Last year, my in-laws gave me a book for my birthday called The Vegetable Gardener's Bible by Ed Smith. I studied this book quite a bit throughout the winter, and decided to experiment with some new gardening methods this summer. The basic idea is that plants thrive the most when their roots have the most room to grow. Raised beds and wide rows help facilitate this, because there is more loose soil for the plants, and clearly laid out paths which keep the gardener from compacting the soil. There's also a wealth of information in the book about composting, seed starting, companion planting, as well as advice for growing specific herbs, vegetables, and fruits. 
Here's my attempt at this! We did not run the tiller through the garden this year, because it disrupts the complex soil ecosystem, destroys worm tunnels, and can create a hard "tiller pan" down in the subsoil. Instead, I deeply loosened the soil with my pitchfork, added aged manure from a nearby sheep farm, and created raised beds with no supports.
One of my gardening helpers!
I made a compost bin--it's just four wooden pallets set up in a square, and tied together in two places with straightened hangers.
I planted two clematis varieties. Both are purple, but one blooms early in the summer and one later.
8 comments:
I heard an expert gardener interviewed on the CBC who said she never tills her soil and has lovely loose and loamy soil. What she does is puts compost on top of her garden and lets the worms do the rest of the work. I haven't tried this yet but it does sound like an easier way to get good soil than turning it over each year.
By the way, I have the recipe book -- finally -- and intend to send you the long over due recipe in the next few days.
And, isn't there a bird sanctuary some miles to the west of where you live that has large white sort of foamy or salty deposits along the edge of the water. I think the name of the closest town is Morris. Do you know what these white deposits are?
Yes, I think it is a better way to get good soil, unless you're starting with really compacted or rocky soil. The idea is that worms are the best tillers, and that the gardener's main job is to add enough organic material to the soil. I also just read a book called "Lasagna Gardening" which is an even more serious way to garden that way.
Can't wait for the recipe!
Bird sanctuary--I think there is something like that near here--maybe someone else from around here knows more about it.
Hello! Just wanted to say hi and that we are thinking of you and your wonderful little family! Enjoy very much your blog. Love from Aunt Rox and Uncle Bill
Thanks Aunt Roxie! Hope you're doing well. :)
wow, Erin!!
beautiful!
Sadly, I decided NOT to plant a garden this year. Turns out this was wise, as I've been surprised to find myself courted by a wonderful man who lives in Calgary. Long distance gardening (6 miles from home) and long distance romancing would have found themselves in opposition ... and I know which would have won out!
Thanks Abbie! Can't wait to see more pics of your garden!
Colleen, I agree! Sounds great! Can't wait for more details. :)
I did not have much of an issue with blueberries, except for the first one I bought. It was only a small twig and didn't take off. The next ones I purchase I made sure they were older and had a good woody branch. They like acidic soil. The one I bought last year will only have a handful of fruit this year. It takes a while.
I had a hard time with anything I started indoors from seed, except the tomatoes. I did plant some right into my garden (carrots, radish, lettuce, peas, beans, onion) which seem to be doing ok, but taking FOREVER!
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