<![CDATA[Calamity Jane's Farm

<![CDATA[Calamity Jane's Farm - Blog]]>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 02:55:27 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[The Marigold Effect]]>Thu, 17 Jul 2025 21:33:04 GMThttps://www.calamityjanesfarm.com/healing-balm-ingredients/the-marigold-effectA teacher told me about this wonderful idea that the Superintendent at her school did every year. Except he gave out Marigold seed packets.

Not only do teachers need encouragement, they also need really great soap for lots of hand washing! I grouped them together!

These are the cutest teacher gifts ever! Be sure to message me if you need 10 or more so I can give you a discount!

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]]><![CDATA[Natural Solutions to Garden Pests]]>Mon, 02 Jun 2025 23:47:08 GMThttps://www.calamityjanesfarm.com/healing-balm-ingredients/natural-solutions-to-garden-pestsWinning the Battle Against Armyworms, Stink Bugs, and Grasshoppers Naturally

June is a glorious time in the garden, especially in Texas, where warm sunshine and generous rainfall has transformed our plots into a vibrant oasis of green.

The recent rains have been a godsend, coaxing vegetables, flowers, and herbs into lush growth. But there’s a catch: the warm, damp conditions that bless our plants also roll out the welcome mat for pests.

Armyworms, stink bugs, and baby grasshoppers are crashing the party, turning tender leaves and ripening fruits into their personal buffet. If you’re staring down these invaders in your garden, don’t despair!

With a toolkit of natural, eco-friendly strategies, you can repel and eliminate these pests while keeping your garden safe for plants, pollinators, and people.

Here’s a deep dive into proven methods to tackle armyworms, stink bugs, and grasshoppers, with a special focus on those pesky grasshoppers, tailored for Texas gardeners and anyone battling similar foes.

Understanding Your Garden’s Unwanted Guests

Before we arm ourselves with solutions, let’s get to know our adversaries.
Armyworms, the larvae of nocturnal moths, are stealthy destroyers that can strip leaves from vegetables, grains, and grasses overnight, leaving behind ragged patches and frustrated gardeners.

Stink bugs, with their shield-shaped bodies and infamous odor, pierce fruits and vegetables, causing blemishes and rot that ruin harvests.

Grasshoppers, especially their wingless nymphs in June, hop from plant to plant, chewing through foliage with relentless efficiency.

The beauty of organic pest management is its harmony with nature. By leveraging plants, predators, and natural compounds, you can protect your garden without resorting to synthetic chemicals that harm beneficial insects, soil health, or your family’s safety.

Below, I’ll share a robust arsenal of methods, starting with grasshopper-specific strategies (many of which also work for armyworms and stink bugs) and expanding to comprehensive solutions for all three pests. Let’s get your garden back on track!

Repelling Grasshoppers: Making Your Garden Less Inviting

Grasshoppers are formidable foes due to their mobility, voracious appetite, and ability to devour a wide range of crops. Fortunately, you can make your garden a no-go zone with these natural repellents, many of which double as defenses against armyworms and stink bugs.

Plant Companion Plants
Certain plants are nature’s pest repellents, emitting scents that grasshoppers find repulsive. Garlic, chives, marigolds, and cilantro are excellent choices, as are catnip, lavender, and thyme. These plants release volatile compounds that disrupt grasshoppers’ feeding instincts, steering them away from your crops. Plant them around vulnerable vegetables like lettuce, beans, or corn, or create borders along garden edges to form a fragrant barrier. In Texas, where marigolds and garlic thrive in the heat, these are easy additions to any garden bed. Bonus: many of these plants, like cilantro and chives, are edible, adding value to your harvest while keeping pests at bay.

Garlic and Hot Pepper Spray
A homemade garlic and hot pepper spray is a potent deterrent for grasshoppers, armyworms, and stink bugs.

To make it, blend four cloves of garlic and two hot peppers (such as jalapeños or habaneros) with two cups of water, let it steep overnight, strain, and transfer to a spray bottle.

Apply to foliage every three to five days or after rain, focusing on plants showing early signs of damage. The pungent smell and spicy taste make leaves unpalatable, sending pests elsewhere.

Always wear gloves when handling hot peppers and test the spray on a small plant area to ensure it doesn’t cause leaf burn, especially on tender crops like lettuce.

Encourage Natural Predators
Nature's pest control squad is ready to help. Birds like sparrows, bluebirds, and chickens, along with frogs, toads, snakes, and predatory insects like praying mantids, robber flies, and blister beetles, are voracious grasshopper eaters.

