The Rat and the Cat

  No, not another poem, or a whimsical story about a rat and a cat who become friends. No, this is about trying to outsmart one of the cleverer and more numerous animals on the planet.
  The Spring holiday began two weeks ago, with a sigh of relief and a long list. We got as far as digging some of the allotment before it started- the sound of scurrying above the bedroom. Maybe it's the sparrows, we hoped. We'd been seeing them roosting in our gutter. Sounds a bit heavy footed for birds, think I. We'll sort it out next week, says the OH, obviously unconcerned, and with no sense of urgency whatever. Hmm, think I. Well, I'm not going to look, as if I don't look, it can't be what I think it is, can it?
  A few days later, the P&J advises he's heard something in the roof of his bedroom and his other room (I can't really call it his playroom any more. He's seventeen soon). Dad is at work. The P&J and I are brave. We decide to go up into the attic to have a look. Our worse fears are confirmed. And it isn't a mouse. There's no damage, just droppings, and two obvious entrances in the insulation. We have an unwelcome visitor.

  My fears are confirmed even more when I come back from shopping and find a wood pigeon sharing the bird food with a brown rat. The rat scarpers into my neighbour's garden as I come through the gate. The pigeon carries on eating, oblivious.
  I relay the news to the OH and take him on a tour of the rat droppings. I show him where they're getting in. I relay to him what information I have gleaned from the internet. They are not going to go quietly, or voluntarily. And we need to empty the attic out.
  While I'm waiting for the weekend to arrive and the OH to ferry me around to get what we need to deal with the problem, I try a few recommendations from others who've had a similar problems. I try the sonic alarms. They might work, if you have enough of them, and nothing in your attic to get in the way of your sound beam. The cat didn't like them, and the activity did diminish, concentrating in the area over my bedroom. I threw a couple of bottles of peppermint around as well, while I was at it.
  The bird feeders have been removed. The sparrows are not amused and the wood pigeons are visibly panicking. Sunday, we do a thorough inspection and are of the opinion our visitors are getting in through the roof somewhere.
  I ring our local Pied Piper ( his name's Joe) for advice. He is very helpful and agrees we need to stop them/ it getting in before we do anything else. He advises us to use scrunched up chicken wire to block any holes.
  We get the ladder out. The OH holds on to it while I go up. I stuff the gaps under the tiles with chicken wire. I make carefully crafted cones of chicken wire to block access to the roof via the down pipes. We do all of the back and the bit above the  porch (very scary), before calling it a day, as the next bit needs cutting back first.
  We have an night of no visitors. Are we on the right track? I'm on tenterhooks next morning. Am I hearing things? There's no scurrying, but there are... sounds. Little bangs, mostly, and right in the eaves.
  We have coffee in the living room. The P&J reports he's heard nothing. Maybe we've cracked it. Then there is a thud on the widow sill. A brown rat has just landed there, evidently on his way down from the roof. He steadies himself before jumping off and running into my neighbour's garden. Has the little bugger been trying to get in, and that's what I'd been hearing?
  The rat is quite brazen. He's climbing the tree in my front yard and I'm only a few feet away from him. My brother-in-law advises me rats are very short sighted. This is to be proved a few hours later.
  I'm watching the rat from a bedroom window. He's found something to eat and is sat bold as brass in my front garden munching. Suddenly, Jemara the Cat wanders into the yard. She  freezes. She has seen him, but he hasn't noticed her. She slinks under the car. Rat is oblivious. Slowly, her body slunk low, and looking uncannily like a walking rug, the cat inches nearer. The rat looks up. Jemara freezes. Rat continues looking for more food. He looks up. Again, Jemara stops, statue still. I'm beginning to wish I could video this, she's that good. Never will my kids not understand what "still as a statue" means, if they could see that cat. It is open ground she's covering, and the rat is oblivious.

  Finally, when the cat is barely a foot away, the rat notices her and bolts. But Jemara knows he's there now. She sits waiting, carefully changing her position every now and then, watching. She was watching for him next day, and I expect she's watching tonight. She may be fifteen years old and have only two teeth in her head, but she's got her eye on Rat now.

  Today, we finished blocking holes. We also discovered a broken roof tile, which explains why the P&J wall socket went bang- water is getting into the wall. Another thing to sort out. The OH was very brave and went onto the roof to try and deny Rat any kind of access.
  The garden has been cleared of rubbish and the compost bins decommissioned. We are using the wormery, which is sealed top and bottom. When we're happy we've denied Rat all access, the traps are going down. I was told peanut butter or chocolate are the best baits. Chocolate, hey? A moment of bliss and then SNAP! In your dreams, Rat. You're not having any of my chocolate!

