10 Plants That Naturally Repel Mosquitoes (Video)

One of the things that can ruin a nice summer day or evening are Mosquitoes.

The annoying buzzing around and awful bites that leave you with an itchy trail of discomfort.

In this article, we will discuss 10 plants you can grow that naturally repel Mosquitoes and can make your summertime fun more enjoyable.

As we know it is that time of year again – mosquito time!

Chances are, you have heard of many of the plants that naturally repel mosquitoes and many pests. And, best of all, they can be found at your local nursery.

 Using plants to deter pesky insects is an easy, safe and natural alternative to store-bought sprays and chemicals.

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Bird Flu Outbreak: Are Backyard Chickens Safe? 

The nationwide bird flu epidemic has caused the culling of approximately 40 million chickens and turkeys and affected at least 10 percent of the country’s egg supply, although its impact thus far seems mostly to be limited to large industrial farms.

The seemingly unstoppable H5N2 avian flu outbreak has already caused a spike in grocery store prices, leaving agricultural experts to predict an egg shortage and empty coolers where poultry should have been.

The virus has now been confirmed on farms in 16 states and in Canada as well – but the figures are still growing.

“I can’t tell you how many farmers this is affecting,” Oscar Garrison, director of food safety for United Egg Producers, which represents the ownership of 95 percent of egg-laying hens, told The Washington Post. “It’s been absolutely devastating. Just abysmal.”

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City Takes Family’s Two Mini Dairy Goats; Pay Thousands In Fines Or Same To Rewrite Code 

Why is there such a concerted and simultaneous effort across the states to keep you from practicing healthy self reliance while not disturbing anyone?

The Agenda 21 lovin’ code enforcers are at it again, stoking situations and aggression where there were none – and that is what is most disturbing to peace.

A Visalia, California family was initially threatened $1,000 in fines per day for having two miniature dairy goats in their ample-spaced, fenced back yard. A mom decided to have them because she physically cannot breastfeed, and Visalia in the San Joaquin Valley prides itself on being “green” and tolerant of natural lifestyles. Apparently the city wants her to choose between GMO soy formula, paying fines in punishment OR paying over $3,500 and working to rewrite the code. In the meantime – how does she get her Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats back?

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3 Delicious Ways To Cook With (Pesky) Dandelions 

Have you struggled with dandelions in your garden? The amazingly resilient weed can find its way into lawns, garden beds and even hanging containers on my property. If you’re tired of doing battle with the sunshine-colored weeds, here’s an alternative. Try eating them.

Dandelions are a versatile, nutritious food and they are surprisingly good-tasting. Dandelions are high in vitamin K, vitamin A and fiber. They also contain thiamin, riboflavin, vitamins C and B6, calcium, iron, potassium and manganese. In lesser amounts, dandelion greens also include folate, magnesium, phosphorus and copper.

You can often find bunches of dandelions for sale in organic produce sections and in some Asian markets. If you’d like to save money and pick your own, there are some precautions to keep in mind. Never pick them in an area that may have been sprayed with weed control chemicals. It’s best to avoid areas near highways, around telephone poles, beside train tracks or in city parks.

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The Survival Buzz #169 

Welcome to this week’s Survival Buzz with an update on my own preps and announcements from the Backdoor Survival blog.

Have you ever considered that an uneventful week is a good week?  That is precisely how I feel about last week.  That said, my heart goes out to the victims of the latest earthquake in Nepal and to the families with victims in the Philadelphia Amtrak derailment.  So to clarify, by uneventful, I am referring to my own life.

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Cassava: The Drought-Resistant ‘Super Survival’ Plant That Can Feed Everyone 

Cassava, or Manihot esculenta, is a root crop grown mainly in the tropical areas of the world. Originating in South America, it is now a staple for many people in African and Asian countries. Florida, with its relatively warm climate, also can sustain this crop very well, as can areas in Zones 8 and above. That’s just one of the reasons why this tuber should be part of any survival garden in warm weather areas.

What makes cassava ideal for a survival garden?

A survival garden should provide as much food security as possible with minimum use of resources. Not all plants are suitable; you should choose wisely to optimize space, time and other inputs with an eye on getting the maximum amount of high-quality nutrition. Cassava is an excellent source of carbohydrates, the primary fuel for our body.

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Pick Spring Herbs And Turn Your Child Into An Off-Grid Nature Lover 

Taking your children outside to gather springtime herbs provides you with an excellent opportunity to teach the little ones about precious plants that live in your neighborhood.

If you are all suffering from cabin fever, searching for herbs provides exercise and much-needed fresh air – and can help turn kids into nature-lovers. Be sure to provide age appropriate information.

Emphasize the importance of not eating wild plants without your approval. Teach the children to gather plants only from clean areas. Children need to be taught to collect small amounts of plants from locations where the herbs grow in profusion. I recommend gathering herbs which are very simple to identify and can be used for children’s health.

You may use your herbs fresh or dry them for future use. You also can prepare them in a wide array of forms including tinctures, syrups, salves, and pills. Herbal infusions are simple to prepare. Be sure to include your children in the medicine-making process. They love to measure, stir and pour. If your children get ill, they are likely to be more amenable to taking a remedy which they helped to prepare. Label your herbs and herbal products carefully. Store them out of reach of children.

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