BHM Newsletter
Volume 7      Number 6

June 22, 2005
 

INSIDE BHM

Selected articles and features from the July/August, 2005 issue have been posted online.

In our special Self-reliance for women section:
Self-reliance for women — surviving a biochemical attack By Kelly McCarthy
Self-reliance is a mindset — A woman’s opinion By Dorothy Ainsworth
A view of self-reliance from a more timid perspective — A woman’s opinion By Claire Wolfe

Alternative energy:
Grid-tie solar powered farm By Jeffrey R. Yago, P.E., CEM

Self-reliance
Subduction zone tsunami By John Silveira
PVC pipe in the home, garden, farm, and workshop By Charles Sanders

Food and recipes
Cool dishes for formal summer dining By Linda Gabris

You'll also find Dave's editorial, Ask Jackie by Jackie Clay, plus the Irreverent Jokes and Letters to the Editor pages. Pluse, you can check out the Table of Contents to see which articles are only available to readers of the print issue.

SELF-RELIANCE TIPS

Backyard Pond

Backyard ponds and water gardens are for birds, butterflies, frogs, fish, and you and your family. These ponds are typically small, sometimes no larger than 3 to 4 feet in diameter. They may be built in barrels or other patio containers. Water is effective in drawing wildlife to your backyard. It is also a natural, relaxing, and scenic addition that can provide interest and enjoyment. A pond or water garden will likely become the focal point for all your backyard conservation.

Where to put a backyard pond

Consider locating your backyard pond where you can see it from a deck or patio. Have it blend in with its natural surroundings. Elevate the soil around the pond slightly so that excess water will flow away from the pond, not into it. Make sure that any drainage from the pond is away from your house. Plan to landscape around the pond to provide habitat for frogs and birds that need land and water. If you plan to use a pump to recirculate water, use a filter, or light the area, be sure electrical service is available. There will be less maintenance if your pond is not under trees. Most aquatic plants will grow better in full sun.

If you do not have space in your yard for a built-in earthen pond, consider a "tub" pond or large water bowls. These can be placed on the patio and provide many of the same benefits as a built-in pond. There are numerous tub kits available that can be as simple as adding water, a pump, and some plants. They can also be moved inside in the winter as long as good lighting is provided for plants.

Pond liners

Pond liners keep water from seeping into the soil. Even in heavy clay soils, a liner is necessary. You can buy rigid pond liners in a variety of shapes. These are durable and may include built-in waterfalls. Many are quite small. If you want a larger pool or would like to design your own shape, consider using a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) liner. Use a liner specifically designed for pools. While other plastics initially may be cheaper, many are not resistant to ultraviolet light and will break down quickly. Some plastics may also be toxic to fish. Liners also come in different thicknesses. A thicker liner tends to be more resistant to punctures. While expensive and requiring more expertise to install, cement is also an option as a pool liner.

If you use PVC, you will need to get a liner large enough for your pool. To determine how large a piece you will need, determine the maximum width, length, and depth of your pond. Multiply the maximum depth by 3. Then add this number to both the length and width. This will allow enough plastic to be securely held down around all pond edges.

Installing the pond

You can put in a backyard pond anytime the ground is not frozen or overly wet. If using a pre-formed liner, dig a hole to the correct depth and slightly wider. Insert the liner, making sure it is level and sits securely in the ground. Backfill around the sides. Add water, pump, and plants. Complete landscaping around the pool.

If you use a PVC liner, plan on at least a weekend to install and landscape.

Steps to install a pond with a PVC liner:

1. Decide on your pond's location.
2. Using a hose or rope, lay out the shape of your pond on the ground.
3. Once you are happy with the shape, start digging. Stockpile your topsoil so you can use it to landscape around your pond.
4. Plan for part of your pond being at least 18 to 24 inches deep; 24 to 36 inches is even better. This will allow for a greater diversity of plants and fish to live in the pond. You may want to make tiers around the inside of the pond at various depths on which to place pots of different aquatic plants. Make tiers about 12 inches wide to accommodate the pots.

