Blog Posts

Choosing the best compost bin

6/12/2018

Whether you are a beginner at composting or a seasoned veteran, you will need to have an efficient place to store your composting matter. This could be as simple as a pile in the back corner of your yard or, more likely, a compost bin. Bins are much better for keeping odors at bay and containing your compost to a confined space. It is important that you choose the best composting bin to suit your needs and these helpful tips will assist you in making that selection. Because you know that throwing out eggshells and banana peels doesn't work for us thrifty gardeners....right!

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Gardening is a breeze with Eartheasy & $189 VegTrug Wallhugger giveaway!

6/7/2018

Have you ever planted a vegetable in the garden only to forget later in the season that you did? Been there. Done that. Carrots? Rutabaga? Bok choy? It happens. Especially when you're doing a trial and only put in a few plants to see how they would do. Maybe only one plant like my bok choy. Those plants tend to get lost in the jungle of tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, peas and beans. When you do unearth it, the plant has most definitely seen better days. This is what makes the VegTrug Wallhugger Raised Garden Planter from the wonderful Eartheasy company so special. Never loose a plant again. And you can't beat the VegTrug for succession planting this year. Plant that lettuce in August! Besides, who wants to bend down or kneel in the garden these days? Forget that! The name "wallhugger" is a reminder that it's able to snug up to a wall or fence thus saving some serious space. You want this! To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. You can earn one entry per day by commenting on any of our blog or Facebook posts. Let us know that you've entered by telling us what you'd plant in your VegTrug Wallhugger! Do this by scrolling down to the bottom of this post. Please tell us how many entries you've earned. Contest ends June 30th!

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DIY reclaimed wood succulent & cacti planters made from driftwood & logs

5/31/2018

Reclaimed wood. Just google it to see its popularity for yourself. I'm not sure when reclaimed wood became such a "thing" but it sure did. Everything from mirrors to headboards to bookshelves is made out of reclaimed wood these days. Such wares are then sold in the hundreds to thousands of dollars range online. Hard to believe! So let's claim some of this wood by making DIY succulent and cacti planters to enjoy! After all, you are coupling two of the biggest trends circling now. Reclaimed wood + succulents. You can't loose. While out and about to various nurseries and garden centers this past week, I discovered that retailers manufacture fake logs containing fake succulents. But I can't go there. Tacky to my taste. I prefer the real deal with real plants nestled into real wood. Do you agree? And many thanks to Altman Plants who supplied all the stunning succulents and cacti for this post. Altman Plants are dreamy. No doubt because they've been in the plant business for 40 years! So lots of pictures today for eye-popping visual stimulation. Besides, you know how vain succulents are! Always doing selfies. Such posers. Boasting their brilliance on Instagram. But I digress. Let's get started.

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EcoBorder rubber landscape border giveaway - Oh my!

5/23/2018

Do you compare yourself to others? It's hard not to. Especially when it comes to the landscaping. But I choose to defer judgment. After all, a woman with three kids under 8 isn't going to have the perfect yard. So while taking the baby on a walk this morning she unearthed something interesting. A landscape company pulling out the concrete edging of one of her neighbors homes. What will they replace it with I wonder? Unsure. But I know what they should replace it with. EcoBorder. Not only because EcoBorder is going to give them that sharp landscape edge they crave but because they wouldn't have needed to hire a landscaper at all. EcoBorder is easy to install ~ DIY at its best. Heavy duty. Sharp and sleek. You will be so pleased if you are the winner of your own edging from them. And with Father's Day approaching, win for yourself or dad. (Then you can nag him to go out and install it already.) To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. You can earn one entry per day by commenting on any of our blog or Facebook posts. Let us know that you've entered by telling us the color of EcoBorder you'd choose! Do this by scrolling down to the bottom of this post. Please tell us how many entries you've earned. Contest ends June 20th!

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The secrets of seed thinning ~ it's not for wimps!

