tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49128278979335157772024-03-13T16:46:16.786-05:00GRANDBOB'S GARDENFrom South Central Kansas - MidWest USA. Home of the Kansas Monarch Butterfly Flower! Copyright Robert Mader 2007 Thru 2019. All Rights Reserved.Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.comBlogger150125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-25455427592720234402019-02-19T23:04:00.000-06:002019-02-19T23:04:15.707-06:00Butterfly Plants Including Monarchs!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you are interested in my live butterfly Flowers, Contact me on Facebook Messenger for more information. Currently, I sell only in Kansas but I may be opening up to more Midwest S<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AkZF7QT15O0/XGzfEnvhm-I/AAAAAAAAHVk/A1B94_gpBaEAUAfZTewv6Q0xPEjUAgJLACLcBGAs/s1600/Monarch%2BFlower%2Bin%2BLarge%2BPot%2B001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AkZF7QT15O0/XGzfEnvhm-I/AAAAAAAAHVk/A1B94_gpBaEAUAfZTewv6Q0xPEjUAgJLACLcBGAs/s320/Monarch%2BFlower%2Bin%2BLarge%2BPot%2B001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
tates this year. It's still in the Planning stage. </div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-8317806835938099012017-09-04T05:32:00.002-05:002017-09-04T05:36:41.017-05:00How to Clone New Fruit Trees - and other plants<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
After much searching, I found a wild fruit tree that the Plains Indians of America used for fruit. The SandHill Cherry Bush. I was looking for the Sandhill Plum I couldn't find a Nursery that had it in stock. Finally, I did find a relative. The SandHill Cherry Bush. I also learned that there is a SandHill Apricot, SandHill Peach and even a SandHill Pecan tree! My father had a shelterbelt on the farm made up of SandHill Plums. I loved it. Someday I hope to find this bush again. From them, many Kansan Pioneers made Plum Jellies and Jams and other delicious desserts. And I will clone them too! Today I will show you how to clone your own fruit tree - or many other plants if you wish. And so we Begin:<br />
After I bought my little Sand Hill bush, I started to make cuttings.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3iYt0w2VcQ/Wa0I1v4WzmI/AAAAAAAAG-I/-1aJmHeRbNkib1VevgNz5ONGKjzjGBzcQCLcBGAs/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1095" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3iYt0w2VcQ/Wa0I1v4WzmI/AAAAAAAAG-I/-1aJmHeRbNkib1VevgNz5ONGKjzjGBzcQCLcBGAs/s320/004.JPG" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>My Brand New Sand Hill Cherry Bush</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To make a "Cutting" You need a healthy semij-soft healthy stem from newer but sturdy growth. I cut several that were about 6 inches long. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MjfedbtzT4o/Wa0JIifQScI/AAAAAAAAG-Y/NLVkSKagvQ4enwDZsztmxTPqR1N1lQ8ZwCLcBGAs/s1600/007-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MjfedbtzT4o/Wa0JIifQScI/AAAAAAAAG-Y/NLVkSKagvQ4enwDZsztmxTPqR1N1lQ8ZwCLcBGAs/s320/007-3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut just below a fat leaf bud and place in a<br />
pint jar of water to keep from drying out while<br />
you cut more stems. You will retrim and clean later.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After you have several healthy looking Cuttings, you can then take your jar of Cuttings inside and trim the stem at a proper angle and strip all the leaves but a few two or three at the very top. You will need these so the stem can gather a little light to continue to grow food for the stem cuttings.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JoUHKyW52yI/Wa0NJA4B6uI/AAAAAAAAG-o/4SrHI7IB-0cVKkrNMgJI64NYF1U7gpAtACLcBGAs/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JoUHKyW52yI/Wa0NJA4B6uI/AAAAAAAAG-o/4SrHI7IB-0cVKkrNMgJI64NYF1U7gpAtACLcBGAs/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">
<b style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Here I am using a sharp Box Knife and cutting just below a</b></div>
<b style="font-size: 12.8px;"> a leaf bud at the bottom of the cutting. Try to cut at a sharp angle<br /> 60 degrees to expose a wide slice of stem. This allows water to<br /> get into the stem easier. You might want to dip the knife blade<br /> into Alcohol (rubbing alcohol is fine) to steralize the blade as you go</b><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">.</span><br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Next you will want to clean off extra leaves. This is to reduce stress on the stem . It will not have to feed these leaves.</h4>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /></h4>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jfiwEsSRPCM/Wa0NZEbz0kI/AAAAAAAAG_I/AtbRNPWL2h4LyVm7DvsbN5xuQuiYR6e4wCEwYBhgL/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jfiwEsSRPCM/Wa0NZEbz0kI/AAAAAAAAG_I/AtbRNPWL2h4LyVm7DvsbN5xuQuiYR6e4wCEwYBhgL/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Using your thumb and fingernail, just nip off the leaves close<br />to the stem but just before the leaf bud. This is the area where<br />new roots will form. Nip all but a couple of leaves at the top.</b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dampen the bottom of the stem with water. Shake the stem a bit to get rid of extra water and dip into a rooting hormone. Easily found at any Plant Nursery. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a3p91FXheAU/Wa0NZxvqxZI/AAAAAAAAG_I/h80zeW8lDEktCPvuRvaoZjU411pZI6LIACEwYBhgL/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a3p91FXheAU/Wa0NZxvqxZI/AAAAAAAAG_I/h80zeW8lDEktCPvuRvaoZjU411pZI6LIACEwYBhgL/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Here are shown to equally good Rooting Hormones.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k46dKrN5x-k/Wa0Nab0MRxI/AAAAAAAAG_I/C_XNgoEgY5kZVtMm1bvjaxygmH80iJgJwCEwYBhgL/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k46dKrN5x-k/Wa0Nab0MRxI/AAAAAAAAG_I/C_XNgoEgY5kZVtMm1bvjaxygmH80iJgJwCEwYBhgL/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dampen the stem near the cutting end</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BVRlvLPnQKw/Wa0NaUBq4xI/AAAAAAAAG_I/nC3a5ESOP4sQ2RRIKK1JUfqPNLclw8HnQCEwYBhgL/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BVRlvLPnQKw/Wa0NaUBq4xI/AAAAAAAAG_I/nC3a5ESOP4sQ2RRIKK1JUfqPNLclw8HnQCEwYBhgL/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dip the damp end (with a bud) into the powder and shake the<br />excess powder off. You are then ready to place it into the<br />Sprouting Chamber that I will show you how to make next.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> How to Build Your Own Sprouting Chamber</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
If you can, find one of the Smaller coffee cans and one Large coffee can. Metal is good.</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUirr3umsBo/Wa0Vgv1fOqI/AAAAAAAAG_Y/porfLSda5FM5oyGJ-kH4gf0NQgTO6ozbQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B001%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUirr3umsBo/Wa0Vgv1fOqI/AAAAAAAAG_Y/porfLSda5FM5oyGJ-kH4gf0NQgTO6ozbQCEwYBhgL/s320/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B001%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Smaller Coffee Can</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g8CJE3Cne0Y/Wa0VgrMO1BI/AAAAAAAAG_c/0BB09WRUz544qEaXemXT5lrbccm5xaruACEwYBhgL/s1600/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g8CJE3Cne0Y/Wa0VgrMO1BI/AAAAAAAAG_c/0BB09WRUz544qEaXemXT5lrbccm5xaruACEwYBhgL/s320/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B002.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Drill a few holes in the bottom about 3/8's inch.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4fsGGMlC9As/Wa0VgpnINKI/AAAAAAAAG_U/fniUHleugyIBK1ezw3tZ3exS6kBq5fZzgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B003%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4fsGGMlC9As/Wa0VgpnINKI/AAAAAAAAG_U/fniUHleugyIBK1ezw3tZ3exS6kBq5fZzgCEwYBhgL/s320/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B003%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coat it inside and out with a good outdoor paint like Rustoliam.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pg9NQR0oC1o/Wa0VhLLjdwI/AAAAAAAAG_g/2jq65kMOA1MQrqArmqhHhYMW2R2PuGVMwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B004%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pg9NQR0oC1o/Wa0VhLLjdwI/AAAAAAAAG_g/2jq65kMOA1MQrqArmqhHhYMW2R2PuGVMwCEwYBhgL/s320/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B004%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I like to use separate colors for each can but it<br />doesn't matter what colors you us. This keeps<br />the cans from rusting.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KQg0V5UwY2Y/Wa0ViRh7-gI/AAAAAAAAG_s/wMfmS--mzTozN1pRmrdnqr09qVY8WMHBgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KQg0V5UwY2Y/Wa0ViRh7-gI/AAAAAAAAG_s/wMfmS--mzTozN1pRmrdnqr09qVY8WMHBgCEwYBhgL/s320/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Small Can Finished</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HTqeXAMPYuw/Wa0ViTzH5YI/AAAAAAAAHAs/YfWCv0rSimMG5cEcVFu4aaMZnkvQtr6KwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B005%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HTqeXAMPYuw/Wa0ViTzH5YI/AAAAAAAAHAs/YfWCv0rSimMG5cEcVFu4aaMZnkvQtr6KwCEwYBhgL/s320/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B005%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Likewise, spray the inside and Outside of the Large Can.<br /> Place a canning lid ring in in the Center. or any lid for that matter.<br /> Actually, any lid will do. You just need a pedestal to keep the Small<br /> Can off the bottom of the Large Can - to allow excess water to be<br /> held in the large can. This will hold the<br /> small can off the bottom of the large can so it can easily drain.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YOJ733pPmao/Wa0Vh4QvCQI/AAAAAAAAG_k/VMBeJT1UpiYNA5JB3_NGID50PeXAH1j4ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YOJ733pPmao/Wa0Vh4QvCQI/AAAAAAAAG_k/VMBeJT1UpiYNA5JB3_NGID50PeXAH1j4ACEwYBhgL/s320/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b> Add Course Sand to the small Can. A piece of window screen<br /> should be added to the bottom to the bottom of the cann to avoid<br />loosing sand out the bottom.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXnjYnEOez0/Wa0Vi4DzYTI/AAAAAAAAG_w/lC-DANikvP8UaBhZVmnkzk06HkgEAEd5ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B008%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXnjYnEOez0/Wa0Vi4DzYTI/AAAAAAAAG_w/lC-DANikvP8UaBhZVmnkzk06HkgEAEd5ACEwYBhgL/s320/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B008%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Course Building Sand is best. It drains well and allows Air to<br />
get to the new roots that we hope will form. This can often be<br />
found in Tube Sand to add weight to the back of your car or<br />
truck if you live in a cold area in winter. I find mine at Ace Hardware.<br />
I Don;t recommend Childrens Sand. It slows down drainage <br />
and seals of air to the new roots when they hopefully form. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mY6VzQYyLy4/Wa0VkZSA4rI/AAAAAAAAHAA/vFqwcne0Gi4wIVkKT4l_-v2aIWjlwmE4wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mY6VzQYyLy4/Wa0VkZSA4rI/AAAAAAAAHAA/vFqwcne0Gi4wIVkKT4l_-v2aIWjlwmE4wCEwYBhgL/s320/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Place the small can with the sand into the large can centered over<br />
the lid you have at the bottom of the large can. pour enough water<br />
dampen the sand well. Drain the large can if you have over a small<br />
amount accumulate in the large can. The leavel of water should never<br />
reach the smaller can with sand in it. The new plant cuttings should<br />
always be damp but never sit in water to prevent rotting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcoDfvxX170/Wa0Vko7MpdI/AAAAAAAAHAE/kAADWBtdDAImQFbD3bqcdcij1x0QhF17QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcoDfvxX170/Wa0Vko7MpdI/AAAAAAAAHAE/kAADWBtdDAImQFbD3bqcdcij1x0QhF17QCEwYBhgL/s320/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>An Ordinary #2 pencil will come in handy next.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--oAIj-99ED0/Wa0Vk7H0d0I/AAAAAAAAHAI/GvVev2-exv0Qasj7me780q9jwEhooylWACEwYBhgL/s1600/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--oAIj-99ED0/Wa0Vk7H0d0I/AAAAAAAAHAI/GvVev2-exv0Qasj7me780q9jwEhooylWACEwYBhgL/s320/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Poke a hole in the sand about 2 inches or so deep.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gU_f-38-Yec/Wa0VlcuQ_sI/AAAAAAAAHAM/iuxrMWlE0VYwwqr9DIxZw2J50zPo4s8VACEwYBhgL/s1600/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gU_f-38-Yec/Wa0VlcuQ_sI/AAAAAAAAHAM/iuxrMWlE0VYwwqr9DIxZw2J50zPo4s8VACEwYBhgL/s320/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B020.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Keep the cuttings damp for this next procedure.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nT1lweUTNZc/Wa0Vlsqz39I/AAAAAAAAHAQ/LSZNuAJEEJc7Djy6Ndn7R3kahOmXk-FbQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nT1lweUTNZc/Wa0Vlsqz39I/AAAAAAAAHAQ/LSZNuAJEEJc7Djy6Ndn7R3kahOmXk-FbQCEwYBhgL/s320/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Stick the cut end into Rooting Hormone. Shake off the excess.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TgcOg_rgpN0/Wa0VnQCjmrI/AAAAAAAAHAg/PnPe4SFsd-wqIirJDX7mTpl1kEC0PnT6gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TgcOg_rgpN0/Wa0VnQCjmrI/AAAAAAAAHAg/PnPe4SFsd-wqIirJDX7mTpl1kEC0PnT6gCEwYBhgL/s320/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B023.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Set the Cutting end into the hole you just poked in<br />the damp sand. Press the sand down gently around<br />the new cutting, and proceed to the next Cutting.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EJ6W1AeCWvw/Wa0VmSUIV9I/AAAAAAAAHAU/FqDsfLwF66glhz4xak4pgRjPIHEpvhiCQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EJ6W1AeCWvw/Wa0VmSUIV9I/AAAAAAAAHAU/FqDsfLwF66glhz4xak4pgRjPIHEpvhiCQCEwYBhgL/s320/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B024.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Except for the last step, this is how your set-up<br />should look when finished. Note the Alcohol<br />you should use when making each cutting to prevent<br />any plant infections when making the cuttings.</b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IjUHz0dmUKU/Wa0VnK-YGXI/AAAAAAAAHAc/1mnvL_ccDyc1x2BGZj6e2ifbrJtJX946wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IjUHz0dmUKU/Wa0VnK-YGXI/AAAAAAAAHAc/1mnvL_ccDyc1x2BGZj6e2ifbrJtJX946wCEwYBhgL/s320/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B027.JPG" width="240" /></a><b><br /><br />Your Sprouting can with the cuttings should look like this.<br />I place mine about 1/2 to an inch apart in the can. About 1/2<br />the stems actually rooted with my first try. I was happy.<br /></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_wSd1mJydiE/Wa0VmqOEQGI/AAAAAAAAHAY/MkRCysMsCO880C6SEsF4iP8QEaEAIZIXACEwYBhgL/s1600/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_wSd1mJydiE/Wa0VmqOEQGI/AAAAAAAAHAY/MkRCysMsCO880C6SEsF4iP8QEaEAIZIXACEwYBhgL/s320/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B026.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For the last step, slip a Freezer Bag over the<br />
Cuttings in the small can to prevent evaporation.<br />
You should remove it whenever excess condensation<br />
if formed. The Bag should be prevented from touching<br />
the leaves while the process is going on. Hold the<br />
Bag on the Can with a rubber Band. The Cat is Optional.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IjUHz0dmUKU/Wa0VnK-YGXI/AAAAAAAAHAc/1mnvL_ccDyc1x2BGZj6e2ifbrJtJX946wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Plant%2BCutting%2BContainers%2B027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mtpg7BUuLQU/Wa0VnmlLCII/AAAAAAAAHAo/qJJLqnpfqQkbLQXLkeVij4MFOh1uwEFowCEwYBhgL/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mtpg7BUuLQU/Wa0VnmlLCII/AAAAAAAAHAo/qJJLqnpfqQkbLQXLkeVij4MFOh1uwEFowCEwYBhgL/s320/Untitled.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> In about 2 weeks you should start to see roots forming.<br />
Allow another week and place the rooted stems in pots <br />
to allow continue growing. Water regularly. Keep damp<br />
and in a semi-shaded area . The stems should soon start<br />
putting on new leaves. The cutting leaves will probably <br />
drop off. Put the new plants in a small pot to grow. I start <br />
mine in large 32 ounce plastic cups to get a good start. Be<br />
sure the pot drains well. Introduce them to full sun gradually.<br />
Later you will want to place them in a larger pot or plant them<br />
out into your own garden or orchard. Try this on other plants! <br />
Spring is a good time to take cuttings. The stems should springy<br />
but not two new. They should have plenty of leaf buds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
'<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e4Tg8BTcMV8/Wa0Iy4PKzZI/AAAAAAAAG-E/CVyLthdIqLEmNVQzIztnkUK6vxiLaO5TgCLcBGAs/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e4Tg8BTcMV8/Wa0Iy4PKzZI/AAAAAAAAG-E/CVyLthdIqLEmNVQzIztnkUK6vxiLaO5TgCLcBGAs/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-80263878927747196832016-11-08T11:20:00.001-06:002021-02-22T17:27:37.282-06:00Monarch Butterfly Flowers. Saving the Monarch Butterfly from Extinction. Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #93c47d; font-size: large;">
3 years ago I learned that the Monarch Butterfly of America was near to Extinction. I learned that the Milkweed was Exclusively Important for it's survival. It could get foods from other plants, but for some reason I had to have the Milkweed to Propogate. To lay its Eggs on. For its eggs to hatch, food for the Hatchling Caterpillars to eat (leaves) and strong stems to shelterself in a Krasillas (leaf Cacoon_ while it made its wonder metamorphos into the most Common and beautiful Butterfly in North America. </span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tURmgzikzUM/WCH2NjDjO9I/AAAAAAAAG38/TMWYOLVoQEQCq-8mTdavTyV1Q1V2LAe-ACLcB/s1600/Butterfly%2BFlower%2B-%2BButterfly%2Bon%2BFlowers%2B-%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tURmgzikzUM/WCH2NjDjO9I/AAAAAAAAG38/TMWYOLVoQEQCq-8mTdavTyV1Q1V2LAe-ACLcB/s640/Butterfly%2BFlower%2B-%2BButterfly%2Bon%2BFlowers%2B-%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A few weeks later, I was visiting the Flint Hills near Cassidy, Kansas admiring the rolling hills of Ranchland of green valleys, thousands of feeder cattle and Reservation for the Wild Horses from Arizona where they needed Rescue from their ancient home that no longer wanted them. As I slowly drove down the Gravely trails and rutted roads, I noticed a beautiful Flower that liked to grow along the side of the roads and such. Full of Beautiful Monarchs gathering Nectar for food. I had to have a flower like that for GrandBobsGarden. I clipped a few stems and brought a few cuttings home that night to see If I could make them grow. Not being prepared, Not having the proper equipment, unfortunately; none survived.<br />
<br />
I was determined to get some of these flowers and finally found someone who had a few seeds for me to try. As a result, they sprouted and I started to grow about 50 plants. (What would I do with 50 plants!). Well, I thought, there are people that love the Monarch Butterfly, Maybe they would like to hear about the Flower that I found in the Flint Hills. The one of nearly 150 species of Milkweed that had little or no Milk in its leaves or stems. It Could be seen for Miles with its Bright Orange Red Colors sprinkled over the vast prairie ranchland from Central Kansas and on East to the Missouri River where thousands of Angus and Hereford Cattle ranged and eventually ended up on Dining Tables from New York City to San Francisco and even exported to far away countries. I showed a few pictures on the net and found many friends who wanted some of these flowers, not just because they looked Beautiful in their Flower Beds but because the wanted to Help the Monarch Butterfly to have food and a place to lay their eggs, and to reproduce and survive. Their population was being Drastically Reduced by forest Fires in Mexico where the migrated to to overwinter to heavy spraying of Farmers and Ranches who seen them as pests in their fields and some variisdtys dangerous to their livestock - at least the varieties of Milkweed that had the Milky Latex in their leaves and stems. later, I learned that most Cattle and Horses etc. don't even Like Milkweeds. They eat them out of Hunger Desperation! The Variety that I liked "<b>Asclepius tuberosa</b>" did not have this resin in its leaves or stems. Commonly going by the name - Butterfly Milkweed. Please do not mix this up with the Common Milkweed, Swamp Milkweed, and over 100 other types growing in North America and other parts of the world. The Monarch Butterfly Flower as I call it, has little or no toxin in its leaves or stem. Although I still call Caution around grazing livestock and small children. My Cats and dogs don't touch it. As I have heard the same results from other gardeners. <br />
I call it the Monarch Butterfly Flower, since it is so popular to Flower Gardeners and Lovers of Butterflys! Many of my readers, it seemed, wanted to try some too for their Butterfly Gardens. I sold around 35 plants that first year. This year I sold close to 300 First Year Plants, and saved back about a hundred as Second Year Plants for next spring. I should have over 1000 Monarch Butterfly Plants next year along with a new crop of First Year Plants. I will also be introducing other Milkweed species that are Native to North America and add much variety and color. All of which the Monarch Butterfly and other Butterflies use for food and propagation of their species. <br />
<br />
This Blog post is the First in a Series of Blog Posts about the Monarch Butterfly Flower. How to get Live plants from my Garden , How to Grow them. Flower Pests and how to control them easy. And tips on starting a Butterfly Garden of your own! Contact me on Facebook. Robert Mader or on my Facebook Page. "Home of the Kansas Monarch Butterfly Flower." Thank you for your visit. Comments are very welcome here and I try to personally answer everyone as I get them. I am also available on Facebook "Chat" every day and evening mostly. </div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-42623312521351441582015-09-07T23:27:00.000-05:002015-09-07T23:27:07.684-05:00A Great Little Chicken Incubator You can Make = High Powered Fertilizer!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>An Inexpensive Chicken Incubator You Can Build</b><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><b><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #6aa84f;">This is another article from a few years back that didn't make it into my blog. My daughter has made several incubators since and most have barely cost her Anything! Chickens are fun to raise and you will almost always have fresh eggs with a few hens. And as long as you have Chickens, you will always have great fertilizer for your garden or to add into your compost pile. However, the manure from chickens is about 5X stronger in nitrogen than Cow Manure. Start out by using at sparingly and see if your plants can handle it. You can burn them up with Chicken Manure.</span> </h4>
<br />
<br />
<b>This is my incubator. Homemade from an old GOTT ice chest I found on the side of the road. Believe it or not I BLEACHED this thing like crazy. </b><br />
<b><br />
I have cut out a window with a Dremel tool. If you have never used a dremel tool, this is NOT the time to try it for the first time. I think jig/sabre saw would have worked better. I suggest making the window as big as possible if there might be more than on person watching. The first hatch I didn't get to see much except my children's heads crowded over it. <br />
<br />
This is the window after adding the "window" which is actually a laminating material. I will change it to glass or plexiglass before the next time. The condensation was really bad if the room was cool. I covered it with a towel and that helped.</b>
<br />
<img class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s253/tazcat70/incubator/IMG_5761.jpg" src="<a" title="Ice chest window" /><b>The light/heat source that I used is a light fixture for a ceiling fan. We bought it at a Wal-mart clearance for $1.00, and planned to someday use it. </b><b> I</b><b>t has room for four light bulbs. I used two 7 watt blue bulbs and two 15 watt bulbs. This way I did not have to worry so much if a bulb blew during the incubation. The thermostat is a regular wafer. I got it off of Craigslist/Freecycle for FREE.</b>
<br />
<img class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s253/tazcat70/incubator/IMG_5762.jpg" src="<a" title="Inside of ice chest" /><b><br /></b>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WwjXJNB8Pwo/TvF7oMlOivI/AAAAAAAAA1c/7tXFOv_lBdM/s1600/IMG_5962.JPG+-+Baby+Chicks+-+Compressed.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WwjXJNB8Pwo/TvF7oMlOivI/AAAAAAAAA1c/7tXFOv_lBdM/s320/IMG_5962.JPG+-+Baby+Chicks+-+Compressed.JPG" /></a><b> </b></div>
<b>
<br />
I used a page out of Speckledhens book and used a shelf liner to cover the wire base. What you can't see is that there is a 13x9 metal pan (it is actually an enameled pan) to hold water. I also drilled some air holes.<br />
<br />
<img class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s253/tazcat70/incubator/IMG_5765.jpg" src="<a" title="Light/heat source" /><br />
The end result.<br />
<br />
<img class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s253/tazcat70/incubator/IMG_5966.jpg" src="<a" title="incubator2" /><br />
<br />
<br />
Update: I used this incubator for about 3 years. I just recently took it apart, and used the parts to make a hatcher out of an old wine refridgerator. I am turning it into a hatcher. I bought a used GQF Sportsman incubator with turner. </b><br />
<b><br />
