Seed Starter Pots for Gardeners

February 13, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on seed starter pots for gardeners. First, I start the majority of my garden plants from seed.  I’m a frugal gardener, so I try to garden as cheaply as possible. Recycling, seed swapping, build your own is my motto.  Over the years, I have found that my biggest gardening expense were the vegetable and flower plants.  I have cut my expense tremendously, by germinating my seeds and producing my own plants.

Furthermore, it’s rewarding to plant veggies and flowers that you have grown from seed and nourished through the growing season.  For the most part, I have success with the majority of my seeds germinating.  However, there are some that don’t germinate. Gardening is trial and error. 

My attitude is, I’ll just try again next year.  Now, I have to be honest with you.  I do end up purchasing a few plants from the garden center, mostly flowers.  I love shopping the clearance tables and scooping up a few half dead bargains.  Bringing neglected plants back to life can be rewarding too.  I digress, but here’s a few container ideas for starting seeds. 

 

 

seed starter pot for gardeners

 

 

Ideas for Seed Starter Pots for Gardeners 

 

Winter Sowing Seed Starting Containers:

  • Milk Jugs – Gallon or half gallon will work.
  • Orange Juice Jugs – Clear orange jugs are perfect for starting seeds.
  • Gatorade Bottles – The 32 oz. bottles are perfect to house tomato seeds. Larger bottles can be used for larger plants like sunflowers.
  • 2 Liter Soda Bottles – I love using these for sunflowers, tomatoes, herbs.  They work great for single seed items.
  • Take out Chinese Containers –  These dish/trays are perfect for starting lettuce.
  • Old plastic containers – If you have storage containers that have cracked or just old and you don’t want to use them anymore, save them for you winter sowing.
  • Plastic fruit containers – These are perfect for starting lettuce, carrots, radishes and more.

 

 

seed starter pots for gardeners

 

 

 

Seed Starter Pots for Gardeners

Indoor Seed Starter Ideas:  

 

  • Eggshells – Rinse out your eggshells thoroughly.  You can store them in a container for egg carton for later use.  They are so adorable with new life in them.
  • Yogurt Cups or Fruit Cups –  I don’t eat much yogurt, but my grandkids do.  I eat lots of fruit cups though.   I’ve used them for the pass few years to start my birdhouse gourds, and they’ve worked great.  I’m sure you can use them to start tomatoes, peppers and more.
  • Sour Cream Containers – These are perfect seed starter containers too.  Tomato plants can grow a nice root ball in these containers without having to be transferred.
  • Toilet Paper Rolls – Biodegradable and perfect for germinating seeds.
  • Clear Fruit Containers – Next, I save the plastic containers that I purchase grapes or strawberries in.  Blueberry containers are good too. I like using these when I need to plant several seeds.  For example, cabbage, beets etc.
  • Newspaper Seedling Containers  – Next, recycle newspaper and make seedling pots. (See my post on making newspaper seedling pots.
  • Cardboard Milk or Juice Containers – Simply cut the top off the containers and you have a great seed starting container.
  • Plastic Cups – I save my disposal drinking cups throughout the year.  The 8 or 16 ounce cups are perfect.
  • Peat Pots – You can purchase these from the Dollar store, Lowes, Big Lots and more.
  • Pots from your local Nursery – Save pots that you purchase plants in from your local nursery.  They are perfect for starting seeds, and fit great into nursery trays.
  • Egg Cartons – Finally, save your egg cartons, they are perfect for starting your seeds and/or housing your eggshells.  A Philips Head screwdriver makes an excellent drainage hole.

 

 

Sanitizing Seed Starter Pots

So, you have your containers gathered and you’re ready to go.  Stop, you must sanitize them before use.  I use hot soapy water to remove any remaining food or liquid from the containers.  Rinse each container.  Next, spray and wipe each container with peroxide or spray with bleach. Rinse well and allow to dry.

Last, once the containers are dry you must drill holes in the bottom of each container.  This will allow water to soak into your trays.  You may be able to use a glue gun on some. For example, the plastic cups, clear fruit containers, yogurt and fruit cups.

