gardening

  • gardening

    Heat Mat Set-up, MIG Seed Haul, and A New Tool for Tomato Seed Starting Day

    • 02:59 I share my Mi Gardener seed haul, including unique varieties like Cherokee purple tomatoes, Italian striped zucchini, and more.
    • 07:52 I introduce the Ladbrooke genuine soil block, a tool for efficient seed planting, especially for tomatoes. It involves creating soil blocks for later transplanting.
    • 15:21 The Ladbrooke soil block is demonstrated in use for starting tomato seeds. I explain the importance of a thermostat for the heat mat in maintaining optimal soil temperature.
    • 18:38 I discuss seed stratification, emphasizing its importance for certain plants like yarrow, echinacea, lavender, and marshmallow.
    • 20:18 I give a recommendation for checking local high schools for 4-H plant sales in May as an affordable option for starter plants. I also suggest contacting extension offices for information on Master Gardener programs and plant sales.

    Simplifying Seed Starting: A Practical Guide for Every Gardener

    Introduction

    Today marks an exciting day in the greenhouse, filled with essential tasks to kickstart the growing season. In this article, we’ll cover the setup of a heat mat with a thermostat, explore a recent MIG seed haul, and introduce a new tool for efficient tomato seed starting.

    Greenhouse Overview

    Entering the warm greenhouse, we find the temperature hitting around 95 degrees, emphasizing the need for strategic shade cloth placement. The impending warmer days in Kennesaw, Georgia, signal the arrival of spring, and it’s time to get the greenhouse ready for action.

    Seed Haul Highlights

    Let’s delve into the recent seed haul from MI Gardener. Notable additions include an heirloom cross between butternut squash and pie pumpkin, sought-after Cherokee purple seeds, and various exciting additions like Italian striped zucchini, German giant radishes, and YOLO wonder pepper.

    Introducing the Soil Block Tool

    Next up is a revolutionary tool for seed starting: the Ladbrooke Genuine Soil Block from England. This innovative device simplifies the process of creating soil blocks for seed planting, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional containers.

    Seed Starting Process

    The article walks you through the steps of using the soil block tool, preparing the soil, labeling seeds, and the importance of a heat mat with a thermostat for optimal seed germination. The emphasis is on simplicity and efficiency in the seed starting process.

    Conclusion

    As the greenhouse gets buzzing with activity, it’s evident that proper seed starting sets the tone for a successful gardening season. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, implementing these straightforward techniques will ensure a thriving and fruitful harvest. Happy gardening!

    – Brandy

    SowingBack

  • gardening

    DIY Greenhouse Fix: It Keeps the Water Out! (Yes, it actually works)

    00:20 John fixed the greenhouse with cattle panels, making it sit higher and addressing rain sagging issues.

    02:04 Gorilla Waterproof tape was used to fix tears in the greenhouse canvas/plastic caused by heavy rain, providing effective waterproofing.

    03:29 Eight-foot cattle panels were placed over the top to prevent sagging during rain, secured with u-bolts and clamps.

    05:38 Heavy-duty zip ties may be used in some areas for additional security where u-bolts are not used.

    11:00 The greenhouse’s rainproofing was successful, and Brandy recommends using cattle panels for improved durability.

    13:19 I “showcase,” lol, my potting table made from a pallet, providing a convenient workspace.

    15:49 My thriving collard greens, brussels sprouts, and carrots in the garden.

    17:30 Encouragement to like, subscribe, and share their content to grow their community.

    Revolutionizing My Greenhouse: A DIY Triumph Against the Rain

    You have no idea how much this has helped us. If you’ve been in your greenhouse and it sags, you know I’m not kidding. We tried several things, and we were just to the point where we’d go push up on the sags to get the rain off, but then it was a big rain, and we had to figure something out that would work for real. I (John), pushed up on the sagging canvas bowl of water once and it broke. I got soaked, and no there’s no video, sorry. It wasn’t scripted. That was it. Time to act.

