Repurposed Popcorn Tin into Planter

Natural fiber home decor is all the rage right now. Baskets on walls, natural fiber planters… all the things. So, when deciding what to do with a large popcorn tin we’ve had for several years, my mind immediately went to a natural fiber planter. It would be a fantastic way to repurpose a popcorn tin and get a fun natural fiber planter in the process! Here’s my DIY Jute Planter from a repurposed popcorn tin!

Repurposed Popcorn Tin

We have been trying to do more with what we already have instead of going out and buying more… things. This can be super difficult when you want to update your decor but not impossible! Our son sells popcorn each year, and several years ago we purchased a large tin of popcorn with a winter scene on the outside. It was very much a Currier and Ives style tin, and in the winter months, it blended in well in our living room. However, in the spring, I don’t really want to have tranquil ice skaters on a frozen pond sitting around, and we don’t have enough storage for random tins in our closets.

So, I knew I needed to find a way to repurpose this popcorn tin into something more useable. I’d had my eye on a few basket planters on Amazon but hadn’t fully committed. What if the basket planter didn’t stand up properly? How could I get a basket planter look with more structure?

I’ve created other planters before, like my DIY Hanging Succulent Planter or DIY Tin Succulent Planter, but this would be my first time making a larger planter.

Natural Fiber Planter

My solution was to use what I already had, a large popcorn tin, with what I could easily get at our local hardware store. I was able to find a few packages of twisted sisal rope that was thick enough to give the look of a woven basket, but not so thick that it would be difficult to wrap around the tin. The twisted sisal rope can be used for all sorts of indoor and outdoor projects, so I knew if there was any leftover, that I could easily use it in the garden for bean teepees or tomato trellises.

Hot glue was the other necessary tool for this project. I have a low temp hot glue gun, and it was hot enough for this repurposed popcorn tin project. I did have to get the sisal rope on the tin pretty quickly since hot glue does cool down pretty quickly.

I also opted to add handles to this natural fiber planter, but they are purely decorative. I wouldn’t pick this planter up by the handles, or you’ll soon have a handle-less planter. I know this for sure because my oldest gardener attempted to carry the planter at one point. Ha!

Popcorn Tin Planter Supplies

Here’s what you’ll need:

Old Popcorn Tin (or any tin you’d like to make into a planter)

75ft. Twisted Sisal Rope (3/8in)

Hot Glue Gun

Hot Glue Sticks

How to Make a Natural Fiber Planter

Begin by making sure your tin is wiped clean of dust or residue. This makes a better working surface for the hot glue. Warm up the hot glue gun and open the sisal rope packaging. Begin at the bottom of the tin and glue the end of the sisal rope to the tin.
Keeping the sisal rope tight to the bottom of the tin, wrap rope, gluing every 4-5 inches. Keep winding the sisal rope around, keeping the rope close to the previous loop. Just keep going!
If you want the planter to have decorative (not functional) handles, cut 8 inch pieces of sisal rope and glue to each side of the tin along the top. Do this when you’re about 3/4 of the way up the tin.
Continue looping and gluing around the tin, going over the handles that have been glued on. For the final loop, go behind the handles to create a more finished look.
And that’s it! Your 20 minutes of gluing have paid off, and you have a new interior planter for a plant or to use as decorative piece!

For the holidays, I’ll keep fresh fir limbs in the planter along with pine cones and battery-operated lights. It’s a wonderful way to add some extra festive decor, without buying anything new from the store! After Christmas, our fiddleleaf fig will reside in this natural fiber planter. This planter won’t be filled with soil, instead, place a place already in a container inside the planter.

I’d love to know if you try this project, and what you’re planning to put inside! Have a great week and happy gardening!

Repurposed Popcorn Tin Planter

Use a large popcorn tin (or any tin) to create a natural fiber planter perfect for indoor plants.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Active Time 20 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Materials

1 tin
1 pkg twisted sisal rope
glue sticks

Tools

Hot glue gun
scissors

Instructions

Begin by warming up glue gun and wiping down tin to make sure it's free from dust.
Place a dab of glue at the bottom of tin, and put the end of your sisal rope on the glue. Begin gluing sisal rope down every 4-5 inches.
Continue wrapping the sisal rope around the tin, gluing as you go. Be sure to keep each loop of the rope tight, so the tin beneath doesn't show.
3/4 of the way up the tin, cut 2 8-inch lengths of rope. Glue these near the top of the tin for handles. Glue your sisal rope over these handle bases when you're high enough up on the tin.
For the final loop, take your rope under the handles and glue the final piece just inside the tin. Allow a few minutes for all the glue to dry completely.

Notes

Handles are decorative only. They will not be strong enough to lift a plant inside the planter.

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The Best Trailing Plants

Trailing plants, cascading plants, or spiller plants. No matter what you call them, these lovely growers are eye-catching and give an added element to plantings. Whether spreading out on the ground in the landscape, flowing over the side of a container, or the final spiller in a hanging basket, trailing plants are a must have for gardeners!

The Best Trailing Plants

For ground use, such as filling in flower beds and moving between pavers, these trailing plants work exceptionally well. And, by using trailing plants in your flower beds, you’ll be helping to choke out weeds which are always looking for an open spot. (You can also use my DIY Weed Killer if they’re a nuisance.)

Dichondra silver falls– Though this beauty can certainly be used in containers as well, Dichondra silver falls is a gorgeous perennial ground cover. And its versatility means it can also be grown indoors.
Bacopa (Sutera cordata)- This lovely little annual comes in a variety of colors, such as purple, pink, blue, and white, and in recent years, it’s medicinal properties have become a pretty hot topic. As a trailing plant though, it has long been a favorite of gardeners. Perfect in a basket or in the landscape itself, bacopa brings a bright pop of color in a small package. Don’t worry about this one taking over your basket or flower bed.
Golden Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’)- A beautiful ground cover that produces buttery yellow blooms in the summer, this perennial (in many zones) can even withstand a bit of foot traffic. Perfect for hanging baskets, draping itself over edges, or laying beneath shrubbery, golden creeping jenny is a hardy and lovely addition to flower beds. It can be invasive if not kept under control.
Convolvulus sabatius (Ground Morning Glory)- Non-invasive and able to withstand high heat, convolvulus sabatius is a lovely ground cover or container addition. With beautiful foliage and blue blooms that are sure to impress, this lovely plant will soon be a favorite. It is an annual in colder climates, but will be able to grow year-round in warmer zones.
Creeping Thyme (Thymus praecox)- A ground cover or trailing plant that’s edible? Yes! Creeping thyme is wonderful for covering any ground that needs it, and its hardiness and purple blooms make it a vibrant, and useful, addition to the home landscape. It’s a perennial in most zones (4-9) and easy to maintain.
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)- This is one of my personal trailing plant favorites. We have several “built-in” flower boxes on our 1950’s ranch home, and creeping phlox has been the only plant that has hung in there and flourished. With beautiful purple blooms in spring, this low-lying cover grows over the side of any edges and is an incredibly low maintenance perennial.

