tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43848516754355157922011-11-27T19:16:09.145-05:00Our plans and developments for a large heirloom vegetable garden. We are learning the best ways to nourish it and hopefully receive lots of nourishment from it! We live in Virginia in zone 7 and are using bits and pieces from several methods, including square foot gardening and lasagna gardening.Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.comBlogger901100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-4520533532497689352011-06-27T10:57:00.000-04:002011-06-27T10:57:18.601-04:00

 Alright, so here it is the end of June and I am woefully behind and really seriously slacking in the garden dept.  This is a picture of the garden at this moment - in DESPERATE need of some weeding!  Did I mention that we moved to a brand new spot and hubby wanted a "traditional row garden"?  I *really* prefer my square foot/ lasagna bed garden - so much easier!  Things are growing in here,

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-87885476452823296342011-04-13T19:23:00.000-04:002011-04-13T19:23:57.177-04:00

I love this idea!  Need to keep it in mind for up on the deck (whenever it gets finished!). Pallet Garden

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-22150247128782533182011-04-11T20:46:00.001-04:002011-04-13T22:08:42.058-04:00

Tom got the garden tilled Saturday.  It is about 24'x36' and we are planting traditional rows this year at Tom's request.  I love my lasagna/square foot gardening, but the garden where I have done that in the past is currently occupied by goats, and Tom was feeling nostalgic and wanted to see a traditional row garden, sooo...  here we go!  Hopefully it will work out well.  I am a little nervous

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-70685161638421130992011-04-04T22:26:00.000-04:002011-04-13T22:27:19.182-04:00

... and around the yard.  Some early plant pics, and animals too.  :-)

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-79461802016948735722011-02-21T18:25:00.000-05:002011-02-21T18:25:00.125-05:00

I can't tell when looking out my window - but when I get outside and poke around, there are lots of little green shoots coming up and I have a crocus bloom today!  :-)  That is so encouraging and I can't wait for spring to really arrive and lots of time to play outdoors.

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-52938837268046095112010-04-19T16:18:00.000-04:002010-04-19T16:18:58.892-04:00

Well, things are definitely happening outdoors here!  :-) The spinach, lettuce, beets, chard, peas and kale are growing well.  I let the asparagus go to seed again this year without harvesting (though I was very tempted), I will add soil to the bed and plan to harvest next year.  We are moving around the front "cold bed" to the side of the house and will fill that with flowers and bushes - to

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-33527349047142518122010-04-13T14:26:00.000-04:002010-04-13T14:26:37.254-04:00

We are adding to our fruit and flowering trees, and adding some color to the yard while we wait to be able to plant out the veggie garden. Ordered from Arbor Day Foundation and planted last night: 2 Golden Jubilee Peach trees 1 Fragrant Lilac 2 Blue Hydrangea bushes 4 Bar Harbor Junipers 1 Orange Azalea 1 Red Maple Tree (free) 2 Forsythias (free) I also purchased from Lowe's yesterday: 2

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-14068263779122281782010-03-18T23:51:00.000-04:002010-03-19T00:23:10.856-04:00

Started seeds indoors today: Broccoli Cauliflower Brussels Sprout Cabbage Bee Balm Chamomile Horehound Oregano Rosemary I feel like I am so behind!  We went from snowstorms to spring overnight it seemed.  :-)  I also started my pea seeds soaking so that I can get them in the ground tomorrow.  I will likely start a lot more seeds this weekend, that way things can start

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-21457535081784514502010-03-18T16:37:00.000-04:002010-03-18T17:10:42.216-04:00

We noticed the below pictured items when we walked around the yard with the camera today.  We also saw that the lilies and tulips are popping up, the foxglove is growing, strawberry plants are getting new leaves (bed needs repaired), 5 of the 8 bushes we transplanted last fall have new growth, the parsley in the herb bed is growing, the sage is growing again, and there is some kale in the "cold

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-31236670869611852182010-03-18T16:33:00.000-04:002010-03-18T16:33:34.340-04:00

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-73859021264372108722010-03-01T20:40:00.000-05:002010-03-01T20:40:39.242-05:00

