My girlfriend gave me some seeds....Castor beans.  

 

She told me they are effective in keeping the moles out of the garden.  She also said that her husband had to use a chain saw to remove one from their garden last year.  Hmmmm.  Do I really want to plant that?  Let me think:  NO!!!!

 

I didn't mean to plant it, but apparently I did.  Slam in the middle of the garden!!!!

 

Now for some interesting information about castor bean plants.  Castor beans were discovered in Egyptian tombs, looking a lot like polished bits of marble.  The Egyptians used castor oil as lamp oil, and an unguent which they drank with beer to purge their systems.  Some people still use castor oil as a laxative.  AAK!!!

 

READ THIS:  CASTOR BEANS ARE POISONOUS!!!  DO NOT EAT!!!

 

I also read that castor oil is used for lubrication of airplane engines, and for hydraulic brake fluids.  That just sounds toxic.

 

So....We're NOT going to eat any part of this plant, but it is interesting to me that we haven't seen too many moles in the garden this year.  I have also seen castor bean plants in some local gardens.  Maybe it does work.

 

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!!