love Katsuki? This is a great way to have fun !! I really enjoy gardening n I think this would be a beautiful way to connect with my favorite boy.

🌶 Thai Chili Peppers

Hot hot hot! These are very spicy and I think that’s why it works so well for this garden. Much like his personality, these will burn. You can grind them into a paste, use them fresh, or make sauces and jams with them.

🌼 Pot Marigold

Often bright orange and red in color! Beautiful flowers that not only repel things like nematodes from your garden but they’re often used for herbal remedies. Some varieties of marigold are safe to eat. Big, bold beautiful flowers, just like ‘suki!

🌱Green Onion

Probably one of the easiest things in the world to do! Perfect to top most dishes. You can regrow these from scraps (3-4 yields) or you can grow from seed! I currently have like 10 green onions regrowing haha. I feel like these fit well with him, I’m sure tosses some onto his food for pizzazz.

🫐 Berries

Nitroglycerin tastes sweet. That’s the inspiration for this! I chose blackberries as I feel like they’re something Katsuki would enjoy. That being said you could always go for two blueberry plants, strawberries, and the like.

🌿 Herbs

Herbs are often fairly simple to grow and care for, unlike strawberry plants (mine still hasn’t given me a berry ugh). But they can be used for teas, tinctures, salves, and more. Some of the most common to grow are basil, mint, rosemary, and lemon balm ! You can also grow your own green tea !! Make lots of little salves to rub his shoulders and massage into his back after long days. Do not plant mint in the ground it’ll spread like crazy and never go away, use a pot.

🍠 Ginseng (if you’re brave)

Bare with me here.. couldn’t find a ginseng emoji. But yes, I think ginseng could be a beautiful addition to this garden. Here’s the one qualm: patience. Much like katsuki, you are going to have to be very patient with a ginseng plant. They grow very slowly, taking around a year or more just to germinate (yes, really). Ginseng is not for you if you aren’t ready to keep the plant for YEARS as it won’t be ready to harvest until then. You can find rootlets and seeds to make it easier but you will still need to be very patient.

🍵 Ginger

If you know that ginseng isn’t your thing, why don’t we try another root plant? Ginger! I can almost guarantee katsuki uses ginger often. You will still need lots of patience! These delicious roots take eight to ten months to grow. But that’s nothing compared to the 5+ YEARS for ginseng (unless you buy a root that’s already older haha).

[xcziel]

got a bunch of little baby plants and am doing some repotting but damn i have a hard time remembering which ones can't have direct light

all but a few of them are low light types because i don't like window or overhead light (i am a cave gremlin)

but some of them need at least indirect light and i'm trying to get those situated well to the french doors (also i bought another seasonal fern bc i am weak and it's hogging a bunch of the space)

some of the tiny ones are barely hanging on and idk what to do else besides sun+ water

i thiiiink it's the tiny peperomia, the mini spider plant, and the aglaonema that really need out of the direct sunbeams and the couple of little succulents that need moved in more

the one snake plant that i haven't watered for six months needed a bigger pot so i upgraded it and i hope it takes it well. the bitty pearl pothos doesn't need a bigger pot but less sun and more drainage i think, so it got a new pot too

why do i get tempted by plants when i hate natural light so much? i did buy a *little* grow light for the corner though

i need plants that are ok with just ambient low light - the sansevieria is out of the window reach entirely but has been putting up fresh green shoots? the big peace lily keeps unfurling new leaves in the dark corner as long as it gets plenty of water?

but the other peace lily that was by the window is crunchy now and idk how to rehab it (still green? and not wilted but the leaves are crunkly so)

also i seeded some rosemary and sage and they are sprouting but the mint did not come up at all ://

[thessalian]

Thess vs Spring

I know it’s late. I know I should be in bed. I just needed to get some shit ordered. There are going to be experiments.

Well, first of all, I wanted to get my gardening stuff ordered. I plan on actually growing some flowers this year, as well as rejigging the balcony herb garden. My Simon and Garfunkel Collection (literally parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme), my mint, and even my oregano survived all the cold snaps and are putting out new leaves, though I probably want to clear out some of the dead bits and repot. However, I do need to plant new basil, coriander (cilantro to those who name the leaf different from the seed), chives, and dill. Also new cayenne peppers and tomatoes. But I did want to do some flowers partly for being bee-friendly but mostly because I now have a pressure cooker and can make my own essential oils.

Okay, also I kind of want to make the balcony pretty, as well as useful.

Anyway, I also did the grocery shopping order. It won’t actually arrive until Tuesday, but when it does, I have plans. I mean, there’s the usual stuff for various bits of pasta and the like that I normally do, and I’m also going to be doing lamb dopiaza and aloo gobi again, but I also decided I was going to try a couple of new chicken dishes. One is chicken chasseur, which I thought sounded nice. The other is chicken adobo - a Filipino recipe that I got interested in trying courtesy @lindira. I mean, I know there’s a Filipino restaurant a fifteen minute or so bus ride away from my house, but gluten intolerance makes that a bit iffy, so I’m just going to make my own. I am very much looking forward to it, if partly for the Cooking With Spoons write-up.

I’m also going to be trying to make smoothies. It’s starting to get to that kind of season and anyway, it feels like a good way to get breakfast. It’s also a good way to get calcium and vitamin D, and the latter especially feels important given that I’m currently on another loading dose of vitamin D so clearly I’m not getting enough of that. And yeah, buying frozen berries and other fruits instead of just freezing my own feels like cheating, but I am not going to manage standing at the counter dicing up a whole bunch of mango etc, and also frozen berries are cheaper, so there we go.

We just had the time changeover, which means that in my brain it is officially getting on to spring. Hence the gardening kicking back off. A little later than last year, but given the cold snaps we had through bits of March, it’s just as well to wait a little. But by the first week of April, I will have seeds propagating and will probably be back to spamming people’s dashes with pictures of healthy seedlings. I would apologise but I’m not really sorry; I love my leafy babies.

