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.
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Using Eggshells In The Garden

April 9, 2014 by
Stop, don’t throw those eggshells away.  Today, I’m sharing tips on using eggshells in the garden.  Yes, eggshells are beneficial in the backyard garden.  So, add eggshells to your list of backyard vegetable gardening items needed this growing season. Your tomato and pepper plants will thank you.  So, grab a container and start saving them throughout the year.  Ask your family members or neighbors to save them for you too.  Especially, if you don’t consume a large quantity of eggs.  Explain that using eggshells in the garden will benefit the tomatoes they will receive in exchange.  This will give them an incentive to save the shells for you.  

 

 

using eggshells in the garden

 

 

Before using the eggshells in the garden take these steps:

  • Rinse the eggshells thoroughly
  • Dry the eggshells on low temperature in the oven or microwave them.  (You want the shells to be brittle)

 

 

using eggshells in the garden

 

 

 

Once are cool, crush them and put them in a plastic bag or container. You can store them in your refrigerator if you don’t have counter space.  A rolling pin or wooden spoon is a good way to crush the eggshells.  Turn this task over to the kids.

So, when garden season arrives place a generous dose of the crushed eggshells in the hole when you plant your tomatoes.  They are a great source of calcium for the plants.  Furthermore, I also sprinkle the shells around the plant once I get the tomatoes in the ground.  I actually do this throughout the growing season.  The eggshells will help give your tomatoes a calcium boost, and help fight off blossom end rot.

 

how to use eggshells in the garden

 

Secondly, I mix the crushed eggshells in with my birdseed.  Bluebirds, Baltimore Orioles, Scarlet Tanagers and Barn Swallows love eggshells too.  You can spread the eggshells on a log or on the ground if you don’t have a platform feeder.  We hope that you enjoyed our tips on using eggshells in the garden, and you will start recycling your eggshells.  You may also like 20 Flowers to Use in a Wildflower Garden.

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

How To Make Soda Bottle Greenhouses

March 30, 2014 by
So, today I’ll be showing you How to Make Soda Bottle Greenhouses.  I decided to increase the number of sunflowers for my backyard vegetable garden this season.  You can make greenhouses out of 2 liter soda bottles, and they work great.  Also, milk containers and juice bottles or jugs that are clear can be used.  I love the Gatorade bottles too.  I grew my sunflowers using this method last year and they did great. 
So, I decided to add my vegetables this year.  After I complete adding the soil, seeds and taping, the soda bottle greenhouses on set on my deck so the seeds can germinate. 
sodaa bottle greenhouses

                                                     

My American Goldfinch and Cardinals picked every sunflower seed off the flower heads last year.  They’re such beautiful birds, I couldn’t get mad.  So, I decided to plant sunflowers for them and some for me.    Marigolds and Blue Buttons are planted in the tray above.

 

Here’s my list of sunflowers that I plant each year:

  •  Lemon Queen Sunflower  (My fav)
  •  Autumn Beauty Sunflower
  •  Evening Sun Sunflower
  • Mammoth Sunflowers
  •  Mexican Sunflowers

 

 

soda bottle greenhouses


This is what you will need to make soda bottle greenhouses:

  • 2 liter or other large bottles that are clear
  • a box cutter
  • seed starting mix  ( I use Miracle Gro, just make sure it’s quality)
  • selection of sunflower seeds
  • duct tape
  • permanent marker

 

soda bottle greenhouses

  • Bleach your bottle greenhouses to ensure all liquid has been removed and the bottle is sanitized.  Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry.
  • Next, cut the bottle at the half way point all the way around with the box cutter leaving a small hinge. Leaving the hinge will make it easier to tape the bottle closed.
  • Once you have your seed starter mix ready, place a few inches of the seed starter in the bottom of the bottle and plant the seed to the depth recommended on the package.
  • Once you complete this task, use the duct tape to close the bottle.  And you will want to mark the bottle with the name of the sunflower with  the permanent marker.
  • Place the bottle in a location where it will receive sun, rain and close to your house to help shield from wind gust.   You may have to gently water the seeds if you don’t receive enough rain.
  • Last, once the seeds germinate and reach the height of the cut, remove the duct tape and top from the bottle by cutting the hinge.
  • You may need to add potting soil to the bottle once the plants takes off to ensure that the roots are covered.  Just remove the tape and add the soil to the bottle.

