4 Ideas To Implement In Your Garden

July 24, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Every mother wants a place of her own to relax and enjoy 5 minutes of peace and quiet.  And this is absolutely normal! While being a mother is a fantastic experience, everyone needs a few moments to recharge the batteries and meditate. Even specialists recommend it!

Sadly, most of the time, the house is too small and your relaxation spot may be difficult to implement considering that kids are all over the place. But don’t despair; you won’t have to wait for your kids to move out of the house to relax. You can think out of the box and transform the garden into an outdoor oasis where everyone can relax. With just a few clever gardening tips, you can transform your old backyard into a new purpose.  Check out tips below:


garden, relax

 

Build a pergola

Regardless of how small or big your backyard, a pergola will look gorgeous! Even more, there are so many designs out there that you can create a unique design in just a few steps.

Of course, if you’re the DIY kind of family, you can unite your forces and make your pergola out of salvaged materials. This way you’ll improve your garden’s design, get a bit of exercise and family time, and you won’t have to make a big investment. To me, this sounds like a fantastic idea!

The best part about a pergola is that you can cover it with vines, flowers and all sorts of decorative things. Thus you’ll get to have a cool-looking shadow in those torrid summer days, and you’ll enjoy that lemonade even more.

Invest in high-quality furniture

Your patio furniture doesn’t have to look like it’s been through several wars! If you want to relax, you have to extend the modern, stylish design from the inside, outside. Invest in furniture that will be pleasing to both the eyes and the skin. Get some large, luxurious chairs that can extend and some big, fluffy pillows. Also, you shouldn’t forget about the table – a cute, antique piece will make the morning coffee a lot more pleasant.

To make sure everything looks as elegant and inviting as possible, play with colors and textures. Let your creative inner self free and combine the furniture with the pergola covered in vegetation. The result will be stunning!

Make a special place for the kids

As a mother you can’t be selfish; especially when you have to share your oasis with the kids. So, you can divide the garden into areas, and you can have a relaxation area and a fun and games area. The fun and games area could have a sand pit, a tree house, a small garden where kids can learn about plants and more. The best part is that the children will get to play outside, and you can supervise them from your relaxation area.

A place for friends and family

Another garden tips, if you don’t want to divide the garden, you can make it all into one great place. Add a barbeque or a fire pit, some comfy chairs, and a table and you’ve got a fantastic place where to invite family and friends. While adults relax around the fire, kids can play in the garden.

Finally, as you can see there are plenty of ways to transform your garden without investing a fortune. And, if none of the above interest you, consider starting a vegetable garden. Kids will be thrilled to learn more about growing plants, and you might get to cut off some food costs during summer. It’s a win-win situation.  We hope you enjoyed our garden tips and you will implement a few. 

About the Guest Contributor: Katrina, is a proud mom of two gorgeous girls who loves writing about home improvement and décor. Katrina contributes regularly on various blogs and online publications like Mother2Motherblog.com.

 

Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Nature-Gardening, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , ,

Haus & Garten Titanium Garden Shears Review

June 21, 2016 by 2 Comments

Note: This website contains endorsements for products and services, which means when you click on a link that we recommend, we may receive a commission to help pay for the maintenance of this blog.  However, not every link is an affiliate link.  I am a member of the Amazon Affiliate program.  However, there will be additional expense to my readers.

I was given the opportunity to review the Titanium Pruning Shears by Haus & Garten. In return I was given a pair of the garden shears to use in my backyard vegetable garden.  However, all opinions are my own.  When you’re a gardener, having a quality pair of garden shears is imperative.

 

gardening, garden shears, garden pruners

 

 

I used them in my shrubbery beds, my vegetable garden, and trimming flowers on my deck.  First, I pruned a Nadina in my shrubbery bed, and it was like slicing butter.  Afterwards, I trimmed a few overhanding branches from my Dogwood Tree, and it was easy as 123.  Effortless would be the word I would use.

I headed around back to my deck and trimmed a few of my geraniums.  The job was quick and easy.  The cut on the plant was perfect.  These shears were going to be my go to for cutting back plants and removing vegetables in the garden.

Unfortunately, my vegetable garden wasn’t producing vegetable yet, but I was able to remove lower branches from tomato and pepper plants.  I have no doubt that the shears will easily remove my peppers, squash, zucchini and tomatoes from the plants without issues.

