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The Best of Shifting Roots 2017

December 31, 2017

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Hard to believe that 2017 is almost at a close.  Here’s a look at some of the most popular and talked about posts this year.  I’d love to know your favourite in the comments!

The Post that Got Picked Up by Viral Nova

Last Easter I tried over 30 different methods of dying eggs naturally.  I document all my successes and failures and tell you which ones are worth your time.

P.S. If you need a way to eat all of those hard boiled eggs, head on over to Cheesy Eggs on Toast.  You’ll thank me later 🙂

Most Loved on Instagram

You guys went crazy for my riffs on minimal wreaths.  Both the spring and Christmas versions made it on to my top 9!

Easy Christmas decor that doesn’t take up all my budget? Yes please! ?Today on the blog I’m showing you how to make this minimalist rustic Christmas wreath for $10 or less! ❄️Link in bio ❄️

A post shared by Kristen Raney (@shifting_roots) on Dec 7, 2017 at 8:19am PST

I just have to share one more shot of these gorgeous DIY floral wreath hoops. So much gratitude to @twigandbloomyxe @karyn.kimberley @loveandlaceeventdesign for the event back in February where I learned the basics that helped me create this DIY. . . . . #flowersoftheday #backyardflorist #sodarling #pursuepretty #peonyflower #petalsandprops #petalsandblooms #summerblooms #yxe #makersgonnamake #ihavethisthingwithflowers #weekendwithtextures #canadianblogger #flowerdiy #florallove

A post shared by Kristen Raney (@shifting_roots) on Jun 22, 2017 at 9:16pm PDT

 

The Post that You Related To

In February, I asked what kind of post I should write to commemorate one year of blogging.  You said personal and I got personal.

It was one of the hardest posts I’ve ever written and it was terrifying to be that vulnerable.

But it had been on my heart for a long time and a lot of you commented or messaged me privately, saying that you could relate.

The Time You Helped me Figure Out How to Fit a Grand Piano in a Small Space

I came to you with a problem on Facebook, and you delivered.  While I haven’t compiled our process into a blog post quite yet, there will be a guide coming soon.

In the mean time, you can read a little about the saga of getting the grand piano into our 1000 square foot home and some of the furniture arranging process.

The Recipe You Had to Try

2018 was the year people actually made my recipes.  I love when you send me a picture of how it turned out for you.

This year, everyone wanted to try the Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes.  Haven’t tried them yet?  Don’t wait until next fall!

The Renovation that Finally Happened

2017 was the year of the great bathroom reveal.  You can see the before here and the reveal here.  If you like a good dose of Drama, you’ll want to read Why my Renovation is Like a Bad Episode on HGTV.

I’m hoping to finish the rest of the main floor by February so I can do a whole house reveal.

The Post that Went Viral

My friends constantly ask me what perennials they should plant in their yards, so I thought I would write a big list of what to plant and what not to plant.  It may also have been fuelled by having to pick over 120 ferns out of my overgrown flower beds this year alone…

Anyone want a fern this spring?

I digress.

If you’re looking for some good information and entertaining comments, you’ll want to read Gardener’s Worst Nightmares: 28 Perennials You’ll Regret Planting.

Thank You Readers!

I love writing this blog and I’m honoured every day that you, dear reader, are here, choosing to read it.  Thank you for all your comments, likes and shares, and for being the people that I can turn to when I need a second opinion about how to arrange my furniture.

Thanks for a great 2017 and all the best in the New Year!

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Kristen Raney

Kristen is a former farm kid turned urban gardener who owns the popular gardening website, Shifting Roots.  She is obsessed with growing flowers and pushing the limits of what can be grown in her zone 3b garden.  She also loves to grow tomatoes, but oddly enough, dislikes eating them raw.

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Filed Under: Blogging, Fun Tagged: New Year, review, top posts

About Kristen Raney

Kristen is a former farm kid turned urban gardener who owns the popular gardening website, Shifting Roots.  She is obsessed with growing flowers and pushing the limits of what can be grown in her zone 3b garden.  She also loves to grow tomatoes, but oddly enough, dislikes eating them raw.

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Welcome!

Hi, I'm Kristen and I help new gardeners learn to grow their own vegetables and beautify their yards. I also share recipes that use all that delicious garden produce. Grab a coffee (and your gardening gloves) and join me for gardening tips, simple recipes, and the occasional DIY, all from the lovely city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

P.S. First time gardener? You'll want to download the quick start gardening guide below!

Recent Posts

  • 5 Easy Ways to Increase Pollination in Your Vegetable Garden
  • Bloom Times: What Cut Flowers Grow When in Zone 3
  • The Best Vegetables & Flowers to Start with Winter Sowing
  • 21 Cut Flowers to Grow in Part Shade
  • The Best Grow Lights for Seedlings (from Budget to Bougie)

Welcome!

