I was out front enjoying the nice fall day, after being stuck in the house for the past three days due to cold and some snow. I saw a little lizard out and about soaking up some of the afternoon sun. I have uploaded a short clip on you tube of my little garden friend.
Everything except for the Brussels sprouts has been harvested. I am going to burn the weeds and let the ground rest for the rest of the year.
Till next time
Enjoy the sunshine
Monday, November 2, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
The 2009 season is winding down
The 2009 growing season is coming to an end here, we have been getting rain and cold temperatures at night. I decided to get the tomatoes in even though a lot of them are still green. All the beans are harvested, still waiting for the dent corn to dry. We have snow peas that need harvesting I'll keep picking till they die out. Brussels sprouts will be another month or so, but it looks like I can get the pumpkins soon. I planted a late crop of turnips, carrots, and Swiss chard and believe it or not I finely got carrots to come up not a lot but some I'll take the victory. Now that all most all the tomato plants are up I'll be burning them so I can get the ashes in the the ground for next year. Here is a good place to add, do not compost any tomato or potato plants. The plants can carry a soil born pathogen that will contaminate your soil. Some scientist estimate that the pathogen lives in the soil for up to 100 years. This pathogen will spread disease to your other plants and make the ground unusable. So with that in mind I just burn the plants to be safe. I have enough trouble in my garden I don't need to add more.
I made some green tomato relish for the first time this year and canned it, it is so good. I have been thinking of all kinds of dishes that it will go good with. Keep an eye out for new recipes, I will share with you how I use the relish.
I've dried the beans, and the beats are caned and frozen. Now I am just waiting for the last few vegetables to finish up and I'll be prepping for next season. For me this is an exciting time of year and a sad one, I get to see all that God has given this summer and the hope of next year, but I also see the garden emptying out after I pull or turn the plants under. But winter is coming and to me that is the start of new hope for next year. So lets hope for a good winter, a nice white blanket over the ground as the soil sleeps and gets ready for work next summer.
Till next time
Happy Gardening
I made some green tomato relish for the first time this year and canned it, it is so good. I have been thinking of all kinds of dishes that it will go good with. Keep an eye out for new recipes, I will share with you how I use the relish.
I've dried the beans, and the beats are caned and frozen. Now I am just waiting for the last few vegetables to finish up and I'll be prepping for next season. For me this is an exciting time of year and a sad one, I get to see all that God has given this summer and the hope of next year, but I also see the garden emptying out after I pull or turn the plants under. But winter is coming and to me that is the start of new hope for next year. So lets hope for a good winter, a nice white blanket over the ground as the soil sleeps and gets ready for work next summer.
Till next time
Happy Gardening
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Worm Bin Outdoors
I installed another compost box in the garden. It is 4' x 2' x 2' made of ¾” untreated plywood.
I buried the box 2' deep, by burring the box it will insulate it so the worms don't freeze in the winter or get to hot in the summer. Using worms in your compost bin will help speed up the compost process and you don't have to turn the bin every other day or so. Worms will eat ½ there weight every 24 hours and will double there numbers every 60 to 90 days. Worms will eat old bread, vegetable scraps, manure, paper, grass clippings and leafs. Don't feed your worms any meat, fats or pet faeces. Composting with worms can cut your wast to the street down up to 95% a week and you will have the best soil amendment on your block. Just add your compost to your garden and soon you will have the best garden around. You can see the video on the worm box on you tube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtFYwxSOeLM
Till Next time.
Happy Gardening / Composting
I buried the box 2' deep, by burring the box it will insulate it so the worms don't freeze in the winter or get to hot in the summer. Using worms in your compost bin will help speed up the compost process and you don't have to turn the bin every other day or so. Worms will eat ½ there weight every 24 hours and will double there numbers every 60 to 90 days. Worms will eat old bread, vegetable scraps, manure, paper, grass clippings and leafs. Don't feed your worms any meat, fats or pet faeces. Composting with worms can cut your wast to the street down up to 95% a week and you will have the best soil amendment on your block. Just add your compost to your garden and soon you will have the best garden around. You can see the video on the worm box on you tube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtFYwxSOeLM
Till Next time.
Happy Gardening / Composting
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Bees in the garden
It's amazing, went all summer and only saw a few bees, today there where a lot of them. I counted 15 but there where more. Bees have been suffering from CCD (Colony collapse disorder.).
From what I have read and seen CCD is not fully understood yet. Some think it might be a might causing the decline of bees, while some think it is a virus. Some have blamed it on the environment and the use of chemicals on crops and other plants to control insects. There are some that say it is a combination of all of them. Regardless of the cause it is something we all need to be concerned about.
CCD has been confirmed in 24 U.S. States and parts of Canada, it also has hit India, Brazil, Australia, The U.K and parts of Europe. So why the big fuss? With the decline of these pollinators the human race is in big trouble. I have heard that if there where no more bees mankind would die out in as little as three months and as long as a year either way it will impact mankind in a very negativity way. So what can I do? Grow plants that attract bees, lay off the insecticide and herbicide. For more information on CCD you can go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colony_Collapse_Disorder and http://www.ars.usda.gov/News/docs.htm?docid=15572 there is a lot of information on CCD on the web it is worth a look.
Till next time.
Happy Gardening / bee pollinating.
From what I have read and seen CCD is not fully understood yet. Some think it might be a might causing the decline of bees, while some think it is a virus. Some have blamed it on the environment and the use of chemicals on crops and other plants to control insects. There are some that say it is a combination of all of them. Regardless of the cause it is something we all need to be concerned about.
CCD has been confirmed in 24 U.S. States and parts of Canada, it also has hit India, Brazil, Australia, The U.K and parts of Europe. So why the big fuss? With the decline of these pollinators the human race is in big trouble. I have heard that if there where no more bees mankind would die out in as little as three months and as long as a year either way it will impact mankind in a very negativity way. So what can I do? Grow plants that attract bees, lay off the insecticide and herbicide. For more information on CCD you can go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colony_Collapse_Disorder and http://www.ars.usda.gov/News/docs.htm?docid=15572 there is a lot of information on CCD on the web it is worth a look.
Till next time.
Happy Gardening / bee pollinating.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
New Garden News
I have uploaded three new videos on you tube. One on transplanting Rhubarb, one on companion plants, and one on the garden. You can view them at: http://www.youtube.com/user/HighPlainsGardening (You can click on the title to get there)
I thought that last year was a strange growing season, but this year has been a roller coaster ride all year for me. We have had strange rain storms, high winds, dry spells, times when it looked like the plants just wold not grow then just pop up and do there thing. My first crop of snow pees took for ever to germinate but once up just took off, now my second planting they are on time and doing great so far.
My tomatoes have done the same thing. After I transplanted them they just hung out with very little growth then about 3 weeks ago just took off, in size and with tomatoes as well. (I don't have any ready to pick but if the weather holds I just might get some about the middle of September.) So through it all the one thing that has held true this year is that it will be in Gods time. I get so raped up in the growing at the first of the year and have it all planed out when things will be ready and how much there should be to harvest then God tells me to just enjoy the growth. This summer I have taken the time to just sit in the garden and look at what God is doing in a place as rough as this. It's awesome. So as the weather slowly turns to winter I will sit more and watch the birds and enjoy the green in the garden.
Till next time
Happy growing / enjoy the green.
I thought that last year was a strange growing season, but this year has been a roller coaster ride all year for me. We have had strange rain storms, high winds, dry spells, times when it looked like the plants just wold not grow then just pop up and do there thing. My first crop of snow pees took for ever to germinate but once up just took off, now my second planting they are on time and doing great so far.
My tomatoes have done the same thing. After I transplanted them they just hung out with very little growth then about 3 weeks ago just took off, in size and with tomatoes as well. (I don't have any ready to pick but if the weather holds I just might get some about the middle of September.) So through it all the one thing that has held true this year is that it will be in Gods time. I get so raped up in the growing at the first of the year and have it all planed out when things will be ready and how much there should be to harvest then God tells me to just enjoy the growth. This summer I have taken the time to just sit in the garden and look at what God is doing in a place as rough as this. It's awesome. So as the weather slowly turns to winter I will sit more and watch the birds and enjoy the green in the garden.
Till next time
Happy growing / enjoy the green.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
The Start of the Harvest
Started the harvest for this year, I got some beans, beats, onions, garlic, and kale. I've canned and frozen them, even froze some beet greens for this winter. I am hopping for some tomatoes to ripen I have quite a few green ones on the vines and if the weather holds out should get a nice crop this year.