Right. A nap would probably be a good idea. This is why I don’t work on Mondays; I get keyed up after D&D sessions and then I can’t sleep for hours. At least this way I use the time productively, I guess?

[jovialstarfishanchor]

17 Signs You Work With online liquid incense shop

Clever Procuring Techniques for Purchasing K2 Spice Spray On-line

Introduction

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https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-zIIQluWqE8/hqdefault_440833.jpg

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[adarede]

Lesser known budget cooking tips

So many budget cooking tips are just things like “eat less meat!” and “only buy what you need!” and “buy the supermarket own brand!”

This advice is obvious, and most people looking for budget cooking advice are already doing it. In this post I will write some lesser known tips which are likely to give better results.

1. The cheapest way to get carbs is to make your own bread. The quickest way to do this is to make flatbreads. All you need is some flour (currently 69p for 1.5kg at Aldi; you only need like 50g at once), a pinch of salt (negligible money), and water from the tap. Make a dough (adjust flour and water until it is dough-like), knead until stretchy, leave it to rest for a bit (not essential step, can be skipped), roll/stretch it into a flatbread shape, and fry it in a dry frying pan for a minute or two on each side.

This may be more effort than buying bread, but it’s a fun thing to try if you happen to have a bit more time than money.

2. The cheapest way to get herbs is to forage them. For example, go to a churchyard and you’ll find loads of rosemary. Go around where you live, smell the plants, take pictures, look them up to see if you can eat them, and if so, eat them. (You can also get your very own rosemary bush by propagating a cutting. Easy to do, if slow. Look up directions online!)

3. Second cheapest way to get herbs - grow them. Around autumn or winter, go to a garden centre, and buy a packet of seeds reduced to clear. I got a huge pack of parsley seeds for 30p! Now have parsley growing out my ears. This is only cheap if you have access to soil though. You can also re-pot the potted herbs from supermarkets - hoping everyone saw that tiktok of the guy saying the reason they always die quickly is they are too many plants cramped together in too small a pot. 

As for growing other stuff, it only helps you save on groceries if you have the space to do it large-scale. But it’s fun so do it anyway. (This tip was quite well known but i’m including it in order to propagandise gardening)

4. Cooking bacon is often mentioned as the cheapest meat (It’s about £1/kg i think). However I’ve never seen that in the shops. What I have seen is a kg of frozen sausages from tesco for about £1.50. This is excellent value even if you consider that they’re only 42% meat. 

The cheapest fish is basa (catfish), and don’t listen to the haters: it’s delicious in both taste and texture (and £1.79 for 3 frozen filets from ALDI right now). 

5. Another uncommonly mentioned cheap meat is chicken paste. Or fish paste. It’s 42p for a little jar that contains a lot of protein! It gives me the shivers but I think it’s worth promoting more widely. 

On the other hand, one which doesn’t give me the shivers and which is great value protein is mini pork pies - these are very frequently reduced to clear in smaller supermarkets.

6. The cheapest vegetables are still carrots and potatoes, and the cheapest fruit is still bananas. However, the price of bananas has increased, so now if other fruits are on a good offer, it’s possible for them to be cheaper than the 18p per fruit which bananas now cost. Have seen apples at this price. 

7. Don’t buy things for the store cupboard. I’m always tempted to buy in advance stuff like cereal and tea and pasta and rice and tins. However, having stuff in the cupboard doesn’t seem to save money on future shops at all. Even if I’m buying multiple e.g. boxes of cereal because they’re on offer. The reality is that I just eat a lot more cereal when I have more in the house.

I think it’s helpful to have to use up all the food you bought last week before you go on next week’s shop. This often compels you to have a random using-up dinner, which is always a good idea. Pay no heed to conventional ideas of which foods go together.

8. An alternative to sweets when you’re feeling snacky: make some buttercream with margarine and icing sugar, put it in the fridge or freezer, and enjoy. Can also add cocoa powder to make chocolate buttercream. Super sweet and way cheaper for the amount you can get out of a box of icing sugar. 

Instead of buying baked goods, make cookies. Similarly, instead of buying cereal bars, make flapjacks. 

9. The only food I’ve had to throw away in the last year has been mushrooms that have gone mouldy quicker than I anticipated. Watch out for those sneaky blighters. 

10. If you are a porridge enjoyer, and you enjoy your porridge with milk, then use whole milk rather than semi-skimmed. You can replace the amount of semi-skimmed milk you would use with half the amount of whole milk, topped up with water, and get a porridge with the same level of creaminess. 

The same applies for white sauce/cheese sauce for pasta bake. Doesn’t apply for milk to drink on its own though (watered down whole milk does NOT taste like semi skimmed, it tastes like watered down whole milk). 

Same principle also applies for cheese (the principle being ‘semi-skimmed and whole milk are the same price’; so too are mature and extra-mature cheddars). Buy the strongest possible cheese to add to cheese sauces and pasta bake, as you will need to add less for more flavour. 

Of everything I’ve mentioned in this tip, only the porridge milk substitute has saved me money, as when I was doing this I ate porridge every day and measured how much milk I used. The other examples are extensions of the principle which I can’t guarantee would save money in practice. 

Having porridge for breakfast is also a very good idea when it comes to saving money as it fills you up for pennies. You knew that though.

11. Cheap meals generally take forms like:

- cheesy pasta bake with one vegetable in it (e.g. broccoli, peas, sweetcorn)

- lentil stew with one vegetable in it (e.g. carrots, peppers, spinach)

- rice with a single vegetable stir-fried (e.g. mushrooms, aubergine, reduced-to-clear 30p stir-fry veg bag)

- rice and beans (check out jack monroe’s chilli)

I save most money when I’m mainly eating this kind of thing.

