New Garden beds Updated Photos on Post #1

[rebbetzin]

Last week I made a new garden bed in the backyard.

The straw patches are the walkways between the beds.

Here is how they look now. I am glad I can pick my own salads! With all the recalls lately on bagged greens!
There are many types of lettuce, spinach, radishes, cilantro, shallots, garlic, cabbage, kale, and probably some other things I have forgotten now.

This was taken Dec. 12, 2011

I had to take this photo, I titled it "A Riot of Morning Glories!"

And last but not least I made some Apple Butter!

 

[digitS']

All very nice, Rebbetzin!

The soil in the beds looks good and fertile. What have you done to improve its, all-important, water-retention capabilities?

Lovely pictures - as usual.

Steve

 

[ninnymary]

I think new beds are beautiful even without plants! I enjoy seeing mine in the fall when they are nice and clean. Rebbetzin, what about that shirt you were sewing for your husband? Want to see it.

Mary

 

[Southern Gardener]

Your beds are beautiful rebbetzin - I love the big cross ties. Where did you find them?

 

[Kassaundra]

Very nice, from those pics you would never guess you live in the desert.

 

[lesa]

You have been busy! Nothing like the promise of a new garden bed! That apple butter looks yummy!

 

[thistlebloom]

I agrre with Mary, new clean beds are so appealing. Makes you want to just fall on your knees and run your hands through it!
And I love those gorgeous morning glories .

 

[rebbetzin]

All very nice, Rebbetzin!

The soil in the beds looks good and fertile. What have you done to improve its, all-important, water-retention capabilities?

Lovely pictures - as usual.

Steve

That particular bed, this last spring I I cleaned out the goat birthing shed, put all the bedding in that spot, then added the chicken coop bedding for a few weeks. After that I covered it all in plastic, and let it cook for the summer.

About a month ago now I took the plastic off, all the beddings had decomposed. I dug it all up... there were 100s of GRUBS!! I thought by putting the plastic on there it would have killed all the bugs!! The chickens loved the grubs. I think I got most of them.

Then I added "Scott's Miracle Grow Moisture Control Potting Soil" and some steer manure. I am hoping that will give the plants a good start.

NOTHING grow in the native soil here! I have worked for years to build up the soil. Our native soil so alkaline, it actually fizzes when you put vinegar on it!!

 

[rebbetzin]

Your beds are beautiful rebbetzin - I love the big cross ties. Where did you find them?

They are old railroad ties. I have had them for over 20 years now. They are sold at some garden centers here.

 

[Kassaundra]

All very nice, Rebbetzin!

The soil in the beds looks good and fertile. What have you done to improve its, all-important, water-retention capabilities?

Lovely pictures - as usual.

Steve

That particular bed, this last spring I I cleaned out the goat birthing shed, put all the bedding in that spot, then added the chicken coop bedding for a few weeks. After that I covered it all in plastic, and let it cook for the summer.

About a month ago now I took the plastic off, all the beddings had decomposed. I dug it all up... there were 100s of GRUBS!! I thought by putting the plastic on there it would have killed all the bugs!! The chickens loved the grubs. I think I got most of them.

Then I added "Scott's Miracle Grow Moisture Control Potting Soil" and some steer manure. I am hoping that will give the plants a good start.

NOTHING grow in the native soil here! I have worked for years to build up the soil. Our native soil so alkaline, it actually fizzes when you put vinegar on it!!

But you guys have some amazing rocks!!!!!