I've had the soaker hoses directly on top of the mounds to keep the soil damp while the seeds take. Now I'm seeing clearly the heavy salt content of the soil here which I've read about repeatedly. Of course, it doesn't really look like salt so much as rust.
The advice I've read from UNM was to water in the trenches and allow the wicking effect to draw moisture into the mounds. Since doing the watering from the top, I imagine I should now continue doing so until the ground gets worked again. Watering from the bottom at this point would draw the salts right across the established roots. That's okay, I wasn't seeing the effect they mentioned so much, any way. Maybe that works well for soil with more organic material from being worked previously.
I'm rather thinking of removing as much of the salts as I can as they become accumulated at the bottom of the mounds. Just scrape the surface salt off. Not sure what to do with it then..
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Getting in order
Since moving in here last year, I have had things stored in Sterilite boxes stacked up here and there. No place to really get them organized, just stack them up elsewhere. With the shelves up in the shed, I can get the house organized now in time for Easter. Going to work on that tomorrow. Need to clean house and yard, too before Sunday. Going to have the egg hunt here and want it to look nice. I want it to look nice any way but that gives me an extra push to get it done faster.
Got some things for Easter today. Dye, basket, candy, stuff to make cookies with. Still need to get my daughter an Easter dress. Also need eggs but hoping they'll be on special this week.
Been gradually increasing the dog's time outside over weeks, when it wasn't too cold. Weather is nice enough that she made the transition to being an outdoor dog last night. Seems to be liking it. She's more energetic and playful.
Started moving the chicks outside this afternoon. They seem to like it, as well. Put them in the hutch. If the get too hot, they can go from the open run to the enclosed hutch. Whole thing is protected on all sides since I got the top on yesterday. Started mixing bread and other bird food in with their chick starter feed and they're taking to that well. Just have to watch them and make sure they digest it properly. I'm still bringing them inside at night because they're not completely feathered out yet.
May be jumping the gun but replanted three kinds of peas and celery yesterday, more Romaine and broccoli today. Need to get more spinach seeds, I think. I'd much rather be thinning out than waiting for something to grow which never does.
If the weather warms up only a little bit more, it will be an awesome spring and growing season! If that happens and remains that way for a while, both warm and cool season crops will thrive at the same time! However, there is a light frost forecast for this Fri night. I may try planting out some warmer weather crops next week, after that frost.
Got some things for Easter today. Dye, basket, candy, stuff to make cookies with. Still need to get my daughter an Easter dress. Also need eggs but hoping they'll be on special this week.
Been gradually increasing the dog's time outside over weeks, when it wasn't too cold. Weather is nice enough that she made the transition to being an outdoor dog last night. Seems to be liking it. She's more energetic and playful.
Started moving the chicks outside this afternoon. They seem to like it, as well. Put them in the hutch. If the get too hot, they can go from the open run to the enclosed hutch. Whole thing is protected on all sides since I got the top on yesterday. Started mixing bread and other bird food in with their chick starter feed and they're taking to that well. Just have to watch them and make sure they digest it properly. I'm still bringing them inside at night because they're not completely feathered out yet.
May be jumping the gun but replanted three kinds of peas and celery yesterday, more Romaine and broccoli today. Need to get more spinach seeds, I think. I'd much rather be thinning out than waiting for something to grow which never does.
If the weather warms up only a little bit more, it will be an awesome spring and growing season! If that happens and remains that way for a while, both warm and cool season crops will thrive at the same time! However, there is a light frost forecast for this Fri night. I may try planting out some warmer weather crops next week, after that frost.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
End of freezing weather?
The forecast for the coming week reaches high 60's to low 70's nearly every day. Can it be the end of freezing weather, or is that too much to hope for?
Last year, the local farmer's markets opened in May. This year they've posted their opening dates in mid-June. So the weather is definitely affecting everyone.
Since it's still cool most nights but warm during the day, decided to try something out. Going to take out some clear (translucent) Sterilite boxes and start seeds in those. Since I have them on hand, there's no cost involved. Some other advantages are: 1) They're portable. If it gets below freezing, I can bring them inside. 2) They have lids. This helps retain moisture and I can put the lids in place at night or even cooler days. 3) Since I can place them outside, no need to harden off plants started in them. They'll just go from Sterilite to in the ground. 4) No weed problems and easier to control bugs until plants are established and go into the garden. 5) No need for artificial lighting or heat. 6) No need to build a greenhouse.
