A Frugal Gardener

03/26/2025

Soil blocking is an environmentally friendly method to prep seedlings. The technique has captured the attention of serious gardeners who'd like to make their growing more sustainable.

02/18/2025

just in case this is happening, butt covering:
I'm Opting Out too!
So now they are doing it, just announced on Channel 4 News. Facebook is charging all users starting Monday. You can do an opt-out by doing this. Hold your finger over this message and copy it. It can’t be shared. I do not give permission for Facebook to charge $4.99 a month to my account, also; all my pictures are my property of mine and NOT Facebook's!!! Opt-out Special thanks to Larry for this legal advice… and to Tim Barker for posting this information:
Due to the fact everyone is slowly getting hi-jacked, yeah hi-jacked not hacked, they're flat out hi-jacking our accounts, even more now.
Just in case Notice: An attorney advised us to post this. The violation of privacy can be punished by law. NOTE: Facebook Meta is now a public entity. All members must post a note like this. If you do not publish a statement at least once, it will be technically understood that you are allowing the use of your photos, as well as the information contained in your profile status updates.
I HEREBY STATE THAT I DO NOT GIVE FACEBOOK META MY PERMISSION TO USE ANY OF MY PERSONAL DATA OR PHOTOS.
Copy and paste, do not share. I am getting more sales ad posts than friends' posts. Hold your finger anywhere in this post and click ′′ copy ". Go to your page where it says "What's on your mind." Tap your finger anywhere in the blank field. Click paste. This upgrades the system.
Hope this helps 😎 Looks Like Here We Go Again

02/16/2025

02/09/2025

With snow in the forecast this week, it’s a great time to see which animals are making tracks in your neighborhood! ❄️

Compare the shape, size, and track pattern to our animal tracks guide to help you make an ID.

Learn more https://ow.ly/xFze50UVPrt

02/01/2025

01/31/2025

01/28/2025

Transform Your Garden with a Stunning Brick Walkway! 🌼🧱

Are you looking to elevate the charm and functionality of your garden? Building a brick walkway is a fantastic way to achieve that! Not only does it create a practical path through your outdoor space, but it also adds a touch of timeless elegance. With just a few materials and some effort, you can craft a beautiful brick walkway that enhances your garden's aesthetic. Here’s how to do it in four simple steps.

Start with planning and preparation. Before laying any bricks, take time to visualize your walkway. Consider the layout, design, and width, keeping in mind your garden's shape and existing features. Use stakes and string to outline the area, giving you a clear guide as you work. Next, prepare the ground by removing grass, weeds, and debris. Use a rake to level the soil, ensuring a smooth surface for your walkway.

Once the ground is ready, it’s time to lay the foundation. Spread a layer of gravel or crushed stone over the area, using a rake to distribute it evenly. This layer provides a stable base and prevents shifting over time. Compact the gravel using a tamper to create a solid foundation, which is crucial for the longevity of your walkway.

Now comes the fun part: laying the bricks. Start placing the bricks in your chosen pattern, such as herringbone or running bond. Use a straight edge and level to ensure alignment. Remember to leave small gaps between the bricks for jointing sand, which locks them in place and adds stability. Once all the bricks are laid, sweep jointing sand into the gaps to fill them completely.

Finally, add the finishing touches to your walkway. Lightly spray the area with a hose to settle the sand into the joints, creating a solid surface. If you want to enhance the look further, consider adding a border with bricks or other landscaping materials to define the edges and give your walkway a polished finish.

With these four straightforward steps, you can create a stunning brick walkway that enhances the beauty and functionality of your garden for years to come. So gather your materials, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to transform your outdoor space with this rewarding DIY project! 🌿✨

01/16/2025

Identifying oak tree species, perfect for nature enthusiasts and tree lovers!..

1. Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra):
Key Features: The bark appears striped on older trees due to these shiny ridges, especially noticeable in sunlight.

2. White Oak (Quercus alba):
Key Features: The overall appearance is lighter and ashier compared to other oak species.

3. Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea):
Key Features: The inner bark is reddish, visible when cut or scratched, and the furrows are not as deep as in other oaks.

4. Black Oak (Quercus velutina):
Key Features: The deep ridges and orange inner bark are diagnostic. Bark becomes almost furrowed like an alligator’s skin with age.

5. Chestnut Oak (Quercus montana):
Key Features: The deep furrows and thick, rugged plates make it one of the most textured oak barks.

6. Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor):
Key Features: The two-tone bark (lighter, peeling upper bark, and darker, furrowed lower bark) is a defining characteristic.

7. Pin Oak (Quercus palustris):
Key Features: The smoother appearance of mature bark distinguishes it from more deeply furrowed species like black or chestnut oak.

01/15/2025

Growing oyster mushrooms in buckets is a simple and versatile method suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. The process involves filling buckets with a pasteurized substrate, such as straw or sawdust, and inoculating it with mushroom spawn. Indoors, buckets can be placed in a controlled environment (like our BoomRoom II) with proper humidity and indirect light to ensure consistent growth. Outdoors, buckets can be positioned in shaded areas - great for gardens and patios. This method is efficient, space-saving, and ideal for beginners - a sustainable way to produce fresh mushrooms year-round.

Learn more here: https://northspore.com/blogs/the-black-trumpet/growing-mushrooms-in-buckets-containers

📸: customer J. R.

01/15/2025

7 herbs that can grow in water, making them perfect for indoor or small-space gardening… See more👀👇