Fox Chase Farms, Boerne: "Dowdy House Delicacies”, LLC

14/07/2025

This week we celebrate a staple for many native gardens, Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus). A member of the Malvaceae Family, this mallow grows in a variety of soils, can take sun to shade, and requires relatively low water. The shrub can reach 5 to 10 feet tall but unless the stems are supported by nearby shrubs or trees, the stems often fall over.

The bright red flower attracts many polinators including hummingbirds, and the fruit feeds small mammals and other birds. Turk’s cap is a host for the Turk’s Cap White-skipper and Mallow Scrub-hairstreak butterflies.

The hibiscus-like flower seems to never quite open. The stamen protrudes from the overlapping petals. It is the resemblance of a Turkish turban that gives our Plant of the Week its name.

Seasonality:https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/120942-Malvaviscus-arboreus
Distribution: https://www.npsot.org/posts/native-plant/malvaviscus-arboreus-var-drummondii/

27/09/2024

In nature, some of the strongest natural fertilizers and insecticides come from organic sources that have been used for centuries. Here are a few notable examples:

Strongest Natural Fertilizers:

1. Manure: Animal manure, such as cow, horse, or chicken manure, is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients essential for plant growth. It improves soil structure and fertility.

2. Compost: Composting organic matter like kitchen scraps, yard waste, and leaves creates nutrient-rich humus. Compost enriches soil with organic matter, improves soil structure, and enhances plant growth.

3. Seaweed: Seaweed or kelp extracts are rich in trace minerals, growth hormones, and amino acids. They stimulate plant growth, improve root development, and enhance nutrient uptake.

4. Bone Meal: Made from finely ground animal bones, bone meal is high in phosphorus and calcium. It promotes strong root growth and flowering in plants.

5. Fish Emulsion: Fish emulsion is made from fermented fish by-products and contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients. It is a quick-release fertilizer that promotes healthy plant growth.

Strongest Natural Insecticides:

1. Neem Oil: Neem oil is derived from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica). It acts as a repellent, antifeedant, and growth disruptor for many insect pests. It is effective against aphids, mites, whiteflies, and caterpillars.

2. Pyrethrum: Pyrethrum is a natural insecticide derived from the dried flowers of certain chrysanthemum species (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium or Chrysanthemum coccineum). It paralyzes and kills insects on contact and is effective against a wide range of pests.

3. Diatomaceous Earth: Diatomaceous earth is made from fossilized remains of diatoms (a type of algae). It works by absorbing lipids from the waxy outer layer of insects' exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die. It is effective against ants, fleas, bed bugs, and other crawling insects.

4. Garlic Spray: Garlic spray is made from crushed garlic cloves steeped in water. It acts as a repellent and disrupts the feeding behavior of insects. It is effective against aphids, spider mites, and certain beetles.

5. Soap-Based Insecticides: Soap-based insecticides, such as insecticidal soap or potassium salts of fatty acids, disrupt the cell membranes of insects, causing dehydration and death. They are effective against soft-bodied insects like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.

These natural fertilizers and insecticides offer effective alternatives to synthetic chemicals, promoting healthier soil and plants while minimizing environmental impact. When using any natural product, it's important to follow application instructions carefully and consider their potential effects on beneficial insects and other organisms in your garden ecosystem.

22/05/2024

Eggs are laid with a protective covering called a bloom or a cuticle.

While this bloom is intact the eggs are sealed up and protected from bacteria. This bloom is the reason that farm fresh eggs can be stored unwashed at room temperature. Unwashed farm fresh eggs stay freshest for longest when stored pointed end down in a carton in the refrigerator.

I however, prefer to keep mine unwashed and unrefrigerated pointed end down in a carton at room temperature. When stored this way they can stay fresh for 3 weeks or longer. When unwashed and refrigerated they can stay fresh for 3 months or more and when washed and refrigerated they stay fresh for around 2 months. Farmfresh eggs in the United States and other areas of the world that do not vaccinate their hens for Salmonella MUST be washed immediately prior to using.

Once an egg is washed it must be eaten or refrigerated. To wash an egg you need to use a little bit of elbow grease and water warmer than the egg- cold water will cause the contents of the egg to contract drawing bacteria inside. Do not use scented soaps, bleach, or other harsh or abrasive chemicals and do not allow your eggs to soak in the water.

If I gather eggs in the rain or in the cold and the bloom is disrupted by condensation or other forms of liquid I consider that egg as washed and refrigerate it. Gather your eggs daily, candle them for cracks, store them pointed end down either refrigerated or unrefrigerated, and wash immediately prior to use!

06/10/2023

Did Aunt Bertie give you a cast iron skillet when you got married? She said it could serve two purposes…

17/09/2023

Good to know! 🌿💚😂

10/08/2023