By the UNM planting calendar, only 2-3 more weeks until many warm weather plants can be planted out. I don't know about getting things in the ground but it's a good time to get more things started inside for a better chance at some more successful crops. Want to get a few more things started soon. A few pumpkin plants started a few weeks back are looking good. Couple of green bean plants are surviving, though I'm not sure they'll last much longer indoors. Had to move them up to larger containers once already. I've started hardening off the plants again, which had a false start a couple weeks ago, before we got a bunch of cold and snow.
The apple trees are still going. Up to 19 of them now. Daughter's pecan tree has about 8 full-size leaves on it and is taking to hardening off well. We transplanted it into a larger container on Friday.
Two things it seems I'll have plenty of from the garden this year is onions and garlic. Those are doing exceptionally well. Some peas and carrots are showing up. Lettuce is still growing (so it appears), even if not exactly where I wanted it.
I have a lot of things planned for tomorrow. Took a melatonin to get to sleep early and starting to feel it.
Last year, the local farmer's markets opened in May. This year they've posted their opening dates in mid-June. So the weather is definitely affecting everyone.
Since it's still cool most nights but warm during the day, decided to try something out. Going to take out some clear (translucent) Sterilite boxes and start seeds in those. Since I have them on hand, there's no cost involved. Some other advantages are: 1) They're portable. If it gets below freezing, I can bring them inside. 2) They have lids. This helps retain moisture and I can put the lids in place at night or even cooler days. 3) Since I can place them outside, no need to harden off plants started in them. They'll just go from Sterilite to in the ground. 4) No weed problems and easier to control bugs until plants are established and go into the garden. 5) No need for artificial lighting or heat. 6) No need to build a greenhouse.
By the UNM planting calendar, only 2-3 more weeks until many warm weather plants can be planted out. I don't know about getting things in the ground but it's a good time to get more things started inside for a better chance at some more successful crops. Want to get a few more things started soon. A few pumpkin plants started a few weeks back are looking good. Couple of green bean plants are surviving, though I'm not sure they'll last much longer indoors. Had to move them up to larger containers once already. I've started hardening off the plants again, which had a false start a couple weeks ago, before we got a bunch of cold and snow.
The apple trees are still going. Up to 19 of them now. Daughter's pecan tree has about 8 full-size leaves on it and is taking to hardening off well. We transplanted it into a larger container on Friday.
Two things it seems I'll have plenty of from the garden this year is onions and garlic. Those are doing exceptionally well. Some peas and carrots are showing up. Lettuce is still growing (so it appears), even if not exactly where I wanted it.
I have a lot of things planned for tomorrow. Took a melatonin to get to sleep early and starting to feel it.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
What a day
I'll start with the negative of the day. It becomes lessened when the positive follows.
Neighbor kids came over and played with my daughter most of the day. However, they brought their mean little dog over. Not known to me, they took the dog in the house and let it run loose while the kids were all playing in my daughter's room. To make a long story short, the dog killed the bunny.
This occurred while I was outside, nearly finished with the rabbit hutch. I went ahead and finished it. Better to have it complete before getting another rabbit or two. I do still need to put a roof in place but want to put hinges on the top. It's high enough to keep rabbits in but need the roof for protection from predators. It's strong and will hold up to anything short of human. Has chicken wire across the bottom to keep rabbits from digging out and predators from digging in. That wire comes up and overlaps the lower half of the side wire. There's enough space for at least 3-4 rabbits, with a decent sized run.
Erected some of the shelves in the shed. I now have 8 shelves in three sections with space at the bottom of each section. So, 11 spaces for storage so far, each 2'x4'. Have enough equipment left for 6 more shelves in two more sections. Still need to get things organized, though.
Back up to 17 tomato plants, up from the 10 or 11 I was down to. Planted seeds for Brandywine and Rutgers tonight. I've read good things about each but never tried either, to my knowledge. Also planted just four Roma seeds. They're supposed to be good paste/sauce tomatoes but kind of bland for anything else, to me.
Daughter and the two neighbor girls had me spray paint pink streaks in their hair today. It's washable and I had pre-approval from the mother. They loved it, like a carnival to them.
Daughter later got a bath. She was tired from playing all day. We read a couple of Dr Seuss books and she fell asleep with her head on my shoulder. I can't think of better end to any day.
