Our seedlings are growing and so far we haven't knowingly killed anything living... yet that is.
So, in preparation for our garden we've been trying to figure out the where, when and how bits. We've determined we need a fence to protect the garden and that we'll need hoes and rakes to get the soil ready. There are some concerns about having the garden so close to the road, and the type of soil we'll be planting in and how it's going to effect the growth of the plants. Being down hill from the road means we'll get a lot of run off in the soil and that's not good - things can't grow in salty soil.
Today I happened upon this article on Straw Bale Gardens. Mind you, I've heard of this before and thought it was a great idea last year - but this year it's an even better idea! Because we have tons of left over straw bales from last year that would be perfect for a garden - we can't use them for anything else!
And boy if I don't know how I hate to weed... tho I was quite willing to do it! Hard work never hurt me before ;) But just look at these clean organized rows, I dare any kid to try and step on my seedlings (well w/o getting on the bales)!
Here are the directions I found online (below) - I think we're ahead of the curve on Days 1-3 ;) Especially with all the rain we've been getting over the past couple of days. Now we just need to figure out how many bales we need!
Preparing Your Bales
It takes 10 days to prepare your bales.
- Days 1–3: Water the bales thoroughly and keep them wet.
- Days 4–6: Sprinkle the bales with 1/2 cup of ammonium nitrate (32-0-0) per bale per day, and water it well into the bales. I didn’t have any trouble finding ammonium nitrate from my local ag-supply store. They sold it in 40-pound bags. I have heard, however, that some people have had difficulty finding it in more urban settings. Ask around.
- Days 7–9: Cut back to 1/4 cup of ammonium nitrate per bale per day and continue to water it in well.
- Day 10: No more ammonium nitrate, but do add 1 cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer per bale and water it in well.
- Day 11: Transplant your plants into the bales. I used a spatula to make a crack in the bale for each plant. Place the plant down to its first leaf and close the crack back together as best you can.
Of course you're all invited to come over and see how it comes out! Maybe we'll even have something ready to eat we can share with you. OH and if you want to try this and just need some bales - let us know, we've got a bunch ;)
Much Love,
Heather & Dan
Orange Rocket Carrots
Looseleaf Lettuce
Snow Peas
Zucchini
Mellon
Tomatoes)
Potatoes
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