Lifestyle

How to Grow an Indoor Garden

January 11, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.

Last year, I killed most of my plants. This year, I’ve graduated to Plant Lady. If I can learn how to keep plants alive (and grow them!), you can as well!

I was curious about how to grow vegetables and herbs indoors, I had no idea how to get started. I watched a ton of YouTube videos and I asked employees at a nearby garden center questions. I purchased the supplies. Then, I got my hands dirty.

It turns out that it is actually quite easy to garden indoors once you do your homework and follow the instructions. The process of gardening teaches you patience, a trait that carries over into other areas of your daily life. Gardening takes time, especially when you start vegetables from seed, but the results are truly incredible. The magic formula is good soil + light + water + patience = leafy greens!

I was so impressed with the results from growing tomatoes, peppers, and herbs in my first outdoor raised garden bed, that I decided to try my hand at indoor gardening. If you would have asked me five years ago if I had a “green thumb,” I would have laughed and told you to look at my indoor plants. But something changed when I took the time to research soil composition and each plant’s growth behavior. For my indoor garden, I decided to grow lettuce, kale, and herbs.

I want you to experience the joy of indoor gardening, too! Use the supplies list to shop for the items you need for your indoor setup. (I simplified the equipment as much as possible since I didn’t want to overly invest in expensive supplies.) Each item listed below is linked making shopping easy.

SUPPLIES

Sylvania Gro-Lux Bulb Housing Unit (here is a similar one)

Sylvania Gro-Lux 40watt LED bulbs x2

Steel Double Loop Chain

S Hooks

Small Fan

Indoor Plug-In Mechanical Timer

Spray Water Bottle

Seed Starting Tray

Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix

Burpee Organic Leafy Greens and Herb Plant Food 5-5-3

Botanical Interests Starter Seeds

Seed Tray Warmer (optional)

Plastic Container Pots with Drainage Holes (I also used plastic salad containers.)

HOW TO GROW LETTUCE & HERBS INDOORS

The key to giving seeds a good head start is to germinate them in water for 24 hours and then plant each individual seed in a small well of slightly moist soil (cake-like consistency). Of course, you should also read the sowing directions on the back of each seed packet to optimize results.

I placed the grow lights 4″-6″ above the soil’s surface. As the plants grew, I adjusted the lights to keep them the same distance from the tallest leaf. Setting a timer to control the on/off lighting schedule is important. I had success running the grow lights and rotating fan for 12 hours and then off for 12 hours. Why use a fan? Just as outdoor plants are exposed to circulating air, indoors plants need the exposure as well.

Indoor grow rooms need to be at a comfortable temperature to give plants the best chance for success. I didn’t have to use a seed tray warmer since the basement room stays at approximately 65 degrees at all times. If you check your room’s temperature and it ranges between 65 degrees and 80 degrees when the grow lights are off, the seed trays should be okay without a warming mat underneath them.

After filling the seed trays with a seed starting soil and a bit of Burpee plant food, I used a pencil to create a well for each seed. Then, I carefully dropped one seed into each well and covered it with more soil. To keep them hydrated, I watered the seed trays from the bottom for the first couple of weeks. Later, I switched to top-down watering alternating between using a spray bottle and a watering can. I kept the soil moist but not saturated.

Soon, the seeds grew into fragile seedlings. A few weeks later, they were ready to be transplanted into larger pots until they were harvest two months later. During every stage of growth, I watched the leaves change in color and size as they grew taller all the while reaching for the light. I had the best luck growing heirloom kale, dill, romaine lettuce, and arugula. But I have to be honest, growing vegetables and herbs indoors wasn’t without challenges.

One day, I was tending to my plantings and noticed small, black gnats flying around some of the pots. Fungus gnats! My research proved correct. The gnats came from the store-bought potting soil. Ironically, I spent a pretty penny on the best potting soil in town. But, such is the gardener’s life! To get rid of the pesky gnats, I filled shallow bowls with apple cider vinegar, a few drops of Dawn dish soap, and a bit of water and placed them around the pots. Voila! The gnats flew into the bowls and died. Mission accomplished. (After I harvested the lettuce from those pots, I tossed the soil in the trash.)