Neighbor kids came over and played with my daughter most of the day. However, they brought their mean little dog over. Not known to me, they took the dog in the house and let it run loose while the kids were all playing in my daughter's room. To make a long story short, the dog killed the bunny.
This occurred while I was outside, nearly finished with the rabbit hutch. I went ahead and finished it. Better to have it complete before getting another rabbit or two. I do still need to put a roof in place but want to put hinges on the top. It's high enough to keep rabbits in but need the roof for protection from predators. It's strong and will hold up to anything short of human. Has chicken wire across the bottom to keep rabbits from digging out and predators from digging in. That wire comes up and overlaps the lower half of the side wire. There's enough space for at least 3-4 rabbits, with a decent sized run.
Erected some of the shelves in the shed. I now have 8 shelves in three sections with space at the bottom of each section. So, 11 spaces for storage so far, each 2'x4'. Have enough equipment left for 6 more shelves in two more sections. Still need to get things organized, though.
Back up to 17 tomato plants, up from the 10 or 11 I was down to. Planted seeds for Brandywine and Rutgers tonight. I've read good things about each but never tried either, to my knowledge. Also planted just four Roma seeds. They're supposed to be good paste/sauce tomatoes but kind of bland for anything else, to me.
Daughter and the two neighbor girls had me spray paint pink streaks in their hair today. It's washable and I had pre-approval from the mother. They loved it, like a carnival to them.
Daughter later got a bath. She was tired from playing all day. We read a couple of Dr Seuss books and she fell asleep with her head on my shoulder. I can't think of better end to any day.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Full moon
So, it's a full moon or close enough to it for things and people to be off kilter. I noted many years ago that strange behavior actually starts about three days before the full moon and starts declining by the second night of the full moon.
Got up this morning, it was bright, sunny and getting warm. Seemed like a great day to get things done outside. Had to go get my paycheck and run some errands. While driving back home, a sandstorm blew in with enough force to be affecting cars. (As if New Mexico drivers aren't bad enough on their own!) Got home and watched as the wind snapped the 1x2's holding the plastic sheeting on the raised bed. Guess if I build something like that, it has to be 4x4's or stronger. I had thought this was small enough to have little wind resistance, so didn't have to be that strong. Obviously, quite wrong.
Wind was too strong and too cold to work on the hutch and coop with any enjoyment.
Add the fact that the dog hasn't gotten used to her doghouse yet. Not sure she will, either. If she goes inside, she may miss something. So, she stays so close under my feet while I'm working outside that I trip over her if I step 6" to one side. It's not much fun to be losing your balance with high speed cutting tools in your hand.
Weather is supposed to be slightly better tomorrow, though there's a slight chance of snow and winds up to 25 mph. Whatever. Still going to work on some things that need to be done. I'd like to get those shelves up in the shed. Once those are up, I'll probably build a work table in there to have a work space out of the weather and away from the dog, for safety.
Got up this morning, it was bright, sunny and getting warm. Seemed like a great day to get things done outside. Had to go get my paycheck and run some errands. While driving back home, a sandstorm blew in with enough force to be affecting cars. (As if New Mexico drivers aren't bad enough on their own!) Got home and watched as the wind snapped the 1x2's holding the plastic sheeting on the raised bed. Guess if I build something like that, it has to be 4x4's or stronger. I had thought this was small enough to have little wind resistance, so didn't have to be that strong. Obviously, quite wrong.
Wind was too strong and too cold to work on the hutch and coop with any enjoyment.
Add the fact that the dog hasn't gotten used to her doghouse yet. Not sure she will, either. If she goes inside, she may miss something. So, she stays so close under my feet while I'm working outside that I trip over her if I step 6" to one side. It's not much fun to be losing your balance with high speed cutting tools in your hand.
Weather is supposed to be slightly better tomorrow, though there's a slight chance of snow and winds up to 25 mph. Whatever. Still going to work on some things that need to be done. I'd like to get those shelves up in the shed. Once those are up, I'll probably build a work table in there to have a work space out of the weather and away from the dog, for safety.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
More lessons learned
Some folks would call my day today mundane. Not so mundane for me, since I haven't been raising chicks and rabbits for long yet.
Got three more chicks today. One male white, two female reds. All from the same brood as the ones I had, or at least very close. Never knew baby chickens would sing. Though I had some agricultural exposure through my life, all the chicks and chickens I've ever been around have peeped, squawked and just in general been noisy in a rather unpleasant way. I've been nicely surprised by the gentle cheeping and, today, even singing I've heard from these chicks. One thing is that they only do this when they're warm and well fed. Maybe another thing is the breed? Not sure. I've also learned that they will fall asleep in only a couple of minutes of you hold them and cover them up with the other hand or your shirt. They're really cute, just getting feathers on their wings and some have tried flying, though without much success.
