New Start

[Ziggy]

I guess this forum is a good place to talk about the "health" changes I am planning in the near future.
Many here know that since I've been here I have talked about my physical limitations and inability to get around much.
This year I plan to change that.

The Lord planted a seed in my mind about a month ago.
Start a garden.
I never had a green thumb and most times I just would get so busy with work that neglect would take over even the smallest plant with weeds and pests.

The Lord reminded me that I have a lot of time on my hands and it's about time to get them dirty. It started with a recipe video talking about produce from the garden. For some reason that tiny seed began to grow.

I live in Maine. My Zone is 5b. I can grow lots of different varieties of food but the season is rather short. I have about 120 days or 6 months of good growing time between last and first frost.
So I started looking at starting seed inside my home. Not much light, not many windows. I really can't afford grow lights and structures. But I have been investigating all kinds of ideas from a simple cold frame to small greenhouses.
My income is limited and I live on a shoestring budget. And I don't have the physical capacity to get out a hammer and saw and build things. (I wish I was healthy again) .

And that "wish" , God said he can work on that with me.
But I need to be willing to do my part. I need to go outside. I will need to bend and stretch and reach for the stars. I remember a song that went like that a long time ago.

So Yesterday I made a leap of faith. I ordered vegetable seeds and starter soil. I have so many different kinds of containers, so I won't need to buy those.
I have been researching "no dig" and "one foot" garden ideas. And the more I research, the more excited I become thinking about spring in just a few weeks.

I wasted the entire year watching protests and riots and political charades.
This year I'm going to do things differently.

I would love to hear other experiences with gardening from you all.
I am a beginner. And I plan to share my experiences here with you all.
What grows and what don't. Maybe how I use what can grow in recipes (I love smoothies)
I have a magic bullet I used to make all kinds of fresh juices 2- 3 times a day from the local farmer's market we had in Florida.

I would like to get to a point where maybe I can set out a tables and sell some veggies or flowers, or even donate them to the local pantry.
It's going to be a lot of work. And I been sitting on my bottom for a few years now, I could use all the encouragement I can get.

The seeds will be arriving in about 2 weeks. I can begin to sow indoors early to mid-march. Then transplant sometime early to mid-may out doors.
I been looking at a technique that you simply cut open a bag of soil and dirctly plant your seedlings in the bag. No digging required. Sounds too good to be true?
But I also have a good size deck with plenty of full sun. So whether by bag or container,
this will be an adventure.

Gen 1:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
Gen 1:30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.

Time for a New Start for me.
Hugs

 

[Ziggy]

Here is a list of seeds I baught and grows in my area.
These are "supposed to be easy" .
We'll find out.. LOL
All seeds purchased online through Burpee.Com

Lettuce - Loose Leaf and Salad Bowl varieties.
Peas, Cucumbers, Tomato, Parsley, Swiss Chard, Spinach, Sweet Pepper, Kale, Summer Squash both green and yellow, Bush Beans, Celery,
And the most important.. Catnip.

Other things I can grow as well like strawberries and blueberries, but the "plants" won't be available to order until april/may for my area.
So these are just the seeds I will be beginning inside until I can transplant them outdoors in May.
Flowers I may just pick up at the local garden center in those starter pots and place them around to encourage bees and other beneficial insects..
ugh.. I think that's why gardening is scary to me, I don't like bugs.. lol

I'm beginning a small compost bin as well.

I write this as there is 4 inches of snow on the ground and the USA is experiencing a severe deep freeze in the South.
My thoughts and Prayers to those who are struggling with power outages and the severity of the situation.
I am praying for an early spring and a time for recovery.

This is the beginning of a new day, a new year, a new me.
Hugs

 

[Base12]

Too bad you don't live near me. I would stop by and help.

I just got done planting seeds into one of these...

I am using an LED light until the snow stops and I can plant outside.

 

[quietthinker]

Dear Ziggy.....if you don't mind me saying so, plans are good, resolve even better ....let it build steam but don't blow it all out the whistle.

 

[Pearl]

I guess this forum is a good place to talk about the "health" changes I am planning in the near future.
Many here know that since I've been here I have talked about my physical limitations and inability to get around much.
This year I plan to change that.

The Lord planted a seed in my mind about a month ago.
Start a garden.
I never had a green thumb and most times I just would get so busy with work that neglect would take over even the smallest plant with weeds and pests.

