Tag: vegetables

Top Grow Lights for Indoor Gardening

Posted on Lacey Spear
Green indoor plants on a white shelf with antique pictures above them
Photo Courtesy of The Pioneer Woman
  • Top grow lights for indoor gardening:
    • Best Overall: GE BR30 LED Grow Light Bulb
    • Best for Wall Mounting: Feit Electric Dual Full LED Plant Grow Tube Light
    • Best for Aesthetic Design: Grow Light Frame Shelf
    • Best for Capacity: Spider Farmer LED Grow Light

Whether you’re incorporating biophilic design or improving your lake home’s air quality, grow lights can ensure indoor gardening success. They also provide convenience since you do not have to position all your plants by windows. As Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love, explains, “Grow lights can be used to supplement natural light or to provide plants with the light they need to thrive when natural light is not available.” Plus, since these lights come in different shapes and boast unique features, you can choose the one that best fits your lake home and lifestyle. So, if you are ready to activate your green thumb, check out these top grow lights for indoor gardening!

Best Overall: GE BR30 LED Grow Light Bulb

LED vs regular light bulbs over a plant.
Photo Courtesy of Amazon.com

Compared to a standard grow light, the GE Grow Light LED avoids harsh tones and provides pleasant natural lighting. Plus, it’s a full spectrum light, meaning that it’ll maximize your plant growth. As Emma Loker—expert gardener at DIY Garden—explains, “The best grow lights emit a full spectrum of lights, as this helps plants through multiple lifestyle stages.”

Dwayne Kula—President of LED Lighting Supply—recommends this light bulb because of its energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, quick results, and soft ambiance. Kula advises using the light for at least five hours each day to see results. He also adds that one of the benefits of the GE Grow Light LED is that “it doesn’t get hot even after many hours of operation.”

Kerry Sherin—Consumer Advocate at Ownerly—advises checking the life span of your bulb to know when you might need to replace it in the future. In the case of the GE Grow Light LED, the bulb boasts up to 25,000 hours (or three years) of usage, so you won’t have to worry about replacing this quality product for a while.

Best for Wall Mounting: Feit Electric Dual Full LED Plant Grow Tube Light

Curly green plant resting under rows of LED light panels.
Photo Courtesy of Amazon.com

Although the Feit Electric Dual Light is a bit more expensive than the GE BR30 Light, its unique design allows you to mount the lights. These two-foot panels come assembled with full spectrum bulbs and boast a lightweight design that makes them easy to hang or seamlessly flush to the wall.

One two-foot Feit Electric Dual Light costs around $50. However, as Sherin points out, this is on the low end of the grow light cost spectrum. Sherin advises, “Generally speaking, you should expect to spend anywhere from $25-$200 for a basic setup with one or two bulbs.” Considering that the Feit Electric Dual Light emits full spectrum wavelengths, avoids high temperatures, and is easy to mount, it’s hard to beat its $50 price point.

Best for Aesthetic Design: Grow Light Frame Shelf

Plants sitting inside a blue frame
Photo Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

What if instead of hanging plant pictures on the wall, you framed the real ones? Forget packing all your plants on your crowded window sill; nestle them in this picturesque frame and place them anywhere in your home. With full-spectrum LED bulbs, the Grow Light Frame Shelf will maximize your plants’ growth whether you have ample or minimal natural light.

Additionally, the frame comes with an app that allows you to set timers and adjust the light intensity. As founder of Happy DIY Home and master gardener Jen Stark explains, “Timers make your grow lights easier to use as you can set them on a cycle and allow them to run without any further input from you.” Although the Grow Light Frame is on the pricier side, its design and technological features make it a worthy investment.

Best for Capacity: Spider Farmer LED Grow Light

Many plants sitting under a large grow light.
Photo Courtesy of Pepper Geek

If you are looking to grow multiple plants at once, the Spider Farmer LED Grow Light is the ideal choice. Spider offers multiple panel sizes, and the one pictured above is the SF600. This light has tremendous output, utilizing 384 LED bulbs. Yet, it has a low heat emission and a long lifespan, lasting up to 50,000 hours. Even with this capacity, the Spider Grow Light’s sleek design takes up minimal space. As Stace Krljanovic—advisor at Patio Productions—elucidates, “If you have an especially large space, there are larger bulbs available that can help give you more room coverage without taking up too much space (or money).” The Spider Grow Light accomplishes both of these tasks, spanning a little over three feet and costing around $130.

