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Self Reliance – Page 10 – Homesteader Depot

Homesteader Depot

Category: Self Reliance

  • Never Waste Water Again

    Never Waste Water Again

     

    Picture this, for every inch of rain that falls on a 500 square feet area of your roof; you can collect up to 300 gallons of it to use around your property.

    If you live in an area that doesn’t restrict the use of rain barrels, you could be saving money every month on water. Rainwater can be used for a variety of tasks including:

    • Rinsing off your garage floor
    • Watering your indoor plants
    • Watering your outdoor plants
    • Flushing your toilet
    • Creating an outdoor shower
    • And more

    I know a potter who has a studio in her garage.  If you are at all familiar with pottery making, it required quite a bit of water to keep the clay at a usable moisture level, to rinse and clean after working, and to recycle the clay itself.

    Thanks to her ability to collect water every time it rains, she can exclusively use rainwater for everything she does in her clay studio.  Can we say WOW!

    Here’s what you need to do to make your own DIY Rain Barrel and tap into the otherwise free natural resource.

     

    Supplies Needed

    • Bulkhead Fittings:
      • ¾ inch Ball Valve Faucet
      • ¾ inch Fitting
      • 1 ½ inch Fitting
      • Downspout Attachment
      • Mosquito Screening (8 inches by 8 inches)
      • Overflow Hose with Valve and Fittings
      • Teflon Tape
    • Drill
    • Flathead Screwdriver
    • Felt Pen or Marker
    • Tape Measure
    • Rasp or Round File
    • Hole Saws:
      • 1 ½ inch Hole Saw
      • 3 inch Hole Saw
      • 5 ¼ inch Hole Saw or a Jig Saw
    • One 55-gallon Food Barrel
    • Two 6-inch plastic flower pots

    Here We Go!

    1. Clean and dry your food barrel inside and out.
    2. Measure 4 inches up from the bottom of the barrel and mark with your felt pen. This is where your ¾ inch bulkhead fitting and faucet will go.
    3. Cut a hole using the 1 ½ inch hole saw. You may want to place the barrel on its side for easier access to the drill site and better stability.
    4. Measure 4 ½ inches from the top of the barrel and mark.
    5. Switch to your 3-inch hole saw and make the hole for the overflow.
    6. Clean loose pieces of barrel material from around the holes’ cuts using the rasp or sandpaper.
    7. Use a 5 ¼ inch hole saw, or a jigsaw to cut out a circular hole out of the top of the barrel. This opening is where your DIY filter will fit inside and where the water will enter the barrel.
    8. Depending on the flexibility your downspout, you’ll probably want to place this hole toward the opposite side of the barrel from the location of your faucet hole.
    9. Install the ¾ inch Faucet Fitting.
    10. Install the ¾ inch Ball Valve Faucet using the Teflon tape to prevent leaks.
    11. Install the 1 ½ inch Bulkhead Fitting Into The Overflow hole (the second hole cut).
    12. Create the filtration system, using the 6-inch flower pots and the mosquito screen.
    13. Attach the screen to the bottom of one flower pot then put that pot inside the second one. Basically, you are sandwiching the screen between the 2 flower pot when they are stacked together.
    14. Place your new “filter” into the hole on the top of the barrel.
    15. Place your new rain barrel on the site you want to use it and insert the downspout into the filter.
    16. Attach the overflow hose to the upper side hole. This hose can either be placed away from the barrel to disperse excess water when the barrel fills or can be used as a link to another barrel, where it becomes the supply line instead of a downspout.

    Voila!  You are now able to save water (and money) with your new supply line that comes straight from nature.

  • 13 Drought Tolerant Plants for Low Maintenance Landscapes

    13 Drought Tolerant Plants for Low Maintenance Landscapes

    Whether you live in a desert climate, or just don’t want to use a lot of water to have a beautiful landscape, drought tolerant plants are a great option.  There are a large variety of species available to choose from, from succulents to blooming plants.  To help you narrow down your options, here is a list for you to consider.