</b></div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-25766791034659927102014-09-01T22:40:00.000-05:002014-09-02T17:19:31.259-05:00Simple Composting and Compost Screening Tool to Make<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Hello Folks! It is the end of August 2014 and Fall is on its way already. Due to an Auto Accident and a long recovery, my garden started a little slow this year. I didn't get that one 4 X 8 plot rejuvenated but I did manage to get in the major vegetables I wanted this year and done a little experiment with making and using compost plus trying out Manure Tea. In my last issue, I showed you how to make and plant a 3 X 6 Onion Bed. Used for either early small Green Onion production or larger Late Summer Bulb Onions. <br /><br />The White and Red Onions are finished and while they are only medium sized, they are beautiful and tasty. The tops on the White Onion side were all down and drying. The Red Onions were almost all down, so I pulled them all. They are drying out in the sun for a few days before bringing in for storage. I planted about about 60 bulbs of each kind of Red and White and harvested at least 150. I am happy with the results of the first season of using the new Onion Bed. </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Hopefully, by next year planting time, the Onion Bed Soil will be amalgamated and ready to plant by early spring. The Red Onions were a little small, I felt. I will look for a different brand next year.<br /><br /> I also tried a Manure Tea mix of 1 part manure water to 6 parts water. The Manure water was made with 2 pints of Commercial Composted Cow Manure and 2 pints of water stirred well and allowed to set for a few days in warm weather. From this, I made a strained Manure Tea. (1 cup of strained Manure Water to 6 cups of out of the hose water) and out of this, I poured 1 cup of tea around each of my vegetables. </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br />I used Manure Tea on All my vegetables to see how it worked out on the different types of vegetables. I did notice some burning on All my plants which tended to set them back a couple weeks until they recovered and grew New Leaves. None of the plants died, but there were a lot of yellow leaves on the bottom foot or two of my Tomato Plants. This mix was too strong! <br /><br />The only other time I had Ever applied Manure Tea to my plants, was when years ago I made a mix of Rabbit Manure and Water and poured it around my front porch railing Coleus flower boxes. I had heard that Rabbit Manure is so mild that it never burns plants. Rabbit Dooky!</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> After about 2 days, they begin to shrivel before my eyes. And they were just small plants from the grocery store anyway. Just getting established in their boxes. I soaked them down several times with generous buckets of water, hoping I could stop the carnage! In the end, I saved about half the plants ... and then they started to grow. And Grow. And GROW! The Coleus plant leaves got Humongous! As big as dinner plates! <br /><br /> People driving nearly a half a block away on a busy street were turning around, coming back and pulling up to the curb by our house. "Where did you get such Giant Coleus? Are these plants for Sale? I just told them we had rabbits for sale ...</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">There was also some yellowing on my Zucchini Plants, my new bedded Onions, on my Cucumbers, and on my Dill. I decided some modification of my Manure Tea Recipe was in order! I then changed my recipe to 1 part Manure Water to 10 parts Water and made another application 2 weeks later. This time no burning. All the plants are Thriving like crazy now except for the Onions whose harvest time has come.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Through out this experiment, I applied 1 cup of Manure Tea to each plant in the main root area. I also tried to stay about 2 inches away from the main stem. A few day later, all the plants started</span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> a nice growing spurt which I attribute to the newer milder Manure Tea Mix. My plan was to apply Manure Tea every few weeks or so. </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">In another experiment this summer, I wanted to see what adding a 1 inch layer of new Sifted Compost around each plant. to help keep the moisture in and how it works as a purely natural Fertilizer. In addition, I added an inch of wheat straw on top of the whole thing to help Shade the roots of each plant. My Cucumbers are putting on fruit fast this year, full of flowers and have the large sturdy stems and leaves. </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;"><b>Simple Easy Composting</b></span></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Composting is probably the easiest thing in the world - if you are willing to wait 6 to 8 months for the results. Nature takes a while but you always get good results in the end. Even if you do nothing!</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">An easy way to make compost, is to watch for leaves that never got raked along fence lines... Take a fork. Pull away last years leaves on top and down below this you will find finished compost. Just fork it into a container and take it home. However leaves, even dry ones, are not compost. Put them directly on your plants, and the next good rain will paste them together an make a barrier that keeps your plant from getting moisture and air. And while the leaves underneath are composting, they are Stealing Nitrogen from the plant to do the process. The plant actually suffers from the process!</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;"><b>Compost in 3 weeks!</b></span></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">It's true, vegetable matter, egg shells, banana peels etc add good nutrients to a compost pile - but don't do a lot to speed up the process. Instead of taking Months to make compost - how about 3 or 4 weeks using equal amounts of just two free items. Grass Clippings from this week and Dried leaves from last year. No special Ben is necessary. just make a pile Alternating equal amounts of Grass and Dry Leaves. No additives - unless you want to. Try to make the pile about 3 foot around and 2 or 3 feet tall. Dampen down with water.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;"><b>Easy Compost Recipe</b></span></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> One Part of Old Dry Leaves</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> One Part of Fresh Lawn Clippings.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> Or 1 Fork Full of Grass Clippings for ever Fork of Dry </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> Leaves. </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> 80 degree days or better for a few weeks to Heat the pile and get it started Composting. </span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> Pray for Rain. Or sprinkle and mix the pile is damp through out. Not soggy or dropping.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Take a hand full of the leaf/grass mixture and squeeze. It Should not drip, but should feel like a damp sponge rung out.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">If it is too Dry, add a little water and mix.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">If it is too Wet, add equal parts Leaves and Grass Clippings until you get that damp rung out sponge texture.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Try to turn with a Garden Fork every 3 or 4 days. The mixture of leaves will start to look "Crumbly" in about 2 weeks. In about a month, 90% will be broken down and ready to spread over your garden soil - or sift and pore into your Container Plants or Plant Boxes. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RpYJWHu-yFU/VAUR0sF97WI/AAAAAAAAGZo/BaQRS781jqs/s1600/compost%2Bscreening%2Btool%2B-%2B022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RpYJWHu-yFU/VAUR0sF97WI/AAAAAAAAGZo/BaQRS781jqs/s1600/compost%2Bscreening%2Btool%2B-%2B022.jpg" height="362" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b>This is about 90% composted. At any time, you can reach into the bottom of the pile and pull out some much needed compost. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b>The good stuff is usually near the bottom of the pile that is still working. It takes a few weeks and a few turnings to be able to find this stuff in a New Compost Pile. And I'm impatient.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;"><b>Rolly-Polly Bugs</b></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> You may see a few small gray Accordion Looking Bugs crawling about and through the fresh compost. Anywhere from 1/4 to 1/2 inch (1 Centimeter) long. About as thick as a skinny Soda Straw.<br /><br />Rolly Pollys won't bite you. Let them alone. They actually help the composting process a lot and work at it very hard. They will not usually hurt the plants. They like to chew up Dead Organic Matter for their sustenance. If the baby bugs are extremely hungry, they may attack your plant roots - but this is rare. I have Never seen it happen however. I'm not sure what they are Officially called.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">When I was a kid, we called them "Rolly Pollys" and watched them crawl around in the palm of our hands. And they seem to be everywhere there is dead matter to be broken down into healthy soil. Under Brush, damp rotten Boards, and in every Compost Pile. They are Beneficial Bugs and help you make great compost.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a8AK7uPwbMU/VAY2E_ZtDzI/AAAAAAAAGbU/W-4eht-PBaU/s1600/Rolly-Polly%2Bin%2BFreshly%2BSifted%2BCompost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a8AK7uPwbMU/VAY2E_ZtDzI/AAAAAAAAGbU/W-4eht-PBaU/s1600/Rolly-Polly%2Bin%2BFreshly%2BSifted%2BCompost.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">This is freshly screened compost. I have circled in green a Rolly-Polly. You should be viewing it at actual size.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Another bug you will see often are Millipedes (translated means 'many legs'. Kinda resemble gray or black skinny hairless caterpillars with lots of legs and can move very fast. DO NOT CONFUSE with Centipedes ( ten legs?) usually Bright Red, Orange or Yellow in Color. Millipedes are also usually found in Compost. Centipedes more rarely. Centipedes Are Dangerous, like to bite and come with a mean streak and are poisonous. Don't touch them!</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">While I am at it. Often you will see Wolf Spiders in Gardens. They are looking for Bugs to eat and are (to my knowledge) not dangerous to people. I have had many run over my arms picking vegetables and have never been bitten. They are medium size, rather plump looking, and are called Wolf Spiders because they are Gray and have what looks like a woolly coat of grey fur on most of their body. I leave them alone. And they are Beneficial to your Garden. Likewise, colorful little garden snakes. But learn which ones they are! Even Moles are benificial in that they are busy turning the soil. Voles however (a relative of Moles) not only turn the soil, they eat the tender roots of your plants. Moles just look for Grubs. If you have them, worry about the Voles most. Learn the difference.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dQSZUPaLtKg/VAURxcWdnOI/AAAAAAAAGYk/pD68fNDpw6U/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dQSZUPaLtKg/VAURxcWdnOI/AAAAAAAAGYk/pD68fNDpw6U/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B018.jpg" height="430" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">If you have never used Composting or using the great Rich Soil it produces, you need to give it a try. I have applied a cover of about one inch or more around all my plants. Tomatoes, Onions, Cucumbers, Dills, Asparagus. And even around a Volunteer Watermelon Plant - that originally came up in my Compost Pile . It's doing great, except for the one small melon that our Dachshund managed to eat when she found a break in the fence. Others are coming along nicely too. All in all, there were 3 volunteer watermelon plants and one Roma (?) </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">tomato plant growing in the compost pile this spring. I couldn't kill them. So I transplanted them to a better spot! The screened compost around this Cucumber plant not only helps hold the ground temperature down, It also helps hold the moister in down below and becomes the perfect fertilizer when the plant is watered. However, to really keep the hot sun from drying out the box, I will be adding Wheat Straw on top of this in a day or two. It does not Mat Down as just leaves or dried grass would. Wheat Straw Reflects the Sun off of the soil and provides a kind of Air Conditioning for the plants roots!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">Because of their great qualities and inexpensiveness, both of these (Compost and Straw) are great additives to protect your plants in the heat of the summer. If you see lots of Crickets, it means that the Straw is doing its job and they are comfortable in it. And, you have a great supply of good Catfish bait handy! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b>[ To make the Handy Sifter shown in this article, Check out my article : http://grandbobsgarden.blogspot.com/2010/05/make-this-handy-dandy-compost-sifter.html ]</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Making a Scraping Tool for your Compost </span></b></span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;"><b>Screen</b></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">If your compost is a little damp, as it should be; You need to help push it through your screen for easier and faster results.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">I was just using my hand but if your Compost has sharp sticks in it or even bits of glass, you need a better way. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MvVVrw_85xU/VAURuwoWNtI/AAAAAAAAGXs/f5MPgii4zQE/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MvVVrw_85xU/VAURuwoWNtI/AAAAAAAAGXs/f5MPgii4zQE/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B002.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b>I</b> looked around for a tool - maybe a stick to see if it would work better. I found an old board in the trashcan I have situated in the corner of my garden.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGKckNsr7eU/VAURvtRvQ5I/AAAAAAAAGX8/iS0iSMySSKQ/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGKckNsr7eU/VAURvtRvQ5I/AAAAAAAAGX8/iS0iSMySSKQ/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B007.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b>[</b>By the way - to interrupt my narrative - you have probably noticed the January 1, 2008 on some of these pictures. No. these pictures are not 6 and 1/2 years old! When you reload batteries in My camera - it resets the date back to it's original factory time. You have to notice and reset it to the correct date. I didn't notice this time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> That's what happens when your the Gardener, the Writer, the Photographer, Editor, and publisher of a garden blog! Little things tend to slip in unawares! These pictures are all within a day or two of September 1, 2014. Rather than take additional time to edit the wrong date out, I ask for your understanding.]</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8fKWh-dGaQg/VAURwG_vGfI/AAAAAAAAGYE/vlIlf_n3ErM/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8fKWh-dGaQg/VAURwG_vGfI/AAAAAAAAGYE/vlIlf_n3ErM/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B010.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">I found out that with the help of this old board, I could easily and quickly rub the damp compost through the screen and soon have some fine compost to spread around my plants. Each Garden Fork Full gave me around a Gallon of fine Screened Compost. At this point of screening, you can pick out any bits of trash, sticks, small branches, plastic, glass, rocks and other junk that may have ended up in the Compost pile. Extra large pieces of Compost? Just throw back on the Composting Pile to further break down for later screening. </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pvdJ7ijvxOY/VAY2Ene8taI/AAAAAAAAGbg/jJF5SeXkfsM/s1600/Left%2Bover%2BTrash%2Bafter%2BScreening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pvdJ7ijvxOY/VAY2Ene8taI/AAAAAAAAGbg/jJF5SeXkfsM/s1600/Left%2Bover%2BTrash%2Bafter%2BScreening.jpg" height="640" width="368" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">This is what is left after sifting my compost. Extra large Chunks of Compost etc. In the red area we find an </span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">old plant pot label. In the Green oval, a small rock. lots of small plant sticks etc.. Pick out the trash and throw it away, then recycle the rest back to the compost pile to continue working. Nothing good is thrown away!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bm7W7Vr4-Dg/VAURwmT93wI/AAAAAAAAGYQ/iQUteqRQjis/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bm7W7Vr4-Dg/VAURwmT93wI/AAAAAAAAGYQ/iQUteqRQjis/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B013.jpg" height="640" width="362" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Using a practiced eye, I noticed how the configuration of my hand and the old board fit together as I worked. What felt best. I come up with this. how I could cut it out so my hand and thumb would fit comfortably. An Ergonomic tool custom made for easy holding! I will show you how to make this easily in an hour just using simple tools and a little stain varnish to help protect it from the weather for a few years. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBNhFHCqs_w/VAURwTbiVFI/AAAAAAAAGYI/ch7hfQpn5uE/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBNhFHCqs_w/VAURwTbiVFI/AAAAAAAAGYI/ch7hfQpn5uE/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B012.jpg" height="362" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">This is the set-up I use to sift out my compost. To the upper right is the trash can to throw out any junk that may be left in the sifter after screening. The Wheelbarrow with the beautiful Purslane plant that made itself at home, provides the height i need. The Blue tub catches the sifted compost and the Sifter of course is self-explanatory. <br /> This sifter is Several Years old with a few simple repairs and you can find out how to build one for yourself. Search through the articles for Compost Sifter plans. I should be listed as one of the Favorite Articles on the narrow column to the left of the main article here. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> You will never be without this light and hand tool again! Let the "young'uns" play with those big </span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">awkward things used for sifting Construction Sand! This hand "Soil Sifter" is my own invention and you may use my instructions for making one or two. Please be my guest. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgN1YzRXcNQ/VAURw9Nxg8I/AAAAAAAAGYU/sWxuaHyoPmk/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgN1YzRXcNQ/VAURw9Nxg8I/AAAAAAAAGYU/sWxuaHyoPmk/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B014.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">After you have built this little hand gadget, you are really ready to start saving great sifted compost. Use it for everything from Raised Garden Beds to the Pots and Containers of Flowers and Vegetables around the house. Even bushes and trees can greatly benefit from its water retention qualities and its great Fertilizer Power when watered into your top soil. It also helps to "fluff up" your soil and keep it airy and loose the way that plants love the soil to be and thrive on it.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Xzi-wtjZlA/VAURxDG7rpI/AAAAAAAAGYg/1eD5zEhYPdE/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Xzi-wtjZlA/VAURxDG7rpI/AAAAAAAAGYg/1eD5zEhYPdE/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B015.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">I have found that with the second finger in the center, and the thumb and little fingers on the sides, you can get some great leverage and push a lot of compost through in just a few minutes. </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--F90RPjnURQ/VAURx1XMSRI/AAAAAAAAGY0/wskibsKLfvw/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--F90RPjnURQ/VAURx1XMSRI/AAAAAAAAGY0/wskibsKLfvw/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B019.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">As you will see in the single page plan below, there is a bevel on the business end of the tool. The angle is not too critical. Somewhere between 30 and 45 degrees works well. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> Cut it with your saw or just use a Wood File or Sander to get the angle. The Bevel greatly facilitates the ease of using the tool and really helps to quickly move the broken flakes of compost through the screen. You will have a couple gallons of fine quality sifted compost in just a few minutes. If I was selling it, I would say it is worth 3 to 5 dollars a gallon to fine Flower Growers. That's how good the quality of this stuff is when you make it yourself. And the Material is Free! </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQ2cELph4qE/VAURyhdHdfI/AAAAAAAAGZA/8VJe5XGl31g/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQ2cELph4qE/VAURyhdHdfI/AAAAAAAAGZA/8VJe5XGl31g/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B023.jpg" height="362" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">To finish it out to keep it from deteriorating outside in the garden, give it a light stain for looks and protection. Spread it with a varnish of any kind. I like any popular spray can version. It will last for years. It probably costs you about 3 cents worth of new lumber. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;"><b>Compost Screening Tool</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MuH89XcSUTg/VAURvwp8fCI/AAAAAAAAGZg/22_z8LPSab0/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B-%2BBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MuH89XcSUTg/VAURvwp8fCI/AAAAAAAAGZg/22_z8LPSab0/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B-%2BBlog.jpg" height="440" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large; text-align: left;">I </span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Drafted a simple picture to follow so you can make your own. I used a chunk of White Cedar Fence Board about 3/4 thick. You can cut it out with a power saw (Jig Saw or Band Saw) or just use a hand held Coping Saw to make yours. Hardware Stores always have them. They cost around $10 dollars plus a package of blades. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">After cutting the tool out, I rasped it with a wood rasp to round the edges and smooth the curves. Sand a little and spray with a can of paint or Clear Lacquer. Your done. Less than an hours work. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ikpXf6CqNo/VAURu_YcYxI/AAAAAAAAGXw/-qom8HxDvyE/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ikpXf6CqNo/VAURu_YcYxI/AAAAAAAAGXw/-qom8HxDvyE/s1600/Compost%2BScreening%2BTool%2B005.jpg" height="472" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Composting Garden Friends!</span> </b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Contact me at RobertLee97@gmail.com.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Please leave a comment if you made your own Wooden Scraper for screening Compost or if you just enjoy the article. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="color: #6aa84f; text-align: left;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://grandbobsgarden.blogspot.com/2010/05/make-this-handy-dandy-compost-sifter.html">How to Make This Handy Compost Sifter</a></b></span></div>