So, if you want top grow lights for indoor gardening, you can’t go wrong with any of these highly-rated choices. Simply choose the one that best compliments your lifestyle, and get to growing!

FAQs

Plus, it’s a full spectrum light, meaning that it’ll maximize your plant growth. As Emma Loker—expert gardener at DIY Garden—explains, “The best grow lights emit a full spectrum of lights, as this helps plants through multiple lifestyle stages.”

Sherin advises, “Generally speaking, you should expect to spend anywhere from $25-$200 for a basic setup with one or two bulbs.”

As founder of Happy DIY Home and master gardener Jen Stark explains, “Timers make your grow lights easier to use as you can set them on a cycle and allow them to run without any further input from you.”

As Stace Krljanovic—advisor at Patio Productions—elucidates, “If you have an especially large space, there are larger bulbs available that can help give you more room coverage without taking up too much space (or money).” The Spider Grow Light accomplishes both of these tasks, spanning a little over three feet and costing around $130.

Best Indoor Gardening Kits/Systems

Posted on Lacey Spear
My Gardyn indoor gardening system inside kitchen, showcasing an array of vegetables and herbs.
Photo Courtesy of My Gardyn

Previously on Lake Homes Lifestyles, we covered gardening tips for each regional zone in the United States. As all good plant enthusiasts know, the area’s weather and soil quality influence the type of plants that can be grown. However, with the rise of indoor gardening systems and kits, gardeners can grow a greater variety of plants, not subject to the climate or season. As Jen Stark—founder of Happy DIY Home and garden, interior design, and home improvement expert—says, indoor gardening kits “allow you to control the environment in which your plants grow, meaning you can optimize conditions for maximum growth and yield.” These systems also look beautiful indoors and improve plant quality since pests, deer, and rodents don’t pose a threat. And if you are new to gardening, fear not: these kits are kind to experts and beginners alike.

Best Overall: Aerogarden Harvest Elite

Aerogarden Harvest Elite---an indoor gardening sytem---sitting in an RV with mountains and a lake in the background.
Photo Courtesy of Adventurous Way

In the realm of indoor gardening systems, Aerogarden receives top reviews. Julie Bawden-Davis—the mastermind behind the Healthy House Plants site and the writer of “Indoor Gardening the Organic Way”—praises the Aerogarden Harvest Elite. She says, “In my opinion, AeroGarden has the most advanced technology, especially in the area of lighting and hydroponics.”

The Harvest Elite comes with six seed pods and plant food. Since it has built-in reminders for feeding and watering, this system is great for gardeners with busy schedules. The Aerogarden also features LED grow lights that run off a customizable timer that can be adjusted to fit the gardener’s schedule. Most importantly, the Aerogarden Harvest Elite produces rapid results, so you can expect to add fresh herbs and veggies to all your favorite dishes within weeks.

Best Vertical System: Worth Self-Watering Garden Wall

The Worth Self-Watering wall system, which has grown an array of colorful flowers, attached to an indoor wall.
Photo Courtesy of Walmart

Feature walls rule today’s design world and they often come in the form of eccentric wallpaper or unique materials. However, more people are turning to plants to enhance their home’s personality. In addition to providing the home with some flair, incorporating plants into your lake home yields exceptional benefits, such as improving air quality. However, it can be difficult to water these plants, especially when they’re positioned up high. But that’s where the Worth Self-Watering Garden Wall comes in. These planters feature an avant-garde watering system that begins on the top row and trickles down to subsequent rows, providing water for days with no mess. Moreover, as your plants continue to grow, they will hide the planters underneath, granting the flawless illusion that they are actually growing on the wall.

Best for Big Harvesting: Gardyn Home Kit 2.0

The Gardyn 2.0 System, which has produced many lettuces, indoors beside a luxury chair.
Photo Courtesy of Two Peas in a Condo

If you want to live more sustainably, the Gardyn Home Kit 2.0 is your ideal growing system. This state-of-the-art system allows you to grow 30 plants at once while only spanning two feet in width. As Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love, proposes, “having an indoor garden is all about maximizing space. Vertical gardens are popular for this reason. These can allow you to grow virtually anything in a controlled environment.” With the Gardyn Home Kit, you can control the light, adjust watering schedules, and order new plants via the Gardyn app. Although it leans toward the pricier side, the system will replace many grocery trips within the first few months. So, in the end, it comes out to around the same amount. Plus, you will have fun along the way, add a colorful piece to your home decor, and eat deliciously organic veggies and herbs.

