I mentioned before that we are trying to be more self sufficient (here) and a big part of that was committing to a bigger and better vegetable garden this year. In the past years we've bought 8-10 pre-grown plants from Lowe's and stuck them in a raised bed the previous owners built. The average cost of the plants was about $80. in January I began researching the benefits of beginning seeds indoors and growing your own plants. Immediately I learnt you can save up to 70%! That was enough for me to give it a try!
This year we are adding on to the garden 2 "portable beds" we can put away in the winter that won't eat up backyard space. We are also doing Square foot Gardening. If you haven't seen this before check it out! You can really do a lot with a little space. I "tried" this in the past but didn't really commit to the whole deal...but this year I am.
Planning when to start all the seeds was the hardest part. After a lot on online research I made my self a calendar-chart and began. I started lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage in march. I still have cucumber, squash, carrots, and beans to do...and hopefully will have it all planted by April 15th (which is our state's last frost date).
I saved egg cartons for months and used these to start the seeds. I spent $20 on the seeds and starter soil so I'm off to a good start!
The seeds need a lot of light - lucky for me we have a wet bar in the basement with fluorescent under the cabinet lighting (which I have always HATED- until now!) which I now use as "grow" lights. I also rigged a spot light with an incandescent bulb for warm light.
This year we are adding on to the garden 2 "portable beds" we can put away in the winter that won't eat up backyard space. We are also doing Square foot Gardening. If you haven't seen this before check it out! You can really do a lot with a little space. I "tried" this in the past but didn't really commit to the whole deal...but this year I am.
Planning when to start all the seeds was the hardest part. After a lot on online research I made my self a calendar-chart and began. I started lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage in march. I still have cucumber, squash, carrots, and beans to do...and hopefully will have it all planted by April 15th (which is our state's last frost date).
I saved egg cartons for months and used these to start the seeds. I spent $20 on the seeds and starter soil so I'm off to a good start!
The seeds need a lot of light - lucky for me we have a wet bar in the basement with fluorescent under the cabinet lighting (which I have always HATED- until now!) which I now use as "grow" lights. I also rigged a spot light with an incandescent bulb for warm light.
Like the Chicken Chronicles I pan to post weekly about the garden. I don't have anything near a "green-thumb" so wish me luck!
Melissa
Thecre8tiveoutlet.blogspot.com
thecre8tiveoutlet@hotmail.com
Melissa -
ReplyDeleteI love to find fellow gardeners. We have a huge garden and have grown veggies, cucumbers, tomatoes, and berries for years. Getting started is the easy part. The weeding, picking, washing, packaging and preparing take lots of time. It can easily become a full time job. I don't can, but we do blanch and freeze lots of veggies and make refrigerator pickles and jams. My neighbors have called me the General for years because I'd have the hubby and kids up and in the garden early in the mornings on weekends. I think it's a great way to teach our kids an appreciation of nature and independence. Sending good gardening wishes your way.
I may have some questions coming your way Karan!
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