gardening ideas Archives - Mother 2 Mother Blog

Understanding Gardening Basics For Beginners

March 13, 2019 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on understanding gardening basics. Your vegetable and flower gardens should be just as cozy and relaxing as your indoor space. Sometimes a little know how, flower pots, a can of paint and a little creativity is all that is needed to bring your garden to life.

If you’ve left your garden space to the elements and it has been become battered, bruised, and weather worn all is not lost. Check out my tips on backyard gardening basics and you will be on your way to creating beautiful outdoor spaces.

Understanding Gardening Basics for Beginners:

Look at your weaknesses

If you want to maximize your space, you’ve got to put in the effort. So, even if you don’t have the time to look after a garden space, that doesn’t mean that you should let it go. The best place to start is with the grass. Restart this by layering, which involves smothering the grass. This this is a common method used when people want to start a garden. Killing the grass that remains by layering or polarization, gives you that blank canvas in which to start again. Take note, this can result in a lot of hard work. But, you can always hire a professional to do this for you. But if you want to do-it-yourself, you’re off to a good start as a gardener.

Preventing the enemies from rising up

Weeds constantly sprout up. However, if you want to ensure that your gardening area looks pristine use landscape fabrics. It’s a synthetic textile that can be placed on planting areas to block weeds from coming up. This works by blocking the sunlight, which is the way weeds germinate. You can speak to a landscaping company to help you with the selection of fabric and installation. Or, you can purchase the material yourself. The fabric is porous, but you can cut holes into it so your plants can be placed and the water can drain into the ground.

Understanding garden soil

It’s important that you have a basic understanding of backyard gardening so you can properly maintain your garden. The soil is the foundation of your garden. So, the numerous problems that affect soil can result in various issues with your plants. Soil can suffer from three common issues:

The soil pH: If your soil is too alkaline or too acidic, plants won’t thrive. Be sure that you test the soil so you know the garden’s pH level and you can make the necessary alterations.
The type of soil: The composition of the soil and its texture can cause problems with drainage. If the soil contains too much clay, this will stop the water draining properly. Sandy soil won’t retain water. It drains through before the plants can absorb it.
Nutritional issues: This is something that can be remedied with a soil test. Because, much like us, we need specific nutrients, the soil requires specific resources in which to grow plants and vegetables. A soil test will let you know of any deficiencies before you start planting. Fix any problems before you continue your garden. Remember, the soil is the foundation.

Using the right spots for the right plants

A garden is a blank canvas, but you have to be aware of certain limitations. While you may want certain plants in the garden, you’ve got to be aware of the specific limitations for each planet. Plants need to be in the right conditions in order to thrive. First, find out what your planting zone is. For example, I live and garden in zone 6B. Furthermore, you also need to know how much sun and shade you get in your garden area. Choose the type of plants that will survive in your garden area.

Once you understand the basics, you can turn your garden into an area that suits your lifestyle. You can turn your battered, bruised, and weather worn garden space into a space that will thrive. A garden is a lovely thing, but if we want it to flourish we have to be aware of it’s limitations and yours. Having an understanding of gardening basics, doing a little planning and putting in some effort will have your garden area a beautiful space that you desire and deserve.

Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Vegetable Garden Tagged With: backyard gardening tips, gardening ideas, outdoor living space

Best Vegetable Plants for Fall Gardens

August 19, 2018 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing backyard vegetable garden tips on the best fall vegetable plants. There are plants that grow better in the fall than in the summer. Furthermore, there are plants that should be planted in the fall so they can harvested in the spring or early summer. Planning is important when it comes to your backyard garden.

Best fall vegetables plants:

Garlic – I plant garlic in the fall for harvest in early summer. The garlic bulbs are huge and the garlic is flavorful. I use garlic to make homemade tomato sauce in the fall. I usually have a few cloves left to use through the winter. These garlic plants are just about ready to be harvested. They were planted in the fall for summer harvest.

