March 1, 2012

DIY Gardening with Mr. C

I was very excited to hear from Mr. C with some new gardening tips to start the 2012 gardening season.  For all our new members, each week on Thursday during gardening season, we have a guest post from Mr. C who is our blog home gardener.  Last year we received some great gardening tips.  Make sure you visit often to see his new posts each week.  Here is his first post of the new year.

Hello Everyone!

Did that first seed catalog arrival get you longing to start gardening?  If you don’t want to wait, you can lengthen both ends of your growing season by using a “cold frame” (miniature green-house). It could be as basic as a box with a transparent top (like an old storm window).  The sun warms the air and soil inside during the day (even cloudy days) and the enclosure traps some of the heat and keeps its’ loss overnight.  On very warm and sunny days, it may be necessary to open the top slightly so as not to cook the plants inside. To preclude this from happening, you can incorporate a temperature regulating opening device (see next paragraph). I was able to grow watermelons by starting them in a cold frame, and then later moving them to the garden.  My current box (shown below) has galvanized and sloping (for rain & snow run-off) vinyl sides, a 2x2pressure treated frame and an aluminum/Plexiglass storm window top. I tie the windows down to prevent them from blowing away (I could add hinges instead). I set it over my parsley bed in the fall to allow me to have fresh herbs all winter. Even if parsley freezes, it is quite normal when it thaws.



If you type “cold frame” in your on-line search box, you can see a vast array of kits (starting around $40) and automatic opening mechanisms available. Stores do not stock them but Home Depot and Lowes will allow you to order on-line for free in-store pickup. If you act now, you could be eating fresh lettuce before spring arrives.
Happy Gardening!
Mr. C

February 27, 2012

Time For Sharing Tuesday Blog Hop



I just love SHARING great things I find! Whether it is a great deal, coupon, product, blog or business. On Tuesdays, I am inviting all my blog friends to link up and share your blog.

First, make sure you become one of my friends by following $aving and Sharing It. You can follow through GFC, G+, Twitter or Facebook.

We all love blog hops so we can gain new followers and learn of new blogs to follow. So don't just link up! Visit the other blogs and make new friends.


Make sure you post a comment below and share a little something about your blog.

Because I love to share, I am going to share a Dunkin' Donuts coffee and donut with one of you. The winner will be chosen randomly at the end of the day on Tuesday. I will announce the winner in the comments. The winner will receive an email and I will mail the gift card.


I am looking forward to sharing with you! Feel free to share this hop with your friends also.








Happy Hopping!

Katie

Kraft Fresh Take Coupon!



The best way to try a new product is with a money saving coupon.  With this coupon you can save $1.00 OFF any one (1) Kraft Fresh Take Cheese & Breadcrumb mix.  Another great product from Kraft for quick and easy meals.  Click here to get your coupon.

Happy Clipping,

Katie