Make a Mini Greenhouse

Summer is on its way, I can't wait!!
This is a great way frugal way to start your little seedlings.Love , Love this idea.

Reuse that Pop, Juice or Water bottle instead of just tossing it.
It's fun for the kids and momas too!!
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Mini-

Weeping Willow Waterer

I hear that
A weeping willow tree limb cut up in 1" to 2" and put in water is the best for watering your plants.
Leave it in there for about 24 hours before you use it.

Organic Gardening

Ok- SO I was all gunho on switching to Organic Gardening and lets just say it didn't work out quite right. Alot of the items did not compost down and it was a mess. So a local dump was giving out free compost, seriously rich and black compost. I received a truckload from a friend and planted in it. It worked great! Wonderful soil and fertilizer. Now that I have moved, If its possible I will be getting another truckload in 2010, the soil here is mostly clay.So lesson learned and money saved.

--on a side note, I will still be recycling into my garden my veggie scraps,fish tails, and egg shells this coming year.

How to get Free Plants

1)Join Arbor Day and get 10 free trees with a membership.
2)Plant swap with friends, church members,& family
3)Organize or join a plant swap group
4)Post an ad on craigslist for wanted plant starts or cuttings
5)Call up your local funeral home and offer to take any leftover plants that are getting thrown away.
6)Save your seeds from the year
7)Divide your current plants and repot them.
8)Visit http://www.freetreesandplants.com/ - this provides jobs to people with disabilities
9)Ask a local nature activity park if you can have a start from their plants on display.
10)ask a local nursery for their unsold plants that they are going to throw out.
11)Call up local landscape companies and ask for any job extras.

I can't Believe It ! Spring Is almost Here!! Organic Gardening

I am so excited about Spring and warmer weather. I have a great treat for everyone! Its a New approach to Traditional Gardening. This year I am going Organic in the Garden or also known as Lasagna Gardening.

So Put the Shovel Down- *No Digging & No Tilling*

* Find your spot. You can use an existing garden spot or make a new one.*
Now for the different Layers
1)Layer the ground with brown cardboard or wet newspapers (5-6 sheets thick)
2)pile on the peat moss
3)throw on your veggie compost: cut up veggie scraps,egg shells, coffee grounds, etc.
4)layer with browns
5)layer with manure
6)layer w/leaves

Repeat process until 2-4 feet high
You can layer with saw dust, wood ashes, composted manure, shredded junk mail, etc.

I just started this process around 2 months ago and I will probably cover mine with black plastic until it gets warmer to speed up the composting process.

I am not a novice at this yet so here's a couple links to the full detailed instructions. You can also check out some books from the library for extra help.

http://http//ourgardengang.tripod.com/lasagna_gardening.htm

http://organicgardening.about.com/od/startinganorganicgarden
/a/lasagnagarden.htm

Have Fun!!

Cheap Gifts

The other day my husband brought home a Beautiful handful of wild flowers he picked on the side of the road. This was so thoughtful and it was a new kind.
Total Cost 0 - Love Factor 10

Saving Money on Flowers

Recently, I have been buying Perennials and saving the seeds when they blooms die.
I plan on using these seeds next year in different spots of my yard.

Strictly buying Perennials is hard to do because there are so many beautiful Annuals. Sometimes, If I cant resist the urge I'll wait until the annuals go on sale for $1 or less. Many people bring their annuals in over the winter.

Flower swap. If you have an free online community in your area, place an ad describing the flowers that you are willing to trade and the flowers that you want- pics always help.

Ask your friends or neighbors to trade or if you can have a start from their flowers when they thin them out.

I Love Gardening!!!!!
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Dry your Flowers and Make arrangements.
The easiest way is to gather a bunch , wrap a ribbon around them and hang upside down. I rotate them to keep them evenly dried.

Here's a great link for the different methods used.
http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/landscap/h1037w.htm