Bought the new wheelbarrow at H-D, plus boards for a new bed.
These are 9/16x6 x8, so we'll see how they hold up.
TP: basil and rosemary
P: carrots and radishes
Re-staked compost heap into a rectangle, rather than a circle. Space-saving.
Ro requested we not throw away the old wheelbarrow of her childhood memories, so we are going to plant it as a mobile butterfly garden.
H-D has pressure-treated 2x4's, which we can use for the tool rack.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Journal Feb 25- Ash Wednesday
It's been cool and windy the last several days.
Made two compost bins for all those bagged leaves out of green plastic fencing and bamboo
poles. The bamboo proved to not be quite strong enough, so it's being replaced with wooden stakes. I cut 12' lengths of the fencing, joined the ends with twist ties and staked them to the ground in a 4' circle, one near the front gate, one by the side back fence.
For future reference, the 4' fence is too high, but the height can't be cut down, so the remainder of the roll will make nice trellises. Get 3' tall next time.
Peas are not coming up, may try them somewhere else and replant another vine crop in their spot. Or a flowering vine.
Planted the mint, in a flowerpot.
Planted a holly in the Bird Area.
Cleaned out the plastic trunk that I keep the gardening stuff in. (It was the kids's camp trunk, many years ago.) Also, the yellow plastic caddy for the hand tools. There was a green skink in that- we gave each other a start!
V. is going to build a rack for the big tools. It has to be shorter than the den windows and will be kind of like a gun rack. There may be space underneath to store things- we'll see.
Things sent to the garage: planters, pots, brackets, weed block, plastic fencing, bamboo poles, seldom used tools, pesticides (to be locked up), and potting soil.
Collected a box of old pesties to send to Chemical Disposal.
I need a screwdriver for the garden trunk, to go with the hammer. Also, a container for the bird items- suet blocks, the brushes for the bath and feeders, yarn scraps, Dawn, Clorox solution. Gathered up the seeds into a Texmati jar- great solution.
Shopping list for H-D:
wheelbarrow
plastic bin
5 cedar 2x6s
8 angle irons
Screws for irons
Large screws
Cedar 2x4s ? for tool rack
There are buds on the narcissus- a plant I'm not allowed to grow indoors. "Mom! That stinks!"
Made two compost bins for all those bagged leaves out of green plastic fencing and bamboo
poles. The bamboo proved to not be quite strong enough, so it's being replaced with wooden stakes. I cut 12' lengths of the fencing, joined the ends with twist ties and staked them to the ground in a 4' circle, one near the front gate, one by the side back fence.
For future reference, the 4' fence is too high, but the height can't be cut down, so the remainder of the roll will make nice trellises. Get 3' tall next time.
Peas are not coming up, may try them somewhere else and replant another vine crop in their spot. Or a flowering vine.
Planted the mint, in a flowerpot.
Planted a holly in the Bird Area.
Cleaned out the plastic trunk that I keep the gardening stuff in. (It was the kids's camp trunk, many years ago.) Also, the yellow plastic caddy for the hand tools. There was a green skink in that- we gave each other a start!
V. is going to build a rack for the big tools. It has to be shorter than the den windows and will be kind of like a gun rack. There may be space underneath to store things- we'll see.
Things sent to the garage: planters, pots, brackets, weed block, plastic fencing, bamboo poles, seldom used tools, pesticides (to be locked up), and potting soil.
Collected a box of old pesties to send to Chemical Disposal.
I need a screwdriver for the garden trunk, to go with the hammer. Also, a container for the bird items- suet blocks, the brushes for the bath and feeders, yarn scraps, Dawn, Clorox solution. Gathered up the seeds into a Texmati jar- great solution.
Shopping list for H-D:
wheelbarrow
plastic bin
5 cedar 2x6s
8 angle irons
Screws for irons
Large screws
Cedar 2x4s ? for tool rack
There are buds on the narcissus- a plant I'm not allowed to grow indoors. "Mom! That stinks!"
Friday, February 20, 2009
Journal Feb 20
Been under the weather with a bad cold, but made a trip to Lowe's today.
Bought green plastic fencing and a pack of bamboo for the compost heaps and possibly some trellises. And some mushroom compost for Bed II.
Onions are up. It was cold enough last night- high 30's- that I put a cover on the lettuces, brocollis, and onions.
To do list: plant carrots and radishes, buy materials for new beds, make new beds.