Allotment Tales- Natural Predators

  This was going to be a long(ish) detailed blog about natural predators and companion planting, but, unfotunately, there has been a mini-crisis in  that the OH's computer is having a hissy-fit which we're unable to cure. So I've managed to save his files onto a usb pen, and promised him I'll sort something out in the morning. Or maybe next week.
  So, I regret this is going to be a short round-up, which you'll have to further investigate yourselves. Sorry. It's late. And don't let me forget to tell you about Rat.
  Your main predators are:
  Birds (they feed on grubs, caterpillars, slugs and aphids). Encourage them with food tables, bird baths and nest boxes.
  Ground Beetles (they feed on eelworms,cutworms, insect eggs, other larvae). Encourage them with plenty of ground cover ( leaves, deep beds, green manure).  

Frogs and toads (they feed on slugs, woodlice and other small insects). They'd like a pond. Not necessarily in your

garden. Encourage a neighbour who's got more money than sense.
  Centipedes (they feed on lots of different insects and slugs). They like ground cover (see beetles).
  Hedgehogs (they feed on slugs, cutworms, woodlice, millipedes and wireworms). They are difficult to attract, so if one does come

visiting, encourage it to stay with extra food and water. And don't let your dog into the garden if you know the hedgehog's about.
 Hoverfly lavae (they like aphids). Plant marigolds and nasturtiums.
  Lacewings and ladybirds (they also like aphids) They like a good variety of planting. Ladybirds seem to quite like fennel, and frequently overwinter in mine.
  Nematodes (strictly speaking, not a predator, rather a parasite) See this article for information, including how to "make" your own nematode brew to tackle the slugs

  We could go into Plants, Companion on Monday, but as I'm back to work then, you might be lucky to get anything. I'll tell you about The Rat tomorrow. Promise.

Natural Healers- Mushrooms

Mushrooms have long been a staple in this household. I like mine well fried, preferably with a dash of wine or soy sauce. They go well with leeks and cashew nuts, not to mention walnuts, spinach and cherry tomatoes. Add a generous amount of honey to soy sauce when cooking your mushrooms to achieve a flavoursome dish to serve with buckwheat grains.

    Aside from their culinary uses, mushrooms can help with weight management (providing you don't cook them in half a pound of butter, or grill a slab of cheese over them), boost the immune system, fight cancer and viruses, and kill bacteria.
 They are a source of Vitamin D, Vitamin B (Riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid), antioxidants, Ergothioneine (a naturally occurring dietary antioxidant, which may have a positive affect on inflammatory diseases), the minerals selenium, copper and potassium, and betaglucans (which increase host immune defences) and polyphenals(which are thought to have an antioxidant affect).

 They contribute dietary fibre, can act as a prebiotic, are low in calories (depending on how you cook them!), and are gluten free.
 It should be noted that the amount of benefits bestowed by the humble mushroom does vary. For example, 100g of the much lauded Shitake mushroom may give you 2% of you daily iron intake, compared to 19% for the Chantrelle, which will also give you 52% of your vitamin D, compared to 4% for the Shitake. However, the Shitake will give you 15% of your Vitamin B6, the Chantrelle none.

 But don't let us worry about which is the best for us. Instead, why not vow to widen your mushroom experience, and try a few you haven't before. At the  end of the day, the nutritional value of the mushroom on your plate is largely irrelevant if you're eating a balanced diet overall. Let us be like the Hobbits of Tolkein's world, and just enjoy them. Particularly on
a wholemeal roll, with a drizzle of HP sauce.

 If you enjoyed this, why not use the links on your right to download my full length stories?

Ladders, Lofts and not Looking down

  Rats. They fought the dogs and killed the cats. Nicked the food from the bird's own table, and then pooed and weed in my loft. They appear only mildly annoyed by the sonic whatsits, but given the amount of junk in the attic, I'm surprised anything will reach them. 

  We've been doing The Inspection, inside and out, trying to see where the little buggers are getting in. Spoke to Joe at Somerset Pest Solutions, who gave some free advice, got some wire wool and some chicken wire and then got the ladder out. Yes, The Ladder. Someone has to hold it while one of us goes up, and it's usually me who goes up, as I will not be able to stop the ladder moving if the OH goes up. You know it makes sense.
  I do not like heights, but the job had to be done. The roof at the back looks sound, the doobries that go into the pointy bit of the tile to stop anything getting in were all present and correct. No signs of nibbling. No sign of rat. Put hand under tiles- no room there to even get a finger in. Blocked the down pipes with scrunched up chicken wire, to be on the safe side.

