Got a moisture/pH/light meter a few days ago. Checked the pH of the soil and it came back still toward the alkaline side. Though I'm not entirely sure I trust the meter. Tried cleaning it off and testing a container of pure cayenne and it also read alkaline. Though the cayenne didn't have any moisture in it. Think I'll back it up with some test strips tomorrow.
However, my thinking was wrong on the Epsom Salt idea. It does add Mag and Phos to the soil, both in usable forms for plants to absorb. However, it does not help to acidify the soil. The phos is in the wrong form. At the same time, it takes time for soil pH to adjust, even after adding elements to change it. Especially if acidifying.
On the good side, the things planted right now are okay with somewhat alkaline soil. I can add amendments which will adjust the pH slowly and they'll be fine. The part which is most alkaline is the section I haven't started working yet. I'll test that section again just before planting there and, if necessary, add vinegar at that time. Looking into the best things to add to lower the pH and maintain it that way. Trying to avoid using more chemicals, so seeing about pine needle mulch. That works well over time but does require months to have a measurable effect. Then, the vinegar works quickly but doesn't last for a long time. So, maybe they would overlap.
My best bet will probably be to keep one part of the garden somewhat alkaline and increase the acidity in stages further over to the opposite side.
Back is still in pain. Did a job on a lat dorsi muscle and the shoulder was already hurting. So, my whole left upper body is currently in pain. So, not doing much tonight.Watching a couple of movies I had on hand from mail rental. Bad habit of having a movie for weeks and not watching it. So, watching them tonight for return tomorrow.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Crossed fingers
Planted out cool weather crops today. Daughter was to help me but wimped out, so I did 99% of the work. That's okay, she's 7 and saw me get my hopes up last year, only to have them crash.
Dug out one more row before planting, so have a total of 12 mounds. Planted flowers in all the small mounds and some shady areas. I had also taken the propane burner to some of the still healthy weeds, especially those with flowers on them. Today, planted out spinach, broccoli, three kinds of lettuce, two kinds of potatoes, carrots and peas. Got some seeds for sugar snap peas to plant later in the week.
Not doing badly, space-wise. I still have room for 2-3 more rows and haven't even started working the older garden section yet. Not cramping things up, I don't think. Have enough room to walk down the trenches between mounds. But everything I've planted so far is mostly low or vertically growing. When I get around to corn and tomatoes, I'll have to leave more space between each mound.
Had to thin down or dispose of some plants started inside tonight. Just started way too soon. Some of the melon vines are still going, so I'm going to set them outside tomorrow and see how they do. I know the pumpkin plants do okay with cooler weather but frost will do them in instantly. Maybe some other melons are the same way. I started some new seeds but with a slightly more experienced eye to growth patterns. Mostly planted flowers tonight. Going to wait at least 2-3 more weeks before starting more warm weather seeds.
For now, I have the work ahead of building some much larger trellises than I've had up to now. I'm thinking I can make use of the PVC for those and tomato cages. Can just drill holes and run twine or cage wire between them.
My daughter was excited when I showed her that her pecan is growing! It'll be really cool if it continues growing and matures into a full tree.
Gotta get to bed. Have a backache.
Dug out one more row before planting, so have a total of 12 mounds. Planted flowers in all the small mounds and some shady areas. I had also taken the propane burner to some of the still healthy weeds, especially those with flowers on them. Today, planted out spinach, broccoli, three kinds of lettuce, two kinds of potatoes, carrots and peas. Got some seeds for sugar snap peas to plant later in the week.
Not doing badly, space-wise. I still have room for 2-3 more rows and haven't even started working the older garden section yet. Not cramping things up, I don't think. Have enough room to walk down the trenches between mounds. But everything I've planted so far is mostly low or vertically growing. When I get around to corn and tomatoes, I'll have to leave more space between each mound.
Had to thin down or dispose of some plants started inside tonight. Just started way too soon. Some of the melon vines are still going, so I'm going to set them outside tomorrow and see how they do. I know the pumpkin plants do okay with cooler weather but frost will do them in instantly. Maybe some other melons are the same way. I started some new seeds but with a slightly more experienced eye to growth patterns. Mostly planted flowers tonight. Going to wait at least 2-3 more weeks before starting more warm weather seeds.
For now, I have the work ahead of building some much larger trellises than I've had up to now. I'm thinking I can make use of the PVC for those and tomato cages. Can just drill holes and run twine or cage wire between them.
My daughter was excited when I showed her that her pecan is growing! It'll be really cool if it continues growing and matures into a full tree.
Gotta get to bed. Have a backache.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Planting weekend
Definitely looks like this is the weekend to start planting. Temps are warming up slightly now. Trees are budding out. Still one or two days of temps down right at 32 but should be okay for the crops I'll plant right now.
Going to have my daughter help me plant, which should be fun. I think she'll be excited to plant things which she can watch grow and check on each week when she comes over. Even better when we can eat some of them! She told the ex not to throw out a grape tomato container the other day because she wanted to save it for me. She noted it has holes in the bottom which work well for water drainage.
I had not done the planting yet because I've been picking up some work. Actually got in a few hours of OT last night, which never happens with agency nurses here. That's okay, works out better with having daughter help me.
But right now, need a little sleep.
Going to have my daughter help me plant, which should be fun. I think she'll be excited to plant things which she can watch grow and check on each week when she comes over. Even better when we can eat some of them! She told the ex not to throw out a grape tomato container the other day because she wanted to save it for me. She noted it has holes in the bottom which work well for water drainage.
I had not done the planting yet because I've been picking up some work. Actually got in a few hours of OT last night, which never happens with agency nurses here. That's okay, works out better with having daughter help me.
But right now, need a little sleep.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Row, row, row your garden
Dug out two rows in the garden. Might take a while to complete this because it's rather hard on my shoulders. I have RCIS in both shoulders.
Each mound is 36' long and about 18" wide. Read from UNM that this is the most efficient way to build mounds for planting here. Conserves water because the large mass dehydrates more slowly than smaller mounds. Smaller mounds are probably more popular in cooler climates, where the smaller mass warms more quickly. Crops can be planted on each side of the mounds and watering is done on the sides, so the high salt content in the soil migrates toward the center of the mound, away from the plants.
I sectioned off each mound into smaller lengths. Each mound has three 10' sections and one 6' section. So, a total of eight mounds so far. Of course, I can plant different crops in each mound or the same crop on multiple mounds. I'll plant flowers in the smaller sections. That will make my daughter happy, besides attracting bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, each of which helps with pollination. Going to alternate placement of the smaller sections, two on one end, two on the opposite end. That way I don't have too many bees habitating right next to the house and the pollinators go throughout the garden, not just staying in one place.
Not planting today. Watered the soil and need to let it settle overnight before planting, as it's still rather loose. I'll plant tomorrow.