5/18/2018

Crowded seedlings before thinning

Grab a box of tissues. You're gonna need it! Because seed thinning is the one garden task that might leave you a sobbing mess. Gardening typically is the hobby that helps me unwind and relax. Then it's time to thin the seeds and I get all sad. It's kind of like choosing which of my three kids I would save! But then I stop. Pause. And think. They are just seeds. And our goal is likely the same ~ to grow strong, healthy and happy seedlings. Seedlings that are grown indoors to be transplanted in the garden and seedlings that are sown directly in the ground outdoors. Both require thinning. Crowded seedlings suffer a plethora of problems if they aren't thinned out properly. It's a simple skill you'll want to master. So if you don't know how to thin seedlings or why you'd even need to know, this is the post for you! Let's take a deep breath together because seed thinning isn't for wimps.

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Eye-popping poppy solar garden lights from Desert Steel & $150 giveaway!

5/13/2018

Solar light fan? All hands up in the air! They light up my life. What a gorgeous way to get your garden aglow adding beauty, safety, and depth to your outdoor living space. Can you own too many solar lights? Nope. They look great no matter where you choose to place them whether that's the perimeter of your landscape, in a pot, planter or flower box, and perhaps best of all...a pathway. Sure, I love real flowers too, but reality is they'll die on me sooner than I'd like. Not so with these Desert Steel poppy solar lights that will last virtually forever. Oozing warmth and serenity with each step, solar lights make the garden an inviting space. Today, I'm excited for the winner of the poppy garden solar light set from Desert Steel. Yes, that means you win 3 lights (ARV $150). To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. You can earn one entry per day by commenting on any of our blog or Facebook posts. Let us know that you've entered by telling us the color of your eyes. Do this by scrolling down to the bottom of this post. Please tell us how many entries you have earned. Contest ends June 6th!

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Food safety 101 with eggs, bacon, milk and more....

5/8/2018

I eat 5 scrambled eggs for breakfast every morning. If you don't believe me, just ask my mother. Tom eats 4 eggs with bacon when available and the girls eat one each. The baby even eats one whole egg! That's a dozen eggs each day. Whoa. That's a lot of eggs! With my moms country egg connection I buy eggs at just $2 a dozen. These are free-range, organic eggs coming from chickens who are treated like pets. We all win. But where do you store 12 dozen eggs? Buying 8-12 dozen eggs at a time doesn't work when you have a tiny fridge. Then there's all the other groceries that require refrigeration to consider. After all, you can't just have a fridge stuffed with eggs. Big challenge arranging and rearranging all the perishables to fit in all the food. Frustrating! Massive fail anyhow. Then I remember reading that eggs straight from a farm don't need to be placed in a fridge. But is that true? With the recent outbreak of E. coli in Romaine lettuce, food safety has those wheels turning in my brain! So here's what I learned about eggs with a few other food safety tips to spare. I'd love a comment about how you keep safe in the kitchen!

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Simmer down with Nesco slow cooker giveaway ARV $50!

5/3/2018

Can you fall in love with a slow cooker? I think it's possible. Folks. Let me level with you. This family eats a lot of food. My kids are perpetually starving. They actually expect three solid meals every day plus snacks. Ridiculous. Food prepared in a slow cooker is both tasty and easy. But I broke mine. Smashed to smithereens when I slipped and dropped it on the tile floor. It was my grandmother's and I inherited it when I bought her house. Sad day. I went without a slow cooker those seven years. What a shame. So I reached out to NESCO to see if they'd send me one to review and they said yes! A proposal made in heaven. I hope you win this amazing 6 quart digital stainless steel slow cooker today! (ARV $50). To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this p ost or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. YOU CAN EARN ONE ENTRY PER DAY BY COMMENTING ON ANY OF OUR FACEBOOK POSTS! Let us know that you have entered by telling us what you like to cook! Do this by scrolling down to the bottom of this post. Please tell us how many entries you have earned. And you're gonna love this stellar chicken delicious recipe my family is raving about so keep reading! Contest ends May 20th!