  Back into the attic. Torches and long poky stick, the lot. Finally found a possible entrance  near site of rat activity (ie poo). Definite nibbled hole. Ladder back out to the front of the house. Cut up chicken wire into small sheets. I'm back up the ladder again, not  looking down as ladder is now placed over the

front porch roof and there is a LOT of flex in said ladder. Wobble to the top. Most of these tiles have lost their doobries. I stuff the crumpled chicken wire into the  suspected entry point and into all the other tiles, whether they've got a doobrie or not. I don't want to have to go up again.
  Back down. Move ladder along a bit. More chicken wire. Blocked the down pipe, just in case. Do rest of roof tomorrow and see neighbour about access to our side wall and removal of ivy, which may also be giving our furry friends a route to the roof. Then the traps will go down, and we'll see just how much  Rattus Norvegicus likes peanut butter.
  As a reward for me being fearless and uncomplaining, the OH bought me an Alan Titchmarsh watering can. Well, you can't water your tomatoes with a medal, can you?

To be continued...

Natural Healers- Kale

  Both Kale and Rape Kale are descended from wild cabbage and are valuable winter vegetables, providing greens from December to April. They are not only extremely hardy, but many believe frost improves their flavour.

  Kale is best grown on well drained, previously manured loam, preferring an alkaline soil, as do most brassicas; lime(not the fruit!) should be added to the site the previous winter.
  Sow the seed half an inch deep in April (UK) and then thin the seedlings out to two inches apart. In July, replant them in their permanent bed, each plant about  two feet apart in either direction. Firm the plants in and water well until they are established. The leaves will be ready for cutting from Christmas onwards. Cut the centre of each plant first, to encourage fresh side-shoots.
  Rich in beta-carotene, vitamins K and C and foliate, Kale is also a rich source of chlorophyll and easily digested iron and calcium. It helps balance hormones and lower cholesterol. Its antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids mean it has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
  It is therefore good for bone health, being also high in magnesium, and the antioxidants it contains are good for fighting diabetes, arthritis, stroke and heart disease- the latter two also being mitigated by its cholesterol lowering fibre. It can help repair DNA and has an anti-oestrogen effect that can arrest the spread of some cancers.

Kale juice is rich in sulphur, which can aid the healing of stomach ulcers, while its bitter flavour aids digestion and helps with lung congestion.
  Kale is a relatively new addition to my kitchen cupboard, but has now almost usurped spinach in my favoured stir fry ingredients. Its main benefit over spinach is that it keeps a lot longer and has a better flavour. Being a winter vegetable, it is more likely to have been grown locally, and is probably fresher. I will confess that I have never grown it, as I haven't had much luck with brassicas, and it never looked that interesting on other people's allotments. However, well chopped, it is a must-have anywhere you might use spinach or bog-standard cabbage (if there is such a thing)- stir-fries, curries, cooked with fried mushrooms and walnuts;

juice it with ginger and apple juice, or replace the basil and pine nuts in a pesto recipe with kale leaves (ribs removed) and walnuts. If you like you veggies, but have never tried this one, give it a go. Remember, if you want to boost your absorption of iron and calcium, serve it with lemon or other citrus fruit, and cook as briefly as possible to retain its nutrients.

Natural Healers- Immunity and Infection.

    This article is going to look- broadly- at plants that can protect our immune systems and fight infection.
  First off is Aloe Vera; this contains acemannan, which is effective against the herpes virus.The useful part of the plant is the gel, which can be obtained by breaking off a leaf, peeling it and scooping the gel out. As a drink, the gel can be blitzed in a food processor, with apple juice and drunk fresh.

 It soothes coughs and bronchial asthma and its antiseptic properties can help heal a sore throat. For the stomach, it balances the intestinal flora, can help with coping with IBS, and is a laxative. It blocks the formation of histamine to act as a remedy for allergic conditions. The salicylic acid it contains is useful for general aches and pains. A gargle is good for gingivitis.  For minor burns or cuts, break off a leaf and apply the gel. It speeds up the healing process, and can also be used to treat skin problems and sunburn.
  Asparagus helps with healthy gut flora, and has mild laxative and diuretic properties. It protects against the action of free-radicals, promoting a healthy immune response.
  Blackcurrants have similar anti-biotic properties to cranberries and can fight UTIs. Vitamin C and antioxidants make it a good tonic, and it retains its