The learning never stops when you’re growing food from seed. Each time I was perplexed by something, I read about it or watched my favorite YouTube channel “Growing a Greener World” or searched Google. In the end, it was all worth it. The feeling you get when you harvest food from your indoor garden is beyond words.

“I’m going downstairs to get some lettuce for our salad,” was never a sentence I thought I’d say out loud. I still consider myself a beginner gardener.

I suspect you’re one of those people who appreciate where your food comes from and want to know its path to your plate. I encourage you to try gardening. You will have successes. You will experience small fails. It will all be worth it the moment you taste the vegetables you’ve grown.

Please comment below if you have questions about my indoor growing setup. If you have indoor gardening stories to share, I’d love to hear from you!

Bonus! Click Properly Fill a Raised Garden Bed to learn how to grow massive garden plants outdoors. If you dream of having your own garden house, be sure to check out Garden House Showcase to see how my mom took the idea of a potting shed to a new level.

Reflections on 2020: The Longest Year

December 23, 2020 by Vanessa Whiteside 1 Comment

When I think back on the last year, my first thought is “throw it out with the garbage!” It was not a year any of us want to repeat. Turning the page to better days sounds ideal, yet each day can be challenging. Listening to the news can feel like a weighted blanket of doom these days. For the sake of not sounding like a total Debbie Downer, there is an end to this madness eventually. I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I don’t have the quick answer for how to manage stress during a pandemic. Many health and wellness articles give advice ranging from self-care routines to cocktail recipes and everything in between. The answer is somewhere in there. For me, I’ve taken it day by day and sometimes hour by hour, and what I’ve learned is that 2020 required me to get quiet and listen to my thoughts. To hear the good, the bad, and the sometimes noisy ones. It’s been a process, but what I’ve learned during this time has been immeasurable.

A few reflections:

A BUSY DAY SPEEDS UP THE HOURS

I was already a person who woke up before the sun and made a to-do list for the day. When we received stay-at-home recommendations, I saw it as an opportunity to tackle tasks. Of course there were moments of boredom, but I occupied my time staying happily busy. I grew a garden, cooked new recipes, and even went as far as chalking the neighborhood with positive messages. Staying busy sped up the hours.

QUIET EQUATES TO PRODUCTIVITY

Some people thrive in loud, buzzing work environments. I’m definitely not one of them. I write and strategize for a living and need to be able to hear myself think. When I’m in the zone and someone interrupts my stream of consciousness to talk about themselves, it halts my creativity. Last year, I had gone as far as using noise cancelling headphones at the office. Working remotely has been a blessing that I relish, and to be frank, my writing craft and productivity are better for it.

A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP IS KEY

Anything that I can’t seem to solve or that truly frustrates me is cured by a good night’s sleep. When my mood is exacerbated by the day’s news headlines about the pandemic or the economy, I’ve learned that it’s best just to get some rest and start fresh the next day. I admire people who say “never go to bed mad.” Clearly, they’ve never argued with me about something. Ha!

ALCOHOL IS LIKE A LOUD FRIEND AT A PARTY

I appreciate wine. I love craft beer. Somewhere along the way last year I began drinking too often. Alcohol helped me transition after work to the evening hours, joined me on the weekends, and well, for nearly most occasions. Like a fun friend you take with you as a guest to a party, alcohol eventually had too much fun and embarrassed me. Today, I’ve cut way back on my drinking and I’m better for it.

KINDNESS ENDURES

A tumultuous year of political differences, race riots, and economic downturn hurt a lot of people in 2020. Showing kindness to others was something I could do to make it a little bit better. From a simple act of donating to a charity to smiling through my mask at a stranger in a parking lot, I did what I could to be a nicer person. Because at the end of the day, it’s not what people say that you remember. It’s how they made you feel.

The year 2020 taught me to zero in on what it means to listen to my instincts and support my passions. To be a better version of me.

What have you learned about yourself in the last year? What lessons has 2020 taught you?

How I’ve Stayed Happily Busy During the Pandemic

November 15, 2020 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

This stay at home thing isn’t ending anytime soon. During my time at home, I’ve found myself reviving old hobbies, experimenting with new things, and well, cleaning and eating a lot.

