width=”538″ height=”316″ /> I am a sucker for kids seed growing kits especially when I pass by them on clearance. The one I found was the Growums Herb Seed Kit at Lowes on clearance for $2.49, though typically they run for $5 so not a bad price at retail. The kit includes 8 peat pots, bottom watering container to hold them, and ~20 seeds of basil, cilantro, oregano, parsley…
width=”550″ height=”309″ /> Typically I do my best to give my plants some chance to harden off by reducing the low-end temperature of the grow box and bumping up the extended time the internal fan runs as well as letting them have a few hours out in real sun when schedule and weather permits. Fortunately/Unfortunately eventually these plants have to venture out on their own. To provide some protection…
While my existing system was working I decided to make an upgrade to the electronics on my old grow box controller specifically to have a much more industrial strength version that will run without problems for decades to come. This version also is much safer…still probably not quite to a building code but much less worries to burning my garage down in the middle of the night. Finally it…
width=”550″ height=”309″ /> Today was the first day for farmer’s markets to open in my area. Still a bit early for many vegetables but plenty of cold season crops to choose from (kale, asparagus, green onions, etc) I left with some onions and apples…kids left with some honey, lavender soap, and kettle corn. If you haven’t made to your farmer’s market it is a great time to find on…
width=”550″ height=”433″ /> While walking down the hallways at work I noticed a coworker with a caffeine molecular T-Shirt and made me think of the question, “What does a simple spec of dirt look look?” I know my brain works in weird ways…but anyway what I found was pretty amazing. Above is what an average molecule’s chemical composition looks like. For any of you chemistry nerds more specifically this…
alt=”IMG_2716″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/www.cheapvegetablegardener.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_2716.jpg?resize=500%2C371″ width=”500″ height=”371″ /> Nothing is tastier during the summer than home-grown vegetables. Unfortunately, insects feel the same way and often destroy vegetable gardens in short amounts of time. To prevent these pests from reaping the benefits of diligent gardening, consider the following tips. Plant transfers early. While it may be somewhat risky in cooler climates to plant early, this practice can prevent initial pest problems. Insects are…
alt=”Strawberries” src=”https://i0.wp.com/www.cheapvegetablegardener.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Strawberries.png?resize=554%2C369″ width=”554″ height=”369″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/www.cheapvegetablegardener.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Strawberries.png?w=615&ssl=1 615w, https://i0.wp.com/www.cheapvegetablegardener.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Strawberries.png?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w” sizes=”auto, (max-width: 554px) 100vw, 554px” /> Are you planning a garden this year? If so, you are in good company. Over 50 million American households will be growing some or all of their own fruits, vegetables, herbs, or berries. Plant nurseries, garden centers, farm supply and home improvement centers have all noticed an uptick on sales of seeds, plants, seedlings, Fruit…
width=”550″ height=”309″ /> Ok maybe a flamethrower is a bit of an exaggeration but just got done weeding my small yard in about 20 minutes and never had so much fun. The product I used was the Red Dragon (Weed Dragon 100,000 BTU) Vapor Torch which I picked up at Amazon for $50 with free shipping. Not only is this 2000 degree Fahrenheit blast to use it also is…
width=”423″ height=”282″ /> If you’re looking for something romantic to do with your sweetheart and have run out of ideas, try gardening together. Gardening has become one of the most popular ways couples spend time together because it brings you together while giving you something to show for it with lasting effects. There are a few ways you can do it to make it work best for you. If…
width=”488″ height=”366″ /> Tomato Plants are not known for being forgiving. They are not beginner plants. Tomatoes give seasoned gardeners nightmares. So why is it that I keep torturing myself by trying and trying to grow them? Maybe I like a challenge. Maybe I think that I’ll do better with a difficult crop, since my luck with “easy” plants is sporadic at best. Maybe I really like Salsa. Ok,…
width=”550″ height=”309″ /> When it comes to pumpkins, cucumbers, and zucchini, I plant these and much the same way. This might make sense since they are all in the cucurbits, Latin for the squash portion of the family. All three of these are pretty rapid grower so no need for small cells and transplants here. Actually all three really do not appreciate being transplanted so go with the largest…
width=”555″ height=”305″ /> Tip to gardeners with two year olds, don’t keep you seeds on the counter within some little hands reach. I was at least happy she was nice enough to bring the seeds from the kitchen counter to the kitchen table to open and pour them out…much easier to clean up than rubbed into the carpet. Happy seed starting…