Thank you for your thoughtful comment! You’ve raised some great points. While it’s true that eggshells are unlikely to deter caterpillars directly, we have found in our own gardens, some prefer to avoid them as we have witnessed them go around eggshells. We can only assume it is because they may feel sharp to them. Egg shells can still benefit the soil as a slow-release calcium source if they are processed properly. At least that has been our experience. As for watering in full sun, there is indeed ongoing debate about whether or not water droplets can act like magnifying glasses and cause leaf burn, but it largely depends on local conditions. We prefer not to water in extreme sunlight and hot temps and water in the early morning or evening before the sun sets. I imagine though this is a personal preference though. Your experience with sun scorch is certainly valid, and it’s always best to water when the sun is less intense, especially in warmer climates. Regarding talking to plants, we agree that there's something special about the interaction between gardeners and their plants, even if science suggests it's not just about the vibrations. Every gardener has their own approach that works best for them! Pest control, as you mentioned, can vary based on circumstances-natural predators like ladybugs and praying mantises are a great way to help manage pests without chemicals. Thanks again for sharing your insights! It’s always good to hear from experienced gardeners. 🌱 Debbie :)

Hi TheKitsuneOnihane, Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing that fantastic tip! 🌱 Pot growing is indeed a great solution for areas with heavy rain like Florida. It gives you that extra control over the environment, ensuring your lavender doesn't get waterlogged. I appreciate you adding this valuable insight for our viewers who might be dealing with similar conditions. Thanks again for watching and contributing to the conversation! Debbie :)

Hi Eric, are you asking for a video about gardens in Costa Rica? We appreciate you watching our video and taking the time to comment. Do you live in Costa Rica? Debbie :)

HI Martianshoes, I hear ya! Thank you for taking the time to comment and for watching our videos. :) Deb

Hi, I think no one should be prohibited from collecting rainwater. It all eventually ends up in the ground anyways. But some cities and counties that try to stop the collection of rainwater, you got to know its because of money. They want the sheep to pay, and dependent on them alone.

Hi Singh, I’m truly sorry to hear that you’re dealing with such restrictive policies. It’s frustrating when officials impose rules that prevent you from collecting rainwater on your own property-especially when it’s something as essential as water. We strongly disagree with these kinds of regulations, as it seems like a way to force people into paying for something that naturally belongs to them. If I were in your shoes, I’d be determined to find a way to collect that rainwater. Perhaps an underground storage system could work, with vegetation covering the area and a discreet access point. You could use a portable pump whenever you need the water. Just an idea-stay resourceful! Thank you for watching our video and for your comment. Debbie :)

@@BuckeyeBloomstead Wow! Thank you for the ideas!

@@singhispraise365 Just be careful. Do not advertise what you are doing and keep it on the down low. :) Seriously. :)

@@BuckeyeBloomstead absolutely 💯

Thank you for watching my videos and sharing your feedback. I understand your concerns about the narration. Unfortunately, due to health reasons, I can't always rely on my voice as I used to. We appreciate your understanding and will strive to improve this aspect. Best regards, Debbie 😊"

How wonderful! What part of Kentucky? Most of my family is from Kentucky. I can sure relate to never serving up a chicken for dinner that we raised. Many would say I was a lousy farmer since all of our hens (we never had roosters) were allowed to live out their lives after they stopped laying eggs. That was the least we could do for the years they fed our family with their wonderful eggs. Your Grandfather sounds like he was a pretty amazing man. :) Debbie

@@BuckeyeBloomstead That grandfather was a monster that ended up dying in prison for his actions done to my sisters and I. You can read between the lines because Kentucky foothills are atrocious for those things. I was born in Lexington and was raised in Bath county and Estill county. I was adopted and so were my sisters by a wonderful family at the age of 13. I would give anything to have that simple farm life again and I just might when I move to Johnson City Tennessee next October. I’m military retired now and I have lived here in Detroit Michigan long enough. 😂 seeing your video took me back to a happier time even though it was marred by some ugliness. ❤️

