Companion Planting - Feature of the Day

Are you planning on planting a vegetable garden this year?  Here in Michigan we are usually safe to plant ours around Memorial Day weekend.  I have been so busy, I had not realized that is coming up in just a few days.   Mary from Back to the Basics shared a list of companion plants that if  planted next to your favorite vegetables, will benefit the plants.  They help each with natural pest control and possibly bigger yields.   Who wouldn't like that in their garden?  Be sure to check out  Mary's top 10 companion crops,  and other great gardening tips on her blog, Back to the Basics.  Thank you so much Mary for linking up your informational post on Dare to Share

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Where to Find Garden Freebies - Feature of the Day

The weather is finally cooperating in most parts of the country, so it is now time to plan this year's garden.  Erika from Living Frugal With Erika  has shared 10 great ways to find garden freebies, so you don't have to break the bank for your garden to look beautiful.   If you are thinking about starting or expanding your garden this year  be sure to check out Erika's great tips .  Thank you so much Erika for linking up to this week's Dare to Share!

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Throwback Thursday - Our Seedling Growing Experiment

Is it just me that does not use all  their produce in time that it starts to sprout?  This happens frequently with onions and potatoes in our house.  I have good intentions to use it, but for one reason or another  it does not always happen.  Every couple of months or so, I end up with sprouting produce.   A couple of years ago we did a little growing experiment, which was a success.  Last night Kara and I tried it again with a little bit of a spin on it.  With gardening season right around the corner, I knew it would make a great Throwback Thursday post.  

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Tips for Starting Seeds - Feature of the Day

Have you ever thought of starting your own seedling for your garden, but didn't know how to start?  Mary from Back to the Basics shares her gardening expertise and gives great tips on how to be successful growing your own seedlings.  You can save a lot of money growing your own, and it will be even sweeter when you enjoy summer vegetables your grew yourself.  Be sure to stop by Mary's blog and see all her great gardening tips here. Thank you so much for linking up to Dare to Share Mary! 

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The Miracle Gro Project- Dressing Up the Deck

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I was so excited recently when I found these planters that hang on your deck railing.  We have a full view of our deck from inside the house, so I knew they would make a great project. .  

I thought the planters looked a little on the plain side, and could use some dressing up.  Using a  water resistant adhesive, I added some glass bead around the top of the planter.

When the beads were set, I took the planter outside to fill with plants.  I really like to use the Moisture Control Potting Mix in my containers, since I am not always the best at remembering to water them everyday. The moisture control in the potting mix absorbs 33% more water, and will continue to feed the plants for six months.

I filled the planters with flowers and fillers that gave them height and color. The glass beads gave them a little bit of added sparkle. I really love how they look out my window.  They really dress up a once plain deck  railing.

If you would like to see many more  ideas and  fun garden projects,  the Miracle Gro  Pinterest page is a great place to come together with other gardeners to  share ideas and stories.  The Miracle-Gro website has an expansive library of articles and  videos with resources for all types of gardeners.   If you would like to know more about The Gro Project, be sure to check out  their Facebook Page for more great ideas.

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Home Depot Garden Club

If you have a Home Depot nearby, you might want to sign up to be a member of the Home Depot Garden Club.  You will be able see lots of project ideas, and receive Home Depot coupons and specials right in your inbox. It is free to join, so why not give it a try. 

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Garden Art Light - Feature of the Day

Would you like to decorate your garden with a pretty, but inexpensive piece of art?   I love what Kathe from Kathe With An E made for her garden.  It is simple but elegant and will look so pretty at night.  To see how she made her garden art, check out Kathe With An E here.  Thanks so much for linking up to  Dare to Share Kathe! 

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Start Your Spring Seedlings

Today is the first day of spring. You can not tell that by our weather outside. Where I live it is only going to be a high of 28, with the overnight lows in the teens.  Brrr.. Not a fun way to start off spring..(a year ago we were way above normal and in the 80's, can I have those temps back!) 

Since it is the first day of Spring, I am going to re-share an idea I posted about last year.  Even though your mind might not yet be on your spring/summer garden, you can start your garden seedlings now, even when the weather is not cooperating.  

Buying seeds and growing your own seedlings can be very inexpensive. It is also a fun experiment to do with your kids. 

Recycled milk jugs make the perfect container to start your seeds. 

Start by cutting the jugs about 2/3 of the way down,  leaving a  part the jug of it connected

Add some potting soil  a few inches thick to the container,  and then add your seeds. 

After you add your seeds, you will want to reattach your jug halves.  You can use things like duct tape, or a hole punch and twist tie like we did in the picture above. 

Use a Sharpie and write on each of the jugs what you planted.  Find a nice, sunny spot to place the jugs. We put ours on our deck that faces the south.  Its okay to keep the jug out there even when it is cold outside. The milk jug works like a terrarium and keeps the plants warm inside. 

Several weeks later, this is how our seedlings looked.  Our peas and beans grew the most.  Our seedling experiment was a big success, and we plan on doing it again this year. 

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Our Growing Experiment

This project has been on the to do list for a couple of weeks. About a month ago, I saw a way to start seedlings in the winter using plastic milk jugs.  While I realize it is no longer winter, I thought this would be a good way to start spring seedlings.  I live in Michigan where it has been 85 degrees in March, and then 30 degrees in April. (I know, crazy right?!)  Even though we are starting late, it should be okay. Most seed packages say to start 6-8 weeks before planting in the ground. We have threat of frost through most of May, so the safest time for planting where we live is around Memorial Day. 

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