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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

I never really had any trouble with creatures like Squirrels and stuff. I guess I was just lucky. Squirrels and birds can be a pesky bunch though. There is netting to keep the birds out of your garden, and there are options for the Squirrels and stuff too. Although I've no idea which works best. I have done some research and found out that  there are videos on the internet  that have opinions for anyone gardening. Me, I'd just try to put something out of the area to distract them. To me, it's like feeding a raccoon. If your gonna feed them do it away from the area, and put it where you don't mind them being. Like away from the residence. I enjoy wildlife, and I believe that God put them here with a job to do. Just like honey bees do their's. They make what we benefit from. So do many other animals. So they all pretty much serve a purpose. But, upon researching the subject matter, there seem to be several options for detouring little critters, although Austra

Owning a garden  you now have the freedom to make your own recipes from fresh fruit and vegetables. What a delight!!!! Oh my God, I wish I could say the same right now. I've got the garden bug out the wazoo!! Now is the time to get growing and picking. You have the wonderful opportunity to grow and steam or sear your vegetable, and add whatever delicious seasonings to your meal. I would pick my veggies when I had a yard garden, and sear them in a pan with seasonings to give them added zest. Growing your own herbs and spices can give you the extra added zesty taste which Everybody loves. You can even make sauces and dressings to flavor it up. I'm very creative in the kitchen too so perhaps you could come up with a new type of sauce, meal, or dressing that would make a special dinner even more special to you and your family. There are all kinds of delicious recipes for sauces and dressings and other items you can come up with. You could make juices as well also. You

I've been saying it for years. Gardening is great for relieving stress. But is there really proof of how beneficial it can be. And in which ways is it really good for the phisique, and intellect?? How does it benefit us? Well yes. Gardening relieves stress and anxiety in many forms. It helps us get some much needed exercise each day. It helps us have a chance to relax in the outdoors, breath in some fresh air. And chances are, if you are lucky enough to have a garden of your own, you eat much healthier foods.  Even having a flower garden can help tremendously. It gets you outside more often, and helps you have alone time to yourself. If you have children , but need your own time, make a little garden for them. Give them plastic spades and a bucket for their own garden, and let them try on their own.  Having a small garden of their own for your child doesn't have to cost a thing. Just stick it in the ground and let them tend to it their with their own creativity. No

It's a hardy little herb. It  appears that it doesn't grow very large either, never does I've never grown it, but I think I'll give it a try. I only have a room, but it's a small herb anyway. I used to have a yard.  Maybe again, later. Mustard. The herb, and allowing it to go to harvest can be beneficial.  You can actually make real mustard with the herb, and it's a very simple process as seen by a fantastic Self Sufficient Me video( thanks so much for putting this information out there) put up on their site, as noted below for future reference. They get all the credit for that. It's really facinating. But that's not the only thing I want to mention in this article today. The subject I'd like to cover is flowers. No, not the ones that you need to pamper, and take a lot of your time, and care, but the pretty little ones that you can basically plant, and forget. Just water a little and walk away. I had some like that. They were so hardy and so

No matter where you live, unless you have a real stickler of a landlord, you can plant anywhere.  There are lots of really unique ideas out there for plants. Even an old cowboy hat turned upside down can be used to as a planter. Just put some cloth, foil, or plastic on the bottom to keep it from draining on furniture etc... If using a cloth, please be sure to add foil, or plastic underneath it to keep it from leaking on the furniture. There are a multitude of helpful ideas on the internet. Also as an added benefit there are suggestions of some remedies for lacking some of the needed nutrients and they are very inexpensive and handy as well. There are ways to grow plants at an upward angle, and ways to hang them to save space. There are easier planting methods for those with little time, and there are watering methods for anyone who is unable to be home, and is a loner, and has nobody to assist while they are away. There's something else to be looked at as well. The loca

There are several different options you can chose of mulch. As a matter of fact there are 7 different kinds.  There's bark amongst many. There are decorative ones, different colors of them, and many others. You just have to decide which one you would like. There are rocks and biodegradeable ones to assist you in giving back to Mother Earth . If it was up to me, I would choose the one that gives back to Mother Earth because what's the good of planting if your not going to give back to the Earth? With mulch(bark), it gives a beautiful dark, rich, look to the Earth surrounding the premises. And by using bark mulch you're using a natural product. By using leaves (yes, the natural kind), you are also giving back to the Earth, and also it assists in retaining the water you use. This helps in less watering, and gives your plants the water needed. Another really pretty one that's decorative is rocks of several different types. These hold moisture in, and set a color

Grafting trees? It is used for several reasons, and on certain trees. I guess they have to be somewhat compatible..kind of like mates if you'd say. Soul mates. I've seen this done we a beautiful rose before, so it can be done as well with a bush too. Just depends on what you want. Grafting is done by professionals, or by those who obsess extensive knowledge of the horticulture field or perhaps a novice who would like to experiment and learn something new or, develop a new more appealing outcome, which may be healthier, and a provide better quality fruit, or flowers. Or maybe someone is attempting to rid a tree of an unwanted disease.  There could be several reasons for wanting to graft.  But one thing remains. It is a technique which has been around roughly four thousand years, and the results can be astonishing. Of course the best place as usual to learn about this technique is through your local extension office in your area. But a nursery can assist as well. But the

