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Flowers are so cute sometimes. They aren't just pretty either. They are tasty treats. The Teddy Bear,(also known as the Fuzzy Face) is no exception, except that it's about two- three feet tall, and so adorably fuzzy you'll want to hug it. It resembles a pom pom. Some facts are in order for this cutie pie.  The Teddy Bear with it's contagious bright, cheerful demeanor, first came about in November of the year 1902. Unbelievable huh?? He's not a new guy in town. And yes, it is so adorable, it's all of  five inches in diameter. It looks like a pom pom, is easy to grow, has lots of blossoms can be grown in planters, is two- three feet tall, and yes, produces sunflower seeds.  If he weren't a flower, I'd probably marry him. Hahaha!!! Once the flower dies off, the seeds can be harvested. A video is sited, to learn more about that. Yes, they produce thank goodness. I wouldn't mind having it's cheerful presece about, but it's an added benef

Mushrooms seem like they would be fairly easy to grow right? They would be pretty easy to grow. There are Mushroom kits available. Mushroom kits make it possible for you to grow Mushrooms safely. Mushrooms are fairly easy to grow. They take little space as well. The best way in my opinion to grow Mushrooms , and be safe is to order a mushroom kit. Mushrooms can be very dangerous. Mushrooms can be very poisonous. There have been people that have taken serious risks, and even had fatalities due to not knowing how to handle them properly. Or, accidentally preparing  them properly. Mushroom kits are a  much safer, and they are an easy way for the beginner to get started with mushrooms. They come in several kits, and some even come equipped fully with everything needed. The best part of this, is that most of these kits allow you to grow straight out of the box. Most mushrooms prefer moist areas, and smaller mushrooms grow in about a day, medium and larger varieties in about  three

Looks can be deceiving sometimes, in people, animals, even plants! That's one of the reasons my Mother always had me try different food at least once, to see if I liked it. You gotta give it a chance. Like people. Let them at least have a chance to try . Hence comes the Bok Choy, and Leeks challenge for me, and I challenge you to try as well. I was at the produce department of a store the other day, and I thought about trying something different for a change. I had gone only to get some Strawberries, but thought I'd try something different. As I approached the greenery, I stared at the Bok Choy, and Leeks. I wondered how the heck should I eat this new vegetable? I'd never used it. I'd heard many times of how good these are for us. But I never grew any as of yet, and never had the opportunity to eat it yet knowingly, although, I absolutely love Chinese food. I bought some. A little of both. I ended up making a sort of soup with them both. And I must say, if it we

Climbing vegetables!! They can be fantastic, but they make you think, especially when you have very limited space. But, that's not to say this isn't a project that can be done. There are about seventeen plants all together which vine. Although not all are commonly grown here in America. All in all there are about twelve which are common here. You have to take into consideration some of the possible requirements of vining veggies, especially if you are planting in a container in a small space. There are several things to ask yourself. Do I need a very deep container for this? Is it a Twiner, Tendril, or Scrambler? If it a Big Boy Tomato, and you go out to your garden one morning, find it laying on the ground, and it's crawling off with new nodules, taking root along the ground, as it scatters to find a place to hide from neighboring party plants, then you can take a deep breath. He's probably a Scrambler vine-type. Tendrils are like my comical Peas. They have

Growing in planters can be very tricky some times. Especially if you did not mark cups. Making sure you have the right planter for your vegetable is very important otherwise it could get root rot (wet feet), or be shoved a bit too deep from you trying to dry out the soil, like I did with mine. Gardening in a limited space, and in planters has been a big challenge for me. So right now I'm trying something I've never had to do before. But it's good for my stroke recovery. I'm finding a little more to do. I need a few fresh ideas on how to keep this compact and out of the way so the landlady doesn't get upset. But I'd like to be able to share the harvest with those in the surroundings too. Roommates and so forth.  From my findings Cucumbers can have rather long roots. Up to 36 inch roots. And looking again, I'll have to get a container at least 12 in. diameter, and 8 deep. I think I have one already. I'll have to try to find something deep enough fo

