🌿Summer Gardening From The Dollar Store🌿
Sooo in June I made an impulsive decision to quit my job and become with a farmer.. It was a long over due decision the job itself was draining me to the point where I’d cry before I left for work and before I went to sleep, I was just soo angry.
I walked out and went to family dollar and purchased pots and a couple seeds.
Carrots, Okra, Petunias, Pumpkins, Daisy’s, Tomatoes.
And without research I planted them. So some were potted close together and it didn’t click until I realized I had two big pumpkin vines growing in one pot🙄By this time it was around August so I said I’ll just let it be and next year I’ll restart a little earlier and have a bigger,sturdy garden area.
In between that time I also purchased Bell peppers, Green beans and my grandma got me Jalapeños.
While unemployed for the whole summer because the job market sucks🤦🏾♀️ all I could think about is how my plants are doing. I was soo excited to see progress every week, it really took my mind off of the stress of not having steady income.
And then the middle-end of August came, I had like flowering on the peppers but nothing really ever grew big so I sat there and like a crazy person to the plants I said “I hope to have something to harvest before winter”.. and boom over the next couple days my Petunia bloomed, then my okras started forming and so do the Jalapeños.
Anyways in this time I also changed a lot. I learned that being alone is okay, going out alone is okay. I started thinking more about my future, resetting my brain to GENUINELY believe everything I want I will have . I’ve learned to stand my ground and speak up for myself, let people who serve you no purpose and drain me go. And honestly I got a new job, started back going to school and I feel soo much better.
I feel like slowly my life is coming back together, and I’m finding out more about myself day by day.
Lmaooo but yea I’m chatting it up just enjoy my plants🫶🏾
#gardening #growthandhealing #gardeningforbeginners #foodforthought
Starting a garden doesn't have to break the bank, and my journey is living proof! Inspired by the original post, I want to dive deeper into how you can transform simple finds from Dollar Tree into a thriving green space. It’s all about getting creative and embracing the DIY spirit. First off, let’s talk about containers. While Dollar Tree offers some basic pots for your potted plants, don't limit yourself! I’ve found that their plastic laundry baskets, storage bins, or even colorful buckets can be fantastic, oversized planters. Just remember the golden rule: drainage holes! A quick drill or even a heated nail can create enough holes to prevent root rot. These larger containers are perfect for bigger plants like tomatoes or bell peppers, giving their roots ample space to grow. When it comes to soil, this is where a little knowledge goes a long way, especially for budget gardeners. You might be searching for "dollar tree coco coir," and while you might not always find pure coco coir bricks there, it’s a brilliant, budget-friendly soil amendment to keep in mind. Coco coir, made from coconut husk fibers, is fantastic for improving soil structure. It holds moisture incredibly well, which means less frequent watering, and it provides excellent aeration, helping your roots breathe. I love mixing it with a bit of potting soil I find at discount stores – it stretches my budget and gives my seeds the best start. If you do spot any compressed soil discs or small bags of potting mix at Dollar Tree, they are perfect for starting your carrot plants or other small seeds. Beyond pots and soil, Dollar Tree is a treasure trove for gardening tools and accessories. I've grabbed small trowels, gardening gloves, and spray bottles for misting seedlings. Their plastic placemats can be cut into strips for plant labels, and even their decorative items, like fairy garden miniatures, can add a whimsical touch to your containers. For plant supports, I’ve used their bamboo skewers for delicate seedlings and even created mini trellises for climbing plants like green beans using their plastic coat hangers and zip ties. It’s all about looking at everyday items with a gardener's eye! One of my favorite Dollar Tree DIY hacks is for vertical gardening. If you have limited space, those over-the-door shoe organizers can be hung on a fence or wall, turning each pocket into a mini planter for herbs or smaller greens. Imagine a wall full of thriving okra or fragrant basil, all grown from Dollar Tree finds! For pest control, a simple mix of dish soap and water in a Dollar Tree spray bottle can be an effective, non-toxic solution for common garden nuisances. My journey, much like the original author's, taught me that gardening isn't just about the harvest; it's about the process and the peace it brings. Seeing my petunias bloom and my jalapeños begin to form from such humble beginnings, all thanks to some creative Dollar Tree DIY, has been incredibly rewarding. Even the occasional "Tomato Fail" is a learning experience! It goes to show that you don't need expensive equipment or a huge plot of land to enjoy the magic of growing your own food and flowers. Just a little imagination and a trip to your local dollar store can get you started on your own budget gardening adventure, bringing both beautiful blooms and inner growth.
