Beginner Gardening Series: September Edition
September is the month where you can look at your garden and take stock of what worked and what didn’t, harvest the remaining produce growing in the garden (except for a few frost loving plants, will talk about that later) and put your garden to bed for the winter. If you live in some of the warmer climates, you can now restart your garden! For the plants that like the heat (like tomatoes and peppers), start the seeds indoors or buy starter plants. I, however, live in zone 5-6, so no replanting of the garden here. I will be taking the steps to put my garden to bed and do what I can to get it ready for next Spring.
T A K E N O T E
Get yourself a cute little notebook (don’t we all buy one everytime we go into Target?!) and take note of your garden. What grew well in the garden this season? Did your tomatoes get enough sun? Did your squash plant succumb to mildew? These are observations that will help you in planning your garden for next year! Your placement of plants may change based on your observations. For me, I need to move where I planted my squash because it was affected by mildew. So…I need to find a place that gets more sunshine to prevent this from happening again.
W H E N T O H A R V E S T
Are you daily looking at your peppers wondering if they are ever going to turn red?? While it is ideal to let peppers, like tomatoes, ripen on the vine, there does come a time when all the peppers and tomatoes need to be harvested from the garden and left to ripen indoors, out of direct sunlight. So yep, harvest your tomatoes and peppers, even if they aren’t perfectly ripe and let chemistry do it’s thing indoors. Now with this said, if you have planted some “cool crops” you can leave them in the garden until after the first frost. Some cool crops are Kale, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussel Spouts, Spinach, Collard, Asparagus. A quick Google search of “cool crops” will provide a great resource if you are wondering if any crops you have planted are considered a “cool crop”.
TIP: you can leave carrots in the ground through the Winter (they may actually get sweeter as the carrot holds on to it’s sugar to combat the cold), however, you will need to harvest them before Spring as they will go to seed and not be edible.
P U T T I N G the G A R D E N to B E D
One thing I always need when going to bed is a blanket, your garden likes one too! There are a couple of ways you can create a “blanket” for your garden. You can grow a cover crop. Stay with me here, this sounds much more complicated than it really is. A cover crop is as simple as tossing some seeds on your cleaned out garden bed. This helps create a barrier between the Winter elements and your garden soil. Cover crops also give back vital nutrients that were taken from the soil to produce all your yummy veggies! A seed that I recommend is Cereal Rye. Sprinkle the seed ideally 4 weeks before the first hard frost, or as soon as you can after cleaning your beds. Literally let nature do the work and watch it grow. If planting another crop has you rubbing your temples, then a nice layer of straw or some other type of mulch will also provide a sufficient barrier for your garden soil against the harsh winter elements.
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5 Things To Know Before Planting Ranunculus
Ranunculus have to be one of my favorite flowers. I don’t know if its the tissue like appearance of the petals or the variety of colors that all seem to be in the shade of sherbet, I just can’t get enough. So this year I am going to try and grow my own and hope to enjoy these beauties all summer long!
Here are 5 things to know before planting these gorgeous blooms:
1. Ranunculus tend to thrive in cooler temps. So when do we plant them? If you live in growing zones 8-10, you can plant the corms ( we will go over these in a bit) in late Fall for a Spring bloom. If you live in zones 4-7 (which is where I reside) you will need to plant the corms in early Spring for a Summer bloom.
2. The next logical question would be where is the best place to plant ranunculus? The ranunculus like a lot of sunshine but don’t love the heat. This is ok for those in zones 8-10 who can plant in Fall for a Spring flower, but what about those of us in zones 4-7 who need to plant in the Spring for a Summer flower, the hottest growing season? This is why planting the ranunculus in a container is my choice, especially the first few growing seasons. Being able to place the container in a spot that receives plenty of sunshine, but having the mobility to move the container and avoid the intense heat that these blooms just don’t enjoy makes the container and ideal option.
3. What will you need to get your ranunculus started? Get online or head to your local garden center and purchase corms. Now, if you haven’t grown ranunculus before you may be thinking that auto correct just took over. But really, you need corms. These “bulbs” may look like one of your favorite appetizers; calamari. Now before you we sow these corms into the ground we are going to take a moment to pre-soak corm to optimize growth.
4. Why pre-soak the corms? This gives the corms a little warm up before heading into the ground.
The best and most consistent methods I have found are soaking the corms in room temperature water. An even greater benefit is to soak the corms in a container with running water to promote oxygen flow. Soak the corms in water for 2-3 hours. Remove the corms and allow them to drip dry and then place them in, what some call, soil lasagna; a layer of soil, place corm leg side down, then cover with another layer of soil. Store in a cool space and allow to sit (away from potential rodents) for 10-14 days.
