Small Space Garden, Stage 1

Ya'll, we just cannot wait until we have a home with a big fat lush yard, so we can make plots to grow vegetables and herbs, but alas, we just re-signed with our apartment complex.  So for now, we have to learn how to grow what we want in a small space.

I picked up this book to teach me a little about planting and organically growing everything in pots, cans, etc.

It is spectacular.  If I could have described exactly the information I was seeking for our apartment garden, this book would have completely covered it and then some (it's full of recipes too)

Ms. Trail describes each plant's favorite environment, container, sun exposure, watering preference, and anything else these Prima Donnas might need or want.

Oh what the hay.  Let's do a giveaway.  Comment on this post and tell me about what you have planted this season.  If you haven't planted anything, you are lame (sorta kidding), so tell me why you have chosen to make multiple trips to the grocery store's herbs and produce section instead of planting things to have at arms reach whenever you please.  I'll pick one comment at random to receive a copy of Grow Great Grub.  Giveaway ends Thursday, March 18th at 12:00pm central time.

Moving on.  Last night, DC and I did stage 1 of our garden planting.

Hokay.  So.  We bought these biodegradable pots, organic potting soil, and whatever seeds we wanted.  The little pots are excellent because you can plant them right in the container you plant to keep the herbs in later.  No need to transplant.  I have also heard of people using egg shells for the same reason.  I am sure there are plenty of different ways to do it.  We filled up each pot leaving about 1 1/2 inches from the top.  Then we put the seeds in according to the directions on the package, and covered with the appropriate amount of soil on top.  Make sure you read those directions.  Not every seed is planted the same way.

I did a little bit of research, and this is the organic fertilizer we chose.  You mix it with water according to the instructions, and just water your plants as you normally would.  We put our tray of seeds up by a window that we know gets medium sunlight throughout the day.

This fertilizer is to be used every 3 weeks, so our seeds will get their next juice fix about a week after we plant them in their permanent homes.

For the life of us, we could not find mint seeds.  We went ahead and got a pot of mint and planted it, hoping it will spread and grow into a huge bush of deliciousness.

So, this is what we have sprouting:

Oregano

Cilantro

Peppers

Tomatoes

Chives

Onions

Sweet Basil

and Lavender for my migraines

and the mint plant

It will take about 14 days for our seeds to be ready for pots.  If our garden doesn't work, I totally take back the comment I made about frequenting the grocery stores being lame.  If it does work, I still mean it.

Spring has sprung and #21 is done

This weekend, DC and I ran the Bayou City Classic.  It was DC's first running race eva eva eva and my first 10k.  Mark #21 completely off of my list.  Amazing!  When I made that list in October, I was totally kidding about the 10k.  Do you understand that I started running in October and in the first days could not run more than 2 minutes at a time?  If I can do it, anyone can, I promise you.

What's next?  DC has signed us up for Tour de Houston next weekend.

Ay caramba.

After the race, DC and I hit the local farmer's markets as we do every Saturday.  The produce was abundant and there were plenty of new delish things to buy.  So exciting to have Spring back.

One of the booths had fresh cut flowers.  DC bought me some.  Swoon.

I finally doctored my orchid enough for her to stop being dramatic and start growing

The Hen and Chicks are just busy being awesome

I love me some cacti.  Especially these.  I like to pull their petals off and squish them.

Maybe I should leave that part out.

Last but certainly not least, my exotic possibly not supposed to have it in the states plant is totally digging this weather

I stay up until midnight every night to make sure I don't miss her blooming.  Going on 3 years now.

Wait.

Hopefully we will get to plant our organic herbs and veggies this week.  I got a great resource for planting everything we wanted in an apartment atmosphere.

Happy Monday!

Some reviews and other hubbub

The past couple weeks have been rainy and disgusting outside.  Welcome to the swamp that is Houston, Texas.  So, DC and I have been doing some Jillian Michaels.

She is just as mean as she is on TV.  Calls you names and everything.  Maybe it's me calling her names.  I am not really into home work out DVDs.  I'd much rather be outside or something, but, I actually really enjoy this one, and by "enjoy", I mean she makes me hurt and I hate her for it, but then I love her.   She pushes us through 3 circuts of strength, cardio, and abs, and about half way through it, I wish I was training with Bob instead.   Of all of the muscles she works, my calves are the sorest.  From jump roping in place.  I am so lame.  Anyway, I highly recommend it (minus the music- it's kinda 90s techno).  I do not recommend doing it with your significant other because when DC does butt kicks, I can't even move I'm laughing so hard.  Really ruins my workout.

