I know it is actually easier and definitely cheaper in the long run to be organic. One just needs to be a bit more attuned to what is going on with the plants and take appropriate measures instead of a one gun fits all aproach of chemicals. The challenge here is trying to get a little harvest in the mean time while building the soil organic matter and food web. I've noticed that mulch laid down her seems to decompose about four times as fast as a similar mulch put down up there in Michigan. They do say that the higher the zone number the larger the amount of organic material needed to amend the soil. I grew up near Traverse City, Michigan and still spend time up in Alden (South end of Torch Lake, to the east of the Grand Traverse Bays.) I wish I could afford to live up there full time. I like the cornmeal idea as it not only feeds microbes but in turn combats some fungal diseases. Same with milk against powdery mildew while at the same time fertilizing.

Here's one that doesn't require any cooking. 1 large bar of Zote, or 2 small bars 1 1/2 cups borax 1 1/2 cups washing soda Grate the soap, add the borax and soda and combine. An empty 5 lb pail from Sun OxyWash (an OxyClean clone, sold here at Dollar General stores) is ideal. Use 2 tablespoons in a front loading washer. If you are making soap for a front loading washer, or a top loading HE washer, DO NOT use Kirk's Castile soap. Kirk's is specially formulated to create lots of suds. You want a low sudsing soap in an HE machine, or you will get suds lock. This is not good, and can damage the washer. Fels Naptha, Zote, Sunlite are laundry soaps and all good choices.

I made this soap the other day, LOVE it but I cheated (always have to) and put oatmeal in it as well, looks and smells awesome. I think I will display mine in a big clay gardening pot with a old looking wood sign that says "Grubby Gardners Soap". I also rec'd my FO for the coffee soap, I got Cappacino (ok, can I say it smells good enough to drink) I have gotten so much better at suspending my ingredients, my soaps look 100% now, before I was pouring to quick and getting settling, no settling now. I was thinking about getting this cool silicone mold for the coffee soap that has coffee beans on the top but I wonder if I should make in the loaf mold and cut or I wonder how real coffee beans would look in the soap? Got to play with it a little. Do any of you get Cicadas? We do, they will be here in May (just in time for my first huge outdoors show) I am just worried now about attendance. Cicadas are gross. Michelle

I think you are looking for melt and pour. I don't think you can make it yourself. You need to purchase it from a reputable supplier. Oh apparently you can make your own. Here's some information. Here is a link that might be useful: Soap Making Methods