tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41439367422104957892024-03-17T12:06:03.273-07:00Garden. Plant. Grow. Eat.Organic gardening, edible gardens, and backyard food forests! It began as a seed, placed in the garden...that grew into a BLOG bent on featuring helpful gardening tips, tricks, books, information, and articles.JTCreativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065431841337600520noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4143936742210495789.post-61287625849358534052024-01-15T12:47:00.002-08:002024-01-15T12:56:31.688-08:00Gardening Notebooks & Nature Journals<p><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gardening Notebooks & Nature Journals...</span></b></i></p><p><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></b></i></p><p>More than just a journal, these gardening notebooks are a canvas for your botanical inspirations and green-thumb musings. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhep4fcQzIzATPUHqPtw_dd8SyW8Q7Gfj2LhgUjibaOltLtps1SoDXkvk5h4IgPFFNwxGgC-v3TlwsboWJpy6QTY0dtWWzsACOzNIRHLduF3IuIWEaLuODDxbFWdcLg4Ys52U0hLogU5N9oInQsd3Y3Am3PhyVIIj7gC5c2Sh8_fIsDL5-wt4ikWSqjqy8/s2000/Gardener's%20Notebook%20&%20Nature%20Journals%20Blog%20Post%20Cover%20Image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gardening Notebooks & Nature Journals" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhep4fcQzIzATPUHqPtw_dd8SyW8Q7Gfj2LhgUjibaOltLtps1SoDXkvk5h4IgPFFNwxGgC-v3TlwsboWJpy6QTY0dtWWzsACOzNIRHLduF3IuIWEaLuODDxbFWdcLg4Ys52U0hLogU5N9oInQsd3Y3Am3PhyVIIj7gC5c2Sh8_fIsDL5-wt4ikWSqjqy8/w400-h400/Gardener's%20Notebook%20&%20Nature%20Journals%20Blog%20Post%20Cover%20Image.jpg" title="Gardening Notebooks & Nature Journals" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div>Let your thoughts bloom as you jot down gardening tips, plant observations, and seasonal plans on meticulously lined pages. </div><div><br /></div><div>With plenty of space for detailed notes, these notebooks will become a companion in nurturing your garden to its fullest potential!<div><br /><h2 style="text-align: center;">Gardening Notebooks & Nature Journals</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><i>… A thoughtful gift for yourself or the gardening enthusiast in your life…</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">🌿</div><h3 style="text-align: center;">A Garden of Thoughts:</h3><div style="text-align: center;">[<a href="https://amzn.to/47AWqCc" target="_blank">ORDER THE HARDCOVER</a>]</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47AWqCc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Gardener’s Journal with Lined Pages for Notes and Space for Sketches" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFY3YVOxtHVnhUv5zhN45w-KchJse7TDZeJ_KXq6nussx1S_otBeni4YoQUJTo4nZMurEbG-JwgRBl-2pW21Lcd-kNtRA6rRix7jQ95Z2HKHiA7lteghGOxcGPA-INNlC6eCEXLo02LCLJP-1ZPpdyoQAINUE2d55PQmC6-BAcSveeNawaX3oWLfQlH0c/w320-h320/1.jpg" title="A Gardener’s Journal with Lined Pages for Notes and Space for Sketches" width="320" /></a></div>A Gardener’s Journal with Lined Pages for Notes and Space for Sketches</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">🌿</div><div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Thoughts from the Garden:</h3><div style="text-align: center;">~ ORDER YOURS BELOW ~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">[<b><a href="https://amzn.to/4aUWJuC" target="_blank">PAPERBACK</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/3RYaboW">HARDCOVER</a></b>]</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxv8yLbthu47pFyeSVOEzlKVDwPZXFAjZaiZGtnOsusVmjzeXOoGsmEW3EnpsDqsa2Il4cdXDArr9x87T8vnBCyByH28mAeqkg8fUJM674zmB2joVC9I39mUJRiAo-tPng81gViypQoudBi6ODB5gpxmlaRZlDsHHMfAqYzYDnZSve2nbjzV_bsrxMAM/s2000/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Gardener’s Notebook with Lined Pages and Space for Sketching" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxv8yLbthu47pFyeSVOEzlKVDwPZXFAjZaiZGtnOsusVmjzeXOoGsmEW3EnpsDqsa2Il4cdXDArr9x87T8vnBCyByH28mAeqkg8fUJM674zmB2joVC9I39mUJRiAo-tPng81gViypQoudBi6ODB5gpxmlaRZlDsHHMfAqYzYDnZSve2nbjzV_bsrxMAM/w320-h320/1.jpg" title="The Gardener’s Notebook with Lined Pages and Space for Sketching" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The Gardener’s Notebook with Lined Pages and Space for Sketching</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">🌿</div></div><div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Growing Thoughts:</h3><div style="text-align: center;">~ ORDER YOURS BELOW ~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">[<b><a href="https://amzn.to/3O3WZ0v">PAPERBACK</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/4aW2KHq" target="_blank">HARDCOVER</a></b>]</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHkwDvhY5aRm2ZhOPlAn0qUgl4VRAJQ1WuG7G6qvYZotnpLspO7KmRfZVvBqN7hk-lmEhQPSftQtdqEqzN9MPKfGFTg61-c9-FNNVIC6mQ4dAbMfv0iLKzedvSzNk_8j_0U0u-jwFuyAt5kSfy7YIBpmeykzoZBrMfQcQ9nH0RubZS7RDdc_itWxw-Hg0/s2000/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Gardener’s Notebook with Lined Pages and Space for Sketching" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHkwDvhY5aRm2ZhOPlAn0qUgl4VRAJQ1WuG7G6qvYZotnpLspO7KmRfZVvBqN7hk-lmEhQPSftQtdqEqzN9MPKfGFTg61-c9-FNNVIC6mQ4dAbMfv0iLKzedvSzNk_8j_0U0u-jwFuyAt5kSfy7YIBpmeykzoZBrMfQcQ9nH0RubZS7RDdc_itWxw-Hg0/w320-h320/1.jpg" title="A Gardener’s Notebook with Lined Pages and Space for Sketching" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A Gardener’s Notebook with Lined Pages and Space for Sketching</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">🌿</div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://jessicatuckercreatives.com/gardeners-notebooks-nature-journals/">learn more and meet the author here</a></div>Garden. Plant. Grow. Eat.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09865452480154332848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4143936742210495789.post-80759069838190890822024-01-02T20:59:00.003-08:002024-01-02T21:35:49.502-08:00A Gardener's Guide to Cultivating Gold... Yes, Compost!<p><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> A Gardener's Guide to Cultivating Gold... Using Compost to Unlock Garden Greatness!</b></span></i></p><p>Check out this gardener's guide to compost <i>magic </i>to learn more about the world of sustainable, eco-friendly gardening, and the dirty art of composting!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnLOw5PJbVhP1H9JdaRoDSkN5OxqiN0nyV18-0fEzgoNu_RRGBq730d7SKtMWhkZOmLEn2MRsV2us4MzeghWY-039Q-w201_odSUkx5ZNoKeD-Hnx-ap-2xCQjCFvbZp9ZHU024E52leBksTbuXnFfPs7AQ_EITCNKI0sTaLRbQFdroXKQt1F7lL-lqk/s2000/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Gardener's Guide to Cultivating Gold... Yes, Compost!" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnLOw5PJbVhP1H9JdaRoDSkN5OxqiN0nyV18-0fEzgoNu_RRGBq730d7SKtMWhkZOmLEn2MRsV2us4MzeghWY-039Q-w201_odSUkx5ZNoKeD-Hnx-ap-2xCQjCFvbZp9ZHU024E52leBksTbuXnFfPs7AQ_EITCNKI0sTaLRbQFdroXKQt1F7lL-lqk/w400-h400/1.jpg" title="A Gardener's Guide to Cultivating Gold... Yes, Compost!" width="400" /></a></div><p>There's one golden thread that weaves its way through flourishing flower beds and abundant garden harvests...</p><h1 style="text-align: left;">– <i>COMPOST!</i></h1><p>Read on to explore the transformative journey of incorporating compost into your garden, as we unravel the secrets to nurturing soil, fostering sustainability, and reaping the rewards of a bountiful harvest.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Soil Alchemy:</h2><p>Over years of tilling around in the garden, I've come to understand that the foundation of a thriving garden is undeniably the soil. Compost, often referred to as "gardener's gold," is the magical elixir that breathes life into the earth beneath our hands. Enriched with a symphony of organic matter, compost acts as a powerhouse of nutrients, elevating your garden's potential.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Nurturing Nutrient-Rich Soil:</h2><p>Think of compost as a nutrient buffet for your plants – a meticulously crafted blend of kitchen scraps, yard waste, and nature's wonders. Rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, compost becomes the lifeblood that fuels robust plant growth, ensuring your garden becomes a haven of vitality.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Sustainable Gardening Practices:</h2><p>In the realm of sustainable gardening, composting stands as a beacon of responsibility. Picture this: kitchen scraps and yard trimmings reincarnated into a nutrient-rich concoction that not only fortifies your garden but also reduces your ecological footprint. It feels good to know that my garden thrives through the cycles of nature, minimizing waste while embracing a sustainable, balanced harmony.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Water-Wise Wisdom:</h3><p>Every seasoned gardener understands the dance with water – too much, and roots drown; too little, and plants wither. </p><p>Compost, with its water-retention prowess, becomes the gardener's ally in this delicate balance.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Moisture-Regulating Marvel:</h3><p>In my years of tending to the soil, I've been amazed at how compost acts as a natural sponge, retaining moisture in the soil. </p><p>During dry spells, it releases a steady supply of water to thirsty roots, reducing the need for constant irrigation. </p><p>Conversely, in heavy rains, compost helps in preventing waterlogged roots, allowing plants to breathe. It's a water-wise strategy to swear by as this practice greatly helps in conserving this precious resource.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdzxlHLcm3AEQ_qVo0-xcFJijKF-BpMra2LCsXXSB07mMLHG8Cg9hQZqxxtSf3nS77ycHLhni_MlvlwYRiEqZSRIhXH7V-o-xsClzZrAYEq2LpCjmTB7Uz0oeDtofAT8Xuz2ChbQ1TQrjFKDhnUA0aXmOFBV4v7oGR9SOx-LVi7ektdnJXangYXsfdAo/s2000/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nurturing Nutrient-Rich Soil" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdzxlHLcm3AEQ_qVo0-xcFJijKF-BpMra2LCsXXSB07mMLHG8Cg9hQZqxxtSf3nS77ycHLhni_MlvlwYRiEqZSRIhXH7V-o-xsClzZrAYEq2LpCjmTB7Uz0oeDtofAT8Xuz2ChbQ1TQrjFKDhnUA0aXmOFBV4v7oGR9SOx-LVi7ektdnJXangYXsfdAo/w320-h320/3.jpg" title="Nurturing Nutrient-Rich Soil" width="320" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Pests, Be Gone – Naturally:</h3><p>Seasoned gardeners know that a thriving garden is not just about what you grow; it's about fostering a balanced ecosystem. Compost, with its diverse microbial community, becomes your garden's natural defense against pests.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Microbial Army:</h3><p>Sit down for a moment in your garden or near the compost pile and watch this symbiotic relationship between compost and beneficial microorganisms take place in real-time.</p><p>These tiny warriors patrol your garden, warding off harmful pests without the need for chemical interventions. It's a natural, chemical-free approach that keeps your garden in harmony, allowing both plants and beneficial insects to flourish.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">A Harvest of Plenty:</h2><p>The proof of composting's enchantment lies in the harvest. From plump tomatoes to leafy greens bursting with flavor, a overwhelming harvest of zucchini, a compost-infused soil yields a incredible garden bounty.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Bounty Beyond Expectations:</h3><p>In my gardening years, I've experienced the joy of watching plants thrive and produce beyond expectations. </p><p>Compost provides a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season, ensuring a continuous harvest of fresh, flavorful produce. It's the gardener's secret to a kitchen filled with the fruits and vegetables of their labor!</p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><i>To Conclude...</i></h2><p>The time is NOW to embrace the transformative magic of composting, not only at home in the garden, but also on a larger scale - <i>that is an entirely other conversation for another time.</i></p><p><b><i>Try it out! </i></b>Elevate your gardening experience this year by nurturing nutrient-rich soil, practicing sustainability, and reaping the rewards of a flourishing garden. </p><p>Let compost be the cornerstone of your gardening legacy – a testament to your commitment to the land and the bounties it graciously offers.