 

Finally, make sure the last frost has passed before removing the top of the soda bottle greenhouses permanently.  The tops serve as protection from those cold, frosty nights. I’m in Zone 6B, so the last frost date is usually at the end of April in my area.  I hope that you have been inspired by my soda bottle greenhouses.  Save your bottles throughout the year, and start your seeds in them next growing season.

You may also like How to Build a Bottle Greenhouse.

 

Filed Under: Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , ,

Tips to Attract Baltimore Orioles

March 27, 2014 by
I decided to become more diligent in feeding the backyard birds through out the year.  Today, I’m sharing tips on attracting Baltimore Orioles. I’ve never seen an Oriole in my backyard, but I did a little research and it seem they like oranges and grape jelly.  They are Maryland’s state bird, and since I’m across the Maryland line, about 20 minutes, I’m thinking my chances of attracting them to my backyard are favorable.  

Attracting Baltimore Orioles should start in early spring if you live in the north.  April and May is the best time to start offering oranges and grape jelly in several places.  Since, I love home made items, so I decided to make a homemade feeder.  Oriole feeders are expensive, so making a few homemade feeders keeps the cost down.  I decided to make a simple one out of a metal hanger.  My thinking, if I’m unsuccessful I’m only out a hanger and an orange.  To make this feeder you will need the following items.

  • wire hanger
  • 1 orange
  • yellow or orange ribbon
  • *grape jelly (optional)

 


 

1. Bend your hanger until it looks like S.

2. Next, cut the end with a pair of wire cutters, and spread the 2 pieces apart.

3. You want to leave the hook, you will use it to hang the feeder.

4. Now, cut the orange into slices.  Cut a wedge out of each slice.  You will use this piece as a spacer.

5. Alternate an orange slice and than a spacer.

6. You can smear grape jelly on the orange slices too.

7.  Spread them apart as much as you can, so the bird can perch and enjoy the treat.

8. Try a few slice on the feeder to start.  You don’t want to waste the slices.

 

How to attract Baltimore Orioles

 

Last, tie on your ribbon and hang in a spot where you can bird watch.  Orioles love the color orange, use an orange ribbon.  Also, try placing the feeder where the bird can perch from another branch and reach the slices if you’re unable to get enough space between the slice.  You can rearrange them once you hang the feeder if necessary.  Refrigerate extra slices.  Most importantly, slices should be checked every 2 – 3 days and changed if they dry out or start becoming moldy.

So, I’ll keep you posted on my endeavor to attract the Baltimore Oriole to my backyard.  Last, check out my other posts on attracting backyard birds.

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10 Benefits of Vegetable Gardens

March 22, 2014 by
Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on the benefits of vegetable gardens.  Backyard gardening is a rewarding experience.  And, there’s nothing better than fresh vegetables in the summer and throughout the winter months.  My grandfather had huge gardens when I was growing up. He planted enough vegetables for his kids and their kids. There was a catch, the grandchildren had to help weed the field, I mean garden.  It looked like a field and felt like one when we had to walk it and pull weeds. But, backyard kitchen gardening becomes a part of your soul.  You connect with nature and the earth.  

 

benefits of vegetable gardens

 

 

I remember the garden holding tons of tomato plants, green beans, peas, onions, corn, greens and the list goes on. The garden became a part of my soul. For as long as I can remember, I thought about my own vegetable garden.  I decided to finally put one in several years ago, and I look forward to digging in the dirt each spring.

It’s time for me to decide what I want to grow this season.  I planted garlic in the fall, and I saw green sprouts yesterday.  I was unsuccessful last year, so I’m really excited.  My freezer is full of squash, peppers and, zucchini now, so I was thinking that I wouldn’t plant any. It dawned on me that others aren’t as fortunate, they would love to have fresh veggies this summer.  So, for the veggies that I don’t use or give to my family, I can take to a food bank.

 

benefits of vegetable gardens

 

 

Benefits of Vegetable Gardens:

  1. Saving on your food bill.
  2. Having delicious vegetables for summer gatherings and snacking.
  3. Making your own tomato sauce for pizza and pasta.
  4. Freezing vegetables for use during the winter.
  5. Sharing your bounty with neighbors, family and friends.
  6. It’s a great way to exercise and get fresh air.
  7. It’s a great way to relieve stress.
  8. Learning to grow a variety of vegetables is educational.
  9. Provides an opportunity to bond with my grandchildren.
  10. Growing produce from seed is challenging and rewarding.