5. Remove any rocks from the excavated area.
6. To help prevent punctures in the plastic, put a one-inch layer of damp sand on the bottom of the excavated area.
7. Spread the plastic liner over the hole. Let it sag gently in the hole. Place a few rocks or bricks around the edge to hold in place.
8. Slowly start filling your pond. The weight of the water will help smooth out the liner. Remove rocks holding the edges to allow liner to conform to the edges of the hole. Smooth out wrinkles but do not pull too tightly. You can walk on the liner if you remove your shoes.
9. Finish off the pond by placing rocks around the edge to securely hold the liner in place.
10. Install pump and filter, if desired. Many smaller pumps have a built-in filter. For larger pools, a separate pump and filter may be necessary. Make sure the filter and pump are adequate for the volume of water in your pond. Pumps not only add interest, but are important in adding oxygen to the water. If you want a fountain or waterfall in your pond, you will need a pump to circulate the water.
11. Let the pond sit for a few days before adding fish and plants. This allows chlorine to evaporate from the water. Chemicals are also available that will quickly neutralize chlorine and other harmful compounds.
12. Place plants at various depths and add fish.

Establishing plants

For ponds, consider a mix of emergent, submergent, and floating species. Emergent plants, those that have their roots in the water but their shoots above water, can be added to the margins of pools. These include cattails (Typha spp.), arrowhead (Sagittaria spp.), and water lilies (Nymphaea spp.). Submergent species, or those that remain under water such as elodea, are often used as oxygenators. These are plants that remove carbon dioxide from the water and add oxygen. These plants are essential in most ponds to keep the water clear. Floating species or those that are not anchored at all in the pond include plants such as duckweed (Lemna minor), water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). While attractive, water hyacinth and water lettuce can be serious weed problems in the south; however, since they are not winter hardy, there is no problem with them spreading in northern climates. While not as effective as oxygenators, these plants help keep the water clear by limiting the amount of sunlight that algae receive. In tiny ponds created in barrels and similar containers, these plants may be adequate to maintain clear water.

Choosing and establishing plants for ponds

• Consider the following when selecting plants.

1. How deep is the water? This will be a factor in establishing plants and their survival over winter if you live in colder regions. Some species need a minimum depth of 2 to 3 feet to grow well.
2. Is your pond permanently installed in the ground or is it a small tub that will be moved inside in the winter? In this case, even tropical plants may be an option.
3. Will you drain your pond in the winter? If you intend to drain your pond, you should consider plants that can spend the winter in a basement in a dormant state.
4. How much sunlight does your pond receive?
5. How large is your pond? If your pond is small, consider dwarf species.
• Purchase plants from a reliable vendor. Remember to include some oxygenator plants such as elodea.
• Emergent and submergent plants should be planted into pots. A wide assortment of pots is available, from plastic baskets to pulp planters. Choose pots that are large enough for your plants.
• If using baskets with numerous perforations, line the basket with burlap or 2 layers of newspaper to keep the soil from falling out of the holes.
• Fill the container about half full with a mixture of good garden topsoil. Do not use potting mixes or peat moss. These are too light and will float out of the pot. Adding aquatic plant fertilizer to this bottom layer of soil is recommended for some species. Follow directions on the label for amount.

• Place the plant on top of the soil and fill the container with topsoil within one inch of the top.
• When planting water lily rhizomes, make a mound of soil in the middle of the pot. Place the rhizome at a 45 degree angle. The crown of the rhizome should be toward the center of the pot. Cover the roots with soil, but not the crown.
• In all cases, add a layer of gravel to the top of the pot. This will help keep the soil from floating out and prevent fish from digging in the soil.
• Slowly place the pots in the pool to keep soil from floating out. Place pots on bricks to get the desired height.
• Floating species can be placed directly into the pond with no other care needed.

Plants should cover 50 to 70 percent of the water surface. Native plants usually do not need fertilizer. For some exotic water lilies, limited fertilizing once yearly may be required. Check with your nursery on care of plants and how deep to place potted plants. Be aware that overfertilizing may cause unwanted algae blooms which can rob the water of oxygen.