Cascading Plants for Containers

Many of the cascading plants mentioned above are perfect for containers as well, but these next plants really are best in a hanging basket or a container that they can drape themselves over the side of.

Sweet Potato Vine– This hardy colorful vine is not fit to be eaten, but it is simply beautiful. It’s a favorite spiller for many containers, including my own, and it can handle sun to part shade. The vines’ foliage ranges in color from deep purple to bright green and has beautiful purple blooms.
Licorice Vine (Helichrysum petiolare)- Perfect for containers in full sun to part shade, this unique plant will provide a lovely cascade down the side of your planters or baskets. With it’s silvery leaves and “furry” feel, the leaves of the licorice vine and sure to add some color and texture to your plantings.
Wave Petunia– This colorful favorite of nurseries and gardeners alike is a showstopper! With bold and bright colors and very little maintenance, the wave petunia is a trailing flower that is impressive and a delight!
Verbena– These showy blooms come in a range of colors including purple, white, pink, and blue and are similar in shape to those on the creeping phlox. And while verbena can be used in the landscape, they are a wonderful addition to any container garden.
Ivy Geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum)– Though only really gaining in popularity in the United States in recent years, ivy geraniums have long graced the window boxes and containers of European homes. This show stopping and easy to maintain plant gives bright and bold color much like its well-loved cousin. There’s also no dead heading necessary for these blooms, but beware of full, hot sun, and keep them properly watered.

Scaevola (Fan Flower)– Just like the name implies, the blooms of the Scaevola form an intriguing fan shape and can be found in purple, white, pink, and blue. Preferring full to part sun, this Australian-native can tolerate warm temps and will bloom most of the summer.

Trailing Plants for Shade

Not all cascading plants are great in full or part sun. And many of us have areas of our yards where shade abounds, but a ground cover or shade loving container would be well suited. Here are some great picks for shade-loving trailing plants.

Trailing Bacopa (Sutera cordata)- Bacopa has already been mentioned in our list above, but it also does well as a part-shade plant. Don’t put it in the darkest corner of your yard, but it can certainly take some shadier areas.
English Ivy– Would any list of trailing plants be complete without ivy? Though it can become invasive if planted in the ground and not kept in check, it can also be used in containers in shady areas if you don’t want to worry about a takeover.
Periwinkle (creeping vinca or myrtle)- While this lovely low-lying ground cover can thrive in part-shade. With it’s tiny flowers and low maintenance, the periwinkle is a great pick for shade-loving trailing plants.
Dichondra Silver Falls- Though already mentioned above, the silver falls also works well in part shade.
Creeping Jenny- Also mentioned above, Creeping Jenny works well in shade, especially as a filler between pavers in shady areas.

With all of these trailing plants to choose from, I wonder what you’ll be using in your flower beds and containers this year! Cascading plants make a huge impact in the home landscape and can give instant curb appeal. Comment below and let me know any trailing plants you love that I missed!

Interested in blooms that are wonderful for cutting? Check out my picks for a Gorgeous Cutting Garden!

by Courtney Leave a Comment

Winter Flowers for the Garden

The first frost in fall is the indicator that the flower growing season has ended. Colorful flower blooms will be gone for the next few months and the winter landscape will be bleak. Or will it? Winter flowers for the garden are a real thing! And the flowers that bloom in winter can bring a much needed splash of color to the yard and garden.

Several flowers bloom in winter, even when snow is on the ground. Enjoy a colorful view of your landscape this winter by planting some of the winter-blooming flowers.

Winter Bulbs and Blooms

Fill up your flower beds with a few of these colorful blooms perfect for the fall and winter!

Snapdragons- Some of this gardener’s winter favorites are snapdragons, whose bright pops of color prefer cooler temps.
Violas, or johnny jump ups as they are commonly known, are also an excellent cool weather choice for both flower beds and containers. Their bright purple and yellow design is eye-catching, and they love to re-seed.
Pansies– If the sight of violas makes you think of a different flower, then you’re probably thinking about pansies. These cold tolerant bloomers work well in large groups and can be a real show stopper for your fall and winter containers and flower beds.
Autumn Crocus– There are some fall blooming bulbs like the low maintenance autumn crocus, which comes in a variety of colors such as violet, mauve, pink, and white.
Autumn Daffodil, also known as the crocus of the south, has the classic daffodil yellow but with the flower shape of a crocus.
Cyclamen Coum– For those who want to try something new, consider cyclamen coum, a late winter bloomer with lovely pink blooms and beautiful foliage that follows afterwards.

What if you don’t have fall-blooming bulbs already planted? Take advantage of the fall and early winter to plant bulbs for spring. (Here are my 8 tips for planting bulbs in the fall!) Most spring bulbs do you need an overwintering period. In fact, if you’re in a pinch for planting spring bulbs and live in zone 8 or warmer, you have the flexibility to plant spring bulbs well into January if they’ve had six to eight weeks of “chilling time” in the refrigerator first.

Shrubs with Winter Blooms

Shrubs can also provide wonderful color for your yard and garden in the colder months. And since they are established year-round, they are easier to maintain in the landscape. Here are some blooming shrubs for you to consider:

Christmas Rose– Think about the white-blooming Christmas Rose (hellebores niger) for an elegant touch to your yard or garden.
Winter Jasmine- the pops of yellow from winter jasmine (Jasminium nudiflorum) will certainly brighten up the bleakest winter landscape. Bright yellow flowers appear in January on this deciduous perennial shrub. Hardy shrub that is not picky about the soil or sun exposure. Winter jasmine grows equally well in sun or shade.
Jelena Witch Hazel- The blazing orange of the Jelena Witch Hazel Shrub looks incredible when it’s in full color. Spirals of red and orange blooms will appear in January on this winter-blooming plant. Witch hazel blooms are a welcome burst of color in a stark winter landscape and are born on a small, deciduous shrub. Witch hazel is a native woodland shrub and grows best at the edge of a wooded area.
Winter Daphne’s fragrant white blooms along with its slender leaves will also be a bright spot in the winter scenery.
Camellia Japonica- This classic winter blooming shrub comes in rich shades of red, pink, and white, and is easy to maintain and use for decor. I love the red especially! (Check out my article on How to Prune Camellias.)

