How does the garden grow?

This AM when we checked the garden and watered the squares, we were amazed at what we found. Purple hull peas, lima beans, cucumbers, and green beans have now sprouted. Very visible and about 2 inches in height. We also can see the corn sprouting in the beds.

It has now turned very warm during the day and still a little cool at PM. No rain in the forcast for the next 7 days. Only a 20% chance of rain today.

I have been watering the beds a little each day about sunset. This helps in germination of the seeds.

Cantelopes, squash,and cherry tomatoes are yet to germinate. They should within the next several days.

Will add a picture when the plants are up a little higher.

Check back soon!

This is the English Pea patch. We planted this very early in the year. It was a trial to see if the kids would help or even eat the fresh peas. It was a success. So we expanded out efforts.

Since this picture was taken we have planted 4 additional rows of peas. Hopefully, this will be enough to freeze some as well. 

This is the lettuce patch. It also serves as a cold frame. The cinder blocks absorbs the heat from the sun and slowly warms the soil during the night during the cold months. A simple plastic sheet is all that is needed over the top.

We have lettuce, swiss chard, spinach, radishes and a planting of peas. The lettuce is wilting now. The temps are reaching in the 80's.

I plan on attempting a shade tarp to keep the temps and sunlight down on the lettuce, swiss chard, and spinach.

We plan on planting carrots in the next few days. 

Here is the garden layout. May 18, 2006. This shows the method we use in the garden. The square foot method works well for us. Each "square" is no more than 4 foot across, making a 2 foot reach to the center. Very little weeding is involved, because the vegtable plants take up most of the soil space. Quick and easy to setup and maintane.

Start the Garden Adventure

On Saturday May 13, 2006 the garden was planted. We are using the square foot garden method. About 8 weeks ago english peas were planted, now we have started picking the peas. Corn, Green Beans, Purple-Hull Peas, Squash, Butternut Squash, Cucumbers, Cantelope all were planted on May 13, 2006.

Today, May 17, 2006, more English Peas were planted. Also, 4 tomatoe plants were planted. These were bought and started while the seeds that I started are still growing and not quite ready to set out.

Pictures to come at a later time. Stay tuned.