Ideas for Large Backyards With Small Budgets

July 3, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on ideas for large backyards.  Having a larger garden can be excellent. Not only will you be able to have a larger outdoor space to fully enjoy, you’ll have a chance to add animals, spend time with family, grow crops, and be more self-sufficient with your outdoor space. You can have fun with a large garden, though maintaining it may seem like the hardest thing that you could possibly do! 

A large garden gives you space to have a barbecue area, a patio, even a play area for your children.  You can even hire someone with AKRS Equipment to help keep it running smoothly if you have extensive acreage which is farmland.

 

 

  • ideas for large backyards

 

 

When you have a large backyard, you have lots of ways to use your space and and increase the value of your home. Maintaining a large backyard so that it stays looking good and healthy is important, and here’s how you can do it.

 

Ideas for Large Backyards: 

 

  • Use the right tools –  The larger your garden is, the more tools you’ll need to maintain it. You may need to look at things like tractors and large trailers.  You will need them to help you to clear some of the fields. The right equipment is a must.  For example, a riding mower will be a necessity too.  And, a wagon to haul compost and garden soil to various areas on your property should be added to your list.   
  • Establish a Routine – Your garden will constantly need upkeep.  You will need to mow the lawn, tend to plants and flowers, and clean up any mess at all times.  You will need to be able to maintain the interior of your home as well.  As a result, you won’t be able to get every single thing done in one day.  So, make sure that you get into a routine of keeping up with all of the clearing and keeping the place healthy. 

 

 

ideas for large backyards

 

 

  • Feature the Wild and Native Plants – If you have wildflowers or native bushes and plants growing on your property, make a beautiful garden where you can feature them. Keep large shrubs and trees trimmed and the area tidy.  They can become conversation pieces. 
  • Add Path Ways – A large garden is much easier to maintain when you add paving and paths to the space. It add way to stroll the property and admire the flowers and plants in the gardens and borders.  It also makes watering much easier.  
  • Weatherproof Benches and Seating – There will be some areas of the garden that require you to weatherproof it. For example, wooden benches, tables and chairs need to be protected from the weather.  

 

A large garden is going to take some time to install.  Call for assistance if you get too far behind in maintaining your property.  Solicit family, friends and other gardeners to help install and maintain your property if needed.  

Filed Under: Flower Gardens, 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: , , ,

Health Benefits of Gardening for Beginners

May 11, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing beginner gardening tips on health benefits of gardening. Many people believe that gardening is difficult.  However, if you take small steps, you can become a successful gardener.  Furthermore, you can garden in a small space or in containers.  You don’t need a large tilled plot like our grandparents had to grow your own produce and flowers.    

 You can grow fruit and vegetable or flowers.  However, most gardeners do a little of both.  Trying your hand at growing all is fun and very fulfilling.  Most importantly, gardeners reap health benefits from gardening.  Unfortunately, many beginner gardeners don’t realize the health benefits associated with gardening.  Furthermore, there are many people period who don’t know about the health benefits of gardening.  

 

Areas of Health Benefit That Benefit from Gardening 

Gardening has been proven to have physical, mental and physiological health benefits.  Personally, I have found that gardening makes me happy.   Endorphins stimulate feelings of self-satisfaction, happiness, positivity, and reduces stress and pain.  

 

 

 

health benefits of gardening

 

 

Health Benefits of Gardening: 

 

Gardening Reduces Stress

There’s nothing more peaceful than spending time in your garden nurturing what you’re growing.  Gardening allows you to focus on caring for your flowers, veggies and fruit so they can produce beautiful bouquets and fresh ingredients for your family meals.  It’s a great way to get away from life’s responsibilities, and focus on other things.  So, many people turn to gardening because it helps reduce stress.  

