These are a few of My Favorite Things…LAWNMOWER!

On By Barbara HobensIn Lawn, Spring, ToolsLeave a comment

I love sharing what has worked for me in gardens I have had in the past and now. Not only a great tip such as “when you remove a weed, place some compost, another plant, or a handful of mulch in its place” but tools, plants, and products.

Ever since I was a toddler, I loved to just be barefoot and the best places in my experience have been the lawn and the sand just past the breaking ocean waves. I love to walk out the backdoor and around the entire yard to check on garden beds connected by an organic cushy grass and Dutch white clover lawn. The springtime show of beautiful crocus is now followed by violets, and later on – I mow around a patch of some spreading purple ajuga.

The noise and smell of a gas-powered lawn mower, and especially having to pull that damn cord umpteen times to get it going was not my idea of enjoying my garden so…. after I did use a push-mower for a small lawn in a wooded lot at a past house, I decided to purchase a battery-operated lawn mower for my “new” 1890 home.

Photo provided by STIHL

No, I am NOT an affiliate with Stihl (maybe in the future) but I really do love this mower. I just pop the battery into the charger in the kitchen before I start making coffee and by the time I’m ready to head out to the garage, I just place it in at the top and go! Just one battery charge is all it takes me to keep the height I want – 3 inches. It is easy to adjust if you want to make a visual shorter “path” but the 3″ setting keeps the lawn green, lush, and healthy.

I only user the leaf catcher (easy just to place on the back) in the fall since I let some clippings stay on the lawn as mulch. BUT, once the leaves start coming down, it turns into a compost-maker for me! It grinds up oak, maple and other leaves with clippings and it’s a breeze to tip over into my compost pile.

To say you have to “push it” is a misnomer…since it just glides without much effort at all and is…. ahh…surprisingly quieter than any other I have ever heard. The bluebirds just glance over at me. Even the gentle slope at the north end of the lawn is an ease with this mower.

So, I absolutely love it! Having done my homework comparing features and reading reviews, the choice was easy and now I’m going into my third year of “loving my mower.” Here is how you can find a dealer near you.

Look for a future “here is how easy it is” post. Once I get in all the flower, vegetable, and herb seeds in!

https://lp.stihldealer.net/lp/dealers/?gclid=2054e2702586158c882c846db2d68ebb&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=2054e2702586158c882c846db2d68ebb&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NES%20Core%20Search%20High%20Intent-B%20%28hr5-6lx%29&utm_term=stihl%20dealer&utm_content=STIHL%20Dealers




Full Sun in the front? Grow Vegetables but call 811 first!

On By Barbara HobensIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Photo: thanks to Sarah Morris-Penny

What a lovely front vegetable garden that is easy to tend in raised beds! The Beatles song, “Here Comes the Sun” (from the 1969 album, Abbey Road) comes to mind! Take the time to know where the sun is shining and for how long wherever you plan to grow on your property, patio, deck, or roof. You really do need 8-10 hours of full sun for growing vegetables; lettuce needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.

Make sure you have a water spigot nearby to augment rainfall in the summer.

If you don’t know what ordinances are in place, a phone call to your local government or Homeowners Association is a must. No sense creating a masterpiece only to have to dismantle it!

April is National Dig Safety Month
Don’t skip calling 811 “Call Before You Dig” anywhere in America before you begin any digging project. It’s free and you are much better safe than very sorry. Call 3 business days before you want to start but not more than 10 days ahead. Any underground electric, gas, and water lines will be marked at no charge. Any damage you do…to your home or the neighborhood, you will be responsible and will have to pay for any damages.

Safe Seeds Matter

On By Barbara HobensIn seeds, Spring1 Comment

Ever since I started growing vegetables by seed, I concentrated on finding companies that offered only those that were not chemically treated or genetically engineered. It just made sense!

As an affiliate, I suggest products I have used for many years, love, and/or have researched and earn a commission from qualifying purchases you order.

All of the seed packets from Renee’s Garden Seeds truly explain everything you “need to know to grow.” Not only will you know when you will be able to harvest that pepper, but when to plant it, how, where (best sunlight conditions), and the height and special information about that particular variety. Their focus is on the true pleasure of growing from seed and the selections offered and cookbooks are sure to please both the new and seasoned gardener.

Her selections of organic and Non-GMO seeds make it difficult to narrow the choices down! Why add organic compost to your soil, plant to enjoy special varieties not available in stores or local nurseries, and then grow chemically treated seeds? That said, I have ordered many packets of flower and vegetable seeds from Renee’s Garden Seeds for over two decades and have had great harvests. A years-long favorite are her Jericho Romaine lettuce seeds which also happens to be my Siberian Husky’s absolute favorite!

I had the pleasure of meeting Renee Shepherd when we were both speakers at the Philadelphia Flower Show! What a powerhouse of a woman and what a selection of annual and perennial seeds from her quality-focused seed company.

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Temptations for all parts of the garden!

On By Barbara HobensIn Uncategorized1 Comment

This is the time of year, before the garden starts to really wake up that I am the most tempted by new seed and plant varieties and, of course, products. The next few posts will include some great finds.

