Getting my hands dirty

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Scotts Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Finally, spring is here!

Oh I’m so loving it. The warm-ish weather brings joy into my heart because here in Maine, when you see the sun, it doesn’t matter if it is 32 degrees… it is warm enough. And when it’s warm enough, it only means that I can spend more time outdoors whether taking a photo walk down the back road or running 3 miles or starting my garden.

Speaking of garden, I have decided that this year, I will finally get my hands dirty and get into sustainable gardening. Yup, it’s a drastic decision I’ve ever made so far. You see, my Sweetest loves gardening. It’s part of his spring rituals. He loves his vegetable garden even if he doesn’t eat veggies. Yes, for real! As for me, I love eating veggies but I don’t want to participate in gardening because I don’t want dirt under my fingernails.

So this year, as a first time gardener with zero knowledge on planting… I did my homework and researched about how to start a garden.

First of all I listed down the gardening supplies that I need to jumpstart a garden. And first in my list is a good pair of gardening gloves – so I won’t get dirt under my fingernails. Then, I wrote down the kind of plants I want to plant. I will have an “organic salad garden” so I will save on my lunches. I will have arugula, baby spinach, romaine lettuce, celery, carrots, beans and bell peppers. I will also have herbs since I am planning on putting my new toys to work – a dehydrator to make my own seasonings. And probably have a little flower garden of tulips in different colors.

Then, I have to dig up my Sweetest’s gardening tools in the shed to get them ready to start the garden. And last by not the least, get myself a Scotts Florida Select Natural Eucalyptus Mulch which is made from 100% Florida-grown Eucalyptus.
What is a Eucalyptus Mulch? Here is what I learned about it:

1. SUSTAINABLE: Sustainably-harvested and plantation grown Eucalyptus is considered a renewable resource because it re-grows up to 4-times faster than Cypress.*
2. NATURAL: Made from 100% plantation-grown Eucalyptus trees. Eucalyptus Mulch is guaranteed free from any construction, demolition, pallet, or other waste materials.
3. EFFECTIVE: Prevents weeds naturally** while helping to conserve soil moisture and moderate soil temperature.
4. LOCAL: 100% Florida-grown - helps support your local economy.

And here is what I consider as very important thing about Eucalyptus.

*Sustainably-harvested and plantation grown Eucalyptus is considered a renewable resource because it re-grows up to 4-times faster than Cypress.
**A three-inch layer of Eucalyptus Mulch naturally helps prevent weeds by blocking growth and access to sunlight.

As a first-timer, I deepen my research on the use of Eucalyptus mulch since my Sweeetest’s instruction is plain and simple. Actually, more plain… just put it on the ground. LOL. Well, I need specific instruction and here is a more detailed instruction.
How to Use: Spread 3 inches deep. Keep mulch several inches from tree trunks and house foundations or other wood structures.

When to Apply: Apply around trees, shrubs, flowers or vegetables after seeds have germinated and plants have developed.
Where to Use: Apply around trees, shrubs, flowers or vegetables after seeds have germinated and plants have developed.
Where Not to Use: Avoid use: Before seeds have germinated, around underdeveloped plants, and within several inches of house foundations or other wood surfaces.
Coverage Area: A 2 cu. ft. bag will cover the following: At a depth of 2 inches, 12 sq. ft of bedding area. At a depth of 3 inches, 8 sq. ft. of bedding area. At a depth of 4 inches, 6 sq. ft. of bedding.

And oh by the way, for those of us non-Florida readers, Scotts Nature Scapes mulch is also an option for our landscaping needs this Spring. It helps in maintaining moisture which is very important to me who always forget to water the plants. It helps prevent the growth of weeds which is annoying. And it creates a groomed landscape all year long.

So if you are thinking of re-doing your front lawn or wanting to make one, it comes in 3 different colors and variety of textures so maybe you want to try Classic Black around your oak trees or Sierra Red near your rock garden or Deep Forest Brown around your flower beds. And yes, they’re natural forest products so no waste wood. Scotts Mulch

There you go friends, I am so ready for spring and I am so ready for my spring garden. I can wait to start. This weekend will be the day. I just pray that it will not rain because anything can happen up here in Maine. Worse… it could be another snow storm. Hayyy.