    Cactus

    Not just for the desert, cactus plants are an obvious choice for a drought tolerant garden. They can also serve a very practical purpose.  Plant the lower lying varieties under exterior windows, and you automatically have an extra layer of protection against unwanted peeping toms and potential burglars.

    Succulents

    These adorable decorative plants have definitely stepped into the limelight lately.  Their array of interesting colors and shape make them fun to just look at.

    Popular in indoor “meditation” gardens, they are also great to use outdoors as a low maintenance addition.

    Crown of Thorns

    While the thorns may be a little scary at first, the flowers will definitely give you a change of heart.  Crown of Thorns comes in a vast array of colors, forms, and sizes.  And, like a cactus, they can also be used as a deterrent to would-be robbers that like to test the locks on windows.

    Daylily

    Considered by many to be the perfect perennial. The stunning blooms and amazing colors Daylilies offer both drought and frost tolerant additions to your landscape.

    Lavender

    Lavender is an extraordinary plant that is popular for more than its good looks.  Not only is it a beautiful flower, but its also used as an essential herb.  And, while it may have a delicate look about it, it can handle dry spells and frost equally.

    Purslane

    While some varieties of this plant are considered weeds you will work hard to annihilate; they are, in fact, a very tolerant and easy to maintain plant.  The blooms are beautiful, but that’s not all.  Purslane is also extremely high in vitamins and OMEGA 3’s!

    Yes, you read that right.  It’s practically a superfood, and most of the time it ends up in a scrap heap when it should be in your salad. You can eat the leaves raw or cook them as a side veggie. It’s even said that Mahatma Gandhi considered them one of his favorite foods.

    Blazing Stars

    These are a great all-weather option.  They can handle just about everything from dry spells to the worst of winter and bounce back.

    Bougainvillea

    Rarely will you see any garden in the Mediterranean that doesn’t include these fabulous flowers.  The stunning colors will as a big pop of color to any landscape.

    Bugleweed

    If you are working in an especially dry region, Bugleweed may be an option to fulfill all your needs.  It has a habit of being invasive, but in a container or extremely arid region, you will probably be able to keep it under control.

    Suggested Article: DIY Plant Propagating 

    Coneflowers

    A member of the daisy family, Coneflowers aren’t just attractive but are dependable in poorer soil.

    Penstemon

    Don’t let the delicate look of their blooms make you discount Penstemon.  This plant thrives on neglect.

    Scarlet Sage and Wild Sage

    This option, especially if joined up with its drought-resistant partner purple wild sage, it living proof you can have an explosion of color even in the sandiest, driest landscape.

    Butterfly Weed

    If the Monarch is your favorite butterfly, this is the plant you should choose first.  Butterflies and hummingbirds are extremely attracted to this dainty plant.  So, you’re your garden into a Butterfly Garden to bring even more interest.

  • Don’t Make These Common EDC Mistakes

    Don’t Make These Common EDC Mistakes

    When putting together an EDC kit, it can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between selecting an item because it could really be useful, and selecting an item because it’s really, really cool.

    To start, ask yourself some questions as you contemplate each possible item.

     

    Will this tool be helpful in the region I live in?

    Example, an ice pick is probably going to be of less use in a tropical or desert region.

     

    How many functions are included with this tool?

    Double check to see how many different uses you can get from a single item.

     

    Is the tool tried and tested?

    Check on an item’s return policy, this way you’ll be able to test a tool out and determine if its durable enough.  Preferably you’ll want to do this before you find yourself in a survival situation.

     

    How does the cost compare to the quality?

    Most of the time you get what you pay for.  But it is also possible to find a good deal on a quality item.  Do your research and compare reviews for differently priced items to see how they stack up to cheaper versions.  Then, wait for a sale or other promotion to get the best possible item for your budget.

     

    Is there anything comparable that would be lighter or easier to carry?

    Remember, when it comes to EDC set-ups, smaller and lighter is the goal, not bigger and bulkier.  Shop around and compare sizes versus weight.

     

    Will the tools included give me a better chance of survival?