First signs of spring here are always the crocus blooms next to the porch.  Today, we found the first ones - yellow and such a welcome sight as the snow finally melts away.  It has been a good, hard winter with lots of snow and cold.  I have enjoyed it (easy for me since I stay home much of the time), but am looking forward to spring - and this was a sweet reminder of what lies in store.  :-)

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-90529403113791324712010-03-01T20:37:00.000-05:002010-03-18T16:26:23.161-04:00

I have sorted through my seeds and made my first lists, ordered a few more seeds.  I am getting itchy to start some plantings.  I am low on space indoors right now and our greenhouse plastic did not last the winter... so, hoping hubby will help me get that recovered soon.  In the meantime, I will likely start a few trays of early greens inside... I just can't wait to start growing again!  :-)

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-44090854843242433902009-12-26T14:25:00.000-05:002009-12-26T14:26:29.400-05:00

We have 2 small avocado trees growing! Will post pics soon - here are some tips on growing them.http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/seed/2002114535011263.html

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-21736855151461922732009-10-03T22:46:00.000-04:002009-10-03T22:53:56.902-04:00

We planted two apple trees today! Also transplanted 8 bushes taken from our church yard this morning (they no longer wanted them), I am not sure what kinds they are, but thought we would give them a chance here. I weeded the 2 big flower beds and the "cold garden" also. Busy day!Tom planting the Golden Delicious tree!The Gala apple tree planted and getting water.Tom's homemade pipe irrigation

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-86670458890958408292009-09-17T23:02:00.000-04:002009-10-03T23:10:51.073-04:00

From the garden, pie pumpkins and roasted pumpkin seeds - yummy!!!

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-20501486853384586502009-07-26T00:00:00.000-04:002009-07-28T11:18:55.964-04:00

Well, the gardens have mostly been tended by my children the last month or so as we have been finishing a remodel in the house and busy with company visiting. I went out this evening to get a peek at how things were doing. It is a jungle in there! The spacing of the plants is working fine, hardly any weeds and things are growing beautifully! It is incredible how tall the corn and tomatoes and

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-23466076123891038402009-07-06T16:24:00.000-04:002010-03-18T16:24:59.753-04:00

Asparagus bed ~ 10 little shoots, need to add more composted soil Pumpkin side of L-shaped bed Yellow squash and Watermelon side of L-shaped bed Potatoes

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-69370233128143073282009-07-03T23:37:00.000-04:002009-07-06T23:45:55.754-04:00

SunflowerBlack-eyed Susan patchPurple coneflowers (echinacea)

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-69180001652786963372009-07-02T23:23:00.000-04:002009-07-06T23:34:58.866-04:00

Rose & Will picked these tomato hornworms off the tomatoes. :( There were at least 20-30 of them. We picked them off and fed them to our chickens, then I sprayed with pyrethrin and ordered some more pyrethrin mixed with diatemaceous earth to continue to apply. They did quite a bit of damage, especially to the red delicious plants. It is amazing how much they can eat overnight. I am thankful

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-30068760713905700352009-07-01T23:15:00.000-04:002009-07-06T23:19:45.450-04:00

Rose in the garden - ready to pick!Rainbow Swiss Chard, Marigolds, Peppers, Dill, Oregano, SageCorn bed

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-46938547205144393012009-07-01T23:03:00.000-04:002009-07-06T23:14:13.710-04:00

Paste TomatoesCauliflower - eaten by bugs, not forming headsYellow pear tomatoes in cauliflower/carrot bedGreen and Red Delicious TomatoesPole beans

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-49985986871722949862009-07-01T22:54:00.000-04:002009-07-06T23:02:57.220-04:00

Bush BeansZukesPeas / CukesCukes

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-64650728065778169272009-07-01T22:38:00.000-04:002009-07-06T22:53:10.503-04:00

Asparagus bed ~ 10 little shoots, need to add more composted soilPumpkin side of L-shaped bedYellow squash and Watermelon side of L-shaped bedPotatoes!

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-66459096960147302582009-06-30T16:20:00.000-04:002009-07-22T16:22:29.756-04:00

Some fruits of our labors.

