Trellis!

Jun 22, 2007 | 2:34 PM PST

The long overdue Sugar Snap Pea trellis is built! I had scrap wood. Dowels (thick) and some runner poles I picked up off the side of the road! After I measured out the height of the dowels (so my short self could reach the top!) I measured out the width and then notched the dowels evenly, on both sides. I ran Hemp twine all the way around each pole at the notch then all the way around the 4 poles, then criss-crossed it on 4 platforms. They are already reaching for the second platform of twine! I plan on, when they reach the top, cutting the twine so I can reach in and pick them easier. I figured a platform would be best with the limited space as they can spread out across the top nicely! It sits a bit over 4 ft tall by itself, add a foot for the raised area. Max likes to hang out in the garden with me :D

Halfway there!

Apr 24, 2007 | 11:25 AM PST

So, 2 days of work. The first day clearing half of the overgrown mess, the second day tilling in some worm castings (vermicompost). This is all hand done, due to lack of space & equipment, haha…I worked it all with the garden fork. Weeds, grass, various bulbs that I have no use for…some volunteer blackberries (bane of the PNW) and spiders…and here I have some garden space. This is only half done, but the hardest part has been done, IMHO. I planted some Tomato’s, an Early Girl, Beefsteak and a Cherry. I plan on putting in some Sugar Snap Peas after I build a trellis for them. Personally? I think I should have a ‘Get Out of Hell Free’ card for doing this…it IS a rental house, after all! Check out the pics, tell me what YOU think! This spot does get FULL sun, so at least it will produce!

Before:

After:

Tomatoes:

Got the house!

Apr 5, 2007 | 11:07 AM PST

So I get a veggy patch! WOOT! I move next weekend so I won't be much online for about 4 days (I won't be able to help but to login now and then, keeps the work email lighter and I am going to get Clearwire). First thing I will do is weed it, till it and work the vermiculture (worm poo) in. I plan on tomatoes, runner beans, some peas and maybe corn. If I have room left, I will put carrots in. I can't wait to get started, but my Bonsai's will take precedence as the move will not be kind. I have a lot of white wisteria cuttings that will have to be babied after the move as they will most likely shift in the transfer. I plan on sitting in the back seat with them to minimize this from occurring, but figure it will take a bit more than just the move to harm them for wisteria is notorious in it's hardiness! The maples will ride well, I am sure...the real fun part will be to find a new spot for the African Violets, there are two really healthy ones and they love where they are at, but I understand they are rather picky about their permanent living spot, so I bet I will have to move them...alot...till I find the perfect spot for them ;) I do have a few schefflera cuttings that 'followed me home' recently, but it is almost impossible to kill them. The one cutting I worry about at this time is a prayer plant cutting I have. It is alive so that is all that matters right now, right?