Gardening 101~ Elevate Your Garden Game with Vertical Gardening: A Beginner’s Guide

Posted on May 29, 2023 by Jean Roman

“It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the Spring, who reaps a harvest in the Autumn. ” B. C. Forbes

You may have recently seen my last episode on Why Trellising Your Tomato Plants is a Must-Do and 5 Tips for Success which somewhat relates to today’s topic on vertical gardening. In today’s episode I will be elaborating on this topic and showing you the benefits of gardening vertically!

Vertical gardening is a gardening technique that simply involves growing plants vertically, taking advantage of unused vertical space while creating a stunning visual display. Not only does it allow you to maximize your garden space, but it also has numerous benefits, including easier maintenance, better air circulation, and less pest and disease problems. If you’re new to vertical gardening and don’t know where to start, don’t worry – this beginner’s guide has got you covered. I’ll take you through the basics, from choosing the right plants and materials to setting up your vertical garden and caring for your plants. Get ready to elevate your garden game and create a stunning, space-saving garden that’s sure to impress.

Check out my YouTube video below for the whole scoop on vertical gardening & how it will benefit you!

I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!

Be sure to check out my Blog Post on my Top 10 Favorite & Easy Vegetables to Grow for the Home Gardener!

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If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!

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Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day,
Jean

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This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through an affiliate link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. You can see my full disclaimer here.

Review on my 7 NEW Land Guard 8x4x2 Galvanized Metal Raised Beds

Posted on May 28, 2023 by Jean Roman

So many of you have asked where I purchased my new, beautiful raised beds so I decided to do a YouTube Video why I love them and the benefits I feel these galvanized metal beds have.

You can purchase your own at this LINK.

If you’re looking for excellent quality galvanized, metal raised beds, look no further.

These Land Guard 8 x 4 x 2 raised beds have worked wonderful for me. I purchased seven of them and I like them so much that I purchased three more that are only 1 foot deep.

The four centrally located support rods are a great feature. These ensure that the sides will not bow out or in once they are filled. After 15 years of using wooden raised beds, I will never go back now that I’ve use these galvanized metal beds. They are top rated on Amazon 4 star and higher.

The beds are silver, not painted, which I was very happy about. I’m not worried about them rusting or shipping. I read a couple reviews were people complained about the bolts and nuts, not being to size. I again purchased seven of them, and out of all of the nuts and bolts. There were only one bolt that was not usable. We had absolutely no issues otherwise.

These beds are incredibly easy to put together! My 12 year old and 15 year old sons built a couple of them together as well as helping me. I have talked to a couple of my friends who have use these beds and they have all said they were extremely reliable and excellent quality.

I would definitely give this product a 4.75 star rating. The only reason I don’t give it a five star is the gauge of the steel. Although it appears to be very durable, it will bend if heavy weight is applied on it. For instance, the edges.

To purchase this product click this link: https://amzn.to/45x9jxA

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Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day,

Jean

Copyright Policy

All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through an affiliate link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. You can see my full disclaimer here.

Easy Recipe How-to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Jam~ Freezer or Canned

Posted on May 27, 2023 by Jean Roman

“Cooking is therapy: Making meals helps to reduce stress, heal a broken heart, among other benefits.” Author Unknown

Spring abounds with good stuff! The first treats from the garden are asparagus and rhubarb along with lettuces, scallions, and other greens. Shortly after we receive a bounty of strawberries… all is good in the garden!

Today’s recipe has been a long time favorite with my kids, and I’m super excited to be able to share it with all of you! You can either can or freeze this recipe.

Check out my YouTube Video below to watch me make this super easy & delicious recipe!

Would you like to have your own rhubarb? Easy peasy friends, CLICK HERE for my tutorial on to grow your own & care for, PLUS BONUS YouTube Video on how to properly harvest rhubarb!

Our Favorite Recipes

Ingredients: Yields approximately 8 cups of jam

4 cups of fresh or frozen strawberries, mashed to make 2 cups exactly

2 cups chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb

1~ 3.5 ounce package regular pectin

¼ cup lemon juice

5 ½ cups sugar

Directions:

In a large kettle add everything except the sugar; cook on high. Using a potato masher, stir and mash the mixture so the rhubarb will break down; bring to a boil.
When the mixture comes to a boil add the sugar and stir into mixture until dissolved.
Continue stirring and mashing until the mixture comes to a hard rolling boil~ one that won’t stop even when being stirred.
Boil for 1 minute stirring constantly.