Got the new compost batch brewing. Hope 6-8 weeks is enough time for sufficient decomposition to use it by late April or early May.
The garden is currently split in half, with raised beds running down the center. I'm working on the south section right now. Think I have enough room for three more rows there but it may be only two.
Have to work tonight, so it's time for a nap.
Each mound is 36' long and about 18" wide. Read from UNM that this is the most efficient way to build mounds for planting here. Conserves water because the large mass dehydrates more slowly than smaller mounds. Smaller mounds are probably more popular in cooler climates, where the smaller mass warms more quickly. Crops can be planted on each side of the mounds and watering is done on the sides, so the high salt content in the soil migrates toward the center of the mound, away from the plants.
I sectioned off each mound into smaller lengths. Each mound has three 10' sections and one 6' section. So, a total of eight mounds so far. Of course, I can plant different crops in each mound or the same crop on multiple mounds. I'll plant flowers in the smaller sections. That will make my daughter happy, besides attracting bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, each of which helps with pollination. Going to alternate placement of the smaller sections, two on one end, two on the opposite end. That way I don't have too many bees habitating right next to the house and the pollinators go throughout the garden, not just staying in one place.
Not planting today. Watered the soil and need to let it settle overnight before planting, as it's still rather loose. I'll plant tomorrow.
Got the new compost batch brewing. Hope 6-8 weeks is enough time for sufficient decomposition to use it by late April or early May.
The garden is currently split in half, with raised beds running down the center. I'm working on the south section right now. Think I have enough room for three more rows there but it may be only two.
Have to work tonight, so it's time for a nap.
All fired up
Worked for a couple of nights. Got the beginnings of a sinus infection but seems like it's going away. Took tonight off to give myself the chance to fight it off. (Something I was really bad about not doing when I was younger.) Had a bulge on a tire and had to go get two new front tires Monday morning. I was happy the tire held together to work and back with no blowout on the highway. Many thanks to the powers protecting me!
Got the propane torch today for the weeds. Haven't used it yet but the yard already looks a lot less green than a few weeks ago. Means the weed killer is working on the clover. At least most of it. Some is still looking too healthy. This torch should do the job, as it will reach temps up to 3000 degrees F!
Measured out the garden yesterday. Current usable space is 30'x40'. Not bad for a start but I will be expanding it a little before warmer weather arrives.
If the weather is warm enough, I should have time enough to complete one more batch of compost before planting warm weather crops outside. Mostly for organic material in this case. I already have the leaves loaded into the compost pit. So, I've already added Nitrogen, Magnesium Phosphate and Calcium to the soil. Got some more Mag Phos today. There's enough Potassium present, so no amendment needed.
Giving up on most of the warm weather crops I started inside. I'll restart again in a few weeks. Most aren't looking too good inside but they take up too much space if they keep growing and it's too cold to transplant out for quite some time. At least this time I'm confident that they will start growing inside, unlike last year.
Got the propane torch today for the weeds. Haven't used it yet but the yard already looks a lot less green than a few weeks ago. Means the weed killer is working on the clover. At least most of it. Some is still looking too healthy. This torch should do the job, as it will reach temps up to 3000 degrees F!
Measured out the garden yesterday. Current usable space is 30'x40'. Not bad for a start but I will be expanding it a little before warmer weather arrives.
If the weather is warm enough, I should have time enough to complete one more batch of compost before planting warm weather crops outside. Mostly for organic material in this case. I already have the leaves loaded into the compost pit. So, I've already added Nitrogen, Magnesium Phosphate and Calcium to the soil. Got some more Mag Phos today. There's enough Potassium present, so no amendment needed.
Giving up on most of the warm weather crops I started inside. I'll restart again in a few weeks. Most aren't looking too good inside but they take up too much space if they keep growing and it's too cold to transplant out for quite some time. At least this time I'm confident that they will start growing inside, unlike last year.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Cool weather crops
Looked up the UNM agricultural site to see what's normally acceptable to plant at this time of year here. Turned out to be a decent list. Carrots, broccoli, lettuce, onions, potatoes, spinach, celery, peas. (I'll skip the kale, thank you. Just 'cause it will grow doesn't mean I have any urge to eat it.) When it gets warmer, I can succeed those with other crops which survive in warmer weather.
So, I'll get those things all planted this week. Not today, as it's starting to rain and the forecast call for possible snow next couple of days. By this time of year, the snow may fall but doesn't normally stick.
Okay, I need to take a nap. Scheduled for work tonight.
So, I'll get those things all planted this week. Not today, as it's starting to rain and the forecast call for possible snow next couple of days. By this time of year, the snow may fall but doesn't normally stick.
Okay, I need to take a nap. Scheduled for work tonight.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Tilled
I know this is boring to some people but the section of yard I wanted tilled was done today. First time in my life that I've had land I lived on tilled.
Daughter and I slept really late this morning, woke to the man calling who was coming over with the tractor. I woke her up and asked if she wanted to watch. She got dressed.
I was really expecting a small tractor with tow-behind tiller. He arrived with a truck and full-sized (small commercial type) tractor and mounted tiller! Took a little while to get it off the trailer and finish the hookup. Once that was done, it took him less than 30 minutes to till the entire area I wanted done. Tilled down to about a foot deep. You could definitely see the difference in the soil where the grass had been growing, which was much darker and richer than the garden are last year.
Daughter dragged a chair outside to sit on and watch. She was fascinated but was most amused when she walked on the soil after he was done.
Still too cold to plant most things out but warming up quickly. I may soon give a shot at lots of cooler weather crops, like lettuce, broccoli, spinach and such. I am still learning about things such as crop rotations, multiple crops on the same plot in one growing season and so forth. I do know I need to grow a lot of bean crops, which help anchor N in the soil. (Problem there is that I'm really not much of a bean person.)
The whole garden area looks really large. However, one side of that area won't be planted for at least 12 ft out from the fence, as that's where the new shed structure will go. Though that will serve well as walking space. I am also going to maintain a walking space through the middle and there's still soil not tilled on the other side. So there will be traffic areas on each side and through the center.
I haven't yet planned the garden out for planting, which I need to do this week. Then I can section it out and start building rows.
Some of the plants indoors are looking really good, others not so much. Tomatoes look great and all 30 plants continue to grow. Happy for that one, as I am a tomato person. Watermelon plants seem to be dying off. Ornamental corn looks wonderful but sweet corn looks weak, few that have started. Some pumpkin plants look good, others not so good. I'm sure some of these things will do much better when I can plant them outdoors in real sunlight. Pepper plants look surprisingly good. Now that I know things will actually start well indoors, I'm not as anxious about rotating things out, starting some seeds inside and moving them out to replace plants as needed or as I change crops in one area according to weather. I've pretty much dedicated the shelves in the dining room to that purpose for now.
