The concept of living space has undergone a significant transformation in recent years as urbanization has been on the rise. Living spaces are shrinking, whether as a result of migrating to a city apartment, downsizing, or exploring minimalism, and the art of maximizing small spaces has become a necessity for many. However, don’t let limited square footage dampen your design aspirations. With the right strategies and a dash of creativity, you can transform even the tiniest nook into a functional and stylish sanctuary. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most out of your compact living area.

1. Embrace Multi-Functional Furniture:

When space is at a premium, every piece of furniture should earn its keep. Opt for pieces that serve dual purposes, such as a storage ottoman that doubles as a coffee table or a sofa with built-in drawers for extra blankets and pillows. Murphy beds are another fantastic option, providing a comfortable sleeping space that can be effortlessly tucked away during the day.

2. Clever Storage Solutions:

In small spaces, efficient storage is non-negotiable. Think vertically by utilizing wall-mounted shelves and cabinets to free up valuable floor space. Invest in furniture with hidden storage compartments, like a bed frame with drawers underneath or a dining table that unfolds to reveal storage for dinnerware. Don’t overlook the potential of unused spaces, such as under-stair storage or high shelves above doorways, for stashing items you don’t need daily.

3. Optimize Layouts for Flow:

The layout of your space plays a crucial role in maximizing functionality. Prioritize an open-concept layout to create the illusion of spaciousness. Use area rugs to define zones within a room while maintaining visual continuity. Consider modular furniture that can be rearranged to suit different activities, whether it’s hosting a dinner party or lounging for movie night.

4. Emphasize Natural Light:

Ample natural light can make a small space feel airy and inviting. Opt for sheer curtains or blinds that allow sunlight to filter through while maintaining privacy. Mirrors strategically placed opposite windows can also bounce light around the room, making it appear larger than it is.

5. Choose a Cohesive Color Palette:

A harmonious color scheme can work wonders in visually expanding a compact space. Opt for light, neutral colors like soft whites, pale grays, or pastels to create a sense of openness. Consider painting walls and ceilings the same color to eliminate visual barriers and create a seamless flow.

6. Declutter Regularly:

Clutter is the enemy of small spaces. Make it a habit to declutter regularly and only keep items that serve a purpose or bring you joy. Utilize storage bins, baskets, and organizers to corral belongings and maintain a tidy environment.

RELATED: Color Theory in Interior Design

RELATED: From Overwhelmed to Organized

Your May Garden Checklist
Everything you need to do for a successful growing season

Another planting month is upon us! Tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, watermelon! All of the glorious summer garden produce goes in the ground this month. We always advise to wait until Mother’s Day to get these warm-weather crops in the ground, so early May is the perfect time to visit a nearby farmer’s market or local plant store for heirloom and organic varieties.  

Don’t miss our April garden checklist if you need to play a bit of catch-up.

Indoors
Continue starting okra, squash, cucumber, melons, and watermelons indoors. Sow vining crops (like watermelon and cucumber)  in individual peat pots as they do not transplant well if roots are disturbed.

Outdoors
Lots to do outside this month! Just after Mother’s Day, almost everything can be planted outside. Houseplants can also be moved to a shady spot in the yard to give them an extra boost of Vitamin D.

Beans, okra, squash, sweet corn, Southern peas, and watermelon can all be sown directly from seed. For a continuous bean and corn harvest, only plant a partial row of each and continue to direct sow seeds every week or two—this will ensure you are harvesting throughout the season rather than just all at once. Sunflowers, nasturtiums, marigolds, borage, and basil can also be directly sown from seed. Tip: Nasturtium is a trap plant, meaning it attracts harmful pests like aphids. Consider planting nasturtium near your kale, cabbages, or tomatoes to keep aphids off of those plants. Plus, every part of the nasturtium plant is edible—win, win!

Once the soil has completely warmed—toward the end of May if we’ve had warm weather—sweet potato slips can be planted in the ground. 