Lately, meaning the past ten to twenty years or so, it appears that just about everyone has at one time, or another wanted to and has often times, gotten into the herbal trend. And has used herbs for calming issues, stomach aches, headaches etc ..It's not a terribly bad idea. As a matter of fact, I feel in some ways we would be more well equipped if we used less chemicals in our life. I mean honestly, I'm not saying prescriptions are bad, they're not all bad. But often times I've wondered if it would be such a bad idea if we, as a society cut down tremendously. So many have side effects which can be very risky.(to say the least). That's not to say medicinal Herbs are the best either, but they are let's say....ummmm less intrusive. Don't get me wrong, some have dangers also to be watched. But it's less the chemicals.  I always pondered the big question: How can we, as a society, fight an issue IN SOCIETY by masking it with another of the same orig

These are the two petite beauties that can just fill your yard with dazzle!!! The contrast of color makes them a gorgeous , bright, cheerful backdrop for any curb appeal. They are extremely colorful, and will cheer up even the most depressed person. Upon arriving home, I would see my Bachelor Buttons in my front yard, and take a deep relaxing breath. Home finally.These flowers have the most radient cheerful colors I've ever seen on a flower. The Marigold have a gentle aroma you can never mistaken for anything else, and this helps not only give us something pleasant to enjoy, but it repels some pests too. So it is good to have around anyway. Has a job to do. Cornflowers(Bachelor's Button), are supposed to represent some special meanings in our life. They bring wealth, prosperity, and friendship into our lives so they say. I need that right now , especially in the friendship department. I think we all do. The Marigolds I chose to grow at this moment are the Crackerjack Marigold.

They are not as popular. And rightly so. Some are just used as a guardian as a detourant specifically for intruders, and they do a pretty good job from what I've heard. Especially with rather large thorns like some of the Citrus in Florida. They be very dominating. With three inch thorns who wants an orange at night?? Good question . All I have to say is ouch!  Ive seen one of these in the Orange Grove which existed behind our house in a town in Florida near Tampa. It sure had a great aroma though in spring!! And beautiful blossoms. Even my horse grab an Orange if he could reach it. He had a virtual canopy over his corral. Like I said, these shrubs, and trees as well as plants can make a great impression on unwanted guests. But they also can sometimes be a very, very welcome guest in a nice bowl in someone's house. There are approximately seven wild edibleplants in Florida. Since Texas is kind of like Florida, I'm gonna make the assumption that some of these plants also

There are many benefits to marking your plants in one way or another. One example is my error in hastiness, having two flowers and the rest veggies. Right now, I'm in my own dilemma, I've planted Marigolds, and a new flower I can't recall( it's blue, very blue), and Peas(which I know what those look like), but I have Basil, or something I'm not familiar with. I have a few new ones for a change. Trying something different. So, whatever you do, please mark your plants somehow!! Thank God most of what I have I already know from previous years. Growing Outside has obviously many benefits. Especially if you can plant everything directly into the garden. You don't have to transplant, the roots get to plant their feet so to speak. And it makes it a lot easier on you. Plus you are able to enjoy the fresh air, and enjoy the plants for the day.Even if you don't spend much time outside, except to work in the garden, it's time well spent. If you must plant i

If you're looking for something to grow that will not take much space, and is fairly easy to maintain then this fella is helpful. Spinach, and any dark leafy vegetable is really good for you. I'm pushing the dark leafy vegetables because Drs. say that they are really good for us, and boy we need all the nutritional plants going in the garden right now that we can get. Let's begin with space. This is a very dark leafy vegetable, with which is so good for you, you can eat the stems and leaves as well. There are many great recipes for it too. It grows up to four- six inches in height, and six- eight inches in width. So this lad takes minimal room, and would suit anyone with little space. I would suggest exposing the spinach to at least three-four hours of sun. Spinach only takes about seven-ten days to germinate. Twenty-one if cooler. They would probably be better if they were in a shady/sunny place, a little of both. At about thirty-five to forty-five days, they shoul

They aren't the individual type of guy. They are all pretty much the same. Gee whatever happened to the individual? We'll, they are basically alike, except for the foot long bean . Now that's an individual! Bush Beans about fifty days to maturity, pole beans Abit longer, about 65. Don't over- extend that, they can quickly become tough. Beans can be steamed, stir fried, sauteed in butter with bell peppers added for a tastier flavor and many other ways. Even eaten straight from the garden if they are sprayed with chems. Bush beans grow to be twele- twenty four inches tall, and pole can have vines eight to ten feet in length. They are an simpler plant to grow. Bell Peppers are a good choice too if you're looking for something not too big , and that grows fairly well. You can stuff them with meat, or other vegetables from the garden to give them a bit of flavor. And they come in a variety of beautiful colors. They take about seventy to ninety days to mature, a