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Easy layered DIY succulent & cactus potted terrarium!

4/28/2018

Succulents are like people coming in numerous unique shapes and forms. Stocky. Tall. Furry. Spiky. Jaded. Soft. Dotted. Prickly. Plushy. Peculiar. Plants with personality! Ironically, succulents are both easy to kill and easy to care for. Ideal for indoor gardeners succulents are happy to adapt and grow in new surroundings. Just don't overwater! You can plant them in just about any container putting those creative instincts to the test! Making a DIY succulent and cactus terrarium will enhance your indoor green space. Mother's Day approaches. How about thinking outside the box? Best of all, you probably have most of the "ingredients" handy and it only takes about 5 minutes to assemble. A few additives can be purchased at a low cost making a succulent and cacti terrarium a very inexpensive project. Before we get started, we must talk about containers and the difference between open and closed terrariums. And yes....you are correct in thinking that mine is technically a potted plant terrarium. A great marriage of the two concepts. My centerpiece has all the layers of the terrarium but with the plants on top instead of squashed below. I'll explain in the post why I went this route so keep reading!

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JORD Wooden Watches $180 giveaway keeps up with the times with 5 must-have patio trends!

4/22/2018

Move over Fitbit. There's a new sheriff in town. A watch that doesn't obsessively count calories or mandate 10,000 daily steps. My life is regulated enough. I'll pass on both the extra stress and guilt. I bet that you too, are ready to adorn a watch that looks sleek and sophisticated with matchless performance. This is why I'm thrilled to introduce you to JORD Wood Watches, a company whose fingers are on the trend pulse for 2018. Life is hectic, let's keep up with the pace of it with a wood watch from JORD. Biggest surprise JORD held for me? That I wear it everyday. Yep. At first, I thought my new JORD Watch would only be for special occasions. Turns out....it's refreshing to feel stylish even while cleaning the stove. It's your turn to win a gift code to JORD Wooden Watches valued at $180. Men's watches. Ladies watches. Engraved watches. Unique watches.There's even an Apple Watch Brand by JORD who has it all. And you win no matter what because when you apply the raiseyourgarden gift code at checkout you get an immediate $25 off & free watch sizing. To enter the contest, go to the JORD site. For extra good luck and my eternal gratitude, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post! Contest ends May 11th! International readers you are most welcome to enter this one. Let me know in the comments that you are hoping to win!

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Top 5 must-do in Destin Beach, Florida for the family

4/17/2018

It's wonderful spending time as a family living the good life when we can. Fresh from our latest trip to Destin, Florida we are still marveling over this unique piece of the Florida panhandle. So I wanted to share our experience with you in case you want to visit Destin someday. What a vibrant place to visit! The Gulf of Mexico waters in Destin mimic Caribbean waters in clearness and color. Aside from the Florida Keys, I have never witnessed such swirling turquoise waters here in the U.S before. If you haven't heard of Destin, and I hadn't prior to this visit, it's an idyllic spot nestled in the Florida panhandle. Go west of Panama City. Destin is located on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay. This northwest Florida city is part of the Emerald Coast. Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island and Seaside are also all part of the Emerald Coast and wonderful places to see, too. Here are five things you must do with your family if you visit Destin! Read more.

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Pretty in pink cosmos garden torch from Desert Steel & giveaway! (ARV $59)

4/12/2018

Consider this a fair warning. Once you start collecting garden torches you won't want to stop. They are addicting! And no wonder. What else but a real flame could add such depth of radiance to your outdoor space? Not to mention keeping the mosquitoes at bay in the most charming manner possible. You probably remember us giving away a few poppy torches in blue and red from Desert Steel last summer. Then we added white and orange daisy torches to the mix. But this is the summer we celebrate the cosmos which are just as sweet and sophisticated. Amazing how Desert Steel is always fashioning new and unique products that captures the eye and the heart. Envision yourself enjoying the ambiance of your backyard by adding one of these garden trophies to your collection when you win! (ARV $59). To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. You can earn one entry per day by commenting on any of our blog or Facebook posts. Let us know that you have entered by telling us your favorite color. Do this by scrolling down to the bottom of this post and leaving a comment. Please tell us how many entries you have earned. Contest ends May 5th!

