Garden Planning

So I am finished with my garden planning. At least for now. It’s always changing. Here’s what I have decided to plant.

Winter Squash (Delica and Carnival)
Zuchinni
Brandywine Tomatos
Mexican Midget Tomatos
Tomatillos
Corn
Cantalope
Anaheim Pepper
Watermelon
Sweet Peppers
Basil
Mint
Lettus
Chard
Parsnips
Carrots
Radishes
Beets
Cilantro
Dill
Leeks
Scallions
Texas Onions
Eggplant
Soybeans (edamame)
Sunflowers
Peas
Pole Beans

I have 170 sq ft of garden space. Four 8 x4 beds and two 3 x 7 beds next to the south house wall. The wall serves as a great heat catch and I plan to try some four season gardening there this year. I’d also like to plant some berry bushes this year along with some patatos but we will see what the finances look like as we go along.

So far I have invested $95 in the four 4 x 8 beds and $65 in seeds and starting supplies. I am going to try starting some seeds this year as well. There is a great little video on the basics of seed starting over at OG.

The last frost here is generally around May 15th but that depends on your elevations and your yard (slope, sun, etc.). I have figured out which plants I want to start inside when so that I will have plants to out in the garden in May. Different plants have different needs so make sure you read the labels. Some need to be soaked or scratched.

I am going to try some experimenting with different plants that aren’t necessarily normally started indoors. Since I live at high elevation with cool night temps there are some plants that are harder to grow from seed. So check back and I will fill you in on my successes and follies.

Preparing Raised Beds

This year we decided to put in raised beds. I was very please with the soil and double dug it since I wouldn’t be doing that again. B was quick to pitch in but its had to shovel when you have no weight to put into it. BK was eager to help too but didn’t get to far with the hand trowel. Daddy rabbit was the construction contractor with his crew of chickens. Luckily they work for worms and thought that this was all for them. We had to break for lunch union rules. I thought BK was going to smack B a good one when he got too close to her gelato! All in all it was a good days work. All we need to do is add more soil and compost and we will be ready to plant. Now to get those seeds started.