If your Trini herb garden is still thriving or for the most case alive, you are ready to up the ante and begin planting some vegetables. Either that or you just heard the budget and need to find some ways to cut back on your food bill. Either way, it’s time to plant your very own vegetable garden for fresh, organic and delicious produce! You will be amazed by the sweet, juicy flavors and vibrant textures that you will harvest!   Start by thinking about what you purchase in stores the most or what seems to be too expensive so you can save some money. For me, I love sweet peppers with my pasta, omelets and salads and pimentos in basically anything from my macaroni pie to homemade pizza so these were must haves for me!   Here are some popular selections: VEGETABLES Tomatoes Bell Peppers Pimentos Melongene/ Eggplant Lettuce Cabbage Kale Cucumber Cauliflower Broccoli Once you know what you want to plant, it’s time to make your vegetable ga...

It’s a great feeling being able to convert your trash into the usable and nutritious soil for close to nothing! In my last blog, Stop, Drop and Compost!  I talked about what materials are good for composting and what should be avoided. Today I want to share some DIY tips for creating an indoor compost and outdoor composting heap. It does not matter what size of garden you are working with or even if you are indoors, re-purposing your waste by composting is possible!   In my view, container composting is so much more convenient as you have the ability to relocate your compost should the need arise.  FOUR STEPS TO CREATE AND MAINTAIN YOUR CONTAINER COMPOST Step 1: Recycle or buy a plastic bin at least 24 inches tall with a tight-fitting lid (will keep the scent in, keep the soil moist and keep critters out). Step 2: Use a drill or knife to make 8 – 10 small holes in the bottom of the container as well as in the lid for drainage and aeration purpo...

I have become obsessed with composting. So much so, when I visit my mom I leave with her ‘garbage’ and I always complain if I found out that she threw away something that could have been composted. Composting is easy and there are several reasons why you should start your own compost today.  THE BENEFITS OF COMPOSTING  Whether you are an indoor or outdoor gardener, everyone has room for composting especially as composting can divert as much as 30% of household waste away from the garbage can (fewer trips to the garbage!). Composting offers a natural alternative to chemical fertilizers, s oil conditioners and bagged manure- saving you money! Compost enriches soil health, plants grown in healthy soil look better, produce better and have a much greater ability to fight off pests and diseases.  Compost also builds soil structure; improves drainage; creates more water-holding ability. Feeding your plants well will improve your own diet as plants grown in deple...