Category: Article

How To Make The Home Feel Warmer This Winter

As the cold nights roll in, the home can feel a lot colder than it usually is. There’s nothing like a reality check to let us know that summer is finally over and it’s now time to wrap up warm for the fall.

 

Every home isn’t invincible to the elements and even homes that can retain heat for a long time can often get cold.

 

How can the home be kept warm and feel warm this winter? These tips should hopefully give some useful insight into making the home a lot warmer.

Image Source

Draught-proof any windows and doors

A cheap and effective way of keeping the heat in any home is by utilizing draught excluders. These are usually heavy, sausage-shaped furnishings that go along the bottom of a door or window. They usually have insulation in them of some sort to help with blocking out the cold air and maintaining any hot air in the room.

 

By putting these at the extremities like the external doors and windows, it’s going to help save some of the heating that can be lost through the gaps. It could even go as far as covering the internal doors too throughout the home.

 

They’re fairly cheap to buy or if it’s a DIY project in the making, these can be made very easily by bringing together a lot of cheap insulation and doing it oneself.

Layer up with soft furnishings around the home

In order to help improve the home’s warmth, a good way to do so is by layering up the home with soft furnishings. By purchasing soft throws and cushion covers that are soft and fluffy, it all helps contribute to the overall warmth retained in the home. 

 

Cold surfaces like wooden floors and walls are all going to expel a lot of cold air. For the wooden floors, it may be a good idea to invest in a rug or two. For walls, it’s a little more challenging but just adding some fabric artwork can make a big difference to block the cold air that comes from the walls.

 

Think about what can be bought to wrap up in too. Throws on sofas are great to put over oneself when trying to keep warm.

Incorporate more insulation where possible

Insulation is one of the best ways to keep the home warm. With insulation, it’s worth putting it everywhere that’s physically possible.

 

If there’s an attic space, chances are, insulation can be added. Within the wall cavities and under the flooring, are all good places to install insulation.

 

Some methods of insulation don’t require a hefty amount of work and can often be injected in, causing minimal damage as a result. Look at the options and the costs that come with them. It’s surprising how well insulation performs when it’s installed in the home.

Buy a smart thermostat

A smart thermostat can be a lifesaver when it comes to controlling the heating in the home. When putting on the heating, it can often be left on for too long or put on too high that it just becomes a waste of heating.

 

With that being said, it’s worthwhile buying a smart thermostat as it will help with managing the heating in the home. Smart thermostats will control the heating depending on what’s required by the household and then gradually it’ll adjust themselves to be more eco-efficient.

 

Not only that but a smart thermostat, much like many smart appliances, can be controlled by a mobile device. This can be extremely helpful in making sure the heating has been switched on or turned off when the household has left the property. Imagine coming home to a warm house instead of it being freezing cold?

Image Source

Time when the heating goes on and off

Talking of the smart thermostat, a good way to help make the home feel warmer this winter is by timing the use of the thermostat. In reality, the heating doesn’t need to be on all day. It can often just be put on for an hour or so before it’s turned off. It may then take a few hours before the heat within the home has been dispelled and it becomes cold again.

 

For some homes, the warmth may last for the remainder of the day! With that in mind, try to time when the heating goes on and when it goes off to minimize the expenditure that comes with heating the home.

Replace broken or damaged windows and doors

Over time, the windows and doors of a home can become broken or damaged. It’s expected, especially when the weather conditions experienced throughout the year, can batter and wear the integrity of the home.

 

While windows and doors can last a long time, every few decades or so, they’ll need replacing. It may be that the house was bought around the time that they were recently installed or it’s coming up to the point that they need replacing.

 

Window replacement and door replacement for that matter can really help improve the heating in the home. Double or triple glazing on windows, for example, is a great way to lock in the heat. For doors, it’s all about making sure they’re not cracked or warped. If they are, get them replaced at the same time to save the hassle of doing it a bit at a time.

Keep doors closed when in certain rooms

With internal doors, a good way to keep the room nice and warm is to close the door. Closing the doors of the rooms that the household is in, will keep that room warmer for longer. Alternatively, if the door was left open, then the heat would escape and disperse to the rest of the home. This can end up making it feel colder in the room that everyone’s in.

Keep warm and cozy in the home this winter

To avoid winter frost and to keep warm in the home, use these tips. It’ll make a big difference to the property as a whole.

