Wednesday, April 30, 2008

What's Growing in the Garden?



So far we have lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers. Hopefully we'll soon be seeing the yellow squash, cantaloupe, watermelon, and cucumbers (I want to make pickles this summer). I also have a big pot on the back porch where I've planted oregano, cilantro, and basil.

Our garden isn't very big, so the plants will be sort of crammed in. We put down newspaper, then put topsoil mixed with compost on top. The newspaper is supposed to keep grass and weeds from growing up from underneath, but will let the roots of the vegetables grow down through it. We'll see how it works. We edged the garden area with leftover wood from an old wooden swing set.

We bought the compost this time from a home improvement store, but we have started our own compost pile for the future. It's currently mostly grass clippings, but we have added eggshells, apple cores and orange peels over the past few days.

8 comments:

~~Deby said...

oh the idea of FRESH produce sounds so good....can I be a bit jealous....I am...but so happy that you will have a garden.

Deby

Anonymous said...

All I grow is flowers...well I did put in two tomato plants but I think the frost got to them last nigh...sigh!

I just wanted you to know that while I was between blogs I enjoyed yours very much. I don't remember if I ever posted a comment though. If I did it was done as Nanny. I've now gone ahead and opened a blog and would be happy to have you stop by when you can! ☺

Anonymous said...

Hi,
I haven't left a comment before.
Glad to read about your garden & that you have started composting. Please could I advise you to crush your eggshells up as they do not break down very easily, but if you crush them & add them to your compost, they will add calcium & provide drainage in your soil. Also cut up any citrus peels very small as otherwise they take for ever to rot down.
I really enjoy your blog. Keep up the good work.

Kim. Hereford UK

Mrs. U said...

You have planted so much already! Good for you!! Sadly, I am WAY behind in my gardening this year. I had hoped to have planted a lot by now, but I simply haven't made time. I sure will be sad when everyone has fresh tomatoes on their tables!! I'd better get my garden ready soon!! :)

Thank you for the motivation!

His,
Mrs. U

Terri said...

Wow, that is definitely a benefit of living in a warmer climate. The lettuce looks great! We have 30 degree temps. tonight so there won't be any planting for a few more weeks.

Sue said...

Oh, your garden looks so fresh and beautiful. It is just starting to warm up here in Michigan and the flowering trees are blooming.
Hugs,
Sue

50s Housewife said...

Thank you Deby! I'm really excited about it.

Honest to ya-ya, yes I do think you commented as "Nanny". I'll stop by to visit your blog. :)

Kim, thanks for the advice! I did crush the eggshells, but I should probably cut the peels up smaller. I'll do that next time.

Mrs. U, the spring just flies be doesn't it? Since you've had a garden before I may come to you if I have any questions.

Terri, it's already been in the 80s here (which isn't much fun since the A/C went out on my van). Great for growing things though. :)

Sue, I love when all the trees are blooming. It's just beautiful! :)

Anonymous said...

Good luck with your gardening ventures! I can't wait to get outside. It's been so cold here, all I can do, really, is walk around the place & pick up the deadwood from winter. I'm even reluctant to uncover any perennials too soon...more cold & snow are expected here this weekend. :o(

Brenda