Facts About Cooper’s Hawks

December 10, 2020 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing backyard bird tips on facts about Cooper’s Hawks.  I have had a immature Cooper’s Hawk visit for the past 2 years.  They are such fascinating creatures to watch, and the juveniles are so beautiful. But, I must say I was startled when I first one.  My reaction was, what in the hell is that.  I was used to small beautiful songs and the largest birds being the Blue Jay and Robin.  I observed it for a few minutes and noticed its curved bill, and that was the giveaway that my visitor was a hawk.  But, what kind of hawk I wondered.  After researching, I found out that it was a Cooper’s Hawk.

Cooper’s Hawk adults have a slate gray or brown gray back.  Their tails have several black bands with a white band.  Furthermore, they have a yellow spot on their bill and dark red eyes.  The female is larger than the male. Interestingly, juveniles have brown backs, brown streaks on the chest and bright yellow eyes.  Lets learn more!

 

Facts about Cooper’s Hawks:

 

  • The Cooper’s Hawk was known as the “chicken hawk.”
  • The Cooper’s Hawk is plentiful in North America. It is actually a bird-eating raptor.
  • Cooper’s Hawks usually mate for life.
  • Males feed the female up to a month before she begins laying eggs.
  • The male usually chooses the building site for the nest.

 

 

facts about cooper's hawks

 

 

 

  • The female builds the nest in either pines, oaks, Douglas-firs, beeches, spruces, and other deciduous or coniferous tree.  The nest are usually built 25 – 50′ above the ground.
  • Cooper’s Hawks like to build their nest on pre-existing bird’s nest or a squirrel’s nest.
  • Cooper’s Hawks return to the same nesting area; however, they build a new nest each year.
  • Female Cooper’s Hawk lays between 3 – 5 pale bluish-white eggs per breeding season.  They lay an egg every other day, and raise one brood per year.

 

 

facts about the Cooper's Hawk

 

 

 

 

facts about cooper's hawks

 

 

  • Females incubate the eggs for about 35-36 days.
  • The male brings food to the female and incubates the eggs while she eats.
  • The female feeds her brood for the first two weeks after the eggs hatch.  Males will bring food, but they do not feed the nestlings. The female takes the food from the male and feeds her brood.
  • The nestlings will leave the nest 28 to 32 days after hatching, but will return to the nest for some time after leaving.  They will become independent within a few months.

 

I hope you enjoyed my facts about Cooper’s Hawks.  Most importantly, I hope that you will be lucky, and have a juvenile visit you too.  You may also like Cooper’s Hawk birds.

 

 

 

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Facts About Northern Cardinals

December 6, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing backyard bird tips on facts about Northern Cardinals.  Fortunately, my backyard is filled with these beauties year round.  That could be because the Northern Cardinal is the state bird for West Virginia.  These red birds are also known as visitors from heaven.  Because they are so abundant in my backyard, this does my heart good.  When I see them, I wonder if it’s my mom, dad or one of my grandparents.

 

 

facts about northern cardinal

 

 

 

Facts about Northern Cardinals:

 

  • The Northern Cardinal is most famous species here in the United States.  However, there is the Desert Cardinal and the Vermillion Cardinal.
  • Cardinals are named after Catholic Bishops, the red zucchetto.
  • The Northern Cardinal just happens to be one of the most common state birds.  As a matter of fact, the stunningly red cardinal is the official bird of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia
  • Only the males sport the bright red plumage.  So the brighter the better, because female cardinals love the red plumage.
  • Cardinals nest in backyards, shrubbery, parks, and woodlots.
  • They are related to the Tanagers, Grosbeaks, Buntings, and Dickcissel.
  • Cardinals are also called redbirds.

 

 

facts about northern cardinals

 

 

 

  • Northern Cardinals do not migrate.
  • Male Cardinals are aggressive when defending their nest.  As a result, they will charge intruding birds and, sometimes mistakenly think their reflection in windows are an intruder.
  • Northern cardinals, like flamingoes, use food like dogwood berries and grapes to keep their feathers red.  Luckily, I have a dogwood tree that they frequent regularly.  If you see a male that looks dull, he’s not finding enough berries to keep his plumage bright red.  (Do him a favor, plant a berry bush or dogwood tree).
  • Males feed females when they are courting.
  • Cardinals mate for life.
  • Breeding season can last from March – September.
  • The female usually builds their nest in dense bushes.
  • Female cardinals usually build the nest alone.  She uses grass, bark, twigs, weeds, and leaves, rootlets to make an open cup shaped nest.  She lines it with grass or hair.

