((a green)) Tip of the Week!

The last few days have been focused of the food I am growing in my gardens. This is one of my favorite times of year to be outside. Everyday something has sprouted, spread, seeded or surprised me with some new bounty of produce. I think I love watching everything grow more than harvesting & eating it!! Is that weird?

I count the beans, check the tomatoes, pick off the caterpillars, stake the leaning vines, pick the yellowing chard to give as a treat to the pig, snap off the flower heads of my carrots, basil & oregano, tie-up the tender new shoots from my bean plants and carefully water all that looks dry. All the while cheering for the tender plants to withstand the wind, heat & pests ((little humans included, haha – hey it’s funny now, until they pick every last GREEN tomato off of the plants I’ve been nurturing all summer…)) and to grow … not just to grow – but to THRIVE.

And thrive they are. I have shared many recent pictures of my gardens (along with some tips for inserting edibles into areas typically reserved for ornamentals) in this update: ‘How does your garden grow?’. (but as we who have perpetual dirt under our fingernails know: I am one hail storm away from utter destruction – so I enjoy the gardens today, for I am not promised tomorrow.

This year, I am trying to be more thoughtful about soil & fertilizers I use — I have always been resistant to chemical pesticides, but didn’t have much time to investigate organic options for fertilizers until now. Wait – I still don’t have time!! – Like NO time, haha! I just grabbed the bag on the shelf that said organic fertilizer instead to the green & yellow bag full of blue crystals I normally buy. In addition to organic fertilizers, I have picked up a few pounds of used coffee grounds from Starbucks ((free)) & a bucket of epsom salts as well. We shall see how it goes for me and my leafy-green circle of influence.

One problem I have come across while trying to fertilize my veggies: evenly spreading dry granules of organic fertilizer — is hard. Using a small scoop it comes out too fast and ends up being applied in piles. Then I have to spread it by hand around the plants evenly – it’s a pain. So yesterday, I was about to have the same problem I always do until I looked around & suddenly a light bulb switch to on position in my brain-hole (there are reasons we call the brain a ‘brain-hole’ in the household…of 3 boys and a girl, but that discussion is for another day).

I save all of the plastic containers that come with plant purchases ((extra tip snuck into the Tip of the Week!! save plastic containers)). They come in so handy for rooting, transplanting and general propagation of plants. But today, an entirely new use occurred to me:

• I held a 4″ pots over my beans & poured the organic fertilizer granules inside. Some granules will begin falling out immediately. After pouring a few tablespoons, I gently shook and the granules slowly came out, spraying over the entire area – I made my own mini-spreader! The slits at the bottom of the pot are just the right size slowly funnel out the granules. Just a couple shakes and the job was done – well.

This may seem minor to you – but it fixed a problem I have been having — for FREE. ((yay for that)) As I was sharing my idea with Laura, she said she & her hubby had been having the same problem. Scott ended up fashioning a spreader out of a used Panera to-go cup.  What the world needs now is more ways to use what we already have…is that a song?