I've heard from all over Colorado that tomatoes this year are hit and miss, more misses than hits. (this is from home growers only) I had a call the other day that even in north east Oklahoma is having a bad time with tomatoes. I finely got some carrots to come up not a lot, about 3 feet, I planted a 20 foot row.
But it just isn't my year for carrots I guess. I have up loaded some photos of the harvest. I am debating on having a garden in Denver next year. It will depend on where we will be next year, but if I do I have decided to have a stand up to sell some of the goods. As time gets closer I will up date and post where and when the stand will be open, and what will be for sale. So as this year starts to wind down, its time to start planning for next year.
Till next time.
Happy Harvesting / planing 
I've heard from all over Colorado that tomatoes this year are hit and miss, more misses than hits. (this is from home growers only) I had a call the other day that even in north east Oklahoma is having a bad time with tomatoes. I finely got some carrots to come up not a lot, about 3 feet, I planted a 20 foot row.
But it just isn't my year for carrots I guess. I have up loaded some photos of the harvest. I am debating on having a garden in Denver next year. It will depend on where we will be next year, but if I do I have decided to have a stand up to sell some of the goods. As time gets closer I will up date and post where and when the stand will be open, and what will be for sale. So as this year starts to wind down, its time to start planning for next year.
Till next time.
Happy Harvesting / planing
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Beets
Well I harvested some beets today. Looks like I’ll be blanching and freezing beets this afternoon. I also harvested the last of one row of beans just enough for dinner. With all this crazy weather they aren’t looking all that good right now. I’m thinking about pulling the plants and replanting that row, I might have enough time for one or two pickings yet this year. (I hope)
The other beans are looking good, should be picking them in about 3 weeks I am going to let them dry on the vine for winter storage.
The Brussels sprouts are looking real good this year, I don’t plan on getting anything off them till well in to September or October any how after the first snow. I have read that it gives them more flavor if you hold off on picking till after it snows. I have a few tomatoes little as they may be right now but I do have some. Last year I didn’t have any un-till the end of August first of September.
Until next time
Happy Gardening / Harvesting
The other beans are looking good, should be picking them in about 3 weeks I am going to let them dry on the vine for winter storage.
The Brussels sprouts are looking real good this year, I don’t plan on getting anything off them till well in to September or October any how after the first snow. I have read that it gives them more flavor if you hold off on picking till after it snows. I have a few tomatoes little as they may be right now but I do have some. Last year I didn’t have any un-till the end of August first of September.
Until next time
Happy Gardening / Harvesting
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Beans, and other vegetables
Beans are starting to become my favorite vegetable to grow out here on the High Plains. Due to my soil type and the high salt in the soil they seem to do good but the plant doesn't seem to get as tall as it would in other soil types. But the flowers on them I think are worth it. I have white, blue and red flowers growing on the beans now just beautiful. My one pumpkin plant has been invaded by the
potato beetle I have used horticultural oil so I am going to need to spray with seven or something to knock them back. They have ravaged some of the plants leaves.
Beets seem to be doing good this year, however, potato's got hit by a vole and now the potato beetle so if we get any thing out of them I will be surprised. Corn is doing OK some stalks are over 6' tall. Some of the corn is starting to tassel so I don't think that it will get to be the 13' I would have liked to see it get to. We have been getting a little rain each night but not enough to go down to the roots, so I'm off to water.
Till next time
Happy Gardening
potato beetle I have used horticultural oil so I am going to need to spray with seven or something to knock them back. They have ravaged some of the plants leaves.
Beets seem to be doing good this year, however, potato's got hit by a vole and now the potato beetle so if we get any thing out of them I will be surprised. Corn is doing OK some stalks are over 6' tall. Some of the corn is starting to tassel so I don't think that it will get to be the 13' I would have liked to see it get to. We have been getting a little rain each night but not enough to go down to the roots, so I'm off to water.
Till next time
Happy Gardening
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Watering
I just uploaded a video on you tube on how I water. You can find it at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4nDv33wdXM
The reason I water this way is to get the water to the plants roots and keep it there for the most amount of time possible. Also over head watering evaporates during the spray time of the sprinkler. I can water this way in the evening and the next afternoon the soil is still damp the next evening. The plants don't suffer from wind burn near as badly as they did when I used the over head watering method. Also if I had put the garden on an automatic drip system the plants would do even better.
I just got word that the Denver West Metro Area got hit by high winds and flooding rains last night.
I hope that everyone is OK. I go to that area once a week or so to take care of some propriety in West Arvada. I will be going up to Denver Wednesday and check out the propriety and see if there is any damage and if there is any thing I need to clean up. I will post what I find Wednesday night or Thursday.
Till Next time
Happy Gardening / Watering
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4nDv33wdXM
The reason I water this way is to get the water to the plants roots and keep it there for the most amount of time possible. Also over head watering evaporates during the spray time of the sprinkler. I can water this way in the evening and the next afternoon the soil is still damp the next evening. The plants don't suffer from wind burn near as badly as they did when I used the over head watering method. Also if I had put the garden on an automatic drip system the plants would do even better.
I just got word that the Denver West Metro Area got hit by high winds and flooding rains last night.
I hope that everyone is OK. I go to that area once a week or so to take care of some propriety in West Arvada. I will be going up to Denver Wednesday and check out the propriety and see if there is any damage and if there is any thing I need to clean up. I will post what I find Wednesday night or Thursday.
Till Next time
Happy Gardening / Watering
Monday, July 20, 2009
Late season Planting.
I decided to do some late season planting. We planted carrots 68 days to harvest (around Sept 16th)
Swiss chard 60 days to harvest ( around Sept 8th). Turnip 55 days to harvest (around the end of Aug.)
Saturday we planted snow peas we should be harvesting them about Mid to the end of August maybe in to September. I think even if we get a frost it will be a light frost and every thing we planted should be OK. Kellie and I also planted soy beans between the corn on Saturday on the packet it said that it will get to 15 feet high, (we'll see) the corn is suppose to get to 12 feet but I don't think it will get that tall this year. I hope it does but this is harsh growing conditions.
Till next time
Happy Planting
Swiss chard 60 days to harvest ( around Sept 8th). Turnip 55 days to harvest (around the end of Aug.)
Saturday we planted snow peas we should be harvesting them about Mid to the end of August maybe in to September. I think even if we get a frost it will be a light frost and every thing we planted should be OK. Kellie and I also planted soy beans between the corn on Saturday on the packet it said that it will get to 15 feet high, (we'll see) the corn is suppose to get to 12 feet but I don't think it will get that tall this year. I hope it does but this is harsh growing conditions.
Till next time
Happy Planting
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Mid July
The corn is starting to come back after the 15 min storm we had. (See video).
It looks like I wont have much of a potato crop, it looks like a pocket gofer got to them I'll have to hold off and see. Gardening in the high plains has all sorts of challenge's to face. When and if we move from here to a place where gardening isn't so up in the air I will remember the hard ship of gardening here.
I also have to think of the pioneers who came here a hundred or more years ago to help settle this country, how hard it had to be. Today the temperature hit 101 degrees, I could go into an air conditioned house drink some cold water and not worry that the plants need water, however, 100 years ago they didn't have all that to help them get through. Wow what a group of hard core people and we think we have it tough.
I have some more ideas for videos, as soon as I get things worked out with the computer I will get some more videos up.
Till next time.
Count your blessings
Happy Gardening / staying cool
It looks like I wont have much of a potato crop, it looks like a pocket gofer got to them I'll have to hold off and see. Gardening in the high plains has all sorts of challenge's to face. When and if we move from here to a place where gardening isn't so up in the air I will remember the hard ship of gardening here.
I also have to think of the pioneers who came here a hundred or more years ago to help settle this country, how hard it had to be. Today the temperature hit 101 degrees, I could go into an air conditioned house drink some cold water and not worry that the plants need water, however, 100 years ago they didn't have all that to help them get through. Wow what a group of hard core people and we think we have it tough.
I have some more ideas for videos, as soon as I get things worked out with the computer I will get some more videos up.
Till next time.
Count your blessings
Happy Gardening / staying cool
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
The 15 minute Storm the Movie
Here is the video I took during the rain storm on Sunday.
The ground dried out yesterday and now I am back watering today.
I don't know if the corn will make it but I am going to let it go and hope for the best.
This movie will also be on You Tube.
Hope you like the clip.
Till next time.
Enjoy the storm.
The ground dried out yesterday and now I am back watering today.
I don't know if the corn will make it but I am going to let it go and hope for the best.
This movie will also be on You Tube.
Hope you like the clip.
Till next time.
Enjoy the storm.
Monday, July 6, 2009
The 15 Minute Storm.
We got rain 1” in fifteen minutes with high winds (I would guess 25 to 30 mph) and pea size hail. Most of the rain washed the soil down the road. The corn got shredded I am going to let it go, however, I'm not expecting a lot form it. I hope that it still reaches 12 to 13 feet like it should with this variety
should. Here are some photos of the garden after the storm. Like I said the corn was trashed and one Brussels sprout plant got hit but every thing looks good. If any thing I shouldn't have to water for a day or two and if we get some rain tonight I won't need to water tell Wednesday or Thursday for sure. I still need to finish the weed burning project, when it drys out it looks like I have some work cut out for me.
So Till next time
enjoy the water
Happy gardening
should. Here are some photos of the garden after the storm. Like I said the corn was trashed and one Brussels sprout plant got hit but every thing looks good. If any thing I shouldn't have to water for a day or two and if we get some rain tonight I won't need to water tell Wednesday or Thursday for sure. I still need to finish the weed burning project, when it drys out it looks like I have some work cut out for me.
So Till next time
enjoy the water
Happy gardening
Click on Photos to enlarge
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Thank You
I wanted to take the time to thank everyone who reads this blog I hope that it inspires you to try some thing new and at times helps you out with your gardening needs. I would appreciate it if you will pass this o to your friends you think might be interested in some of the gardening I do here in Southern Colorado.
I will do my best to add information that is entertaining and informative as well.
Thank you
Rick
Till next time
Happy Gardening
I will do my best to add information that is entertaining and informative as well.
Thank you
Rick
Till next time
Happy Gardening
Looking Good
The garden is looking good so far. I found a grasshopper in the garden to day not a good sign. Last night I killed a tomato worm, so it looks like it is time to get some horticultural oil and make bug spray. The tallest corn is just below my waist, a few of the tomatoes have buds on them, and the beans are in bloom also. I think that a few of the potatoes have been visited by a pocket gofer or a vole. Ether way I need to take care of that also. I planted two current bushes yesterday they looked a little peaked from the high temperature and high winds but I soaked them last night and look a lot better today.
I planted a high breed poplar tree two years ago as a stick. (The high breed poplar are a fast growing tree) This year so far it has grown about 18” it now is about 7' tall. I planted it for quick shade and plan on removing it in about another 8 to 10 years or so. Because the tree is so fast growing it is also not very strong and cant hold up to high winds like other trees can, but like I said I wanted something for shade quickly and should have a tree 15 to 20 feet by next year. I hope.
We planted some roses two or three weeks ago that are doing good, looks like we just might get some roses to live. All we can do out here is try.
Gardening here in Southern Colorado in the high plains you will use a lot of water the one thing that we don't get a lot of in the form of snow or rain, but by staying on top of watering and not cutting your watering short it can be done. Now as long as we don't have any watering restrictions it starting to look like we just might have a good harvest this year.
Till next time
Happy Gardening / Watering
I planted a high breed poplar tree two years ago as a stick. (The high breed poplar are a fast growing tree) This year so far it has grown about 18” it now is about 7' tall. I planted it for quick shade and plan on removing it in about another 8 to 10 years or so. Because the tree is so fast growing it is also not very strong and cant hold up to high winds like other trees can, but like I said I wanted something for shade quickly and should have a tree 15 to 20 feet by next year. I hope.
We planted some roses two or three weeks ago that are doing good, looks like we just might get some roses to live. All we can do out here is try.
Gardening here in Southern Colorado in the high plains you will use a lot of water the one thing that we don't get a lot of in the form of snow or rain, but by staying on top of watering and not cutting your watering short it can be done. Now as long as we don't have any watering restrictions it starting to look like we just might have a good harvest this year.
Till next time
Happy Gardening / Watering
Sunday, June 28, 2009
We Got Some Rain!
We got some rain, granted it was only ¼ inch still we got some. Everything smells so fresh and clean now. With the rain we are blessed with a beautiful sunrise. (See photo) It was so nice to just sit out side last night and listen and smell the rain as it was coming down. The air was crisp and clean, something we don't get to experience that to often here on the high plains of southern Colorado. Our average annual precipitation is 12.5 inches, not much so we enjoy every drop we get.
So I will enjoy the little moisture we got today and get ready to water tonight.
Till next time
Happy gardening / rainy days.
So I will enjoy the little moisture we got today and get ready to water tonight.
Till next time
Happy gardening / rainy days.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Burning Weeds and Garden Up Date
I'll tell you I'm impressed so far I like burning weeds it seems that the weeds stay down longer than pulling and you have better control than spray or pulling.
Here it is one week before the 4th of July and some of the corn is already up to my knee. (The old saying for corn “Knee high by the 4th of July” that's for a good crop).
Beats, beans, potatoes, garlic and onion are doing great, the raspberries and blueberries that I planted, look like they just might take off I'll know more next year on them.
My tomatoes are finally starting to look good. Now down to the fun plants the peanuts and the sorghum, are doing fine. Now lets keep in mind that this is the first year I have ever planted any thing like that so I'm learning as I go but to me for now all looks good. I still cant get carrots to come up for me, how frustrating. The beats I planted under the hot box this winter are ready to pick and will be doing that next week. (Watch for photos)
In the last week I made 3 trellises there cheep to make and fairly easy. I can't see spending $20.00 and up for something I can make for just a few dollars. I may do a video and put it no you tube. I am working on a video on how to make a mold for hypertufa leaves. Once I get all the codes in to my computer I will be adding that also.
Till next time happy gardening
Here it is one week before the 4th of July and some of the corn is already up to my knee. (The old saying for corn “Knee high by the 4th of July” that's for a good crop).
Beats, beans, potatoes, garlic and onion are doing great, the raspberries and blueberries that I planted, look like they just might take off I'll know more next year on them.
My tomatoes are finally starting to look good. Now down to the fun plants the peanuts and the sorghum, are doing fine. Now lets keep in mind that this is the first year I have ever planted any thing like that so I'm learning as I go but to me for now all looks good. I still cant get carrots to come up for me, how frustrating. The beats I planted under the hot box this winter are ready to pick and will be doing that next week. (Watch for photos)
In the last week I made 3 trellises there cheep to make and fairly easy. I can't see spending $20.00 and up for something I can make for just a few dollars. I may do a video and put it no you tube. I am working on a video on how to make a mold for hypertufa leaves. Once I get all the codes in to my computer I will be adding that also.
Till next time happy gardening
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Weed control
Here is on topic all gardeners at one time or another talks and debates about. WEEDS and how to get rid of these plants that grow every were. In an open field or mountain meadow, they are called plants, but in your garden or yard they become weeds. By most definition a weed is a plant out of place.
So with that in mind how can this “plant” be put in its place. I do confess that I have tried most ways to control this pesky plants. I have sprayed, covered with plastic, mulched, mowed and this year I am tilling under, cutting, and burning. So far this seems to be working out nicely. Yes I do still get down on my knees and pull and pull, but now it's not as long and only between the plants I want to keep.
Till next time
Happy Gardening / weeding
So with that in mind how can this “plant” be put in its place. I do confess that I have tried most ways to control this pesky plants. I have sprayed, covered with plastic, mulched, mowed and this year I am tilling under, cutting, and burning. So far this seems to be working out nicely. Yes I do still get down on my knees and pull and pull, but now it's not as long and only between the plants I want to keep.
Till next time
Happy Gardening / weeding
Sunday, June 14, 2009
How the garden is doing.
Just about every thing is up or very close to it. The one thing that is not coming up for me yet is the carrots, last year I had two crops this year nothing. Also the celery for some reason has not come up yet
maybe it will and I just haven't giving it enough time or maybe it wont even come up we'll see.
I will be picking snow peas in the next few days, I picked some and ate them in the garden yesterday there is nothing in life like any vegetable right out of your own garden. If you have never experienced it grow some thing you know you will like and try it it is worth your time and effort.
I have a lot of weeding to take care of in the next few days, but that is just more time in the garden.