How have you kept yourself from going stir crazy while stuck at home?

Maybe an activity or recipe below will inspire you to cross something off your fun to-do list OR perhaps it will simply leave you with the feeling that only being productive can bring. If you’re like me, you want to keep yourself busy!

COMFORT FOODS

Chocolate Chip Cookies
Scalloped Potatoes
Egg Salad
Banana Bread
Fruit Cocktail Cake
Peach Dump Cake
Smoked Pork Ribs
Apple Salad
Rasta Pasta
Vodka Sauce
German Potato Salad
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Biscuits and Gravy
Garlic Rosemary Chicken Thighs
Sautéed Red Cabbage
Italian Stuffed Peppers
Green Tomato Relish
Stuffed Summer Squash
Sesame Kale
Hamburger Soup

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Leaf Peeping
Bird Watching
Chiminea
Dog Walks
Sidewalk Chalk
Raised Bed Gardening
Stargazing
Landscaping
Biking
Neighborhood Litter Pick Up

HOME ACTIVITIES

DIY Dog Bandanas
Clean Garage
Clean Grill, Traeger Smoker
Deep Clean House
Clean Car
Declutter Drawers and Closets
Game Night
Classic Movie Night
Spa Treatments
Living Room Dance Party
Mail Cards to Loved Ones
Puzzles
Paint a Room
Coloring Book
Reading
DIY Wooden Bead Garland
Blogging
Indoor Gardening
Online Shopping
Dehydrate Herbs

TV SHOWS (I’ve watched every episode of these series.)

Masterclass
Growing a Greener World
Somebody Feed Phil
Hart of Dixie
Hollywood Reporter Actor’s Round Table
Get Organized
The Chef Show
The Ranch
Grace and Frankie

What has inspired you to stay active during the pandemic? Share an idea with me in the comments below! Together, we’re going to get through this time.

How to Make Wood Bead Garland

September 10, 2020 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.

Why buy wood bead garland on Etsy for upwards of $30 when you can make it yourself for dollars less?

I’d like to teach you how to craft your own version in less time than it would take you shop for it online and have it shipped to your house. If you can find a strand of wood bead garland at a home decor store like At Home or Hobby Lobby, you’ll save much more money than if you bought multiple bags of beads ($7-9 each!). I bought 12′ of holiday wood bead garland (see below) for $5.99 from At Home.

The finished garland looks beautiful when displayed with farmhouse design or draped against bohemian decor.

Roll up your sleeves. Let’s get crafty!

SUPPLIES AND TOOLS:

Wood bead holiday garland
Jute twine
Jute tassel
Wood tag
Black chalkboard paint
Paint brush
White chalkboard marker

STEP 1: Remove the wood beads from the roped garland and remove any tags. (I bought this strand from At Home for less than $6 and it had enough beads for three wood bead garland projects.)

STEP 2: Cut a length of jute twine to the length of garland you want. (I simply made a rough estimate of my bead quantity and cut the twine to suit that length.)

STEP 3: Attach the jute tassel by knotting the twine to it. (I found these tassels at Joann’s for less than $3 each.)

STEP 4: Slide each wood bead one-by-one down the length of twine. The first 1-3 beads will cover the tassel’s leftover loop hiding it from view. Continue adding beads until you have approximately 3-4 inches of twine left as excess at the end of your DIY garland.

STEP 5: Using the remaining length of twine beyond the last bead, loop it into the wood tag and knot it firmly. (I wanted to use black chalkboard paint on the tag I used to eventually hand script a word on it. To do so, brush on one coat of chalkboard paint, allow to dry, add another coat of paint, and once dried you can use a white chalk marker to script a word on our tag.)

STEP 6. Tuck any excess twine inside the first and last beads on the garland, and you’re done!

Now, where will you drape your garland to adorn your interior design?

How to Properly Fill A Raised Garden Bed

May 9, 2020 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.