Hosting Your Kid’s First Sleepover? 4 Helpful Tips

Image credit 

 

Sleepovers are a staple for kids, and it’s no wonder why. Your kids can get a chance to make new friends and build their social skills while trying something different from what they’re used to. And putting them out of their comfort zone is a great way to prepare them for unexpected circumstances. They can also learn how to set and respect boundaries. Therefore, hosting a sleepover can be a great thing. However, it can be daunting if it’s your first time. Fortunately, you can ace it with the right steps. Here are a few worth considering. 

  • Create your guest list and send invites

 

The first step is to figure out who your kid is inviting over. It’s important to start small as it’s your first time- usually, two to three kids are enough if they’re younger. You can increase the number after you get the hang of it. However, tweens and teenagers may not require your direct supervision and can be more than three. However, see to it that they aren’t misbehaving. Your guest can be kids from school, the park, or other social gatherings, although you should know them and their parents. 

 

Also, interact with them at least once to determine if you want them in your home or hanging out with your kids. Sending out invites earlier is ideal, as it gives other parents enough time to prepare. As a tip, try sending the invites two to three weeks ahead of the event. As a tip, send them via mail or hand them over to their parents away from school to prevent other kids from being hurt. 

  • Speak to your guest’ parents 

 

Since you aren’t familiar with your guests’ needs, talking to their parents makes sense. You’ll find it helpful to inform them of the drop-off and pickup time, so there aren’t delays. Also, indicate what they should bring, whether sleeping bags, pajamas, pillows, etc. By all means, give them a fair idea of whatever activities you have lined up for the sleepover, and confirm if they want their kids to participate in these activities. Consequently, ask them about their kids’ dietary needs to ensure that your food doesn’t cause them to have allergic reactions. If your guests are younger, chances are they have some nighttime issues such as bedwetting or fear of the dark. Ask their parents about it to handle the situation without making the kids feel awkward or embarrassed. 

  • Prepare your home 

 

It’s important to prepare your home for the upcoming event. And you can begin by cleaning the entire place and eliminating clutter to create a welcoming ambiance. Also, ensure you’re prepared for any mess the kids may cause. For instance, you can invest in cups with lids to prevent them from spilling their drinks. You can also use upholstery protectors to protect your furniture from stains. You’ll also find it helpful to designate play spaces to accommodate your planned activities, so keep this in mind. Here are more helpful strategies to ensure that your home is in good shape. 

  • Plan for the unexpected 

 

It’s common for kids to forget something, whether a toothbrush, sleeping bag, blankets, and the like. And you should be ready when that happens- get lots of new toothbrushes, wash and prepare extra blankets, and stock up on toiletries. Also, you may find that some guests are homesick and want to return home. You should note that it’s not your fault. Before they leave, inform each parent to expect your call if their kids become homesick. This way, they won’t feel offended or disturbed. 

  • Get dinner ready 

 

You may be tempted to prepare exquisite meals to wow your little guests. However, this may backfire, especially if you’re dealing with picky eaters. Therefore, preparing meals everyone can enjoy is best. Instead of a tuna casserole, why not try meals like pizza, sandwiches, and fruit? You can also consider having snacks like tortilla chips, salsa, celery, carrots, cheese cubes, and cheese dips to munch on as they play. However, ensure that your guests aren’t lactose-intolerant before offering them cheesy or milky snacks. 

  • Plan for the morning after 

 

You can expect the kids to feel groggy, as they may have slept late. However, you can help them freshen up before their parents pick them up. Also, prepare a hearty breakfast to help them start the day in a good mood. Muffins, cereal, and toast are great breakfast options, so feel free to consider them. Or, you can get creative by preparing German pancakes. Also, ensure that the parents pick up their kids at 10 am. 

 

 

Looking After Yourself Is Not Selfish, So Let’s Start Doing That

Looking after yourself is not selfish. What is selfish are the people who have made you feel this way by putting so much stress and pressure on you to provide for everyone else that you have no time to look after yourself. There are so many people out there who are taking care of themselves before anyone else other than their children, and you need to start doing this too. You are worth looking after, and you’re the only one who can do it. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the places that you can start, so keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.

Pexels CCO License

 

Take A Break When You Need One

 

First, we want to say that it is okay to take a break when you need one. Everyone gets stressed, everyone gets tired and frustrated, and sometimes even angry, it’s completely normal. These are your body’s way of telling you that you need to slow down, you need to take a breath and you need to take a step back from whatever you’re doing. It doesn’t make you a failure to do this, and if anyone has told you otherwise then you need to cut them out of your life as soon as possible.

