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Autumn Vibes

Eupatorium rugosum 'Chocolate' (Snakeroot) with Hydrangea 'Snow Queen' I love autumn - the crisp, cooler temperatures, the rain, and most of all, the fall colors. The year looks to be a nice one. I got back from a trip to Alabama last week and found that the colors were in full swing (unlike Alabama, where the temperatures were lovely with the exception of some mugginess but alas, no color at all).  Japanese Maples are the first thing I think of when autumn comes to mind. This one is 'Bihou' and one of the first to change color.  Acer palmatum 'Bihou' Other trees are beginning to change as well, including the Redbud 'Flame Thrower'.  'Flame Thrower' Redbud ( Cercis canadensis ) The star of the show now, however, is the Stewartia. It is just amazing and I remember it was beautiful last year as well. It's chief rivals, the Ginkgo and Black Tupelo, are only showing hints at the moment. Stewartia pseudocamellia The shady path - The most d...
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Homemade Vegetable and Fruit Wash


Just picked today! The tomatoes are really coming in now and unlike me, they really enjoy the heat. These tomatoes and the cayenne pepper came from our small raised-bed vegetable garden. The jalapeno peppers were grown at my mother's house.


We all know that vegetables and fruits are good for you but if you are buying your produce from a grocery store (or use pesticides in your garden), you might worry what chemicals are on your food and if you are properly washing them off. I know I'm paranoid about things like this. I've used store bought vegetable and fruit washes before but they are expensive. I recently came across directions for making a homemade wash. It is cheap and very easy to do.


All you need is:
Distilled white vinegar (diluted with 1/2 with water)
Hydrogen Peroxide
A soft brush or scouring pad

Place the vinegar and peroxide in separate spray bottles (I picked up some at Dollar General for $1 each).

First, spray the vegetable or fruit with vinegar and water mixture.

Then spray with the hydrogen peroxide.

Use a soft brush or scouring pad and rub softly.

Rinse thoroughly.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Rosedale GardenJuly 17, 2012 at 7:23 PM

    thanks for this. I keep a spray bottle of vinegar on my kitchen counter. With Tuscumbia'a hard water it comes in handy a lot. It's good for cleaning. I also spray out my coffee mugs after making hot tea to get the stain out. Mary

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  2. Lisa at GreenbowJuly 18, 2012 at 4:38 AM

    Hmmm I just read that if you give berries a wash with that vinegar they won't develop mold right away.

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  3. RandyJuly 18, 2012 at 5:18 AM

    That's a nice crop! Are you still using your hang upside down thing? :0)

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  4. FirenzeJuly 19, 2012 at 12:06 AM

    Just remember if you purchase fruits or vegetables from a roadside stand, they preferably need to be cooked in order to prevent the transmission of Hep A.

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  5. GingerJuly 19, 2012 at 1:56 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  6. SwimrayJuly 21, 2012 at 7:35 PM

    Mmmmm. Salsa coming your way. I have a hard time washing things like berries.

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  7. Gardener on Sherlock StreetJuly 21, 2012 at 8:37 PM

    That is so simple. I already have both in spray bottles to use for general disinfecting.

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  8. compare electricity prices sydneyJuly 21, 2012 at 11:08 PM

    Love those tomatoes. It looks fresh and organic. You've grown them well. Thanks for the useful tip. Its safe and cheap.

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  9. AnonymousJuly 22, 2012 at 6:26 AM

    Interesting. Love the tomatoes! I know what you mean about being worried about chemicals. I certainly am.~~Dee

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  10. Janet, The Queen of SeafordJuly 23, 2012 at 8:06 PM

    Great harvest!! Nice to know how to safely clean veggies that may have pesticides on them. I know my farmer is totally organic, Hooray!!

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