Tips for First Time Gardeners

The stores are full of displays of seeds, plants, trees and everything a person needs to start gardening. Are you ready to give gardening a try? Planting your first garden is exciting and rewarding! If you are searching for advice, check out the following tips for first time gardeners.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

1. Start Small

  • Small Space: Begin with a manageable space. If you planting a garden by yourself, consider a small workable section or try few containers.
  • Easy: Focus on a few easy-to-grow plants like tomatoes, lettuce, radishes, or herbs.

2. Choose the Right Spot

  • Sunlight: Most vegetables and flowers need 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.
  • Drainage: Pick a spot with good drainage. Standing water is harmful to most plants.
  • Easy Watering: Your location should be near or close to a water source. Easy access to water is essential on long dry stretches.

3. Zone & More

  • Zone: What’s your zone? Research your USDA Hardiness Zone to select plants suited to your climate.
  • Best Soil: Use quality garden soil or compost to enrich native soil.
  • Weed Frequently: Remove weeds and rocks; loosen the soil to promote root growth

4. Pick Easy Plants

  • Vegetables: carrots, beans, zucchini, tomatoes
    • Herbs: basil, mint, parsley
    • Flowers: marigolds, sunflowers, zinnias

5. Water & Mulch

  • Keep Hydrated: Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong roots. If you need a help, research water techniques for your plants.
  • Early Riser: Mornings are best to reduce evaporation and disease risk.
  • Mulch Your Garden: Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
  • Label: Use garden markers to keep track of what you planted and where.

Remember, gardening takes time and practice. Do not be discouraged by small setbacks. Purchase a notebook to keep notes and adjust each season for better results. Enjoy the process. Play in the dirt, soak up the sun, and relax.

Ideas to Celebrate National Bird Day

Did you know today, January 5th, is National Bird Day? Unofficial holidays are perfect for quality family time or starting your own adventure. If you are searching for fun and meaningful ways to celebrate National Bird Day, check out the following activities.

1. Bird Watching Adventure

If weather permits, go outdoors and search for birds. Check out your local park or nature center. Do not forget your binoculars, camera, and your local bird guidebook. Create a checklist or make notes on how many species you can spot.

2. DIY Bird Feeders

Spend the afternoon creating homemade bird feeders. For example, a pine cone bird feeder is simple to create. Spread peanut butter on the pine cones then roll in birdseed. Next, hang your peanut butter-covered pine cones on your trees or a porch.

Another option is to craft bird feeders from recycled materials. Use old milk cartons, coffee cans, or plastic bottles.

3. Bird-Themed Crafts

Are you currently having a rainy or snowy day which limits your outdoor activities? Consider an afternoon bird-themed crating session. Create paper bird garlands or paint bird stones to hide around town later.

Cut bird shapes on large poster board or cardboard and create collages. Glue scrap pieces of paper, cloth stripes, glitter, feathers, noodles, googly eyes, yarn, or other materials to your cutout. Another collate option for kids is making masks.

4. Plan a Backyard Bird Sanctuary

Do you have space in your backyard to create a bird sanctuary? Design a plan for your unused area. Install bird baths, feeders, and nesting boxes. Add plants and flowers that attract local birds.

5. Educational Activities

Learn about the different bird species in your area. Read books or watch documentaries about birds. If you homeschool your children, consider creating an entire curriculum on birds.

Along with local birds, learn about endangered bird species. Develop a plan to help protect them. Consider symbolically adopting a bird through a wildlife conservation organization.

6. Volunteer for Bird Conservation

Volunteer as a family activity. Or Join a local bird-watching or conservation group. Many local groups host different events like trash cleanup to help the bird habitats and the environment.

Other groups may host a bird count events. Local volunteers go to different parks or nature area to count the different species of birds.

7. Make Bird-Themed Smash Journal Pages

Create a smash journal or two of your bird-related activities. Create spreads with bird sketches, feathers, and fun facts. Record the birds you see and your experiences. Your smash journal will quickly turn into a memorable keepsake.

Caring for the birds should be more than one day a year. Use National Bird Day to draw attention to your efforts to help birds and their habitat. Remember, have fun!