Establish a trellis or support system for your tomatoes now rather than wait until they’re growing tall.

Harvest any leafy greens—lettuce, spinach, kale—before it gets too warm and your plants begin to bolt.

Give your compost pile a good turn or two on warm-weather days. Or, if you haven’t started a compost pile yet, start one—you’ll be cutting back on food waste and doing your soil a favor.

The Core 4 Method is…Sparking Joy

The irony isn’t lost on us that, when it comes to decluttering, there are countless experts, methods, and tips out there—ultimately resulting in a, well, cluttered mess. But there’s a new decluttering method that has been making waves and it seems like the simplest of them all.

Enter: The Core 4 Method

The Core 4 Method breaks decluttering down into four, manageable steps:

• Step 1: Clear Out
• Step 2: Categorize
• Step 3: Cut Out
• Step 4: Contain

It’s a method that professional organizers have adopted and it’s a method that’s repeatable in your own home. Here’s how:

Step 1: Clear Out

The first step in declutter, no matter the method, is to truly understand what you have. Think about it: How many times have you gone to put away a box of pasta in your pantry only to realize you already have a box in there?

If you’re decluttering your closet, for example, the Core 4 Method suggests taking every single thing out of your closet. Lay clean sheets on the floor or pile your clothes onto your bed and take a real inventory of everything you own.

Step 2: Categorize

Keeping with the closet example, once you have all of your clothes laid out in front of you, begin to separate them into categories. Group all t-shirts together, all jeans together, all dress shoes together, and so on. You can put them into piles, into clear containers, or put Post-It notes on them.

Similarly, if you’re decluttering your pantry using the Core 4 Method, group baking staples like flour, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder together; group pastas together; group spices together.

As you go, you’ll start to notice consistent themes—perhaps you notice you have five white t-shirts but only consistently reach for two. Perhaps you realize you have three opened boxes of macaroni pasta, each half-full. As you categorize your items, you’ll start seeing patterns and begin to mentally identify areas where your belongings can be more streamlined.

Step 3: Cut Out

This may be the hardest part: Getting rid of items you no longer need, no longer use, or are just worn out or old.

As you are categorizing your items, have a few bins handy—one for trash, one for donation or selling, and one for mending. For example, as you’re cleaning out your closet, maybe you find a t-shirt covered in stains and holes that you didn’t realize was shoved in the back corner. You can either add it to the trash bin or set it aside as a new dusting rag. Similarly, if you’re cleaning out your pantry and notice a few cans of expired food, toss them immediately into the trash bin.

Step 4: Contain

The final step is containing and organizing everything you have left. Remember the three, half-empty boxes of macaroni pasta from before? Consolidate them into one, clear container in your pantry so you can easily see that you have plenty of pasta (and that macaroni and cheese can be in your next meal plan).

Also, don’t feel like you have to go to the store and buy an entire haul of plastic clear containers to organize with—start with what you have! Maybe in your clear out and categorize phases, you found a number of Mason jars or baskets looking for a purpose. Use them! Consolidate duplicate spices into smaller Mason jars or contain your hat collection in a basket so they are all together in one place.

RELATED: 8 Tips for Conquering Clutter and Reclaiming Your Space

RELATED: Tips for Decluttering Your Digital Life and Technology

Container gardening is an excellent option for those with limited space or for gardeners looking to add a touch of green to their patios, balconies, or window sills. In Lynchburg, which falls under Zone 7a, the climate offers a good range of temperatures suitable for growing a variety of vegetables in containers. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, here are the top 10 vegetables perfect for container gardening in Virginia’s Zone 7 weather.

1. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a favorite among container gardeners due to their versatility and productivity. Choose compact varieties like Patio Princess or Bush Early Girl for containers. Ensure your containers are at least 5 gallons in size to accommodate the deep root systems of tomato plants.
2. Peppers: Bell peppers, chili peppers, and sweet peppers thrive well in containers. They require full sun and well-draining soil. Varieties like California Wonder or Lipstick are ideal for Virginia’s Zone 7 climate.
3. Lettuce: For fresh salads, grow lettuce in containers. Leaf lettuce varieties such as Buttercrunch or Red Salad Bowl are easy to grow and can be harvested continuously by picking outer leaves. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
4. Spinach: Spinach is a cool-season crop that does well in Virginia’s spring and fall weather. Plant spinach in containers with nutrient-rich soil and provide partial shade during hot summer days. Varieties like Bloomsdale or Baby’s Leaf Hybrid are suitable choices.
5. Carrots: Compact varieties of carrots like Thumbelina or Short ‘n Sweet are perfect for container gardening. Use deep containers to accommodate the long taproots of carrots and ensure the soil is loose and well-draining to prevent root deformities.
6. Radishes: Radishes are fast-growing vegetables that thrive in containers. They prefer cool weather and can be grown in spring and fall. Varieties such as Cherry Belle or French Breakfast add color and crunch to salads.
7. Green Beans: Bush-type green beans like Provider or Blue Lake are excellent choices for container gardening. Provide a trellis or support for the plants to climb and ensure containers are placed in a sunny location for optimal growth and yield.
8. Cucumbers: Compact cucumber varieties such as Bush Champion or Patio Snacker are well-suited for containers. Use a trellis or cage to support the vines and ensure consistent watering to prevent bitter fruits.
9. Herbs: Culinary herbs like basil, thyme, parsley, and mint thrive in containers and can be grown together in a single large container or separate pots. Place them in a sunny location and harvest regularly to promote new growth.
10. Zucchini or Squash: Choose bush-type varieties of zucchini or squash for container gardening, such as Bush Baby zucchini or Honey Bear acorn squash. Ensure containers are at least 5 gallons in size and provide support for the plants as they grow.

When container gardening in Virginia’s Zone 7, it’s essential to monitor soil moisture, provide adequate sunlight, and fertilize plants as needed. Regularly check for pests and diseases and take appropriate measures to keep your container garden healthy and thriving. With these top 10 vegetables, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest right outside your doorstep, even in limited spaces.

Everything you need to do for a successful growing season

We are finally in the thick of it: Planting season! Colder weather crops have been in the ground for a few weeks, you’re likely seeing little lettuce sprouts here and there, and you have a glorious two months of planting ahead of you. Is there anything better? Well, maybe harvest season when we can reap the benefits of all of our hard work.

Don’t miss our March garden checklist if you need to play a bit of catch-up.

Indoors
You likely already have tomato and pepper seedlings growing and thriving under grow lights—stay on top of them and transition them to larger pots as needed. Even with our beautifully warm weather that we have had recently, resist the urge to move them outside. The chance of a late frost is still high.

Start okra, squash, cucumber, melon, and watermelon seeds indoors. If they are vining crops (like watermelon), plant them in individual peat pots as they don’t transplant well if the roots are disturbed.

Take this time to draw out any landscaping projects. Are you expanding your garden? Increasing your flower bed space? Jot down your notes and planned dimensions to ensure you don’t overplant.

Outdoors
This is where the fun begins! Scatter any annual flower seeds to create a beautiful flower border around your perennial flowers. If they are really small seeds—like poppies—they don’t need covering.

You can also sow quite a few seeds directly outdoors this month, such as beets, carrots, Swiss chard, kohlrabi, cabbage, lettuce, collards, turnips, radishes, spinach, bunching onions, and peas. For carrots, plant an abundance of seeds and plan to thin as they grow.

Plant any new trees or shrubs by the end of this month—aim to plant native plants when possible!

Cover cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower with row covers to protect them from pests like the cabbage both.

If you planted potatoes in March, you are likely seeing growth. Continue to mound them with fresh soil and compost as needed!

