Best Ways to Garden in Small Spaces

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If you are anything like me, you love to garden but also know that sometimes it can be difficult to know how to start out. This is especially true if you live in an apartment or don’t really have the space to start a garden, and if money is tight.

A small court yard of a stone residence demonstrates that it is possible to garden in small spacesSave

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to garden in a small space, all while sticking to your budget and not breaking the bank. This easy guide will help point you in the right direction.

Come Up With A Plan

The first step in growing plants in small spaces is to come up with some sort of game plan. If you live in an apartment and only have a balcony or patio, then you are going to have to be a bit more creative when it comes to finding a way to plant everything, while not taking up all of your space with vegetation. You still need a bit of room for smaller sized outdoor furniture and seating.

The first step to coming up with a good plan is to find inspiration. I have found that following gardening, DIY, and landscaping boards on Pinterest has helped inspire some of the best and most creative ideas when it comes to growing my favorite plants!

Occasionally, these ideas have also helped me save a few dollars in the process. If you do not already have a Pinterest account, I highly recommend you get one and start following a few gardening boards.

They are loaded with all kinds of fun and quirky ideas!

Follow Gardener’s Path’s boards on Pinterest here.

Collect Items

Once you have a plan, or at least some sort of idea on where you are going to start with your garden or what you would eventually like to achieve, the next important step in gardening in small spaces is to start collecting the tools and items you will need.

One of the easiest ways to get started with growing plants in small spaces includes growing them in containers. Container gardening doesn’t have to mean clay or terra cotta planters, or perfectly formed plastic pots.

With a little imagination, you can recycle a vast number of items that you’ll find all around your home. Virtually anything can be transformed into a garden container, with very few limitations.

Just be sure that the items can hold enough soil for the plant, and that it will permit adequate drainage. The drainage issue can be resolved with a simple household drill to the bottom of the vessel.

Also ensure that you are not gardening with any containers that were used to hold toxic chemicals, especially if you are growing edible crops. And be sure to clean your containers thoroughly before planting, no matter what they were originally used for.

AN old yellow and white procelain claid footed bathtub being used as a planterSave

Reusing and recycling household items are great ways to garden efficiently, all while saving space and money. Chances are, you have many household items that can quickly be turned into unique garden containers.

Look around, and see what you can find. You’ll be surprised at the small treasures that await you.

Looking for items on websites like Craigslist or Freecycle, or checking for supplies at resale and thrift shops are more great ways to get more bang for your buck, and find unique items that will work great in any space!

Some of my favorite garden treasures have come from thrift stores.

Once you select an item that you’d like to recycle into a garden container, examine it for any signs of rust or mildew. Again, it’s a good idea to thoroughly clean out the container to remove any debris or potentially dangerous chemicals.

In addition, if you’ve selected an older wooden object, you may want to consider treating it with a clear waterproof latex sealer. This will extend the life and durability of the container.

Household Items That Work Great As Planters:

  • Cans
  • Milk Crate
  • Bottles
  • Jars
  • Toilet Paper Rolls
  • Lanterns
  • Fish Tanks
  • Fish Bowls
  • Tires
  • Old Toolboxes, Mailboxes, or Baskets
  • Glassware
  • Gutters
  • Pipes
  • Cinder Blocks
  • Concrete
  • Wagons, Wheelbarrows, Wagon Wheels
  • Coffee Mugs
  • Pallets
  • Old Bird Baths
  • Laundry Baskets
  • Broken Terra Cotta Pots
  • Metal Tea Canisters
  • Watering Cans

Get To It!

Once you have a plan and the items you will need to start your garden, you will want to buy soil, seeds, and plants if you have not already done so.

I have learned from experience that planting flowers, fruits, veggies and herbs from seeds tends to work better than transplanting plants that are already half grown and sold at the stores.

Seeds are also usually fairly inexpensive to buy, with prices ranging anywhere from $1-4. I’ve found a variety of good seed starters at places like Home Depot, Target, and Amazon.