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Orchid growing is for all (even a newbie!)

4/4/2018

Orchids have earned themselves a bad reputation! Finicky. Hard to manage. Difficult. And that is true of some orchids. Come to think of it, all these things could be said of my kids too, but I still keep them around. Speaking of family, orchids are the largest family of plants in the entire world. There are 25,000 - 30,000 species of orchid in existence. Isn't it time you found the right one? Bottom line. Some orchids are easier to grow than others. For those of us who have grown them for years (because we've already killed our share of orchids) we know exactly what not to do; it's time to spread our wings. How about trying a new variety, one that will challenge those horticultural instincts? Beginner...go for it. Why grow orchids? Because they are exquisite, exotic and beautiful to behold. Better still. They can be grown indoors when treated right. My moth orchid is still blooming and I'm on month three! Although it is beginning to enter the dormant state. As a heads up, most of the photographs in this post are not mine. Womp. Womp. These photographs were taken by my sister at the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory in D.C. She blogs over at Pretty Simple Ideas. Check her out sometime!

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A washable world with Lorena Canals

3/29/2018

People and pets mess up rugs!

I have this dirty little secret. But I'm not ready to divulge it quite yet. First, I want to introduce you to Lorena Canals....a company I spotted after I spotted all the dirt and grime on my pillows and rugs. It was their botanic plants rug that caught my eye. Just my style. Fern fashion marries lush luxury. Then reality set in. People and pets are messy. Rugs get icky. Just being on the floor and all, life happens. If you've ever had a small dog then you know exactly what I'm alluding to. Or kids. Or a baby. Have you ever spoon-fed a 10-month-old baby sweet potatoes on a carpet just for fun? Bad things happen to good rugs. Then I unearthed Lorena Canals and became smitten when it hit me that their rugs and pillows are machine-washable. So many thanks to Lorena Canals for sending me the botanic plants rug and a pillow to review to help me "fern-ish" my style. Worst. Joke. Ever. Seriously, how have I lived so long without them? And are you ready to hear my secret?

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Garden glam glossary N-Z for 2018! What's hot now.

3/20/2018

Vining plants are a big trend for 2018!

It's the year of the easy button. We love our garden but spending all day every day working in it? Bleh. No thanks. It's time to kick back with that lemonade....book in hand actually enjoying the view. If I want a workout, and that's a big "if" - I'll head to the gym. Who needs backbreaking digging to rev up those arm muscles? It's not because I'm lazy, not a bit of it. It's because there's too much on my plate most days. Free time? Relaxation? Pedicures? Nope. Never. When my kids misbehave, I'll send them to their rooms for a time-out. Sometimes they even take a nap while up there. I wish someone would send me to time-out! Please.....anyone.....make me go to my room for an hour so I can get a break! Until that day happens, these are a few trends fueled by the easy life. It's time to picture gardening from a different angle. Let's implement a few techniques today that pave the way for a simpler life. What Tom and I won't do? Sacrifice beautiful, lush gardens. Here's a few suggestions from us A-Z style.....

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Terrific terrariums with $380 OASE biOrbAIR giveaway!

3/14/2018

Isn't it time for that million dollar view? Then what are you waiting for! A glimpse into paradise is what the 16 gallon, acrylic biOrbAIR terrarium is all about. Lush luxury marries innovative technological design. A 360 degree panoramic view. Enter: The age of the terrarium. It's time. To get. Serious. About exotic plants and pets. Orchids, Moss. Air plants. Ferns. Bromeliads. Carnivorous plants. Even a poison dart frog! So let me level with you. I can't afford the trip to see a lush rainforest canopy in person. But a terrarium is doable. I'm positively glowing these days and it's not just from the LED lighting on the terrarium lid. So I hope you are the winner of this incredible biOrbAIR terrarium from OASE. Truly, the Rolls Royce of terrariums. To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. You can earn one entry per day by commenting on any of our blog or Facebook posts. Let us know that you have entered by telling us one plant you'd grow in this terrarium. Do this by scrolling down to the bottom of this post. Please tell us how many entries you have earned. Canadian friends, you are most welcome to enter. Contest ends April 30th!

