10 Things (Post #2): Plant something

This is my second post in a series about ten easy things you can do to be more environmentally friendly inspired by the book Change the World for Ten Bucks and N.E.E.T. Magazine. Read more about the rest of the list here.

The second thing on the list is "Plant Something." I live in Iowa where we are all lucky to have some of the most fertile soil on the planet. If you plant it outside, odds are it will grow with very little effort on your part. Two years ago, on a crazy whim, I decided to plant a garden. Other than occasionally helping my mom weed the garden growing up, I had no experience. I planted whatever popped into my head or had an enticing seed packet at Wal-Mart. Everything grew except my onions, which grew but popped out the ground too early. I am sure I didn't plant them deep enough, so that was my fault.

I have had HUGE success growing herbs in pots on the back patio, which are my absolute favorite part of summer gardening. Last year I had thyme, oregano, chives, mint, rosemary, cilantro and basil. They all did exceptionally well so I had fresh herbs all summer long. I can't wait to have them again this year!

Plants in the house are a different story. Right around the time we got married, I decided I wanted a bunch of house plants. Most of them did well for a while and then died. The ones that survived didn't make it in the sweltering car when we moved in July almost three years ago. It's mostly me, partially that our house doesn't get a lot of sun and partially the monsters cats eating and pestering them. I am willing to give it a try again. I think I might start easy with some succulents and go from there.

I found tons of cute, unique and affordable planters, seeds and identification stakes on Etsy. Here's a few of my favorites:

 

1. Gollum Jade Cuttings from The Succulent Garden

2. Reflective Planter with Succulents from Monkeys Always Look

3. Naturally Felled Wood Garden Markers from Fig and Fern

4. Herb Garden Stakes by From Artisan Hands

5. Lotus Plant Seed from Seven Acre Woods

6. Shoe Planter from Giddy Spinster

7. Pillow Moss from Teresa B 123

8. Planter from Just Mare

9. Automatic Waterers from Trillium Hill Art

10. Planter from Clay Nest Pottery

11. Upcycled Spoon Plant Stake from Enchanted Key

12. Swish Chard Seeds from The Bear Foot Shaman

Next post in this series: Shop Local. Pay attention central Iowa because my Etsy selections will be local for you.