Daughter and I slept really late this morning, woke to the man calling who was coming over with the tractor. I woke her up and asked if she wanted to watch. She got dressed.
I was really expecting a small tractor with tow-behind tiller. He arrived with a truck and full-sized (small commercial type) tractor and mounted tiller! Took a little while to get it off the trailer and finish the hookup. Once that was done, it took him less than 30 minutes to till the entire area I wanted done. Tilled down to about a foot deep. You could definitely see the difference in the soil where the grass had been growing, which was much darker and richer than the garden are last year.
Daughter dragged a chair outside to sit on and watch. She was fascinated but was most amused when she walked on the soil after he was done.
Still too cold to plant most things out but warming up quickly. I may soon give a shot at lots of cooler weather crops, like lettuce, broccoli, spinach and such. I am still learning about things such as crop rotations, multiple crops on the same plot in one growing season and so forth. I do know I need to grow a lot of bean crops, which help anchor N in the soil. (Problem there is that I'm really not much of a bean person.)
The whole garden area looks really large. However, one side of that area won't be planted for at least 12 ft out from the fence, as that's where the new shed structure will go. Though that will serve well as walking space. I am also going to maintain a walking space through the middle and there's still soil not tilled on the other side. So there will be traffic areas on each side and through the center.
I haven't yet planned the garden out for planting, which I need to do this week. Then I can section it out and start building rows.
Some of the plants indoors are looking really good, others not so much. Tomatoes look great and all 30 plants continue to grow. Happy for that one, as I am a tomato person. Watermelon plants seem to be dying off. Ornamental corn looks wonderful but sweet corn looks weak, few that have started. Some pumpkin plants look good, others not so good. I'm sure some of these things will do much better when I can plant them outdoors in real sunlight. Pepper plants look surprisingly good. Now that I know things will actually start well indoors, I'm not as anxious about rotating things out, starting some seeds inside and moving them out to replace plants as needed or as I change crops in one area according to weather. I've pretty much dedicated the shelves in the dining room to that purpose for now.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Till Tomorrow
The guy with the tractor (I assume a small one) is coming tomorrow to till the yard. I have everything all cleared for him to get through and around, just have to drop the zip line, which will take under one minute.
I promised him $40 for the job, since it will save me money, time and labor. Just renting a tiller for one day would have cost me $55-60. The $40 isn't a completely necessary expense but it's reasonable. Besides, I am still hoping to make some return on the garden investments in the form of reduced grocery bills.
Got a used ceiling fan at Restore today for $10. I need at least one more, preferably 2-3 more but the others on hand right now were either questionable in their completeness or just didn't match the color continuity in the house. I'll go back at later dates. They're between my house and work office and one hospital I frequently work at. The one I got today is nearly new, saved me at least $30 and helps keep it from the landfill.
I'm hoping I can find a used water heater for under $100. New one costs over $300, minimum and can go up over $1000. WTF? Why would you pay over $1000 for a water heater?! Also hoping I can find one non-working but not leaking for the solar project. (Can move up to multiple tanks later, after I have a chance to experiment with the idea. Is it worth it to go that far? More plumbing, more weight.. No urge to have three water heater tanks crashing through the roof from combined weight to gain 5 degrees extra heat in the water. Doesn't sound like fun.)
Daughter is still sick. Turns out it's strep. I have her loaded with enough medication to combat a nerve agent. She's better but still coughing from all the mucous. That's the bad thing about strep, aside from feeling like garbage all over. The sore throat and mucous cause coughing. The coughing irritates the throat, making your throat worse and that causes more mucous production. But the worst part of all is trying to sleep with it. I keep hearing her coughing and moaning with frustration. She's an amazing kid. She stays energetic and mostly cheerful even though she's sick. Wanted to go for a long walk this evening. It was sunset and too late to go walking, with all the snakes and coyotes around here. Besides, it started getting colder around 3 PM today, so not a good idea with strep. Maybe we'll try tomorrow afternoon, if it's warm enough.
Need to get to bed. Still keeping the monitor on.
I promised him $40 for the job, since it will save me money, time and labor. Just renting a tiller for one day would have cost me $55-60. The $40 isn't a completely necessary expense but it's reasonable. Besides, I am still hoping to make some return on the garden investments in the form of reduced grocery bills.
Got a used ceiling fan at Restore today for $10. I need at least one more, preferably 2-3 more but the others on hand right now were either questionable in their completeness or just didn't match the color continuity in the house. I'll go back at later dates. They're between my house and work office and one hospital I frequently work at. The one I got today is nearly new, saved me at least $30 and helps keep it from the landfill.
I'm hoping I can find a used water heater for under $100. New one costs over $300, minimum and can go up over $1000. WTF? Why would you pay over $1000 for a water heater?! Also hoping I can find one non-working but not leaking for the solar project. (Can move up to multiple tanks later, after I have a chance to experiment with the idea. Is it worth it to go that far? More plumbing, more weight.. No urge to have three water heater tanks crashing through the roof from combined weight to gain 5 degrees extra heat in the water. Doesn't sound like fun.)
Daughter is still sick. Turns out it's strep. I have her loaded with enough medication to combat a nerve agent. She's better but still coughing from all the mucous. That's the bad thing about strep, aside from feeling like garbage all over. The sore throat and mucous cause coughing. The coughing irritates the throat, making your throat worse and that causes more mucous production. But the worst part of all is trying to sleep with it. I keep hearing her coughing and moaning with frustration. She's an amazing kid. She stays energetic and mostly cheerful even though she's sick. Wanted to go for a long walk this evening. It was sunset and too late to go walking, with all the snakes and coyotes around here. Besides, it started getting colder around 3 PM today, so not a good idea with strep. Maybe we'll try tomorrow afternoon, if it's warm enough.
Need to get to bed. Still keeping the monitor on.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Didn't last
My daughter is sick and I'm restless. Similar symptoms to what put her in the hospital in December. Don't think I'll sleep well tonight. Glad I still have the baby monitor, which is set up and turned on. I jump every time I hear her cough. To add to it, I think the Zyrtec the doctor advised may be giving her strange dreams. Just writing to keep my mind occupied. Took tonight off from work and keeping her with me tomorrow, out of school.
The whole "yard looks better than since I moved in" didn't last. I spread the rest of the compost from the pit around and raked it out but there's still compost all over the yard. That's okay. I have someone coming over on Sat morning to till a lot of the yard with a tractor, so I can resite the garden and plant properly. No plans on a lot of future tilling but this was necessary and too big to do manually. This will let me expand the garden to over 2x the size of last year. It will also make it much easier to dig holes for the solarium columns.