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-13668841596654671432009-06-20T22:33:00.000-04:002009-07-06T22:38:40.681-04:00

Black-eyed SusanCalla LilyChamomileHosta budSt. John's Wort

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-7324597453490170302009-06-20T22:13:00.000-04:002009-07-06T22:33:10.579-04:00

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-43074662524327088802009-06-10T20:26:00.000-04:002009-06-10T20:31:38.547-04:00

We had a huge storm last night with high winds and hard rains and some pea-size hail. Also lots of awesome thunder and lightning! The gardens were my biggest concern, even though were without power or phone for about 6 hours overnight. I went out today and got a closer look. It's not horrid. I think we likely lost half the corn. It didn't seem like too many were broken above ground, but

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-10103179600627303382009-06-06T00:32:00.000-04:002009-06-06T00:36:20.805-04:00

Alexis took this pic.Alexis took this one also - wild flowers I need to look up (mtn laurel?) with a peony.

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-29522398746715026792009-06-06T00:22:00.000-04:002009-06-06T00:26:40.208-04:00

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-46501814590238938802009-06-06T00:17:00.000-04:002009-06-06T00:21:14.669-04:00

Blackberries are forming - can't wait to pick all the wild ones on our property. The rhubarb has recovered well from the run-in with the mower. I don't think that the male kiwi did though, which is a shame since it wasn't cheap! The strawberries are doing great. I have been faithfully pinching the blooms and also snipping the runners that they have put out. I only let a couple be so they

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-14359443412200766332009-06-06T00:09:00.000-04:002009-06-06T00:14:49.583-04:00

The "cold bed" - lettuce, broccoli, collards, cabbage, spinach (daylilies to the side).The "small garden" -yellow squash and watermelon.PumpkinsPotatoesThe asparagus never came up. :( Maybe in the spring? I doubt it.

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-55644312049912734602009-06-01T23:55:00.000-04:002009-06-06T00:07:12.111-04:00

Whole Main GardenSwiss Chard, Herbs, Marigolds, PeppersCornTomatoes, Cauliflower, CarrotsPaste TomatoesTomatoesPole BeansBush BeansZucchiniPeasCucumbers

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-89689037260958611602009-05-27T00:34:00.000-04:002009-05-29T00:44:45.403-04:00

We had a yummy salad made from this lettuce and spinach tonight. It was SO very yummy and I kept looking at the bowl and admiring how very green the lettuce was. The lettuce is a head of Parris Island romaine, and the bottom pic is a small bundle of spinach from the same bed. We all enjoyed our first harvest very much.

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-30305796486562555172009-05-24T18:47:00.000-04:002009-05-24T18:56:20.130-04:00

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-62264048662855953692009-05-24T18:34:00.000-04:002009-05-24T18:46:03.958-04:00

Anyone know what this is? I think it is just a weed, but not sure...

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-70907592940797022552009-05-24T18:29:00.000-04:002009-05-24T18:34:40.793-04:00

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-41362205641828296522009-05-24T18:10:00.000-04:002009-05-24T18:28:20.170-04:00

Main garden from outside fenceSwiss Chard, peppers, herbs, marigoldsCornPaste tomatoesTomatoes, cauliflower, carrots.Tomatoes.Pole beans (like my teepee?)Bush beansZukesPeasCukes

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-89432013257154319032009-05-24T15:50:00.000-04:002009-05-24T16:03:13.959-04:00

The rose beds, herb garden and a hill full of daylilies are all on the perimeter of the driveway. They are in desperate need of weeding and TLC right now, but here are pics of today for comparison later.This St. John's Wort is up on the hill near the daylilies.Rocks and daylilies are hopefully going to prevent the landslide of this slope into the driveway. The daylilies are just now getting

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-38989107782054336532009-05-24T15:39:00.000-04:002009-05-24T16:08:55.049-04:00

These are the things that are planted behind our house. This is a fairly neglected area, it is pretty sloped but I hope to plant more there in the future. It gets good afternoon sun and isn't horrid soil.Kiwi vine that had been growing for several years. I pruned this way back in late winter and it seems to have liked it. I need to get back there and train it up an arbor, similar to a grape

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-82198622149714071602009-05-24T15:22:00.000-04:002009-05-24T15:37:33.133-04:00

This is the "small garden". We have not yet gotten the fence around this one, hopefully tomorrow. I am hoping to add 2 blueberry bushes soon to the center of this garden, and the vines should fill it up and climb the fence once it is there.This is the L-shaped bed that has now been planted with (closest to farthest) 9 yellow crookneck squash, 4 sugar baby watermelon, 4 moon and stars watermelon,

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-25494227036244675682009-05-23T23:34:00.000-04:002009-05-23T23:41:10.458-04:00

This is Tom's favorite flower. We have 2 bushes, 1 white and 1 pink. The pink has not bloomed yet, but is very close. We were able to save this bush and most of the blooms by putting a tomato cage around it after the dog(s) trampled it. Having a puppy has been rough this year on our plants!

