61 EASY Gardening Tips that We Love #MomsCheckIn

April 10, 2015 by Jenni 1,650 Comments

EASY Gardening Tips We Love

How’s your green thumb? Do you even have one??!! I have to admit that my thumb is more black than green. I do love fresh garden vegetables though and I’m always excited to plant pretty flowers in the yard each Spring. I think we’ll be making these Spring Dirt and Carrot Garden Cupcakes soon. So fun and yummy!! Folks – they’re PUDDING filled!!!

Everyone’s starting to think about planting now so our Moms Check In moms are sharing some of our EASY gardening tips with you. Keyword being – EASY!!! So easy that anyone can do them. If you have any awesome tips, please drop us a comment or chat with us on our social media channels using #MomsCheckIn.

61 EASY Gardening Tips, Tomato Recipes + a Cute Garden Treat:

1. How to Container Garden – A Guide for Beginners

2. How to replant your Avocado Pit

3. How to Re-Grow Celery

4. How to replant your Kitchen Scraps

5. How to store green onions

6. How to re-grow Romaine lettuce

7. 55 of the Best Gardening Tips

8. 35 Garden Tomato Recipes

9. Dum Dums Lollipop Garden

Sharing our own gardening tips…

“We love gardening! And by we, I really do mean we! I try to make it fun for Josh. Did you know you can regrow some vegetables? It’s been a fun science experiment. Our favorite to regrow so far has been avocados! As far as myself, we live in an apartment so we don’t have a yard. But I do have an Aerogarden that we have set up in our kitchen. It lets me grow herbs, vegetables and even flowers all year around! “

– Amanda is the mom to Joshua and owns It’s a Fabulous Life. If you are looking for a one stop place for all things mom, It’s a Fabulous Life is it! Full of recipes, fashion, DIY projects, recipes and parenting articles it’s the place for all of Mom’s favorites to come together! Follow her on Twitter here!

“ So – just being honest here….a full fledged garden didn’t work for us. We just weren’t disciplined enough to keep it weeded and watered, so we’re opting for small container gardens. They’re so much easier to keep up with. Here’s our beginner guide on container gardening! It’s perfect for favorite produce like tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peppers, and especially herbs.“

– Jenni is the mom of one and the author of Sweet Pennies From Heaven. A hearth and home website, Sweet Pennies From Heaven focuses on recipes, crafts and creating a comfortable home. Follow her on Twitter here!

“ One of my favorite things about summer is growing our vegetable garden. The kids enjoy watching things go from a seed to real food, and I love being able to walk out the backdoor, grab some goodies out of the garden, and throw together dinner. Nothing better than a ripe garden tomato! And if you don’t have a green thumb, check out our lollipop garden. That’s an easy little project we had so much fun with! “

– Lindsay is the mom of 2 and author of See Mom Click. She shares great deals, Disney happenings and recipes. You can follow her on Twitter here!

“I’ll be honest — I don’t have a green thumb. But I do love beautiful flowers and plants! I’ve learned that it’s ok to have a small garden with hearty plants. A big part of the joy for me is just watching Sam enjoy helping out and being outdoors. I’ll leave the big gardens to the pros and enjoy what’s growing in our backyard!”

– Stephanie is the mom to Sam and the author of Spaceships and Laser Beams. If you ever need party ideas her site is the place to visit! Specializing in all things boy, it’s full of inspiration! Follow her on Twitter here!

What is Moms Check In?

Who are the moms of Moms Check In? We’re 4 moms who are also professional bloggers. We chat about a new topic each week. We talk about things from dirty diapers to date night, and everything in between. Moms love to talk to other moms and let’s face it…MOMS know everything!!

Before you leave, let us know…

What are your best gardening tips?

How to Freeze Fresh Corn

August 6, 2014 by Jenni 935 Comments

How to Freeze Fresh Corn – Easy Peasy!

Each and every year, my sister in law sends fresh garden corn to us. Bags and bags of it. I usually spend a whole evening shucking it, cleaning it and putting it up in the freezer to last us all winter. Don’t get me wrong…there’s nothing wrong with canned corn but there is everything right in the world with FRESH garden corn!! That’s why I wanted to share with you how to freeze fresh corn!

There are many ideas on how to freeze fresh corn, but the simplest way that I’ve found is to take it off the cob. We usually have corn on the cob a few times through the summer and fall but then what we have left, I take off the cob and freeze for the winter months. Here’s how we do it.

Shuck all the corn and remove as much silk (we call it hair) as you can.
Cut out any bad spots.
Fill a large pot with water and turn on high to boil.
Add a few ears of corn to boiling water and boil for 2 minutes (make sure to time it). Be sure not to over crowd the pot.
After 2 minutes, remove ears of corn with a pair of tongs and place on a towel to dry.
Add a few more corn cobs to the pot, and continue the 2 minute boiling process for each until all ears of corn have been cooked through.