Shrubs, or trees. Which would you prefer.  Some prefer trees. I choose to have both in the yard . If you're going to have shrubs though, let me suggest this:please put them about 1ft. away from any windows, this way it's safer for the family. It would be easier to check the perimeter of the hose if needed. And try not to put them near where you walk to the front entrance. You'll want to keep that open for safety. When planting shrubs how do you tell which is which? Easy, shrubs generally have several branches for a base, and trees have one. Sometimes a tree might have two, but that's not as common  If you're still trying to figure out what thrives best in your locality, it's best check with the local extension office wherever you are. They are always very helpful, and know what suits your climate best. If you are in the south, one of the shrubs that bloom well, and can come in very nice variety of springtime colors is the Azalea. And it can be pruned to

We all have a sweet tooth some time or another. Plants and trees hell us satify our sweet tooth in many ways. They sort of give up some of their goodness for us. The abundance of sweet delights depends upon the plant. We get several of our goodies from them. To name a few here are some names: Licorice, Peppermint, Ginger, Syrup Maple,Cocoa,Vanilla, Sugarcane, and Marshmallow and Cinnamon. But the all time favorite of everybody is Chocolate.  Now Chocolate has quite a bit more work involved. It is a lot of hours and you have to know what you're doing. Real homemade chocolate is a delicacy though.  Something very special. And a love and a lot of work goes into it along with pride. Another great sweety isSugar cane, which can be grown in the southern part of the states. Also there are videos which show how to harvest your own sugar. There's also an old time goody which reminds me of Kissemee, Florida making Cotton Candy. If you're interested the video noted below shows

Are you crazy about nuts? A lot of people are. And I can't blame them. They're a fantastic snack for the human body's consumption. There are at least 9 different nuts in which to choose from. They are full of nutritional value. The Hazelnut is a fine example, it is imported mainly from Turkey. They are also a great at to get fiber in your diet. Where do nuts come from? That a good question. First, let's look at the Hazelnut. It's from Mostly Turkey. Did you know that it is related to the Filbert? To find out more interesting facts about the Hazelnut, read more about it in National Geographic. A great source of information. I am going to list several of the delicious nuts that there are to choose from and you choose your favorite, then think about why it's your most popular one and I'd like you to do a favor for your intellectual stimulation, read about it if you'd like. It would be a fantastic workout for your mind, very stimulating. Plus it coul

Snacks. Kids live them, hec everybody does. My favorite is pretzels. Can't get enough of them. But what's really in them?? Nobody honestly can quote the answer randomly now can they? Think about it. What are you REALLY eating? What are your children REALLY eating? The rest of the family? There are plenty of snacks in a garden. There are blueberries, strawberries, cantaloupes and their seeds with a pinch of salt, or sugar if you prefer. There are oranges, apples, and many other things. If it's fresh snacks which you want, then be creative. Test out some different things. Grab a home-grown apple, add cinnamon, and sugar, stick it in slices on a tray in the oven for a few minutes, and you've got homemade apple chips.  Also you can bake orange biscuits that are carmelized a bit with butter and brown sugar, cinnamon, and a little bit of that orange rind grated on top. Be sure to put the mixture on the bottom of the pan before bakung. Stuff it in the oven, and keep an

People use them every day when they cook. They give a wonderful zest to our food dishes we cook, and to our palate. We savor the aroma as it mingles through the air. But, the scent of every spice is not pleasing to everyone. There are some which can be too much to bare. As you'll see from one of the videos. The question is: "Can we prepare them?" well we're about to find out. You're growing your own Tomatoes right? Bell peppers, Oregano, Basil, Parley, Onions,Garlic, etc... Yes? Why not take it a step further? Can you? The answer is in the video below. Yes, you can, and it's a very interesting process, and it's amazing how many spices we can make in our own kitchen. I know, right now you're probably thinking of how much a dehdrator may cost. Not to worry at the moment. There are other methods. Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano....they'll all make you home smell delicious too, if you decide to dry them inside . There are three links I am puttin

Gardening, and living off the land sounds rough, and rugged, huh? It can be a little uncomfortable, but the savings, and the benefits could be insurmountable. The time you put in to it could pay you back very generously. I think it's just about everybody's dream, to get out of the normal everyday living arrangements and get into a more suitable, quiet, independent form of living. I can't blame them. There are several things to think about if you are ready, and willing to make this bold, and brave new move. Do you want to become totally sustainable? or just a little?How would you generate income? First, let's tackle the first question, do you want to become totally independent? I would think not. That's an awful big change all of a sudden. And I think it is safe to say that most people want more independence in the means of the way in which they live at the time. Being independent of the everyday rush can be a choice to be embraced. It can give you several ne

Composting is a great asset to your plants. It's adds the nutrients your veggies and fruits need.If you're on a shoestring budget beginning a compost can be as simple as putting out your some of your garbage out. As a matter of fact, you may be. And you'll be recycling, which helps the planet in more ways than one. If you sit down, and think about it you'll be surprised at how many ways you'll be helping your plants, and Mother Earth. A compost is full of nutrients and minerals, which are good for your plants. So just think; you'll be doing the earth, worms, and other tiny beggars, which assist in making your compost possible, a huge favor. Not to mention the worms that could be used for fishing from time to time. And you're reducing your carbon footprint. You want your compost to have a well balanced mixture of greens and browns (leaves and grass). Short on leaves? Dried pine needles, or go to a public place and bring some old fallen wood home to ch