I've added some photos of how the garden is coming along.
Till next time
maybe it will and I just haven't giving it enough time or maybe it wont even come up we'll see.
I will be picking snow peas in the next few days, I picked some and ate them in the garden yesterday there is nothing in life like any vegetable right out of your own garden. If you have never experienced it grow some thing you know you will like and try it it is worth your time and effort.
I have a lot of weeding to take care of in the next few days, but that is just more time in the garden.
I've added some photos of how the garden is coming along.
Till next time
Happy planting and growing
Sunday, June 7, 2009
The worm Bucket
This is a handy little worm composter.
It is easy to make and will fit under your sink or in a closet.
With about ½ pound of worms you should be able to compost most of your (non meat) foods and a lot of your paper trash.
What you will need to build this worm bucket.
5 gallon bucket
hardware cloth
window screen
¾” PVC pipe 2”long you will need 6
2” PVC pipe 2” long
valve (optional)
Tools:
Drill
Saw or pipe cutter
1 1/2” drill bit
Silicone caulk
Drill bit for the valve if you want one.
NOTE if you don't put in a valve you will need to drill small holes in the bottom to let the extra watter out. If you chose that you will also need to use a bucket to catch the water.
I will be posting more about worms so check back often. I will also tell you how to use your worm castings and how to make “worm tea” for your plants.
You can see the video at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwphvZlXmjA
Till next time
Happy planting – growing and worming
It is easy to make and will fit under your sink or in a closet.
With about ½ pound of worms you should be able to compost most of your (non meat) foods and a lot of your paper trash.
What you will need to build this worm bucket.
5 gallon bucket
hardware cloth
window screen
¾” PVC pipe 2”long you will need 6
2” PVC pipe 2” long
valve (optional)
Tools:
Drill
Saw or pipe cutter
1 1/2” drill bit
Silicone caulk
Drill bit for the valve if you want one.
NOTE if you don't put in a valve you will need to drill small holes in the bottom to let the extra watter out. If you chose that you will also need to use a bucket to catch the water.
I will be posting more about worms so check back often. I will also tell you how to use your worm castings and how to make “worm tea” for your plants.
You can see the video at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwphvZlXmjA
Till next time
Happy planting – growing and worming
Friday, May 29, 2009
Patio Vegetable Garden
This is a sample of what you can grow if you don't have a lot of room or if you just don't want a big garden. Here is a list of vegetables that you can grow in a small patio garden.
Artichoke, Globe, Asparagus, Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chicory, Eggplant, Garlic, Horseradish, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Okra, Onions, Parsnips, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Radish, Rutabaga, Shallots, Spinach, Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, and Turnips. Is this all you can grow in a small patio garden? No.
But this should get you started. Just keep in mind the size of the plants once they mature. For example you can put corn in your patio garden but some corn can get to be 12 feet tall while some of the high breads
only get between 3 to 4 feet tall. If you want to put in vine plants like your melons or squash you will need to trellis them so they will grow vertical, but keep in mind the size of the fruit at harvest some may be just be to large to be supported.
You can also add in some flowers with your vegetables for a nice change.
untill next time.
Happy planting – growing
Artichoke, Globe, Asparagus, Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chicory, Eggplant, Garlic, Horseradish, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Okra, Onions, Parsnips, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Radish, Rutabaga, Shallots, Spinach, Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, and Turnips. Is this all you can grow in a small patio garden? No.
But this should get you started. Just keep in mind the size of the plants once they mature. For example you can put corn in your patio garden but some corn can get to be 12 feet tall while some of the high breads
only get between 3 to 4 feet tall. If you want to put in vine plants like your melons or squash you will need to trellis them so they will grow vertical, but keep in mind the size of the fruit at harvest some may be just be to large to be supported.
You can also add in some flowers with your vegetables for a nice change.
untill next time.
Happy planting – growing
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Container salad garden
If you live in a town house, apartment with a balcony, or just don't want to mess with a large garden, container gardening might be for you.
In this movie I give a brief overview of this kind of gardening. This is just one way you can have a little home grown vegetables without all the weeding of a larger garden. You can plant all kinds of vegetables, herbs or you can plant flowers or even a combination of all or some. I hope that you will try a container garden.
If you don't have the dirt you can use top soil that comes in bags at home improvement stores or most places that sell gardening supplies. Get yourself a good compost for the top 6 to 8 inches and mix it in well. Then plant your plants or seeds and enjoy. Once you harvest your vegetables and have them with dinner all this work will be worth it. Remember to water your new container garden about every 3 days. Keep an eye on how the soil drys out or if it stays moist, if the plants start to wilt it is time for more water. You will need to add a plant food about every 2 to 3 weeks to help the plants grow strong.
I will add more on this container garden as it grows.
Until next time
Happy planting – growing
Part one
In this movie I give a brief overview of this kind of gardening. This is just one way you can have a little home grown vegetables without all the weeding of a larger garden. You can plant all kinds of vegetables, herbs or you can plant flowers or even a combination of all or some. I hope that you will try a container garden.
If you don't have the dirt you can use top soil that comes in bags at home improvement stores or most places that sell gardening supplies. Get yourself a good compost for the top 6 to 8 inches and mix it in well. Then plant your plants or seeds and enjoy. Once you harvest your vegetables and have them with dinner all this work will be worth it. Remember to water your new container garden about every 3 days. Keep an eye on how the soil drys out or if it stays moist, if the plants start to wilt it is time for more water. You will need to add a plant food about every 2 to 3 weeks to help the plants grow strong.
I will add more on this container garden as it grows.
Until next time
Happy planting – growing
Part one
Part two
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Elephant garlic
I decided to try growing elephant garlic. (See video) I started some last year but the birds got to them, I hope that does not happen this year.
The corm is coming up nicely, we have some beens coming up and the peanuts are up,
I put two boxes out front and planted herbs in them. Now I need to get some chicken wire up to keep the herbs safe from rabbits.
I still have my vine plants to plant, water melon, cucumber, and cantaloupe. I would like to be finished planting this week. I'll keep you updated on how that goes.
Untill next time.
Happy planting – growing
The corm is coming up nicely, we have some beens coming up and the peanuts are up,
I put two boxes out front and planted herbs in them. Now I need to get some chicken wire up to keep the herbs safe from rabbits.
I still have my vine plants to plant, water melon, cucumber, and cantaloupe. I would like to be finished planting this week. I'll keep you updated on how that goes.
Untill next time.
Happy planting – growing
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Stuffed Cabbage
½ pound ground beef or ½ pound ground turkey
½ pound ground pork or ½ pound turkey sausage
plus ½ pound ground pork or ½ pound turkey sausage
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons rice,uncooked
¼ onion,finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 egg, beaten
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1 cup sauerkraut
11 1/2 ounces tomato juice
2 tablespoons vinegar
3 cloves
1 bay leaf
sugar
1/4 head cabbage
8 ounces smoked sausage, cut in 3 inch pieces
5 servings
4 hours 1 hr prep
Mix ½ pound ground beef, ½ pound ground pork, or ½ pound ground turkey, ½ pound turkey sausage salt, rice, onion, black pepper, eggs and paprika all together.
Core cabbage and place in steamer till leaves are tender and able to be pulled off easily.
Peel off what you can and return to steamer till other leaves can be pulled off easily -- repeat till leave get small.
Stuff cabbage leaves with meat mixture till all meat is gone, judge amount by size of leaves.
Shred rest of cabbage into large roasting pan, add 1/2 jar of sauerkraut.
Put rolls on top of cabbage and sauerkraut.
Top with the rest of the sauerkraut.
Add vinegar to Tomato Juice and pour over rolls add water to cover.
Add 3 cloves, 1 bay leaf, peppercorns and sprinkle with sugar.
Place ½ pound sausage on top of rolls and cover and cook at 325 for 3 hours.
Untill next time
Happy eating
½ pound ground pork or ½ pound turkey sausage
plus ½ pound ground pork or ½ pound turkey sausage
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons rice,uncooked
¼ onion,finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 egg, beaten
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1 cup sauerkraut
11 1/2 ounces tomato juice
2 tablespoons vinegar
3 cloves
1 bay leaf
sugar
1/4 head cabbage
8 ounces smoked sausage, cut in 3 inch pieces
5 servings
4 hours 1 hr prep
Mix ½ pound ground beef, ½ pound ground pork, or ½ pound ground turkey, ½ pound turkey sausage salt, rice, onion, black pepper, eggs and paprika all together.