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Related Links:</h3><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://home.howstuffworks.com/composting.htm" target="_blank"><b>howstuffworks </b>- <i>What Is Compost?</i></a></li><li><a href="https://www.almanac.com/how-compost-guide-composting-home" target="_blank"><b>Almanac</b> - <i>How to Compost</i></a></li><li><a href="https://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/compost/how-to-compost/" target="_blank"><b>Better Homes & Garden</b> - <i>How to Make Compost</i></a></li></ul><h3 style="text-align: left;"><i>Happy gardening</i>, and may your compost bins be forever filled with the promise of abundant and beautiful gardens...</h3><div><i>from <a href="https://gardenplantgroweat.blogspot.com">Garden. Plant. Grow. Eat.</a></i></div>Garden. Plant. Grow. Eat.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09865452480154332848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4143936742210495789.post-11436257073345758762023-12-30T05:16:00.005-08:002023-12-30T05:19:21.437-08:00Smart Watering Solutions: A Green Approach to Conserving Precious Resources<p><i><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Smart Watering Solutions: A Green Approach to Conserving Precious Resources</span></b></i></p><p><i><b></b></i></p><p>Without a doubt, one of our most valuable resources is water, the lifeblood of our planet. It is becoming more and more obvious that we need to implement sustainable watering strategies for our gardens, lawns, and landscaping as annual temperatures rise and precipitation decreases.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><i>The days of mindlessly tossing out a sprinkler are long gone...</i></h4><p>Given the depletion of water resources, increasing watering laws, and impending drought in the future, we must continue to adopt more environmentally friendly practices. </p><p>Dig in and join in on the discussion below about the pressing need for sustainable watering, the difficulties that various locations confront, and the simple yet significant changes we can all make to protect this essential resource!</p><h1 style="text-align: center;">Smart Watering Solutions: </h1><h2 style="text-align: center;">A Green Approach to Conserving Precious Resources</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgdnq1z1658EF2Ul4HjX2e8mtya5ES7p5i4otSTsMcgbKrPJYoM5iJUG6ukRnK5U8lF-wwVFk86-xFYo0fXZ6IR0Xg4YIW9k89jMlMNRNIy56gECWSAbRxprWNf4KbWN1dRlEBz3LRjAbK4EVwnPe2IfHGNt_lqg9Vs_pGXNL4MXUfxrzihvOLG2aaEY/s1080/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Smart Watering Solutions: A Green Approach to Conserving Precious Resources Blog Cover Image" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgdnq1z1658EF2Ul4HjX2e8mtya5ES7p5i4otSTsMcgbKrPJYoM5iJUG6ukRnK5U8lF-wwVFk86-xFYo0fXZ6IR0Xg4YIW9k89jMlMNRNIy56gECWSAbRxprWNf4KbWN1dRlEBz3LRjAbK4EVwnPe2IfHGNt_lqg9Vs_pGXNL4MXUfxrzihvOLG2aaEY/w400-h400/1.jpg" title="Smart Watering Solutions: A Green Approach to Conserving Precious Resources Blog Cover Image" width="400" /></a></div>_______________________</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Growing Water Crisis</h3><p>The prospect of a water crisis is <i>REAL </i>as temperatures around the world rise and precipitation levels fall. </p><p>Depleted water supplies, strict irrigation guidelines, and an uncertain future are challenges faced by many areas and unchecked water use has dire effects that impact not only agriculture, our ecosystems, but entire populations...</p><p>We must recognize the gravity of the problem and realize that change should have taken place long ago and is not merely an option at this point, <i>but a requirement!</i></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The Need for Sustainable Watering Practices</h3><p>Sustainable watering practices need to be prioritized by people, communities, and governments in response to the worsening water issue. </p><p>Conventional watering techniques, including sprinkling without regard to amount or timing, are no longer practical. </p><p>We must take a more thoughtful strategy that minimizes waste and considers the water requirements of our landscapes. </p><p>Smart water management is needed now more than ever, which starts with an awareness of the unique difficulties that each region faces.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVpmp4J4wLq-a86aywjzMVvIqdCr85rbYDD4OGeJso88mAEKvY68tL2bJPgu9gywVbPITElI_jNpgr-lMnLuz0RxGn9tLgJ2MnqDAtX3bHDunkdoZKaZPRBXM0nQqWE8xMIERAUsm32Rl8_23Z_7IkiAtgYGEi5GIc7UjBxpOpox4OAguIwD4gUOw6Yg/s1080/2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Need for Sustainable Watering Practices" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVpmp4J4wLq-a86aywjzMVvIqdCr85rbYDD4OGeJso88mAEKvY68tL2bJPgu9gywVbPITElI_jNpgr-lMnLuz0RxGn9tLgJ2MnqDAtX3bHDunkdoZKaZPRBXM0nQqWE8xMIERAUsm32Rl8_23Z_7IkiAtgYGEi5GIc7UjBxpOpox4OAguIwD4gUOw6Yg/w320-h320/2.jpg" title="The Need for Sustainable Watering Practices" width="320" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Challenges Faced Globally</h3><p>Different geographic areas and climates present different obstacles when it comes to water conservation. </p><p>While some regions experience severe drought, others struggle with a lack of water as a result of urbanization and population increase. </p><p>Water conservation methods must be specifically tailored to the demands and problems of each location. </p><p>By recognizing and tackling these issues, we can create workable, long-lasting solutions that guarantee the prudent use of water resources.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Embracing Change: Easy Transitions to Sustainable Watering</h3><p>Although it is obvious that something needs to change, some people may find it difficult to switch to sustainable watering methods. But accepting change doesn't have to be a difficult procedure. </p><p>The following are some simple yet significant changes that people and communities can implement:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u><b>Drip Irrigation Systems:</b></u> Making the switch to drip irrigation systems when possible minimizes evaporation and cuts down on water waste by delivering water straight to the base of plants.</li><li><b><u>Smart Timers and Sensors:</u></b> Purchasing smart irrigation systems with sensors and timers enables accurate scheduling of watering, resulting in water consumption that is properly optimized for conservation.</li><li><b><u>Xeriscaping:</u></b> Planting landscapes using as little water as possible is known as xeriscaping. Beautiful, environmentally friendly outdoor environments can be created by selecting drought-tolerant plants requiring minimal water and then making use of water-conserving landscaping techniques.</li><li><b><u>Rainwater Harvesting:</u></b> Gathering rainfall is a straightforward but efficient method of meeting gardening water requirements. During dry spells, installing cisterns or rain barrels might offer a reliable water source.</li><li><b><u>Educational Campaigns:</u></b> Communities can be encouraged to adopt proper watering methods by educating the public about the value of water conservation.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NdFGiomS2F2JDts3ZdX3wkgZH21JOd9iLTsf_XMewAQln1vSW21rHVXXeVdnRhvkMXdLQXcr1JqLRHLoQ65TC0uXCsyr4yqaWyh9JzSDQPEB5MU4-2kwiXuZ7oFbgF693fJ5iUj4Swno4maaePeHL8hsDKcqmRY3CX4mYshsGsMWFqG8-4PXJubLd54/s1080/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Embracing Change: Easy Transitions to Sustainable Watering" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NdFGiomS2F2JDts3ZdX3wkgZH21JOd9iLTsf_XMewAQln1vSW21rHVXXeVdnRhvkMXdLQXcr1JqLRHLoQ65TC0uXCsyr4yqaWyh9JzSDQPEB5MU4-2kwiXuZ7oFbgF693fJ5iUj4Swno4maaePeHL8hsDKcqmRY3CX4mYshsGsMWFqG8-4PXJubLd54/w400-h400/3.jpg" title="Embracing Change: Easy Transitions to Sustainable Watering" width="400" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Government Initiatives and Policy Support</h3><p></p><div>Through legislative efforts and regulatory measures, governments assume a crucial role in mitigating the issue of water preservation and conservation. </div><div><br /></div><div>Authorities can help by putting in place water-saving measures, enforcing watering restrictions, and rewarding sustainable water-related activities.</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">The Take-Away:</h4><div><div>It is the responsibility of people, communities, and governments to give priority to sustainable watering practices in the face of an increasingly severe water problem. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Change is desperately needed... <i>It can happen in a smooth and significant way! </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>We can all do our part to preserve our limited supply of clean, useable water by accepting smart irrigation methods, being aware of the difficulties that other regions confront, and supporting national programs. </div><div><br /></div><div>The time arrived <i>YESTERDAY </i>to say goodbye to inefficient irrigation practices and embrace a more environmentally friendly, sustainable strategy that will guarantee clean water for many generations to come!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfxoEv4bD3R_oK9BLkBVvgh0UiotViyzPqvQyxzgNn3NgmMQPkHDayUeqYLmdkAMnnwiOmVOndPtkCTUwLzWpX8YqVe7m2LN3UUvm3IpWPGmDOAZ-__DA2u3iFO4SfzUmM_4UPrcSafm4Mu_GcuT7f6GZUdWc6x98fz1i5f0ycUzS_ca5hqDFAgghnR8/s1080/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Have a smart watering tip or solution to add to the list?" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfxoEv4bD3R_oK9BLkBVvgh0UiotViyzPqvQyxzgNn3NgmMQPkHDayUeqYLmdkAMnnwiOmVOndPtkCTUwLzWpX8YqVe7m2LN3UUvm3IpWPGmDOAZ-__DA2u3iFO4SfzUmM_4UPrcSafm4Mu_GcuT7f6GZUdWc6x98fz1i5f0ycUzS_ca5hqDFAgghnR8/w200-h200/4.jpg" title="Have a smart watering tip or solution to add to the list?" width="200" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><i>Have a smart watering tip or solution to add to the list?</i></h3></div><div style="text-align: center;">Drop it into the comments below!</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Related Information & Links:</h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://learn.eartheasy.com/guides/45-ways-to-conserve-water-in-the-home-and-yard/" target="_blank"><b>[eartheasy.com]</b> 45+ Ways to Conserve Water in the Home and Yard</a></li><li><a href="https://davidsuzuki.org/living-green/make-every-drop-count-water-conservation-tips/" target="_blank"><b>[DavidSuzukiFoundation]</b> Make every drop count: Water conservation tips</a></li><li><a href="https://earth.org/understanding-the-importance-of-water-conservation/" target="_blank"><b>[Earth.org]</b> Understanding the Importance of Water Conservation</a></li></ul><h3 style="text-align: center;">find more to read <a href="https://gardenplantgroweat.blogspot.com/">HERE</a> in the blog</h3></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Garden. Plant. Grow. Eat.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09865452480154332848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4143936742210495789.post-83766850031921822042023-12-28T21:35:00.006-08:002023-12-29T12:03:34.793-08:00Embracing the Future: Grass-Free Landscaping<p><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Embracing the Future: Grass-Free Landscape Designs for Sustainable and Stunning Yards!</span></b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPUuZgaZOpNk3c6JD5ly8vW1QR9GEU7B-UKjtUufTVF_CSqZoJrr7APR18yDsDto-5linB2Pi7mzN7cJtRX3MpqTksd6edXaj-uwQfFolovgMgSGOPqq7m9YbkTap8kwYrXgfbcZnF29EKlvldWv-n0Lw8Ff2ynaizFgrr3LZV8vemqOUF52-SzK3Wt0/s1080/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Embracing the Future: Grass-Free Landscaping" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPUuZgaZOpNk3c6JD5ly8vW1QR9GEU7B-UKjtUufTVF_CSqZoJrr7APR18yDsDto-5linB2Pi7mzN7cJtRX3MpqTksd6edXaj-uwQfFolovgMgSGOPqq7m9YbkTap8kwYrXgfbcZnF29EKlvldWv-n0Lw8Ff2ynaizFgrr3LZV8vemqOUF52-SzK3Wt0/w320-h320/1.jpg" title="Embracing the Future: Grass-Free Landscaping" width="320" /></a></div><p>As the world struggles with rising temperatures, shifting climates, and dwindling water supplies, the conventional wisdom surrounding yard and landscape design is changing. </p><p>There has been a shift toward grass-free landscape designs as a result of water usage rules in many locations that highlight the critical need to preserve water. </p><p>These designs' increasing appeal isn't just a fad; rather, it's a sustainable solution that has the power to influence how outdoor areas are used now and in the future.