Quality material is evident in the shears.  They are heavy, but not a distraction. I have carpal tunnel, so the design and comfort of the shears is important to me. Ergonomically designed shears are a must for any gardener really.  These shears are definitely a pro, and the feel great in your hands.  The blades are thick and strong.  So, you will be able to perform most gardening tasks with these shears. They are easy to grasp and position on plants, flowers and small limbs. Little effort is needed to complete the task.

 

garden, garden shears reviews,

 

It is my opinion that these shears will withstand many gardening seasons. Compared to other shears that I own, these are superior. They are actually shameful in comparison. I’m looking forward to using them this fall when I cut back my woody shrubs hard.

I recommend these shears for the home gardener.  They will also make a great gift for the gardener in your life.  Click on the link and head over and check them out.

 

Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Nature-Gardening, Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , , ,

Top Vegetables for Outdoor Gardens

June 20, 2016 by 2 Comments

Backyard Vegetable Gardens can provide healthy rewards for you and your family.  Have you thought about growing vegetables in your outdoor garden this summer?   In this post you will find a list of the best vegetables for outdoor gardens.  Not only will you find tips on the best vegetables to grow in your garden, we also offer advice on important garden maintenance tasks.  

vegetables for outdoor gardens

 

 

1) First, beans, broccoli, sprouts and cabbages are some of the easiest and best vegetables for outdoor gardens.  These will grow great even in a small outdoor garden. They  offer a long list of advantages and can be prepared in a variety of ways. Not to mention the aesthetic advantage that these low-growing veggies offer. They cover the pots or the area in your garden with a green texture that will become one of your most favorite garden corners.

2) Cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, sweet corn and potatoes – don’t forget the most important vegetables that every gardener should have. Or at least some of them. These plants require just basic care and some are suitable for almost a year-round harvest if you have a greenhouse.

3) Next, carrots, beetroot, onions and herbs – these small yet delicious plants are perfect vegetables for your outdoor garden.  They can even be grown in pots.  Choose these plants if you prefer green colors or if you want to harvest some good-quality veggies in the autumn. These edibles grow underground and are more resistant to the climate conditions, so you can start the season with planting these about a month before the last frost in the springtime.

You could use these few tips for growing vegetables too:

– Make a gardening schedule.  The schedule should include the dates for sowing and starting seeds, the dates for planting directly outdoors and the expected harvesting periods. Do this for every different veggie in your garden. Don’t forget to include other important dates and tasks in your schedule.  For instance, the expected first and last frosts for the year.  The preferred datefor great garden maintenance services. The frequency of watering during the hottest months, the dates for weed control, etc.

– Choose the harvest periods, which will help organize the sowing and select the right dates for it. If you pick the right moment, you can get the advantage of a double-season harvest for some fast-growing edibles.

– Always try to plant good-quality seeds if you want to get the best harvest. Contact the gardening experts in your region to discuss the details and to get help with the selection of the best seeds.   The experts can also assess the specific conditions of your garden and give you indispensable advice for your specific case.

– Consider the regional and climatic factors.  The location plays a major role in all the activities in your veggie garden. Some plants prefer slopping terrains, while others – only a certain type of soil.  Other veggies prefer terrains with a southern (usually warmer) exposure, while others grow better in shaded terrains.

– Finally, make different combinations of vegetables to take full advantage of their individual benefits. When sowed in a combination, some plants absorb only certain types of nutrients from the soil.  And, leaves the other nutrients at the disposal of the other veggies. Other plants grow high and have a large leaf structure, which provides the important shaded conditions for some low-growing veggies.  Other combinations of veggies give just aesthetic advantages, but are very effective too. Choose wisely and make sure you give your plants the proper garden care they need at every stage of their growth.

Bio: Ella Andrews is a content writer. She has a passion for home maintenance, healthy living and gardening  projects. She is presently focused on writing and enjoying every opportunity to share tips and advice with her readers.

 

 

Filed Under: Nature-Gardening, Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , ,

How To Control Backyard Garden Pests

June 2, 2016 by 1 Comment

Gardening is one of the best remedies for the mind. There are many benefits attached to it like enjoying outdoors, getting some physical activity, and growing nutritious fruits and vegetables.  Unfortunately, there’s a few downsides to backyard vegetable gardening.  How to Control Garden Pests is major issue in gardens.  We’re going to share a few tips today on how you can take preventive measure on controlling them.  And, how to fight them when you encounter them in your garden.

