Grow Plants in a Jiffy: Seed Starter Palate Product Test

Dilemma: I needed to grow plants quickly for Mother's Day and read about using seed starter kits.  I thought I'd give it a shot with a 4 week deadline.

Procedure:  We grew Dollar Store Morning Glory Seeds 4 for $1 in a Jiffy Greenhouse 24 count by McKenzie Seed purchased at Home Depot. The Jiffy Palate has a peat formula wrapped in a netting material.   A small one costs around $5.  Students pushed the seeds down into each palate and watered them daily.

Results:  In 7 days we had sprouts.  We transplanted them into Dollar store plastic pots 12 for $1 and the students decorated them with stickers.  (Caution:  These pots are thin and very small).  After 3 more weeks we had leaves and vines.

I laminated tissue paper, cut it into 8 x 8 inch squares, and used it as an outer wrap folding it around the plant and securing with gift wrap tape. Each student took a plant home to their Moms for Mother's Day.  The students report that the plants are still growing!

Let's Do Lunch

Lunch Preparation in a Snap
In these difficult times of financial instability we all are tightening our belts.  One sure way is to bring lunches a few times each week to work.  How do you do it if you are so busy? It is not as difficult as it seems. Here are some tips on fast and easy meal planning.

• Purchase a well insulated lunch bag.  Most look like totes serving double duty while holding other needed items.  Big Lots has mini coolers or you can get fashionable insulated lunch totes at A.C. Moore
• During supper clean up store left overs in small plastic containers portioning out each serving for the next day's lunch. Labeling them for each day of the week.  Color code for each person.
• Purchase packs of your favorite muffins or croissants and split them into quart sized ziplock bags.  
• Store apples, oranges, and pears in small baby food or mason jars for quick easy access. Squeeze lemon juice over the apples to prevent browning.
• Buy a large tub of yogurt and split it into separate containers. 
• Purchase granola, seeds, nuts in the bulk section of the market and store in small plastic containers.
• Cut up celery, carrots, peppers, and other veggies store in a mason jar and refrigerate.
• Product List

Ziplock - Store and seal containers
A.C. Moore - Nicoles Boutique Lunch Tote