As a parent, it’s your responsibility to raise your children with a strong set of morals and values. You want them to be able to grow up and be successful, happy adults.  One way you can instill important life values in your children is through gardening together. Teaching your kids how to garden can expose them to essential life skills that they may have otherwise just taken for granted. Let’s look at some of the benefits of gardening to children. 1) Scarcity In today’s world, kids are used to having everything they could ever want. Food is plentiful, water is easy to come by, and there is an abundance of toys and material goods to go around. But as soon as they step into the garden, they quickly realize that not everything is always going to be handed to them.… Read Full Post

Planting garlic is something we took on for the first time last year and when you see how our garlic bed has grown it will tell you how much we enjoyed it! It is easily five times the size as it was last year and this was me showing some restraint. So, how do you plant garlic? Its super easy and a great project to do with kids (because you can’t screw it up!). Where to plant garlic Garlic is best planted in a very sunny location. Because it is so carefree, you can tuck it in just about anywhere and don’t have to worry about access to water. Last year I chose this tiny space between our asparagus and raspberries.… Read Full Post

Usually, there’s a great joy to gardening, and for most people who engage in it as a leisure activity, that is the driving force. But have you considered planning for an edible garden and not the usual ornamental types? In the last few years, food gardening has made a huge comeback and explains why 1 in 3 households in America are involved in it. Not only does it beautify your landscape, but it also gives you and your household a tasty harvest.  Now the big question is, do you know how to kick-start ‘edible gardening’? This article will give you an idea of what to do. 1. Find the right location Image Credit  Settling on the right spot for an edible garden must be a prime concern for you.… Read Full Post

What comes to mind whenever you hear of the term Bumblebee?  Please don’t let it be the recent Cybertron and Optimus movie… Well, bumblebees are large fuzzy insects with short, and stubby wings. They are more active than honeybees but do not produce as much honey. Interestingly, plants would not grow without bumblebees as they are vital in the pollination process. Bumblebees’ wings spin at about 230 beats per second. The beating, coupled with their large bodies, vibrates flowers causing them to release pollen grains. There are so many things you should know about bumblebees. Habitation Among the places you’ll find bumblebees include the midwest states and in most parts of New England. Their migration patterns are however dictated by the queen.… Read Full Post

To grow an urban, edible garden is genuinely an art. Unfortunately, just like art, it can end up costing you quite a bit of money. The good news is that by knowing where to splurge and where to save, you will have enough in your budget to get the best results and the most delicious fruit and vegetables. Read on for some advice.  Save on pots  Plant pots can be surprisingly expensive, especially when you have to buy a lot of them. Fortunately, there are some ways to save on the urban, edible garden cost.  The first is to make your own. Don’t worry, I’m not talking about whipping up those concrete things you’ve seen on Pintrest. Instead, all you need is some scrap newspaper and a special tool.… Read Full Post

If you are an avid gardener, the chances are that you are also a bit of an eco-warrior. However, it can be challenging to create a bountiful garden full of flora and fauna without some pesticide usage to manage pests or without utilizing plenty of water during long hot summers. If you are keen to make your garden more eco-friendly, you need to look at recycling materials, reusing items, and reducing your wastage. Take a look at these 3 sure fire ways to make your garden more sustainable. Go Organic Organic food has seen a surge in popularity recently, as people are more keen than ever to know what exactly goes into the food and meals. Going organic can be challenging if you are used to using manmade fertilizer to encourage rapid growth for your tomatoes, butternut squash, and brassicas.… Read Full Post

Starting a small vegetable patch is a great way to start growing things that you can eat. If you’ve never grown vegetables before, you might be unsure about where to begin. Maybe you’ve attempted it before, but you didn’t have much luck, and you want to make sure you get it right this time. Even beginners can have great success with growing vegetables if you know the key things that you need to do. It doesn’t take much to get started with a small patch. If you’re thinking of starting a vegetable patch, follow these steps to start growing vegetables that you can actually eat. Find the Right Spot Planting your vegetables in the right place is essential. Where you put your vegetable patch will depend on what you intend to plant.… Read Full Post

If you have always loved the thought of having your own veggie patch in the garden, there has never been a better time to start growing. We are more conscious than ever of our carbon footprint and yearn to know where our food has come from. We don’t want the guilt of knowing that our tomatoes have come all the way from Portugal or that our cucumbers have taken a long jaunt from New Zealand. Instead, why not set up your own little area out back and have a go at growing your own vegetables? You can have a go at growing whatever takes your fancy. You might be hesitant because you don’t know your daffodil from your daisy or your butternut from your crown, but follow this guide and you can make your fingers more green.… Read Full Post

Having a vegetable garden is a beautiful luxury and something that can be enjoyed all year round because you can adapt to the different seasons with different vegetables. During winter though you have to take a bit more care with your vegetables as they grow slower, however, they are just as tasty, rewarding and nutritious. Winter veggies are even more worth the effort as they provide you with organic, fresh ingredients for hearty winter soups and stews on those cold days. Focussing on seasonal vegetables is also a sustainable approach because mentioned, winter vegetables grow slower, need slightly less water, and don’t overdraw on the nutrients in the soil. Most winter vegetables will thrive even if it is a little frosty, but some ‘don’t do as well as others.… Read Full Post

It’s getting close to springtime and won’t be long before your garden is thriving. This means that you probably have excess flowers or edibles that you just don’t know what to do with. Don’t let your tomatoes go soft or your pineapples turn brown. One of the greatest aspects of being a gardener is the ability to share the beauty and bounty of the natural world with others. Even if you just have one extra pint of blueberries to bring to your neighbor, sharing will show how much you care. You can also spread the love and beauty of your vibrant flowers with potted arrangements or tables displays. After you’ve spent so much time pulling those weeds, watering your plants, and picking your fruits and veggies, you should celebrate your success.… Read Full Post