</p><h1 style="text-align: center;">Embracing the Future: Grass-Free Landscape Designs </h1><p style="text-align: center;"><i>for Sustainable and Stunning Yards!</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">In this blog article, '<i>dig' </i>into the various options available and examine the compelling reasons behind the rise in grass-free landscapes—all while maintaining aesthetics, use, and comfort...</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">The Need for Water Conservation</h2><p>Water scarcity has become an immediate issue due to rising global temperatures and shifting climatic patterns. Stricter water usage restrictions have been implemented in many areas due to hot temperatures and water scarcity. Because grass requires continual watering and upkeep, the traditional landscaping practice of relying only on it is coming under attack. </p><p>In keeping with the need to conserve water, grass-free landscape designs provide an eco-friendly, eye-catching substitute.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Preserving Beauty and Functionality</h3><p>The appeal of a gorgeous yard or a striking landscape does not have to be sacrificed in the shift to grass-free landscaping. </p><p>A variety of contemporary landscaping choices have surfaced, offering a varied selection of substitutes for conventional grass lawns. These substitutes improve the attractiveness of outdoor areas in addition to solving the problem of water constraint.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">1. Drought-Tolerant Plants and Xeriscaping:</h4><div><div>Use of drought-tolerant plants is one of the most well-liked and environmentally beneficial substitutes for grass lawns. </div><div><br /></div><div>Plants that do well in dry environments are incorporated into xeriscaping, a landscaping strategy that prioritizes water saving.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN73Zb9tnOIk1t5e7ntAowrbrpips5ExFAfxJFhTq7DXqWeeJu-WwW1utiR-rPyUZeFnsn11CRl-KW1BdjEsNhUp4NfGMAW0Uq2sXnz7abuxkM6nYopagtnucrJE6Zl8pYgehtGRJNbG17tvAPSnf_TazU1JCxYypiWBoOFW1bKPy5JkCtGVzKrtkFiY0/s1080/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Embracing the Future: Grass-Free Landscaping" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN73Zb9tnOIk1t5e7ntAowrbrpips5ExFAfxJFhTq7DXqWeeJu-WwW1utiR-rPyUZeFnsn11CRl-KW1BdjEsNhUp4NfGMAW0Uq2sXnz7abuxkM6nYopagtnucrJE6Zl8pYgehtGRJNbG17tvAPSnf_TazU1JCxYypiWBoOFW1bKPy5JkCtGVzKrtkFiY0/w400-h400/3.jpg" title="Embracing the Future: Grass-Free Landscaping" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>With little water needed, a bright and low-maintenance landscape can be created with succulents, native shrubs, and groundcovers.</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">2. Artificial Turf:</h4></div><div><div>Artificial turf offers a desirable substitute for a lush lawn for individuals who want the appearance of one without the water requirements. </div><div><br /></div><div>Modern synthetic grass options closely resemble real grass in terms of appearance and feel, so there's no need to mow or water it frequently. Durability is another feature that makes artificial turf an investment that lasts.</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">3. Hardscaping with Permeable Materials:</h4></div><p>Choosing permeable materials for hardscaping features, like gravel, pavers, or decomposed granite, not only lowers water usage but also improves water absorption into the soil. This method minimizes runoff and encourages water retention while still producing aesthetically appealing designs.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">4. Mulch and Ground Covers:</h4><p>Traditional lawns can be replaced with ground covers like mulch and bark, wood chips, or gravel that are both functional and aesthetically beautiful. </p><p>These solutions give texture to the landscape, keep the soil moist, and inhibit the growth of weeds. They also lessen the requirement for irrigation, which helps with water conservation initiatives.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq35Pw4nSS9aaJQMGr-sHDkXjsPQi8nSlzq269yeaLKRYvT_VPfBzw3z1gQF1N2GFUnpfKAoHlwm9TyfIah5o3yfoy-f9FlVg3LdyKS3j9FARr9lwTCXnGQO56Zfx7NLigzsPJsqJZvRJpnm_waPVOARTLbbeqorKrAJYjP4hoc9jJhv1ZXdB2AQlAhyw/s1080/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mulch and Ground Covers" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq35Pw4nSS9aaJQMGr-sHDkXjsPQi8nSlzq269yeaLKRYvT_VPfBzw3z1gQF1N2GFUnpfKAoHlwm9TyfIah5o3yfoy-f9FlVg3LdyKS3j9FARr9lwTCXnGQO56Zfx7NLigzsPJsqJZvRJpnm_waPVOARTLbbeqorKrAJYjP4hoc9jJhv1ZXdB2AQlAhyw/w320-h320/5.jpg" title="Mulch and Ground Covers" width="320" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">The Effects of Grass-Free Landscapes on the Environment</h2><p>Grass-free landscapes have a substantial positive impact on environmental sustainability in addition to saving water. Conventional grass lawns can be hazardous to the environment since they frequently need chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. </p><p>Accepting alternatives helps us become less dependent on these dangerous toxins, which improves the environment for wildlife, insects, and plants.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">1. Reduced Carbon Footprint:</h4><p>Regular grass maintenance necessitates frequent lawn mowing, which raises carbon emissions. Grassless landscaping greatly lowers the carbon footprint associated with lawn care, particularly when it incorporates low-maintenance options like artificial turf or xeriscaping.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">2. Biodiversity Enhancement:</h4><p>In grass-free settings, a variety of plant choices maintain local biodiversity by offering different species' habitats. Particularly native plants draw pollinators and support the general well-being of ecosystems. </p><p>This strategy promotes harmony between human areas and nature in line with sustainable landscaping concepts.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">3. Soil Health Improvement:</h4><p>Conventional lawns frequently need a lot of irrigation, which compacts the soil and depletes its nutrients. Better soil health is a result of grass-free landscapes, particularly those that use permeable materials and a variety of vegetation. </p><p>More efficient water saturation into the soil reduces erosion and promotes a stronger environment.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">The Economic Advantage of Grass-Free Landscapes</h2><p>There are obvious environmental advantages to grass-free landscaping, but there are also financial benefits to take into account. </p><p>Making the switch to a grass-free design requires an upfront investment that is recouped over time in lower water bills, maintenance expenses, and the need for chemical inputs.</p><p></p><h4><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Water Bill Savings:</li></ul></h4><p></p><p>Particularly in dry areas, traditional lawns are infamous for requiring a lot of water. Over time, water expenses can be significantly reduced by creating grass-free landscapes that are thoughtfully designed to conserve water. </p><p>Without having to worry about incurring hefty water bills, homeowners can still enjoy their lovely outdoor environments.</p><p></p><h4><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Low Maintenance Costs:</li></ul></h4><p></p><p>Because they don't need to be maintained as frequently, grass-free landscapes are naturally low-maintenance. Homeowners will pay less in maintenance since there will be less need for pest control, fertilization, and lawn care. </p><p>In addition to saving money, this also frees up time for other hobbies, pursuits, and FUN!</p><p></p><h4><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Long-Term Durability:</li></ul></h4><p></p><p>Hardscaping and artificial turf are two popular grass-free substitutes that provide long-term durability. </p><p>While natural grass can be destroyed by bugs, illnesses, or bad weather, these substitutes keep their beauty and usefulness for many years.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhB750U1rpDloopvwNtR12Funlpf_7ZskM_39cxM1tbhzr_FgeKBlWsI8s2NMP7Avzw1kvFbiTqTB4zVeSDQBoAvYiWjGrSsPKsFm3_XIjfI4h6ZVyHLuamo5sgwWdxR49erOpc52NLkaBF59n6WgkvPY8T-j2h3mvE-fjNkRAO5-CAKew0Cq6d_4QodI/s1080/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Future of Yard and Landscape Design" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhB750U1rpDloopvwNtR12Funlpf_7ZskM_39cxM1tbhzr_FgeKBlWsI8s2NMP7Avzw1kvFbiTqTB4zVeSDQBoAvYiWjGrSsPKsFm3_XIjfI4h6ZVyHLuamo5sgwWdxR49erOpc52NLkaBF59n6WgkvPY8T-j2h3mvE-fjNkRAO5-CAKew0Cq6d_4QodI/w400-h400/4.jpg" title="The Future of Yard and Landscape Design" width="400" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">The Future of Yard and Landscape Design</h2><p>The trend of grass-free landscapes is becoming more and more popular in yard and landscape design as people become more conscious of environmental issues and the need to adopt sustainable methods. </p><p>It is up to those who are prepared to adopt creative and environmentally responsible solutions to determine the future of outdoor areas...</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">1. Architectural Integration of Green Spaces:</h4><p>Grassless landscapes provide a canvas for imaginative and inventive construction concepts that smoothly incorporate green areas. </p><p>Suspended gardens, vertical gardens, and rooftop gardens become practical choices that improve community well-being and urban landscapes.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">2. Smart Landscaping Technologies:</h4><p>With smart irrigation systems, sensors, and automated maintenance tools becoming more common, technological integration in landscaping is growing. </p><p>By maximizing water use, tracking plant health, and giving homeowners access to real-time data, these technologies guarantee effective and long-lasting landscape management.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">3. Community-Led Sustainable Initiatives:</h4><p>Choosing a grass-free landscape is not simply an individual decision; it may inspire neighborhood-based sustainability projects. </p><p>To create aesthetically pleasing and ecologically sustainable communities, homeowner organizations, municipal governments, and neighborhood associations can work together to implement grass-free designs in public spaces.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><i>In conclusion...</i></h3><p>The growing acceptance of grass-free landscape designs is a forward-thinking move toward a sustainable and aesthetically beautiful future rather than just a reaction to the present environmental issues. </p><p>Water conservation is essential, and there's a growing demand for economical, environmentally friendly solutions. These factors have opened up a world of options that are revolutionizing landscape and yard design.</p><p>Homeowners may design outdoor spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also ecologically conscious by adopting the wide range of grass-free choices available. </p><p>There are several options available, ranging from artificial turf to drought-tolerant plants, and from permeable hardscaping to mulch and ground coverings. </p><p>Grass-free landscapes are a win-win situation for both homeowners and the environment because of the financial benefits and the good environmental impact.</p><p>Future-focused strategies, cutting-edge technology, and neighborhood-based projects will influence how yards and landscapes are designed. </p><p>Not only a fad, grass-free landscapes represent a major change toward a more resilient, greener, healthier future!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSU-_0e6pre4piIQUPsvdbCpO7kt7_NqWaCaDsVQtrL5-lKLkNU31elVretgC_RIZdrEeF4WfiXyECbXXX_18bEOrZ8__y6gMWirshHB1FKYl8kXvJkUlACmAjTeUlXGS0p7jr6-k1Q8NVvxLsJbnaRg5GgF-WtuNsJeWFMW0hMgTlQDquLfCpDQ1tYHA/s1080/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Embracing the Future: Grass-Free Landscaping Backyard View" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSU-_0e6pre4piIQUPsvdbCpO7kt7_NqWaCaDsVQtrL5-lKLkNU31elVretgC_RIZdrEeF4WfiXyECbXXX_18bEOrZ8__y6gMWirshHB1FKYl8kXvJkUlACmAjTeUlXGS0p7jr6-k1Q8NVvxLsJbnaRg5GgF-WtuNsJeWFMW0hMgTlQDquLfCpDQ1tYHA/w400-h400/2.jpg" title="Embracing the Future: Grass-Free Landscaping Backyard View" width="400" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">Have a related thought to add to the conversation?