Starting seeds Indoors

As I mentioned in my previous blog, I had ordered variety of seeds from EdenBrothers.com during last fall and was eager to start seeds indoor. The Farmer's Almanac had predicted mild winter for USDA zone 6, so gearing up my courage I started with Eggplants, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Lettuce, Basil and Brussels Sprouts indoor. A lady at my local nursery suggested not to keep my seeds tray next to window as there could be draft that might damage the seeds. I have my  herbs growing on the windowsill and they are doing just fine.

Last month I had attended a session regarding starting seeds indoor at Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati. They had offered the participants to pick the used seed starting trays from last year. I had picked few of them to start my experimental gardening this year!!

Seeds sowed on 2/20/2016

I filled each of these cells with Miracle Gro (moisture control mix available in bulk at Costco) and gently sowed 4 seeds in each and lightly covered them. Next I labeled them with names and dates they were sowed. Later these were placed on aluminum tray (from a dollar store) for the excess water to drain. I let it sit on a table next to a window (indirect light) and after three days voila most of these seeds sprouted!!

Sprouts emerging after three days

My next big challenge is to start thinning them after few weeks. The general rule to start thinning the seedlings is when they have atleast two pairs of true leaves and are 3-4 inches tall. I guess I have few more days before I get into this process.

P.S: As I had imagined, thinning was tedious task so my next batch was with toilet paper rolls. Since they are biodegradable these small holders can be placed directly onto the ground or raised bed after the leaves have emerged.

Terrariums - mini greenhouse

I am totally smitten with the arrangement of terrariums. I visited H J Benken here in Cincinnati and was very impressed to see the plants and succulents being grown indoors. I came back home with a fern and a pink polka dot plant (Hypoestes). I remember purchasing Hanging Succulent Terrarium Kit in California about 3 years ago in a farmer's market. I used to spray water once a week and after 6 months all the residents inside it died. I even tossed the air plant thinking it was a weed!!! I had this unused terrarium laying back on my bird feeder pole for few months now. I cleaned up and stuffed few pebbles (available at Joann/Pier 1 imports for $5 for a half pound bag) inside for water to drain. Many on the net suggested adding potting mix (Miracle Gro Moisture Control - available in most of the nurseries) with activated charcoal but I skipped charcoal. Later found out that the charcoal is needed only for the terrariums with lids. I spray filtered water once in 3-4 days. You could jazz it up with cute little figurines. I found many at Joann stores.

Terrariums are very easy to grow and care. These don't need too much attention. Anyone who has no time to care for plants indoors or out can easily maintain a terrariums.

Well, now the terrarium is hanging up on my kitchen skin!! Having done one, I was eager to assemble more so I used up my empty aquarium/fish bowls which were laying in basement.

I was keen on mixing succulents with greens but the staff suggested that water/light requirement are different for succulents and greens. So I got 5 more plants comprising Selaginella Kraussiana (golden spikemoss), Fittonia or Nerve Plant, Begonia, Polka Dot Plant and Spider Plant or Airplane Plant.

Spider Plant, Polka Dot and Begonia

Golden Spikemoss and Fittonia

  

Frugal ways to Water Indoor Plants While on Vacation

Christmas vacations are always awaited as we usually are out of town for holidays every single time. Holidaying was a bittersweet moment as I was not sure how my indoor plants would do without anyone watering them for 12 long days. I started searching for the frugal ways to water my plants.
I had used quart size zip lock baggies back last year!!! That worked perfect!!

Here the link on how to do.....
http://www.instructables.com/id/A-Cheap-Easy-Leak-Safe-Way-to-Water-Plants-While-O/

During our move, I tossed it somewhere and due to lack of time I had to find another way out. I used Styrofoam cup and gently pierced a very small hole at side near bottom(1/2 inch from bottom) and watched the speed at which the water dripped. I kept it for couple of days to ensure that it did not drain quickly. When this trick worked, I had more cups placed on my pots and they were good to go. No doubt, the thought that my plants would die kept haunting during vacation. I was surprised to see all of them alive except my Sweet Marjoram which kind of died(slowly reviving). The plants which had these cups were just fine, the juice bottle technique quite did not work on my Sweet Marjoram.

I used below technique using juice bottle.....
http://aptgarden.blogspot.com/2008/01/homemade-container-watering-system-no.html

Curry Leaf Plant

Sweet Marjoram 

If you have any other frugal technique to water plants please share. Hm....not sure how this technique would fair in summer time!!

Home Composting - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

The idea of home composting all began because of the kitchen waste that was going to trash. My husband eats only fruits for his morning breakfast and the peels have a new home now along with my veggie scraps!! Occasionally egg shells also are the residents in my compost bin. I wasn't sure of the success rate so started really low key. Got a simple trash bin from Lowe's(Blue Hawk 32-Gallon Blue Outdoor Garbage Can) for around $13 and drilled holes using my wood burning pen. I drilled many holes about 3 inches apart all along the length and width of the bin. Also few more holes on the lid and bottom of the bin for the water to drain. I mounted it on a concrete blocks in one corner of my yard.

Blue Bin Compost

I started setting up in late September last year. I filled it up with some of my 'fall' leaves to start with and ensured that I need to keep the green(kitchen scraps) vs brown(raked leaves, newspaper clippings, cardboard clippings) ratio as 1:3. Every-time I loaded the bin with greens, I would pick leaves and dump them inside. I started noticing small larvae and was not sure what was happening. We also made a leaf compost pile as my Blue bin would not fit all the raked up leaves during fall. Got some chicken wire and made a rectangle of 6 *4 ft and placed a huge cardboard as base. This is supposed to keep the leaves off the ground in winter. In no time this started to fill up. 