Best for Education: Grow With Me Root Viewer

Photo Courtesy of Hearth Song

If you enjoy teaching your children about the outdoors and gardening, you will love the Grow With Me Root Viewer. This sustainable, durable, and attractive wooden plant holder helps your children follow the growing process. The planter comes with instructions and a garden journal so that you can record the growth along the way. However, note that the seeds are not included in the Root Viewer, so you might want to pick up your own before it comes in the mail. As far as seed choices go, carrots, radishes, onions, garlic, potatoes, and other root vegetables are the ideal candidates for this kit.

Best for Traditional Gardening: Jiffy SuperThrive Seed Starter

The Jiffy SuperThrive, a collection of seed pods to help a gardener start a greenhouse.
Photo Courtesy of Home Depot

Although high-tech gardening systems ensure rapid and sustained growth, some gardeners may prefer to work with their hands a bit more. If that’s the case, the Jiffy SuperThrive Seed Starter kit is an excellent option for building an indoor garden. Besides, it is undoubtedly the most affordable choice compared to other systems. The Jiffy Seed kit includes 72 pellets that will grow seven times their compressed height, allowing room for root growth. The kit also comes with a pouch of SUPERthrive, a vitamin that enhances plant growth. It is important to point out that the Jiffy kit does not include seeds, but this only means that the gardener can personalize their indoor garden to their preference. Just add your seed of choice to the soil and get growing!

From high-tech systems to simple kits, indoor gardening options are endless. So whether you prefer a low-maintenance growth strategy or a hands-on approach, you can find a system that fits your lifestyle.

Summer Lakeside Recipes for Grilled Fruits and Vegetables

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Photo courtesy of Everyday Health

Now that summer is in full swing at the lake, the bins at the grocery stores and farmers’ markets are swelling with fresh produce that’s ripe for the picking. So, what to do with all that succulent goodness? Enjoy it while you can—and get grilling. For meal inspiration, we’ve put together a colorful cornucopia of fruits and vegetables you can easily throw on the grill to savor as side dishes or enjoy all on their own.

Magnificent Medley

Photo courtesy of Foodie Crush

When you’re firing up the grill for fish, chicken, or steak, don’t forget to toss on some fresh veggies. Grilling these beauties with a little bit of olive oil and a sprinkling of salt and ground black pepper will bring out a tender, roasted sweetness like no other while adding a delicious smoky char that’s irresistible. Grilling coaxes out the natural sugars in vegetables to create a caramelizing effect that is both savory and sweet. Check out this super-simple recipe for a colorful mix that includes portobello mushrooms, eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, onions, asparagus, and red bell pepper. For a tangy twist, add tomatoes to this eye-catching dish.

Succulent Sweetcorn

Photo courtesy of Spicy Southern Kitchen

Perhaps the most iconic of all summer vegetables, sweetcorn tastes even more delectable when grilled. It’s the perfect complement to almost any barbecue fare, and you can spice it up with anything you like. Put the corn directly on the grill grate for an exceptional smoky char, or wrap it in aluminum foil to seal in all that buttery flavor even better. This creative take on a classic features freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes. Enjoy!

Marinated Mushrooms

Photo courtesy of Closet Cooking

Mushrooms take on an amazing smoky flavor when they’re grilled. Skewer them up with lots of seasoning, and you have a fantastic appetizer for your next get-together at the lake. This tempting dish is marinated with balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, chopped garlic cloves, fresh chopped thyme, salt, and pepper. You’ll get a savory char with only 2-3 minutes per side. Visit Closet Cooking for this quick and easy recipe.

Savory Sweet Potatoes

Photo courtesy of Gimme Some Grilling

Why reserve sweet potatoes just for holidays? These yummy orange jewels are delicious when grilled—and with minimal effort on your part. For a flavorful side dish that pairs well with grilled chicken, pork chops, or any style of barbecue, simply slice potatoes into half-inch rounds, toss with olive oil and preferred seasonings, and grill to perfection on both sides. There’s no need to peel them if you like the taste and texture of the skins. This recipe incorporates pepper, garlic, and smoked paprika for a bold burst of summer flavor.

