Impatiently awaiting the arrival of spring? Garden pro Warren Schultz shares his no-fail advice for getting a jump on the growing season.

See more from CountryLiving.com:

7 Uncommon Indoor Plants »

Best Seed Sources »

The 10 Most Common Nursery Mistakes »

Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.

If you long for the ability to garden but lack the green thumb that some people possess, I've got the perfect solution for you. Adding succulents to your home requires little maintenance and can be an easy way to add a little green to your life. During the winter, days can be dreary, and, if you live in the North, all your outdoor plants and flowers likely have wilted and died after suffering from freezing temperatures. Therefore, now is the perfect time to try your hand at some indoor planting! A foolproof way to garden, planting succulents can survive even the poorest of gardeners, so why not try your hand at adding some to your home? Click through for 7 simple ways to add some green indoors! - By Melanie Blodgett

MORE ON BABBLE

15 gorgeous flowers to plant for spring

10 all-natural cleaners you can make at home

10 simple changes you can go to make green this year

I know it's the middle of January but my garage is still piled high with cardboard boxes from Christmas packages. Please tell me I'm not the only one! I always get a little stir crazy at this time of year, so instead of sending them all to the recycling bin, I thought maybe to help beat some of my cabin fever, I'd make some fun toys for Beck. Here are 7 fun projects I came across while brainstorming about what to create. - By Melanie Blodgett

MORE ON DISNEY BABY

10 genius ideas for storing your kid's toys

6 eco-friendly stuffed animals your children will love

10 little ways to make a big statement in the nursery

One of my favorite things about January is getting garden seed catalogs in the mail. I love reading all the descriptions of flowers and sketching out garden ideas for the upcoming warmer months. I have just a little plot of land but I'd love to fill it with flowers this spring. I'll definitely be starting with sweet peas. which can be planted as early as February! Here are 7 seeds to buy now for your spring garden. - By Chelsea Fuss

MORE ON BABBLE

10 simple changes you can make to go green this year

The 25 greenest homes in the world

16 all-natural household cleaners that actually work

Source: 10 Frugal Ways to Live Chemical-Free

Living chemical-free seems like a luxury - after all, those organic products tend to be pricier. But is it worth the cost? Beth Greer, an environmental health consultant and the author of Super Natural Home, warns that the chemicals can "act as endocrine disruptors - substances that interfere with our natural hormones." This may lead to the worsening of conditions like allergies and asthma and other symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and headaches. Prolonged exposure may even lead to more devastating health problems.

For those who are resolving to start living a more chemical-free life this year, Greer has some budget-friendly tips on how to make the change:

• Switch it up. "Start with the foods and products you use most often and switch out just one in each category. For example, if you drink milk, switch to organic milk (without pesticides and growth hormones); switch just one lipstick to a natural one; choose a natural deodorant."

I have allergies and a sensitivity to things with a strong smell - especially household cleaners. Some of them have such strong chemicals in them that I get headaches, which I know isn't good for me, my family, or the environment! When I clean, I like to do it with items that are as natural as possible. If you are in the same boat, you'll appreciate these homemade household cleaner recipes. They're easy on you, the earth, and your wallet. And you can save a lot of money by making your own. Here are 7 all-natural, homemade household cleaners. - By Amy Anderson

MORE ON BABBLE

The 25 greenest homes in the world

10 ways going green in the kitchen can save you money

10 simple changes you can make to go green this year

Courtesy of NorthPark CenterJohn Januzzi, Lucky magazine

Over the holiday break, I spent some time in my hometown. Of course, we did the usual family dinners, catch-ups with friends and all kinds of wassailing. As anybody from a suburb will tell you, activities can become boring very quickly and you're left with the inevitable choice of going to the movies or going to the mall. Over the holidays, you're more than likely to do both, as I did. While walking through the mall I realized something-something that may have eluded my New York City snob heart: The mall is the greatest place on earth. Why? I'll tell you.

Read more: Best Dresses For Your Body

Bathrooms: There are bathrooms all over the place. Bathrooms in the stores, bathrooms in the hall, bathrooms in the restaurant.

Weird stores: Malls are full of the weirdest shops ever. There used to be one I loved called Natural Wonders. It had slinkees, statues of gargoyles and Pure Moods CDs.

Food courts: Oh, is this heaven? Nah, it's a food court. You want some

I can't believe I'm about to say this, but Christmas is only days away, and I've yet to put up a tree in my house. I blame it on a crazy schedule -- somehow the month is slipping away, and I haven't found time to get my holiday cheer going on. Maybe you're in a similar boat, or maybe you have a teeny-tiny living space and think you can't fit a tree in your home on top of everything else. Or, heck, maybe the budget just isn't there this year (because, honestly, trees and the decorations they require really aren't cheap)! Or, better yet, maybe you're trying to be a bit greener this holiday season. Whatever the case may be, I've rounded up some cool Christmas tree alternatives that would appeal to any and all of those in situations such as these. Click through for 7 Christmas tree alternatives if you don't want to chop one down! - By Cyd Converse

MORE ON BABBLE

10 simple ways to go green in 2013

20 awesome ways to repurpose IKEA furniture
10 creative ways to display holiday photo cards