Also some people don’t realise that you can cook rice in a saucepan just like you cook pasta. It is not at all tricky. 

12. Leftovers are your friend if and only if you have the willpower to avoid eating them for breakfast or midnight snack. Otherwise they are your ENEMY!

13. Don’t buy drinks (apart from tea bags and squash). Fresh juice and smoothies will lead you astray. 

I will consider this post my repository of knowledge and may add to it. 

[android-and-ale]

Spice and herb contamination is depressing common. A 2023 Consumer Reports test of 126 products found there are literally zero brands of basil, oregano, and thyme that were uncontaminated by heavy metals.

If you're lucky enough to have a balcony or particularly sunny window in your apartment, this is a good year to try growing some garden herbs. I've got tips below on what to plant, where to get pots, etc.

Remember, I'm not suggesting you do ALL the things listed below! Pick one or two that appeal to you. Keep it low stress and low cost.

WHAT TO PLANT

Basil will practically grow itself. Think of it as a tasty weed. Get a whole pot for it, and trim it often. It will grow more. So much more. This is not a wee cute plant. It'll easily reach 3 feet or taller. If you can only grow one thing this is the best bang for your buck.

Mint (all types) are also crazy weeds and will gleefully take over any pot you put them in. They grow like crazy (though not as fast as Basil, which is in a race to win biggest herb in your garden). Mint will smother other plants, so keep it isolated from other herbs and enjoy the bounty.

Parsley and cilantro are also very close to being weeds, and they can share a pot. If you're feeling fancy throw in some chervil. It's easy to grow, is hard to find in stores, and makes you feel like Julia Child when you add it to a recipe.

Thyme, oregano, chives, marjoram, savory, and tarragon - the herbs that are all known to have heavy metal contamination - are all pretty easy to grow either indoors, in a window box, or on a balcony railing. They also play nicely together. If you only have space for one pot, pick your favorite mix of these and grow them together.

Sage and rosemary aren't quite weeds, but in the right temps they'll thrive. They're slow growers, but by the end of the season you'll end up with at least a cup of dried herbs, often more.

WHERE TO GET SEEDS

I've grown healthy plants for 3 years using seeds from DollarSeed.com. I've also had good luck using 50 cent seed packets from the dollar store.

WANT TO START WITH HEALTHY PLANTS INSTEAD OF SEEDS?

This time of year local nurseries are selling a ton of herbs. They're usually around $3 for a small plant and $5 for a medium one. If you've got the funds, this is a great way to get about a 4-6 week head start.

WHAT ABOUT POTS?

If you have a decent thrift store nearby, you can get all the pots you need for under $10. Gardening is a hobby people give up on the regular, so there are always plenty of pots in an assortment of sizes.

You can also check out your local Buy Nothing group, or visit garage sales in your area. Once you start looking you'll find a lot of used pots out there. They may not be your ideal aesthetic, but at least they're cheap.

If you have a balcony, patio, or railing you can use, get pots with big holes at the bottom. That way if you over-water them, the water can drip out. If you're planting indoors, make sure to find something you can use as a drip tray. If the pot comes with one, awesome. But if not, feel free to improvise with a cookie sheet, mixing bowl, bucket, or whatever you have around that'll fit.

If you want classic ceramic flowerpot type pots that you can paint and decorate, Lowes and Home Depot have an excellent selection. Plus, that's where you'll probably get your potting soil. A bag sized for a couple rail planters and a couple of pots should should cost you another $10 (in 2024).

UGH, HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO REMEMBER TO WATER THEM?

Set it in your google calendar. Leave post-it notes. Whatever you do to remind yourself to complete tasks, just add "water plants" to that list. I put reminder notes on both my fridge and the door to my balcony. I also leave the watering can right in front of the door.

FEELING MILDLY AMBITIOUS?

Try growing 1-2 bulbs of fennel in their own pot. You can harvest the fronds all season, then have a tasty fennel bulb at the end.

I've also successfully grown multi-colored beets in a rail box (the planters that fit over your balcony railing). My box fit 6 beets. When I finally dug them up they were about twice the size of a golfball, but I was able to harvest greens to add to salads and sandwiches all season. My little handful of beets at the end was a bonus.

Nasturtium's are an edible flower. The leaves are peppery and add a nice kick to salads, and the flowers themselves are also edible. They also look pretty in a pot. You can put them at the perimeter of a big hanging basket and plant your thyme, tarragon, chives, and savory in the middle. It'll look pretty, maximize growing space, and give you festive salad greens and a neat decorative element as well as fresh herbs.

Salad greens (also available at Dollar Seed) grow FAST. Much faster than herbs! You can get an edible lettuce in 2 weeks. Try planting lettuce with nasturtiums and chives. By the time the nasturtiums are big you'll have harvested all the lettuce (maximizing use of your one or two pots).

LET'S DRY THOSE HERBS

Growing your own herbs is relatively cheap and pretty low maintenance. Plant, water, walk away. Once the herbs are growing you can harvest them multiple times per season. Use a snip here and there in whatever you're cooking. When they look bushy, cut down 1/4 of the plant to dry.

Get yourself some brown paper lunch bags. Write the name of the herb(s) on the outside. Dump in however much you harvested today (it's okay if it's a mix), fold the top over 3 times, and put it somewhere out of the light but with decent air circulation. I put mine in the same closet with my clothes. It's fine if you forget they exist. They'll just continue minding their own business, drying out.

Now leave it alone for a month or two. When the leaves are fully dried out, they'll easily fall off the stem. Collect them into the container of your choice. You now have extra flavorful, heavy-metal free dried herbs to use all winter. Oh, and you can totally add those herb stems to soups and stews for some extra flavor!

