Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Something New

It's Spring and that means it's time to do something I've never done. That's not really what Spring means, but I'm still attempting something I've never done - starting a garden. I know, you're wondering about the topic shift from controvesial political issues to gardening. I don't know why, either. Let's just move on.
I have decided to start small and concentrate on trying to do it correctly so I don't get overwhelmed by it all. I'm planting 4 varieties of heirloom tomatoes, which are known for their disease and pest resistance, superior flavor and texture, unique looks and quite an historical lineage. If you don't know about these tomatoes, you can go to http://www.heirloomtomatoplants.com/ and learn about them. This is the website I actually ordered my seedlings from, as well. These seeds are passed down from generation to generation, hence their name. They're like the purebreds of the tomato world. I 'll also be planting some basil and maybe a few other herbs.
I am also gardening completely organic. All of my soil is organically made from 2 year old compost from a local supplier. I'm so glad I found them and it was not that expensive to be honest. Natural, aged compost is extremely nutrient rich (much like the floor of a forest) and also weed free. Temperatures from the composting process reach upwards of 170 F, killing all weeds and diseases. Also, just to know that I'm not putting anything in the ground that will harm the plants or my family just makes me feel good. I even spread the compost all over my lawn to get it from brown to green the natural way. I've never done this before, but I've seen what this stuff can do and I'm giving it a try.
I'll be posting occasional pictures of the progress of the plants (I know you are all on the edge of your seats waiting for the next picture of my tomatoes, aren't you. Actually, even though that was meant as sarcasm, I bet my mom really is on the edge of her seat waiting for the next picture. Love you , mom!). For this first post, here are some pictures of the building process for the garden. The box is 6' x 6' x 1 1/2' made out of cedar planks and posts.
Start of excavation

This is when I realized I sliced my cable line in half


Ground work is complete...emphasis on the "work".


In goes the box, made that morning before breaking ground


The soil goes in.
More to come later.














2 comments:

Lover Boy and Beloved said...

actually I was wondering about the year and a half span between this and the last post. :)

Teri Dufilho said...

that looks great, paul ......yes, of course, your mother is waiting for the next picture of plants going in..... or charlie helping to spread the dirt!.....can't wait to see your first tomatoes!