Save A Lawn, Plant A Vegetable

I know that didn't make any sense! This is going to offend many people but television and lawn care are two of the biggest wastes of time I can think of. That’s it. You’re going to break up with me now aren’t you!

I love to tell people that we aren’t going to have a lawn in the landscaping of our new yard. They are astonished. Because everyone has a lawn they can’t imagine anything else. Well, just because everyone is doing something doesn’t mean it’s your only option! I am astonished by the huge amount of resources that are wasted on lawn care. The huge amounts of money, time and water people waste just for something to look at. Yes, a green, healthy lawn is beautiful but I can drive by a golf course and see one any time I want. Yes, a lawn is great for running around and playing on but I can do that at any number of parks within walking distance (you're paying for those too). When I drive through neighborhoods, guess what, I don't see people running, playing or even standing on their lawns. You can probably count how many times a year you actually "use" your lawn. Are those few occassions worth the investment?

Our property is going to have lots of trees, shrubs and flowers. No grass. Think about doing this on your property. Just think about it. If you use the right types of plants they will need minimal water, fertilizer and care. Think of spending the summer relaxing or accomplishing something worthwhile instead of wasting it away on lawn care. If you like yard work, plant a vegetable garden and learn how to bottle the produce. Then you and your family can benefit from your efforts.

If you enjoy impressing your neighbors with your perfect lawn, try my recipe and drive them wild with smells of the perfect BBQ instead.

Get Your Garden Started

Are you ready to start working in the yard? It's so beautiful outside we can't seem to stay inside for more than a couple minutes. We forced ourselves to get our chores and school work finished this morning. Now we're headed out!

Yesterday we cleaned dead plants and leaves out of the flower beds. We also got our flower seeds started. The kids love to plant their own giant sunflower seeds every year. They grow so fast you can practically see their leaves unfolding. In just a few months they will be taller than the kids. Then the kids get to eat the seeds. Gardening can't get any more fun than that! If you've got kids you really need to have them try this for themselves this summer.

Here's how I'm starting my seeds this year:

I fill a plastic drink cup 3/4 full with clean potting soil and make a drainage hole in the bottom with a knife. Following the directions on the package, I plant the seed in the soil and write the name of the flower on the cup with a black marker. I line the cups up in plastic trays that allow for drainage. I get these free from our local nursery. I water the cups lightly and cover them with a clear plastic container. This keeps them moist and warm. I keep all my trays in a wagon that I can pull into the sun during the day and pull back into the garage at night. I have to keep a rock on top of the trays to keep the lids from blowing off. When the plants start sprouting I will take the covers off. When they get their second set of leaves they can be transplanted into the garden as long as any danger of frost is past. Last year I started all my seeds indoors under grow lights. This was too much work and much too expensive. It was too much work because I had to haul water to water the seedlings twice a day and I had to move the plants in and out of the garage for a couple weeks to harden them off anyway. Doing it this way I can use the hose for watering and the plants will already be accustomed to the weather.

I hope you will try starting your own seeds this year. If it feels too overwhelming, begin with just one type of flower or vegetable. I don't want you spending all your hard-earned money at the nursery. It's too easy to do it yourself and it's so much fun!