 

Taking a break is a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s a sign that you know when you are overwhelmed and when you know you need a little time to yourself, even if it’s only a couple of minutes. A couple of minutes is not too much for anyone to ask for no matter the situation, so keep that in mind.

 

Make Sure You’re Sleeping

 

Sleep is essential when it comes to self-care. We know that it’s tough when you have kids, especially if they are newborns, but you need that sleep now more than ever. When you’re not sleeping you’re going to get frustrated far easier, you’re going to feel every emotion ten times as strong as you normally would, and it’s not good for you. You might be struggling to sleep because your little one is up, but if this is not the problem then you need to work out what is.

 

It might be that your brain is too wired to fall asleep, and in this case, you just need to try and calm yourself down. Or, it might be that you need to take a look at an eye mask for sleep so that you can block out the light and just get the rest that you deserve.

 

You Don’t Have To Do It Alone

 

You do not have to do it alone. Even if you feel alone, even if you have nobody around you, you do not have to do it alone. There are always people who can and will help if you are open enough to ask for it. Some people might not even realize how badly you are struggling, and others might just not notice that they are the ones that you need help. It’s a case of communicating with those around you and letting them know what you need.

 

If you do not have anyone around to help you, then there are always ways to make some friends. You can do this on social media, you can do this through attending groups, and you can do this in a number of other ways. There are also organizations that will be able to help you, and this will be massively beneficial to you. You’re not alone, so stop treating yourself as though you are.

 

Do The Things That You Enjoy

 

We also want to mention that you should be doing the things that you enjoy in life. If you like a sport, then make time for it. If you want to exercise, make time for it. If you want to sit in a bath for an hour while you read a good book, make time for it. The things that you enjoy are all a part of self-care, and you should be practicing them when you get the chance. They’re good for you, so stop avoiding them.

Pexels CCO License

 

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you should be doing to look after yourself. You’ve got to remember that it’s not selfish to do so because nobody else is going to do it for you. You need to make yourself take care of yourself, even if sometimes it feels like the hardest thing in the world to do.

 

7 Top Tips When Starting Your Fitness Journey

 

Image Credit

One of the most difficult things about starting a fitness journey is actually taking that first step. It can be daunting and overwhelming to try and figure out where to start and what kind of workout routine to follow. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! Here are 7 top tips when starting your fitness journey:

1. Start slow and build up gradually

When starting a new exercise regime, it’s important to take things slowly at first. If you try to do too much too soon, you’ll quickly become burned out and discouraged. Instead, start with just a few basic exercises and add more as you go along. As your fitness level improves, you can increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.

2. Set realistic goals

It’s important to set realistic goals for yourself when starting a fitness journey. If your goals are too unrealistic, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. So, start by setting small, achievable goals that you can gradually work towards.

3. Find an activity that you enjoy

Working out doesn’t have to be a chore! In fact, it’s more likely that you’ll stick to a workout routine if you find an activity that you actually enjoy. Whether it’s hiking, biking, swimming, or lifting weights, find something that gets you moving and makes you happy.

4. Make a plan

Once you’ve decided on your goals and found an activity that you enjoy, it’s time to make a plan. This means figuring out when and where you’re going to exercise, as well as what kind of workout you’re going to do. Having a plan will help you stay on track and make the most of your workouts.

Image Credit

5. Eat healthily

Working out is only part of the equation when it comes to getting fit. You also need to make sure that you’re eating a healthy diet. This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of saturated fat.

6. Stay motivated

There will be days (or even weeks) when you don’t feel like working out. It’s important to find ways to stay motivated during these times. One way to do this is to find a workout buddy who can help keep you accountable. You can also set yourself small rewards for reaching your fitness goals. For example, you could allow yourself to buy a new pair of shoes after losing 5 pounds.

7. Supplements can help

If you’re struggling to reach your fitness goals, supplements can help. Supplements can provide your body with the nutrients it needs to perform at its best. They can also help boost your energy levels and promote muscle growth like pharmagear. However, it’s important to speak with a doctor before taking any supplements, as they may interact with the medications you’re taking or have other risks.

There you have it!

Taking that first step towards a healthier lifestyle can be difficult. But by following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a successful fitness journey!

Are You Trying To Be More Green On The Road?

Pixabay Source CCO License

 

Change Your Style Of Driving 

 

First, one of the best ways to be more green when driving is to change your driving style. Lots of people drive in ways that use more energy overall. This is a problem and it will result in you burning a lot more fuel than you need to. 