 

Best Seed Starting Mix

Also, be sure to use a quality seed starting mix.  I use Miracle Gro Seed Starting Mix. 

 

Once you follow all of the steps, your containers are ready to be filled and used to germinate your seeds.  Good luck, and let me know if you have questions.  You may also like Starting Seeds in Eggshells

 

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

Improving Your Backyard Tips

February 10, 2021 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing Tips for improving your backyard. If we want to improve our quality of life, we need to start improving our backyard, and start enjoy it.  There are many ways to improve the look of your backyard.  Possibilities include planting new plants or upgrading your garden furniture. It is very important that just as our house is harmonious and everything blends, the design in your backyard and garden should also blend.  Furthermore, it should have a uniform look and a sense of harmony. 

 

 

improving your backyard

 

 

Tips for Improving Your Backyard:

 

Install a Pergola

One way of improving your backyard is to install a pergola.  Installing a pergola in your backyard will increase your outdoor living space, and give you a shaded area to enjoy.  Furthermore, you can enjoy a pergola even when it’s raining.  However, it is suggested that you consider the quality of the wood before you install it.  A high-quality wooden pergola will last years with quality wood.  Additionally, it will make your backyard garden a place for entertaining guests, having your child’s birthday party, hosting a baby shower or just relaxing with family or friends. If you need to remove trees to get more light, consider a reliable tree removal service. 

 

Install a High Quality Space 

Another tip for improving your backyard is to consider different entertainment areas. You can divide your backyard into different spaces.  For example, you can use one part of your backyard for an outdoor seating area, a dining area, vegetable garden, butterfly garden, rose garden or more.  Use your imagination. If you need ideas, visit spaces of vegetation and seating.  

 

 

improving your backyard

 

 

 

Invest In Your Vegetation 

It is very important that we invest not only in the construction of our deck, balcony or pergola, but we must invest in our garden area.  When we design and plant our garden area, we should invest in quality flowers and other vegetation.  When our gardens does not have colorful flowers, it can be boring. We should also consider the areas in our garden that are shady or sunny.  You must purchase your plants based on sun or shade. Be sure to plant a few fruit trees and yummy vegetables.   

 

Invest in a Quality Garden Design 

If we want to improve our property and make it more inviting, we should not only invest in the interior design, but also in the design of the garden. Make sure that it has a sense of harmony and aesthetic beauty.  These elements will help upgrade your outdoor living experience, and raise the value of your property.

Filed Under: Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , ,

Kids Bird Identification Tips

February 7, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing kids bird identification tips .  Getting children involved in nature and encouraging them to take care of what God and nature has left us with is important.

So, birdwatching is becoming one of the fastest growing hobbies in the country.  There are approximately 50 million Americans who are birding, another name for bird watching.  It’s funny, people spend more time bird watching than gardening in Canada.  Many people considered bird watching to be a hobby of retirees.  Not anymore, and birders are becoming younger and younger.

I’ve been bird watching for years.  My brother is a bird watcher.  One day while I was in the garden, he visited and we started discussing the various birds in my yard.  I was hooked, and I’ve been birding ever since.  Also, I have started my grandchildren watching and feeding the birds.  It’s a great activity to do on a cold, snowy day.  Furthermore, bird watching is also a great activity in the spring and fall while birds are migrating into the area or from the area.

To help children identify various birds, I created a bird watching check list for kids.  The pictures on the checklist are actual pictures that I have taken of birds in my backyard.  This bird list identifier will help kids study and see actual pictures of the backyard birds.  As a result, they will know what to look for or be able to identify it when they see it.  Each picture has a check box, so kids can check off each bird that they have seen. I suggest printing it in color if possible, and hanging it in an area where they can study and review it.

 

Kids Bird Identification Tips:

 

 

 

I live in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, outside Washington, DC in Zone6B; however, most of the birds are common in many backyards. Blue Jays, Mallards (can be found in most parks or around ponds), Cardinals, Grackles  Woodpeckers and the other birds can be found in most backyards too.  Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Cat Birds are abundant in the spring.