 

 

facts about northern cardinals

 

 

 

  • Females lay between 3 – 5 eggs.  The eggs are are a whitish to pale bluish or greenish white color.
  • Female cardinals are brown, yellow and gray.
  • Females incubate the eggs for 12-13 days.
  • Cardinals have 2 – 3 broods per year.
  • The male cardinal will feed the nestlings while the female attempts the next brood.
  • Fledglings will leave the nest 9 – 11 days after hatching.
  • Parents will teach the fledglings how to find food and take care of themselves.  This responsibility usually fall to the male.  The female heads off to build another nest.
  • Fledglings will grow feathers in the fall.  However, it will take male fledglings 12 months to grow bright red feathers.

I hope that you enjoyed my facts on the Northern Cardinal.  If you want to attract them to your backyard check out my post on How to Attract Northern Cardinals. 

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Facts About Baby Blue Jays

November 17, 2020 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing backyard bird tips on baby blue jays.  I have a flock of beautiful blue jays that come to my feeders.  If my feeders are empty, they let me know with their Call, Call, Call sound.  I offer them whole shelled peanuts, peanut chips and black oil sunflower seeds.  The peanuts is their food of choice for blue jays.

It’s hard to distinguish the male blue jay from the female, they look identical.  They only way to truly figure out the identity is to watch the nest.  Unfortunately, I haven’t been that lucky.  My blue jays nest away from my house so using a cam to record their activities or physically watch them is not an option.  However, I have 6 that visit regularly.  When one checks out the feeder and it’s filled, they call to the others in their flock.  They descent on the feeder in minutes.  Blue jays mate for life.  As a result, I’m assuming they’re couples.

baby blue birds

 

Facts about Baby Blue Jays

 

  • Blue jays lay 2 – 7 eggs in their clutch.  However, the usual clutch is 4 or 5 eggs.  The eggs are blue or brown with speckles.  Blue Jays breed from March to July, and they have one brood a year. Females incubate the eggs while the male retrieves food.  The male will continue to retrieve food 8 – 12 days after the eggs have hatched for both mom and babies.
  • Once the babies are able to leave the nest, the brood will leave together.  This takes place when the babies are around 17 – 21 days old.  Mom will encourage them to leave the nest. Babies who have recently left the nest are called fledglings.  The Blue Jay fledglings leave the nest before they can fly. Once the babies leave the nest, it doesn’t return.

 

blue jay babies

 

 

 

  • Are you wondering how they get out of the nest if they can’t fly?  They flop out of the nest and land below it.  Some move to nearby branches to lower themselves to the ground.  On the second or third day, they may move about 50  – 75 feet away from the nest.  During this time they are growing and learning.  Furthermore, the parents are nearby to protect the babies from predators and to feed them until they learn to fly and fend for themselves.  So, if you see a baby bird leave it unless it’s hurt.  Mom and dad are watching.
  • A baby blue jay will learn everything it needs to survive while it is a fledgling.  This usually take about 5 days.  It will grow the necessary feathers to help them fly, they will learn how to feed themselves and they will do it all with mom and dad nearby.
  • Mom will lead blue jay babies to a safe place at night to ensure they are out of the purview of predators.  This is usually under a bush, in a bush or in grass.  Mom and dad are always nearby.
  • Unfortunately, cats are the biggest threat to baby blue jays.  However, the parents will attack cats, humans or any other thing they believe are a threat to their young.

 

baby blue jays

 

  • Baby Blue Jays will stay around the nest and mom for a few months before truly venturing off on their own.  The following year, they will find their mate for life and produce a brood of their own.

 

I hope your found our baby blue jay facts insightful.  Be sure to check on my Unique Facts about Blue Jays and Blue Jay Facts for Kids.  