</h4><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Drop it into the Comments below!</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>READ MORE THOUGHTS ABOUT THE GARDEN <a href="http://gardenplantgroweat.com/">HERE</a></b></p>Garden. Plant. Grow. Eat.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09865452480154332848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4143936742210495789.post-69738517774538575042023-02-07T07:22:00.004-08:002023-06-27T13:14:02.865-07:00What a Garden Grows for Children [Amazon eBook]<p><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> What a Garden Grows for Children [<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZHRQJM4">Amazon eBook</a>]</span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_cY_aBhY1u9_GLgzcZHS0O6K2WdNqoUoS-C_wlX3uWM92SSI8gj3tzYU8_RY13h__mYHeir2_NUqMmBjvkeW1f4c1kRRF-YRDh6brwLlkMwckL7xRC706pRswbdwH7pNGl5_LzEqrWP1SmAcIGDhGG4WTwa7j_ntXXY7Oc6vPjCwd7n6k3YyD_sr/s1080/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="An exploration of the importance and benefits of gardening for children of all ages. Kindle Edition" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_cY_aBhY1u9_GLgzcZHS0O6K2WdNqoUoS-C_wlX3uWM92SSI8gj3tzYU8_RY13h__mYHeir2_NUqMmBjvkeW1f4c1kRRF-YRDh6brwLlkMwckL7xRC706pRswbdwH7pNGl5_LzEqrWP1SmAcIGDhGG4WTwa7j_ntXXY7Oc6vPjCwd7n6k3YyD_sr/w320-h320/1.jpg" title="An exploration of the importance and benefits of gardening for children of all ages. Kindle Edition eBook" width="320" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><div><i style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">*update 02/23*</span></i></div></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;">Contemplating the importance of introducing children to gardening? </h4><p>There are countless benefits to introducing and teaching children of all ages about gardening methods, and how to not only grow plants and a garden organically but also how to grow food!</p><p>Learning to care for a garden allows children to not only grow food for themselves, but also for their families, and even the surrounding community.</p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><i>AUDIOBOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON <a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/B0BTZ96T75/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-338546&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_338546_rh_us">AMAZON AUDIBLE</a></i></b></h3><div style="text-align: center;"><b>& your favorite audiobook reader</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZHRQJM4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEYwT5DtsJ2aBEM-LeXWMJsUoS5QYjbdurPNvib8GTGP44kNBwrtgDhMU0HFZztalFdvZCiIMP9pnT6kn3gWBegY6hz4X_0YhbyKx3dvxQXAGiePFOGFQ8S7jP5Z21ad8JXJhx0Oi7jKdYZIyPw7S2A-UY7qUzegK5snU9b0CKfh_zfUdx6tZHYel/s320/What%20a%20Garden%20Grows%20Ebook%20Cover%20Image.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZHRQJM4">An exploration of the importance and benefits of gardening for children of all ages.</a></i></span></div><p><span></span><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><b>BOOK LINKS:</b></span></p><div><ul><li><span style="font-size: x-small;">[e-Book] <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZHRQJM4"><i>Amazon Kindle</i></a></span></li><li><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Audiobook] <a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/B0BTZ96T75/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-338546&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_338546_rh_us"><i>Amazon Audible</i></a></span></li><li><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Audiobook] <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-a-garden-grows-for-children-jessica-a-tucker/1143005515"><i>Barnes & Noble</i></a></span></li><li><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Audiobook] <a href="https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/audiobook/what-a-garden-grows-for-children"><i>Kobo</i></a></span></li></ul></div><span></span><span><!--more--></span><p>From learning about the natural life cycle of the garden and plants to the patience, time, and commitment it takes to grow a garden, the benefits that not only children but adults too, can find in a garden, are many. </p><p>These natural skills, this ageless knowledge, and our historical heirloom seeds, all need to be preserved and savored for our generations to come, now more than ever! </p><p>Tending to a garden, teaches many other necessary life skills, hard lessons, and good habits. </p><p>In densely populated, urban areas, where gardening at home is not always an option. Today, many pre-schools, daycares, and grade schools include garden programs in their curriculum. </p><p>For the schools and education, centers to provide this opportunity for children is a tremendous one, especially, when the distance between farm and table grows farther and farther by the year. </p><p>Growing a garden of any sort is simply good for the soul!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>JTCreativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065431841337600520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4143936742210495789.post-81753760482193752532021-01-23T00:58:00.005-08:002021-01-23T00:58:36.779-08:00Planting potatoes, when do you prefer to?<p>Do you plant your spuds in the spring? Or do you prefer a fall potato planting?</p><h3 style="text-align: center;">When do you prefer to plant potatoes in the garden?</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjV7VkiAu0dBZ37S_NB4eYTzrZU54rT-9vyhTtTIP5Dt_w0aIP7lRQPfMmKnG6mIdDvSXGyIzL8FSTgcOKtn77rq5Wmnq23C42tMv6PUzquDJpHoh6ovBnhr_xqyXfm7jr4B61xcFP00/s1080/planting+potatoes+blog+post+cover+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjV7VkiAu0dBZ37S_NB4eYTzrZU54rT-9vyhTtTIP5Dt_w0aIP7lRQPfMmKnG6mIdDvSXGyIzL8FSTgcOKtn77rq5Wmnq23C42tMv6PUzquDJpHoh6ovBnhr_xqyXfm7jr4B61xcFP00/s320/planting+potatoes+blog+post+cover+image.png" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Potatoes can be grown well in a variety of ways, one of the favorite ways to grow potatoes here in the gardens at <a href="https://gardenplantgroweat.blogspost.com">Garden. Plant. Grow. Eat.</a>, is... the potato tower. Although I do oddly enjoy hilling rows of potatoes throughout the growing season, this vertical, space-saving idea has also served up well in the past!</div><h2 style="text-align: center;">How do you grow potatoes?</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We'd love to know!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What is your favorite space-saving method for growing potatoes in a small garden?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>JTCreativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065431841337600520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4143936742210495789.post-47012445421908835672021-01-17T13:30:00.089-08:002023-12-27T10:16:38.600-08:00Eating local food in the New Year<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Aside from summer when the garden plants are flourishing and
full of vegetables and fruit, this is my next favorite time of the year...</span><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">The holiday bustle is over, the New Year has
begun and I fully begin to appreciate the value of my stored harvest from the
garden.</span></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Local food is the best food!</span></h2><div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Last year, I made sure to freeze or dry as
much of last year’s veggies, fruit, and berries as I could from the garden...</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUKlnL-dj0_NSpQ98DlNzzIZErO82yXzSn9m-o2xXzPAH2nUhgbdi4FCNNW8fMT8IznY8KrYuMGEQM1b3zvYITJONs8-7O1dsZ0iBgkSxnPpPYHF18xqL17O1TASVI1TsNCg0bV35YAQ/s1080/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUKlnL-dj0_NSpQ98DlNzzIZErO82yXzSn9m-o2xXzPAH2nUhgbdi4FCNNW8fMT8IznY8KrYuMGEQM1b3zvYITJONs8-7O1dsZ0iBgkSxnPpPYHF18xqL17O1TASVI1TsNCg0bV35YAQ/s320/1.png" /></a></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Straight from the garden, I washed, bagged, and then froze anything
extra I was not going to eat within a day or two. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">By the end of the fall, I had quite the cache
in the bottom of the deep freeze. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Thankfully, the peaches, zucchini,
tomatoes, greens, and berries that I froze, all wintered well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">After dipping into my frozen green beans and a winter filled with creamy peach smoothies, I tell you, I will
never buy another bag of processed, frozen vegetables or fruit from the store.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">After a brief visit to the steamer, eating the frozen beans were like summer happening all over again, t</span>he taste no different than if I had picked
them from the plant that afternoon.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There are so many wonderful ways to preserve food garden treasure for the winter months, better than freezing, but it often seems to end up my go-to method.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Do you choose food grown in the area or your home garden over food shipped in?</h3><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><i>What are your favorite preservation methods for storing your garden treasure and locally grown food?</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><i>What preserved garden treats do you enjoy the most?</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRchBkqzHloxbhu-IVruLV5YZexXqJfRAjzgAdSuLQZ018uV-vCJb1ftCwgZrrQ3LHInRkHlaZwo7lCr20l4pT87uXirIpwl_bRC5RKj6INTd40BzJ2rDcIIKKUk1ZxjAtYfKBXRD6pAs/s1080/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRchBkqzHloxbhu-IVruLV5YZexXqJfRAjzgAdSuLQZ018uV-vCJb1ftCwgZrrQ3LHInRkHlaZwo7lCr20l4pT87uXirIpwl_bRC5RKj6INTd40BzJ2rDcIIKKUk1ZxjAtYfKBXRD6pAs/s320/2.png" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></span></div>
</div>JTCreativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065431841337600520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4143936742210495789.post-68354787367607170932020-10-09T11:54:00.006-07:002021-01-16T16:17:59.249-08:00A Four Seasons Greenhouse<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">So many wonderful, extremely healthy crops can be grown through the winter with an appropriately designed greenhouse right in your backyard, even in a land known primarily for its igloos, hockey, and the toque! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I am determined to find the best and most affordable solution to my winter gardening and vegetable quandary.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTRpV2O1EQsLrxPWger0XI97eyiiSBz72rXmxCymVmpyiv27HM6tno8UqnE0X0Ki5bJ3EbuhTM9pSaq9f4xdLSBKnns3csQKkHojRYVMLI6dTrg_dFE1LyPDTlFhgEdTmDPm3Kiv2O_s/s1600/A+Four+Seasons+Greenhouse.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Four Seasons Greenhouse" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTRpV2O1EQsLrxPWger0XI97eyiiSBz72rXmxCymVmpyiv27HM6tno8UqnE0X0Ki5bJ3EbuhTM9pSaq9f4xdLSBKnns3csQKkHojRYVMLI6dTrg_dFE1LyPDTlFhgEdTmDPm3Kiv2O_s/s320/A+Four+Seasons+Greenhouse.png" title="A Four Seasons Greenhouse" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A greenhouse for growing vegetables, winter greenhouse crops
and starting my garden seeds has been on my backyard plan wish list for quite some
time now</span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">During a cold, Canadian winter, the produce section at the market, or grocery store, can begin to look a bit bleak </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">once the last of the local produce disappears for the year. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">When produce tags and stickers on the </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">peppers, apples, and other fruits and veggies</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> start appearing from origins on the other side of the planet, I try my best to avoid them. I do not mean to sound picky or ungrateful and I am not, </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I just have a hard time stomaching the whole idea of these foods being shipped from far off lands when they could quite easily be grown right where I live.</span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">The Four Seasons Greenhouse</span></h2>