Parasitic wasps, such as Scelio species, target grasshopper eggs, preventing future generations. To attract these allies, plant nectar-rich flowers like yarrow, sweet alyssum, and dill, which draw predatory insects. Install birdhouses or small water features to entice birds and amphibians.

In Texas, where bluebirds and toads are common, a few strategic plantings can turn your garden into a predator hotspot, reducing pest populations naturally.

Kaolin Clay Barrier
Kaolin clay, a natural mineral, creates a white, powdery coating on plants that grasshoppers, armyworms, and stink bugs find irritating. Products like Surround WP are safe for edible crops and easy to apply. Mix according to package instructions, typically combining the clay with water to form a sprayable solution, and coat foliage thoroughly. The texture disrupts pest feeding and egg-laying, making plants less appealing. Reapply after heavy rain, as water washes the clay away. This method is particularly effective in Texas’s variable weather, offering a non-toxic shield for vegetables and ornamentals.

Clear Garden Debris
Grasshoppers, like armyworms and stink bugs, love hiding in weeds, tall grass, and garden debris, where they also lay eggs. Keep your garden tidy by mowing edges, removing weeds, and clearing fallen leaves or dead plants, especially in fall when grasshoppers deposit eggs in soil.

This simple practice disrupts their lifecycle and makes your garden less hospitable. In Texas, where weedy patches can explode after June rains, regular maintenance is a must to keep pests from gaining a foothold.

Eliminating Grasshoppers:
Taking Direct Action When prevention isn’t enough, it’s time to take out the grasshoppers already in your garden. These methods are effective, safe, and targeted, with many also working against armyworms and stink bugs.

Hand-Picking
For small infestations, hand-picking is a straightforward solution. In the early morning, when grasshoppers are sluggish, inspect plants and flick the pests into a bucket of soapy water (one teaspoon dish soap per gallon). This drowns them quickly and works for armyworms and stink bugs too.

While labor-intensive, it’s highly effective for small gardens or targeted areas, like a prized tomato patch. Wear gloves to avoid direct contact, especially with stink bugs, which release a foul odor when disturbed.

Neem Oil Spray
Neem oil, derived from the neem tree, is a powerhouse for pest control. Mix one to two teaspoons of pure neem oil with a teaspoon of liquid soap and a gallon of water, then spray on affected plants every seven to ten days.

The active compound, azadirachtin, repels grasshoppers and disrupts their growth, particularly in nymphs. It also works on armyworms and stink bugs, making it a versatile tool. Test on a small plant area first, as some crops, like spinach, may be sensitive.

Apply in the early morning to ensure the spray dries before midday heat.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a natural, abrasive powder that dehydrates grasshoppers, armyworms, and stink bugs by damaging their exoskeletons. Sprinkle it around plant bases or directly on foliage in dry conditions, reapplying after rain or watering.

Use a dust mask to avoid inhaling the powder, and focus on areas with heavy
pest activity.

DE is safe for plants and wildlife, making it ideal for organic gardens in Texas, where pests can persist through warm seasons.

Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soap (five tablespoons liquid soap per gallon of water) is effective against grasshopper nymphs, though less so on adults due to their tougher exoskeletons.

It also targets armyworm larvae and stink bug nymphs by disrupting their cell membranes.

Spray directly on pests every three to five days, ideally in the early morning or late evening to avoid leaf burn.

Test on plants first, as some, like tomatoes, may show sensitivity. This method is a safe, organic option for edible crops.

Row Covers
Spun-bonded row covers are a physical barrier that blocks grasshoppers, armyworms, and stink bugs from reaching your crops. Secure the covers tightly over plants, ensuring no gaps, and remove them during pollination if needed for crops like squash or cucumbers.

Where pests can swarm after rain, row covers are a lifesaver for protecting young plants. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics to prevent overheating in the summer sun.

Bonus Tip:

Let Ducks Patrol
If you have access to ducks, let them loose in your garden once plants are tall enough to withstand their waddling.
Unlike chickens, which can scratch up soil and damage roots, ducks are gentle foragers that eagerly gobble up grasshoppers, armyworms, and stink bugs.

In the past, a small flock of ducks has been a game-changer, patrolling rows of beans and tomatoes without causing chaos.

Supervise them to ensure they focus on pests, not your prized lettuce.

Texas-Specific Tips and Final Thoughts
In Texas, this June’s warm, wet conditions demand vigilance.

Monitor plants daily; Early morning or evening for signs of damage—chewed leaves for grasshoppers and armyworms, puncture marks for stink bugs.