    Hey folks! I’m excited to drop some knowledge in this press release about a game-changing fix for my greenhouse, and it’s all captured in my latest YouTube video titled “DIY Greenhouse Fix: It Keeps the Water Out!” So, picture this – I got one of those budget-friendly greenhouses from Amazon last winter. Fast forward a year, heavy rains hit, and bam, it’s like a mess waiting to happen.

    Enter the hero of the story – my husband, John. He swoops in with this genius solution involving cattle panels, and let me tell you, it’s a total game-changer. The sagging issue? Fixed. The rainwater drama? Sorted. I’m sharing the whole saga in the video, folks!

    Now, here’s the breakdown. John used these eight-foot cattle panels – you know, the ones we use in the garden for tomatoes – and strategically placed them to reinforce the greenhouse structure. U-bolts and clamps came into play for that extra secure vibe, because, let’s face it, we get some wild spring winds and summer storms.

    The real star of the show, though, is this Gorilla Waterproof Tape. It’s like magic. No kidding, we had a week of rain, and not a single leak. I spill the beans on all the details in the video – you gotta check it out. Y’all (John speaking. I added this to the blog.) This really works. I couldn’t believe it myself. It took some time to do, but it actually did work.

    And the future plans? Ropes are on the shopping list for added stability, and we’re planning to throw that shade cloth back on in late spring. I’m optimistic – this fix is a winner!

    In the words of yours truly, “I’m super happy with it. I think it’s gonna be great for this year.” The video’s got all the nitty-gritty, from the materials we used to the step-by-step process. Trust me; it’s worth the watch.

    If you’re curious to see the greenhouse, head over to YouTube.

    -Brandy SowingBack.com

    P.S. Spread the word and share the video – let’s make gardening and DIY fixes the talk of the town!

  • gardening,  seedlings

    Exciting Garden Updates and Seed Starting Journey 🌱

    00:30 Brandy updates on garden progress, with fences, lighting, and arches removed. Shares plans for moving Tinker Bell roses and planting seeds.

    02:51 Discusses planting potatoes and strategies for better yield, emphasizing the importance of soil depth and continuous soil addition.

    03:28 Shows recently purchased sharp Little Snips, Temu planters for seed starting, and demonstrates the components for successful seed germination.

    08:29 Successfully plants blue potatoes, mentioning the importance of proper growth stages for adding more soil and achieving better yields.

    12:03 Introduces Goldie (I love her), the oldest chicken, and discusses the average egg production. Also, shares insights on rubbing chickens’ necks (Hint: They love it.)

    15:00 Recommends Jiffy seed starting mix, Vermont compost, and Sunglow for germinating seeds. Stresses the importance of moistening the soil before planting.

    16:22 Demonstrates planting broccoli seeds using a personal tool and marker for labeling. Shares plans to use heat mats for germination. Hoss Seeds sells them.

    19:57 Discusses using older seeds, importance of seed germination rates, and the strategy of sewing heavy to compensate for potential low germination rates.

    21:42 Expresses gratitude for husband’s hard work in garden preparation, including removing invasive Ivy and setting up teaposts. (Thank you lovely wife – John; yes, I typed this in.)

    Gardening Adventures and Seed-Starting Fun 🌱

    Hey Everybody,

    I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to catch you up on what’s been going on in our garden and share the latest from Sowing Back. I’ve been having a blast, and I can’t wait to spill the details.

    Garden Progress:
    So, our front garden is undergoing a total makeover. We’ve cleared the beds, taken down the fencing, and relocated the arches to the back garden. My Tinker Bell roses are still holding their own, and the whole scene is starting to look pretty amazing.

    Potatoes in the Ground:
    We decided to dive into planting blue potatoes. The soil is fantastic, loaded with worms, and I’ve got this plan to maximize the potato harvest. Fingers crossed for a successful spud venture!

    Seeds Taking Off:
    This week, I’ve been getting my hands dirty with seed starting. Using those Temu Little Starter Pots and a mix of seeds, I’m all set for broccoli, cabbage, and more. Also, those Little Snips I picked up? A total game-changer for any gardening enthusiast!

