If you are like many people, you enjoy spending time in your garden. However, you may not realize that there are ways to really make the most out of your outdoor space. Here are a few tips that will help you do just that.
Planting vegetables
Planting vegetables can be an enjoyable activity. In addition to the many health benefits, it helps to reduce food expenditures. Not to mention the flavor! It also is a great way to get the kids involved in the gardening process.
To begin with, you need to select a site with plenty of sun and deep, well-drained soil. You’ll also need to determine the proper timing for planting the seeds. The MU Extension publication G6201, Vegetable Planting Calendar is an excellent resource for information on this subject.
There is no single right answer when it comes to the best time to sow the seeds. Some suggestions include a few weeks before the first expected frost in the fall or after the last expected frost in the spring. As a general rule of thumb, most vegetable crops are annuals. If you are planning on planting a crop of any type, you should expect to wait a year or two before you reap the rewards.
Another good idea is to consider pruning back the strongest plants after they have sprouted. This will allow more room for newer crops to grow. Likewise, mulching your garden can help protect the soil, lower your watering requirements, and keep weeds at bay.
In the end, planting the right vegetables in the right location will pay off in the form of a healthier, more flavorful diet. For those who are interested in getting started on a veggie-filled future, you might want to check out the MU Extension’s website for more information on gardening in the central Missouri area. Whether you are a novice or an expert, you’ll find a variety of useful articles on the subject of growing fruits and veggies in your yard.
The MU Extension also has a variety of free resources for you to download. They offer a number of seed catalogs, including ones with vegetable seed lists. Additionally, they offer a wide range of helpful publications on topics ranging from the basics, to horticulture in the sandbox, to designing a productive compost system. Getting out in the dirt is a rewarding experience that will benefit the entire family.
Cooking fresh meals
The best time of year to grow your own fruits and veggies is spring and summer. Having a crop of your own is like being a kid in a candy store if you know what to do with it. A little planning goes a long way in making it all work. Keeping a crop on hand for your fridge can be a savior in a pinch. Using it as a base for your own kitchen concoctions is the next best thing.
For a small amount of sweat equity you can have a healthy, happy family for the rest of your life. And it’s not as hard as you might think to put up a successful crop. You might even come out on top in the competition for the best gardener in the neighborhood. Not to mention you’ll never be stuck in the kitchen again. So take the time to read up on all your crop’s potential glories.
Investing in sturdy outdoor furniture
Investing in sturdy outdoor furniture is a great way to get your garden or patio looking good all year long. The material you choose should depend on the amount of use and maintenance it will need.
Wood is a common choice for outdoor furniture. It comes in a variety of colors and styles. There are hardwoods such as teak, eucalyptus, and cypress that can withstand the elements. However, if not taken care of properly, these materials can rot and warp.
Another option for durable outdoor furniture is metal. Metals are strong and work well in a variety of designs. They are a great choice for people who enjoy a classic look.
If you live in an area that is prone to severe weather, consider investing in durable outdoor furniture that will stand up to the weather. In addition to being sturdy, these types of pieces are also lightweight and easy to maintain.
Metals such as aluminum and stainless steel are very durable. Aluminum can be powder coated to make it rust-proof. These materials are a great option because they are affordable and can be worked into a variety of shapes and sizes.
Teak is another popular outdoor furniture material. However, it can be pricey. For this reason, you may want to choose a cheaper material, such as acacia. Acacia is a faster-growing wood that is less dense than teak.
Polyrattan is another material that is lightweight and rust-proof. However, it is more susceptible to mold than other materials.
Many outdoor furniture makers offer options that are made from recyclable materials. Some manufacturers are even dedicated to green practices.
Other materials that are good choices for outdoor furniture include plastics, manufactured resins, and synthetic materials. Regardless of the material you choose, it is important to take the time to research the product and the manufacturer to ensure that you will enjoy the item for years to come.
To keep your furniture looking its best, it is important to deep clean it at least once a season. You can buy special cleaning solutions at stores, but you can also do it yourself.
Bug hunting
There are plenty of ways to enjoy your garden all year round. During the spring and summer, insects come out of hiding to feed on your plants. This is a great way to get your children outdoors, learn about nature, and have fun at the same time!
If you want to get your kids excited about bugs, you can do a bug hunt. It’s not hard, and there are no special supplies required. You can do it in your own yard or a nearby greenspace. The goal is to find as many bugs as possible.
To make the bug hunt a success, it’s important to know what kind of bugs to look for. Some common insects to look for are lady beetles, flies, butterflies, and bees. These insects are beneficial and help keep your garden free from pests.
There are also predators and parasitoids. Predators eat their prey directly, while parasitoids lay eggs on their hosts.
To find the best insects to hunt, search in moist soil or in grass and straw. Also check for bugs under rocks, under puddles, or in exposed dirt.
You can use a magnifying glass to help identify insects. When you have found one, record its name and details. Later, you can draw or photograph it.
A good way to find bugs is to go to your local park. Insects are often hiding under stones, rocks, and mulch. Be sure to take photos of any bugs you discover.
Before you begin the bug hunt, make a list of what types of bugs you’re looking for. If you’re unable to identify an insect, you can use the information in the ID sheet to narrow down your list.
Once you’ve identified the bug you’re interested in, you can sketch a quick picture of it. Next, write down the details of what you think the bug eats.
Taking pictures of bugs will help your child identify them later. Don’t put them in a jar without air holes, and be sure to return them carefully to their habitat.
For more fun, consider a “bug hunt” in your garden. You can do this in just five minutes!