</div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-36724879677968654102014-06-22T17:03:00.001-05:002015-09-07T15:36:50.839-05:00Square Box Gardening #14 - Raised Bed Onion Soil Mix<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Here is the Soil Mix I used in my Raised Bed Onion Box.</span></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">I am not guaranteeing that it is Perfect and you will raise the finest onions in the world. There are just too many variables - and you may want to make changes. You may decide to use a Commercial (Chemical?) Fertilizer for example instead of the Composted Cow Manure I have been buying and using for the last few years. I get this in a bag at True Value so I guess It's Commercial too!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Or, you might substitute Horse Manure - or add Epson Salts (Magnesium Sulfate) to the soil. Tomatoes, Peppers and Onions love it and Need it and its usually found in good soil. You may want to use your own Garden Compost in place of the Cotton Boll that I use in my soil mix. I really like Bocca Brand Top Soil that I get from Dutches Green House. I feel like it is of good composition and I won't get a bag of half clay. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">I got about 15 bags of really cheap stuff when I first started serious gardening from a Prominent Big Box Store that shall go unnamed. The next year I scraped up this "dirt" and used it to fill holes and truck ruts in the back alley. The Trash man was forever grateful... But I digress... </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">"</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">My Onion Soil Mix Recipe</span><span style="color: #38761d;">"</span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">2 Parts Construction Sand (Course Sand, not fine Children's Sand)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">10 Parts "Bocca" brand Top Soil (At Most Plant Nurseries</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">5 Parts Cotton Boll (Most Plant Nurseries)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">3 Parts Composted Cow Manure (True Value Hardware)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">How to Mix: Always go around the outside in a circle around your unmixed pile. Shovel into the Center of the pile and turn the shovel over. Keep this up going in a circle around the pile. Use this method wether you are mixing soil, cement or bread dough. It works best.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Always go in a Clock-Wise direction. If you go Counter-Clockwise, you will just Unmix the Mix your Mixing. Pretty soon you have nothing but a wispy Molecular Vapor going out into space. And you will just have to go out and buy more stuff. [Just a little joke folks.]</span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;">APPENDUM</span> </h2>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"> Just 30 Days Later</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">It's been almost exactly 30 days - a Month - since I set up the Raised Bed Onion Box and planted about 150 bulbs in it. This is how it looked today. I added about an inch of screened garden compost to the top just about 3 days ago to not only give the onions nourishment, but to help keep the soil moist as we move into summer. I will begin a regular regime of adding a diluted mix of Manure Tea about every 2 weeks as well as digging in a little bone meal and Manganese Sulfate - Epson Salts. This will continue until the tops start falling over and the watering and fertilizer will be cut back to prepare the onions for harvesting. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWhM-S20ShQ/U7X0b8qK3QI/AAAAAAAAFQA/upT2hYB8XsA/s1600/Bulb+Onions+-+30+days+later+-++July+03+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWhM-S20ShQ/U7X0b8qK3QI/AAAAAAAAFQA/upT2hYB8XsA/s1600/Bulb+Onions+-+30+days+later+-++July+03+2014.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">So there you are. If you wish to contact me you may do so at</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">RobertLee97@Gmail.com. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">May you have a Great Garden this Year! </span></span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">GrandBob</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">PS:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">If you would like to make a comment, I would love to hear from you about gardening. Unfortunately, the comment section doesn't seem to be working well and people have to jump through hoops to make a comment. I can't seem to fix it so I will probably remove it in the near future. Just send an e-mail to the address above. The Wicked Witch of the West (who lives in Western Kansas), will be monitoring all comments before publication.<br /><br />Note: The largest Onion bulb I got out of the Batch was 3 inches in diameter. The average was about 2 - 1/2 inches. I harvested over 130 usable onions in the 3X3 Foot Square plot. The soil mix test turned out very successful I believe. </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-44555563647523739212014-06-21T20:49:00.000-05:002014-06-24T11:03:31.215-05:00Square Box Gardening #13 - How to Plant Big Bulb Onions in My Raised Bed Onion Box<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Have you built the Raised Onion Bed that I give instruction for a few days ago? Well, even if you haven't, this information will help you to get those Big Onions like you buy in the Grocery Store. The only difference is they haven't aged in a warehouse for several weeks! You know exactly how they were Processed, Where they come from and how Fresh they are. And using a raised bed in a box, you know exactly how much water you used, what kind of fertilizer, and what soil mix you used to get the best production. To help you repeat the successes you had next year - or correct your failures! The best part of Learning to Garden. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> If you just found my blog, check the Article List in the right column to find the article that immediately proceeds this one. "Growing Large Onions in a Raised Bed Onion Bed".</span><br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"> Preparing the Raised Bed Onion Box for Planting</span></h2>
<div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Find a level spot for your box if you can. As you can see, the Onion Box I built is Not setting on a very level area. The Right side is about 2 inches higher than the left! I can dig down on the Right side (and both ends somewhat) to set the box down level with the Left side. Or I could level the box, set it on some small blocks and shovel a small truck load of Fill dirt on the Left side. Or I could build a "Skirt" around the box that will keep the box level and save a ton of extra work. At my age, I am Not into tons! I am more into 2 or 3 gallons or even 2 or 3 cups! It's the very reason I got interested in Square Box Gardening. So I would still be able to garden after the lumbago and arthritis set in. Thankfully, I haven't suffered much from either one so far. I digress.... Anyway, I chose the "Skirting" method. Which we will get to in a few minutes.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJq6YVq5QJQ/U6XgPuiKiTI/AAAAAAAAFDw/7wrtzhOjToA/s1600/100_6345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJq6YVq5QJQ/U6XgPuiKiTI/AAAAAAAAFDw/7wrtzhOjToA/s1600/100_6345.JPG" height="400" width="226" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Because of the semi-hurricane force winds we've been getting lately here in South Central Kansas, I layed it down and quickly threw a few chunks of soil on the plastic to keep the box from doing the kart-wheel, kite thing. You probably know, if you built one of these Onion Boxes, as large as they are; they are surprisingly light and can easily be toted to the garden under one arm. Myself, I tracked down my dear wife playing free-cell on her laptop where it was air conditioned and comfy while I sweated and swatted in the noon-day sun! I figure two arm carriers are better than one.</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> Leveling Out the Box</span></h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1XMSoFm3AbI/U6XgPDPWdzI/AAAAAAAAFDs/nh9Np4n09R4/s1600/100_6346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1XMSoFm3AbI/U6XgPDPWdzI/AAAAAAAAFDs/nh9Np4n09R4/s1600/100_6346.JPG" height="226" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> The best tool for leveling is a large construction site level - but any level at hand will work. You can even make your own. Take a 2-liter bottle with a cap. You put water in it about half full. close the cap. Lay the bottle on its side on a flat surface that is level. With a marker, mark where the water comes to the center of the cap and another mark where the water comes to the center of the bottom. Lay the bottle with it's marks on something you want to check for lever. Rotate the bottle until one of the marks meets the water line. Lift or lower the other end of the bottle until the opposite mark Also meets the water line. When both points match up with each other, you have a Level and your bottle is teetering right over the center of the earth! Check your box with it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Save the water filled bottle. The next time your wash machine starts walking across the floor or your drier tries to fly, use your bottle to check for level. In All directions - side to side; front to back. Do likewise with your onion box. This is probably one of the most important steps you will take in setting up your box correctly. If your box is not fairly level, you may see a lot of soil and plants go over the side with the next big gully-washer you have. You might even put a few marks around the box marking one inch up from the soil after it is firmed in. Fill water in the box to this level and you have just added an equivalent of an inch of rain to your onions. In reality, if you have good draining soil, a half-inch mark might be more accurate when you are watering. Experiment. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Sometimes, your ground is just slopping to much like mine was in this picture. In that case, you will need to have extra boards ready to "Skirt" the bottom of the box and make up the difference. I draw a line all around the box that is 3 inches from the top. Fit your boards to meet this line and screw them to the Onion Box. Dig down along the sides until the boards set solid and the tops are level with the Onion Box.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oeb0IYV6puc/U6XgbfdX5RI/AAAAAAAAFEc/r7qLP6kLsg8/s1600/100_6386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oeb0IYV6puc/U6XgbfdX5RI/AAAAAAAAFEc/r7qLP6kLsg8/s1600/100_6386.JPG" height="640" width="362" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large; text-align: left;">If you have to skirt the box, place stakes around the sides of the box to keep the pressure from the soil from bulging out the bottom.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large; text-align: left;">I used 1 X 2 stakes. Snugged them flush to the skirt sides and pounded them in deep. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDqpZSDbJMA/U6Xgda_4E1I/AAAAAAAAFEk/lGP9qGvkm68/s1600/100_6387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDqpZSDbJMA/U6Xgda_4E1I/AAAAAAAAFEk/lGP9qGvkm68/s1600/100_6387.JPG" height="226" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Here is a close-up showing how the corners were reinforced. Use as many stakes as you need.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5KbkVJIuG8/U6XggHNM5BI/AAAAAAAAFEw/P3Yjcl7KZ5E/s1600/100_6388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5KbkVJIuG8/U6XggHNM5BI/AAAAAAAAFEw/P3Yjcl7KZ5E/s1600/100_6388.JPG" height="640" width="362" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Add about a quarter of the soil mix at a time. with the palm of your </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">hand, gently firm the soil all around the box. A little more firmer at the very edges of the box. J</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">ust as you would a flower pot. Add more layers and firm the same until you are about 1-1/2 inches from the top of the box. </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> You need to leave about that</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> much for when you need to add water. Check your soil fairly often. Your onion soil should be damp just below the surface at all times. </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> Never let the onions dry out. </span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T9zh_cU-XqE/U6XggcNMT2I/AAAAAAAAFE0/wcvQT7sFBMI/s1600/100_6389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T9zh_cU-XqE/U6XggcNMT2I/AAAAAAAAFE0/wcvQT7sFBMI/s1600/100_6389.JPG" height="226" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">I use a board marked off in 4 inch increments at a guide. I also mark the top of the box along the length every 4 inches. This gives me nice and uniform points to make holes for the Onion bulbs. The holes should not be very deep. About an inch. The tops should just barely poke through the soil. This would be the pointy end up. The blunt end down. As shown in the picture below. </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vUeHc4Q_J4Y/U6Yu32nhPyI/AAAAAAAAFGg/tiB26vx03KI/s1600/100_6396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vUeHc4Q_J4Y/U6Yu32nhPyI/AAAAAAAAFGg/tiB26vx03KI/s1600/100_6396.JPG" height="362" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">The dirt encrusted Fore finger and Thumb nail are extra. The bulbs should be plump and firm. Throw any tiny bulbs or dried out husks away. They will not sprout and would be a waste of space.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zA1JZgM3ACY/U6XglWLPnPI/AAAAAAAAFFU/2eFg8rhj1OI/s1600/100_6400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zA1JZgM3ACY/U6XglWLPnPI/AAAAAAAAFFU/2eFg8rhj1OI/s1600/100_6400.JPG" height="362" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Your Onion Bed should look something like this when you are finished. cover just a little and firm down with the palm of your hand. I have heard that some onions are actually just dropped in an</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">open furrow and they plant themselves. I really don't know about that. About a week or two later your onion bed should look like this. I water mine every day enough to keep the top moist. If it looks like rain - I water it anyway. </span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IZj6lSpjFds/U6XgtuTMBYI/AAAAAAAAFGU/GaUdhzF4cqU/s1600/100_6439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IZj6lSpjFds/U6XgtuTMBYI/AAAAAAAAFGU/GaUdhzF4cqU/s1600/100_6439.JPG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">I hope you enjoyed the articles about building an Onion Box and how to plant your onions. This is a another article in the "Square box Series - although the box isn't square, the principals are the same. If you get tired of planting onions in this box, you can plant spinach, or carrots, or just about anything will grow and grow well in these boxes. </span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Until next time, Happy Growing!</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">GrandBob</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Robert Mader</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-79115065064332297322014-06-20T20:29:00.000-05:002014-06-24T11:01:12.889-05:00Square Box Gardening # 12 Growing Large Bulb Onions in a Raised Bed Onion Box<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">Grow over 150 Large Bulb Onions in a Raised Bed Box Smaller than a Ping-Pong Table!</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Everybody knows how to grow Green Onions or Scallions. Well, almost everybody. However, growing Big Bulb "Dinner Onions" like the ones you find at the local Grocer seems to be a big challenge - at least for most of the gardeners I know in South Central Kansas. We mostly have ours shipped in from Texas or Mexico. But you don't actually Grow them here Ourselves!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Really? The first year I tried to grow big onions I was moderately successful. They weren't 3 or 4 inchers but they were a respectable baseball size! Bigger than the Green Onions or Scallions everyone else grows. They were even bigger than a Quarter! I was so happy. I was jumping up and down when I pulled them. (That was back when I could still jump up and down).</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">I didn't know a lot about growing Onions then but I kept trying. I learned a few Secrets of Growing Large Onions from bulbs.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Don't bury seed bulbs too deep. The tops (pointy end) should break the soil when you plant them.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">The Soil should be a little sandy. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> Very little Clay should be in your soil mix. Sand and clay will make for a Concrete Soil plate that keeps both water and air and nutrients from reaching your plant roots. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Do not use Childrens or Sand Box sand. It is way to fine. Use Construction sand. I got mine from sacks of sand to weigh down cars and trucks on icy roads. Ace Hardware had it. I have unknowingly purchased the weight bags with childrens sand in them. Don't use these. The sand particles should be 1/16 to 1/8 inch in diameter. Check to be sure. The Plant Nursery I frequent didn't have Sand period. "Lowes", "Home Depot", most any respectable lumber yard should have construction grade (course) sand. Don't leave it out of your soil mix. I suppose that Perlite from the Plant Nursery would be a decent replacement although it will cost you a bundle for enough to mix with your Onion Box soil. Instead of sand.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Use finished Compost to mix in your soil. Cotton Boll is good but is usually not finished composting and can overheat your bed (smothering new plants) when it is mixed in at planting time. You should add it a couple of months before planting time if you can. Other than that, I find it excellent. Most Nurseries have it. If you open the sack and it is still hot and moist inside, it shouldn't be used with new plant soil mixes. Completed Compost from your own pile will also work and is Free! Likewise, "Composted Cow Manure". It will burn your plants and either set them back or even kill them. If it is giving off heat, it is not finished. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Water, Water, Water. Onions love water - but can't live in constant wet. No Rice-Paddy like plots that drain slowly after raining or watering. The water should disappear within a few minutes or so at the surface. Thus the use of a well-drained (sandy) soil mix for your onions.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Fertilize, fertilize, fertilize. After the plants start growing until they slow down near the harvesting period in late summer or fall. About every week or so. Onions mature in about 100 days around here. If you are in the Northern States, you should plant "Long Day" Bulbs. In Southern States, you should buy "Short Day" Bulbs. In Mid states, buy an Intermediate bulb but almost any bulb whether short or long day will also work. Use a fertilizer with at least 10% Nitrogen. The first number in the series. 15% is even better and I have heard as high as 20% is OK. Seems a little high to me but - experiment. The Number series will not show a percentage sign - though that is what it is. You will see on the box or bottle of fertilizer a number series. 3 numbers separated by a dash. For example, I have an inexpensive box of granulated fertilizer called "Nursery and Landscape" put out by Penngreen (R). An all around use fertilizer. On the box is the number series 14-4-7. Good soil has 3 Major plant Nutrients: These three are always shown the same. The first Nutrient in the number series (14) is the Nitrogen Percentage in the fertilizer. The second number - 4 - is Phosphorus. And the third number is Potassium. Each has it's own Chemical designation. N-P-K in the number series. As a comparison, My Fish Emulsion Fertilizer is 5-1-1. My box of Miracle Grow granulated fertilizer is 28-8-16. 28 percent N, 8% P, and 16% K. Adding up to a total of 52% of Major Nutrients and 48 percent other minor or less important ingredients. In a later article i hope to go into fertilizers more through. For now, read the labels carefully. Check to see what plants they are recommended for. Onions need a ton of nitrogen. But your tomato plants while they need a good quantity of nitrogen, could end up producing mostly leaves with to much! </span></li>
</ol>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Plant more onions in a raised bed. 3 to 4 inches in all directions. You don't need the "12 inch space between cultivator rows". You don't need empty rows. You should have few weeds to tend with and are easy to pull out once or twice during the growing season. Onions must be kept weed free. Weeds steal nutrients. Keep the beds clean. It should be easy. One of the benefits</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> of Raised Bed growing. You should be able to plant at least 150 to 175 bulbs in this bed. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> ------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> Building a Raised Bed Onion Box</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">I am now going to show you how to build a Raised Bed Onion Box. Simple, easy, inexpensive. This bed is about 3 foot wide and 6 foot long. Feel free to alter the lengths and widths. You may use Concrete Blocks or Timbers if you like. This is just an inexpensive way to build an Inexpensive, Simple, Easy to build Onion Bed to help you get started. Then I will help you Plant the Box. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">You will need:</span></span></h4>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> Hand Drill and cheap set of small bits 1/4 inch and less.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> Hammer</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> Hand Saw if you have no Table Saw to make cut-offs.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> A level ( I will show you how to make a "Bottle Level" that requires a bottle with a cap filled half way with water. a drop of food coloring etc. might help.) A level is essential. Or simply fill the bed with water after putting the soil in and making sure it is even with the sides all the way around the box. But you must observe quickly before the water disappears!</span></li>
</ul>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Materials:</span></h4>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> 3 Cedar or Pine Fence Boards</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> Dry Wall Screws</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> 2 x 2 x 8 board</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> Any Oil Paint or Outdoor Wood Stain or thin Oil Paint</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Note: You may be planting on a steep grade or very bumpy Ground. One end of the bed may sit flush on the ground and the opposite end (when leveled) may have a 2 inch Gap! To have a level bed, you may need to add a "Skirt" at the bottom. This will double your Fence Boards if you apply a "Skirt." Or you may just have to add or subtract soil here and there. I will explain this later.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"> Dog Ears</span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Xy1Cd3XPhI/U6SvpX19NnI/AAAAAAAAFBA/1e994ac8r0M/s1600/100_6316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Xy1Cd3XPhI/U6SvpX19NnI/AAAAAAAAFBA/1e994ac8r0M/s1600/100_6316.JPG" height="256" width="400" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Cut off the dog ear as shown on the end of each board. This will explain why the 6 foot boards end up making a 70 inch or so Onion Bed - unless you borrow a board stretcher from an obliging neighbor. These are very, very rare and hardly available any more.... </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Cut One of the 3 boards in half after cutting off the "dog ears". You now have 2 Side Boards about 70 inches long and 2 End Boards about 35 inches long. The important thing about the lengths is that the Sides match and the Ends match. If you want to end up with a nice squared off box.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Dry Wall Screws</span></span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LjOpoo5VwFc/U6Svpg70dYI/AAAAAAAAFCE/PkJYoL-NlYE/s1600/100_6319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LjOpoo5VwFc/U6Svpg70dYI/AAAAAAAAFCE/PkJYoL-NlYE/s1600/100_6319.JPG" height="400" width="226" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">You will need at least 12 drywall (now often called "Multi-Use") screws as shown above. If you add a Skirt, you will probably need more. They should be at least 1-1/4 long. You might use Galvanized Nails #6 - the same length or longer. I believe screws go in faster and hold the boards together better. It's a toss up. Use what you are comfortable with. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">2 X 2 Corner Braces</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWDXUxt-yQM/U6SvptcpDQI/AAAAAAAAFCM/DtUfOc1NQuE/s1600/100_6320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWDXUxt-yQM/U6SvptcpDQI/AAAAAAAAFCM/DtUfOc1NQuE/s1600/100_6320.JPG" height="320" width="181" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Cut Four 2 X 2 Corner Braces. The End Boards are fastened to the Corner Braces and then the Side Boards are fastened to those Corner Braces. It is not advisable to attach the end boards to the side boards directly. The finished box would be to awkward and with not very strong end joints. The Corner Braces are shown above. They should be the Width of the Boards Long plus One Inch. About 6-1/2 inches long. The Stub allows you to stack and secure another set of boards to make a deeper Bed if you wish to use it for other plants later. Make a second Box. Attach it to the Original and Screw it on. The Second Box would have braces Short one inch from the bottom and would be held firmly in place by box # 1 and a few screws where the 2 corners but together. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Boxed Potatoes any one? Or giant carrots! Do you see the possibilities? I hope to build something like this for potatoes or other deep rooted plants in the near future.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"> How to avoid Splitting the Board Ends</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJcb1-bZVQM/U6SvqhKl-eI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/sWk_iUBwveg/s1600/100_6324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJcb1-bZVQM/U6SvqhKl-eI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/sWk_iUBwveg/s1600/100_6324.JPG" height="261" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">I used a 7/16 inch width bit to drill the Screw Holes in the boards. Because the holes are very close to the end, the pressure from driving the screws directly without drilling a Pilot Hole first, would likely split the end out. Pilot holes should be slightly smaller across than the screw that is to be inserted in the hole. This allows for some grip for the screw but prevents break-out. <br /> A 1/4 bit is used here to make a "Dimple" around the holes to allow the head of the Dry-Wall Screws to set Flush with the board. That way the Screw Head sets down in the board nice and pretty.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> It just looks better!</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WjOwi4woNO4/U6SvrbAekGI/AAAAAAAAFBg/2emtp6LllNg/s1600/100_6325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WjOwi4woNO4/U6SvrbAekGI/AAAAAAAAFBg/2emtp6LllNg/s1600/100_6325.JPG" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">This is a close-up of how the screws are set in. This is an End Piece. Notice it is Flush with the Corner Piece. and the screws are centered to the Corner Piece with One Inch sticking out.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z0EKi1Z_fpM/U6Svrq8JVmI/AAAAAAAAFCI/UNS-dZJG4I0/s1600/100_6327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z0EKi1Z_fpM/U6Svrq8JVmI/AAAAAAAAFCI/UNS-dZJG4I0/s1600/100_6327.JPG" height="221" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> Here you see the two finished Ends of the Box.