@@nawtygi Oh Honey, I am so very sorry about the suffering you and your sisters endured at the hands of your grandfather. We have that in common. Unfortunately, it was by my adopted father. My adoption did not allow me to escape molestation. My biological father I understand was as evil as they come. I also was adopted too. We have a lot in common, good and bad. Im sending you prayers for healing and kindness. I am glad you were adopted by a wonderful and loving family. That makes my heart smile. I so can relate by the way to the yearning for a simple farm If we ever hit the lottery we always say. I have always wanted that, but unfortunately, life took me in a different direction. We would love to have property to have an animal rescue and safe haven. My background besides law enforcement is Veterinary medicine. That was my calling. We have our small, very small homestead, or what we like to call our homestead. We are in our 60; s now and although not old, we are hardly spring chickens, lol Our physical handicaps do limit us to doing many things. I have family that lives in Another thing we have in Johnson City, so we also have that in common. My sister too who has since passed on lived in that area. I pray you get that homestead in Tennessee if that is where your heart takes you. Thank you for serving our Country Nawtygi! I will keep you and your family in my prayers. You and your sisters deserve so much happiness and love. 💟🙏 Sincerely, Debbie

That they are. :)

Hi Newtygi! Thank you so much for watching her video and taking the time to comment. I'm glad that you found the information helpful. We were surprised too to learn about all the different facts regarding chickens. We once raised chickens and actually learn something ourselves when I was doing the research for the video. Thanks again for taking the time to comment. ☺️ Debbie.

@@BuckeyeBloomstead did you know that quails lay unique patterns of their eggs? Each quail has their own markings like humans have fingerprints. Now, that blew my mind! 😳 You are so welcome! ~ Kimberly

Hi Nwtygi, I used to raise the Chinese button quail. They were the size of my thumb nail. And when the chicks hatch they look like little baby fluffy buttons. Lol I will have to check out the quail eggs you're referring to. I bet they are cool looking. 😊

@@womennomads what?! Wow!! I now have to go look at these adorable furry buttons which you speak of!! I thought I knew a lot of nothing but you seem to still educate me! I’m gonna subscribe AND have my massive family also to subscribe! I have 18 brothers and sisters and we have massive nieces and nephews who would love to learn about what you do! 💕💕

Thank you Nawtygi, it means a lot that you think enough of our channel to want to share it with your family. We would also love to hear what kind of video ideas our viewers would like to see, so please feel free to share your ideas. Debbie :)

Hi Wendy.. that is too funny! You can watch a chicken grows the road. LOL now can you answer the big question, the million-dollar question, which came first the chicken or the egg? Thank you so much for watching her videos and taking the time to comment. 😊 Debbie

@@BuckeyeBloomstead Exactly! The chicken crossed the road to get to the other side - likely to go home after crossing the street to find only an empty lot!

Exactly! lol Too funny.

Thanks 🔥

Thankyou Teas. Louise so much for sharing your experience and insights and watching our videos. It's truly distressing to hear that even seasoned gardeners like yourself are facing these horrifying issues. The symptoms you describe - stunted growth, low germination, and twisted leaves - are exactly what we've been struggling with this season. Your discovery about DOW Chemical's new persistent herbicide is both alarming and enlightening. It makes sense that such a pervasive toxin could be affecting our gardens so dramatically. We’ve suspected various causes, from chem trails to improperly broken-down soil, but this adds another layer to the mystery. All which we think is intentional by the powers that be all over the world. I know that sounds like we are conspiracy theorists, but hey, I can name 20 conspiracy theories that have been proven true. It’s disheartening to know that this issue is so widespread, impacting gardens from the USA to Australia and the UK. The fact that it persists through the manure cycle and contaminates even the most reliable brands of compost and soil is concerning. Thank you again for bringing this to our attention. It’s crucial for us gardeners to share our experiences and knowledge so we can collectively find solutions and support each other through these challenging times. Let’s hope that by raising awareness and continuing to investigate, we can mitigate these issues and return to thriving gardens. Stay strong, and happy gardening, Debbie :) Buckeye Bloomstead

@@BuckeyeBloomstead Thank you - I am so happy this has helped you. I have grown mostly in Ohio- also in CA and Florida. Always organic. Grandmother started me when young. She won awards for her roses and canned a years worth of food every year. My 'normal' garden looks like an absolute riot of color and growth every year, one of the things in life I can be proud of. By June last year, when things started going south, I was blaming possibly the smoke from Canada fires, maybe a new virus or fungus? It was senseless. But now I am so angry I could spit. I measure my life in "How many gardens do I have left in me?" And I have been robbed. I'm going to cover crop with winter rye this fall and then pull it and burn it in spring. See if that helps pull the toxin out. Stay safe and enjoy your garden! At least we have figured it out.