If you are worried about this, then there are simple steps that you can take. For instance, you might want to think about braking more gently and earlier. This is possible as long as you look further ahead on the road in front of you. 


Reduce The Weight 

 

Next, you should think about reducing the weight in your vehicle. Extra weight can absolutely obliterate the range of your vehicle and mean that you’ll need to stop at the gas station far more regularly. The best way to reduce the weight will be to clear out the trunk. You should also check whether there’s any items in your car that you don’t need. An example would be taking out the child’s car seats when you don’t need them. Don’t forget, if you are carrying extra weight, you’ll also need to check the pressure on the tyres far more regularly. 

 

Go Electric 

 

Another option would be to go electric with your next vehicle. Going electric is a fantastic choice because it means that you can cut your carbon footprint down completely. There are lots of different types of electric cars available on the market today. EVs are also becoming more popular and this means that they are accessible on a wider range of budgets which is fantastic news. 

 

EVs may even save you more money in other ways too. Some reports suggest that EVs are likely to last far longer without issues and cost less in servicing over a fixed period. 

 

Try A Different Vehicle

 

Finally, you might want to try a different vehicle altogether if you are interested in reducing your carbon footprint on the road. Many people don’t know that motorbikes are far more eco friendly compared with cars. They tend to release less chemicals into the atmosphere and may also use less energy. Now, you might think that motorcycles are dangerous and they can be. However, if you speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer, you’ll find that most issues are due to human error. That’s why it’s important to ensure that you do take your time and practice before setting out on the road.

Alternatively, for shorter trips, you could consider cycling or even using a scooter.

We hope this helps you understand some of the best ways you can be a little more green on the road and in doing so, help save the world. 

 

 

3 Ways To Improve Your Relationship

Image Credit: Takmeomeo from Pixabay.

No relationship is perfect, but that doesn’t mean there needs to be regular arguments and a lot of stress. That’s the case regardless of whether you’ve recently started dating or have been married for several years. You shouldn’t need to settle for something less than ideal.

You could be surprised there are multiple ways to improve your relationship. Some of these can be quite obvious, such as spending more time together. Others can be less obvious, despite being just as effective, if not moreso.

If you think your relationship needs to get better, three particular methods can be helpful for multiple reasons. They’ll get everything back on track, letting you and your partner feel better about your relationship.

Ways To Improve Your Relationship: 3 Top Options

1. Be Vulnerable

The more vulnerable you and your partner are for each other, the more you can understand and care for each other. It lets you open up to them, and vice versa, which creates more of a sense of closeness between you.

It creates a deeper sense of connection, which strengthens your bond and overall relationship. While this can be difficult to do – especially if you’re not used to being vulnerable – it’s one of the more effective ways to improve your relationship.

2. Seek Therapy

Couples counselling can be an effective way to look after your relationship if you’ve been experiencing long-term problems. These issues don’t even need to be large for you to consider this, and there are multiple ways you can go about getting this help.

Think of it as a way to look after and maintain your relationship’s happiness. It lets you and your partner get objective help with figuring things out. You can find out more about this here: https://lifeworksrecovery.com/el-paso-therapist/.

3. Surprise Each Other

Small gestures between you and your partner keep the spark alive while showing you that you both still care. Doing this often and making sure it’s a surprise can be an effective way to improve your relationship long-term.

One way to keep your partner feeling special is by buying an engagement ring to remind her of your everlasting commitment. Your token of love and appreciation will surely bring a smile to your partner’s face and remind her how much she means to you.

Happy couples are ones that are kind to each other and go out of their way to do so. Making these unplanned surprises shows you go out of your way to think about your partner and do something for them. It shows you care much more than you’d think.

You wouldn’t need to spend a lot of money on this, either. Sometimes, it can be as simple as an act of affection.

Ways To Improve Your Relationship: Wrapping Up

You’ll have more than a few ways to improve your relationship, many of which can be vital to helping you. While you could need to adjust these to your specific relationship, they’ll be more helpful than you’d expect.

Surprising each other with little things, being vulnerable with each other, and possibly even seeking relationship therapy can all be helpful with this. They’ll help you show each other you care while helping you sort through any issues.

With the love you’ll have for each other, there’s no reason not to do this.

