We are getting closer to growing food around here! If you’re just now joining me, I first blogged about building raised beds here, then I added dirt here and now I’m finally adding plants – exactly one month later. Not the fastest timeline ever, but I’m getting there. . .and I’m learning as I go. Notice the book on the edge of my raised bed – Carrots Love Tomatoes: Secrets of Companion Planting for Successful Gardening – to help me figure out what to plant next to what!
I planted a little bit of everything. I probably planted it all too close and/or in the wrong place – only time will tell. All you seasoned gardeners are probably looking at my raised beds laughing at my follies – but I will figure it out! I’m determined. š
- Lots of fava beans (seeds from my husband’s Grandpa!)
- Tomatoes – four varieties, one is cherry variety
- Sweet peppers
- Arugula, lots of arugula
- Sugar snap peas
- Snow peas
- Long beans
- Chives
- Leeks
- Rainbow chard
- Butter leaf lettuce
- Red leaf lettuce
- Carrots
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Zucchini
- Broccoli
- Pickling dill
- Pickling cucumbers
- English cucumbers
- Bok choy
Okay, after typing that list out, I think it sounds a little ridiculous. I got a little plant happy at the Olympia Farmer’s Market last weekend. I spent about $50 on plants. I know I probably could have saved a bunch of money by growing by seed – but this year I’m picking my battles and opting to start with a little something. Hopefully I can harvest some of my seeds in the fall to use for next year! And I’m sure I’ll save a bundle by having my own organic vegetables to harvest this summer!
My garden, grow-your-own-food to do list. . .
- Find a home for my strawberry plants, which are growing baby fruits
- Find a home for the pumpkin plant
- Stake my tomatoes
- Plant some potatoes, some how – need to research
- Plant some garlic, onions and other root-like vegetables
- Make a lettuce garden, possibly using a wood pallet
- Plant a garden just for my kids to manage. They’ve picked out their seeds, just need to make another raised bed for them.
- Take a canning class (I have a Groupon voucher for a Seattle canning class – just need to schedule it!)
And while we’re talking plants, I thought I’d share my irises – I can grow those! For those of you who aren’t familiar – they are bulbs, they pop up on their own. Thank goodness!
How’s your garden coming along? I’d love to hear! What’s on your to do list?
Anna R says
Today’s gardening section of the Everett Herald had an article about growing potatotes in containers.
http://heraldnet.com/article/20120524/LIVING03/705249981/1146/LIVING03#Growing-spuds-above-ground
Tara Labrecque says
Did you know you can grow watermelon, squash, really anything viney (is that a word??) vertical? If you just work the first shoots up whatever you are growing it on like you would with peas or green beens the stems with grow strong and hold the fruit. Works great in raised beds where you don’t want things like cumumbers etc taking over.
Chip says
I have done a lot of raised bed gardening. At one time we had a total of 60 beds. I found Jeff Ball’s 60 Minute Vegetable Garden book to be a great reference tool. Not only are there designs for beds but he includes spacing for most plants, companion planting and more.
Christa says
That is so awesome you are getting into gardening! we live in tacoma area and this is my fourth year with my our veggie/fruit garden. every year i build on to more and learn a few more tips and tricks. i am planning on blogging about it this year. i had mentioned using pallets for your lettuce….are you using it standing up or on its side? i am using the pallet idea this year too ( with mixed greens and radishes) with them on there sides. oh and if your thinking about potatoes, think about doing a potatoe tower. i started one this year and its turning out great so far. more potatoes and saves on space. =) happy gardening.
Heather says
Thank you for the tips! I haven’t decided on the pallet, but I’d like to do it on it’s side, so it doesn’t kill my grass. š And I’ll check out the potato towers! Thank you. š
Patty says
Hey QB, don’t forget your frontyard beds when you’re looking for a place for your pumpkin vine. That’s where mine will be.
Heather says
Patty – Great idea! We have a side bed that just has flowers and frankly needs some love. Maybe a pumpkin plant will liven it up!
anne says
when planting tomatoes it’s best to pinch off all the lower stems and plant them deep so just the top stems are above ground. it’s hard to tell from the pic how they are planted. If you do this you’ll get huge tomato plants.
Heather says
Anne – Thanks for the tip! I did not do this, but will give it a try!
beth johnson says
It looks great! I planted the last few things in my garden a couple weekends ago. We’re renting this year so i went quick and dirty (heehee) with 5 old bathtubs, 2 rusted out livestock tubs, and a mound of dirt for the green beans, and a bunch of free pots from the recycle center for the herbs and tomatoes. Total container cost: $30!
My lettuce is in a cracked underbed storage tub set up on a stand. it doesn’t need to be very deep, and it’s good if you plant your greens every 2 or 3 weeks, for a steady harvest. Also if it gets too hot it can move to the shade.
And remember the cucumbers are vines and will grow UP if you give them a trellis!
Heather says
Way to go! I need to get creative like you when it comes to containers. I appreciate the ideas and I hope your garden does great!