 

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Unique Facts About Blue Jays

November 13, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing backyard bird tips on facts about Blue Jays.  Blue Jays can be found in urban as well as suburban areas.  Most people are familiar with Blue Jays.  They are rather large birds and can be easily identified by their beautiful blue, white and black feathers.  Their call is distinctive as well.  Some find Blue Jays to be aggressive.  However, I’ve seen Robins double team a Blue Jay and not back down.  Blue Jays are large compared to other birds.  They are smaller than a crow, but larger than Robins.

 

facts about blue jays

 

 

Facts About Blue Jays

  • Females and males look a lot like. They only way to distinguish one from the other is to observe their behavior.  For example, who courts who or which Jay incubates the eggs etc.
  • Jays prefer platform and hopper feeders.
  • Resident jays associate in flocks.  ( I have 6 that come to my feeders).
  • Jays drink from bird baths.
  • Blue Jays feathers are actually brown.  The light causes humans to see blue.
  • Related to crows.
  • Jays are notorious for hiding acorns in the ground and not retrieving them.  Oak trees are sprouting up across America.
  • Known for being highly intelligent.
  • Territorial around feeders and their nests.  They will chase away birds, squirrels and other predators.
  • Females incubate eggs for 17 – 21 days.
  • Males retrieve food for the female during incubation of the eggs.  Additionally, 8 – 12 days after eggs hatch they retrieve food for both mom and babies.
  • Blue Jays mate between April and July.
  • Blue Jays mate for life.
  • Clutch size is 2 – 7 eggs.
  • Blue Jay eggs are blue or light brown with speckles.
  • They have 1 brood a year.
  • Blue Jays will steal and eat other bird’s eggs.  It’s rare, but it does happen.
  • Jays mimic hawks to alert their flock of potential danger if one is around.
  • The oldest Blue Jay was 26 years and 11 months.  Sadly, it got caught in fishing gear was unable to untangle itself.
  • Lifespan is 7 years.

 

 

facts about blue jays

 

Foods Blue Jays Love

  • Peanuts
  • Acorn
  • Suet
  • Cracked Corn
  • Peanut Hearts
  • Fruit
  • Mealworms

 

 

facts about blue jays

 

 

I feed my Blue Jays unsalted roasted peanuts; and they devour them. Furthermore, my neighbor has an Oak tree.  Blue Jays love acorns as much as they love peanuts.  I have six Jays that visitor my feeder regularly.  One comes to check out the feeder.  It’s filled with treats, he calls to the flock and descend on the feeder until it’s empty.  If the peanut feeder is empty, they let me know with their loud, distinct call.

 


Note:  I am an Amazon Associate.  If you click on a product or purchase one, I may be compensated.  However, there will be no additional cost to you.

 

I hope you enjoy my facts about Blue Jays.  Most importantly, I hope that you will attract them to your backyard and watch their interactions.  Nature is amazing.

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How to Clean Bird Feeders

November 5, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing backyard bird tips on how to clean bird feeders.  Keeping your feeders clean is as important as the food you offer our feathered friends.  Leaving feeders up for months without cleaning them could cause mold and fungus, which leaves to disease.  Feeders should be cleaned at least once a month, twice a month is even better. Clumps of food is a sign that moisture penetrated your feeder.  Moist food can lead to mold and fungus.

I have several feeders that I use at my feeding station.  I always keep several feeders that are clean so I can replace those that need to be cleaned with the sanitized feeders.  As a result, my feathered friends can continue to enjoy their buffet.  You always want your feeders to be stocked; otherwise, your birds will go elsewhere for food.

If you’re a beginner bird watcher and feeder, you may be wondering how to clean your bird feeders.  No worries, I’ll give all the information you need below.

 

how to clean bird feeders

 

How to Clean Bird Feeders:

 

Rinse Feeders

  •  Make sure your feeders are empty before you start cleaning them.  So, you’re first step is to remove any seed and dispose of it in a trash bag.  Next, place the bag of seed in a sealed garbage can.  Otherwise, you can attract unwanted critters if you just leave the seed in your yard. Spray your feeders gently with a water hose to dislodge any seeds and debris.  Don’t use a full force water spray on your feeders.  It could damage the feeder or parts on the feeders.  Additionally, I wear gloves when cleaning my feeders.  I suggest you wear them too during the cleaning process.