Why It’s Important To Encourage Your Kids To Read

 

Source – CC0 License

 

I think it’s fair to say that modern kids do not read as much as children from older generations. Indeed, you can think back to your childhood or teenage years and much of your spare time was taken up by reading. Books were an easy way to lose yourself in stories and pass the time – especially if it was cold and rainy outside and you couldn’t go play! 

 

Nowadays, with video games, streaming services, and all sorts of other gadgets at their disposal, kids don’t read as much. Is this a problem? Well, it can be. 

 

I’m not saying that children shouldn’t play video games or watch Netflix! But, you should try to encourage your kids to read books. A few hours a week is still better than nothing, and here’s why it is important: 

 

Reading develops crucial skills

If your child reads a book, they will develop a whole host of crucial skills that are important in every facet of their life. 

 

For starters, they start to learn how to read faster and with more accuracy. What this means is they can read through a long page of text and take important information away from it right away. Children that don’t read will struggle to do this, which could be a problem when they have to take tests and read through loads of information or understand questions. 

 

Secondly, reading helps your children improve their spelling or vocabulary. This makes them far more intelligent and allows them to express themselves better. Again, it also translates through to their school life and career – having a vast vocabulary is valuable when taking tests or applying for jobs. 

 

Reading is also brilliant at developing a child’s imagination and creative thinking skills. It can fill them with cool ideas and thoughts that fuel more creative ideas in their heads. Every child needs an expansive imagination – it’s one of the most important tools you can have when growing up and maturing. 

 

How do you get kids to read?

Clearly, reading is beneficial for your child’s development. There’s one problem…how do you get them to read? What can you do to pull them away from their Playstation or iPad? 

 

Honestly, it’s all about finding the right books for them to read. You can find something called TERL, which is the Teen Emergent Reader Libraries, and it’s full of books that actively encourage teenagers and younger children to read more books. The idea is that the books are exciting, full of action, or cover topics a teenager/child will enjoy. At the same time, they’re easy for someone of this age to read. 

 

Furthermore, you could figure out what sort of things your child likes based on their other interests. If they’re always watching TV shows full of wizards and fantasy elements, pick out some books in this genre for them to read. Once they start reading a good book, they won’t be able to put it down. 

 

At the end of the day, one of the key rules to remember about parenting is that there needs to be a balanced life for your kids. They can’t spend all day playing video games or watching TV, so find them extra hobbies – like reading. But, don’t force them to read books every day and never do these other things. It’s a balancing act, and you may find it difficult initially. Nevertheless, encouraging your children to read will benefit them in the long run, so it’s worth pushing through. 

CatLadyBox Subscription Box Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Scaredy Cat Giveaway Hop

Enter for your chance to win a CatLadyBox Gift Card!

 


(Linkup closed)

MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.

The Top 6 Tips for Jewelry Shopping: How to Find the Perfect Piece

Jewelry is one of the most popular items people like to purchase. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just to add to your collection, finding the perfect piece can be tricky. With all of the different styles and types of jewelry available, how do you know where to start? Here are our top six tips for jewelry shopping!

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

Do Your Research

Before you start shopping, it’s important to do your research and know what you’re looking for. What type of jewelry are you interested in? What style? What budget do you have in mind? By doing a bit of research beforehand, you’ll save yourself time and energy when it comes to actually shopping for jewelry.

 

Set a Budget

It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping for jewelry. This way, you won’t be tempted to spend more than you can afford. Keep in mind that not all jewelry has to be expensive – there are plenty of beautiful pieces that are very affordable.

 

Consider the Occasion

Are you shopping for a special occasion? If so, what is it? A wedding? An anniversary? A birthday? Do you need jewelry for Christmas? The type of occasion will help narrow down your choices.  The type of occasion will help narrow down your choices. For example, if you’re shopping for an engagement ring, you’ll want to keep in mind the style of ring your partner prefers as well as your budget. On the other hand, if you’re shopping for a pair of earrings to wear to work, you may be more concerned with finding something that is sleek and professional looking. Keep the occasion in mind when jewelry shopping and it will help make your decision easier.

 

Know Your Metal Types

There are a few different types of metals that jewelry can be made from, including gold, silver, and platinum. Each metal has its own unique properties and benefits. For example, gold is a very popular choice for rings and other pieces of jewelry because it’s strong and durable. Silver is a good choice for people who are allergic to nickel – it’s also cheaper than gold. Platinum is the most expensive metal, but it doesn’t tarnish as easily as gold or silver. When shopping for jewelry, keep in mind the different types of metals available and decide which one would be best suited for you.