They're yummy, they give you tremendous pleasure when you have a sweet tooth. They kind of fill that spot when you want something sweet, and they grow pretty easily. Sweet potatoes are delicious with a dab of butter, or even plain. You can have them with a snip of Parsley, or a little Dill sprinkled over top, or however your little heart desires. I think people get great enjoyment out of digging these buggers up. I think the novelty of wondering what's hidden beneath the soil is what makes it so much fun to hunt for them in the ground. That plus you have a good excuse to get down and dirty. You never know how big a catch you'll find until you rustle in the dirt. Then, it's anybody's guess! It's like fishing really. The Wonder of what's beneath. These characters need to be planted fairly deep, and in full sunlight. They don't favor the cold. You can even start a Potato from your leftovers, so do not discard those potato ends you cut off. Suspend the

Basil is a cute little herb. It's got the most adorable little horseshoe shape baby leaves when it first pops up. Makes me wanna squeeze it and give it a hug . Cutie. But, it's a plant. People would think me crazy. Once Basil gets to about six inches tall, it's time to begin plucking leaves off it. And research says that the best time to do this is in the morning when there's more flavor in the leaves. It also likes moisture,but don't let it get soaked.As far as I know there's nothing said of thevstems, so apparently they aren't edible. 5 Tips on How to Grow a Ton of Mint in One Container or Garden Bed- Self Sufficient Me- youtube www.almanac.com Cookingathome.tv.com How to Prune,Harvest, and Grow Dill- The Patio Gardeners-youtube Basil 101: Growing Tips + 28 Recipes-www.loveandlemons.com www.medicinalnewstoday.com www.wikihow.com www.thespruce.com Rosemary is another good herb. It's loaded with benefits. The stem can be tossed in the comp

Composting Indoors can be done. The advantages of doing this is that the temperature doesn't become really cold inside, therefore giving you the advantage of your compost not slowing  down as much as it normally would if it were outside in the cooler air. Although it will still slow down to some extent. There are two different types of composting. One is called aerobic, and another is vermicompostig. The latter makes use of worms, whereas the other does not. With aerobic, you need to turn the compost to aerate it every so often. I'd choose aerobic, and just turn the soil occasionally for good aeration.  Composting Indoors can be a bucket of some type used somewhere in an inconspicuous spot. Perhaps an empty space in an apartment that needs something added to it because it's just there.I think sometimes anyone can get a little carried away and put anything into the compost, so remember no meat, fat, or stuff like that. Food scraps are okay,you just exclude meat and

From my understanding there are different types of Lemon and Lime Trees. That being said it is best to ask a horticulturist, or nursery professional what may be best, and also find out what care they need, and how big of a final container it would need. But these are very handy trees to have around. And they are bound to cheer up any atmosphere. They can be very useful when it comes to cooking, or putting together a salad, or they can be a very fragrant treevto have around. These plants can give you the zest you need for that special dinner for someone, or adding wedges can add flavor and a squeeze of delicious zest to your plate of food.  You can mix delicious frozen concoctions for the younger people in your household, or you can make a nice chilly drink for the adult get together over the weekend. Whichever way you may choose, you go very far off the path with any Dwarf Citrus in your place. Even in a apartment, you may be able to find a lovely quiet relaxing location for yo

Pick your favorites. There are those who would choose their favorite vegetables to grow if they had to. So, how about you? I'd choose about six, or seven. The reason I would choose five is because you would need some things to snack on too if possible. I think my favorite would be Corn, because then you could choose a leafy greens that has nutrition to grow nearby. Like for example pole beans, or some peas that could wrap around it, and are also have great value as far as nutrition goes. Then I would grow yellow peppers, which would give great flavor to almost anything, and scallions in between, and then Spinach for dark green leafy nutrition, and probably some brussel Sprouts if I could to give that great dark green vegetable nutrition we need, and to give Peas something to twist around, and Peanuts because Sweet potatoes, for that sweet tooth I have every once in a while. When it comes to growing Vegetables I've almost always had good fortune. Usually had a yard to pu