COST COMPARISON

A lot depends on what kind of herbs you normally buy. If you're getting herbs from the dollar store (please don't. They're super contaminated with lead) then growing your own will cost you a little bit more. You should be able to grow 5-10 herbs in 3 pots for about $30. That's a big upfront investment for some people, but you'll end up with fresh herbs for the present and literal cups full of dried herbs at the end of the season.

If you get them from a regular grocery store, where herbs cost around $2-3 for regular brands and $4+ for fancy brands, then you will save about 50% by growing your own.

The biggest investment is the pots. Once you have those, next year you just buy the seeds and fresh soil.

It's surprisingly relaxing to wander out onto your apartment balcony every day and see some useful, friendly plants growing. If you love well seasoned food and are stressed about food safety, this is one a relatively low cost, high reward thing you can actually do about it.

IS IT WORTH IT?

I think so, but I'm obviously biased.

Even if you're not concerned with heavy metal contamination, the taste difference is incredible. You'll be PISSED at herb companies when you taste what home grown is like. It's absolutely wild how much of a difference it makes.

If you like cooking, this is a cheap way to treat yourself while also looking after your health.

U.S. people, if you bought cinnamon from Dollar Tree, Dollar General, or other discount stores, throw it out. It's got lead

[trailing-petunia]

5 Reasons to Grow Herb Plants in Your Garden 

Looking to add flavor to your garden and kitchen? Herb seeds are the perfect way to grow fresh, aromatic plants right in your backyard. Not only do they offer a wide range of culinary benefits, but they are also easy to cultivate and provide an ongoing harvest year-round. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, growing herbs can be a rewarding addition to your space.

Why Plant Herb Seeds?

Enhance Your Culinary Creations Fresh herbs can make all the difference in cooking, bringing rich flavors and aromas to your dishes. From basil and parsley to thyme and cilantro, having these handy means you can simply snip and sprinkle over your meals whenever needed.

Low Maintenance, Big Rewards Herb plants are often easier to maintain than other garden plants, making them ideal for beginners or busy gardeners. With just a little water, sunlight, and proper care, they thrive in containers or garden beds.

Health Benefits Right From Your Garden Many herbs have medicinal properties. For example, rosemary is known to boost memory, while mint helps with digestion. Growing your own herbs ensures you have access to fresh, organic options for both cooking and natural remedies.

Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Buying fresh herbs at the store can be pricey, and they often spoil quickly. Growing your own from seeds offers a budget-friendly, sustainable solution. You can pick only what you need, reducing waste and saving money.

Herbs Attract Pollinators Planting herb seeds such as lavender, oregano, and dill not only benefits your kitchen but also invites bees, butterflies, and other pollinators into your garden, contributing to a healthier environment.

Best Herbs to Grow from Seeds

Basil: Great for pestos, sauces, and salads. Basil loves sunlight and grows quickly, making it a great option for sunny spots.

Mint: A refreshing herb perfect for teas, desserts, and drinks. Mint spreads easily, so it's best grown in containers to avoid overgrowth.

Thyme: This hardy herb is perfect for roasts and soups, thriving in both containers and garden beds.

Dill: Known for its feathery leaves, dill is an excellent herb for pickling and garnishing.

Tips for Growing Herbs Successfully

Choose the Right Spot: Most herbs thrive in sunlight, so pick a sunny area in your garden or windowsill.

Water Regularly: While herbs don’t need to be watered as much as some other plants, regular watering helps keep them thriving.

Prune and Harvest: To encourage growth, prune your herbs regularly. Harvest them often to keep them from flowering and going to seed too soon.

Final Thoughts

Planting herb seeds is an easy, affordable way to bring fresh ingredients to your meals and beauty to your garden. With the right care and attention, you'll enjoy the rewards of your homegrown herbs for months to come. Visit  Trailing Petunia to browse our great selection of herb seeds and get started today!

[bethestaryouareradio]

Growing Dinner

“I farm the soil which yields my food, I share creation. Kings can do no more.” Chinese Proverb

Last week I hosted “Nonie Camp” for my granddaughter. We spent four days and nights of uninterrupted, farm-inspired outdoor time together, chez moi. First thing every morning she happily began her chores: feeding the animals, watering the patio plants, and filling the fountains. After multiple activities including climbing trees, building forts, shooting hoops, skipping rope, swinging, swimming, and playing, our stomachs growled with hunger. Into the potager, we trekked. As we tended the garden and picked fruits and vegetables, she exclaimed. “This is amazing, Nonie. We are growing dinner!”

As an advocate for sustainability and cultivating our food, I was thrilled that she recognized the wonder of being able to step just beyond our doorstep into nature to harvest a healthy meal. With the hot weather and lengthened daylight, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, corn, and a multitude of other crops are ripe and ready for consumption. I wait all year to eat fresh tomatoes, make tomato sandwiches, and toss up salads of tomato, cucumber, onions, and basil.

Our warm and sunny summer also offers numerous delicious herbs to be clipped for our cookouts.

Basil: Harvest the leaves of basil regularly to encourage new growth. Mixed with olive oil and garlic, basil makes a scrumptious pesto.

Cilantro: Cilantro can also be made into a pesto sauce, and is an essential ingredient in Mexican, Indian, and many Asian dishes. It bolts when it gets hot. Use the seeds, known as coriander, as a spice.

Dill: The leaves, flowers, and seeds add flavor to pickles, salads, seafood, dips, and sauces.

Basil, cilantro, and dill are summer-season herbs in Northern California.

Perennial herbs that can be snipped year-round include:

Society Garlic: Many people aren’t aware that the deer-resistant flowers and leaves of society garlic are edible. I use them as garnish on baked potatoes as well as in sandwiches.

Chives: To keep the plant producing, snip this onion-flavored herb regularly.

