Outdoor Fun for Kids Young and Old

June 28, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on outdoor fun for kids.  Fun outdoor activities and even school have become extra cautionary in the wake of COVID 19 protocols.  Sadly, many people have resorted to new ways of doing everyday activities. Parents will have to get creative with indoor and outdoor activities to keep their kids safe at home and entertained.  This article gives you a few ideas on how to make your very own backyard fun for your kids. 

 

 

outdoor fun for kids

 

 

Outdoor Fun for Kids

 

Playground and playsets equipment

First, playsets and playground equipment offer many options to keep your kids entertained. Any playset equipment will fulfill your kids’ fantasy, and they’ll want to invite all their friends over to play on their awesome setups. Ordinary playsets and playground equipment may include swing sets, climbers, and children’s trampoline. Many playsets and playground equipment are designed with your child’s safety concerns and considerations so they will be safe while having fun. Plus, they are perfect for backyard fun activities. 

 

Backyard gardening 

Children can have fun and acquire new skills by spending time gardening in the backyard. Encourage them to bring out their green thumb by participating activities like mulching, weeding, and watering.  Fortunately, they activities greatly benefit kids’ cognitive development.

Keep your lawn and garden green and producing all season by effectively using a lawn fertilization solution.  It will help keep your lawn lush and green and produce stronger grass blades. 

Furthermore, you can create a garden space of any size for your kids in the backyard, where they grow and take care of plants. You can help them grow pumpkins, or an array of flowers such as sunflowers and daffodils among others. Be sure to plant bright and colorful flowers that will attract butterflies and other insects. Also, make sure your backyard garden is a safe space with suitable gardening tools and plants for your kids. 

 

Out Fun for Kids with a Movie Theatre 

You can easily dedicate some space in your backyard for nights. Movie nights can be fun, add a few classics or your favorite movies together and indulge in your favorite snacks.  There are many resources to help you set up a perfect outdoor movie theatre.

You’ll want to get an already made outdoor cinema system like Cinebox, or you can make it even more fun and exciting by building a makeshift backyard theatre with your kids. 

 

Build a simple backyard pool

Next, kids love to play in the water to cool down when the sun is out and hot. A perfect alternative to a fun time at the beach is an outdoor swimming pool in your backyard. Kiddie pools are viable options for backyard pools because they are inflatable and shallow.  They are perfect especially if your have small children.  You can also get splash mats and slides for young children who may find swimming a bit difficult. 

 

 

outdoor fun for kids

 

 

 

Build a treehouse 

Last, treehouse playgrounds are the archetypes of entertaining children’s playgrounds. If you can afford to build a treehouse in your backyard, do it. There are limitless ideas for building a playhouse.  Get your kids involved on design and style.  Furthermore, kids can learn how to climb, have picnics in their new space, decorate it with their favorite flowers, and host sleepovers with friends.  Just ensure you build a very safe and child-friendly one.

 

Finally, pick an idea or two and get to work creating outdoor fun for kids in your own backyard.  You will be the parent ever.  

Filed Under: Entertainment, Family Time Tagged With: , , ,

Lawn Repair Tips for Homeowners

June 26, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips lawn repair tips for homeowners.  If you’re wondering how to create the perfect lawn, then you’re in the right place. In this post, we’re going to take a look at some lawn repair tips for homeowners that won’t break the bank, and will have your lawn looking good in not time.  

 

 

 

lawn repair tips

 

 

 

Lawn Repair Tips for Homeowners

 

Feed And Water Your Lawn Regularly 

While grass is hardy, it does better when you water and fertilizer it regularly.  Unfortunately, the underlying soil rarely contains all the nutrients that your soil needs.  Just like your flowers and vegetables need nutrients, so does your grass.  

You can pick up fertilizers from most garden centers and nurseries.  Be sure to read the packing.  It provides information on how to best use the product and when to combine it with watering.

Not only should provide food for your lawn, a lawn lacking sufficient water will turn yellow then brown. So if you want your grass to look verdant year-round, you’ll need to water it continuously. Look into a sprinkler system for a well maintained lawn.  

 

Only Remove A Third Of Your Grass’s Length When Mowing

Some gardeners can overdo their landscaping and lawn care. They adjust the blade on their mower so that they completely scalp the lawn, making it difficult for the grass to recover. So, think about it this way: you wouldn’t prune back a tree to the base of the trunk, right?  So you shouldn’t do the same with your lawn.