Order cucumber and okra seeds on-line
Explore watering options, buy rain gauge(s).
Bought green plastic fencing and a pack of bamboo for the compost heaps and possibly some trellises. And some mushroom compost for Bed II.
Onions are up. It was cold enough last night- high 30's- that I put a cover on the lettuces, brocollis, and onions.
To do list: plant carrots and radishes, buy materials for new beds, make new beds.
Order cucumber and okra seeds on-line
Explore watering options, buy rain gauge(s).
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Scoring
Snagged 13 bags of leaf/grass clippings yesterday in pre-dawn trips around the neighborhood. Why does that still feel vaguely illegal, even though it's all set out to be hauled away by the city?
A lot will be used for composting and some will be used for mulch.
I've decided two 4x4 beds at the end of the 4x8 rows (one of which is still in my imagination) are all that will fit before the ground slopes down.
There was a Carolina Chickadee at the feeder. It has gone bird-crazy around here.
A lot will be used for composting and some will be used for mulch.
I've decided two 4x4 beds at the end of the 4x8 rows (one of which is still in my imagination) are all that will fit before the ground slopes down.
There was a Carolina Chickadee at the feeder. It has gone bird-crazy around here.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Bed III? or Stomach Big, Eyes Bigger
Marge wants to try making pickles, so I am now committed to cukes. These can grow on the fence on trellises.
But- I forgot okra. Well, I didn't forget it; I just left it out b/c I wanted to keep things small and I'm the only one who really likes it. Unless you fry it, which destroys all its nutritional value.
But I really, really like it. So there may have to be another bed for that, half of which could be bee-friendly flowers for pollination. Or, there could be bush cukes. We'll see.
But- I forgot okra. Well, I didn't forget it; I just left it out b/c I wanted to keep things small and I'm the only one who really likes it. Unless you fry it, which destroys all its nutritional value.
But I really, really like it. So there may have to be another bed for that, half of which could be bee-friendly flowers for pollination. Or, there could be bush cukes. We'll see.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Journal Feb 14
Cool, partly cloudy. HI: mid-50's
Sis came over with the children and O and Bubs helped me set the bed in place.
We had a little lesson on using a level. It's not perfectly straight, but it's better than the first one.
We carted several loads of dirt to fill in the trenches and the bed.
O helped me rake it smooth. I need to get them a small shovel and hoe or rake.
Made one grid for the new bed. Only need one, as half the bed will be devoted to corn and cowpeas.
Mesclun is just barely up.
Next projects: resetting the pavers in the Bird Garden (its new name), using some of the dirt and moving the bird bath out from under the feeder.
Sis came over with the children and O and Bubs helped me set the bed in place.
We had a little lesson on using a level. It's not perfectly straight, but it's better than the first one.
We carted several loads of dirt to fill in the trenches and the bed.
O helped me rake it smooth. I need to get them a small shovel and hoe or rake.
Made one grid for the new bed. Only need one, as half the bed will be devoted to corn and cowpeas.
Mesclun is just barely up.
Next projects: resetting the pavers in the Bird Garden (its new name), using some of the dirt and moving the bird bath out from under the feeder.
Journal Feb 13
Windy, cool. High mid-60's
V and I put together Bed II and I finished digging it out.
Once it was in place, it needed some additional trench digging on the sides.
Pruned the rose bush and the jasmine and cut back the fennel.
When I picked one of the leather gloves to prune the roses, a copper-colored skink
fell out and scuttled away.
V and I put together Bed II and I finished digging it out.
Once it was in place, it needed some additional trench digging on the sides.
Pruned the rose bush and the jasmine and cut back the fennel.
When I picked one of the leather gloves to prune the roses, a copper-colored skink
fell out and scuttled away.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Journal Feb11
Sunny, windy. Hi: 70's
Exciting night last night, with the tornado warning sirens going off and the power going out.
Heavy rainfall- the run-off from the back porch gutter cut a trough through the back yard.
I see a rain barrel in my future. All our premises are fine and the power came back on around daybreak.
T/P: chives, catmint, lemon thyme, two lavenders. Mint to t/p later, in pot. All from Calloway's.
Also bought cowpea seeds and corn seed. No inexpensive rain gauges, though. Try W-M.
Finished digging 3/4 of Bed II.
