Composting, you have probably thought about it. Visions of a giant heap in your backyard that is smelly turn you off from the idea, though. Or maybe townhome, condo, or apartment living restricts you from even attempting it. Well not any longer. This very simple compost bin gives you the opportunity to try composting without too much commitment, cost, or space needed. It will debunk some of your ideas about composting. SUPPLIES Storage bin (the darker the color the better) Drill Yes, that is all you truly need to make this bin. You can borrow a drill if you do not have one of your own. Storage bins are around $5 at your local mass merchant store, but if you have one that has a crack or hole it and no longer functions properly as a storage bin, you can just use … [Read more...]
Community Gardening – A Beginner’s Square Foot Garden – Part One
I joined a community garden this year. Growing vegetables and herbs is something I’ve thought about for a long time. But digging up the back yard to create a garden was never high on anyone’s list at my house. In a matter of happenstance, In April I noticed an advertisement in the local paper for a new community garden and knew this would be my chance. I enlisted a good friend to share the plot so that both of us would have the ability to take summer vacations etc without being tied to tending a garden. Community Gardens are a great way to garden. Not only will you have a dedicated space for growing but you’ll have the resources of experience from other gardeners. Already I’ve found it fun to see what everyone else has planted and watch their plants growing too! My garden … [Read more...]
10 Fun Easter Crafts for Kids
Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the bunny trail, hippity hoppity Easter's on its way. Easter is indeed on its way. The holiday that features all things bunnies and chicks will be here soon. If you're looking for a craft to do with the kids this week, you've come to the right place. Today I've found 10 Fun Easter Crafts for Kids to keep you and your little ones busy! /1/ Sock Bunnies - There's something about these cute long eared bunnies that jumped out at me. {Pun intended. hehe!} /2/ Chick and Lamb Paper Plate Craft - My favorite crafts when I was a kid were the ones made with paper plates. I'm glad I found this one for all of you. /3/ Craft Stick Sheep - You can build a whole flock of sheep with this simple, but cute tutorial. [sc:adsense … [Read more...]
7 DIY Fire Pits You Can Build
It's s'mores season! That yummy, sweet, crunchy, ooey-gooey treat that has made many a childhood memory. Summer evenings are made for s'mores. When the temperatures begin to dip, it's time for melting marshmallows over an open flame...getting them ready to smoosh up next to a chocolate bar in-between graham crackers. OH THE YUM. Don't have a fireplace or regular access to a bonfire? How about a fire pit? There are many commercially available at hardware stores, but why not consider building your own? We've got seven great DIY projects, from simple to complex; all would be awesome s'more-makers. In-ground fire pit with a gorgeous organic perimeter. Tutorial by Laura Catherine. Concrete fire pit bowl tutorial by eHow. Would be great in a modern or rustic setting. Lovely tabletop … [Read more...]
16 Fall Containers for Gorgeous Porch Decor
Fall is the time many of us enjoy getting outdoors again, as summer heat gives way to more comfortable temperatures. Plus with fall inspiring so many gorgeous colors, it's the perfect time to redo your porch containers. These beautiful fall containers will give you plenty of inspirations as you consider how to decorate your porch for the autumn. 1. Tall Wooden Box 2. Knock Out Basket Container Garden 3. Dress up Boring Wooden Container With an Upscale Tiled Container by Untrained Housewife 4. Elevated Autumn Urn 5. Singletons Flowering Kale 6. Pumpkin Surprise 7. Make an Accent 8. Easy and Festive 9. Tall and Slender [sc:adsense ] 10. Bountiful Birdbath 11. Topsy Turvy Planter by Cottage at the Crossroads 12. Mix … [Read more...]
Community Gardening – Summer Maintenance and Harvest of a Square Foot Garden
Hurry up and wait. That’s what this first month of the garden has been. After planning and building and filling the raised bed, there was plant purchases and reading and actual planting. Now we wait. Planting in late May, we chose to skip seeding for the most part and chose organic plants to transplant into the bed. The good news – almost all of them have taken hold. We did lose the cilantro almost immediately – this wasn’t much of a surprise as I’ve never had much luck with cilantro even in containers on the back porch. We built a trellis for the cucumbers and staked the tomatoes. With tomatoes, you ultimately have 2 varieties – determinate and indeterminate. Basically – those are plants that will either produce one time a set amount (determinate) or continue to produce … [Read more...]