When mowing, set the blade so that it only removes a third of the length of the grass on your lawn. This way, you can keep the grass viable and healthy. During the height of summer when it is dry, you may wish to only remove a small fraction of the grass’s length.   

 

Start Over Seeding

If feeding your grass and regularly mowing it isn’t helping, then you can try over seeding. Over seeding involves scattering grass seed on your lawn.  This is a great way to fill in bald areas or areas that have lost thickness.  

Check out the varieties of grass seed available, and determine what areas in your lawn you want to overseed.  

Before you overseed, you’ll first need to mow, scarify (remove debris), aerate the lawn and provide a top dressing. Taking these steps will provide new seeds with the maximum chance of germinating.  Once you seed the lawn, you’ll need to keep it watered and do a top dressing.   

 

 

lawn repair tips

 

Remove Debris

So, you’ll want to remove any debris from your lawn. Things like leaves and twigs can prevent grass from accessing natural sunlight, leading to thinning patches, especially during the winter months. 

Use a lawn rake remove any clumps of grass, twigs and leaves.  Rake over as many areas as you can to keep your lawn looking healthy and beautiful. 

 

Top Dress Your Soil 

Next, top dressing is to improve the quality of existing soil, enhance draining, and build up your soil can it can help get rid of any imperfections. With regular top dressing, you can provide your grass with an optimal habitat in which to flourish and grow year-round. 

Before you buy any top dressing, however, you’ll need to check the soil type in your garden. Understanding your soil type, will ensure you add the appropriate nutrients for your lawn.  Your soil type can be loamy, sandy or clay.  You’ll need to match it to the top dressing to ensure that you can maintain your lawn sufficiently. 

 

Regular maintenance of your lawn will help keep it in good condition.  Mowing at the correct height, fertilizing, aerating, and regular watering should become a part of your lawn care routine.  

 

 

Filed Under: Outdoor Living Tagged With: , ,

Garden Patio Ideas for Every Budget

June 25, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on garden patio ideas.  If you have been thinking about remodeling your garden,  you may be worried about how much it’s going to cost.  Remodeling your garden patio can make it look fresh and more appealing to you and your guests.

However, remodeling can get expensive if you are not careful. Thankfully, there are a few ways in which you can reduce the cost.  Here is a look at some of the best garden patio ideas for every budget.  

 

 

garden patio ideas

 

Garden Patio Ideas for Every Budget

 

Renovate Instead of Removing

It can be tempting to remove everything in your current landscape and purchase everything new.  However, this is something that should be avoided if you want to operate within your budget. 

Instead repurpose what you have.  Repurposing what you have will save money and cut down on the cost of your renovation.  You’ll be amazed at how you can transform your garden patio with what you have.  

 

Add Fresh Mulch to Patio Garden Beds

So, get out your spade or half moon edger and give your garden beds a fresh outline.  Work within the natural contours of your garden.

If your soil is eroding, that’s a sign you need to add crushed stone, wood chips or shredded mulch to your beds.  Adding mulch will help stabilize the soil in your garden, and maintain a healthy moisture level for your plants.  Furthermore, it will help keep weeds down and reduce the amount of work you spend weeding.

Check with your local recycling center.  Many centers give away free mulch throughout the summer.  

 

Refresh Flower Garden Beds   

Consider adding more flowers to your garden to enhance its look.  Adding more flowers with beautiful colors, height and texture will bring your garden to life. 

I recommend that you join a plant or flower swap group.  It’s a great way to meet other gardeners, exchange flowers and plants and get ideas. You may have too much of one flower while another gardener has too much of another. Making an exchange is a great way to revamp your garden beds without spending a penny.  

Furthermore, many share photos of their garden space, which will give you ideas for your patio garden space.  

 

Build Affordable Pathways

If you want to add stone or brick pavements to your garden, but those materials are out of your budget range don’t give up on your dream make over.  

Check with different landscaping companies to see if you can still carve out the pathway by using another material.  Check out the prices for pea gravel, shell or stepping stones as a placeholder. This is often a good substitute until you can afford to buy stone pavers or bricks to make the pathway look finished. 

 

 

garden patio ideas

 

Mix and Match Patio Garden Furnishings

If you want to create a cozy nook in your garden where you can sit and relax but you don’t have the money to buy new furniture, consider getting second-hand furniture that you can mix and match. 

