Gardeners of AW, unite

Raised beds

We had hail yesterday, and thunder and lightning, and wind of course. We had no idea how windy it can get on our acre before we moved here, we're on the side of the ridge and it just sweeps along. I think we could actually have a productive wind generator instead of just solar panels on the house.

Anyway, I made it down to the garden today to check on the baby tomaters and peppers I put in last Sunday. I held my breath, but there they were, still snug within their Wall o'Waters---I think they'd even grown a bit. I've used the Wall o'Waters before, but at our other house. For here, we had to rig a little frame so they wouldn't blow over onto the plants. They seem to be working well.

You can see a pic of our newly-installed raised beds and read an article on raised-bed gardening on the Articles tab at the top of the page. The veggie garden and orchard area is about 1/4 acre, but it is so rocky that we have to tackle it a little at a time. The fruit trees do really well on drip though.

AngelicaRJackson said:

We had hail yesterday, and thunder and lightning, and wind of course. We had no idea how windy it can get on our acre before we moved here, we're on the side of the ridge and it just sweeps along. I think we could actually have a productive wind generator instead of just solar panels on the house.

Anyway, I made it down to the garden today to check on the baby tomaters and peppers I put in last Sunday. I held my breath, but there they were, still snug within their Wall o'Waters---I think they'd even grown a bit. I've used the Wall o'Waters before, but at our other house. For here, we had to rig a little frame so they wouldn't blow over onto the plants. They seem to be working well.

You can see a pic of our newly-installed raised beds and read an article on raised-bed gardening on the Articles tab at the top of the page. The veggie garden and orchard area is about 1/4 acre, but it is so rocky that we have to tackle it a little at a time. The fruit trees do really well on drip though.

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Never thought about using concrete keystones for a raised bed. Very cool!

Your beds are very fancy. I'll probably stick with wood when I get my own for simplicity sake but if I ever do a formal garden that would be absolutely beautiful.

And I never did get the chance to try raised beds.

Beautiful garden, Angelica.

Thanks, we really like the way they turned out. We did hire someone to level the terrace where the two beds are, because of the aforementioned rocks.

We've used the cinder blocks before, and planted herbs and strawberries in the wells of them, that worked great too. We opted for the keystones this time because you don't have to mess with the mortar, and they last a long time. And we can always move them around and change the configuration as needed.

One bonus that I hadn't anticipated from the keystone walls is that the lizards love them. We've got them all over now, eating up the buggies, yay! They keep me good company while I'm out there.

Just found and killed six young (1-2cm) hornworms, two of which had established on jalapeno plants. I hate those things.

The harvest has begun.



I'm concerned about the scarring, but I haven't seen any beetles... yet.

Not too curved for your taste?

SPMiller said:

Not too curved for your taste?

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Not to mention being green and bumpy.

Haggis said:

Not to mention being green and bumpy.

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The greenness is an aesthetic quibble, but the bumps serve a useful purpose.

You have such a dirty mind. I'm just talking about cucumbers.

*snickers*

Mine did that last year, too, but this year I was careful to add some peat to the soil to lower pH a little and improve drainage. The natural soil here leans alkaline.

i was cleaning my classroom on thursday and threw my back out. i can only watch helplessly as the bindweed taunts me!!!!! every morning it has taken over another sq. foot. the good news is that i have a spanking new tiller still in the box and an appointment w/ my chiropractor on tuesday. then i'll show the triffids who is boss!---s6

I have green things!

I have two window boxes that are 30x6 that I'm going to plant with herbs and garlic.

And I've now got some houseplants! I haven't had houseplants in years. I hope I can keep these alive! They're all small tropicals that do well in low light so they shouldn't mind my shaded, west facing windows.

The window boxes have a drainage hole in the bottom, but I'm wondering if I should add a layer of crumpled paper or something to help with water movement. Thoughts?

I'll be putting basil, cilantro, chives, garlic, and possibly thyme and arugula in them.

Warning: If you love roses, don't read this post!!

I've decided to dig out my rose bed. It is the only place on my property that has at least eight hours of sun and I think it would be a better place for a veggie garden. I'll wait until the roses are dormant in the fall, then I will dig them out and give them to a friend. Hopefully I'll be able to drop in some winter veggies as soon as those thorny bushes are out. *crosses fingers*

SPMiller said:

The harvest has begun.

I'm concerned about the scarring, but I haven't seen any beetles... yet.

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I predict much wonderful tzaziki in your future.
nom nom nom

Tzaziki from Steamy Kitchen.

Fabulous cooking site, one of my favorites.


You're welcome.

TurkeyLurkey said:

Warning: If you love roses, don't read this post!!

I've decided to dig out my rose bed. It is the only place on my property that has at least eight hours of sun and I think it would be a better place for a veggie garden. I'll wait until the roses are dormant in the fall, then I will dig them out and give them to a friend. Hopefully I'll be able to drop in some winter veggies as soon as those thorny bushes are out. *crosses fingers*

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You do what you gotta do. At least they'll be getting a good home.