 

 

garden pests

 

One of the important aspects of maintaining a garden is to nourish and protect your plants. It is also natural for gardeners to use pesticides to protect their plants from pest attack. Most of the pesticides have harmful chemicals, and it affects your health and the environment as well.  Find preventive pest control methods that will keep your plants healthy. You have to put in some extra efforts to follow them, but in the end, it will all be worth it.

 


 

 

  • Organic gardeners recommend natural pesticides like soaps, vinegar, neem oil, and row covers.  Chemical pesticides can protect plants, but the majority of the garden has vegetables that are edible. Plants inherit these chemicals.  Consuming the chemicals can become dangerous. Dust and pyrethrum solution extracted from daisy flowers are good natural pesticides. By spraying the solution from time to time, plants are protected from insects, such as flies, fleas, ants, and aphids.
  • If you see any bacterial and pest infestation, you must act on it immediately to prevent it from spreading. Cut off infected part of the plants and throw away the damaged fruits or vegetables. Do not add them to the compost heap. Regularly check your garden for pests and don’t forget to look under the leaves as well.
  • Heat will dry plants and kill them quickly. So build a greenhouse to protect your plants from the harmful radiations.  Cold weather also hinders the growth of plants.
  • Next, apart from shade and shelter, mulch can protect your plants to a great extent. It also reduces general garden maintenance activity, retains water, decreases evaporation and encourages vigorous growth of plants. Do some research and find out about mulch variations that can be used in all temperature conditions.
  • Drinking water in the morning has many health benefits for humans. Same applies to plants. Watering early in the morning ensures that the roots are hydrated enough to bear the heat of the day. This is the only way to protect plants from sunburn. Sometimes a second watering is also a good idea if once wasn’t sufficient.
  • If you’re late at planting seeds, or you live in a place where it is warm throughout the year, plant the seeds deeper. Warm temperature and direct sunlight can dehydrate the top soil quickly. So by planting seed an extra inch or two deeper will prevent the root systems from drying.

 

 

garden pests

 

Last, you cannot entirely protect your garden from changing weather conditions, pests, and plant diseases. But, as a gardener, you have to experiment with gardening protecting tactics so that you can find out the one that is suitable for your garden.

 

 

Filed Under: Nature-Gardening, Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , ,

Golden Rules of Organic Gardening

May 23, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Organic gardening has been becoming more and more popular and for a good reason. Whether we are aware of it or not, many gardeners are already working on some form of organic backyard vegetable gardening. Organic gardening is the actual practice of growing lawns, vegetables, fruits, shrubs and more without manmade chemicals. It’s also about feeding the soil by tilling compost or manure into the soil.  

 

 

 

gardening, vegetable gardens

 

 

Organic Gardening Rules:  

 

It is getting harder and harder to do organic gardening since there are many toxins that get in the way. However, if you follow these golden rules below you will be able to start a really good organic garden for you and your family:

  • Invest some time and energy to build up your soil with a nice, high amount of organic matter that would be able to support a better quantity of beneficial soil microbes and fungi. Healthy soil will help grow healthy plants.

 

 

organic gardening tips

 

 

  • Ensure you have properly placed plants in a location where they will thrive. Planting plants in location where they don’t get enough sunlight or shade will cause them to die or not thrive. This is one very important part of expert gardening and landscaping that will help make your plants vigorous and healthy.  Healthy plants will be harder to succumb to disease and pests and they will be less stressed by bad weather if planted correctly. 
  • Take care of any disease and pest problem when first noticed.  You will need to take action right away. This will be a lot easier to work with during the early stages of an infestation, so avoid delays when you work on garden maintenance and landscaping.

 


 

  • There are many benefits of organic gardening you can enjoy.  For example, the lack of harmful chemicals in your homegrown food is a major benefit of organic gardening.  Less overall harm to the land around you, preservation of wetland areas and groundwater and more.
  • You can feel a lot better knowing you are actually doing something to change things. We can use compost or composted manure for fertilizer and mulch, not to mention we can use it in a really safe way. Leaves and straw as well as tree bark would make for excellent mulching choices when you need it.  Natural-based and organic fertilizers instead of chemically derived ones will also be a major part of your gardening efforts.
  • You can learn to apply the right techniques to make growing healthy plants an easier job, avoiding diseases and pests in the process. A healthy plant will be much more resistant to stress and more, so make sure you keep it that way.

