r and co cool wind

HOW TO DRY ECHINACEA FLOWERS AND ROOTS

Echinacea, a popular herb known for its immune-boosting properties, can be easily dried for year-round use. Whether you’re harvesting flowers or roots, proper drying techniques are essential to preserve their potency. In this guide, we’ll delve into the step-by-step process of drying echinacea flowers and roots, ensuring you can harness their medicinal benefits whenever you need them.

HARVESTING ECHINACEA FLOWERS

Echinacea flowers can be harvested once they are fully open. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the stems just above the lowest set of leaves. Ensure you only pick flowers that have not been treated with pesticides. Gently rinse the flowers under running water to remove any dirt from the petals.

DRYING ECHINACEA FLOWERS

There are a few methods to dry echinacea flowers:

Hanging: To hang the flowers, secure the stems upside down in a cool, dry area using string and pegs. As the flowers dry, the petals may fall off, so it’s helpful to place paper towels underneath to catch them.

Sun Drying: Arrange the flowers in a single layer on a tray and place them in a sunny, wind-protected spot. The flowers should fully dry in 3 to 5 days, depending on the temperature.

Store the dried flowers and leaves in an airtight container to preserve them for use in herbal teas and natural remedies.

HOW TO DRY ECHINACEA ROOTS

Echinacea roots should be harvested from plants that are 2 to 3 years old. The best time to dig them up is in late fall after the flowers have finished blooming.

To harvest, use a shovel to dig around the base of the plant and pull up the root ball. You can cut the roots in half and replant a portion to regrow in the spring.

Remove the soil from the roots, rinse them with cold water, and pat them dry. Cut the roots into small pieces, about ½ inch (1 cm) long, using sharp kitchen scissors.

Place the pieces on a tray in a dry, well-ventilated area to dry for about 2 weeks.To make a decoction, add 2 teaspoons of dried echinacea root and 2 cups of water to a saucepan. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, then let it cool slightly before enjoying.

HOW TO MAKE ECHINACEA TEA

To make echinacea tea, add a teaspoon of dried flowers and leaves to a cup of boiling water. For a teapot, use 2 teaspoons of dried echinacea.

Allow the water to reach a near-boiling point, then steep the tea for 3 minutes. Strain and enjoy. For a stronger brew, you can let it steep longer.

You can also combine dried echinacea with elderberry for an immune-boosting herbal tea or add honey for sweetness.

DIY HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER: A FUN AND EASY CRAFT FOR KIDS

Happy Spring, everyone! It’s amazing how quickly things can change. Like many of you, I’m adjusting to this new normal with my children home with me every day. In Seattle, almost everything is closed—even playgrounds are off-limits right now. So, in an effort to make the best of things, I’ve been brainstorming creative projects that my kids and I can enjoy together while stuck at home. One project that turned out to be a huge hit is a DIY Hummingbird Feeder.

I stumbled upon the idea of using jelly jars to create hummingbird feeders, and it was like a light bulb went off! I’ve had a store-bought hummingbird feeder on my Amazon wishlist for a while now, but I never thought of making my own. This DIY turned out to be the perfect project—simple, fun, and educational. My kids not only had a blast putting it together, but they also learned a little bit about these fascinating little birds. Keep reading if you’d like to try it with your little ones!

The only hiccup? I didn’t have any jelly jars on hand. But as is often the case with DIY projects, I made it work by getting a little creative! I used some 1oz McCormick spice jars instead. After emptying out the contents and giving them a thorough wash, I realized they were actually the perfect size for the dainty little hummingbirds. These tiny jars worked great as feeders and added a fun twist to the project. Sometimes a little improvisation leads to the best results!

Materials:

Instructions:

Follow these steps to make your own hummingbird feeder.

STEP 1: PREPARE YOUR SPICE JARS

First, thoroughly wash your spice jars and lids with hot, soapy water to ensure there are no lingering spice odors or tastes. You definitely don’t want anything that could turn off those curious hummingbirds! To remove the stickers from the jars, I used a little Goo Gone, which made it super easy to get them off without leaving any sticky residue.

Next, take a look at the lids. McCormick spice jars have a lid with holes, covered by a snap-top. To make it hummingbird-friendly, simply rip off the snap-top section. We won’t be needing it, and the tiny holes in the lid are just the right size for those little beaks! Hummingbirds will be able to drink the nectar right through those holes.

STEP 2: MAKE HUMMINGBIRD NECTAR

The recipe for hummingbird nectar couldn’t be simpler—just sugar water! But getting the ratio right is crucial. Too much sugar can be harmful to the birds, and too little doesn’t give them enough energy.

I followed the Audubon website’s recommended recipe: ¼ cup of refined white sugar and 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Once it’s cool, fill your spice jars all the way to the top with the nectar. Then, just screw the lid with holes back on, and you’re ready to go! Your homemade hummingbird feeder is all set to attract some feathered friends.

STEP 3: ATTACH JUTE TWINE FOR HANGING

To finish off the DIY feeder, I used some jute twine to create a little loop for hanging. It’s simple but effective! Just cut a piece of twine, tie it securely around the neck of the jar, and make sure your knots are tight so it hangs safely. You’ll also want to double-check that the lid is securely attached to avoid any spills. Once it’s all set, you’re ready to hang your new feeder outside and wait for the hummingbirds to come by!

Now, all that’s left to do is hang your homemade feeder outside in a spot where hummingbirds are likely to visit. Look for a place with some shelter from the wind and plenty of flowers nearby, as hummingbirds love colorful blooms. Then, just sit back and wait for those tiny, fluttering visitors to arrive! You’ll be amazed at how quickly they find your new feeder. Enjoy watching them sip away!

We haven’t had a visitor yet that I could photograph, but I’m confident those little hummingbirds are on their way! They tend to be quick and a bit shy, but once they catch sight of the nectar, they won’t be able to resist. I’m keeping an eye out, and I’m sure it won’t be long before we have some feathered friends stopping by for a sip. Stay tuned for those cute photos!