Canning Instructions:

Fill ½ pint jars leaving a half inch head space; place a clean lid on making sure there is none of the mixture on the rim of the glass. If there is, it will not seal. Put a ring on tightly. Do this for all the jam.
Place jars in a water bath canner following instructions and bring water to a rolling boil on high heat.
Set a timer for 10 minutes; remove from heat onto a cooling rack.
Let stand on the counter for 24 hours.

If any jars didn’t seal, simply freeze them.

Freezing Instructions:

Fill freezer containers leaving a half inch headspace for expansion when freezing.
Let stand on the counter for 24 hours.

You can freeze for up to 1 year.

If you enjoyed this blog, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback~

Click here to watch my Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake recipe!

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Added bonus: You can go to my blog at http://www.fordragonfliesandme.com to purchase my original cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats in either a spiral bound soft cover OR NEW, a Downloadable PDF version. The cookbook has almost 1000 recipes on almost 500 pages! Check out the Cookbook Testimonials while you’re there!

Until next time remember to,
Eat fresh, shop local & have a happy day,
Jean

Gardening 101~ Why Trellising Your Tomato Plants is a Must-Do and 5 Tips for Success

Posted on May 26, 2023 by Jean Roman

“It’s difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato.” ― Lewis Grizzard

I admit it… I haven’t always trellised my tomatoes. I’ve always used the standard tomato cage, but trellising is something I recently started doing. Yes, I have always known it is the best way to grow my tomatoes, I just never took the time. Well friends, I am taking the time now as it will provide me with a healthier & more abundant crop of tomatoes!

Quite friendly, I got tired of my tomato plants sprawling all over the tomato cages & the raised beds taking up valuable space all the while making it difficult to harvest those ripe, juicy fruits. Trellising my tomato plants will provide more space for me to grow around them. This will allow me the opportunity to succession plant more effectively.

It will also improve airflow and reduce the risk of diseases. Not to mention, trellised tomatoes are easier to care for and harvest, resulting in a better yield.

Now you are asking, “Ok that’s all great Jean, but where do I start? You start right here friends! In today’s episode, I’ll provide you with 5 tips for successfully trellising your tomato plants, from choosing the right trellis to proper pruning techniques. Whether you’re a veteran gardener or novice just starting out, these tips will help you achieve a bountiful tomato harvest & beautiful garden. So let’s get started and take your tomato growing to the next level!

Watch my YouTube Video as I explain Why Trellising Your Tomato Plants is a Must-Do and 5 Tips for Success!

I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!

Be sure to check out my Blog Post on my Top 10 Favorite & Easy Vegetables to Grow for the Home Gardener!

Here a few other photo’s of trellising:

If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!

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If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!

Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day,
Jean

Copyright Policy

All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through an affiliate link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. You can see my full disclaimer here.

Easy Rhubarb Dessert Recipe: How-to make Rhubarb Strawberry Dump Cake YouTube Video!

Posted on May 25, 2023 by Jean Roman

Rhubarb is one of springs delicious bounties. You may be wondering what it is & how to cook with it. Well friends, check out my video & blog for all the answers!

Check out my easy How-to make Rhubarb Strawberry Dump Cake YouTube Video!

To see the complete list of ingredients and directions CLICK HERE!

Would you like to have your own rhubarb? Easy peasy friends, CLICK HERE for my tutorial on to grow your own & care for, PLUS BONUS YouTube Video on how to properly harvest rhubarb!

If you enjoyed this blog, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback~

Get new recipes delivered to your inbox.

If you aren’t following me on Facebook & Instagram go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!

Until next time remember to,
Eat fresh, shop local & have a happy day,
Jean

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From Lawn to Garden: Why Using Grass Clippings as Mulch is the Perfect Solution for Raised Beds

Posted on May 23, 2023 by Jean Roman

“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” Margaret Atwood

Mulching your raised beds is crucial for optimal growth. There are several benefits to mulching with grass clippings, however there are a few techniques that you need to know!

Check out my easy tutorial on Gardening 101~ How-to Mulch Your Raised Beds with Grass Clippings. Check out my YouTube Video below!

Keep posted for my upcoming blog on the benefits of mulching with grass clippings!

I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!

Be sure to check out my Blog Post on my Top 10 Favorite & Easy Vegetables to Grow for the Home Gardener!

If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest stories in your inbox.

If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!

Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day,
Jean

Copyright Policy

All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.

Gardening 101~ Maximizing Your Garden’s Yield: The Benefits and Techniques of Succession Planting

Posted on May 22, 2023 by Jean Roman

“The first gatherings of the garden in May of salads, radishes, and herbs made me feel like a mother about her baby ― how could anything so beautiful be mine. And this emotion of wonder filled me for each vegetable as it was gathered every year. There is nothing that is comparable to it, as satisfactory or as thrilling, as gathering the vegetables one has grown.” ― Alice B. Toklas

Throughout the winter months I long for the warm days when I can get back into the dirt and smell the scent of plants growing. Yes, they do have a scent and all gardeners know it. It’s like the smell of the first lawn cutting, or the way the air smells after a heavy rain.. It is simply a romantic aroma!