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-66658635246229337592009-05-20T18:00:00.000-04:002009-05-20T18:10:42.430-04:00

I just came in from weeding the "cold bed" which is what I have been calling this one tucked in next to the front porch. The big plants in here were started indoors months ago, the smaller ones were started from seed a few weeks ago. I have two plantings of lettuce started at different times so that we can eat salads from them as they are ready. I was out around lunchtime and some of the bed

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-10697435871954110452009-05-20T17:28:00.000-04:002009-05-20T18:01:44.409-04:00

Here are pics from the main garden. It is growing and growing! Follow me on a small tour of our square foot raised beds...Through the fence. The bed front left has swiss chard, peppers, and herbs in it. I neglected to get a close pic of that - but they are doing well.Walk in the gate and to the left is the swiss chard bed discussed above, straight ahead is the sweet corn bed. We planted

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-51927608854472042252009-05-20T17:16:00.000-04:002009-05-20T17:23:04.691-04:00

We finally finished the chicken run on Monday night. They are so happy to be able get out in the fresh air and sunshine! It is fun to watch them run around and hear them clucking happily away. It is especially fun when one chicken finds a worm - all the rest will chase after it calling out for a piece - and she will be running and squawking like crazy - hilarious!

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-64659945198295593242009-05-17T16:56:00.000-04:002009-05-20T17:00:49.252-04:00

Update on the strawberries. Here is a better picture of my homemade, redneck "pyramid" planter. :-) It is working just fine!The left side does seem to get a bit more shade than I expected now that the trees have leafed out, so the right side plants are larger... not sure what to do about that, we'll wait it out and see. We are picking lots of blooms off so that the plants are well

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-59480277099518742052009-05-17T16:49:00.000-04:002009-05-20T16:56:02.970-04:00

These are all in bloom right now. The regular dark purple ones have bloomed already, the light purple ones that smell so wonderful were trampled by the puppy this year :(These "dwarf iris" or "blue flag iris" - think I've seen them called other names too...are probably my second favorite behind the light purple ones.

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-43545680131581469342009-05-17T16:45:00.000-04:002009-05-20T16:49:39.378-04:00

Here are pics of some more flowers in bloom right now.Foxglove(We purchased one for our 12th anniversary and it died,replacing it with this one this year - they are SO pretty and elegant!)Heather(Each year I buy one for our Heather to plant.)Dead Nettles(not sure what the proper name is for these,they are so pretty - love the foliage, and it is spreading well in the rose bed!)

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-21068819576270208502009-05-17T16:34:00.000-04:002009-05-20T16:41:48.263-04:00

The roses are just beginning to bloom. This year I added 2 more bushes making the total 6 I think? The coral one is a rambler that we planted 10 years ago but has in the last couple of years begun to suffer from blackspot so has not been so pretty. I also have a red one and a pink one that Tom and the children got me for mother's day last year. There is a yellow one that we planted when Rose

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-15969237041893488132009-05-04T13:32:00.000-04:002009-05-12T13:36:39.130-04:00

The beans are sprouting! So are the zukes, cukes, peas and corn!We also opened up the chicken house to give the chicks full run and they arevery happy with more space. We will be getting their outdoor run finished soon!