Up to six used pallets now. Got some more from Harbor Freight and from a nearby store which tosses old pallets out in back. Got an email from someone replying to a CL post of mine, saying they sell nearly new used pallets for $0.75 each. If they're nearby, that would be cool. Though it lacks the adventure of seeing what else I find along the way.
Found some old store display racks, metal ones with hooks. Be good for hanging tools and such on. That and more plastic trays. Seem to be from produce deliveries. Good for plants or for organizing storage.
Another lesson learned- You can stucco just about anything! I finished the main exterior of the doghouse this evening and I'm thinking I'll stucco it. Then it dawned on me that you can stucco wood, brick, cement.. It can be used for houses, fences, doghouses and more. I'm also thinking of maybe doing the same with the coop and hutch. I think stucco must have been the predecessor to Bondo! The advantage for the doghouse, chicken coop and rabbit hutch are the same as for a house. Adds strength, makes it more water resistant and insulates. In this case, it would also tie together the appearance of the structures to the appearance of the house, itself while making them all look better than they will otherwise. Not very expensive, with a few dollars worth of felt roofing material, some chicken wire for lath and probably less than $10 of stucco for each. Be good practice so my first attempt at doing stucco work won't be on the house.
Gave the dog a bath. She was filthy. Got the dishes and some laundry done, badly needed. House has been a mess for a few days. Always gets that way when my schedule gets thrown around too much. Now I need to get to bed soon, so I can get some things done before the ex drops daughter off in the afternoon.
Got three more chicks today. One male white, two female reds. All from the same brood as the ones I had, or at least very close. Never knew baby chickens would sing. Though I had some agricultural exposure through my life, all the chicks and chickens I've ever been around have peeped, squawked and just in general been noisy in a rather unpleasant way. I've been nicely surprised by the gentle cheeping and, today, even singing I've heard from these chicks. One thing is that they only do this when they're warm and well fed. Maybe another thing is the breed? Not sure. I've also learned that they will fall asleep in only a couple of minutes of you hold them and cover them up with the other hand or your shirt. They're really cute, just getting feathers on their wings and some have tried flying, though without much success.
Up to six used pallets now. Got some more from Harbor Freight and from a nearby store which tosses old pallets out in back. Got an email from someone replying to a CL post of mine, saying they sell nearly new used pallets for $0.75 each. If they're nearby, that would be cool. Though it lacks the adventure of seeing what else I find along the way.
Found some old store display racks, metal ones with hooks. Be good for hanging tools and such on. That and more plastic trays. Seem to be from produce deliveries. Good for plants or for organizing storage.
Another lesson learned- You can stucco just about anything! I finished the main exterior of the doghouse this evening and I'm thinking I'll stucco it. Then it dawned on me that you can stucco wood, brick, cement.. It can be used for houses, fences, doghouses and more. I'm also thinking of maybe doing the same with the coop and hutch. I think stucco must have been the predecessor to Bondo! The advantage for the doghouse, chicken coop and rabbit hutch are the same as for a house. Adds strength, makes it more water resistant and insulates. In this case, it would also tie together the appearance of the structures to the appearance of the house, itself while making them all look better than they will otherwise. Not very expensive, with a few dollars worth of felt roofing material, some chicken wire for lath and probably less than $10 of stucco for each. Be good practice so my first attempt at doing stucco work won't be on the house.
Gave the dog a bath. She was filthy. Got the dishes and some laundry done, badly needed. House has been a mess for a few days. Always gets that way when my schedule gets thrown around too much. Now I need to get to bed soon, so I can get some things done before the ex drops daughter off in the afternoon.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
More freaky weather
After work, had some errands to run this morning. Did those, got home. Few minutes later, looked out the window, saw a couple of small snow flurries. Looked again a few minutes after that, it was snowing lightly. Looked a few minutes after that and there were large flakes, could barely see the produce store across the street.
Got some sleep. Woke up at 4 PM. Looked outside. Nice, pretty, sunny and near 70 degrees F.
In spite of all this, the garden keeps going. Lots of tiny new sprouts coming up, so nearly every mound has things just beginning to grow now.