@@Teas.Louise Thank you for sharing your great wisdom on gardening. :)

Thank you so much for your kind words and taking the time to comment .We have more informative videos coming so stay tuned! Debbie, 😊

Hi Shirley! You are so welcome! I am so glad you are finding the information useful. I will do my best to continue to provide helpful information. Thank you for watching, subscribing and taking the time to comment. Debbie :)

They sure do Jesse. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. Debbie :)

Thank you kindly! I can't take credit for all those beautiful babies. Some of them are owned by other friends. Thank you for watching our video and taking the time to comment. Debbie :)

Hi Mr. Chandler, thank you for watching our video and for your comment to the video. You are correct, Chickens are known to occasionally eat their own feces. This behavior is generally not harmful and can be part of their natural foraging habits. Although when we raised chickens, ours didn't do too much of that. We provided them with so much fresh food out of the garden, including hard boiled eggs, when we had too many than we could use, (I know some will think that's weird to feed them eggs, but it is a great protein for them which helps in producing more eggs), They also received meal worms and other healthy worms in addition to their chicken feed. So, with all of this, and our diligence to keep our coop clean, we really never had an issue with them eating their own feces. We used that in our gardens as fertilizer after it had cured. Debbie :)

Hi Heidi, yes, we are in Ohio. Are you also in Ohio? That is where our channel name comes from. If you are from Ohio, you are familiar with the Buckeye. :) In regard to your question about Ants, I hear you about the ants. Ants can be a friend and foe in the garden. We are going to feature the issue of ants in another video on Garden Elixirs like we just released. However, so you do not have to wait, here is how e control ants in those areas we dont want them in. Keep in mind, you also need to control aphids, since aphids release a chemical for lack of a better word that Ants love. They work hand in hand in the garden. The ants protect them in a way because the aphids help provide them with what they want. Food. Here's a safe and effective way to control ants in specific areas of your garden without eliminating them entirely: Natural Ant Control with Diatomaceous Earth: Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a non-toxic, natural substance that can help control ant populations without harming your plants. DE works by damaging the exoskeletons of ants, causing them to dehydrate and die. To use diatomaceous earth effectively: Application: Sprinkle a thin layer of food-grade DE around the base of plants and along ant trails where you don't want ants to go. Ensure the soil is dry when you apply it, as DE is less effective when wet. Reapplication: Reapply after rainfall or watering once the soil has dried out to maintain its effectiveness​​​​. Additional Natural Deterrents: Citrus Peels: Place citrus peels around the base of your plants. The strong scent repels ants without harming your garden. You can also use citrus-infused water for a similar effect​​. Cinnamon and Coffee Grounds: Sprinkling cinnamon or used coffee grounds in areas with ant activity can deter ants due to their strong odors, which ants dislike​​​​. Controlling Aphids: Since ants often farm aphids for their sugary secretions, reducing aphid populations can also help control ants. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs or use insecticidal soap to manage aphid populations​​. By using these methods, you can manage ant populations in problem areas of your garden without harming beneficial insects or the overall ecosystem. Always observe and identify the specific ant issues in your garden to apply the most effective control methods. I hope this is helpful Heidi. Thank you for watching our videos and taking the time to comment. Debbie :)

Welcome!! Thank you for watching our video subscribing and taking the time to comment. If you liked the last video on hacks way to see the next one that's coming out. We will be providing recipes for a whole post of resolving problems in the garden. We will even be providing a link to where you can download the recipes so that you can just enjoy the video and not have to worry about taking notes. Thanks again for taking the time to comment. Debbie :)

😊 I have already shared the video with my neighbor! It was a great video and so helpful yesterday I started my inside kitchen compost container :-)

Oh wow, thank you so much! And congratulations on getting your inside kitchen compost container. Are you going to also have a bigger one outside? Thanks for watching and sharing! Debbie :)

Thank you Marla for taking the time to comment and watch her video. It means a lot. Debbie:)

Excellent. It sounds like you got it going on Susan. I so appreciate you taking the time to share that. If you like the last video on the 15 hacks wait till you see the next where we will be providing actual recipes remedies that are useful in the garden. All sorts of good stuff. Thank you for watching the video subscribing and taking the time to comment. :) Debbie

Hi Pam. You are absolutely right. We always want good beneficial insects in our garden. Thank you for taking the time to watch your video subscribing and commenting. In the future we will be more diligent with specifying the problem insects we are trying to control. 🙂 Debbie

We are so glad that you enjoyed our video. Thank you for taking the time to comment and subscribe. We are working on the next video that we hope you will find very informative. So stay tuned. Debbie 🙂

I will be happy to get that information for you. We did not included in this video because temperatures vary depending on the equipment that you're using and what it is that your dehydrated. But I will be happy to get that information for you. We do plan to do quite an extensive video on dehydration. We will have all of that information. So that you don't have to wait I hope that you love information and post it, in the mean time. We appreciate you taking the time to watch our videos.

