Been a while? Hah!

Posted on 2008-Apr-7 at 01:12

Been a While.

Posted on 2006-Jul-17 at 10:29

"Never doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light". -Michelle Terrill

Hey, its been a while for me.

I've been doing other things.

The hens are back in the shed since Chucky the Lucky Ducky died and they won't be able to trouble him anymore. That was a real disappointment to us. That duck had survived a lot and looked like he was actually going to grow up to be a big ducky. When he died, there was no reason apparent (to us).

The plants that I transplanted into the garden (as opposed to the seeds I planted directly into the garden) have been able to beat back most of the weeds. I don't have much heart for the garden this year (except to ignore then laugh at it...once I get the plants in). I am going to plant more pumpkins to maybe sell for the fall, but mostly because they grow so vigorously that they make me smile, I like plants with some spunk! Maybe that's why I secretly admire the weeds, even though they make me look bad to some of the real farmers around here.

If you (who really do get out and weed and tie up etc.) use the Ruth Stout system (combined with transplanting), I bet you'd have a great garden, or you might hate it because you enjoy "seeing dirt and plants" as my husband says (I think bare dirt looks like a place where water is going to evaporate, so there shouldn't be any any dirt showing...I seldom have to water...that's good because I haven't watered much this summer, um, maybe twice).

Oh, you know something funny? I think the weeds actually are helping my garden, the weeds have bug holes in them, My plants mostly are hole free.

Does any person have a tip for me on why my cucumbers are bitter?

Jenette.

We always joke that if I took care of our kids the way I take care of plants, well then....

But I actually feed and water my kids (and hug them a lot). They are spunky and good at getting my attention when they have needs.

Three Sisters Planting.

Posted on 2006-Jun-27 at 04:58

"Never doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light". -Michelle Terrill

These are the clearest instructions I have seen on this topic and would be an excellent start to a Unit Study for the garden or Native American Culture as well.

http://www.kidsgardening.com/growingideas/projects/March02/mar02-pg1.htm

Jenette.

Qualification about planting using Ruth Stout's method.

Posted on 2006-Jun-27 at 09:13

"Never doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light". -Michelle Terrill

I have said a lot about Ruth Stout and how much I like her books. I want to let you know that part of it is about style. I would like her books even if I didn't use her method. She is just a fun read.

Having said that, if you plant big seeds (peas and corn) under about an inch or so of mulch, they'll come right up very quickly (you put them right on the ground and keep the ground wet)  that is if the birds don't get them first-my chickens ate all of my corn seed (see bellow for a better method for us). For smaller seeds, you do have to clear away the mulch (but not until you are planting, or early in the day if you need to warm up the soil a bit in the sun).

 To tell you the truth, as far as planting goes. I have found that the method found here:

http://www.bountifulgardens.org/index.html

works better.

You start all your seeds in flats (except carrots) and set them out about a week or two (depending on the plant) after they sprout. That way I can leave the mulch on the ground (until I transplant) and not let the weed seeds have a go while I am trying to let my veggie seeds get going. By the time the weeds germinate, "my" plants have already had a head start. I was able to transplant even watermelon and pumpkins in this way. You also use an offset pattern (like when you are trying to get more cookies on a cookie sheet) so that as they grow the leaves will shade the ground and weeds more effectively and give you more plants for the space.

The part that I don't like so much about the method they use in Bountiful Gardens is the double digging. I have a bad back, so "year 'round mulch" really works best for me and it keeps the ground workable. The best example is the corn row. We just left the corn in, stomped it over, and covered it with hay last fall. Those rows are the best and easiest to work this year, because of the rotting root system and the mulch on top. I was kind of surprised.

Anyway, it's kind of a quirky method, but I like it.

Jenette.

Gardening's best!!! Here is another Ruth Stout article!

Posted on 2006-Jun-18 at 06:05

"Never doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light". -Michelle Terrill

You either love this lady or you think she's crazy...I lean toward loving her. Read this article about Ruth Stout then go buy the book or check it out from the library near you.

http://www.homestead.org/Gardening/Ruth%20Stout%20-%20The%20No-Dig%20Duchess.htm

Have a wonderful restful Sunday!

Jenette.

I am beat!

Posted on 2006-May-30 at 09:17

"Never doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light". -Michelle Terrill

Wow, I am so tired and more than a little discouraged with trying to garden on a large scale for our family... The money paid for our produce is definately worth it; somebody (bodies) worked hard to get it to our table!

Jenette.

Double digging.

Posted on 2006-May-19 at 02:47

"Never doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light". -Michelle Terrill

So, does anybody here double dig their garden beds? I was trying it out (as per the Bountiful Garden thing). I think I am going to side with Ruth Stout on that one. The beds that have been under a thick mulch of hay are so easy to plant when I pull back the hay this Spring...I don't mind hard work, but I do mind meaningless, hard work. Just say no to double digging...unless you have to double dig.

I do like the idea of starting the seeds in flats close together and then transplanting them to the beds when they get their start; that just gives them a head start on the weed seeds that also like the nice soft beds. I am just keeping the mulch cover on until I transplant into the beds. When I transplant, I will transplant in a hexagonal pattern to make their leaves touch (to shade the soil and crowd out the weeds) when they are full grown. You know, I am pretty sure that this is the spacing the farmers in Taiwan used when I was growing up, because the finished planting looks just like I remember their greens etc. looking in their beds. I understand that the book borrowed this idea from China, so it makes sense.

Go plants Go!!

Jenette.

Yesterday.

Posted on 2006-Apr-26 at 01:26

"Never doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light". -Michelle Terrill

Yesterday we:

• Broadcasted some carrot seeds
• Prepared another bed for carrots
• Weeded
• Filled up the flats that Jimmy and the boys made for me.
• Replanted snowpea seeds that the chickens ate.
• Had taco salad with the lettuce from the garden.

It was a beautiful rainy day, perfect for sowing seeds.

Today it is REALLY cold, well maybe not really, but it is really for no fire and no heat on in the house after the nice weather...I feel better now with my sweater on.

Have a wonderful day.

Jenette.