 

Gardening Provides Exercise

Gardening is not only great for your mental health, it provide physical benefits too.  Gardening provides your body with at least some level of low impact exercise, which is always a benefit with any activity.  You bend, reach, lift light items, pull and walk.  It gets you using muscles and joints that you may not have used in a while. You may feel stiff the first few days, but afterward you will look forward to the exercise.   

 

Great Way to Socialize

Furthermore, join a gardening plant exchange group.  There are plenty of gardeners in your local area who are willing to help new gardeners.  They exchange seeds, plants and advice.  It’s a great way to meet people who have a gardening interest. I have made new friends from the groups that I have joined. 

 

 


Infographic Design By Trim That Weed

 

Gardening Get Your Moving

Last, gardening if a great way to get off the couch, out of bed and on your feet too.  It’s the perfect way to get a healthy dose of sunshine.  So, turn off the TV and start listening to your favorite songs on your playlist while you’re pulling weeds, planting veggies or beautiful flowers.  

 

You will find that at the end of the day, gardening is a fulfilling and peaceful hobby that anyone can get into.  It just requires patience and a desire to learn gardening basics.  Furthermore, it allows you to reach out other gardeners. 

So, get ready to move and reap the health benefits of gardening.  You will be growing you own fresh produce and beautiful flowers in no time.   You may also like Healthy Gardening for Beginners too.  

 

 

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

Using Banana Peels as Fertilizer

March 29, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on using banana peels as fertilizer for beginner gardeners. I love recycling and upcycling things, and banana peels just happens to be one of those things.  So, I’ve found ways to use in banana peels in my gardens and I make a banana tea fertilizer for my plants.  Read on for this simple fertilizer recipe. 

 

 

banana peel fertilizer

 

 

 

Using Banana Peels as Fertilizer

Making banana peel fertilizer is easy and beneficial to both flower and vegetable garden.  Bananas are a great source of potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, and manganese, all of which plants need for healthy growth and blooms. 

Furthermore, potassium helps plants use water better and be more drought resistant.  Because it contains no nitrogen, it is perfect for low nitrogen plants like tomatoes and peppers. Banana peels contain calcium, which helps prevent blossom end rot.  You can also use the fertilizer on flowers, house plants and roses. 

 

  • Remove any stickers from the bananas.
  • Place 1 – 2 banana peels in a quart jar. 
  • Cover banana peels with rain water if available or regular water. 
  • Cover quart jar loosely with a top.  
  • Allow peels to stand in water for 48 hours to a week.  
  • Remove banana peels from the jar, and chop them into small pieces.  
  • Bury the banana peels beneath your plants when planting your garden and posts.
  • Store the fertilizer in a pitcher or gallon jug until ready to use. 
  • Water the plants at the base with the banana peel fertilizer.  

 

 

banana peel fertilizer

 

 

Furthermore, you can save banana peels throughout the year by freezing them.  You can make the fertilizer with fresh or frozen banana peels.  I freeze banana peels all year to ensure that I have enough to make fertilizer throughout the gardening season.  Once used they can be tossed into your compost bin. 

You can also lightly mist your tomato and pepper plants throughout the growing season. Place your fertilizer in a spray bottle and mist.  Don’t saturate your plants, a light mist will do.  Pepper and tomato plants don’t like to stay wet too long.

Try using banana peel fertilizer on your plants this growing season.  You’ll give them the boost they need to produce delicious fruit, vegetables and flowers.  You may also like:  Building Healthy Soil.

 

Filed Under: Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , , ,

Easiest Plants to Grow In Your Garden

March 26, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on the easiest plants to grow in your garden.   Growing a flower garden is probably among the most satisfying activities you can do.  But, it can also be a very unpredictable experience too.  For example, you may get amazing results one year and pests and disease catastrophe the next. Also, you’ll quickly learn that some growing conditions are easier to deal with than others.  But, in most cases it comes down to choosing the right plants.

Whatever the challenge, there are always ways to solve these problems.  Experienced gardeners understand this, but it might get tough or frustrating for beginner gardeners. The key is to plant healthy plants that are native to your area.