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-47825817788713112462009-04-30T13:25:00.000-04:002009-05-12T13:32:28.489-04:00

lWe got the flower beds mulched and a couple small decorative fences put up to more clearly mark boundaries for pets and children. It looks pretty. I will fill in gaps with annual flower seeds soon and wait for the perennials to fill in the gaps eventually. The yellow primrose and purple coneflower are growing and getting ready to bud and bloom. The foxglove I picked up a week or so ago and

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-4176088308413327342009-04-28T23:14:00.000-04:002009-04-28T23:23:18.183-04:00

I am so excited to report that the main garden beds have been planted. I changed things around a little bit (surprised?) so will have to update my diagram again, but for the most part everything went in as planned. The chain link fence is up, though not quite secured all the way around yet. I am actually rather sad to have to put the fence up, it just doesn't look as nice. We have to protect the

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-83482258295806208542009-04-24T01:00:00.000-04:002009-04-24T01:21:35.909-04:00

Ferns unfurling.Wild blackberriesRhubarb just popping up!Kiwi vine (this is the one that has been there a few years but got a major trim this year!)

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-36079762182108808782009-04-24T00:40:00.000-04:002009-04-24T01:23:50.265-04:00

LilacLilacPeony bud with an ant on it.Snowdrops (I think?)Tulip

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-12490234806150794982009-04-24T00:27:00.000-04:002009-04-24T00:32:30.168-04:00

Grape hyacinthRose budShepherd's purse (weed/herb - grows wild all over here)Iris budWild violet

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-60472739265180243472009-04-23T20:14:00.000-04:002009-04-23T20:42:21.026-04:00

We have been working constantly on getting things settled in the gardens this spring.  The main garden beds are all built and filled with good soil.  It's still been a bit too cold at night to put the tomatoes in and I really want the fence up before I do much more.  That should happen this Saturday.I have a bed made for the potatoes, but need to do ones for the asparagus, squashes and melons

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-8834397302131901442009-04-17T00:00:00.000-04:002009-04-24T00:08:24.666-04:00

Strawberries are doing great!Ummm... a seedling in the "cold bed"... can't remember where I took the pic!LettuceCabbagePeas

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-28860719326663605102009-04-16T23:30:00.000-04:002009-04-23T23:42:43.144-04:00

Potted plant I cannot remember the name of.Peony shoots.Can't remember name...Daffodil - only got 2 blooms this year, and both didn't look quite right.Tulips looked better this year, but need more! Love tulips. :-)

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-86585642238700617212009-04-15T01:07:00.000-04:002009-04-15T01:43:43.999-04:00

This is our redneck chicken house. We built it with absolutely $0 expense! Tom found pallets for free and we cut them apart and used the lumber to build this. Tom built the frame and the kids and I put up the slats and built and hung the door and installed the wire around the bottom.Tom then found a thrown away metal garage door at the storage shed that worked perfectly for the roof! God is

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-16908563535449998702009-04-11T11:23:00.000-04:002009-04-11T11:35:05.781-04:00

Yet another redesign on the big veggie garden.  I  have all the beds built now and will be working on getting the fence around it soon.

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-88517302103892326142009-04-02T23:38:00.000-04:002009-04-02T23:47:38.765-04:00

The promised pics...

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-38038206503736727102009-03-31T21:59:00.000-04:002009-03-31T22:02:27.305-04:00

Can hardly wait to enjoy them (next year)!

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-4117047333103452242009-03-30T11:28:00.000-04:002009-03-30T11:30:13.810-04:00

Here are the seedlings now. Tomatoes, watermelon, cauliflower, canteloupe, peppers...

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-12739729302514357262009-03-30T11:18:00.000-04:002009-03-30T11:28:33.885-04:00

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-26896661744619823252009-03-29T21:03:00.000-04:002009-03-30T11:09:43.349-04:00

We have finally pretty much finished the greenhouse. My sisters came and helped me put together the base and hoops, there were 3 moms and 9 kids working on it and we got it done in a short afternoon! Tom and I constructed the frame for the ends/doors and attached the plastic over the hoops. We now have just the doors to install. We have moved the chicks out to the greenhouse with the heat

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-81313457273822019472009-03-25T21:53:00.000-04:002009-03-30T10:21:00.396-04:00

I got the "cool weather bed" planted today. Here is a pic of the updated/actual drawing of what is planted where. The tomato and pepper are still to be transplanted when it is warmer, but everything else is transplanted or seeded! The kiwi vines have also been planted, though the arbor still needs to be built. The pumpkin/watermelon/squash of course is not in the ground yet.Here is a pic also

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-21422110707680286302009-03-02T09:17:00.000-05:002009-03-03T10:50:37.692-05:00