Hi, I’m Kristen and I help new gardeners learn to grow their own vegetables and beautify their yards. I also share recipes that use all that delicious garden produce. Grab a coffee (and your gardening gloves) and join me for gardening tips, simple recipes, and the occasional DIY, all from the lovely city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

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I love seeing the world through this loving boy’ I love seeing the world through this loving boy’s eyes.  Honestly, I’ve been so sick that I wasn’t really in the mood to “do Valentines Day” but there was this sweet little voice going on about how excited he was for today and how much he loves his family and I just couldn’t resist.  So whether you’re on your own, part of a couple, or in the thick of life-with-littles craziness, Happy Valentines Day!

#valentinesday2020 #mylittlevalentine #boymomlife #lifewithlittles
How do you pass a cold -28 day? By planning your How do you pass a cold -28 day?  By planning your garden, of course!  Today in my stories I’ll be going through the steps I take to start planning everything out.  I’m curious, do you start planning now or wait until the last minute?

P.S.  want your own copy of this planner?  This is the newly updated paid version and it’s on sale by itself from now until Sunday for only $5.  If you’re from Canada, use the code CANADA to make $5 USD be closer to $5 CAD.  Head over to the link in my bio to get yours.

#gardenplanning #gardenplanner #gardenersofinstagram #gardenersofig #organizedlife #organizedliving #wintergardening
Curious about growing lettuce indoors? My experim Curious about growing lettuce indoors?  My experiment is a success so far, although it’s still going to be awhile before I’m eating another salad off of them.

Okay, so maybe a little rant today.  I think sometimes in the gardening space we’re guilty of making things seem easier than they are.  Myself included.  This lettuce project is a case in point.

Was it easy?  Yes.  But will it provide me with endless salads all winter long? Nope.  Or at least not at this scale.  I’m going to estimate that I’d need at least 15 plants this size, especially since it’s winter and everything just grows slower.  And I’m the only person in my family who really eats salad.

In conclusion, this is a fun project to pass the winter, and not a truly sustainable source of lettuce.

Thoughts?

#growinglettuce #eatwhatyougrow #growwhatyoueat #wintergardening #indoorgardening #plantproject #sustainablefood #gardenersofinstagram #gardenerslife #northerngardening
Part of the mystery of seed starting is knowing ex Part of the mystery of seed starting is knowing exactly what to start when.  Every two weeks, I'll be posting these handy guides so you have enough time to order your seeds and be ready to plant when it's time for your area.  To find out when these veggies, herbs, and flowers need to be started where you live. . . ⁠
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1. Search out your area's last frost date.  There are plenty of calculators on the Internet.⁠
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2. Count backwards 8 weeks from that date.⁠
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3. Start these seeds when that date hits.⁠
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If you follow me because we're in similar zones--don't panic, it's not time yet!! I won't be starting my 10 week seeds for another two weeks, and even that is slightly on the early side. (I'm starting everything a bit early so I can hopefully plant it out before baby gets here--I won't be physically able to do it after.) I like posting the info early for followers in warmer zones and so you can save it and still have time to order/buy seeds & supplies.⁠
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Which one of these are you most excited to start?⁠
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#seedstarting #seedlings #homegardener #northerngardener #homesteading #urbandhomesteading #homesteadingskills #gardenlife #gardenlifestyle #startingseeds
Eeeek!!! My luffa seedlings are up!! I’m growing Eeeek!!! My luffa seedlings are up!! I’m growing the whole seed packet in hopes that a few of these little luffa babies will provide me with zero waste sponges that I can use for home cleaning, and as an exfoliant in home made beauty products.

The catch?

These plants are notoriously hard to grow, especially when you live somewhere cold with a really cold growing season—and if they get a hint of frost on them they turn to mush and all my hard work is ruined.

Gulp.

But gardeners are born optimists, so I’m giving it a shot—because you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

P.S. if you’re trying luffa in zone 3 like me, just basically ignore all the directions on the seed packet.  Start them immediately (two weeks ago would have been ideal) and follow along because I’ll show you exactly what to do and when.  I’ll be popping these under a grow light once the sun goes down.

#luffagourd #luffa #loofah #seedlings #seedstarting #northerngardening #northerngardener #gardenersofinstagram #gardenersofig #mygardenthismonth #gardenlife #canadiangardening
This weekend I took a big leap of faith. I came t This weekend I took a big leap of faith.  I came to New York to meet with other content creators/business owners to dig deep into what we do and create a strategy around our messaging.  I don’t even know how to properly describe what all went down, but is was incredibly life changing and I really feel connected to this tribe of women who are committed to playing to win and being the people our businesses need us to be.  I’m so excited to share what I’ve planned for my business with you in the coming months.

#playtowin #gardenblogger #businessowner #wahmlife
Is there such a thing as a no-fail houseplant? I Is there such a thing as a no-fail houseplant?  I think the Sansevera or Snake Plant or Mother-in-law’s tongue comes close.  Sure, it might be the vanilla of the plant-loving world, but it is so good for so many situations!⁠
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It can handle you forgetting to water it, low light, or bright light.  It is somewhat forgiving if you are an over-waterer. ⁠
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I’ve had this one for 2 or 3 years now and I keep getting rewarded with more spikes.⁠
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Plant lovers, is there another houseplant you think would be perfect for beginners?⁠
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#crazyplantlady #houseplantsofig #houseplantsofinstagram #snakeplant #houseplantlove
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