This is what gardening is all about...eating healthier, making a smaller carbon footprint on the earth and the shear satisfaction of reaping the rewards of your labor.
Happy Gardening!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Leafy Greens Harvest
Picking greens out of your own garden doesn't get any fresher or healthier! Thought I would share a salad harvest out of my garden today. Buttercrunch lettuce, kale, spring onion, oregano, spinach and pepper cress.
This is what gardening is all about...eating healthier, making a smaller carbon footprint on the earth and the shear satisfaction of reaping the rewards of your labor.
Happy Gardening!
This is what gardening is all about...eating healthier, making a smaller carbon footprint on the earth and the shear satisfaction of reaping the rewards of your labor.
Happy Gardening!
Planting Tomatoes in a HoopHouse
I hope you took advantage of the 50 cent tomato plants at Lowes over the weekend. I picked up 4 and will be planting them out today. I know it is still early for our area but with a little help from some pvc piping and a clear plastic tarp, I think they will be fine.
I am using the same 1/2 " pvc piping and brackets as in my previous post but only using three pieces since this raised bed is 4 by 4 and two for the 3 by 3. The 10 ' piece will be cut to '8 for the 4' bed and 6' for the 3' bed.
The last frost date for our area is April 28th but that doesn't mean the temperatures won't take a dip in the near future. If you are putting out your tomatoes or any warm weather crop right now make sure you watch the temperature.
Tomatoes, cucumbers, squash and annuals don't like to be out in temps under 50 degrees and peppers don't like temps under 60. Just make sure if the temp does drop that you cover your plants with plastic, newspaper or cloth.
Happy Gardening!
I am using the same 1/2 " pvc piping and brackets as in my previous post but only using three pieces since this raised bed is 4 by 4 and two for the 3 by 3. The 10 ' piece will be cut to '8 for the 4' bed and 6' for the 3' bed.
The last frost date for our area is April 28th but that doesn't mean the temperatures won't take a dip in the near future. If you are putting out your tomatoes or any warm weather crop right now make sure you watch the temperature.
Tomatoes, cucumbers, squash and annuals don't like to be out in temps under 50 degrees and peppers don't like temps under 60. Just make sure if the temp does drop that you cover your plants with plastic, newspaper or cloth.
Happy Gardening!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Happy Earth Day!
Happy Earth Day Mother Nature!!
If you think about it, we wouldn't have all things without her. So in her honor, we could all do one thing to help save these precious resources that she provides us with.Here are some examples of some little things you can incorporate into your daily lives without too much of an inconvience....
Don't let the water run while you are brushing your teeth or letting the shower run while shaving.
Turn off your car when waiting to pick up the kids at school or practice.
Purchase and use those cloth grocery bags or better yet, scour around for some canvas or plastic bags you already have.
Wash and reuse plastic bags and containers one or more times before discarding them.
Buy in bulk and make your own individual servings instead of buying them already made up. This will save on packaging going into the landfills.
Start a compost bin, you'll be saving lots of space in the land fill while making the worlds best compost.
Instead of buying mulch, shred your leaf pile to put on your flower beds. This will compost while keeping in moisture.
Use wet cardboard or newspaper to help control weeds. Both will break down and compost back into the soil.
Plant a fruit tree or a vegetable . This will cut down on the carbon footprint of food traveling from afar.
Pass on gently used clothing and domestic items. There are many places that give them away to the disadvantaged and this helps to keep them out of the landfills.
I am sure you can think of many more simple ways to help save our resources, the ideas are endless.
In honor of Earth Day and everyday remember the 3 R's...Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
Happy Earth Day!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Hummingbirds....They're Back!!
Lounging out on the patio last night, I spotted my first hummingbird of the season. It was a male and that would make sense because the males usually arrive first to scout out food and nesting sites. I put out my hummingbird feeders on tax day, just in case I have some early arrivals, even though the earliest I have seen them is around the 20th and this year was no exception.
They are very territorial and will defend their area from other males and that is just what happened. After watching the feeder for few minutes another male came in and dive bombed the first male for the feeder.
If you have hummingbirds it is best to put out two or more feeders in places where one can not see the others.
