gardening

Top Benefits of Gardening

September 27, 2023 Leave a Comment

Gardening is a popular hobby for people of all ages, and for good reason. It’s a great way to get exercise, fresh air, and sunshine. It’s also a rewarding experience to watch your plants grow and produce food or flowers.

But gardening can be more than just a hobby. I can be a way of life. Growing your own food boost many health benefits . It has a number of benefits for your physical and mental health. Read more to learn the many benefits of gardening.

Benefits of Gardening

Physical benefits: Gardening is a great way to get exercise. It involves digging, weeding, planting, and watering, all of which are physical activities that can help you burn calories and build muscle. Gardening can also help to improve your flexibility and balance.
Mental health benefits: Gardening has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also improve your mood and boost your self-esteem. Spending time in nature has also been shown to have a number of mental health benefits, so gardening is a great way to get your dose of nature.
Cognitive benefits: Gardening can help to improve your cognitive function. It requires you to use your memory, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail. Gardening can also help to reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Social benefits: Gardening can be a social activity. You can join a community garden, garden with friends and family, or simply enjoy chatting with other gardeners when you’re out at the nursery. Gardening can help you to connect with your community and build relationships with others.
Environmental benefits: Gardening can also be beneficial for the environment. It can help to improve air quality, reduce water pollution, and provide habitat for wildlife. Gardening can also help to reduce your carbon footprint by reducing the amount of food you have to buy from the grocery store.

If you’re looking for a hobby that’s good for your physical and mental health, gardening is a great option. It’s also a rewarding experience that can help you to connect with your community and the environment.

How to start seeds indoors here!

How to start gardening

Start small. You don’t need to have a lot of space or experience to get started with gardening. You can start with a few pots on your balcony or patio, or even a small raised bed in your yard.
Choose plants that are easy to care for. When you’re just starting out, it’s best to choose plants that are known to be easy to grow. There are many good options available, such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and herbs.
Do your research. Before you plant anything, take some time to learn about the basic principles of gardening. This includes things like choosing the right location for your plants, preparing the soil, and watering and fertilizing.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many resources available to help new gardeners get started. You can find books, websites, and even gardening classes. You can also ask for help from friends, family, or neighbors who have experience with gardening.

Gardening is a fun and rewarding hobby that can benefit your physical and mental health, as well as the environment. If you’re looking for a new hobby to try, gardening is a great option.

Happy Gardening

How to Overwinter Elephant Ear Plants

September 17, 2023 Leave a Comment

If your one of the lucky gardeners who live in warm growing zones then it’s very likely all you need to do for your Elephant Ear plants is add a layer of mulch and move on. For those of us that live in zones that dip below zero degrees for days on end and your normal winter temps are below 46 degrees fahrenheit we need to do a little more work to make sure our Elephant Ear Plants survive the winter.

Elephant ear plants are tropical plants that are not winter hardy in most climates. They need to be protected from frost and freezing temperatures.

If you are unsure of your growing zone find out here!

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How to Overwinter Elephant Ear Plants

Overwintering elephant ear plants outdoors

If you live in a climate with mild winters (USDA zones 8-11), you may be able to overwinter your elephant ear plants outdoors. To do this, follow these steps:

Cut the stems back to about 6 inches tall after the first foliage killing frost.
Cover the plants with a thick layer of mulch, such as straw, leaves, or pine needles.
You may also want to cover the plants with a frost blanket or burlap.
Uncover the plants in the spring after the last frost.
Fertilize them with compost and you will see growth within several weeks.

Overwintering elephant ear plants indoors as bare bulbs

If you live in a climate with cold winters(USDA zones 7-1), you can overwinter your plants indoors. To do this, follow these steps:

Dig up the tubers before the first frost.
Cut the stems back to about 6 inches tall. You can also cut off the roots as well. Allow bulbs to dry for a week.
Place the tubers in a paper bag or cardboard box with some dry peat moss or vermiculite.
Store the tubers in a cool, dark place, such as a basement or attached insulated garage. You want the area cool enough that your bulbs remain dormant until spring.
Check the tubers periodically throughout the winter to make sure they are not rotting.
In the spring, plant the tubers outdoors after the last frost. Or you can start your tubers indoors early in pots.