 

Benefits of Native Plants: 

  • Already acclimated to your area
  • Requires less watering
  • No fertilizer needed
  • Not invasive
  • Better for pollinators

 

 

easy to grow plants

 

 

 

Easiest Plants to Grow Plants:

 

Butterfly Bush

 

The butterfly bush attracts butterflies and pollinators such as hummingbirds and honeybees. However, this bush can become is quite large plant growing up to 8 feet high and 5 feet wide if not contained.  It has strong, woody stalks, and in colder zones it dies back each winter.

However, a little pruning in early spring will have your plants looking good as new. Your bushes should be pruned each spring down to 8 to 12 inches to boost its growth. You can also find dwarf varieties which are more convenient for smaller gardens. The plants come in a number of colors such as yellow, pink, purple, red and white, and love full sun exposure with a medium amount of moisture.

 

 

easy to grow plants

 

 

Lavender

 

Lavender comes in many varieties and is quite a short-lived perennial.  But, if you’re looking to add a fragrant element to your garden, this plant is the perfect addition. The color varies from light blue and purple to pale blue and white.  Its perfumed quality make it an attractive addition to any garden. Lavender can also be used in cooking as well as the dried, which is also more potent in smell and flavor. The plant grows to about 20 inches and blooms in late spring/early summer.  It enjoys full sun. Having shallow roots, lavender declines in wetter conditions so it needs less moisture and well-drained soil.

 

Daisies – Yarrow, Aster, and Tickseed

 

The daisy family is quite large, offering a great range of plants to choose from. Starting with yarrow, this plant is quite sturdy with lacy leaves and a wide variety of colors. It’s easy to grow in any well-drained soil, loves the sun, and tends to spread heartily, crowding other plants.

You can find it in pastel colors but also in deep red, rust, white and yellow. It grows up to 4 feet and blooms throughout summer and into fall. Prune it following the blooming period and make sure to remove the dead stalks when the season is over.

Aster is another daisy family member that is a late-season bloomer with a color variety ranging from white, blue and lavender. This will bring pops of color to your garden after most other perennials have finished their bloom. Bear in mind that it needs well-drained soil with medium moisture and slightly acidic conditions. It’s a self-sow plant that grows up to 4 feet in height requiring its root groups to be divided every few years.

Similar to most members of the perennial daisy family, tickseed or coreopsis is a durable choice that’s quite easy to grow. It reaches 3 feet in height and blooms much longer than other perennials, over the whole summer into late fall. You can divide the plants into several smaller ones every couple of years. They react well to pruning or shearing by producing new flower buds. These come in varieties of yellow, pink, red, orange, or a combination of the two. They also love the sun and dry to medium moisture.

 

Cineraria

 

Cineraria is a warm-weather perennial that prefers shade and is typically grown as an annual. It is a clustering plant that grows up to 12 inches in height. It’s frequently planted in containers and produces beautiful purple, white, or blue daisy-like flowers that combine perfectly with ferns.

This plant reseeds itself, and it can grow in surprisingly shallow, but cool and well-drained soil. It does require moderate moisture as constant wetness causes the roots to rot. On the other hand, underwatering will hinder its bloom as well.

 

Daylily

 

The daylily is one of the oldest and best groups of ornamental perennials.  It has countless varieties available. Its upright flower stems grow from 2 to 5 feet producing trumpet-like flowers.  Unfortunately, many blooms only last for one day. Colors range from red, purple, orange, white, and yellow to bi-color combinations. It’s very well-suited for beginner gardeners as they are very resistant to common insects and diseases.

Most daylily types bloom for several weeks during summer.  However, some repeat their blooming cycle giving your garden lively colors throughout all summer. So, daylilies spread in clumps and should be divided every three years.  Overcrowding hinders flowering. Daylilies require sunny to partially sunny conditions with medium wet, well-drained soil.