 

 

how to clean bird feeders

 

 

Soak Feeders

  • Next, soak feeders in hot, soapy water.  I use water as hot as I can get to soak my feeders in along with Dawn dish washing liquid.  A 5 gallon bucket from Lowes works great for soaking feeders.  You can perform this task in your garage, driveway, patio or deck on a nice sunny day.  Also, immerge your feeders for at least 15 – 20 minutes.  Once they’ve soaked for 15 – 20 minutes, scrub them from top to bottom with a stiff brush.  You want to make sure you get into the crevices as well as the inside of the feeder to remove mold, fungus, and debris.  Use a bottle brush for tube feeders.  Using a bottle brush versus a scrub brush will make your cleaning endeavor easier.  Trust me.

 

Disinfect Feeders

  • Last, disinfect your feeders.  I use white vinegar and water to disinfectant my feeders.  White vinegar is a staple in my home.  I use it to clean my shower doors and for other cleaning jobs.  Bleach is harsh on the metals and/or plastic in my opinion.  So, I use vinegar and water to disinfect.   I simply use a spray bottle with a 50/50 solution of the water and vinegar.  Cover the feeders with the solution.  After covering the feeder with the water and vinegar solution, I use a rag to wipe the solution over the feeders.  I keep old towels cut into rags, and they work great.  Rinse your feeders thoroughly with clear water.

 

Air Dry Feeders

Last, allow your feeders to air dry in a dry spot overnight.  They will be clean, sanitary and ready to be used at your next birdseed buffet.

 

Finally, if you’re going to help feed our feathered friends, please ensure your feeders are clean and well maintained.  My cleaning tips will help ensure your feeders are welcoming.

 

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Hosting a Winter BBQ Successfully

November 2, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing outdoor living tips on hosting a winter BBQ.   Entertaining isn’t a summertime pursuit. If you’re a fair-weather gardener, you need to recognize the importance of using your space all-year-around. The main benefit of having a backyard is that you can structure it to enjoy winter too.  Once you do that, a BBQ is a piece of cake!

 

hosting a winter BBQ

 

 

Of course, the trick is to choose the right set up so that you don’t have to move indoors when the weather turns and the mercury drops. If you don’t know where to begin, the following tips are excellent starting points. Continue reading to learn more.

 

Hosting a Winter BBQ:

 

Landscaping

A green lawn and colorful flowers might look pretty, but they’re not great when it comes to soaking up water. If anything, they absorb too much, making the ground squelchy and muddy, two features that are bad for winter barbecues. The right landscaping design can ensure the base for your barbie and eating and seating arrangements are solid and secure. After all, a bit of rain won’t affect stone flagging too much, as long as the material is high-quality. There’s no reason to swap all the soft elements for harder materials; just the places where you plan to grill and socialize.

 

An Outdoor Heater

Wrapping up only helps so much. When you reach the point where the cold is in your bones, you must either find a way to heat up or go inside. Who wants to go inside!  As a result, an outdoor heat is ideal for winter BBQs. Not only are they powerful, giving off a ton of warmth, but they’re designed with gardens in mind. As a result, you can pick a heater fixture that complements the style of your property’s exterior. 

 

 

hosting a winter BBQ

 

 

 

Use Sturdy Dishes and Containers

Unfortunately, an outdoor area isn’t going to stop the wind from blowing, even if the setup is sheltered.  Don’t let Mother Nature ruin your BBQ by not protecting your food and drinks from the wind.  Thankfully, plastic storage containers and ceramic dishes are study enough to withstand the elements without taking away from the social element.  Additionally, plastic containers are easy to pass around. Plus, they are cheap and reusable.  

 

 

 

hosting a winter BBQ

 

 

Create a Simple Menu

Although grilling is the ideal avenue to show off your skills, it’s also challenging in the wrong conditions. However, it’s not impossible if you stick to the basics and do them well.  For example, burgers, sausages, and kebabs on a stick are tasty and will go please most guests.  Furthermore, they cook cook quickly. Therefore, if the wind is too strong or the rain too heavy, you should still be able to provide these delicious food. Attempting to pull off a complicated menu in winter only increases the number of obstacles, which means the odds of failing are higher!