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"> Stagger the Screws</span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ssLGyoPBdAI/U6Svr5aFerI/AAAAAAAAFB4/wvLwMwGCIlA/s1600/100_6328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ssLGyoPBdAI/U6Svr5aFerI/AAAAAAAAFB4/wvLwMwGCIlA/s1600/100_6328.JPG" height="246" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Here I have drilled 2 Pilot Holes in each end of the Sides.</span></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Notice how the 2 holes are " Staggered" between the End Piece Screws. This is so the screws will not run into each other and cause a disaster! A common carpenter practice. "Staggering" that is....</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Find a Flat Surface as Large as Your Onion Box</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RYfxPKQWqnU/U6SvrzSfS8I/AAAAAAAAFBw/Who4qSC6_qk/s1600/100_6331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RYfxPKQWqnU/U6SvrzSfS8I/AAAAAAAAFBw/Who4qSC6_qk/s1600/100_6331.JPG" height="208" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> You must have a fairly flat surface to attach the Sides to the End Boards. The two boards should be flush with each other at the top of the boards and at the ends where they meet. Also notice, the two side screws that you see on the dark Side Board are set further back to accommodate the Flush attachment to the End Board.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">Attach a 2 X 2 Center Brace</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4dNnsg6Epc/U6SvsapwaHI/AAAAAAAAFCA/feNfN9KHMLk/s1600/100_6333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4dNnsg6Epc/U6SvsapwaHI/AAAAAAAAFCA/feNfN9KHMLk/s1600/100_6333.JPG" height="320" width="244" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Add A Center 2 x 2 board - not shown in the earlier pictures. Attach it dead center and flush with the top of the sides with a couple screws. This keeps the pressure of the soil from being able to bow out the center of the Onion Box.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"> Finishing the Box Will Allow the</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"> Onion Box to Last Several Years.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C883E3KhNJk/U6TQ-A65NpI/AAAAAAAAFCg/pN5c1zHKkRo/s1600/100_6337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C883E3KhNJk/U6TQ-A65NpI/AAAAAAAAFCg/pN5c1zHKkRo/s1600/100_6337.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Although you can pay 35 to 40 dollars a gallon for outdoor wood stain you might check with the hardware stores to see if they have any Clearance Stain. These are usually a little old and have a slight "off " smell when you open them. These are water base and the latex puts out a sour smell. It is slight. Merchants know people want what they pay for and they don't want "old " stain for 35 dollars! These are usually marked way down as clearance items and theyt can add any color. I like redwood for my boxes. Some of my boxes are 10 or more years old.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">The "On Clearance" stain cost me $1 a gallon. I snatched up 5 gallons and they were so glad to get rid of it they colored it for free!</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">If you cannot find a deal like this, use any old oil paint and thin it by half with Mineral Spirits (AKA Paint Thinner) to make a good penetrating outdoor wood stain. Use a cheap brush. The rough cedar wood will destroy the brush in the end!</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"> Add a Cheap Plastic Bottom - </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"> Stop Weeds and Grass</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Using this method, you can just set the Onion Box on the Grass by stapling on a cheap plastic bottom. A couple of Industrial Strength Garbage Bags - opened up - will work super! I had some extra "Landscape Cloth" laying around the Garage and I used it. Lay across the box from side to side. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HhH47PEBwZE/U6TQ-ApPFdI/AAAAAAAAFCo/UQhc-y06LYI/s1600/100_6338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HhH47PEBwZE/U6TQ-ApPFdI/AAAAAAAAFCo/UQhc-y06LYI/s1600/100_6338.JPG" height="226" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Overlap 3 or 4 inches. Staple or Tack down a few places. Cut</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large; text-align: left;"> off and lay another along side of it (overlapping ) until you have covered the full length. Trim around the edge when you are done leaving about a 2 inch overlap. Try to get it done before it rains...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KLJE1iL7cVo/U6TQ-ABWdgI/AAAAAAAAFCk/smoHBpvWE84/s1600/100_6339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KLJE1iL7cVo/U6TQ-ABWdgI/AAAAAAAAFCk/smoHBpvWE84/s1600/100_6339.JPG" height="251" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can get 4 mil plastic sheets at the dollar store for about 5 dollars and have lots left over. Winterizing Plastic would do. Heavy industrial use 6 mil plastic comes in big rolls at Ace Hardware. It's a little expensive and you'll have a lot left over. However, Its considered Greenhouse acceptable! </span><span style="font-size: large;"> Build a Hoop </span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">Post settings</a><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">House with the extra. Somewhere around here you will find an article I wrote on how to do just that! Check the Article list. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> And Here is the Finished Onion Box</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PunHDo0Uuv4/U6TQ_aYwgVI/AAAAAAAAFC8/ed3pMw7GsHE/s1600/100_6341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PunHDo0Uuv4/U6TQ_aYwgVI/AAAAAAAAFC8/ed3pMw7GsHE/s1600/100_6341.JPG" height="362" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"> Up Next: "How to Plant Big Bulb Onions".</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"> Future Articles in the Works:</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"> " Onions that Stand Tall and Walk Around"</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"> " My Onion Soil Mix Recipe" </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"> " Build an Easy Onion Drying Rack"</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div>
</div>
</div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-2293784934396487072014-04-30T00:28:00.000-05:002014-06-22T14:38:02.501-05:00 Egg Carton Tomato Seedlings - Fast, Easy, Cheap!: <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">I heard someone say it is finally Springtime. Well. There is no Snow at least in South Central Kansas! My "Weather Bug" tells me the temperature outside is now 43 degrees and heading down until Morning. I have a ton of work to do in my Garden but my bones say it's just to cold out there. Do I worked up a new Project I hope you will try. </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There is a little project I have been wanting to try for several years and I decided to give it a go:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">Starting my Seedlings in Egg Cartons.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">I done a little experimenting and come up with what I think is an exciting new way to do this. I've seen the method where you save eggshell halves, put them in an Egg Carton, then later transplant them to the garden or pots. But I didn't have </span><span style="font-size: large;">any </span><span style="font-size: large;">Shells when I started this project. So I came up with a way to use the Egg Carton only - with a little cutting. Either with a Big Kitchen Sheers or a Little Band-Saw - which is Faster!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I used the old-style "Paper Mache" type Cartons mostly but the new Strafoam Egg Cartons will work to start the plants - though you won't be able to go directly into the Garden with them. You will need to transplant the plants into trays or pots as soon as they start putting out their True Leaves. It will depend on the plants you seed into the cartons wether you need to transplant into holding pots or trays with the old gray Paper Mache cartons. With the Styrofoam cartons, the lids have no holes and make perfect drip trays with out any extra work. However, the Paper Mache wick water very fast and very little gets into the Tray Lid anyway. Most Paper Mache Cartons have a Top Lid with Holes in it. Just lay a strip of newspaper or Aluminum foil down to catch the drips (if there is any) You might want a drain hole in the Styrofoam egg cups but it probably isn't necessary in the Paper Mache egg cups. They dry out pretty quickly and you will need to mist (before the seeds sprout) and water (after they start sprouting) daily - or more often.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Be sure to Never let the cups dry out completely. </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Step One: Prepare the Carton for reassembly.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zo9Sdc4_kVI/U2BogfZ7ajI/AAAAAAAADtw/ztCf84tXah8/s1600/100_6249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zo9Sdc4_kVI/U2BogfZ7ajI/AAAAAAAADtw/ztCf84tXah8/s1600/100_6249.JPG" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qAZxFqIIdOk/U2Bogxtqd3I/AAAAAAAADuA/lIxmGc2hJZg/s1600/100_6250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qAZxFqIIdOk/U2Bogxtqd3I/AAAAAAAADuA/lIxmGc2hJZg/s1600/100_6250.JPG" height="181" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Cut the locking flap from the carton.<br />Cut the Top from the Egg Cups. </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Not shown but best do it now, Cut down the center of the Egg cups so you have 2 sections. This is easy with a small saw but can be done with a Scissors. Be careful with your fingers. This part Can be a little tricky. Always know where your fingers are while you cut. </span><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">If you are a natural Cluts, let someone else do this for you! Spare your fingers!</span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Step Two: You can use the Lid Lock Piece to block the holes in the side of the Egg Carton Lid Piece. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #ea9999; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75NYRFKHoic/U2Bogqf_C6I/AAAAAAAADt4/tk25Lzm4Dis/s1600/100_6251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75NYRFKHoic/U2Bogqf_C6I/AAAAAAAADt4/tk25Lzm4Dis/s1600/100_6251.JPG" height="181" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="color: #ea9999;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #ea9999; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jhrjn6cw970/U2Bohb713FI/AAAAAAAADuI/j2vawVbzyRg/s1600/100_6252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jhrjn6cw970/U2Bohb713FI/AAAAAAAADuI/j2vawVbzyRg/s1600/100_6252.JPG" height="181" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"> </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Apply Glue to the Carton Lid Soon to be your Drip Tray.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #ea9999; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nmSjJ30mkMc/U2Boh9pFaJI/AAAAAAAADuM/k4QBSqWdmIY/s1600/100_6253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nmSjJ30mkMc/U2Boh9pFaJI/AAAAAAAADuM/k4QBSqWdmIY/s1600/100_6253.JPG" height="181" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Apply a little pressure for a few minutes until the two pieces start to hold. Go to the next step.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Step Three: (You may skip this part if your Carton Lid has no holes. Or you just don't care anyway!)</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #ea9999; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bzg4dDrzlBU/U2BoixkdfbI/AAAAAAAADug/RumrgPRKMDM/s1600/100_6255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bzg4dDrzlBU/U2BoixkdfbI/AAAAAAAADug/RumrgPRKMDM/s1600/100_6255.JPG" height="181" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Seal the holes in the Carton Lid with a piece of Cardboard, Plastic Wrap, or Aluminum Foil if you are worried about leaks.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Step Four: Set the Egg Holder Cup sections in the Tray you have just finished.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dAH_MUF_-Jc/U2Bojc1-psI/AAAAAAAADuo/sXRBLtpBTtw/s1600/100_6256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dAH_MUF_-Jc/U2Bojc1-psI/AAAAAAAADuo/sXRBLtpBTtw/s1600/100_6256.JPG" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">I cut off the tips of the middle section just because they looked crazy and awkward like that. Do what you will with them.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your Egg Carton is Ready to Seed! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">I will show you how I do this if you would like.</span><br />
<span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;"><b>Seeding Your Egg Carton Trays</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">For Seedlings, I like to use this Mix. You may use what you wish.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">1 part sifted Compost</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">1 Part sifted (1/4 inch screen) Perlite</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 Part sifted (</span><span style="font-size: large;">1/4 inch screen) Potting Soil .</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">I mix it well then add enough water to make a moist (but not muddy) mix. If you over-do the water. Just add in a little dry Mix until it is the right consistency. If you squeeze a handful, no water should drip out of the lump. It should hold together by itself for a few seconds. Construction Sand (not fine play sand) may be used in place of the Perlite. However, Perlite holds moisture. Sand does not requiring your watering or misting more frequently. (The seeds must remain moist but not wet.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Step One: Put Seeding Soil Mix in the Egg Cups.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mFuIZQiF7OA/U2Bojh_M_6I/AAAAAAAADuw/QGvs4XfUQNY/s1600/100_6257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mFuIZQiF7OA/U2Bojh_M_6I/AAAAAAAADuw/QGvs4XfUQNY/s1600/100_6257.JPG" height="181" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Fill the Egg Cups with your Soil Mix. Firm each down slightly with your fingers. You should feel a little resistance. Let up.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-59WYCthOqmg/U2Boktl0eDI/AAAAAAAADvA/_N9ITNWFzS0/s1600/100_6259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-59WYCthOqmg/U2Boktl0eDI/AAAAAAAADvA/_N9ITNWFzS0/s1600/100_6259.JPG" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">S</span><span style="font-size: large;">tep Two: Poke holes for the seeds. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wunFqI3grK4/U2BokOQbRqI/AAAAAAAADu4/d8A_5AAC7Eg/s1600/100_6258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wunFqI3grK4/U2BokOQbRqI/AAAAAAAADu4/d8A_5AAC7Eg/s1600/100_6258.JPG" height="181" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">I use a short piece of 1/4 inch wooden dowel for most seeds. A Pencil would do if you like. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Poke a hole in each Cup to the depth you seed package recommends.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Step Three: Put Seeds in the holes.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-raRryrCrEQ4/U2Bok8kKAGI/AAAAAAAADvE/K8RvOiUJq6o/s1600/100_6260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-raRryrCrEQ4/U2Bok8kKAGI/AAAAAAAADvE/K8RvOiUJq6o/s1600/100_6260.JPG" height="181" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Drop one seed in each hole.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br />You can put 2 or 3 seeds if you are seeding Tomatoes or Peppers because you can later carefully separate the plant roots from each other and transplant each little plant to its own pot.<br /> Most seeds are sold with a 85% germination rate expected so usually <u>All </u>will come up with only 12 Pots to an Egg Carton. I just plant extras if I am not sure I will have enough. Egg Cartons are Cheap - and I save most of my own seeds anyway so they're<br />cheap too!</span><br />
<span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w9m_wbT7kgE/U2BolUatQBI/AAAAAAAADvQ/wWe8XERPSsk/s1600/100_6261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w9m_wbT7kgE/U2BolUatQBI/AAAAAAAADvQ/wWe8XERPSsk/s1600/100_6261.JPG" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">However, I would recommend only One seed for plants such as</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Cantaloupes, Squash, Cucumbers or Watermelons, Pumpkins etc.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Step Four: Drop a little soil in each hole to cover the seeds and again press down lightly to firm in the seeds.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uzSZ8SaOmDI/U2BolpPsmAI/AAAAAAAADvo/B5PRn9LVIWU/s1600/100_6262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uzSZ8SaOmDI/U2BolpPsmAI/AAAAAAAADvo/B5PRn9LVIWU/s1600/100_6262.JPG" height="181" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Step Five: Again lightly mist the seeds planted until the soil is wet on the top.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--c5ppJOzAQo/U2BomTSKFBI/AAAAAAAADvY/FnOVBgnkgIo/s1600/100_6263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--c5ppJOzAQo/U2BomTSKFBI/AAAAAAAADvY/FnOVBgnkgIo/s1600/100_6263.JPG" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">The Tricky Part about Germinating Seeds: </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The seeds must be kept moist at all times. The Temperature should be at least Room Temperature (72 degrees or so) at all times. There must not be any chilly drafts. The seeded containers should be covered at all times Except allow at least an hour of fresh air to pass over the Egg Cartons every Day. This goes a long way to preventing "Dampening Off" or introducing Mildew to the soil surface. I Very few plants need light to germinate. I think maybe lettuce. But don't quote me! A Bread Sack fits nicely over an Egg Carton to Keep the soil moist and warm. I allow a little air to get in</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">I sometimes use Freezer Bags and leave the ends unzipped. And open them wide for more fresh air for about an Hour a day. Every day!</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Again: Keep Warm.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> Keep damp (Never Wet).</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> Give Fresh Air at least Once a Day for about an hour.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> Keep Covered to avoid drying out.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> When the first seedlings sprout - Give them light!</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> Remove the Cover but keep the new plants moist. and </span><br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">When you see the Seedlings Start to come up: </span></b><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">When the first few seedlings appear, get the whole tray under lights immediately. Even a desk light (non-hot) Fluorescent is best. No more than a foot away with 75 or 100 watts equivalent.<br /> Old Incandescent bulbs will Cook your tender new plants. Do not get any closer than a foot to 18 inches. <br /><br /> Florescent bulbs can get within 2 or 3 inches of the top leaves. The closer the better for more light. If you cut the distance from the light by half - your plants get 4 times Stronger. It's the law!</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">You need to get rid of the covering completely to keep the new seedlings from touching the cover. Which can introduce rot to the leaves. </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Under ideal conditions, some of your seedlings will sprout from almost Twice as fast as shown on the seed package. Don't be surprised! Tomatoes are fast. Peppers as still a little slow.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you have any questions you may use the comment section that follows or even faster - the E-Mail address provided. New Subscribers can get free stuff. We will let you know if you E-mail us.<br /> If you like this article, please share it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc. We need More Gardeners in the World! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for stopping by</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">GrandBob</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>RobertLee@Gmail.Com</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-47828636904444158132013-04-06T00:28:00.000-05:002014-06-23T15:39:33.130-05:00Square Box Gardening #11<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b>Drought </b>Breaking <b> </b>Snow just in Time</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">The Drought has been tempered here in South Central Kansas, somewhat. Unlike last year, the Wheat fields are looking very healthy this year. Where water usage would have been under tight control this year, we may get a respite from that. At least not as severe as it could have been. All the ponds in the Flint Hills were almost completely dried up and Ranchers were preparing to carry water to the cattle in tankers if possible. Hopefully that will not happen. We just received another quarter inch a day or so ago. We used to call this laughinly "The Monsoon Season" starting in March. Actually, Tornado season has started along with the late snow and recent rains.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">I removed most of the Heavy leaf and mulch from my 10 square foot boxes with over-wintered Garlic. I experimented with How Many Garlics Can I Grow in a Square Foot Box just 5-1/2 inches deep! The first box had about 10, then 20 then about 50 in the 10 box. If I didn't know better, I would say that every one came up. They made the winter with flying colors! With watering regularly and a little Organic Fertilizer and Compost Tea, we will see how they do in Mid Summer when they are ready to harvest. Can you grow 50 Garlic of moderate size in one square foot box? We'll see. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">The Asparagus that I unceramoniously plunked into the 2 Ft. by 2 Ft by 7-1/2 inch high box. 4 Square Foot of planting area was a little "iffy". These were purchased early last spring but never left the 2 inch pots because I had so many other things to do. I just kept them over and finally planted them in the Fall. In the one big box. About mid February, the soil finally froze under the thick layer of Straw and leaves (See Square Box Gardening # 10). The whispy green fonts had finally died back and the Asparagus had evidentally gone Dormant. Nothing. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> Around mid March, I rolled a little of the Mulch aside and checked to see what I could find. The fonts had dried up and were completely gone but here and there were a few thin, pale spears about a half inch high. So I closed the Mulch of dead leaves and straw back over them. We had good snows that completely covered the Box over with 8 to 10 inches of snow. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Near the end of March, just after all the snow had melted, I checked the Asparagus Box again. I saw more growth. Some of the plants seemed to have made it OK. And I saw more growth. The soil was not warm by any means, but it was completely crumbly and looked almost Scrumptious - or at least Should Have been appealing to a Plant!. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">The next day I removed all the straw and left just a thin layer of half composted leaves in the Garlic Boxes. I removed all the outer Straw layer from the the Asparagus and left about an inch of nearly composted leaves over the Asparagus. So they could get a little sun and wake them up alittle. Less than 3 days later, the snow came again and the Ambient Temperature Outside dropped to below freezing. I crossed my fingers. Today, I checked everything again. The Garlics are all 5 to 8 inches tall and growing great! I pulled back the compost on the Asparagus and there they were, Several new beautiful purple and green asparagus spears nearly 2 inches tall and looking very healthy. Hopefully, by next week, I can pull most of the composted leaves away as Spring finally takes over!</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">I am running a race with spring. I am building a new model of what I call my Plant Starter Box. It's time to start Tomatoes and Peppers. April 11, I will be 70 years old and I move a little slower than I used to. I'm also working out the stiffness of setting around all winter. My hinges are rusty! But I have confidence that as the weather warms up and the cold goes away, I will be getting a little more exercise and work out the kinks!</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">There is no better Exercise than Gardening. In one hour of stooping, kneeling, cultivating, watering, weed pulling; you will work every single muscle in your body. You might even find that you are loosing extra weight and feeling a lot more energetic than just a few days ago. Try it! NOTE: Sorry there are no pictures on this post. I have them on my computer, but it died. I am going to try to resurrect it with a new motherboard. I am posting this from my wifes computer. Actually, I have been lusting after a new laptop. But my Banker won't relenquish. Instead we are going to look around for a new motherboard for the computer purchased in 2005. Good Luck with that .... Wish me luck!</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Why not drop a comment. Or drop me a private E-Mail. I love to hear from my readers and I always try to answer them the same day - Sometimes the same hour if I am not outside piddling around the backyard or in my Garden or working in my garage on a new wood project! My E-Mail for GrandBob's Garden is</span><br />
