The broccoli seeds we started ten days ago, have sprouted! Smiles and high-fives were exchanged when we saw green leaves pushing through the dark potting soil. It was a great opportunity to show my three daughters nature in action. It’s amazing to plant a tiny little seed and watch it emerge from the depths of the soil. (more…)
Nutrients are an important part of our lives. See how they help us feed ourselves and the world and keep the earth green through activities such as gardening.
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Dee McKennaAs a stay at home mom of three girls (ages 8, 3 and 1), I have a passion for... |
Archive for the ‘fertilizer’ Category
Starting Seeds Part 2: Simple PVC Light Stand
Monday, March 5th, 2012Fish Fertilizer
Thursday, February 2nd, 2012I don’t know how long he had been floating but it was obvious, our beta fish had passed away. After I broke the news to my three girls, it was time to bury our beloved (often neglected) fish, Goldie. When Mom is a gardener, the fish does not get flushed, it gets buried deep in the compost pile. Morbid I know, but fish emulsion and fish meal are common garden fertilizers and the little ‘ole fish will add nutrients to our compost. You are not supposed to put meat in your compost pile because it will draw rodents. I went ahead and buried Goldie deep in the middle, hoping the mice won’t sniff him out. (more…)
Pineapple Nutrition
Thursday, January 19th, 2012
As the mom of three young boys, I travel more than any mom wants to you. My typical destination list goes something like this: Chicago, St. Louis, Indy, San Diego, Orlando – all wonderful cities, but nothing like my current trip. This week, I have found myself on the Island of Oahu in Hawaii…and yes, this was for work! The American Farm Bureau Foundation held its annual meeting in Honolulu, so I, like many other farmers, tacked on a few vacation days in the tropical paradise. (more…)
Garden Resolutions
Friday, December 30th, 2011
In the same breath, I can tell you that I am exhausted from Christmas but also full from all of the memories created. The tree is still up; suitcases are sitting full of dirty laundry. Toys are strewn from one end of house to the other, and there are three girls silly, full from sugar, creating yet one more memory. There is time to reclaim the house, but right now, I sit and reflect on 2011 and look forward to the promises of a new year.
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Giving Thanks! Indians and Pilgrims
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011
As Thanksgiving approaches, images of Indians and Pilgrims frame our thoughts. When my pre-schooler came home with a Pilgrim hat and story, I was reminded of the significant role the Native American Indians played in the survival of the Pilgrims. We must give credit to the Indians for saving the lives of the Pilgrims, specifically Squanto. (more…)
Nutrients for Life Team Connects with Teachers at NSTA Conference
Thursday, November 17th, 2011
Kids are curious! I took my five-year-old with me to run a few errands. In less than three hours, she asked me approximately 851 questions. Of course, I had to answer every single one of them. Eight-hundred and fifty-one may be a bit of an exaggeration but if you have spent any time with a curious kid, you know how exhausting it can be. (more…)
National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention
Friday, November 11th, 2011
CHS, the largest agricultural cooperative, invited me to attend the 68th annual National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention in Kansas City. I am intrigued by this specialized group of broadcasting professionals; they have big voices and a passion for agriculture. As a child, I was exposed to the industry from the speakers in my dad’s ole’ blue Chevy farm truck. (Which I rode shot gun with no seatbelt. How did we ever survive?) The radio was always on AM and tuned to the Big Show on Newsradio 1040 WHO. We would hear the up-to-the-minute agricultural market reports and farm news. And to think now I am rubbing elbows with these radio voices. (more…)
How to Plant Tulips in 4 Easy Steps
Wednesday, October 5th, 2011Do you remember last spring when the daffodils and tulips made you smile? I do! I remember thinking I need to plant more of these bulbs, because they made me so happy and excited for summer. Today, we planted tulips around a tree in our front yard. (more…)
Soil Test Report
Thursday, September 22nd, 2011Recently, I shared a video with you demonstrating how I took a soil sample from my garden. I brought my “bags of dirt” to our county extension office. For a fee of $10 per bag, the soil would be analyzed and the results would be mailed to me within ten days. (more…)
How to Take a Soil Sample
Thursday, September 15th, 2011Get the most out of your garden! Dee McKenna, Nutrients For Life blogger, takes you to her backyard and demonstrates how to take a soil sample. (more…)
Grow a Tree; Grow the Child
Friday, September 9th, 2011
Amidst our bedtime routine, my four-year-old daughter was sitting at my side, listening to me read, while she was eating an apple. I was getting annoyed, because the squirmy girl was picking and playing with the apple, rather than just eating it and listening to the story. (more…)