If you do it right you will end up with something that looks unique and interesting. Be on the lookout for vintage pieces that you can remodel yourself as a DIY project.

 

Shop Yard Sales and Thrift Stores for Garden Patio Makeovers

Shop yard sales and thrift stores for new planters, a bench, pillows and accessories like candles or glazing balls to display.  Old crates, side tables, bistro sets and bright cushions can really bring your patio to life.  A can of paint and new fabric will make your garden patio area pop. 

 

Embrace the garden patio ideas above, and get creative.  When you are remodeling your garden on a budget the best thing you can do is to work with what you already have and shop wisely. It’s a great way to make your garden beautiful without breaking the bank.

Filed Under: Flower Gardens Tagged With: , , ,

Repelling Dogs From Your Garden

June 19, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on repelling dogs from your garden.  A pet can make your life easier. They are a part of most families, and they not only provide companionship, but can improve your social life, provide emotional support, and reduce blood pressure, anxiety and depression.

Even so, owning a pet has its fair share of the downside. Taking care of one is time-consuming; some pet foods are pretty expensive, you have to take regular trips to the veterinarian, and it can be dangerous if you have an infant.

If you own a garden, you know how strenuous it can be to protect your seedlings and other plants from your pets. Your dog could be digging up your carrots while the neighbor’s cat is using your flower garden as a litter box. 

Fortunately, there are ways to pet-proof your garden to protect it from domestic animals. Read on.

 

 

repelling dogs from your garden

 

 

Repelling Dogs From Your Garden

 

Repelling Dogs From Your Garden Using Animal Decoys

Mounting an animal decoy in your garden can make a visual impact with dogs.  This method is most applicable for night visitors such as racoons and bunnies. But, animal decoys can also stop dogs from entering your garden.

You can invest in various types of animal decoys, but most importantly, consider those that can move. A stationary animal decoy can work for a day or two, but if you want to keep pets and birds away from your garden long term, use a bait that can move.  For example, tying a rope to a plastic owl so that it sways can convince pets that the garden is on guard.

 

Keep Your Pets Occupied

Another effective way to keep pets away from your garden is to keep them occupied. For instance, if you want to prevent your dog from digging up your carrots, you can create a play area with bare soil for them to dig in.  Give them a few toys that they enjoy, and may bury to keep them busy.

Reward them for good behavior with ginger treats for dogs . They will motivate them to continue digging in that area.  Furthermore, having a digging pit for your dog is a surefire way to prevent them from messing up your garden. Also, ensure to enclose it to keep them from moving to your garden.

 

 

repelling dogs from your garden

 

 

 

Use Citrus Peels

Citrus peels from fruits such as oranges are unpleasantly bitter to most animals. And, dogs don’t like anything bitter. To keep your dog away, consider scattering citrus peels around the garden. Furthermore, you can also repel cats from your garden by using citrus peels.  They don’t like the smell of citrus either.  

This tip can be more effective if you mix the peels with coffee grounds. It can create an even more powerful and bitter dog-deterrent solution. Also, make it a habit to replace the peels regularly to ensure the method remains effective.

 

 

repelling dogs from your garden

 

 

 

Invest in Motion-Activated Sprinklers

Neither cats or dogs like water.  Therefore, this can be an effective way to pet-proof your garden. It would be best to invest in a sprinkler system that activates when your garden is being approached.  If any domestic animal approaches the garden, the sprinklers will activate, rendering them wet, thus fleeing from the garden.

There are probably tons of ways to handle this battle effectively.  Just determine the most effective way of repelling dogs from your garden and stick to it.  If necessary, experiment with a few of my suggestions until you find one that works. 

Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , ,

Ideas for Kids Birthday Party

June 17, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on ideas for kids birthday party.  Not everyone celebrates birthdays.  But, there are plenty of us who do.  So, each household will have its own traditions, practices and other things to arrange around the occasion. However, there are a few birthday practices that have become increasingly commonplace and popular.  As a result, you may find that you end up engaging with them too. While there’s no right or wrong way to arrange a birthday for your little one, the following steps will help to make sure that the day goes well all around!