Mint: Mint adds an energizing flavor to iced beverages, and of course, is delectable with lamb and many desserts. Grow mint in a container as it is an aggressive spreader.

Thyme: For the best flavor, harvest thyme before flowering and use the fresh leaves in soups, stews, roasts, and marinades. Thyme is a key component in bouquet garni and herbes de Provence.

Rosemary: Rosemary is a favorite of mine to add flavor to BBQ. Use the woody stems as a skewer for grilling. One plant of rosemary is all you need.

Oregano and Sage: Both are essential in Mediterranean cuisines and as garnishes for savory dishes. Use the leaves as needed and avoid cutting back more than a third of the plant at a time.

At the end of June every year, I harvest my cherry plums. This year a strange thing transpired with one of my trees. My twenty-year-old plum tree no longer bore purple plums, but large orange plums that ripened in August. We picked a basket, which had a sweet apricot taste. Since I grow so many roses and continue to deadhead the spent blooms every few days, I have spectacular roses constantly in bloom. For a special summer salad, try scattering a few rose petals on a platter of peaches, plums, and melon dressed with a homemade lemon and herb vinaigrette. Cool, refreshing, and delectable.

The benefits of growing our dinners are immense. Fresh, organic produce is nutritious. When we are cognizant of the composition of our soil, growing our food is the healthier option. We save money on buying groceries, with homegrown being more economical. We can be more sustainable and reduce our carbon footprint by minimizing packaging. One of my favorite reasons is the satisfaction of connecting to the earth and watching the growing process.

Every day of “Nonie Camp” my granddaughter collected the chicken eggs and then went into the garden to pull a few weeds and gather our dinner. She reaped the rewards of organic homegrown and delighted me with her words, “Hmmm, this is so yummy!” Hopefully, she will pass on her love of nature to a future generation and host her version of “Nonie Camp”.

Kings and Queens can do no more!

Read Lamorinda Weekly https://lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1813/Digging-Deep-with-Goddess-Gardener-Cynthia-Brian-Growing-Dinner.html

For more gardening advice for all seasons, check out Growing with the Goddess Gardenerat https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/books. Raised in the vineyards of Napa County, Cynthia Brian is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 which was just honored as the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year by the Moraga Chamber of Commerce. Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at www.StarStyleRadio.com. Her newest children’s picture book, Books in the Barnyard: Oh Deer!, from the series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures is available for discounted pre-sales at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store. Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures. Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com  

Thanks for reading StarStyle® Empowerment! This post is public so feel free to share it.

Growing Dinner: https://lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1813/Digging-Deep-with-Goddess-Gardener-Cynthia-Brian-Growing-Dinner.html

Substack: https://cynthiabrian.substack.com/p/growing-dinner?

[spadetofork]

Growing Your Culinary Herb Kit: A Fresh Approach to Cooking

Let me start with how in the culinary arts the fresh and tasty product contribute to turning a dish from normal to magnificent. This way, the regular use of herbs in your meals makes sure that your dishes are filled with flavors that are fresh and vibrant. They should be available for growing at home for experienced and new gardeners due to convenience, cost-saving and the pride that comes with consuming foods grown in one’s garden. Thus, in this blog post, I will discuss some basics of starting off a culinary herb kit, importance of cultivating your own herbs, and some tips for proper care of the culinary herbs. 

Freshness at Your Fingertips: Another benefit of profiting from a culinary herb kit is that you get fresh herbs at your fingertips all the time. Using fresh herbs instead of dried can also spice up a meal as they carry a much better flavor than dried herbs. The real benefit of growing your own is that you can produce only the amount needed, and therefore guarantee the freshness. 

Cost-Effective: Buying fresh herbs from the grocery store may be costly 

especially when one wants to use several of them in preparing a particular meal. Purchasing a set of culinary herbs in a kit will help to always have the herbs ready in the house, and therefore, no more spending money on the herbs in the future.

Sustainability: Although herbs bought from stores may come with more organized and appealing packaging, finding time to grow your own herbs means less reliance on plastic packaging and transportation. **Health Benefits**: Herbs are not just delicious, and their culinary uses but also rich in nutrients and containing antioxidants. Including fresh herbs in your meals significantly adds value to your diet and nutritional needs. Getting a culinary herb kit in the first place is easy and may very well be initiated indoors if one’s environment does not allow him/her to start gardening outside.

1. Herb Seeds or Seedlings: Using the everyday and easily grab-able option is the best since it will cause less struggle to achieve the goal of the assignment which is to grow the herbs that we usually use while cooking. Kitchens Staples are basil, parsley cilantro and thyme and rosemary mint and chives. 

 2. Containers: When it comes to indoor herbs and spices, pots will have to do for proper growth. Water should not stagnate in the pots, therefore, select pots that have the right drainage systems. When planting the herbs make sure that you are creating a multi-tiered herb garden or a vertical garden if there is adequate space for it. 

 3. Soil: Grow in an excellent potting mix medium having excellent drainage and organic topsoil. Most of the herbs normally grow well under slightly alkaline conditions of the soil. 

 4. Sunlight: Ideally, majority of the herbs need at least 6-8 hours of direct sun exposure in a day. Hey, guess what! Your herb kit needs to be put in a place where it receives sunlight possibly on a windows ill, a balcony, or any area of your garden that receives a lot of sun. If the required amount of sunlight cannot be obtained indoors, grow lights should be used in indoor gardening. 

 5. Watering Can: Herbs as any other plants require water at some given date but the frequency of watering depends on the type of herbs and the surrounding environment. According to the practice, the soil should be moist most of the time, but not soaked with water. 

 Tips for a Thriving Herb Garden 

 1. Know Your Herbs: People also require different things and it is the same case with the herbs. For example, basil and mint plants are normally grown in soil that has much water content and on the other hand, rosemary and thyme plants require dry soil content. Look up the particular conditions of each herb in the kit that you are developing. 