Core cabbage and place in steamer till leaves are tender and able to be pulled off easily.
Peel off what you can and return to steamer till other leaves can be pulled off easily -- repeat till leave get small.
Stuff cabbage leaves with meat mixture till all meat is gone, judge amount by size of leaves.
Shred rest of cabbage into large roasting pan, add 1/2 jar of sauerkraut.
Put rolls on top of cabbage and sauerkraut.
Top with the rest of the sauerkraut.
Add vinegar to Tomato Juice and pour over rolls add water to cover.
Add 3 cloves, 1 bay leaf, peppercorns and sprinkle with sugar.
Place ½ pound sausage on top of rolls and cover and cook at 325 for 3 hours.
Untill next time
Happy eating
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
WOW
We have been eating asparagus like it was free.
So far I have harvested about 2 ½ pounds from only one row. I did plant two more, however, they wont be producing like the other one for another 2 years but thats okay.
I need to finish planting by next Tuesday and Ill be in Denver for two of those days. That just gives me five days to finish up.(WOW time is moving right along)
I have uploaded a video on how I am tilling and making furrows. Have a look,
Corn is coming up and I have some beans coming up as well I will get some photos up soon.
Tell next time
Happy planting - growing
So far I have harvested about 2 ½ pounds from only one row. I did plant two more, however, they wont be producing like the other one for another 2 years but thats okay.
I need to finish planting by next Tuesday and Ill be in Denver for two of those days. That just gives me five days to finish up.(WOW time is moving right along)
I have uploaded a video on how I am tilling and making furrows. Have a look,
Corn is coming up and I have some beans coming up as well I will get some photos up soon.
Tell next time
Happy planting - growing
Saturday, May 9, 2009
New Raspberries
I got some more raspberries yesterday because I thought that the ones I had planted where dead, However, after digging them up the new shoots just hasn't broken through the ground yet.
So I put the new ones where the old ones where and put the old ones in a row in the garden right after where the tomatoes will go. I need a little more patients when it comes to the plants growing here in Pueblo West.
I got the plants from my sister in law who got them from a lady in Lakewood. I picked them up when I was in Arvada. So I planted them when I got back today, I also tilled and put in furrows for 5 rows of tomatoes. Today I also got Kellie some roses for mothers day, we will plant them tomorrow after church.
Until next time
Happy planting - growing
So I put the new ones where the old ones where and put the old ones in a row in the garden right after where the tomatoes will go. I need a little more patients when it comes to the plants growing here in Pueblo West.
I got the plants from my sister in law who got them from a lady in Lakewood. I picked them up when I was in Arvada. So I planted them when I got back today, I also tilled and put in furrows for 5 rows of tomatoes. Today I also got Kellie some roses for mothers day, we will plant them tomorrow after church.
Until next time
Happy planting - growing
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Spring has Sprung
I have been buzzy planting and trying to get everything in before we get in to late planting. I would like to see if I can get a few harvests in throughout the summer.
Onions are coming up so is the garlic, potatoes and snow peas. I have planted 6 rows of dent corn, 3 rows of beets, and 4 rows of beans. I put eight tomato plants out the other day and they seem to be doing good. (As long as we don't get and hail all will be good.)
We planted another apple tree and one cherry tree. We now have a total of 3 apple and one cherry trees. I would like to have a total of 6 or 7 apple trees a pare tree 1 or two cherry trees and as a dream 2 peach trees by the time I am done planting fruit trees.
I have decided to get rid of the black weed cloth and plan grass. I am hoping it will do two things keep the weeds down and help the septic tank drain.
Our day temperature has been mid to upper 70's to low 80's with night temperature staying in the 40's. I hope that I havent jumped the gun to much but there is a lot to do.
I did go out and buy a rotor tiller what a time saver this one can make windrows that is nice. I am planting everything in windrows to help the plants and to save water.
Untill next time
Happy Planting
Onions are coming up so is the garlic, potatoes and snow peas. I have planted 6 rows of dent corn, 3 rows of beets, and 4 rows of beans. I put eight tomato plants out the other day and they seem to be doing good. (As long as we don't get and hail all will be good.)
We planted another apple tree and one cherry tree. We now have a total of 3 apple and one cherry trees. I would like to have a total of 6 or 7 apple trees a pare tree 1 or two cherry trees and as a dream 2 peach trees by the time I am done planting fruit trees.
I have decided to get rid of the black weed cloth and plan grass. I am hoping it will do two things keep the weeds down and help the septic tank drain.
Our day temperature has been mid to upper 70's to low 80's with night temperature staying in the 40's. I hope that I havent jumped the gun to much but there is a lot to do.
I did go out and buy a rotor tiller what a time saver this one can make windrows that is nice. I am planting everything in windrows to help the plants and to save water.
Untill next time
Happy Planting
Friday, April 24, 2009
Fixing the fence
We had a dust devil come through our little acre yesterday. I was out and about, but the after math is amazing. A plastic tub that weights about 5 pounds or so was tossed about 30 feet into my fence and bowed the fence over so today I get to work on that. It also riped the covers off the hoop houses. I was
able to fix two of them but it looks like I will have to build one of them all over. Thats not all bad it is 3 years old now so I suppose it is time to rebuild it. I built it to only last one year.
We harvested and ate and froze some of our first asparagus, it was good and tender we are looking forward to more this year.
It is looking like Monday or Tuesday we will have lettuce form under the cold fraim.So far the grapes are doing good they made it through the high winds.
I hope to have the computer fixed so I can up load videos soon, so be looking for more videos.
Untill next time
Happy Planting
able to fix two of them but it looks like I will have to build one of them all over. Thats not all bad it is 3 years old now so I suppose it is time to rebuild it. I built it to only last one year.
We harvested and ate and froze some of our first asparagus, it was good and tender we are looking forward to more this year.
It is looking like Monday or Tuesday we will have lettuce form under the cold fraim.So far the grapes are doing good they made it through the high winds.
I hope to have the computer fixed so I can up load videos soon, so be looking for more videos.
Untill next time
Happy Planting
Monday, April 20, 2009
Grapes
The grapes got planted to day. I am excited to see how they do. Kellie and I planted two-concord grapes one sweet red and one Thompson seed less.
The snow pees are starting to come up I hope that they make it. Looks like in about three weeks we can start the summer crops,
I may start planting the beans the first week of May I’ll have to see what the weather is going to be like. We could still get another round of snow, I could go for a light snow but I think I’m done with the 12 to 24 inches.
Hope your garden is doing good.
Tell next time
Happy planting
The snow pees are starting to come up I hope that they make it. Looks like in about three weeks we can start the summer crops,
I may start planting the beans the first week of May I’ll have to see what the weather is going to be like. We could still get another round of snow, I could go for a light snow but I think I’m done with the 12 to 24 inches.
Hope your garden is doing good.
Tell next time
Happy planting
Saturday, April 18, 2009
The storm
We got snow rain mixed for the last two days than this afternoon in came the wind. After it was all over we ended up with 21/2 in of water, that sure will help out.
I did get everything in the ground that needed to get in before the moisture came that was nice so I'm hopping that the cold did not kill anything. Right now all we have is one big mud puddle that more resembles slime than anything else. Were ever I haven't amended the soil it is all mucky. I do need to get more organic mater in the ground. I am also hopping that the alfalfa I planted last fall will be coming up in the next few weeks as long as the rabbits don't get to it. I planted it for the green manure and for the organic mater that it will put in to the ground, also the root system of alfalfa will loosen the soil up and hopefully brake up the hard pan. I am thinking of letting it go to seed for next year maybe it will get nice and thick that would be nice.
That's about it for to day I hope that everyone is warm.
Untill next time
Happy planting
I did get everything in the ground that needed to get in before the moisture came that was nice so I'm hopping that the cold did not kill anything. Right now all we have is one big mud puddle that more resembles slime than anything else. Were ever I haven't amended the soil it is all mucky. I do need to get more organic mater in the ground. I am also hopping that the alfalfa I planted last fall will be coming up in the next few weeks as long as the rabbits don't get to it. I planted it for the green manure and for the organic mater that it will put in to the ground, also the root system of alfalfa will loosen the soil up and hopefully brake up the hard pan. I am thinking of letting it go to seed for next year maybe it will get nice and thick that would be nice.