    While it may be convenient in day to day like to have a set of nail clippers, a bottle opener, and a spoon handle, when you are stuck in the middle of nowhere and need to cut some vines for cordage or drive a stake in for shelter support, these aren’t going to be as handy.

    The Most Common Everyday Carry Build Mistakes

    To help ensure you don’t make some of the common mistakes a novice EDC builder often does, here are some things you need to avoid doing to yourself.

     

    Taking on Too Much

    You would think at this point it would be obvious to avoid weighing yourself down with extras but, like a kid packing his toys for a vacation trip, it all may seem like something you can’t live without, but most of it probably it.

     

    Being a Cheapskate

    A good deal in the store may end up being a deal breaker in an emergency situation.  Invest in quality products that you know you can count on.

     

    Relying Completely on Battery Operated Items

    Yes, a cell phone, flashlight, and GPS can be handy, but what if they stop working?  Or, what if they don’t work at all because you forgot to check the batteries before you left and didn’t grab spares?

    Good substitutes for these are an emergency whistle, a compass, and a hand-crankable light.

     

    Forgetting to Take Care of Your Supplies

    Good knives and other items need consistent care to keep them usable.  Over time, some items, especially metal ones, can corrode from air exposure.  Additionally, batteries can get old and wear out so bring your stuff out regularly to make sure its still in tip-top shape.

     

    Not Knowing How to Use a Tool

    This particular subject reminds me of the book Wild that was later made into a movie.  I haven’t actually seen the movie but I have read the book.  During the advent of her hike, she runs into problems such as not realizing the type of fuel her stove takes and having no real idea how to use an ice ax.

    She was fortunate enough to be in a situation where she could seek help and information as she progressed.

    In a true survival emergency, you are not going to have that luxury.

    For some tools, especially ones that have a specific purpose, the technique to successfully use them may be more complicated than you realize.

    Make sure you take the time to learn exactly how everything works before you find yourself needing to.

    [Don’t Miss This]  Tripple your accuracy with this simple shooting tip…ex sniper used it to increase his precision shooting.

  • 10 Loans and Grants to Help Your Homestead

    10 Loans and Grants to Help Your Homestead

    Dreaming of a homestead but don’t have the cash?  If money is the only thing stopping you, there are options that can get you the money you need to start or improve your homestead.

    These grants are low or no money down loans are specifically designated to rehab older farms or build new ones. From agricultural to livestock funding you can get the money you need to update or get started your homestead.

    10 Grants and Zero or Low Money Down Loans Available for Homesteading

     

    Agricultural Reinvestment Fund Grants

    If you are an existing farmer in North Carolina, you can request $8,000 annually to invest in the agricultural development of your existing operation.

     

    Farmers Market Promotion

    This promotion program was created to give an affordable way for farmers to market their produce and support regional and local agricultural sources. The funds may be used to create new or improve existing products’ sales opportunities.

     

    FSA Operating Loan

    The FSA low or no money down loans provides up to $35,000 to farmers for startup expenses.  These expenses can be utilized for the purchase of supplies like livestock, seeds, crops, fencing and machinery and fertilizer.

     

    USDA Beginning Farms Loan

    Farm loans and grants may be awarded for the purpose of converting wild acreage into pasture land and repair roads for better access and to lower stormwater run-off.

     

    USDA Rural Development Loan

    The Rural Development loans program are awarded for the purpose of agricultural land purchases.

     

    Fannie Mae Home Ready Loan

    This loan allows a borrower to have a debt to income ration higher than 45%, making it easier to receive a loan even if your credit record isn’t the best. The loan requires a 3% down payment and features reasonable interest rates.  It also allows the borrower to use funds from other government programs to pay the down-payment.

    Minority and Women Farmers and Ranchers Grants and Loans

    As the title implies, these homesteading grants and loans are focused on assisting Women and Minority residents.  The grants can be used for property clearing for residential use by the borrower or commercial farming.

    Applicants for the loans must meet the 640+ credit score required for all farm loans.