Hobby Ideas to Start This Spring

Easter is over. Now is the perfect time to celebrate Spring! Do you want to try something new? The new season is a wonderful time to pick up new hobbies that allow you to enjoy the outdoors and embrace the renewal of nature. If you are searching for inspiration, consider the following hobby ideas to start this spring.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. Gardening: Planting flowers, herbs, vegetables, or even starting a small container garden can be rewarding and therapeutic. Your new hobby can produce tomatoes, carrots, or other delicious vegetables.
  2. Hiking: Explore your local nature trails, national parks, or nearby mountains. Hiking allows you to enjoy the fresh spring air, exercise, and view beautiful scenery.
  3. Birdwatching: Spring is a great time for birdwatching. Many bird species migrate and become more active during this season. Invest in a high-quality pair of binoculars and a field guide to identify different bird species. Keep a log of the birds you spot at your feeder or in nature.
  4. Photography: Capture the beauty of spring with photography. Take time to photograph landscapes, blooming flowers, wildlife, birds, or people enjoying the outdoors. Photography can be a creative and fulfilling Spring hobby.
  5. Cycling: Take up cycling and explore your neighborhood or nearby trails. Cycling is a great way to stay active, get healthy, enjoy the spring weather, and discover new places.
  6. Painting or Drawing: Set up an easel outdoors. Paint or sketch the spring scenery, wildflowers, birds, or any other subject that inspires you.
  7. Outdoor Yoga or Tai Chi: Practice yoga or Tai Chi at your local park or your garden. Both are a great way to connect with nature, improve flexibility, and reduce stress.
  8. Canoeing or Kayaking: Spring is an excellent time to become more active. Take a canoe down your local river. Or learn to kayak. Both are rewarding hobbies to start.
  9. Geocaching: Join the geocaching community and embark on outdoor treasure hunts using GPS coordinates. Geocaching is a fun way to explore new places and enjoy the thrill of discovery.
  10. Outdoor Cooking: Experiment with outdoor cooking techniques such as grilling, smoking, or campfire cooking. Invite friends and family for outdoor picnics or BBQs. Spend an afternoon together and enjoy delicious meals in the fresh air. For added, fun host a bonfire in the evening. S’mores are a great way to end an outdoor event.

Remember to choose a hobby that aligns with your interests and lifestyle.  Do not be afraid to try out different activities until you find the ones you truly enjoy. Happy Spring!

Photo Prompts For Valentine’s Day

Do you want to spend time photographing the world around you on Valentine’s Day? Grab your camera and go. Celebrating Valentine’s Day through photography is a rewarding experience. If you are searching for inspiration, consider the following photo prompts for Valentine’s Day.

flock of birds flying over bare tree overlooking sunset
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
  1. Valentine’s Day Selfie
  2. Red
  3. Pink
  4. Love
  5. Heart
  6. Cozy
  7. Love Letters
  8. Romantic Dinner
  9. Drinks
  10. Gift Box
  11. Cany Hearts
  12. Romance
  13. Forever
  14. Always
  15. Chocolates
  16. Bling
  17. Sunset
  18. Hugs & Kisses
  19. Roses
  20. Something Beautiful
  21. Someone Beautiful
  22. Love Is…
  23. My Love
  24. Glitter\
  25. Art
  26. Graffiti
  27. Candles
  28. Smile
  29. Happiness
  30. Friendship
  31. Teddy Bear
  32. Portrait
  33. Décor
  34. Lasting Love

Happy Valentine’s Day!

February Photo Prompts

Welcome February! Are you ready for a new month? The second month of 2024 is the perfect time to get creative with photography. If you are searching for inspiration, consider the following photo prompts for February.

grayscale photo of road
Photo by Jan Kroon on Pexels.com
  1. February Selfie
  2. Close-up
  3. Distance
  4. Weather
  5. Favorite Thing
  6. Hobby
  7. Transportation
  8. Faceless Self-Portrait
  9. Tells a Story
  10. Bokeh
  11. High Angle
  12. Low Angle
  13. Sunrise/Sunset
  14. Valentine’s Day
  15. Black & White Photography
  16. Silhouette
  17. In the Mirror
  18. Numbers
  19. Letter “T”
  20. Vintage
  21. Around Your Town
  22. Action
  23. Inspiration
  24. Guilty Pleasure
  25. Wish
  26. Relaxation
  27. Animal
  28. Landscape
  29. Leap

Have a fantastic month! Keep taking pictures!

Hobbies You Can Start this Winter

Is finding a new hobby on your resolution list for 2024? Hobbies are a fantastic creative endeavor. Since Winter is going strong, starting a hobby today is a great way to pass the time on cold, snowy days. If you are searching for ideas, consider the following hobbies you can start this Winter at home.

selective focus photography of paintbrush near paint pallet
Photo by Steve Johnson on Pexels.com
  1. Knit or Crochet: Both are perfect for cozy winter evenings. If you need instructions, try searching YouTube for ideas.
  2. Indoor Gardening: Start cultivating some plants or herbs indoors. Fresh herbs are wonderful in new recipes.
  3. Cooking or Baking: Experiment with new recipes and warm up your kitchen.
  4. Painting or Drawing: Explore your creative side with winter-inspired art. Start by purchasing basics at your local dollar store.
  5. Reading Challenge: Set a goal to read several books during the Winter. Go to your local library or bookstore to find new Winter reading material.
  6. Yoga or Meditation: Stay active and maintain mental well-being.
  7. Board Games or Puzzles: Enjoy some indoor fun with family or friends.
  8. Writing: Try your hand at short stories, poetry, or journaling.
  9. DIY Crafts: Make handmade gifts or decorations for the season. Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter are coming soon.
  10. Photography: Capture the beauty of winter landscapes around you. Step outside and snap a few photos of the fallen snow or icicles. If you do not want to go out, set up a photo booth in your home to take photos of your family and friends. (Yes, photographing your cat is acceptable).
  11. Learn a New Skill: Try a language app, or a class online, or search YouTube for something new to learn.

In the chilly Winter months, everyone cozies up at home for warmth and comfort. Embracing a new hobby is an awesome way to make the most of those blustery, wintry days!