Apply treatments after rain, as moisture reduces their effectiveness. Rotate methods to prevent pests from adapting, and consult your local Cooperative Extension Service (e.g., Texas A&M AgriLife) for region-specific advice.

These natural methods empower you to reclaim your garden from armyworms, stink bugs, and grasshoppers without harming the environment.

By combining repellents, predators, and direct controls, you’ll create a resilient, thriving garden that stands up to Texas’s toughest pests.

Share your success stories, comments or questions in the comments—happy gardening!

]]><![CDATA[Your Dry Skin Solution]]>Tue, 22 Apr 2025 18:12:57 GMThttps://www.calamityjanesfarm.com/healing-balm-ingredients/your-dry-skin-solutionWhy Goat Milk Soap Is the Dry Skin Solution You’ve Been Looking For

And how to choose the right bar for your skin
If your skin feels tight, flaky, or irritated after washing—you're not alone. Dry skin is one of the most common issues we hear about, especially from people who’ve tried everything with no real results.
But here’s the truth: most store-bought soaps are actually making it worse.

The Problem: Most Soap Strips Your Skin
Traditional soap (even ones labeled “moisturizing”) often contains detergents, alcohols, and synthetic fragrances. These strip away your skin’s natural oils, which your body needs to stay soft, hydrated, and healthy.
Over time, that leads to:

Itching and tightness after every shower
Cracked hands and flaky skin
Skin that never feels fully nourished, no matter what lotion you use

The Solution: Raw Goat Milk + Nourishing Fats
Goat milk soap is different—especially when it’s made the way we make it.
✅ Raw Goat Milk is rich in natural lactic acid, vitamins, and fatty acids that help gently exfoliate and deeply moisturize dry skin.
✅ Olive oil, tallow, and shea butter give your skin lasting moisture, not just a temporary fix.
✅ No harsh ingredients—ever. No parabens, no phthalates, no detergents, no fake fragrance.
Every bar is small-batch crafted on our farm with ingredients that actually feed your skin—not fight it.

Which Bar Should You Try First?
While all our bars are gentle and moisturizing, here are a few top picks for dry skin:

Unscented Goat Milk Soap – Pure and simple. Made with tallow and goat milk. Great for sensitive or reactive skin.
Plain Lavender – Calming lavender. That's it. Very simple, soothing for skin and your senses.
Amber Vanilla Oatmeal – Naturally soothing with fine ground oats. Especially nice in dry climates.

➡️ Shop all our Goat Milk Soaps
Use code: BUY4 to save when you buy any 4 bars of soap

Want a Discount on Your First Order?
Sign up for our emails and we’ll send you a one-time use discount to help you get started:
👉 Subscribe for 15% off

Real Soap. Real Ingredients. Real Results.
If you’re tired of trying to “fix” your skin with lotions and potions after the damage is done…
Try a bar that doesn’t cause the damage in the first place.
🛒 Click here to shop our moisturizing Goat Milk Soap

]]><![CDATA[Turmeric Skin Scrub Recipe]]>Wed, 19 Mar 2025 23:17:35 GMThttps://www.calamityjanesfarm.com/healing-balm-ingredients/turmeric-skin-scrub-recipe

]]><![CDATA[Coffee Scrub Recipe]]>Wed, 19 Mar 2025 23:11:54 GMThttps://www.calamityjanesfarm.com/healing-balm-ingredients/coffee-scrub-recipe

]]><![CDATA[Healing Balm Informational Cards]]>Tue, 18 Mar 2025 17:12:16 GMThttps://www.calamityjanesfarm.com/healing-balm-ingredients/healing-balm-ingredients

These photos can be saved and printed from your computer or printed from your phone.

]]><![CDATA[Make Your Own Laundry Soap]]>Sun, 09 Mar 2025 19:39:18 GMThttps://www.calamityjanesfarm.com/healing-balm-ingredients/make-your-own-laundry-soapKeep Things Simple

When you are trying to replace all the products that have been normal to you for your entire life, it can be HARD and expensive!
You need a product to work as good or better as what you have been using, but you need it to be simple and natural as possible but not expensive!
If that is where you are... you will enjoy this blog post!

Since you are already getting some darn good soap from our farm, you are half way through this!

Here is your supply list:

1 bar of your favorite Calamity Jane's goat milk soap
Borax
Arm & Hammer WASHING SODA (not baking soda)
Epsom Salt
A big bowl
Container to store the finished soap blend in
Cheese grater

Benefits for your laundry

Here’s a breakdown of the benefits of each ingredient in your laundry routine:
1. Handmade Goat Milk Soap

Gentle Cleaning – Effectively lifts dirt and grime while being mild on fabrics.
Moisturizing – The natural fats in goat milk help prevent fabrics from becoming overly dry or brittle.
Chemical-Free – Lacks synthetic detergents, making it ideal for sensitive skin and baby clothes.
Deodorizing – Naturally neutralizes odors without harsh fragrances.