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There are some extremely elaborate greenhouse
kits and designs.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today, we will
be discussing more the <i>‘frugal’</i> approach to greenhouses.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My so far, favorite greenhouse design has to be the straw
bale greenhouse idea, in which a straw bale wall is installed on the North facing wall of the greenhouse and slanted glass for the others. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I will leave the bulk of this straw bale explanation up to this post found at <a href="http://www.strawbale.com/straw-bale-greenhouse/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">StrawBale.com</span></a> and their corresponding<a href="http://www.profcs.com/app/?Clk=5152822"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> Straw Bale Workshop Home Page</span></a>, as the masters there will do a much better job and provide an extremely detailed description of this style of greenhouse. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Check out their <a href="http://www.profcs.com/app/?Clk=5152818" style="color: #6aa84f;">Free Framing Report</a> here!</i></div><div class="MsoNormal">
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For the not so 'do-it-yourself' approach, <a href="http://backyardgreenhouses.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">BackyardGreenhouses.ca</span></a> is an awesome source for greenhouse supplies and kits. If you want to glance at some gorgeous greenhouses, this is the place!</div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Growing vegetables, in Canada, in the winter? You’re crazy!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Nooo! We do, and I really want to give it a try!</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRjpWXFzLJT1v4Xfdmws0RFhX89Kw-NpVj6R5sbJM1ld3Kbxos8SiRh6B9GhvFn2yJ03xg2lcGXqr9Au2Um9PLmQs7xNf9X_SK37kG0vra5VAhqB3oUHjTe8r0aLwxGERvNq2NiE3bas/s1600/four+seasons+greenhouse.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="A Four Seasons Greenhouse" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRjpWXFzLJT1v4Xfdmws0RFhX89Kw-NpVj6R5sbJM1ld3Kbxos8SiRh6B9GhvFn2yJ03xg2lcGXqr9Au2Um9PLmQs7xNf9X_SK37kG0vra5VAhqB3oUHjTe8r0aLwxGERvNq2NiE3bas/s320/four+seasons+greenhouse.png" title="A Four Seasons Greenhouse" width="213" /></a></div>
Unfortunately, only certain vegetables and garden plants will grow in a greenhouse during the winter. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Without the warmth of the summer sun and regular visitations from one of our pollinating flying friends, the bee, many plants cannot survive.<br />
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During my online search, I also came across the following webpage, and magazine publication, that discusses winter vegetable greenhouse crops to a greater extent. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This post found at <a href="http://garden.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Winter_Gardening_Greenhouse" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">LoveToKnow.com</span></a> provides a helpful plant guide and several winter gardening tips for growing vegetables <a href="http://garden.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Winter_Gardening_Greenhouse" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">HERE</span></a>.<br />
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An extremely <i>‘cool’</i> concept and a very interesting read, this <a href="http://www.greenhousecanada.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2067&Itemid=153" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">"...excerpt from <i>The Winter Harvest Handbook: Year-Round Vegetable Production Using Deep Organic Techniques and Unheated Greenhouses</i>...written by Eliot Coleman..."</span></a> <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">published in the</span></span><span face=""verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"> </span><a href="http://greenhousecanada.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">GreenhouseCanada.com</span></a> magazine, discusses unimaginable cold climate growing possibilities in the article <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://www.greenhousecanada.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2067&Itemid=153" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Low Tech Vegetables</span></a>.</span> </div>
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While we are on the topic of growing vegetables and fruit indoors,
for those of you interested in more of the indoor, hydroponic approach, I have
included a great link to <a href="http://www.hydroponics-simplified.com/indoor-vegetable-garden.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">HydroponicsSimplified.com</span></a>’s post about indoor vegetable
gardens and what crops will grow best indoors <a href="http://www.hydroponics-simplified.com/indoor-vegetable-garden.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">HERE</span></a>. This is a must-read for anyone starting out on their adventure into indoor, hydroponic gardening.<o:p></o:p></div>
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All in all, I am still in search mode for the exact
greenhouse design that will work best for my winter gardening wants and needs. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am definitely leaning towards the use of straw bale walls and would really
like to incorporate solar panels and power into my future greenhouse plans. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Although the
growing zone I am now living in is much milder than that of where I came, I
still feel that the insulation provided by straw bale walls would be helpful, if not necessary, for growing throughout the entire year. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not only would the walls help to keep the cold out and warm in through the winter but would also help to keep cool in through the heat of the summer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Stay tuned, as I continue on my hunt for the best, and my favorite all-season
greenhouse design to protect my future winter garden crops from the often bitter bit of a healthy Canadian winter. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Have a winter gardening or greenhouse story or experience of your own to share, please leave all your details in the following <i>Comments </i>section!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><b>~ updated 10/09/2020</b></i></div>
JTCreativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065431841337600520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4143936742210495789.post-18342189257232165432020-09-05T00:08:00.004-07:002023-12-27T10:20:08.742-08:00Hot Peppers: Celebrating the Habañero and Jalapeno Pepper!<div>Habañero, jalapeno, Red...HOT... PEPPERS!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHLPRdUgqJGa4wwHCM4LgomG-tJhFvOgtfhUqHrZGXDl0tGyC1t-myCq2FWwi-fBIkdvSMIyIDtIWjs0uduM4Wd5NRZFVKBCK8zYZyUuLx78Tvx2FA1Uf8nrnN5Mgpy3gncwTG4CLl80/s1080/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hot Peppers: Celebrating the Habañero and Jalapeno Pepper blog post cover image" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHLPRdUgqJGa4wwHCM4LgomG-tJhFvOgtfhUqHrZGXDl0tGyC1t-myCq2FWwi-fBIkdvSMIyIDtIWjs0uduM4Wd5NRZFVKBCK8zYZyUuLx78Tvx2FA1Uf8nrnN5Mgpy3gncwTG4CLl80/w400-h400/2.jpg" title="Hot Peppers: Celebrating the Habañero and Jalapeno Pepper blog post cover image" width="400" /></a></div><div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Hot Peppers...<i>What's your favorite variety?</i></h3></div><div>An excessive amount of hot pepper plants seem to find their way into my garden each and every year.</div><div><br /></div><div>What can I say...</div><div><br /></div><div>Not only do I enjoy growing any variety of hot pepper really, </div><div><br /></div><div>I also LOVE to eat them!</div><div><br /></div><img alt="red thai hot pepper ripening in the garden" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1504" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELHE_OKh8Y9e0TEUlUkKAWKupDvkXSbaPkjyGkkp4aCkYRjvDAn7mmhssXLhPrH8AWJG-bpm21aqNudyLsQHhe_wLNFn068Df77tujH8hLzrDTSpZkUa6szjlqj6XBLeccIlmqIHdqxA/w625-h416/DSC_4745.JPG" title="red thai hot pepper ripening in the garden" width="625" /><br /><div><br /></div><div>In this year's garden, my intention was to keep things small, or at least, simple.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Sure! Simple I may have kept things... </div><div><br /></div><div>But the 'garden' just kept stretching.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryJvQy8VySLlj0sXKSnEhnG5qTTOj3dN4XkBz3mZmilgVCt6Xb63C-0HfWlqizhtmd8XbFsHl5UJf5ABLPYZZOA08HbrbF1yeaRpG5tKRUTR5uHT9t_cSb7xqpetgJ2WkeYOtXb9XfZA/s1504/Hot+Peppers+lovin+the+heat.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1504" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryJvQy8VySLlj0sXKSnEhnG5qTTOj3dN4XkBz3mZmilgVCt6Xb63C-0HfWlqizhtmd8XbFsHl5UJf5ABLPYZZOA08HbrbF1yeaRpG5tKRUTR5uHT9t_cSb7xqpetgJ2WkeYOtXb9XfZA/w500-h333/Hot+Peppers+lovin+the+heat.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Sooooo...</i></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What's your favorite variety of hot pepper?</h3><div>Do you like your hot peppers SUPER hot, or more on the mildly spicy side?</div><div><br /></div><div>Do you prefer the heat of the habañero or hop of a jalapeno?</div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;">Where do your tastebuds land in the </span><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3bAVxyb" target="_blank">Scoville Heat Scale /aff</a></span><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; text-align: center;">?</span></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3733E1zBck94e6NoZ5E_krxxyD7wkWRVH6PgIiBt6WjsotQxX0pJNeAbN5uZ0LcE2DW-aLqCexUFBHTSp9_0sCVrvSvN-U0Dkl3vxhJFXGInYkbzBNN6X-D33WoLTbZq3Mgx5kSJ2Qk/s1080/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hot Peppers: Celebrating the Habañero and Jalapeno Pepper image 2" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3733E1zBck94e6NoZ5E_krxxyD7wkWRVH6PgIiBt6WjsotQxX0pJNeAbN5uZ0LcE2DW-aLqCexUFBHTSp9_0sCVrvSvN-U0Dkl3vxhJFXGInYkbzBNN6X-D33WoLTbZq3Mgx5kSJ2Qk/w320-h320/1.jpg" title="Hot Peppers: Celebrating the Habañero and Jalapeno Pepper image 2" width="320" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCekymb9OipYO9efCSdOvDzHFH_5nEXMKsgQ5lGcguu2X48_wQ4XElX-0bCC6iz0K0kVMm5Kpyut_b4x5hZ8Hxb9uP0k5HNpv5nfD44h5Po_dy-x6hVzKq1Aii2oIcbLviEpYMIFb904/s1080/1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Not sure?</i></b> Here's <a href="https://www.epicurious.com/ingredients/20-types-of-peppers-and-their-uses-article" target="_blank">20 Different Types of Peppers and Their Delicious Uses</a> found at <a href="https://www.epicurious.com/ingredients/20-types-of-peppers-and-their-uses-article">Epicurious.com</a> for you to explore.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"If you can't take the heat, steer clear of the garden!"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>JTCreativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065431841337600520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4143936742210495789.post-19991093278977198572020-08-29T13:57:00.017-07:002023-12-27T10:16:14.456-08:00Ramblings of a Rabbit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><b>[UPDATE: 8.29.2020]</b> The summer has always been my favorite time of the year, mostly because of the availability of a large variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs.</div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">I have so many childhood memories that lie within the rows of a cherry orchard, a stand of apple trees or stealing the peas from my mother‘s vegetable garden.