The Lord reminded me that I have a lot of time on my hands and it's about time to get them dirty. It started with a recipe video talking about produce from the garden. For some reason that tiny seed began to grow.

I live in Maine. My Zone is 5b. I can grow lots of different varieties of food but the season is rather short. I have about 120 days or 6 months of good growing time between last and first frost.
So I started looking at starting seed inside my home. Not much light, not many windows. I really can't afford grow lights and structures. But I have been investigating all kinds of ideas from a simple cold frame to small greenhouses.
My income is limited and I live on a shoestring budget. And I don't have the physical capacity to get out a hammer and saw and build things. (I wish I was healthy again) .

And that "wish" , God said he can work on that with me.
But I need to be willing to do my part. I need to go outside. I will need to bend and stretch and reach for the stars. I remember a song that went like that a long time ago.

So Yesterday I made a leap of faith. I ordered vegetable seeds and starter soil. I have so many different kinds of containers, so I won't need to buy those.
I have been researching "no dig" and "one foot" garden ideas. And the more I research, the more excited I become thinking about spring in just a few weeks.

I wasted the entire year watching protests and riots and political charades.
This year I'm going to do things differently.

I would love to hear other experiences with gardening from you all.
I am a beginner. And I plan to share my experiences here with you all.
What grows and what don't. Maybe how I use what can grow in recipes (I love smoothies)
I have a magic bullet I used to make all kinds of fresh juices 2- 3 times a day from the local farmer's market we had in Florida.

I would like to get to a point where maybe I can set out a tables and sell some veggies or flowers, or even donate them to the local pantry.
It's going to be a lot of work. And I been sitting on my bottom for a few years now, I could use all the encouragement I can get.

The seeds will be arriving in about 2 weeks. I can begin to sow indoors early to mid-march. Then transplant sometime early to mid-may out doors.
I been looking at a technique that you simply cut open a bag of soil and dirctly plant your seedlings in the bag. No digging required. Sounds too good to be true?
But I also have a good size deck with plenty of full sun. So whether by bag or container,
this will be an adventure.

Gen 1:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
Gen 1:30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.

Time for a New Start for me.
Hugs

Wonderful. I would say grow what you know you like. Experiment a bit. Have a mix of easy and more difficult. But most of all enjoy. and I hope you get a good long spell of perfect growing weather. I only grew veg one year to prepare the garden of a new-build house for a lawn. Mostly potatoes which were delicious straight our of the ground. I think they are quite hard work though as I seem to recall we needed to keep building up the rows. Do you have grobags where you are? Large flat, plastic bags full of growing media which you slice open to sow your seeds or plant seedlings.

 

[Raccoon1010]

I guess this forum is a good place to talk about the "health" changes I am planning in the near future.
Many here know that since I've been here I have talked about my physical limitations and inability to get around much.
This year I plan to change that.

The Lord planted a seed in my mind about a month ago.
Start a garden.
I never had a green thumb and most times I just would get so busy with work that neglect would take over even the smallest plant with weeds and pests.

The Lord reminded me that I have a lot of time on my hands and it's about time to get them dirty. It started with a recipe video talking about produce from the garden. For some reason that tiny seed began to grow.

I live in Maine. My Zone is 5b. I can grow lots of different varieties of food but the season is rather short. I have about 120 days or 6 months of good growing time between last and first frost.
So I started looking at starting seed inside my home. Not much light, not many windows. I really can't afford grow lights and structures. But I have been investigating all kinds of ideas from a simple cold frame to small greenhouses.
My income is limited and I live on a shoestring budget. And I don't have the physical capacity to get out a hammer and saw and build things. (I wish I was healthy again) .

And that "wish" , God said he can work on that with me.
But I need to be willing to do my part. I need to go outside. I will need to bend and stretch and reach for the stars. I remember a song that went like that a long time ago.

So Yesterday I made a leap of faith. I ordered vegetable seeds and starter soil. I have so many different kinds of containers, so I won't need to buy those.
I have been researching "no dig" and "one foot" garden ideas. And the more I research, the more excited I become thinking about spring in just a few weeks.

I wasted the entire year watching protests and riots and political charades.
This year I'm going to do things differently.

I would love to hear other experiences with gardening from you all.
I am a beginner. And I plan to share my experiences here with you all.
What grows and what don't. Maybe how I use what can grow in recipes (I love smoothies)
I have a magic bullet I used to make all kinds of fresh juices 2- 3 times a day from the local farmer's market we had in Florida.