As promised JD, here is a basic food dehydration information that you can use as a guideline to dehydrating food. Be sure to follow the instructions if you do get a dehydrator, which we find is so much easier than an oven which if you are not careful, can cook out all nutrition instead of preserving it. We are working on two videos as we speak, one on using a dehydrator and part two will be on using an oven for dehydrating. Each of these videos will have all of this information and more in it. We soon will also have our very own Buckeye Bloomstead Food Dehydrating Guide. In the mean time, here is a list of foods to dehydrate with Temps and Times. Fruits Apples Preparation: Slice into 1/4 inch thick rings or wedges Temperature: 135°F (57°C) Time: 6-8 hours Bananas Preparation: Slice into 1/4 inch thick pieces Temperature: 135°F (57°C) Time: 8-10 hours Strawberries Preparation: Slice into 1/4 inch thick pieces Temperature: 135°F (57°C) Time: 6-8 hours Blueberries Preparation: Whole (pierce skin for better drying) Temperature: 135°F (57°C) Time: 12-20 hours Pineapple Preparation: Slice into 1/4 inch thick pieces Temperature: 135°F (57°C) Time: 8-12 hours Mangoes Preparation: Slice into 1/4 inch thick pieces Temperature: 135°F (57°C) Time: 8-12 hours Grapes (Raisins) Preparation: Whole Temperature: 135°F (57°C) Time: 22-30 hours Vegetables Carrots Preparation: Slice into 1/4 inch thick rounds or sticks (blanch before dehydrating) Temperature: 125°F (52°C) Time: 6-10 hours Tomatoes Preparation: Slice into 1/4 inch thick slices Temperature: 135°F (57°C) Time: 8-10 hours Peppers Preparation: Slice into 1/4 inch rings or strips Temperature: 125°F (52°C) Time: 8-12 hours Onions Preparation: Slice into 1/4 inch thick pieces Temperature: 125°F (52°C) Time: 6-8 hours Garlic Preparation: Slice into thin pieces Temperature: 125°F (52°C) Time: 6-8 hours Zucchini Preparation: Slice into 1/4 inch thick rounds Temperature: 125°F (52°C) Time: 8-10 hours Herbs Basil, Oregano, Thyme, Parsley Preparation: Whole leaves or sprigs Temperature: 95°F (35°C) Time: 4-6 hours Meats Beef Jerky Preparation: Slice into 1/4 inch thick strips (marinate before dehydrating) Temperature: 160°F (71°C) Time: 4-6 hours Eggs Scrambled Eggs Preparation: Fully cook and spread a thin layer on trays Temperature: 145°F (63°C) Time: 8-10 hours Others Mushrooms Preparation: Slice into 1/4 inch thick pieces Temperature: 125°F (52°C) Time: 6-8 hours Green Beans Preparation: Whole (blanch before dehydrating) Temperature: 125°F (52°C) Time: 8-12 hours Sweet Corn Preparation: Whole kernels (blanch before dehydrating) Temperature: 125°F (52°C) Time: 6-8 hours Notes: Blanching: Blanching is recommended for some vegetables (e.g., carrots, green beans) to preserve color, texture, and nutritional value. Thickness: The thickness of the slices significantly affects drying time. Thinner slices dry faster and more evenly. Testing for Dryness: Always ensure the food is thoroughly dehydrated by checking for the recommended texture (e.g., leathery for fruits, brittle for vegetables). Storage: Store dehydrated foods in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. For longer shelf life, use vacuum-sealed bags or mason jars with oxygen absorbers.

Hello Stratos, thank you for watching our videos and taking the time to ask a question in our comment section. Do you know which variety you were looking for? I have Organic Russian Mammoth seeds from our own plant stock that we grew on our small homestead. Each pack contains a minimum of 45 seeds of the Russian mammoth sunflowers. This variety grows pretty big head and they are very very tall. They are good for eating, for roasting and although they don't have the oil content like the black seed sunflowers but the birds love, the birds still enjoy this variety as well. They are $5 a pack plus shipping of $5. The shipping is covers as many packs as you wish to order. If you are interested, feel free to contact me at [email protected]. Debbie :)

Thank you so much for letting us know that there is an issue with a video. We did experience some problems uploading it. And I thought the issues have been corrected. I will take another look at it. I so appreciate you letting us know. Debbie :)

Buckey indeed fixed any problem. This is a great video.