In addition to the Bird Watching Check List, I created individual information fact sheets for birds listed on the Identification Check List.  It gives children facts about each bird. For example, the Blue Jay is on the check sheet.  The bird fact sheets gives kids more information about the bird they will be looking for.  You can also check out my post on How to Attract Blue Jays. 

 

bird watching for kids

 

bird watching for kids

 

Cardinals are another backyard bird that most people can find in their backyard.  They are the state bird for 7 of our states. Check out my post on How to Attract Cardinals.  

 

bird watching journal for kids

 

 

Additionally, I created a Bird Watching Journal Page where kids can document what they observed with the birds.  Print the page so the children can document every bird that they see.  This can include birds on the Bird Watching Check List or other birds that are spotted and not listed. Be sure to check out my category of articles on How to Attract Backyard Birds. 

I hope you start your child bird watching.  You may enjoy it too.  You can print the Bird Watching Check List, Bird Facts and Journal Page here.

You may also like Parenting Exchange – Bird Watching Helps Children Become Wise.  

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Improving Your Home’s Value Tips

February 6, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I sharing outdoor living space tips on improving your home’s value. With more people spending leisure time at home, more people are considering their backyards more carefully. If you’re one of them, you will want to ensure that your investment won’t be lost when you sell. There are outdoor features that will improve your home’s value.  Furthermore, it will make your outdoor space more enjoyable.  

 

 

improving your home's value

 

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way we live our lives.  This includes our wants and needs when it comes to home. Understandably, the real estate landscape has transformed.  Which, is why leading real estate referral company HomeLight went to the experts to get a feel for the market. HomeLight’s Q4 survey of more than 1,000 top real estate agents, indicates that more people are remodeling and tackling big home projects.  As a result of the pandemic, backyards are a focal point.

If you want to upgrade your yard area, know what’s popular in your area and which projects have historically high returns on investment. 

 

Improving Your Home’s Value:  

 

1. Fire Feature

The nation’s top backyard feature is a fire pit.  Approximately, 54 percent of agents say buyers are seeking homes with backyard fire areas. If you’re in the Northeast or Midwestern part of the country, fire pits are the top outdoor feature. There’s nothing like sitting around a fire with friends and family on a crisp, cool fall evening.  For inspiration, check out these fire pit design ideas from HGTV.

 

2. Privacy Fence

If you really want to kick back and enjoy your backyard, it’s nice to know that you’re not on display for the neighborhood. For this reason, 48 percent of agents say that privacy fencing or hedges are the second most popular outdoor feature. Privacy fencing is also practical if you’ve got a dog or small children.  It keeps your precious ones in and strangers out. If a fence isn’t appealing to you, or you’re restricted from erecting a fence, check out some of these plants to grow for backyard privacy.

 

3. Outdoor Kitchen

If you live in an area that’s warm or experiences mild temperatures year-round, a full outdoor kitchen ranks third on the list nationally. Forty-six percent of agents say that their home buyers say that an outdoor kitchen tops the list of desirable home features. So, if you live in the Pacific region or the South Central portion of the country, investing in an outdoor kitchen will yield a decent return on your investment.

 

 

improving your home's value

 

 

 

4. Sun Shade

The number four spot nationally is held by sun shades.  There are options for every budget. Approximately, 34 percent of agents across the nation say that buyers seek homes with a shaded backyard area.

 

5. Screened In Space

Rounding out our list in the number five spot in the nation is a screened in area.  Agents say their buyers are looking for this feature in homes.  Screened in porches or spaces are most popular in the South Atlantic region.  This stretches from Maryland to Florida, and the is the most popular outdoor feature wanted by their buyers. With mild to moderate weather and humid summers, shaded, screened in porches or lanais provide much-needed cover from the sun and bugs.

 

I hope my list gives you some insight on where you should invest your money for your home investment.  What tops your list. 