 

 

organic gardening tips

 

 

  • You can use beneficial enemies for the pest insect species in your garden.  Such as how ladybugs are enemies of nematodes and aphids.  Additionally, as other species combinations that would be a good solution.

Use natural deterrents and insecticides for bug problems.  For example, use insecticidal soap sprays, copper, sulfur, neem oil and more to solve your disease issues. Use the chance to remove any weeds that are too big for weed killer or work by hand.  It will be harder, but it will be worth the efforts.

 

Contributor:  Ella Andrews is a content writer. She has a passion for home maintenance, healthy living and gardening  projects. She is presently focused on writing and enjoying every opportunity to share tips and advice with her readers.  Check out these other  gardening tips too.

 

Filed Under: Nature-Gardening, Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , ,

20 Flowers To Use In A Wildflower Garden

April 28, 2016 by 1 Comment

First, summer is around the corner.  And if you’re like me you can’t wait to get outside and start working in the garden. I have found that there’s nothing prettier than a wildflower garden.  Not only are they beautiful, but they attract birds  and butterflies.  As a result, I love sunflowers in my garden.  They can be used in a wildflower garden, but there are so many flowers that can be used in addition.  Be sure to check out my other gardening tips too.

 

 

garden wildflowers

 

 

Flowers for a wildflower garden:

 

 

  1. Coneflowers
  2. Red and Yellow Poppies
  3. Black Eyed Susan
  4. Zinnia
  5. Shasta Daisy
  6. Cosmos
  7. Coreopsis
  8. Autumn and Lemon Queen Sunflowers
  9. Turtle Heads
  10. Fireweed
  11. Blue Aster
  12. Cornflowers
  13. Texas Blue Bonnet
  14. Sweet William
  15. Wild Petunias
  16. Four O’Clocks
  17. Blanket Flowers
  18. Butterfly Weeds
  19. Wild Golden Glow
  20. Marsh Marigolds

 

 

growing wildflowers

 

 

Sowing or planting any or all of these flowers will result in a beautiful garden.  Furthermore, wildflowers look great even among grass and weeds.  However, I do recommend that you remove as much grass and weeds as you can from the area where you will be sowing your seed. This will give the seeds an opportunity to  sprout and grow a strong root system.

Also, before you purchase your seed or flowers know the difference between annuals, biennials, and perennials.  So, here’s a straight forward description of each:

  • Perennials  – Most of the wild flowers listed are annuals, Cosmos, Poppies, Cornflowers, and will return year after year.  They bloom abundantly and will drop lots of seeds before dying   More plants will grow the following year.
  • Annuals –  You will have to purchase annuals yearly. Marigolds, petunias, geraniums are popular annuals.
  • Biennials –   Biennials will sprout one season but not bloom until the next year. They self-seed, so more and more plants will sprout in the spring. Black-eyed Susan and Sweet Williams are examples of biennials.

 

Finally, regardless of whether you’re planning a cottage garden or just a small spot in your backyard, plant plenty of flowers.  Most importantly, there’s nothing better than being able to enjoy the fruits of you labor.  And bringing fresh cut flowers into the home.

Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Nature-Gardening Tagged With: , ,

Tips To Help Save The Planet

April 18, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Do you celebrate Earth Day?  Many people think it’s the big sweeping changes that will make an impact on the environment.  However, it’s really the little things that matter. When millions of people participate, they add up fast.  You can start recycling and upcycling in your backyard vegetable garden.  We have easy tips from landscaping experts, Rubber Mulch, to help you get started.   Every small action is part of the engine of positive environmental change!  Lets get started.  


earth day

 

 

Collect rainwater to help keep the garden green, even during a drought

A rain barrel will collect excess rainwater.  Something that can both protect and enhance your garden. It will help prevent flooding in low lying parts of the garden.  Additionally,  it will allow you to water your plants and flowers, guilt free, and with no impact to your water bill. Even during a drought, you can maintain your garden’s fresh and beautiful look. Tip –  Install a screen on the top of the barrel to keep pests and bugs out!

Bring on the Good Bugs!

There are several varieties of insects that are good for your garden.  You can encourage them to pay your plants and flowers a visit.  For example, ladybugs and lacewing flies love two things brightly colored flowers.  They also like sunflowers, marigolds  and plant destroying aphids. The former attracts the ladybugs and flies and the latter becomes their lunch!

