I was so excited when I went on a treasure hunt through my garden yesterday. I found the green beans pictured above. They looked great and I can’t wait to harvest more. I really want to can as many green beans as possible this year because they are my family’s favorite vegetable.
We are still getting lots of cucumbers and zucchini as well as broccoli and cauliflower. I have some spaghetti squash that looks close to being ready, but I am not sure how big to let it grow or even how to prepare it when I do pick it. Does anyone have any helpful hints about spaghetti squash?
Earlier this week we went to visit the home of the woman who helped me plant my garden. Her garden is at least twice the size of mine and looks wonderful. I asked her what I could do about the cabbage moths that have been attacking my cabbage (and will eat other produce as well). She told me that she uses the recipe below on all of her plants as often as needed.
Homemade Plant Spray
1 tsp. Dawn Dish Detergent
1 Tbsp. Original Listerine
1 Tbsp. Tobacco Juice
Water
Garden-Sized Spray Bottle
First, I want to say that I do NOT smoke, chew or otherwise support the tobacco industry. However, I trust the person who told me about this recipe. I have seen her garden and it is marvelous. She has been such a help to me that I am willing to actually buy some tobacco.
She said that 1 small pouch should last for years in the freezer. Take a pinch of tobacco and put it in a quart canning jar. Fill with water and put a lid on it. Let it sit for at least 3 days. You only need 1 Tbsp. per batch of spray, so this should last all season. Do not save the juice from year to year.
Put Dawn dish detergent, Listerine, and tobacco juice in the spray bottle. Fill the rest of the way with water. Spray on all plants to help keep them healthy and free of insects.
She did say that if I didn’t want to use the tobacco juice that I could just try the Dawn dish soap and it would work alright. It just won’t work as well as when the other ingredients are mixed in.