 2. Prune Regularly: Pruning has to be done frequently so as to enhance proper growth of the herbs and to avoid the herbs becoming too stretched. To enhance the density of foliage and yield of the crops, trim the apices of the plants. 

 3. Harvest Smartly: Morning is the best time of the day for collecting herbs because the oil compounds are highly concentrated at this time. Some of the precaution that should be taken includes; Ensure to cut the plants with sharp scissors or pruning shears so as not to harm the plants. Trim often for fresh regrowth, but never take off more than one-third portion of the plant at once. 

4. Fertilize Sparingly: Though herbs are like to be fed occasionally, the provision of fertilizer should be avoided in large proportions since this leads to a situation where the herb grows out of proportion yet it lacks the desirable taste. An organic fertilizer simplifies the application as all that is required is to follow the appropriate application rates. 

 5. Watch for Pests: There are some general pests you should learn how to identify such as aphids, spider mites, whiteflies and so on. This can be managed through the use of house remedies such as Neem oil and insecticide soapy water to spray on the herbs. 

 6. Rotate and Replace: Some plants such as the basil and cilantro have shorter growth durations thus may need to be planted more often. Make sure to replant as often as necessary in a cycle so you will never run out of plants to use or have plants that are to old to use or that starts to grow wood. 

  Creative Uses for Fresh Herbs 

 Container gardening of your own kitchen herbs collection unlocks a myriad of opportunities when cooking in the kitchen. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:Here are a few ideas to inspire you: 

 Herb-Infused Oils and Vinegars: Marinate olives in olive oil with the fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme or basil to give extra boost to salads or dressings. 

 Herb Butter: Chop the herbs of your choice then mix it with butter that has been allowed to soften for application on breads vegetables and meat. 

 Herbal Teas: Its is essential to note that most herbs produce extraordinary herbal teas; fresh mint, chamomile, and lemon balms are some examples. To have a bespoken cup of tea, you just need to put the leaves in hot water for a good relaxing tea. 

Garnishes: Incorporation of fresh herbs in foods in the form of garnishing color the foods while at the same time providing natural flavors to soups, stews and grilled foods. 

Conclusion 

 A culinary herb kit is a great project that enriches a person and adds the beauty of nature to their homes while complementing their dishes. If you provide a little effort in the them then you shall be in a position to enjoy fresh and good scented herbs right from the pot for the whole year. Regardless of the level at which one operates as a chef or as a home cook, this is one positive endeavor towards the improvement of personal health and environmental sustainability of the food to be ingested. Happy gardening!

[aliceundrground]

Just to add to the gardening suggestion- if you don't have space for an actual garden (or even if you just hate dirt/are terrible at keeping plants alive) look into hydroponics!!

We use the 'kratky method', which basically amounts to 'put water and nutrients in a jar then suspend a plant over it, refill jar as needed'. More details and some pics below!

We started with 1L mason jars and then added in buckets for bigger plants (in the buckets below are Roma tomatoes that we just took the seeds from some tomatoes we got at the supermarket. In the mason jars are thai and italian basils, dill and parsley. We've since grown rosemary and oregano in jars too and some cucumbers in another bucket)

For medium sized plants, there's also 2L mason jars which use the same lids. Grew everything pictured from seed and our habenero has 5 peppers so far!

If you can spare the funds, you can get specific lids, covers, baskets, sponges and grow lights (12 lids & covers, 30 baskets & sponges cost ~35usd total off amazon, those 4 lights cost ~45usd) but you can also DIY those elements and natural sun light will be enough for lots of plants (our apartment barely gets sun so we saved up for the lights 💀)

Necessary components are nutrients, containers and seeds. Mason jars (or other containers) and seeds are great to get locally (either as seed packs or harvested from food you buy already). Garden or hardware stores may have nutrients or you can find some on amazon. There's some there starting at ~7usd. We ended up getting Root Farm (base and vegetable part 2) locally which will last probably forever and cost ~25usd total.

Highly recommend checking around youtube and reddit as well as looking around google for blogs. Any search for "kratky" hydroponics should get you good results with tutorials and advice. Not all plants are great with hydroponics but there's a ton you can do with it!

Every fun post on here that encourages people to have hobbies/be creative always gets an avalanche of "Some people are poor Karen" type reactions and respectfully, you're all super annoying. I've never lived above the poverty line and this is a list of hobbies I have that were cheap or entirely free:

Read books: Go to the library, lend a book from a friend

knitting, crochet, embroidery: Get some needles from the bargan store and ask around, people have leftovers from projects they'll happily give you. Thrift stores also often carry leftover fabric and other supplies. And talk about your hobby loud enough and an old lady will show up and gift you their whole collection, because there are way more old ladies with a closet full of wool than there are grandchildren who want to take up the hobby.

Origami/paper crafts: get some scrap paper and scissors, watch a youtube tutorial

walking: put on shoes open door

pilates/yoga/etc: get a mat or just use your carpet, watch a youtube tutorial

Houseplants: look online for people that swap plant cuttings. There are always people giving out stuff for free to get you started. If you're nice enough you'll probably get extra

gardening: You're gonna need some space for this one of course but you can just play around with seeds and cuttings from your grocery vegetables.

aquarium keeping is a bit of an obscure one but I got most of my stuff second hand for cheap or free and now I have a few thousand euro worth of material and plants.

drawing/art: You get very far just playing with bargan store materials. I did my entire art degree with mostly those.

writing: Rotate a cow in your head for free

cooking: again one you can make very expensive, but there are many budget recipes online for free. Look for African or Asian shops to get good rice and cheap spices.