Give your compost pile a good turn or two on warm-weather days. Or, if you haven’t started a compost pile yet, start one—you’ll be cutting back on food waste and doing your soil a favor.

Sponsored Content

Central Virginia Federal Credit Union

In today’s market, should I buy or renovate my existing home?
Many homeowners today are making the wise decision to update and renovate their homes instead of buying due to higher rates and home prices. A home equity loan or line of credit can help make this process easier! Our experienced team at Your Community Credit Union can help you decide which one is the right option for you.

What is a Home Equity Loan and how does it work?
A Home Equity Loan is based on the equity (value minus the amount you owe) available in your home. You can choose a fixed loan amount with the benefit of knowing your payment amount and how long you will be making payments. If you are borrowing for a large remodeling project, major purchase (such as a vehicle), vacation, wedding or other one time expense, this may be the best option for you. Many people will also choose to consolidate higher-rate loans or credit cards with a home equity loan.
We recommend you figure out how much you need for the project or expense upfront. Then the CVFCU lending staff can help you calculate the value of your home’s equity. We can also assist in making sure you can afford this second mortgage payment in addition to your first mortgage payment and other monthly expenses. The funds from a Home Equity Loan are available all at once. When you repay a Home Equity Loan, you’re all set! You can choose to borrow again for future projects as the need arises.

How is a HELOC different from a Home Equity Loan?
If you want an option that flexes with your needs, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) works similarly to a credit card but typically has a lower interest rate because it is secured by your home’s equity. The credit limit is determined by your home’s equity. As you make payments, your balance decreases so you can use your credit again and again. For example: You have a $25,000 line of credit and borrow $10,000. Several months later you pay back $5,000. You now have $20,000 available without having to apply for a new loan. Funds can be easily accessed through checks, using online and mobile banking options or in person at CVFCU branches. This is a good option for smaller projects or expenses that come up on a regular basis.
Things to Keep in Mind. A HELOC is a variable rate and will go up and down over time so it is important to monitor it regularly to know how much interest you are paying. The minimum monthly payment usually covers just the interest on the balance. Because you may not be required to pay principal, a HELOC allows you maximum flexibility each month.

Which one is better when?
Consider how much money you really need and how you plan to use it. Be sure to look at factors like interest rates, fees, monthly payments and tax advantages as you weigh your options. Home equity interest payments may be tax-deductible so be sure to consult your financial advisor. Rates will vary depending on your credit score, existing debt and the amount you wish to borrow. The specialist you work with at CVFCU will help you make comparisons to find the one that is best for your situation!

How do I get started?
Contact Your Community Credit Union to speak with a home loan expert to discuss all your options and how to start the loan process so you can get your project started!

About Your Community Credit Union: Central Virginia FCU

Your Community Credit Union is proud to be your lifelong financial partner. From your first savings account to your first home to the first day celebrating your retirement, they are proud to partner with you. Your Community Credit Union goes beyond savings and checking accounts, they are here to empower you to financial wellness and celebrate every milestone with you!
Consumer education is a hallmark of CVFCU’s service to members and the community. Their ultimate goal is to improve quality of life through financial education. Central Virginia FCU is also committed to giving back to our community – because, as a local financial institution, it’s their community, too!

From small projects to large events, CVFCU is passionate about helping their neighbors. Each year efforts are focused on local charities and events including Children’s Miracle Network, The Humane Society, Teddy Bear Brigade, The Salvation Army, and others.

As a full service not-for-profit financial institution, they offer a variety of reward checking and savings accounts as well as auto, home, and personal loans. Their experienced mortgage staff can help you find the new home of your dreams or renovate your existing home with a home equity loan or line of credit to fit your budget. Visit one of Your Community Credit Union’s five branch locations or phone the locally staffed Call Center to connect with a financial services expert today.