 

 

easy to grow plants

 

 

 

Oriental Lily

 

The Oriental lilies are a great transitory flower.  They bloom in early summer after the Asiatic lilies have blossomed and before most other lily varieties have begun. Oriental Lilies are planted as bulbs, and gradually spread. Lilies love rich to medium moisture, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil.

They can grow from 1 to 8 feet in height with a wide range of blooming colors such as red, orange, pink yellow, and white. Lilies are quite fragrant and if you remove withered flowers, you’ll boost additional blooming.

 

 These Plants Are Also Colorful

 

Gardening can be an excellent way to express your creativity. Furthermore, it’s a great benefit to your health and wellbeing.  Additionally, achieving a lust, beautiful and lovely smelling ideal garden can be incredibly rewarding. Allow yourself to explore different ideas and layouts, mixing different plants and flowers to create a garden that will be fragrant and colorful throughout spring, summer and fall.

 

Add a few of my suggested easy to grow plants and flowers to your backyard.  You will be enjoying beautiful flowers, butterflies and bouquets of lilies in no time.  

Filed Under: Flower Gardens Tagged With: , , ,

Growing Pepper Plants From Seed for Beginners

March 4, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on growing pepper plants from seed in your backyard garden.  Peppers find a spot in my garden every season.  I grow them from seed.  So, my harvest includes lots of Jalepeno, Belle peppers of every color, chili peppers and sweet banana peppers.   

 

Growing Pepper Plants From Seed

 

I start my seeds using the winter sowing method about 8 – 10 weeks before I plant them in my garden. You can also grow pepper plants from seed under grow lights.  Actually, peppers have a lot of requirements that the tomato has.  So, I actually start my tomato seeds the same time I start my peppers.  Furthermore, I plant my tomatoes and peppers at the same time in the garden and in the same vicinity.  Since they have the same needs, I can water and fertilizer them at the same time.  

 

Correct Spacing for Pepper Plants 

If you decide to grow both, make sure you give your tomato plants more space to grow.  They will be taller and grow wider than pepper plants.  Both need full sun, at least 6 – 8 hours of sunlight per day is good. As a result, I plant my tomatoes in one or two rolls and my peppers in another roll with 3 feet of space between them. You want to make sure your plants have good air circulation. 

Also, plant your tomato at least 24 inches apart.  You will need to get between them harvest your delicious treats and maintain them.  I plant my peppers about 20 inches apart.  So, lets focus on peppers.  

 

 

growing pepper plants from seed

 

 

Decide the type of peppers that you want to grow.  If you don’t want to grow them from seed, or you’re simply not ready to take that step, it’s all good.  You can purchase plants from the local nursery.  Better yet, you may find a local gardener who has too many plants and would love for you to take them off their hands.

My family eats a lot of hot spicy foods, so jalapenos are a must.  I also plant a variety of belle peppers.  I freeze them to add to chili, salsa or other foods during the winter.  They’re also great fresh on a vegetable tray for a BBQ, girls night or baby shower.  Chili peppers are great in salsa or chili too.  My point, grow what you and your family will eat.  

 

 

how to grow peppers

 

 

 

Planting Pepper Plants in Your Garden: 

 

  • Once the ground has thawed and is workable, transplant your seedlings to a container or plant in your garden. If you’re using a container make sure it is large enough for the plant to grow in and you can fit a stake or trellis in.  They have small stakes and trellis for containers. You can make one out of a small branch or find one at your local garden center. 
  • Add lots of compost or organic matter to your soil while preparing your soil.  I use composted leaves; however, I use Black Cow compost too.  
  • Plant your peppers so they are sitting at ground level in the pot.  Remove the plant and backfill your hole.
  • Water thoroughly and regularly until the plants are established.  I’m in Zone 6B.  In July and August, I still have to water my garden regularly.