And many of these shrubs are fairly low-maintenance, which means you’ll get the benefit of bright colors each winter with very little effort. And that is always a good thing!

More Winter Flowers

Algerian Iris (Iris unguicularis)

Colorful and fragrant, the Algerian iris begins to show up around Thanksgiving and will bloom until early spring. Tall, slender perennial produces deep lavender blooms. Hardy in most growing zones. Algerian iris goes dormant when the weather warms and needs full sun in the winter to bloom.

Hellebore (Helleborus)

This perennial winter bloomer is commonly known as the Lenten rose because they bloom around the same time as Lent. Hellebore is the first flower to bloom in late winter/early spring. The perennial will emerge from the soil and bloom even when snow is still on the ground.

Hellebore grows well in shade and will reach a mature height of 6-8 inches. Bloom colors include purple, white and green and are quite showy when several are planted together.

Phlox (Phlox paniculata)

Here is another perennial plant that will bloom in late winter/early spring. Phlox is an excellent ground cover and requires no maintenance. A multitude of tiny purple blooms will appear on the plants before winter ends and spring arrives.

Snowdrops (Galanthus)

Snowdrop blooms look very much like a dropping snowflake. The pure white bloom is born on a slender deep green stem that will reach a mature height of 6 inches. This winter-blooming flower shows up in November and lasts until the end of December in colder climates. Climates with mild winters can enjoy snowdrop blooms from late fall until early spring.

With all of these options, how could the winter landscape be boring? Obviously, if you live in a zone that keeps snow on the ground for most of the winter, your choices may be limited, but if you long for pops of color in the “bleak midwinter,” then consider some of these choices for your yard and garden. Winter blooms can give you a taste of spring when you need it most!

I’d love to know if you have other suggestions for winter blooming plants. Comment below and share your favorite! Happy Gardening!

by Courtney Leave a Comment

How to Build a Cedar Raised Garden Bed

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner gardener, one thing most of us can agree on is low maintenance is best. No one really wants to battle weeds endlessly or fight packed soil. I’ve battled both weeds and soil, but since we started raised bed gardening, those problems are all in the past. (For my complete run down on how to start a raised bed garden check out my post here. ) And building a cedar raised garden bed is an easy afternoon project that can take you from nothing to complete garden in no time. Check out these easy instructions to how to build a cedar raised garden bed!

DIY Cedar Raised Garden Bed

If you’ve been to any hardware store or big box store in the spring, then chances are you’ve seen the pre-packaged garden beds. Yes, they’re convenient, but they certainly are not built for durability. Usually made of a plastic-ish material or thin wood, these boxes can quickly become an eyesore after a year or two. Now, I’m not saying they’re useless or shouldn’t be sold. In fact, if you’re not sure if gardening is going to be something you enjoy, then these cheap and quick options can be a good way to try out raised bed gardening.

However, if you’re looking to build quality, long lasting garden beds, then I strongly recommend you use durable materials. “You get what you pay for” is a statement surely meant for garden beds or really anything that will be sitting outdoors in the elements. Can I get an amen?

Why use cedar (hardwood) for garden beds?

I recommend using cedar for garden beds simply because it is an incredibly durable hard wood that holds up well in the elements. It tends to be bug and rot resistant, but almost any wood that sits on the ground will eventually break down over time. However, if you live in a place that cedar is not readily available, such as my town, you can use another quality hard wood option. As a resident of eastern North Carolina, western red cedar (the usual choice for outdoor use) is not a locally grown product. Instead, cypress can easily be found and is a fantastic hard wood choice for gardening. To find out what may be available in your area as a substitute for cedar, call a local lumber company and ask them. They should be able to point you in the right direction.

For this particular garden bed, we did use western red cedar since there is a supplier just over an hour away, but in the future, I’ll go with the more local cypress. You want to use boards that are at least 2 inches thick. Many “DIY” cedar beds out there are made with 1 inch cedar boards or fence panels, and these beds won’t hold up over time as well. And if you’re planning to use this design or another to build taller beds, then the thinner wood may bow out once filled with soil. Just a word of warning.

Can treated lumber be used for raised garden beds?

Such a great question! And the answer is yes. If budget is no issue, then I recommend cedar or another hard wood all. day. long. But the reality is cedar is much more expensive, and if you’re on a budget, then treated lumber can work in a pinch. In the past, lumber was treated with an arsenic compound, and as you can guess, you wouldn’t want any of that potentially leaching into your garden. However, treated lumber is now preserved with a copper compound that does not carry the same toxicity as the arsenic. If you want to read up on exactly how lumber is treated, check out this great article from Natural Handyman.

Many of our first garden beds were made with treated lumber, and this design can be as well. So rest assured there’s no judgement if you decide to use treated lumber.

Materials for Cedar Raised Bed Garden

2- 2x8x2 cedar boards

8- 3 in. bronze coated exterior wood screws

saw (if you don’t have access to a saw, many lumber stores will cut the board for you at the store)

ruler/measuring tape

drill (my husband’s favorite is this Bosch)

How to build a cedar raised garden bed

Begin by cutting your 8-foot boards in half. This will give you 4 4-ft segments of board.
Place the end of one board against the interior end of a second board. Use a pencil to mark where the 2 screws will go. Pre-drill holes for screws using the appropriate bit.
Then screw the boards together using your drill and the exterior wood screws. Choosing screws that hold up out doors is important for the life of your garden bed. Repeat this step with the third, then fourth board.
Once all boards have been attached, your bed is ready to be placed! Choose a spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day and does not tend to hold water during a heavy rain. Wood + standing water = bad idea.

