#growyourown

[asralon]

Northern Lights #5 Cross Haze.

[heelanhomestead]

Wow … what a success. We spent the morning pulling onions and look how many we’ve got. 🥳

I’m so happy and grateful for such a lovely harvest, especially as we get through so many onions, I literally can’t grow them fast enough. Now we just have to lay them out and let them dry / cure for a couple of weeks.

I can’t wait to cook with these little beauties … they look so good 😋

[glowettee]

how i grew my hair past waist-length + how you can too 𓂃۶ৎ

by mindy @glowettee

hey lovelies! it's mindy,

welcome to another post. today i want to share my journey on how i grew my hair past waist length + some secrets on how you can do it too. growing out your hair can be literally a test of patience, commitment, and self-love – but honestly? it’s so worth it. in this post, i’m going to break down my experiences, tips, and tricks that helped me along the way. it took me 4 years to grow my hair past waist-length, my hair is currently 27 inches long (from the last time measuring it at the salon) it took a lot of maintenance, and my hair is honestly a part of my identify and it's extremely special to me. hopefully this post can help you. remember to do research on YOUR hair type, advice on straight hair won't work for curly, and some advice for curly hair won't work for coily hair, so just make sure to research for your specific hair type. all love from mindy <3

✧ my hair journey: the beginnings ✧

i still remember when my hair was just reaching shoulder length. i was excited to think about growing it out, but i soon learned that longer hair requires a whole new level of care. i realized early on that to gain length, i needed to focus on both cutting out damage and nurturing healthy hair growth. starting with a proper care routine was a game changer for me.

✧ the fundamentals: care + commitment ✧

here are the number one basics that helped me grow my hair way past my waist:

regular trims: while it may seem counterintuitive, getting a trim every 8–12 weeks is key. this may feel like you’re cutting off growth, but removing split ends prevents breakage and keeps the hair looking fresh. honestly? it saved my hair more than once.

deep conditioning: i incorporated a weekly deep conditioning treatment into my routine. choose a product that suits your hair type (yes, even curly/coily or fine hair can benefit amazingly) and leave it on for a solid 20–30 minutes. this extra care helps your hair stay moisturized and resilient.

minimal heat styling: i slowly phased out daily heat use and embraced natural styles. using heat less often has helped reduce damage and keeps the hair stringy and strong.

healthy diet: my outlook changed when i started paying attention to what i was eating. incorporating plenty of protein, vitamins (especially vitamins a, c, and e), and omega fatty acids was literally like feeding my hair the nutrients it needed to thrive. it may also be helpful to take a biotin supplement, but always check with your doctor first.

gentle products: i switched to sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that gently clean without stripping away natural oils. these gentle formulas help maintain the protective layer on your hair, which is essential for length retention.

✧ managing expectations + routine adjustments ✧

growing your hair isn’t an overnight makeover – it’s a journey. here are some ways that i kept my mindset positive when the process felt slow:

set realistic goals: i mapped out monthly mini-goals (like how many inches i hoped to grow) and celebrated small wins. every bit of progress was a reason to smile!

patience is key: there were days i felt frustrated when my hair didn’t seem to match up with the pics on social media. i reminded myself that everyone’s hair grows at its unique pace, and mistakes are all part of the learning process.

experiment with protective styles: braids, and buns, became my best friends. these styles protect your hair from environmental stressors while keeping it styled in cute and manageable ways.

listen to your hair: some days your hair might feel extra dry or brittle. learn to adapt by spacing out washes, using a silk scarf or pillowcase to reduce friction, or applying a leave-in conditioner for an extra boost.

✧ extra tips and personal hacks ✧

i want to share some of the little adjustments that made a big difference:

nighttime care: before bed, i always tie my hair in a loose braid or bun and use a satin pillowcase. these small changes can prevent breakage and reduce tangles.

hydration matters: just like our bodies, our hair needs water too! i kept a spray bottle with water + a few drops of essential oil nearby for a quick hydrating mist throughout the day.

massage your scalp: this might sound a bit extra, but gently massaging your scalp for a few minutes daily increases blood circulation to your hair follicles, promoting growth. think of it as a self-care ritual that gives both your scalp and mind some love.

avoid over-washing: i found that washing my hair too frequently stripped away its natural oils. switching to washing every other day or even less frequently (depending on your hair type) helped maintain a balanced moisture level.

