Porch chatter – diatomaceous earth and cleaning tip

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Oh, how I wish we were just hanging out on the front porch chatting about stuff.  Sharing what’s going on on in our lives whilst sipping on some sweet tea.

Here’s what I’d be talking about. . .

Hubs and I just celebrated our 39th wedding anniversary – quarantine style.  We got take-out and set up a little table and chairs in the greenhouse.  It was wonderful.  We didn’t have to get all fancied up and I didn’t even put on lipstick – or apparently do my hair!  It will be one for the memory books!  We’ve been through a lot together over the years but it just bonds us closer together.

 

 

There has been a war going on in my garden.  The snails and slugs have been winning but I pulled out my secret weapon – DE.  Diatomaceous Earth, sprinkled around my tender plants does a great job at keeping the pests away.  I use a large upcycled cinnamon container from when I bought cinnamon in bulk for Christmas ornaments.  I can squeeze the container or shake it and the DE sifts out of the holes in the cap.  Just be sure to label what it is.

I have to reapply after each rain, but it is worth it to not put chemicals on my organic garden.  DE is also good for getting rid of ants, fleas, ticks, and almost any kind of bug that will climb on your plants because it dehydrates their gross little bodies.  You must use FOOD grade DE on the plants you are going to eat.  Also, be careful to not breathe it in as you’re applying it – you don’t want it in your lungs.

 

 

I’ve been doing some tidying up and deep cleaning around here.  One of my favorite vacuum attachments is this tool.  It slides onto my vacuum cleaner and I can use it to clean my kitchen drawers without taking everything out of them.  I have two of these.  I use one exclusively in my kitchen and then use the other one for other areas of my house and my car.  You can take it apart and wash it but I like to have one dedicated just for my kitchen.  It makes cleaning inside drawers and cabinets so much easier.

 

Thanks for hanging out with me today.  See you next time!