As an affiliate for BestNest, I suggest products that I love or have researched to be able to highly recommend and I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases you order when you click on to the links that are highlighted and underlined.

This sturdy arbor with powder-coated finish will last many years. It is easy to assemble and insert into the soil.

Did you know that plants actually grow AWAY from any plastic trellis or arbor? Wrought iron is ideal for climbing roses, clematis, trumpet vines, and even sweet peas.

Spring Awakens & Ideas Abound!

On By Barbara HobensIn Birds, SpringLeave a comment

As an Amazon, BestNest, and Plough & Hearth affiliate I suggest products that I love and/or have researched and I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases you order by clicking on the highlighted and underlined links.

Not only gardeners have noticed that this winter has been the warmest one on record and that snowfall has declined all around the planet due to climate change. And we also know that “Mother Nature” sends unexpected surprises that have caused many a magnolia tree to have all blossoms drop and early attempts of planting vegetables to fail.

What can we do? Try one or two. Never plant ALL of your lettuce seeds or ALL hardened tomato or pepper plants ahead of your usual/normal/tried-and-true time. For me, mid-or the end of May has been the earliest time for the soil to really warm up and the night temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit/10 Celsius. Why? Because I once lost EVERY pepper and tomato plant I had so carefully nurtured indoors and hardened off so patiently. Ever since, I hold off and wait. An attractive and accurate outdoor thermometer, placed so that you can easily read it from inside, is such a help.

TIME FOR THE BIRDS
In the meantime, I am making sure that all of my garden tools and supplies are ready – easily seen, clean, sharpened, and in their designated place in the garage. My outdoor focus is on the birds now and just refilled the feeder this morning with sunflower seeds. Until they have more to eat in the garden, I do make a point of making sure the feeder is kept full.

Both woodpeckers and birds really enjoy swooping in for some suet. I have never bothered with “Hi-Energy” branded ones since the regular berry and peanut butter suet cakes have been the favorites for “my” birds. It is so much easier to fill when you hang up easy-to-replace suet holders.

Of course, birds also need clean water and both a stream and pond are here for the birds where I live now, but my favorite birdbath was one I had on my deck that was viewed from the kitchen and dining room window. It was so easy to refresh and clean. This is perfect for birdwatching on porches, balconies or decks, the wrought iron bracket has C-type clamp that holds the bracket to the railing without need for drilling or permanent mounting.

A word about buying quality. Although I have had large dinner plates, pretty glass saucers, and cement birdbaths, there is one material that I must suggest. I have owned the same copper birdbath bowl for over 20 years. It is so easy just to blast water from a hose to clean and fill and is loved by the birds since I place a flat blue rock in the center for the birds to easily land and perch on. You must make sure it doesn’t easily tip over and this birdbath certainly fits the bill.

Can not help but share this adorable bench to add to your garden. I will be doing a post on bench placement soon since I have used feng shui principals in every garden I have designed. There always seems to be another place to be able to sit and enjoy a view of your bird feeder, flower garden, sunset, or for stargazing.

There was one VERY obvious must-do after coming inside the back door from the garden this afternoon and that was tracking in the damp soil. It is past time to replace the backdoor rug that will trap all the mug and rain.

Photo of crocus and snowdrops.







My Top Choices for Wood Raised Beds

On By Barbara HobensIn Raised Beds & PlantersLeave a comment

As an Amazon affiliate, I suggest products I love and also research the best products and earn a commission from qualifying purchases you may order by clicking on the light blue underlined links.

There are so many benefits to having raised beds! It is so much easier to plant seeds, thin out seedlings, transplant and harvest but the unexpected plus is that the soil warms up earlier than it would be in the ground. Having early spring peas and lettuce from the garden are great but even better is that it is so much easier on the back, arms, and legs when the planting beds are easier to tend.

This 3-tiered raised bed is great for growing deep-rooted tomatoes and carrots and shallow radishes.

This Red Cedar Raised Garden Bed is made in Maine without any chemicals and is not pressure treated. Make sure when looking for any product you plan to grow herbs or vegetables in there are no added chemicals added.

Perfect for strawberries and herbs, this raised bed is a winner. You can use all three on top of one another or split them up.

And lastly, this elevated planter is sturdy and comes with a liner included and a nice touch – waterproof legs.











Dreaming of Your Garden now turns to Planning

On By Barbara HobensIn UncategorizedLeave a comment
Photo: Barbara Hobens – perennial beds at Highclere Castle, Newbury, England
Don’t be shy when you plant tulips. A display like this is only achieved by planting bulbs close together.

What do you want to grow this year? Make a list of what vegetables and herbs you want to eat and then decide what to grow from seed or purchase from a local nursery, plant sale, or online. Organic and heirloom seeds are personal favorites.

Starting plants from seeds is easy. Really! You will find that there is a much wider choice of varieties once you start looking at seed catalogs. But… that positive is what will “get you in trouble” because the tendency is to order way more than you have space for! Thankfully, the majority of seeds (except onion seeds) will be just fine for two-to-three years.