    Chickens and Fresh Eggs:
    Let me introduce you to Goldie (you can see her in the video 12:03), our charming four-year-old chicken. I’m over the moon with joy collecting fresh eggs and spending some quality time with our feathered friends. The chicken coop is alive with activity, adding a special touch to our garden space. Update: We actually had some of the eggs today (Saturday. Both John and I loved them, so rich in color and taste. No AI here :))

    Heat Mat Magic:
    To give our seeds the best shot at success, I’m using heat mats. The one from Hoss comes with nifty temperature guidelines, and I’ll show you the setup. It’s all about creating the perfect cozy spot for our seeds to thrive.

    Looking Ahead:
    We’ve officially kicked off the 2024 garden season, and I’ve already planted the first seeds. The excitement is building as we see the garden waking up. Stay tuned for more updates from Sowing Back!

    Thanks for joining me on this gardening journey. If you’ve got any tips or stories to share, hit reply. Wishing you a day filled with green-thumb vibes!

    Best,

    – Brandy

  • gardening

    Getting Ready for Garden Season on the Cheap

    Long Indexing for you guys.

    00:46 I (Brandy if you don’t know) share a shopping haul from Dollar Tree, highlighting their affordable gardening supplies. She praises the quality and low cost of garden clips, seeds, and other items, emphasizing the budget-friendly options for gardening enthusiasts.

    02:20 I recommend Dollar Tree’s garden clips, priced at $1.25 for 20 clips, as cost-effective and of good quality for various gardening needs such as staking tomatoes and supporting sunflowers.

    03:54 Dollar Tree offers packs of seeds at four for a dollar, with Bry showcasing the varieties she purchased, including long Allen Mammoth dill, cantaloupe, sweet Italian basil, chives, and more, highlighting the affordability of gardening on a budget.

    13:54 Brandy shares her shopping experience at Teemu, an affordable online store. She displays greenhouse starts, garden clips, compostable tea bags, and herb-drying solutions, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness and practicality of these items for gardening enthusiasts.

    19:54 Brandy showcases greenhouse starts from Teemu, providing insights into the product’s components, functionality, and potential for starting seeds. She compares them favorably to Dollar Tree options and expresses excitement about trying them in her gardening activities.

    23:06 Brandy introduces compostable tea bags from Teemu, emphasizing their biodegradability and suitability for tea enthusiasts engaged in sustainable practices. She appreciates the eco-friendly nature of these tea bags.

    24:09 Brandy presents a hanging herb-drying solution from Teemu, showcasing its multi-layer design with zipper pouches. She expresses enthusiasm about its potential for air-drying herbs and flowers, providing an affordable and practical solution for gardeners.

    25:16 Temu offers handy herb drying racks with multiple layers for efficient air drying of herbs and flowers.

    28:40 Temu shipping takes approximately 7-10 days, and the haul includes various items for gardening, such as seed starters, compostable tea bags, chicken-themed stickers, and a canvas apron.

    30:47 The most exciting purchase is the herb drying rack with multiple layers, which is affordable and offers the option to control air circulation for different seed starting needs.

    32:49 Temu provides affordable and good-quality seed starting kits, including trays with air hole options. The YouTuber plans to review the products after usage to share insights on their effectiveness.

    Subject: Exciting Garden Finds: Dollar Tree and Teu Haul!

    Hi Y’all,

    I hope this day finds you well and excited for the upcoming gardening season! 🌱 Recently, I made some fantastic discoveries at Dollar Tree and Temu that I couldn’t wait to share with you.

    Dollar Tree Garden Haul 🌼

    I visited Dollar Tree after church, just intending to pick up some heavy whipping cream for my coffee. However, as luck would have it, I stumbled upon a treasure trove of gardening goodies! From garden gnomes to decorative pots, they had it all. Most importantly, I stocked up on a variety of seeds, including the long Allen Mammoth dill, cantaloupe, sweet Italian basil, chives, and many more. The best part? Each seed pack was just four for a dollar! I also snagged some practical gardening tools like the handy garden clips, perfect for staking tomatoes and more. Dollar Tree truly is a budget-friendly haven for gardening enthusiasts.