 

Finally, Urban Gardening has become popular too. So, growing fresh vegetables in small places is possible.  A little creativity, and you can have fresh garden vegetables at your door. Fresh vegetables are being grown on decks, patios and balconies. How you ask?  In containers.  Furthermore, the containers can be paint buckets from Lowe’s or Home Depot, planters, or old whiskey barrels. Use your imagination.  Grow lettuce, peppers, tomatoes or herbs.  Herbs can be grown in small flower pots and don’t take up much space.  You can place these in your kitchen window, and they really enhance dishes.  Start small, but start growing your own greens.  See my post on vertical gardening.

 

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How To Attract Blue Jays To Your Backyard

March 20, 2014 by

Blue Jays are large and beautiful birds.  I love attracting backyard birds, and I’m happy that I have been able to lure these beauties to my feeders.  I have four that visit my feeders regularly.  So, today I’m going to share with you how to attract Blue Jays to your backyard.  

 

 


Blue Jays



 

Next, Blue Jays start their courtship in February. The breeding season is from March to July.  Spring is around the corner, so I wanted to give you a few tips on how you can get them to a feeder in your backyard for a photo op.

 

A few facts about Blue Jays, they are large birds and stay with their partner for life.  So they understand the meaning of until death do us part.  They are loud and love to make their presence know with their “jaaaay” call early morning.  Wooded areas are preferred.  I have trees along my back property and the adjoining property has a roll of evergreens, so I have the perfect environment.  The average life span for a Blue Jay is 7 years.

 

Blue Jays

 

 

The secret to luring Blue Jays to a feeder in your backyard is peanuts:

  • Purchase a platform feeder as shown.  I ordered mine from Amazon and love it.
  • They also love shelled peanuts, but make sure they’re unsalted.  You can buy them in bulk at Costco or SAMs.
  • Add acorns, sunflower seeds and fruit to the feeder.  (I use old grapes).
  • Spread cracked corn and sunflower seeds on the ground under the feeder.
  • Plant an oak tree and you will have them for life.  (They love acorns).

 

 


 

 

 

Blue Jays
It’s difficult to tell the male from the female, they look identical.  These two show up together, or one shortly after the other.  Blue Jays rarely eat at the feeder.  They pick up their treat and eat elsewhere, but return often for more.  Their color is striking.  Blue is my favorite color, so I may be biased.

I don’t know if this is the male or female, but the other is around somewhere.  The peanuts keep them around all year.  So, I’m hoping to see little Blue Jays this summer since breeding season has started.

 

 

 

 

Last, bird watching is a great activity to do with children.  Turn bird watching into an educational lesson. Additionally, bird watching gives them an opportunity to become involved with nature and learn the habits of various backyard birds.  You may also like:  Backyard Birds: Red Bellied Woodpeckers

 

 

 

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Backyard Birds Love Bird Seed Pine Cones

March 14, 2014 by

There’s really no recipe, but I thought I would share how to make bird seed pine cones.  First, I started bird watching and feeding my backyard birds years ago.  It is a hobby that I have come to love, and I am thoroughly enjoying it.  In order to keep birds in view, you must negotiate their stay.  I reached an agreement with them by making  bird seed pine cones.  The birds are loving them.  They literally pick the pine cones clean.  The bird seed pine cones are easy and fun to make with kids. 

 

 

 

bird seed pine cones

 

 

Next, pick a day to gather pine cones with the kids.  You can gather them from your neighbor’s yard, a park or your backyard. If neither of you have pine trees, locate an area where you can gather a few without trespassing.  A grove of pines will provide plenty.  I use a medium or large pinecone.  The larger the pine cone the more birdseed it will hold.

