March 15....

This is that magic day I've been waiting for....the Gila Valley Gardening Guide lists today as the day to plant many of the "seed" items in the graden. I planted 8 plants (4 squares) of Picklebush cukes, 8 plants (4 squares) of Sweet Success cukes, 24 plants (24 squares) of Triumph de Farcy bush beans, 4 plants (16 squares) of Hybrid Zucchini squash, 2 plants (8 squares) of Sunray Hybrid squash, and 2 plants (8 squares) of Scallp Peter Pan squash. I'm going to wait another week to put out all my chili and tomato plants. I'm still amazed at the amount of plants you can get in a 4 x4 foot area...unbelievable! When we get back from Albaquerque (next week) I'm going to put the finishing touches on my automated drip system and set the timers for the individual stations.

My New Compost Bin...

This is the new compost bin I built. I first tried to build on barrel type tumbler that I saw on YouTube. It didn't work very well in that only a small amount of material could be put into the tumbler. I then visited Don Richins' home and saw the bin he had just made. It inspired me to make one of my own. So...THANKS SO MUCH DON FOR ALL YOUR HELP! I'm very happy with the way mine turned out. As you can see we have started a good amount of material already. I have the school cafeteria saving vegetable scraps for me, a friend is giving me the straw/chicken manure mixture from his chicken coop, Mary is saving our kitchen scraps, and I have an endless supple of straw bales from another friend. I look forward to putting some of the rich compost I know will come from this bin in my Square Foot Garden. Thanks again Don. (double click on pictures to enlarge)

March 1st planting....

I planted 8 squares of Swiss Chard (Neon Lights) as well as 4 squares of radishes (French Breakfast & Crimson Globe). The weather is finally turning a bit warmer and maybe spring (warmer weather) is on the way. We have been blessed with a good amount of rain and snow this winter. It can't help but improve things. I know it is putting more water in the lake and will lots of area to bass fish this spring, summer, and fall.

Transplant Update.....

Those little seedlings are really growing. These are the tomato and chili plants that I planted about three weeks ago. I have Porterhouse, Steak Sandwich, and Patio Princess tomato plants. The chili plants are Mariachi, False Alarm, Ancho, Serrano, and Jalapeno Gigante. About another couple of weeks in the spare bedroom and then into the cold frame for a few days and then into the ground. It will be a relief to get them into the ground and not have any die.

A Really Good Web-site.....

While checking a friends blog yesterday I discovered a really neat site for designing a square foot garden. You just enter the size of your box and drag which plants you want into each square. It automatically places the correct number of plants for each square you choose. If your garden is a SFG it will be a great help to you. The address is (www.gardeners.com). When you open this page look at the top of the left side and click on "NEW!! Kitchen Garden Planner." It will even give you a demo before your start out. Good luck....

February 9th......

I've put in my onion sets. I ordered them from Burpee's and they arrived in great shape. I'm growing Texas Sweet and Candy onions. Planting was a breeze with Mel's mix. It was done in just a few minutes. Even after sitting all winter and with all the rain we have had that soil was beautiful to work with. I love Square Foot Gardening!!

February......

All of Mary's talking and singing has paid off. After a week and a half the tomato and chili seeds that I planted have sprouted and are doing well. There is another tray that is almost at the same stage. Usually I buy whatever transplants Wal-Mart or Home Depot have in stock. This time I know the exact tomato and chili I want and hopefully will get.