I would like to get to a point where maybe I can set out a tables and sell some veggies or flowers, or even donate them to the local pantry.
It's going to be a lot of work. And I been sitting on my bottom for a few years now, I could use all the encouragement I can get.

The seeds will be arriving in about 2 weeks. I can begin to sow indoors early to mid-march. Then transplant sometime early to mid-may out doors.
I been looking at a technique that you simply cut open a bag of soil and dirctly plant your seedlings in the bag. No digging required. Sounds too good to be true?
But I also have a good size deck with plenty of full sun. So whether by bag or container,
this will be an adventure.

Gen 1:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
Gen 1:30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.

Time for a New Start for me.
Hugs

My Mom is disabled and she has a garden and chickens and enjoys them both. Eggs are really healthy and the garden the same.

I had back injuries and some mystery illness that has caused me to be down for about a year and only slightly active. So I understand getting back up and active. Just don't over do it and take it slow and you can build up to being more active. I made the mistake of pushing it twice and ended up with injuries. Take care, I really like your idea!

 

[Ziggy]

It is still snowing here in Maine, so I decided to get a head start on spring cleaning.
4 days and I am still working on the kitchen.
Emptied the pantry and closets and everything is on the floor.

Here's the catch:
My Dad let me move in this old mobile home that hadn't been lived in for almost 20 years.
It has been used as a catch-all for his girlfriend who is a craft hoarder.
5 rooms filled with everything from bolts of fabric to fabric scraps, pins, threads, buttons, you name it.
Then there are the fabric paints and brushes and needles, all spread throughout the house.
I found crotchet needles in the kitchen cabinet, under the sink and in beurro drawers.
Yarn, knitting needles, embroidery thread, hoops, sewing machine parts...
I could go on for hours.

When I got here 4 years ago, I was told not to move anything because "she" knew exactly where everything was located.
Needless to say, it took me 3 days to make a path from one end of the mobile to the other.
I have been just throwing things in garbage bags and boxes, but the place is full of old mouse droppings, dirt, dust, grease on the sink..ugh.
2 bedrooms loaded floor to ceiling, wall to wall with who knows what. From puzzles and books to woodworking projects and fabric.
So much fabric.

So that's why I haven't been here much lately. Just trying to open a door and get into a room is a task.
But so far, I have 1 bedroom almost empty so I can try to consolidate things with like things.
But I got sidetracked when I went looking for something in the pantry.
So the last 3 days I got the pantry empty, washed, and working on re-stocking and throwing out trash.

Gardening........
oh yeah.. where did I put those seeds?
I got them and I ordered 2 large bags of potting soil being delivered tomorrow.
Where to put them.. hmmm....
My Dad asked me was I done cleaning, because I told him I have to get rid of the cat hair accumulating in the darndest places.
I told him, maybe by June.

At least I'm moving. Slowly but surely. The hardest part is reaching the cabinets over the sink and stove. I don't like climbing when I'm by myself. But I did it. And so far everything is starting to look a little better.... if I could find the floor or the table, or the counter.
About the only thing uncluttered around here is my bed, which my cats have decided to take up residence.. sooo..

I hope everyone is well.
God Bless You All
Stay Positive
HUGS

 

[TLHKAJ]

 

[Mayflower]

@FluffyYellowDuck I bet you would have some good input here as an herbalist.

I have had bad headaches last few weeks and learned my blood pressure has been running high, like 140 over 83. We eat out A LOT. We live in an apartment, but maybe an inside garden would encourage us to cook more. Thing is I either forget to water or over water plants, and have a cat who is a troublemaker. LOL

 

[Ziggy]

I buy Tempations treats for my cats in a 30 oz plastic jar.
I took them and cut them all in half, filled the bottoms with soil (after poking holes in the bottoms) ,
poked some holes in the tops and taped the top and bottom together and set them out on the deck.
It's still early April and there was snow on the ground this morning. I haven't seen any green emerge from the soil yet.
It really hasn't been warm enough for anything. Next week should start getting into the 50' and 60's.
So looking forward to the nice weather.
The spring cleaning is going well. My motivation hasn't waned. I just finished washing all the curtains and cleaning the windows.
What a difference a little glass cleaner makes.
Feeling good, smelling better, tasting great.
So far this new start is turning out great.
Happy Easter!
Hugs

 

[APAK]

@FluffyYellowDuck I bet you would have some good input here as an herbalist.

