This weekend we decided it was time to start our garden again. I’ll have to admit, we’re like the least successful gardeners ever. The only thing we’re really been successful at growing seem to be herbs – and WEEDS! Last year I think we ended up with only a handful of vegetables after having invested quite a bit of money in buying plants.
So this year we decided that for the most part we were going to try planting almost everything from seeds. That way, if we don’t grow anything we will have only spent a few dollars on seed packets. Luckily Aunt Becky has offered to give us some tomato and pepper plants because those you can’t just set the seeds out in the garden, you have to start the seeds inside (which again, is something that we have tried and failed at!).
We also decided that since previous years were not that successful that we would try a slightly different method of gardening called square foot gardening. This method really packs the plants into every available space. We only have two little 4 feet by 6 feet garden beds for planting so this seemed like a good approach. Here is what we have planned:
I am really excited about the spinach and lettuce. We’ll be planting 1 new row of spinach and 1 new row of lettuce each week so that our harvest (if we have one) comes in at slightly different times. We’re planning on harvesting them as little baby plants for some yummy salads. And hopefully add in some baby carrots and we’ll be eating salad at it’s best!
So it doesn’t look like much yet
But we’re hoping with a little loving care by us and especially our kids
that by next week we’ll be seeing a few plants shoot up from the ground from the seeds we planted!
And to hopefully make our garden even more successful, we decided to invest in a composter. I am so excited about it. I feel like a true tree hugger now.
Honestly though for years it has irritated me how much of our kitchen waste just goes down the disposal or out with the trash. Now I feel like all of our watermelon rinds, strawberry tops, orange peels and so many other things will finally fulfill their purpose in life!
We’ve only added some dry leaves and a handful of food so far, but we’re hoping that very soon we’ve have some nice rich humus building up in there to fertilize our garden with!
Yay for being green!
8 comments:
Oh what would I give? I'm still bundling up the kids with coats and gloves. It looks and sounds soo wonderful! Go Veggies Grow!
Love Mandys socks.. she is starting a New Sock Trend! Look'n Good!
I'll have my fingers crossed for you. Homegrown veggies are the best! We've talked about doing something similar for years, but have never gotten around to it. Maybe if I see all of your beautiful veggies, I'll be jealous and it will inspire me to actually start a garden of my own.
I can't wait to see how it turns out! We've wanted to do a square foot garden for long time (Jon's aunt does it and says it is very successful). And apparently the guy who created it has been approached by the church to help them with self-sufficiency projects in 3rd world countries and such. So if the church sees the value in I want to try it. I love the compostor too, I have never seen that. Good luck!
I love having a garden. I just don't like working in it!! We were terrible farmers and aren't trying it this year. Maybe next year we will be more motivated. Meanwhile i'll just be jealous of yours!!!
Good Luck!!! It looks like you are off to a great start!!
Oh Yummy! I had fun seeing you at the "depot". I love home grown veggies. I think there is nothing better.
What a well laid out plan. Your Aunt Pat used to be famous for how much she could grow in her square foot garden.
Suggestion: It is a wee bit late to be planting lettuce, spinach and carrots but since you have already planted them just try to give them some shade throughout the hot part of the day. They like cold weather and usually are planted as a fall garden.
I have boucoup varieties of Eggplant, Tomatoes, Peppers and flowers. I can only wish to grow Rosemary as well as you. I try and try with no luck! You can extend your gardening with large pots if you like, too.
I am soooo glad you are getting interested in gardening. You know it is my passion...probably the only thing I can do that the Prophet directed.
Love you muchly!!!!
PS..don't buy any basil, thyme or chives. I have those for you also.
I'm interested in your composter. How much did it cost? Presently, we just throw those things out in the woods, but it makes better sense to make compost for our garden! Let me know! Thanks! Good luck with your garden!
Post a Comment