Goose grass (also known as cleavers or Galium aparine) is a common weed with surprising health benefits. When prepared as tea, it offers a refreshing, detoxifying drink packed with nutrients. Here’s how to make it properly.

Why Drink Goose Grass Tea?

This humble plant offers several benefits:

• Natural detoxifier that supports lymphatic drainage
• Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
• May help with urinary tract health
• Traditionally used to soothe skin conditions
• Contains silica for hair and nail strength

Harvesting Goose Grass

Best time to pick: Early spring when plants are young and tender (before flowering)
What to look for:

• Bright green, sticky leaves
• Square stems with small hooks
• Grows in shady, moist areas
  Avoid:
• Plants near roads or sprayed areas
• Flowering/mature plants (more bitter)

Simple Goose Grass Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh goose grass (leaves and stems)
• 4 cups filtered water
• Optional: honey, lemon, or mint to taste

Preparation Method:

1. Clean thoroughly: Rinse plants under cool water to remove dirt and insects
2. Chop roughly: Cut into 1-inch pieces to release more flavor
3. Cold infusion (best for nutrients):
   • Place herbs in jar
   • Cover with room temperature water
   • Steep 4-8 hours (or overnight)
   • Strain and drink chilled
4. Hot tea (traditional method):
   • Bring water to near-boil (180°F)
   • Add herbs and steep 5-10 minutes
   • Strain and enjoy warm

Tips for Best Results

• Drink within 24 hours for maximum benefits
• Start with small amounts (½ cup) to test tolerance
• Best consumed in morning or early afternoon
• Combine with mint or lemon balm for improved flavor
• Can be frozen in ice cube trays for later use

Possible Side Effects

While generally safe, some people may experience:

• Mild diuretic effect
• Allergic reaction (rare)
• Digestive upset if consumed in excess

Storing Goose Grass

• Fresh: Keeps 2-3 days in fridge (wrap in damp cloth)
• Dried: Hang bundles upside down in airy space for 1-2 weeks
• Frozen: Blanch briefly, then freeze in portions

Final Thoughts

Goose grass tea is an easy way to harness the power of this often-overlooked plant. With its fresh, slightly grassy flavor and numerous health benefits, it’s worth trying as a spring tonic or regular detox drink.

Pruning rose bushes is essential for healthy growth, abundant blooms, and disease prevention. But improper pruning can harm your plants. This easy guide covers when to prune roses and exactly how to do it for stunning results.

Why Pruning Roses Matters

 Encourages new growth – More blooms, stronger stems
 Improves air circulation – Reduces fungal diseases
 Shapes the plant – Prevents overcrowding and legginess
 Removes dead/diseased wood – Keeps the plant healthy

Best Time to Prune Roses

1. Most Roses (Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, Grandifloras)

 Late winter/early spring (when new buds swell but before leaves open).
Avoid pruning in fall—it can trigger new growth that winter frost will damage.

2. Climbing Roses

 After first bloom (early summer) to shape and remove old canes.

3. Old Garden Roses & Once-Blooming Varieties

 Prune after flowering (summer) since they bloom on old wood.

4. Repeat-Blooming Shrub Roses

 Light pruning in early spring, then deadhead spent blooms.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sharp bypass pruners (clean cuts, less damage)
• Loppers (for thick canes)
• Gloves (thorn-proof!)
• Disinfectant (rubbing alcohol or bleach solution to sterilize tools)

Step-by-Step Pruning Guide

Step 1: Remove Dead, Damaged, or Diseased Wood

• Cut back to healthy, green wood.
• Dispose of diseased clippings (don’t compost).

Step 2: Thin Out Weak Growth

• Eliminate spindly, crossing, or inward-growing branches.
• Keep 3-5 strong, outward-facing canes for an open center.

Step 3: Shape the Bush

• Hybrid Teas: Cut back to 12-18 inches for large blooms.
• Shrub Roses: Trim lightly to maintain natural form.
• Climbers: Keep main canes, trim side shoots to 2-3 buds.

Step 4: Make Clean Cuts

• Cut ¼ inch above an outward-facing bud at a 45-degree angle.
• Avoid flat cuts—they trap moisture and encourage rot.

Step 5: Clean Up & Feed

• Remove all clippings to prevent disease.
• Apply balanced fertilizer or compost to boost new growth.