    Temu Online Garden Haul 🌿

    Curiosity led me to Temu, an online store recommended by friends. The excitement kicked in as I explored their diverse selection. Among my finds were greenhouse starts with trays and lids, offering an affordable and eco-friendly option for starting seeds. These seem promising, and I can’t wait to see how they perform. Additionally, I picked up Velcro snips, compostable tea bags (perfect for my homegrown herbal teas), and a clever herb-drying hanging basket with multiple layers. Temu even had fun chicken-themed stickers for labeling egg cartons – a delightful touch for my egg customers!

    What I’m Most Excited About 🎉

    One of my favorite discoveries is the herb-drying hanging basket from Temu. With its multi-layered design and breathable compartments, it seems like the perfect solution for naturally drying herbs without compromising their freshness or nutrients. I also got an adorable chicken-themed apron, which, while intended for kids, might find its way into my garden attire. Who says gardening can’t be stylish?

    You wouldn’t think so, but both Dollar Tree and Temu provided affordable options for expanding my gardening tools and supplies. If you’re gearing up for the gardening season on a budget, these places might have just what you need.

    Happy gardening,
    – Brandy 🌿

  • gardening

    Garden Planting & Prepping: Onions, Shallots, and Taters

    00:36 Enjoying a beautiful day in the garden, preparing for rain tomorrow, and discussing a recent visit to the local Feed and Seed store.

    02:39 We visited the Feed and Seed store, found seed shallots, onions, and blue potatoes. Excited to try growing blue potatoes due to potential health benefits.

    06:19 Encouraging everyone to check their extension services for soil testing, gardening advice, and free seeds. Shared a gardening chart for the home garden planting schedule.

    09:40 Planning to plant peas, carrots, and onion sets. Highlighting the benefits of companion planting with onions and garlic to deter pests.

    15:46 Cutting and preparing blue potatoes for planting, anticipating future updates on their growth.

    Hi Everyone,

    I hope this day finds y’all well! I wanted to share the latest happenings in my garden with you. Today was a fantastic day, full of sunshine and gardening adventures.

    To kick off the day, we made a quick stop at Costco after church for some heavy whipping cream, but as usual, we ended up with a whole haul of goodies. You know how it goes! 😄

    Once back home, I spent the entire day in my garden, enjoying the mid-60s weather here in Kennesaw, Georgia. It’s February 3rd, and the days are getting longer (yeah!). The chickens are laying eggs, lots of them some days, and everything seems to be coming to life. Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow, but that won’t stop our gardening plans.

    I started the day with a visit to our local Feed and Seed in Marietta, Georgia. I replenished our feed layer pellet, winter scratch, and mealworms for the chickens. They also had an unexpected surprise – seed shallots, a variety of onions, and potatoes. I couldn’t resist grabbing sweet onions, red onions, and excitingly, blue potatoes! Fingers crossed for a successful potato harvest this time.

    I also want to give a shoutout to our County Extension Service through the University of Georgia. They provided valuable information on soil testing and gardening recommendations. I highly recommend checking out your local extension office for useful insights tailored to your area.

    Armed with my gardening guide for the year, I decided it was the perfect time to start planting. I got shallots, onions, peas, and carrots in the ground. The potatoes are prepped and ready to be planted later this week.

    Oh, and I have a surprise eucalyptus plant that’s thriving in a bootstrap farmer grow bag. It’s a pleasant bonus to the garden!

    I’m thrilled about the upcoming gardening season. How about you? What growing zone are you in, and what are you most looking forward to planting this year? Share your thoughts in the comments!

    Looking forward to hearing from you.

    Happy gardening! 🌱
    – Brandy

  • gardening

    Worm Farming in Raised Beds

    • 03:25 🪱 Brandy unboxes a worm composter from Vego Garden, expressing excitement about growing her own worms for composting.
    • 05:35 📦 The composter resembles a laundry basket and comes with instructions on what to feed the worms, emphasizing no plastics, chemicals, or meat.
    • 07:07 🛏️ Brandy demonstrates how to bury the composter 11 inches deep in a garden bed, highlighting the importance of depth for worm farming.
    • 08:45 🪴 Before adding worms, she prepares the bedding with compost, garden soil, and a mix of natural materials, emphasizing the need for a neutral pH.
    • 10:54 🍌 Brandy plans to feed her worms one to two times a week, stressing the importance of monitoring food levels to avoid overfeeding or hunger.