Read how to wake up your Elephant Ear Bulbs in spring here!

Overwintering potted elephant ears indoors during winter

If your Elephant ear plant is potted you will follow these directions

Place the plants in a bright, indirect location. If you don’t have a bright spot you may want to add in a grow light. If you notice your plants stems are tall and flopping then your plant is not getting enough light. Position your plant under a grow light. This wont fix already stretched stems but new growth should be sturdy.
Water your plants when the soil is dry half way down. Be careful not to overwater them. The soil should be moist, but not soggy after watering. Don’t let your elephant ear plants sit in wet soil. They can easily rot.
Fertilize the plants once a month with a very diluted balanced fertilizer.
Mist the plants regularly to increase humidity or place a humidifier nearby.

If you follow these tips, your elephant ears will survive indoors during the winter and be ready to plant outdoors in the spring.

Happy Gardening!

How to Save Pumpkin Seeds for planting

September 11, 2023 Leave a Comment

Don’t waste those seeds from your Jack O Lanterns. Save seeds from your fall pumpkins! Whether you grow your own pumpkins or buy them from the pumpkin patch you can learn how to save pumpkin seeds for planting. It’s easier than you think!

How to Save Pumpkin Seeds

Wait until the pumpkins are fully ripe. The seeds will not be viable if the pumpkins are not ripe.
Cut the pumpkins open and scoop out the seeds.
Rinse the seeds under cold water to remove any pulp or juice.
Spread the seeds out on a paper towel or a plate to dry.
Once the seeds are dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

How to Carve a Jack O Lantern here!

More details about each step:

Wait until the pumpkins are fully ripe. The seeds will not be viable if the pumpkins are not ripe. The seeds will be easier to remove and will be more likely to germinate if the pumpkins are fully ripe.
Rinse the seeds under cold water. This will help to remove any pulp or juice that may be on the seeds.
Spread the seeds out on a paper towel or a plate to dry. The seeds need to be completely dry before they can be stored. Spread them out in a single layer so that they can dry evenly.
Store the seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. The ideal temperature for storing pumpkin seeds is 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit. A refrigerator or freezer is a good option.

Save Pumpkin Seeds by Roasting:

You can also save pumpkin seeds by roasting them. To do this, spread the seeds out on a baking sheet and roast them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Once the seeds are cool, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
When you are ready to plant the seeds, sow them about 1/2 inch deep in the soil. Pumpkin seeds need full sun and well-drained soil. They will germinate in about 7-10 days.
Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them so that they are about 2 feet apart. Water the seedlings regularly and fertilize them every few weeks.
Pumpkins are ready to harvest when they are fully ripe. The skin should be hard and the flesh should be orange. Cut the pumpkins from the vine and store them in a cool, dry place.

If you want to be wild and crazy you can let your Pumpkin rot in the place you want to grow Pumpkins next year. More often than not those seeds will overwinter and sprout as soon as the weather is perfect! Growing pumpkins is a rewarding experience. It’s fun to watch them grow from seed to harvest! Then to be able to display them Is like icing on the cake!

Happy Gardening!

13 Fall Gardening tasks to do before Winter!

September 10, 2023 1 Comment

As the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting cooler, it’s time to start thinking about fall gardening tasks. There are a few things you can do now to ensure that your garden is healthy and ready for domancy. Completing these tasks before winter can help your plants survive over winter and wake up happy and healthy for spring!

Fall Gardening Tasks:

Harvest any remaining crops. This includes vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. If you wait too long, the crops may be damaged by frost.
Deadhead your flowers. Deadheading removes spent blooms and encourages new growth. You can also cut back the entire plant to about 6 inches tall.
Protect your plants from frost. If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to cover your plants with a frost blanket or bring them indoors.

