Cheap Home and Garden ideas and tips for the every day DIY gardener.

DIY bird feeder from re-purposed wall sconce in seconds

7/15/2017

circular wall sconce turned bird feeder

When Tom and I got married ten years ago, we received a few...ahem..odd wedding presents to say the least! Some of which we couldn't identify. Not even when googled. Angels without faces? Check. Angels lacking any head whatsoever? Check. Lopsided circular vase that spins like a top but plops on the floor unless it's being propped up? Yup. Got one of those too. DVD player that turned out not to be a DVD player at all but an oddly shaped wood bowl that was just wrapped in the old DVD box? Yep. Tom was so thrilled with the imagined DVD player and nearly cried when he saw that hideous bowl. Heh. But I can't mock him too much because I felt the same way. Some of the weirder knickknacks had to be donated immediately (after very heartfelt thank you notes were written). But who's got the room to store junk they won't use or and morally can't re-gift? So I wanted to show you how I enhanced my garden space with one of my underused wedding presents. It's quickly becoming my pride and joy! And before I forget, would you leave me a comment describing the oddest present you ever got just to make us all laugh?

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Win for the birds the Desert Steel Heliconia or Tulip Tree Bird Feeder - 2 winners!

7/10/2017

It's time to cave into the pressure and feed the birds. C'mon, all your cool neighbors are indulging in this charming hobby that helps you de-stress. Bird feeding is no longer a pastime of the bored or geeky, nowadays, most gardeners enjoy nourishing their feathered brained friends. Perhaps most exciting of all? You never know what type of bird you'll be able to attract to your yard and garden. It's kind of like having lots of extra pets without the pricey vet bills. So we are over the moon excited that Desert Steel is back better than ever with two stunning bird feeders up for grabs. Yup...that's right...we have two lucky winners today! First place winner scores the stunning heliconia bird feeder ($60 ARV) shown just above. And keep reading to see what our second place winner will receive! How thrilling! To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or follow us on Pinterest and pin 5 images. For two entries, do both. Let us know that you have entered by telling us what your favorite bird is! Contest ends July 28th.

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7 green thumb tips for nailing the perfect window box or pot

6/30/2017

I love containers gardens. Small-scale gardens. Easy buttons. The little gardens that take a couple of minutes to do and don’t require any heavy physical digging or mental anguish. Just a trowel and the right plants in the right pot. It’s the difference between having a dishwasher and doing that mile high sink of dishes by hand. Bleh. Hand washing is insurmountable. So is the grander of a gigantic formal garden. But a few plants in a pot is easy to achieve. That’s not to say I don’t admire the look of large-scale gardens but I can’t say it’s an attainable goal most of the time. The property alone you’d have to own! Besides, the blow up pool and trampoline do take up a bit of space now. In my dream world I'd have a talented garden staff working on my garden beds and helping me make decisions. Then reality hits. It’s just my husband, me and a 5 and 7-year-old (with a newborn and he’s not much help). So I like tackling smaller projects. This is why I’m obsessed with container gardens. But when you’re working on a smaller scale, it is essential to get the details right. Here are seven ways to nail the small container.

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Relax & unwind with Nags Head Hammocks + $329 giveaway!

6/22/2017

Gateway Mist Pillowtop Hammock

Hammocks are synonymous with the sizzle of summer. What an invention! Relax, recharge, refresh and repeat in a swanky hammock, book and lemonade in hand. But not just any old hammock will do. Not here. Not with us. Today, we're talking the creme de la creme of hammocks because we've partnered up with Nags Head Hammocks for the ultimate hammock experience. Translation: This is the best hammock you'll ever own. I promise. And we are thrilled for you and your chance to win this fabulous hammock from them so you can finally relax from the stresses of life. To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. Something new for summer. You can earn one entry per day by sharing this post. Let us know that you have entered by telling us the last time you used a hammock! Contest ends July 25.

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10 toxic plants you don't want in your yard or garden

6/15/2017

White baneberry (Doll's eyes): all parts poisonous

Toxic plants. They're out there. Some are probably in your garden right now looking so innocent and getting smug about it. Time to panic? Maybe. But probably not. Because while being cautious makes sense, we've also come to realize just how many common plants are considered poisonous. And just like there are degrees in the level of badness in desserts, there are degrees in the level of toxicity in plants. Compare angel food cake or jello with peanut butter pie topped with Cool Whip and Peanut Butter Cups. Big. Whopping. Difference. Not only in total calories but in nutrition. So asking yourself the same types of questions...how bad is truly bad?... makes sense. Let's cut to the chase. While there's lots of plants that many would shake their green thumbs at, these are the plants we would not allow in our homes even for a whole peanut butter pie (with hot fudge on top please).