 

Filed Under: Outdoor Living Tagged With: , ,

Beef Stew Lard Suet Cakes

January 23, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Homemade lard suet cakes is the topic of the day.  My backyard birds devour my DIY lard suet cakes within days.  So, rather than continually spend money on commercial suet cakes, I started making my own. Whether there are fights over the food in your home or in your backyard, you know the food is good. So, I suggest that you start making homemade suet cakes for your backyard birds.  Especially, if you want to keep them coming back to your feeders.

 

 

lard suet cakes

 

 

Furthermore, Suet cakes are a great source of heat and energy for birds in the winter.  And, you can get creative and create your own recipes.   I have created tons of recipes for my backyard birds, and it was fun making them.  Especially, with my grandkids. Beef stew is the flavor of the day.  Lets get started.

 

 

Beef Stew Lard Suet Cakes:

  • 1 cup chopped boiled potatoes (Be sure to remove the skin).
  • 1 cup grated raw carrots (Raw carrots are good for the birds eyes).
  • 2 cups of black oil sunflower seeds
  • 1 cup of oats (I forgot to include them in the picture below).
  • 1 cup beef lard  (I used the fat from my ground beef)
  • 1/2 cup regular lard if needed
  • containers to mold your mixture (container should be at least 5 x 5 so it will fit into a suet cage)

Note:  This recipe makes 2 suet cakes.

 

 

Lard Suet Cakes

 

 

  • Step 1 – Melt 1 cup of lard in a pot, and than allow it to harden.
  • Step 2 – Melt melt the lard a second time and allow it to harden again.  You can add more lard here if you don’t think you have enough for your mixture.
  • Step 3 – Melt the lard again.
  • Next, mix your birdseed, oats, potatoes, and carrots thoroughly while the lard is melting.  Once the ingredients are mixed well, pour the melted lard over the mixture. Stir the mixture so it is covered well with the lard.  (You can save a little lard to pour over the mixture once it is packed in the containers).
  • Pack the mixture into your containers.  ( I spray my containers with Olive Oil before I add the mixture to ensure an easy removal).
  • Pour the last of the melted lard over the mixture in the packed containers.
  • Freeze or place your containers in your refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
  • Last, remove the suet cakes from your containers and store in a freezer bag in the freezer or refrigerator until you need them.  (I mark my bags with the type of suet cake that I’m storing.  For example, Beef Stew).

 

 

Note:  I am an Amazon Affiliate.  If you make a purchase, I may receive a small fee; however, there will be no additional cost to you.

 

 


 

 

Some of the birds that visit my suet cake feeders are:

  • Woodpeckers
  • Mockingbirds
  • Northern Flickers
  • Carolina Wrens
  • Tufted Titmouse
  • European Starlings
  • Downy Woodpeckers
  • Hairy Woodpeckers
  • Pileated Woodpeckers
  • Black-capped Chickadees
  • House Finches
  • Sparrows

 

 

lard suet cakes

 

 

Finally, check out my carrot raisin suet cake recipe before you leave.  It’s another favorite of my backyard birds.  You may also like Understanding Suet.

 

Filed Under: Suet Cake Recipes Tagged With: , , , ,

Suet Cake Recipe for Crunchy Apple Raisin Suet

January 10, 2021 by Leave a Comment

My Crunchy apple raisin suet cake recipe is the topic today. Today, My backyard birds devour suet cakes, so I started making my own.  There are lots of fights at the feeders over this peanut butter suet cake recipe.  So, if you are a backyard bird watcher and want to keep birds at your feeders, make this crunchy treat for your feather friends.

Furthermore, Suet cakes are a great source of heat and energy for birds.  Especially, during the winter months when insects and berries are scarce. I have purchased commercial suet cakes, but the birds seem to prefer my homemade suet cakes.  If I have both a DIY suet cake and a commercial suet cake out at the same time, the birds prefer mine.  So, I have created tons of recipes for them. Crunchy apple raisin is the flavor of the day.

