Tis the season! The warm weather is finally here. Gardening is not only a way to save money on vegetables, fruits and herbs; it is also a way to relax and enjoy nature. You can turn your gardening must-do’s into quality family time by getting the kids involved. Most children LOVE to play in the dirt, and get a kick out of mom or dad actually encouraging them to get dirty. I rent an upstairs apartment so I do not have any space here for a garden, however, I container garden here and plant a large garden at my grandmother’s home. I look forward to spring every year!

Here are a few tips and hints to help you save a little green this spring!

- When planting a large plant or transplanting into a large pot or planter, put empty, clean soda bottles on the bottom of the pot and then fill with soil. The small 12 oz or 20 oz bottles work well. This will reduce the amount of soil you will use and also reduce the weight of the pot for easier moving.

- Use a spray bottle of vinegar to kill weeds. Do not dilute. Spray vinegar directly on weeds being careful not to spray on any surrounding grass or plants. It will kill those,too. Not only will this save you alot of money on weed killer, it is also better for the environment as you are not using any harsh or toxic chemicals.

- reused and clean deli trays make great mini greenhouses. So do reused and clean aluminum  cake pans (the disposable kind) with the clear plastic lids.  This tip makes starting your plants from seed  much easier.

- When your child’s plastic pool needs to be emptied, have your kids (and their friends) grab a bucket and dump the pool water into your garden or on your plants. It makes sense to use this water because you would just be dumping it out into your yard anyway, might as well save some money! You won’t be using “new” water, adding money to your water bill.

- Ask your local county extension if they have a free mulch program. Several counties nationwide do. This will save you alot of money on your gardening budget. If your county does not have this program, call your local tree trimmers or the city and see if they will give you their mulch or sell it to you cheaply.

Please comment with your gardening tips! Leave your comment on the front page.

Most people love to decorate their home with beautiful plants, however they can be expensive to buy! I discovered a quick and easy solution! You can take vegetable cuttings and fruit seeds and plant them! They will turn into beautiful plants! My favorites to use are carrot tops, citrus seeds like grapefruit, orange, and lemon. You can use avocado seeds, be sure plant the pointed end up. Garlic cloves work also. You can use just about any fruit or vegetable seed or cutting that will sprout.

You can start your plants like any other seeds, however a “tightwad” way to do it when working with small seeds  or starters is to use an egg carton. Make sure the carton is clean and dry. Sprinkle some soil to cover the bottom of the cup, insert your carrot top or seed, etc. and cover with soil. Water like any other plant and wait.  There are no special instructions. Be sure to prune and trim your plant to your liking. Your local library or the internet has several resources on plant  care.

An inexpensive “mini greenhouse” : make a tent over the seed, starter or cutting with a clear bag. The thicker ziplock type bags work well. Keep out of direct sunlight. If your bag has trouble staying up you can keep it raised by putting a straw, chop stick or something similar inside the bag to hold it up. Just be sure when you insert into the soil not to put it on your seed!

Happy Planting!