We had a mild winter here, spring just kinda snuck up on us. Last year my garden was not much to speak of. I was thinking it was a total flop, but I grew garlic, rhubarb, broccoli, and spaghetti squash. We like all those so it really wasn’t a total flop. This year I am determined to grow more.
I had watched a video, “Back to Eden”, before we had moved to our farm. “Back to Eden Film shares the story of one man’s lifelong journey, walking with God and learning how to get back to the simple, productive growing methods of sustainable provision that were given to man in the garden of Eden.” (Be sure to click over to the Back to Eden site to view the video). Following this formula you cover the ground with cardboard, then shredded bark. Last fall I covered a large area (80’x12′) with cardboard. I had collected large boxes wherever I could find them ~ including from dumpsters of newly opened businesses, moving boxes,appliance boxes. It takes a lot of boxes to cover an area that large. We had collected piles & piles of bark from someone in a nearby community. Free bark to me, though John made six trips to Olathe to load our farm truck, one shovelful at a time. It wasn’t enough to cover the entire area 6″ deep, but I knew a neighbor was having a tree removed. The tree crew was thrilled not to have to haul away the shredded bark. Now I have enough.
Each fence section is 10′, I covered the area with cardboard about 12′ out from the fence.
Piles of bark
Last month John found a small, 3×3, light weight cold frame. Just before St.Patrick’s Day I planted some lettuces, broccoli raab, kale, and spinach. Being a covered cold frame any rain we get does not keep my seeds wet, so I have to hand water it often. I’ve seen a few sprouts starting to grow. The rhubarb and garlic are starting to grow. Now to get ready to plant the rest of the garden!
My 3×3 cold frame. Hoping it warms the ground so I can grow greens!
What are you planning to plant this year? Even if you don’t have as much space as I do, you can grow greens in a pot on your patio and enjoy fresh salad. Tomatoes can do well in containers. My folks always plant a mini herb garden on their deck.
Update: I wrote this post two weeks ago and since then the wind has destroyed my little cold frame. So I will be starting over, planting peas and leafy greens this weekend. My rhubarb and garlic are doing great and the season is still early.
Next garden post I will introduce the Tower Garden. If you can’t wait, visit www.karenhunter.towergarden