 

Pay Attention to the Details

When shopping for jewelry, it’s important to pay attention to the small details. This includes things like the quality of the metal, the type of stone(s) used, and the overall craftsmanship. By paying attention to these details, you’ll be able to find a piece of jewelry that is truly special and unique. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about a piece of jewelry either – the salesperson should be more than happy to answer any questions you have. And finally, when looking at a piece of jewelry, take your time and really examine it closely. Is it something you can see yourself wearing? Do you love it? If not, keep looking – there’s bound to be something out there that you’ll absolutely adore.

 

Buying Online

If you’re not able to find what you’re looking for in a brick-and-mortar store, don’t worry – there are plenty of great options available online. When shopping online, be sure to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase. For example, these James Allen reviews from PriceScope can help you get an idea of what to expect when shopping from them online. And if you’re unsure about a particular piece of jewelry, don’t hesitate to contact the seller with any questions you may have. Buying jewelry online can be a great way to find unique pieces that you might not be able to find in stores. Just be sure to exercise caution and buy from reputable sellers.

 

These are just a few tips to keep in mind when jewelry shopping. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to find the perfect piece of jewelry – whether it’s for yourself or someone else.

 

7 Tips and Tricks for Getting Your Veggie Garden Started

One important way of keeping your family healthy is to pay close attention to their diets and fill their plates with fresh fruits and vegetables. You can make this a whole lot more fun and interactive for the kids too by starting your own veggie garden at home. When they have a hand in where their vegetables come from, they will be far more excited to eat them! 

Starting a vegetable garden takes some knowledge and skills though – so here are a few tips to keep in mind when you get started. 

 

Plan Ahead

First of all, don’t go buying seeds and gardening tools without a plan of action. Any type of planting and gardening requires a bit of prior knowledge and planning. 

First of all, take a look at the space you have available to you in your garden. How much space is there? How much direct sunlight does that area get in a day? What’s the climate like in your area? You’ll need to take all these questions (and others) into account when planning what to plant and where to plant it. 

 

Invest in the Right Tools

You’ll also need to spend some money on the tools you need for your vegetable garden. You can keep things pretty simple here – a pair of gardening gloves, a small shovel and garden fork, and some pruning shears too will do the trick. 

You can start your garden directly in your garden bed, or if you’d like, you can invest in some wooden planters for your vegetable garden to keep things neat and properly separated. Another great investment is an irrigation drip kit, which is an economical and plant-savvy way to take care of your veggies. 

 

Choose the Right Spot

Remember that plants can be pretty sensitive to their environment, so picking the right spot for each of your veggies is important.

If you have sunnier and shadier areas in your yard, make sure you know which plants (vegetable or otherwise) would be best suited to living in those areas. Too much sunlight can be damaging to some plants, whereas others love the heat, so choose wisely. 

 

Prepare Your Soil

Many people don’t realise that you can’t just stick some seeds in the ground and hope for the best, you actually need to prepare your soil for your vegetables first.

You need to make sure you have used the right type of soils, and that it is well turned and properly mixed before planting your seeds. You should also add compost to your soil before you start planting to make sure your soil is full of the nutrients your veggies will need to grow. 

 

Grow What You Love

Picking the right vegetables to plant is another important consideration. Of course, you can choose to start with veggies that are easy to grow, but make sure they’re what you’ll actually want to eat, otherwise what’s the point?

Think about the veggies your kids enjoy, and your own personal favourites too. Throw some fresh herbs in the mix too, while you’re at it! Pick the herbs you find yourself buying the most often, or even the herbs you always leave out of the recipe because you haven’t bothered to pick them up. When they’re right in your garden, you’ll be more inclined to use them. 

 

Research Your Veggies

Did you know that some vegetables are best planted near one another, while others are more like sworn enemies? Do some research to try and find out which of your veg you should be planting in the same planter and which to keep far away from one another.

You can also read to find out about common issues and illnesses in various plants, which veggies are prone to bugs, how to handle them, how much water and sunlight each plant will need, etc. There’s a lot to learn! 

 

Be a Caregiver

Finally, when all the research and initial work is done, don’t fall off the bus and think your job is finished!

If you want your vegetables to flourish and grow into delicious morsels for your plate, they’re going to need constant care and attention. Put a watering schedule into place and makes sure to add compost and other nutrients to the soil regularly. Prune away any weeds that pop up and keep your plants neat and tidy if they start to grow unruly, and when your veg is ready, harvest and prepare them with love.