 

So hosting a winter BBQ is the perfect way to add excitement to those long, cold nights.  So, why not mix-up your routine and get rid of those winter blues!

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Tips on Indoor Seed Starting for Kids

October 17, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening with kids tips and the topic is indoor seed starting for kids.  First, gardening with kids can be a great experience.  And, it’s a great way to get them outdoors and involved with nature in the spring and summer.  As a result, I made a list of seeds that kids could start inside this winter.  My list is not all inclusive, but I have chosen those that I know are easy to grow and some of kids favorites.

seed starting with kids

 

Zinnias – These beautiful flowers are will grow nice and tall.  They came in a variety of colors that the kids will love.  Zinnias are great for our pollinator friends.  And, they provide a great viewing area for butterflies.  Also, the kids can even cut flowers for a beautiful bouquet for mom or grandma.

 

Note:  I am an Amazon Associate.  If you click on any of the products or purchase, I may be compensated a small fee.  However, there will be no additional cost to you.

 

 


 

 

Sunflowers – Next, I grow sunflowers every year.  My granddaughter loves to watch them grow.  So, I had sunflowers that grow around 14 feet this summer.  I must admit, they’re are the tallest I’ve ever grown.  I used Grey Stripe and Russian Mammoth seed.  Imagine seeing those little faces peeking at the window every morning to see how high their sunflowers grew over night.  They’re also great for feeding the birds or growing them for a snack. If you have a sunny location where the kids can view them from the window, that’s a bonus too.  Especially, if it’s a rainy day.

Marigolds – Also, Marigolds are easy to grow and there’s a wide variety to choose from.  I love planting them in containers as well as in my vegetable garden.

 

 

seed starting with kids

Tips on starting seeds with kids

 

Lettuce – Also, growing a variety of lettuce can be fun.  There’s Iceberg, Swiss Chard, Buttercrunch, Loose leaf and other varieties kids can try.  Ask if they want to make salads, wraps or use it on sandwiches.  If you grow Swiss Chard, grow the variety that has the beautiful, colorful stems.

Cabbage – My granddaughter loves cabbage.  Who knew, right!  You’ll be surprised at what kids will eat when it’s fun, healthy and seasoned just right.  Cabbage can also be used to make Cole Slaw and Kraut.  Kraut is a favorite in my household with mashed potatoes.

Tomatoes – First, growing a variety of vegetables can be a lesson on both healthy eating and getting to know nature when gardening with kids.  Try a tomato variety that can be grown in containers or on the patio.  The cherry tomatoes are a good option for a snack or fun recipe like pizza.  You can slice the tomato and use as a topping.  Or, grow a variety that good for making sauce, like pizza sauce.  Roma tomatoes are perfect sauce making tomatoes.  And, they don’t get tall.  So, they won’t need to be caged.

 

 

 

seed starting with kids

 

 

Pumpkins – So, what could be more fun than growing your own pumpkins?  How about carving or painting them for Halloween.  You can grow the small variety, or the medium or large pumpkins.  If you want to carve your pumpkins, grow the large variety.  If you want to paint them try the medium size and use the small pumpkins for fall decorating.  Either size is great for fall decorating.

Birdhouse Gourds – In addition to the list above, growing birdhouse gourds is a great project for kids.  You will need some space for this endeavor, the vines will sprawl if you don’t keep them contained.  If you have a trellis, it will be a great backdrop for the vines.  I actually used a small tree branch one year.  It was a just lovely in the garden, and it was fun walking around counting the gourds that had grown on the vines.  Get creative, build a green bean teepee trellis.  You can transplant the seedlings in the garden in the spring and watch it climb the trellis.  Once you have gourds, have the kids paint the birdhouse gourds and turn them into birdhouses.

 

 


 

Last, I hope my seed starting seeds for kids suggestions have excited you and your children.  Indoor Seed Starting for Kids can be a great way to keep the kids occupied this winter into spring.  Most importantly, use a  good seed starting mix, and a sunny spot for the seeds to germinate and grow.

Finally, if you have to transplant your seedlings because they’ve grown too big in the seed starter, consider using biodegradable containers.

