My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone as we are all effected by this horrible virus, especially grocery store employees, health care workers and first responders. My most sincere thanks to all of those who are out there keeping us healthy, safe and fed.
As an introvert and a self described home body, I can usually be found in my home garden, but for those who aren't used to this lifestyle (my husband, for one), being told to stay home is not something that we're comfortable with. Be that as it may, it's what many of us are doing, comfortable or not. Due to the current situation, I am getting a lot of help at home and in the garden. So what is the frugal garden girl doing to keep her garden growing during her forced "stay home"?
1. MAKE COMPOST. 8 compost bins, 3 worm bins and 2 compost tumblers turn much of my household waste into a great soil amendment. Kitchen scraps, junk paper, garden trimmings, grass clippings and unwanted plants (I have nasturtiums coming up EVERYWHERE) go into the compost bin. Even some weeds have a place in one of my tumblers, I just don't release that compost into the garden. Almost everything organic (once living) can be composted. About the only things that I don't throw into the compost bins are diseased plants, clover and crab grass.
Black Gold
2. AMEND YOUR SOIL. Soil amendments such as compost, leaf mold, worm castings and manure (just to name a few) can work wonders for your garden soil. Adding amendments can be done any time, but I especially try to time it right before a good rain.
Amending the Raised Beds
3. PULL WEEDS. I don't always like pulling weeds (although sometimes it kind of meditative), but weeds compete with your plants for water and nutrients. Left alone, they'll take over quickly, so spend a few minutes every day eliminating these competitive garden culprits.
4. PLANT SEEDS. It's never too early (or too late) to plant seeds. Some seeds can be started early in a sunny window or a warm spot inside. Check with your local county extension to find out what's good to grow in your neck of the woods.
Toilet Paper Roll Swiss Chard
Yogurt Cup Peppers
Where to start?
5. START CUTTINGS IN WATER. Many plants can be rooted in water by cuttings. Find a sunny spot and a few clean jars and your on your way to a pretty windowsill and rooted plants for spring planting. I especially enjoy rooting herbs, both for quick kitchen use and garden planting.
Just a few of the plant labels I've
posted on frugalgardengirl
7. DIY GARDEN ART. Scourer your yard, garage and craft cabinet for on hand supplies and search the internet for garden projects. You might have baskets, clay pots, smooth rocks, etc. The supply list might be bigger than you realized. Spend some time gathering everything in to a box so you have one place for it all. Let your artistic imagination flow!!
Easy care succulents
Pizza box stepping stones
8. MAKE HOLIDAY GIFTS. Internet sites are a great source of inspiration for DIY gifts. Painted food cans can be make in to garden lights or planters. Driftwood, fishing line and beads look great hanging from one of your trees. Let the yard and your imagination lead you to your inner crafter.
Homemade Rose &
Lavender Potpourri
Teacup Bird Feeder
9. MAKE PLANS. Start a list of your garden goals. New beds? Seed starting? Having a solid plan is the first step to a successful project. Where ever your garden desires take you, now's the time to put a pen to paper and plot your next move.
10. STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES. Or Sweet Peas. Pick a bouquet. Enjoy the beauty that is Mother Nature. Remember...all will be well.
Be Well, Stay Safe and Happy Gardening.
No comments:
Post a Comment