Another thing you might consider when purchasing seeds is trying to find items that you can reuse later. What I mean by this is being able to save the seeds again for next year, or replanting by recycling plant parts (like green onions, celery, pineapples, and so on).

Once you’ve got all your seeds and everything else you need, it’s time to get to it!

Some Cool Ideas to Help Get You Started:

Shoe Organizer

One cost effective and quirky way to garden in a small space is to invest in or recycle a canvas shoe organizer.

This can be hung up and kept off the wall with a few strips of wood. And this type of planter works great for growing herbs.

Salad Box

If you are looking for an ideal way to plant lettuce, kale, spinach, or other greens, then you might consider creating your very own salad box.

Raised beds on table legs or platforms work great for this type of planter, and also require less bending over to tend to your plants, which is even better.

You can create your own simple salad box by upcycling and hollowing out an old desk, or taking the drawers out of a dresser. Other items that work well are redwood planter boxes with a few 1 x 4s.

Simply piece these items together with a hammer, nails, and some glue, and you’re good to go.

Pallets

One of the easiest and most efficient ways to garden in a small space, like on a balcony or patio, is to get a pallet and set it vertically.

This type of planter works great for herbs like basil or rosemary, or even to make a “catio” for your feline friend. You can grow some catnip and other types of cat grasses within the pallets.

two pallets being used to form a vertcal gard with soil and plantersbeing placed between boardsSave

Gutters

Gutter Gardens are becoming more and more popular in small gardening spaces. This brilliant solution involves taking gutters and connecting them to walls in a sunny area, so that they are off the ground, away from bugs, animals, and a foundation that can sometimes become too wet.

Two rain boots hund on whit picket fence and used as plantersSaveRain Boot Planter

Another cheap and whimsical way to add a bit of style to any outdoor space or even wider window ledges is to use old rain boots as planters. (And when you’re ready to toss the old ones, check out our review of the best gardening footwear to pick your next pair!)

They can be hung from the walls, a fence, or just sit on top of a table or the ground. This specific planter is a fun idea to try with your kids.

Canning Jars

Making a wall mounted herb and spice rack from canning jars is another cheap and easy way to garden in small spaces.

This idea can even be used by those individuals who don’t have any outdoor space.

A canning jar garden will work great outdoors on your patio, fence, balcony, garage wall, or indoors on the wall of your living room or kitchen. They’re perfect for planting fresh herbs or microgreens.

Terrariums

Terrariums are a fun idea for any gardener who loves to get creative and have fun.

Some of my favorite terrariums that I’ve made came from items that I thrifted (like old fish bowls and spice bowls with lids, gnomes, fake flowers and vines, rocks, pebbles, sand, and so on).

A terrarium will add flair to any garden that is on a patio or balcony, or any indoor area that gets some natural light.

Window Boxes

Another cute and simple way to grow some of your favorite flowers or a few of your favorite herbs is to invest in a window box. These can usually be found at your local gardening store, home goods store, or online at Amazon.

a window box with a spray of colors from different types of flowers and herbsSave

You can even reuse household items like wine boxes, baskets, and wooden crates to make your very own window box.

To add a bit of pizzazz, try painting your box and distressing it. You can even buy some stencils and write some cute messages or words on the box, to turn any plain old box into an adorable window box in no time.

Wheelbarrow or Cart

Another excellent idea is planting in a wooden wheelbarrow or an old garden cart. This is one of my favorites.

Not only is it an interesting way to display a beautiful arrangement of colorful flowers, but it’s also a movable vessel.

This would provide a simple way to change up the look and feel of your garden, and eliminate any concerns with too much or too little sun exposure.

An old antique garden cart serves as a unique garden planter

Coffee and Soup Cans

A coffee and soup can gardening is another easy idea when it comes to maximizing your use of small spaces. Both are everyday items that you probably already have lying around the house.

If you paint them to add a bit of charm and then plant your favorite flowers or herbs in them, they can be placed on the ground, window ledges, or tables, or even be hung from ceilings, rafters, roofs, walls, fences, trees, and poles.

Square Foot or Raised Bed

Making your own raised bed doesn’t have to be as difficult as it seems. In fact, you can even measure out your gardening square footage very specifically.

