Small Lot Gardening

 

Gardening in a small lot can present a unique set of challenges, but with a little creativity and planning, it is possible to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space. In this article, we will explore some tips and strategies for making the most of limited space in your garden. Garden Seed Variety Pack

One of the first things to consider when gardening in a small lot is maximizing vertical space. By using trellises, arbors, and hanging planters, you can grow a wide variety of plants without taking up valuable ground space. Climbing plants like vines, beans, and tomatoes are perfect for vertical gardens and can add a lush, green backdrop to your outdoor space.

Another key strategy for gardening in a small lot is to choose plants that are well-suited to compact spaces. Dwarf varieties of fruit trees, such as compact apple or pear trees, can provide plenty of fresh fruit without taking up too much room. Similarly, compact vegetable varieties like bush beans, cherry tomatoes, and baby carrots are perfect for small gardens.

When planning your garden layout, consider creating distinct planting areas for different types of plants. For example, you could designate one area for herbs, another for vegetables, and a third for flowers. This will help keep your garden organized and visually appealing, even in a small space.

It's also important to make the most of any available sunlight in your small lot. Positioning raised beds or containers in sunny spots and trimming back any overhanging branches can help ensure that your plants receive adequate sunlight for healthy growth.

In addition to plants, don't forget to include other elements in your small lot garden to create a welcoming outdoor space. Consider adding seating areas, water features, or decorative elements like trellises or garden art to make your garden a relaxing and enjoyable place to spend time.

Overall, gardening in a small lot may require some creativity and careful planning, but with the right strategies, you can create a beautiful and productive outdoor space. By maximizing vertical space, choosing compact plant varieties, and incorporating a variety of elements into your garden design, you can make the most of limited space and enjoy the beauty of nature right outside your door.

Garden Seed Variety Pack

Food Storage Recipe - Corn Dog Casserole

 This is a great dish that is quick to make.

NEED

CASSEROLE

1 can baked beans , undrained (28 OZ)

16 ounce pack of hot dogs - cut into 1 1/2 inch piecec

1/2 cup BBQ sauce 

1/4 cup chopped onion

TOPPING

1 pack of Corn Muffin Mix

Milk

Egg

Heat your oven to 375

In a large sauce pan combine all of the casserole ingredients and mix well.

Cook over medium heat until bubbly, stir frequently.

Pour into ungreased casserole dish.

Prepare the Corn Muffin Mix using the milk and egg as directed on the package.

Spread it evenly over the hot baked bean mixture. 

Bake this for 20 to 25 minutes. Top will be golden brown.

Iron Skillet Casserole

 

 Baked Beans

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food Storage Recipe - Creamy Ham & Potato Casserole

 

This casserole adapts to what you have on hand. Like if you have peas instead of green beans, chicken in place of the ham, or another cream of soup.

NEED

3 cups of frozen potatoes O'Brien 

1 1/2 cup of frozen cut green beans

1 1/2 cup of diced cooked ham

3/4 cup of milk

1/2 cup of shredded cheese

1 can of cream of chicken soup

Heat your oven to 375.

Spray a Casserole Dish with nonstick spray.

In a large bowl combine all of the ingredients and then spoon into the Casserole Dish.

Bake for about an hour or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.

Let stand a few minutes before serving.

 

Carrots, Eggs, or Coffee; "Which are you?"

A young woman went to her grandmother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose.

Her grandmother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs and the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her granddaughter, she asked, "Tell me what do you see?"

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.

She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they got soft.She then asked her to take an egg and break it.

After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg.

Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The granddaughter smiled, as she tasted its rich aroma. The granddaughter then asked. "What's the point,grandmother?"

Her grandmother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity--boiling water--but each reacted differently.

The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.

The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her granddaughter.

"When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which am I?

Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff?

Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.

The Prepper's Pocket Guide: 101 Easy Things You Can Do to Ready Your Home for a Disaster

Food Storage Recipe - Bean And Bacon Soup

This is so good. I am such a soup person. I can have soup everyday. This is a favorite in our house.

Bean and Bacon Soup

8 slices of bacon, cut into pieces

1 cup chopped celery

half cup chopped carrots

a fourth of a cup of chopped green onion

2 cans of Navy beans , drained and rinsed

2 cups of chicken broth

1 cup water

Cook the bacon in a large saucepan until crisp. Remove and drain on a paper towel. Keep about 2 tablespoon of the bacon drippings in that saucepan. Add the celery, carrots, and onions. Cook until they are tender. Stirring frequently. Stir in the remaining items and let simmer until heated through. Add the bacon to the soup right before you serve it. Cornbread is good with this.

The Prepper's Pocket Guide: 101 Easy Things You Can Do to Ready Your Home for a Disaster