How to Propagate Gold Moss

Gold Moss (Sedum Sarmentosum), also known as Stringy Stone Crop or Graveyard Moss is a succulent made for the financially challenged gardener =D

I can't help but notice that some of the most common "weeds" that grow around my property can be pretty attractive on their own right. Take for example these Boat Lilies that grow all along my eastern fence. I think they look great:

On my yard you can also find these weeds that produce some crazy purple flowers. In the pic below you see them growing next to my Sunflowers. I have no idea what they are called unfortunately:

 

I have a few other "attractive weeds" that grow around the property but I will get back to the subject matter: Gold Moss!!

The stonecrop looked so attractive just laying around in the wild that I had to domesticate it. My own version of bringing a wild Mustang into submission! Well, sort of..

My Zamioculca plant was the perfect Guinea Pig. Bwahahaha!! I chose the ZZ plant because it is a very low maintenance resident. Perfect companion for the stringy stonecrop who can also do quite well without you in the picture. Burn!

ZZ plant already  looking good, but she could look better.


So in went the finger:

And a few cutting were lightly buried and watered:

This is how she looked after just 10 days!!!!

And today!

The added hanging effect is bad ass!!

As an added bonus you get some pretty cool star shaped flowers, 

Since my Gold Moss hasn't flowered yet, I stole this pic off the internet. I fear for my life.

I could safely say I am fully addicted to this plant and WILL be spreading it around other spots in the garden.

In the words of Winnie the Pooh:  “Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them.” 

Keep on learning!

Organic Pesticide Recipe

So your garden is growing and looking great when all of a sudden Wham! Bugs everywhere...eating away all your hard work. Don't get so mad. Take it as a compliment. Apparently you weren't the only one who thought your garden hosted a delicious menu.


With a lusciously green garden will come the bugs..

Today I'm going to give you my own organic insecticide recipe. There are a few and I hear good things about several of them but this is the one I've been using with great results. I specially like that you can grow all your ingredients in your own backyard. Talk about being self sufficient!


I recently found a few caterpillars eating away at my pole beans:

I didn't freak out, I know that if I spray them quick enough I can get rid of them rather easy.

So here is the stuff you need:

Spray Bottle:

For a small garden a 12OZ bottle will probably be sufficient. I needed a bit more

Peppers ( the hottest you can find!)

You can grow these and save money!

 And garlic:

Also very easy to grow

As an optional step you can add a bit of powder cayenne pepper and stir.

Then let the mixture sit for about a day. This step will allow the water to absorb more spice.

 Finally, strain your solution:

Straining is important.You don't want to clog your spray bottle.

You will need something to stir the solution as it will be quite thick:

Don't throw away the remaining pulp. You can apply it around your plants for additional treatment.

You can now spray your plants, remember to stir the solution before as the water will slowly separate from the pepper mix. 

I spray the plants and then spray again after 2 days. After the second application I look around the plants and decide if a third application will be necessary. Most of the time 2 applications is all it takes for me.

Beans looking great a few days after being sprayed.

Don't be afraid to get creative with other methods if you have different ingredients. Soap is also very commonly used. Use the organic kind if possible.

And as usual, keep on learning!