Well, yesterday evening about dusk we decided to go ahead and fill the one raised bed that we built over the weekend. It took five tractor bucket loads of medium to fill it. We used two big bucket loads of the top soil in the bottom of the bed, then we put 3 bucket loads of compost on top of that and spread it out. Sorry, did not get pictures of the filling but here is the finished product.
We were worried about the sides bulging out once it was filled so before we filled it we took two 36" long stakes and pounded them into the ground about midway down the side of the bed on each side. We then screwed them to the side of the bed. The sides then became very sturdy.
The good news is we got a line on some more lumber that we will go get next Sunday afternoon. We are getting enough for at least 2 more beds and they will be longer. This bed is 10' long. The new lumber is supposed to be 12'.
Now, Blacksmith and I are novices at growing a garden. We are learning together. I have read so many books and read articles online and Blacksmith has researched via Youtube. I have the Square Foot Garden book and I am going to follow some of what is in it but we cannot afford to buy all the medium that the writer recommends. So, we are going to try to use the "lasagna method" on the next two beds and see how that does.
While researching last night, I came across the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Planting Chart. This will come in so handy.
This same website had a calendar and list of chores to be done so you can stay organized. This also, will be handy.
Now, to try to get all my seeds organized so that we know what is going in the beds first and to know what to start as transplants when the time comes.
Vegetables
We also have some research to do in starting our herb garden. We have the seeds. I know that some need to be in pots all by themselves or they will take over the bed and I know that some are good to go in the bed all by themselves. It is learning which ones are which is the problem.
Herbs
So, the farm is now getting the garden together. It is just a slow, steady walk to get it all done. Thanks for coming on the walk with us.
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I'm so impressed with how well organized your seeds are! I need to do the same for mine. Your bed looks really great too. You will have a lot of fun learning about gardening.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leigh. It really is a little overwhelming at times. This is especially true when you have a limited amount of space, limited amount of time to work with, and a lot of different seeds that you want to work with. Right now, I just want to know that we can grow our own food, harvest it and store it without losing it.
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