Got the last of the old blocks moved from the rear of the shed yesterday. So there is nothing remaining back there, at last! That was the end of the piles of sh** which were in the yard when I moved in! Yay!! Though I have wood and block piles in the yard, they're primarily neat and organized, with obvious purpose.
I started sorting the blocks from the fence. So far, I've identified at least five different forms and sizes of blocks.
Haven't known what to do with the broken blocks until yesterday. Then I realized that I'll need aggregate for the concrete foundation of the shed and columns. Broken cinder blocks will be perfect for the purpose! Though I do need to get a sledgehammer to break them down more.. Then decide where to store it until ready to use it.
Time for bed. Only got maybe two hours of sleep today.
The whole "yard looks better than since I moved in" didn't last. I spread the rest of the compost from the pit around and raked it out but there's still compost all over the yard. That's okay. I have someone coming over on Sat morning to till a lot of the yard with a tractor, so I can resite the garden and plant properly. No plans on a lot of future tilling but this was necessary and too big to do manually. This will let me expand the garden to over 2x the size of last year. It will also make it much easier to dig holes for the solarium columns.
Got the last of the old blocks moved from the rear of the shed yesterday. So there is nothing remaining back there, at last! That was the end of the piles of sh** which were in the yard when I moved in! Yay!! Though I have wood and block piles in the yard, they're primarily neat and organized, with obvious purpose.
I started sorting the blocks from the fence. So far, I've identified at least five different forms and sizes of blocks.
Haven't known what to do with the broken blocks until yesterday. Then I realized that I'll need aggregate for the concrete foundation of the shed and columns. Broken cinder blocks will be perfect for the purpose! Though I do need to get a sledgehammer to break them down more.. Then decide where to store it until ready to use it.
Time for bed. Only got maybe two hours of sleep today.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Bonfire
Finally got the rest of the wood next to the shed moved into the same area as the rest of the wood today. There were lots of pieces in this pile of plywood and particle board, all dirty and/or severely deteriorated. Those went out front for later trash pickup. I really wanted to get that pile handled before spider season arrives.
Raked out the edges and corners of the yard which had loads of debris, previously not visible or inaccessible due to wood piles and the wooden fence. Mostly candy wrappers, foam cup bits, chip bags and such. Though I found an old air compressor buried in the dirt. It was partially dismantled and completely rusted over.
Filled the trash bin with the rest of the bamboo roots and some of the trash I raked out. Bin completely filled and still had a large pile left. So, between unusable wood, lots of debris and a humongous pile of twigs, decided it was time for a bonfire this evening. Got most of the stuff burned. That pile will probably smolder for at least a day or two but it is in the enclosure I made from a corrugated metal sheet last year. Placed it on top of some weeds to kill them off.
Where I could, I raked clean leaves into piles, bagged them to save for the compost pit. Still need to get on the roof and do the same with the leaves that remain up there.
So, the yard looks the best it has looked since I moved in here. Still have lots of weeds to deal with but no more piles of anything which are not obviously organized and no more bits of trash lining the fences. There's so much to do with this place, even just the yard, that it can be difficult to prioritize at times. So I most often have to go with function first and appearance second.
Rather tired. Think I should sleep really well tonight.
Raked out the edges and corners of the yard which had loads of debris, previously not visible or inaccessible due to wood piles and the wooden fence. Mostly candy wrappers, foam cup bits, chip bags and such. Though I found an old air compressor buried in the dirt. It was partially dismantled and completely rusted over.
Filled the trash bin with the rest of the bamboo roots and some of the trash I raked out. Bin completely filled and still had a large pile left. So, between unusable wood, lots of debris and a humongous pile of twigs, decided it was time for a bonfire this evening. Got most of the stuff burned. That pile will probably smolder for at least a day or two but it is in the enclosure I made from a corrugated metal sheet last year. Placed it on top of some weeds to kill them off.
Where I could, I raked clean leaves into piles, bagged them to save for the compost pit. Still need to get on the roof and do the same with the leaves that remain up there.
So, the yard looks the best it has looked since I moved in here. Still have lots of weeds to deal with but no more piles of anything which are not obviously organized and no more bits of trash lining the fences. There's so much to do with this place, even just the yard, that it can be difficult to prioritize at times. So I most often have to go with function first and appearance second.
Rather tired. Think I should sleep really well tonight.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Wireless
Since I moved, I've been unable to find the AC converter for my wireless modem. That is, until this week. Which had me trapped in the office when using the computer. Finally found the converter, which gives me more freedom of movement around the house. (And outside, when the weather improves.)
Been making a mistake with the compost pit until today. Being a compost pit, it runs down to the clay level of the soil. I've been avoiding spreading the clay with the compost. Since clay retains soil and helps maintain the cohesion of the soil, I really should have been spreading that with the compost. Within limits, of course. Started doing that today.
So, spread the compost from the pit today. A lot of it is still fairly large pieces, such as twigs and bamboo leaves which aren't fully composted. However, in between was good compost, so I spread all of it. Watered it down heavily to leech the nutrients into the soil. Now I'm going to let it dry for a couple of days (assuming it doesn't rain), then rake it out. Once it's dry, the smaller organic material will filter out while raking. Then I'll either return the larger bit back to the pit or just dispose of it. This will also let me start the next batch, being sure to use smaller pieces along the way.
Been making a mistake with the compost pit until today. Being a compost pit, it runs down to the clay level of the soil. I've been avoiding spreading the clay with the compost. Since clay retains soil and helps maintain the cohesion of the soil, I really should have been spreading that with the compost. Within limits, of course. Started doing that today.
So, spread the compost from the pit today. A lot of it is still fairly large pieces, such as twigs and bamboo leaves which aren't fully composted. However, in between was good compost, so I spread all of it. Watered it down heavily to leech the nutrients into the soil. Now I'm going to let it dry for a couple of days (assuming it doesn't rain), then rake it out. Once it's dry, the smaller organic material will filter out while raking. Then I'll either return the larger bit back to the pit or just dispose of it. This will also let me start the next batch, being sure to use smaller pieces along the way.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Traffic jam
Between my daughter, the pup and the kitten, my house has turned into a traffic jam. Seems I cannot walk through the house without at least two of them planting themselves in my path. There's quite enough room to pass each other but somehow that doesn't happen. I'm not finding it amusing.
I planted out all the climbing plants plus the green beans and strawberries on Friday. On Saturday, they were all dead. Still too cold for them. I'll leave the strawberry roots in place, as they may sprout again, being roots. Otherwise, just have to wait a few more weeks. I have the cold cover in place, which will allow me to get a head start of a few weeks before straight ground planting is feasible. Sooner if I add a second layer of sheeting to the inside or outside to trap warm air.