5. After you have waited the 10-14 days for the corms to presprout, it is time to plant them in the ground. Plant the sprouted corms about 2-3″ deep in the soil. If there is still a threat of frost, cover with frost cloth. Ranunculus typically bloom around 90 days after planting, and they are so worth the wait!
Growing Herbs Indoors: 6 Herbs You Can Start Growing Today
Looking for something green to enjoy during these cold Winter months? Indoor herbs are such a great way to scratch that gardening itch when we can’t outside, or be the confidence boost you need to start gardening.
So, if you have two pots, and a sunny spot in your home, there are 6 herbs you can enjoy now that will not only look pretty but add amazing flavor to any recipe on the menu.
First you will need two medium sized pots. The only requirement for these pots is that they have a drainage hole on the bottom. This will prevent the soil from getting water logged, causing your herbs to rot at the root.
The next step, which might be the most important, is choosing the soil. For the “Mediterranean Pot” a cactus or succulent blend is ideal as this blend is optimized for drainage, which is exactly what this herb group needs.
For the “Green Leafy Pot” choosing a general organic potting soil mix will work great, as these blends are optimized to help retain moisture, which is what this herb group needs.
the Mediterranean pot
the Green Leafy pot
Once you have your pots and soil, head to your local garden center and pick up your basil, cilantro, parsley, rosemary, sage & thyme. Plant the herbs and give the soil a good drink of water.
Both of these pots needs at least 4-6 hours of sunlight each day, so place in a spot in your home where they will get the required amount of sun. Depending on the maturity of the herbs you purchase, you may be able to start enjoying them from day one!
How to Make a Pumpkin Succulent Centerpiece
How to Make a Pumpkin Succulent Centerpiece
Do you have a hot glue gun and 30 minutes? If so, check out how simple this beautiful pumpkin succulent centerpiece is to make. Your guests will definitely be impressed!
What You Need:
Select a pumpkin; there are so many color options and textures, have fun with this step! Try to choose a pumpkin that has somewaht of a flat top, this will make it easier to adhere the succulents. Saw off the stem and you are ready to start!
Once you have your pumpkin all ready, apply hot glue to the top of your pumpkin. Quickly place the moss on the hot glue. The moss will provide a good base for the succulents and add some great texture to your centerpiece.
For this DIY pumpkin centerpiece project, you will want to choose succulents in a variety of sizes and shapes. Depending on the size of your pumpkin, a good guess of how many succulents you will need would be about 10-12. Remove succulents from their packaging and remove dirt to expose roots of the succulent. Apply hot glue directly to the succulent root and then place directly onto the moss, placing larger succulents in the middle of the pumpkin
To create texture & depth, cut taller succulents in half or thirds. Apply glue to the bottom of the cut succulent and then place directly onto the moss.
Working from the inside out, continue to place each succulent onto the moss until the top of the pumpkin is covered and you are happy with the depth and texture of the succulents. Grab a water bottle and spritz the succulents with water. Do this every third day and your pumpkin succulent centerpiece may last a couple of months!
2019 Gift Guide for the Gardener Under $50
We have found 14 gift ideas for the gardener on your list, whether it be your friend, sister, mom or grandma all under $50!! From the expert green thumb to the gal who is just getting started, we have you covered.
2019 Gift Guide for the Gardener Under $50
1. The Roo is perfect in assisting you with harvesting your vegetables, weeding and deadheading your garden or collecting anything that needs to be put away. Remove the ropes from the clip for an easy release of whatever you have gathered O/S fits all. Machine washable.
$32.95
2. Perfect for the minimalist green thumb, this glass planter self-waters using a cork stopper and wicking material to make watering and care simple and consistent to the plant’s needs.
Glass, cork, wicking material
Indoor use only
9″H, 4″ diameter
$30.00
3. Go with the flow in this go-to tank, made from exceptionally soft poly-viscose blend, in a flattering draped silhouette, round neck and racerback.
$18.00
4. Made in France from pure linen, this colorful tote bag is the perfect companion for market days, running errands, or weekend exploring.
Linen
Machine wash gentle; line dry
France
13″W, 15″L
$38.00
5. From Shawnee Chief to Top Brass, this guide to over 60 varieties of peonies presents an eclectic selection of specimens―from those with the best visual appearance and the most fragrant perfume, to those that are easiest to grow and produce the best cutting flowers. With commentary on each bloom, easy-to-follow growing advice, and glorious photography, Peonies will appeal to anyone who appreciates the romance of the majestic peony.
