Bits of This & That #11 (plant labels, peppers, chioggia)

Hubby and I bought ourselves a Nespresso machine as a combined Christmas gift. He had to tell me all about their recycling program as I worry about the environmental impact of all those pods. Truth be told, I was not really big on the idea at first, but am I ever glad now that we did!

The machine was purchased for the occasional cuppa. We still brew a big pot of dark roast every morning but is perfect for when hubby wants a cup after supper (I only have coffee in the morning) or I want an unsweetened cashew milk latte (something not sold in shops as most people think that sounds disgusting, ha! ).

I know most people would not enjoy a latte with zero sweetener in it but I got hooked on them last summer when I was doing the Whole30 elimination diet for my allergies. The body adapts fairly quickly, I gotta say. Now when I have a latte from the shops, I find it much too sweet so is a true treat to make my own with any non-dairy milk I prefer and choose my sugar level.

Turns out that this machine came in super handy as I may have given myself an ulcer. Was told to avoid just about everything I love in life (including tomatoes!) while things settle and we do more tests. I am being really good but still want a small jolt of caffeine in the morning to get my brain kickstarted. Apparently a latte has less caffeine than a cuppa does, so I allow myself one of my no-sugar, cashew milk lattes as I poke through my emails and office stuff in the morning. Such decadence!

Cannot wait to set up a coffee bar area! Looking through all sorts of ideas on how to fit one into my new, very small kitchen.

Anyway, on to the good stuff! I have so many great links for you this week, and they are all garden, gardening, or yard related.

When you click on these pictures and posts, you don't have to like everything about the picture and take it exactly as is. I am just hoping you see something that peaks your interest or tweaks your creativity, makes you want to learn more, see more, or make something. I am hoping they take you down some rabbit holes, hoping a link peaks your interest about something or another so you click on the next link, and the next one, and so on... so much to learn and read about. Grab your morning coffee, or three, and see where this post takes you : )

Check out these Sunday Bits of Inspiration, with ideas for the garden and the home.

Check out the pretty raised 'trough' beds in this post and how to fill your new raised beds and save money.

If you remember, we started a process just like this in fall but simply ran out of time when we went from 20 above to 20 below in 48 hours. Yikes! I will be asking all my neighbours for their tree clipping when they prune in late winter. With any luck, someone is doing a big prune and there are big branches involved! My beds are deep and big!

Here is her article about how to start planning your garden. There are so many great tips in there if you are adding to your garden, starting from scratch, or just want some general tips about growing. The only thing I would say though, is to please not use landscape fabric. That stuff is not good for your plants, soil, or the environment. Just use cardboard or newspapers if you need a weed barrier.

This Seed Starting post is a good one, especially if you are new-ish to gardening, or starting your own.

Here are some Exciting Pepper Varieties and Where to Find Seeds – Mother Earth News

Make these cute plant labels.

I decided against doing my annual garden trends post this year but really enjoyed this Pinterest Prediction of the top 12 trends this year. It is not just about gardening, of course, but rather trends in general, is a lot of fun.

I like #1 a lot, #4 is so good (but not sure about the crafts they mentioned), #7 is me for sure ( I wanted a blue one, just like in the picture but they were impossible to come by so we ordered a white one instead), we just did #9, I'd love to do #10 but not sure how much I can fit out front, #11 is a given!

Want to build a beautiful potting shed? Check out this one!

These outdoor spaces got me thinking, how to recreate this feeling in my backyard this summer? They are simple yet so so pretty. Love the all white big pots... hmm, do I dare paint my beloved terra cotta?

I saved the best post for last. If you are still in seed ordering mode, you are going to love this one. Many little seed houses with fantastic (new to the market) heirloom seeds. Even though I thought I was done seed shopping, I will be getting some of these!

If you check out the tomato section, many of the tomatoes they sell have been on my Tanja's Top Ten (or 12) Tomato list over the years, they are true winners. You can find those posts on my old ngp blog. Just put in tomatoes, or top ten, in the search bar to find about 10 years worth of my top picks.

From this article, I learned how to say Chioggia properly. Let me tell you, I was not even close! Listen to the podcast as it is superb, but in case I peaked your interest, it is 'Kee-o-ja'. Like, uhm, what? Hahaha.

Also, from this podcast, I found this place, selling just cucumbers! I am enthralled! I love cucumbers, is my third favourite veggie to grow (tomatoes, garlic, cucumbers).

Growing Long English Cucumbers.

I hope you enjoyed this week's all garden related Bits post!

Stay healthy, dear friends ~ Tanja