Thank you Mary. I don't always get things right but I sure do try. Thank you for your kind words. Debbie :)

Hi Heidi, I am so sorry that you had issues with the video. We were experiencing some technical difficulties in trying to upload it from the get-go. I thought the problem had been resolved. I will take another look at the video and see if there's some way that we can adjust it. But I do appreciate the time you took to first watch the video and second to let us know that there is an issue. Thank you so much for doing that. We will make every effort to make sure to try and avoid this situation again. It's important to us that you enjoy our videos. :)

Buckey fixed this problem(?). Great video.

@@BuckeyeBloomstead Thank you for being kind about it. Sorry if I came off rude.

Oh Heidi, don't you worry, I myself can be a little gruff. I did not take your post as being rude. We like it when people say it like it is. No thin skin here. lol Thank you though for your apology. That was thoughtful of you to be concerned. Check out our most recent video upload and let me know if you find the music at a better level. Sometimes we don't know how it sounds for sure until after its uploaded. We think we have the level right, and it turns out not to be. Debbie :)

@@BuckeyeBloomstead Hey, I wrote you fixed it. I'm the nice one. Lol

Thank you Gillan for your kind words. I so appreciate you taking the time to watch our little video and for commenting. You will so fall in love with these amazing flowers. I would love to see a photo of your flowers once you grow them. I am so glad you liked our video. Your comment made my day. :) Debbie

oh i see you answered my question later in he video. im very new just starting out the blue with no knowledge.

Hi Jamie, Thank you for watching our video and taking the time to comment. In answer to your question, I would generally advise against using landscape fabric in your raised beds, primarily because it can impede the movement of earthworms and other beneficial organisms. These creatures are vital for aerating the soil and improving its structure and fertility. Instead of landscape fabric, we've found that placing cardboard at the bottom of the beds is an effective alternative. Once you fill the beds with soil, the cardboard will help suppress any weeds initially, and although it will eventually break down, this decomposition actually benefits the soil by adding organic matter. The substantial amount of soil above the cardboard (often hundreds of pounds) will further prevent any weeds from growing up through this layer. If you're using clean, high-quality soil, any weeds that do appear are likely to be minimal and easy to manage. These weeds are more likely to originate from external sources like bird droppings, wind-blown seeds, or residual seeds in the compost or topsoil, rather than pushing through from beneath the cardboard. In terms of additional protection, especially if you're concerned about burrowing pests like gophers or moles, incorporating a layer of chicken wire at the bottom of your raised beds can provide an effective barrier. Overall, focusing on building healthy soil and maintaining good cultural practices will keep your garden thriving. Thanks for reaching out, and happy gardening! Debbie :)

Thank you for taking the time to help our fellow viewers, and for watching. We so appreciate the information you have provided. :)

Thank you so much Anthonette, I appreciate you taking the time to watch our video and for your kind comment. It means a lot. Debbie :)

Thank you so much Women Nomads for watching our video and taking the time to comment. We are so glad you enjoyed the video!

Sunflower the National Flower of Ukraine

Wow! That is very interesting to know. They sure are my favorites! Thank you for sharing that interesting fact and for watching our videos. Debbie :)

Hi there! Thanks for your comment. We're intrigued by your mention of 'Promo-SM' and would love to hear more about your thoughts. Are you suggesting we engage more with social media promotion, or do you offer services in this area? We're always looking for ways to share our content with a wider audience and appreciate any suggestions or opportunities. Looking forward to hearing from you!"

Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. We so appreciate it.

Absolutely, Windmechanic, your point is well taken. In today's world, it's increasingly important to be mindful of our resources and self-sufficiency strategies, especially when it comes to sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting. While sharing knowledge can be powerful, there's also wisdom in practicing discretion within our families and close communities. In any challenging situation, being prepared and keeping key strategies close to our chest can be crucial for resilience and security. No matter where we are, being prepared and self-reliant is essential in times of uncertainty. Let's all focus on building a sustainable and secure future for ourselves and our loved ones. Thank you for watching our videos, subscribing and taking the time to comment. We love to hear from our viewers and value your input.