Stapled the plastic lining into the other shelf unit today. Going to do the same with it, fill it with leaves in the bottom, then a layer of compost, then the actual growing medium. In this case, I'm going to go ahead and use a mixture of compost and garden soil. One mistake I made with the first one was making the roof flat. Going to make this one sloped. I may be able to add a sloping roof and a second layer of sheeting by attaching more poles on the outside of the box, since I attached the first poles to the inside.
I'm going to make one side open with velcro, like the first one. I'm hoping the plastic sheeting will provide enough sunlight dispersion and filtering to make these good growing environments, if I leave the one side open for ventilation. If not, I'll have to add some shading material. Even though I'm going to be building the solarium, I want to be able to design low-cost, easily made growing structures which can be replicated by others. These have the benefit of being somewhat portable and can be moved from one space in a yard to others. Some alternative designs would make them more portable and able to move from one geographic location to another.
This is aside from the general benefits of a raised garden bed. It's easier to maintain proper moisture levels in them. With even a partial cover in place, this would be highly beneficial in the desert. It's easier to keep weeds out of them or remove them if present. It's easier and less expensive to fertilize them. In the design of these, they are rather high, which lets me leave space at the top to add more compost later. For now, it provides a wind break for seedlings until they grow strong enough to handle some wind. It's easier to attach covers, trellises or shades to them, especially if built into the initial frame structure.
These are still preliminary and experimental designs. Once I have some designs which are a bit more advanced, I'll draw up the plans and post them.
Everything I'm using is recycled from scrap lumber and plastic sheeting from the greenhouse. The only cost or new materials so far are the nails, though I will add paint later. For those lacking the plastic sheeting or money to buy it, plastic sheeting may be available from shipping companies or furniture and appliance outlets. If hard set on going with all recycled materials, some nails can be reused from wooden pallets.
I planted out all the climbing plants plus the green beans and strawberries on Friday. On Saturday, they were all dead. Still too cold for them. I'll leave the strawberry roots in place, as they may sprout again, being roots. Otherwise, just have to wait a few more weeks. I have the cold cover in place, which will allow me to get a head start of a few weeks before straight ground planting is feasible. Sooner if I add a second layer of sheeting to the inside or outside to trap warm air.
Stapled the plastic lining into the other shelf unit today. Going to do the same with it, fill it with leaves in the bottom, then a layer of compost, then the actual growing medium. In this case, I'm going to go ahead and use a mixture of compost and garden soil. One mistake I made with the first one was making the roof flat. Going to make this one sloped. I may be able to add a sloping roof and a second layer of sheeting by attaching more poles on the outside of the box, since I attached the first poles to the inside.
I'm going to make one side open with velcro, like the first one. I'm hoping the plastic sheeting will provide enough sunlight dispersion and filtering to make these good growing environments, if I leave the one side open for ventilation. If not, I'll have to add some shading material. Even though I'm going to be building the solarium, I want to be able to design low-cost, easily made growing structures which can be replicated by others. These have the benefit of being somewhat portable and can be moved from one space in a yard to others. Some alternative designs would make them more portable and able to move from one geographic location to another.
This is aside from the general benefits of a raised garden bed. It's easier to maintain proper moisture levels in them. With even a partial cover in place, this would be highly beneficial in the desert. It's easier to keep weeds out of them or remove them if present. It's easier and less expensive to fertilize them. In the design of these, they are rather high, which lets me leave space at the top to add more compost later. For now, it provides a wind break for seedlings until they grow strong enough to handle some wind. It's easier to attach covers, trellises or shades to them, especially if built into the initial frame structure.
These are still preliminary and experimental designs. Once I have some designs which are a bit more advanced, I'll draw up the plans and post them.
Everything I'm using is recycled from scrap lumber and plastic sheeting from the greenhouse. The only cost or new materials so far are the nails, though I will add paint later. For those lacking the plastic sheeting or money to buy it, plastic sheeting may be available from shipping companies or furniture and appliance outlets. If hard set on going with all recycled materials, some nails can be reused from wooden pallets.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Adaptation
In the effort of getting things to grow well in the desert, I have to deal with the necessity of adapting plants to this environment, not just adapting the environment to be hospitable to plants.
My plan for the solarium has been to make it 60 ft long. However, I think I'll reduce that by 10 ft and leave more space behind the structure for outdoor gardening. Plants adapt well to new environments, if introduced to the new environment gradually. So, if I start plant indoors and move them outdoors over time, they should adapt. I know some will adapt and others won't. Especially over several generations of the same plant species, I believe it would be possible to adapt them to a desert environment.
One of the biggest keys to this is definitely going to be harvesting my own seeds. Store bought seeds will work to start with. However, most store seeds are from plants grown in a less harsh environment.
There's no question plants will still require the same nutrients for growth. Otherwise, they will not produce anything or very little. One likelihood will be planting lots of bean crops (legumes) for N fixation in the soil and rotating crops. I've seen produce grown in this area and most of it looks rather weak and stunted. I'd like to overcome that tendency of desert growth in food plants. However, that part will likely come back to adjusting the environment by planting trees or taller crops alternating with shorter crops. It may be necessary to include low bushes as wind breaks.
If I have any success with this, the seeds can be distributed as adapted to this environment. It would help in many places across the world which has such a harsh climate. Maybe I'll fail at it but it's definitely worth the effort to attempt.
My plan for the solarium has been to make it 60 ft long. However, I think I'll reduce that by 10 ft and leave more space behind the structure for outdoor gardening. Plants adapt well to new environments, if introduced to the new environment gradually. So, if I start plant indoors and move them outdoors over time, they should adapt. I know some will adapt and others won't. Especially over several generations of the same plant species, I believe it would be possible to adapt them to a desert environment.
One of the biggest keys to this is definitely going to be harvesting my own seeds. Store bought seeds will work to start with. However, most store seeds are from plants grown in a less harsh environment.
There's no question plants will still require the same nutrients for growth. Otherwise, they will not produce anything or very little. One likelihood will be planting lots of bean crops (legumes) for N fixation in the soil and rotating crops. I've seen produce grown in this area and most of it looks rather weak and stunted. I'd like to overcome that tendency of desert growth in food plants. However, that part will likely come back to adjusting the environment by planting trees or taller crops alternating with shorter crops. It may be necessary to include low bushes as wind breaks.
If I have any success with this, the seeds can be distributed as adapted to this environment. It would help in many places across the world which has such a harsh climate. Maybe I'll fail at it but it's definitely worth the effort to attempt.
Naivete and bad memory!
This should tell how much I have to learn about gardening!
I wrote something about N being mined. Not so and I'm guessing some people who read that knew it. Doh! What I had read about and mixed up was vermiculite, I believe. N comes from organic sources and there is no shortage now or in the future of reserve sources. Still, it the process. Not to mention less expensive.