You’d be surprised by just how many vegetables and flowers you can manage to fit in a few square feet. Cinder blocks work great for this, especially if you are planting something like strawberries.

If you don’t have enough space to build a raised bed garden, you might consider using a few cinder blocks by themselves, and planting a select few plants inside them.

This raised bed in a cottage garden demonstrates gardening in small spacesSave

Laundry Basket

Laundry baskets work great for growing things like potatoes (and harvesting them, too). They also come in handy when it comes time to harvest your plants.

Because it’s filled with holes, a laundry basket works as a natural strainer or like a giant colander to rinse off the produce. Gone are the days of having to lug everything in the house one item at a time to rinse and strain!

Artistic and Unique Ideas

A bunch of showe and boots on a shoe rack servey as an "Artsy Fartsy" garden for a small spaceSave

Gardening is a fun way to express yourself, and your creativity. Don’t be afraid to let your freak flag fly a little!

Check out these cool artsy ideas and suggestions for upcycling:

  • Mosaic Walls
  • Tile Paths
  • Teacup Flowerpots
  • Broken Terra Cotta Herb Garden
  • Vertical Planters
  • Birdhouses and Birdfeeders
  • Upcycled Pallets and Wooden Crates
  • Repurposed Wooden Barrels
  • Porcelain Bathtubs
  • Wheelbarrows, Wagons, and Bicycles
  • Wicker Baskets
  • Umbrella Stands
  • Stone Sinks
  • Old Mailboxes

Feeling inspired yet? Hopefully, this list will inspire you with a few ideas of your own.

Believe it or not, I’ve even seen a toilet used as a garden container. And one close neighbor annually housed her daisies in her husband’s work boot! If nothing else, these items would certainly make an interesting conversation piece.

Remember, just because a space is small doesn’t mean it lacks potential.

When I lived in an apartment, I literally just went into the woods and collected buckets full of stones.

Then I dug around our windows where the grass was dead, and laid down some soil and river pebbles that I got at a summer sale at Lowe’s, and then I outlined the landscape with the collected rocks.

I planted seeds and spread mulch around, bought $2 solar lights from Target, and thrifted gardening tools like watering cans and materials to make terrariums.

At our new place, I bought 6 red bricks from Home Depot for less than $20 and just dug up a bit of grass in front of our patio where I wanted to place them, set them down in a curved path, and patted the dirt back down.

It took about a year for the grass to grow in around this (sure, I could have bought grass seed and planted, but I was lazy). Within a year’s time, we now have a cute DIY path leading from our patio to our small garden.

With a little bit of imagination, and creativity, and a bit of hard work, your small space will be thriving in no time. And you don’t even have to spend outside your budget to make it all happen.

https://gardenerspath.com/how-to/containers/best-ways-garden-small-spaces/

Spring Street Style Ideas For Men’s Inspiration

by Rashty Alexa and Rohayati

OK gents.  Your turn.

Spring street style is one style that can be used by men. Spring symbolizes the start of new things and rebirth. Warm weather can revitalize plants, which can add color to outdoor areas. Dress for the season by adding color and vigor back to your wardrobe. Start by removing clothing with soft material that can keep you cool when the weather warms up.

Spring is synonymous with bright colors with a variety of sweet motifs. However, in spring you don’t always have to wear brightly colored clothes, especially if you are male. You can combine it with neutral color outfits with brightly colored clothes. Or you can also try other styles that you can use in spring.

One style that you can use in spring is street style. Street style is a style of fashion that was popularized by fashion bloggers as a place to express freedom of style in dress. Now, street style has been recognized by the world as a good fashion reference that can be copied. Spring street style is the perfect blend. Because we will not only get clothes that are comfortable to wear but also attract attention.