$16.00
6. The Joey apron gives the gardener the extra hand they need while weeding, deadheading and harvesting fruits and vegetables. Fill the pouch as full as you like, release the ropes from the clips for an easy release of whatever has been collected in the pouch.
$29.95
7. Digibuddha Mugs are custom created in-house by professional designers exclusively for Digibuddha. All production, packaging and shipping is also done on the premises by our small team. We truly love what we do and it shows!
11oz fine white ceramic mug with flawless glaze finish
Original design as shown in sample
Securely packaged & shipped to protect from damage
Designed and produced in the USA in our shop located in Hatboro, PA.
$16.00
8. Express your love for gardening with this super soft Garden Life tee. Fits true to size. sx-xl
$21.00
9. The Roo is perfect in assisting you with harvesting your vegetables, weeding and deadheading your garden or collecting anything that needs to be put away. Remove the ropes from the clip for an easy release of whatever you have gathered O/S fits all. Machine washable.
$32.95
10. This decorative and functional steel rack dries six bunches of your garden herbs — flowers, hot peppers and garlic too. Because there’s no electricity needed or prep work — just cut, tie and hang — you can put up herbs a few at a time, just as they reach their peak. Works best in a room that’s cool, dry and dark.
$19.95
11. Go with the flow in our “Plant Lady” tank, made from exceptionally soft poly-viscose blend, in a flattering draped silhouette, round neck and racerback. Fits true to size. xs-xl
$18.00
12. Set of 4 screenprinted napkins add rustic charm to your table. Artistic garden and woodland botanical designs are printed with eco-friendly inks. Flour sack cotton fabric is soft and durable with rustic charm. Nature lovers will be delighted to add these botany-inspired napkins to their table. The set of four is designed and printed in USA of supremely soft, absorbent and durable flour sack cotton – a truly touchable and beautifully earthy alternative to stiff, slippery synthetics. This homespun-style fabric serves as the ideal backdrop for the delicately lovely botanical motifs screenprinted with eco-friendly inks. Generously sized at 15″ x 20″, the napkins are pre-shrunk and machine washable and bleach- and iron-safe. Handmade; sizes and colors may vary slightly.
$39.95
13. The Pilea peperomioides is paired with our Mini Grant Planter, an earthenware pot measuring 3.8″ tall and 4″ wide. This houseplant is pet-friendly! Your plant height may vary slightly. It comes potted in our potting mix to increase plant health, longevity, and growth. The Grant does not have a drainage hole. It has a layer of porous lava rocks lining the bottom to ensure proper drainage. The Grant is named after Chicago’s Grant Park.
Planter Size
Mini: 3.8″ H x 4″ W
$26.00
14. The Joey apron gives the gardener the extra hand they need while weeding, deadheading and harvesting fruits and vegetables. Fill the pouch as full as you like, release the ropes from the clips for an easy release of whatever has been collected in the pouch.
$29.95
Customer Comments & Reviews
What our customers have to say about the Roo & Joey aprons:
Talk about changing the gardening game! What a brilliant design. Tons of space and pockets for your tools, phone, and even seed packets. We love our Joey Aprons!!!
I love that I can throw on my apron no matter what I’m wearing, and carry my weight in veggies, with my hands free!! And of course, a flower or two usually finds its way into the pouch amongst the kale and cucumbers.
I’m loving my Roo apron!!
I had so much fun taking my Roo apron for a spin! The pouch had so much room that I easily harvested greens for dinner, some flowers to adorn the table, and had my hands free to pick a little watermelon for dessert.
I’ve had days where I’m harvesting right before work in a skirt and blouse, cucumbers and tomatoes rolling out of my hands…I wish I had this apron then.
I have been using my Roo apron to do gardening chores and to harvest everyday for the past week since I got it and I have seriously fallen in love with it! It is super practical being that its making my body the harvest basket so I don’t have to lug around multiple baskets and I can carry my phone and gardening tools in the pockets which is also super handy! No matter what, if I’m headed out to the garden I slip on my Roo so I always have my tools and my basket on me.
This thing is freaking adorable, has a GIANT pouch to harvest and carry all my goodies hands-free, & has all kinds of handy pockets! I am definitely going to be rocking this bad boy for years!