 

 

 

ideas for kids birthday party

 

Ideas for Kids Birthday Party

 

Set a Budget

First, you need to set a budget for the occasion. Too many people end up underestimating the cost of a kids birthday party.  The best way to avoid overspending is to set your budget and stick to it, period. Determine how much money you will have after essentials costs (such as rent or mortgage payments, electricity, water, food etc. ).

You will be left with a sum that represents your disposable income. Set aside an amount that you can afford to spend for the party and do not exceed it.  Repeat, do not exceed it.  

 

Plan in Advance

Most importantly, start planning your kid’s birthday well in advance. Planning will allow you to  start saving for any expensive purchases that you might want to make.  Planning in advance can also allow you to purchase or book items that may be in high demand or set aside money for items that will take up a large portion of your budget.  

 

Consider Gifts

Gifts tend to be a big part of birthdays for many kids. Sure, they’re not the be all and end all of the occasion, but if you do want to buy gifts for your little one start planning as soon as possible.  Sometimes, it can be difficult to gauge exactly what your child wants. This is where a wish list can come in handy. Get them to write down anything they’ve seen that they’d particularly like. This could be anything from a Super Wings Donnie to a specific book or video game they would like to play. 

 

Gift Ideas for Kids 

 

  • Toys
  • Creative kits
  • Board games
  • Game0 consoles
  • Bikes, scooters, etc.
  • Trampolines
  • Paddling pools
  • Playhouses

 

 

Ideas for Kids Birthday Parties and Themes   

 

Many kids like to have a particular type of birthday party.  There are countless types of party you can hold.  However, consider your little one’s interests, the number of invitees, your budget, your location and more.

 

  • Backyard Parties – These tend to be relatively low cost because it is hosted at your home.  As a result,  you don’t have to fork out for a venue. A good addition to this sort of party is a bouncy castle. You can prepare food yourself at a low cost too!  These are perfect for themes like Disney Princess, Minnie Mouse, Cars, Spider Man, Peppa Pig to name a few.

 

ideas for kids birthday party


 

 

  • Pool Parties – Many local pools will rent their facilities out for parties. This allows your kids to swim with their friends while being supervised by life guards who will be on duty for their safety.

    Furthermore, if you have a pool that’s even better for older children.  Have a few parents or family and friends volunteer to be life guards.  Put a few hot dogs and burgers on the grill and add in a few sides. It’s the perfect pool party food for hungry kids and adults who will be on hand.   


  • Arcade Parties – Next, many arcades have a party room and will provide a pizza and drinks for your child and guests.  They also offer a discount on tokens for each of your guests so they can play games, miniature golf or rock climb etc.  


  • Trampoline Parties – So, more and more trampoline centers are popping up. They have safe trampolines and foam pits for your kid and their friends to play around in for an hour or two.

 

Last, whatever kind of party your child would like to have, be sure to involve them on the guest list.  Give them the number of guests they will be allowed to invite, and than help them decide who they want to invite.  Unfortunately, most budgets won’t allow them to invite an entire class of kids.  So, make sure they invite their closest friends and classmates.  Also, backyard parties allow more children to be invited because of the lack of money being spent on the venue. 

Finally, there can be different elements to your little one’s party depending on what they enjoy and what you are able to arrange yourself. Hopefully, some of my ideas for kids birthday party will help you in your planning.  

Filed Under: Entertainment Tagged With: , ,

Home Remodeling Tips For Everyone

June 8, 2021 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing home improvement advise on home remodeling tips for everyone. At first glance, a remodeling project seems like an easy task to complete.  Most people who are DIYers or even if you can afford a professional remodel team, you need to be aware of the basics of home improvement endeavors. 

To simplify the process of home remodeling, I have prepared a list of the five most important recommendations.  

 

 

home remodeling tips

 

Home Remodeling Tips:   

 

  • Planning is everything

Choose the materials wisely and allocate your time.  This includes time to complete your project and to fix small issues once the project is completed.  You never know what emergencies will arise. After all, this is a remodeling project. More likely than not, something unexpected will be encountered. 

Furthermore, the cost may drop significantly if you plan properly.  Consult with your contractor through each step.  If you will be doing the work, put every step of the project on paper.  Be as elaborate as possible, even on minor details. Know your exact goal and follow the plan precisely. Set a timespan, budget, consider the possibly of extra expenses, and relocation expense if you have to move out.  