     

    Missouri Beef Grants

    If you are an existing farmer or rancher in the state of Missouri, you can apply for a $20,000 grant.  The funds must be used for enhancements to existing agriculture endeavors for the purpose of expanding the business or modernizing the current operation.

     

    National Sustainable Agriculture Commission Down Payment Assistance

    This Commission program provides funds specifically for the purpose of making down payments.  Qualifying applicants must be beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

    Socially disadvantaged loan applicants are categorized as at least one of the following demographics:

    • African Americans
    • Alaskan Natives
    • Asian Americans
    • Native Americans
    • Native Hawaiians
    • Hispanics
    • Pacific Islanders
    • Women

    Applicants must show at least three years of farming or similar experience as well as other requirements to receive this down payment assistance.

     

    Organic Farming Research Foundation Grants and Loans

    If you are experimenting with non-traditional crops or growing operations, there are funding opportunities to help you along.

    These small grants to help organic farmers to improve their operation and property are available in all 50 states.  The size of your homestead or your income is not a factor in awarding funds.

     

    You CAN Become a Homestead Owner

    Homesteading is a lifestyle that can be very rewarding.  If you are already working a property or are seriously interested in doing so, raising money to help you move forward is possible.  You don’t have to do it alone.

  • 10 Amazing Uses for Lemons

    10 Amazing Uses for Lemons

    Lemons, good for making lemonade, adding to your tea with honey, squeezing over fish, the list could go on and on.

    It even goes on to some amazing home remedies!  Who knew?  Someone apparently because we’ve been able to put together a list of 12 you can try in the comfort of your own home.

    Break up Congestion in Your Sinuses and Chest

    Getting that familiar sore throat or wheezing sound?  No problem.  Heat 4-6 oz of water and mix in 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 2 Tsp of honey.

    The honey will soothe your throat while the lemon will help break up the mucus and provide Vitamin C to boost your immune system.

    Why Are Allergies Worse in the Fall?

    Sooth Menstrual Cramps

    First thing in the morning mix the juice from one lemon with 1 Tbsp honey into warm water.  The combination has an alkalizing effect on a women’s body that helps keep you hydrated.

    Ease Headaches

    You have two choices for this one.  1. Add a few wedges to water or tea and drink.  2. Rub a wedge or slice against the temples and forehead.

    Or, get crazy and do both.

    Fever Reducer

    To help keep a fever from getting too high, mix 1.5 Tsp Cream of Tartar, 1/2 Tsp Lemon Juice, 2.5 Cups Warm Water, and 1/2 Tsp Honey. Sip slowly.

    To Help Treat and Avoid Kidney Stones – Make Lemonade

    Yep, you read that right.  According to an article on WebMD, doctors prescribe potassium citrate for patients prone to this painful ailment.  However, it’s now known that lemon juice is packed full of natural citrate.  And, while it doesn’t work as well as the medication, if you are trying to avoid adding another prescription to your routine, this “treatment” may be an option.

    The article gives a recipe of ½ Cup Concentrated Lemon Juice mixed with 7 cups of water.  To avoid excess sugar intake, use as little as possible, or a substitute like honey or stevia.

    If you would prefer to use fresh lemon juice, 2 Tbsp of concentrate equals one whole lemon.  Don’t worry; I’ve done the hard math for you.  Use 4 lemons for this recipe.

    Can Apple Cider Vinegar Boost Gut Health?

    Helps You with Your Weight Loss Goals

    Lemon juice helps detox your body, curbs your appetite and aids in better digestion.

    Help your weight loss along by drinking lemon water.  Need a little sweetness?  Add a touch of honey.

    Consider making this in large batches and keeping it in your fridge for easy access.

    4 Reasons Apple Cider Vinegar Works For Natural Weight Loss
    (Will Open In A New Window)

    Treat Acne

    Losing your battle with acne? Here is a completely natural way to go about it.  First, wash your face with mild cleanser and rinse.  Rub a slice of lemon over affected areas or dab fresh lemon juice on with a cotton ball. DO NOT RINSE.  Leave overnight.  Rinse first thing in the morning and moisturize.  Repeat every night.

