sun valley

Container Gardening in Sun Valley, Idaho

While we all may not have acres of land, growing is a summer pastime with so many benefits. Containers come in all shapes and sizes and add beauty just as the green things they grow. Clay pots are attractive and sustainable and we mostly use this type. Many veggies flower and are a pretty compliment to non-edibles in a shared container.

A few key considerations when choosing your containers:

  • drainage - make sure there are ample holes at the base and drip trays

  • substrate - fill your container with compost, soil, gravel, etc. for optimal plant health

  • fertilizer - produce and annual crops require lots of food. The smaller the container the more they need.

  • sunlight - choose plants for your light conditions. This element is key to the plants thriving.

In our years of backyard gardening in the Hailey, Idaho area, we have found success with the following plants:

  • Basil

  • Chilis

  • Cilantro

  • Eggplant

  • Kale

  • Potatoes

  • Rosemary

  • Spinach

  • Tarragon

  • Tomatoes

There are a number of garden stores in the Wood River Valley. They are very knowledgeable and stock a nice assortment of product. Stay tuned for Maeme’s homemade “miracle grow”, she will be making some as the summer gets rolling.

Happy gardening!

Twelve Simple Decisions to Make the Best of 2021

One of our favorite blogger turned author is Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist. He is a Wall Street Journal best selling author of books the More of Less and Minimalist Home. We are happy to share his list of twelve to make 2021 better than 2020. Rasberrys crew also wishes you all the best things in 2021!

  1. Smile More

  2. Complain Less

  3. Appreciate More

  4. Connect More

  5. Own Less

  6. Encourage More

  7. Waste Less

  8. Thank More

  9. Compete Less

  10. Understand More

  11. Save More

  12. Love More

16 Ways with Honey + Cinnamon for Health

Health Benefits Of Honey And Cinnamon Mixture

We are huge advocates of using honey in your household, not just the kitchen. Here are 16 different ways to use honey in your home.

1. Reduces The Risk Of Heart Disease

How To Use: Take equal parts (or as required) of cinnamon & honey powder and make a paste. Spread this on wheat bread and include it in your breakfast.

2. Enhances Immunity

How To Use: Add a pinch of cinnamon powder to a glass of lukewarm honey water. Take it in the mornings, especially in the cold seasons. Drinking cinnamon and honey mixture will also help clear your sinuses.

3. Treats Skin Infections

How To Use: Mix 1 part cinnamon powder with 3 parts honey and use it as a face mask. It cleanses your pores. And for treating acne, this is what you can do. Take 3 tablespoons of Manuka honey and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and make a paste. Microwave for 30 seconds (it shouldn’t be too hot, by the way) and apply the mask to your face. Leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse and pat your face dry with a soft towel.

4. Helps Treat Inflammation And Arthritis

How To Use: Mix equal parts of cinnamon powder and honey and apply the mixture to the affected area. You can also add a little bit of apple cider vinegar for better results.

5. Is Good For Diabetes

How To Use: You can mix equal parts of honey and cinnamon powder till you get a paste. Spread this paste on your toast or mix it in your juice.

6. Helps Treat Bladder Infections

How To Use: Mix two teaspoons of cinnamon and one teaspoon of honey with a glass of warm water. Consume it once a day. This must help relieve the bladder infection. If the infection is too severe, you can substitute water with cranberry juice.

7. Helps Treat Indigestion And Other Gastric Issues

How To Use: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon powder on two tablespoons of honey. Take this mixture before your meals.

8. Helps Lower Cholesterol

How To Use: Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 3 teaspoons of cinnamon powder with around 470 ml of tea water. Take this mixture in the mornings.

9. Cinnamon And Honey For Weight Loss

How To Use: Take 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 cup of filtered water. Boil the water. Add the cinnamon in a separate bowl. Pour the hot water over the cinnamon, and let it steep for 15 minutes. Once the liquid cools down, add honey to it. You can drink this mixture twice a day – once in the morning, and once in the evening. Take it on an empty stomach.

10. Helps Treat Infertility

How To Use: Mix cinnamon with a small amount of honey to make a paste. Spread the paste over your gums – your body will slowly absorb it.

11. Maintains Hair Health

How To Use: Take equal parts of honey and cinnamon powder and mix with warm olive oil. Before shampooing, massage this warm mix into your hair and leave it on for 15 minutes. Shampoo your hair.

12. Helps Cure Bad Breath

How To Use: Mix one teaspoon of honey and a pinch of cinnamon powder with warm water. Gargle the mixture first thing in the morning.

13. Offers Energy Boost

How To Use: Mix equal parts of honey and cinnamon powder and have it in the morning with breakfast.

14. Prevents Allergies:

How To Use: One simple way is to mix equal parts of honey and cinnamon powder and consume it in the morning. If it’s a skin allergy, you can apply the same to the affected area.

15. Cures A Sore Throat

How To Use: Simply swallowing a teaspoon of honey in the morning can make your throat feel better.

16. Helps Treat Asthma

How To Use: Mix 1 teaspoon of honey with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Have the mixture at night before going to bed and in the morning on an empty stomach. Repeat regularly.

If the cinnamon is causing problems, you can use a simple mixture of honey and water. Heat 250 ml of water and stir in 1 teaspoon of honey. Consume thrice a day.

We encourage you to do additional research, as this list is not suggested to be a replacement for seeking medical advice when needed. In addition to buying local honey whenever available, you can also do your part by planting bee friendly gardens. Pollinator friendly gardens can be a variety of flowering plants. See our blog post here.