Best Outfits Men
Best Outfits Men – pinterest.es.com
Casual Outfits
Casual Outfits – mrstreetwearmagazine.com
Cool Man Style
Cool Man Style – pinterest.jp.com
Korean Men Style
Korean Men Style – instaloverz.com
Men Bussiness Casual
Men Business Casual – in.pinterest.com
Men Casual Spring
Men Casual Spring – pinterest.ca.com
Men Fashion Casual
Men Fashion Casual – instaloverz.com
Men Jeans Fashion
Men Jeans Fashion – pinterest.fr.com
Men Spring Casual
Men Spring Casual – pinterest.com.au.com
Men's Casual Spring Outfits
Men’s Casual Spring Outfits – pinterest.fr.com
Mens Casual Style
Men’s Casual Style – pinterest.com.au.com
Men's Fashion
Men’s Fashion – pobedinsk-sp.ru.com
Men's Street Fashion
Men’s Street Fashion – instaloverz.com
Outfits Men
Outfits Men – nl.pinterest.com
Sport Outfits Man
Sport Outfits Man – fasbest.com
Spring Fashion
Spring Fashion – pinterest.co.uk.com
Spring Man Ideas
Spring Man Ideas – kebaya.org.com
Spring Man Style
Spring Man Style – pinterest.es.com
Spring Men
Spring Men – http://www.pinterest.com.au.com
Style Coat
Style Coat – tr.pinterest.com

Those are some street clothes ideas that you can use in spring, hopefully inspiring you to experiment with color and pattern.

https://rohayati.com/spring-street-style/

15 Chic Daily Outfits Collections That Women Should Try

by Rashty Alexa  and Rohayati

Daily Outfits are clothes that are worn when doing daily activities. Every day is very valuable to us and does not pass it up without something meaningful. Maximize your days with a simple style but still, fashionable can be one of the ideas so that you can look up to spend your day.

Today there are many styles of clothing that are in great demand by people. Outfits style can be a way to express one’s personality. The selection of everyday clothes can accurately describe the lifestyle, mood, and feelings you want to display. Especially women’s style of dress.

Women who are identical to beauty are very concerned about fashion. This is evident from the start he wore from makeup, hairstyles, clothes, to footwear. Therefore, finding the right clothing model is very important to be considered by women. Not only outfits to attend events that are noticed by them, but also outfits that are used daily are no less a concern.

For you ladies, you should choose outfits, use outfits that make you comfortable for day-to-day activities, whether you are going to go out for a hangout or just attend an event or just stay at home. Because if you wear clothes that are not appropriate and become uncomfortable, we might feel weird looking in those clothes. You can also mix and match your clothes so they don’t break easily. Mix dark or neutral colors with light colors.

Bussiness Casual
Business Casual – pinterest.ch.com
Casual Ideas
Casual Ideas – mrscasual.com
Casual Look
Casual Look – pinterest.nz.com
Casual Spring Outfits
Casual Spring Outfits – hrtn.me.com
Cute Teen Outfits
Cute Teen Outfits – pinterest.co.kr.com
Denim Ideas
Denim Ideas – pinterest.ru.com
Denim Style
Denim Style – pouted.com
Dress Ideas
Dress Ideas – galmeetsglam.com
Floral Dress
Floral Dress – greenorc.com
Jeans Outfits
Jeans Outfits – nicestyles.ca.com
Outtits Ideas
Outfits Ideas – clothespin.tk.com
Summer Fashion
Summer Fashion – sk.pinterest.com
White Top and Black Pants
White Top and Black Pants – pinterest.ca.com
Women Outfits
Women Outfits – yandex.com.tr.com
Women Summer Outfits
Women Summer Outfits – wardrobefocus.com

Those are some daily outfits collections ideas that you can try.  Here is a link to their website:

https://rohayati.com/daily-outfits/

 

11 Secrets to Speeding Through Airport Security

By Alexa Erickson and Readers Digest

Navigating airport security can be one of the biggest challenges you face when traveling. These tips will make the process as painless (and speedy!) as possible.

Get TSA PreCheck

Pre-check System sign

Emily McNutt, news editor at The Points Guy, says the number one tip for getting through airport security faster is to enroll in the TSA PreCheck program, which she says provides access to a faster security lane. PreCheck passengers don’t have to take off their shoes or remove their approved liquids or electronic devices, so there are fewer hold-ups.

