In this week's blog post we want to focus on ways anyone with any budget can be thrifty with their garden. Starting a garden economically involves making thoughtful choices and utilizing cost-effective strategies. Here are some tips for economically starting a garden: Save Seeds: Instead of buying new seeds, save seeds from fruits and vegetables you consume. This can significantly reduce costs. Watch this video on How To Save Seeds. You can also start saving your own seeds from the garden year after year, just make sure you are saving them from heirloom varieties. Save Seeds Packets. DIY C ..read more

Our team put their thinking caps together and made a fun day at the Christmas Party this year by coming up with family feud style questions. We then asked MIgardener gardeners to join in on answering, we had over 700 responses and we then had to break them down to the top answers for each question! The team was riled up and had a blast! If you are looking to do something fun with your fellow gardeners or family, make sure to save this post! If you are not familiar with Family Feud, this is it in a nutshell :a popular game show where two families compete by answering survey questions to wi ..read more

Seed bombs are a fun and eco-friendly way to contribute to greener spaces and promote biodiversity. These small, biodegradable balls are filled with seeds that, when dispersed, can sprout into beautiful plants.  Materials you'll need: Clay: You can use clay powder or air-dry clay. Compost or potting soil: Ensure it's fertile and suitable for your chosen seeds. Seeds: Select native wildflower or herb seeds for best results. Water: To moisten the mixture. Mixing bowl and spoon. Steps: Prepare your seeds: Choose seeds that are well-suited to your local climate and ecosystem. Native wildf ..read more

Fungus gnats are ANNOYING!  Fungus gnats are the bane of any gardener or houseplant enthusiast. Those pesky little bugs fly around your plants, fly around your face, up your nose, in your eyes, and worst of all they eat plant roots and cause damage to plants!    So how can you correct the problem, or stop it from ever happening in the first place? In this article, I will give you 5 easy tips for preventing and even controlling them entirely.  CRITICAL MISTAKE: Only trying to kill the adults. Yes, the adults are part of the problem, but the eggs and larvae are the real pr ..read more

If your plants look blotchy, slightly white, but mottled green and pail, check the undersides of the leaf. If you notice slight webbing, you have spider mites. But... What are spider mites? Spider mites are tiny arachnids belonging to the family Tetranychidae. Despite their name, they are not insects but are more closely related to spiders and ticks. These minuscule pests measure only about 0.2 to 0.5 millimeters in size, making them nearly invisible to the naked eye. They are often red, yellow, green, or brown in color, depending on the species and their diet Spider mites will consume the p ..read more

Healthy Plants Begin With Healthy Soil  A multivitamin contains all (or hopefully most) of the necessary nutrients needed for a healthy body. You can also get those nutrients from the food you eat. For example nuts have protein, vitamin B, and omega fatty acids, greens have fiber, Vitamin C, K, Iron, and bananas have potassium.  Your compost is no different for your plants. You can either fertilize in the multivitamin approach, or you can feed them the inputs they need in the form of compost.  Compost is the process of breaking down organic material into a usable form of soi ..read more

  Follow along some great ways to start and expand in your gardening journey! Container gardening has become a beloved pastime for garden enthusiasts and city dwellers alike. It allows you to cultivate a lush garden in small spaces, making it ideal for balconies, patios, or even indoors. Choosing the right plant varieties and container sizes is essential for your garden's success. In this article, we'll explore a variety of plants suited for container gardening and recommend the appropriate fabric pot sizes to help you achieve a thriving and vibrant garden. Tomatoes: Recommended Fab ..read more

Egyptian Onions: A Time-Honored Crop with a Fascinating Past Origin and History Egyptian onions, often referred to as walking onions, top-set onions, or tree onions, are an ancient and remarkable vegetable that has left its indelible mark on human history. Despite their name, these onions are not exclusively tied to Egypt; their origins can be traced back to the Mediterranean region. They have been cultivated for millennia and were highly regarded in various ancient civilizations, including Egypt, Greece, and Rome. These onions are unique due to their peculiar growth and propagation method. In ..read more

Garlic, with its pungent aroma and distinctive flavor, has enchanted chefs and home cooks alike for centuries. This humble herb not only adds depth to dishes but also boasts a rich history and a remarkable array of varieties. The Origins of Garlic The story of garlic begins in Central Asia, where it is believed to have originated over 7,000 years ago. It then made its way to the Middle East, India, and eventually found a home in the Mediterranean region. Garlic's hardiness and adaptability made it a valuable crop for ancient civilizations. Ancient Egypt: Garlic as a Source of Strength One of ..read more

Early Blight  Early blight is a common disease affecting plants, particularly those in the nightshade family such as potatoes and tomatoes. It's caused by a soil borne fungus called Alternaria solani. The name "early" does not imply that the disease occurs only early in the season, but does most commonly occur in the early season. Symptoms of early blight usually start appearing on the lower, older leaves as small brown spots. These spots enlarge, often forming a pattern of concentric rings giving a "bull's-eye" appearance. The surrounding leaf area may turn yellow. If left uncontrolled ..read more