I'm understanding why nothing grew last year and now I have some fixing to do before planting out. I had read about using lime to adjust pH in the soil and even read in multiple places how to use it for acidifying the soil. However, lime is extremely alkaline and reduces the acid in the soil. Not long ago, I spread a whole bunch of lime on the garden soil. Can't remove it, so have to fix it.
Since Phosphorous raises the acidity, I need to get a lot of P to lower the pH before planting out. Luckily, one of the best forms of this is inexpensive. Simple Epsom Salt will do the trick. Available at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar. Going to do that today. Epsom Salt is Magnesium Sulfate, so it also contains a lot of Magnesium, which plants need and which frequently lacks in our diets today.
I'll get this stuff right sooner or later.
I wrote something about N being mined. Not so and I'm guessing some people who read that knew it. Doh! What I had read about and mixed up was vermiculite, I believe. N comes from organic sources and there is no shortage now or in the future of reserve sources. Still, it the process. Not to mention less expensive.
I'm understanding why nothing grew last year and now I have some fixing to do before planting out. I had read about using lime to adjust pH in the soil and even read in multiple places how to use it for acidifying the soil. However, lime is extremely alkaline and reduces the acid in the soil. Not long ago, I spread a whole bunch of lime on the garden soil. Can't remove it, so have to fix it.
Since Phosphorous raises the acidity, I need to get a lot of P to lower the pH before planting out. Luckily, one of the best forms of this is inexpensive. Simple Epsom Salt will do the trick. Available at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar. Going to do that today. Epsom Salt is Magnesium Sulfate, so it also contains a lot of Magnesium, which plants need and which frequently lacks in our diets today.
I'll get this stuff right sooner or later.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Bargains!
If you have one in your community, be sure to check out the Habitat for Humanity Restore. Went to check out the one here today. Awesome place, with most everything needed to build a house available. Most is used but serviceable, while some items are new but very reasonably priced. Windows (with frames) from $5. Lots of sinks at prices that are a steal. Lighting fixtures. Ceiling fans for $10 with 4 light fixtures on them. (I'll be back for a couple of those!) I think ones with one light were as low as $5. They had some appliances, as well. Unfortunately, no washers in stock at the moment. I'll check back. Bummer, no water heaters. They have cabinets of all kinds, some as low as $5 and up from there.
Of course, the down side is that much of the stuff doesn't match. That's to be expected, since all the items are donated from varying sources. Though they did have entire lots of some items which were donated by commercial donors, so it's worth looking. Besides, if you're looking for one of something, it doesn't matter if it matches.
They had one fairly beaten up shelf unit which was marked for free. I picked that up to use for another raised garden bed. That seems like a useful thing I stumbled into. Sizes don't completely match up but that's okay. I can make the outside look consistent by nailing some cut down fence slats and painting them. In the unlikely event I run out of fence slats, I can pick up wooden pallets from various free sources, always available, for the same use and they'll have a similar enough look to them.
I also picked up a garage door spring (new) which supports 130 lbs. When I build my daughter's new swing set, I can build some kind of bouncer on it. Just have to put a vinyl sleeve around the spring to avoid nasty pinches.
Then went across the street to Walmart to get medicine for my RLS. Wandered into the garden section. Turns out they now have a section of seeds for $0.20! Not a huge selection but decent. They had varieties of peas and cucumbers which I didn't have, so I picked some up. Got numerous packets of flower seeds. I figure if some die off, some are still bound to grow just by increased odds if I plant enough of them!
This was all after I went to get tickets for the Shrine Circus for this weekend. I went to the Shriner's compound for the tickets. Happy I did! They gave me a free ticket for my daughter, then still let me use the $2 discount for my own ticket, so total price for both of us was only $11!
Hmm. Think I need to hit the casino.
Of course, the down side is that much of the stuff doesn't match. That's to be expected, since all the items are donated from varying sources. Though they did have entire lots of some items which were donated by commercial donors, so it's worth looking. Besides, if you're looking for one of something, it doesn't matter if it matches.
They had one fairly beaten up shelf unit which was marked for free. I picked that up to use for another raised garden bed. That seems like a useful thing I stumbled into. Sizes don't completely match up but that's okay. I can make the outside look consistent by nailing some cut down fence slats and painting them. In the unlikely event I run out of fence slats, I can pick up wooden pallets from various free sources, always available, for the same use and they'll have a similar enough look to them.
I also picked up a garage door spring (new) which supports 130 lbs. When I build my daughter's new swing set, I can build some kind of bouncer on it. Just have to put a vinyl sleeve around the spring to avoid nasty pinches.
Then went across the street to Walmart to get medicine for my RLS. Wandered into the garden section. Turns out they now have a section of seeds for $0.20! Not a huge selection but decent. They had varieties of peas and cucumbers which I didn't have, so I picked some up. Got numerous packets of flower seeds. I figure if some die off, some are still bound to grow just by increased odds if I plant enough of them!
This was all after I went to get tickets for the Shrine Circus for this weekend. I went to the Shriner's compound for the tickets. Happy I did! They gave me a free ticket for my daughter, then still let me use the $2 discount for my own ticket, so total price for both of us was only $11!
Hmm. Think I need to hit the casino.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Work, tootache
Got some work Sun and Mon nights. Was offered tonight but had to turn it down because I suffered with a toothache all last night. Ran out of Naprosyn early. I had been running a fever on Sat night but no other symptoms. Seems I had an abscess above my left wisdom tooth which inflamed at least one branch of the trigeminal nerve, so it caused a lot a of pain.
Didn't have the money to go to the dentist and this wouldn't wait until I picked up my check this afternoon. So, this morning I picked up some Naprosyn and more mouthwash on the way home. Then proceeded to pull my own wisdom tooth. Took some time and hurt like hell but I've felt better since. Not something I advise people in general to do.
I did get my check this afternoon. Not having to pay a dentist, I went on a short shopping spree. Got more CFC bulbs, some different flourescents for the kitchen, lamp for the bedroom and another clip-on reflector lamp for the plants. So, aside from the plant bulbs, I have all low wattage bulbs throughout the house now.
Transplanted the tomatoes into slightly larger containers tonight. They were too shallow and growing larger, so they would start flopping over soon if I didn't move them. Planted them up to the leaves to encourage more root growth.
I am scheduled to work tomorrow night but have to get the new raised bed completed tomorrow, so I can transplant out the tallest plants. Especially the ones that need a trellis. Some of them are getting quite large. The peas, green beans and cucumbers need more room. Next, I'm going to have to figure out what to do with the crawling vines because they're crawling all over! Guess those are okay as long as they don't strangle each other and I'm careful while untangling when I plant them out.
Going to see if I can rent a tiller from an individual. Called around to see how much it would cost to rent from different rental places and they want an average of $60 a day! I'm pretty sure someone would rent me one for a day for $30, since it's not something you use all the time. I want to till out more of the yard to expand and resite the garden a bit.