Have you ever wondered how some of your gardening friends always have fresh produce when your garden seems to have given up the ghost? Or how farmers market vendors have fresh lettuce all season, and yours turns bitter and bolts?

What you may not know is their secret… and that’s what I’m going to share with you all of you today! It’s called succession planting, and it’s super easy to incorporate into your gardening plan.

Let’s talk about the benefits & techniques of succession planting. With this method, you can maximize your garden’s yield and enjoy a steady supply of fruits, herbs, & veggies throughout the growing season.

In today’s blog post, I’ll teach you the various benefits of succession planting, including increased productivity and reduced waste. I’ll also discuss the different techniques and strategies you can use to implement this method successfully. So, whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting, today you will discover how to make the most of your garden with succession planting.

I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!

Be sure to check out my Blog Post for more info on Succession Planting & a 3 Season Garden Plan!

If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!

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You can get some really great tips in Elliot Coleman’s, Four Season Harvest! Great book!
**Information adapted from Organic Gardening Magazine, “Keep It Coming” By Barbara Damrosch. Feb/Mar 2010, pg.s 42-47

If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!

Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day,
Jean

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Gardening 101~ How-to Properly Plant Potatoes- HACK using store bought organic potatoes!

Posted on May 19, 2023 by Jean Roman

“A person who is growing a garden, if he is growing it organically, is improving a piece of the world. He is producing something to eat, which makes him somewhat independent of the grocery business, but he is also enlarging, for himself, the meaning of food and the pleasure of eating.” ― Wendell Berry

Choose Organic Potatoes!

Growing potatoes is easier than you may think, however there are a few key tips & tricks! Recently while I was at a few local garden centers, I was kind of amazed at how much seed potatoes were and thought to myself, “I wonder if I could use organic store bought ones?” Well, sure enough you can! If you choose to do this, you’ll want to purchase organic potatoes as others have been treated with a anti-sprouting agent.

PRO TIP: Be sure to store the potatoes in your fridge until you are ready to plant them. Take them out and place them on the counter at least a week before you want to plant them in order to stimulate root growth.

PRO TIP: In optimal growing conditions, you can count on harvesting approximately 10 pounds of potatoes for every pound you plant, give or take. You will want to take this into consideration when calculating how many potatoes you want to grow.

Now check out my easy YouTube Video, Gardening 101 Tutorial on How-to Properly Plant Potatoes- HACK using store bought organic potatoes!

I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!

Be sure to check out my Blog Post on my Top 10 Favorite & Easy Vegetables to Grow for the Home Gardener!

If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest stories in your inbox.

If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!

Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day,
Jean

Copyright Policy

All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.

Gardening 101~ How-to plant invasive herbs such as mint, oregano, & thyme so they don’t take over your garden!

Posted on May 16, 2023 by Jean Roman

“My passion for gardening may strike some as selfish, or merely an act of resignation in the face of overwhelming problems that beset the world. It is neither. I have found that each garden is just what Voltaire proposed in Candide: a microcosm of a just and beautiful society. ” Andrew Weil

Check out my easy YouTube video tutorial on how to properly plant invasive herbs such as mint, oregano, & thyme so they don’t overtake your gardens!

Supplies you’ll need:

Large planter
Ground cover or landscape fabric to line the inside of the planter
2 cups of pea gravel
Enough organic potting mix to fill the planter leaving about 2 inches of head space
1 perennial herb plant of your choice such as mint, oregano, thyme, rosemary, or sage.

I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!

Be sure to check out my Blog Post on How to Create Container Gardens with Herbs and How-to grow Mint and Harvest them!

If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!

For Dragonflies And Me

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If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!

Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day,
Jean

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Check Out My Classes Taking Place at the Waterford Parks & Rec Department for May!

Posted on May 13, 2023 by Jean Roman

Join me as I begin teaching classes for the Waterford Parks & Recreation Department this May and throughout the year!

Plan Your Summer Garden Now!

Tips & Tricks on what & how to grow to ensure a successful growing season! In today’s class Jean Roman will discuss the best fruits, vegetables, and herbs to grow in your home garden, and how to care for them. She’ll share her wealth of knowledge on growing and how you can have a bountiful harvest. Roman will provide information on gardening in containers, raised beds, and traditional tillable gardens. Downloadable PDF will be provided to all attendees.

Register Here!