By Mindy McIntosh-Shetter

Pets, for many years, have been left out of the mix when it comes to gardening.

Ones pets can use many of the fresh vegetables and herbs that are grown in the vegetable garden.

A simple project can be designed to address your pet’s need for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Dogs

Dogs are natural chewers and when placed in an indoor environment can cause havoc. It is easier to provide ones dog with acceptable items to chew verses retraining. Toys are a good choice but they do not provide the fiber that your dog is looking for when they chew on plant material. To supplement their need for fiber and address their chewing habit, one can grow some simple, organic grass.

Organic grass can easily be grown in a container that is located on the floor of your dog’s indoor environment. When raising the grass though, do not use commercial fertilizer or premade soil with slow-release fertilizer. Fertilizer, that is not organic, can be toxic to ones dog.

Cats

Cats are also chewers when it comes to Read the rest of this entry »

By Vanessa Richins

I recently moved into a new apartment and discovered that one of my roommates owned a cat.

One of the cat’s newest hobbies is to jump up on the table where my houseplants are to investigate.

She’s even managed to start chewing on them.

My poor snake plant has a chunk taken out of one spike, and I think the pothos, schefflera and ficus are also under possible attack.

As much as I think cats are nice, I’d also like to have nice, healthy plants. I recently asked for suggestions from my beloved Twitter friends.

Bitter apple or pepper spray:

Several people suggested that I spray the plants with a bitter apple or pepper solution. These tastes horrible and deters the cat from chewing. You can buy bitter apple spray at pet stores. As for pepper spray, you could simply add some Tabasco to some water and spray on your plants.

Aluminum Foil:

Someone suggested that you could Read the rest of this entry »