<a href="mailto:robertlee97@gmail.com"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">robertlee97@gmail.com</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our "Home Town Market</span><span style="font-size: large;">" opens in late June! (Isn't that Crazy?) </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: large;">However, There are several nearby small towns that are opening their Farmers Market in April and May. I Hope to see you Wichita/Hutchenson Area people soon at one or more markets! Opening Market Dates are still tentative.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: large;">We can talk Garden and Herbs, and Plants and Stuff. Look for the Guy with the GrandBob's Garden Hat or T-Shirt!</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: black; font-size: large;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Happy Gardening!</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Bob</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">GrandBob</span><br />
<br /></div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-54397823790485104092013-03-01T19:45:00.000-06:002013-03-01T19:56:35.548-06:00Square Box Gardening # 10<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #ea9999;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span><br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e69138;">When is Winter Going to Start?</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">I went out yesterday to check on my<span style="font-size: large;"> plants wintering over in<span style="font-size: large;"> my Square Box Planters. M<span style="font-size: large;">ostly Garlic, Asparagus and one single cabbage plant. Planted in a box with a Plant Guard on top wrapped in Chicken wire. I also have a plot for Herb experiments and a few odd plants here an<span style="font-size: large;">d there like Onions, Leek and even Wild Ga<span style="font-size: large;">rlic.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was a <span style="font-size: large;">Gorgeous</span> Day. <span style="font-size: large;">A warm 55 degrees, <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">almost</span> perfectly calm. <span style="background-color: white;"></span>Not a cloud in the afternoon sky. </span>I made a tour of my little garden and took a few pictures. Let me show you what I found on this nearly 4th week of January<span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">I thought maybe <span style="font-size: large;">I might do some bush trimming. the Butterfly Bus<span style="font-size: large;">h is getting Humungous in it's 4 year. My daughter wants some cuttings taken from it too. But I didn't have any tools in hand so I just decided to forgo that job <span style="font-size: large;">For another day. I thought to myself, what can</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;">I show to my Friends on my Blog today? Everything's asleep in it's bed. waiting for Springt<span style="font-size: large;">ime <span style="font-size: large;">to bring life back to the garden. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #444444;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;">My 2 x 2 Square Box Asparagus Bed</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #444444;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WanUWfqR2UM/UPm6uUyspzI/AAAAAAAABSE/KJpFVXeU4FI/s1600/100_4631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WanUWfqR2UM/UPm6uUyspzI/AAAAAAAABSE/KJpFVXeU4FI/s400/100_4631.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">For th<span style="font-size: large;">ose who haven't ever been to my <span style="font-size: large;">Blog, I am a<span style="font-size: large;"> garden experimenter. I like to try new things and check on old garden Wives tales and Tips. <span style="font-size: large;">I like to keep up <span style="font-size: large;">with</span> the latest <span style="font-size: large;">innovations</span> in<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>gardening as well. </span>Here is <span style="font-size: large;">a shot of my <span style="font-size: large;">heavily</span> mulched Box<span style="font-size: large;">es. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E5nsqAeTBTc/UPm6uvbdNrI/AAAAAAAABSA/8ZgP0ykG9PI/s1600/100_4632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E5nsqAeTBTc/UPm6uvbdNrI/AAAAAAAABSA/8ZgP0ykG9PI/s400/100_4632.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gfJM5oYtG7Q/UPm6ultxuHI/AAAAAAAABR8/xAV7vOoUXu0/s1600/100_4630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #6aa84f;">To the left is my larger 2 foot X 2 foot Box that contain about 2<span style="font-size: large;">5</span>0 or more 1 year Asparagus that I didn't have a plot prepared for. When fall came, here I had all the<span style="font-size: large;">se <span style="font-size: large;">Asparagus plants in 3 inch pots still sitting on my p<span style="font-size: large;">atio wait<span style="font-size: large;">ing to be planted. What to do<span style="font-size: large;">? I still had a new 2Ft<span style="font-size: large;">. X 2 Ft. <span style="font-size: large;">(48 x 48 <span style="font-size: large;">cm.<span style="font-size: large;">) Box that only needed to have my soil mix poured in and plants transplanted in. Hopefully, in the spring I will have a permanent bed prepared. I mulched a few leaves in last fall without co<span style="font-size: large;">vering the plants. Then when <span style="font-size: large;">Winter arrived, I added a 3 inch layer of Wheat Straw and on top of that added a<span style="font-size: large;">nother 2 to 3 inches of Leaves. Everything was covered in the Asparagus Box. On <span style="font-size: large;">the Right of <span style="font-size: large;">the <span style="font-size: large;">picture, you see the start of <span style="font-size: large;">a long row of 1Ft x 1 Ft (24 X 24 Cm.<span style="font-size: large;">) Boxes. that hold new <span style="font-size: large;">Garlic</span> starts. In the <span style="font-size: large;">early spring time around mid-march, I will start removing the top laye<span style="font-size: large;">rs of mulch and hopefully, the first layer of leaves will be completely composted. I will not throw anything away, the top mulch of Wheat Straw and <span style="font-size: large;">Leaves will end up on the compost pile. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #e69138;">Kind <span style="font-size: large;">Looks like a Melted Down Hay Stack!</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gfJM5oYtG7Q/UPm6ultxuHI/AAAAAAAABR8/xAV7vOoUXu0/s1600/100_4630.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gfJM5oYtG7Q/UPm6ultxuHI/AAAAAAAABR8/xAV7vOoUXu0/s400/100_4630.jpg" width="400" /></a> </span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">The stake to the back kind of gives you an idea of how deep the Mulch is which not only covers the Box but <span style="font-size: large;">also </span>surrounds the box as well. The stake comes up from the ground about <span style="font-size: large;">6 to 7 inches. The slight d<span style="font-size: large;">iscoloration smokey looking thing to the top left with the rainbow colors is <span style="font-size: large;">a</span> gho<span style="font-size: large;">st of summer past... A smear on my camera lens caught it. It just <span style="font-size: large;">hangs around... The mulch pile consists of a thin layer of leaves among the growing plants put down in<span style="font-size: large;"> the fall</span>. <span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">A</span>fter the plants have died down after t<span style="font-size: large;">he first fro<span style="font-size: large;">st</span></span>, a layer of Straw about 3 inches and then a layer of dead leaves are piled on as icing on the cake. These will have to be pulled back in the spring as the plants start to grow. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Readers. Occassionally "Blogger" decides to throw a curve and the background color of the text - or the text itself will change color, fo<span style="font-size: large;">nt size etc. There is no fixing it. To redo<span style="font-size: large;"> would probably just come up <span style="font-size: large;">with <span style="font-size: large;">the same results - different place. Ther<span style="font-size: large;">e is only so much re-d<span style="font-size: large;">oing and re-editing that I can do. Sometimes I just have to leave things as they are if I am <span style="font-size: large;">ever to get finished with a post. I must go on and I hope you will be patient. Eventually th<span style="font-size: large;">is software problem May be resolved by "Blogger". Until then, I will do my best. GrandBob</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span>A</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-91759796161070031592013-01-03T03:19:00.000-06:002013-03-01T19:48:58.559-06:00Square Box Gardening #9<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;">Winter <span style="font-size: large;">Begins</span> for Real -</span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"> A Harsh Test for Garlic and Asparagus Starter <span style="font-size: large;">P</span>lants</span></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">Christmas is over.Yesterday was New Years and I managed to live through it All. Today is the fir<span style="font-size: large;">st day I have <span style="font-size: large;">went ou<span style="font-size: large;">tside since going to<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">St. Cicilia's</span> - Christmas Vigil Mass<span style="font-size: large;">. I came home a<span style="font-size: large;">bout <span style="font-size: large;">11 am, went straight <span style="font-size: large;">to bed and wo<span style="font-size: large;">ke up feeling <span style="font-size: large;">queasy</span> Christmas Morning. I fell into a bout of Flu that I <span style="font-size: large;">D</span>on't even want to talk about for fear of sp<span style="font-size: large;">reading it. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today, <span style="font-size: large;">9 days later, I <span style="font-size: large;">tell</span> my wife; "I'm going to go <span style="font-size: large;">out <span style="font-size: large;">to</span> check my <span style="font-size: large;">Garden.<span style="font-size: large;">"<span style="font-size: large;"> </span> She looked at me <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">sidewise</span> the way woma<span style="font-size: large;">n do when they are a bit <span style="font-size: large;">skeptical<span style="font-size: large;"> "You must <span style="font-size: large;">be feeling a whole lot better if your talking about goi<span style="font-size: large;">ng to the <span style="font-size: large;">G</span>arden</span>.<span style="font-size: large;">" </span> So I put on my heavy flannel shirt. My heavy <span style="font-size: large;">h</span>oody<span style="font-size: large;">, my <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">w</span>alking</span> <span style="font-size: large;">s</span>hor<span style="font-size: large;">ts and my <span style="font-size: large;">h</span>ouse <span style="font-size: large;">s</span>lippers and out I went - <span style="font-size: large;">"shlepping</span>" <span style="font-size: large;">to </span>my Garden in back.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">It looked pretty much the same. <span style="font-size: large;">E</span>xcept it was still covered <span style="font-size: large;">with a little snow in the shadowy spots. And my lawn chair was turned over since the 2 inch snow a few days ago. <span style="font-size: large;">Thank God the Jet Stre<span style="font-size: large;">am is staying "up there" <span style="font-size: large;">in Great Bend or Salina <span style="font-size: large;">and</span> Kansas City! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Actually <span style="font-size: large;">we got off pretty easy compared to everyone else in the area and </span>it was pretty mild out <span style="font-size: large;">today with <span style="font-size: large;">most of the S<span style="font-size: large;">now gone</span></span></span>. <span style="font-size: large;">Calm.</span> 33<span style="font-size: large;"> degrees <span style="font-size: large;">F. and the sun was riding low in the <span style="font-size: large;">so<span style="font-size: large;">uth-west</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>. <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">And It looked like I had a few minutes of light to still catch a few pictures. If I hurried! So here is a little update on the progress of how my Asparagus starts and Garlic Starts are faring as we start out into 2 full months of Hard Winter<span style="font-size: large;">. </span> January and February. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XgbvjmnKmxs/UOUAzi_xS5I/AAAAAAAABRM/wpoMtU2kim4/s1600/100_4593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XgbvjmnKmxs/UOUAzi_xS5I/AAAAAAAABRM/wpoMtU2kim4/s320/100_4593.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;">My <span style="font-size: large;">two</span> large 2 f<span style="font-size: large;">oot x 2 foot</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Square Boxes</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">The two snow cover<span style="font-size: large;">ed mounds are from Back to Front, <span style="font-size: large;">Asparagus Starts - which I never found <span style="font-size: large;">time to pull from th<span style="font-size: large;">eir pots last spring and needed a place for them to Over-Winter - I hope<span style="font-size: large;">. And, about 200 Garlic <span style="font-size: large;">Plant starts that just popped out of the ground where</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">missed digging the parent plant out last fall when I harvested them<span style="font-size: large;">. On aver<span style="font-size: large;">age they should have produced 10 to 15 cloves. These averaged from 20 to 30! That's what I get for just planting what <span style="font-size: large;">I thought was Elephant Garlic which I got from the Gr<span style="font-size: large;">ocery Store<span style="font-size: large;">! This was from the 2<span style="font-size: large;">nd generation plants<span style="font-size: large;">. All I am sure <span style="font-size: large;">of at this point is that they are Soft-Nec<span style="font-size: large;">k Garlic because they produced no Curlicue ends like Hard-Necked Garlic are supposed to do<span style="font-size: large;">. That means that these <span style="font-size: large;">are <span style="font-size: large;">Braidable</span> Garlic for anyone who is interested.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I will be giving <span style="font-size: large;">a few</span> free <span style="font-size: large;">Garlic Plant <span style="font-size: large;">Starts</span></span> away <span style="font-size: large;">soon to <span style="font-size: large;">interested folks in</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Wichita, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Peck, Haysville, Derby, Wellington, Whitewater, Eldorado, Newton<span style="font-size: large;"> </span> Area<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>in the <span style="font-size: large;">S</span>pring. If you are interested, let me know. I have about 800 garlic that I don't know what I will do with if they mature as hoped! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">I think I will have something for the Farmers Market [middle June?] this summer. It opens so late in the season that I won't have any start<span style="font-size: large;">s to sell there but I should have some nice <span style="font-size: large;">mature garlic</span> and a few good stor<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">y</span>s for free</span>.<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Since I am not allowed by "Town F<span style="font-size: large;">iat" to sell plants from my little garden to <span style="font-size: large;">folks</span> who come to my door, I <span style="font-size: large;">may</span> start selling some of my Plants over the Internet.<span style="font-size: large;"> I also know of a little town who doesn't believe that Free Enterprise is only for the wealthy. That is $3,000 a Month Leases <span style="font-size: large;">"U<span style="font-size: large;">p-Town".</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4jJD2NB-RiQ/UOUACZBxvSI/AAAAAAAABRA/6L_pj25XELw/s1600/100_4595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4jJD2NB-RiQ/UOUACZBxvSI/AAAAAAAABRA/6L_pj25XELw/s320/100_4595.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;">Asparagus Box <span style="font-size: large;">Uncov<span style="font-size: large;">ered</span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">As you can see, I uncovered a corner of the Asparag<span style="font-size: large;">us box first. To<span style="font-size: large;"> see what was happening beneith. Was the mulch doing it's Job through the first few hard freezes and <span style="font-size: large;">our first real snow. As you c<span style="font-size: large;">an see, the <span style="font-size: large;">asparagus seems to be comfortable in it's bed<span style="font-size: large;"> so far. The <span style="font-size: large;">Asparagus Fonts are still alive<span style="font-size: large;">! <span style="font-size: large;">I checked the soil. It was not only completely viable and crumbl<span style="font-size: large;">y, at this point it wasn<span style="font-size: large;">'t even Frozen. And it was still moist. So Far<span style="font-size: large;"> - S<span style="font-size: large;">o Good. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xj9sxKkCNQ8/UOT_S0hYkAI/AAAAAAAABQ4/9tn5VMHmrGw/s1600/100_4596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xj9sxKkCNQ8/UOT_S0hYkAI/AAAAAAAABQ4/9tn5VMHmrGw/s400/100_4596.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;">Garlic Starts in the Small 1 Ft. X 1 Ft<span style="font-size: large;">. Square Garden Box</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="background-color: #e69138;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The Garlic are also looking fine and the soil is loose and moist.<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>No sig<span style="font-size: large;">n of freezing yet. So far everything seems Promi<span style="font-size: large;">sing and it's going to be a long 2 or 3 months o<span style="font-size: large;">f weather yet.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fnq9yXUJw3s/UOUA0bydgLI/AAAAAAAABRU/a0yAmzj3Iqs/s1600/100_4594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fnq9yXUJw3s/UOUA0bydgLI/AAAAAAAABRU/a0yAmzj3Iqs/s320/100_4594.jpg" width="320" /></a></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;">Rosemary and Lavender Herbs</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Just to the right<span style="font-size: large;"> and out of the picture, The Oreg<span style="font-size: large;">a</span>no is Thriving in the cold. Eventually<span style="font-size: large;">, knowing how Hard<span style="font-size: large;">y it is in 6b/7 climate zones, I intend to have a whole <span style="font-size: large;">5 x 8 bed full of it. It seems that Rosemary is almost as hardy. This picture was taken the same time as the others on this page and they are also thriving in the cold weather. The Lavender - which al<span style="font-size: large;">most got shaded to <span style="font-size: large;">death by living next to the Oregano! It survived last winter but this winter after t<span style="font-size: large;">ransplanting <span style="font-size: large;">it <span style="font-size: large;">to more space, is tou<span style="font-size: large;">ch and go. The herbs have no straw, but are <span style="font-size: large;">covered</span> with about 6 inches of leaves. I also <span style="font-size: large;">tried <span style="font-size: large;">Ste via</span> which is a per<span style="font-size: large;">ennial but seems to <span style="font-size: large;">not like our cold and<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>died out rather quickly last fall. I'm thinking, Maybe a better Cover. <span style="font-size: large;">A</span>nd <span style="font-size: large;">I </span>have a few ideas.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!</span></span></b></span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://grandbobsgarden.blogspot.com/2012/07/simple-box-gardening-part-1-of-4.html">Go To: Square Box Gardening #1</a> </span></b></span></span> </div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">GrandBob</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">E-Mail: RobertLee97@gmail.com </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-75654114109375702672012-12-12T18:53:00.002-06:002013-01-04T05:40:48.575-06:00Square Box Gardening #8<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Square Box Gardening #8 <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">Putting the Garlic and Asparagus to Bed for the Winter </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGG6BpboeW4/UMkmmDTtSzI/AAAAAAAABPM/azmqy4MwH-4/s1600/100_4581-Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGG6BpboeW4/UMkmmDTtSzI/AAAAAAAABPM/azmqy4MwH-4/s400/100_4581-Blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e69138;">Top Left - Asparagus Bed in 2 X 2 Ft. Garden Box. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e69138;"> Lower Left - New Garlic Plants in 2 X 2 Ft<span style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></b><b><span style="color: #e69138;"> Garden Bed. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e69138;"> Far Right-Top to Bottom line of 1 X 1 Square Ft. Garden Boxes filled with new baby Garlic. </span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: #e69138;"> </span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Just a <span style="font-size: large;">few days ago, Monda<span style="font-size: large;">y<span style="font-size: large;">, December 10, we got our first killing frost. <span style="font-size: large;">Fortunately, I had already la<span style="font-size: large;">id</span> down a <span style="font-size: large;">thin</span> pre<span style="font-size: large;">-</span>mulch layer of leaves weeks ago when it w<span style="font-size: large;">as still warm. <span style="font-size: large;">A</span>bout the middle of November. The <span style="font-size: large;"><b>As</b>paragus'</span> were put in the Large 2X2 box as a temporary measure to hopefully get them through to next spring <span style="font-size: large;">when I can put them in a permanent bed.<span style="font-size: large;"> There are about 250 small <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">A</span>sparagus</span> plants</span> in th<span style="font-size: large;">is box and I will be happy if most of them make it through to spring. <span style="font-size: large;">Then</span> I can put them in<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">a permanent spot</span></span>. These <span style="font-size: large;">Asparagus</span> were bo<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">ught</span> last spring but I ne<span style="font-size: large;">ver had a<span style="font-size: large;"> chance to finish planting them. Therefore, I give them <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">a temporary</span></span> home<span style="font-size: large;"> in an experimental <span style="font-size: large;">S</span>quare 2 x 2 Ft. Garden Box. <span style="font-size: large;">This Box is </span> <span style="font-size: large;">designed much like the 1 - <span style="font-size: large;">Ft. <span style="font-size: large;">Garden Boxes.</span></span></span>.Just a bit bigger to hold more plants. It's also a little deeper for deeper growing plants. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is the <span style="font-size: large;">M</span>ulch Sandwich that I made to protect the plants in these boxes, <span style="font-size: large;">hibernating</span> <span style="font-size: large;">through 3 months or more of Winter. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">1</span><u><span style="font-size: large;"></span></u><span style="font-size: large;">. </span> <span style="font-size: large;">In </span>Early November, I lay a layer of leaves between each plant in the boxes. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. About a week ago, with the weather cooling considerably after a mild frost, I put on a <span style="font-size: large;">4 to 6 inch layer of straw on top of the first leaf layer.<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Straw is</span></span> A good <span style="font-size: large;">mulch with lots of Air space for insul<span style="font-size: large;">ation, But it doesn't protect against frigid winds much. As I finished the boxes, I then asked my neighbor for his 5 big bags of leaves.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OfAYIq-7g7c/UMkmm5dqsHI/AAAAAAAABPU/UEcgNeLbFqw/s1600/100_4582+Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OfAYIq-7g7c/UMkmm5dqsHI/AAAAAAAABPU/UEcgNeLbFqw/s400/100_4582+Blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #e69138;">Winter Blanket Layers for the Large Baby Asparagus Garden Box. </span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">3. I then put a 2nd Layer of Dead leaves completely over the <u>top</u> of the Plants and <u>completely around the open outside parameter of all the Garden Boxes.</u> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XzP_WlZgk64/UMkmn6VAB1I/AAAAAAAABPc/8jgwgI-sTgE/s1600/100_4583-Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XzP_WlZgk64/UMkmn6VAB1I/AAAAAAAABPc/8jgwgI-sTgE/s400/100_4583-Blog.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Asparagus and Garlic Boxes hopefully have been safely tucked away for the winter. About March - next spring, the small plants will come out of <span style="font-size: large;">D</span>ormancy and start to grow again. I will be checking for pale white spears coming up again through the first layer of leaf mulch.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">As the weather becomes warmer and warmer, I will pull back the mulch that hasn't completely composted through the months of December, February and March and put it on the compost pile. I will add a small amount (<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">1</span>- C</span>up) of <span style="font-size: large;">composted</span>, <span style="font-size: large;">purchased,</span> cow manure across the top<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">of the soil</span></span>.