I still have lots of construction projects to work on around here. Haven't been able to complete any of them yet. Between work and weather, just not possible. May be a possibility tomorrow or Friday. Unlikely I'll get more work this week beyond tonight and the forecast is for decent weather for a few days. Been waiting for the peas to reach a level where they actually need a trellis to build one. Hasn't been an issue just yet. Next few days may change that, so I best get the supplies together. Haven't quite decided what I'll make them from, whether PVC or wood. Got lots of jute twine and going to make a trip to Dollar Tree for more.
For now, have to get ready for work.
Got some sleep. Woke up at 4 PM. Looked outside. Nice, pretty, sunny and near 70 degrees F.
In spite of all this, the garden keeps going. Lots of tiny new sprouts coming up, so nearly every mound has things just beginning to grow now.
I still have lots of construction projects to work on around here. Haven't been able to complete any of them yet. Between work and weather, just not possible. May be a possibility tomorrow or Friday. Unlikely I'll get more work this week beyond tonight and the forecast is for decent weather for a few days. Been waiting for the peas to reach a level where they actually need a trellis to build one. Hasn't been an issue just yet. Next few days may change that, so I best get the supplies together. Haven't quite decided what I'll make them from, whether PVC or wood. Got lots of jute twine and going to make a trip to Dollar Tree for more.
For now, have to get ready for work.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Displaced seeds
Have more sprouts coming up. Only a few more this morning but noticed an increasing number as the day has progressed. Lots of sprouts at or near the bottom of the mounds. I don't think many are weeds, as they look similar to sprouts at the top of adjacent mounds and run off in a trail. Displaced by wind and dog. Have to wait and see how they survive and how well they transfer back uphill when they're large enough.
Didn't get all that much done today. Stayed up later than intended last night. Drank four beers and watched a cheesy but good horror movie.
Got the roof and front wall on the doghouse. Put the carpet in the "room" for the dog to sleep on. She seems to like it so far. Been laying around on the base already. Structurally, just need to install three external walls. Can install insulation and internal walls later. It kinda looks like a depression era shanty.
Can't get anything more done today. Have to work tonight and don't want to be tired, dirty and sweaty.
Didn't get all that much done today. Stayed up later than intended last night. Drank four beers and watched a cheesy but good horror movie.
Got the roof and front wall on the doghouse. Put the carpet in the "room" for the dog to sleep on. She seems to like it so far. Been laying around on the base already. Structurally, just need to install three external walls. Can install insulation and internal walls later. It kinda looks like a depression era shanty.
Can't get anything more done today. Have to work tonight and don't want to be tired, dirty and sweaty.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
One wooden pallet and Shiner Black
Went across the street and found one wooden pallet behind the shopping center. Actually, a partial pallet but that's fine. It's not staying in current configuration when I get done with it. In the same lot, found some carpet I can use for the doghouse. The doghouse may be kinda ugly but should be comfortable for the dog when done.
Same trip, got the first six pack I've bought since about January. Still had two of those left.Finished them and may have 2-3 of the new pack before bed.
Got canceled from work tonight but still had to drop off my daughter with the ex. Just works out best that way. She wanted to stay with me and I felt the same. Missed her before I even walked out the door.
My daughter tries to emulate me in many ways. Says she wants to be a chef like me. (I'm certified from my years in restaurants.) How many 7 year old kids love garlic? She was cutting up garlic today because she loves the smell. Helped me cook dinner one night and actually listened to me as I told her what to do. She also wanted to do some building projects, so had me buy her some wood and nails for her own use. Tried cutting the wood today but it was too hard, so she marked it for me to cut with the circular saw. Then she showed me how she wanted each piece nailed together, which I did. It wound up being a wooden dog, quite well conceived and executed. She did the design and the decoration, while I did the cutting and nailing.
Seems we have that in common. We may not be exciting to the outside world but we enjoy our time together, never knowing what the other will come up with next!
I do reflect on my life at times. Many times, I have made decisions based on finance, rather than preference. If finances had permitted, would I have bought a less rural house? If not for financial stresses, would I be working on this garden so much? I know I would not be searching back lots for used wooden pallets. Yet am I happy? Yes, overall I am! I do wish I had a more stable income. Yet when I'm called off, in contrast to the financial stress, I have an excitement about what the next day can bring, what I can accomplish.