Urban gardening. Suburban agriculture. Urban farming. Whatever you want to call it, I’m so in! And if you’re reading this post, chances are that you’re interested in learning how to properly fill a raised garden bed to guarantee a healthy harvest of herbs and vegetables. There’s nothing better tasting than homegrown food. Let’s get you started!

While I didn’t build the cedar surround for my bottomless garden bed (thanks Dad!), I did extensive research on making sure I filled it will layers of organic matter, earth soil, compost, and fertilizer. I estimate I spent about $250 on the entire project for the cedar surround and its contents; not including the drip system supplies, tomato cages, plants, or garden markers.

Follow this step-by-step guide on how to use the “lasagna method” or layering method to fill it properly for ultimate results.

STEP 1: ADD A LAYER OR PAPER GROCERY BAGS OR CARDBOARD (NO INK)

Assuming you’ve already leveled the ground and used a rake to rid the soil of any unwanted grass or weeds, add a layer of brown paper bags or cardboard. I opted for upcycling my brown bags versus using shipping boxes because I didn’t want to use cardboard that had a lot of ink on it.

STEP 2: ADD TWIGS + DEAD VEGETATION

I walked to a nearby undeveloped section of our neighborhood and gathered mashed down dead sunflowers and grass left in the wake of a tractor’s path. Then, I added enough vegetation to completely fill the space of my garden bed in all directions.

STEP 3: ADD SPHAGNUM PEAT MOSS

I used two bags of compressed, Sphagnum Peat Moss Tourbe (2.2 cu. ft. each) for my raised garden that is 56″ wide x 46″ long x 10.5″ deep. Then, I dragged a rake across it to evenly distribute it.

STEP 4: ADD A LAYER OF COMPOST

For this garden bed, I bought two types of compost and used one of them for this layer. Ideally, you would want to use homemade compost, but you can easily purchase it at any big box hardware store. I used Premium Mushroom Compost Plus Manure. Again, use your trusty rake to make sure it is distributed in the garden bed from corner to corner.

STEP 5: ADD A LAYER OF LEAVES

I had to head over to a walking path area surrounded by trees to find enough leaves to gather for this step. It was well worth it! Just dump a bag of dead leaves over the bed and use your hands to move them around.

STEP 6: ADD A LAYER OF LAWN CLIPPINGS

I feel confident that the lawn clippings I used for this layer are free of fertilizer chemicals. It’s up to you whether or not you want to add this layer based on your resources. Maybe a neighbor would have lawn clippings you could use if you forgot to reserve your own. Use a garden hose to add a layer of moisture at this point. You don’t need to saturate the layer. Add enough water that it’s moist.

STEP 7: ADD A LAYER OF GARDEN SOIL OR EARTH SOIL

Because we live in the suburbs, I had to buy a bag of soil versus digging up dirt from our yard. I bought a 2 cu. ft. bag of Schultz® Enriched Garden Soil made for flowers and vegetables. It feeds for 6 months. Of course, make sure it’s an even layer free of clumps.

STEP 8: ADD A LAYER OF COMPOST

For this step, I switched up my type of compost. I added an even layer of organic compost plus manure (5-5-5), a .75 cu. ft. bag. For extra measure, I watered down this layer as well.

STEP 9: ADD A LAYER OF POTTING SOIL

I’m a big fan of using Fertilome’s Ultimate Potting Mix. It is a loose, easy to work with soil that always makes my plants happy thanks to its ability to retain water. It’s such a soft soil that you don’t even need a garden tool to plant in it — use your hand! I made sure to use a cross-hatch pattern to mix the potting soil with the previous layer of compost. That’s it. You’re done and ready to map out your plantings.

BONUS TIP: Before you start planting your vegetables and herbs, add a granular plant food to give it the promote growth. In this instance, I used Burpee’s Leafy Green + Herb Granular Plant Food and added 2 tablespoons of it to the space I dug for the plant and then mixed it into the soil with my hand. (I’ve also used Osmocote Smart Release Plant Food in the past.) Of course, be sure to water your newly planted vegetables and herbs very well.