That's about it for to day I hope that everyone is warm.
Untill next time
Happy planting
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Good buy old Friend
I lost a friend yesterday yes my laptop died, it looks like there is nothing left to do but to have it recycled. It has been a true and faithful friend for the past 6 or 7 years now. Those of you who know computers know that that thing should have been dead a while a go. A 6 year computer is so out dated and slow that is was any wonder that it could keep up. So now I am on the desk top un-tell I have enough put away to get a laptop. I don't think I will get a top of the line, however, now for $500.00 I can get one 5x's better than my old one.
So on to the garden, I have decided to pull up the black weed barrier and put down grass. I am hoping that that will help to drain out the leach field and help keep the weeds down a bit more.
I got my hands on some New York Soft Neck garlic the other day and planted it yesterday I think that will be fun.
The asparagus is coming up (I'll see if I can get a photo of them up soon.) there nice and thick with good color that is so neat.
I finally to my soil sample back two days ago, (I will try to get a scan of it and post it for you.)
Our soil is high in soluble salts and low in iron and organic matter and high in alkaline.
A lot to work with and try to fix for now my plan of a tack is to use a lot of plant based compost and no manure and add some iron. By adding plant based compost it should lower some of the salts just by volume. Plant based compost by nature is low to no salts and for me that is very good. That should also take care of my organic mater problem. If I add some peat moss which is plant based compost. That should lower the alkaline, peat moss is high in acid. So the plan of action is plant based compost, peat moss and some iron I'll keep you posted on how it all turns out.
So Untill next time
Happy Planting
So on to the garden, I have decided to pull up the black weed barrier and put down grass. I am hoping that that will help to drain out the leach field and help keep the weeds down a bit more.
I got my hands on some New York Soft Neck garlic the other day and planted it yesterday I think that will be fun.
The asparagus is coming up (I'll see if I can get a photo of them up soon.) there nice and thick with good color that is so neat.
I finally to my soil sample back two days ago, (I will try to get a scan of it and post it for you.)
Our soil is high in soluble salts and low in iron and organic matter and high in alkaline.
A lot to work with and try to fix for now my plan of a tack is to use a lot of plant based compost and no manure and add some iron. By adding plant based compost it should lower some of the salts just by volume. Plant based compost by nature is low to no salts and for me that is very good. That should also take care of my organic mater problem. If I add some peat moss which is plant based compost. That should lower the alkaline, peat moss is high in acid. So the plan of action is plant based compost, peat moss and some iron I'll keep you posted on how it all turns out.
So Untill next time
Happy Planting
Friday, April 10, 2009
The Garden
Today I thought I would put up a movie of the garden.
This is the very dry clay that I get to try and grow vegetables.
I hope you enjoy.
Untill next time.
Happy planting
This is the very dry clay that I get to try and grow vegetables.
I hope you enjoy.
Untill next time.
Happy planting
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Onions are coming
Ok the last few days I have transplanted tomatoes in to bigger pots. I have set up another grow light, put up the trellis for the grapes and put a hoop house up. Oh I also transplanted some Hyssop we should have about 20 or more Hyssop for the herb garden.
I have been out for 3 days now I got 5 teeth pulled so I am just now starting to get back in the swing of things.
I hope to get the grapes in next week, I have been getting them hardened off so they should be ready. The blueberries are still alive but fighting. We got the raspberries in then we had strong winds so I don’t know how they will hold up.
Onions have started to come up, and the garlic is looking good even though the birds and rabbits got to them. Speaking of rabbits they have eaten most of my Irises, I hope that it is early enough in the year that they will come back. I hope to have some photos for you next time.
Untill then
Happy planting
I have been out for 3 days now I got 5 teeth pulled so I am just now starting to get back in the swing of things.
I hope to get the grapes in next week, I have been getting them hardened off so they should be ready. The blueberries are still alive but fighting. We got the raspberries in then we had strong winds so I don’t know how they will hold up.
Onions have started to come up, and the garlic is looking good even though the birds and rabbits got to them. Speaking of rabbits they have eaten most of my Irises, I hope that it is early enough in the year that they will come back. I hope to have some photos for you next time.
Untill then
Happy planting
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Great day
After church my wife and I got 3 rows of snow peas planted, (About 65 – 70 feet) and 6 raspberry plants.
Then about 3:00 P.M. the wind got so bad we had to call it a day. Looks like tomorrow I get the area ready for the grapes, I started to harden them off and I think they will be ready by the end of the week.
The blueberries are still hanging on I hope that they leaf back out we’ll see.
The weather was very nice according to my garden thermometer we got to 60 degrease nice day for the end of March.
As I stated in an earlier post, but failed to mention, I pruned our globe willow and like any willow you can take the branches and put them in water and they will root. After they root you can plant them and they might with some luck and Gods blessings you will have a tree. I have 4 in water now I will be up dating as things happen.
Tell next time
Happy planting
Then about 3:00 P.M. the wind got so bad we had to call it a day. Looks like tomorrow I get the area ready for the grapes, I started to harden them off and I think they will be ready by the end of the week.
The blueberries are still hanging on I hope that they leaf back out we’ll see.
The weather was very nice according to my garden thermometer we got to 60 degrease nice day for the end of March.
As I stated in an earlier post, but failed to mention, I pruned our globe willow and like any willow you can take the branches and put them in water and they will root. After they root you can plant them and they might with some luck and Gods blessings you will have a tree. I have 4 in water now I will be up dating as things happen.
Tell next time
Happy planting
Friday, March 27, 2009
The next day
Well we got some snow after the winds died down, however, as shown in the photos it was almost all gone by 4:00 in the after noon.
Now is the dirt dries out some tomorrow I can get the raspberries planted.
I have decided to write a few e books. I am thinking that they will be how to books.
They will be on crafts, how to make inexpensive gifts, recipes and frugal cooking, and gardening, and maybe micro farm or urban homesteading. I am also looking in to doing some videos and posting them on the blog.
Now is the dirt dries out some tomorrow I can get the raspberries planted.
I have decided to write a few e books. I am thinking that they will be how to books.
They will be on crafts, how to make inexpensive gifts, recipes and frugal cooking, and gardening, and maybe micro farm or urban homesteading. I am also looking in to doing some videos and posting them on the blog.
snow in the morning about 9:00
snow about 4:00P.M.
Tell next time
Happy Planting
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Storm Day 3/26/2009
We got snow and wind and more wind. 5 hours after the first snow flake we only have patches of snow on the ground all the snow has been blown to the south.
Yesterday I got the tomatoes transplanted to larger pots and today I got the grow lights put up. I got my raspberries (before the storm started) so I will be able to plant those Saturday or Sunday, and get the rest of the hoop house up.
I think tomorrow I will work on Hypertufa (I will add photos of the Hypertufa also)
Until then stay safe and warm.
Yesterday I got the tomatoes transplanted to larger pots and today I got the grow lights put up. I got my raspberries (before the storm started) so I will be able to plant those Saturday or Sunday, and get the rest of the hoop house up.
I think tomorrow I will work on Hypertufa (I will add photos of the Hypertufa also)
Until then stay safe and warm.
Happy Planting
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Before the big snow snowstorm???
The rhubarb is coming up along with the garlic. It looks like the birds got to the elephant garlic and some of the German hard neck, but I think that I will get a good harvest. The tomatoes that I started last week are now coming up nicely. I pruned the globe willow
And the apple trees today so there should be good growth this summer. Now all I have left to prune is the high breed popular. The blueberries are looking a little rough, they lost all their leaves but the stem is still green and pliable. I hope that we get this storm that the weathermen are telling us we are going to get. We could use the moisture. I have one cold frame planted Friday, I planted beets, kale, and red lettuce.
Now I need to get the other hoop houses up and planted, and build a rack for some grow lights for the seedlings.
And the apple trees today so there should be good growth this summer. Now all I have left to prune is the high breed popular. The blueberries are looking a little rough, they lost all their leaves but the stem is still green and pliable. I hope that we get this storm that the weathermen are telling us we are going to get. We could use the moisture. I have one cold frame planted Friday, I planted beets, kale, and red lettuce.
Now I need to get the other hoop houses up and planted, and build a rack for some grow lights for the seedlings.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Early Planting
Ok now is time to catch up once again.
On the 13th 14th and the 15th I helped the Pueblo Master Gardeners at the Pueblo home and garden show.
