What to Plant? Seed or Young Plant?

It's the middle of March.  Today I am going to the local feed store with my friend, Betsy.  I am asking myself whether I will plant seeds or purchase young plants which are already established.  Of course, starting from seed is very satisfying and is a skill worth developing.  But, some plants are easier to start from seed than others.  Many plants, such as tomatoes, must be started indoors.  If you don't have a greenhouse, this can be messy and takes a lot of space.  For the first time gardener, I would suggest that you do most of your planting with established seedlings.  I have aways found it helpful to conquer one thing at a time.

Gardening can be the most satisfying hobby in the world, resulting in beauty, food, and a keen sense of satisfaction. Plug a seed in some dirt and nature performs a miracle. In the beginning, a gardener can feel overwhelmed by the complexities of gardening manuals, so it’s best to start simply and learn by trial and error. http://www.vegetablegardeningideas.com/seed-starting-for-beginners/

There are vegetables which even the novice gardener will want to start from seed.  Most root vegetables (potatoes, beets, turnips, parsnips, and carrots) can be started off relatively early outdoors.  I really encourage growing my own root vegetables.  Since they grow in the soil and are the most prone to absorb chemicals from the soil, it is important that they grow organically.  "Seed potatoes" (potatoes which have sprouted) can be found now in local feed stores.  Vegetables like beans, peas and corn grow very easily from seed and come up very easily.  These plants also do not like to be transplanted.  So, you will have greater success if you start from seed.

One of the benefits of living in the South is that we naturally have a longer growing season.  But, anyone who has lived in the South knows that the weather changes as frequently as a teenager's moods.  Today's mid 70s weather might be followed by tomorrow's freeze.  It will be important to protect young plants from the effects of a freeze.  Plants in containers should be moved indoors when the temperature drops.  Plants in beds will have to be covered, being careful that your cover doesn't touch the plant itself.  A milk carton cut in half or a box can work well.

www.thebackyardfarm.com

A Critical Element in Raised Bed Gardening - Soil

Yesterday I amended the soil in my raised bed garden.  Fortunately, since I started the bed with a good soil mix and have added compost throughout the year, I did not have to go to alot of expense to amend it.

Healthy soil is a critical component of any successful garden.  Soil needs air and water to function, and compaction from foot traffic robs it of both.  Raised beds are a good idea for sites with clay soil or areas with poor drainage.  This makes them ideal for Georgia.

You can purchase great raised beds for about the cost of building them yourself at Gardener's Supply.
Use this link for additional savings
A rule of thumb is to fill the raised planting bed with sixty percent topsoil, thirty percent of an organic matter such as compost and ten percent Miracle Gro Organic (or a comparable product).   Mix some sand throughout for drainage. It actually requires a lot of soil to fill a raised bed, but it is a worthwhile investment. You will reap the benefits in a more productive garden.  Determine the cubic measurement of your  bed to determine how much you need: width x length x depth.  Those new to raised bed gardening will find it simpler to purchase in bags from a hardware store or feed store.  For a 3x6 raised bed, I would recommend starting with ten 40lb bags of topsoil (about $12) one 48 lb bags of Miracle Gro Organic ($8),  two bags of mushroom compost (about $9), and two bags of peat moss (about $10).  This will make your soil start up costs around $40.  If you are composting already, mix it in as well.  This might seem like alot, but remember that next year you will use the same soil, only needing to amend it with our own compost, some topsoil, peat moss, and mushroom compost to replace lost nutrients.  You would also save by not buying organic soil, but it is my preference when growing my food.  You might also find a savings by buying in bulk.  This might be a good option if you are developing several beds or have neighbors doing the same.

Please don't try to go a cheaper route by filling with dirt from your own yard.  The weeds will show up in your bed and the soil will not produce the same amount or quality of food.  When you realize that you will not be tilling and  weeding, it doesn't seem like such a large investment.  It really does pay off.

For more on Raised Bed Gardening visit The Backyard Farm.

Flea and Tick Control

I am already seeing the return of fleas and ticks. I love 1-800-Petmeds. Use the link below to save up to 25% and get free shipping.

Invitation to connect on LinkedIn

I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn. - Donna Donna Byers Backyard Farmer at The Backyard Farm Confirm that you know Donna

© 2011, LinkedIn Corporation

My First Posterous Post

The Backyard Farm is ready for Spring!  New chicks are in the brooder and we are planning our raised bed.

Tomatoes on Your Deck

I can't believe the price I found for a great tomato planter at amazon.com for $39.99, no shipping and no sales tax. I have seen them in local chain stores for $55. I am going to use one on our patio, maybe another by the pool.

Moving towards a Sustainable Lifestyle - Backyard Farming

Our farm began simply enough. I love a good tomato. That is what caused me to dig my first hole. Through the years, I witnessed the joy that my mother and grandmother found in growing vegetables and I enjoyed the fruits of their labors. I readily accepted the vegetables that they offered at the end of every visit. But, they were always gone long before the next visit. So, one spring I decided to grow tomatoes. I quickly discovered the satisfaction of growing my own vegetables. Under the mentorship of my mother and grandmother, I began to learn and experiment with methods which would bring the highest yield while reducing the amount of unpleasant tasks, such as tilling and weeding, and reducing or alleviating the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

It wasn't long before we established our own small flock of chickens. We didn't know anyone else raising chickens. So, we made quite a few mistakes and unnecessary expenditures. But, our mistakes have resulted in gain for others. We have learned how to make tending a small flock very easy and affordable. We have also enjoyed the relationship that has developed between us and these lovely ladies who regularly provide us with such wonderful protein.

Although our farm has been in place for awhile, I still have not gotten over the thrill of gathering beautiful eggs daily, making a yummy salad or stir fry from just picked vegetables, or making an omelet from all of these ingredients. I cannot put into words how satisfying it is to be able to go through a complete day only eating off of our land.

When moving towards a more sustainable lifestyle, it is important to remember that you don't have to do it all at one time. One small step quickly led to the realization that I could do even more. My mind frequently goes back to what my mother says when I ask her if she thinks that I can grow a certain vegetable. She says, "I don't know. Put in the dirt and see what happens. If it doesn't work out, you're only out a couple of dollars." She always points out to me that even though she has gardened for over 50 years, every season she always learns something new. There is always a new method to try. I have found that that aspect of gardening and farming has been one of the most pleasurable. I remain in awe of the results because I have never be able to have it mastered. Every year, every season has it own unique challenges and victories. I get to participate in the miracle of life, but I don't control it. I believe that you also will find that you can do more than you ever thought possible, sooner than you ever thought possible.

With the proper equipment and soil, you can grow all of your own produce on your deck or in your yard. If you would like fresh eggs daily, we will assist you in acquiring your flock of hens and providing food and housing for them. Within a month, you can dramatically increase your sustainable lifestyle.
We will gladly give whatever assistance you need to establish your own mini farm. You can find all your resources on our site or we will come to you and walk you through every step. You determine how involved you would like us to be.
Home consultations are available in the Metro Atlanta area. Contact me at donnabyers61@gmail.com.

www.thebackyardfarm.com