Vegetable Garden Planning – Martha Stewart Depending on when you order your seeds, you will have less or more time to start seedlings or plant them directly into the ground. Here's a quick reference for what can be planted when. Early Seeds: The following seeds can be planted directly into the ground (direct sow), even before the danger of frost has passed: Asian greens, beets, carrots, lettuce, peas, radishes, spinach, turnips. Post-Frost Seeds: The following should be planted outside after all danger of frost has passed: beans, corn, cucumbers, pumpkins, squashes, Swiss chard. Indoor Seeds: In warm climates, even tomatoes can be sown directly into the garden. Eggplants and Tomatoes: 6 to 8 weeks before last frost Artichokes: 8 weeks before last frost Peppers: 8 to 10 weeks before last frost Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, and Cauliflower: 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting out Leeks and Onions: 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting out
How to Turn Wine Bottles into Tumblers You knew you’d been saving all those wine bottles for a reason! With this in-depth tutorial, we’re pumped to show you how to turn old wine bottles into gorgeous new tumblers. Not only are these green (both in color and in eco-ness), they make a great gift for the holidays and are an instant conversation piece. This tutorial is definitely on the more advanced end of the spectrum, and requires a few tools you may not be familiar with. As long as you follow the steps you can definitely make it happen, but feel free to shoot questions our way via the comments below or send an email to hello@brit.co. Materials: - wine bottles with parallel sides - bottle cutter (available on Amazon) - rags or towels - large pot + potholder - candle - 2-3 sheets of dry or wet sandpaper ranging from medium (~150) to fine (~300-400) - 1 sheet of craft-foam - safety mask & goggles (not necessary if using sandpaper) First thing to do is remove those labels. Now, it’s time to start cutting your bottle!
Miniature Greenhouse Follow I have always wanted a greenhouse of my own. Until that day comes, this miniature greenhouse is keeping me pretty happy. I finally found a good use for all these old thimbles. perfect planters for tiny succulent plants. For the greenhouse, I used a glass terrarium that was no longer, housing any plants. for creating a small greenhouse. Besides thimbles, I used plastic bottle lids, for planters. pots, you can use. should work. A view from the top. I just took snippets from plants already in our garden. I used some old wooden bobbins, and wood block for tables. The kids helped to build the rock table in the back. They loved stacking the rocks so much, they came up with Throw in some tiny tools, (we had from other toys), and your greenhouse is ready! Set it outside, and if you're lucky, you may have some little visitors! If you like what you see subscribe to our blog, over on the right sidebar, or by email. We are posting new ideas all the time!
5 Easy to Grow Mosquito-Repelling Plants As the outdoor season approaches, many homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts look for ways to control mosquitoes. With all the publicity about the West Nile virus, mosquito repelling products are gaining in popularity. But many commercial insect repellents contain from 5% to 25% DEET. There are concerns about the potential toxic effects of DEET, especially when used by children. Children who absorb high amounts of DEET through insect repellents have developed seizures, slurred speech, hypotension and bradycardia. There are new DEET-free mosquito repellents on the market today which offer some relief to those venturing outdoors in mosquito season. Here are five of the most effective mosquito repelling plants which are easy to grow in most regions of the US: 1. Citronella is the most common natural ingredient used in formulating mosquito repellents. Citronella is a perennial ‘clumping’ grass which grows to a height of 5 – 6 feet. 2. Horsemint leaves can be dried and used to make herbal tea.
Inspiration For Moms: I Finished It Friday: Canvas Wall Art I found this art on Pinterest and I thought it was so elegant and yet so simple... Upon further review, I found out that the company resides is in the United Kingdom and charges 295 pounds (which is...gasp.... $486!!) for this lovely artwork. Oh, did I mention that they don't deliver to the United States. At that price...I think I will gladly go to plan B. I took a few trips to my favorite Hobby Lobby with a few 40% off coupons and gathered my supplies. -3 art canvases (sized 11x14) -13 wood letters (for the words love, laugh, live) -spray glue -spray paint First, I measured out all my letter placement. Then I sprayed the glue on the back and placed each letter on my canvas. Final step...the spray paint. And it really is that easy folks! My version set me back about $25 bucks and I love it! Linking to:Tatertots and Jello Home Stories A to Z
Wednes-DIY Home Décor: The Light Bulb Vase This week we’re sharing some of the blog’s greatest hits! These are some of our most loved posts by you, our amazing readers. Don’t throw away those old light bulbs just yet! I have a fun, easy DIY for you that will brighten up your home decor or workspace :) This DIY is very simple, but it requires working with glass so you definitely need to be careful! What you need: A light bulb (any shape or size will work!) Step One: First you need to remove the little silver layer on the bottom of the light bulb. Step Two: Now you have to remove the black cap from the bottom of the light bulb. Step Three: Once the black glass was removed it was really easy to get the little glass tube and wiring on the inside of the bulb out – I simply tapped it with the pliers and it broke right off. And now you have your empty lightbulb! Step Four: Add flowers and water, and hang with the gardening wire! Now I want to make more! Be sure to check out our new DIY Projects category for more DIY Inspiration!