 

  • Search for the proper contractor

Unless you can do everything by yourself, make sure you hire the appropriate contractor for the job.  Look for the following:  

 

  • Thorough estimates
  • Licensed and well-trained team of professionals
  • Great customer service
  • References of completed projects
  • Good reviews
  • Quality service
  • Proper equipment to complete the job
  • A good vision of your remodel

 

When it comes to the right choice of a contractor, residents of Sacramento often opt for the services provided by the team of remodeling specialists from A+ Construction & Remodeling. They have the most permits in the area.

 

  • Be present at the remodeling site

Check on the remodel every step of the way.  You will want to catch problems early, and make sure they are brought to the attention of the contractor. This includes checking the materials to ensure they are exactly what you selected or will work for the remodel.  You can also assess the workers to ensure they are putting in the work they are getting paid to do.   

 

 

home remodeling tips

 

 

 

  • Have a good Understanding of the Contract 

Without considering this step, you could end up paying more money for the job.  So, ensure the contract contains all the information needed to make it a binding legal document.  This includes exactly what is to be remodeled and the end goal.  Also, include addresses, phone numbers, dates, signatures, materials and their cost, extra items etc. The success or failure of the home remodeling project depends on you as well as the contractor.  

 

  • Consider the value of the home 

What if you sell or rent out your property in the future? Such things as home remodeling can significantly contribute to the home value. As a result, add some stylish details, enlarge the kitchen, or build arches and passages in the home.  These upgrades could increase the amount of rent paid by renters or your home’s appraisal amount. 

 

Put some serious thought into your remodeling project. Even if you are knowledgeable, professionals can help you save on time and ensure everything is done with top-notch quality. Consider these home remodeling tips the next time you are considering a home remodel.  They will help you get things done effortlessly.  

Filed Under: Financial Tips, Shopping Tips Tagged With: , , ,

How to Grow Radishes for Beginner Gardeners

June 6, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on how to grow radishes. Radishes are the perfect vegetable for beginner gardeners.  Actually, they are one of the easiest vegetables to grow.  I love radishes on vegetable trays, in salad or just to snack on.  Spicy radishes are what I crave.  However, there are 35 varieties of radishes for you to choose from to satisfy your taste buds.  

Besides being delicious, another reason to grow radishes is you can reap the benefits from two sowings.  One in the spring and one in the fall.  

Radishes provide great health benefits like antioxidants, calcium and potassium.  Furthermore, they can also help lower blood pressure.  

 

 

how to grow radishes

 

 

So, radishes are root vegetables and belong to the Brassicaceae family.  The Brassicaceae family includes cabbage, cauliflowers, collard greens, turnips, and beets to name a few.  Radishes originated in Egypt.  It gets it’s name from the Latin word root.  Radishes are loved by many, Americans eat approximately 400 million pounds of radishes each year.  

 

Varieties of Radishes:  

 

  • Cherry Belle
  • French Breakfast
  • Gourmet Blend
  • Fire and Ice
  • Pink Beauty
  • Black Spanish
  • White Icicle
  • Easter Egg
  • Purple Plum
  • Daikon

 

 

how to grow radishes

 

 

These radishes can be grown in a variety of containers.  They can be grown in raised beds, flower pots, baskets, colanders, galvanized tubs or buckets.  Personally, I plant them in rows in my garden.  

If you decide to grow radishes in a container, make sure it is a least 6 inches deep.  

 

How to Grow Radishes:  

 

  • Spring and fall are the best time to grow radishes.  Radishes prefer cool weather, so planting in April and or September is the perfect time to sow radish seeds.  
  • Add compost to your soil before you sow your seeds.  
  • Radishes are difficult to transplant; however, some gardeners have good luck transplanting them.  Because they are very easy to grow, I recommend direct sowing your seed as a beginner gardener.   
  • Grow radishes in full sun or partial shade. (They should be get at least 6 hours of sun a day).  
  • Avoid growing radishes next to potatoes, turnips or broccoli  and the herb hyssop.  
  • Not thinning radishes can stunt their growth. So, be sure to thin the radishes so they are an inch apart. You can simply pull or clip the radish seedlings you want to remove.  
  • Hot weather will cause radishes to bolt.  Once radishes bolt, they become bitter, woody and not at all tasty.  How do you know when you plant has bolted?  It will start flowering and attempting to set seed.  You can continue to let the plant bolt and go to seed if your radishes are heirloom plants.  Simply let the plant grow and produce seed pods.  When the pods turn brown and hard harvest the seed and plant them later.  
  • Water regularly.  Make sure your radishes receive at least an inch of water weekly.  When your radishes don’t receive enough water, they tend to crack or split.  You can use a soaker hose to water deeply when you’re pressed for time. 
  • Harvest your radishes timely.  Otherwise, they will become tough because they’ve been left in the ground too long. 
  • Harvest radishes within 30 to 45 days.  Be sure to read the package to ensure they are harvested timely. 
  • If radishes are about an inch out of the ground, they are ready to harvest.
  • When warmer weather hits in June, you should have already harvested your radishes. 

