Our garden currently: The tulips are dying off

Since the tulips are dying off it's now time to plant your seed starts into the ground or in planters.  If you waited till the cold temperatures were done, like we did, you are perfectly fine with starting them now.  I always like to wait till I see the tulips dying before I start planting anything at all or even starting anything.

Here in Oregon the weather changes every 15 minutes, so I always like to play it safe.  Most stores have seed starts that you can purchase and not worry with the starting yourself, but starting your own is always fun and it's enjoyment for kids as well.

Here is a quick list of plants that are easy to grow and are a great way to start from seeds.

1.  Beans (Pole, Asparagus and Wax)

2.  Peas   (Sweet or Sugar Snap are a great start)

3.  Gourds (Birdhouse Gourds are fun for kids to grow and harvest) Give yellow squash a try too!

4.  Sunflowers (Any variety will sprout fast and grow tall)

5.  Tomatoes (Tomatoes get a bad reputation for being hard to grow but, they really aren't.  Try varieties like, 'beefsteak', 'Early Girl' or even Cherry tomatoes.

Oregon's constant change in weather.

Skylar and I started planting some of the seeds we had from last year and started getting things going for our garden-to-be.  

We used egg cartons for our planting.  They are not only biodegradable, they also make planting little seeds so much easier.

Skylar had a clever idea on how to use the cut parts of the egg carton.  Cut the closure tab off and turning it around to fit back in the holes the opposite way.  How ingenious, right?  Smart kid!

All of our seed cartons were set out on the kitchen table ready for the seeds.

Skylar and I sorted out what we wanted to plant right away and made another pile for seeds that can go right into the ground.

We labelled them and put them in the sun for a few days.  This coming weekend we will move them outside and let them soak up the sun's rays directly.

Hopefully in the next few weeks we can get our raised beds in order and start our garden soon!

Eco-Tip:  Planting your own seeds and saving them from year to year is a great way to go green and save you some money each year.  Be sure and save enough to have a full garden to support your eating throughout the winter season too.  For this and other tips on going green visit, The Earth and Me Go Green.

Victorian Chocolate Company (GIVEAWAY)

South North South is giving away two boxes of the chocolates from the Victorian Chocolate Company and all you have to do is leave a comment on what kind of chocolate-covered candy you love.  That's it! 

There is a quaint little place here in Lebanon, Oregon.  It's almost like a hidden chocolate factory right here in our own town.  The candy man that works at this chocolate factory makes some of the most delicious chocolates that you've ever tasted.  He even makes his own marshmallows. 

The Victorian Chocolate Company offers handmade and hand-dipped chocolates from caramel and mint, to almond butters, and toffee.

With the chocolates you pick from a large display cabinet, he takes the time to wrap them up and make them special, even if the chocolates are just for yourself.

Skylar and I like to go in on some Fridays and pick up some special chocolates to help ease the end of the week.

Want to get your hands on a box of handmade chocolates?  Well, now you can.

South North South is giving away two boxes of the chocolates from the Victorian Chocolate Company and all you have to do is leave a comment on what kind of chocolate-covered candy you love.  That's it!   Contest ends June 1, 2013.

You can also earn additional entries by sharing this giveaway on Twitter and Facebook!

 To enter, leave a comment below in the Rafflecopter entry form and add your entry to the total.  Also, while you're here, leave a comment and let me know what your answer is. 

GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rules:  Only one winner will be chosen at random through Rafflecopter and will receive two boxes similar to the one pictured above with their choice of chocolates.  The winner will be notified through email and will be mailed their winnings on the day after the contest ends depending on email response of your address.  There is no age limit on this contest, but allergies need to be taken into account.  Contest ends June 1, 2013, no exceptions and no entries will be accepted after that date.  Your email address, mailing address, or personal information is only for the contest and will not be sold or given to other companies whatsoever.  

Bathing bird

The birds are out more and more now that the weather is getting warmer and with that they are taking more baths in the birdbath.  This little Starling was bathing and munching on the bird feed throughout the day and I just had to share him.

Eco-Tip:  After having your morning cup of coffee be sure and save those coffee grounds for your garden.  Coffee grounds are a great addition to gardening compost and the worms will thank you.  For this and other tips on going green visit, The Earth and Me Go Green.