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Motivational Monday: Grow Beyond Your Comfort Zone

Have you ever noticed how a plant’s environment affects its growth? A plant that thrives in one space might struggle in another. Too much shade, and it won’t get the light it needs. Too much water, and the roots drown. The right balance of nutrients, fresh air, and space to stretch its roots is what helps it flourish.

But here’s something interesting—when a plant stays in the same pot for too long, it becomes root-bound. The roots twist and turn, searching for more space, but there’s nowhere to go. Growth slows. The plant might survive, but it won’t thrive.

Now, think about yourself. How often do we stay in the same routines, the same places, the same situations—comfortable, yet limited? We resist change because it’s unfamiliar. But just like a plant needs to be repotted into fresh soil to grow stronger, we, too, need new experiences, challenges, and environments to truly thrive.

Maybe it’s time to step outside your usual space—start a new project, meet new people, take on a challenge that scares you. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but that’s how you grow strong, just like a plant stretching toward the sun.

This week, ask yourself: Am I just surviving, or am I thriving? If you feel stuck, maybe it’s time to change your environment and give yourself the space to grow. 🌿✨

Happy Monday—go out and grow!

Seed Starter Tubes for Zinnias & Sunflowers

Making seed starter tubes with paper towel or toilet paper rolls is an easy and eco-friendly way to start seeds. Here’s how you can do it:

Materials Needed:

Empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls
Scissors
A tray or shallow container
Potting soil
Seeds
Water

Instructions:

Cut the Rolls:
- If using paper towel rolls, cut them into smaller sections about 3-4 inches tall. Toilet paper rolls are already the right height.
Create a Base:
- Make 4 small cuts (about ½ inch long) around one end of each roll.
- Fold the flaps inward to form a bottom to help hold soil. You can also leave them open and place them in a tray to prevent soil from spilling out.
Fill with Soil:
- Place the tubes upright in a shallow tray and fill each with moist potting soil, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top.
Plant the Seeds:
- Choose your seeds and plant them according to their depth requirements (usually about 2-3 times the seed’s size in depth).
Water Gently:
- Lightly water the soil to keep it damp but not soggy.
Provide Light & Warmth:
- Place your tray in a warm, well-lit area or under grow lights.
Transplanting:
- Once the seedlings are strong enough, you can plant the entire tube directly into the garden. The cardboard will break down naturally in the soil.
- How to Sow Zinnia and Sunflower Seeds in Toilet Paper Roll Tubes
- Zinnias:
- When to Sow Indoors: 4-6 weeks before the last frost date
- When to Transplant: After the last frost when the soil is warm
- How to Plant in Tubes:
  1. Fill the tube with moist potting soil, leaving ½ inch of space at the top.
  2. Make a small hole (¼ inch deep) in the center of the soil.
  3. Drop in one zinnia seed and cover lightly with soil.
  4. Water gently and keep the soil damp but not soggy.
  5. Place in a warm, sunny spot (or under grow lights).
  6. Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves and outdoor temperatures are consistently warm, plant the entire tube in your garden.
- Sunflowers:
- When to Sow Indoors: 2-4 weeks before the last frost
- When to Transplant: After the danger of frost has passed
- How to Plant in Tubes:
  1. Fill the tube with moist potting soil, leaving ½ inch of space at the top.
  2. Make a hole about ½ inch deep in the center of the soil.
  3. Drop in one sunflower seed and cover lightly with soil.
  4. Water gently and place the tube in a warm, sunny location.
  5. Once the seedling is about 3-4 inches tall, harden it off and transplant the whole tube directly into the ground.
- Both zinnias and sunflowers prefer full sun and well-draining soil, so make sure to choose a bright spot in your garden for transplanting! 🌿🌸🌻

Spring Potpourri

How to Create a Fresh Spring Potpourri with Dehydrated Lemons, Lavender, and Herbs

Spring is in the air, and what better way to bring that fresh, uplifting scent into your home than with homemade potpourri? A blend of dehydrated lemons, lavender, and aromatic herbs not only fills your space with a natural fragrance but also adds a beautiful, decorative touch. Follow this guide to learn how to dehydrate lemons, select complementary herbs, and create a simmering potpourri that will make your home smell like a spring garden.

Ingredients for Spring Potpourri

2-3 lemons, thinly sliced
1/2 cup dried lavender buds
1/2 cup dried rosemary or thyme
1/2 cup dried rose petals or chamomile flowers
Optional: cinnamon sticks or star anise for added depth

How to Dehydrate Lemons

Dehydrated lemons bring a fresh, citrusy note to your potpourri. You can dry them using an oven or a dehydrator.

Oven Method:

Preheat your oven to 170°F (or the lowest setting).
Slice lemons thinly, about 1/8-inch thick.
Lay the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 3-4 hours, flipping halfway through, until completely dried.
Let them cool before using.

Dehydrator Method:

Arrange lemon slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays.
Set the dehydrator to 135°F and dry for 6-8 hours or until crisp.
Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

How to Dry Herbs and Flowers

If you have fresh herbs or flowers, drying them is easy and enhances their fragrance.

Air-Drying:

Tie herbs into small bundles and hang them upside down in a warm, dry area for 1-2 weeks.
For flowers, spread petals on a mesh screen and let them dry for a few days.

Oven-Drying:

Preheat oven to 180°F.
Spread herbs or petals in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake for 1-2 hours, checking frequently to prevent burning.

Assembling Your Potpourri

Once all ingredients are dried, mix them together in a bowl or jar. Store in an airtight container for up to six months.

How to Simmer Potpourri for a Fresh Spring Scent

A simmering potpourri is a natural way to fill your home with fragrance.