✧ some extra tips ✧

scalp yoga: try more than just a massage, incorporate gentle scalp exercises. after your massage, lightly tap or do slow circular motions with your fingertips to boost blood circulation. it's like a mini workout for your scalp that can encourage growth.

herbal rinses: switch up your rinse by brewing an herbal tea. steep rosemary or a blend of nettle + horsetail leaves, let it cool, and use it as your final rinse. these herbs are known to strengthen and add shine, giving your hair an extra boost.

overnight oil rituals: instead of heavy leave-ins, try a mix of a touch of castor oil with a few drops of argan oil. give your scalp a gentle massage before bed and let this lightweight oil work overnight (a silk scarf can help keep it in place).

cold water finish: end your wash routine with a blast of cold water. this trick helps close your hair cuticles, sealing in moisture for a smoother, fuller look.

nutrient water infusion: add a splash of coconut water to your wash. it may sound unusual, but coconut water carries vitamins and minerals that can nourish your hair from within, helping it feel extra strong over time.

✧ the mental journey ✧

growing my hair was not just about physical care; it was also about treating myself with kindness throughout the process. there were times when i felt insecure about how my hair looked during the awkward growing phase. but by embracing that phase as part of my unique journey, i learned to love every stage of my hair’s evolution. remember, bestie, progress is progress – no matter how small.

✧ a little homework for you ✧

if you’re ready to start your hair growth journey, here are some actionable steps to try today:

write down your hair goals. how long do you want your hair to be? what aspects of your hair care routine do you hope to improve? jotting down your goals sets a clear path forward.

evaluate your current routine – are there any habits you can change? maybe add one new habit, like the nighttime routine or a weekly deep conditioning session.

track your progress: take a picture of your hair each month and note any changes. this not only motivates you but also helps you see how far you’ve come.

join a community: even if it’s on tumblr, instagram, or a hair care forum, connecting with others on the same journey can provide tons of tips, support, and gentle encouragement.

growing your hair past waist length isn’t about perfection – it’s about enjoying the journey, caring for yourself, and celebrating each inch gained. i hope my experiences and tips provide some helpful insights on your own path to long, healthy hair.

sending you all love and all the good vibes as you work on your hair goals.

xoxo, mindy 🤍

girl talk, but make it anonymous. submit your dilemmas, i’ve got you: https://bit.ly/glowetteehotline

[androdconstruction]

"A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all, it teaches entire trust." ~ Gertrude Jekyll

[lakhan01]

🌿 Hydroponics: The Science and Sustainability of Soilless Farming

As global challenges like climate change and soil degradation intensify, hydroponics offers a futuristic and sustainable solution. By growing plants without soil, hydroponic farming provides a precise balance of water, oxygen, and nutrients — resulting in faster growth, higher yields, and less resource use.

Whether it’s lettuce on a city rooftop or strawberries in a desert greenhouse, hydroponics is reshaping agriculture for the 21st century.

🌱 What Is Hydroponics?

Hydroponics is a soilless cultivation system that delivers essential minerals to plants through a nutrient-enriched water solution. Instead of growing in soil, roots anchor in inert media that retain moisture and oxygen, creating a perfectly controlled environment.

Studies show hydroponic crops grow 30–50% faster and use up to 90% less water than traditional soil-grown plants — making this technique one of the most efficient farming methods available today.

⚗️ The Science Behind Hydroponic Growth

Hydroponic systems function by circulating nutrient solutions containing macronutrients (N, P, K) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg) directly to the roots. By controlling pH levels (5.5–6.5) and electrical conductivity (EC), growers can optimize nutrient absorption and photosynthesis.

Because plants don’t need to search through soil for nutrients, they channel more energy into growth and fruit production — resulting in denser yields in less time.

🌾 Common Hydroponic Growth Media

Hydroponic media support plant roots while maintaining ideal moisture and air ratios. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective options:

🧱 1. Rockwool (Mineral Wool)

Rockwool, made by melting basaltic rock into fibers, retains up to 85% water while providing strong aeration.

pH: 7–8 (requires conditioning to 5.5–6.5)

Best For: Lettuce, tomatoes, peppers

Its non-biodegradable nature requires proper disposal, but its structure makes it a top choice for commercial farms.