    Brandy’s Garden Using and Raising Worms in a Raised Bed

    Hey everyone, it’s Brandy, and I’m super excited to share a new chapter in my gardening journey with you. Today, I unbox something I’ve been eyeing for a while – a worm composter from Vego Garden that I snagged for $49.95 (That’s not an affiliate link. I just like the worm composter, so feel free to click it!)

    In my latest video, “Worm Farming in Raised Beds,” I take you through my front-side garden, also known as the ‘blue door garden.’ It’s where I’ve faced some challenges with raised beds, but hey, that’s gardening for you – always something to learn and improve.

    These beds, built with pickets during the wood craze of 2021, have served me well, but it’s time for a revamp. I experimented with different methods like hugelkultur, but it didn’t quite hit the mark. Now, I’m diving into the world of worm farming with this cool composter.

    Why worms? Well, they’re not just slimy little creatures; they’re like garden superheroes. Worm castings are gold for your plants, helping with soil aeration and providing top-notch compost. Plus, it’s an excellent solution for recycling kitchen scraps.

    In the video, I unbox this sturdy composter that honestly looks like a heavy-duty laundry basket. Vego Garden even threw in a cute magnet with care instructions. No onions, garlic, or meat bones – got it!

    Now, the fun part begins. I’m planting this worm composter in one of my beds, and if it works out, I might become a full-fledged worm farmer. Worm tea, anyone?

    I’m sharing the whole process – digging the hole, preparing the bedding with compost, cardboard, and leaves, and, of course, adding the stars of the show: the worms. Not just any worms, I’m thinking of going for red wigglers; they’re like the rockstars of the composting world.

    If you’re curious about this worm farm or thinking of becoming a fellow worm wrangler, check out the full video here.

    For media inquiries or if you just want to share your own worm farming adventures, reach out to Brandy’s Garden Media Relations at media@brandysgarden.com.

    About Brandy’s Garden:
    Brandy’s Garden is where I spill the dirt on my gardening experiments, share tips, and connect with fellow plant enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting your hands dirty, there’s always something blooming in Brandy’s Garden.

    Follow Brandy’s Garden on Social Media:

    Disclaimer: Brandy’s Garden is not affiliated with Vego Garden; I just genuinely love their worm composter.

  • gardening

    Garden Supply Shopping & Blueberry Planting

    • 00:14 🌱 Heading to Atlantis Hydroponics in Midtown, ATL, for seed starting supplies and 20-gallon planters to grow blueberries.
    • 01:39 🍇 Discuss the success of planting blueberry varieties together in the planters, influenced by Garden Answers, yielding impressive growth.
    • 03:00 🌳 Explaining the decision to use planters for blueberries due to better control, mentioning concerns about deer and the strategic placement along the fence line.
    • 06:23 🌿 Introducing two blueberry varieties, Titan and Dr. Creewer, mentioning their origin from UGA and the University of Georgia, respectively, emphasizing their complementary pollination.
    • 12:59 🏡 The benefits of using quality 20-gallon planters from Atlantis Hydroponics, suggests it as a patio gardening option, and provides insights into blueberry care and pH requirements.

    Diving into the Hydroponic World: My Blueberry Planting Adventure at Atlantis Hydroponics

    Hey there, it’s Brandy from the “Sowing Back” YouTube channel! Recently, I took a trip down to Atlantis Hydroponics in Midtown, ATL, and I’m excited to spill the beans on my latest blueberry planting venture.

    The Blueberry Planting Hack That Works Wonders

    During my hydroponics supply haul, I spilled the tea on my unique blueberry planting strategy. It’s all about the magic of pollination and planting different blueberry varieties together in these massive 20-gallon planters. Got this genius idea from Garden Answers, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer. My blueberry bushes are thriving like never before!

