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As someone who doesn’t have a backyard, I miss gardening greatly. But, with a green thumb and a little bit of ingenuity, gardening indoors is possible. Growing fruits and vegetables in your home can be simply satisfying — seeing something grow from a seedling to something we eat can be deeply rewarding, not to mention delicious to consume.

1. Avocado

Avocado trees can be grown indoors and produce a delicious fruit that is full of iron and vitamin E. The best way to grow avocados is to purchase a small avocado plant and place it in an area with high ceilings, because it can grow to over 11 ft. high (though this takes a number of years)! Make sure to plant with sand in the bottom of the pot to avoid the avocados becoming waterlogged. Potted plants can sometimes become clogged with water and then the plant itself drowns. Water daily, and prune the shoots for optimal growth.

2. Microgreens

Microgreens includes sprouts, radishes, kale, swiss chard, or beets. Fill a shallow tray with soil and moisten with water. Sprinkle the seeds evenly and place in direct sunlight, preferably on a windowsill. If you do not have access to direct sunlight, grow lights that can be purchased at most local gardening stores. Water with a light spray bottle daily so the sensitive plants won’t become waterlogged. Microgreens are relatively easy to grow and taste delectable in a summer salad.

3. Herbs

The easiest edible plants to grow in both indoor and outdoor gardens are herbs. Dill, basil, and rosemary are popular options and will leave your living space smell delightful. Planting in a shallow planter similar to microgreens and placing close to sunlight will help the herbs grow. Basil needs as much sunlight as possible. Remember to prune the herbs so that they flourish.

4. Lemons

Lemons can be used to flavour dishes and adds a refreshing taste to a cool glass of water in the summer months. Purchase a two to three year old dwarf lemon plant from a nursery and put it in a pot that is slightly bigger than the bulb of the plant. Use a draining plate in the bottom of the pot to catch extra water. Mist the leaves with water and keep the soil moist. Lemons need at least 12 hours of sunlight daily to thrive.

5. Oranges

Similar to lemons, dwarf orange trees can grow successfully indoors while potted. Purchase a tree from a nursery and pot it with a draining plate to allow access water to leave the soil. Spray the leaves and keep soil moist in the sunshine. Buying both an orange and lemon plant together would be a worthy purchase considering their care is so similar.

Get growing indoors, and enjoy the increase in oxygen flow in your home, and fresh food on your table. What do you grow indoors?

With spring hopefully on its way, working out at the gym is a good way to wake the body up and prepare for the summer season. Here are some essential items needed to ensure that your workout is a success.

1.Supportive Sports Bra

A supportive sports bra is a must when you are working out in the gym. It is important to keep the ladies in check, and a quality sports bra increases comfort while exercising. When buying, avoid compression sports bras. They flatten the tissues in the breast and can cause pain during a work-out. They also provide little support for the breasts and decrease elasticity. Instead, look for a sports bra with cups and additional side panels for support. Adjustable straps help to customize the sports bra to each individual, and reduce bounce as well. Supportive sports bras start at $40, and are an affordable purchase for a better work-out.

2. Light-weight runners

Have you ever experienced being at the gym and suddenly you hear somebody stomping on the treadmill like they are a herd of angry horses? That is because they do not have a light-weight runners. Heavy shoes make a work-out more difficult especially in the cardio portion of a work-out routine. Having a more aerodynamic shoe can help increase performance at the gym. The Nike Air Zeus Pegasus 32 is a good example of a 2016 light-weight running shoe and runs at $110. Of course, other comparable options are available.

5.BPA-free Water Bottle

A BPA-free water bottle is vital for a workout, enhancing performance and avoiding dehydration. Every 2 per cent of body weight lost in fluid decreases athletic performance by 25 per cent according to Human Kinetics. Drinking water will allow you a more fulfilling exercise routine. Make sure your water bottle is BPA-free. Add ice to cool the water for a refreshing drink during and after workout. Also include some snacks such as trail mix or a clif bar for a post-workout snack.

4. Earphones that stay in

Listening to music while working out will help increase motivation and keep you focused at the gym. It can be really frustrating if your earphones are constantly falling out and you have to stop your workout in order to put them back in. Instead, find some great buds that will stay in and give you the musical motivation needed to succeed. Philips Earhook headphones are a good option. The earphones hook over the ears, anchors them down and keeps them stay in place while exercising. Buying earphones with an adjustable cord helps them stay in.

5. Facial wipes for post-workout

The sweatier the better after a great workout. Yet if you have sweat dripping down your face, how can you leave the gym looking like you just ran a marathon? Facial wipes solve the problem and are also refreshing after spiking your body temperature on the treadmill. Portable facial wipes are a quick way to get rid of sweat. An additional benefit is wipes help to alleviate potential acne which can be caused by sweating profusely.

With these workout essentials, it will make your gym workout much more enjoyable. Being prepared will make your exercise routine flawless. Furthermore, you’ll soon be on your way to fitting into that short summer dress tucked away in your closet.

water bottle

Five vegetables and fruits to grow indoors

Essential gear for a great workout