Optimistic Farmer Tips & Tricks

Tips and Tricks from The Optimistic Farmer

Winter Sowing

For the die-hard gardener!

Ever wonder what to do with those empty gallon milk jugs (or similar containers)? One use is for winter sowing containers. Simply add some holes to the bottom and cut nearly in half, and you are set for getting on the winter sowing bandwagon.

Jugs are typically planted and set outside after the winter solstice, put in the seeds, label the jug, add the top, and set outside. Keep the lid off the top so water can get in You can duct tape the jug halves together or just tuck them together.

Pro Tip: Label on the inside of the jug or write your seed name on metallic furnace tape and stick it inside the jug!

It is amazing the success you can have with winter sowing! The containers act as a mini greenhouse, and when the time is right, as the weather warms, you will see germination and growth just in time for planting! In conclusion, it is pretty simple: just put in some wet soil, add seeds, label, and then let nature do the work.

Fun Christmas Ornaments

Deck the halls!

You can have a lot of fun with those clear ornaments that you may find for sale in the months leading up to Christmas! You can use some of your garden harvest, adding seeds, rose petals, eucalyptus, pine needles, dried peppers, or other dried flowers to these ornaments for a fun and unique ornament to add to your holiday decor. Add to your tree or several in a bowl for a cool winter centerpiece!

Gardening by Moon Phases

Who knew?

Well, who knew there was an age-old practice of planting by the phases of the moon?! Apparently, many farmers and gardeners know this and have been using this technique to enjoy a healthier and more productive garden. Much like it is believed the moon influences the tides, the phases of the moon will pull water to or from your seeds! The thought is that as moisture is pulled to the surface, it helps in the swelling and germination of the seeds.

Certain types of plants prefer to be sown during the waxing phase (the period of the lunar cycle between the new moon and the full moon) and others prefer to be planted during the waning cycle of the moon (the period between the full moon and the new moon). There is plenty of information on the internet if you want to consider this further. Below are a few quick bullet points from the link below.

Plant these during the waxing phase:

• Annual flowers
• Fruit and Vegetables that bear crops above ground
  Corn
  Tomatoes
  Watermelon
  Squash
  

Plant these during the waning phase:

• Flowering bulbs
• Biennial and Perennial Flowers
• Fruit and Vegetables that bear crops below ground
  Onions
  Carrots
  Potatoes

Managing Holiday Stress

Going with the flow....

The holidays can be stressful, so helpful tips on how to manage the stress can be key this time of the year.

• Know your triggers and minimize them
• Take a break, the holidays will be back next year
• Practice gratitude