May 6 | Household Tips
This year I’m trying something different for my garden. Normally I grow my veggies in containers, but this year I’m transforming my flower bed! I’m so excited!
I have an assortment of perennials in the flower bed, but I moved them all over to one side to make room for veggies. Because it’s still not a big space for growing, I really only want to grow carrots (my daughter loves them raw!). I thought I’d try beets because I love them roasted on salads. Kale because we like to make kale chips.
So the picture shows where I’ll be planting stuff. I might add peas in the back so they can climb the fence.
I will have some containers. I’ll have my herbs (Basil, tarragon, chocolate mint and strawberry mint), tomatoes and lettuce in containers. They grow well that way. I’m also trying out these Smart Pots for the tomatoes. They seem really great!
My mom will have her big garden again this year so I’ll be sure to trade some weeding time for cucumbers, zucchini, blackberries, potatoes, onions and what ever else she grows. 🙂
What will your garden look like this year?
Apr 29 | Household Tips
How to Use Citrus Peels
Do you find yourself tossing out citrus peels often? If you enjoy an orange for breakfast or lemons in your beverages, you might find yourself with citrus peels on hand. The good news is, citrus peels don’t have to end up in the garbage or compost, and have practical uses long after the fruit is gone! Take a look below at 7 citrus peels uses. You will be amazed at how practical citrus peels can be!
1. Give homemade cleaners a boost.
Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and add the citrus peels in. Let sit so the oils in the peels have time to distribute. After a few days, you will have a powerful and fresh smelling homemade cleaner that can’t be beat!
2. Add to marinades.
Save citrus peels and add them into your marinades to give meats and fish a citrus kick. The oils in the peels will add flavor to your food easily and inexpensively.
3. Use them to attract garden friends.
Toss citrus peels into the garden to attract bees and butterflies which can aid your plants and offer some beauty as well. Just place the peels in a shallow dish and set near ground cover or low laying plants. In no time the butterflies and bees will come. You may even get a few hummingbirds!
4. Add them to compost.
Add your citrus peels to your compost piles or bins to help enrich your soil and make your plants grow. They will add some acidity to the soil as well as other nutrients that your plants will love. If you save the entire half of an orange peel, you can even use it as a seed starter.
5. Candy them.
Candied citrus peels are an old fashioned treat that are just as good today as they were years ago. To make candied citrus peels remove as much of the white rind as possible leaving just the peel. Boil the peels in a sauce pan for about 20 minutes, remove, then roll in sugar.
6. Make citrus zest.
Citrus zest can be used in marinades, salad dressings, and dessert recipes. Make your own citrus zest by rubbing the peel on a grater, and then store the shavings in a cool place until needed. Some people even freeze their zest until they can use it.
7. Make faucets shine.
Take the citrus peel and rub it (the white side) against the metal of your faucets. The oil will cut through grease and grime and bring the metal to a shine.
As you can see, citrus peels can be quite practical. So don’t toss them, give one of these uses a go instead!
Do you know of any other way to use citrus peels? Share in the comments!
Apr 22 | Household Tips
Tending to your garden’s needs can be expensive, which is why it’s important that you know about the homemade remedies that gardeners have been using for years. Take a look below at 7 garden remedies that will save you money, time, and will get you the best looking garden on the block. These garden remedies are not only easy and frugal, but you will also love that they are chemical free. Here is how you can get started:
7 Garden Remedies That Will Save You Money
1. Make your own slug trap.
Are slugs becoming a problem? Stop them in their tracks by placing a shallow dish in your garden and filling it up with beer. Any beer will do, and you only need a few tablespoons. The slugs will become attracted to the liquid, crawl in, and meet their demise. No more slugs!
2. Say goodbye to bunnies.
Are bunnies coming in to nibble on your plants? No problem. Just add a few marigolds to your border. Marigolds and their scent are said to keep bunnies from hopping in and enjoying an all you can eat buffet.
3. Banish bugs for good.
Fill a spray bottle up with warm water and a few drops of Dawn dish soap. Shake it up well and spray it liberally on plants where bugs such as aphids are present. It is a natural way to kill the bugs and enjoy a pest free garden.
4. Keep squirrels from digging.
Squirrels love digging up bulbs and plants. Keep this from happening by placing hair clippings along the base of the plants. Squirrels hate the texture and it will stop them in their tracks.
5. Save your egg shells.
Egg shells are calcium rich and perfect for enriching the soil. Save your egg shells, crush them up, and stir them directly into your garden soil. Your soil and plants will love the natural boost.
6. Try some coffee grounds.
Coffee grounds can also enrich your soil and give your plants a boost. Save your coffee grounds and stir them into your soil, your compost, or just add them around the base of your plants. The grounds will enrich the soil better than any chemical alternative could.
7. Keep birds at bay.
If birds want to come and nibble on your plants, lay a light netting over the top. Most home and garden shops carry these nettings and they are so easy to use. Plus, since they are so light they are very visible either, yet they are just enough to prevent birds from pecking.
Enjoy a beautiful garden for less and with less chemicals when you give these 7 garden remedies a try!