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">[</span> <span style="color: #cc0000;">Never use fresh manure. You might substitute a<span style="font-size: large;"> 1/4</span> <span style="font-size: large;">C</span>up of Alfalfa meal here instead - for health reasons if you <span style="font-size: large;">don't want to use<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sterilized</span></span></span></span> Cow Manu<span style="font-size: large;">re</span></span>.<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Purchased from your local garden store.</span></span>]</span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Alfalfa Meal is very strong in Nitrogen in comparison to cow manure. That's why I am only using a 1/4 cup of Alfalfa Meal..I will s</span><span style="font-size: large;">tir it in slightly with a Garden Trowel or Hand Rake, water the Garlic generously and watch the Garlic grow.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">When My Asparagus Bed is ready, I will transplant the Asparagus and probably plop in a Cabbage in each of the large beds. <span style="font-size: large;">The require plenty of room and this size works well. I will </span>Put a small chicken wire fence against My preannual Garden Rabbit. And watch my Gar<span style="font-size: large;">den</span> Grow. I don't know if you noticed, but there are several plastic easy chairs strategically placed for easy sitting and <span style="font-size: large;">contemplating</span> the <span style="font-size: large;">squirrels</span> running back and forth on m<span style="font-size: large;">y backyard cable wires.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">About May first, I will be filling the extra plant boxes with new Tomato Plants from my nursery and then, about the middle of May, finish off with a bunch of Climbing Cucumber Pickle plants. One to a Square Foot Box and set them close to 30 ft long Rope and Post Trellis. I should be finished putting my spring garden in about 1 or 2 days.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> To those that think that the Square Ft Garden Boxes might be heavy, they each weigh about 15 pounds when damp. About the weight of a woman's small hand bag... ;-) I am nearly 70 years old and I can do all the work because the soil is light. I don't have to dig up a garden space. I don't even have to mow even though my Garden Boxes are setting on lawn grass. I decided it adds beauty to my garden and it's nice to walk on. I only have to use a <span style="font-size: large;">W</span>eed-Wacker to clean around the <span style="font-size: large;">O</span>utside of the boxes 2 or 3 times during the season. <span style="font-size: large;">Total time a</span>bout an hour. The rest, I hit with an small electric mower when I feel like it. Another hour<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">2 <span style="font-size: large;">or 3 times a season</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Once you have the Square Garden Boxes and fill them with soil the first time, <span style="font-size: large;">y</span>ou can pretty much relax the rest of the season. Rarely a weed or grass root invades these boxes. Be sure to buy a few cheap lawn chairs to sit back and enjoy a cold one or two - Tea of course.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">See how all this works in my Simple Square Box Gardening Articles. So far #1 thru <span style="font-size: large;">6</span> with maybe a whole lot more to go.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Thank's for stopping by at GrandBob's Garden again. If this is your first time, drop a short note in the Comment Section below and tell me what you think about this new idea in gardening. Or send a private e-mail to the address below. See the very bottom of this article.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">First article of Square Box Gardening and How to Build Simple, Cheap Boxes<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">:</span></b></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://grandbobsgarden.blogspot.com/2013/01/square-box-gardening-9.html">Go To: Square Box Gardening # 9</a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cheers!</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>And a Merry Christmas to all my Garden Friends and a Happy New Year!</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">GrandBob</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>You can contact me at :</b></span><br />
<a href="http://grandbobsgarden.blogspot.com/">GrandBobs Mail</a><br />
<br /></div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-2749693031828449212012-12-07T04:25:00.004-06:002012-12-31T05:58:27.287-06:00Square Box Gardening # 7<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #e69138;">Planting Fall Garlic for Next Summer Harvest</span></span></b></span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNQMqtCZYy0/UMGa8bqHpPI/AAAAAAAABNo/vOWCI4JCTj0/s1600/100_4555blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNQMqtCZYy0/UMGa8bqHpPI/AAAAAAAABNo/vOWCI4JCTj0/s400/100_4555blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">After pulling out the dead summer plants this fall, I stacked the boxes (Soil and all) in my garden and checked out any <span style="font-size: large;">th</span>at needed fixing, repainting or rebuilding and then <span style="font-size: large;">replac<span style="font-size: large;">ed</span> </span>old <span style="font-size: large;">S</span>oil <span style="font-size: large;">M</span>ix with my newer <span style="font-size: large;">improved</span> <span style="font-size: large;">S</span>oil <span style="font-size: large;">M</span>ix. A few days<span style="font-size: large;"> later</span> I found the "left behind" Garlic that I <span style="font-size: large;">missed and failed</span> to pull <span style="font-size: large;">L</span>ast <span style="font-size: large;">S</span>ummer. <span style="font-size: large;">They</span> were <span style="font-size: large;">N</span>ow putting out brand new Sets. Up to 35 new plants per Garlic! I guess since I missed them in the ground when I was harvesting, they must have seen <span style="font-size: large;">it</span> as a golden <span style="font-size: large;">opportunity to have Children!</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> What a great opportunity to start a fall garden with new Garlic Sets that were already putting out roots <span style="font-size: large;">and green stems </span>for Fall <span style="font-size: large;">P</span>lanting. At this point, I have 10 boxes with 16 to 36 plants growing in each of them. I am trying various spacing to see just how many will still grow decent sized, sturdy new Garlic for the coming late summer harvest. Here is the step-by-step process I used to plant this fall garden in my Square Garden Boxes.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> As you can see, I have set mine on a section of dormant Back Yard Lawn. The bottoms of the boxes are not made of wood - I just ta<span style="font-size: large;">cked on </span>simple heavy black plastic. Most are made with tacked on Landscaping plastic available practically anywhere. Hardware, Garden Store or Lumber Yard. The box sides are made from red cedar fencing. The average cost is $1.50 US. With a stain or paint, most will last up to 5 years. Out of 50, I replaced 3 this spring. Each box has several drain holes around the parameter of the bottom . I never have to worry about my plants drowning out or rotting away from too much rain!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> I have developed my own soil mix that <span style="font-size: large;">has</span> done a great job of growing Cucumbers and Tomatoes this year. I have found that Cabbages, Onions, even Watermelons grow nicely in these boxes. The Watermelons just sprawl out over the sides. I not only have complete control of watering to the last Ounce, I also know exactly how much fertilizer I have put in <span style="font-size: large;">e</span>very Square Foot<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>of Garden Space. You can easily and accurately experiment with different types of soil mixes and fertilizers. And, you can even garden on your Driveway, Patio, or even your lawn!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Just mow a<span style="font-size: large;">r</span>ound the boxes when you decide that your lawn <span style="font-size: large;">looks</span> to<span style="font-size: large;">o</span> high!. The boxes will not do the grass underneath <span style="font-size: large;">any good</span>. Expect only a few dry roots. Any that are in the box most likely grew over and into the boxes<span style="font-size: large;"> -</span> <span style="font-size: large;">n</span>ot through the bottom plastic. I am very excited about my new method of gardening in boxes and I really hope <span style="font-size: large;">you at least</span> try out a few boxes next spring. It only t<span style="font-size: large;">ake's a few minutes per box to build them. Scrap lumber will do fine to try this easy method of Gardening. </span>I think you will be amazed. You don't even have to dig up a garden in the spring. You <span style="font-size: large;">could "till" these boxes in just a few minutes with a <span style="font-size: large;">small garden trowel!</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Everything you need to know is in my articles on this blog about square box gardening. <span style="font-size: large;">At this point there are 4 continuing articles now posted with complete instruct<span style="font-size: large;">ions.</span></span>You will save tons of Garden Space and <span style="font-size: large;">W</span>ork. Getting along in age, I needed an eas<span style="font-size: large;">ier and simpler way to garden or just give it up. <span style="font-size: large;">So I tried out a new idea. Square Foot Boxes. </span></span>With a simple little hand trowel found in any store, I can cultivate 10 boxes in about 10 minutes and I am ready to replant a cabbage etc. in each box or maybe a hundred bulb onions<span style="font-size: large;"> in 5 or 6 square boxes takin<span style="font-size: large;">g up only 6 square feet of garden space. Can you beat that?</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I am also experimenting with 2 ft x 2 ft boxes. This is my <span style="font-size: large;">third </span> successful year of using the square foot boxes and the First year for trying out the 2 x 2 foot boxes that hold 4<span style="font-size: large;"> times</span> as many plants. <span style="font-size: large;">Again, all I need do is turn the soil over in the spring with a hand trowel. I can also add fertilizers and <span style="font-size: large;">nutrients<span style="font-size: large;"></span> as well at this time.</span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"></span>It's a whole new easier <span style="font-size: large;">and faster method of gardening and <span style="font-size: large;">I am </span></span>rea<span style="font-size: large;">lly happy with the results<span style="font-size: large;">. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I</span> </span>hope you will try <span style="font-size: large;">this</span> whole new method of Gardening. <span style="color: #e69138;">Please Note</span>: If the boxes are raised off the ground a few feet and placed on a set <span style="font-size: large;">o</span>f 2 X 4 rails with legs spaced ever few feet, even people in wheel <span style="font-size: large;">chairs cou<span style="font-size: large;">l<span style="font-size: large;">d</span> easily grow a fine garden. I am working on plans that I can <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">include</span> in <span style="font-size: large;">a future pos<span style="font-size: large;">t<span style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">So, lets get started with planting a Fall Garlic Garden.</span></span></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">
<span style="color: #e69138;">Dig Trenches for Your Garlic </span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am making <span style="font-size: large;">the</span> trenches in my boxes only 2<span style="font-size: large;"> inches apart</span> instead of the recommended 3 inches apart <span style="font-size: large;">usually</span> <span style="font-size: large;">mentioned</span> by garden books and catalogs. You may want to follow that 3 inch recommen<span style="font-size: large;">dation </span>unless you are experimenting with boxes like <span style="font-size: large;">I am</span>. I am planting in furrows as shown here - only 2 inches apart. I have 7 rows of plants <span style="font-size: large;">by</span> 2 inches apart Furrows <span style="font-size: large;">by 5<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">plants </span>to a row. This gives me a possible 35 plants in a single square foot box. I want to try out more compact planting - just to see how it works out in<span style="font-size: large;"> my Garden Boxes. You might want to use the recommended spacing as found on y<span style="font-size: large;">our seed packets etc.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OgeKqGCkt0s/UMGa_IyrxRI/AAAAAAAABNw/K69YmybtkJ0/s1600/100_4557blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OgeKqGCkt0s/UMGa_IyrxRI/AAAAAAAABNw/K69YmybtkJ0/s320/100_4557blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">
<span style="color: #e69138;">Gently Dig Out a Garlic Clump </span></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you do not have <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>V</b></span>olunteer garlic starts like I had, you should be able to get s<span style="font-size: large;">ets</span> at your local garden nursery. If not, come next spring, get some cloves, plant them and when harvest comes, <span style="font-size: large;">let them<span style="font-size: large;"> just die down. <span style="font-size: large;">C</span>ome Sept<span style="font-size: large;">ember or October, new sets <span style="font-size: large;">should be coming up in bunches. Be careful, <span style="font-size: large;">O</span>ne clove, I have found, can produce as many as 40 new plants in each clump of new growth! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">G</span>ently pull each plant away from the roots of the one beside it. You might want to soak the r<span style="font-size: large;">oot ball in water for a minute or two. Pull very gently to avoid damaging the <span style="font-size: large;">G</span>arlic's roots.</span> Pull of<span style="font-size: large;">f enough for a few inches </span>and plant as you go. Keep the root ball in the shade under a damp<span style="font-size: large;"> cloth until you again need to pull of<span style="font-size: large;">f</span> more garlic's. Be sure your soil is moist and loose when you plan<span style="font-size: large;">t<span style="font-size: large;"> them in</span>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxAXg-XDddQ/UMGbBDWOVCI/AAAAAAAABN4/flwr4rZkKxo/s1600/100_4558blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxAXg-XDddQ/UMGbBDWOVCI/AAAAAAAABN4/flwr4rZkKxo/s320/100_4558blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">
<span style="color: #e69138;">Plant the Garlic as you Go </span></span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qS7W3pr-fuc/UMGbOz8oC9I/AAAAAAAABOI/ZH2nwOx55ag/s1600/100_4564+Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qS7W3pr-fuc/UMGbOz8oC9I/AAAAAAAABOI/ZH2nwOx55ag/s320/100_4564+Blog.jpg" width="291" /> </a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">
<span style="color: #e69138;">Do a Few at a Time.. </span></span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8DhQXTjqMlI/UMGbGB8f61I/AAAAAAAABOA/VDncQ5NczfE/s1600/100_4560blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8DhQXTjqMlI/UMGbGB8f61I/AAAAAAAABOA/VDncQ5NczfE/s400/100_4560blog.jpg" width="276" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">
<span style="color: #e69138;">Space Them about 2 inches or so Apart </span></span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-llDEiqqbIj8/UMGbUSgxuKI/AAAAAAAABOQ/IuxDWqIDbx8/s1600/100_4560blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-llDEiqqbIj8/UMGbUSgxuKI/AAAAAAAABOQ/IuxDWqIDbx8/s400/100_4560blog.jpg" width="277" /></a></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">
<span style="color: #e69138;">Lean Them Toward the Planted Garlic </span></span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8YdMXVPRgpE/UMGbYR1bdEI/AAAAAAAABOY/awPWIKGuN7c/s1600/100_4565Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8YdMXVPRgpE/UMGbYR1bdEI/AAAAAAAABOY/awPWIKGuN7c/s400/100_4565Blog.jpg" width="242" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">Leaning them away from yourself as you go, allows you to fold the soil back over the garlic and clears space for you to dig the <span style="font-size: large;">N</span>ext trench after you have the previous row planted.</span></span><br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">
<span style="color: #e69138;">Pack the <span style="font-size: large;">S</span>oil <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">O</span></span>ver the Garlic <span style="font-size: large;">F</span>irmly but Gently</span></span></h3>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PLXTk_JpWfU/UMGbdZNL6nI/AAAAAAAABOg/bGOGwUWSl54/s1600/100_4568blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PLXTk_JpWfU/UMGbdZNL6nI/AAAAAAAABOg/bGOGwUWSl54/s320/100_4568blog.jpg" width="212" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">
<span style="color: #e69138;">Set the Plants in to get Light </span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Djsj3hg7J4/UMGbmFNPehI/AAAAAAAABOo/StAPfBUt_H8/s1600/100_4570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Djsj3hg7J4/UMGbmFNPehI/AAAAAAAABOo/StAPfBUt_H8/s320/100_4570.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></h3>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">Your bulbs will v<span style="font-size: large;">a</span>ry in height. <span style="font-size: large;">S</span>et them in so the parts that were already up (green<span style="font-size: large;"> stems)</span> <span style="font-size: large;">are</span> set in at about the same height as they <span style="font-size: large;">were</span> before you dug <span style="font-size: large;">them</span> up. At least allow a tip of the white stems on the late growers to rise slightly above the soil. I leave at least a quarter inch peeking out. Ones with the green stems should be planted with all the green showing.</span> <span style="font-size: large;">The cloves themselves, should be all underground. On new cloves, remember, the pointy side goes UP!</span></span><br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">
<span style="color: #e69138;">Lastly, Water the new Garlic <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #e69138;">Plants</span> </span>In </span></span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZZRiUbo8_4/UMGbthjFA8I/AAAAAAAABOw/JFZ5HwxZzrc/s1600/100_4575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZZRiUbo8_4/UMGbthjFA8I/AAAAAAAABOw/JFZ5HwxZzrc/s320/100_4575.jpg" width="179" /><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">With<span style="font-size: large;"> each planting, I water the new plants <span style="font-size: large;">thoroughly</span>. As you can see, I literally soak the new <span style="font-size: large;">Garlic Transplants. <span style="font-size: large;">Using the <span style="font-size: large;">square box metho<span style="font-size: large;">d, any over watering will easily drain out <span style="font-size: large;">of</span> the box<span style="font-size: large;"> at the bottom. Here you are seeing 2 new boxes just planted<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b>being watered Notice that the boxes further back are already being mulched with leaves.<b> </b>Af<span style="font-size: large;">ter the new growth starts, I will also mulch the last two boxes.</span> When it gets cold enough for the <span style="font-size: large;">foliage to fall down, I will also add about a half gallon of compost that I have brewing in the corner of the garden to put the new garlic to bed for the winter.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://grandbobsgarden.blogspot.com/2012/12/square-box-gardening-5-putting-garlic.html">Square Box Gardening #8</a> </span></b></div>
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
</h3>
</div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-70245315909942403252012-11-17T04:30:00.000-06:002013-01-06T22:36:49.901-06:00Square Box Gardening # 1 - Great New Idea in Simple, Cheap, Gardening.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h3>
<span style="color: #e69138;"> <b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Gre<span style="font-size: large;">at New Idea in Simple<span style="font-size: large;">, </span>Cheap<span style="font-size: large;">, </span>Gard<span style="font-size: large;">e</span>ning - No <span style="font-size: large;">W</span>asted Space <span style="font-size: large;">,</span> Garden Anywhere<span style="font-size: large;">, <span style="font-size: large;">Cut Water Costs <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Drastically</span>, </span> <span style="font-size: large;">Practically no <span style="font-size: large;">Weeding. </span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></b></span><b><br /></b></h3>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> About 4 years ago, I moved to where I am now in Wichita, Kansas. I had been doing a lot of plot gardening and was doing fairly well I thought. However, when I got here, I ran into some real problems. The first was a good location. I finally decided to plant tomatoes along the South fence of the back yard. I also found that the soil was perfect for potters to use for their clay source. The soil was very heavy and I found out that I would sometimes dig up big fist sized clumps of nearly pure clay. I had about 2 inches of Top Soil and probably several feet of nearly clay soil beneath. that our house had been built on a river bead that had long ago moved to the next county!I would have had to bring in several truckloads of good soil to even start to build a garden. I either had to come up with something different of forget about a garden.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">I first started building Raised Beds. However, while they were fine for things like Radishes and Onions and Beans, Etc. They didn't seem to work well for such things as <span style="font-size: large;">Tomatoes</span> and Cucumbers and Squash and Watermelon and Peppers, etc. I liked the complete control of the Raised Beds but needed more <span style="font-size: large;">separation</span> and space for some vegetables. When I had tried planting my Tomatoes directly in the Ground they did thrive for a while.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">When a long heavy rain came that lasted over a period of days, (<span style="font-size: large;">t</span>he tomatoes just starting to set well)<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>actually suffocated and drowned in the clay soil <span style="font-size: large;">they </span>were in! It<span style="font-size: large;"> was about</span> then that I came up with the Square Foot Box<span style="font-size: large;"> Gardening idea</span>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's really taking the idea of Square Foot Gardening a <span style="font-size: large;">S</span>tep <span style="font-size: large;">F</span>urther. You <span style="font-size: large;">a</span>ctually put<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>the plants in Individual square foot boxes. Not just spaces in a plot. This way I could control the <span style="font-size: large;">S</span>oil mix<span style="font-size: large;">,<span style="font-size: large;"> the</span></span> watering and the <span style="font-size: large;">f</span>ertiliz<span style="font-size: large;">ing</span> Exactly. If a plant was getting to much Shade, I could pick it up or slide it to a new area<span style="font-size: large;">...<span style="font-size: large;">and</span></span> keep track of the re<span style="font-size: large;">sults<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">. <span style="font-size: large;">I could</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> easily number each box<span style="font-size: large;"> and keep<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>notes on watering, fertilizing, and soil mix results<span style="font-size: large;"> and see where I was making obvious m<span style="font-size: large;">istakes for better gardening in the future<span style="font-size: large;"> - </span></span></span>if I <span style="font-size: large;">wanted to</span>.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">I first tried bottomless boxes - but the grass and weed seeds soon invaded the boxes where they stole nutrients and water from the plants. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">I then tried a box with a wooden bottom. This<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">worked,</span></span> but made the boxes heavier and more expensive to build. <span style="font-size: large;">I could build one box with <span style="font-size: large;">one,</span> cheap<span style="font-size: large;">, </span> 6 ft Dog-Eared Ce<span style="font-size: large;">dar Fence Board. <span style="font-size: large;">With</span> only a 6<span style="font-size: large;">" scrap of Dog Eared end<span style="font-size: large;"> left</span>. </span></span>To keep the weight down, I</span></span></span> <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">hit upon the idea of trying to cover the bottom by tacking on a piece of heavy plastic sheeting. I used landscape plastic. But I found that just about Any heavy plastic would do. Even light-weight tin.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Don't worry about drainage. The cracks will actually help drain away into the ground extra water if you over do it or heavy rains come. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I checked boxes that set through the summer, over into winter and into spring. When I looked under them, I found that all the heavy Bermuda Grass underneath the box was dead or dieing and That part of the Bermuda garden patch was clear of grass and weeds. Of course after a few weeks, the grass that was outside the box again took over the spot and any roots still alive start growing again.