Living La Vida Local

Yesterday was HOT!!  Today will be hotter.  I'll be outside as soon as it's light because my window of work is short.  By the time I've made sure that everything is hydrated, harvested and deadheaded, it'll be time for me and my girls to head indoors and into cooler temperatures.

Della and Maryah

Hot days and rainy days were made for housecleaning so maybe I'll finally get my floors washed.
Yesterday was "Meatless Monday" and I harvested artichokes, berries, citrus, figs, kale and tomatoes to include in my vegetarian menu.
The heat has finished off the last of the sweet peas, and I cut the vines off just above the soil line, leaving the roots in the ground to decompose.  I've been shelling the pods and I've added these bi-colored seeds to my Etsy garden store "yougrowgardens".

I'm also harvesting seeds from Dinosaur Kale and Larkspur, and I'll be adding them to my garden store soon.

We had a warm winter, and two of my tomato plants overwintered.  I've harvested more tomatoes than I could possibly eat so we've had plenty to share with friends and family.  I've started sun drying tomatoes in my car this year.  With the windows rolled up, my car dries the sliced tomatoes pretty quickly.  Of course, my car smells like tomato for a bit when I get in, but it's a small price to pay for delicious, healthy and free "heat dried" tomatoes.

Tomato Time

The compost bins are close to being maxed out with all of the extra summer growth filling them up.  We often mulch the grass clippings and leave them to decompose in place, but kitchen scraps, leaves, deadheaded plants, etc. can fill a bin pretty quickly.  I like to reuse some of the bins as extra growing space.  During the summer it can grow squash or green beans (just add a Christmas tree for a trellis), and during the winter it provides excellent bottom heat for seed starting.

Seedlings started in a compost bin

"Spanish Musica" pole beans 

growing on last years

Christmas tree

I've been trying to get a jump on handmade holiday gifts, upcycling driftwood, cans, beads etc. into garden chimes and plant pots.  Hopefully today's heat will inspire me to be productive in the craft department, and December won't hit me with such a frenzy of crafting and shopping.

Be Well and Happy Gardening

SHE HAS A SHE SHED BY THE VEGGIE GARDEN

A few weeks ago  I did something crazy, and I don't say that very often. After all, I grow food in my front yard raised beds and used wine bottles to make the borders around my fruit trees

My home "farmers market"

Nine compost bins, 2 tumblers, and 2 worm

bins keep me in free "black gold"

Front yard composting

Along with using my Christmas tree as a trellis

 Bean and pea trellis

Clearly, I don't mind being unique!

There's been something that I've been wanting to do in my back yard for a long time. For the last 15 years I've envisioned an outdoor shower in the back corner of my yard.  It seemed like a perfect spot.  Cool, quiet and fairly private. 

I call this my "Woodland Garden" area

In 2016 I attended a permaculture design course at Quail Springs in Ventura County, California.  Permaculture (permanent agriculture) is working with nature and imitating it's multifunctional capabilities.  It's sustainable, renewable, and regenerative, which fits my lifestyle to a T.
After I returned home from Quail Springs, my desire for an outdoor shower now included a composting toilet, and chickens.  I returned to that "ideal" spot, trying to figure out how to make the corner work for everything.  I added a wooden cage that my son found on the curb to house chickens.  I acquired chicken wire for a chicken run, even cleaned out the entire area, but despite hours of contemplation and months of pondering "what's next", I've never pulled the trigger or moved on.  This month, it was time to move on.  SO..... here's what happened.

I had an AH HA moment.  I was looking at the wrong spot for my shower and composting toilet.  The wheels were turning and I was now envisioning this garden area with a small above ground pool.  The pool could cool us off during the summer and catch rainwater during the off season.  My husband pulled out an underperforming grape vine against our fence (top left).  We placed our 2 grape trellises next to each other, wiring them together for stability.