    If you discover your skin is sensitive to lemon juice, dilute it with water before applying.  For more ways to use lemons for fight acne, check out this post at HomeRemediesForLife.com.

    Take the Itch Out of Insect Bites

    Insect bites are annoying at the least and can lead to infection at the worst if scratched into an actual wound.  To ease these irritations naturally, simply apply a lemon slice over the area and let it soak for a few minutes.  Alternatively, soak a cotton ball in fresh juice and apply liberally to the bite area.

    Related Article: Home Remedies Only Mother Nature Could Come Up With

    Get Rid of Pesky Blackheads

    This remedy only takes 5 minutes and doesn’t require ripping an adhesive strip off your nose at the end. This will be the quickest solution you can find for your blackhead problems. Take half of a lemon and pour approximately 1 Tsp honey onto the cut surface.  Rub the lemon all over your face but pay extra attention to the areas you are prone to blackheads.  Leave this mixture on for 5 minutes and then rinse with cold water.

    Turn Yellow Nails White

    Nail polish looks great after a manicure, but it’s also notorious for turning your nails yellow.  If you aren’t the type that keeps their nails polished 24/7 all year round, here is your solution.

    Mix approximately 1 Tbsp Baking Soda, ½ Tsp Olive Oil, and 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice into a paste.  Enjoy the volcano effect fizzle of the lemon and soda combining.  Apply the paste to your nails and let sit for 5 minutes then rinse and moisturize.

    So, now you know, when life gives you lemons…use them!

    A Revolutionary, Double Patented-Technology That Allows You To Wash Your Clothes WITHOUT Using A Single Drop Of TOXIC Chemical Detergent

  • Simple Reduce – Reuse – Recycle Methods

    Simple Reduce – Reuse – Recycle Methods

     

    If you are a parent, the words “Reduce – Reuse – Recycle” may conjure up the theme music of Bob, the Builder.  But, that’s not a bad thing, unless you can’t get it out of your head.

    I used to enjoy watching that show with my son when he was still part of “Bob’s” demographic because very often they gave the adults sitting through it really good ideas about upcycling stuff.

    If you’re looking for ways to put into action the three R’s at home, here are some ideas to get you started.

     

    Paper Products

    Egg Cartons –  Great to sort and organize small items, either in a drawer or in a storage box.  Since they are easy to cut apart, you can trim them to fit just about any space or secure more than one together to expand the storage options.

    Have a year-round garden?  You’re probably always looking for containers to start seed.  Paper egg cartons are great for this since they provide excellent drainage.  Plus, since they are biodegradable, you can plant the whole “cup” once the baby plant is ready, instead of making a mess trying to transfer the soil.

    Toilet Paper Rolls: Also can be used as seed starters.  Cut each roll in half. Wrap 4 or more mini-rolls together with a rubber band or bungee cord, fill with potting soil and place in a shallow container or tray.

    8.5 x 11 Paper: Create notepaper pads by cutting down the used paper.  Then clip them together or stack them in a small box with a pencil for a convenient note area.

    Packing Paper: Fold into long thin pieces approximately a quarter inch to an inch wide and use the strips to weave baskets. Decorate before you weave them or after to get interesting patterns and designs.

    Gift Wrap and Old Magazines: Looking for something to do in the winter when all the chores are done?  Roll a thin strip of used wrapping paper or old magazines into different sizes of paper beads to use in future jewelry and craft projects.  Or, take up Quilling, the art of rolled paper.

     

    Brown Wrapping Paper or Grocery Bags: Paper grocery bags are one of my favorite things to upcycle.  I crumple it up and then flatten it to use a background for photos and artwork.  I wrap book with it for a more decorative display on my bookcases (my HTML and CSS Coding for Dummies manual looks a lot better in brown).  I even used it to cover the top of a desk to give my office a new look.

    Last year I used brown paper grocery bags and my scrapbooking stamps to create one of a kind gift boxes for Christmas gifts.  The shoe boxes I refuse to throw out came in handy for that project as well.