Add fish and scavengers

Consider stocking your backyard pond with native fish. They are fun to watch and help keep the pond free of unwanted insects. Most small ponds will warm up quickly in the summer, so make sure you stock with fish that can tolerate elevated temperatures.

You'll also need scavengers, such as aquatic snails and tadpoles, to help control algae. In cold climates, a heater may be necessary for fish to survive the winter. However, this uses a significant amount of electricity and, in most cases, probably is not justified. A better option may be to set up an indoor aquarium in which to overwinter fish and plants.

Maintenance

Algae is a common problem in many newly established ponds. The water often becomes an unsightly green after a few days. While your first instinct is to drain the pond and start over, this only prolongs the problem. Once a pond is "balanced," algae usually are kept at an acceptable level. A balanced pond is one in which the nutrients are at the appropriate level for the plants present. Excess nutrients and light are needed for algae. Reducing the nutrients and decreasing the amount of light entering the water will help reduce algae. Floating plants or those with broad leaves such as water lilies will help reduce the amount of light available for algae and compete for available nutrients. Scavengers such as snails will help clean up wastes from the bottom of the pond.

Pond filters can help reduce algae, but require maintenance. Filters need to be cleaned frequently if algae is a problem. Chemicals can also be used to control algae. Use cautiously as they can be toxic to other plants and aquatic life. The need for algaecides should decrease as plants become established.

Excessive plant growth, especially of free-floating plants, may be a problem. Periodically skim off excess growth of duckweed, water lettuce, and other floating plants. Monthly, prune dying plant material. Clean out some of the decaying plant material that has accumulated in the bottom of the pond in the spring. Remember: a natural pond is not a swimming pool and too much cleaning can do more harm than good.

Safety

Locate the backyard pond where it is unlikely to attract unattended children. Check local safety ordinances to determine if a fence is required for the specific depth and size of your pond. Check local building ordinances for depth and safety restrictions and permits. Equip outdoor outlets with a ground-fault circuit interrupter. Unplug the pump before cleaning the filter.

RECIPES

Beans, beans, and more beans

What barbecue is complete without them!

Crock Pot Baked Beans

2 - 28 to 32 ounce cans baked beans
1 cup raisins
2 small onions, diced
2 tart apples, cored, unpeeled, diced
1 cup chili sauce
1 cup lean ham, diced
3 teaspoons dry mustard
1/2 cup sweet pickle relish

Mix together all ingredients. Cover. Cook on Low 6-8 hours

Honey-Rum Baked Black Beans

5-1/2 cups canned black beans, drained
8 ounces chorizo sausage, coarsely diced
1 small Spanish onion, diced fine
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced fine
1 cup dark rum
1/4 cup honey
Salt and pepper
3 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

In a saute pan over medium-high heat, saute the chorizo until it is brown and the fat is rendered, about 5 minutes. Remove the chorizo from the pan and pour off all but 3 tablespoons of the fat. Add the onion, garlic, and carrot and sweat until the onion is translucent and tender, about 4 minutes.

In a mixing bowl, combine the chorizo mixture with the beans, rum, and honey, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into a casserole or baking dish, add the stock, and cover.

Bake the beans 20 minutes. Check to see if the mixture is dry and add water or stock if needed. Continue baking, covered, another 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes. Remove from the oven. Fold in the cilantro before serving.

Beer-Baked Beans

5 (15-1/2- to 19-ounce) cans white kidney (cannellini) beans, rinsed and drained
5 ounces sliced bacon, coarsely chopped
2 medium onions, chopped
1 (12-ounce) can lager beer
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup spicy brown mustard

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.

Place the bacon in a Dutch oven or flameproof casserole. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is browned, about 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to paper towels, leaving the fat in the pan. Cool the bacon and set aside.

Add the onions to the fat in the Dutch oven and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 6 minutes. Stir in the beer, ketchup, honey, and brown mustard. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the beans and reserved bacon. Bring to a simmer.

Cover tightly and bake for 1 hour. Uncover and continue baking until the beans have absorbed most of the liquid and look glazed, about 30 minutes. Serve hot.