So, how do you encourage the good bugs to visit your garden? Plant colorful flowers. They’ll see them like a botanical drive-thru window.

 

Do you like a little Irish Spring in the shower?

Buy two bars of Irish Spring soap. When you’re in the garden, shave a little of the first bar around your perennial plants and flowers.  Small, furry critters don’t care for it. It’s an inexpensive deterrent that smells a whole lot better than many of the products sold at the garden center.

When you’re done all your gardening efforts for the put it to good use on yourself. Its win-win!

 

Cornbread anyone?

If you’re partial to using corn meal gluten in your kitchen, you might want to use some in your garden. To keep weed  from germinating and growing into full fledged plants, sprinkle some corn meal around your flowers. The gluten will prevent any seed from germinating.  However, avoid it in your vegetable patch or nary a tomato will you grow.

Do you already have some weeds growing? A pinch of salt at the base of weed will kill it naturally.  Also, snails and slugs are slimy but oddly, they don’t care for man made slime!  As a result, spread some petroleum jelly on the edges of your pots and planters.  It will save your plants from becoming an all-a-snail-can-eat buffet.

Reuse milk jugs and plastic bottles

We all have too many of them in the house.  However, most can be recycled.   But you can also put a few of them to good use in the garden. You can keep your early spring seedlings safe from sudden frosts or other harsh weather.  Cut  the bottom from the jug or bottles and placing them over top of the seedling. This will protect them from threats of spring frost or hail. Just don’t forget to remove them when the good weather arrives.  The plants can benefit from the full and healthful effects of sun and rain!

 

Mulch much?

Mulching is so important for your garden! It protects plants from pests and weeds.  And it helps the plants retain moisture and the necessary minerals from the earth. Mulch helps cut down on the time and energy you spend maintaining the garden and plant beds. Take it to another level by using a sustainable and long lasting Rubber Mulch. They are made from recycled rubber tires. You can’t get more friendly to your garden and the earth than that!

 

Epsom salts for the garden?

So, did you know that Epsom salt is a perfect natural fertilizer? They will help keep your garden plants green, your flowers grow in abundance and balance the levels of magnesium in your soil.  An important mineral for your garden’s happiness. And then you can put some in your hot bath and relax those tired muscles after a day of tending to your beautiful garden!

 

Coffee grounds and eggshells are compost gold!

Who knew being addicted to coffee could end up being good for the garden? Coffee grounds that are placed in the earth or the compost, to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, can do a lot of good. The grounds provide phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and copper, all of which your soil needs.  They will release nitrogen into the soil.  Nitrogen is another essential compound for a healthy garden.  Sprinkle some as mulch at the base of your hydrangea plants and your pink flowers will turn blue as the grounds alter the PH levels of the soil!

 

Eggshells are good for your garden too:

1.     Eggshells are composed of 96% calcium carbonate so they can give your compost that hit of calcium it needs. Pepper and tomato plants love calcium!

2.     Crushed eggshells are sharp! Sprinkle some around your plants to deter pests like slugs and snails from munching on your growing garden.

These tips are things that we can all do to help our gardens grow and our earth to sustain itself.

 

RubberMulch.com is the original and environmentally responsible mulch made from 100% recycled rubber used in gardens, playgrounds and sustainable landscaping. Rubber Mulch is weather resistant, durable, and the most cost effective mulch around.  It protects children from falls on the playground. Rubber Mulch helps homeowners increase the curb appeal of their house and create the home and garden they have always dreamed of.

Filed Under: Nature-Gardening, Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , , ,

7 Easy to Grow Indoor Houseplants

May 11, 2015 by
Needless to say, not everyone is born with a green thumb. In fact, many are born with a special talent for destroying beauty.  However,  there have been a few lucky houseplants that have survived. It’s these that I highly recommend if you’re interested in easy to grow indoor houseplants.  Plants also have other benefits like added color to the interior and improved air quality.  So, I have a few flower gardening tips on indoor plants that I would like to share with you today.