I have had bad headaches last few weeks and learned my blood pressure has been running high, like 140 over 83. We eat out A LOT. We live in an apartment, but maybe an inside garden would encourage us to cook more. Thing is I either forget to water or over water plants, and have a cat who is a troublemaker. LOL

Just wanted to say that it is hard for me to think that I would get headaches with a 140/83 BP reading. That is a pretty good reading from me....it would be rare from me to have a 120/80 reading for one day in any month. Even in my early 20s when I was very fit, played several sports, my BP was still usually in the upper 120s - 130s/82-88. My pulse is extra low av. about 55 bpm...can be 46-49 for a few days....

Bless you,

APAK

 

[Mayflower]

Just wanted to say that it is hard for me to think that I would get headaches with a 140/83 BP reading. That is a pretty good reading from me....it would be rare from me to have a 120/80 reading for one day in any month. Even in my early 20s when I was very fit, played several sports, my BP was still usually in the upper 120s - 130s/82-88. My pulse is extra low av. about 55 bpm...can be 46-49 for a few days....

Bless you,

APAK

That is good. I'm not an expert on it. But I usually do run in the 120's. The dialostic is pretty good though I think. I was hoping to try and change some things before going to a doctor. I think they will tell me the same thing anyway, and don't want to get on medication. I don't even own a monitor. I took it at walmart since I've been getting headaches pretty bad. Why I tried staying offline a little while

 

[DuckieLady]

@FluffyYellowDuck I bet you would have some good input here as an herbalist.

I have had bad headaches last few weeks and learned my blood pressure has been running high, like 140 over 83. We eat out A LOT. We live in an apartment, but maybe an inside garden would encourage us to cook more. Thing is I either forget to water or over water plants, and have a cat who is a troublemaker. LOL

Well, amateur, but yeah Haha!

I was also in a 5B zone... or maybe it was 5A, I can't remember. So I've already planned this for my own small gardening space, but this was about eight years ago and I didn't get to do it but I'll try to remember.

Seems to me that I remember looking at something years ago. I did have some fingerling carrots. If I remember correctly, I think I got the idea from the French in WW2, and I think what they did was they put the long pots outside of their window. They were small enough to grow out there. Women were encouraged to grow in their in gardens all of the time.

I remember that potato bags served for more than potato bags...

And I also remembering looking into vertical gardening for more space. I appreciate vertical gardens a little more for practical/aesthetic purposes. There's another way to do this with plastic bottles but I didn't like the look ... During the apocalypse, sure, but if I have to look at it every day I want to see it look pretty.

I was also planning on a small greenhouse. Looked like this. Really not expensive... I found one for about $35. I can't remember what I had planned for it.

I was on my way to a vermicompost, too. But I didn't get much further than a giant pot of I don't remember what, my little carrots, herbs, and LOTS of oregano of all kinds. Had to move before I got started!

You can also DIY an aerogarden.

 

[Pearl]

Lots of great ideas there.

 

[APAK]

That is good. I'm not an expert on it. But I usually do run in the 120's. The dialostic is pretty good though I think. I was hoping to try and change some things before going to a doctor. I think they will tell me the same thing anyway, and don't want to get on medication. I don't even own a monitor. I took it at walmart since I've been getting headaches pretty bad. Why I tried staying offline a little while

I hope you get better although I would not point to your BP at the cause of these headaches. I do not take any synthetic meds for anything...

 

[Mayflower]

Well, amateur, but yeah Haha!

I was also in a 5B zone... or maybe it was 5A, I can't remember. So I've already planned this for my own small gardening space, but this was about eight years ago and I didn't get to do it but I'll try to remember.

Seems to me that I remember looking at something years ago. I did have some fingerling carrots. If I remember correctly, I think I got the idea from the French in WW2, and I think what they did was they put the long pots outside of their window. They were small enough to grow out there. Women were encouraged to grow in their in gardens all of the time.

I remember that potato bags served for more than potato bags...

And I also remembering looking into vertical gardening for more space. I appreciate vertical gardens a little more for practical/aesthetic purposes. There's another way to do this with plastic bottles but I didn't like the look ... During the apocalypse, sure, but if I have to look at it every day I want to see it look pretty.