Rather than spreading any more chemicals, decided I'll control most of the weeds by burning this year. Going to get a propane torch, the kind used for melting ice or laying parking lot markers. That should do the job for large patches. Just have to have the hose handy. I'll just stick with using the weed puller for individual weeds. Better option than spreading too many chemicals around this close to the water table.
Didn't have the money to go to the dentist and this wouldn't wait until I picked up my check this afternoon. So, this morning I picked up some Naprosyn and more mouthwash on the way home. Then proceeded to pull my own wisdom tooth. Took some time and hurt like hell but I've felt better since. Not something I advise people in general to do.
I did get my check this afternoon. Not having to pay a dentist, I went on a short shopping spree. Got more CFC bulbs, some different flourescents for the kitchen, lamp for the bedroom and another clip-on reflector lamp for the plants. So, aside from the plant bulbs, I have all low wattage bulbs throughout the house now.
Transplanted the tomatoes into slightly larger containers tonight. They were too shallow and growing larger, so they would start flopping over soon if I didn't move them. Planted them up to the leaves to encourage more root growth.
I am scheduled to work tomorrow night but have to get the new raised bed completed tomorrow, so I can transplant out the tallest plants. Especially the ones that need a trellis. Some of them are getting quite large. The peas, green beans and cucumbers need more room. Next, I'm going to have to figure out what to do with the crawling vines because they're crawling all over! Guess those are okay as long as they don't strangle each other and I'm careful while untangling when I plant them out.
Going to see if I can rent a tiller from an individual. Called around to see how much it would cost to rent from different rental places and they want an average of $60 a day! I'm pretty sure someone would rent me one for a day for $30, since it's not something you use all the time. I want to till out more of the yard to expand and resite the garden a bit.
Rather than spreading any more chemicals, decided I'll control most of the weeds by burning this year. Going to get a propane torch, the kind used for melting ice or laying parking lot markers. That should do the job for large patches. Just have to have the hose handy. I'll just stick with using the weed puller for individual weeds. Better option than spreading too many chemicals around this close to the water table.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Block fence
Got the rest of the tree moved into the green wood pile, except for one large log. I was still too sore to lift it. Weighs about 200 lbs. I'll just have to move it when my back feels better. It's the log in front of the stump in the top left pic.
Got started on the block fence today. Left pic is the back of the house, right pic is the front fence. Some explanations are in order. I'm not just willing to part with the fence as material for the solarium, it's more than that. As can be seen, the fence has been hit by a vehicle at some point in the past. Not shown is that the front fence leans at one end, ready to fall. There's also a large gap where part of it was already taken down at some time. The whole thing would need repair if I were to keep it. I'd rather take it down and plant trees in front of the house.
You can't tell by looking (as I couldn't in person) but the fence is comprised of multiple forms of blocks. Going to have to sort them and decide how each form can be used.
I managed to take the top section off the entire length today. A lot of the top section was the old green type of cinder block, very fragile by block standards. Luckily, none of the rest seem to be the same kind. The fence is coming apart more easily than I expected. The mortar for much of it is largely sand and comes apart with a few well-placed knocks of my 2 lb hammer. Others require the masonry chisel but once knocked loose, they come right off. The old stucco comes off in sheets.
While I was learning where to place the "well-placed" hammer strikes, a few blocks were chipped or cracked. I can use those to build a housing for the mailbox, which was hit with a bat at some point in time. If I make a housing of block and stucco, it's unlikely to be vandalized that way again. Those blocks wouldn't be good for load-bearing but if mortared and stuccoed, the cracks and chips won't show.
My daughter is here now and I don't care to ignore her while doing these projects. Once she's not here I can get the whole thing down in one day.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Sore
Rather sore from working in the yard all day. First I cut, chopped and stacked all the branches from the cut down tree. Then cut the rest of the tree into pieces suitable for the fireplace. That is, once it's seasoned.
May not sound like a lot but with only a 14" chain saw, machete and rake it was definitely some work.
Of course, that's also starting off with a back still a bit painful from pulling a muscle a few days ago.
Least the yard is starting to look like a yard once more. I do still have some wood to move from the main trunk. Decided they could wait until tomorrow.
On taking a closer look, found the cabinet I picked up is a kitchen cabinet, not bathroom. Hadn't really looked at it too closely except for integrity. It's in good shape. Should work well for a raised bed.
Still heating water on the stove. Can get a water heater after the taxes come in. So, have water on now for a really hot bath later.
May not sound like a lot but with only a 14" chain saw, machete and rake it was definitely some work.
Of course, that's also starting off with a back still a bit painful from pulling a muscle a few days ago.
Least the yard is starting to look like a yard once more. I do still have some wood to move from the main trunk. Decided they could wait until tomorrow.
On taking a closer look, found the cabinet I picked up is a kitchen cabinet, not bathroom. Hadn't really looked at it too closely except for integrity. It's in good shape. Should work well for a raised bed.
Still heating water on the stove. Can get a water heater after the taxes come in. So, have water on now for a really hot bath later.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Cheating
I admit it, I cheated. I've wanted to do as much as possible to get the garden going without using chemicals. Can definitely be done. However, with the N level in the soil so low, spring around the corner, lots of plants ready to be transplanted as soon as the weather allows and the compost some distance away from being properly usable, I broke down and got some fertilizer.
Most people that read this probably already know that to raise the soil N level drastically, it should be done before springtime. Too much N added to living plants can burn them. Too little N and they just won't grow. Most farmers and longtime gardeners fertilize heavily with N-heavy fertilizers in the fall after last harvest, to allow it to normalize in the soil. I didn't have that option.
So, I got some fertilizer that is 34 parts N, which is really heavy. It also has a pre-emergent weed killer. The clerk at Lowe's was really helpful when I told him I needed an N-heavy fertilizer. (I wanted Ammonium Nitrate but seems nobody sells it any more, since it can be made into bombs.) He pointed me to this stuff, which was on clearance, so just what I needed but not expensive.
I went ahead and spread a lot of it tonight. It's drizzling and snowing on and off, which I figure will help it dissolve and work into the soil. (Not enough rain or snow for any runoff.) Besides, to control weeds, it should be applied before they sprout. Had such a horrendous weed problem last year, I want to get a jump on it this year. I'd prefer not to use chemicals but I had an entire half of the yard which was all weeds last year, which were spreading to the other half. Before I moved in here, the weeds had not been controlled for many years. Once I have the weeds under control, I can cease any chemical use. Once the N level is raised and the compost is going with more N content, I can forego additives.
There's no Phos in this fertilizer but I can supplement for that with Epsom Salt. Inexpensive, easy to find and effective.