Once your cedar raised bed garden is in place, fill it with good quality garden soil (or make your own!). There is no need for 4×4’s in the corners (many people ask) because the 2 inch thick boards are so sturdy, and the soil itself helps to keep the bed in place. For beds of this size, square foot gardening is our preferred method, since you get the most use out of the space.

So get out there and build a raised bed garden or two! This is a simple project that doesn’t require amazing carpentry skills or an engineering degree. I’d love to know if you make this bed for yourself or if you’ve used a wood other than cedar. Comment below and let me know! Have a great week and happy gardening!

Yield: 1 bed

How to Build a Cedar Raised Garden Bed

Learn how to build a cedar raised garden bed with just good two materials and a few tools. This garden takes a few hours and is perfect for beginners.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Active Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Difficulty Moderate

Materials

2- 2x8x2 cedar boards
8- 3 inch bronze exterior wood screws

Tools

saw (or have boards cut at the lumber yard)
ruler/measuring tape
drill

Instructions

Begin by cutting 8 ft boards in half. You should then have 4 4-ft pieces.
Place the end of one board against the side of another board, creating a corner. Use a pencil to mark where your 2 screws will go. Use a drill bit to pre drill holes into the wood.
Use your drill to then screw boards together. Repeat with the third board, then the fourth. Corners should look like this:
Place completed garden bed in area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight and does not hold water in heavy rain. Fill with good quality potting soil. Enjoy!

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The Best Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

The leaves are falling; the air is crisp and cool, and that all means Thanksgiving is right around the corner! By far one of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving has always meant delicious food and time with family and friends. Since I enjoy cooking, it’s always fun to try one new recipe or two because I don’t want to get stuck in a rut of having to make the same dishes over and over again. There are classics of course, like dressing (stuffing for others), homemade cranberry sauce, turkey, and some type of butter bean. And as a gardener, I love to use what may be growing in my garden or can be found at the local Farmer’s Market. What could be better than fresh vegetable side dishes for Thanksgiving? Nothing!

Vegetable Thanksgiving Side Dishes

To come up with the best vegetable Thanksgiving side dishes for you to try out this year, I called upon other food bloggers who create amazing content. And did they deliver! I specifically wanted side dish recipes from vegetables that are in season during the fall. Fresh food is always a win whether you’re growing it yourself or buying it somewhere else. Fall favorites would be kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots (in some areas), brussels sprouts, collards, and all salad greens. (Want to grow a fall garden that’s low maintenance? Check out my post!) Now, onto the recipes!

New Takes on Classic Side Dishes

These first few sides, have their roots in classic Thanksgiving side dishes… think green bean casserole. But these revamped recipes are anything but boring!

Better Than Your Mama’s Green Bean Casserole: Ally, the content creator at Crave the Good, says, “This green bean casserole, made with fresh garden beans and a homemade mushroom gravy is incredibly delicious. Sorry mom, your recipe has been bumped!” (Cast iron skillets are a classic and reliable cooking tool. Find one here.)

Parmesan Roasted Green Beans– This Roasted Parmesan Green Beans recipe is a healthy & flavorful side dish! Made with only six ingredients in 30 minutes! And Laura at Joy, Food, Sunshine shows you just how easy it is to whip up for Thanksgiving! (Need a classic white platter like her’s? Here’s a 3-platter set for less than $30!)

Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Prosciutto Gwynn at Swirls of Flavor shared this stunner of a recipe. No bland brussels sprouts at the Thanksgiving table. Smashed Brussels Sprouts With Crispy Prosciutto will be your new go-to side dish recipe for special occasions and holidays! Smashed sprouts are roasted with two cheeses and then topped with crispy prosciutto for the ultimate side dish recipe!

Maple Cinnamon Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Pecans it all sounds fantastic! Vegan roasted maple cinnamon butternut squash! Loaded with cranberries and pecans. The perfect holiday side dish for your Thanksgiving table from Tricia at Rhubarbarians! (A white baking dish with handles is a timeless piece for your kitchen, check out the great price on this one.)

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts– Even the pickiest brussels sprouts hater may change their mind for the crispy and sweet taste of these roasted gems. With fresh maple syrup and walnuts to add crunch this recipe is a favorite at our house.

Salad Side Dishes

While having a salad as a side may seem… boring. The truth is there are so many delicious salad toppings out there, one should never be bored with a good crunchy salad full of vegetables, fruit, nuts, and cheese. Even my kids love a good salad!

Fall Harvest Salad This irresistibly delicious Fall Harvest Salad with Apples and Sweet Potatoes is as pretty as a picture and tastes as good as it looks! Full of roasted sweet potatoes, juicy sliced apples, and crunchy roasted pecans, this healthy salad will remind you of a cool crisp Fall day! Courtesy of Sharon at Grits and Pinecones!

Roasted Pear, Walnut, and Cranberry Salad from Kelly at Tasting Page. This healthy and beautiful kale salad includes roasted pears for a natural sweetness and walnuts for a great crunch.

Spinach and Pomegranate Salad– Fresh spinach greens, bright and sweet pomegranate, and fresh oranges are the perfect cool weather combination to adorn your Thanksgiving table.

New Thanksgiving Classics

I’ve never considered vegetables like cauliflower or carrots at Thanksgiving before, but the rise in popularity, especially of cauliflower, has me rethinking things. Easy Roasted Cauliflower is something I serve weekly at our house. It’s quick, delicious, and everyone loves it. Here are a few more recipes that are perfect for Thanksgiving and have a bit more pizzaz than just roasting veggies.

Spicy Cauliflower with Figs– Shashi at Savory Spin takes cauliflower to a whole. new. level. with her delicious recipe. Cardamom pods, whole cloves, onions, ginger, and garlic go into making this Spicy Cauliflower with Figs an invitingly aromatic dish to add to your Thanksgiving/Holiday table!

Carrot Souffle– At first, I wasn’t sure about a souffle made with carrots, but considering their natural sweetness, it really does make sense! If you’re looking for a stunning dish to serve this holiday season, look no further than this carrot souffle. Carrot souffle has a light and airy texture that almost melts in your mouth and is a family favorite for Pamela at Brooklyn Farm Girl.

From all of these Thanksgiving side dish recipes, I hope you find something new to grace your table this year. You never know when you might find a new family favorite! I’d love to know what kind of side dishes are most common at your Thanksgiving table. Feel free to comment below and let me know! Have a great week!

