So we moved here to start growing our own food and this is step one,
well technically two. Okay here comes a tangent. Skip the next paragraph
if you don't care.
The previous owner had a enclosed
asparagus garden and a raised strawberry bed that they left behind. So
step one was cutting down all the dead asparagus stalks and lay new
layer of manure. That was simple enough. Actually I think that was
harder than creating a new bed... The old bed had mulch on top and that
had to be raked off new manure laid stalks cut back then redistribute
the mulch. I also planted onion bulbs and potatoes down the center of
the bed. And let me tell you onions sure are ugly!!! I keep thinking
they are dying, but then I pull one up and it has a very nice root
system going. So we shall see....
Okay so I decided I
wanted a raised garden bed, it seemed easier to tend and start. I had
some left over 2"x12"x12' boards, some 4"x4" boards, and a large compost
pile left behind by the previous owners. I did purchase some top soil
and a bag of peat moss. I started by constructing the box I took two of
the 2"x12"x12' boards and a 2"x"12"x8' board. I cut the 8' board in
half. Then I took the 4"x4" board and cut it into 15" pieces. I wanted
to be able to add more height if needed in the future. After the cuts
were made I started building the box. I decided the location and
attached the 4"x4" boards to the 12' long boards. Set them up and
attached one end piece (4' board).
I
left one end open to make it easier to wheel the garden cart in and out
with the loads of dirt and compost. Next I laid down cardboard at the
bottom. I read that it would prevent weeds from growing in the bed. We
had plenty of old boxes left behind from our move. I simply cut them
open and laid them down.
Next
I wheeled loads of compost into the bed. Once the compost was added I
attached the last board. And spread the peat moss. Then I added the top
soil. We chose Kellogg's Raised Bed & Potting Mix. It took 3 bags of
2sqft bags to fill the bed. I hope that is deep enough... I guess we
will find out.
I
mixed the soil together and spread it out evenly. Once the soil was
ready I began planting my seed and plants. I had picked up some tomato
and lettuce plants from the local feed store and I purchased our seeds
from
Territorial Seeds,
I bought all open pollinated seeds and I tried to stick to organic and
heirloom. I am planting based off of the recommendations, by an
agricultural university, for my area.(www.NHG.com) I planted what I knew
we would eat. So the first garden has lettuce (plants and seeds),
tomatoes (plants and seeds), spinach, carrots (I hear they are nearly
impossible to grow, but why not try), green beans, cantaloupe and
watermelon. In the previous garden I planted two bulbs of rhubarb, seed
potatoes, onions, and the existing asparagus. I gave the bed a good
watering and I am done. I will keep watering and watching for any signs
of growth. Here's hoping for success!!! I will be adding another 4'x12'
bed later this summer for the fall harvest. I plan to plant cucumbers
(pickling and regular), pumpkins (for Halloween), okra, and sweet
potatoes. I had planned to plant garlic as well, but as it turns out I
have a mole issue on the property the best way I have found according to
my research is to plant garlic around the property to drive them away.
So I will be attempting to ward off the moles and vampires with garlic
around the perimeter of our property.
My first veggie garden!!!
Stayed tuned for the results!!!
Total supplies:
2- 2"x12"x12' boards
1- 2"x12"x8' board
1- 4"x4"x8' board
12 - 4" exterior screws
leftover cardboard
3 - 2sqft bags of top soil
1 - bag of peat moss
Seeds and plants
No comments:
Post a Comment