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Ditch the chemicals with Oleum Vera $85 total giveaway 2 - winners!

3/8/2018

Another year has dawned. Make this the year. The year you go 100% chemical-free both inside and outside your home. I don't have to nag you about how bad chemicals are for your body; you already know that. But how committed are you? Did you know that the average U.S. woman uses 12 personal care products a day, containing 168 different chemicals? And while most men use fewer such products, even they are exposed to 85 chemicals daily. Yikes! Let's vow to do better. So it's my pleasure to introduce to you Oleum Vera, a body care company that puts you in control of your beauty regime. Whether it's for your face, body or hair, Oleum Vera has you covered head to toe with 100% organic ingredients. First place winner gets the "Off To A Good Start" DIY Face Cleansing KIt! (ARV $60) while the second place winner gets the DIY Hair Treatment Kit! (ARV $25). To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. You can earn one entry per day by commenting on any of our blog or Facebook posts. Let us know that you've entered by telling us if you like DIY projects in the comment section. Do this by scrolling down to the bottom of this post. Please tell us how many entries you have earned. Canadian friends, you are most welcome to enter. Contest ends April 10th!

181 Comments

7 Things you need to know about tree removal

3/7/2018

Glorious trees exist in just about every place in the world. Just like other plants they are extremely beneficial to the environment as they breathe in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This improves the air we breathe and the atmosphere. Unfortunately, no matter how much you might love the trees in your yard there are times when they need to be trimmed or removed. On these occasions it is essential that you use a firm specializing in tree removal. This will ensure the process is completed properly and safely. But there are seven aspects of tree removal you might want to know first.

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6 cost-effective ideas to transform your backyard on a budget

3/4/2018

A well-groomed backyard does not just please the eye- it invigorates you. Investing in your landscape improves your mood by creating an area to kick back, relax and enjoy the seasons as they come and go. You want to spend more time out of doors.....right?! Although many of us tend to have big dreams when it comes to decorating or remodeling our backyards, not all of us have a humongous budget to work with. Minor tweaks can seriously enhance the overall appeal of your backyard, you just have to put in a little sweat equity. With spring on the horizon, now is the perfect time to start thinking about tiny and inexpensive changes you can make to your backyard to improve that space. With these small but powerful tips and tricks, you can give your backyard a budget friendly makeover with not too much effort.

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Gifts galore & Uncommon Goods $50 certificate giveaway!

3/1/2018

How do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day? I'm not Irish but it's still fun to make green pancakes. All day we munch on green foods like broccoli, salad and honeydew melon. And who doesn't have a few boxes of Lucky Charms on hand? Then it's Chipotle for dinner. Guacamole is green! While I'm focused on St. Patrick's Day, I'm also starting to appreciate the green, organic life. Eco-friendly products. Gifts for those green gardeners who hope for something off the beaten path. So I'm proud to introduce you once again to Uncommon Goods who never ceases to amaze me with their unique lineup. Today you can win a $50 gift card to their online store. To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. YOU CAN EARN ONE ENTRY PER DAY BY COMMENTING ON ANY OF OUR FACEBOOK POSTS! Let us know that you have entered by telling us how you are unique and uncommon! Do this by scrolling down to the bottom of this post. Please tell us how many entries you have earned. Contest ends March 17th! Happy St. Patrick's Day all!

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Win big for the birds the Blueberry Pie Coneflower or Crab Apple Bird Feeder by Desert Steel - 2 winners!