After watching for a minute I went in and filled up another feeder and put it out on the other side of the house.
You do not need to put red dye into the solution...just have red on the feeder. The sugar nectar is very easy to make and much cheaper then buying the mix.
Boil 4 parts water and then add 1 part sugar.
Cool your nectar quicker by substituting 1/2 the water with ice.
Example: I boil 2 cups water then add 1 cup sugar then add 2 cups of ice. This way you can put your nectar out right away with out having to wait for it to cool off.
Seeing my first hummingbird of the season gives me the sense that spring is truly here.
Oh what joy they bring!
Happy Bird Watching!
They are very territorial and will defend their area from other males and that is just what happened. After watching the feeder for few minutes another male came in and dive bombed the first male for the feeder.
If you have hummingbirds it is best to put out two or more feeders in places where one can not see the others.
After watching for a minute I went in and filled up another feeder and put it out on the other side of the house.
You do not need to put red dye into the solution...just have red on the feeder. The sugar nectar is very easy to make and much cheaper then buying the mix.
Boil 4 parts water and then add 1 part sugar.
Cool your nectar quicker by substituting 1/2 the water with ice.
Example: I boil 2 cups water then add 1 cup sugar then add 2 cups of ice. This way you can put your nectar out right away with out having to wait for it to cool off.
Seeing my first hummingbird of the season gives me the sense that spring is truly here.
Oh what joy they bring!
Happy Bird Watching!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Wild Turkey in the Yard
As you may know, we have two golden retrievers and they like to let me know when something is going on in our yard. Well today was no exception, and so I ran to see what all the barking was about.
When I got to the front window, the motion of a huge wild turkey caught my eye. He was definitely on display with his full strut across the yard. I didn't want to miss him but ran for my camera anyway and caught him right before he disappeared into the woods.
Last week or so I caught the hen in the backyard. Maybe they will have chicks somewhere here in the woods. That would be exciting.
I love springtime here at Crow's Nest....you never know what you may see in the yard.
Happy Gardening!
When I got to the front window, the motion of a huge wild turkey caught my eye. He was definitely on display with his full strut across the yard. I didn't want to miss him but ran for my camera anyway and caught him right before he disappeared into the woods.
Last week or so I caught the hen in the backyard. Maybe they will have chicks somewhere here in the woods. That would be exciting.
I love springtime here at Crow's Nest....you never know what you may see in the yard.
Happy Gardening!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Potatoes in a Bucket
Growing potatoes takes a bit of garden space which I don't have so I decided to try them in buckets.
I picked up a few 5 gallon buckets at a local restaurant for free and drilled some drainage holes in the bottom. Mixed up my soil with 1 part compost, 1 part peat moss, 1 part vermiculite and filled approximately 1/4 of the bucket.
I didn't buy the seed potatoes they sell at the garden center but used some of my organic potatoes that had sprouted under my counter. Potatoes you would buy at the grocery store are treated with chemicals so I don't believe they would work. If you are using potatoes you already have just make sure they are labeled organic.
Cut the potatoes into quarters with at least two sprouts or eyes on each, place them in the soil and cover them with 2-3 inches of additional soil. I put 2 pieces in each 5 gal bucket. As they grow I will add more soil until it is level with the top of the bucket.
When growing in a container you must make sure your soil doesn't dry out for long periods of time. Keep an eye on the weather and hand water as needed to keep moist. Update to follow this fall.
Happy Gardening!
I picked up a few 5 gallon buckets at a local restaurant for free and drilled some drainage holes in the bottom. Mixed up my soil with 1 part compost, 1 part peat moss, 1 part vermiculite and filled approximately 1/4 of the bucket.
I didn't buy the seed potatoes they sell at the garden center but used some of my organic potatoes that had sprouted under my counter. Potatoes you would buy at the grocery store are treated with chemicals so I don't believe they would work. If you are using potatoes you already have just make sure they are labeled organic.
Cut the potatoes into quarters with at least two sprouts or eyes on each, place them in the soil and cover them with 2-3 inches of additional soil. I put 2 pieces in each 5 gal bucket. As they grow I will add more soil until it is level with the top of the bucket.