New book: How We Garden Now from library. Divided into small, medium and large projects that teach all the basics of gardening. One idea she has intrigues me: a sunflower folly. I don't have enough space to do this in the backyard and the front is out, due to street repair. But I might try this in modified format in the Bird Area. A short, medium and tall variety by the front gate, maybe.
I also want to try a no-dig temporary bed idea from MEN's veggie supplement. This is planting directly into cut open bags of topsoil, that are then covered with mulch.
Garden Now has two good trellis ideas, which I might use for the squashes and beans.
Two little skinks on the porch- one tail-less. Want to encourage them for bug-eaters.
Vile nut-grass already sprouting in herb bed. Sprayed it with clove-killer. Really don't want to use Round-up. Will explore other organic remedies.
Exciting night last night, with the tornado warning sirens going off and the power going out.
Heavy rainfall- the run-off from the back porch gutter cut a trough through the back yard.
I see a rain barrel in my future. All our premises are fine and the power came back on around daybreak.
T/P: chives, catmint, lemon thyme, two lavenders. Mint to t/p later, in pot. All from Calloway's.
Also bought cowpea seeds and corn seed. No inexpensive rain gauges, though. Try W-M.
Finished digging 3/4 of Bed II.
New book: How We Garden Now from library. Divided into small, medium and large projects that teach all the basics of gardening. One idea she has intrigues me: a sunflower folly. I don't have enough space to do this in the backyard and the front is out, due to street repair. But I might try this in modified format in the Bird Area. A short, medium and tall variety by the front gate, maybe.
I also want to try a no-dig temporary bed idea from MEN's veggie supplement. This is planting directly into cut open bags of topsoil, that are then covered with mulch.
Garden Now has two good trellis ideas, which I might use for the squashes and beans.
Two little skinks on the porch- one tail-less. Want to encourage them for bug-eaters.
Vile nut-grass already sprouting in herb bed. Sprayed it with clove-killer. Really don't want to use Round-up. Will explore other organic remedies.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Journal Feb 10
Partly sunny, rain. Hi: 60's
Dug some more of Bed #2. Need to use the level to set this one straight.
Dug some more of Bed #2. Need to use the level to set this one straight.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Too Wet to Work
After a mostly cloudy day on Sunday, we had a short, heavy rain in the early morning.
Too wet to dig, so the new bed will have to wait.
Will work on the grids for the beds instead.
These are made of bamboo cut to the right lengths (48" and 44") and secured with twist-ties
at the junctions, then laid directly on the planting beds, two grids per bed.
I also need to get a cheap rain gauge.
Too wet to dig, so the new bed will have to wait.
Will work on the grids for the beds instead.
These are made of bamboo cut to the right lengths (48" and 44") and secured with twist-ties
at the junctions, then laid directly on the planting beds, two grids per bed.
I also need to get a cheap rain gauge.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Blessing of the Soil and Seeds
P. And other seeds fell upon good ground, and yielded fruit,some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, and some thirtyfold.
PSALM 64: 10-14All: You have visited the land and watered it; greatly have you enriched it. God's watercourses are filled;you have prepared the grain.
Thus have you prepared the land,drenching its furrows,breaking up its clods.
Softening it with showers,blessing its yield.
You have crowned the year with your bounty,and your paths overflow with a rich harvest;
The untilled meadows overflow with it,and rejoicing clothes the hills.
The fields are garmented with flocks,and the valleys blanketed with grain.
They shout and sing with joy.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be /world without end. Amen.
V. And other seeds fell upon good ground, and yielded fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, and some thirtyfold.
HYMN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest
And in our hearts take up Thy rest.
Come with Thy grace and heavenly aid
To fill the hearts which Thou hast made,
To fill the hearts which Thou hast made.
PRAYERS FOR BLESSING OF SEEDS
V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R. Who made heaven and earth.
V. The Lord be with you
R. And with your spirit.
V. Let us pray.
All: To you, O Lord, we cry and pray; bless this sprouting seed, strengthen it in the gentle movement of soft winds, refresh it with the dew of heaven, and let it grow to full maturity for the good of body and soul (They are sprinkled with holy water.)
BLESSING OF SOIL
V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R. Who made heaven and earth.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with your spirit.
V. Send forth Your spirit and they shall be created.
R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
V. For the Lord will give goodness;
R. And our earth shall yield her fruit.
Let us pray.