    Why Planters Trump Planting in the Ground

    I ditched the traditional ground planting for a more controlled approach. After a bit of soil testing, I found a sweet spot to set up these planters sourced from Atlantis Hydroponics. Not only do they give me better control, but they’re also deer-proof. Placing them strategically along my backyard fence keeps those pesky deer at bay.

    Meet Titan and Dr. Creewer – The Dynamic Blueberry Duo

    While on my hydroponic shopping spree, I introduced two rockstar blueberry varieties – Titan and Dr. Creewer. Both hailing from the University of Georgia, these guys tag-team in pollination, making my blueberry garden a buzzing success.

    Raving About Atlantis Hydroponics Planters

    Can we talk about the 20-gallon planters from Atlantis Hydroponics? Top-notch quality, sturdy as heck, and super convenient. I’m shouting them out for patio gardening too, plus they let me control the pH levels – a game-changer for my blueberries.

    Nostalgia and Future Green Dreams

    Taking a stroll down memory lane, I shared the highs and lows of past seasons. From the video, you’ll catch me planting and dishing out compost, all while sharing my hopes for the new blueberry bushes. It’s like a green dream unfolding!

    Support Local, Support Atlantis Hydroponics

    In the spirit of backing local businesses, I dropped a link to Atlantis Hydroponics. Small businesses like these need our support, and they’ve been kind to me. Check them out and consider them for your gardening needs.

    About ‘Sowing Back’

    ‘Sowing Back’ is where I spill the beans on all things gardening. Think of it as your go-to for green adventures, personal stories, and tips for a sustainable garden. Join me, and let’s get our hands dirty!

    -Brandy 🙂

    Garden Tips:

    • Organic Fertilizers for your blueberries:
    • Get Blood or Fish Meal
    • P & K: Bone Meal or Powdered Seaweed
    • Acidity: add old coffee grounds
    • ****Get your soil tested at your local Extension services to see what Nutrients your soil is needing before fertilizing. This is more crucial than you think.
  • Garden Tour,  gardening

    Organizing Seeds and Mapping Garden Space

    Chapter Views:

    • 00:00 🚗 Plans for seed organization stressing cost-effectiveness.
    • 03:24 📦 Importance of Michaels’ photo boxes for organized seed storage; reflecting on past disorganization.
    • 05:11 🗂️ Challenges with insufficient seed boxes; purchase of additional boxes for better organization; plan to use a legal pad for notes.
    • 09:07 📚 Encouragement for gardening; personal experience with horticulture classes; insights from landscape design class.
    • 11:00 🌳 Showcase of master garden plan; importance of crop rotation and companion planting; personal journey from a small bed to a larger garden.
    • 20:09 📈 Discussion on expanded garden, future plans, and dreams; mention of potential small market share or garden ministry.
    • 21:03 🖊️ Practical tips for garden planning; importance of drawing a master copy for each season; recommendation of square foot gardening.
    • 22:15 🌱 Caution about challenges in maintaining expanded garden space; advice to start small and gradually expand based on success.
    • 23:51 📏 Stress on keeping records of gardening activities; suggestions for beginners with flowers or small beds; encouragement to learn from both successes and failures.

    Ok. That’s the TL;DR.

    Here is from my video. Watch and read and let me know if you have better ideas. Or, if you just want to share.

    Getting Organized for a Bountiful Gardening Season 🌱📦

    Hi Everybody,

    I hope this day finds you well and full of excitement for the upcoming gardening season! 🌼🍅 As someone who shares a passion for gardening, I wanted to reach out and share a recent experience that might spark some inspiration for your own garden planning.

    In this video I share my insights on seed organization and garden planning. I went to Michaels to snag some discounted photo boxes for seed packets to the importance of keeping records of planting successes and failures.

    How to Organize Seeds and Plan the Garden (briefly, then more detailed)

    To organize seeds, consider using archival-safe photo boxes, as shown in the video. These boxes are available at Michaels and are commonly used by gardeners (like you and me). Label and categorize the boxes based on the type of seeds or plants you intend to grow. It’s recommended to separate vegetable, fruit, flower, and herb seeds to keep things organized. Additionally, create a master plan or drawing of your garden layout, marking where each type of seed will be planted. This plan helps with crop rotation and efficient use of space. Regularly review and update your seed organization, making notes on successes and failures for future reference.