 

 

suet cake recipes

 

Crunchy Apple Raisin Suet Cakes:

  • 1 cup chopped raisins
  • 1 cup chopped dried apples
  • 2 cups of quality bird seed ( I use Royal Wing Birdwatchers Banquet from Tractor Supply)
  • 1 cup of oats
  • 1 cup lard
  • 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
  • containers to mold your mixture (container should be at least 5 x 5 so it will fit into a suet cage)

 

 

lard suet cake recipes

 

 

  • Melt 1 cup of lard in a pot, and than allow it to harden.
  • Melt melt the lard a second time and allow it to harden again.  You can add more lard here if you don’t think you have enough for your mixture.
  • Melt the lard again, and add the cup of crunchy peanut butter.
  • Next, mix your dry ingredients thoroughly, and than add your melted lard and peanut butter to your dry ingredients. Stir the mixture well.
  • Pack the mixture into your containers.  ( I spray my containers with Olive Oil to ensure an easy removal.
  • Freeze or place your container in your refrigerator for several hours.
  • Last, remove the suet cakes from your containers and store in a freezer bag in the freezer or refrigerator until you need them.  (I mark my bags with the type of suet cake that I’m storing.  For example, Crunchy Apple Raisin).

 

 

 


 

 

Some of the birds that visit my suet feeders are:

  • Woodpeckers
  • Mockingbirds
  • Northern Flickers
  • Carolina Wrens
  • Tufted Titmouse
  • European Starlings
  • Downy Woodpeckers
  • Hairy Woodpeckers
  • Pileated Woodpeckers
  • Black-capped Chickadees

 

 

lard suet cake recipe

 

 

 

Finally, check out my carrot raisin suet cake recipe before you leave.  It’s another favorite of my backyard birds. You may also like All About Bird Foods.

 

Filed Under: Backyard Birds Tagged With: , , , ,

Budget Makeover Garden Tips

January 10, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening advice on budget makeover garden tips. How much time do you spend in your garden? I ask the question, but I know that answer will differ depending on the individual. Some people love spending time in their garden and other people avoid it like the plague. In this post, we’re going to explore some of the reasons why you might fall into the latter group and what you can do about it. 

 

 

garden makeover tips

 

 

Garden Makeover Tips:

 

You Hate The Aesthetic

Perhaps your main reason for avoiding the garden is that you simply don’t like the way it looks. If so, then there are numerous ways that you can tackle this issue. For instance, you might want to think about hiring a landscaper. A landscaper will be able to make sure that you are able to get the perfect look for your garden. This can even help you enhance your curb appeal.

Furthermore, it could just be a matter of adding some color to your garden. If so, then consider getting a variety of different seeds and spreading them around your garden. Do this and you’re sure to be thrilled with the impact they have.

 

 The Garden Lacks Sitting 

Perhaps the main problem is that there’s nowhere in your garden where you can sit, relax and enjoy the scenery.  If you lack sitting, perhaps a new deck would remedy the problem.  Companies like Austex Fence and Deck will be able to help you and ensure that you have the perfect seating area.  Remember, if you are installing a deck, then you need to weatherproof it. You will be able to make sure that it’s beautiful throughout all the different seasons without it deteriorating over time. 

 

It’s Not Set Up For Your Needs

Is your outdoor space setup for your interest and needs?  If not, make a few changes. For example, install an organic vegetable gardening if that is your interest. Your garden presents a wonderful opportunity for you to grow your own vegetables and use them in your cooking. You’ll be amazed how delicious food tastes when you grow it yourself. 

 

 

garden makeover tips

 

 

The Wrong Furniture

Next, think about investing in new furniture for your home garden. This is a great way to ensure that you  head out and enjoy your garden more. You might think that there’s not a lot of choices when it comes to garden furniture.  Some of the latest garden furniture  looks incredible and will rival furniture for the interior of your home in terms of comfort and design. 

 

I hope that you will find my garden makeover tips helpful, and you will implement a few so you can spend more time in your garden. 