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DIY Herb Container Garden

An Herb Garden Planter is a great little container garden project, and with a little help from Dollar Tree, and some a clever hack, we’ll show you how to create an easy rustic planter! This DIY Herb Container Garden is a fun garden project that can quickly be put together for your patio table or as a gift. My post originally appeared on Juggling Act Mama as a guest post, so be sure to check out her site for great recipes and other projects!

DIY Container Herb Garden

Gardening can feel like an expensive hobby. All the plants! All the pots! And don’t get me started on the price of premium soil. But what if you could create a beautiful and table-top worthy herb garden planter with a little help from your favorite dollar shop? Well, I have news for you. You can!

Hey all! It’s Courtney from The Kitchen Garten, and I love bargain shopping; it’s true, and I am also a big fan of putting my hands in the dirt and growing all. the .things. So, in a recent trip to the Dollar Tree, I noticed this shiny metal container, complete with French words, and I was sold. And since spring has finally arrived, I knew it would be perfect for a herb planter. Container are the perfect place for herbs, especially those that are annual (die in the winter) or those that can go crazy in the ground (I’m looking at you, mint).

I’ve used Dollar Tree finds in my gardening adventures before with my DIY Hanging Succulent Planter.

I love paying less for project materials and making something beautiful and useful for the home. This also makes an amazing DIY gift, too! Think about making this for:

Hostess Gift
Mother’s Day
Teacher Appreciation
Housewarming Gift

It would also make lovely centerpieces for a garden-themed bridal or baby shower, too! You could add a pretty flowering annual like verbena or petunias for a burst of color. Calibrachoa is also great for container gardens. That’s what Ang from Juggling Act Mama used in her Pallet Planter.

So what do you need to get started on this fun project?

Herb Garden Planter Materials List

Metal Container (I snagged mine at the Dollar Tree!)
Good quality potting soil (Espoma is a favorite)
3 Herbs of your choice (I used orange mint, rosemary, and oregano)
Salt
Rocks
Hydrogen Peroxide
White Vinegar

How to Make a DIY Container Herb Garden

Start by aging your bucket. I didn’t care for the shiny metal look of the planter from The Dollar Tree, so I decided to “age” it using instructions from Saws on Skates.

Since the planter is an oval shape, this was a bit tricky, but place your bucket in a larger plastic container.
Add 1/2 cup of salt and a gallon of white vinegar to the container. Submerge one side of your planter.
Let it sit for an hour or so (or longer if you’re not home). After that, flip the container and submerge the other side. You should notice discoloration starting to appear on the metal.
Once both sides have been submerged in the salt and vinegar mix, pour out the leftover liquid. (I used my leftover vinegar/salt mix in my DIY Weed Killer sprayer.)
Now pour hydrogen peroxide on the container, submerging one side for an hour, then repeat on the opposite side.

What you’ll have afterwards is a lightly rusted and weathered planter.

Now let’s get to the actual planting! Create drainage for your herbs by placing river rock or any smaller stones in the bottom of the planter. This keeps water from sitting at the bottom of the soil which could damage the roots of your herbs. Since this DIY container herb planter is smaller, the rocks at the bottom will not create a heavy planter that is difficult to move or carry.
You’re now ready to start adding your herbs. Chances are, if you purchased herbs in larger cups, you may have all the soil you need right there. So begin by deciding which order you’d like your herbs in. My taller herb, rosemary, went in the middle, while the hanging mint and low-growing oregano went on either side. Once you’re ready, squeeze the herb container and gently remove it from its cup. Once it’s free from the original container, gently loosen the soil at the bottom to break up any bound roots. This will help your roots to grow and thrive. Once the herbs are in place, use any extra soil from the cups to fill in any gaps in the planter. If needed, grab extra potting soil to do this.
Finally, clean up any loose soil clinging to your DIY Container Herb Garden and lightly water your herbs. You’re ready to add your new planter to any outdoor patio space or to gift it to a lucky family member or friend. Most importantly, be sure to use the herbs that you’ve planted.

This lovely little planter sat on our patio table all summer long and into the fall. It was a lovely addition to our backyard space, and the herbs also help to keep mosquitoes at bay! (Check out my post on other plants that repel mosquitoes in your backyard.)

DIY Herb Container Garden

Inexpensive and fun DIY herb container garden that uses a metal Dollar Store bin that is artificially aged. A fantastic garden project that also makes a wonderful gift.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Active Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 3 hours

Total Time 3 hours 25 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Estimated Cost $5

Materials

1 metal container
1 Rosemary plant
1 Mint plant
1 Thyme plant
Potting Soil
River Rock
Vinegar
Salt

Tools

Gardening gloves
Plastic tub

Instructions

Since the planter is an oval shape, this was a bit tricky, but place your bucket in a larger plastic container.
Add 1/2 cup of salt and a gallon of white vinegar to the container. Submerge one side of your planter.
Let it sit for an hour or so (or longer if you’re not home). After that, flip the container and submerge the other side. You should notice discoloration starting to appear on the metal.
Once both sides have been submerged in the salt and vinegar mix, pour out the leftover liquid. (I used my leftover vinegar/salt mix in my DIY Weed Killer sprayer.)
Now pour hydrogen peroxide on the container, submerging one side for an hour, then repeat on the opposite side.
Then you’ll want to create drainage for your herbs by placing river rock or any smaller stones in the bottom of the planter. This keep water from sitting at the bottom of the soil which could damage the roots of your herbs. And since this rustic planter is smaller, the rocks at the bottom will not create a heavy planter that is difficult to move or carry.
You’re now ready to start adding your herbs. Chances are, if you purchased herbs in larger cups, you may have all the soil you need right there. So begin by deciding which order you’d like your herbs in. My taller herb, rosemary, went in the middle, while the hanging mint and low-growing oregano went on either side. Once you’re ready, squeeze the herb container and gently remove it from its cup. Once it’s free from the original container, gently loosen the soil at the bottom to break up any bound roots. This will help your roots to grow and thrive. Once the herbs are in place, use any extra soil from the cups to fill in any gaps in the planter. If needed, grab extra potting soil to do this.
Finally, clean up any loose soil clinging to your Dollar Tree Herb Planter and lightly water your herbs. You’re ready to add your new planter to any outdoor patio space or to gift it to a lucky family member or friend. Most importantly, be sure to use the herbs that you’ve planted.