Gift Guide for the Mom who likes to Garden
1. Joey Apron $29
The Joey is perfect in assisting you with harvesting your vegetables from your vegetable garden, pulling weeds or collecting anything that needs to be put away. No more using your shirt trying to get vegetables in from the garden, simply put on the Roo, fill the pouch and the cylinder chute allows you to deposit your collection without messy fallout. It will also eliminate the piles of weeds that follow you around your yard as you do your work. -Adjustable cotton straps fit any size in comfort.
-Made from industrial strength cotton
-Water resistant nylon storage pouch
-Plastic hooks allow for easy release of the pouch
-Machine washable
2.Coco Rose Luxe Hydration Trio HERBIVORE BOTANICALS $39
A limited-edition trio of luxurious rose and coconut products to nourish and hydrate skin. For All skin type. Trio includes: – Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish (4 oz.): a body polish that contains a highly moisturizing and gently exfoliating blend of virgin coconut oil and delicately floral Moroccan rose to leave skin soft and hydrated with a light scent of coconut and rose petals. – Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist (1 oz.): a hydrating face mist created with pure plant actives and a base of coconut water, infused with youth-boosting hibiscus flower petals and moisture-enhancing rose to tone, hydrate and soften skin. – Coco Rose Lip Conditioner (0.17 oz.): an all-natural lip conditioning formula with hydrating organic virgin coconut oil, sugar and Moroccan rose absolute, which helps to protect, smooth and soften lips.
3. Paule Marrot Garden Carafe $28
Featuring verdant vines or a flutter of butterflies, this charming carafe is designed by the editors of Paule Marrot Paris in collaboration with Anthropologie.
4. Woven Planter Basket $26
Natural cotton rope and jute basket. Size: 15.0” H, 16.0” Upper, 12.6” Bottom
Washable: Hand washing or machine washing. When washing by machine, best to place it in a garment bag or pillow case. Air-dry is better or you can dry on a delicate cycle.
5. Handmade Straw Backpack $49
– Size: Approx. H 16″ x L 14″
– Made from palm leaves & leather handles
– Adjustable handles for a perfect fit
The Woven Round Backpack is handwoven from natural palm leaves. Whether it’s for a day at the beach or for a trip to the farmers’ market, this backpack is perfect for carrying your daily essentials. You just found your perfect companion!
6. Lilith Satin Robe $58
Blooming roses set a serene, romantic tone for this silky robe—perfect for beginning and ending your day in luxury.
7. Beech Wood Handle Watering Can $20
Compact and durable, this powder coated watering can is a stylish addition to your gardening routine.
– Steel, beech wood
– Indoor or outdoor use
– United Kingdom
9”H, 3.25”W
8. Garden Party Set of Three Stitched Notebooks $15
Good things come in threes, and our Garden Party Stitched Notebook
set is no exception. This bundle includes three different illustrated
covers on canvas texture paper and each opens to metallic lined pages.
9. Lehua Melamine Dessert Plates, Set of 4 $32
Crafted from durable and easy-to-clean melamine, these plates are perfect for casual dining al fresco.
10. State Flower Framed Mini Canvas Print $30
Designed by North Carolina painter and illustrator Shannon Newlin, these gorgeous prints give new meaning to “gathering flowers.” From Alabama’s camellia to Wyoming’s Indian paintbrush, 50 different prints showcase the state flowers of the United States. Makes a truly unique gift too. Ready-to-hang canvas on mounting board.
11. Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden Book $21
This beautiful gardening book and guide to growing, harvesting, and arranging gorgeous blooms year-round provides readers with vital tools to nurture a stunning flower garden and use their blossoms and cut flowers to create show-stopping arrangements. It makes a beautiful gift for any occasion, for friends, loved ones and gardening lovers alike!
12. Magnolia Spring Candle $28
The Magnolia Spring Candle features Joanna’s favorite long-lasting wood wick soy-wax blend with the fresh scents of sea air, grapefruit, driftwood, and sage. The 11 oz candle is perfect for any shelf, side table, or desk while the 26 oz candle features three wicks and is great for the dining table or coffee table. This candle makes an ideal gift or can be burned year-round in your home.
13. Kennebunk Bliss Plush Throw $40
Upgrade your favorite cuddle-up corner with a wonderfully plush blanket throw available in a wide array of classic and fresh colors.
14. Roo Apron $33
The Roo is perfect in assisting you with harvesting your vegetables from your vegetable garden, pulling weeds or collecting anything that needs to be put away. No more using your shirt trying to get vegetables in from the garden, simply put on the Roo, fill the pouch and the cylinder chute allows you to deposit your collection without messy fallout. It will also eliminate the piles of weeds that follow you around your yard as you do your work.