When growing in a container you must make sure your soil doesn't dry out for long periods of time. Keep an eye on the weather and hand water as needed to keep moist. Update to follow this fall.
Happy Gardening!
What's Growing on in Your Garden?
Asparagus and
Daffodils
Forsythia
Wood Poppy
More leafy greens!
Hope you are growing what you enjoy this spring.
Happy Gardening!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Seed starting in Newspaper Pots
Last fall I harvested some marigold and cardinal climber seeds and will be starting them inside today along with some lemon cucumbers, nasturtiums and squash. The starter trays are available at almost any garden department and very affordable but if you don't want the expense of the trays you can make your own pots out of newspaper. Very easy to do and all you need is a newspaper and a cylinder shaped object. I am using a soup can.
To start, you take your newspaper length wise and tear it in half. Place the newspaper on the table and then lay the can half way across the paper toward the end. Roll the paper over the can and continue rolling until the end of the strip.
Place the can on end with the excess newspaper on top. Fold in the excess paper one side at a time so it covers the bottom of the can. Press down on the paper around the edge to give it a crease and then pull the newspaper off while keeping the shape of the pot. If you like, you can tape the bottom to secure the shape. Place your pots on a tray to catch run off water. I used an aluminum foil oven tray.
You can place the whole thing in the garden when transplanting. Newspaper is biodegradable and will compost right in your garden, however I do recommend opening the bottom when transplanting so the roots can get a better start.
Happy Gardening!
To start, you take your newspaper length wise and tear it in half. Place the newspaper on the table and then lay the can half way across the paper toward the end. Roll the paper over the can and continue rolling until the end of the strip.
Place the can on end with the excess newspaper on top. Fold in the excess paper one side at a time so it covers the bottom of the can. Press down on the paper around the edge to give it a crease and then pull the newspaper off while keeping the shape of the pot. If you like, you can tape the bottom to secure the shape. Place your pots on a tray to catch run off water. I used an aluminum foil oven tray.
You can place the whole thing in the garden when transplanting. Newspaper is biodegradable and will compost right in your garden, however I do recommend opening the bottom when transplanting so the roots can get a better start.
Happy Gardening!
Planting Asparagus in New Raised Bed
Sunny and 80 plus degrees today here in South Central PA so I thought I would take advantage of the weather and build a new raised bed for asparagus. I am making my bed 8 by 3ft and 6 inches deep so I went to the local box store and picked up 3- 2 by 8's that are 6 inches wide. They cut one into 3ft pieces per my request at no charge. I use untreated pine boards so I don't have to worry about chemicals leaching into the soil.
I predrilled three holes at each end on the outside of the 8ft boards and then preceded to screw them to the 3ft pieces to form my box. I found a level, sunny spot to place the bed and loosened the ground underneath then filled it with 1 part compost, 1 part peat moss and 1 part vermiculite.
Planting asparagus crowns is different then planting seeds or plants. You need to dig a trench around 8 inches deep in rows that are 4ft apart but since I am limited in my bed I made the trenches around 6 inches deep and 8 inches apart. Lay the asparagus crowns in the bottom of the trench by spreading the roots out and sitting the crown up. Cover with 2-3 inches of soil. After the asparagus emerges in the furrow, gradually fill and cover the vegetation. Eventually the furrow should be level with the surrounding soil.
You don't always get asparagus the first year and if you do it is suggested that you only harvest lightly and so on with each year until the 4th to 6th year. All of these instructions are on the package that I purchased at my local garden center.
I am planting as many prennial fruits and vegetables in my backyard garden as space allows so I can enjoy the benefit of my labor for years to come. If you like asparagus you may want to give it a try.
Happy Gardening!
I predrilled three holes at each end on the outside of the 8ft boards and then preceded to screw them to the 3ft pieces to form my box. I found a level, sunny spot to place the bed and loosened the ground underneath then filled it with 1 part compost, 1 part peat moss and 1 part vermiculite.
Planting asparagus crowns is different then planting seeds or plants. You need to dig a trench around 8 inches deep in rows that are 4ft apart but since I am limited in my bed I made the trenches around 6 inches deep and 8 inches apart. Lay the asparagus crowns in the bottom of the trench by spreading the roots out and sitting the crown up. Cover with 2-3 inches of soil. After the asparagus emerges in the furrow, gradually fill and cover the vegetation. Eventually the furrow should be level with the surrounding soil.