All: We humbly beg Your clemency, O Lord, that You would render this soil fertile with rains in due season, that You would fill it with Your blessing, and so grant that Your people may be ever thankful for Your gifts. Take infertility from the earth, and fill the hungry with Your gifts, which the fruitful earth will yield in fullness, that the poor and needy may praise the name of Your glory for ever and ever. Amen.(They are sprinkled with holy water.)
PSALM 64: 10-14All: You have visited the land and watered it; greatly have you enriched it. God's watercourses are filled;you have prepared the grain.
Thus have you prepared the land,drenching its furrows,breaking up its clods.
Softening it with showers,blessing its yield.
You have crowned the year with your bounty,and your paths overflow with a rich harvest;
The untilled meadows overflow with it,and rejoicing clothes the hills.
The fields are garmented with flocks,and the valleys blanketed with grain.
They shout and sing with joy.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be /world without end. Amen.
V. And other seeds fell upon good ground, and yielded fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, and some thirtyfold.
HYMN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest
And in our hearts take up Thy rest.
Come with Thy grace and heavenly aid
To fill the hearts which Thou hast made,
To fill the hearts which Thou hast made.
PRAYERS FOR BLESSING OF SEEDS
V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R. Who made heaven and earth.
V. The Lord be with you
R. And with your spirit.
V. Let us pray.
All: To you, O Lord, we cry and pray; bless this sprouting seed, strengthen it in the gentle movement of soft winds, refresh it with the dew of heaven, and let it grow to full maturity for the good of body and soul (They are sprinkled with holy water.)
BLESSING OF SOIL
V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R. Who made heaven and earth.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with your spirit.
V. Send forth Your spirit and they shall be created.
R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
V. For the Lord will give goodness;
R. And our earth shall yield her fruit.
Let us pray.
All: We humbly beg Your clemency, O Lord, that You would render this soil fertile with rains in due season, that You would fill it with Your blessing, and so grant that Your people may be ever thankful for Your gifts. Take infertility from the earth, and fill the hungry with Your gifts, which the fruitful earth will yield in fullness, that the poor and needy may praise the name of Your glory for ever and ever. Amen.(They are sprinkled with holy water.)
Journal: Feb 7
Weather: partly cloudy, windy Hi: 60's
P(lanted): peas (F-M), mesclun (Burpee's)
TP (Transplanted): brocolli, sage, cilantro, German thyme (all from Bonnie's)
Rosemary (from garden cuttings)
Strawberry slips
Lettuce (Buttercrunch)
Onions
Dug part of second bed.
P(lanted): peas (F-M), mesclun (Burpee's)
TP (Transplanted): brocolli, sage, cilantro, German thyme (all from Bonnie's)
Rosemary (from garden cuttings)
Strawberry slips
Lettuce (Buttercrunch)
Onions
Dug part of second bed.
Welcome to $30 Tomatoes
One of my New Year's Resolutions was to get back to gardening as part of living a slightly greener life. Where does the title come from? Well, consider what we've spent so far:
$96 boards for beds
$15 angle irons, screws and assorted hardware
$ 6 bamboo for planting grids
$70 topsoil
$ 3 recycled plastic bin, for composting
$ 6 2 brocolli plants
$ 3 nine-pack lettuce seedlings
$ 5 bag of onion sets
$12 assorted vegetable seed packs
for a total of $216.00.
Of course, that doesn't include the enjoyment of the fresh air, the sunlight, the satisfaction of a job well done in digging up the yard for beds, the companionship of building stuff with the spouse or having a two-year old navvy helping you haul dirt - "I do a good job, Mimi?" "Yes, Bubs, you do a great job."
Hard to put a price on that.
One of my New Year's Resolutions was to get back to gardening as part of living a slightly greener life. Where does the title come from? Well, consider what we've spent so far:
$96 boards for beds
$15 angle irons, screws and assorted hardware
$ 6 bamboo for planting grids
$70 topsoil
$ 3 recycled plastic bin, for composting
$ 6 2 brocolli plants
$ 3 nine-pack lettuce seedlings
$ 5 bag of onion sets
$12 assorted vegetable seed packs
for a total of $216.00.
Of course, that doesn't include the enjoyment of the fresh air, the sunlight, the satisfaction of a job well done in digging up the yard for beds, the companionship of building stuff with the spouse or having a two-year old navvy helping you haul dirt - "I do a good job, Mimi?" "Yes, Bubs, you do a great job."
Hard to put a price on that.
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