 

I hope that you enjoyed my post on on how to grow radishes.  Last, if you missed your chance to plant in the spring, plan a fall harvest.  Home grown radishes are so much tastier than store brought varieties.  You may also like: Spring Vegetables for Zone 6B.    Check out the Health Benefits of Radishes too.  

 

 

 

Filed Under: Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , , , ,

Moving Tips for Families with Kids

May 31, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on moving tips for families.  Moving to a new location is a stressful time for most people. Changing life circumstances like a new job or relationship may require selling your home. So, making the transition is tough for adults, but it gets a lot more challenging when you have young kids.

It’s important that you take the time to plan each aspect of the move carefully.  Furthermore, planning for your kids’ needs and reassuring them is important too.  Children feel insecure when giving up familiar rooms, friends, teachers, and play areas. Keep reading for some helpful tips that can help you make the change less stressful for them.

 

 

moving tips for families

Moving Tips for Families:

 

Communicate and Talk Openly About What’s Going On

Your kids are smarter than you think.  And, they always sense that something is going on. You may be meeting the realtor to discuss your options, or may be scheduling a showing. Having strange people walking around can make kids uneasy. So, sit the kids down (choose a time after they’ve eaten or had a nap) and talk about the move.  Discuss your new home and emphasis that they will have a beautiful room and new friends.  Additionally, answer questions in terms that make sense to them.  But, be prepared for meltdowns. Add lots of hugs and reassurances and give them time to assimilate the information and come around to embracing the move.

 

Introduce the New Home With Images and Videos

Familiarize your kids with images of the new home. The realtor assisting you with the purchase will likely share lots of pictures.  Or, you can get them from the seller’s listing. Use Google Maps to get an overview of the neighborhood, including some exciting landmarks to explore. A tree with enough room for picnics under it or a garden where they can play will make the new home exciting.  Knowing what to expect will make the transition smoother. 

 

Keep the Kids Busy While You Pack

Even with local movers assisting you, there will be an endless list of tasks to do.  Have a plan to get organized so you can keep the kids busy and out of trouble. If they’re older, you can get them to help. For the smaller children, place them in a room that has already been cleared.  If they are technically savvy let them watch videos or play games.  For smaller children give them toys that they like to play with or a few books.  Add in a snack with some juice or water.  Better yet, stack up some of the sealed boxes to make a fort and let the kids play where you can keep an eye on them.

 

 

 

moving tips for families

 


Maintain Normalcy For As Long As You Can

The most effective way to provide a sense of security after the move is to make sure that you stick to their routine as much as possible.  Make sure that you can access their favorite sheets, plates and utensils, and other bedtime essentials.  Think about commissioning hand-illustrated house portraits and hanging them up in the kids’ rooms. They will feel like they’re bringing over the old house with them. 

Remember, moving to a new place can be a scary for kids. So, take the time to understand their fears and help them transition by providing security and giving lots of love. 

Filed Under: Family Time Tagged With: , , , ,

How to Eliminate Peony Blight In Your Garden

May 31, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on how to eliminate peony blight.  Have you noticed a whitish gray powdery substance on your peony leaves?  What about brown spots on the leaves?  Sadly, your peony probably has Botrytis Blight. Fortunately, your peonies can recover and continue to give you the beautiful blooms as they did before the blight hit.  

Botrytis Blight is also called Gray Mold, and is the most common disease of peonies.  You will usually find it June through September.  There are others, but today we’re going to focus on the Botrytis Blight since it is the most prevalent.  Most gardeners find their peonies are affected with this blight when their area has had a lot of rain or the weather becomes hot and humid.  After a rainy period and than the weather turned hot with high humidity is when the blight appeared in my garden.  Luckily, only one of my peonies was affected.  However, one is too many.  

