Hello, everybody!
I know it seems a bit early, but for the past few weeks I’ve been preparing our garden for spring planting. I removed the last of the fall plants (collards, cabbage, and broccoli.) Then I tilled in the leaves that I had spread in the areas that I intend to plant. I spent a whole day shoveling and spreading dried horse manure. And, of course, I sent off a soil sample to the county extension agency. They analyze the soil and send back recommendations. This is a must if you are going to plant a vegetable garden.
I had promised my sister-in-law Jean that I would build her 2 raised beds in our garden. She has a green thumb and really enjoys growing things. You may remember a post Jane did about her potting bench, but if you missed it, click here.
I’m really sold on raised beds. Last spring we built 8 of them, and everything that we planted in them turned out in abundance. My brother Jim and I went to get the lumber.
I pulled out my tools,
dug the holes 2 feet deep,
and set the 4 ‘ corner posts in concrete.
I let the concrete dry overnight and came back the next day to actually construct the raised beds.
While I was doing this, Lucy was digging her own holes in the garden.
Now that they were finished, Jim and Jean came with a truckload of bags of soil.
I like to put down a weed barrier before I add the mix of soil. Just make sure it’s the kind that will allow the water to flow through. Proper drainage is important.
In order to grow healthy and productive vegetable plants, the mix of soil is crucial. Here’s what I do. I use an equal blend of Miracle Grow organic garden soil, Black Cow compost, and organic mushroom compost. It takes about 14-18 bags to fill a 4’x8′ bed. And just before we plant, I’m going to add some of my own homemade compost. I call it “Black Gold” because it’s magic.
“All done, Jean. It’s ready to plant.”
If you have a little space in your backyard, and you are serious about growing your own fresh vegetables, click here for a step-by-step explanation of how to build your own raised beds.
Click here for your last chance to enter our giveaway for a $50 gift card to Pottery Barn. We’ll announce the winner Feb. 1.
Live from Windham’s Crossroads,
Anita @ Cedar Hill says
January 30, 2012 at 11:06 amI would love to do this!! We’re just not at the ranch enough to plant a garden and my city yard seems too small. Someday…
Ann says
January 28, 2012 at 7:34 pmOh my goodness. I would love raised beds but there is no way I could do them myself…yours are better than Martha Stewart’s! Well done Leo…tell Jane I said she was a lucky girl. :o)
Jean Windham says
January 28, 2012 at 2:55 pmLeo love the outfit. The beds look good too. I think Jean is fortunate to have you to help her with her beds. I wish I was there to help. You and Jane have been successful with your raised beds and I am sure Jean and Jim will also. Thanks for all the information. Jean
Ann says
January 28, 2012 at 9:48 amI have been asking my husband for several years to build us some raised beds. Maybe someday we will get it done. Looking forward to see what you raise!
dawn says
January 28, 2012 at 8:54 amLeo, I only used raised bed also. They are so much easier to keep weed free and look neater on the property. You go all out with a soil sample and all. Thanks for sharing:)
sue says
January 28, 2012 at 7:44 ami want more beds at my house! looks great you two! I did the same soil mix as you so I am keeping my fingers crossed!
PEGGY says
January 28, 2012 at 6:21 amSOME HOW THE REPLY WENT IN BEFORE i was finshedWhat I WANTED TO SAY WAS
jealousy is a sin so I try not to be jealous of your weather especially this time of year
PEGGY says
January 28, 2012 at 6:19 amWe are still growing snow we plant after may 24
Dolly Sarrio says
January 28, 2012 at 12:21 amSuch a beautiful place. You put me to shame I have not done any work on my garden spot yet, yours looks great!
Barbara F. says
January 27, 2012 at 11:25 pmWish you were my brother-in-law! Great job, Leo. xo
Vickie says
January 27, 2012 at 10:30 pmI am itching to start my garden, We are still harvesting brussell sprouts,lettuce and radishes.Are you planting english peas?
leo says
January 27, 2012 at 10:54 pmHi Vickie,
We plant English peas around the end of February. Most people around here call them garden peas, but Jane calls them English peas they way you do.
Leo
Gina says
January 27, 2012 at 9:19 pmThere’s nothing wrong with getting a jump start. How soon before you can start planting? I’ve never had a vegetable garden, although I’ve often thought of starting one.
leo says
January 27, 2012 at 9:57 pmHi Gina,
We will plant potatoes, although not in the raised beds, around Valentine’s Day. Then we’ll plant garden and sugar snap peas near the end of February. We’ll plant some things in the raised beds in March. If we have a frost after that, we can cover the raised beds with tarps to protect the tender plants.
Leo
Lavender Dreams says
January 27, 2012 at 8:40 pmHow nice it will be when it’s time to plant! It’s a great time to take advantage of the mild weather to get outside and work! Enjoy your weekend! ♥
Babs says
January 27, 2012 at 8:11 pmI’m impressed! Sending a soil sample to the County Extension Agent. I’ve never done that, which probably tells me why my veggie garden isn’t as productive as it should be. I’ve never planted cold weather crops. I don’t think it gets too cold here. Are you zone 8? We’re zone 7b.
Have fun and have a great weekend,
Babs
leo says
January 27, 2012 at 9:52 pmHi Babs,
We are in zone 8, but I’m sure you could plant some lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower in your area in September. We usually plant our fall garden Labor Day.
Leo