Join a non-profit: Cities will have creative organisations who let you use woodworking machines or screen presses or laser cutters or 3D printers etc etc etc for a small fee. Some libraries also lend out materials.

candle making: You need some molds (cheap), wick, two old cooking pots for au bain marie melting and a ton of scrap candles, ask people to keep them aside for you.

a herbarium, flower pressing: Leaves are free, wildflowers too, ask if you can take from peoples gardens.

puzzles: thrift stores, your grandma probably

Citizen science: look for projects in your area or get the iNaturalist app

And lastly and most importantly: Share! Share your supllies, share your knowledge. Surround yourself with other creative people and before you know it someone will give you a pot of homemade jam and when you want to paint your kabinet someone will have leftover paint in just the right color and you can give them a homemade candle in return and everyone is having fun and building skills and friendships and not a cent is exchanged. We have always lived like this, it's what humans are build to do.

And all of it sure beats sitting behind a computer going "No stranger, I refuse to let myself have a good time."

Anyway I'm logging off bc I'm making some badges for a friend who cooked for me and then I'm going to fix some holes in everyones clothes.

[getbudslegalize]

LA Confidential Strain Review & Growing Guide: Unlocking The Mystique

LA Confidential Strain Reviews & Growing Guide

LA Confidential also known as "Confidential" and "Confidential OG," or "LA Con", is a unique hybrid strain that originated in Southern California. With its strong pine aroma and high THC levels, it is a popular choice among both novice and experienced cannabis consumers. Its lineage boasts a rich history of Kush genetics, which gives it a distinct flavor profile that feels luxurious and velvety on the palate.The strain is known for its potent psychedelic effects, which provide a gentle body high that is both swift and powerful. LA Confidential's appeal extends beyond recreational use, as it has garnered recognition for its therapeutic properties. It is commonly used to treat mood disorders, insomnia, and chronic pain.This versatile strain is highly sought-after within the medical cannabis community for its effectiveness in treating diverse medical needs. Its popularity continues to grow due to the benefits it offers, as it allows people to manage their medical conditions without the need for more traditional pharmaceuticals.LA Confidential Strain EffectsLA Confidential is a hybrid strain that has a gentle and smooth sedative effect, which can easily become a bit too powerful and leave you feeling locked to your couch if you consume too much. It is the perfect way to unwind after a long day, especially if you are feeling tense and in need of some relaxation.This strain is an excellent choice for those seeking a deep state of relaxation. It can uplift your mood and create a pleasant, warm, and cozy feeling around you. If you are agitated and need to calm down, LA Conf can help you achieve a restful night's sleep and feel rejuvenated.Smoking LA Conf often brings about a sense of joy and euphoria. It can make you feel uplifted and ready to see the good in everything. This hybrid is an effective happiness-inducer and has a very positive effect on your mood.

LA Confidential TerpenesLA Confidential is a cannabis strain known for its unique terpene profile that contributes to its distinct effects and aroma.Dominant terpene:TerpeneCharacteristicsα-PineneSharp, turpentine, pine, rosemaryThe primary terpene in LA Confidential is α-Pinene, which has a sharp, turpentine-like scent with hints of pine and rosemary. It is associated with alertness and may help counteract some of the cognitive deficits that THC can cause.Secondary terpenes:TerpeneCharacteristicsCaryophylleneSpicy, cinnamon, cloverMyrceneEarthy, musky, fruity, clover, hop, pungentPhellandreneMint, lime, citrus, herbal, floral, woodCareneSweet, herbal, earthy, musky, citrus, spicy, wood, cedar, cypressL-LimonenePine, pungent, turpentine, bitterThe secondary terpenes present in LA Confidential are Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Phellandrene, Carene, and L-Limonene.- Caryophyllene has a spicy taste similar to cinnamon and clove, and it interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, potentially providing anti-inflammatory effects. - Myrcene has earthy and musky notes and is known for its sedative qualities, enhancing the psychoactive effects of THC. - Phellandrene has minty, lime, and citrus flavors with hints of herbal and floral tones, and it is believed to have energizing effects. - Carene has a sweet citrusy aroma with spicy and herbal undertones and may help in drying out excess bodily fluids. - Finally, L-Limonene has a pine and pungent scent with uplifting effects that may provide stress relief and mood enhancement.

Best LA Confidential Seeds for Sale

ILGMFeminized seeds - 5 SEEDS = $109 - 10 SEEDS = $149 - 20 SEEDS = $209 BUY NOW

CROP KING SEEDSFeminized seeds - 5 SEEDS = $65 - 10 SEEDS = $120 - 25 SEEDS = $240 BUY NOW

ROCKET SEEDSFeminized seeds - 5 SEEDS = $65 - 10 SEEDS = $120 - 25 SEEDS = $240 BUY NOW

SUNWEST GENETICSFeminized seeds - 5 SEEDS = $65 - 10 SEEDS = $120 - 25 SEEDS = $240 BUY NOW Aroma & FlavorLA Confidential is an aromatic and flavorful strain that stands out for its unique scent and taste. Upon inhaling, you'll be greeted by a rich earthiness infused with a delightful pine fragrance that lingers in the air. Its skunky nature adds an intense and pungent aroma, making it a treat for your senses.When it comes to taste, LA Conf is a creamy delight that leaves a sweet and skunky aftertaste on your tongue. The pine aroma that permeates the air is also evident in the flavor, providing a full-bodied and rich taste that is hard to forget. This California hybrid is truly one of a kind, and its signature flavor is sure to leave you wanting more.Adverse ReactionsWhile the side effects of this strain are relatively mild, it is still important to exercise caution when using it. One possible effect of smoking this strain is the feeling of dry mouth, also known as cotton mouth, which is usually accompanied by dry eyes.Occasionally, some users may experience mild dizziness after smoking this California hybrid. However, this is a rare occurrence and usually resolves quickly.In some cases, users may also experience a slight headache or a mild sense of paranoia. But this is not a common side effect and should be temporary.Medical BenefitsLA Confidential is a strain of cannabis that possesses unique healing qualities. It is highly recommended for patients who suffer from arthritis and inflammation, as it can reduce joint pains and swelling, making them more bearable.Furthermore, this hybrid is also beneficial for individuals who have difficulty sleeping and experience restlessness, as it has strong tranquilizing abilities. It can also be useful for those dealing with depression, as it has a calming effect.Doctors frequently prescribe LA Confidential to patients who suffer from chronic pain and stress. Its popularity is rapidly growing, especially on the West Coast of the United States.