 

 

how to eliminate peony blight

 

 

 

My peonies actually had the gray mildew, as well as brown spots.  Peony leaf blight is what causes the large, brown spots as shown below.  Fortunately, the mildew and leaf blight can both be controlled.  

 

 

how to eliminate peony blight

 

How to Eliminate Peony Blight:  

 

  • Mildewed peony leaves can be treated with Neem Oil.  In the fall, the plant can be cut down to the ground as shown below.  
  • If your plant has a few leaves with brown spots, remove the affected leaves from your shrub immediately.  
  • In the fall, cut your peony plant down to the ground (as shown below).  
  • Remove all cuttings and infected leaves after you cut down your plants.  Place the cuttings in  the trash or burn them.
  • Once your cut your plant and remove the infected cuttings, spray your plant thoroughly with Garden Safe Fungicide3.  
  • Clean your shears or loppers thoroughly after cutting the diseased plant.  

 

 

eliminating peony blight

 

 

 

Peony Maintenance:  

  • Deadhead your peonies annually.
  • Make sure plants are spaced at least 3 feet apart. 
  • Plant peonies in full sun or part shade. 
  • Cut peonies down to the ground in the fall. 
  • Spray the Garden Safe Fungicide3 as a part of your maintenance program to keep the blight from hitting. (Spray your plants in the fall after cutting them down and in the spring before blooms emerge).  
  • Water peonies early morning at the base.  

 

 

eliminating peony blight

 

 

Last, taking these steps will eliminate and prevent peony blight from hitting your beautiful plants.  With these steps you peonies will be a good as new.  This is my Sarah Bernhardt peony.  Sadly, it was affected by the blight. However, re-emerged as beautiful as ever this spring. Preventive maintenance is key to healthy plants.  

Filed Under: Flower Gardens Tagged With: , , , ,

Best Companion Plants for Cabbage

May 29, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing beginner gardening tips on companion plants for cabbage.  Are you wondering what companion planting is?  When I first started gardening, I was unknowledgeable about companion plants and their benefits too.  However, I soon learned that plants need help just like humans.  

 

What Is Companion Planting:

 

Companion planting is when you grow different plants close to each  other.  The two plants help repel harmful bugs/pests, they can also attract beneficial insects, and help provide shade, support or even improve soil. 

Native Americans mastered companion planting with The Three Sisters.  The Three Sisters are corn, pole beans, and squash.  The corn provided a support for the beans to climb and the squash leaves provided shade to help retain moisture for the plants.  Companion plants for cabbage will work in a similar way.  

So, I plant sunflowers and cucumbers together.  The sunflower stalks are perfect for the cucumbers to wrap themselves around and the leaves of the cucumbers help shade the ground.  This helps the soil retain water.  And, makes these two plants great companions.  

 

 

companion plants for cabbage

 

 

 

 Using Flowers as Companion Plants 

 

Tomatoes and marigolds are good companion plants as well as tomatoes and basil. Lots of marigolds in your garden will bring insects that will eat pests in your garden.  Furthermore, those insects will enjoy the nectar or pollen of the flowers that you plant. 

So, petunias, zinnia, cosmos, and sweet peas are great flowers to plant in or around your vegetable garden too.  Get creative.  Plant them in circles around the base of your vegetable plants, make borders, use containers that sit close to the companion plants or intersperse flowers in your garden rows.  Those that produce clusters or trumpets are excellent choices to attract pollinators.  

 

 

companion planting for cabbage

 

 

Companion Plants for Cabbage

 

  • Dill
  • Chives
  • Beets
  • Yarrow
  • Mint
  • Geraniums
  • Sage
  • Oregano
  • Thyme
  • Onions
  • Marigolds
  • Mint
  • Celery
  • Basil
  • Calendula
  • Peas
  • Nasturtium
  • Bush or Pole Beans

 

 

 

companion plants for cabbage

 

Avoid Using These Plants with Cabbage:  

 

  • Tomatoes
  • Grapes
  • Strawberries
  • Garlic

 

I hope that my list of companion plants for cabbage will help you make a decision on what additional vegetables you want to add to your garden.  Also, adding companion flowers will make a lovely and colorful addition to your garden and backyard.  Last, the companion plants will help increase your yield and keep your produce disease free.  You may also like Understanding Companion Planting.  

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