My book club had our first book discush last month.

We read The Help and the votes were unanimous- excellent book.  So much woman-catty-ness, so much drama, so many strong females, so many hard times, so much secrecy.  If you can get used to the jargon Kathryn Stockett uses, you will fly through this thing.  Unless you're married to someone who ignores you while he watches Top Gear, but as soon as you open a book, he begs for attention.  If you are in that situation, reading this may take longer than everyone else in your book club.  Not that I would know.

This month's book has so far been a flop for everyone.  I won't say who recommended it.  Yes I will.  Jellie.

DC and I have a race tomorrow morning.  I have a possibly cracked sacrum.  Some of you may call running a 10k stupid in such a situation, but since my doctor friend, who operates on the Bush folks (he has to be legit), tells me I can't make the crack worse, I say I am hard core.

The weather is supposed to be stupendous in Houston this weekend.  High of 70s, sunshine.  Perfect weather for getting some pictures for the blog banner.  And for a bike swap.  And for planting.  And for taxes.  Wait.

Go outside this weekend, lovely blog readers.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

The Winner of the guest blog giveaway is:

Christine!

Christine said: The thing that I CANNOT live without now that I have it, is my Garmin 305..seriously this baby makes training so much better. My times are getting better with each training run.

Congrats Christine!  Send me your info via the contact form and I'll get your goods to ya!

Guest Blogger Questions Answered

Amanda asked:  I've got issues when it comes to my ankles.  Any suggestions on some good shoes?

Kristan:

Running shoes are the most important component in your entire running arsenal. The choice of shoe also varies from person to person due to foot shape, arches, the way you run, and so many other factors. Because of this, I always hesitate to recommend a certain shoe or even brand, because what works for me may not work for you. The best advice I can give is to look up where your local running store is and pay them a visit. A mass market sporting goods chain will not do because their sales people are not knowledgeable in the specifics of running. A specialty running store staffs people whose first passion is running, so they want to find the best shoes that work for you. Let them know a few things before they start the process, such as price range, mileage, any running goals, and any lingering pain issues, such as your ankles. They will take a look at your feet and ask you to run a bit, so they can get a sense of your stride. This is the best way to find yourself in running shoes that are completely comfortable and supportive to your ankles and the rest of your body! Once you find a pair you love, you can order your next pair online, which may save you a few dollars and a trip to the store. Finally remember to get new shoes after you run/walked between 400-500 miles in them. It may sound like a lot of miles, but trust me, all your running adds up!

(Note from Stephanie: Amanda, I would love to train you!  Give me a few months!!  Also, I have never used the Nike pod thing, but my Garmin watch is fantastic at doing exactly what you described)

Maggie asked: How do you get over the training hump of 6 miles?  When I get to mile 6, it seems that my knees give out.

Kristan:

Getting over a mileage hump can be tough. It can be both a physical and mental barrier. When I started my long runs, I foolishly thought that if I stopped to walk or stretch for a short amount of time, I was cheating on the run. Thankfully I learned it is just the opposite. Sometimes a short break can help us better complete the run. If you find yourself having trouble going beyond 6 miles, it may be beneficial to insert a short break within your run. If you do not normally warm up, try running a mile and then stopping for a few minutes to stretch the areas of your legs that are tight before continuing on. Another option could be to stop halfway through your run for a 1-2 minute walk break. You can even insert these breaks after every mile or two. It helps with the mental aspect of your run, as you can break your runs into smaller segments. Finally another way to try to get through all of your mileage is to start off at a slower pace than normal for at least the first half of your run. This may put less stress on your legs and allow you to complete the distance. Training barriers like these are only temporary. You will break through it and leave 6 miles in the dust in no time!

Keep the questions for Kristan coming!!  (PS you can check her out here flying past some guys...and she will probably hate me for that) Remember the giveaway ends tomorrow at 5pm central so get those comments and questions in (on the original post) asap to enter!