You’re guaranteed to see results from your hard work using this “lasagne method” of layering. As with any garden, be sure to select vegetables and herbs that can withstand your climate’s weather conditions and plant them in the areas of the bed that receive the sun they need to flourish. In the area where I planted this garden, most of it sees 6-8 hours of sun while a corner of the garden bed only receives partial sun. Lastly, I added a drip system for consistent water between rain storms, a must for extremely hot spring and summer months like we experience in the Midwest. (For extra measure to prevent pests, I planted marigolds around the tomatoes and pepper plants.)

It took me years to build up enough confidence to plant an urban garden. I had to learn through trail and error using container pots, and then I graduated to a larger system. I’m excited to hear about your gardening adventures and what planting methods have worked best for you. Be sure to comment below with your stories, and happy gardening!

If you enjoy growing tomatoes, you will appreciate a post I wrote DIY: Dowel Rod Tomato Cages, a low-cost way to stake them. And what can you do with all of your fresh veggies and herbs? Prepare a flavorful salad with your harvest using one of these 6 Flavor Salads! Personally, I’m looking forward to preparing Classic Egg Salad with dill and enjoying Dutch Oven Bolognese Sauce using fresh tomatoes.

3 Ways to Foster Your Creativity

February 23, 2020 by Vanessa Whiteside 2 Comments

Do you remember what it was like to be a child who let their imagination run wild?

As adults, we are so busy “adulting” that we seldom give ourselves the time or opportunity to tap into the creative part of our brain that allows for free expression and discovery. Watch a child at play. They are amazing! You’ll witness their carefree behavior resulting in simulation of scenarios and exploration of ideas.

“Creativity isn’t necessarily a characteristic you’re born with; it’s a trait that can be honed through habit.”
Deep Patel, Entrepreneur.com “9 Ways to Rewir e Your Brain for Creativity”

Everyone’s outlet for creativity looks different. For me, I enjoy writing, cooking, photography, and design. How do you express your creativity?

In a moment of creative immersion, I get lost in the process. I will often cook multiple dishes at the same time while watching Food Network re-runs. Sometimes I’ve been know to crank out multiple blog posts in a weekend rather than my less than stellar one article per month. And I’ve been known to mentally design flower beds, shop for flowers, and completely overhaul our landscaping in one day. It’s a feverish pace that is undeniable and yet so enjoyable. I’m lost in the creative process.

However, I know what it’s like to lose the passion to create.

I write all day at work, so I sometimes struggle to convince myself to sit down again at a laptop and blog or journal at night. Similarly, cooking to get dinner on the table on a weeknight looks very different than creatively exploring recipes on a Sunday. So how do I make sure I’m allowing myself to get back into “the pocket” and to escape the mundane daily work for one of creativity? I declare it! “Today is the day you’re just going to be creative.” I think it, and then I do it.

Do you need a gentle nudge to surrender to your own creative thoughts? Try applying one of these recommendations this week. Designate a day dedicated to carefree thinking and discovery!

ADD COLOR TO YOUR WORLD

Whether it’s grabbing some colored pencils and simply doodling on an open page or arranging flowers in a vase, express yourself with color. Perhaps the day starts with pairing colorful clothing together for your outfit. Maybe you flip your interior design and add seasonal pops of color to your home. The addition of color to your environment will strongly influence your thinking!

GET YOUR HANDS MOVING

Some of my best creative moments have come from working in the dirt while gardening. Perhaps you’ve neglected an instrument you once played or haven’t allowed yourself the time to journal in ages. Maybe you would like to take up sewing or drawing again. Whatever it is that fuels your creativity, it most likely involves using your hands.

GO SOMEWHERE NEW

How much time do you spend at home? Naturally, some people are “home bodies” preferring to remain in the comfort of their home rather than visiting a space like a museum or exploring the outdoors. I get that. Some days that’s all I want to do, too. Yet, convincing myself to sit down on the park bench next to our neighborhood’s walking trail while watching nature ignites new thoughts and curiosities. And in doing so, I’m often intrigued to learn more through reading or viewing a documentary about that topic. Just think: Where could you transport yourself today?

You can’t use up creativity. The more you use the more you have.
Maya Angelou

Looking for more ways to be creative today? Consider making a new recipe or crafting a DIY project! Enjoy your time!