Plant spring-blooming bulbs. This is a great way to get a head start on next spring’s garden. Some popular spring-blooming bulbs include tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths.
Divide and replant perennials. This is a good way to keep perennials healthy and vigorous. Divide them every 3-4 years, and replant them in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Prune shrubs and trees. This is a good time to prune shrubs and trees that flower in the spring or summer. Pruning will help to improve their shape and health, and it will also encourage new growth.
Mulch around plants. Mulching helps to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and protect plant roots from the cold. You can use a variety of materials for mulch, such as shredded leaves, bark chips, or straw.

Clean up your garden. This is a good time to remove any dead or diseased plants, and to clean up any debris from the garden. This will help to prevent the spread of disease, and it will also make your garden look neat and tidy.
Overwinter tender plants. If you live in a cold climate, you will need to overwinter any tender plants that you don’t want to die. This can be done by bringing them indoors, or by covering them with a protective layer of mulch or straw.
Water your plants regularly. Fall is a time when the weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to water your plants regularly. This will help to keep them healthy and prevent them from drying out.
Inspect your plants for pests and diseases. Fall is a good time to inspect your plants for pests and diseases. If you find any problems, you can take steps to control them before they spread.
Enjoy your garden! Fall is a beautiful time of year, so enjoy your garden while you can. Take some time to relax and appreciate the changing colors of the leaves.
Plan for next spring. As you enjoy your garden in the fall, start planning for next spring. This is a good time to think about what you want to plant, and to start making a list of supplies.

BONUS TASK! If you love garlic and want to grow your own Fall is a great time to plant your garlic. It will overwinter in your garden and wake up in spring!

Learn to grow your own garlic here!

Fall garden clean up is a BIG task to complete but it’s the best way to ensure that your garden plants survive the winter season.

Happy Gardening!

How to save Zucchini seeds

September 8, 2023 Leave a Comment

Zucchini are an amazing squash to grow in the garden. They grow very well and can be very fruitful. Saving zucchini seeds is a great way to get free seeds for next year’s garden. It’s also a fun and rewarding project that can be done by gardeners of all skill levels.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

When saving seeds you will need to choose a ripe zucchini that has started to yellow or develop brown spots. Once you have selected a ripe zucchini, cut it in half and scoop out the seeds and pulp. Rinse the seeds thoroughly with water to remove all of the pulp. Spread the seeds out on a paper towel to dry completely. Once the seeds are dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. With proper care, zucchini seeds can be stored for up to 3 years.

Step by Step Zucchini Seed Saving:

Choose open-pollinated zucchinis. Open-pollinated zucchinis will produce seeds that are true to the parent plant. Hybrid zucchinis will not.
Wait until the zucchinis are fully ripe. The seeds will not be viable if the zucchinis are not ripe. The seeds will be easier to remove and will be more likely to germinate if the zucchinis are fully ripe.
Cut the zucchini open and remove the seeds. The seeds are the small, brown objects in the center of the zucchini.
Rinse the seeds under cold water to remove any pulp or juice.
Spread the seeds out on a paper towel or a plate to dry completely.
Once the seeds are dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Fermenting Zucchini Seeds

To ferment Zucchini seeds, place them in a jar and cover them with water. Add a loose cover to the jar and leave it at room temperature for 1-3 days.

After the seeds have fermented, rinse them again and spread them out on a paper towel to dry. Once the seeds are dry, you can store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Zucchini seeds can be stored for up to 5 years if they are stored properly. When you’re ready to plant the seeds, sow them in the spring about 2 weeks after the last frost.

Quick tips for saving zucchini seeds:

Do not save seeds from zucchinis that have been treated with pesticides or herbicides.
Do not save seeds from diseased or pest ridden plants.

Just an FYI:

Open-pollinated zucchinis are those that have been pollinated by natural means, such as wind or insects. Hybrid zucchinis are those that have been bred by crossing two different varieties of zucchinis. The seeds of hybrid zucchinis will not be true to the parent plant, meaning that the offspring will not have the same characteristics as the parent plant. You can save and grow seeds from hybrids if that doesn’t matter to you.