🥥 2. Coconut Coir

Extracted from coconut husks, coir is one of the most sustainable hydroponic media available.

pH: 5.5–6.8

Water Retention: 60–70%

Benefits: Natural antifungal properties, reusable, biodegradable

Coir’s neutral pH and fibrous structure make it perfect for balancing aeration and moisture in hydroponic systems.

⚪ 3. Perlite

A heat-expanded volcanic glass, perlite is lightweight, porous, and excellent for drainage.

Water Retention: 20–30%

Air Space: 60–70%

It prevents root suffocation and encourages oxygen exchange — essential for healthy root growth.

🟤 4. Vermiculite

Vermiculite retains moisture and nutrients like potassium (K⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺).

pH: 6.5–7.2

Water Retention: 50–60%

It’s often mixed with perlite or coir to balance moisture and aeration in root systems.

🔵 5. Expanded Clay Pellets (LECA / Hydroton)

These clay spheres are heated to 1,200°C, forming a pH-neutral, reusable medium.

Porosity: 60–85%

Use: Ideal for Deep Water Culture (DWC) systems

They offer long-term durability and support sustainable reuse after sterilization.

🌾 6. Other Growth Media

Depending on system design, other options include:

Peat Moss: High moisture retention, acidic (pH 4–5)

Growstones: Recycled glass with eco benefits

Sand/Gravel: Excellent drainage, cost-effective

Pine Bark: Organic, biodegradable, nutrient-rich

Each medium offers unique benefits for root aeration, texture, and sustainability.

🧪 Preparing Hydroponic Media

Before planting, media must be properly prepared to ensure plant health and balanced nutrition:

1. Soak: Submerge for 15–30 minutes to remove dust and soluble salts.

2. Rinse: Use pH-adjusted water (5.8–6.0).

3. Sterilize: Steam or treat with 3% hydrogen peroxide to kill pathogens.

4. Adjust pH: For rockwool, soak in pH 5.5–6.5 solution.

5. Fluff: Loosen compacted media to improve oxygen flow.

🔁 Sustainability and Media Reuse

Hydroponics not only reduces land and water use but also minimizes agricultural waste.

Reusable Media: Clay pellets and perlite can be sterilized and reused for several crop cycles.

Eco-Friendly Choices: Coir and bark decompose naturally, leaving zero residue.

Efficiency: Studies show reusing media can lower production costs by 25–40%.

In controlled environments, hydroponic systems can yield up to 10× more produce per hectare than traditional soil farming — all while conserving water and energy.

🌍 Hydroponics: A Path to a Greener Future

Hydroponics brings together biology, chemistry, and sustainability to create a next-generation farming system. It eliminates soil dependency, reduces pesticide use, and enables food production anywhere — from skyscraper rooftops to arid deserts.

As technology advances, hydroponics stands at the forefront of urban agriculture and climate-smart food systems, shaping the future of global farming.

📚 References

Resh, H. M. (2013). Hydroponic Food Production. CRC Press.

Jones, J. B. (2016). Hydroponics: A Practical Guide for the Soilless Grower. CRC Press.

NCBI – Nutrient Management in Hydroponics:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8573672/

Peer-reviewed paper discussing nutrient formulations, pH control, and plant physiology.

ScienceDirect – Effects of Nutrient Concentration on Growth:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0098847220300078

Shows experimental data on how different nutrient levels affect yield and chlorophyll content.

[schorschidk]

Das große Sedum-Spektakel: Wenn der Herbstgarten zur Bienen-Bar wird 🐝✨

Während andere Blumen bereits ihre Koffer für den Winter packen, feiert das Sedum spectabile (auch liebevoll "Fetthenne" genannt - ein Name, der definitiv mehr Charme verdient hätte) noch einmal richtig auf. Diese pinken Blütenteller verwandeln jeden Garten im Spätsommer in eine wahre Bienen-Diskothek, wo sich Honigbienen, Hummeln und Schmetterlinge zu einem letzten großen Tanz vor dem Winter treffen.

Die perfekte Herbst-WG: Sedum und seine summmenden Mitbewohner

Was macht dieses unscheinbare Gewächs so unwiderstehlich für unsere geflügelten Freunde? Die Antwort liegt in den nektarreichen Blüten, die wie kleine Landeplätze für hungrige Bestäuber fungieren. Während andere Pflanzen bereits in den Winterschlaf übergehen, steht Sedum da wie der letzte offene Imbiss in der Stadt - kein Wunder, dass sich hier die Schlangen bilden!