For many years, I've searched for things which occupy my mind and time. Different languages, photography, cooking, mechanics, physics, economics, politics, medicine to name a short list. Now I find myself happier than I've been in many years with a rather rural lifestyle, recycling, scavenging. Who would think finding a wooden pallet would be such a positive thing?
Or maybe I should stop drinking this beer. LOL!
Same trip, got the first six pack I've bought since about January. Still had two of those left.Finished them and may have 2-3 of the new pack before bed.
Got canceled from work tonight but still had to drop off my daughter with the ex. Just works out best that way. She wanted to stay with me and I felt the same. Missed her before I even walked out the door.
My daughter tries to emulate me in many ways. Says she wants to be a chef like me. (I'm certified from my years in restaurants.) How many 7 year old kids love garlic? She was cutting up garlic today because she loves the smell. Helped me cook dinner one night and actually listened to me as I told her what to do. She also wanted to do some building projects, so had me buy her some wood and nails for her own use. Tried cutting the wood today but it was too hard, so she marked it for me to cut with the circular saw. Then she showed me how she wanted each piece nailed together, which I did. It wound up being a wooden dog, quite well conceived and executed. She did the design and the decoration, while I did the cutting and nailing.
Seems we have that in common. We may not be exciting to the outside world but we enjoy our time together, never knowing what the other will come up with next!
I do reflect on my life at times. Many times, I have made decisions based on finance, rather than preference. If finances had permitted, would I have bought a less rural house? If not for financial stresses, would I be working on this garden so much? I know I would not be searching back lots for used wooden pallets. Yet am I happy? Yes, overall I am! I do wish I had a more stable income. Yet when I'm called off, in contrast to the financial stress, I have an excitement about what the next day can bring, what I can accomplish.
For many years, I've searched for things which occupy my mind and time. Different languages, photography, cooking, mechanics, physics, economics, politics, medicine to name a short list. Now I find myself happier than I've been in many years with a rather rural lifestyle, recycling, scavenging. Who would think finding a wooden pallet would be such a positive thing?
Or maybe I should stop drinking this beer. LOL!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Cool find
Snowed here this morning. Have to give things a few days more. If not seeing much beginning to grow, may have to replant some seeds. Assumption being that too much damage has been done by rain, snow, wind, temperature and the dog. Not at the point where soil nutrients would make much difference, as seeds will start in completely sterile soil.
Been looking out for wood pallets but haven't seen any in plain view or any advertised within decent driving distance. So, I started a new practice today of cruising around back of large stores and shopping centers nearby, seeing if any pallets were being obviously discarded. I did see some but it wasn't obvious they were being discarded, so I left them alone. I'm fine with salvaging and scavenging but not stealing. Though I found no pallets, I did make some good finds. One plastic 5 gal bucket, dirty but intact. Several soda racks, good for plant racks.
However, the most amazing find was a set of commercial shelves being discarded, complete. They're in excellent condition, about 8 ft high, 2 ft deep and each shelf section is about 4 ft wide. Total of 14 shelf sections, with heavy particle board shelves. New, just the wood was worth over $100. I've seen used shelving like this for sale for over $300. New, it would be more like $500-$600. For residential use, these shelves will last a lifetime. At first, I thought they were too large and was only going to take the wood sections. Then reconsidered and loaded the whole thing. Got home and checked. They fit the shed height perfectly! So, even after the new shed is built, they will transfer well.
Many thanks to the people who gave them away!
Been looking out for wood pallets but haven't seen any in plain view or any advertised within decent driving distance. So, I started a new practice today of cruising around back of large stores and shopping centers nearby, seeing if any pallets were being obviously discarded. I did see some but it wasn't obvious they were being discarded, so I left them alone. I'm fine with salvaging and scavenging but not stealing. Though I found no pallets, I did make some good finds. One plastic 5 gal bucket, dirty but intact. Several soda racks, good for plant racks.
However, the most amazing find was a set of commercial shelves being discarded, complete. They're in excellent condition, about 8 ft high, 2 ft deep and each shelf section is about 4 ft wide. Total of 14 shelf sections, with heavy particle board shelves. New, just the wood was worth over $100. I've seen used shelving like this for sale for over $300. New, it would be more like $500-$600. For residential use, these shelves will last a lifetime. At first, I thought they were too large and was only going to take the wood sections. Then reconsidered and loaded the whole thing. Got home and checked. They fit the shed height perfectly! So, even after the new shed is built, they will transfer well.
Many thanks to the people who gave them away!
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