Spring break is a great opportunity for families to spend quality time together and create lasting memories. However, as teenagers grow older and become more independent, it can be challenging to find activities that everyone will enjoy. Here are some ideas for a fun and memorable spring break family time with teenagers.

ROAD TRIP

A road trip is a great way to explore new places and spend time together as a family. Plan out your route, pack some snacks, and hit the road! Make stops at interesting landmarks, scenic overlooks, or national parks. We like to take this time to combine it with some interesting stops , while our final destination is to visit family/friends out of state.

FAMILY GAME NIGHT

Get the whole family together for a night of games, board games or card games. This is a great way to bond and have some friendly competition. If the weather is nice outside, take it outside and enjoy the fresh air. It is a great way to not be “stuck in the house”.

VOLUNTEER TOGETHER

 Spring break is a perfect time to give back to the community. Consider volunteering at a local food bank, animal shelter, or soup kitchen. It’s a great way to teach your teenagers about the importance of giving back and helping others.

GO HIKING

Get outside and enjoy the fresh air by taking a family hike. Choose a trail that is suitable for all skill levels and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the top of the hike. I will admit, this is not one that my family enjoys, but we have tons of friends that truly enjoy it.

MOVIE MARATHON

Choose a theme for your movie marathon, such as classic movies or movies from a specific genre. Have everyone choose a movie to watch and enjoy some popcorn and snacks. My family will tell you how much time and effort I put into family movie night and then I am the first one to pass out while watching the movie. It has actually became a family joke

FAMILY OUTING

Take the whole family to an amusement park, a museum, or a sporting event. This is a great way to have some fun together and create some great memories.

CAMPING

Camping is a great mini vacation for families to do together. Teenagers can spend time getting away from technology for a day or so. Although in our family, we usually camp where you can get at least a minimum of service so my teens usually are still able to use their phones. Time around a campfire is always a family favorite. This is a perfect time to take the time to share memories with them that will last a lifetime.

Spring break is an opportunity for families to spend quality time together and bond. With a little planning, you can create a fun and memorable spring break for your family that everyone will enjoy.

As you start to think about flower gardening, I thought I would give you a list of the top 10 flowers to plant in the spring.

Spring is the perfect time to start planting flowers, as the weather starts to warm up and the days get longer. We are getting close to being ready to start planting some flowers here in middle Tennessee. Although, I do think we will have one more good cold snap, then we can get serious about some planting! Be sure to check out my article, Tips for Spring Gardening before you get started planting this season!

There are many beautiful flowers to choose from, but some stand out as the most popular choices for spring planting. Here are the top 10 flowers to plant in the spring.

• Daffodils – Daffodils are one of the most iconic spring flowers, with their trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and white.
  
• Tulips – Tulips come in a wide variety of colors and bloom shapes, from traditional single-petaled tulips to fringed and double-petaled varieties.
  
• Hyacinths – These fragrant flowers come in shades of pink, blue, and white and are often planted in clusters for a dramatic effect.
  
• Crocuses – Crocuses are small but mighty spring flowers, with delicate blooms in shades of purple, yellow, and white.
• Iris – These elegant flowers come in a range of colors, from deep purples and blues to soft pinks and yellows.
• Lilacs – Known for their sweet fragrance and beautiful blooms, lilacs come in shades of pink, white, and purple.
• Pansies – Pansies are a popular choice for early spring planting, with their bright, cheerful blooms in shades of yellow, orange, blue, and purple.
• Primroses – These pretty flowers come in shades of pink, purple, yellow, and white and are perfect for brightening up shady areas of the garden.
• Ranunculus – These showy blooms come in a range of colors, from bold reds and pinks to soft pastels.
• Sweet Peas – These delicate, sweet-smelling flowers come in shades of pink, purple, white, and red and are often grown on trellises for support.

These top 10 spring flowers offer a range of colors, sizes, and fragrances, making them perfect for any garden. There are a ton of ways to purchase your flowers for the season. You can start with you local gardeing center or try some online ordering. I have used Cottage Farms for a lot of my flowers in the past several years and been very happy with their plants.

With a little planning and preparation, you can create a beautiful spring garden that will bring joy and beauty to your outdoor space.

A successful garden starts with good soil. In this article, you’ll find tips for preparing your garden’s soil with proper techniques. Before planting anything, it is important to make sure your soil is healthy, nutrient-rich, and well-draining. Here are some tips and techniques for preparing soil for your garden.

TEST YOUR SOIL

The first step in preparing your soil is to test it. You can buy a soil testing kit at a garden center. Personally, I just went to my local Lowe’s and bought one for about $15. A soil test will tell you the pH level of your soil, which is important because different plants have different pH requirements. It will also tell you the levels of important nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, so you can make any necessary adjustments.

REMOVE WEEDS AND DEBRIS

Before planting anything, you need to clear the area of weeds and debris. Weeds can steal nutrients from your plants, and debris can make it difficult to work with the soil. Use a hoe or a rake to remove any large weeds or rocks. You can also use a weed killer to get rid of any stubborn weeds.

ADD ORGANIC MATTER

Adding organic matter to your soil is one of the best things you can do to improve its health. Organic matter such as compost, leaf mold, or manure can improve soil structure, increase soil fertility, and improve drainage. Spread a layer of organic matter over the soil and work it in with a garden fork or tiller. The amount you need will depend on the size of your garden and the current state of your soil.

ADJUST PH LEVELS

If your soil test reveals that your soil is too acidic or too alkaline, you will need to adjust the pH levels. Adding lime to your soil can raise the pH, while adding sulfur can lower it. Follow the instructions on the product you choose, and be careful not to add too much, as this can harm your plants. This can be a game changer!

ADD FERTILIZER

If your soil test reveals that your soil is low in nutrients, you will need to add fertilizer. There are many different types of fertilizer, so choose one that is appropriate for your plants and soil type. Follow the instructions on the package carefully, and be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can harm your plants.

TILL THE SOIL

Once you have added organic matter, adjusted pH levels, and added fertilizer, it’s time to till the soil. Tilling helps to mix the amendments into the soil, break up clumps, and create a level surface for planting. Use a garden tiller or a hoe to till the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. On a personal level, I usually just turn the soil using a hoe.

MULCH

Mulch, mulch, mulch! Mulch helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Spread a layer of mulch over the soil after planting. You can use organic mulch such as bark chips or leaves, or inorganic mulch such as gravel or landscape fabric. In my opinion, this is one of the best things you can do to prepare your garden’s soil for a successful planting season!

Preparing soil for your garden may seem like a lot of work, but it is an essential step in ensuring a successful harvest. Now that you have prepared your soil for your garden, be sure to stop by and checkout some Tips on the top 10 flowers to plant this spring!
Remember, by testing your soil, adding organic matter, adjusting pH levels, adding fertilizer, tilling the soil, and mulching, you will create a healthy, nutrient-rich environment for your plants to thrive in.