15 houseplants for improving indoor air quality - Gerber Daisy Interested in uplifting stories on the natural world, sustainable communities, simple food, and new thinking on how to live well? Please enter a valid email address and try again! No thanks How-To: "Stained Glass" Votive Holders By Jenny Ryan Many times when I’m at the grocery or drug store, I can’t resist throwing a few scented votive candles in my cart. When I’m ready to burn them, it’s easy enough to sit one on a cute little vintage china saucer, but I recently decided to try and find a fancier display solution for them. I also wanted the project to be inexpensive, and the materials used to be things I already had on hand. I was inspired by memories of making faux-stained glass in elementary school and came up with these fun little glass votive holders. This project is quick and easy, and a great way to whip up custom party décor on the cheap. Materials Tissue paper in your desired colors Mod Podge (matte finish), in a pinch you can also use school gluePaintbrush Scissors Glass containers to fit your candle(s), I used thrifted vases and wine tumblers Paper punches in various shapes Q-tips, optional Directions Step 3: Start affixing the punched-out paper shapes to the glass using your paintbrush. More: Related
DIY Stamped Silverware Garden Markers « My so called crafty life This DIY is really fun to make, and if you have a relative or friend with a workshop and plethora of tools to help you, it’s a breeze. Stamp your silverware to mark your herbs, veggies, or even stamp your names as a fun idea for garden art. Please note: I used a propane torch when making mine which you need to have a steady hand and use extreme caution as these burn super hot, and can really cause bad burns if you aren’t careful. This is not a kid safe craft, but if you are a careful adult capable of using a torch responsibly then craft on my friend! Here is what you will need: *Silverware (I got mine from the thrift store for $.25 a pop) *Metal stamping set (mine is 1/4″) *Hammer *Anvil *Propane Torch( use caution, these can cause major burns if not properly handled) *Jar of water *Buffing system, we used my hubby’s nifty electric buffing/grinding system (most dremel’s have some kind of buffer discs as well) *A buddy- this job requires a helper to hold the hot spoon while you stamp.
Roll & Grow Gardening: Great DIY Vegetable Garden Idea Growing a garden has never been easier, complete with vegetables no less. For those of us who are DIY types but do not know the first thing about gardening (or how to grow anything inside either), this roll-out all-in-one pre-planted garden for beginners is perfect. How does this delightfully green idea by Chris Chapman work? The cardboard mat comes complete with vegetable seeds, organic fertilizer and is of course biodegradable – which means all you have to do is add water and soil and watch it grow. Keeping seasons in mind, each time of year has its own mat with ideal components for year-round growth. Even for folks with greener thumbs, this provides an easy alternative to constructing a new garden area from scratch as the complete gardening set contains simple biodegradable tools and everything one needs to start a fresh vegetable patch.
Everyday Mom Ideas: Scrap Paper Tree Centerpiece Tutorial (Featured guest blogger) Hi there! I'm Sharon from Two Girls Being Crafty, and I am so delighted to be today's guest blogger on Everyday Mom Ideas! Thank you so much, Julia, for having us. Today I would like to share with you all our newest craft. This simple project uses scrapbook paper leaves to create a bright and cheery Spring ambiance for your home. First, drag out your unseemly healthy assortment of scrapbook paper scraps. Cut out a template of your leaf from the cardboard (you can also use chipboard or card-stock). Take your floral wire and cut strips anywhere from 5"-8" long. Lay down some newspaper next to your workspace. Now for the fun part! ...or make them funky. And you're done! Thanks again, Julia, for having us here today!
Food Jar Terrariums Science in a jar is something that scores me some serious cool points in the scientist in training universe. That’s especially true when it means that we can head out for a walk around our local park – or even the backyard – with express permission to pick up, handle, pack away and take home anything cool and natural found along the way. I woke up the other morning to a countertop full of empty food jars with lids – which completely stumped me since it seems practically impossible to amass such a collection without realizing it. Luckily, I got to my e-mail and found the daily dose of Design Sponge before running off to the return center because there it was – my cool points for at least a week. The tiny person just about lost her mind when she saw some awesome food jar terrariums up on the screen. And, so began our terrarium home-building adventure – mossy in tow. Here’s what you need: - Some moss - Glass jars of all sizes with lids Directions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Happy Tuesday! ShareThis