434/528-9016 | 800/335-0069
www.cvfcu.com
Lynchburg
Mt. Athos Road
Old Forest Road
Timberlake Road
Madison Heights Seminole Plaza
Forest Cavalier Corner

Everything you need to do for a great growing season ahead

Planting season has arrived! It’s warm, gentle rain is coming, and we are itching to get our hands in some dirt. March kicks off planting season and now is the time to get cold-resistant crops in the ground and start planning ahead for the rest of the season.

Don’t miss our February garden checklist if you need to play a bit of catch-up.

Indoors
The longer days and shorter nights will stimulate your houseplants and get them growing again after a more dormant winter. If you have any that need repotting, now is the time to do so. It would also be helpful to give them a good feeding with some added nutrients.

March is also the time to start some later-season transplants: tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Aim to get those seeds started by the 15th so you have plenty of growing time before they are put in the ground in May.

It would also be wise to start a garden notebook for the year. List everything that you plant in the garden, including the name of the seed company, plant name, variety, planting date, and harvest date. Keep notes throughout the growing season so you can refer back to them next season.

Outdoors
By the end of March, begin hardening off your onion, parsley, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts outside—particularly any new plants that are at least 5 weeks old. Select smaller rather than larger plants of these cold-weather crops as overly mature plants tend to bolt if exposed to low temperatures early in the season.

Now is also the time to direct sow carrots, Swiss chard, peas, collards, kale, kohlrabi, leaf lettuce, onions, parsley, parsnips, beets, radishes, and spinach. You can also plant new beds of bare-root asparagus and strawberries for reliable perennials that will return year-after-year.

If you have other perennials planted from last year, remove any winter protection that you had in place by mid-March. Pull back mulch from any existing strawberry and asparagus beds so they can push through easily as they regrow. If you have grapes, raspberries, or blueberries growing, give them an added boost with a gentle, natural, nitrogen fertilizer.

Give your compost pile a good turn or two on warm-weather days. Or, if you haven’t started a compost pile yet, start one—you’ll be cutting back on food waste and doing your soil a favor.

Finally, place a birdhouse or two outside as birds will begin looking for nesting sites soon.

Opportunities for Lynchburg Homeowners to Lead in Water Conservation Efforts

What do Lynchburg lawns have to do with waterways from Blackwater Creek to the iconic Chesapeake Bay?

How we manage our yards isn’t just for show. It affects animals from the smallest damselfly to the trophy smallmouth bass in our local waters and impacts wildlife downstream to the Chesapeake Bay. Ramifications ripple out to the benefits we receive, like clean drinking water and our opportunity to paddle, fish, and enjoy our rivers. In fact, lawns and water quality are so intertwined that nonprofit and government programs might help you cover the costs of transforming soggy, poor turfgrass into native plant gardens or bare riverbanks into forests.

Pollution from cities and farms has damaged local streams into the James River and beyond for decades. The Chesapeake Bay has nearly become a “dead waterway,” with aquatic life and fish drastically disappearing from its waters. In 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency devised a plan to reverse this course by setting goals for Virginia to reduce pollution by 2025.

This is where homeowners and their backyards come in. Picture those “dead” areas in your lawn that won’t grow turfgrass, bare dirt at new building sites, or water rushing down driveways to stormwater drains.

Bare soil from new building sites and poor lawns has become the leading cause of pollution in the James River. Sediment wreaks havoc: it smothers river bottom habitats, elevates water temperatures, and clouds water, which kills underwater plants.

The other primary water pollutants—excess nutrients, nitrogen, and phosphorus—come from agricultural fields and overly fertilized lawns. Nutrients foster problematic algae blooms that create oxygen “dead zones” that suffocate aquatic life and lead to fish kills. 

The good news is that homeowners can reduce runoff in several ways. Replacing lawns, especially those with poor cover or near streams, with lush native gardens, preserves water quality—root systems act as a shield, grabbing pollutants, sediment, and nutrients before they enter water sources.
These gardens are carefully designed to absorb excess nutrients, hold soil in place, and create critical wildlife habitat. They require no fertilizers or chemicals, further reducing nutrient pollution.