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Peace of mind with backup sump pump from Base Products Corporation & $300 giveaway!

6/8/2017

It's 6 a.m. I jump out bed and head to the basement because I forgot to put the clothes in the dryer the night before. The only pair of jeans that actually fit were wet and I had a doctor's appointment. Barely able to pry open my eyes, I crept down to the basement where our washer and dryer are. Surprise! No, it's not cake and ice cream. It's water. Over a foot of it in our basement. A flood. Ughhh. I don't know about your basement, but we use ours for storage since we don't have an attic, much of it stuffed in cardboard boxes. Actually, it's crammed to the ceiling and our basement is quite large. The discovery sends my horrified self rushing upstairs to wake my husband. Let me tell you, if this has never happened to you, I hope it never does. And if you don't have a sump pump backup plan, then maybe it's time you did. Sump pumps are serious business. So I am thrilled if you are the winner of this incredible backup sump pump from Base Products Corporation valued at $300. To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. SOMETHING NEW! YOU CAN EARN ONE ENTRY PER DAY JUST BY SHARING THIS POST! Let us know that you have entered by telling us why you want to win. Contest ends July 31, 2017. Thanks!

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Self-sufficient gardener

6/5/2017

Being a self-sufficient gardener means looking after your garden and growing, plants, fruits and vegetables in a way that is harmonious with the environment. In an age in which many people are trying to be healthier and have a better impact on the environment they live in, sustainable gardening is an effective way to ensure your family eats organic and fresh as well as reduce your carbon footprint. The road to self-sufficiency is not an easy one, but with some planning, foresight and hard work it is doable and reaps rewards. If you have always dreamed of an off-grid lifestyle, are just starting your homesteading journey or are preparing for an economic collapse, whatever your reason, you can start your own self-sufficient garden today. Here are some helpful tips and advice to get you on your way to help make your journey a successful one.

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Illumination with Desert Steel & Daisy Solar Garden Light (3 winners!)

6/1/2017

Solar light fan? Me too. They light up my life. What a fantastic way to get your garden aglow adding beauty, safety, ease and depth to your outdoor living space. You can spend anywhere from just a few bucks at the dollar store to hundreds of dollars at boutiques for solar lights. It depends on where you fall on the purchasing spectrum. As for me, I'm smack dab in the middle of the price range. And I firmly believe one can never have too many solar lights. They look great no matter where you choose to place them whether that's the perimeter of your landscape, in a pot, planter or flower box, and perhaps best of all....a pathway. Hinting warmth and comfort with each step, solar lights make the garden an inviting space. Today, I'm excited for the three (yes...I said three!!!) winners of one of Desert Steels magnificent Daisy Solar Lights valued at $65. To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. For extra good luck and our eternal gratitude, tag a few friends on Facebook! Let us know that you have entered by telling us where you'd put this solar light and how you many entries you've earned. Thanks. We hope you win! Contest ends June 29th.

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Plants for the good cook!

5/25/2017

colored rhubarb on a board

If the rabbits don't attack and devour your rhubarb then you might have enough to use in the kitchen for a colorful splash to any dish. I haven't been so lucky. The rabbits have not only discovered my rhubarb stash in the here and now but year after year they seem to remember exactly where it was planted. And don't get me started on what the squirrels and deer did to all my fancy bulbs this past spring. Absolute sob story. Another time! Rhubarb is special because it can be the star of both sweet and savory dishes, something every good cook cherishes. Not to mention the color. Eye-popping bold color means it looks lovely in that pie but is also a welcome addition to your stew. That is if the rabbits don't get to it first. Because a solid and sustainable working home kitchen that crunches out several meals a day requires certain ingredients, many of which can be grown yourself with little effort. Why not explore this must-have growing list to save yourself a little green on healthier food?

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Welcome & wow with this wall vase from Uncommon Goods!

5/22/2017

If you think you waste too much time on social media, just wait until you discover the Uncommon Goods website. That is, if you haven't already stumbled upon this gem. It never ceases to amaze me how they are constantly revamping themselves with new products seen nowhere else. And yes, you are remembering correctly, we did team up with them in the past. It was that unique succulent wall planter and it's still going strong today in my kitchen. Plant eye candy. Although Uncommon Goods has lots of categories to shop from, I really enjoy perusing their garden themed home decor. My heart just flutters thinking about how to display my spring bulbs each year. So I'm thrilled to showcase the above envelope wall vase from their riveting collection. Tulips, daffodils or hyacinths?! Tough decision. I'm equally happy for you and your chance at winning this stunning porcelain wall vase from Uncommon Goods. To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and comment & share on Facebook or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. Let us know that you have entered by telling us what flower you'd like to display in this stunning vase! Also remind us how many entries that you have earned.