You don't always get asparagus the first year and if you do it is suggested that you only harvest lightly and so on with each year until the 4th to 6th year. All of these instructions are on the package that I purchased at my local garden center.
I am planting as many prennial fruits and vegetables in my backyard garden as space allows so I can enjoy the benefit of my labor for years to come. If you like asparagus you may want to give it a try.
Happy Gardening!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Planting Peas and Brussel Sprouts
It is a beautiful day here in South Central PA so I decided to plant my second round of peas. I am amending the soil with Azomite rock minerals. It is suppose to help boost the minerals in the vegetables according to growingyourgreens.com. I follow John on his channel and have learned many useful gardening tips from him.
You may want to try a nylon trellis for your peas. This is the third season for mine. It works really well and has held up to the outside elements.
It is time to put out your brassica family plants if you haven't already. I am trying my hand at brussel sprouts this year. Hopefully with six plants I should reap a good yield.
When planting vegetable starts I like to dig a trench the depth of the root ball. Lay the plant on its side and cover with soil. Stand the plant up and then push the soil around the other side. I think this method helps eliminate any air pockets around the root system which could cause a puddle of water resulting in root rot.
Always be sure to give your transplant a good soaking so the root system can take hold in its new environment.
Happy Gardening!
You may want to try a nylon trellis for your peas. This is the third season for mine. It works really well and has held up to the outside elements.
It is time to put out your brassica family plants if you haven't already. I am trying my hand at brussel sprouts this year. Hopefully with six plants I should reap a good yield.
When planting vegetable starts I like to dig a trench the depth of the root ball. Lay the plant on its side and cover with soil. Stand the plant up and then push the soil around the other side. I think this method helps eliminate any air pockets around the root system which could cause a puddle of water resulting in root rot.
Always be sure to give your transplant a good soaking so the root system can take hold in its new environment.
Happy Gardening!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Gardening with Garbage
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!! Garbage is an inexpensive way to garden inside and out. I have been reusing food containers to start seeds and to grow vegetable plants in for several years.
I have used all sorts of food containers in the past and still use certain sizes for starting my seeds or container gardening outside. I go to a local restaurant to get free 5 and 3 gallon buckets for growing my peppers, tomatoes, squash etc. I have been using the milk jug containers for a birdseed scoop and a cover to protect seedlings from frost. Just cut the bottom off and there you have it. Comes with it's own built in handle!
Today I am using an aluminum pie pan to start my marigold and cardinal climber seeds. I have also used the 1 lb deli container, bulk salad container(my favorite), juice jugs, produce containers that berries or tomatoes come in and many more similar type containers including large plastic to go cups from your local fast food restaurant. Use the lids to create a mini greenhouse.
I have used all sorts of food containers in the past and still use certain sizes for starting my seeds or container gardening outside. I go to a local restaurant to get free 5 and 3 gallon buckets for growing my peppers, tomatoes, squash etc. I have been using the milk jug containers for a birdseed scoop and a cover to protect seedlings from frost. Just cut the bottom off and there you have it. Comes with it's own built in handle!
Today I am using an aluminum pie pan to start my marigold and cardinal climber seeds. I have also used the 1 lb deli container, bulk salad container(my favorite), juice jugs, produce containers that berries or tomatoes come in and many more similar type containers including large plastic to go cups from your local fast food restaurant. Use the lids to create a mini greenhouse.
Just be sure that you wash throughly and punch holes in the bottom for adequate drainage. Once you start to look at these containers as growing pots, you will find that the selection is endless. You may want to save yourself some $$ while helping the environment and give it a try.
Happy Gardening!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Onion Snow
Well, this morning we woke up to a few inches of snow and when it snows in the spring my grandfather use to say that it was an onion snow. For those of you who have planted onions you may know this already and for those of you who don't there is a very simple explanation.
An onion snow is when it snows after the spring onions start to sprout through the soil. I am just wondering if it counts when your onions are growing in a covered raised bed too! Either way here it is........Onion snow!
Happy Gardening!
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