We put in three "sorta" raised (only 8") beds with small mounds.
I did quite a bit of reading on the internet about preparing the soil, visiting Shades of Green in Frisco many times during the process. Since the three beds get differing amounts of sun, I planted many of the same veggies in the two most different ones to experiment on what would grow best where.
I got about 3 or 4 wonderfully delicious strawberries for my first produce. What a wonderful feeling. I felt like a proud new momma. Then the strawberries got all brown and deformed looking. Since they're perennials, I figured I'd research that for next time.
We've had a great crop for first timers of cucumbers and okra...with moderate production of tomatoes, squash yellow and green zucchini, cantelopes and a few watermelons. The corn has some ears on it just about ready to bring in and eat. I've got my fingers crossed on that. I also LOVE concord grapes and you can't find them in the stores so I planted three grapevines that seem to be growing. I have no idea if I'll get any grapes but I'm hoping so maybe next year. I want to plant a separate bed for asparagus since it's one of our favorites.
I battled squash bugs and "think" that's under control with a combination of yellow bowls of water for tricking the females into for laying their eggs and drown (seems to really work), squashing them by hand and spraying soapy water directly on them. I released lady bugs three different times and am still waiting to see those little alligator looking grubs or whatever that's part of their life cycle.
With the temperatures being so hot here this summer (100 to 104 degrees) I've shaded the garden with burlap instead of shade cloth to protect it from the heat a little. I can't believe I picked one of our hottest summers in a long time to plant my first garden. They say "timing is everything"
We're believing for our geckos and anoles to come back. We killed off their food supply without thinking about it by putting out diatomaceous earth powder last year to kill fleas. My next door neighbor says they've got plenty of the little lizards and my dog has starting barking at something under the deck (like he used to) so I'm hoping they're back.
We've got some kind of critter eating (with tooth marks) chunks from our cantelopes. I figure it's squirrels
or maybe a possum one of the neighbors said they saw recently. I guess I'll put out a motion sensor light in that area of the yard. Maybe it'll work as a deterrent. At least it'll let us know when something's moving around out there.
My neighbor across the street gave us a composter they don't use and I've been feeding it regularly. There's no smell but I don't think I've got it going right.
Maybe I'm just impatient. I have plans for worms and some of the other suggestions I've read for improving your soil. This first season has been a great learning experience and so much fun.
I hope to learn from experienced organic and natural gardeners here and have a forum for my many
questions.
I know this has been long, but it IS an
introduction. Thanks for your patience.