We had about a foot of snow that fell on March 1st through the morning of the 2nd. Here are some pictures of the beauty that swept over our yard and woods, covering the crocus blooms but also covering the mud and dirt and hiding from view all the To-Do lists that scroll before my eyes when I look out in the yard these days. We haven't had a snow like this in as long as I can remember here in

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-69975376282089554712009-02-27T12:31:00.000-05:002009-02-27T12:33:16.758-05:00

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-80450427953624287112009-02-27T11:36:00.000-05:002009-02-27T12:14:30.199-05:00

The kids and I built two 4'x4' garden beds this morning. We took 8' long 2x6 pieces of wood and Tom cut them in half for us last night, then we drilled pilot holes in one end of each and screwed the pieces together in a square. We will take these down to the veggie garden, place wet newspaper under it to kill the grass/weeds and then fill with dirt, mulch, compost, straw and leaves. We will

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-78381678418872736132009-02-27T11:32:00.000-05:002009-02-27T11:35:08.150-05:00

This is the current plan. We got the dog lot up this week and are hoping to get the greenhouse up this weekend, which would be good - I have LOTS of seeds to get started tomorrow and my kitchen is cramped already.

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-58645929518642660682009-02-27T10:12:00.000-05:002009-02-27T11:18:38.390-05:00

Carol at May Dreams Gardens has a post today entitled Queen of the Garden in which she asks what varieties of tomato everyone is growing. So here are mine!These are mostly heirlooms, click on the name to link to a pic and more info.Amish PasteAunt Ruby's German GreenBrandywineDeliciousRed CherryYellow Pear

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-14256412813707538952009-02-25T18:17:00.000-05:002009-02-26T18:39:33.262-05:00

Moved the collards and cabbage to bigger pots made from newspaper. Their roots were growing out the bottom of the jiffy pots, so they needed more room! They look good and are getting their first "true leaves" (see 2nd pic).I also seeded some rosemary in a bed of potting soil and covered it with plastic.

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-22306669681195344842009-02-23T12:18:00.000-05:002009-02-27T11:19:03.570-05:00

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-39113562256836738202009-02-23T11:58:00.001-05:002009-02-23T12:18:03.992-05:00

I created a Planting Guide for the seed varieties that I am planting this year. Wanted to have everything easily accessible in one place. It is a huge spreadsheet. It has important info like planting times, companion plants, light and soil requirements, harvest info, spacing, preserving, etc...If you would like me to e-mail you a copy, just leave your addy in the comments of this post. I will

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-85429942560265778172009-02-22T20:39:00.000-05:002009-02-22T21:07:59.412-05:00

These are the cabbage and collards that sprouted last week. They seem to be doing well under the grow light. On top of the light, I have sitting 10 brussels sprouts, 2 egg plants, 1 wonder egg, 1 huckleberry that I started by seed the other day. The 3 pepper plants are still in there (they take a couple weeks), and there were 3 collards that have no sprouted yet (may not?).

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-34393212711729080802009-02-22T20:13:00.000-05:002009-02-22T20:21:07.128-05:00

I plan to put peas in several locations and sow them successively so we have a longer picking time. Today, I put the first round in the ground! This pic is from our high porch looking down onto the bed. Planted about 30 seeds in 2 rows there. Soaked the peas before planting and added an inoculant to the soil. The peas will be able to climb the trellis and porch rails. Can't wait!

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-45118702791371989492009-02-18T12:44:00.001-05:002009-02-18T12:45:19.183-05:00

We have had some snow/sleet/rain this morning and there is a bit of snow dusting the ground. Haven't planted the peas yet as it's been so muddy and nasty. Will do soon!

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-36797804247893455762009-02-18T12:33:00.000-05:002009-02-18T12:40:58.109-05:00

I have little baby seedlings! Yesterday there were a few scattered, today over half had sprouted. I removed them from under the plastic and put them under a grow light.So far there are...7 of 8 cabbage7 of 12 collards0 peppers

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-54614625968815418432009-02-16T08:30:00.000-05:002009-02-16T08:38:13.037-05:00

It is snowing today, just gentle flurries this morning but quite a few of them. Wonder if anything will stick?