 

 

I highly recommend the following easy to grow indoor houseplants:

1.  Ponytail  Palm – This  mini-tree houses a head of long green leaves that are arranged in a way that is reminiscent of elementary school pigtails.  It is easy to care for with  just a cup of water a week.  I think I can handle that – it can grow up to 3  feet tall.
2.   Aloe Vera – Both attractive and  functional, aloe vera is a modern-looking plant with incredible healing properties. Break off one of the shoots and apply the ooze inside to sunburns  for instant relief.
3.  Autograph  Plant – This is by  far one of the coolest indoor plant options. The Clusia rosea is known as the  autograph tree.  The plant’s leaves act as the perfect host for keeping special memories. Simply sketch in your name or draw a picture and it stays  there forever – or at least as long as you keep it alive.
4.   Peace Lily – A perfect plant if you’re fighting a lot. Really,  though, there are few better plants that help clear the air. Known for its great oxidizing attributes, the peace lily – with its white-flag flower – is exceptionally easy to grow and does well in low-lit areas.


5.   Spider Plant – Noteworthy, and another no-fail green. This plant is available in variegated shades as well as monochromatic green.  It has shoots of leaves that spit out from the base like the legs of a spider. 
6.   Pothos – My parents were given one of these as a housewarming gift, and it flourished  under their care, which is somewhat of a miracle considering the horticultural thumb of death runs in my family. Seriously, though: You can start with a small pot of pothos, and before you know it, a blazing trail of green starts to take over.

indoor houseplants
7.   English Ivy – This is the perfect choice for ridding your home of  litter air. English  Ivy can help break down and reduce the amount of fecal matter in the air left  behind by your beloved furballs. It is, however, toxic to animals and kids; so keep it out of their reach.
Last, try out these seven indoor houseplants options, and may the Gods shine upon them – and your thumb with favor.

 

BIO: Ali is a “Jill of all trades.” She writes about  gardening, home advice and healthy living on her blog Homey Improvements and is a  princess for hire at kids’ parties. Follow her on Twitter @DIYfolks.

Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Nature-Gardening Tagged With: , ,

10 Vegetables For Container Gardening

February 21, 2015 by
Backyard vegetable gardening can be done in containers.  So, if you’re short on space but big on fresh vegetables in the summer containers can be a solution.  Today, we’re going to discuss vegetable container gardening and the best vegetables that can be grown in containers.  There’s nothing better than fresh veggies during the hot summer months.  Most people think that they must use large plots of land to create a kitchen garden.  However, that is simply not true.  
Vegetable container gardening has become popular over the years.  It’s a great way to grow fresh vegetables when you have limited space. I have listed 10 vegetables that I plant in my garden each year, but are also excellent choices for containers.  You containers can be regular flower pots, crates, 5 gallon buckets, or plastic tubs from the dollar store.  So, get creative and use your imagination.  Here’s 10 vegetables for container gardening: 
container vegetable gardens

 

 

1.  Cherry Tomatoes – First, cherry tomatoes are a great choice for hanging baskets on patios or balconies.  Don’t you love the idea of reaching up and grabbing a few tomatoes for a salad or snack. My favorite cherry tomato is the Sweet 100. It’s hard for me to make it out of my garden with devouring my harvest.

2.  Eggplant – Great for growing in pots. A 4 foot garden stake can be used to support the plant. Black Beauty is an excellent plant for containers. The blooms alone are worth finding a spot in the garden for eggplant.

3.  Bell Peppers –  Second, green, red, yellow, white or orange peppers can be grown in pots.  Five gallon bucks make excellent pots for container gardening. You will need a 4 foot stake to hold the plant.

4.  Herbs – Small clay pots are excellent for growing herbs in windows or on a patio.  Basil, oregano, sage, mint or Rosemary can be grown as shown.

5.  Chili or Jalapeno peppers  – Depending on your pot size, you will need a 2-4 foot stake to support your plant.

6.  Salad Bowl – Next, I have 2 wash tubs that I use.  For example, I grow Butter Crunch, Black Seeded Simpson and Salad Bowl lettuce so that I have a good mix of salad greens. If you use metal containers, place bubble wrap or newspaper at the bottom to keep the roots of the plants from burning. Lettuce likes cooler weather so if you use metal containers remember they hold heat. Place your container in a shady spot so the lettuce doesn’t bolt.

 

container gardening

 

 

7.  Lettuce – If you’re lucky enough to have wine crates, they’ve excellent for growing lettuce and herbs too.

 

vegetable container gardening

8.  Tomatoes – Five gallon buckets, rectangle, square or round pots can be used.  Depending on the variety you will need to stake or cage them. A 5 foot stake or cage should suffice, but be sure to stake or cage early. Look for varieties that can be grown easily in containers like Early Girl, Patio Princess or Tiny Tim to name a few.

