Ever thought some of those Pinterest Pins were a little too good to be true? Well, Simple Solutions Diva likes to test out some of Pinterest’s most popular pins to see how they work! Today, she features a pin that said you could easily regrow lettuce – basically giving you free lettuce! So does it work? Watch the video and see for yourself!
Also, if you want to save all that freshly cut lettuce, why not follow the Diva’s instructions on how to best store lettuce – Make Your Own Bagged Salad!
I was thrilled when my succulents began to send out little offshoots, but then I thought, “What do I do with them now?”
But after some research, I found the process was simple:
1. Clip the offshoots and let the ends dry out for a week or two until the cut hardens, forming a “callous”.
2. Lay the offshoots on top of a thin layer of cactus potting soil. Add a little water and then leave it in a bright area, but not in direct sun. After a few weeks, you should see little roots grow!
3. Plant the rooted offshoots into cactus potting soil and place pot in a sunny spot -but not direct sunlight- until they take hold. Water weekly until the plants take hold and thrive! Enjoy them!
With concerns of the Zika virus spreading during the summer months, I wanted to address one way to prevent mosquitoes in our gardens and back yards. Specifically for those who love to have bird baths and fountains running in our gardens. My recommendations are not meant to replace, in any way, the constantly updating recommendations of the Centers For Disease Control (CDC). For complete and updated information, check out the CDC website (Click Here).
FYI – A running fountain is a deterrent to mosquitoes (they don’t want to land and lay eggs) –but if that motor stops and water becomes stagnant, even for a few days, it can become a breeding ground!
Succulents add a touch of greenery and texture to any room, whether indoors or outside! While In California on a recent trip, I was inspired by these cute, textured pots that held little succulents, so I took a photo:
I used this photo to find inspiration to recreate the look, but more tailored to my home style.
I was lucky enough to stumble upon some adorable, textured mercury glass candleholders at West Elm. (If you aren’t familiar with the store, you can check them out here: West Elm Mercury Glass Candleholders) So, I used them as pots!
So these little guys are perfect indoors:
Or outdoors!
Worth Noting: West Elm deserves a little recognition for support of local, small businesses and entrepreneurs! They sponsor something called West Elm Local, where they invite selected, local creators of handmade items into their stores to sell their products! (For More Info – West Elm LOCAL).
When I went into their Jacksonville, FL store, they had 6 different merchants there, selling handmade items like soaps, baked goods, essential oils and more. They also happened to have someone selling handmade cement planters that were formed by using recycled materials! Of course, I bought one! Check Out Green Crete’s most recent work on Instagram.
I live in the south and in the early spring, we start to see armadillo holes all over our yard – AND going under our home’s foundation! Not good! Then I discovered this natural and humane way to stop them from digging. It is safe for your pets, it does not involve chemicals, and best of all, it is inexpensive!
This simple tip will keep those garden tools ready to work! Simple to follow instructions are in the video.
I love to cook with fresh herbs, and this little windowsill herb garden features my favorites I use all the time! The plant holder is something (an iron condiment holder!) I picked up on sale at Tuesday Morning. You could also use a square, wire napkin holder as well! Check out dollar stores near you to find an inexpensive one!
i suggest you use moisture control potting soil (I used Miracle Grow Moisture Control). It helps keep the plant from being over-watered or under-watered!
Spring is right around the corner! That means it’s time to start planting! If you have plans to plant in containers and pots this season, you are going to love this simple garden tip!
We are bringing technology outside today! What do you do if you have pest problems in the garden or need to identify a plant? Want to design your garden before you plant? Or even what kind of bird just visited your bird feeder? Here are a few top websites and apps to help you in your garden!
This website allows you to create a layout of your garden, or to use a pre-designed garden layout. They have a free, limited 15 day trial available (you can design, you just can’t save the plans), or you can purchase the full version for $34.00. They also have an app available for iPad for $9.99. (iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/garden-designer/id521621059)
Website: http://www.smallblueprinter.com/garden/planner.html
This app is like having a gardener in your pocket! They have garden experts in all regions of the country. You have a problem or need to identify a plant, you simply take a photo and it is sent to one of their garden experts. Within 24 hours, you receive an answer to your question. They have a library of more than 6,000 plants to reference. Right now, the App is free and can be used on iPad, iPod Touch, or your iPhone. When you download the app, you are given 6 credits for free, allowing you to send in 2 different photo inquiries. Additional credits (10 credits) are available to purchase for cost $6.99.
Humans aren’t the only ones who like to visit Florida! Birds like to visit our state on their migratory paths! WhatBird.com is a great, free site to identify the unique, and the run-of-the-mill, birds you see in your yard! You can identify the birds by color, body shape, bill shape and even by their sound! They also have an app called iBird for the iPhone and iPad – which is currently on sale for $14.99.
http://identify.whatbird.com/mwg/20/0/1/10/vals.aspx#Values
Thank you to WTLV-TV’s First Coast Living for inviting me on to share these websites!
Yes, in 20 minutes you really CAN make a three tiered herb garden. It is simple and, if you use clay pots, pretty cost effective!
Supplies Needed:
Directions:
Check out the easy to follow the directions in the video!
