Green Thumb?

Do you have a green thumb? If not, I know just the way to make use of your thumb regardless. Do not give up, stay with me a moment and read what I have to say. I want you to take some time, and do some hand watering of your yard. That's right I want you to forget the sprinkler and do some hand watering. Take a watering can or jug of water and hand water some plants in your yard. Take your hose and place that thumb of yours over the hose and hand water your lawn, shrubs and trees.

Why, you must be asking yourself? First of all for you to take notice of your own surroundings and the needs of your own yard and plants. Second to really look and see anything you would like to change about it. One thing is for sure, for myself I really needed to water more. This was to keep things from drying out and dying. This will also keep it from becoming fuel for a fire that could damage your home.

I Currently live in a area that I get my water from a public water source. We are currently in a stage 2 drought here. Watering with a sprinkler, you can water only once a week (or less), between 3-8 a.m. or 8-10 p.m. Your watering day is based on the last number of your address. No watering on weekends with sprinklers. (Hand Watering OK Anytime or Day) What better way to get started in getting to know, what needs to be done, than going outside to hand water your yard.

The Next Step: This could be a small baby step for you or a big leap of faith for you. Now that you have gotten used to doing some hand watering. You probably have noticed some improvement in your lawn, shrubs or trees. The next step for you is to prepare either a container or small plot at your home. Yes a area to plant something you can eat; or something that flowers and can enjoy. Pick up some garden seeds. Follow the planting instructions. Do some of the hand watering you have already gotten used to. Then let nature take its' course. You should be able to watch and enjoy, what you have put some of your time into. This can be very rewarding and become a new found joy for you.

The Second Step, "Repeat" :) Have fun, and be well on your way to having not only a great looking yard, but getting that Green Thumb you were looking for. Read about my first gardening experience.

Obsessives: Seeds

I like collecting seeds myself; and love being able to grow all kinds of plants for flowers or food. Everyone should at least try to grow something.

Episode-591- Planning and Building the Suburban Homestead

From: January 20, 2011 on  The Survival Podcast.  Disclaimers & Policies

"When you hear the word homestead you typically think of open spaces, rural America and some acreage. For many American’s though it just isn’t currently an option. Many of us are bound to the city by employment, family obligations or other considerations.

Still I believe homesteading is for everyone and there are some real opportunities for suburban homesteaders who want to convert their homes from consumer to producer.

Of course there are challenges for the suburbanite with considerations such as excessive shade, available space, ordinances and retaining marketability of the home for resale.

The key to successful suburban homesteading is understanding your limitations but focusing on making the most of the unique advantages inherent to small landscapes such as ease of management and easy irrigation." - Jack Spirko

Join Me Today As We Discuss…

Define the overall goal of a homestead
Evaluate your limitations and landscape
Define your wants and needs
What do you like to eat
What is cheap and easy to buy
What is expensive to purchase
What is difficult to acquire organically or locally
Define areas by shade, sun, wind, usage, etc
Focus on the right types of crops
Heavy producers
Not readily available commercially
Perennials over annuals
Easy to store for long term usage
Require special care that can be automated
Considering livestock
Poultry is highly efficient for eggs
Rabbits are probably the best meat option
Utilize wildlife for livestock functions like manuring
Aquaculture and Aquaponics are excellent options
Extending your seasons and productivity
The greenhouse or cold frames are essentials
Using and channeling roof run off
Understanding and maximizing micro-climates
Use climbers and vertical spaces
Taking big techniques and downsizing them
Swales
Hugelkultur
Food Forests
Ponds

How to Start Seeds for Planting

>>>>>>>>>>CLICK HERE TO GET SEEDS<<<<<<<<<