Here are some additional details about each step:

Choose open-pollinated zucchinis. Open-pollinated zucchinis are those that have been pollinated by natural means, such as wind or insects. Hybrid zucchinis are those that have been bred by crossing two different varieties of zucchinis. The seeds of hybrid zucchinis will not be true to the parent plant, meaning that the offspring will not have the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Wait until the zucchinis are fully ripe. The seeds will not be viable if the zucchinis are not ripe. The seeds will be easier to remove and will be more likely to germinate if the zucchinis are fully ripe.
Rinse the seeds under cold water. This will help to remove any pulp or juice that may be on the seeds.
Spread the seeds out to dry. The seeds need to be completely dry before they can be stored. Spread them out in a single layer so that they can dry evenly.
Store the seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. The ideal temperature for storing zucchini seeds is 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit. A refrigerator or freezer is a good option.

If you save your seeds properly then you will have so many zucchini seeds of your own for years to come!

Happy Gardening!

How to save seeds from a tomato

September 8, 2023 Leave a Comment

Tomatoes are the diamonds of the garden season. They are what many gardeners meticulously tend and look forward to all season. Growing many varieties year after year each boosting different flavors that can be paired with thousands meals or enjoyed right off the stem! Saving tomato seeds are a must when your an avid tomato lover and you need to learn how to do it right! We are sharing two ways to properly save tomato seeds year after year.

Save Seeds from a Tomato:

Choose open-pollinated tomatoes. Open-pollinated tomatoes will produce seeds that are true to the parent plant. Hybrid tomatoes will not.
Wait until the tomatoes are fully ripe. The seeds will not be viable if the tomatoes are not ripe.
Cut the tomatoes open and scoop out the seeds.
Rinse the seeds under cold water to remove any pulp or juice.
Spread the seeds out on a paper towel or a plate to dry.
Once the seeds are dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Quick tips for saving tomato seeds:

Do not save seeds from plants with disease or pest issues.
Do not save seeds from tomatoes that have been treated with pesticides or herbicides.
Test the seeds before planting them to make sure they are viable.

Ferment tomato seeds for saving:

Choose ripe tomatoes that are slightly overripe. The riper the tomatoes, the easier it will be to remove the seeds.
Wash the tomatoes thoroughly with water.
Cut the tomatoes in half and squeeze the seeds and pulp into a clean jar.
Add enough water to the jar to cover the seeds and pulp.
Loosely cover the jar with a lid.
Let the seeds ferment at room temperature for 1-3 days. During this time, a white film will form on the surface of the water. This is normal and is a sign that the fermentation process is working.
After 1-3 days, carefully pour off the liquid, leaving the seeds behind.
Rinse the seeds under running water until the water runs clear. A mesh strainer makes this easier.
Spread the seeds out on a paper towel to dry.
Once the seeds are dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

*The fermentation process helps to break down the gel coating on the seeds, which makes them easier to germinate. It also helps to kill any harmful bacteria that may be present on the seeds.*

Quick tips for fermenting tomato seeds:

Don’t overfill the jar. The seeds should be completely covered by water, but there should still be some air space at the top.
If the weather is warm, the fermentation process may happen more quickly. Check the seeds every day or two to make sure they are not fermenting too quickly.
If mold forms on the surface of the water, simply skim it off. This does not mean that the seeds are bad.
Once the seeds are dry, they can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 10 years.

Store the seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. The ideal temperature for storing tomato seeds is 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit. A refrigerator or freezer is a good option.

If you follow these steps to save your tomato seeds you will build your own stockpile and have seeds to grow from year after year!

Happy Gardening!

gardening

Benefits of Gardening

How to start gardening

How to Overwinter Elephant Ear Plants

Overwintering elephant ear plants outdoors

Overwintering elephant ear plants indoors as bare bulbs

Overwintering potted elephant ears indoors during winter

How to Save Pumpkin Seeds

Save Pumpkin Seeds by Roasting:

Fall Gardening Tasks:

Learn to grow your own garlic here!

Step by Step Zucchini Seed Saving:

Fermenting Zucchini Seeds

Just an FYI:

Save Seeds from a Tomato:

Quick tips for saving tomato seeds:

Ferment tomato seeds for saving:

Quick tips for fermenting tomato seeds:

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