Month: January 2021

A Slow and Simple January

Leave a comment

We have enjoyed a slow and simple January in our home, and it has been absolutely perfect.

Not that our home life is “perfect,” but it is pretty wonderful. I’m determined to make my home a sanctuary from the outside world. I want to combat the noise with the good and the lovely.

January is such a good time to slow down. Days are short, and so much of the outdoor plant life has gone to sleep. It is a time to reflect, and enjoy this time of solace before spring arrives.

You can even find me in my pajamas on some days, which is usually a no-no for me. But I’ve decided to give myself some grace since the world news has been upsetting.

Funny story. I went to check the mail in my pajamas one afternoon, not realizing that my husband would be arriving home earlier than usual that day. When I heard a vehicle approaching, I quickly hid behind a tree…I didn’t want anyone to see me in my pajamas! It turned out to be my husband, and he was quite surprised when I jumped out at him from behind the tree, ha!

We’ve been baking all types of bread, and I ordered a new plant-based meal cook book. The process of baking bread takes time, and it definitely clears my mind. I also have ordered an abundance of seeds from Baker Creek and Totally Tomato. I’m waiting on about 300 onion starts to arrive from Dixondale Farms. Gardening is not only therapeutic to me, but ordering seeds is, too. Such hope is found when starting seeds. I’ve truly enjoyed curling up on my bed and browsing through virtual seed catalogs this month.

Speaking of seeds, last week I shared how to start seeds indoors if you would like to check it out.

We are enjoying working on things outdoors, when we find the time. But for the most part you can find us indoors, working on a handicraft or reading a book.

Speaking of reading, even our homeschool has seemed to slow down this month. There has been lots of books and quiet conversation. Now, this isn’t always the case. There usually can be some excitement found in a large family!

Now is a good time to simplify your systems before spring arrives. I’ve been reevaluating our schedules, and thinking of ways to streamline our activities.

I hope you are encouraged to enjoy your home this month. May your winter be warm, slow, and simple.

How to Start Seeds Indoors + I’d Love to Send You Some Seeds!

1 Comment

Ah, it’s almost time to start some seeds!

This is one of my favorite times of the year. Planting a garden represents so much hope for the future!

Last year was the first time I had a decent seed starting set up, and I would love to share it with you! It was simple, inexpensive, and a great way to start seeds.

First of all, I sent my husband off to Walmart and Lowe’s. Moses was only a few months old and hated car rides at the time, so unfortunately I stayed home. My mission was simple. I wanted a cheap seed starting set up that would reside in our bedroom.

(As a side note, grow lights can be pretty intense and are perfectly suited for a basement, closet, or room that isn’t used often to protect little eyes from constant exposure. We were bursting at the seams last year and our bedroom was the best option.)

He came home with exactly what I asked for. Two $17 black plastic shelving units, non-LED shop lights, and hardware to hook the lights to the shelving.

(Trying out the system before we planted seeds.)

My husband set it up, and we were ready to go!  We set up the lights pretty close to the seedling trays to keep them from getting leggy. I opted for shop lights since they were less expensive than official grow lights, and they get the job done. Any type of water resistant shelving would work well for starting seeds.

To start the seeds, I used grow trays and seed starting mix from Walmart. This year I purchased seed trays from Amazon. It is super important to keep the soil moist before germination occurs. It’s also important to use a well draining soil. Regular garden soil would impede root growth in your seedlings. I used a spray bottle to water the seedlings.

I also used a heat mat underneath my tomato and pepper starts. The top of the refrigerator is also a good warm place to put your seeds until they germinate. Once you see little seedlings, it is time to put them back underneath your grow lights.

Once your seedlings grow a couple of inches tall, it is time to up-pot them. Raise up those grow lights to accomodate the larger pots.

Once the days grew longer, we started to set the seedlings out on the porch to harden them off. But inside they came during cool nights.



(All of my little seedlings! I poked holes in the bottom of the strofoam cups with a pen to encourage drainage.)

I highly recommend “Clyde’s Garden Planner” to learn when the appropriate time to start and plant seeds is for your area. It is around six dollars, and is very helpful.

Not all of the seedlings made it, but the vast majority did! It was so satisfying to see them growing in my garden later that spring.


This year I’m even more excited to start seeds. Our new home has so much more useable outdoor space!

I would love to be a blessing to you by sending a small package of seeds for you to add to your garden! If interested, please send your mailing address to me at randncrone@gmail.com.

Have you ever started seeds indoors? It is absolutely lovely to play in the dirt and get a taste of spring while still in the middle of winter!

This post includes affiliate links.