Filed Under: Outdoor Living Tagged With: , ,

Homemade Suet Cake Recipe – Carrot Raisin

January 6, 2021 by Leave a Comment

My homemade suet cake recipe today is for carrot raisin suet. My backyard birding tips love this specials treat.  I have purchased commercial suet cakes, but my backyard birds prefer and devour every DIY suet cake that I make.  As a result, I have developed homemade suet cake recipes for them. So, my recipes have been tested by my backyard birds.  Trust me, they haven’t left a suet cake in tact yet.

I prefer making my own homemade suet cake recipes because I know exactly what’s in them.  I can select and control the ingredients that I use.  My backyard birds seem to like it that way too.  If you are an experienced backyard bird watcher or a new newbie bird watcher, having your feeders full is the way to bring birds to your backyard, and keep them coming back.

 

 

birdseed suet cake recipe

 

Rather than toss any carrots that are getting old, I grate them with an old cheese grater and use them in my suet cakes.  DON’T cook them.  Raw carrots are best for backyard birds.  Carrots are good for our eyes, but they are good for our backyard bird’s eye sight too.  You can shred them and than freeze or store them in your refrigerator until you get ready to use them.  I toss mine into a freeze bag and put them in one of my refrigerator drawers.  I love raisins, so I always have a box on hand.

 

Homemade Carrot Raisin Suet Cake Recipe:

  • 1 Cup of Shredded Carrots
  • 1 Cup Raisins (Soak the raisins to soften them)
  • 2 Cups of Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
  • 1 Cup of Oats
  • 1 Cup melted Lard or rendered fat from the grocery store

Note:  This recipe will make 2 suet cakes.  You can double the recipe if you want to make more.  I only make 2 suet cakes for each of my recipes so I can have a variety on hand.

 

 

homemade suet cakes

 

 

  • Slowly melt 1 cup of lard in a pan.  I use lard versus Crisco; however, I know some birders who have used Crisco for their suet recipes. Furthermore, I use dry ingredient cups for my ingredients.  I know that I will end up with 2 suet cakes using this method.  You can always add more of any of the ingredients if needed.  Once the lard is melted.  Remove it from the heat, and allow it to harden.
  • Reheat the lard in the pan a second time once it has turned into a harden state.
  • Thoroughly mix your ingredients in a large bowl.  You will be adding the melted lard to the mixture.  If you want to add more of the ingredients after you add the melted lard, feel free. Mix the ingredients thoroughly before you put the mixture into the containers you will be using as your molds.
  • I use square plastic containers from the Dollar Tree or suet cake containers that I saved from commercial cakes.  You can purchase 2 containers for a $1.00 at your local Dollar Tree.  Also, sandwich cases from Big Lots will work too.  Add the mixture to your containers, and pack the mixture firmly into your containers.  Make sure your cakes are about an 1 inch thick all the way around.

 

 

DIY suet cakes

 

  • Take a knife and go around the outside of your cakes.  You want to leave a small space between the suet cake and your container.  Put them in your freezer or refrigerator until solid.
  • Once they are solid, remove them from the containers and place them in a freezer bag.  You can keep them in the freezer or refrigerator until you’re ready to use them. Mark your bag on the type of suet cakes you are storing.  For example, Carrot Raisin.

 

 

home made suet cake recipe

 

 

I hope that you will make lots of suet cakes for your backyard birds.  They provide nutrients and help keep our feathered friends warm during the winter months.  They will thank you by returning again and again.  Note:  I only use these cakes during cold weather.  You may also like:  All About Bird Foods 

 

 

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How to Start a Home Garden

January 5, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Are you dreaming of starting a home garden? Check out my tips on how to start a home garden.  I started home gardening about 10 years ago.  Since that time, I have obtained my Master Gardeners certification and reached out to beginner gardeners.  We all have to start somewhere in our gardening journey, and learning how to start a home garden is step 1.

Gardening can be therapeutic, and the benefits of growing fresh vegetables and beautiful flowers rewarding.  Unfortunately, many gardeners don’t know where to start.  I’m going to take the guess work out of that problem for you today.