</div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">Growing up in an area of the world with a lengthy growing season and a desirable climate, fruit farms and ground crops used to be found lining the roads, filling the fields, and trailing up the mountainsides...</div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Z09-6Jd7OemrP2lz6UT4pCySC2nlVEZL_UIwuyKoZoZ6BHyOVzyTlqgIUqLt_N42aneSmp4PbjIqhgJpxUAMD0831QX8QBhnxlxQpTpvTcivn_3VUDL-HNZQ29FUQ-R5HEnENPdEPkA/s1080/Ramblings+of+a+Rabbit+Blog+Post+Cover+Image+GardenPlantGrowEat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Z09-6Jd7OemrP2lz6UT4pCySC2nlVEZL_UIwuyKoZoZ6BHyOVzyTlqgIUqLt_N42aneSmp4PbjIqhgJpxUAMD0831QX8QBhnxlxQpTpvTcivn_3VUDL-HNZQ29FUQ-R5HEnENPdEPkA/w410-h410/Ramblings+of+a+Rabbit+Blog+Post+Cover+Image+GardenPlantGrowEat.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><br /><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">Today, vineyards and suburban housing developments take place in many of these areas. </div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">Today, much of the fruit and vegetables that arrive in our grocery stores and markets are imported from far away countries. </div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">I often wonder how this all really makes sense. </div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">Of course, there are certain fruits and veggies that can only be grown in specific areas. </div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">Importing this produce makes sense! </div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">Coming from an area as I have though, I find it rather disappointing to be buying imported produce knowing plain well that most of it grows very well right here in our very own backyard. </div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">Sure, it is really not that big of a deal... </div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">Why does it matter where the stuff’s grown? </div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">A potato is a potato, a tomato is a tomato, why does it matter? </div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">Well, for me it does. </div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">It is these thoughts that have led me to work so closely with nature and towards a more localized, greener future.</div></div>
JTCreativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065431841337600520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4143936742210495789.post-5292151880260684992020-04-08T06:29:00.001-07:002023-12-27T10:16:05.745-08:00From a Meadow, Grew a Garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As a young child, just beginning to learn about and see all the miracles that occur every day in Nature, I would travel past the backyard vegetable garden and past the chicken coup...</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It was very much on the borderline of “too far from the house”, as our parents would recite on a daily basis. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">However, hidden among some trees at the back of the yard was my 'secret place', the place where 'magic' happened!</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5z-PQalphbWe1k7AYzmaaEulPXxRPZDZmTfLxRyuNsnre7mQHD9ApI-btAiTEvbqsm5_ZMMfRSyN-mLoHYuQxyPb3f8oD3CFtzaOPhWzdJuND3CPKMLGoSpjxrP-HGHJvd9aFfFpZpo/s1080/From+a+Meadow%252C+Grew+a+Garden+Blog+Post+Cover+Image+GardenPlantGrowEat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="From a Meadow, Grew a Garden Blog Post Cover Image GardenPlantGrowEat" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5z-PQalphbWe1k7AYzmaaEulPXxRPZDZmTfLxRyuNsnre7mQHD9ApI-btAiTEvbqsm5_ZMMfRSyN-mLoHYuQxyPb3f8oD3CFtzaOPhWzdJuND3CPKMLGoSpjxrP-HGHJvd9aFfFpZpo/w320-h320/From+a+Meadow%252C+Grew+a+Garden+Blog+Post+Cover+Image+GardenPlantGrowEat.jpg" title="From a Meadow, Grew a Garden Blog Post Cover Image GardenPlantGrowEat" width="320" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Adventurous and daring as children often are, no matter what I was told, I had to see what was hidden behind those trees.<br />
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Breaking through the wall of evergreen boughs that scratched my bare arms and face, there, a secluded meadow that lay behind the trees.<br />
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At first, all I saw was a rocky barren hillside. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">After standing there for a moment, minuscule flecks of colors began to pop out from behind rocks and under sticks.<br />
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This meadow was not barren ground at all, but a luscious garden of miniature flowers.</div>
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If I had been any older, or further away from the ground, I wonder now if I would have even noticed the clearing and the beautiful garden of tiny flowers at all?</div>
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This is where my passion and love for all things nature began, in a little meadow hidden away, amid the forest.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>From this meadow, <a href="gardenplantgroweat.blogspot.com">grew a garden</a>.</i></span></h3>
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JTCreativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065431841337600520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4143936742210495789.post-61711146639285448052020-04-01T14:28:00.000-07:002023-12-27T10:15:55.050-08:00A Beginner's Guide to starting seeds indoors! <div class="MsoNormal">
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In every seed, rests a plant just waiting for its moment to shine brightly in the warm sun. From this plant, come more seeds that return back to the soil, to begin the process all over again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRc-rQaAg-vKnajdCRZnHj-WYcCLgwBcqrSZtPSlFI8SqSsF2y0UYkGT2MR1CWt33n2ini8sNgC-qO4_ihMXVR4KgmsBhfm6BAVv3fHap5fW3Bcp52y1sJBGOJ6c8BINLMr6vjKCxKcaU/s1600/A+beginner%2527s+guide+to+starting+seeds+indoors%2521+.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="A Beginner's Guide to starting seeds indoors! " border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRc-rQaAg-vKnajdCRZnHj-WYcCLgwBcqrSZtPSlFI8SqSsF2y0UYkGT2MR1CWt33n2ini8sNgC-qO4_ihMXVR4KgmsBhfm6BAVv3fHap5fW3Bcp52y1sJBGOJ6c8BINLMr6vjKCxKcaU/s200/A+beginner%2527s+guide+to+starting+seeds+indoors%2521+.png" title="A Beginner's Guide to starting seeds indoors! " width="200" /></a></div>
It is in this basic essence and connection of a plant, and the garden, that my passion for plants, and gardening, became firmly rooted.<br />
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New to the 'grows' of starting a bountiful, edible garden?<br />
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Simply looking for a few new tips to help start your garden seeds AND plants off on the right... garden path?<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
A Beginner's Guide to starting seeds indoors! </h2>
Many vegetable garden seeds prefer to be started in the warmth of the indoors, be it the confines of the greenhouse (when available) or a brightly light, warm, dry space inside the house. This is where most seedlings will start the best!<br />
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With that being said, pre-planning is a very important aspect of every vegetable garden. If these seeds are not started early enough, your seed planting success plan will be turned into a complete waste of time.<br />
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Make sure to have your new veggie garden design, and plant list decided upon at least a couple months prior to planting in the garden, to give seeds ample time to grow!<br />
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There is a virtual 'web’ full of ways, and How To’s, for starting seeds and starting a garden. Let me keep it simple for you though... #1 You don’t need a costly, hi-tech seedling station. Sure, they are neat but totally unnecessary.<br />
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For those thinking more along the lines of getting down and dirty in the garden, these types of products take the fun out it!<br />
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A seed doesn't need much to sprout. Add a little water, some warmth, and within days, the crisp white tips of fresh seedling shoots will emerge from your once inanimate little seeds.<br />
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Every gardener has their own particular way and little tricks for starting seeds, despite the simplicity of the process. Whether seeds are starting in the humidity of a greenhouse, or the warmth and protection of the house, the same theories generally apply.<br />
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Whichever growing medium was chosen for starting the new seeds, this medium must be kept moderately moist and in a warm area for up to a month.<br />
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These are my favorite way of starting seeds indoors and a few little weeds of inspiration for keeping them growing strong till planting time arrives, outside!<br />
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How to start plants from seeds, indoors…</h2>
<i>(Please be advised these directions apply to garden seeds NOT being sewn directly to the garden, these directions may vary from the way your particular seeds need to be started. All directions on your seed packaging should be followed, first and foremost!)</i><br />
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6 steps to starting the most sacred of garden seeds:</h3>
<ol>
<li>Lay seeds inside a piece of folded paper towel, on a plate, dish, or anything that will hold moisture.</li>
<li>Add a bit of water, enough to moisten the towel thoroughly.</li>
<li>The tray can then be covered with a piece of clear wrap to keep the moisture in longer but is not necessary.</li>
<li>Now that the seeds are ready to ‘bake’ for the next 7 - 14 days, find a warmish place to keep the seed plate safe and easily accessible till all your seeds have sprouted.</li>
<li>Make sure to check on your itty bitty seeds daily! More water will have to be added to the plate as the towel dries out and new seedlings will have to be planted as they sprout. I try to make it a habit of checking on them once in the morning, and once in the evening.</li>
<li>Your first little sprouts should begin to appear within three or so days… As the seeds sprout, each needs to be planted into the chosen seedling medium and kept in a clearly lidded container for another week or two. Again, it is extremely important to keep the growing medium moist and the growing environment humid, but by no means would you want to drown the new little guys!</li>
</ol>
<h3>
Gardening tips to help your new seedlings thrive!</h3>
<ul>
<li>When planting several seeds at once, I find it is usually better to just get the job done and get the seeds into grow cubes of some sort, peat pucks, or loose starter mix, right into the seedling trays. The big bonus to using these grow pucks is the ease of use. Simply soak the cube, or puck, drop in a seed and wait for the new shoots to emerge. You are able to see immediately when new shoots have sprouted, or when none have sprouted at all. If a cube has dried out on one side you will be able to see and fix the problem immediately. No fussing about with a tray insert or having to dig around in the growing medium disturbing the new roots, simply to check on them.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzw2Ozmdyr0Zcf_QfCWCT_Gw-4UO337H6rAKGjpmbd08cMH4KcSHAmgaplxnkDI0jAtI_Pn4alOuZhT86aYqPyN0ig3HaLih8Bblf6MTMfZ5k9xZWDmC-m-dCQpFZYqzCpZJS9tpAFzJ8/s1600/Seedling_Radish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="A Beginner's Guide to starting seeds indoors! " border="0" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="1600" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzw2Ozmdyr0Zcf_QfCWCT_Gw-4UO337H6rAKGjpmbd08cMH4KcSHAmgaplxnkDI0jAtI_Pn4alOuZhT86aYqPyN0ig3HaLih8Bblf6MTMfZ5k9xZWDmC-m-dCQpFZYqzCpZJS9tpAFzJ8/s200/Seedling_Radish.jpg" title="A Beginner's Guide to starting seeds indoors! " width="200" /></a>