Friday the weather wasn’t all that great but Saturday and Sunday was wonder full.
With the help of my wife and son we managed to amend the soil and plant two rows of potatoes and one row of onions.
I planted 5 purple potatoes and the rest was Yukon Gold.
Yesterday I planted the Blueberries, this afternoon they didn’t look so good, we had high winds and high temperatures. According to my garden thermometer we got to 91 degrees today. Just to hot for March.
I planted one potato in straw.
I dug a hole in the dirt filled it with straw and put the potato seed in the straw, and watered.
I’ll see how that goes. (If there will be enough water, etc.)
Now for my little tomato excursion, I ordered 7different types of heirloom tomatoes this year; the sight said a minimum of 25 seeds so I figured maybe 30 or so. Nooooo I got I ended up with a minimum of 50 seeds and some varieties had as many as 75 seeds.
I will end up with somewhere between 500 and 600 plants if all goes well. If I do I may sell some plants or just plant them all and see what happens.
On the 13th 14th and the 15th I helped the Pueblo Master Gardeners at the Pueblo home and garden show.
Friday the weather wasn’t all that great but Saturday and Sunday was wonder full.
With the help of my wife and son we managed to amend the soil and plant two rows of potatoes and one row of onions.
I planted 5 purple potatoes and the rest was Yukon Gold.
Yesterday I planted the Blueberries, this afternoon they didn’t look so good, we had high winds and high temperatures. According to my garden thermometer we got to 91 degrees today. Just to hot for March.
I planted one potato in straw.
I dug a hole in the dirt filled it with straw and put the potato seed in the straw, and watered.
I’ll see how that goes. (If there will be enough water, etc.)
Now for my little tomato excursion, I ordered 7different types of heirloom tomatoes this year; the sight said a minimum of 25 seeds so I figured maybe 30 or so. Nooooo I got I ended up with a minimum of 50 seeds and some varieties had as many as 75 seeds.
I will end up with somewhere between 500 and 600 plants if all goes well. If I do I may sell some plants or just plant them all and see what happens.
Happy Planting
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Putting in the Boxes for Blueberries
March 12, 2009
Ok I am going to do something that should not be done in the desert plains and that is to plant blueberries. (and raspberries but that is for another time)
I will be planting two bushes a Jersey and a Blueray you need to plant two different verities for them to pollinate.
The reason I should not be planting blueberries is that blueberries need a high acid soil (and we have a high alkaline soil) and blueberries need a lot of water. (Need I comment?)
So here is what I have done, I took two boxes 2’ x 4’ burred the boxes 1’ deep. There is no bottom on the boxes. In one I added some crystals that hold water, in the other I didn’t add any. In both boxes I added ½ bag of peat moss, one bag of manure, a shovel of worm casting and topped it off with 2" of wood chips.
By leaving 12" of the box above ground I hope that it will keep some of the wind off the soil and slow evaporation. We’ll see if it works.
If the weather holds out this weekend I will be planting:
Onion
Brussels sprouts
Lettuce
Mustard
Potato
Beets
and Pees
I plan on planting two verities of potatoes a purple and Yukon gold
Ok I am going to do something that should not be done in the desert plains and that is to plant blueberries. (and raspberries but that is for another time)
I will be planting two bushes a Jersey and a Blueray you need to plant two different verities for them to pollinate.
The reason I should not be planting blueberries is that blueberries need a high acid soil (and we have a high alkaline soil) and blueberries need a lot of water. (Need I comment?)
So here is what I have done, I took two boxes 2’ x 4’ burred the boxes 1’ deep. There is no bottom on the boxes. In one I added some crystals that hold water, in the other I didn’t add any. In both boxes I added ½ bag of peat moss, one bag of manure, a shovel of worm casting and topped it off with 2" of wood chips.
By leaving 12" of the box above ground I hope that it will keep some of the wind off the soil and slow evaporation. We’ll see if it works.
If the weather holds out this weekend I will be planting:
Onion
Brussels sprouts
Lettuce
Mustard
Potato
Beets
and Pees
I plan on planting two verities of potatoes a purple and Yukon gold
I am also going to plant in straw bales
And I’ve added a photo of the herb area
Happy planting
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Soil
I was going to add some notes from the soil class I was working on but I saw this blog and thought that you might just like this, it is wonderful. After reading this blog on soil you will understand soil so much better than you might now. Have a look.
http://frontrangefoodgardener.blogspot.com/2009/02/improving-urban-garden-soils.html
http://frontrangefoodgardener.blogspot.com/2009/02/improving-urban-garden-soils.html
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Raspberries
I have ordered 6-heritage raspberry plants, so now I have been working on a place to grow them.
Raspberries needs well drained organic soil; I have a clay soil. So I have decided to put the raspberries in a raised bed. (See photos) The beds are just in the first stage of being put together.
The root system for raspberries is about two feet and they need a soil that will drain, (raspberries don’t like wet feet) so I am going to dig down 1 to 1 ½ feet and mix in organic mater, manure, and pet moss. With the 4" box they should be ok. (We’ll see this fall).
I have decided to put them in a trellis even though the heritage raspberry plants don’t need a trellis. They can have a spread of 4’ to 7’ and a height of up to 7’. The box I have them in is 2’ x 8’ and 2’ x 16 I think I will need to contain the plants, also with a trellis I can put a net over the raspberry plants to keep the birds off.
I will be up dating this as time goes on this is my first time growing raspberries so this will be an adventure.
Raspberries needs well drained organic soil; I have a clay soil. So I have decided to put the raspberries in a raised bed. (See photos) The beds are just in the first stage of being put together.
The root system for raspberries is about two feet and they need a soil that will drain, (raspberries don’t like wet feet) so I am going to dig down 1 to 1 ½ feet and mix in organic mater, manure, and pet moss. With the 4" box they should be ok. (We’ll see this fall).
I have decided to put them in a trellis even though the heritage raspberry plants don’t need a trellis. They can have a spread of 4’ to 7’ and a height of up to 7’. The box I have them in is 2’ x 8’ and 2’ x 16 I think I will need to contain the plants, also with a trellis I can put a net over the raspberry plants to keep the birds off.
I will be up dating this as time goes on this is my first time growing raspberries so this will be an adventure.
Friday, January 30, 2009
up date 1/30/09
I am putting together a class on soils right now so I don’t have a lot of time for other gardening projects.
I will be putting up some information on soils soon.
I will be putting up some information on soils soon.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
BRAISED LAMB NECK STEWED TOMATOES
One Lamb Neck
Olive oil
1 tsp. Thyme
1 tsp. Coriander
1 tsp. Cilantro
Sea Salt and Pepper to taste
4 cloves Garlic - minced
2 cups stewed tomatoes
1 small onion - thinly sliced
2 Chicken Bouillon cubes
Sear in a small amount of olive oil. Remove lamb and place in a Dutch oven or a slow cooker. Add herbs, minced garlic, thinly sliced onion, stewed tomatoes ( I use tomatoes from the garden) along with the juice and the chicken bouillon cubes. Stir a little just to blend all ingredients. Cover and simmer for 2 ½ to 3 Hours in Dutch oven. I used the oven set at 275 and it cooked for 7 hours. I just put the whole neck in the Dutch oven when done the bones and arteries just fall away from the meat.
Serve over steamed rice, couscous or whole wheat noodles.
Note:If using a slow cooker adjust braising time to:
7 to 8 Hours on Low
Olive oil
1 tsp. Thyme
1 tsp. Coriander
1 tsp. Cilantro
Sea Salt and Pepper to taste
4 cloves Garlic - minced
2 cups stewed tomatoes
1 small onion - thinly sliced
2 Chicken Bouillon cubes
Sear in a small amount of olive oil. Remove lamb and place in a Dutch oven or a slow cooker. Add herbs, minced garlic, thinly sliced onion, stewed tomatoes ( I use tomatoes from the garden) along with the juice and the chicken bouillon cubes. Stir a little just to blend all ingredients. Cover and simmer for 2 ½ to 3 Hours in Dutch oven. I used the oven set at 275 and it cooked for 7 hours. I just put the whole neck in the Dutch oven when done the bones and arteries just fall away from the meat.
Serve over steamed rice, couscous or whole wheat noodles.