 

how to start a home garden

 

How to Start a Home Garden:

Location, Location, Location – Deciding on a location is your most important decision.  Many issues that you encounter as a gardener can be rectified.  However, if you put your garden in the wrong location it will take work to relocate it.  So, think twice about where you want to put it before you begin.  I love looking out my window and seeing my garden.  Being able to watch it grow and become filled with fresh vegetables and beautiful flowers is so rewarding.  My grandchildren love looking out the window and looking at the sunflowers when they visit.  They love being greeted with a big smile each morning.

Sunshine  – The location you choose should receive at least 6 hours of sunshine.  More is even better.

Water – When you choose a spot for your garden, make sure you are able to water it from a rain barrel or water faucet.

Good Soil – If possible choose a location with good soil.  If the 3 elements above are met, you can amend the soil so your garden will be productive.  Do a soil test once you choose your site and send it to your local Extension , so you will know what your soil needs.

 

 

how to start a home garden

 

Know your Growing Zone – It’s imperative that you know your growing zone.  It will determine how long your growing season will be.  For example, I garden in Zone 6b.  As a result, I have approximately 6 months of spring and summer gardening.

Garden Method –  Decide how you want to garden. Will you be row gardening, using raised bed, containers or vertical gardening?

Frost Dates – Knowing your frost dates is important.  Frost dates determine when you can garden without fear of your plants being killed, and they let you know when you should prepare to close your garden before the first fall frost hits.

Mulch – Use straw and/or leaves around your vegetable plants.  I’ve used both on my garden paths as well as newspaper too.

 

Finally, I hope you found my how to start a home garden tips beneficial, and you will be enjoying your new garden this summer.  Gardening will give you an exhilaration rush.  You will proudly dig in dirt to produce tasty vegetables for your family and produce beautiful flowers.

 

 

Filed Under: Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , ,

Tips for Improving Curb Appeal

December 10, 2020 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on improving curb appeal.  On many occasions, we think about our garden’s appearance from a very nature-centered point of view.  Improving your curbside appeal will also add value to your home. It would help if you strived to keep the entire area clean, including your garage areas. You may want to look at pressure washing to help. 

Furthermore, one of he most important things when creating a garden is to do a thorough overview of the area.  So, what does doing an overview mean? Well, it means to not only focus on part of your garden, but try to foresee the completed result.  If you are a landscaper, that’s a bonus.  However for those of who are not, we must learn to consider the functionality and appearance of the elements that we have.  Check out these tips.

 

improving curb appeal 1

 

 

Improving Curb Appeal:

 

Play with lighting

One way to improve curb appeal is to implement lighting.  Improving lighting, especially at night can improve your landscape’s appearance!  Good lighting will significantly improve your garden’s appearance after sunset.  And, lighting can be factored into safety factors around your home.  For example, adding motion detectors or a dusk to dawn lamp at your entrance can improve your home’s curbside appeal.  

 

Organize the space

Another thing that is not taken into consideration in the garden is organization and the optimization of space.  People who have little space think they have to fill everything with plants to make the most of it.  Stop, that is a bad idea.  Like everything else, your garden needs to breath.  Even if the garden is large, we must also use other types of elements to add variety to its design.

For example, when the garden is small we have make it look larger than what it is.  To accomplish this, place  trees at the back of the your garden.  Next, place shrubs and smaller plants moving towards the front of the garden.  Medium size shrubs/plants will go in the medium and smaller plants/flowers will go in front of the medium sized plants.

 

 

improve curb appeal

 

 


Also, if you have a lack of space, container gardening is the way to go.  However, you should not use the soil in your garden to fill these same pots.  It will become too compact and rigid for the pots, leading to the death of the plants.  Look for potting soil, which is designed specifically for pots. Having a beautiful garden doesn’t have to be difficult.  With a few tricks and tips you can be well on the way to creating a heavenly space.

So, if you have a large garden take advantage of all the possibilities that space gives you.  Some things cannot be done in a small garden, but you can give a large one greater sophistication.

 

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