I was also planning on a small greenhouse. Looked like this. Really not expensive... I found one for about $35. I can't remember what I had planned for it.

I was on my way to a vermicompost, too. But I didn't get much further than a giant pot of I don't remember what, my little carrots, herbs, and LOTS of oregano of all kinds. Had to move before I got started!

You can also DIY an aerogarden.

Hmmm I have a hanging thing like that...

 

[Amazed@grace]

I guess this forum is a good place to talk about the "health" changes I am planning in the near future.
Many here know that since I've been here I have talked about my physical limitations and inability to get around much.
This year I plan to change that.

The Lord planted a seed in my mind about a month ago.
Start a garden.
I never had a green thumb and most times I just would get so busy with work that neglect would take over even the smallest plant with weeds and pests.

The Lord reminded me that I have a lot of time on my hands and it's about time to get them dirty. It started with a recipe video talking about produce from the garden. For some reason that tiny seed began to grow.

I live in Maine. My Zone is 5b. I can grow lots of different varieties of food but the season is rather short. I have about 120 days or 6 months of good growing time between last and first frost.
So I started looking at starting seed inside my home. Not much light, not many windows. I really can't afford grow lights and structures. But I have been investigating all kinds of ideas from a simple cold frame to small greenhouses.
My income is limited and I live on a shoestring budget. And I don't have the physical capacity to get out a hammer and saw and build things. (I wish I was healthy again) .

And that "wish" , God said he can work on that with me.
But I need to be willing to do my part. I need to go outside. I will need to bend and stretch and reach for the stars. I remember a song that went like that a long time ago.

So Yesterday I made a leap of faith. I ordered vegetable seeds and starter soil. I have so many different kinds of containers, so I won't need to buy those.
I have been researching "no dig" and "one foot" garden ideas. And the more I research, the more excited I become thinking about spring in just a few weeks.

I wasted the entire year watching protests and riots and political charades.
This year I'm going to do things differently.

I would love to hear other experiences with gardening from you all.
I am a beginner. And I plan to share my experiences here with you all.
What grows and what don't. Maybe how I use what can grow in recipes (I love smoothies)
I have a magic bullet I used to make all kinds of fresh juices 2- 3 times a day from the local farmer's market we had in Florida.

I would like to get to a point where maybe I can set out a tables and sell some veggies or flowers, or even donate them to the local pantry.
It's going to be a lot of work. And I been sitting on my bottom for a few years now, I could use all the encouragement I can get.

The seeds will be arriving in about 2 weeks. I can begin to sow indoors early to mid-march. Then transplant sometime early to mid-may out doors.
I been looking at a technique that you simply cut open a bag of soil and dirctly plant your seedlings in the bag. No digging required. Sounds too good to be true?
But I also have a good size deck with plenty of full sun. So whether by bag or container,
this will be an adventure.

Gen 1:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
Gen 1:30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.

Time for a New Start for me.
Hugs

Sounds like fun.:)

Here's to another garden idea.

The Hay Bale Garden – Everything you need to get started.

 

[Ziggy]

I visited my daughter and my ex-mother-in-law last weekend. 12 hours of driving all together.
I hadn't left this hole in the woods for 3 years, other than local shopping.
It was good to be moving.
My family is doing well. My motherinlaw is having a hard time. She will be 86 in June and has many disabilities. She is 90% blind, a new hip, themur (femur) ? and two knew knees. But still demands her independence.
She looked weak like she isn't eating. Trying to convince me and herself she is ready to go home now.
I am talking with my ex, explaining that assisted living facility might come in handy about now.
But over all, she was glad to see us as I brought my daughter and grandson along for the 2 hour ride from my daughter's to her house.
4 hours down, 4 hour round trip to mom's, and 4 hours back home.
A little overcast but a truly pleasant drive.
And the car didn't break down!
This week has been one of recouperating from the excitement.
But the media is giving me a bad headache.
Can't watch tv anymore, so many lies and deceptions.
So I'm working on my garden. All the seeds I planted last February are sprouting and almost ready to transplant.
I'm going to sow a new batch this week.
Dad will be visiting next weekend for awhile. It's good to have company (sometimes)

Miss you all.
Stay on the strait and narrow. The world doesn't appear as insane that way.
Stay focused.
Don't let any darkness creep into your joy.
Stay Positive.
God loves us.
HUGS