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">I only have to cultivate the <span style="font-size: large;">One-</span>Foot-Square<span style="font-size: large;">-</span>Box. Not the whole <span style="font-size: large;">area. You will see how I eas<span style="font-size: large;">ily <u><span style="font-size: large;">mow</span> the grass </u>between boxes and <u>clean up with a <span style="font-size: large;">W</span>eed-<span style="font-size: large;">E</span>ater.</u> <span style="font-size: large;">I spent about an hour <span style="font-size: large;">-</span> 3 times <span style="font-size: large;">a Season<span style="font-size: large;"> keeping things looking clean, nice and co<span style="font-size: large;">mfortable for me and the plants set out on the Bermuda Lawn! </span></span></span> There were <span style="font-size: large;">alm<span style="font-size: large;">ost <span style="font-size: large;">No</span></span></span> weeds or grass to cultivate in the boxes all season long. I found <u>3</u> invading grass roots in all of 50 boxes this fall when I was removing the old plants for winter. <span style="font-size: large;">I picked out about 5 small weeds.<span style="font-size: large;"> The</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">e</span>ase of this type of <span style="font-size: large;">gardening is...well, almost sinful! <span style="font-size: large;">There is no C</span>omparison to the work I done preparing my garden in past springs. The boxes <span style="font-size: large;">should</span> last over several seasons<span style="font-size: large;"> with little cost or rework<span style="font-size: large;">,</span> <span style="font-size: large;">i</span>f at all<span style="font-size: large;">.</span> <span style="font-size: large;">B</span>uild a few, put in some good garden soil<span style="font-size: large;">, plants <span style="font-size: large;">some plants or seeds</span></span>, wate<span style="font-size: large;">r regularly</span> and see how th<span style="font-size: large;">ey work out for you. I think you will be <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">pleasantly</span> surprised. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> In the spring, with a small trowel,<span style="font-size: large;"> I will</span> break up the soil, add <span style="font-size: large;">a <span style="font-size: large;">couple cups of new soil. A few <span style="font-size: large;">amendments</span> like <span style="font-size: large;">a teaspoon of fertilizer and maybe <span style="font-size: large;">a little bonemeal.</span></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;">With a few seconds of work for each box, I can then</span> plant new seeds or <span style="font-size: large;">trans</span>plants in and <span style="font-size: large;">I'm</span> good to go. My garden is in for the <span style="font-size: large;">S</span>eason. I'm done. <span style="font-size: large;">I only have to </span>Water <span style="font-size: large;">about a half gallon <span style="font-size: large;">a week<span style="font-size: large;">, pick a weed <span style="font-size: large;">now and then,</span></span> and watch <span style="font-size: large;">my garden grow! And of course, I have a few str<span style="font-size: large;">at</span>egically place<span style="font-size: large;">d old <span style="font-size: large;">lawn ch<span style="font-size: large;">airs and a little Parsons table in the shade for my <span style="font-size: large;">T</span>ea or <span style="font-size: large;">Cold <span style="font-size: large;">Cola</span> after a<span style="font-size: large;"> "hard"</span> day's work. I purposefully tried to make my Gardening as <span style="font-size: large;">e</span>asy as <span style="font-size: large;">p</span>ossible. At nearly 70 <span style="font-size: large;">years old, the creaks <span style="font-size: large;">are calling for an easier way to garden. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">You're of course wandering about drainage, <span style="font-size: large;">T</span>omato<span style="font-size: large;"> Growing in a Box and<span style="font-size: large;"> growing </span></span>Cucumbers in a <span style="font-size: large;">square foot </span>box. Watch this Blog. <span style="font-size: large;">At this time, I have <span style="font-size: large;">4 more articles <span style="font-size: large;">you c<span style="font-size: large;">an read for more information including building instructions a<span style="font-size: large;">nd <span style="font-size: large;">diag<span style="font-size: large;">rams to make your own Squar<span style="font-size: large;">e Foot Boxes. <span style="font-size: large;">Lots of pictures <span style="font-size: large;">accommodate</span> my future <span style="font-size: large;">a<span style="font-size: large;">rticles. If you have read this far, you are in for a treat<span style="font-size: large;">!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I will tell you about these and other questions and <span style="font-size: large;">how eas<span style="font-size: large;">y it is to grow</span></span> plants in these <span style="font-size: large;">Square Foot Boxes. </span> All this will be included after I show you how to build <span style="font-size: large;">these</span> garden boxes out of cheap wood in the next article and <span style="font-size: large;">much </span>more...<u></u></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bob</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">GrandBob</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://grandbobsgarden.blogspot.com/2012/09/simple-box-gardening-article-2-of-2.html">Square Box Gardening # 2</a></span></div>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Copyright <span style="font-size: large;">Robert Mader 2012</span> </span></span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: large;">All Rights Reserved </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: small;">To E-mail<span style="font-size: small;">:</span> robertlee97@gmail.com.<span style="font-size: small;"> I will try to respond within 24 hours. <span style="font-size: small;">Spam never gets posted<span style="font-size: small;"> and is deleted from <span style="font-size: small;">Comm<span style="font-size: small;">ents and is <span style="font-size: small;">never</span> posted. Don't waste<span style="font-size: small;"> y<span style="font-size: small;">our time.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>.<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: small;">Or Comment in the Comment section<span style="font-size: small;">.</span> <span style="font-size: small;">Your <span style="font-size: small;">address is<u> always</u> kept private.</span></span> </span> </div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-78840577118543128102012-11-08T00:29:00.001-06:002012-12-31T06:02:05.244-06:00Square Box Gardening #6<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">My Surprise Garlic Crop!</span></span></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Maybe you remember me talking about harvesting my crop of Garlic a few months ago. </span></span></span><span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">I believe it was</span> <span style="font-size: large;">toward the middle o<span style="font-size: large;">f <span style="font-size: large;">August if <span style="font-size: large;">I</span> remember</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: large;">correctly. I cleaned the whole bed out - or thought I had. When I was done digging and sifting for Garlic, I planted several cloves in one of my large Garden Boxes.</span></span> <span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, I had about a quart jar full of <span style="font-size: large;">nice </span>mo<span style="font-size: large;">d</span>erate sized garlic cl<span style="font-size: large;">oves</span></span></span>. <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">I<span style="font-size: large;"> also</span> had saved several <span style="font-size: large;">to replant for a fall garden<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">patch</span></span>. Little did I know that the fun was just starting.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: large;"> A couple weeks ago<span style="font-size: large;"> around</span> Halloween time, I noticed these little bushes popping up in my old garlic patch.<span style="font-size: large;"> At first when I pulled one<span style="font-size: large;"> up <span style="font-size: large;">I </span><span style="font-size: large;">thought some of my Wild <span style="font-size: large;">Onions </span><span style="font-size: large;">had<span style="font-size: large;"> jumped their fence a<span style="font-size: large;">nd </span></span>gotten loose and were running around in my garden without a leas<span style="font-size: large;">h</span>! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span>It seems that I had <span style="font-size: large;">accident<span style="font-size: large;">ally </span>left a <span style="font-size: large;">few <span style="font-size: large;">G</span>arlic cloves in the ground after thinking I had </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">thoroughly <span style="font-size: large;">cleaned the</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: large;">original patch. I hadn't! Where I had overlooked an old garlic, a <span style="font-size: large;">nest of new garlic arose! I dug out the first clump thinking they were just weeds. Low and Behold, out come a handful of New garlic plants<span style="font-size: large;">! Nearly 30! Some were already as big as my thumb. I could see where the original Spring Planted Garlic had disappeared as food for the new ones<span style="font-size: large;"> I suppose. What an amazing process!</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was time to plant <span style="font-size: large;">Garlic, and <span style="font-size: large;">dad-gum, <span style="font-size: large;">i</span>f I wasn't ready to set them out then they were just have to <span style="font-size: large;">start without me</span>! I looked over the the old plot, and there were clo<span style="font-size: large;">se to 10 clumps just like the first! <span style="font-size: large;">Some much bigger! </span>I was astounded<span style="font-size: large;"> and bewildered by the discovery of all these <span style="font-size: large;">G<span style="font-size: large;">arlic</span></span> growing he<span style="font-size: large;">alt<span style="font-size: large;">h and happy ready to transplant</span></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;">into <span style="font-size: large;">my</span> Fall Garden.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;">Just when I was going to go down the Produce Aisle and select a few Grocery Store Elephant Garlic like I did this spring - <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">because</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Elephant Garlic seems to make a lot of Cloves! I'm not really <span style="font-size: large;">Thrifty, I'm just Cheap. Besides, growing Garlic is still new to me. I'll just experiment and stumble around for a year or two until I get it right. Then I'll have more stories to tell.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #93c47d;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hdlYlNvPY3E/UJtIcTF4RxI/AAAAAAAABME/FRXImUM-N58/s1600/100_4528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hdlYlNvPY3E/UJtIcTF4RxI/AAAAAAAABME/FRXImUM-N58/s400/100_4528.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;">The new plants are easily detached from the clump of roots.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Now, <span style="font-size: large;">I had to do something with th<span style="font-size: large;">em. As I dug each partial clump out, I dropped them im<span style="font-size: large;">mediately into a half-full Fru<span style="font-size: large;">it Jar of cool water.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxTFmDVEBfc/UJtI7OKa2VI/AAAAAAAABMM/KxQEV06xPL8/s1600/Garlic+in+a+jar+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxTFmDVEBfc/UJtI7OKa2VI/AAAAAAAABMM/KxQEV06xPL8/s320/Garlic+in+a+jar+-+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Golly those jars come in handy, though I have to Beg, <span style="font-size: large;">Bo</span>rrow</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-size: large;">.<span style="color: #93c47d;"> and sometimes (out of pure desperation you understand) Steal them from my daughter. She did give me the ones with the "Small Mouths" though. Their not good for pickling she says because she can't get her fingers out and she dances around the kitchen with a fruit jar stuck to her finger! Anyway..</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: large;">I checked the boxes that I had put the mid-august <span style="font-size: large;">cloves</span> in and there were quite a few missing plants.. I dug around. They were gone. Killed by the summer heat I suspect<span style="font-size: large;">. They h<span style="font-size: large;">ad just rotted a<span style="font-size: large;">way. <span style="font-size: large;">Planted at the wrong time I guess.. When the experts say plant them in th<span style="font-size: large;">e fall, I guess they mean it!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: large;">So I set about planting the newly leafed out garlic cloves into the empty spots in one of my Big Boxes (4 Squa<span style="font-size: large;">re Feet).</span> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHZiKuYLPtQ/UJtJdJbKxFI/AAAAAAAABMU/_9XuNFTuWq8/s1600/Garlic+Transplants+in+box+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHZiKuYLPtQ/UJtJdJbKxFI/AAAAAAAABMU/_9XuNFTuWq8/s320/Garlic+Transplants+in+box+-+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">A<span style="font-size: large;">s you can see, there are a few Big Leaves on the right side of the 2 X 2 square<span style="font-size: large;"> foot Garden Box. These are what is left from the planting that was made too early in Mid August. I have already planted quite a few new garlic in <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">this picture. </span> I planted them a little over an inch deep and in rows about 3 inches wide. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sWM7AzgYYY/UJtJf_VTiWI/AAAAAAAABMc/57C-dT808L4/s1600/Little+Garlic+Transplants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sWM7AzgYYY/UJtJf_VTiWI/AAAAAAAABMc/57C-dT808L4/s320/Little+Garlic+Transplants.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">The plants are planted 3 inches apart. This is probably a little closer than recommended, but my "Small <span style="font-size: large;">Box Gardening<span style="font-size: large;">" <span style="font-size: large;">method should allow me<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">to grow <span style="font-size: large;">Garlic </span>denser than usual<span style="font-size: large;">. I will soon be covering all my <span style="font-size: large;">Garlic over with a thick mulch to protect them over the winter. In the spring about <span style="font-size: large;">L</span>ate <span style="font-size: large;">M</span>arch or <span style="font-size: large;">E</span>arly <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">A</span>pril here in South Central Kansas (zone 6b, I will be pulling the mulch away from the plants as they start to grow<span style="font-size: large;">. According to the <span style="font-size: large;">Master Gardeners, I should be pulling a nice crop of <span style="font-size: large;">large Elephant Garlic <span style="font-size: large;">about <span style="font-size: large;">Late July when the tops start falling over<span style="font-size: large;">. Wish me Luck!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bob</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">GrandBob</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://grandbobsgarden.blogspot.com/2012/12/square-box-gardening-7.html">Square Box Gardening #7</a></span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">http://GrandBobsGarden.Blogspot.Com</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">E-mail Direct: robertlee97@gmail.com</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-47654127727033007522012-11-03T22:01:00.000-05:002012-11-05T22:15:31.286-06:00Awesome Tomatillo and Avocado Salsa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"></span></div>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">From Stacy's Kitchen<span style="background-color: #6aa84f;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">1 Large Can Chopped Green Chilies</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">1 Small Onion</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Zest and Juice from one Lemon</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">3 Tablespoons Cilantro</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">1 Med Avacado</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">1 Tspoon Chopped Garlic</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">1/2 Tspoon Salt</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">8 to 10 Medium Sized (golf ball) Tomatillos - husked and rinsed</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Add the Tomalillos to a Medium Saucepan and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil then turn burner off and let sit covered for 3-4 minutes. In the meantime add all other ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth. Drain Tomatillos and rinse with cold water. Add Tomatillos to blender and blend until smooth.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Makes 1 Quart of Salsa</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Recommended for Fish, Beef or Chicken Tacos. Great as a Chip Dip.</span></span></span></div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-83933668005788286622012-10-13T00:02:00.000-05:002012-11-06T00:43:13.258-06:00How To Start a Pineapple Plant from a Cut-Off Top<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: large;">I dug a Cut-Off Top from a Pineapple out of the Kitchen Trash - after my Daughter left the room! Then I found a Gallon Coffee Can, filled it with 1/3 water. I <span style="font-size: large;">p</span>lunked the Pineapple Top into the water. I Set the Top in Semi-Shade on my Patio and waited.for a c<span style="font-size: large;">ouple weeks.</span> When I pulled <span style="font-size: large;">the Pineapple <span style="font-size: large;">T</span></span>op out and looked<span style="font-size: large;">,</span> <span style="font-size: large;">t</span>he bottom was rotting a little but t<span style="font-size: large;">he <span style="font-size: large;">Top looked good except for a few <span style="font-size: large;">brown tipped leaves around the outside</span></span></span>. No roots. Just a little rotting matter at the bottom. . I rinsed most of the loose matter off under a faucet and set <span style="font-size: large;">the Pineapple Top</span> back in the water. <span style="font-size: large;">Ad<span style="font-size: large;">mittedly, I was kind of loosing patience with this project<span style="font-size: large;">!</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span> </span>Finally, about 2 weeks later, checking the water level<span style="font-size: large;">;</span> I notice several short thick white roots growing out of the center.of the mass at the bottom.I set the plant back in the water and waited a few more weeks.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-size: large;">About the 6th week after starting this project, The roots were over an inch (2 Cm.) long. I cut off <span style="font-size: large;">a few<span style="font-size: large;"> yellow tips of <span style="font-size: large;">outer</span></span></span> leaves with <span style="font-size: large;">a kitchen she<span style="font-size: large;">ars.</span></span>and then decided it was time to put into soil. <span style="font-size: large;">The Plant was </span>plunked <span style="font-size: large;"></span> into a t<span style="font-size: large;">hree-gallon (10 <span style="font-size: large;">liter) bucket with </span></span>my regular soil mix. The plant is flourishing. Take a look. Even the Cut-Off leaves are healing and regrowing.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4XRwZ5SyEqw/UHjtHc_aKVI/AAAAAAAABK0/SXA_rOZW7ok/s1600/6+Week+Old+Pineapple+Plant+in+3+gallon+Bucket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="220" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4XRwZ5SyEqw/UHjtHc_aKVI/AAAAAAAABK0/SXA_rOZW7ok/s400/6+Week+Old+Pineapple+Plant+in+3+gallon+Bucket.jpg" width="400" /></b></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> <b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <b>Our new Pineapple Plant is doing fine in the Blue Painted, three gallon "Budweiser Bucket". One of my kids won The<span style="font-size: small;"> bucket</span> in a heated Texas Hold'<span style="font-size: small;">m </span>Poker <span style="font-size: small;">Tournament!</span> It was very pretty but pretty useless. ( I<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>"borrowed"it )<span style="font-size: small;">. To</span> the Right in the White Bucket is a Wild Garlic <span style="font-size: small;">P</span>lant. On the far <span style="font-size: small;">b</span>ackside, barely visible, is a small Blue Easter Bunny bucket with Onion Chives. </b></span></b></span></span></h4>
</div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">S</span>ince we are in Zone 6B,<u> a Pineapple Plant cannot survive outside through <span style="font-size: large;">our</span> winters. </u> It starts to look sickly at about 40 degrees. It has to be put in a heated greenhouse or brought indoors where it is Warm and can get lots of Warm Southern Window Light or a good Plant Light to flourish during the cold months ahead. I will set the Pineapple Plant Outside again when the temperatures - both Day <u>and</u> Night are at least above 60-F (10 Centigrade). Usually in May in the Cooler States. <span style="font-size: large;">Why not <span style="font-size: large;">g</span></span>row a pineapple Plant from that Pineapple Top that landed in <span style="font-size: large;">your</span> Kitchen Trash. It's Free, It's easy<span style="font-size: large;">. And it's fun! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you have a few seconds, leave a "H<span style="font-size: large;">ello</span>" in the Comment section below. Let us know you stopped in. If your here, your among friends and neighbors. So please don't be shy. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">Subscribe in the Right-Hand Column to keep up with GrandBobs Garden. The garden blog without the fluff<span style="font-size: large;"> that doesn't take itself too seriously<span style="font-size: large;">! I <span style="font-size: large;">have gardeners from all over the world stop in from time to time. O<span style="font-size: large;">ur average number of viewers <span style="font-size: large;">from about April to August is over 2000. The more the merrier. Please paste a link from here to you<span style="font-size: large;">r Faceboo<span style="font-size: large;">k, Twitter, Regular E-Mail<span style="font-size: large;"> if you like this <span style="font-size: large;">website. Just click on the <span style="font-size: large;">side column<span style="font-size: large;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bob</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">GrandBobs Garden</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can write to: </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">E-Mail - robertlee97@gmail.com</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">Or Just <span style="font-size: large;">make</span> a <span style="font-size: large;">small<span style="font-size: large;"> comment or ask a question </span></span>in the Comment Section at the bottom of this Post.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">To Spammers: </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">All Comments are monitored and held up until I read and approve <span style="font-size: large;">t</span>hem. So please, if you are a spammer<span style="font-size: large;">, or "Anonymous"<span style="font-size: large;">, don't waste your time, your "<span style="font-size: large;">comment" will never be seen by anyone</span>. </span></span></span></span></div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-73132496112219630572012-10-06T01:40:00.000-05:002012-12-31T03:51:16.139-06:00Square Box Gardening # 5<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #e69138;">Square Box Gardening - #5 </span></span></b></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">And here it is again. The first hint of Winter approaching. The nights starting to cool way down into the 60's 50's and sometimes even into the upper 40's. The Monarch Butterflies already passing through. Even a few leaves starting to fall. Out in my garden - a ways from the patio in back where I sit with my wife in a shady spot, each with our book in hand; a single squirrel is wobbling his way back and forth from some nut tree of my right neighbor across to his home in a big tree owned by my neighbor on the Left. His tail swishing and a dipping and a bouncing as he tries to stay balanced with a big walnut in his mouth. Almost more than he can handle. Trip after trip. He must have hit the mother-load!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">The Grass in the back yard needs mowing but I just don't feel like it. I notice the lone pine tree that I transplanted this spring from a garden plot to a good corner of the garden is beautiful and about 4 inches taller than me. It grew over a foot this year. I discovered it in my hoop-house a year or so ago only about 2-1/2" tall. It is now almost 6 foot tall. The Pickling Cucumbers are noticing the cool down too. Very few blossoms. The leaves are dropping and the stems are starting to look naked although I did pick a small bucket full a few minutes ago. The Regular Cucumbers on my Trellis are starting to grow a little slower but here is Yours Truly holding a few that I harvested about a week or so ago.