COMPOST POST!

compost (not ready to be used)

In an effort to have a successful garden this year, we thought we would start with compost. It really has been super easy and fairly low maintenance. We decided to take the cheap and easy way out…we are using and old plastic 50(ish) gallon trash can that is conveniently old enough to have few holes. If you decided to give it a try in a new trash can, I would suggest drilling some holes in it so that the compost can “breathe”.
We started out just raking up and putting in some leaves and throwing in some old grass clippings. Gradually, we have added used coffee grounds, used tea bags, crushed egg shells, apple peels, tomato “leftovers” , some leftover potting soil, and cow manure for good measure.
We have only had a to mix it maybe three or four times. As long as we keep the ratio of dry to wet stuff even, it doesn’t really stink. At the rate we are adding and mixing, it should be ready in a couple of months…just in time to plant!

Here are a few sites about composting to start your research if you are interested in giving it a try:

http://www.savvygardener.com/Features/composting.html
http://www.gardeners.com/All-About-Composting/5061,default,pg.html
http://www.vegetablegardener.com/item/9538/all-about-compost

What have we done this week to become more self-sufficient?
We have bought can goods for the month of January 2012 will be purchasing February 2012 can goods soon. We have been working on our compost as well as planning where we want our garden and what type of garden we want. Also, we’ve been doing research on what kinds of seeds are the best to buy…we’ll let you know about that soon!!
　
*UPDATE: On The Homemade Dish Detergent*
I only tried it once before I got excited and shared it with you all. However, using it a second time didn‘t go well. The borax/baking powder mixture got stuck in the dispenser and really didn’t clean anything. I tired adding hot water to it to make it a liquid a just got a paste. So, I have purchased some from the store and am experimenting with ways to make it last longer by adding just the right amounts of washing soda or borax. When I find the right combo…I’ll be sure to share!

And...the laundry detergent it still working great! :)

Ricky Rudd...you have been ripping me off! But I still love you!

What have we done this week to become more self-sufficient?

I(Abby) have decided to try and cut some “excess” expense out of the grocery/household items bill by making dishwashing detergent and liquid laundry detergent from scratch! Now, I know it sounds silly to do if we can afford the store bought kind, but how do I know that we always will? I need to know how to make these things now so that I won’t be left to guess later. Plus, it should show some significant savings over the course of a year. (now this is Evan… yea id say so… back to Abby)

I found the recipes at a blog I recently found and LOVE its: www.kingdomfirstmom.com
If you’re wanting to try the recipes go to:detergent recipes(the liquid laundry detergent it listed in the comments).

I have found that, the laundry detergent is working great! It looks a little scary (Evan again.. it’s the consistency of a sinus infection…back to Abby)and I am using more like 1/3 of a cup instead of the recommended ¼ . However, it is getting out my toddler’s food stains! With a little pre-treating of course! Honestly, I was surprised and I don’t really see a need to go back to the store bought kind. Even if I do miss the fancy smells. I am still using my favorite fabric softener J
The dishwashing detergent has only been used once so far and I did like the recipe suggested and used white vinegar in the rinse aid dispenser. It worked great too! But I am an obsessive pre-washer, if you put your dishes into the dish washer super crusty, it might not work that great for you.

SAVINGS!!!
I (Evan) have literally punched the numbers. (I hate math)
It Cost $8 for all of the ingredients to make the home made laundry detergent! We use around one gallon of laundry detergent/month. Our favorite laundry detergent is around $20/gal. The $8 worth of ingredients makes 35 gallons of liquid laundry detergent!!!
Yes, $8 for 35 months. 35 months of the store bought detergent could cost you as much as $700 for 35 months. That means now we pay around $00.22/month.
I’m starting to like math a little more… as Abby understated, “It should show some significant savings over the course of a year.”

Laundry Detergent

Dish Washing Detergent