 

 

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Types of Basil For Backyard Gardens

September 28, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening advice on the types of basil for backyard gardens. I’m a huge fan of fresh basil.  Basil can used in my tomato sauce, salads, and used in infused water with strawberries or cucumbers.  It can also be used on pizza, pasta and other dishes. It really take the flavor of food up a notch or two.  

I start my basil seeds in the winter, and than transfer my plants into the garden in the spring.  If sowing seeds isn’t your think, purchase a few plants from your local garden center.  Whatever you do, just grow some fresh basil! It really enhances the flavor of feeds and water.

Basil is easy to grow, both in containers, raised beds or in row gardens.  It loves fun sun, but is susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids and Japanese beetles.  So, be prepared to keep your plants healthy.  I’ve been blessed, I haven’t encountered any problems with my basil plants so far.  I’ve been growing basil in my garden for about 10 years.

 

 

types of basil

 

Requirements to Grow Basil:

 

  • Wait until the temperatures are at least 60 degrees or higher to plant in the garden
  • Plant in a sunny location.  Basil needs at least 6 hours of sun per day.
  • Add compost to your planting location.
  • Harvest your basil often.  Harvesting will allow the plant to grow bushy and increase production.
  • Remove any flowers from the plant.  Allowing the plant to flower reduces the flavor.

 

 

Types of Basil for Backyard Gardens:

 

Sweet Basil – Sweet Basil finds a place in my garden every year.  It’s what I preserve and use to make my infused water. I plant Sweet and Genovese.  Both are classic.  The plants grow about 1 – 2 feet.

Purple Basil – Purple Basil is a sweet basil with beautiful purple leaves.  It has a strong spicy flavor.  It grows anywhere from 18 – 24 inches tall.

Lemon Basil – Lemon Basil is great for tea lovers.  It’s also good in vinaigrettes, marinades, lemonade, ice tea and salads.  It can grow up to 2 feet.

 

 

 

 

types of basil

 

 

Greek Basil – Greek Basil is a compact version of basil.  It only grows to about 10 inches.  So, it’s perfect for containers or borders.  It’s tasty on pizza, pasta, and bruschetta.

Thai Basil –  Thai Basil is another favorite of mine.  I love it in stir-fry, salads and soups.  It grows to about 2 feet.  It reminds me of  Sweet Basil, but the leaves are smaller and the plant more dense.

Dark Opal – If you want a splash of color, and a tasty variety of basil, grow the Dark Opal.  It has beautiful dark burgundy leaves with pink flowers.  It smells wonderful too.  

 

 

 

types of basil

 

 

 

 

Note:  I am an Amazon Associate.  If you click on any of the products or purchase, I may be compensated a small fee.  However, there will be no additional cost to you.

 

 

 


 

 

I use basil in infused water and my tomato sauce.  Preserving basil for use during the winter is a must for me.  I freeze mine by finely chopping the basil, placing it in olive oil in an ice cube tray and freezing it.  Once the cubes are frozen, I remove the cubes from the tray and place them in a freezer bag.

Last, you can also dry basil.  I hang my basil in sprays.  Once it is dry, you can remove it and crumble it into pieces.  Store in an airtight jar.  You can also dry basil in a paper bag.  See my post on drying basil and parsley.

 

 

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Growing Lavender In Your Garden

September 26, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening advice on growing lavender in your garden.  Our flower and vegetables gardens will be dormant soon.  Fall is here and winter is around the corner.  As a result, I use winter to plan my spring and summer gardens as well as winter sow my garden seeds.

I decided to add a pollinator garden along one of fence lines this year.  Lavender has found a spot in the garden.  It’s great for attracting butterflies and bees and smells heavenly.  Use lavender for sugar scrubs, lip balms, whipped creams, sachets and more.  The scent alone is worth a few plants, but the DIY sugar scrubs, lip balms and creams are an added bonus for growing it.

growing lavender

 

 

If you decide to plant lavender in your garden here are a few things that you should know before you plant:

  • Lavender should be planted in full sun and well drained soil.
  • Cut the plant back after it flowers.  Cutting it back prevents the plant from becoming woody.  Don’t prune the plant after August though. If you don’t get it pruned before August, wait until spring.  It’s a great time for pruning.
  • Plants should be spaced apart to ensure each has good air circulation. Be sure to read your plant label or do your research if you grow your own.
  • Compost or organic plant food is sufficient for lavender.  There’s no need for fertilizer.
  • Water regularly the first year.
  • Established plants can tolerate dry, hot conditions.
  • If you plant in pots, don’t use a saucer beneath it.  Standing water can cause root rot.

