Be green this summer

 and by green I mean share the love by planting.  Whether it be succulents in your windows, small planters on your porch, a garden in the yard or a greenhouse out back.  Planting is a big to-do for my family, and has been since I was a child.  I can't help but love watching the plants grow.  It's simply

amazing how they take a life all of their own with a little water and sunlight.  I love when I have fresh flowers and my whole room ends up smelling amazing.  I'm and outdoorsy person as it is, so bringing the outside in has always been a big thing of mine. 

For those who wanna see how well of a green thumb they have there are a few tips you need to know to help you out along your being green journey.  

1)  Start small.  Don't plant more then you can, and research the plants you'd like to plant.  Sometimes certain plants can't be planted next to others because it will not share enough nutrients for the other and it'll kill the other plants.  

2)  It may be a good idea to start a compost pile.  At my house we have a container that egg shells, coffee grain, banana and orange peels and vegetables go into.  This is always good because once you plant it in the fertilizer with your plant, it'll give it natural nutrients. 

3)  Make sure to use mulch though.  Just because you use the compost pile doesn't mean it's a full alternative for mulching your garden.  Mulch suppresses weed growth, maintains soil moisture and stabilizes soil temperatures.

4)  Make sure to water your plants accordingly.  Now obviously not every person on the planet gets thirsty the same amount as the person on the right or left of them.  Plants are the exact same way.  Some need it 2-3 times a day and some only need it 2-3 times a week.  That's why it's important to research what you are planning to plant.  You can literally drown a plant if it's being watered faster then it can be absorbed.

5)  If you are literally planting for the first time ever, a good tip is to stick to plants that are around you.  It'll make the process easier on you and will show the greatest success for a first time planter. 

6)  Visit your garden regularly.  Make sure weeds aren't growing, they are receiving enough sunlight or maybe they are receiving to much.  Check the amount of water they are or aren't getting too.  Even check to make sure no critters from the land around you haven't tried to make a home in your garden or planter.  Look and see if you have bug infestation and handle accordingly.

7)  Love your space.  Nothing is better then reaping the rewards of hard work and dedication.  If you planted vegetables and peppers, then make some homemade salsa and give it as summer gifts.  If you chose flowers then put them in a vase and show them off in your home, or give them to someone as a pick-me-up.  The possibilities are endless when it comes to a garden.  Make it your space, enjoy it, relax, grab a cup of coffee and smile.  Use the area for inspiration and to escape from the hardships in your daily life, or stress you went through at work.