Fill a small pot with 2-3 cups of water.
Add a handful of your dried potpourri blend.
Simmer on low heat, adding more water as needed.
Enjoy the refreshing scent of spring throughout your home!

This homemade spring potpourri makes a lovely addition to your kitchen and a wonderful gift for fellow plant lovers. Happy crafting!

Exciting News: My Culinary Kitchen Herb Seed Collection is Coming Soon! 🌿✨

I’ve been working on something special, and I’m finally ready to share it with you! If you’ve ever wanted to grow fresh, flavorful herbs right from your kitchen, this is your chance. On February 24th, I’m launching my Culinary Kitchen Herb Seed Collection—a hand-picked selection of 8 must-have herbs that are perfect for cooking, garnishing, and adding fresh flavors to your meals!

What’s Inside the Kit? 🌱

This collection includes everything you need to start your own kitchen herb garden:

✅ Basil – Perfect for pesto, pasta, and fresh summer salads.
✅ Chives – Adds a mild onion flavor to soups, eggs, and dips.
✅ Thyme – A kitchen staple for roasting meats and veggies.
✅ Parsley – Bright and fresh, great for garnishes and sauces.
✅ Oregano – A must-have for Italian dishes and homemade pizza!
✅ Dill – Delicious in dressings, pickles, and seafood.
✅ Sage – Adds warmth to savory dishes and roasts.
✅ Cilantro – Essential for salsas, guacamole, and fresh toppings.

Get an Exclusive Discount – But Hurry! ⏳

To celebrate this exciting launch, I’m offering a special discount to those who sign up for my email newsletter! 💌 If you sign up before February 21st, you’ll receive an exclusive coupon to use when the kit arrives on February 24th.

👉 Sign up now to grab your discount before it’s gone! https://printhousedesign.aweb.page/p/0af57b2b-75b6-4703-9e77-27ae244cd9e3

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this kit makes it easy to grow your own herbs—right on your windowsill, patio, or backyard. Fresh, homegrown flavor has never been easier!

I can’t wait to share this with you. What’s the first herb you’ll be planting? Let me know in the comments! 🌿💚

Roses for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day and roses go hand in hand. Whether you receive a bouquet of fresh-cut roses or decide to plant a rose bush as a long-term symbol of love, knowing how to care for them ensures they remain beautiful and vibrant. In this guide, we’ll cover how to extend the life of cut roses and provide tips for planting and caring for a rose bush, including the best varieties for beginners.

How to Keep Cut Roses Fresh Longer

If you receive a stunning bouquet of roses for Valentine’s Day, follow these steps to keep them looking fresh for as long as possible:

Trim the Stems – Use sharp scissors or garden shears to cut about an inch off each stem at a 45-degree angle. This helps the roses absorb water more efficiently.
Use Clean Water – Fill a vase with fresh, lukewarm water and change it every two days to prevent bacterial growth.
Add Flower Food – Most bouquets come with a packet of flower food. If you don’t have one, a teaspoon of sugar and a few drops of lemon juice can help nourish the roses.
Remove Leaves Below Water Line – Leaves submerged in water will decay quickly and cause bacteria to build up, shortening the lifespan of your roses.
Keep Them Cool – Place your roses in a cool area, away from direct sunlight, heat vents, or drafts to slow down wilting.
Re-Cut Stems Every Few Days – Trimming the stems every couple of days helps roses continue to absorb water.

Planting a Rose Bush for a Love That Grows

If you prefer a gift that lasts beyond Valentine’s Day, planting a rose bush is a beautiful way to celebrate love year after year. Here’s how to do it right.

When to Plant a Rose Bush

The best time to plant roses depends on your climate:

Spring (After Last Frost) – In most regions, early spring is ideal when the soil is workable and temperatures are mild.
Fall (6 Weeks Before First Frost) – In warmer climates, fall planting allows the roots to establish before winter.

How to Plant a Rose Bush

Choose the Right Location – Roses need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Select a spot with good air circulation and well-draining soil.
Prepare the Soil – Roses thrive in rich, loamy soil. Mix in compost or organic matter to improve soil fertility and drainage.
Dig the Hole – The hole should be twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough to allow the roots to spread comfortably.
Planting the Rose – If you have a bare-root rose, soak it in water for a few hours before planting. Place the rose bush in the hole, ensuring the graft union (swollen part near the base) is slightly above ground level in warm climates and 1-2 inches below ground level in colder climates.
Backfill & Water – Fill the hole with soil, lightly pat it down, and water thoroughly to remove air pockets.
Mulch & Maintain – Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

How to Care for Your Rose Bush

Watering – Water deeply 1-2 times per week, depending on rainfall and soil moisture.
Feeding – Use a balanced rose fertilizer in early spring and throughout the growing season.
Pruning – Prune in early spring to remove dead or weak stems and encourage new growth.
Pest & Disease Control – Watch for aphids, black spot, and powdery mildew. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can help manage pests organically.

The Easiest Rose Bush for Beginners

If you’re new to rose gardening, consider these low-maintenance varieties:

Knock Out® Roses – Disease-resistant and bloom continuously with minimal care.
Drift® Roses – Compact and perfect for small gardens or containers.
Floribunda Roses – Hardy and prolific bloomers, ideal for beginners.
Carefree Wonder – A hardy shrub rose that resists disease and thrives with little upkeep.

This Valentine’s Day, whether you’re enjoying a bouquet of cut roses or planting a rose bush for a lasting symbol of love, proper care will ensure they stay beautiful. Roses, like love, flourish with a little attention and the right conditions!