    How About Drawing the Garden Space?

    I know this is long, but it is worth it. I wanted to bullet this out, so it is easy to follow. I honestly hope it helps you, and you can see what I’ve done with it myself in the video.

    Remember, this is for a small raised bed to a larger space, and highlights the significance of planning, record-keeping, and adapting based on previous experiences. As in, you kept a record and know what happened last year. You will forget! I promise. “Hey, what was that tomato we liked,” said John. “I think it was xyz,” I said, but I really had only a vague idea. You don’t have to forget like I have.

    Also you must take into consideration factors like space, sunlight, and plant varieties. Just remember whether this is the first garden or tenth, you can benefit from these easy to follow steps on gardening.

    To draw your garden, follow these steps:

    Gather Supplies

    • Get a good-quality pencil with a reliable eraser.
    • Use card stock or thicker paper to draw on for durability.
    • Consider using a drafting ruler for straight lines.

    Choose a Scale

    • Decide on a scale for your drawing. For example, each square on your paper could represent one square foot of your actual garden.

    Start with an Outline

    • Begin by drawing the outline of your garden space. Include any existing structures, like fences, walls, or buildings.

    Add Existing Features:

    • Mark the location of any permanent features, such as trees, shrubs, or existing flower beds.

    Plot Planting Areas:

    • Use symbols or labels to represent different planting areas for vegetables, fruits, flowers, or herbs.

    Consider Sunlight and Shade:

    • Take note of the sunlight patterns throughout the day. Indicate areas of full sun, partial shade, or full shade.

    Include Pathways:

    • Draw pathways or walkways between planting areas. Consider their width based on how you plan to navigate through the garden.

    Label Plants:

    • Label specific plants or groups of plants within each planting area. This will help with crop rotation planning.

    Use Colors or Shading:

    • If you like, use colors or shading to differentiate between different types of plants or features.

    Create a Legend:

    • Include a legend or key to explain the symbols, colors, or labels you’ve used in your drawing.

    Plan for Growth:

    • Anticipate the growth of plants over time. Consider spacing requirements and potential size of mature plants.

    Photograph or Scan:

    • Take a photograph or scan your garden drawing for digital records or future reference.
    • John actually took the aerial photos from our county and used it as a reference for some things.
      • Google maps might also help.

    Remember that your garden drawing doesn’t need to be elaborate; the goal is to create a practical and useful visual representation. Update the drawing each season to reflect changes and learn from your gardening experiences.

    If you got this far, you’re dedicated. Let me know what you end up doing with the drawings. I’d love to see them and share with everyone.

    Happy gardening!
    Brandy

  • gardening

    Gardening Tips – Giving My Houseplants a Reboot

    • 02:11 🌱 Indoor plants challenge gardeners; focus on reviving a sad cactus, highlighting their importance for air quality.
    • 03:33 🏺 Repotting plans involve larger, discounted terracotta pots from Tractor Supply.
    • 11:42 🌱 Successfully revived herbs, emphasizing house plants’ resilience. Encouragement for all gardeners, reflecting on the past year.
    • 13:20 🌱 Reflecting on the past year, encouraging starting small, embracing failures, and expressing gratitude for the gardening journey.

    Nurturing Green Joy: Winter Gardening Delights

    As the frost settles in (Yes, even in North Central Georgia it gets cold and frosty), my garden becomes a sanctuary of resilience and surprises. Join me on this update where we delve into the challenges of house plants, my repotting plans, and reflections on the passing year.

    Garden Update

    Winter hasn’t silenced my garden; instead, it’s a symphony of Brussels sprouts, cabbages, and broccoli standing strong. With cabbages earmarked for sauerkraut and Brussels sprouts braving the winter, recent heavy rain has primed the soil. This weekend’s forecast promises dry weather, a perfect cue to embrace the winter garden. We also plan on Napa cabbage for Kimchi.