Brine. What exactly is that? Well, it's said to be used in cooking to help preserve foods. It is a salt and water mixture. So, in case you wondered, now you know. Knowledge is good. I didn't know that until now. I just never thought about it. I've had gardens, but never canned or anything.Im just mesmerized by the growing process. And seeing it grow boosts my self esteem. Something I've needed for years. There are delicious beet recipes out there.  Have you ever had Beet Pickled Eggs??? Oh my gosh! Theres a great recipe on one of the sites I researched. It's noted below. They are not only delicious, but very colorful. They would go perfect with springtime holidays. I'm hungry just thinking about it.  The other tasty item on the list today from the garden is Cucumbers. Yes, they creep into your life like little weeds on the ground. I bet they'd choke out some weeds. I don't know. Never tried that let alone think of that. Cucumbers alone make

Yes. Some vegetables are absolutely totally able to be consumed. And, to make it even better, some can be regrown too! Depends on what you choose to plant. Anyway, there are many sites out there to assist. The best way to start is small. Choose what you would really use right now. Your favorite stuff. Plant just a few and see how they do. Then if they do well, do some more. But as I said, some can be eaten completely. Beets are one of them. Leaves, and stems too. Another is Carrots, and for some more advice is a website which is very helpful.  There are more than twelve vegetables that have leaves that you can eat. I also sited a website in which some farmers with several years behind them are helping  identify some of the vegetables that are best to grow right now and what type of wether they will tolerate. They also mention what does best in a crisis situation. So, if you have a garden, and need some new ideas some of these may help .  Oh, my hydroponics didn't work

Just for jokes I have accidently broken my silly Pea plants, so I have restated them as hydroponis plants. So far, so good. They are still alive since this morning. Hopefully they will do well. If they survive it will show that you can not only start seedds by soaking them, but regrow what you thought to be a lost cause. This could help a lot. Also, if it works well, I may start putting many others in the same type of growing pattern. I have also put my basil, beets, onion, and peppers on small pieces of damp sponges in containers to see how they do. If spring starts, this may be the start of hydroponics stage I may redirect my growing to that. I've heard a lot of hydroponics in past researched I sifted through, but never considered it.  It may be a good alternative, and actually use less water. I don't know, well just have to wait and see . You could still use micro veggies, it just may need a twist on things. I haven't thought about that yet. I have seen video

I ran out of ideas for now. Perhaps if I cover some of my progress with what I'm doing for gardening. Well, I think I found a place for my Peas that we're being comical. They're still together. Side by side of course. But now they have a sort of Trellis and teepee to cling onto and climb if they want. And I've given my dwarf Carrots a bit more room. I can't help but laugh at this. I just moved these Pea plants no more than an hour ago, and already the bent character has it's vine wrapped around one of the teepee poles. Their fast I'll give them that. Didn't see a thing.....sneaky fella. I wonder if I watch it long enough I'll see it move?? Wow! Talk about fast effects!! That was quick!!! They compete with each other. The other is trying to catch up. It's twisted itself around the pole now by it, and trying to slowly climb. I'm anxiously awaiting for my veggies to get towards harvesting. I swear these plants are beginning to grow a

I'm not a spring chick, but I'm not old either. Thank God, I'm in between, but since stroke, getting around is a little slower these days. Anyhow, tackling this very little space dilemma, and not much light is a task. Takes some ingenuity and creativity.  First we'll start with my Dwarf Carrots. Now that they've gotten a little bigger, and need something with more depth, I've decided to put them in the Miracle grow bag for now. These were confused with the scallions I had planted. They were the little buggers with the akfalfa- looking swayback brushed through hair look they had from chasing the light. I posted their style on my page for all.. They are comical. I also posted my comical Peas, which hang on for dear life, and copy each other daily. Figured people would get a chuckle out of their moves. I've decided on a small trash bin from the store which I'll purchase for my Carrot pals. It will give them the depth which they need, and some more space. It

You have Peas, you have beans, you even have some Tomatoes. But do they have some support? Do they need it? Well, I'm sure they would welcome it. Seedling support??? Fertilizer money??? Lol!!!! Not that kind, but support to help them stand up under the weight of the vegetables as they produce them.  I'm sure all would welcome some help every now and then, but we're chatting about veggies here. As your vegetables grow taller and thicker, they may need some stabilizing method. As they become taller and look lanky as very young seedlings still in containers you may get a chuckle or two about their surprising overnight developments which can make you smile. Some seedlings (if grown indoors), develop shockingly quick overnight, as the one I posted which grew very long fingers overnight and even though bent is adorably hanging on dearly to a pole. But as they become mature they may need extra support. And this may mean a cage, or a wood stick and something to hold it in place . T