Baked Beans With What!

5 cans (16 ounces each) baked beans
1 tablespoon molasses
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 cup chili sauce or ketchup
1/2 cup bourbon
1/3 cup strong coffee
1 can (15 ounces) crushed pineapple, well drained
1/2 cup brown sugar
8 slices bacon, to garnish

Mix together the beans, molasses, mustard, chili sauce, bourbon, and coffee. Let stand for 3 hours.

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F, Bake the beans for 30 minutes. Add the pineapple and brown sugar and bake for another 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, fry the bacon until crisp. Drain well. Crumble and sprinkle over beans before serving.

Spicy Baked Beans

Nonstick cooking oil spray
1 (15 ounce) can black beans
1 (28 ounce) can vegetarian baked beans
1 (15 ounce) can navy beans
1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 medium bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 jalapeño, minced (or more, to taste)
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (not garlic salt)
2 teaspoons chipotle powder
2 slices bacon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 11-inch baking pan with oil spray.

Combine all ingredients, including liquid from beans, in baking pan. Stir gently, but thoroughly, until all ingredients are mixed well. Lay the strips of bacon across the top of baking pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly.

3-Bean, 1 Hour Crockpot Baked Beans

1 pound ground beef
1-16 oz can kidney beans, drained
1-16 oz can pork and beans, DO NOT drain
1-15 oz can butter beans (small), drained
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
2 tablespoons vinegar

Brown beef and onions, drain. Combine all ingredients in crockpot. Cook one hour on high, stirring occasionally.

HUMOR

OH NO! Little Johnny's back again!

      A new teacher was trying to make use of her psychology courses. She began her class by saying, "Everyone who thinks you're stupid, stand up!" After a few seconds, Little Johnny stood up.
      The teacher said, "Do you think you're stupid, Little Johnny?"
      And Little Johny said, "No, ma'am, but I hate to see you standing there all by yourself!"

      Little Johnny watched, fascinated, as his mother smoothed cold cream on her face.
      "Why do you do that, Mommy?" he asked. "To make myself beautiful," said his mother, who then began removing the cream with a tissue.
      "What's the matter?" asked Little Johnny. "Giving up?"

      The math teacher saw that little Johnny wasn't paying attention in class. She called on him and said, "Johnny! What are 2 and 4 and 28 and 44?"
      Little Johnny quickly replied, "HBO NBC, ESPN, and the Cartoon Network!"

      Little Johnny's kindergarten class was on a field trip to their local police station where they saw pictures tacked to a bulletin board of the 10 most wanted criminals.
      One of the youngsters pointed to a picture and asked if it really was the photo of a wanted person.
      "Yes," said the policeman. "The detectives want very badly to capture him."
      Little Johnny asked, "Well why didn't you keep him when you took his picture?"

      At Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings.
      Little Johnny, a child in the kindergarten class, seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs.
      Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and said, "Johnny what is the matter?"
      Little Johnny responded, "I have a pain in my side. I think I'm going to have a wife!"

      A cowboy in Oklahoma got pulled over by a State Trooper for speeding. The trooper started to lecture the cowboy about his speeding, and in general began to throw his weight around to try to make the cowboy feel uncomfortable.
      Finally, the trooper got around to writing out the ticket.
      As he was doing that, he kept swatting at some flies that were buzzing around his head.
      The cowboy said, "Having some problem with Circle flies there, are ya?"
      The trooper stopped writing the ticket and said, "Well yeah, if that's what they are. I never heard of Circle flies."
      So the cowboy says, "Well, circle flies are common on ranches. See, they're called circle flies because they're almost always found circling around the back end of a horse."
      The trooper says, "Oh," and goes back to writing the ticket.
      Then after a minute, he stops and says, "Are you trying to call me a horse's ass?"
      The cowboy says, "Oh no, Trooper. I have too much respect for law enforcement to even think about calling you a horse's ass."
      The trooper says, "Well that's a good thing," and goes back to writing the ticket.
      After a long pause, the cowboy says, "Hard to fool them flies though."
 

OTHER STUFF

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