Recently, City of Lynchburg and Campbell and Amherst County homeowners became eligible for a state program, the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP). This program helps cover costs for pollution-reduction projects, like rain gardens, conservation landscaping, and permeable pavements. 

“The projects I want to see installed are the ones that solve water issues for individuals. Whether they have erosion and soil loss on their property, standing water issues, or need to contain water for raised beds—the right project for the location and landowner are the priority,” says Blair Blanchette, VCAP Coordinator. 

Concrete exacerbates polluted runoff as water picks up other pollutants like bacteria and pesticides, then flushes straight to local creeks. Projects that slow water runoff, such as rainwater harvesting or dry wells, can keep lawns and gardens healthy and provide water during dry spells while significantly reducing polluted runoff.

The James River Association’s Buffer Program works with landowners in the James River watershed to plant forested areas along creeks or streams called buffers. Buffers stop pollution as gardens do while building cooler, clearer, more stable streams, providing habitat for sensitive species like herons and brook trout.

“Everyone can have an impact. Trees are part of the answer, and anyone, especially those with open streamside land, can grow trees to help clean our water,” says Anne Marie Roberts, Senior Restoration Field Manager for the James River Association.

Through a technical modeling program, Roberts can see precisely how much a buffer reduces pollutants like sediment and excess nutrients. Through such programs as these and continued community investment, the James River can return to total health. Luckily for many of us,
it may start with a lush forest or a beautiful garden.

WHERE TO BEGIN

Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP)

Government program managed by Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) aims to help residential homeowners reduce urban stormwater runoff.

Who: Homeowners, businesses, schools, places of worship, and community centers in Lynchburg, Amherst, and Campbell counties (R. E. Lee District) or Bedford County (Peaks of Otter District)

What: Design, prepare, and install “best management practices,” including conservation landscaping, impermeable surface removal, permeable pavement, green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and more. Up to 80% of project cost reimbursed. 

Get Started: Visit Releeconservation.com or Poswcd.org 

The James River Buffer Program (JRBP)

The James River Association and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation provide technical and financial support for landowners to create forest buffers along stream banks.

Who: Landowners in the James River watershed with a creek, stream, or river frontage 

What: Design, prepare, install, and provide three years of maintenance support to restore forested buffers. 100% project cost provided.

Results: Since its launch in 2019 and with support from Department of Forestry, 1,084 acres of buffers installed across the James River watershed, including 358,331 native trees.

Get Started: Visit jamesriverbuffers.org 

Conservation Easements

The Central Virginia Land Conservancy works with landowners to save the farms, forests, waterways, and rural landscapes that make Virginia beautiful. Land conservation easements save land through voluntary, permanent agreements that outline how land can be used. 

Who: Landowners in Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Buckingham, Campbell, and Nelson counties and Lynchburg

What: Permanent agreements to protect land from intense development. Tax credits and deductions based on the reduced land value.

Results: 5,900 acres protected 

Get Started: Visit www.cvalc.org

As we look forward to the coming growing season, you may be wondering what you can do to make your garden more productive, healthier, and better for the environment while it provides your family with delicious home-grown goodies.

Sustainability in the home garden doesn’t have to be complicated!

In fact, it can even simplify the work you do to maintain healthy gardens. It really comes down to a few simple areas of focus: water, soil, plant selection, and the wildlife around your garden. Here are a few easy things you can do to help both yourself, and the planet.

Say No to Water Wasting

This one is a no-brainer—we all realize the importance of water conservation. Thankfully, it’s easy to apply it in the garden! Ditch your oscillating sprinklers that spray water carelessly all over the place
and replace them with drip irrigation or soaker hoses to pinpoint the water right where you need it. Mulch your beds to help retain water in the soil and keep your plants hydrated, even on drier days. Place collection barrels at the bottoms of your downspouts to capitalize all that wasted rain that falls onto your roof! All these little things help to cut back on water waste. If you want to take it a step further, you can even implement rainscaping into your garden design!

