Purslane, Portulaca sp.

Cuttings of Purslane
     Today I was looking at the purslane that I bought from the garden club, and was struck with the thought that it is the end of December, and that this plant might pass away with the first freeze. Death is so final.

     After a quick search of the internet, I have discovered that there are two methods to creating purslane cuttings - that is, rooting in water and rooting in clean soil. I have clipped some small shoots and removed the lower leaves. No rooting hormone applied; and placed into clean water.
     Then I went outside and took some cuttings of the smaller native purslane, the one with the tiny purple flowers. It doesn't taste nearly as good as the bought purslane with the pink and yellow flowers, but it does grow well here.
     Then I made some cuttings of Porkchop's begonia. It's not edible, but it is pretty, and grows well here in the shade with some watering.
Cuttings, day one.

Some thoughts for spring 2018

     I was brainstorming and researching what I might want to do for Spring 2018 in terms of growies.
     I might make some hanging baskets to sell on craigslist or otherwise. The pots themselves are expensive but beautiful. I was able to locate plain green hanging planters on Amazon for $2.56 per basket. That's not too bad. And they look nice, nicer if the kids would paint them up.
As for growies:
     Sweet potato (green)
     Sweet potato (purple)
     Portulaca desert rose
     Nasturtium
     Morning Glory
     Tomatoes
     Summer squash or loofah
     Catnip

     Ok, the last one is just because I can't seem to get my grow on without the neighborhood felines partying at my place. I guess that means the last basket is going to be just for me and my mom.
     That seems like possibly too many choices.

     What do you think?

Sand Spur, Cenchrus echinatus

     This annual grass is potentially one of the naughtiest plants on the planet. That is why I am proud to kick off my online sales with seeds of pain for your planting pleasure. Check it out here, I think you will find that the price is very reasonable.

Self-Reliance Expo 2016

This year there will be a gathering of people with a common interestt at the 2016 Self-Reliance Expo in Lakeland,  Florida. It will be held at the Lakeland Civic Center on September 9th and 10th. Tickets are $10 for adults and children 12 and under are free. Vendors will be there too.
I have never been to a self - reliance expo. The last expo I was at was probably DragonCon. So I am expecting awesome guest lectures and business development.  Toying with the idea of creating some business cards for Eat Your Sand and giving them out while there. Maybe even a custom t-shirt. What do you think?

How to Clone your Basil, Part 1 of 3

You may be wondering how to stay productive with your growies during the heat of summer. UofF IFAS recommends to do no planting or transplanting during the month of July, likely due to the high temperatures and extremely intermittent rainfall. In August, it would be acceptable to plant some seeds indoors for later transplanting outside, if you are into that sort of thing. Me, I would rather reproduce the growies that are successful asexually indoors during July, particularly growies like this delicious basil that I started from seed earlier this year.
This is a picture of the basil cuttings in my clone bucket, a miniature aeroponic system that bathes the stems in a constant mist. I had previously modified the sprayer head to produce finer misting particles, and once it was loaded with water and a pinch of rooting hormone it was ready to go. Also, the plants won't need light, so the clone bucket is tucked into my fairly dark kitchen where I can keep an eye on it.
Have you ever started cuttings in water, using this method or any other method?

Ridiculously Simple Vegan No-Cook Ramen Salad

Flavorful pasta salad that is easy to make and high in vitamins and fiber is hard to come by. This recipe requires no heating, and the ingredients are inexpensive. Perfect for summer time. Simply put all the ingredients into a large bowl, stir, and serve. Like other pasta salads, more flavor is released when chilled for a few hours before serving.
1 16 ounce bag of coleslaw mix or broccoli mix
1 cup of sunflower seeds, hulled
1 cup of sliced almonds
2 packages of uncooked ramen, throw away the seasoning packets or use them for something else
3/4 cup your choice of oil
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
3 green onions, chopped

Eat Your Sand, beautiful edibles for the front yard

Announcing the official opening of project Eat Your Sand

After two grueling years of college, I have finally emerged. Hopefully the headaches will be over, and I will have more time to do the things that I love to do, like teach the little ones about nature and growing plants. I have also been cultivating a minimalist lifestyle, and this spring I have been potting and propagating, in hopes to find other permits to trade with, or just interested gardeners. Its not about selling plants and rabbits, its about sharing, getting, and producing bounty. Care of people and all.
So this spring I have more growies than I know what to do with. It has inspired me to create a trading page with a listing of everything that I have a lot of success with, including rabbits and premium plants.
Come check it out
EatYourSand
Don't hesitate to shoot me an email or use the form to contact me. I love to trade! Eat Your Sand will be updated frequently with what is currently being offered, and I am willing to travel to trade.

Chrissy Hibiscus'seed?

     As an aside, I am secretly envious of David's home nursery. I definitely have decided I want to do that with some of my not-so-spare time. There needs to be more permaculture nurseries, and I want to grow and maybe market edible plants and their cousins, edible ornamental plants. I'd like to grow it from the roots up, slowly, potting up my extras and offshoots.

     It's just so fun propagating plants, and so useful if the plants can be used as a survival food source. I even have family support on this kind of endeavor.
     And when I think about how much it would cost to turn my tiny yard into a food forest with plants from the big box stores, I shudder in horror. I have no access to that kind of money at the moment, and wouldn't choose to blow that much on plants anyway. Even if a person had the money, there is no place selling all the varieties of edible plants that grow well in this area, a place where freezes do occasionally happen but there are so many plants that can tolerate it. Much more possibilities than up north, even more possibilities than north Florida.
     To be a public figure in the plant world, I would have to specialize. I would make myself known, preferably by propagating and growing out many many hibiscus' and taking them all over the state like Johnny Appleseed. Chrissy Hibiscus'seed? Awesome!  Chrissy the mad hibiscus maven. What would I name my nursery? Maybe Sandy's Edible Yard. or Sandlot Plants. Sandy (the Hibiscus Maven)'s Edible Plants.  Hmmm...

Backyard Green Smoothie Recipe

1 loquat leaf
4 red hibiscus leaves
4 hibiscus leaves
6 lemon leaves
1/2 ginger leaf
rosemary - greens from one sprig 4" long
1-2 cups cold water

optional : canna - no added flavor, no significant nutrition
     lemongrass - tasty but adds a real "grassy" flavor
     mints

     Directions - add all ingredients to blender and blend on high for at least 30 seconds. There should be enough blending that a foam is created on the top, which quickly dissipates. Then pour through a strainer into a large enough jar to hold your smoothie, which should be enjoyed immediately or refrigerated and enjoyed within about 3 days. Take the strained contents to the compost heap, give to the rabbits now, or freeze into cubes for treats for the rabbits later.

Easiest Method for Cleaning a Glass Wine Carbouy

     The easiest way to clean a glass carbouy - get some denture cleaning tabs from the grocery store. They are about $5 for a hundred tabs, may be cheaper at other locations. No specific type is necessary. Then fill up your carbouy with warm water, and add about one tab per gallon size of your jug. Watch impatiently while it fizzes, come back later when the water is clear, and all done. Sediment removed from the top without scrubbing! Rinse thoroughly and reuse your jug for another batch of wine.