Notes

Use any combination of herbs that you prefer!

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by Courtney Leave a Comment

Instant Pot Pear Sauce

At the end of each summer and beginning of fall, the old pear tree at my husband’s aunt’s house is weighed down by the weight of at least 100 pears. And these aren’t the soft, juicy variety that is so common to the American grocery store. These pears are heavy and crisp as peanuts. If left to ripen on the counter, they will soften up considerably, but I love to cook them down into delicious pear sauce. And with the addition of the Instant Pot to my kitchen four years ago, this recipe has become infinitely easier. (Wondering if an Instant Pot is right for you? Check out my full test and review.) This instant pot pear sauce recipe can really work for any fruit you’re looking to sauce, like apples. And the speed at which it’s finished will completely astound you!

Instant Pot Pear Sauce

The idea to begin making pear sauce came to me after I spent an entire day canning pears. That was tons of work! My hubby’s grandmother and aunt would spend several days each fall peeling and canning mountains of pears from that same pear tree. I determined very quickly that… I didn’t have time for that. And since I had a toddler and an infant at the time, pear sauce seemed to be the perfect solution to both my time issue and the food issue. What better food for both of my kiddos than fresh pear sauce? (And these are the same pears we use for Fresh Pear Cake, which is delicious!)

Since I began making this recipe many years before the Instant Pot, I do know that it can easily be modified into a slow cooker pear sauce recipe. You’ll simply need to set your crock pot on low for 6 to 8 hours and keep your eye on it. And if you don’t have the crunchy variety of pear that I used here, no worries. Grab whatever kind of pears you can get your hands on. Since pear skins are so thin, I don’t even bother to peel them. There’s fiber in the skin, right? In fact, USPears.org shares that a medium sized pear packs around 6 grams of fiber and most of that is in the skin! So eat pears to your heart’s content!

Since the homegrown pears we use are not as sweet as an asian pear or bartlett pear, I tend to add a small amount of coconut sugar. This pairs well with the cinnamon and gives our pear sauce a full fall flavor. If you are using a sweeter variety of pear, then skip the coconut sugar.

Instant Pot Pear Sauce Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip this pear sauce recipe up!

8-10 medium pears

1 cup water

1/2 tsp cinnamon (or even try Pumpkin Pie spice if you’re feeling adventurous)

1/4 cup coconut sugar (optional)

Instant Pot (I love my 6-qt and find it is plenty big for my family of 5)

Immersion Blender

Homemade Pear Sauce Recipe

Begin by washing and chopping pears into one inch cubes.
Place chopped pears, water, cinnamon, and coconut sugar (if using) into the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
Close Instant Pot and be sure it is set to Seal. Use the manual function and set the time to five minutes.
Once the Instant Pot is finished, let the pot release pressure naturally for five minutes, then use the quick release. Your pears should be fully cooked and smell amazing!
Use the immersion blender to puree the cooked pears, adding just a bit more water if necessary (but I’ve never had to add more). Once the pears are sauced to your liking (some prefer chunkier pear sauce), spoon pear sauce into glass jars and allow to cool on the counter.
Store pear sauce in the fridge and enjoy!

Note: Pear sauce can be canned and stored for up to a year. Use a water bath canner for the pear sauce that has been put in sanitized jars. I have also frozen pear sauce if I know we won’t eat it within the week. This recipe doesn’t yield a huge amount, but it could certainly be doubled if you’re planning to preserve the pear sauce.

This homemade pear sauce is delicious to eat on its own or served with pork. My kids also like it warmed up and eaten as breakfast on cold mornings. Brrr! I’d love to know if you’ve tried making pear sauce and any additions you’ve made to it. Have a great week and happy gardening!

Yield: 4 cups

Instant Pot Pear Sauce

Fresh pears cook down in just 5 minutes into a delicious pear sauce with a hint of cinnamon.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

8-10 pears
1 cup water
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup coconut sugar (optional)

Instructions

Wash and chop pears. Place pears, cinnamon, water, and coconut sugar into Instant Pot.
Seal pot and use the manual function to set the time for 5 minutes.
When cycle is finished, allow the IP to natural release for 5 minutes. Then use the quick release to release the remaining pressure.
Use an immersion blender to blend the cooked pears to desired consistency.
Spoon pear sauce into containers and store in the fridge.

Notes

Slow Cooker Pear Sauce: To use a slow cooker, use the same ingredients, but set crock pot on low for 6-8 hours. Check every so often to be sure no extra water is needed. When pears are cooked through, use an immersion blender to puree the pears to desired consistency.

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As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 100 Total Fat: 0g Saturated Fat: 0g Trans Fat: 0g Unsaturated Fat: 0g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 2mg Carbohydrates: 27g Net Carbohydrates: 0g Fiber: 5g Sugar: 18g Sugar Alcohols: 0g Protein: 1g

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by Courtney Leave a Comment

Genius Shed Organization Ideas

Have you been in your shed recently? Is it possible to walk from the door, all the way to the back wall without tripping or stepping over something? If not, you aren’t alone.

Shed organization and storage is an ongoing battle for most homeowners. While this may seem like a never ending battle, there are some tricks, tips, and ideas you can use to get your shed organized once and for all. So check out these genius (but easy to implement) shed organization ideas!

My husband calls sheds storage buildings, but I think we can all agree that the small building out in a backyard can quickly become over run with all of the “extra” yard stuff that doesn’t fit anywhere else. So, it’s easy to see why it’s cluttered. For us, we usually have to “batten down the hatches” once a year in preparation for a hurricane, so shed organization becomes crucial for us. We’re trying to fit any backyard items that aren’t “nailed down” in our shed, and if it’s organized ahead of time, our job is much easier.

There are many different ways to organize your shed or storage building space, and here are some ideas to get you started:

Install a Magnetic Bar for Hand Tools

What do most tools and garden helps have in common? They’re made of metal, for garden tools, preferably stainless steel that won’t rust. If you want to keep your hand tools visible and available, install a magnetic bar. This shed organization tip is not a new idea, but it’s a good one. This magnetic strip from Master Magnetics is perfect for those tools you use regularly.

The key to using a magnetic bar is making sure you get one that’s strong enough to hold your heavier items, such as a hammer. Once installed, you’ll always know where your often-used hand tools are.