 

Note:  I am an Amazon Associate.  If you click on any of the products or purchase, I may be compensated a small fee.  However, there will be no additional cost to you.

 

Note:  I am an Amazon Associate.  If you click on any of the products or purchase, I may be compensated a small fee.  However, there will be no additional cost to you.

 

 


 

Growing Lavender in Your Garden

 

English Lavender – The English Lavender is a classic.  If you’re thinking of growing lavender in your garden, consider English Lavender.  It is a smaller variety, more compact and has a strong, sweet aroma.  The stems are long with deep purple flowers.  This variety is great for cooking, crafts and dried flower arrangements.  I garden in zone 6B, so the English lavender is perfect for our freezing winter temperatures.  It is also the easiest variety to find at your local garden centers.  Most plants will grow up to 1 – 4 feet.  If you don’t have a large garden the Petite Sweet Romance plant is perfect for containers.  These varieties include Hidcote, Little Lottie, Ladyann and Lullaby Blue.

 

 

growing lavender

 

 

French Lavender – French Lavender is perfect for humid climates.  French lavender has a silver-gray color and is perfect in potpourri, crafts and sachets.  They produce pale lavender blooms in the spring.  Most plants will grow up to 2 to 4 feet.

 

Spanish Lavender – Spanish Lavender is a great plant for hot, dry areas.  And, it resists fungus diseases as a result of the humidity.  This particular plant grows from 1 to 4 feet, so it’s perfect for an upfront spot in your border.  If you remove the spent blooms, the plant will bloom a second time.

 

Good companion plants for lavender are rosemary, thyme, verbena, salvia and sedum.  Surround your lavender plants with any of the above and they will love you for it.  Order a few seed packets or visit your garden center in the spring for a few plants.  You won’t be disappointed.  You may also like The Benefits of Lavender in Your Backyard Garden.

 

 

 

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Garden Bug Activities for Kids

September 21, 2020 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on garden bug activities for kids.  Kids love to explore and go on nature hunts.  First, it’s a great way to introduce them to nature and the garden.  Gardening with kids can be fun, if we make activities fun and creative.  Kids get bored easily, so keeping their attention on a particular activity can be challenging.  Fortunately, I have the solution on how to get them interested in the garden.

 

kids printables

 

 

 

So, a fun activity is to have kids go on a nature hunt in search of garden bugs.  Print our garden bug nature hunt activity and let the fun begin.  The activity lists gardens bugs, which include the lady bug, bumble bee, caterpillar and more.  Grab a clipboard and pencil and send them on their way.

 

 

garden bug activities

 

 

Also, we included a garden bug word search puzzle.  The puzzle includes names of common garden bugs that kids can find in their backyard garden.  Some of the bugs included a grasshopper, ladybug, beetle and more.  Our list of bugs can be found in most gardens across the country.  As a result, it’s a great way for them to become familiar with these garden bugs.

 

 

 

garden bug activity

 

Next, learning about garden bugs can be a great science project lesson for kids as well.  They can learn about our list of bugs and their benefits.  For example, garden bugs act as pollinators for our flower, vegetable and fruit plants.  Without pollinators carrying nectar to flowers on our plants and trees, we would be unable to produce beautiful flowers and delicious produce.

 

 


 

Furthermore, there are approximately 20 – 30 million insects on the planet.  That’s a lot of garden bug activities for kids.   Some are good and some are bad.  Here’s a few bad garden bugs that can do damage to your garden.  Turn these bugs into a science lesson and have the kids research these bad bugs.

  • Mealy Bug
  • Cabbage Worm
  • Green Lacewing
  • Japanese Beetle
  • Cucumber Beetle

 

Last, download the Garden Bug Activities.  Additionally, the activities includes a butterfly coloring page and a list of bad garden bugs.

 

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