Grapevine trellis against the fence

The hole in the ground that remained after the grapevine was removed was enlarged and topped with a wooden frame to keep the soil from falling back into the hole. The "she shed" back wall is a recycled piece of wood from an old bookcase

Everything but the toilet

To the right I used my camping shower bag (from my permaculture class) as an outdoor shower.  River rocks were brought in from another area in the yard and the shower curtain was an old one that I had already been using as a tarp.  I added a bar of goat milk soap, and a towel.

Fast forward 3 months and I have my above ground pool.  Thank goodness for a chance to cool off during the hot days of summer.

Small but gets the job done

Despite having my pool up in record time, my "she shed" remains unfinished as a "pee shed".  We have stalled with a hole in the ground. At least the pool worked well over the summer to cool us off, and during the winter I used it to hold almost 900 gallons of rainwater that we used to irrigate plants and clean up the doggie bathroom area.  

Rain gutters direct excess water 

to the swimming pool

Finally, 16 months later, I have an outdoor toilet.  My son built me a "box" for the toilet seat to sit on.  

Isn't she pretty??

This is exactly what I wanted!  The plants have grown in.  I have privacy, comfort, and sustainability.  My son included a bucket of sawdust from the project.  Sawdust (carbon) works with the waste (nitrogen) to give us a great soil amendment.  All I need is magazine rack.

Be well and happy gardening!

RAIN, RECYCLING AND REEPING WHAT YOU SOW

I love dining in my garden.  A walk through the yard is much like a stroll around a salad bar.  A few "overwintered" tomatoes here, carrots there, lettuce and radishes crammed in to a long bed straddling our neighbors yard and Tuscan kale standing tall, bright and green. I love to nibble as I go, mentally preparing todays menu from my seasonal produce.
As I walk (and eat) my way through the garden, I also use the time to observe.  What's doing well, what's not doing well, what needs to be planted, transplanted, thinned, harvested or removed. Weeds?  Pests?  Disease?  How about an empty area, begging for a new tree or plant.  Could that old twisted branch be a garden art project?  I try and carry a pair of garden scissors with me, deadheading some plants and/or picking a bouquet while I walk. I'm never bored in the garden.

We've had rain for 5 days straight.  Yay!!  It was much needed.  It also meant that our current "stay at home" order meant I was literally stuck inside for most of that time.  Recently, I went dumpster diving in my recycling bin and recovered a lot of empty cans.  My husband spray painted them and drilled some drainage holes in the bottom.  Who needs to buy pots??  I quickly filled the pots with potting soil, planted seeds and let the rain give them a thorough soaking.

Painted Coffee Cans

Tomatoes and Peppers 

If all goes well I'll be drowning in salsa and marinara in no time at all!

Something ripped out half of my lettuce bed recently.  I'm not sure what it was, but I came outside and found a gaping hole in the middle of my bed.  UGH!  I ran out of time before the rain came to get it prepped and reseeded so I poked drainage holes in the bottom of a bag of potting soil and placed the whole bag of soil in the bed.  I ripped the top of the bag open and planted Spaghetti Squash directly in to the soil.  I've only planted this way once before and it was a great success. 

Potting Soil Spaghetti Squash

2 days of planting and a well watered garden mean that a well deserved break is due.  It might be time to stop and smell the Sweet Pea's.  

Sweet Pea Pathway

Whatever your plans this weekend, I hope that you spend some of it in the garden.

Be well, stay healthy and happy gardening.

Every seed sown and tree planted is a future meal

We Have Time...Now What We Should We Do With It??

Words can't describe the craziness of the Covid-19 pandemic.  To say it's unbelievable, surreal, or unprecedented is an understatement.  Most of us haven't experienced anything like it. Every day seems to bring new fears and new rules as we navigate this new normal.
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.

6.  MAKE GARDEN LABELS.  I can't tell you how many times that I've planted something without a label, only to forget what it is.  There are many free and recycled ways to make labels for your plants.  Check out my posts, or go on one of the internet DIY sites for many great ideas.

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.

