Get Rid Of Aphids

I was checking on my tomato and pepper plants today when I noticed aphids on the underside of the leaves.  I was out of my normal bug spray and needed something quick.  I did a little research and found out that I can make my own non-toxic bug spray at home!

Here's how:  mix one part Dawn (blue) liquid dish soap with 100 parts water.  I mixed the Dawn and water in a spray bottle and sprayed my plants.  The aphids died instantly.

To keep the aphids from coming back, spray your plants weekly.  Make sure you get the undersides of the leaves since aphids like to hide there.

How To Start Seeds Indoors

To start seeds indoors, you could use a cardboard egg carton.  Fill each cup with dirt and place a seed in the egg cup.  Water regularly.  You may want to put a tray underneath the egg carton in case it leaks.

Once you are ready to plant the seedling, cut the carton so each individual cup is on its own.  Cut the bottom of the cardboard cup off to give the roots room to grow into the outdoor soil.  Plant the cup and a 1/2 inch to inch of the stem in the dirt.

It's an easy, green way to grow plants!

Raining On The Vegetable Garden

It has been raining for two days straight in Northern Virginia.  I checked on my tomato and pepper plants between downpours and they look healthy and bigger!  My tomato and pepper plants have doubled in size since I planted them about a month or so ago.  I can't wait until the blooms come in and the vegetables start to grow on them!

Tomato & Pepper plants

It's been about a month since I planted my tomato and pepper plants and they are growing like weeds! My tomato plant is even starting to flower!

Since my vegetables are in pots, they have been very easy to maintain.