Hang Up Your Cords and Hoses

Tangled hoses and cords can be a real headache. However, if you just throw them into your shed randomly, this is bound to happen. I am speaking from personal experience here.

However, there’s an easy fix for this all-too-common issue. Use shelving units, PVC pipe, or hooks to organize and hang your hoses and cords. This is an easy and affordable fix that is going to make a huge difference in your shed organization. This steel hook set from Shepherd Hardware is a steal at only $10 for the set, and you’ll be able to hang a multitude of items. In fact, my husband uses these for hanging our leaf blower since it has a handle that can easily slide onto the larger hook. (And if you’re looking for outdoor hose storage, check out my review of Liberty Garden’s hose cart.)

Hang Your Garden Tools Outside

Some of the most forgotten storage areas of any shed are the back of the doors and the building’s exterior walls. However, these are prime real estate for storage or an outdoor potting bench. Check out this video from DIY expert Ana White for how to make your own outdoor potting bench, perfect for the side of the shed:

Install hooks on doors to organize the smaller garden tools, and then put larger tracks and holders on the walls for your rakes, wheel hoes (find a guide on buying wheel hoes from Easy Digging here), and shovels. It’s best to use this idea if your shed walls are slightly protected from the elements thanks to a roof overhang. We use a clamp style holder for all of our shovels and rakes. This keeps them off of the floor, which is less hazardous and much neater.

Use Empty Paint Buckets as Caddies

If you are into reusing items, a great idea is to turn an empty paint bucket into a storage caddy. For example, you can make your galvanized paint bucket and use it as a storage container for your garden hose.

All you have to do is drill several holes in the bucket’s bottom and screw it to the wall. Wrap your hose around the bucket and then place items like paintbrushes inside – this makes it functional and you are doing something good for the environment. Larger buckets can also be great storage for garden stakes, and other tall items that never seem to find a home.

Add Open Shelving to the Shed Space

If you have limited space in your shed, you need to figure out a way to make the most of every inch. If you modify your walls using shelving, you can free up your floor and help your shed look more spacious than it really is.

You can build your own shelves or purchase them at any hardware store. However, this is a great way to get things off the floor and optimize the space. This shelf system from Hy-loft is a great way to add extra shed storage without breaking the bank.

Install Wire Shelving

Wire shelving is a smart option for any garden shed over wood shelves. Wire shelves are going to let the light through, which makes it much easier to find items in areas where they may not be much light otherwise. Choose from free-standing wire shelves to wall mounted types.

Also, wire shelving can stand up to water much better than wood. If your shed is outside, you are bound to have some moisture intrusion, so wire shelving is a good thing. If you’re concerned about items falling through the wire shelves, then head to your local hardware store. There you can find plexi material that can be cut to size and set on the wire shelves. This keeps anything from falling through and makes a flat shelf surface.

Make Your Shed Organization Work for You

As you can see, there are several things you can do to optimize the space in your shed. There are more than a few things you can do to get organized and stay that way. I’d love to know if you have added any organization to your shed that has worked well for you. Comment below and let me know! Have a great week and happy gardening!

What to Plant in October

October is a favorite month for many people, including gardeners. As the weather turns cooler, it’s time to head back out to the garden and start planting the fall garden. And while some may think a fall vegetable garden is limited to greens, you’d be wrong! There are many things to plant in the fall, particularly October that will reap many benefits come next spring.

What to Plant in the Garden this October

Several flower and food plants can be planted in October so the garden season can be extended until winter. And since it’s so much cooler outside, it’s a pleasant time of year to garden! Depending on plant choices and your zone, you can even extend the garden season throughout the winter. Select some of these fall-favorite plants and keep your garden growing!

Fall Flower Bulbs and Food Bulbs

Flower bulbs that bloom in winter or spring should be planted in October, so they can go through their required cold spell. Planting flower bulbs doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, check out my article on 8 Tips for Planting Bulbs this Fall to get some helpful tips and advice.

Specifically, what kind of bulbs do well to be planted in October? If you’re in an area with cold or cool winters, Snowdrops are beautiful winter blooming flowers. The bulbs need to be planted in October, but snowdrops will not tolerate warm or mild winters, so those in zones 8b and up will be out of luck. But not to worry, Hyacinths, tulips, peonies, and daffodils all bloom in spring and the bulbs should be planted in fall. So, take your pick, and arrange your bulbs to your liking. Come the spring, you’ll have beds full of color!

Garlic is another bulb that needs to go into the ground before the first frost. This is due to the long growing season that garlic requires. But it’s also an incredibly easy crop to grow, since pests are deterred by the strong smell! Find out How to Grow Garlic in my full post.

Fall and Winter Garden Cover Crop

When nothing is growing in the garden, soil becomes compacted and can erode. Planting a winter cover crop in October will protect soil and add nutrients, so the soil will be fertile and ready for spring planting.

Kale, collard, rutabaga, or turnips are some good options for what to plant in October as cover crops. Sow seeds thickly so you can harvest some of the green to eat. Come spring, gardeners can cut the cover crop and turn it back into the soil. Cover crops are also a great option if you’d like to take the fall and winter “off” of gardening. You can still harvest some for your crop, but you’re really working to replenish the soil for spring. Here’s last year’s collard cover crop growing in one of our raised beds.

Cool Season Vegetables

Several vegetables grow better in the cool fall weather and will produce a harvest before winter. Plant vegetables in October that mature quickly, like radishes, carrots (some varieties), kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage. (And if those pesky cabbage moths/butterflies give you trouble, check out my article on Getting Rid of Cabbage Worms.)

Radishes and carrots are root vegetables that help to loosen the garden soil, so even if you don’t like to eat them, it helps prevent soil compaction if you plant them. The root vegetables can always be fed to the chickens or added to the compost pile.

Plant Blueberry Bushes in Fall

A blueberry bush needs to go through a cold period after planting so it will have time to establish a strong root system before it has to produce berries in the spring. Plant blueberry bushes in a sunny location in October for an abundant harvest in spring. The exception to this may be if you’re planning to plant blueberries in containers. If planting in containers, just be very aware of your zone and if it will be too cold for a blueberry bush that isn’t in the ground.

Transplant Flowers in the Fall

Keep color in the landscape all winter by planting some winter-blooming flowers in October. Plant pansies, hellebores, and winter jasmine this month for winter blooms.