2/22/2018

In a perfect world....all the color in your garden would derive from flowers. A bright and bold mix of annuals and perennials staggered to reveal the creme de la creme of gardens. But it's not a perfect world. Right?! I find that I like supplementing my garden beds with decor that satisfies my creative instincts and need for color. Unlike flowers, decor requires no care or extra effort. Decor doesn't die from lack of water. For this reason alone, I appreciate the unique, hand-fashioned sculptures of Desert Steel that step in when my flowers fade. Their eye-popping bird feeders lure in a crowd of colorful feathered friends adding depth and dimension to the landscape. So I'm thrilled to introduce you to the standing Blueberry Pie Coneflower (ARV $70) and the hanging Crab Apple bird feeder (ARV $40) from Desert Steel. And you nailed it, this means two winners today!!! To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. YOU CAN EARN ONE ENTRY PER DAY BY COMMENTING ON ANY OF OUR OTHER POSTS. Let us know that you have entered by telling us about your favorite bird. Do this by scrolling down to the bottom of this post and leaving a comment. Please tell us how many entries you have earned. Contest ends March 27!

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Garden glam glossary A to Z for 2018 - What's trending now!

2/15/2018

Indoor hanging gardens are becoming immensely popular.

Trends in fashion change like lightening. This is why I never bother buying new clothes, even from Target. By the time I catch on to what's en vogue....it's already obsolete. Think skinny jeans and cold shoulder shirts. And don't even get me started on fidget spinners! Home decor trends move at a slower pace and gardening even more so. In fact, I bet many of you didn't even think there were trends in gardening. The truth. There is! 2018 is going to be a fun and exciting year for those of us who like to tinker with plants. I have all sorts of projects lined up for this spring and summer to spiff up my lawn and landscape. Not to mention my indoor space. Isn't it time for a terrarium? Buzzwords abound. This is what the future holds for us. How about you?

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3 tips for a less stressful renovation

2/14/2018

Renovating your home can be very stressful and overwhelming. There will be extra people in your home working and it can be loud and messy. It will most likely disrupt your life in some way. Hopefully, these tips will help you get through your renovation with a little less stress.

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How to help your lawn recover from winter injury

2/12/2018

Winter is a beautiful season and it provides ample opportunity for you to enjoy it to the fullest. But while the snow might look stunning on your lawn, it creates havoc on your garden. As soon as the snow melts, you will realize that your carefully maintained lawn is not as manicured and fresh as it was before. Your turf faces the most damaging problems likes snow mold, voles, crown hydration, winter desiccation, and more. It is essential to create an efficient and successful recovery plan to help your lawn get back in shape.

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Burning up the weeds with Flame Engineering & Weed Dragon giveaway ~ 2 winners!

2/6/2018

Disclaimer: Products are provided to Raise Your Garden for a thorough, honest review. We do not receive payment for reviews. Each review takes 5-10 hours of hands-on testing, writing, editing and photography.

To alleviate the stress in your life there are three options: 1.) Get a cat 2.) Fly a kite or 3.) Acquire a Weed Dragon tool from Flame Engineering to root out your problems. Literally. Because that's what the Weed Dragon is designed to do. Blow the weeds right down to their roots and have a marvelous time at it. Weeding. By. Hand. What an outdated practice! Who wants to bend down and yank weeds all day? Most mind-boggling? This fire-breathing torch is equally useful during the winter. Picture all that snow and ice and then see yourself blasting through it with this tool. It's a product that you'll use year-round. No need to store for the dreaded off-season. Big win. That's why I'm thrilled for you and the chance of winning either the Weed Dragon or Mini Weed Dragon from Flame Engineering valued at $82 and $53 respectively. To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. YOU CAN EARN ONE ENTRY PER DAY JUST BY SHARING THIS POST! Let us know that you have entered by telling us if you are an extrovert or an introvert in the comment section. Do this by scrolling down to the bottom of this post. Please tell us how many entries you have earned. Contest ends March 15th!

340 Comments