Briskly cold days in winter tend to make us feel boarded up in the house until spring. We may not want to go out into the dreary weather, but we can still occupy our time ‘til spring arrives.

Plant Indoors - You can order seeds now for planting. If you have never started a seed on your own, here are a couple links you may want to follow to learn the technique of starting seeds. A well established seedling that has a good root system is all a plant needs to get a good start. Try to link here for a list of ideas to get prepared: https://www.imperfectlyhappy.com/garden-in-january/

Also, try this link to order seeds and learn about what seeds to plant and when: https://www.seedsnow.com/?rfsn=1043.17c

 Craft a Sweater Hat – This is a fairly simple project that can be accomplished in a short period of time. A video link is provided at the end of this paragraph for your convenience to follow instructions. If you have an old sweater that you held onto you now have a new way to repurpose it. If you don’t have a sweater you’re willing to give up you can find one at a thrift shop. The instructions on the video tell you where to cut, so you need scissors. It also instructs you to use a need and thread or really strong fabric glue, so if you don’t have those items handy you will want to get them as well. If you have an old pin you like to wear, or buttons you’ve collected those would be fun accessories to add. Even a piece of lace combined with the buttons would be really cute. So, follow this link for a super fun project! https://www.thepublicopinion.com/crafting_coach/the-crafting-coach-diy-winter-beanies/video_89b0e8b2-d60b-11e7-8d95-438c08106264.html

Mismatched Sock Ideas – There is a webpage that lists 61 ideas to do with mismatched socks. Surprisingly they are really unique and useful. Take one of the ideas here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t4mzMS-ZZ8

This is generically created with a pair of socks and kitty litter. Its purpose is to be placed into your car to prevent your windshields from fogging up. Wouldn’t that be wonderful? You can place it right on the dash of your car or under the seat. I could see creating more than just the generic and actually make cute animals instead with the same materials, but adding string and buttons. It could be a really fun and creative idea for many. Think about crafting many of these for friends and family as gifts.

Hope you enjoy the winter days inside with fun ideas to make the time go by. Enjoy!

Fall Fertilization: Keeping stress to a minimum.

Trees are very sensitive to their environments. The disruption of an ecosystem—whether caused by man or nature—can greatly stress a tree. In urban environments, poor soil quality, overcrowded tree planters, and competition for water between different plants are the most common stressors to trees. If not treated, such stress can inhibit a tree’s growth or photosynthesis cycle. So, the next time you see a stressed tree, help it out! Keep your soil nutrient-rich and give your trees plenty of space to breath.

Did you know that trees growing in the woods are naturally fertilized? That’s why they are extremely healthy, but trees that are planted in your yard and landscaping need a little help with fertilization. That’s why it’s very important to have a trained and certified professional fertilize your trees in the fall. Proper fertilization and added nutrients help your trees survive the winter and give them a great head start for the spring and summer months. Your trees compete every day with the lawn, shrubs and vegetation to ensure they get enough nutrients to survive. Often times, because most homeowners keep lawn debris cleaned up, your trees do not get the nutrients they need from decomposing leaves and wood. Here’s the good news…the certified Arborists at McCullough’s Tree Service are well qualified to diagnose and treat your trees, ensuring that you have a cool and “leafy” spring and summer.

Planting in the fall – perfect timing!

Are you aware that fall is the perfect time to plant your shade trees for the upcoming spring and summer season? Why you ask, because when cooler weather comes around, trees become somewhat dormant, in other words they go into hibernation...just like bears! When a bear hibernates, its heart rate and respiratory system slow down considerably; it gets very sleepy and requires very little nutrition. Much like a bear, your tree also enters a hibernation state where no growth occurs in the upper branches and attention is given to growing a stronger root system. This stronger root system will better support foliage growth in the spring. 

If planting is on your agenda this fall, McCullough’s Tree Service is ready to make it happen. We’ll help you pick the right tree, the right location and provide you with all the help you need to turn your planting dream into a reality!

Check out these cool blog pages!

http://www.fs.fed.us/blogs/how-trees-help-fight-climate-change-%E2%80%93-all-over-world

https://www.brainripples.com/category/forest/

While I am not sure the origin of the Community Garden project, the outcome has been significant.  Did you know that families that belong to a community garden project eat more healthily than those who do not? Did you know that Community Gardens help lessen the number of children who go hungry every day?

What is a Community Garden?

A Community Garden can be on either public or private property. The land is divided into certain size plots and each plot is then given to a family to plant and maintain. While the plots are generally plowed and tilled the families can prepare the ground for planting, and harvest together as a unit creating not only a healthy eating lifestyle but also a sense of family knowing they brought about this bounty together. Sometimes the gardens consist of raised bed planting. What a great way to fight the hunger problem in this nation.

Urban farming is a branch off Community Gardening. Urban farming is when the land is not divided off, but instead is left as one large planting area and maintained as a group. The food harvested from the garden is distributed among people in communities where there is a need for food. This again is a much healthier way of eating while cutting down on the number of hungry people in communities.

Why not donate a piece of ground you are not using and create a Community Garden or an Urban Farm. You’ll be playing a vital part in the elimination of hunger and the creation of teaching someone how to eat a more healthy diet. Make new friends along the way; learn the plight of someone who needs the food from the garden to survive. Get involved…Get inspired…Be blessed!