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Biggest & best tomatoes using fish heads, aspirin & water tubes

5/12/2017

You probably know by now that Tom is a gym teacher. So bigger is better. And this mantra even applies to tomatoes. He wants the biggest on the block. I'm not sure who he thinks he's competing with since very few people actually grow anything in our suburban neighborhood. Certainly not to the extent that we do. But there it is. He's a Pinterest man. And he's coming up with all sorts of ideas to implement. One of which are these dang fish heads. Gross. I know. But it's an organic fertilizer and tomatoes are heavy feeders that need lots of fertilizer. He's been reading about how fish heads (all leftover fish parts actually) paired with aspirin and a few other amendments will grow the most stupendous tomatoes ever. He also used some leftover PVC tubing from a drain project to make these unique watering tubes that feed our tomatoes using compost. Combining these techniques should grow the biggest and best tomatoes possible. We hope you're game and keep your sense of humor while following us!

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Sharpen your seed skills with Botanical Interests & $50 gift card giveaway!

5/4/2017

Old, young or in-between some truths are timeless. We all love pizza and chocolate. Right? And planting seeds. It's so fun! In fact, just kicking back and thinking about seeds is cathartic. Not to mention browsing a seed catalog with a cup of tea or surfing online with the same intent. But when the seeds actually pop up and sprout? Your heart flutters. Seed planting is an activity that can be done solo or with the whole family. Of course you can buy your seed anywhere from the local garden center to the grocery store or even in bulk at a farmer's market. But it's quality over quantity today as we sift through seed. That's why we are over the moon excited to have partnered with Botanical Interests and for your chance to win a $50 gift card from them to choose your own seed. To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. SOMETHING NEW FOR SPRING! YOU CAN EARN ONE ENTRY PER DAY JUST BY SHARING THIS POST! Let us know that you have entered by telling us why you like seeds and how many entries you have earned. Thanks!

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Chopping away with WÜSTHOF and $170 knife giveaway!

4/24/2017

I'm a frugal gal. And there are few pleasures in life that I deem worthy of a splurge; but stellar shampoo, great chocolate and a few fabulous knives are three of them. At our house, we eat tons of vegetables and I bet you do too. The latest stats suggest that we need to be eating a whopping ten servings of veggies per day for optimal health. Ten! But prep work is real work that takes up serious amounts of time. Use the wrong knife and you'll waste endless hours hacking away at your winter squash in frustration, or worse, put a gash in your finger. You need the right tools for the job. So if you haven't met WÜSTHOF then it's time you did. Confession, I only own two of their knives, a vegetable and a paring knife. They are the only ones I ever lay my hands on when food prepping. Ever. Like the perfect pen in the hand is a WÜSTHOF knife to the touch. Ideal. This is why I'm thrilled to have teamed up with them and for your chance to win one of their stupendous knives (8" Vegetable Knife - 4563-7/20) valued at $170! To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. SOMETHING NEW FOR SPRING! YOU CAN EARN ONE ENTRY PER DAY JUST BY SHARING THIS POST! Let us know that you have entered by telling us anything about your food prep routine!

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11 power plants that pack a punch for a white spring garden

4/18/2017

Hyacinth

White is fresh, crisp and clean. It's revival and newness. It's that clean laundry scent wafting over from your neighbors' house...or maybe that's the bacon smell? Oh well. White is underestimated. Some people even think it's boring. Think plain vanilla ice cream with no hot fudge or sprinkles. But brides wear white and weddings aren't typically boring, especially with all the behind-the-scenes drama going on. But I digress. A good dose of white makes every other plant in your garden pop, like those colored sprinkles on vanilla ice cream. They highlight. That's what we're aiming for. Pinks, blues and yellows next to white plants, what could be more lovely or suggestive of spring? That's why we're talking about specific white plants today that you might want added to your garden. Not sure what the weather is like in your neck of the woods, but here, although chilly, we are seeing bulbs peeking up from the ground like buried treasure. This is my must-have white list for your spring garden.

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HomeRight Power-Flo Pro 2800 Paint Sprayer & $300 giveaway!