    Newsprint:  Makes a great mulch for the garden. To use it, tear it into strips, then lay it around your plants. Have more than you need for mulching?  Toss the extra shreds on the compost pile.

    Do you keep chickens or other livestock that required bedding?  Shredded paper works well.  Then, when its time to lay down fresh, you have extra fortified mulch/fertilizer for your garden beds.

    Scrap Paper: Any other paper you can’t immediately find a use for can be stored in a plastic bag to keep moisture out and used when packing and shipping an item, or just storing something fragile away. It’s also good for kindling if you have a fireplace.  Just steer clear of shiny paper, they contain additives that smoke very badly and release toxins into the air.

     

    Plastic

    Plastic Shopping Bags: This seemingly never-ending supply can be repurposed.  Use them a stuffing for plush items and pillows, braid them into rope for a variety of activities or crochet them into reusable bags.

    Plastic Bottles: Thanks to all the creatives out there, more and more ways of using plastic bottles are popping up every day.  From self-watering planters to chandeliers it appears that only your imagination is the limit when it comes to reusing them. For some fun idea, check out this post by DIYProjects.com.

     

    Glass

    Glass containers can be used indefinitely.  They can even help you reduce the number of plastic containers you end up with.  Try buying as many things in bulk and using your glass jars and bottles for storage.

     

    I hope at least one of these methods caught your attention and can be put to use immediately.  As always, leaving as little footprint on the earth is desired, so reduce – reuse – recycle.

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  • The Undeniable Benefits of Coffee Grounds in Your Garden

    The Undeniable Benefits of Coffee Grounds in Your Garden

     

    Coffee grounds and gardening are naturally a good fit. Whether you are composting with them or applying them directly to your garden and around your yard, you’ll discover that coffee can affect your plants in much the same way it does you.

    If you think your garden is in need of a pick-me-up, get ready to be amazed at the effects it will produce.

     

    Used Coffee Grounds Make Great Fertilizer

    When added directly to the garden soil, the grounds add to the organic material makeup of the soil itself.  This addition aids in the retention of water, improves proper drainage and aerates the soil.

    The coffee also attracts earthworms and aids in the maintenance of microorganisms

    If you have acid-loving plants, fresh coffee grounds (not used) will help raise the acid levels of the soil.  Note: used grounds are a neutral PH and won’t affect either way.

    To get the full benefits of used coffee grounds as a fertilizer, work the grounds into the soil or your garden, versus just sprinkling them on top.

     

    General Benefits of Used Coffee Grounds

    In addition to a fertilizer, grounds can be used as a mulch for plants.  It can also be used to repel slugs and snails, thanks to the caffeine content.  In other words, don’t bother with decaf.

    If you are into vermicomposting, your grounds are an excellent worm food.  Apparently, worms are as addicted to coffee as we can be.

    Want to see what I call THE ULTIMATE SURVIVAL GARDEN?

    Composting with Used Coffee Grounds

    If you already have a compost pile, did you know your used coffee grounds would make a fantastic addition?  Tossing your used coffee grounds (along with the paper filter) is a great way to reduce your footprint in your local landfill and bring added benefits to your gardening at the same time.

    As used coffee grounds compost, they add nitrogen to your composting pile.  One thing to be aware of, however.  Used coffee grounds are classified as a green compost material so you will need to balance them with brown compost material to keep your levels optimal.

     

    Some Thoughts on Using Fresh Coffee Grounds in the Garden

    While fresh coffee grounds can sometimes cause more harm than good to your garden, there are a few circumstances where it could come in handy.

    As we mentioned earlier, fresh grounds can benefit acid-loving plant including:

    • Azaleas
    • Blueberries
    • Carrots
    • Hydrangeas
    • Lilies
    • Radishes

    Suggested Article:  5 Cheap Gardening Tricks to Help Your Budget

    In the case of root crops, like the carrots and radishes, you’ll get the best results if you mix in the fresh grounds at the time of planting. Tomatoes, however, don’t typically respond well, even though they like acid soil. Maybe they have a caffeine intolerance like some people I know?