Von grässlich zu großartig: Eine Erfolgsgeschichte

Zugegeben, Sedum ist nicht gerade ein Schönheitspreis-Gewinner im traditionellen Sinne. Mit seinen fleischigen, wachsartigen Blättern sieht es aus wie eine Kreuzung zwischen Kohl und Alien. Doch spätestens wenn die ersten Bienen angeflogen kommen und der Garten vor Summen vibriert, wird klar: Wahre Schönheit zeigt sich erst im Herbst.

Die Pflanze durchläuft dabei eine bemerkenswerte Verwandlung - von blassgrünen Knospen zu strahlend pinken Blüten, die schließlich in rostigen Brauntönen enden. Ein echtes Farbspektakel, das beweist: Auch Sukkulenten können Drama!

Warum Sedum der heimliche Superheld des Herbstgartens ist

Pflegeleicht wie ein Kaktus, spektakulär wie ein Feuerwerk: Sedum braucht wenig Wasser, verträgt Trockenheit und blüht genau dann, wenn andere Pflanzen bereits aufgegeben haben. Perfect für alle, die ihren grünen Daumen noch suchen oder einfach keine Lust auf komplizierte Gartenpflege haben.

Die "Autumn Joy"-Sorte ist dabei der absolute Klassiker - ein Name, der tatsächlich hält, was er verspricht. Denn nichts bereitet mehr Freude, als zuzusehen, wie sich dutzende Bienen über die eigenen Blüten hermachen, als wäre man der Betreiber des beliebtesten Nektarclubs der Nachbarschaft.

Das Sedum-Phänomen: Mehr als nur ein hübsches Gesicht

Was diese Herbstblüher wirklich besonders macht, ist ihr Timing. Wenn Bienen sich für den Winter wappnen müssen, bietet Sedum ihnen eine letzte Tankstelle vor der großen Reise. Kein Wunder also, dass erfahrene Imker schwören: "Pflanze Sedum - deine Bienen werden es dir danken!"

Und das Beste: Die vertrockneten Blütenstände sehen auch im Winter noch dekorativ aus und bieten Struktur im sonst kahlen Garten. Nachhaltigkeit meets Ästhetik - wenn das mal nicht zeitgemäß ist!

[heartwood-nl]

🌸 Introducing the stunning Dahlia 'Checkers'! 🌸

This eye-catching variety is a true showstopper with its bold, bi-colored blooms. Each petal features a striking contrast of deep burgundy and pure white, creating a mesmerizing checkerboard pattern. Perfect for adding a splash of color to your garden or floral arrangements, Dahlia 'Checkers' is not just beautiful but also a magnet for pollinators.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this easy-to-grow dahlia will bring a touch of elegance and drama to any outdoor space. Don't miss out on this garden gem!

[shastramnursery]

Bring Nature to Your Space with Decorative & Forestry Plants! 🌳

Looking to add a touch of nature to your home or workplace? Whether you're an interior enthusiast or someone with a green thumb, decorative & forestry plants are the perfect way to infuse life and color into any space! 🌱💚

🪴 Decorative Plants: • Add elegance to your indoor spaces 🌸 • Beautiful foliage to elevate any room 🌼 • Easy to care for and great for air quality 🌬️

🌳 Forestry Plants: • Perfect for larger outdoor areas 🌲 • Enhance landscapes with lush greenery 🌾 • Support biodiversity and promote sustainability 🌍

✨ Why Choose Decorative & Forestry Plants?

Aesthetic Appeal: From vibrant flowers to striking green leaves, plants can transform any room.

Health Benefits: They purify the air, boost mood, and reduce stress levels.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly: Forest plants contribute to a greener planet.

🌻 Plant Tips: • Choose the right plant for your space. 🌿 • Regular watering & occasional pruning keeps them healthy. 🌱 • Add decorative pots to complement your interior style. 🪴

🌍 Start your Green Journey Today! Explore a wide range of decorative and forestry plants that can beautify your home, office, or garden! 🌟

Visit: https://bit.ly/3VGGBYi For inquiries, call: [phone]