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-88355922683765253212009-02-15T01:22:00.000-05:002009-02-15T01:34:42.794-05:00

We picked up a trailer load of aged manure today via freecycle. Met a nice lady with bunnies and chickens and quail = lots of compost! :-)Heather and I also got our first seeds started in peat pots today. We planted 12 collards, 3 bell peppers, 1 cayenne pepper, and 8 cabbage. We put the little pots in muffin tins, covered them with saran wrap and put them on top of the fridge to stay warm until

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-72045037874836227482009-02-13T19:41:00.000-05:002009-02-13T19:53:09.114-05:00

I am so happy to have piles and piles of seed packets on my desk here. :-) Part of my 2nd order came in the mail today, there are several items on back order but nothing crucial - the only thing I am kinda bummed about is the peas, as they can go out before too long. I'll call them on Monday and see how long the expect the backordered items to be. In the meantime, I plan to spend tomorrow

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-22764394507081986882009-02-13T01:23:00.000-05:002009-02-22T12:26:19.637-05:00

I've had lots of sit-down time lately with us all being sick, I haven't really had a voice for a couple days now... makes it hard to do much! So, I took some time today to work on more notes for planting and to make this cool little diagram of our yard and planned gardens, etc...

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-62429827501349763072009-02-12T10:48:00.000-05:002009-02-15T10:54:47.925-05:00

Found this crocus blooming today in the rose bed by the porch!

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-43010963977682732162009-02-10T15:28:00.000-05:002009-02-10T15:37:36.557-05:00

We got outside a bit the last few days and talked about where we are going to put these gardens and the greenhouse and the chicken yard. Will and I pruned the butterfly bush and cut down lots of dead stalks from flowers. I found crocus and daffodils poking up and some small signs of new life in the rose bushes.Today, Tom and Will laid out newspapers on the small bed where the lettuce, spinach,

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-80153769482114899222009-02-08T14:12:00.000-05:002009-02-08T14:17:05.231-05:00

These last couple days have been balmy and spring-like! It hit 70 yesterday and melted the bit of snow that had fallen last week. It isn't quite as warm or sunny today, but I do have the windows open (so nice to air out the house, especially after sickies!) and I can hear the wind chime and the branches rustling... ahhhhh!!!!I got one of my seed orders in yesterday, waiting on the other, I was

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-36749153873149471162009-02-05T12:14:00.000-05:002009-02-13T16:58:55.561-05:00

Thinking of a 12'x16' with hoops every 3' (one off-set by 1') and one door. Wonder if Tom would build it for me?Plans from Dave at Alberta Home Gardening who has a great blog with detailed plans and pics. Check them out!Prices from Lowe's unless otherwise noted.Supplies:20' x 50' clear 4 mil plastic = $59.99 here3 10' x 10mm rebar = $6.28 each2 2x6 12' = $6.99 each2 2x6 16' = $8.99 each6 2x4 12

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-23187294471049704892009-02-05T00:32:00.000-05:002009-02-05T00:35:36.047-05:00

Tonight I placed orders for our heirloom seeds (per spreadsheet posted below) and also for 25 Rhode Island Red chicks! Such great fun. The chicks should arrive March 16. I can't wait to get everything all started indoors and start planning out where everything will be going.

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-42331150403803513342009-02-04T16:25:00.000-05:002009-02-04T16:40:22.736-05:00

Wanted to share an interesting article on Why Heirloom Seeds Matter from a blog I came across.

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-4461682767041661602009-02-01T17:05:00.000-05:002009-02-04T17:17:06.185-05:00

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-13333181682190436732009-01-04T16:26:00.000-05:002009-01-04T16:35:22.665-05:00

This is a spreadsheet with the seeds I plan to purchase as of right now, will likely change in the next month before I order. :-)Seed Plans

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384851675435515792.post-89973013025368216152009-01-03T23:19:00.000-05:002009-01-03T23:23:01.391-05:00

I am searching for heirloom vegetable seeds at a good price. I have an order compiled from a couple different places, totals about $200 - yipes! Anyone know of a good source. I am not looking for specific varieties, just tried and true fruits and veggies that I can gather seeds from for the next year. Any favorite varieties you have? Any tips?

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07291934295217216381noreply@blogger.com0