    Some gardeners like to use fresh coffee grounds as an organic weed suppressor, keep in mind, though, that some beneficial fungal pathogens could be suppressed at the same time, creating a less than desirable environment for some plants.

     

    Time to Start Brewing – Well, Not Necessarily

    If you are a regular coffee drinker, you already have a supply readily on hand.  That doesn’t mean you need to take up the habit though.

    You don’t need to be a coffee lover, or even need to go out and buy a coffee pot just to brew it up for your plants.  Check around at your local coffee shops.  Many locations, both national chains, and local small businesses will save them to hand out to anyone who comes asking.  In fact, a lot of places hand it out for free just to avoid it being tossed in the trash at the end of the day.

     

  • 11 More Natural Mosquito Repellents

    11 More Natural Mosquito Repellents

     

    From the early 90’s encephalitis scares to today’s news of Zika and West Nile virus, people are looking for as many options for mosquito repellent as possible.  And, thanks to the chemical scares that occurred long before, effective organic options are highly desired.

    Fortunately, there are a number of options to make spring and summer night much more comfortable and much less life-threatening.

    From Lemongrass to Citronella Oil

    One of the most well-known mosquito repellent plants is lemongrass. Lemongrass is the plant citronella oil is extracted from. Use as a natural spray, burn in candles or put in oil burners to create a “safe area” outdoors.

    Basil

    Yep, the same stuff you use to cook with and make pesto.  Adding this to your outdoor garden or in pots on your patio will do more than keep you cooking with fresh herbs.  The fantastic smell it gives off will also ward off several types of insects including mosquitos.

    Catnip

    Not just for making your cat go gaga, Catnip is also known as one of the powerful natural insect repellents. It is actually 10 times stronger than DEET.  Whether you use it fresh by planting it in your garden or buying an essential oil version, the aroma will repel mosquitos (and your cats will LOVE you).

    Lavender

    Lavender’s aroma is popular for its calming effect on us, but did you know its also a great mosquito repellent?  Fortunately, because of its popularity as a stress reliever, it’s very easy to find.  From candles and incense to essential oil to wear or disperse through a burner, you can de-stress and be bug-free all at the same time.

    Marigolds

    Another option to add to your garden, Marigolds are not just colorful, they are a natural mosquito repellent.

    Cedar

    This natural option works on more than just moths. Used to make some repellent sprays on the market, you can make your own with essential oils.  The smell is not only repellent to mosquitos but destructive for them as well.

    Chamomile

    Keep that used tea bag instead of tossing it.  Since most tea bags can be used more than once, just make one cup for you and one cup to cool and add to a spray bottle for a fresh smelling repellent spray.

    Chrysanthemums

    These beauties are known for their insecticide compounds.  Chrysanthemums contain Pyrethrum. This compound actually attacks the nervous system and disrupts female mosquitoes. They are also a great air purifier so feel free to plant them inside and out to get their full benefits.

    Horsemint

    Several members of the mint family are known to be effective repellents.  In the case of horsemint (aka bee balm) simply crush them to release the essential oils and rub onto your skin.

    When planted outdoors, it will also attract bees and hummingbirds to your garden.

    Related Article:  “Natural Relief for Insect Bites”

    White Sage

    This particular plant will keep blooming all summer making consistent repellent for mosquitos and several other animals, including deer.  Just keep an eye on them, they can be invasive if left alone.

    Lemon Verbena

    As the name suggests, this herb has a very lemony aroma that is ever stronger when crushed.

    You Don’t Have to be Afraid to go Outdoors

    Creating a mosquito barrier around your home can go a long way to making your backyard activities much more comfortable and safer to your health.  Thanks to the options we’ve discussed above, you have a number of ways to accomplish building a barrier without having to rely on harsh chemicals that can pollute the environment.

    [Bonus] 3000-Year-Old Experiment Promotes Natural Healing – Pain Relief, Heart Health and Optimal Blood Pressure without drugs or surgery.