Less Panic, More Preperation

First let me start by saying that I hope that you are doing well and staying safe.  The corona virus crisis has made life very different for all of us, and we are all trying to navigate the new normal that we are all in. My family and I are doing everything that we possibly can to stay home (per state recommendations) to minimize the risk of contracting the virus and spreading it to others. This has freed up lots of time for family, spring gardening, arts and crafts projects, organizing drawers and closets, catching up with friends via email, and, lastly, a bit of blogging.  I guess there is a silver lining somewhere in all of this.
One of things that has surprised me the most about all of this is the panic that ordinary people are feeling.  Yes, these are scary times.  Yes, we need to eat, drink, work, socialize, etc. Yes, we're all suffering from cabin fever and looking for an "essential" reason to go outside, however, spending time at the grocery store should not be your activity of the day.  Many stores are sold out of paper and sanitizing products, and people have had to search through multiple stores just to find everyday essentials. Hoarding seems to be the new normal.  And yet, there isn't a real food or paper shortage in the nation. We haven't run out of toilet paper, paper towels, soap, produce or most of the other things that we shop for each week.  It's more of a "panic hoarding" shortage.  We don't know how long this pandemic will last, or how much we will need to get through this.  Shopping for essentials seems to be the only control that we have, and people have embraced this control.  But the long lines of people at the grocery stores are defeating the "stay at home" directive.  Each trip to a crowded store increases your chance of coming in contact with the virus, and possibly sharing it to those who come in contact with you. Do we need to shop? Yes.  Do we need to stand in line so we can stock up on 36 packs of toilet paper?  Probably not. So, how do we get through this?  How about taking stock of what you have, for starters.  Start with your refrigerator and freezer.  If there is ANYTHING in it, you don't need to go to the market today.  Yep, you have a meal.  You can avoid the store one more day.  Do the same with your cupboards.  Think about the price you've paid for your grocery store purchases.  You drove to the store (time), bought the products ($), stored it in the refrigerator/freezer (energy cost) or cupboard, and it's sitting there, unused.  Do you really want to risk your health just because you'd rather have something else to eat? How about pretending you're on "Chopped" and make something out of your odds and ends.  Do you really need more hand sanitizer?  Many doctors say soap and water is all we need.  Hand sanitizer is great for when we are out and about and don't have another option, but it isn't a better option than soap and water.  More paper products??  Only you can answer that, but I'm using less and relying on the 12 pack I bought 2 weeks ago to last me until next week.
I know that we'll get through this, in time, but we all need to be prepared for the next emergency, whatever that emergency is.  Think about it...no matter where you live, there is potential for a life changing event.  Earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, oh my.  We all live in a potential danger zone.  In California (where I live) it's earthquakes.  After every earthquake, we are told to prepare.  We are reminded each year during "the great shake up" to be ready, that it's not "if" it's going to happen, but when.  We are told that "the big one" is coming.  We're told we need to Be Prepared!! For may of us, it falls on deaf ears.  Right now, the roads are clear, the stores are open, the shelves are (mostly) stocked.  If the "big one" hits, all that could change. We really do need to be prepared to the best of our physical and financial ability.  Don't wait for the next "big one" to start preparing.

Closet Pantry

Kitchen Pantry

Commonly used staples

And...

Most important of all

Grow a garden!

Be safe, be well and Happy Gardening!

REIGNING IN THE HOLIDAY WASTE

I love holidays!!  Whether it's new years eve, the winter solstice, Halloween or Christmas, any holiday is a reason to bring out the decorations, gather with friends and family, and make memories that last a lifetime.  Sadly, along with making those memories, we're making A LOT of trash.  While the amount of "extra" waste seems minimal during most of the months, December has the most holidays, the most consumption, and, the most waste.

According to NEEF (National Environmental Education Foundation), landfill waste increases approximately 25% during the month of December.  Of course, that's not much of a surprise.  More parties, more travel, more food, more presents.  How do we live mindfully in a consumption based month like December.  It's a struggle, to be sure, but it can be done with a little planning and some creativity.

