Big things have happened over the last 3 days. Friday was our first delivery of compost - 3 cubic yards, just over 2 tons.
Saturday brought another 4 cubic yards of leafgro compost and we started digging out the garden beds. Actually double digging the garden beds. Because we plan to use intensive planting to make the best use of a small space, we're giving our plants a good 24'' of loosened, fertile soil to grow in. Their roots can grow down instead of out and so they can be planted closer together. As the plants mature the leaves act as a living mulch, reducing the need for water and keeping weeds at bay.
Sunday we dug from 9am-7pm with a bacon cheeseburger break somewhere around noon and finished one and a half out of the four beds.
The idea is that you dig off the top 12 inches of soil,
then use a garden fork to loosen the next 12 inches, and then return the original topsoil to the trench you just dug.
I've gathered most of this info so far from one book on organic gardening and lots of research on the internet. I've just given in and spent the $16 on a guide to bio-intensive farming that should save some research time.
Two days later and the compost is still steaming hot when we take it out from under the tarp.
Saturday brought another 4 cubic yards of leafgro compost and we started digging out the garden beds. Actually double digging the garden beds. Because we plan to use intensive planting to make the best use of a small space, we're giving our plants a good 24'' of loosened, fertile soil to grow in. Their roots can grow down instead of out and so they can be planted closer together. As the plants mature the leaves act as a living mulch, reducing the need for water and keeping weeds at bay.
Sunday we dug from 9am-7pm with a bacon cheeseburger break somewhere around noon and finished one and a half out of the four beds.
The idea is that you dig off the top 12 inches of soil,
then use a garden fork to loosen the next 12 inches, and then return the original topsoil to the trench you just dug.
I've gathered most of this info so far from one book on organic gardening and lots of research on the internet. I've just given in and spent the $16 on a guide to bio-intensive farming that should save some research time.
Hopefully this will be the last time we have to do this for these beds, using deep rooting cover crops in the fall to help with the work, as well as all of the worms that we're hoping will take up residence in the newly amended beds.
It's all very exciting, finally moving from the planning phase to the digging phase. The cabbage, leeks and lettuce are all spending a few hours outside everyday so they'll be ready to plant out in a couple of weeks!
3 comments:
:-)
What fun! But who's that great big girl???
Very cool! I'm totally impressed. Glad you're bringing the positive energy and empowering the people of Maryland!! Whoot whoot!
I'm getting excited to see new pictures. I am checking back every day. I know you are slaving away out there....but I can't wait to see the latest news! (And more pictures of that little garden fairy).
Post a Comment