After all the corn has cooled enough to handle, begin cutting the corn off the cob with a knife over a bowl. We use this Corn Cutter from Amazon, especially when we’re preparing a large amount. It really cuts down the time involved! I just lay it flat over a large mixing bowl and make sure one end is against the wall so I have something to push against when I scrape the corn. The blades just take the corn right off the cob! You can also adjust the settings on the blade so that it cuts just the kernels or set it so that it goes a little deeper and gets some of that sweet juicy milky cream too! Perfect creamed corn!

After you’ve finished cutting all the corn, place in plastic freezer bags or better yet, use a vacuum sealer so it’ll stay fresher longer in the freezer! We’ve just started using this FoodSaver vacuum sealer and we love it!

**When it’s time to cook, I just pull a bag out of the freezer and place in a big bowl in the microwave for a couple of minutes. Once it starts to soften up, I open the bag and dump it all into the bowl…add salt, pepper and butter and cook till it’s done. Oh My Gosh!!! It’s the BEST stuff ever!!

How to Container Garden – A Vegetable Container Gardening Guide for Beginners

May 6, 2014 by Jenni 2,373 Comments

How to Container Garden
A Vegetable Container Gardening Guide for Beginners

Growing vegetables in a container is a great way to grow vegetables when you just don’t have the room or know how to start a full size garden bed. To get started you only need a few supplies along with the seeds that you want planted for the summer. Once you are ready to begin, there are some basic rules of thumb to know about. Learning how to container garden really is a lot easier for anyone growing vegetables for the first time.

Choosing a Container

The container that you are gardening in is an important first step because you want it to be able to provide a suitable growing space for the entire season. The style that you choose is entirely personal, but there are requirements that must be met. Your container must have holes in the bottom for draining. A deeper container is better for growing vegetables and a wider container makes it possible to add a companion plant.

You can use most anything that is suitable, like wooden planters or plastic. Even terra cotta pots. I prefer wooden cedar planters because they’re naturally rot resistant. This set of 4 cedar planters below is perfect because they’ve already got the drain holes. There are a couple of smaller ones for your smaller plants…then a couple of bigger ones for the larger plants.

Starting From Seed or Transplants

Container Vegetable gardening from seed or transplants that you purchase are both possible with time. Seeds should be started indoors, well before being planted into your container. You will be able to find a better variety of tomatoes, peppers, peas and lettuce to grow when you begin with seeds.

Growing from transplants is great if you do not get an early jump on planting. Transplants are already weeks old, so choose those that look healthy and whose roots are not coming out of the container they are in.

Choose Your Vegetables

Decide what to grow so that you have suitable supplies available to provide for their needs. It will also help when it comes to knowing the number and sizes of pots available and how much potting soil to purchase. Then decide where you are going to place your pots for maximum sunshine.

Tomatoes, peppers, peas and lettuce are the easiest vegetables to start with and all well suited to container gardening. Other fun choices are potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, zuchini and other squash.

Plant and Care for Your Garden

Fill your pots with potting soil, five inches to the top for transplants, or two inches for seeds. Add your transplants or seed and fill with potting soil to just below the lip of the pot. Be sure not to overcrowd too many plants in one container, as this can hinder growth.

Water thoroughly after planting, and continue watering daily immediately after planting to ensure germination of seeds and that the plant roots establish themselves. Make sure to feed your plants often too, with Miracle Gro. Place your pot in a sunny corner, avoid moving once it is there, and try to cluster containers close together to encourage growth.

Learning how to container garden, is really that simple! You’re well on your way to enjoying fresh veggies that you grew yourself. Give yourself a pat on the back!!

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Choosing the Right Type of Turf for your Garden

March 30, 2014 by Jenni 50 Comments

When it comes to your lawn, it can often be tricky knowing which type of covering is best – do you opt for lawn seed or turf? Turf is a fairly low-maintenance option that’s popular with those looking for an instantly lush lawn, without any of the associated waiting time or back-breaking work. It’s ideal for busy families and professionals who just want a garden that looks great – and turf stays looking gorgeous and green for longer, come rain or shine! But if you’re searching for the right type of turf for your garden, how do you know which type to choose? With so many options out there, you might be feeling a bit baffled; luckily we’ve come to the rescue with this handy guide that should help you to choose the perfect type of turf for your garden just in time for the hot summer weather.

Consider Your Space

When choosing turf for your garden, there are a number of factors you will need to consider. It’s important to take the time to think about any issues that your garden might have – for example, are there any shaded areas or large trees in your yard? You should also think about how much wear your lawn will experience. Families with young children will find their turf experiences far more wear and tear than a single person or professional couple who only use their outdoor space for occasional al fresco drinks and dining, for example.