Color Combo

Photo courtesy of Food Network

Bring an unexpected punch of color—and flavor—to a tried-and-true summer fav. Here, ribbons of vibrant red grilled bell pepper take asparagus stalks to the next level. Mouthwatering good and visually appetizing, this power combo bring summer style and flavor to any meal. Top with chopped chives for an unbeatable garden-fresh finish. Visit Food Network for the recipe.

Peaches & Cream

Photo courtesy of Self Proclaimed Foodie

As kids, we all remember peaches and ice cream on a hot July day. There’s nothing quite like that sweet and cool combination that’s oh-so reminiscent of summer. So, here’s an elegant take on that old favorite, which promises to be just as delicious. Grilled peaches? Yes, please. The heat from your grill can enhance and elevate peaches to a crave-worthy dessert—sweet and juicy. This unique recipe calls for a topping of sour cream sweetened with brown sugar but definitely go for the ice cream if you’re a purist. You can also bring plums or nectarines to the party—and the grill—for an extra-juicy burst of summer flavor.

Pineapple Perfection

Photo courtesy of Dinner At The Zoo

For a light summer dessert with a tropical vibe, try grilled pineapple brushed with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Fresh pineapple is preferred for grilling, but you can use canned pineapple as an easy substitute. This recipe works as a tasty side for teriyaki chicken and pork dishes and also makes a luscious dessert topped with ice cream, caramel sauce, or honey. For a splash of summer color, add raspberries and fresh mint sprigs. You can even use any leftovers to create a Hawaiian-style pizza. Visit Dinner at the Zoo for grilling tips and instructions.

Watermelon Magic

Photo courtesy of Caitlin Bensel via Southern Living

It might seem counter-intuitive, but yes—you can absolutely grill watermelon! A complete 180 from the crisp, chilled slices we typically enjoy on the fourth of July, grilled watermelon takes on a subtle smoky flavor as well as a texture change. Sprinkling both sides with a sugar and salt mixture ensures a good char. This rendition is topped with lime zest and Tajin or chili powder for a spicy kick.  

For more grilling ideas and helpful tips, visit Whole Foods Market. Here’s to a delicious summer at the lake!  

Outdoor Activities – How to Start a Vegetable Garden

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

watering gardenStarting your own at-home vegetable garden is a great way to save money on fruits and vegetables. A measly $2 tomato plant over the entire season can give you nearly ten pounds of fruit.

You and your family also get to eat delicious fruits and veggies without breaking the bank. Being able to pull food straight from your own garden is not only a money saver, but something fun that you can do as a family.

The first step you need to take is deciding what to plant in your vegetable garden. You must consider not only what you want, but what you have time to take care of.

Deciding on Vegetables to Plant

vegetablesMany people get very excited at the idea of a vegetable garden with eyes bigger than their means. Starting off small is the best thing you can do.

Sometimes people have the tendency to plant more veggies than they actually need, so starting off small is always the best idea. Vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes, and squash will keep you filled with vegetables all season long so you may not need to plant as much as you think. Radishes, carrots, and corn only come up once, so if you want more, you will need to plant more.

Determining the Amount of Space

One important thing to remember when starting a vegetable garden is that you usually do not need as much space as you might originally have thought.

You should keep your garden about 10×10 in size to keep the weeds away. The more space there is, the more likely you are going to grow weeds instead of vegetables.

You can even put veggies, such as tomatoes, into a container to save on space.

Picking the Right Spot to Plant Your Garden

No matter how big or small your garden is, there are three specific things your plants need to thrive and grow beautifully.

  • Lots of Sunlight – Vegetables tend to require between 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. If these veggies do not get the sun they need, they will not grow as much, and they will be prone to get attacked by diseases or bugs. (If you can’t find a sunny spot, consider growing spinach or lettuce, neither require as much sun as other vegetables.)
  • Lots of Water – Typical vegetables are not tolerant to drought, you must give your plants water during the day when it has been a long time since it’s rained. Keep your garden close to a place where you have easy access to your water source. This will make it much easier on you in the long run.
  • Great soil – Your vegetable garden will require good soil to grow properly. Vegetables tend to do best in moist soil that has lots of organic elements.

Keeping your garden close to your house is a good idea as well. It will be much easier when it is time to harvest your produce that you are going to cook. Putting together some planted pots near your grill is not a bad idea either.