Downshifting

Everyone has different behaviours they can adapt to cut down on waste (both garbage and spending). These are based on my particular habits. What changes suit you?

1. Stop buying books for personal use. Use the library.
2. Get subscriptions to magazines and stop buying at the store (except Sunset)- House and Home, Style at Home, Canadian Family.
3. Get a bread maker!
4. Get a deep freeze.
5. Get a good coffee grinder and start buying bulk from Costco every 2 weeks.
6. Buy in bulk when items are on sale.
7. Learn about what I can freeze.
8. Buy in season and freeze.
9. Save yogurt containers to use in freezer.
10. Make pizzas at home.
11. Make pasta at home.
12. Double up meal 2x per week and freeze half.
13. Use a slow cooker.
14. Learn how to can.
15. Make freezer jams.

Inspired by a notesfromthefrugaltrenches.com post.

June Garden Maintenance

-water spring bulbs till leaves turn yellow and can be pulled off easily
-sow perennials such as phlox, yarrow, columbine, lupine and delphiniums for next summer
-mulch lillies
-divide german bearded irises after flowering
-turn compost

June Vegetable and Fruit Planting

Average last frost day March 28

Average first frost day November 5

beets- 8 weeks to mature, 16 per sq ft

carrots- 10 weeks to mature, 16 per sq ft

cucumber- 9 weeks, 4 per sq foot (grow vertically)

radishes- 4 weeks, in part shade, lots of water, mulch if hot, 16 per sq ft

spinach- 7 weeks, in shady spot, 9 per sq ft

summer squash- 8 weeks, plant extras in case eaten by bug, 3 per 1x4 foot (grow vertically)

zucchini plants

tomato plants

strawberry plants

basil plants

others to try: orach and purslane salad greens are heat tolerant