Seed Starting & Winter Sowing

In addition to my regular seed starting, I am trying the winter sowing method for the first time. Yarrow, chamomile, snap dragons, chives, lettuce, aster, and marigolds have all germinated successfully so far. I’m finding there are many positive aspects to this method:

1. They are not taking up any space inside under my grow lights, allowing me to grow more plants.

2. I have not had to water them at all. The jugs act as a green house, and they get additional water whenever it rains or snows.

3. I feel good about putting my plastic Simply Lemonade jugs to use. Even putting them in the recycle bin seemed wasteful. Now they have a purpose and a real second life. I’m hoping to re-use them next year too.

Garden Answer’s channel has many videos including progress updates about the winter sowing method. This is a good introduction to get you started, if you are interested.

Once I saw how successful my seedlings were growing, I took it a step further… I picked up a few used clear view bins with lids from Facebook Marketplace and drilled holes in the tops and bottoms. The lids had some cracks, but that doesn’t matter for their new purpose. I reused some old 4 and 6 cell packs to plant the seeds and fill the bins. I was glad to be able to re-purpose and reuse items that may have been considered trash. The lettuces in them have just started to sprout.

I am still starting many seeds inside, especially those warm temperature loving plants like tomatoes and peppers. In the past I’ve used the plastic seed cells and trays each year. However, they are cheap and the plastic was starting to crack and tear. Last year, I upgraded to trays I hope will last long-term. I have several Burpee SuperSeed Seed Starting Trays. I like that the water tray and upper parts of the cells are hard plastic. The bottoms of the cells are silicone, making them easy to squeeze and to pop out the seedlings. Also, I just read they are dishwasher safe! I haven’t tried it, but I will after this round of seedlings gets planted out. They come in a few different sizes, but I use these:

UnSOLVED: Number Palindromes

I am thrilled to announce my latest book is now in print! Very different from my previous works, this is not an illustrated children’s book. My love of math, specifically math with no answer, is the focus in this case.

The problem posed in this book elicits the question “Does this always work?” among others. Patterns are revealed as attempts are made to turn numbers 1-100 into palindromes through a guided process. This long-term task is easily accessible for early grade students, yet continues to stump present-day mathematicians. Children and adults will explore patterns, structures, and relationships within this mathematical mystery by applying elementary math concepts. The work leans heavily on the base ten place value system and multi-digit addition. About 80% of all numbers under 10,000 produce a palindrome in four or fewer steps; about 90% of those in seven steps or fewer. What exactly is unsolved in this Number Palindromes problem? Order your book now

This book is part of a series: UnSOLVED: Advanced Yet Accessible Problems in Mathematics

Looking for challenging and engaging math that extends beyond finding answers? UnSOLVED: Advanced Yet Accessible Problems in Mathematics is a series of guided explorations into problems that remain unsolved in the world of mathematics. There are no solutions; they have not been proven true or false. Each book in the series presents a different unsolved problem in an easily accessible context, yet reveals an advanced depth of understanding. Follow along to discover patterns, examine special cases, and learn about these mathematical mysteries. Mathematicians of all ages can participate in these tasks by applying elementary math concepts.

Low Floor: everyone can get on board, simple starting point
High Ceiling: room to grow and stretch beyond the start, not limiting

You can earn a free taco cat sticker to prove you worked on Number Palindromes.  You only need to leave a review on Amazon and email (mynaturalelement@gmail.com) to let me know.  Each book will have its own unique sticker, collect them all!

I am looking for reviewers and testers for promotional purposes. Apply for free copies here. Children will be appropriately matched to new and upcoming guided activity books based on grade level. 

End of Season Plant Sale

My Natural Element’s PLANT SHOP is open by appointment in Deerfield, IL. Cacti, succulents, house plants and herbs are available and discounted. Potted in beautiful ceramic, terra cotta, vintage or other planters.

Plants include: jade varieties, spider plants, kalanchoe millotii, blue chalk fingers, hoya, Easter cactus, and more!
Venmo, Zelle, and cash payments accepted.

Trash to Treasure

My latest interest is rescuing and restoring vintage furniture.  These pieces are generally sturdy and well-made with quality materials, unlike most modern furniture.  I truly enjoy transforming something destroyed by time to its original intention.  I am often surprised at the beauty hidden beneath aged finish, peeling paint, scratches and scuffs, dust and dirt.

Above is a mid century metal and wood desk reclaimed from an abandoned convent in Norridge, Illinois.  The finish was so dulled and yellowed, the original wood grain and tone was unseen.  The antique dresser pictured below was rescued from a community burn pile in Vicksburg, Michigan.  The bottom two drawers were broken, and the finish and hardware were darkened with age.  I love the distressed markings and dark grain with its new golden oak color.  Both pieces are for sale in my shop.

Independence Day Plant Sale

My Natural Element’s PLANT SHOP will be open Independence Day weekend.  Cacti, succulents, house plants and annuals will be available.  All indoor plants are potted in beautiful ceramic, terra cotta, vintage or other planters.  Macrame hanging planters are available too.  

Varieties include: jade, aloe, graptosedum alpenglow, spider plant, kalanchoe millotii, elephant bush, blue chalk fingers, ripple jade, echeveria, and more!

When: July 2-5
Where: 11379 E. Indian Lake Dr. in Vicksburg, MI

Venmo, Paypal, and cash payments accepted.