Getting Ready For Spring

 We are so close to spring, I can feel it! Here in Florida, we've had some summer and spring feeling days throughout this winter. Like every other winter, plants and trees are as confused as we are, pollinating and blooming one week then back to a winter chill the next! Nevertheless, Spring will be here before we know it and I am counting down the days.44 to go!
 This year I'm planning a garden to remember. Me being a person with a history of a black thumb(Yep, I've murdered some plants in my time),this should be amusing! I have to say I have come a long way since my plant killing days. Let's just say I've learned a little from those failed attempts to grow herbs and veggies.
 This year I have tried a few different things in hopes of more success. Also, I didn't want to pay for plants that are already started from the hardware store. So, With success and frugality on my mind, here is what I have done so far.

 I started my seeds indoors in seed starting trays under a UVB Light fixture(I "borrowed" it from my husbands aquarium. (:) I've had SO MUCH success so far! Watching the little seedlings pop up is so thrilling! Makes me feel like a kid on Christmas morning.
 Most of my seeds are started in coconut fiber (Eco Earth). We have alot of reptiles, so we usually have a few blocks of this on hand. Its so much cheaper than buying individual pellets. I think it costs $3.49 per block and once you add water it expands to fill half of a 5 gallon bucket. Yes, half a 5 gallon bucket. You can buy this at any pet store and sometimes you can find it in the pet section at Wal-Mart.
 I have my tomatoes in a flat with jiffy peat pellets. These have been good too. I got the idea to use them from one of my favorite gardening pages .He has great tips on gardening and more. Check it out at the gardening link below.


 My seeds were planted straight into the coconut fiber and I just let nature work it's magic. Once my little seedlings emerged, I started to water them with water from my Tilapia Barrells. This water is high in Nitrates. In other words, It's a natural fertilizer 100% organic. And, it cost nothing! {:
 I'm deffinantly anxious to see how much I will harvest from these plants. I've got bell peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, and LOTS of herbs. A good variety is something I love.

We are working on several DIY projects for the garden and I will hopefully have them posted soon. Stay tuned!
Gardening (: