Seed Starting Medium It all starts with a good seed starting medium. I do not use conventional "seed starting" mix which is formulated to have a finer texture than a regular potting soil, because I can achieve similar texture by sifting potting mix. You can make a soil sifter with scrap wood and small hole hardware cloth. I used a staple gun to attach the hardware cloth to the frame. I made my sifter the dimensions that would fit on top of the tub I use for soil. If you do wa

Winter can be harsh. The cold seeps into your bones, the darkness lingers longer, and the dry air can leave your skin and body craving moisture. Staying comfortable and healthy during these months requires more than just bundling up. It means having the right items that keep you warm, brighten your environment, and maintain hydration. Here’s a detailed guide to the essentials that help me survive and thrive through cold, dark, dry winters. Warm I don't know about you, but I a

Do you know if your seeds are still viable? How long do seeds remain viable before expiring? Checking your seed stash for expiration is something you can do every year, but don't throw out an "old" seeds just yet. You can test your expired seeds to see if they are still viable, and test their germination rate. They may still be worth planting. This seed pack is from 2015. 7 years old. 3 years past the recommended usage period Simply place the seeds on a damp paper towel and

As a gardener you can help the dwindling monarch butterfly population by planting with monarchs in mind. It's not hard to plant for...

If you are looking for ideas for the mother in your life who loves to garden, or if you are that mother and would like to send a hint to your loved ones, this post has what I think are great mother's day gifts. The one item I use most often when gardening is my Duluth Women's Heirloom Gardening Bib Overalls. I own two pair because they are so lightweight, comfortable, stretchy and utilitarian. To say they have a gazillion pockets would not be an exaggeration. These overalls p

What, Why and Where to get them if you want to grow them too. This blog post lists the varieties of fruits, vegetables and flowers I plan to grow for 2025. Some varieties are my trusted favorites and others are new-to-me this year. I have linked the sources of each seed I'm growing. If you choose to order from Pinetree Garden Seeds, I have a discount code, SPRINGHOPEFUL15 good through March 31st, 2025 for 15% off your order. Tomatoes: Cherries: I am growing the Sungold serie

Want to increase your growing space without adding to the footprint of your garden? If you have a cattle panel garden arch, gutter planters are a perfect fit. I have two cattle panel arches in my garden and I made gutter planters for both of them. If you would like more info on making a cattle panel arch, check out this post. They work best for growing shallow rooted plants like strawberries, lettuce, pansies, etc. Root vegetables are not a good idea with the gutter planters

Over the years I have tried lots of different types of garden equipment and products and only a few have stood the test of time; earning a permanent place in my garden. Now I have them all in once place to share with you. These are the items I would not want to garden without, and in my opinion are some of the best garden products available. Garden beds Vego Garden Beds are my raised metal beds of choice. They come in three heights, 11 inches, 17 inches and 32 inches and com

I've listed a roundup of mushroom lights, ornaments and garlands in case you share my obsession with mushrooms. green & ivory velvet / ...

If like me, you live in a zone that makes growing citrus trees in the ground impossible, there is another option to have your citrus and eat it too. I grow my citrus trees in pots. They live outside during the spring, summer and fall, and they move into my unheated, uninsulated garage over winter. I live in zone 8a and our winters can see days in the teens or even single digits sometimes. Here is what works for me: I keep the citrus trees (3 lemon and 1 lime) in the corner of

Pansies started from seed in the fall What are Hardy Annuals? Did you know there are some flower seeds you can plant in the fall to bloom...