 

how to grow peppers

 

 

  • Stake your pepper plants.  I use untreated garden stakes from Home Depot.  
  • Mulch your plants with chopped leaves or straw.  
  • You will need to tie your pepper plants to the stakes so they don’t touch the ground when fruit develops.  So, it’s important that you put your stake in place when you plant your seedings or plants.  You can cut an old tee-shirt into strips, panty hose, use yard or whatever soft material you have on hand.  Don’t have time to cut up tees or hose, purchase twist ties from your local Dollar Store.  You can save them from year to year, I do. 

 

I love being able to walk down to my garden and pick a few peppers off the vine for whatever dish I’m making.  Home grown peppers have a different flavor from the store brought variety.  As a result, I grow enough to preserve during the winter months.  There’s nothing like locking in freshness and saving it for another day.  

Start growing pepper plants from seed with a goal of germinating one or two plants.  If you enjoy nurturing and enjoying fresh peppers start planning to grow more for next year. It’s always best to start small and increase your plants.  
Filed Under: Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , , ,

How to Germinate Seeds for Your Garden

February 14, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on how to germinate seeds for your garden.  Getting a jump start on your garden is a great thing, especially if you have a short growing season like me.  So, I’m sharing this valuable information with you today. 

So, starting my seeds early takes away the winter blues for me.  It gets me excited about the upcoming gardening season, and all of the delicious vegetables and beautiful flowers I will be nurturing.

Furthermore, if you want a successful growing season you must prepare.  Preparation starts long before you step into your garden.  So, investing a little time and energy to perform certain tasks will go a long way in making your gardening season a success.  Your first step is germinating your seeds. Lets go.

 

 

seed starting tips

 

 

How to Germinate Seeds for Your Garden:

 

Clean and Sterilize Containers – Sterilizing your seed starting containers before planting your seeds is imperative. If you’re using containers other than peat pots, wash them in hot, soapy water.  Rinse well, and take it a step further.  Soak them in bleach water or spray with a peroxide and water solution.  Wipe well and allow to air dry.

 

Use Seed Starter Mix  – There are a many seed starter mixtures on the market, so choose wisely.  There’s Jiffy, Black Gold, Miracle Gro  or make your own.

 

Generate Heat for Seedlings  – Seedlings don’t need light to germinate, but they do need heat.  I highly recommend using heat mats.  I have two mats that I use to help germinate my seeds, and I love them.  You can also set your plants on top of your refrigerator if you need additional space.

 

 

 


 

 

Use a Gro-Light System – You will need light to keep your seedlings from getting leggy.  Using a lighting system will help your plants to establish strong, healthy roots.  I have two of the 4 foot grow lights.  Seedlings need at least 12  – 14 hours of light per day and a rest period of 6  – 8 hours, without light.  You can set a timer to regulate your lights.  Furthermore, the lights must be kept close to the plants so they can become established and healthy.

 

 

 


 

 

Mark Your Seedlings – Be sure to use planter markers so you will know what you planted.

 

Cover Seed Starter Pots – Cover your pots with saran wrap to help keep moisture in while your seeds are germinating.  You can remove the saran wrap one the seed germinates.  I simply place a piece of saran wrap over the pot and secure it with a light rubber band.  When I see green, I remove the saran wrap.  You want to see droplets on the plastic.  That’s a sign that your pot contains the right moisture amount.  If you don’t see a mist, gently spray the top of your pot.  Once your seed germinate, remove them the heating mat and get them under the grow lights.

 

 

 

 

 

seed starting tips

 

 

 

Pot Up When Needed  – I use peat pots or pots from the nursery to start my seeds indoors.  Sometimes plastic cups.  If my plants outgrow the pots, I will transplant them to a bigger pot.  You can use a 16 ounce cups or bigger pots for this step if you have them in smaller pots.

 

Hardening Off Plants – Seedlings that are started indoors must be acclimated to outdoor temperatures.  See my post how to harden off your seedlings.

 

 

 

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

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: , ,

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: , ,

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.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Flower Gardens Tagged With: , ,