I also got some liquid fertilizer for the plants while they're still indoors. Compost is still too raw to make compost tea yet. Don't want them to starve to death before they can be transplanted out.
While at Lowe's, found a bathroom cabinet in the parking lot with the door broken off. Strange place for it but I took it to turn into another raised garden bed. Plastic liner, some dirt, maybe some paint and it should be acceptable. If it still looks too trashy, I can add some wood panels, maybe cut down some of the fence slats and nail around the outside. That would also help insulate it. Can build a cold cover and a trellis right into it. Either or both could be removed later. It's rather deep, so I'll likely fill the bottom with brown leaves and add a few inches of soil on the top. The leaves will compost in place over time, releasing CO2. Anything with N would be added from above. That would keep the weight of the whole thing down. Maybe I can use that for the peas and green beans.
Most people that read this probably already know that to raise the soil N level drastically, it should be done before springtime. Too much N added to living plants can burn them. Too little N and they just won't grow. Most farmers and longtime gardeners fertilize heavily with N-heavy fertilizers in the fall after last harvest, to allow it to normalize in the soil. I didn't have that option.
So, I got some fertilizer that is 34 parts N, which is really heavy. It also has a pre-emergent weed killer. The clerk at Lowe's was really helpful when I told him I needed an N-heavy fertilizer. (I wanted Ammonium Nitrate but seems nobody sells it any more, since it can be made into bombs.) He pointed me to this stuff, which was on clearance, so just what I needed but not expensive.
I went ahead and spread a lot of it tonight. It's drizzling and snowing on and off, which I figure will help it dissolve and work into the soil. (Not enough rain or snow for any runoff.) Besides, to control weeds, it should be applied before they sprout. Had such a horrendous weed problem last year, I want to get a jump on it this year. I'd prefer not to use chemicals but I had an entire half of the yard which was all weeds last year, which were spreading to the other half. Before I moved in here, the weeds had not been controlled for many years. Once I have the weeds under control, I can cease any chemical use. Once the N level is raised and the compost is going with more N content, I can forego additives.
There's no Phos in this fertilizer but I can supplement for that with Epsom Salt. Inexpensive, easy to find and effective.
I also got some liquid fertilizer for the plants while they're still indoors. Compost is still too raw to make compost tea yet. Don't want them to starve to death before they can be transplanted out.
While at Lowe's, found a bathroom cabinet in the parking lot with the door broken off. Strange place for it but I took it to turn into another raised garden bed. Plastic liner, some dirt, maybe some paint and it should be acceptable. If it still looks too trashy, I can add some wood panels, maybe cut down some of the fence slats and nail around the outside. That would also help insulate it. Can build a cold cover and a trellis right into it. Either or both could be removed later. It's rather deep, so I'll likely fill the bottom with brown leaves and add a few inches of soil on the top. The leaves will compost in place over time, releasing CO2. Anything with N would be added from above. That would keep the weight of the whole thing down. Maybe I can use that for the peas and green beans.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Not so productive
So, I didn't have so much a productive day as I intended yesterday. Pulled my lower back out and still in pain. Could barely walk at times yesterday. In this case, it was lucky I got canceled from work last night. Kind of a pisser that I wasn't even doing anything strenuous at the time. Just turned the wrong way at the wrong time.
Before and in spite of that, I got all the wood from the fence moved into the corner of the yard.
Did the soil testing. Not fantastic but better than it was last year. At least the soil has some N. Haven't spread the new compost yet, which should increase the N content. Phos is moderate, K is high.The pH was neutral. Better than as alkaline as it was last year but some of the things I'm planting prefer slightly acidic soil. So, I spread the rest of the lime I had on hand and raked it in.
For the pH, I'm going to plant a lot more pepper plants, jalapeno, chile and serrano for the primary purpose of adding to the compost on a regular basis. The pH isn't bad, considering I just spread wood ashes not long ago.
Got my W2's, did the taxes. I'll be getting something back from taxes. Most is already owed out but at least it will help me get back on track and I don't owe anything!
Guess I should get up and get moving. Back injuries don't get better by sitting still.
Before and in spite of that, I got all the wood from the fence moved into the corner of the yard.
Did the soil testing. Not fantastic but better than it was last year. At least the soil has some N. Haven't spread the new compost yet, which should increase the N content. Phos is moderate, K is high.The pH was neutral. Better than as alkaline as it was last year but some of the things I'm planting prefer slightly acidic soil. So, I spread the rest of the lime I had on hand and raked it in.
For the pH, I'm going to plant a lot more pepper plants, jalapeno, chile and serrano for the primary purpose of adding to the compost on a regular basis. The pH isn't bad, considering I just spread wood ashes not long ago.
Got my W2's, did the taxes. I'll be getting something back from taxes. Most is already owed out but at least it will help me get back on track and I don't owe anything!
Guess I should get up and get moving. Back injuries don't get better by sitting still.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Up early
I'm up early for me. Nearly all my life, I've worked the night or afternoon shifts, so I tend to be one to wake up late in the day. I get up early when my daughter is here but otherwise I'm generally in bed or just getting home from work at this time. Last night, took a Melatonin and got to bed around 12.
So, now I'm just waiting for the outside temperature to increase to a bit above freezing before getting out and getting a few things done.
Made some simple reflectors for the plant lights last night. Had read the idea from another gardener online and found it a good idea. It works well, increases the light in the plant area without adding more lights. I'll have to make some more. Simple construction, just cardboard, glue and cheap aluminum foil, less than $1 for two of them.
The chile plants have started to sprout. I had started to wonder if I had done something wrong with harvesting the seeds. Then again, they were the most optional of everything I've planted. Couple of watermelon plants are showing. Waiting for the cucumber, corn and big boy tomatoes. Other than that, I'm happy to have over 20 tomato plants showing. Can you tell I like tomatoes?
Need to get out and do the soil testing today.
Compost is reducing in volume well but need to up the moisture content. Now that I know it won't turn into one big block of ice, that is.
So, now I'm just waiting for the outside temperature to increase to a bit above freezing before getting out and getting a few things done.
Made some simple reflectors for the plant lights last night. Had read the idea from another gardener online and found it a good idea. It works well, increases the light in the plant area without adding more lights. I'll have to make some more. Simple construction, just cardboard, glue and cheap aluminum foil, less than $1 for two of them.
The chile plants have started to sprout. I had started to wonder if I had done something wrong with harvesting the seeds. Then again, they were the most optional of everything I've planted. Couple of watermelon plants are showing. Waiting for the cucumber, corn and big boy tomatoes. Other than that, I'm happy to have over 20 tomato plants showing. Can you tell I like tomatoes?
Need to get out and do the soil testing today.
Compost is reducing in volume well but need to up the moisture content. Now that I know it won't turn into one big block of ice, that is.
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