Brussel Sprouts – Brussel Sprouts are called little cabbages in my house. They are loved by my granddaughter, my daughter and me. Brussel Sprouts are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin K. Vitamin K helps to prevent blood clotting and bone health. I love my Brussel Sprouts either sautéed with garlic and butter or roasted with olive oil and garlic.

Turnips – Personally, I’ve never eaten a turnip. My grandfather used to grow them when I was growing up, but for the life of me I can’t remember anyone eating them. He bartered, so turnips may have been one of his bargaining chips, lol. My mother said that you prepare them by peeling and than boiling them as you would potatoes until tender. Season as desired.

Collard Greens – My son-in-law is from the south, so Collard Greens are big in my house. My daughter fixes the best greens ever. I saw a pot disappear at a family gathering in 15 minutes. It was truly incredible. She doubles the amount of greens that she fixes now for large dinners. In my opinion, collard greens become more flavorful after the frost hits them. As a result, fall is a great time to plant collards, turnip and mustard greens. Furthermore, they are high in Vitamin A. This makes them great for the hair and skin.

Green Onions – I love green onions in my beef and broccoli recipe. They give a dish an extra kick, and great flavor.

Radishes – I love adding radishes to vegetable trays. I think home grown radishes are a little spicier and have better flavor. They are great with dip, and in salads. Also, radishes have great water content. They are great for hydration.

Peas – Peas like cooler weather. So a fall planting is perfect. My grandchildren love shelling them, but not eating them. I freeze them for soup. Both of my grandchildren love soup, but the peas get left in the bowls. Personally, I love them. They’re always a winner in the garden.

Green Beans – I plant both bush and pole green beans. I prefer bush beans because I can harvest them at once, while pole beans produce throughout the season. Green beans are expected at family gatherings. I freeze them so I can use them for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years dinners.

Carrots – Planting carrots is a good project to do with the kids. You can plant the regular orange or go bold and plant bold colored carrots. You can freeze them for soup or casseroles over the winter.

Broccoli – Next, my granddaughter loves broccoli. My grandson not so much. She loves broccoli steamed with a little butter and seasonings. It’s my go to when I have my grandchildren. No matter, the broccoli will be devoured. You can also freeze fresh broccoli. So, add broccoli to your list of best vegetable plants for fall gardens.

Cauliflower – I love cauliflower raw. I eat it with dip or in a salad. However, a friend of mine fixes it with a cheese sauce. I love that too.

Cabbage – Another vegetable to add to your list of best vegetable plants for fall gardens is cabbage. My granddaughter loves it. Simmer a head of cabbage with a little bacon or a ham bone. Peel and quarter Yukon Gold potatoes and add to them to the pot. Simmer until tender. If you love slaw and sour kraut, add cabbage to your backyard garden. It definitely goes on my list of best vegetable plants for fall gardens.

Kale – I love kale with apple cider vinegar. Cook Kale the same way you cook collard greens. They are in the same family as the cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower.

So, here are my suggestions for best fall vegetable plants for fall gardens. Plant according to the packet to direct sow or get a head start and start seedlings under grow lights about 6 weeks before planting outside.

Filed Under: Nature-Gardening, Vegetable Garden Tagged With: backyard gardening tips, gardening ideas, healthy eating

7 Ideas To Decorate Outdoor Space for Fall

September 4, 2017 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

Fall is in the air. The air is getting crisp, and soon the leaves will changing from green to shades of red, brown, yellow, orange and burgundy. As a result, most people are thinking about how they can decorate outdoor space for fall. It’s the perfect time to change up your décor and give your backyard and porch a makeover.

First, the changes don’t have to be extravagant. You can go from summer to fall without breaking the bank. Check out our tips on how to decorate outdoor space for fall below:

1. Add a Bench or Baskets – So, benches are great for sitting on or displaying fall flowers, and pumpkins. And baskets filled with gourds and Indian corn are a sign of fall for sure. If you’re able to locate apple baskets, they would be perfect for displays.

