Dahlia Beds

Made new Dahlia beds from cedar fencing using the usual method with braced corners. Put three in the backyard between the other raised beds, and the rest by the fence. Have 5 in place will add some more tomorrow.

Started out by covering the grass with cardboard, then covering the cardboard with a combination of new compost, sand and peat moss.

This compost has been "working " for about 6 weeks. It was made as part of the original batch, then turned once and added to with the unfinished stuff from the first batch. It sat then for about 4 weeks so it is really completely done now.

This is layered up a few times and then some garden soil, sand and peat moss added. To finish it off, Ill add some more topsoil tomorrow. Then it will be time to plant the dahlias. Since this soil is going to have great compost, ( nutrients ) drain well, ( sand ) and yet hold moisture ( peat moss ) it should be just the thing to produce some amazing dahlias this year.

Planting Done

This weekend we planted 5 rows of potatoes, reds, and yukon golds. We started by digging the rows, then adding our best compost, COF and Azomite then digging that in and putting some dirt back on top. Then we put the potatoes in and covered that up. In all we have about 75 potatoes which should yield 4 - 6 tubers per plant for about 3 - 500 potatoes. Should hold us through the winter.

We also put in about a dozen tomatoe plants. These we got from Judy at Terrapin farms. We didnt start our seedlings early enough this year so we didnt have starts of our own. Adding to that Jen planted Tomatillos, and I put in 2 rows of basil, sweet and genovese and a row of red peppers. Who knows if they will mature in time. I kind of doubt it.

We also put in our squashes and cucumbers in the raised beds, and the rain we have been getting is probably going to get them going strong the next time the sun comes out.

The compost barrel was also harvested for the potatoes, but the peas and spinach got side dressed too. Comfrey got a blast and is finally starting to come back after getting transplanted.

We didnt realize it but the lilac bush probably has the most flowers of any plant in town. Might have something to do with building the compost piles under it,. :-) It is the big pink thing in the back of this photo.

The new dahlia beds are going in the middle of the back yard space, peas are on the left and the lettuce and spinach are on the right. Main garden in the back.

Garden Progress

Here are some photos from last weekend, showing the growth to date of stuff.










Garlic going strong, after a dose of home made compost











Peas in the main garden just before being turned under










Strawberries starting to fill in










BrocolliRab in the cold frame










Peas all emerged and starting to get bigger