You all know there's a special friend in your life that loves to garden, and Mother's Day and Father's Day is quickly upon us before we know it. Why not give something that continues to give?  Gardening comes in all shapes and forms. It can be recipes, flowers, herbs Vegetables, or even spices. It comes in fruits trees also, and nuts of various kind. It can be an interesting book on the topic that your friend wants to learn about. If you need some ideas to engage your mind for the upcoming holiday, here are a few for starters: make a small basket arrangement of fresh flowers with a small book on a topic they like. Find out what small garden items might be needed, and arrange them in a nice bucket with a bow and gift them. If you are not pinching the budget too much, obtain a small fruit tree which does well in their area. A book, or fresh flowers are always a hit. It's the thought that counts. A seed selection in a nice storage box with a bow, or ribbon works too. Garde

Sometimes it's just good to blow off steam just chatting with anyone, especially if they don't talk back and you need thinking time. I guarantee,they won't have any opinions. Lol!! The studies are still out there. I hope they find some really good solid, undeniable proof somehow, that plants respond to Vibrations and it effects growth. I really believe it helps. Well, even if it's still questionable it's a great way to get things off your chest, or relax to music you like. Any deep container would probably work better with growing inside. I have tried medium sized ones, and it just seems that the bigger the better. It makes sense though, given thought. I've never had to grow indoors. It appears the larger gives the plants more comfort, and plenty of growing room. I like to grow as organically as possible, but for the time being I have to use Miracle grow. I feel it's giving my plants needed food since I'm having to grow inside for now, and am u

There are many plants out there. And if you're like me, you're chomping at the bit to find space for them if you're in a small place where putting it in the yard may not be an option. Or it doesn't seem to be. Who ever knew?? There are more than 20 vegetables that thrive pretty well in little sunlight. The list is very large. There is  Celery, Broccoli, Lettuce, Spinach, and even Cherry Tomatoes!! And many more too. Asparagus is a little slower to start, but once it does there are many happy returns,as this fella will give over, and over. There are several different options you can choose for growing. But if you have very little space, then perhaps using some creativity and growing upward will help in a small arrangement. If you have time there are suggestions on a good seed raising mix which I think you'll find interesting. What you want for growing vertical is anything that goes up. Anything at all. It can be an old mail holder, or stackable wooden boxes. Just

Gardening is a great way to stay in shape, get some fresh air, and enjoy the great outdoors. There are many benefits to gardening as we get older. It's not just a hobby for a senior, but a good way to stay in shape. Gardening is a great way to burn calories. That's one of the benefits that can be very good for older folks. I'm included. It also is a fantastic way to spend some quality time with the grandchildren if you have any. When children are younger, they learn a lot from us. We want them to learn proper nutrition. It's a very important thing in life. Besides, learning to grow your own food is a plus. And this is also a very important thing. And the grandchildren can get outside and get dirty, without getting into trouble for it. You'll get Vitamin D, strengthen your muscles, and decrease demtia too. You'll get great eye- hand coordination exercise, and can even improve some other skills which can help.  Plant whatever makes you happy. But veget

Gardening makes you feel good. I just can't say that enough. As well as making yourself feel great, it can make your emotions bubble over. You just never know when someone may be just thrilled that you thought of them when they were hungry. As I speak I have vegetables growing with me in my small space, and am already filled with good emotions cause I want to be able to give a few to those less fortunate when they get bigger in order to contribute to society. They are for those who have not. There's more than enough for me, so why not? Im1 person. It's something I have always wanted to do. Oh, I've helped out before. But a long time ago. There are also some great garden recipes out there for those who are interested in picking, and cooking their own goodies. Most are very delicious. Most of the time you just have to get a little creative. Or experiment with a couple different colors, or some different flavors. It depends on what your liking is. If you have a

There's nothing like having your own vegetable garden to eat from, it gives you a great feeling of success, and  you eat much healthier. That is a fact. There are success stories out there, and I want you to see them. There are people who have a place, and some who start with very little to work with. If you can grow one vegetable plant that's a start. There are people who are without a place to live, and those with could begin to help by choosing to put one vegetable plant in your yard for offering others to have something to eat. Or pick a few veggies, and make a little basket for those less fortunate. I was once told by someone important that " It's important to help those that need a hand up, and what they do with your gift of offering is between them, and God." The fantastic part is you know you helped, and that's all that matters. I guess that's why in part that I'd like to garden again. To contribute back to society. Right now I'm busy t