2. Build/Add a Fire Pit – Next, add a fire pit to your deck or backyard. They’re great for making s’mores or warming up while sipping a glass of cider or wine. Don’t forget the hot dog roasts. Open fires make a perfect venue for roasting them.

3. Change Cushions and Pillows – Furthermore, switch your summer pillows to a fall theme. Shades of orange, brown, yellow and burgundy are great ways to bring fall into your outdoor space. Just scatter a few here and there.

4. Add a Rug – Your deck is part of your outdoor space tool. As a result, add a rug to your deck. It will bring the space together. An outdoor rug is just as affective as an area rug indoors. Most importantly, it makes the outdoor living space cozy and comfortable.

5. Add Plants and Flowers – Additionally, fall is the perfect time to add mums and pansies to your yard. And don’t forget your containers. They will both last well into fall. If you decide to plant mums in the ground, mulch them well. They will return year after year. Mums can be found in white, yellow, orange and burgundy.

6. Add Cornstalks to Corners – Cornstalks give height and interest to an area. So, stop by your local farmer’s market and pick up a bundle. Or, if you know a farmer close to you, stop by and see if they will give you a few stalks from their fall harvest.

7. Add Pumpkins – Last, pumpkins can be used in many areas of your yard. The front porch, in baskets, on benches, in wagons and the list goes on. Use large or small pumpkins, and don’t forget to get a variety in both orange and white. Paint them black or gold, get creative.

Finally, we hope that you enjoyed our tips on how to decorate outdoor space for fall. Implement a few of our ideas, and you will be able to transform your outdoor space from summer to fall without breaking the bank. Also, you may like: How to Throw an Epic Fall BBQ.

Filed Under: Nature-Gardening, Outdoor Living Tagged With: backyard garden tips, gardening ideas, gardening tips

Backyard Garden Tips That Will Make You Look Up

May 4, 2017 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

I don’t know about you, but when I am busy in my garden I am usually looking down. After all, that’s where all the plants and flowers are, right! But I’ve just realized that it could actually be worth looking up while you are gardening. Here are a few backyard garden tips on why we need to look up in the garden. I also have other gardening tips on planting flower container gardens, healthy garden tips, growing indoor plants and more. Lets get started on why we should look up:

Check Your Trees

It’s not just the plants and flowers in the ground that are susceptible to various diseases and pests. The trees in your gardens are as well. So, how do you know if you need to contact a tree surgeon such as http://www.arboristusa.com/? Well, the first sign of a fungal tree disease will always be noticeable in the leaves. More often than not, they will be very discolored. Your tree might also start losing leaves at an excessive rate. Next time you are out in your garden, look up to make sure your trees are in good health!

Think About Lights And Lamps

Would you like to spend your summer evenings sitting outside enjoying your garden? If so, you might want to add some lights and lamps to brighten up the outside of your property. Look up to see the best places you could put your lights. Usually, most homeowners like to place outdoor lights on the side of their property and garden shed. Another nice idea is to wrap some fairy lights around the top of your fences and any railings that you have in your garden. Just make sure that they are safe to use outside: http://www.screwfix.com/c/electrical-lighting/weatherproof-switches-sockets/cat830538.

Look Out For Birds

When you look up, you might notice a few birds flying around and nesting in your garden. Don’t notice many? If not, you can always encourage more birds to come to your garden by adding a bird feeder. Make sure it is always filled with bird feed so you can to attract a wide variety of birds. You might want to also include a bird bath in your garden, as this will encourage birds to visit your property for a bath as well!

Hanging Baskets

If you want to add some more dimensions to your garden, it could be worth adding some hanging baskets. You can hang these from the side of your property and wooden fences. These will increase the amount of flowers in your garden, and will give you a chance to add even more bursts of color. You will be able to find a wide variety of hanging baskets in your local garden center. Or you could try making your own from flower pots. If you don’t find hanging baskets appealing, you could install raised flower beds. This is another great way to add some dimension to your garden!

So, next time you are working in the garden, don’t just focus on the ground below your feet. Look up and see the rest of your garden and the world! We hope that you enjoyed our backyard garden tips.