Common Pruning Mistakes to Avoid

 Pruning too early (risk of frost damage).
 Using dull or dirty tools (spreads disease).
 Over-pruning (stresses the plant).
 Leaving stubby cuts (invites pests and rot).

Aftercare Tips

 Water deeply after pruning.
 Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
 Monitor for pests/disease—early treatment is key.

Final Thoughts

Proper pruning transforms your roses—more flowers, healthier plants, and fewer problems. Follow these steps, and your bushes will reward you with spectacular blooms all season long.

Ready to prune? Grab your shears and get started!

Most people toss eggshells without realizing they’re a natural calcium powerhouse for plants, pets, and even your home. Here’s why you should stop wasting them—plus 7 brilliant ways to reuse them.

Why Eggshells Are Valuable

 93% calcium carbonate – Strengthens plants, bones, and more
 Rich in magnesium & phosphorus – Essential for plant growth
 Natural abrasive – Cleans pots, pans, and drains
 Pest deterrent – Keeps slugs and snails away

7 Genius Ways to Use Eggshells

1. Garden Fertilizer (Best for Tomatoes & Peppers)

How to use:

• Crush shells into powder
• Mix into soil (1 tbsp per plant)
• Prevents blossom end rot

2. Seed Starters (Biodegradable Pots)

How to make:

1. Save half-shells
2. Fill with soil & plant seeds
3. Transplant directly into garden

3. Chicken & Bird Calcium Supplement

How to serve:

• Bake shells at 200°F for 10 mins
• Crush & mix into feed

4. Natural Pest Control

For slugs/snails:

• Scatter crushed shells around plants
• Sharp edges deter pests

5. Homemade Toothpaste (Mineral Boost)

Recipe:

• Blend sterilized shells + coconut oil
• Adds remineralizing calcium

6. Drain Cleaner (Eco-Friendly)

How to use:

• Grind shells into fine grit
• Flush with hot water to scrub pipes

7. Compost Booster

Why it helps:

• Balances acidic compost
• Speeds up decomposition

How to Prepare Eggshells Properly

1. Rinse well (remove egg residue)
2. Dry completely (sun or oven)
3. Crush/grind based on use

Plants That Love Eggshells

Tomatoes
Peppers
Roses
Spinach
Broccoli

Plants That Don’t Need Them

Blueberries (prefer acidic soil)
Potatoes (can develop scab)

For thousands of years, yarrow (Achillea millefolium) has been a trusted herbal ally—from Greek warriors using it to staunch battle wounds to Native American healers brewing it for fevers. Today, science confirms what traditional medicine knew: this feathery-leaved plant is a pharmacy in the wild, offering benefits from wound healing to digestive relief.

Why Yarrow Stands the Test of Time

1. Nature’s Bandage

• Stops bleeding fast: Contains achilleine, a clotting compound
• Antiseptic properties: Prevents infection in cuts and scrapes
• Used in World War I medkits when supplies ran low

2. Fever & Flu Fighter

• Induces sweating to break fevers (diaphoretic effect)
• Relieves cold symptoms:
  Sore throat (gargle tea)
  Congestion (steam inhalation)

3. Digestive Soother

• Bitter compounds stimulate bile flow, aiding digestion
• Eases heartburn, bloating, and cramps

4. Women’s Health Secret

• Regulates heavy menstrual bleeding
• Reduces PMS cramps (traditional European remedy)

5. Skin & Hair Revitalizer

• Treats eczema, acne, and slow-healing wounds
• Conditions scalp (infuse in apple cider vinegar rinse)

How to Use Yarrow Safely

For External Use

• Fresh poultice: Crush leaves, apply to wounds
• Infused oil: Steep dried yarrow in olive oil for bruises

For Internal Use

• Tea: 1 tsp dried herb per cup (steep 10 mins)
  → Limit to 2 cups/day (strong herb!)
• Tincture: 20-40 drops in water (for digestion)

 Caution:

• Avoid during pregnancy (may stimulate uterus)
• Rare allergic reactions (test small amount first)

Foraging & Growing Tips

 Identify: Look for fern-like leaves and white/pink flower clusters
 Harvest: Flowers in summer (most potent medicine)
 Grow: Thrives in poor soil with full sun

Modern Research Backs Tradition

• 2022 study found yarrow speeds wound closure 30% faster than controls
• Essential oil shows anti-inflammatory effects rivaling OTC drugs