Three Main Types

There are three main types of turf to choose from:

Family Lawn Turf – As its name suggests, this type of turf is designed for family homes where lawns will usually experience their fair share of wear and tear. Family lawn turf is usually made from durable rye grass and maintains its vivid green colour. It’s also incredibly low maintenance, making it ideal for busy families on the go who simply want a lawn that looks great, instantly

Lawn Master Turf – You’ll find that lawn master turf costs a bit more than family lawn turf, but you’ll also notice that it is more durable. It’s excellent in adverse conditions – so, for example, if you have a garden with lots of trees and shaded areas, lawn master turf could be the right choice for you

Deluxe Turf – This is the most expensive type of turf and you will sometimes hear it referred to as ‘ornamental’ turf. If you’re more concerned about the appearance of your lawn than its durability, then deluxe turf is the one for you! This fine-bladed turf looks beautiful and is shade-resistant, which also makes it a great choice for gardens with lots of trees.

Other Factors to Consider

There are other factors to consider when it comes to shopping for turf too:

Your available budget

How much time you can afford to spend on caring for and maintaining your new lawn

What you want your lawn to look like

Never underestimate the importance of choosing the right turf suppliers. Some suppliers sell turf which started out as ‘meadow turf’; this means it was once part of a field where animals grazed. As you might imagine, this type of turf isn’t ideal for gardens, and you should always check that the supplier of your choice sells ‘cultivated turf.’ Another good question to ask your supplier is how old turf is when it’s cut, and how old it will be when it arrives on your doorstep. Generally speaking, the fresher the turf, the better – it will be easier to maintain and look much more attractive!

Be Informed

When it comes to choosing the right turf for your garden, you’ll find plenty of information on the right type of turf for your lawn online as well as information on whether seed or turf is the best choice for you. You’ll even find plenty of advice and how-to guides for laying your lawn yourself, if you decide this is the way to go! Of course, you could always invest a little extra cash and have a professional lay your lawn for you to ensure the best possible finish; when you’ve already spent this much on high-quality turf, it makes sense to go that extra mile!

Choosing the right turf doesn’t have to be a laborious task; with a little bit of research and armed with knowledge about your garden and requirements, you can choose the best type of turf for your garden and ensure you can enjoy a beautiful, green lawn all year round.

George Thompson is a gardener and landscaper with years of experience, here he outlines the best way to choose and implement turf in your garden.

How to Get Rid of Bugs on Your Plants and Rose Bushes – Natural and Thrifty Alternatives

May 26, 2013 by Jenni 1,543 Comments

Spring has sprung and my rose bushes are in full bloom. The leaves are also full of holes and brown spots from early buggy visitors and disease. The pests are more than likely aphids and the disease could either be from the pests or some type of fungus. This happens each and every year with my roses and some other flowering plants that I have. It absolutely drives me batty!!! Almost as much as mole hills in the yard!

I haven’t mulched yet so my flower bed is sort of bare under the bush. My favorite is red mulch!

I wanted to share some natural and thrifty remedies with you if you’re finding the same thing with your roses or plants. I have used Sevin Dust in the past and it works but it’s also a poisonous chemical and you really should be careful when you use it! I recommend wearing a mask when you dust it on your lawn or plants because you don’t want to breathe it in. I tend to get a little shake happy with the canister so I know from experience :). A friend of mine on Facebook (thanks Lori!) also said that she uses lime on her garden and plants. She buys it locally from Ace Hardware.

I have several different rose bushes and I am going to be trying some of the following methods below and will update through spring/summer with what has worked best for me. These methods below have been recommended from friends/family or found through different garden forums.

How to Get Rid of Bugs on your plants and roses:

1. Drown those suckers…with a blast of water from the garden hose. This remedy seems to work well for most to get aphids or other little buggars off your roses and plants. You want to use the jet stream setting on your water hose sprayer. A regular spray from the hose won’t have enough power to knock them off. Make sure that you’re not knocking off blooms or breaking stems…you just want to put a good blast of water on them and work underneath too. Aphids like to hide UNDER the leaves!

2. Soap ’em up and shove ’em out! Mixing gentle soap (Blue Dawn dish soap or Ivory Liquid are the most recommended) and/or oil with water in a spray bottle and giving your roses a squirt will help get rid of the aphids and other bugs.

Spray Mixture:

In a quart of water, mix in a few drops (5-8) of dish liquid or other liquid soap (something gentle, even Murphy’s Oil Soap works well) and 1 teaspoon of oil (vegetable, canola, etc.).

Combine well and spray on your plants or rose bushes. Don’t’ forget the underside of the leaves because that’s where they like to hide! After it rains, give them another spray.

3. The ole’ vampire method! Aphids hate garlic. I wonder if they’re related to vampires?! 😉 Combine about a tablespoon or 2 of minced garlic with a quart of water and spray that mixture on your plants or rose bush.

4. ACV – The Cure All Solution! Mix 1 ounce of apple cider vinegar to 3 oz. of water and spray onto your roses or plants. Keep in mind some plants are not tolerable of vinegar. P.S. If you didn’t already know, you can get rid of fleas with vinegar too!

5. Natural store bought insecticides. If these other methods don’t work for you, you can go with a natural grade insecticide from your local nursery or garden store. Always read and follow the instructions. This Garden Safe Insecticidal Soap has great reviews on Amazon and it says it kills all bugs on contact.

If you have tips or tried and true methods, please leave us a comment! We’d love to hear them!!