Be Soil Savvy

According to earthday.org, the United States is losing soil ten times faster than it is replenished (see page 79 for ways our region is combating soil erosion). Soil is a living, breathing component of the garden. Keep the dirt healthy by using compost to replenish vital nutrients. Composting is simple, fun for the whole family, and eliminates a lot of household waste from your trash can. There is plenty of great information available online for how to create your own compost pile, and if you want in-person advice, Old City Cemetery Museums & Arboretum has a Compost Education Center managed by the Hill City Master Gardeners who would be happy to answer your questions. Allowing dead and decaying plants to remain on the soil to decompose is another great way to protect your garden dirt. 

That’s right: by NOT cleaning up your garden, you can improve the soil conditions for your plants! Not to mention, keeping material on top of the soil helps prevent erosion. So skip the raking and shoveling this fall. Instead, just allow those natural processes to take over and refuel your soil.

Use Flower Power Instead of Chemicals

 It can be hard to give up those chemical fertilizers and pesticides—especially if you don’t know how to protect and grow your plants without them! So here are a few pointers: 

• Use pest-repelling plants around your vegetable gardens to ward off those undesirables. For example, nasturtiums (one of my favorites) are beautiful in bloom, taste delicious in a salad, and happen to repel aphids, squash bugs, white flies, and other destructive insects. Plant them near your beans and cucumbers! Marigolds are pest control powerhouses in the garden and deter a number of bugs. I plant rows of them between just about everything I grow, but they are especially helpful with tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes.

• Once the pests are under control, it’s time to look at fertilizing your plants. Go natural by using organic fertilizers. There are several products available at home and garden stores everywhere. I was always told to put a fish head in my planting holes for tomato plants. As the fish decomposes, it constantly invigorates the plant roots with nutrients. Compost makes for great fertilizer and helps control pH levels in your soil. 

• If you’re looking for a fun family project, consider vermiculture, or raising worms for the beneficial castings (poo) they produce—it’s garden gold!

Help the Helpers

Finally, your garden can help sustain the native plants and animals that are vital to our ecosystem. Planting native plants around your garden and in your yard is a small thing you can do to make a big impact. They naturally require less watering and fertilization because they are biologically designed to thrive in our specific conditions. Additionally, they support the insects we need, like pollinators and beneficial insects. And about those beneficial bugs—you want to keep those guys in your vegetable garden to eat harmful pests like aphids. For example, green lacewings feast on aphids, scales, mealybugs, and other garden destroyers. Assassin bugs eat flies and mosquitos, and love squash vine borers, so they are great for your squash, cucumbers, and vining plants. 

Then there are pollinators, which we literally depend on for our food supply. Bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, etc., all help to pollinate our garden crops. Provide for them and those other helpful insects by planting natives for shelter, and by resisting the urge to rake fall leaves, clean out garden scraps where they nest and lay eggs, and mow over those early spring dandelions, which provide food. Finally, you could consider reducing the amount of manicured lawn space you maintain around your home and replacing it with something healthier for the environment— like clover!

Going green does not have to be expensive, or difficult. In some ways, it makes our lives easier! And it’s the gift that keeps on giving as future generations learn to appreciate our planet’s natural resources. So try a few of these tips in and around your vegetable patch this season, and reap the rewards of a thoughtful garden!   

Being a teacher is more than just a job. It’s more than a just career. It’s a calling.

Our annual Top Teacher Awards are a way to honor deserving educators who have not only answered this call for public service, but they also go above and beyond to make sure their students are thriving.

This list—made up of various school districts, grade levels and subjects—is only a snapshot of the incredible teacher talent we have in our region.