    House Plant Challenges

    Venturing indoors, my plants aren’t as nice. House plants are hard to manage sometimes, when you concentrate mostly on the outside plants. But, their significance in improving indoor air quality, particularly for my son’s asthma, is not lost on me. A spotlight on a downtrodden cactus sparks contemplation; perhaps, a larger pot could be its savior (go Cactus soil).

    Repotting Plans

    Embarking on a journey of repotting, my ambitions encompass basil, a mysterious cactus, and the art of selecting pots one to two sizes larger. Terracotta pots take the spotlight for their benefits. In the video, I share insights on scoring discounted pots and showcase a basil plant flourishing from last year’s garden.

    Additional Information

    Encouraging viewers to revive ailing house plants becomes a mission. Anticipation for the upcoming gardening season is contagious, and I urge y’all to reflect on your own gardening journeys.

    Year-End Reflection and New Year Wishes

    Reflecting on wins and “failures” in my garden, I emphasize the invaluable lessons learned from setbacks. For beginners, I advocate starting small and seek insights from seasoned gardeners on their favorite plants and seed sources. I also recommend seed supplier and a dive into seed stratification to round off your seed and plant growing skills. Stratification is fascinating.

    Closing Thoughts

    I champion a positive mindset, even in gardening challenges. A teaser for the next video—a tantalizing grilled cheese bacon blackberry and jalapeno sandwich.

    Meta Description:

    Embark on a winter gardening journey with me as I navigate house plant challenges, unveil repotting plans, and reflect on the joys and lessons of the past year. 🌿✨ #WinterGardening #HousePlants #GardenReflection #NewBeginnings #GreenTherapy

    HASHTAGS:

    #WinterGardening, #HousePlants, #GardenReflection, #NewBeginnings, #GreenTherapy, #PlantCare, #IndoorGarden, #GardenInspiration, #WinterHarvest, #GratitudeGardening
  • Garden Tour,  gardening

    Wrapping Up the 2023 Garden Season & Exciting Plans for 2024

    • 00:01 🌱 Garden work, relocation, and marshmallow root harvest.
    • 03:28 🌳 Harvesting cabbages, Nappa cabbage, and checking Brussels sprouts.
    • 06:28 🥦 Broccoli harvest, using damaged leaves for chickens, and unique-shaped pieces.
    • 09:10 🍽️ Wrapping up garden work, gratitude, and reflection on the 2023 season.
    • 11:16 🎉 Gratitude for 2023 growth, family appreciation, and excitement for 2024 garden season with a planner.

    Happy New Year everyone! 2024

    Hey Everyone (Gardners and whoever is interested in gardening),

    I hope this post finds you well and ready to embrace the new year! As we bid farewell to the last moments of the 2023 garden season, I wanted to share a recap in our latest YouTube video, “The Last of the 2023 Garden Season & a Bucket of Harvest.” 🌿🎬

    In the video, I dive into the transition of our garden from the front to the back, an exciting expansion to accommodate our growing apple orchard and more. You’ll witness the bittersweet deconstruction of our Old Blue Door, which has faithfully served us but is now making way for new plans in the coming year. 🚜🌳

    One highlight of the video is the proud harvest of our homegrown treasures, including cabbages, Brussels sprouts, and Nappa cabbage. We share the joys and challenges of gardening, from battling pests to discovering unexpected surprises (like a cheeky rat and a lost bird). 🦔🐦

    As we reflect on the abundance of the 2023 season, we express deep gratitude for the support from our gardening community and the dedication of our “team”, especially my husband Johnny and our young helpers (well, not so young anymore). The journey wouldn’t be the same without each of you! 🙏👨‍🌾

    Looking forward to 2024, we’re excited to embark on a Legacy project and have already started planning the layout for the upcoming garden season. Stay tuned for updates on our garden planner, set to arrive next week, as we aim to be more organized and intentional in our gardening endeavors. 📅📋

    Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with joy, growth, and abundant harvests! 🎉🌻

    Thanks for reading and hopefully watching – Brandy from SowingBack.com