Sign up for CLEAR

retina scan

CLEAR is a relatively new biometric technology that sounds creepy but is super-helpful. It allows members to scan their iris or fingerprint in order to clear the identity part of security. “There’s no need to take out your license—all you need is your boarding pass to hand to the TSA agent,” explains McNutt. “Once you’ve cleared the ID check at the CLEAR kiosk, a rep will escort you to the front of the security line—either PreCheck or the ‘regular’ lane. Essentially, CLEAR is a way to make sure you never wait in line.”

Get airline elite status

Travelers wait in line for security screening

There’s a reason frequent flyers choose the same airline each time if possible—it earns them elite status. With elite status (which you can earn with most major U.S. carriers after flying a qualifying number of miles or meeting a certain spending threshold), you automatically get a number of perks and benefits, including access to priority security lines. “It’s worth not waiting in the ‘regular’ lane if you can,” McNutt says. Having airline elite status will really save you during the holidays, when airports are jammed.

Plan for the security steps

department of homeland security sign

It may sound like something you should already know, but how many times have you gotten to the security line only to realize you’re wearing shoes that are difficult to remove, plus a belt and jewelry? Oh, and you forgot to empty your water bottle. “By having your belongings already organized, you can speed up the process for yourself and those around you. While you’re waiting in line, take off your coat. Get your liquids in a clear bag ready to place in a bin,” says McNutt.

Have your documents in hand

Security Administration employee

McNutt suggests that anyone without CLEAR have their documents—including both a photo ID and a boarding pass—ready in hand. That ensures you won’t hold up the line sifting through your pockets or purse to find them. Did you know about the new rule that certain state drivers’ licenses are no longer valid forms of ID?

Carry the right bag

Woman Scanning Tag On Luggage At Airport Check-in

To get your belongings onto the scanner belt faster, bring the right type of carry-on bag, travel expert Dara Continenza of Hopper, an airfare-predicting app, told Southern Living. “Choose a lightweight carry-on bag with four wheels that handles easily and can be lifted onto a table with little effort.” Bags with an outside compartment for your laptop are helpful for expediting the process, too.

Upgrade to a premium class

security check area

It’s not a reason to pay hundreds more for airfare, but if you can fly business or first class, there are security perks. “Many airlines offer passengers access to priority security lanes if you’re flying in a premium class of service,” McNutt says. “The airlines differ, however, so be sure to ask when checking in.” If you’re in coach, though, you can still improve your situation with the very best airplane seat for every single need.

Fly at the right time

Public Clock In Frankfurt Airport With Copyspace

That might mean off-peak or even off-season. “Everyone knows that flying on peak dates can make security a nightmare, so try to avoid traveling on the days immediately before and after major holidays,” McNutt says. If you can’t travel off-peak, leave yourself extra time to travel, especially during the peak summer travel season.

Monitor wait times at the airport

security checkpoint

Technology has come a long way in the world of travel, so use your smartphone to your advantage and download apps like MiFlight, which help you determine just how early you need to leave for the airport and the ideal time to arrive.

Avoid making yourself a target

TSA agent searches bag

Certain things drastically increase your chances of getting TSA’s attention—and not in a good way. That includes mentioning weapons in any capacity, even as a joke; carrying wads of cash; traveling with coffee, which is a classic way to mask the smell of illegal substances; not checking your kids’ baggage (what might you be trying to hide in this seemingly innocent package?); or carrying unusual items that could look suspicious during your luggage scan, like a long-armed stapler or a large candlesticks. They’re among the things most likely to get you flagged by the TSA.

https://www.rd.com/advice/travel/speed-through-airport-security/

Photo credit: Michael Reynolds; Jim Lo Scalzo/Epa/Shutterstock; David White/REX/Shutterstock; Ted S. Warren; Kathleen Foody; David Goldman; Seth Wenig/AP/Shutterstock; Tyler Olson; TonyV3112; GQ; Carolina K. Smith MD/shutterstock

Hand-Washing Mistakes That Help Coronavirus Spread

Article by Kelly Hernandez of RXemedy

1. You’re Reaching For the Soap First

How To Create Gorgeous Garden Color Schemes

By Wanda Simone–From House to Home

Garden Color Schemes

Start with the feeling you want the garden to have. Then pick a “contrast level”.