Also, divide and transplant hosta and other flowering plants that have outgrown their space in October so their root system can adjust to their new home before spring growing season. This is one of my favorite things to do in the fall. It’s like getting plants for free, right?

Sow Grass Seed

Grass seeds germinate better if they go through a cold period. Over-seed old lawns and start new ones from seed in October for a beautiful lawn next year. The fall/winter is also a great time to do any weed prevention on your lawn. This was something that was discussed by our turf instructor in my Master Gardener class. His advice was using a product of your choosing (try Gardens Alive for a natural option) in the fall to get your yard ready for spring and to significantly reduce weeds that will try to pop up.

So, despite your zone, there are plenty of October garden chores to tackle, and you have the benefit of cooler temps, hopefully! October 1st is tomorrow, and it was 94 degrees today. That is unusually warm, so I’m definitely ready to get my garlic in the ground and get lots of salad greens planted in my beds.

Have a great week, and please let me know below what other Fall garden chores you take care of in October!

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by Courtney 2 Comments

6 Ways to Prevent Garden Pests

Keeping a home vegetable garden pest free can be quite the task. Luckily there are ways to prevent garden pests that can make a gardener’s job so much easier. Natural garden pest control is a multi-step method of prevention and then the use of certain techniques or products if the bugs keep coming.

Why Prevent Garden Pests?

Eariler this year, I published an e-book all about natural garden pest control, and it is an in-depth look at ways to prevent garden pests (without chemicals!), identify them, and manage them during the growing season. You can check out Natural Pest Control for the Home Garden here. Natural pest control in the home garden isn’t just a one-step process. It involves prior planning and implementation for it to be effective, but I have you covered! Here’s where to start!

Healthy Plants and Soil

Having healthy soil is a key component to healthy plants. First have your soil tested by your local Cooperative Extension office. This is usually a free service that will give you valuable feedback about the PH of your soil, as well as its phosphorus and potassium levels. All of this information will help you to make amendments such as adding lime to raise PH or purchasing the specific type of fertilizer you need, instead of adding a general fertilizer that may actually be hurting your soil, instead of helping. Along with the soil test and amendments, use a good quality mulch, such as pine straw, to keep weeds at bay and also to foster a protected environment for earthworms and other champions of healthy soil. Not only will this save you time from weeding, but you’re keeping more moisture in the soil, which helps you to cut back on watering. (Need a DIY Potting Soil recipe? Check out mine!)

A healthy plant growing in a proper environment where it can thrive is the next step in keeping pests away. You can confidently do this by using those small tags that come on newly purchased plants. Does the plant like full sun? Put it in full sun. What about partial shade? Find a spot with occasional shade during the day. Purchasing plants online has also given gardeners the opportunity to try a wide variety of plants, but be sure you know your zone (See the US Zone Map), and choose plants that will thrive in whatever climate you live in. You’re setting yourself up for a pest and disease problem if you try to force a plant to acclimate to your climate when they would rather be in a cooler/warmer place.

If you’ve discovered that a plant is planted in an improper location, and it’s been struggling with pests and/or stress, then don’t be afraid to move it. Just be sure to practice good transplant practices to avoid damaging the roots, and place that plant where it will thrive!

Cover Crops

Though not specifically a pest prevention method, cover crops that are used in the “down season” or in between plantings are incredibly helpful for building up the health of your soil. Healthy soil grows healthy plants, and as mentioned above, this is the first step to preventing pests. Cover crops also help to suppress weeds, which makes gardening so much easier for you! There are many types of cover crops out there, and what’s best for your garden depends greatly on where you live, so reach out to your local cooperative extension for a list of recommended cover crops for your area.

Plant Choice

Another common means of pest prevention is to choose plants that are healthy. This may seem like a given, but take the time to inspect the plants you’re purchasing. In some cases there may already be pests, such as aphids, present, and you don’t want to bring a problem into your garden from the start. Also check for the overall health of the plant. Are the leaves yellowing or dying? Check under the leaves for any sign of pests or disease, as well as the stems, soil and roots.

The same applies for seeds. Purchase certified insect-free seeds if possible. (I love Baker Creek Seed and Southern Exposure Seed Exchange.) And take care to keep seedlings healthy and pest-free if you’re starting your own at home. Starting out with healthy plants to go along with your healthy soil will go a long way to preventing pests.

Companion Planting

Along with healthy soil and proper placement in the garden space to help control pests, using certain flowers, herbs, and other plants can be a preventative measure. Using companion plants is a wonderful method of controlling pests without resorting to sprays or soaps. Many pests are deterred by strong scents, and many herbs are known for their heady fragrances, lucky for us! Check out my article on Companion Planting for more information. And find out how to grow garlic, which is a fantastic companion plant!

Crop Rotation

An age old practice made practical for the home garden. Crop rotation is exactly what it sounds like. If a certain plant or crop was grown in a location one year, move it to a different spot the next. This is especially true if your plant or crop suffered from a pest that overwinters underground. The pest will come back the next year and begin feeding right away if you haven’t practiced crop rotation. A good example of this is squash vine borers. They attack the stems of squash and other cucurbits, killing the plant as they eat their way through the plant. They then overwinter under the soil to come back the next year. Practicing crop rotation will keep them from having a ready-made meal the next year.

And when using crop rotation, be sure to not just rotate a particular crop, but others than may be closely related. For example, a squash and zucchini are very similar, so when you decide to rotate your squash to a new spot, don’t plant zucchini in its old place. They’re plant “cousins,” and will attract the same kinds of pests.

Interplanting

While this may sound very technical, it’s actually the practice of spreading out your crop so it isn’t all in one place. Why do this? You’re making it more difficult for pests to find their next meal. For example, in the fall, cabbage moths may abound, and if you have all of your brassicas (kale, broccoli, cabbage) planted together, the moths and the worms that follow will have a field day in your brassicas patch. Instead, plant other types of plants, such as flowers, herbs, and other vegetables, to confuse the pests. This simple practice can also make for a beautiful garden design, so have fun with interplanting!

All of these methods will help you to prevent pests in the home vegetable garden. Next week, I’ll share about pest control products that home gardeners can use when prevention methods haven’t solved the problem. I’d love to know what pest prevention methods you use in your garden!

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Yield:

Serving Size:

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Install a Magnetic Bar for Hand Tools

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