9.  Cucumbers  – You will need a trellis so they an climb. Nothing fancy, find 2 sticks in your yard and wrap twine around them as shown.

10. Radishes or Carrots – Last, grow a pot of rainbow carrots with your children or grandchildren. The rainbow carrots are yellow, orange, purple and red.  Great idea to introduce kids to gardening while having fun.

Finally, make sure your containers have adequate drainage.  For example, use a quality, organic potting mix. Don’t limit yourself to the 10 suggestions above.  You can also grow peas, beets, squash, and zucchini in containers too.  Now that you know space is no longer an issue, you can enjoy fresh vegetables too.

 Additionally, you may also like: How To Grow Bigger Tomatoes or How To Stake and Cage Tomatoe

Filed Under: Nature-Gardening, Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , , ,

Gardening With Your Child

April 18, 2014 by
My grandfather had a garden when I was growing up.  And, I remember how different the vegetables tasted from the store brought veggies today. So, I planted a vegetable garden.  My father was an avid flower gardener, so I guess gardening is in my blood.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on backyard gardening with your child. 

 

gardening with your child

 


 I decided to involve my grandson when he was little.  He lives near the beach, so backyard gardening isn’t a common theme in that area. When he visits in the summer he loves to help me with my garden.  He enjoys playing in the dirt and watering my plants.  I believe that children need to be exposed to different cultures and experiences.

Most importantly, he is learning.  Here’s a few reasons to garden with your child:

They learn about growing vegetables and flowers – My grandson loves it so much when he hears the back door open, he is on my heels.  In the photo below, he’s picking peppers.  Hot peppers are big in my family.  We love them on everything.  My grandson loves hot peppers on his nachos.  He’s a kid after his grandmother’s heart.  I pickle hot peppers and freeze Belle peppers so we have a fresh supply all year.

It’s a great way to learn responsibility –  Give them chores once you get them outside.  Have them rack leaves retrieve the hand rack or shovel.  He loves it so much when he hears the back door open, he is on my heels.  In the photo above, he’s picking peppers.  Hot peppers are big in my family, we love them on everything.  Xavier loves hot peppers on his nachos, he’s a kid after his grandmother’s heart.  I pickle hot peppers, so we have a fresh supply all year and freeze Belle peppers for cooking.

gardening with children


Next, he’s learning the importance of watering plants, weeding and waiting to reap the benefit.  How do you like his garden boots?  They’re Disney cars.  He loves splashing in the water after he makes puddles in the yard.  I can’t say that he’s learned to love everything he’s nurturing in the vegetable garden, but he’s having fun helping everything grow.

 


 

My grandchildren do love carrots, corn, cucumbers and tomatoes.  I use them in pasta salads, and the tomatoes for sauce for spaghetti and pizza which they both love.  I also can tomatoes for chili and soup in the winter.  Yum!

gardening with children

 

I’m a petunia lover too, so I make sure they’re the star on my deck in the summer.  Xavier was 2 when I started involving him in my gardening.  I thought I would share this picture of him sucking his binky and watering my plants.  It’s one of my favorite pictures of him.  I purchased a little watering can, rake and shovel for him too.  He remembers watering the plants, and now wants to water them each summer.  My granddaughter is old now, hopefully she will take an interest as well.

 

 


 

gardenng with children

 

 

Gardening with your child doesn’t have to be expensive.  I start most of my vegetables and flowers from seed that I save.  I also purchase plants off the clearance rack at Walmart or Lowes.  The planter above is filled with Walmart clearance items. I purchased the planter from the Dollar Store.

Most importantly, if you don’t have a yard use your balcony or patio to grow a few plants.  Get your child involved. Better yet, let them plant a few flowers or vegetables of their own.  It teaches them responsibility and also gets them involved in nature. Try a perennial, they come back each year.

Next, when you expose children to different experiences, they will be open to different cultures, music, foods and other experiences as an adults. Their formative years are in our hands.  So, add gardening with your child an activity that you can do together.  They may not model everything that we do in their adult years, but they will have the memories and experience.  Last, you can’t place a price tag on that.
Filed Under: Projects for Kids Tagged With: , ,