Most soothing gardens use low contrast color schemes.

Energizing gardens often use high contrast color schemes. Although a long line of red flowers is pretty energizing, even if they are planted in a low contrast color scheme.

Low Contrast Garden Color Schemes

Monochromatic Colors

Monochromatic garden color schemes are one of the easiest to create, and they don’t require a color wheel to get you started.

Monochromatic pink garden color scheme with peonies and roses

Pink peonies with lighter pink roses are an easy combination that I use in my backyard for a late spring monochromatic garden color scheme.

Analagous Colors

Analogous colors on a color wheel drawing

High Contrast Garden Color Schemes

Now we’re on to the high contrast garden color schemes that are really effective for creating interesting and energetic flower gardens.

Complemetary Colors

Complementary colors on a color wheel drawing

A complementary garden color scheme is created by selecting colors that are opposite to each other on the color wheel.

Yellow and purple garden color scheme with purple lupines and yellow day lilies ©yolfran - stock.adobe.com

 

Because of the color placement on the wheel, you’ll end up with a warm and a cool color in your garden bed which increases the color contrast and automatically adds some excitement to your yard.

For Dual Complementary Colors and Triadic Colors, see Wanda’s website:

https://www.fromhousetohome.com/garden/garden-color-schemes/?image=10&board=perennialgarden&sz=p2&dt=20200125

How to Make A Penny Bowling Ball

 

By Pam Kessler of Houseofhawthornes.com

How to make a penny bowling ball, fun and unique yard art for your garden. And some people say the copper pennies repel slugs!

This weekend I turned an old bowling ball that I found at a garage sale into a gazing ball-like piece of yard art. A penny bowling ball!

I bought this bowling ball, bag and pair of old used bowling shoes (yuck) at a church garage sale all for just $1.00. I knew I only wanted the bowling ball itself, so the other items were just along for the ride.

How To Make A Penny Bowling Ball

The first thing I did was fill in the finger holes with paper towels until there was about 1/4″ of the holes left and then filled the rest of the holes in with some caulking I had laying around the house.

And then threw the bag and shoes into my Goodwill pile.

How to make a penny bowling ball, fun and unique yard art for your garden. And some people say the copper pennies repel slugs!
I wanted to cover the ball in pennies so I used roughly $4.50 worth.
So then I searched the Internet for other penny cleaning tips and ran across some science experiments for kids that uses 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of table salt to clean them.

Next I used Dap Clear Silicone Sealant for Doors And Windows to glue the pennies onto the bowling ball.

How to make a penny bowling ball, fun and unique yard art for your garden. And some people say the copper pennies repel slugs!

I glued them all heads up, but that was my OCD kicking in – you could mix it up if you wanted. Or maybe do all heads except for one tail???

And here is the finished project.

How to make a penny bowling ball, fun and unique yard art for your garden. And some people say the copper pennies repel slugs!
For more info including making a mosaic bowling bowl, go to her website:

Seriously Easy and Fun St. Patrick’s Day Decorations

Wood Clover Sign

A minimalist, painted sign like this one is a surprisingly easy way to add some St. Patty’s cheer,

Get the tutorial at A Night Owl Blog»

St Patrick's Day Decorations/Decorating Ideas

Mantel Display

These quirky modern wreathes all look great individually. But combined together they create a really stunning mantel display.

Get the tutorial from Design Improved »

 St Patrick's Day Decorations/Decorating Ideas

Case of Clovers

Sew (or glue) these multicolor fabric shamrocks to a cloth background, place it in shadow box, and you’ve got yourself one easy and understated piece of wall art.

Get the tutorial at Flamingo Toes»

St Patrick's Day Decorations/Decorating Ideas

Much more at:

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/g4968/st-patricks-day-decorations/?slide=1

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