beneficial qualities if made into a syrup or cordial.
  Chocolate. Oh, now I've got your attention. The same amount of antioxidants can be found in chocolate as can be found in red wine. Chocolate supports overall immunity and intestinal immunity. It can ease coughs- the theobromine in it is more effective than codeine. It also helps ease gastrointestinal upsets.
  Organic is best- your bog-standard chocolate has usually received at least 30 different pesticides before it gets to you; cacao nibs are also a good way of getting the goodness. And dark chocolate has more anti-oxidants.
  Dandelions are rich in antioxidants- see here for the previous blog, and here for garlic.
  Kiwi fruit and Mangoes are rich in vitamin C that boosts immunity. The average size mango carries two thirds of your daily requirement. It also contains compounds that are thought to be effective against prostate and skin cancer.
  Rocket also has high levels of vitamin C, and of beta-carotene. Digestion releases isothiocynates that protect against cancer. It stimulates digestion and protects against stomach ulcers, and may help to reduce the risk of macular degeneration. At one time it was used in cough syrup.
  Spelt is higher in vitamin B3 (Niacin) than standard wheat (Niacin aids energy metabolism). It has antibacterial properties, which help strengthen the body against disease. It also supports the adrenal glands and improves circulation, lowers LDL cholestrol levels and regulates blood sugar levels.
  Tea is a powerful anti-oxidant, anti bacterial and anti viral. The green and Oolong teas may have anti allergy properties and may help against eczema. Green tea is thought to protect against breast cancer, while both green and black tea may prevent some cancer cells forming. Use organic tea, green or black. Yes, it's those pesticides again,
  Papaya seeds have been found effective against E. Coli, salmonella and staphylococcus. They also appear to get rid of internal parasites. The juice of the papaya helps restore good bacteria in the stomach. The seeds are edible fresh or dry, and can add a peppery flavour to cooking. (Papain is a protein dissolving enzyme extracted from the unripe fruit. It is used for digestive complaints and pain relief and helps prevent ulcers)
  Peas are a good source of iron and vitamin C. A single serving supplies half your daily needs of vitamin C. Peas and pea-shoots also contain anti-oxidants that can inhibit H Pylori (which can cause ulcers and cancers). The glycodeli-A  contained in mange-tout may improve male fertility.

  Sweet potatoes are a traditional treatment for diabetes. They are high in beta-carotene and vitamin C and may provide anti-cancer benefits. Eat them with the skins on, boiled or steamed, and with a little butter or oil. The purple sweet potatoes can protect against IBS and ulcerative colitis.
  Of course this isn't an exhaustive list. If you want a longer one, may I suggest Jekka McVicar's Herb Book
and/or Neal's Yard's Healing Foods

Natural Healers- Hops

   Yes, hops, the perennial climbing vine found wild in Europe and Asia, and member of the marijuana family. Hands up who knew that? No, me neither. And don't you look too smug- we know all about you. No surprise there.
  Before you go rushing out to buy a plant, you need to know that male and female flowers are borne on different plants, and it is the unpollinated cone-like female flowers that are picked as hops, for brewing beer and for herbal medicine.
  In ancient Rome, the hop was a popular garden plant and vegetable, its young shoots being eaten like asparagus. It wasn't until the sixteenth century that Flemish immigrants introduced the technique of brewing beer with the female flower, which revolutionised the brewing industry, as it enabled beer to be kept longer.

  In medicine, the flowers have long been famous for their sedative effect, as a tea or in a hop pillow. Hop is a gentle sedative, with none of the side effects of sleeping tablets. Drunk as a tea, you may need to add honey, as the hops are bitter. They also relieve tension in the gut and sooth nervous indigestion. Two cups of hop tea a day can help with menopausal symptoms, as it contains oestrogen boosting compounds.
  If your plant is grown from seed (late summer), you will not know the gender for 2 to 3 years. Germination can be erratic, especially if the seed isn't fresh. NB these seeds will be from wild hops and shouldn't be grown in area where there is commercial hop growing, as they may cross-contaminate.
  Hops can also be grown from soft-wood cuttings in the Spring, or from root division. The plant will like a sunny location and will need sturdy support. It is a plant you will need to keep an eye on, or it can get out of control, though it does die back in the winter. Cut the plant down to the ground in Autumn and manure

it well. You can pick the young, edible side shoots in the spring, and steam them. The male flowers can be par-boiled for salads, and young leaves can be blanched, also for salads, or soups.
  Hop tea is made from the female flower only. Contact dermatitis can be caused by its pollen when picking. The tea is recommended for anxiety, insomnia and restlessness, stimulating the appetite, flatulence and intestinal cramp. It may also help nursing mothers improve their milk flow. However, hops ARE NOT recommended for treating depressive illnesses, because of their sedative effect. It should also not be given to children who have not yet reached puberty, as it has the the most potent of all plant oestrogens. Consequently, it should also not be given to women with oestrogen sensitive disorders.

  It can also reduce the potency of anaesthetics and it is a good idea not to take hops for at least 2 weeks before surgery, and to inform your doctor that you have been taking hops.