Well, hello again and happy Saturday to ya!!! Just want to warn you before you read on…you have your work cut out for you with all of the ‘assignments’ I am going to give you today. Yep, that’s the teacher in me…she unexpectedly rears her head from time to time so… get used to it!!!
In the Piedmont today we are dealing with much cooler temps, clouds and rain. Now, as I see it, we have two choices: A) we can be bummed out and pout all day (we all know some folks just thrive on having themselves a little “pity party”) or B) we can use this amazing opportunity to start our 2011 Lasagna Gardening notebook and plan, plan, plan!
If you chose A…see ya later, tater! Go pout somewhere else! Life is just too bloomin’ short to surround yourself with folks who whine about things over which they have NO control.
If you chose B, you and I are going to get along just fine!!! Now, go get your notebook (spiral, three-ring – you will have to decide what works best for you) or some paper if you don’t have a notebook and let’s get started.
Where to begin??? Hmmm, let me explain a little about lasagna-gardening. First and foremost, it is E-A-S-Y!!! You prepare raised beds on top of the ground – no need for lumber or other materials to keep it in place – and you plant…then you wait….then you EAT and ENJOY!!!
- My first two rows…May 2010 © 3/25/2011
As you can see, I initially began with two rows on the front lawn because that area gets at least 6 hours of sun per day. (Make notes of possible sites on your property that get at least that much sun.) There are many differing opinions about whether your rows should run north/south or east/west. Those of you who know me well know that I researched, researched and then researched some more on this topic before I made a decision. I chose to plant my rows north/south because it was more aesthetically pleasing to my eye and it worked quite well. I was so pleased with the results that I eventually added a third row on the front lawn, then I planted around my mailbox, and finally my lamppost.
July 22, 2010 © 3/25/2011
I fed our immediate family, my Mother, Mark’s Mother, and my sister from 3 short rows of veggies! I grew green beans (White half runners), peppers (jalapeno and Italian), tomatoes (Roma, German Johnson and Pink lady/girl and Cherry), zucchini, squash (yellow and patty pan), cucumbers and okra. I also had herbs; basil (Genova and Purple) and parsley. As you can see, I grew marigolds around the border which are great deterrents for unwanted pests.
Interested? Want to give it a go? If so, then here is today’s assignment: 1) Determine the best spot to plant your garden – sketch it out, 2) gather cardboard boxes (my preference) or newspapers, 3) start gathering compost – I chose to build a compost pile (let me know if you want more info), 4) check pricing in your area for peat moss – this is vital though I am looking into an alternative that will work just as well due to an article I read about the bogs and their sustainability.
Whew! That is enough for today. You know, I have found that gardening isn’t just fulfilling to the tummy…a garden is BEAUTIFUL!!! There is just something about watching what you have planted flourish, knowing all the while that you, in this case, are providing your family with top quality, organic food and lessening your carbon footprint while you do it. Now, just how EXCITING is that??? Until next time…
P.S. Now don’t get over excited and start planting – not yet. We will do that in May. My grandfather always said if you plant before May 1 here in the Piedmont you are wasting your time and money and we certainly don’t want to do that now, do we???
Love it! I use raised beds too, and in my front yard! Neighbor’s 21 (yes, 21) cats decided last year to make my beds their litter box and I was so mad. Not sure whats going to happen this year…may have to shoot some cats!
I have a very simple solution…you need a golden retriever or two that just love to chase cats for the fun of it 😉 It works for me…
Very educational! Everyone should entertain the thought of sustainable living, from gardening to recycling and much more. I have to point out that my favorite part of this post, however, was the mention of getting a spiral, three-ring notebook. You can take the teacher out of the classroom but you can’t take the classroom out of the teacher 🙂 i.luv.u.
Such a comical child…wonder where you get that trait? 🙂 I luv u MORE!!!