SEED STARTING

Warm weather crops such as tomatoes and peppers must be started indoors and sowing some lettuce, herbs, and flowers inside will give them a jumpstart before you transplant them outdoors. Have your garden plans in front of you to make sure you have the space for what is tempting you!

Let’s concentrate first on what you absolutely MUST HAVE on hand to start seeds inside.
Following posts will cover how to prepare for growing, the “art of sowing” and how to transplant your seedlings.

As an Amazon affiliate, I suggest products I love and also research the best products and earn a commission from qualifying purchases you may order by clicking on the light blue underlined links.

SEED STARTING ESSENTIALS
Seeds need light. Look for a place to put your growing seed trays where they will get direct sunlight; 12-15 hours is ideal. Look at south-facing windows or you will have to use lamps or purchase lighting expressly designed for seed growth.

Lights
The whole setup for lighting and indoor seed starting and growing is right here.

These lights are easy to clip on to a table and you can set the timer to make sure they are getting as real “fake day” of light.


Heat Mats
Seeds need warmth to start germinating and the top of the refrigerator or top of a radiator has worked but a warming mat is a non-draft and sure-fire solution.
Here are two suggestions: this one and if you are starting a lot of seedlings, this will make better sense. Be sure to check the measurements of your seed trays before deciding.

Seed Trays and Covers
You want to purchase enough “cells” to start your seeds in and this seed tray with humidity dome is ideal. The name Burpee is a tried-and-true and these standard trays do the job.

Seed-starting soil
Yes, there is a special soil that is formulated to make it easy for germination and early root growth. The key to all great gardens is the health of your soil and this seed-starting mixture is a winner.

Seed Pots
Grow and plant directly into the ground with these organic peat pots. Tap soil around the edges so the entire pot is in the ground. What a great start for the health of your seedlings!

WARNING: YOU WILL WANT TO CHOOSE MANY MORE SEEDS THAT YOU HAVE NO ROOM FOR!
So, make a list of what you really want to be able to just walk out the door to eat or cut to add fresh herbs to your recipes. Wanting to add wildflowers? Even if you have snow, toss a mix where you want them to grow!

One more addition to keeping track of your garden; check out this fabulous garden planner that is wise and top quality.









A Vital Gardening Tool: Your Garden Journal

On By Barbara HobensIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

As an Amazon affiliate, I research products and earn a commission from qualifying purchases you order through the links I am sharing. Last week I was standing in the vegetable garden thinking about what to grow next year. The pole beans were very productive but became entwined in the galvanized squirrel-proof mesh “roof.” It is time to grow bush beans again!

So glad I got into the habit of creating garden journals/diaries/notes through the years. Tucked into a bookcase, I saw a journal from the 18 years I lived in Manhattan and gardened at the Clinton Community Garden on West 48th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues. The planning and spacing decisions for a 4′ x 6′ plot was intense. Notes on weather, on when fish emulsion was added, and of course, what seeds and plants are written down. Soon I will need to decide between organic Blue Lake and Provider bush beans.

Highly suggest that you do not use a spiral notebook…easy for pages to get torn and not enjoyable to write in. With a hardcover, you can cut out and scotch tape photos, plant labels, and articles and know they will not fall out.

Top BH’s CHOICE* suggestions:

Garden Journal for desktop

Ideal for the Detailed Gardener

Beautiful and well organized journal

Plans for a Magical Garden

  • BH’s CHOICE is a product that I either have and love or one that I have thoroughly researched and recommend.

Gardens to Bed & Ideas for Next Year!

On By Barbara HobensIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Other than some herbs and one raised bed with carrots still waiting to be pulled for a stew, I am no longer eating from the garden. Hoping that your garden was beautiful and productive this year and I have some suggestions for 2024! As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through the affiliate links I am sharing.

Having cleaned and stored tools after oiling and sharpening them, my “need vs wish” list for Black Friday deals on the 23rd is formulating. Are you looking for any specific products for Christmas gifts or next years’ garden? Email me at gardenwithnature@live.com or send a Facebook message and I’ll share the “best finds” before Black Friday!

My first BH’s CHOICE * selection for comfortable and attractive outdoor seating are Retro and lasting metal chairs and for anywhere you want to place a garden, bird feeder, or star-viewing bench these fit the bill.

Speaking of the birds that stay in your garden all year, they can cuddle-up to stay warm in this roosting box and, if you have Eastern Bluebirds, then get this guard for the lower (since warm air rises) entrance hole to keep Chickadees and House Sparrows out. Have squirrels? This sturdy, easy-to-fill bird feeder has tricked them through the years… their weight will not allow them to jump on it, but the birds will spill some for them to enjoy, too.

One more! Will be moving the composter closer to the backdoor and in more sunlight this weekend. Here is a easy-to-turn composter to make “black gold” a lot quicker!

EARLY BLACK FRIDAY DEALS:

FABULOUS LAMP FOR SEED STARTING

LIVE INDOOR PLANTS

RAISED WOOD PLANTER BOX

* BH’s CHOICE is a product that I either have and love or one that I have thoroughly researched and recommend.

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