Spring is in the air; the chirping birds and warm air call you outdoors. It’s the perfect time to start your garden. Even as a beginning gardener, you can find plants and flowers to bring you joy throughout the summer. Carrots and radishes are quick, easy, and grow well in most areas. Carrots are versatile veggies great for snacking and cooking; even your dogs will love them! They need to be planted early, though, as they take about three months to germinate. Radishes are cool-season vegetables you can start indoors and plant outside after the last frost. Other vegetables can also be started from seed indoors in late February to early March. Try cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, leeks, endive, and lettuce. Later, in mid to late March, you can start peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, Swiss chard, and tomatillos indoors. Wait to plant your seeds and seedlings in the ground until two weeks after the last frost. Some early cold-tolerant vegetables, like cabbage, broccoli, and head lettuce, can go in the ground early to mid-March. A SPRING GARDENING GUIDE Grow Your Green Thumb This Spring
Heat-loving plants like peppers, okra, and eggplant that grow slowly can also be planted in March. Tomatoes are the stars of many gardens. It is best to wait until early April to plant them, though. They are like Goldilocks and prefer everything just right — not too cold or hot. We can’t talk about gardening without giving a few helpful tips for adding color. Plant hydrangea, aster, pansy, sweet peas, garden mums, and Oriental lilies in the spring to invite pollinators and provide blooming color throughout the summer. Spring bulbs, like crocus and daffodils, are the first to bloom. Sometimes, they will even bloom when there is a bit of snow on the ground. But it is best to plant bulbs in the fall so they have time to settle in their roots. A gardener’s best friend is the USDA Hardiness Zone Map. Since most states include three different growing zones, it is a handy resource to choose the best plants for your area. The website at PlantHardiness. ars.usda.gov has a wealth of information, including tips for easy maintenance. So, grab your gloves, get your seeds, and enjoy watching your garden grow!
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee Natural Alternatives to Commercial Teeth Whitening
Benefits: Hydrogen peroxide has natural bleaching properties that can lighten tooth color. Ensure proper dilution to prevent irritation. Apple Cider Vinegar Method: Gargle with diluted apple cider vinegar, or apply it directly to your teeth and rinse after a few minutes. Benefits: Despite its acidity, apple cider vinegar may have whitening effects due to its acetic acid content. However, regular use should be approached cautiously to avoid enamel erosion. Activated Charcoal Method: Brush your teeth with activated charcoal powder. Benefits: Charcoal is known for its absorbent properties, attracting stains and toxins. However, use it sparingly to prevent abrasion. Fruits and Vegetables Method: Include crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery in your diet. Benefits: The abrasive texture of these foods can help remove surface stains. Additionally,
Achieving a dazzling white smile is a common aspiration, and while commercial teeth-whitening products are prevalent, many seek natural alternatives. Here's a guide to natural solutions that may help whiten your teeth. Oil Pulling Method: Swish a tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil in your mouth for about 15-20 minutes, then spit it out. Benefits: Oil pulling is believed to reduce bacteria and plaque, promoting oral hygiene and potentially contributing to a brighter smile. Baking Soda Method: Create a paste by mixing baking soda with water and brush your teeth with it. Benefits: Baking soda's mild abrasiveness may help remove surface stains, revealing whiter teeth. However, use it sparingly to avoid enamel damage. Hydrogen Peroxide Method: Use hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash or mix it with baking soda to form a paste.
they stimulate saliva production, which assists in
maintaining oral health. Dietary Adjustments
Method: Limit the consumption of staining foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries. Benefits: Prevention is key. By minimizing exposure to staining agents, you can maintain a whiter smile. While these natural methods may offer gradual improvements, it's essential to approach teeth whitening with realistic expectations. Regular oral hygiene practices such as brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings contribute significantly to a healthy and radiant smile. Consult our office before trying any new whitening regimen, especially if you have underlying dental concerns.
–Cheyenne & Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienists
2 | Elkins Dental
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