<li>Whichever method you choose for starting the seeds for your greenhouse, garden, patio, or window sill, keep in mind the first two to three weeks of these new seedlings lives will be crucial! Here are some tips and tricks to consider before you get started, from my garden to yours!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Expect to be babysitting and tending, these babies, for up to three to four weeks (depending on the seeds you have planted).</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Read planting directions provided on the seed packet before planting!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Keep a spray bottle, or handheld mister, close by at all times. This will be your best friend until these new seedlings get into their more permanent homes outside. Mist seedlings and containers daily to give your new little plants a breath of fresh air.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Make sure new seedlings trays are kept in a safe place, off concrete or cold floors, away from digging, curious, or chewing pets, and direct heat. For one, close proximity to a heat source will cause new seedlings to dry out more quickly; and secondly, many growing mediums are extremely flammable! Regarding pests, I have lost entire runs of seeds to either a mischievous mouse or a vengeful cat. I still am not quite sure who is to blame...</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Grow cubes need to be soaked prior to planting seed, seedlings, or cuttings.</li>
</ul>
<h4>
Lastly… Keep Your Seed Sowing Simple!</h4>
I hope you have found some of the enclosed gardening tips and tricks for starting seeds and your next vegetable garden helpful, entertaining… and interesting.<br />
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Please feel free to share this post, or your own ideas, secrets, tricks, and tips for growing seedlings for the garden, via the comments below!<br />
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AND thanks for reading:)<br />
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<i>Come check out <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Part 2</b></span> of our Seed Starting Special, <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Germinating Seeds in Style</b></span>, for a handy collection of seed starting and gardening supplies you might be needing to begin YOUR first vegetable garden.</i>JTCreativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065431841337600520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4143936742210495789.post-37813417727648216702020-03-31T12:49:00.000-07:002023-12-27T10:15:40.856-08:00The Sprouts of A Garden, A Sprinkle of Historical Reflection.My love for plants and gardening first began when I was a young child.<br />
<br />
The miracle of a little shoot growing from a seed, the blades of grass popping up in the lawn and the delicate plant sprouts arriving in the garden every spring, was amazing to me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8mcR1oJZg3OCo9FrKg4coZE74Z0PxZURpPyZ7UOl8-7KXHrwVIry32FWMS9_7JtFE9wbFVv-IaVOZL84ryZ2gHK3FUnXja1Jb8ZgYCtdM-SnztYOnUaEXiEMlHVAe16ArGdsYneAh2s/s1600/The+Sprouts+of+My+Garden%252C+A+Sprinkle+of+Historical+Reflection..png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Sprouts of A Garden, A Sprinkle of Historical Reflection." border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8mcR1oJZg3OCo9FrKg4coZE74Z0PxZURpPyZ7UOl8-7KXHrwVIry32FWMS9_7JtFE9wbFVv-IaVOZL84ryZ2gHK3FUnXja1Jb8ZgYCtdM-SnztYOnUaEXiEMlHVAe16ArGdsYneAh2s/s320/The+Sprouts+of+My+Garden%252C+A+Sprinkle+of+Historical+Reflection..png" title="The Sprouts of A Garden, A Sprinkle of Historical Reflection." width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
From there, my respect, fascination, and admiration for everything Mother
Nature provides for us, grew.</div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Why blog about a garden?</h2>
Well, there are a few reasons. <a href="http://gardenplantgroweat.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Garden. Plant. Grow. Eat</span></a> sprouted from my concern with the food that we grow and eat.<br />
<br />
What a great
way to share ideas and learn from the many talented and knowledgeable organic gardeners, landscape designers and home growing foodies there are around the
world.<br />
<br />
This atmosphere of knowledge available to green thumbs and fingertips of
today is absolutely astounding! Bringing my love of writing into the equation,
a garden blog just seemed inevitable. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I made a decision, about five years ago, that I was changing
the way I live. To cut a long story short, simplify. Find a garden, plant it, grow
our food, and ‘eat like queens’ of the olden day! Garden found, I quickly
realized there is so, so much still to learn!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYAOVUUukYrwmUM4GxD49SX-Ka5nbn9a7otiQ3AnV0hSXazFsSfHDLowKtnM1sLS0Jzm1ON-bjHpxICWk8KXLjK6DIMATIeRxLD4GxZgsyIqGrEBhWQJYkLqMKEQ6-bfAvQhX9d682nQ/s1600/sproutsofthegarden+Pinnable.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Sprouts of A Garden, A Sprinkle of Historical Reflection." border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYAOVUUukYrwmUM4GxD49SX-Ka5nbn9a7otiQ3AnV0hSXazFsSfHDLowKtnM1sLS0Jzm1ON-bjHpxICWk8KXLjK6DIMATIeRxLD4GxZgsyIqGrEBhWQJYkLqMKEQ6-bfAvQhX9d682nQ/s320/sproutsofthegarden+Pinnable.png" title="The Sprouts of A Garden, A Sprinkle of Historical Reflection." width="212" /></a>Coming from a background of commercial
landscaping and dry land plants, sure I know how to design and build gardens and
landscapes. Landscaping plants, bedding plants, not a problem. Vegetables, a
whole new bucket of worms, so to speak.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Growing up in the ’80s and ’90s with processed food products
heavily on the rise, gardening and growing your food at home became a hobby,
more than a necessity for many.<br />
<br />
I believe there is a huge generational gap in knowledge
regarding how to grow the food we need to survive and the true value of the many 'products' that Mother Nature, herself, has to offer us.<br />
<br />
We have come to a state of being
completely reliant on the services and products available to us.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Gardening knowledge from past generations must be preserved!</h3>
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This natural, homegrown knowledge must continue to be
documented, shared, learned, and taught to our next generations, before it is
lost forever. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Just think back 100 years from now, to how life was for our
parents, grandparent or great-grandparents. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Grocery stores, Walmart, ordering organic food from the
internet, unheard of! </div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>If they could only see us now, I wonder what they would
say…</i><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
JTCreativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065431841337600520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4143936742210495789.post-61635429221780208802020-03-28T20:33:00.000-07:002020-04-01T14:48:29.079-07:00150+ Amazing Zucchini Recipes<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Zucchini Parmesan Crisps! </i>This is one of those healthy cooking recipes I will be sure to save. Zucchini recipes have been on my mind quite a bit recently. I have been shredding, slicing, freezing, baking zucchini casseroles, chocolate zucchini muffins, zucchini bread, trying all sorts of ideas to subdue the season’s surplus from my
mother’s garden.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetkrruTHMEuSuRxSjSJxCByibFKconP1gZu2NHCYOKFCLTudzirrGJIelXRpoHWgH2ZHcbDm7DufZ5XGby6IlW5nYHsS3TdjzbAqCm9zHLvPwazXPIq1BfJy20JuW1dcVqDFxbTKMShc/s1600/150%252B+Amazing+Zucchini+Recipes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="150 Amazing Zucchini Recipes" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetkrruTHMEuSuRxSjSJxCByibFKconP1gZu2NHCYOKFCLTudzirrGJIelXRpoHWgH2ZHcbDm7DufZ5XGby6IlW5nYHsS3TdjzbAqCm9zHLvPwazXPIq1BfJy20JuW1dcVqDFxbTKMShc/s320/150%252B+Amazing+Zucchini+Recipes.png" title="150 Amazing Zucchini Recipes" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I never particularly liked zucchini… I ate them anyway, but
they were never a part of the meal I enjoyed.<br />
<br />
Baked chips are such a great idea. <i>Here's the dish! I'm still saving this one for later... </i></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/zucchini-parmesan-crisps-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Zucchini Parmesan Crisps</a></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Recipe by <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/ellie-krieger/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #274e13;">Ellie Krieger</span></a>/ <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #274e13;">FoodNetwork.com</span></a>)</span></i></div>
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The last zucchini of the year just arrived. The sucker is
nearly twice the size of the last one my mother gave me. Recently, I tried
zucchini muffins, which ended up being more of a chocolate, zucchini, banana,
and raisin muffin/ cake creation. I guess that would be a cupcake, now wouldn't it. Regardless of the name, they were yummy! I cannot say they were “healthy”, by any means... </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
Hunting again for some yummy, healthy, quick, and easy ways to prepare and store the last zucchini, I found these four highly recommendable recipe collections. Yes, I have for you 'a
collection of great collections'. Thank you, in advance, to those who compiled these huge zucchini recipe resources!</div>
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Originally, I was planning a Top 10 Zucchini Recipe Collection... </h3>
Once realizing the links listed below contained over
150 recipes in whole, I thought to add any more would be maybe a little overkill. I couldn't narrow down these recipe collections due to their sheer greatness.<br />
<h4>
So instead, what could be better than finding more than 150 Scrumptious Zucchini Recipes all in one place!</h4>
<b>Warning: </b><i>Do not proceed on an empty stomach, explicit images of food ahead!</i></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelysanders/delicious-ways-to-use-zucchini-recipes" target="_blank"><b>35 Delicious Ways to use Zucchini</b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">~ <i>Rachel Sanders (BuzzFeed.com)</i></span></a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://www.cookinglight.com/food/recipe-finder/six-great-recipes-for-zucchini-00400000005700/" target="_blank"><b>6 Great Recipes for Zucchini</b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> ~ <i>CookingLight.com</i></span></a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><a href="http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2010/08/twenty-zucchini-recipes-for-sneak-some.html" target="_blank">50 Amazing Zucchini Recipes (for Sneak some Zucchini on to your Neighbor’s Porch Day)<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></a></b></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2010/08/twenty-zucchini-recipes-for-sneak-some.html" target="_blank">~ Kalyn Denny (Kalyn’s Kitchen)</a></i></span></li>
</ul>
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If there is not at least one recipe that turns the
zucchini ‘nay-say’er’ at your dinner table into a ‘yay- say’er’, please let me
know and I will add more recipes to the list… <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I hope you enjoyed the post and found <u>many</u> new, inspiring zucchini recipes to help warm your dinner table this Fall.<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i>Thank you again, to Ellie Krieger, Rachel Sanders, CookingLight.com, and Kalyn Denny for the great recipe compilations!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/gardenplantgroweat/" target="_blank"><img alt="150+ Amazing Zucchini Recipes" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-lfKX4vtDMng4zZWqAFEsCfFHVUOxtYcvIDMPJygLyhF0HYblWPFqfQz91wtLHJ3Sn92mW-rs7xpiYrn80u1mbqChydceOAhdlHT3EeuIk8xK7uSNle9zGvxmhhsML1LUdF-lXDIVjY/s320/150%252B+Amazing+Zucchini+Recipes+Pinnable.png" title="150+ Amazing Zucchini Recipes" width="213" /></a></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
JTCreativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065431841337600520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4143936742210495789.post-54633577147113493542020-03-28T19:23:00.000-07:002020-04-01T14:49:14.700-07:00The Snail...A Gardener's Foe or a Garden Friend? [YouTube]<div>
Do you incorporate organic pest control when protecting your precious garden vegetables? </div>
<h2>
What steps do you take to manage garden pests?</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX44nE2HEe3dNqbYY46g28fJ1-ZQ6sXOkzoUG9hjAz_WXz7ndWT-a65uJgtM2WdUiHU1iQezWgdbw2HkOtbsHtx2u1xDPdx-LasVSldDyyMP1OfJbVAKACOlcUTqmebKgpIvx_YLOd1H0/s1600/The+Snail+Blog+Cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Snail...A Gardener's Foe or a Garden Friend? " border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX44nE2HEe3dNqbYY46g28fJ1-ZQ6sXOkzoUG9hjAz_WXz7ndWT-a65uJgtM2WdUiHU1iQezWgdbw2HkOtbsHtx2u1xDPdx-LasVSldDyyMP1OfJbVAKACOlcUTqmebKgpIvx_YLOd1H0/s320/The+Snail+Blog+Cover.png" title="The Snail...A Gardener's Foe or a Garden Friend? " width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><b>They may be cute. </b></i></div>
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They may be slow-moving…</div>
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But do not let this little creature fool you - they are MIGHTY and faster than one might think.</div>
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Did we mention how much they LOVE to nibble on plants and other pretty green things FOUND IN YOUR GARDEN? Ohhhh - YES they do! </div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Have a natural pest control tip to help with SNAILS?</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Join in on the conversation via the comments below, then take a moment to watch our YouTube Special Feature with our extra special "guest of the day"…</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/sEj61TEYuQQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sEj61TEYuQQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Ms. Sally Snail!</i></b></div>
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<b>Have you subscribed?</b></div>
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These are just a few of the questions and topics we will be exploring and we don't want you to miss a word, follow the feed to stay tuned!</div>
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JTCreativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065431841337600520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4143936742210495789.post-36836929237460172532020-03-28T14:22:00.000-07:002023-12-27T10:15:25.486-08:00What a Garden Grows for Children!Let's chat about the importance of introducing children to gardening and the many benefits that come along with being part of a garden, learning how to grow a garden while also learning to GROW FOOD!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowvqqpoZqBDS_akjfeVmrJFzgnraq1YjWvDVBxTCUzo3V470nljb4uzLAjyzfyXznoW7_eWKXj_XhpNwZ86mIF3J_3ewEdbAZhbP2LPeib3RqqZVmj8yBs9Jsn04N3HR681fEiQzOFiU/s1600/What+a+Garden+Grows+for+Children%2521+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What a Garden Grows for Children!" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowvqqpoZqBDS_akjfeVmrJFzgnraq1YjWvDVBxTCUzo3V470nljb4uzLAjyzfyXznoW7_eWKXj_XhpNwZ86mIF3J_3ewEdbAZhbP2LPeib3RqqZVmj8yBs9Jsn04N3HR681fEiQzOFiU/s200/What+a+Garden+Grows+for+Children%2521+%25281%2529.png" title="What a Garden Grows for Children!" width="200" /></a></div>
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There are countless benefits to introducing and teaching our
children about gardening organically and how to grow food...</h2>
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Not only for the
child and their future, but also for the family, the community, and the
future of this dear planet! </div>
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These natural skills, this ageless knowledge, and our
historical heirloom seeds, all need to be preserved and savored for our
generations to come, now more than ever! Not only could these skills become
crucial to simply existing in the future, gardening also teaches many other necessary life lessons and habits that come<br />
from growing a garden of any sort!<br />
<br />
I always wondered why gardening was not included in the Home
Economics type classes in school. I do remember a very brief introduction in
Elementary School, only because of the phenomenal Kindergarten teacher I was
placed with. Now, many pre-schools, daycares, and grade schools include garden
programs in their curriculum. As so many children grow up in densely populated,
urban areas, gardening at home is not always an option. For the schools and
education centers to provide this opportunity for children in many areas is so wonderful,
especially, when the distance between farm and table grows farther and farther
by the year in many areas.</div>
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<h3>
A plant to care for, a small garden space, or even window boxes is the most excellent learning tool for young and
old alike, mostly due to the unforgiving nature of a plant. </h3>
It shows no mercy to its tender, no
matter how tender a hand that tends it! Growing an organic garden may sound so
simple, but there is quite a bit more to growing a plot of vegetables than
dropping some seeds into the ground then watching them grow… Plants need love,
affection and nurturing, just as we do. Involving a child in growing a garden teaches
them not only about caring for that plant, but also about important life tools
such as patience, honesty, responsibility, commitment, and respect.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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When given a garden or window box to care for, the responsibility of
tending and caring for the plants can also instill a strong and healthy work
ethic by providing physical, hard evidence of what can be accomplished with a bit of hard work and dirt on your fingers. In group settings, a garden can also help
to teach children what it means to be a team player and the value of working
together as a group. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What a Garden Grows…</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>PATIENCE</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Patience was one of the first, and hardest, lessons I ever learned
in the garden. I have always been an
impatient person and I learned very quickly that you cannot rush a plant. A
plant, a vegetable, a flower, even a weed, they will all grow in their own
time. (Well, there is a few ways to get a plant moving, however, that is not the
point here…) From a plant, I learned that with patience comes a flower and that
is always worth the wait. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>HONESTY</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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There is no lying about whether you watered the plants in
the garden, or not. There is no mercy! If a child is given a plant or a
gardening space to care for and fails to water and care for it, the plants
will soon tell… <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>RESPONSIBILITY AND COMMITMENT</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Of course, responsibility is a given. I feel that a garden,
or even just a plant in a pot, is the best way to introduce a child to responsibility
and commitment. A plant is a much better place to start than, a fish, puppy or
cat, that someone else ends up having to care for if the child loses interest. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>RESPECT FOR NATURE AND THE NATURAL LIFE</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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There is no better way to grow a respect for nature and the
natural world in a child, than by them witnessing a plant sprout erupt from the
soil of a garden bed, or pot. It was in a moment such as this, as a young
child, that I became completely intrigued by plants and the basis of life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>A BREATH OF FRESH AIR</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the best parts of getting kids out into the garden is
that they are out in the garden! In this technology ridden era, interesting a
child outdoors is not always easy. A backyard or patio garden area is a perfect
way to get the whole family outdoors together for a healthy breath of fresh
air. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>THE GARDEN TORCH</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Most importantly, OUR children need to be given the traditional
and modern skills, knowledge, and seeds to grow uninhibited food, to pass these basic
necessities of life along to the generations to come. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In closing…<o:p></o:p></div>
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From one of my recent posts, <a href="http://gardenplantgroweat.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-sprouts-of-my-garden-sprinkle-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #274e13;">The Sprouts of My Garden, A Sprinkle of Historical Reflection</span></a>… <o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“…This natural, home grown knowledge must continue to be
documented, shared, learned, and taught to our next generations, before it is
lost forever. Just think back 100 years from now, to how life was for our
parents, grandparent or great-grandparents. Grocery stories, Walmart, ordering
organic food from the internet, unheard of! If they could only see us now, I
wonder what they would say…”</blockquote>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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These are only a few of the great gifts that a garden can bring to a child and adults alike. A garden is simply a wonderful example of life.</div>
<br />JTCreativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065431841337600520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4143936742210495789.post-52931296864654983972020-03-28T11:29:00.002-07:002023-12-27T09:22:20.970-08:00Planting the Seeds, Growing a Garden!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Welcome to the online premiere of <b><a href="https://gardenplantgroweat.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Garden. Plant. Grow. Eat.</a> </b> It began as a seed, placed in the garden...that grew into a BLOG bent on featuring helpful gardening tips, tricks, information, articles, photographs...and other related pretty things!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZEjsdyzWkzFzsj94I2D49DGiWM5CMyWICwhKEURvytOooNwi8tWUhn7R0QcJOad_Xdd_n2wGzsP2f4-EAh_tsUedPOZ3VGonjkU2gByXDdh52dYlqanDT2-HBjRuyiK2To02sUyHcSg/s1600/Planting+the+Seeds%252C+Growing+Gardens%2521v2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Planting the Seeds, Growing a Garden!" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZEjsdyzWkzFzsj94I2D49DGiWM5CMyWICwhKEURvytOooNwi8tWUhn7R0QcJOad_Xdd_n2wGzsP2f4-EAh_tsUedPOZ3VGonjkU2gByXDdh52dYlqanDT2-HBjRuyiK2To02sUyHcSg/s320/Planting+the+Seeds%252C+Growing+Gardens%2521v2.png" title="Planting the Seeds, Growing a Garden!" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-size: 30px;">Here are just a few topics our garden gnomes will be 'digging' into:</b><br />
- organic gardening methods for planting, growing and harvesting vegetables, fruits, berries, and anything else grown under the sun<br />
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-- back yard garden spaces</div>
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--- indoor edible gardening options</div>
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---- low impact landscape design</div>
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----- and food forests!</div><div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://gardenplantgroweat.blogspot.com/">Take a moment before you go to dig in - to our growing blogposts!</a></h4>
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JTCreativeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065431841337600520noreply@blogger.com