Lets start with the 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

GIFTS: Gift giving is expensive.  The time, money and thought that goes in to it drains our bank accounts and uses up much more energy than it's worth.  I start my holidays with a trip to my "gift" cupboard.  The gifts here are either items I've picked up during the year (usually on sale) or items I've received that I won't be keeping (REgifting).  It's easy to find a usable gift for a party hostess, a gift exchange, or as a last minute gift if you have a designated space for those extras that you've accumulated during the year.

No Peeking

Browse thrift stores.  Whether you're dropping in throughout the year (it's never too early or late to add to your gift cupboard) or at the holidays, you'd be surprised at the amount of new and barely used items that can be lovingly REgifted.

Gifts from the kitchen: Who doesn't love home cooking and baking??  Put on an apron and treat friends and family to homemade cookies, jam, or whatever your specialty happens to be.

Handmade reigns supreme!  I've made many of my gifts over the years, using recycled items, and I'm posting some of the pics below.  As a very "non-crafty" person, if I can make it, it's totally doable! Check out one of the many internet craft and idea sites for great crafting ideas for all of your REusable waste.

Handmade Paper Christmas Cards

with disposal instructions

Potpourri made with Lavender and 

Rose petals from my garden

Gifts from the garden

Homemade cookies in a

decorated thrift store vase

Decorating: How about a happy "natural" holiday?  Leaves, flowers, branches, pinecones, and many other outdoor finds are easy to find and easy to decorate with.  

REpurpose from your Recycling Bin.  Cans, bottles, cardboard, glass jars...just about everything in your recycling bin can be upcycled in to holiday decorations.  How about corks, bottle caps, and wine bottles...there's a holiday decorating tutorial for that, too.  Check out a crafting site and get in touch with your artistic side.

Mr. and Mrs. Snowman-crafted from recycled

items, cherished for over a decade

REuse: Not only will reusing your holiday decorations save you money, you'll get to enjoy the warm and fuzzy feelings associated with past holiday celebrations.

FOOD: December is a great time to start using up the food in your pantry, fridge or freezer.  Do you really want to store all those half used jars in your refrigerator door another year?  Are the "best by" dates on your pantry items looming close?  Get online, or pull out your recipe books and find some meals you can make without heading to the grocery store.

Have an "AFTER" holiday party.  Our  After Christmas party this year is December 27th.  Guests are asked to bring some leftovers for the potluck and to "regift" for the gift exchange.  It's a chance to clean out the pantry, the freezer, or the cookie jar.  It's a chance to reduce our extra stuff, reuse what we have, and make memories with friends and family.

Be Well and Happy Holidays

MILLIONS OF MAGAZINES

I love reading, and I’m a sucker for the magazines at the checkout line of the grocery store.  There’s always something that catches my eye. After all, who doesn’t want to delve deeper into how to lose 10 pounds in a week along with how to make the best chocolate cake ever?  But what do we do with the magazine AFTER we ate the cake and decided not to lose 10 pounds?  We could file it away for future use, referring to these amazing books of knowledge whenever needed, but will you really be able to find what you need, when you need it?  Do you have the room for all of that “extra” information?  I’ve cancelled all the subscriptions relying on my vast collection of magazines to provide new ideas, recipes, and projects for my home and garden.  If I see something I want to remember and keep, I copy it or take a picture of it with my phone and file it away in a labeled folder.  Hopefully I will live long enough to make it through my library and clear the clutter.  My strategy (though somewhat slowed down by my read, copy and file routine) has included the following methods.

Years of magazines to read 

and projects to plan

Read me!!

One of my favorite magazines 

for frugal ideas

1. Bring magazines with you when you know you'll have a wait (doctor, airport, DMV, etc.).  Finished with it?  Tear off the name and address label and leave it for a thankful recipient.
2. Donate to senior homes
3. Swap with neighbors
4. Leave a few in the car for unexpected waits
5. Use for school and art projects
6. Sell (check out online marketplaces)
7. Add to your recycling bin

Be well, be sustainable and happy gardening!!