LA Confidential Grow InfoGrowing LA Confidential weed seeds requires attention to detail and adherence to specific cultivation techniques. 'Here is a basic growth guide to assist you in beginning:'1. Selecting Seeds: Begin by obtaining high-quality seeds from a reputable source. Ensure the seeds are viable and free from any defects or damage.2. Choose the Right Environment: LA Confidential thrives in a controlled indoor environment where factors such as temperature, humidity, and lighting can be meticulously managed. However, it can also be grown outdoors in a sunny and dry climate.3. Provide Adequate Lighting: During the vegetative stage, provide your plants with 18-24 hours of light per day using high-quality grow lights such as LEDs or HPS lamps. As the plants transition to the flowering stage, reduce the light cycle to 12 hours on and 12 hours off to stimulate bud development.4. Maintain Optimal Temperature and Humidity: Keep the grow room or outdoor space within the ideal temperature range of 68-80°F (20-27°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night. Additionally, maintain humidity levels between 40-60% to prevent mold and mildew.5. Ensure Proper Ventilation: Adequate airflow is essential for preventing the buildup of heat and humidity, as well as promoting healthy growth. Use fans and ventilation systems to maintain air circulation throughout the growing area.6. Provide Nutrient-Rich Soil: Use a well-draining and nutrient-rich soil mixture or hydroponic system tailored for cannabis cultivation. Additionally, supplement with organic fertilizers formulated for the vegetative and flowering stages of growth.7. Feeding: Heavy feeding is key to maximizing the potential of LA Confidential. During the flowering stage, ensure the plant receives sufficient phosphorus and potassium to facilitate the development of dense, robust buds.8. Prune and Train the Plants: Regular pruning and training techniques, such as topping, low-stress training (LST), and defoliation, can help maximize yields and promote even canopy growth.9. Monitor Growth and Health: Keep a close eye on your plants, checking for signs of nutrient deficiencies, pests, or diseases. Address any issues promptly to prevent them from affecting plant health and productivity.10. Harvest at the Right Time: LA Confidential typically flowers within 6-8 weeks. Read the full article

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Something For The “Green-Thumb-Inclined” this Spring

As winter will officially close this year when the Spring equinox lands on March 19, thoughts easily meander to flowers and gardens.

Once the rains subside “the green-thumb” inclined will be eager to tend to the soil. Hyacinths, tulips daffodils and lilies will be in full bloom soon to a garden-lover’s delight. While handling dirt appeals to the child in us, like playing in the mud, many types of soil absorb and pulls out moisture and oil from the skin.

Even, if working with gloves, hands still need moisturizing care, says Caryl Brandes, a skincare product professional, who just participated in the Marin Arts & Crafts Show and marketplace this past February 23 to February 25.

Just in time for spring, she has developed and created a new skin cream ideal for soil-tenders & horticulture enthusiasts. Labeled simply “A Gardener’s Healing Hand Cream,” Brandes has put together a unique new formula-mixing Orange and Rosemary with a blend of Tamanu or Foraha oil.

“This cream was created for those with dry, rough, callused, and cracked skin,” says Brandes. “Skin areas such as hands, feet, elbows and knees, I also kept in mind,” she added. Gardening also involves being down in the dirt on hands and knees, sometimes up to the elbows.

Adding the oil from the Tamanu tree into the compound, this new hand cream product is made with the oil extracted from seeds or nuts of the tree. The Tamanu tree, as described by Wikipedia, is from Polynesia-Asia and parts of Australia.

While the Tamanu tree does have fragrant flowers and its oil is beneficial, it isn’t to be eaten or ingested. It’s strictly an externally used oil for the skin.

As noted by Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD on WebMD, “it is often used in skin care for its wound-healing properties.” It’s sometimes thought of as an essential oil. But as Dr. Jaliman explained. “It’s actually a fatty nut oil, which can be used to dilute and or facilitate essential oils to heal the skin.” (Those with nut allergies might take precautions, testing a tiny bit on skin first before considering to buy).

Even so, Brandes upholds the benefits as she said. “It offers deep hydration and protection for the skin, while offering the wonderfully soothing fragrance of Orange and Rosemary.”

This new product is an addition to the Caryl B ‘Gardener’s Collection.’ “It’s perfect for gardeners, farmers, and carpenters,” exclaimed Brandes.

Maintaining the highest quality for her artisan-boutique approach to specialty products, all of Brandes’ skin and bath products are made in small batches to ensure exceptional quality and consistency.

“When I started my line of skin, bath and personal care products almost a decade ago, it was with sensitive skin in mind,” said Brandes.

Brandes is always seeking new and innovative ways to help enhance the skincare, bath and personal care products she provides.

“Foraha or Tamanu ( which is same species), says Brandes is a plant whose seeds (or nuts) are used to treat wounds, rashes, burns and other ailments.” That’s why she sought it out.

“I have made a compound-mixture that is gentle yet effective,” said Brandes. “Use as often as needed for a calming skin-cellular repair treatment.”

Visit the Caryl B website to learn more about the new addition to ‘Gardener’s Collection’ now in Orange & Rosemary with Tamanu oil.