2. Borax

Water Softening – Helps break down minerals in hard water, allowing soap to lather better.
Stain Removal – Lifts stubborn stains, including grease and protein-based stains.
Whitening Power – Brightens whites and removes dullness from fabrics.
Odor Control – Neutralizes and eliminates musty or sweaty smells.

3. Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate)

Deep Cleaning – Helps break down grease, dirt, and stains for a thorough clean.
Boosts Soap Efficiency – Increases the effectiveness of soap by raising the pH level.
Water Softening – Prevents mineral buildup in fabrics and washing machines.
Brightens Clothes – Keeps colors vibrant and whites bright.

4. Epsom Salts (Magnesium Sulfate)

Fabric Softening – Naturally softens clothes without synthetic fabric softeners.
Reduces Residue – Helps rinse away detergent buildup that can cause stiffness.
Odor Removal – Absorbs and neutralizes strong smells, leaving clothes fresher.

Please let us know if you try this or if you have a different variation or any tips!

]]><![CDATA[Brownie Mix]]>Mon, 23 Dec 2024 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.calamityjanesfarm.com/healing-balm-ingredients/brownie-mix

QUIT BUYING BROWNIE MIX!!!
It's so fast and easy to make your own mix, and you can eliminate the crappy extra stuff. You can choose the ingredients that you approve of!
I don't know how many batches this makes. Sorry. I don't even know where this came from! I've been loving this for a looooooong time.
TIME TO SHARE!

Use your stand mix for this. It's even easier and it gets so well mixed! Try it!
BASE RECIPE

3 cups flour
6 cups sugar
2 cups cocoa
2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder

Mix it all up and put it in a container!

HOW TO MAKE BROWNIES

2 1/4 cups brownie mix
1 stick melted butter
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: pecans! Just measure with your heart!

Mix it up.
Will be thick.
Spread in a greased 8x8 pan
Bake 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 min til there is no jiggle in the middle

***I don't know about swapping this for that so don't count on me there... haha!!

Perfect for quick fixes when you have a full house or just to share during a movie!!

]]><![CDATA[Jane's Easy to Make Kettle Corn]]>Mon, 23 Dec 2024 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.calamityjanesfarm.com/healing-balm-ingredients/janes-easy-to-make-kettle-corn

I'm not sure what the actual rules are or the 'definition' of kettle corn is... but this is how I do it.

1/2 cup popcorn
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4-1/2 cup sugar
salt at the end

Use a sauce pot with a lid
Add the coconut oil to the pot and turn the burner to medium low to medium heat
Add the popcorn.
Add the sugar.
Mix it up really good.
Put the lid on.

Listen for the first pop!
Lift the pot, hold the lid, shake it.
Put it back on the burner.
Repeat, repeat, repeat until no more popping.

Dump it out onto a sheet pan with sides. Sprinkle with salt.
I leave mine alone to be clumpy, but if you want, just move it around to not allow it to clump.

]]><![CDATA[Make Your Handmade Soap Last Longer]]>Thu, 26 Sep 2024 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.calamityjanesfarm.com/healing-balm-ingredients/make-your-handmade-soap-last-longer

1. Keep it Dry: Use a well-draining soap dish to prevent your soap from sitting in water. This helps it last longer and keeps the ingredients potent.

2. Store in a Cool, Dry Place: When you're not using it, store your soap in a cool, dry place to preserve its natural ingredients and essential oils.

3. Rotate Bars: If you have multiple soaps, rotate them to keep them fresh and extend the life of each bar.

4. Use your soap within 6 months for the best scent. It's natural and won't last forever.

5. Store any unused soap in a dark, dry, room temp location. Heat and humidity are handmade soaps enemies.

6. If you accidentally bought a lot of handmade soap, wrap in waxed paper or parchment paper, place in a freezer Ziploc and place in the freezer. When ready to thaw, remove the soap from the Ziploc, unwrap the soap and allow to set at room temperature for 24 hours and you will have a like new bar of soap!

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​Understanding Your Garden’s Unwanted Guests

​Repelling Grasshoppers: Making Your Garden Less Inviting

Benefits for your laundry

Understanding Your Garden’s Unwanted Guests

Repelling Grasshoppers: Making Your Garden Less Inviting