Asphaltum as a Wood Stain

...kets of roofing cement. But get ready for confusion. A tube of “asphaltum” oil paint I picked up did not actually contain any asphaltum and was expensive. It was just “asphaltum” colored. Art supplies that actually contain asphaltum were not to be found at my local art supply store. You can get asphaltum in the form of non-fibered roofing cement but, for some mysterious reason, I can only find fibered roofing cement Los Angeles and those fibers me...

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Olive Curing Update

...are a few trees, over 2,000 years old, that still produce fruit. If you live in the U.S. but not in a climate that supports olives, consider buying domestic olive oil and cured olives. Especially with olive oil, a lot of the imported stuff is adulterated garbage....

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119 A Chat With the Gardenerd

...Thiele Celeriac Loofa Jicama Styrian hulless pumpkins Piteba Nut and Seed Oil Expeller Oil press Sow True Seed In Defense of Okra Tomato varieties: stupice, yellow perfection, Azoychka , Tess’s Landrace, Tigerela, Yellow pear, black cherry, Jeune Femme Proper seed storage Squirrel Stopper Loquats Climate Emergency Mobilization Climate Emergency Mobilization Los Angeles If you’d like to leave a question for the Root Simple Podcast please call (213...

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Shou-sugi-ban: Charring Wood as a Preservation Method

...Shou-sugi-ban wall. The video above shows a modern method using a propane torch. You can see an alternate method, based on the traditional technique, here. Like most exterior wood projects, it’s a good idea to apply new oil annually. I’ve seen two recommendations: tung oil and Penofin. I’m pondering the method for some upcoming backyard projects and am wondering if any of you have tried Shou-sugi-ban. If you have leave a comment!...

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The Best Way to Get Bees For Free

...d doesn’t last long. Some folks suggest a cotton swab dipped in lemongrass oil and stuck in a medicine bottle with holes in it. Better, I think, is to mix wax and lemongrass oil and paint that on your frames. Used equipment that once held bees is also a powerful attractant. Once bees figure out a good space they will come back to it. Where to put a swarm box Something that happened to us last week will show you how random and inexplicable bees can...

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