 

 

How to make Bird Seed Pine Cones

 

You will also need the following items:

  • Suet/Crisco  (You can purchase suet from you local grocery store.  I’ve purchased both beef and pork). Otherwise; purchase a small can of Crisco.
  • twine or yarn (You can purchase twine from the Dollar General)
  • birdseed  (You can purchase seed from the Dollar General)
  • a paper plate
  • plastic knife
  • plastic spoon

 

  • Melt the suet on low.  Allow it to harden enough to make it spreadable.  If you’re using Crisco, you can skip this step.
  • Tie a piece of twine around the bottom of the pine cone (the largest end).  You will use it to tie the pinecone on the tree branch or a hook.  So, leave the ends long enough to tie together.
  • Use your plastic knife to spread the Suet/Crisco over the pine cone.  Try to get the fat in the crevices and cover as much of the pine cone as you can.  (That can be messy if your kids are making the pine cones.  Spread out newspaper).
  • Pour the bird seed into a large bowl.  Roll the pine cone in the bird seed.  You can use the spoon to pack the bird seed onto the pine cone as well.

 

 

bird seed pine cones

 

 

Fortunately, this is a fun project for kids to create on rainy or snowy days.  Furthermore, they will love the craft more when they see the birds enjoying the treats.  See my bird seed peanut butter pine cones for visuals.  Once the pine cones are prepared, have fun watching our feathered friends gobble up the bird seed pine cones.  I guarantee you they will devour every seed.  Place them in a location where you and the kids can watch them enjoy the feast.  Consequently, you will be providing protein that birds need to keep them warm.

 Last, freeze the pine cones before placing them outside.  Place several in a gallon baggie and place in the freezer until you’re ready to use.  You will always have a few on hand when time is limited.   Check out my other posts on attracting backyard birds.

 

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Facts About American Goldfinch

March 10, 2014 by
Today, I’m sharing backyard bird tips on facts about American Goldfinch.  I fell in love with these beautiful birds years ago.  They visited my garden one year to devour my sunflower seeds, and I became
fascinated by their beauty. They are now one of my favorite backyard birds. The male sports feathers that are a beautiful shade of yellow and black. They are unmistakable, and they have a unique flying pattern.  It consists of an up and down motion.
facts about American Goldfinch

 

 

 

Facts About American Goldfinch:

 

  • First, American Goldfinch males have bright yellow feathers that are absolutely beautiful.  Unfortunately, they turn a dull yellow/olive color in the fall.  The color change is called molting. In the spring, they will “color up”.
  • Goldfinch are strictly vegetarian, and only eat seeds.
  • American Goldfinch have an up and down flight pattern.
  • Next, Goldfinch are called wild canaries. Also, they are relatives to finches.
  • Their call sound like “po-ta-to-chip”.
  • Furthermore, Goldfinches breed in June or July.  Since they only eat seeds, they wait until the thistle, milkweed and other seed plants have produced.  They feed seed to their young.
  • The American Goldfinch is the state bird of New Jersey, Iowa and Washington.
  • Surprisingly, the oldest known American Goldfinch was 10 years 5 months old.  Their lifespan is normally 3 – 6 years.

 

 

facts about American Goldfinch

 

 

  • Also, males and females choose a suitable nest site together.
  • Goldfinch nests are shaped like cups.
  • The Clutch size is usually 2 – 7 eggs.
  • So, females may have 2 broods yearly.
  • The eggs are a pale blue or a bluish green color.  The eggs usually hatch within 12 days.
  • Additionally, nestlings will fledge about 12 days after hatching.  Mom will coax them out of the nest.
  • Once they take flight, they will still be dependent on their parents for another 3 – 4 weeks after leaving the nest.

 

 

facts about American Goldfinch

 

 

 

  • Furthermore, if a female has an additional brood in a year, she will leave her original mate with the first brood.  She will find a new partner for the second nesting.
  • So, my sunflowers attracts American Goldfinch to my garden in the summer.  They cleaned off every sunflower seed on the plants.  Plant a few sunflowers, and enjoy these beauties next summer.

 

 

 

 

Finally, birdwatching is a great activity for kids.  I hope you enjoyed my facts about American Goldfinch and will get involved in nature too.  Most importantly, birdwatching isn’t just for small kids.  Big kids love it too.  Check out my other posts on attracting backyard birds.  You may also like 10 Beautiful Sunflower Varieties.  

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How To Attract Cardinals To Your Backyard

January 6, 2014 by

Today, I’m sharing tips on how to attract cardinals to your backyard. The cardinal also known as “redbirds” is my state bird, West Virginia.  They were also the mascot for my high school growing up, so I’ve always had an infinity toward them.  Cardinals are known as visitors from heaven, which makes me think of my mother, father and grandparents.  As a result, they are one of my favorite backyard birds.  