Leaf compost set-up

This is how it looks now.....

Leaf compost

Although I must say that I haven't seen any progress so far in this pile yet. Hopefully it will spring up to action in the 'Spring'!! My Blue bin was filling up and I had to do something about this as I have still couple of months to go before spring arrives. I have a raised bed in my yard and thought of trench composting and moved my semi-finished compost into the bed. 

Raised Bed 

Trench dug up

Trench filled up with compost

Semi-finished compost

 I found something in this semi-finished compost that I rejoiced!! Many larvae of Black Soldier fly!!! This will enhance the composting process for sure.

Black Soldier Fly larva

Come spring the soil in the raised bed will be rich in nutrients. Meat products, Dairy products, cooked or left overs don't get into compost bin.

Indoor 'Herb' Garden

In America, Herb is pronounced as 'erb' but the British way of saying 'herb' is still popular in India. I try to blend in but occasionally I stand out ;-)

I remember the things I used to hate the most in my childhood, herbs and few spices. Mint, Fennel seeds and Cardamoms topped my list of 'No No'. Over the years, don't know what changed I'm a total convert now!! Herbs top my list of favorites and Fennel, Mints, Cilantro and Basil's are the ones I love the most. Makes me wonder how and when this transformation happened!!

Four months back when we had to move from CA to OH, I never wanted to part away from my plants that I had grown them over summer. We had around 6 pots/containers full of herbs and I managed to bring them alive and they are flourishing indoors.

I was on a hunting spree looking for Curry Leaf Tree 2 years ago. There was a guy in San Bernardino who used to sell those saplings in LA but I never made it to him. 8 months back I found a person who has Avocado estate in Moorpark, CA also sells saplings of Curry Leaf Trees and Holy Basil. He went looking for Cuban Oregano (sambarballi) plant on my request and managed to get one. I can share his contact details for those who are interested. He does not ship anywhere so only locals get lucky!!

I found out that Logees.com sell Curry Leaf Tree and so ordered one for $25 includes shipping. It came in a small pot and the sapling looked healthy. I immediately re-potted (major mistake which I shouldn't have done) and the plant almost died, they were kind enough to send me another one for free. My first plant survived under my supervision and the second one is doing good. I got them indoors before the first frost weather struck Cincinnati. I water once in two days and feed them diluted buttermilk occasionally.

I also got lot of veggie/green seeds from EdenBrothers.com for half their value during fall. I plan to grow them next spring and they assured that seeds are viable for one year. They also sell Saffron bulbs (10 bulbs for around $12) and I was so delighted when the first flower bloomed after 2 weeks(late October in USDA 6a zone) of planting those bulbs. The 3 red stigmas are the Saffron threads!! Now I know why they are an expensive spice! If you are wondering whats that fork doing in that container, they are to ward off squirrels and moles.

I also got saffron bulbs ($5 for 5 bulbs) from an Etsy store called "simbalovesfriends" and it comes with free shipping world wide. They have some unique seeds plants/trees that are grown in India. I found Malabar Spinach (Basele Soppu) at CAM International Market in Cincinnati in the produce section and managed to grow them from cuttings. 

Especially in winter months when heating system runs continuously to keep the indoor warm which in turn reduces the moisture level, having a indoor plants improves air quality inside your home bringing in some moisture.

Trying my best to go Cruelty-Free from Head to Toe

Like I said in my earlier post can't recollect the reason for switching my hair care products to Aveda. Aveda uses organic raw herbal ingredients and organic essential oils in most of their products. I have been using Aveda's Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo and Conditioner for over 2 years and my scalp loves it!! I buy the 1 lit bottles as they are economical. I make sure the freebies are collected on time!! Their stress fix creme and lotion are to die for. Hand relief and Foot relief are so handy in winter months. I use their lipsticks and gloss for the reason I know they are Phthalate and Paraben free.

I still have few cosmetics from Sephora and Mac which I had purchased during those ignorant days. I use Tarte Cosmetics without feeling guilty as they are cruelty free :-)

I haven't used any leather accessories for many years now. I use Burt Bee's face cream and lip balm. I am not a Vegan yet!! I use Mina Organics Coconut oil moisturizer lotion which has very nice smell of Coconut and is available at Ross or Burlington Coat Factory. I use Zion Health Clay Dry Silk Deodorant rub-on as they are cruelty-free and vegan (available at Whole Foods).

How It All Started

There are times when I think about how it all started and I still can't remember a sole reason why I ventured into eating organic food. Having lived in California close to Hollywood world, I had liberty to visit local farmer's market for 4 years(including winter months), and I guess the vendors mentioning "spray free but not certified organic" must have triggered my mind into googling few basics about living a organic life. My apartment was few yards away from Whole Foods Market, and I would end up reading/exploring few of their produce and products.

The local schools did their bit of sharing information about healthy living. My daughter's school sent us home a mini shopper's guide from EWG's "Dirty Dozens" and "Clean Fifteen". The list basically tells us the must buy organic fruits and veggies and they are termed as Dirty Dozens. Well, this mini guide has a permanent place in my wallet now!!

I also buy all greens (Chard, Cilantro) and yellow summer squash in Organic section of my grocery store. I also got into the habit of checking ingredients and nutrition chart of most of the packaged food.

One of my cousin suggested that I should blog about my research and adaptations for others to refer. So here I go with my 2 cents on Organic living.....Enjoy!!