4/11/2017

How often do you look up at a ceiling? I guess you mostly notice one when it's in sad shape. That pretty much summed up our basement ceiling. The ugly and dated 60's paneling was falling down all over the place. The space was in shambles. So in our efforts to revamp the basement, we had to consider it. But it is just a basement after all; a playroom not a showroom. So Tom decided to go for an industrial look. This meant stripping out all the remaining paneling, installing LED lights, and painting the ceiling black! Shocking....sort of. I thought it would look awful. To my relief the opposite happened. It looks awesome! Manually painting the ceiling with all those nooks and crannies? That would be time consuming and time is too valuable. So we linked up with HomeRight who sent us their Power-Flo Pro 2800 Airless Paint Sprayer to test out and are thrilled you can win this fabulous product valued at $300! Because this sprayer was made to paint the outside of your residence now! To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. SOMETHING NEW FOR SPRING! YOU CAN EARN ONE ENTRY PER DAY JUST BY SHARING THIS POST! Let us know that you have entered by telling us any project you are currently working on and how you many entries you've earned. Thanks!

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Magic in the kitchen with the Nutri Ninja!

4/8/2017

Tom gets on these health kicks. That's not a problem but it does influence what we eat around here. Plus having two small kids and a baby on the way makes eating a healthy diet even more of a priority. Enter the smoothie world. Enter Ninja. Like peanut butter and jelly. Batman and Robin. Snoopy and Charlie. You can't have one without the other. No smoothie without a Ninja. It does the job and does the job best. Period. That's why I have used a Ninja for so many years. We love smoothies because you can't mess them up....right? A few berries, a little chocolate protein, yogurt and those delightful frozen bananas. What could possibly go wrong? In fact, there's plenty of nights when I haven't wanted to cook so smoothies it is again for dinner. But it gets even better because a Nutri Ninja can actually make dinner. It can whip up snacks, full meals, desserts, drinks and appetizers just by hitting the button. This is why I've been such a Ninja fan for so many years. Simplicity. You should try one too!

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12 more must-have hospitable houseplants!

4/4/2017

Christmas cactus

Today, I'm back on my plant platform. What can I say? I need plants. You need plants. Where you live plays a big roll in how soon you can grow outdoors (where are you from by the way...)? We have long and bleak winters here in Buffalo, NY. Holiday decor from Hobby Lobby does help but only up to a point. And I've read over and over again how working with plants increases positive mood, self-esteem, feeling of calm and optimism, and gives a sense of stability. Sounds a lot cheaper than therapy to me. Just like having a cat, NASA studies have indicated that plant people have tested for lower blood pressure and heart rate. Not too shabby. So if you missed part I of my must-have plant series, you'll want to start here. Otherwise, keep reading to learn what other plants you need to get your hands on soon to boost your morale! And we have a 7-piece live plant giveaway going on right now to sweeten the deal!

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Are you a sucker for succulents with LiveTrends Design & giveaway!?

3/29/2017

How old are you in gardening years? Are you a Baby Boomer gardener? Perhaps a Gen X-er? If you find yourself getting into this post then you just might be a Millennial gardener. But I digress. Because honestly, I think regardless of your age if you're into plants it almost doesn't matter the type. You like them all.....right?! Lately, I find myself getting more and more into succulents and air plants. Low-maintenance and fun to watch grow. How unique they all are. So regardless of your age, make sure you enter this incredible live plant giveaway from LiveTrends Design whom I am a big fan! I've purchased from their collection for many years now at my local Wegmans grocery store but I was thrilled to get this set in the mail. You'll be equally enthused with this 7-piece collection from LiveTrends Design if you win. To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and comment & share on Facebook or sign up for our newsletter. For three entries, do both. Let us know that you have entered by telling us which you prefer...air plants or succulents! Tough call. So let's talk about plant trends today!

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Say goodbye to your dated & rusty radiators with NeatHeat!

3/23/2017

When inquiring about the status of a project that I've requested my husband to tackle, it's not often that I find myself uttering "Whaaat...? You're done already? I take that back. I have never said that before. Because it has never happened. Until now. Until NeatHeat came into my life. Within an hour of these beauties arriving on my doorstep they were installed and looking sharp and sophisticated in all three of my bathrooms. Yep. We're talking radiators today. It's March and we're tackling every last project we can before the baby arrives in May! Not to mention the start of gardening season. Our bathroom radiators? Whoa. What an eyesore. We remodeled two out of our three bathrooms and the very last task on the list was those hideous radiators. We didn't know how to deal with them. They were ugly. Rusted. Pathetic. The cost of replacing metal radiators? It would be cheaper to sell our house and move. So Tom started googling and found NeatHeat. The below/after photo's will blow your mind. NeatHeat solved our ugly radiator problem without spending a mint. They can solve yours too! This is how.

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How-to keep your lawn lush & green: the organic way

3/17/2017

You've finally done it! Looking out the window of your house, you can see a gorgeous green expanse of beautiful lawn. Your family loves it, your neighbors are justifiably envious, and your pets appreciate it too. The questions now are "How can I keep my lawn lush organically?" and "How can I break my lawn's dependence on herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers?" Well, today is your (and your lawn's) lucky day. By following the four tips recommended today, your chances of maintaining the lawn of your dreams organically will be much increased.

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Tidying up with Gardener's Hollow Leg & giveaway!

3/12/2017

Tom and I have been married for ten years. I was positive that when we took our vows there was something in there about picking up weed piles. It was right after the "till death do us part" bit. Remember? Tom disagrees. I have this bad habit of weeding like a maniac and then leaving huge piles all over the yard. Not only does it look unsightly but it kills the lawn. The worst part is that I never seem to have any intention of picking up and disposing of those weeds. I leave them for Tom. So I'm happy today to introduce you to The Gardener's Hollow Leg, a product that not only solved my weed problem but it so versatile your head will spin. If you collect eggs, pick up kids toys, litter or beach shells; weed, harvest produce and fruit, or all of the above you'll want to enter this giveaway. So leave a comment and like the post on our Facebook page or sign up for our newsletter for your chance to win both the Gardener's Hollow Leg and the Gardener's Hollow Leg Junior! For two entries do both. International readers including all my fun Canadian friends, you are welcome to enter!

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Spring is here with Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds & giveaway!

3/5/2017

What pops into your brain when you think spring? For me it's seeds. Seeds = spring. Well that and the ducks returning from their warmer climates. And Easter chocolate arriving in stores. Not to mention the color lime green. So even though the snow is coming down at a decent pace here, I'm noticing the seed racks cropping up in many stores. It's exciting! But all seed is not equal. At Baker Creek, their seed is untreated, and they only sell non-GMO, open-pollinated varieties. With over 1800 varieties of vegetables, rare flowers and herbs to choose from, the selection is yours! So leave a comment and like the post on our Facebook page for your chance to win the Heirloom Seed Collection from Baker Creek Heirloom seeds! You can also enter by signing up for the Raise Your Garden newsletter. Which of their seeds in the Heirloom Collection would you like to try first? (I put the entire list later in this post). You also get Clyde's Garden Planner - all packaged in a sturdy, resealable, mylar bag for long-lasting storage!

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13 eye-popping houseplants with hoopla!

2/24/2017

Kalanchoe (succulent)

Have you heard? Houseplants are seriously trending for 2017. Savvy interior designers are all giving houseplants two thumbs up this year. But what kind? Which types will actually survive and thrive in your space? We don't have time for fussy plants and neither do you. So today we're giving you the plant rundown to help you reap what you sow. Some listed here are labelled as toxic to humans and/or pets. You'll have to weigh the benefits over possible side effects and do what's best for you. Neither one of my children nor pets have ever munched on my snake plant. Or wanted to for that matter. Play-doh yes. Dog food yes. Snake plant no. So for me the risks are very low. Even my cat never caved into temptation. And c'mon. The Christmas decor has come down and your house is starting to look a little bleak. It needs to be cheered up. The benefits of plants are quite numerous ranging from filtering and freshening the air to relieving stress...not to mention the aesthetic aspect of having living green art in your space. Hooray for houseplants. Here's 13 you don't want to miss out on!

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Growing vertically with Plants On Walls & $200 giveaway!

2/17/2017

Not much is green and growing in Buffalo, NY this time of year. Although I think our reputation for snow and ice is a bit overstated! So we welcome any opportunity to bring the outdoors in. Plants are soothing and refreshing, but less likely to flourish indoors unless you have a plan. Enter: Plants On Walls. Their felt vertical garden kit allows you to grow plants up your indoor wall during the cold months. As many studies reveal, green spaces reduce stress, and increase self-esteem, positive mood and productivity. And sure, you can use this awesome product outdoors too. Your choice! With all this versatility, I'm thrilled for you and your chance to win a Florafelt vertical garden kit valued at $200 from Plants On Walls. To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and comment & share on Facebook or sign up for our newsletter. For three entries, do both. Let us know that you have entered by telling us which plants make you happy!

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Making gardening a family affair

2/9/2017

Depending on where across the country you live, gardening can be a year-round activity or pretty much contained to the spring and summer months. But even if you’re looking out the window right now and see only cold rain or snow, you can begin designing a garden that will burst into bloom as soon as the weather warms up. Start making plans now, and include the kids in the early stages to get them involved and excited. Your local nursery and home improvement stores already have big displays of vegetable and flower seeds, and you can get absolutely lost exploring all of the options available online. Make it a project to plot out your yard and decide where you’re going to put everything.

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