 

How to Attract Cardinals

 

Fortunately, my backyard is full of them year round.  And, as you can see my northern cardinals love seeds.   The males are red with black back/tail feathers and are a standout anytime of the year.  But, they are breathtaking during the winter months against the snow.  During mating season, the brighter the better to the female cardinals.

 

how to attract cardinals

 

The females have some red, but are mostly tan and gray.  They sing outside my bedroom window in the morning.  Cardinals are known to have up to 12 different songs.  While watching them, I’ve found them to be quite sociable.  They wait their turn at the feeder and interact well with other species.

How to attract cardinals to your backyard:

  • Provide mixed birdseed as well as black oil sunflower seeds.
  • Safflower seeds are another favorite.
  • Cracked corn and apples are also favorites.
  • Use a platform or hopper feeder near shrubs and bushes.
  • Offer a birdbath or other water feature, especially in the summer.
  • Plant nasturtium, purple coneflower, safflower, sunflower and sweet pea plants.
  • Cardinals love berries such as dogwood, hackberries, and northern bayberry.
  • Cardinals nest in evergreen and rose bushes if they are are least 8 feet or taller.

 

They also eat insects and sap from the trees.  However, I have yet to see them eat from the suet feeder.  The male is quite the gentleman.  The majority of the time he will perch on a branch while the female eats and than he takes his turn.

 

 

how to attract cardinals

 

You can enjoy the male cardinal’s brilliant color year round.  My feeder always contains a mix of black oil sunflower seeds, cracked corn and chopped apples.  They usually arrive at the feeder with their mates, but I have seen both feed alone.


 

If you’re a beginner bird watcher, just follow my tips on how to attract cardinals.  They are one of the easiest backyard birds to attract.  They aren’t picky about feeders, so platform or hoppers will work.  They’re also not picky eaters. Any of the foods listed will meet their needs.  However, they truly love safflower seeds.  Happy bird watching!  You may also like:  How to Attract Catbirds to Your Backyard.
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Selecting Belle Peppers for Home Cooking

December 29, 2013 by
Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on selecting belle peppers.  If you want to experience the true flavor of belle peppers, you must have knowledge of how to select belle peppers for home cooking.

So, each year I plant a combination of belle, cayenne, and jalapeno in my backyard vegetable garden.  At the end of the season, I freeze the belle peppers, dry the cayenne, and pickle the jalapenos.

I love planting a variety of belle peppers.  Furthermore, I try to grow a variety of colors that include green, yellow, red and orange.  I even tried a white variety, but was unsuccessful.  All belle peppers start out green.  With patience, they will turn yellow, red and orange depending on what you have planted.
selecting belle peppers
Belle peppers are great in casseroles, omelets, sauces, chili and other dishes.  I also use my belle peppers in veggie trays,  pasta dishes, jambalaya and anything else I can cook up. The red, yellow and orange peppers make an impact in dishes.  They’re really pretty in omelets and vegetable trays too.  They give dishes a little color as well as flavor.  Presentation is everything when it comes to eating.

 

Selecting Belle Peppers

 

Know the difference between male and female belle peppers?  Using the right peppers will enhance the flavor of your dishes.  Males should be used in certain dishes and females in others.  That is why selecting male and female peppers is important.

 

  • Lesson 1 – Male peppers have 3 bumps on the bottom.

 

selecting belle peppers

 

 

  • Lesson 2 – Male peppers are usually a little taller and have less seeds than the female.  Most shoppers go for the biggest peppers; however, they don’t consider the dishes they will be preparing at home.  Male peppers  are better for cooking foods like chili, tomato sauce and other dishes that require heat.

 

 

selecting belle peppers

 

 

  • Lesson 3 – Female peppers have 4 bumps on the bottom. Females are more round and have a sweeter taste than the males.  I use these for vegetable trays, fresh salads and cold pasta dishes. However, they have more seeds than the male.

 

Finally, the next time you’re at the grocery store, use your new knowledge on selecting belle peppers.  Simply flip those babies over and check out the bumps.  Most importantly, make your selection according to the dish you’re preparing.

 

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