There is a new way to grow a garden and it couldn’t be simpler or smarter at the same time.  Gro-ables are a garden starter kit, in simple pod form.

Each pod is planted int he ground and watered. Then before you know it, it sprouts and you have garden full of fresh vegetables.  Is this an over simplified explanation?  No, it isn’t.  Each pod contains growing material, plant food, and a seed.  The growing material nestles the seed perfectly, and when watered, delivers the perfect amount to bring about root growth which then grows into the plant food giving the plant the boost it needs to grow big and green. It brings you the most delicious garden greens and vegetables.  From herbs, to vegetables, and even lettuce- there are lots of choices to pick from.

In addition to the pod itself, there is also a Gro-ables app which helps you remember to water and cultivate your new garden and makes sure your Gro-ables do grow.

“At Miracle-Gro®, we believe that there’s a lot to learn from even the smallest plants. So we started The Gro–ables® Project: a movement to share the joy of growing herbs and veggies while giving kids truly hands-on learning experiences. Join us by planting your own Gro–ables, taking part in the activities below and sharing your story!”

Gro Ables are available everywhere plants are sold as well as online.  They are available as Jalapeno peppers, basil, cherry tomato, cucumber, globe tomato, lettuce, sweet peppers, watermelon, zucchini, and broccoli.

These are prefect for those of us with a less then green thumb, and little kids who want to help in the garden. My son loves gardening, and these are a welcome addition to our annual vegetable garden.  Every year we try to grow some new things in addition to our regular garden, and these will be fun (now that the weather has finally started to cooperate!)

Spring is finally starting to show up for us here in the North East.  Now that we are spending more time outside, we must also think of proper protection from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays, specifically UVA and UVB rays.  UVA and UVB light has been proven to be harmful, but with the proper protection spring and summer fun is still safe.  Don’t wait for the hot days alone- you can burn in cooler weather as well if it is still sunny.  These UV rays are prevalent whenever the sun is out and can lead to big problems later on in life, with conditions from short term effects like skin peeling and blistering to long term effects such as melanoma.  Safety should always be your first prerogative, and it’s easy with proper skin protection such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.

Blue Lizard is a sun protection lotion from Australia that is now made in the good old USA.  Blue Lizard is also the brand most recommended by pediatricians, dermatologists, pharmacists, and moms that know a thing or two, nationwide (as per their website). Blue Lizard will help keep your entire family safe during all manner of fun in the sun.  This includes water activities with the sports formula, which is meant to withstand up to 240 minutes in whirlpool water (longer then most other brands).  There is also a sensitive formula which is specially formulated for everyday protection on the face and body, involving no potentially irritating chemicals.  Baby, face, and regular formulas are also available varieties of Blue Lizard.

The product itself which originated in Australia, where standards for sunscreen are the highest in the world and adhere to strict standards. This offers the most advanced formulations available in sun protection.  Even the bottle is made to remind you to protect the ones you love, changing to blue in the presence of harmful UV light.

Blue Lizard sunscreen is available online and at a store near you.  So keep your family safe and still have a great time in the sun this Summer.