Note:If using a slow cooker adjust braising time to:
7 to 8 Hours on Low
Monday, January 26, 2009
100 Percent Whole-Wheat Bread
I got this recipe out of MotherEarth magazine. (See link below) This is very good, I also cheated a bit on the cooking I let it rise in a baking pan and baked it right after it doubled in size.
1 1⁄2 tbsp. granulated yeast (1 1⁄2 packets)
1 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup honey
5 tbsp. neutral-flavored oil, plus more for greasing the pan (I used butter)
1 1⁄2 cups lukewarm milk
1 1⁄2 cups lukewarm water
6 2⁄3 cups whole wheat flour
Mix the yeast, salt, honey, oil, milk and water in a 5-quart bowl or other container.
Mix in the flour using a spoon, high-capacity food processor with dough attachment, or a heavy-duty stand mixer with dough hook.
Cover loosely, and allow to rest at room temperature until the dough rises and collapses (or flattens on top); about 2 to 3 hours.
The dough can be used immediately after the initial rise, though it is easier to handle when cold. Refrigerate in a lidded (not airtight) container and use over the next several days.
On baking day, lightly grease a 9-by-4-by-3-inch loaf pan. Using wet hands, scoop out a 11⁄2 pound (cantaloupe-sized) hunk of dough. Keeping your hands wet (it’ll be sticky!), quickly shape it into a ball following the method in Step 5 of The Master Recipe (above).
Drop the loaf into the prepared pan. You’ll want enough dough to fill the pan slightly more than half-full.
Allow the dough to rest for 1 hour and 40 minutes. Flour the top of the loaf and slash, using the tip of a serrated bread knife.
5 minutes before baking time, preheat the oven to 350 degrees, with an empty broiler tray on another shelf.
Place the loaf in the center of the oven. Pour 1 cup of hot water into the broiler tray and quickly close the door. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until deeply browned and firm.
Allow to cool completely before slicing in order to cut reasonable sandwich slices.
Makes 3 1 1⁄2 pound loaves.
I topped the bread off with ground flaxseed and one with flaxseed and wheat germ.
I am going to try the Artisan Bread; I may freeze some and see how that turns out.
If nothing else it should smell good around here for a day or two.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/Artisan-Bread-In-Five-Minutes-A-Day.aspx
1 1⁄2 tbsp. granulated yeast (1 1⁄2 packets)
1 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup honey
5 tbsp. neutral-flavored oil, plus more for greasing the pan (I used butter)
1 1⁄2 cups lukewarm milk
1 1⁄2 cups lukewarm water
6 2⁄3 cups whole wheat flour
Mix the yeast, salt, honey, oil, milk and water in a 5-quart bowl or other container.
Mix in the flour using a spoon, high-capacity food processor with dough attachment, or a heavy-duty stand mixer with dough hook.
Cover loosely, and allow to rest at room temperature until the dough rises and collapses (or flattens on top); about 2 to 3 hours.
The dough can be used immediately after the initial rise, though it is easier to handle when cold. Refrigerate in a lidded (not airtight) container and use over the next several days.
On baking day, lightly grease a 9-by-4-by-3-inch loaf pan. Using wet hands, scoop out a 11⁄2 pound (cantaloupe-sized) hunk of dough. Keeping your hands wet (it’ll be sticky!), quickly shape it into a ball following the method in Step 5 of The Master Recipe (above).
Drop the loaf into the prepared pan. You’ll want enough dough to fill the pan slightly more than half-full.
Allow the dough to rest for 1 hour and 40 minutes. Flour the top of the loaf and slash, using the tip of a serrated bread knife.
5 minutes before baking time, preheat the oven to 350 degrees, with an empty broiler tray on another shelf.
Place the loaf in the center of the oven. Pour 1 cup of hot water into the broiler tray and quickly close the door. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until deeply browned and firm.
Allow to cool completely before slicing in order to cut reasonable sandwich slices.
Makes 3 1 1⁄2 pound loaves.
I topped the bread off with ground flaxseed and one with flaxseed and wheat germ.
I am going to try the Artisan Bread; I may freeze some and see how that turns out.
If nothing else it should smell good around here for a day or two.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/Artisan-Bread-In-Five-Minutes-A-Day.aspx
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Organic Insecticide
I am going to try this organic insecticide spray this growing season.
I got the recipe from a friend of mine who works at the Pueblo County Extension Office,
She has used this for some time with great results.
For one gallon of spray.
In a one-gallon jug add.
1Tbs Dr. Bronner’s Eucalyptus soap
1 Tbs. Ultra fine oil --- Hort oil
1 Tbs. Baking soda
1 to2 Tbs. Liquid fertilizer (Optional)
Fill with water.
Apply with a pump or hand sprayer, once a week.
I will keep you up dated on how this works during the growing season.
I got the recipe from a friend of mine who works at the Pueblo County Extension Office,
She has used this for some time with great results.
For one gallon of spray.
In a one-gallon jug add.
1Tbs Dr. Bronner’s Eucalyptus soap
1 Tbs. Ultra fine oil --- Hort oil
1 Tbs. Baking soda
1 to2 Tbs. Liquid fertilizer (Optional)
Fill with water.
Apply with a pump or hand sprayer, once a week.
I will keep you up dated on how this works during the growing season.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Catching up!!
Wow it’s January 2009.
We are into a New Year, and we have a new president.
It’s been in the upper 60’s low 70’s for about 2 weeks now and it looks like it will be in the low 50’s for the first part of next week and back up to the 60’s by the end of the week.
Yes, Yes I have been out in the garden working away. I put up another 100 feet of fence or so and will finish that project up next fall. I have about another 125 feet or so to go before it is finished.
I watered the garlic and trees today and planted (in doors) some tomatoes, hyssop and other herbs that will be transplanted in the spring to the great out doors.
I sent in a soil sample about two weeks ago, and got my seed order in the next day.
I am planting about 95% Heirloom this year and hope to collect some seeds in the fall.
Some of the vegetables I am planting this year are, Pole and bush beans, beets, dent corn, cauliflower, carrots, cucumber, peanuts, (we’ll see if they come into harvest; should be fun) snow peas, sorghum, tomatoes, and at least 14 different herbs.
I am thinking about planting some blueberries and or raspberries.
Some of the other things I have been up to is making Hypertufa, (a pot that is made with peat moss, cement, vermiculite. There are other ways to make the pots (as I am learning) but that is one way. I will have some photos as I get some of the pots looking good.
Some other things to keep an eye out for on this blog are what I am learning about, solar power, wind generator, (renewable energy) and sustainable agriculture and micro gardening.
Foot Notes:
My snow peas did come up; however, the rabbits got to them before I could get any peas from them. That will teach me to take the fence down early.
I have also been learning how to slaughter and butcher lambs, along with that comes cooking the lamb as well. Thank you to my brother and his wife Ron and Adrea.
I will post some recipes for lamb and other good food as time goes on.
We are into a New Year, and we have a new president.
It’s been in the upper 60’s low 70’s for about 2 weeks now and it looks like it will be in the low 50’s for the first part of next week and back up to the 60’s by the end of the week.
Yes, Yes I have been out in the garden working away. I put up another 100 feet of fence or so and will finish that project up next fall. I have about another 125 feet or so to go before it is finished.
I watered the garlic and trees today and planted (in doors) some tomatoes, hyssop and other herbs that will be transplanted in the spring to the great out doors.
I sent in a soil sample about two weeks ago, and got my seed order in the next day.
I am planting about 95% Heirloom this year and hope to collect some seeds in the fall.
Some of the vegetables I am planting this year are, Pole and bush beans, beets, dent corn, cauliflower, carrots, cucumber, peanuts, (we’ll see if they come into harvest; should be fun) snow peas, sorghum, tomatoes, and at least 14 different herbs.
I am thinking about planting some blueberries and or raspberries.
Some of the other things I have been up to is making Hypertufa, (a pot that is made with peat moss, cement, vermiculite. There are other ways to make the pots (as I am learning) but that is one way. I will have some photos as I get some of the pots looking good.
Some other things to keep an eye out for on this blog are what I am learning about, solar power, wind generator, (renewable energy) and sustainable agriculture and micro gardening.
Foot Notes:
My snow peas did come up; however, the rabbits got to them before I could get any peas from them. That will teach me to take the fence down early.
I have also been learning how to slaughter and butcher lambs, along with that comes cooking the lamb as well. Thank you to my brother and his wife Ron and Adrea.
I will post some recipes for lamb and other good food as time goes on.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)