</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1PVTSwCi6Ao/UGx3Uw2B27I/AAAAAAAABJw/rGZf517B8a8/s1600/100_4379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1PVTSwCi6Ao/UGx3Uw2B27I/AAAAAAAABJw/rGZf517B8a8/s400/100_4379.jpg" width="266" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> We Still have tomatoes ripening. Because of all the extra work building many garden boxes (maybe have to build 3 or 4 boxes next spring instead of over 40, Tomatoes got in a little late. I didn't get Zucchini or Watermelon in at all.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> I am new to growing garlic but I decided I had better plant some this spring. The vampires are really getting thick this year... (I know, your supposed to plant garlic in the fall and then harvest them from early spring until fall of the next year) I went and done it all bass-ackwards . Garlic weren't really big when I pulled them this summer but I cleaned them and put the cloves in a fruit jar coated with olive oil "to keep them fresh" according to my daughter. Then stuck them in the fridge. That was the first batch. Then I cleaned out the other half of the patch I had planted in one of my plots and decided to use Those for a Fall Planting like people tell me I should do. OK. I also wanted to know how many I could plant in one of my square wooden Garden Boxes. I planted them in about 3 square inches apart and got about 24 to one box and 35 in an other. Then I have 1- 4 ft Sq. Box where I planted about 75 garlic. Here are a few pictures:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXOldkV3A3I/UG0QI090lsI/AAAAAAAABKM/zmZb5U4DHM4/s1600/75+Garlic+Plants+in+4X+Square+Box+Fall+Comp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXOldkV3A3I/UG0QI090lsI/AAAAAAAABKM/zmZb5U4DHM4/s320/75+Garlic+Plants+in+4X+Square+Box+Fall+Comp.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b> Large 4 Square Ft. Box of Garlic. Using 1 x 8</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b> Lumber from Old Red Wood Fencing. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">They started coming up right away. I'm not sure they are supposed to do that! Probably still to warm to plant in the fall... Anybody in South-Central Kansas know? Next year I will try planting garlic in September . In a few weeks, I plan to cover them over with Old Maples Leaves and Wheat Straw - after adding a little cow manure stirred into the upper box soil. I am thinking maybe about a Cup of Manure mixed into a gallon of my favorite purchased mulch - Cotton Boll Compost. Is the mix right? I don't know. But this is a Blog on Experimental Gardening in South Central Kansas. About 5 miles into where they say the Great South West Begins! On the tip of Zone 7. I'll know in the spring and fall next year when I harvest them - If there is any to harvest. Stay Tuned! I don't know how well these little garlics will take the winter in a wooden box with mulch over them. The garlic were cheap. I got their parents from the grocery store. I thought they were Elephant Garlic - but they looked like awful little elephants. Maybe they will grow bigger next year! And they will be growing in my Famous - Garden Box Soil Mix! I figure, if I can come up with a good dependable mix for most vegetables - why buy little bags. I can mix my own. So far I am pretty happy with the all-purpose mix for my boxes that I have come up with. Then I will experiment with Additives. That is the great thing about using these boxes. You know Exactly what you put into each box and Exactly what that plant or plant group grew on. For Tomatoes, I might mix in a little more bone meal and test out a cup of Corn Meal - which is purported to counter Tomato Blight.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">When I filled my Square Foot Boxes, I wanted to be sure the soil was firmly packed in the boxes. I used 6 Gallons of my Soil Mix to each box. Half the first time. and pack firmly but not hard with my hand. Then the rest poured over that and again packed firmly. I used my fingers to pack even more firmly around the edges.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">If you fail to this, a rain or just pouring or sprinkling water in will tend to run to the edges and right down the sides. You might add a gallon of water, and most will run down the sides and out at the bottom through the seep holes at the bottom sides of the box that should be there for Hard Rain drainage or over watering by your Grand Kids! Check once in a while for soil cracks along the sides - especially in the hot dry part of the season. Push soil down into these cracks. The soil around the plant may be hard too! If so, you should break it up a little with a small trowel or even a large screwdriver. This allows the plant roots to not only get Water, But roots need Air, which usually gets in with loose soil, and the help of earthworms.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Speaking of worms, Maybe I will add a dozen worms to a few boxes next year and see if there is a difference. The climate changes so drastically here that it is hard to predict when and where I can find worms short of going down to buy fishwoms at the local GOMart! And I understand that these are not the best for gardens and probably wouldn't survive anyway. I have started a small bucket size worm farm in my garage which is Hot in the Summer and Cool in the winter. The Lordetts of the Manor will not allow me to bring them into my closet inside nor even in the basement where tempertures are nicely moderated!. So they are stuck in my Garage from Hell. They managed to survive the Summer heat. Now comes the Winter. There Are lot of baby worms in the bucket so I assume they must be getting along famously! Again, Check back with me next Spring folks. If my worms survive through the Winter, I will build a proper Worm Ben for them next Spring. Just what I need. Another Project for my Garden. You should see my List!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">I also plan to get closer records on different fertilizers. This year, I used recommended amounts of Miracle Gro on my Tomato plants. Nothing exceptional happened. And Fish Emulsion on my large Salad Cucumbers and my Pickling Cucumbers. They seemed to flourish and prosper! But I did not really keep good notes. So I really can't give you a Quantitative answer on the results. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Check back soon for "More Square Box Gardening - # 6 where I will go into more detail about the Soil Mix I worked up for my Garden Boxes - an All Around Mix that I am very happy with. I will also show you what happens when you just set them on the turf, pour some soil in, insert seeds or transplants and water. You'll be amazed at some of the uses and results. Have a nice Fall! I already have my " Long Handles" patched and ready to go for what looks like a Cold Winter Coming On. Tonight we will have a Low of 40 degrees F. in South Central Kansas. Atchinson is expecting a Freeze. Kill all the tomatoes - and then warm up into the 70's for the rest of next week . What's Up with That!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Bob</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">GrandBob</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b>http://GrandBobsGarden.Blogspot.Com</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"> Send this link to your friends. Just Copy and Paste into your e-mail to them. It's Always Free!</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">P.S. And while your here, please click on our Facebook link and Twitter Links above before you leave. I would love to hear from you as I know what you would like to see more of. Check out the simple "Comment" section below and say "Hello". Yesterday, we went over 2000 visits for the past month.</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://grandbobsgarden.blogspot.com/2012/11/fall-garlic-planting-time.html">Square-Box-Gardening #6</a></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Email: RobertLee97@gmail.com</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-24257777932065011682012-09-06T00:35:00.000-05:002012-12-24T10:35:46.820-06:00Square Box Gardening - # 4<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">How to Do and Use Square Box Gardening</span></b></span></span></h4>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Why I use a Plastic Sheet Bottom on my Boxes</span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #93c47d;">Go back to the very beginning of this article and view the Large Introduction Photo. In the background, you will see a few light green boxes with plants in them. But no grass or weeds at all in these boxes. Only between boxes or on the outside of the boxes do you see unwanted grass or weeds. I have spent maybe a half-hour on all 20 of my Pickle Cucumber Boxes - all Summer! </span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"> In the front close to these green boxes is a redwood colored box setting next to the redwood trellis just packed with grass as well as a few onions, a cucumber plant and a few leeks with large ''Pom-Poms" at the top. This box has no bottom and sets right on the ground. I have weeded it maybe 4 times this summer and the Grass - since it is coming from the ground Below the Box - is terribly hard to Keep out and Get. This is how I started growing in boxes. I had a lot of work cut out for me since the boxes were setting directly on the ground. I wanted drainage but the boxes had to be weeded and de-grassed at least every week to keep clear. With the Green Colored Boxes, I rarely have to pull out a weed even once a month. Part of the reason is the Plastic Sheet Bottoms and the other is the soil mix that I use. It is usually clean of most weeds when I first use it. The wind carries a few weed seeds and grass seeds occasionally in inspite of the caution to keep them out. With the Drainage Holes around the bottom of the boxes, I never have to worry about plants being drowned by a "Gully Washer" rain. [ A Kansas term for a very heavy Rain Storm]. We know, don't we guys and gals... When the soil is put in the boxes, I press down a little firmer around the edges of the box when I pack the soil mix down. Since watering is easy and takes small amounts, and the holes are on the sides of the box instead of the bottom, very little soil is lost. Maybe a half inch of soil this year from each box. </span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Grow More Plants in a Whole Lot Less Space</span> </span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Since these are square foot boxes, and I can control the amount of water and nutrients going into each box, I can grow more plants in a smaller area. For example, 3 cucumber plants (as in most "hills") in one box. - since I grow them under a rope trellis and they grow UP instead of Out, They take up only 1 square foot of garden space. Not only that, I could probably put one box against the next with no space between and have about 90 plants in a 30 foot row! But I haven't tried that yet so I don't know how that will work out. I put about a 2 inch space between the boxes and let the grass grow between them. If it gets too long, I give the grass clumps a haircut with a kitchen scissors.I have figured out a simple method to keep the grass growing through much without cutting it. A herbicide is completely out.</span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Check Out:</span> </span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span id="goog_1901811066"><a href="http://grandbobsgarden.blogspot.com/2012/10/more-square-box-gardening-5.html">More Square Box Gardening #5</a></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>There is more to come so stop by often to catch the latest up date on <span style="font-size: large;">Square</span> Box Gardening. </u> Please go to the bottom of the page and check one of the Comment Blocks. More important, <u>Please leave a comment </u>and let me know how I am doing and what articles you might want me to write and ideas and experiments You have tried. <span style="font-size: large;">I</span> might even have You write an Article for us!</span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: large;">Coming Soon: "How to "Winnow" Onion Seeds" and also Leek and Chives using the same method - like the pros probably did 3 thousand years ago! Subscribe Below to keep from missing a post!</span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bob</span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: large;">GrandBob</span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: large;">To write a personal note, I will always respond and soon. E-mail, robertlee97@gmail.com . I am always glad to hear from my garden friends!</span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span id="goog_1901811066"><br /> </span></span></h3>
</div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-18194866540618677002012-09-05T09:03:00.000-05:002012-12-24T12:41:50.230-06:00Square Box Gardening # 3 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>How to Assemble Garden Boxes.</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cutting the Sides </span></b></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lets say you want to start with 10 boxes. Just buy 8 Cedar Fence boards that are 6 foot long. This will give you enough sides to make 10 boxes. To see how this works, we will make 2 "Story Sticks". One for the Short Sides 12 inches long and one for the Long Sides 13-1/4 inches long. Any stick that is straight will do. Cut these sticks to exact measurement. With these you can quickly mark the lengths off on your board. <u>Be sure to allow 1/8 inch for your cutting blade between Side pieces. If you don't your boards may be short!</u> You can make 4 short pieces and one long piece or 4 long pieces and one short piece. You should have about 5 inches or so of scrap on the Dog-Ear end of the fence board. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Keep track of parts for each Box.</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">Keep track of the sides. Stack sides for one box with 2 short sides and 2 long sides. </span></span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just change direction when you add another stack of sides to the last stack. Or just keep them separate. It will help keep you on track!</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q78KDUFffNo/UEbAK8U9FBI/AAAAAAAABDw/MP3RUZlimvw/s1600/scan0002+-+rework+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q78KDUFffNo/UEbAK8U9FBI/AAAAAAAABDw/MP3RUZlimvw/s400/scan0002+-+rework+4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><b>Almost Everything You Need to Know is in this Diagram. /|\</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Rest is Here \|/</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i9zNg-2vSGY/UEbFJTwSVAI/AAAAAAAABEI/i6yFiQjQQhk/s1600/GARDEN+PLANT+BOX+-+12+INCHES+SQUARE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i9zNg-2vSGY/UEbFJTwSVAI/AAAAAAAABEI/i6yFiQjQQhk/s640/GARDEN+PLANT+BOX+-+12+INCHES+SQUARE.jpg" width="489" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><u>Note</u> that the long sides are attached to the small sides. If you change this around, you will no longer have a box where the insides are 12 inches X 12 inches - or a square foot inside. </span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">The small circles on the right side are the screw points. The larger holes around the bottom of the box are 3/8 drain holes for when the big rains come! If you leave these out, You plants could easily drown as the boxes are pretty water tight. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Drilling the Drain Holes</span></b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ubaNQBoNMS4/UEbSNGHEmUI/AAAAAAAABEg/vs8WESXlPq0/s1600/100_4131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ubaNQBoNMS4/UEbSNGHEmUI/AAAAAAAABEg/vs8WESXlPq0/s320/100_4131.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">After screwing the sides together, now is the time to drill the drain holes. They should be from 1/2 inch to 1 inch at most from the bottom of the box. This will allow adequate drainage in deluges and too exuberant watering</span> <span style="font-size: large;">by Grand-Kids!</span></span> <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can drill the holes later but I find it easier to do at this time.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">Attach the Bottom Plastic Sheeting</span></span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span></b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">There are two reasons for using a plastic sheet bottom instead of just nailing a piece of plywood to the bottom. You could do this and just skip the whole plastic sheet-slats or trim boards subject. <b>But</b>. You expose your box to rot underneath and add extra weight to the box. When the soil in your mix is just damp, you can pick the boxes up easily - soil and all - without having a breakthrough in the plastic. Think of how handy if you are moving. You will be able to take the smaller plants with you. For the Large plants - like mature tomatoes, you Could slip a thin board underneath for extra support when moving. If you find that your tomato plant is not getting enough sun, like any container, just move the box, plant an<span style="font-size: large;">d</span> all to a brighter place!</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Cutting the Landscape Cloth</span></b> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> </span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7Z1K1-jmq0/UEbZRWZvImI/AAAAAAAABE4/Q_jhljFS77k/s1600/100_4135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7Z1K1-jmq0/UEbZRWZvImI/AAAAAAAABE4/Q_jhljFS77k/s400/100_4135.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">I don't quite know why they call it "Cloth" at some places. I guess the word "Plastic" is just to tacky. From here on out, I am just going to call it Plastic Sheeting. There are various places you can probably get sheets of heavy plastic Free. For example, you could cut down one side of a TopSoil Sack and get at least enough plastic for 2 boxes. Larger Cotton Boll sacks [ 2 cubic feet of compost] from your nursery, (very good compost by the way) would probably get you 4 box bottoms easily.</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> Both 4 and 6 mil Construction Plastic can be bought by the roll at most hardware stores. Smaller 4 mil plastic sheeting rolls can be found in some Dollar Stores which are sold as Paint Cloths. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-1WNH53j4k/UEbZVWmx-vI/AAAAAAAABFQ/Ean_rgaZjFY/s1600/100_4138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-1WNH53j4k/UEbZVWmx-vI/AAAAAAAABFQ/Ean_rgaZjFY/s320/100_4138.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">You will notice, that I have rolled out the cloth at 15-1/4 inches and cut through it all with a box knife. Next I fold this piece out and cut out the width of each box sheet.plus 2 inches or 14 inches. I have one bottom 14 inches X 15-1/4 inches. This leaves an inch extra all around the box when it is tacked on. Why is it necessary to overlap? Because my Wife said so! When you see the box being used, you will sometimes notice the plastic edge hanging outside the edges of the bottom. My wife is Always Right so there Must be a good reason for the overlap. Eventually I will see the light!</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Cut the Wood Slats </span></b></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TwlXh7kyVVY/UEbZW4mxuiI/AAAAAAAABFY/1Y0DtStqGd4/s1600/100_4139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TwlXh7kyVVY/UEbZW4mxuiI/AAAAAAAABFY/1Y0DtStqGd4/s320/100_4139.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Cut 4 strips of wood to the exact lengths of the sides. I use a small coping saw to cut them off at the box. Notice the cutting mark</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Tack the Plastic Sheet Down</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LYXT04Z4V6U/UEbZX5HHj8I/AAAAAAAABFg/6oWW65XGOAk/s1600/100_4140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LYXT04Z4V6U/UEbZX5HHj8I/AAAAAAAABFg/6oWW65XGOAk/s320/100_4140.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Center the plastic so it overhangs about an inch all around and tack the strip down on it. Here you see I have use a small inch and a quarter galvanized nail but they don't have much of a head to hold the wood. They are a little cheaper and wont rust as well.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd5dKOXXzJE/UEbZZRMK33I/AAAAAAAABFo/U50_m48ZgpA/s1600/100_4141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd5dKOXXzJE/UEbZZRMK33I/AAAAAAAABFo/U50_m48ZgpA/s320/100_4141.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tack the strips all the way around. Trim the extra plastic off if you have any hanging over. This is more likely with pieces of plastic like Plant Nursery sacks as mentioned before. </span> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Work around the box until the whole bottom is tacked down securely. Here you see extra plastic hanging over. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Were Nearly Finished</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a3ZLv2a54Zw/UEbZclYp4-I/AAAAAAAABGE/H9ypc8RyO0k/s1600/100_4192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a3ZLv2a54Zw/UEbZclYp4-I/AAAAAAAABGE/H9ypc8RyO0k/s640/100_4192.jpg" width="362" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Your box is now ready to drill holes if they haven't been drilled. After applying a stain and drilling holes as is needed here, the Garden Boxes are finished and ready for you to add a good soil mix.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Part 4 will show you how to use these boxes that could change you way of gardening forever saving you a lot of work each spring and tons of water (and water bills) that usually runs off to no use to your plants whether they be most vegetables or flowers. By using various color stains and colors of paint, you can really wake up your garden! I will also give you a soil mix that I have developed for my boxes that will work anywhere. It works very well for me. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://grandbobsgarden.blogspot.com/2012/09/simple-box-gardening-part-4-of-4.html">Square Box Gardening #4</a></span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Cheers!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Bob</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-28883872206822899782012-09-04T18:56:00.001-05:002012-11-17T16:55:58.725-06:00Square Box Gardening # 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Square Box Gardening # 2</span></h3>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today I will be showing you how to build a simple Garden Box. To keep this project simple and fairly inexpensive, I have based the lumber for our boxes solely on regular 6 Foot - Dog Eared Cedar Fencing. Most are about 5- 1/4 inches wide, about 5/8" to 3/4" thick and have a "dog ear" at one end about an inch long. They average about $1. 69 at most Big Box Stores. But shop around and it could save you a few bucks.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Painting or Staining</b></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cedar fencing is actually more rot-resistant than pine and you will find that regular cedar fence boards are usually much cheaper. The best wood fencing of course is of course Redwood...but it's like buying Gold! Boxes made from Redwood will last practically for a lifetime.</span> <span style="font-size: large;">These boxes will last about 2 to 5 years if you paint them or use an outdoor wood stain. I bought some out-of-date outdoor wood-stain at my local hardware store for $1 a gallon. Great bargain. It had a slightly unpleasant smell to it but it worked great and the smell disappears when it dries. Look for Bargains. I saved about $25 a gallon. (and my Garden didn't notice) I bought 6 gallons. Here in Wichita we have a Free Recycle Paint Outlet provided by the City. Yard Sales often have cheap paint. Dilute it by half and use as a stain on your boxes and save even more.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Plastic Sheeting Material </b></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Remember, your boxes will not be set on the ground directly. The Bottoms will be made of heavy plastic material. Believe it or not, A few hours after even a heavy rain, you will be able to pick the boxes up with your hands. Including the soil within and the plant too (unless they are really tall and cumbersome). If your planning on moving, you can pick up the box plant and all and set it in your truck. When you get where your going, set it down in the garden space you have chosen, and your good to go. Just add water! My boxes all set on a back lawn that I am converting into a garden. I set them ready to grow right on the grass. The heavy plastic material - "Black Landscape Material" or use heavy plant material bags left over from Mulch, Top Soil, Wood Chips, Garden Soil, Cotton Boll etc. Just slit them open down one side. If your lucky, you will have enough Box Bottoms to complete 4 - Square Foot Boxes.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Copper</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Nails </b></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">As you will see in the diagram, I like to use Screen Tri<u>m nails. Small copper nails most often seen in "Plastic Storm Window Kits that you can get for a few bucks. (Copper Nails with hea</u>ds can be purchased at most hardware and lumber outlets. They are usually about 3/4 of an inch long and have a common head.) However, the plastic in the kits, is way too thin if you are setting your boxes on weeds or grass. They will poke right through and you will be weeding your boxes. Weed or grass seeds blow in or in you soil mix already has weed seeds and grass in it. Using <u>heavy plastic sheeting </u>will save you 95% of the weeding you have to do with regular gardens. All I have to do is Mow the grass between the boxes and weed eat around the boxes. I learned to keep the weed eater string <u>close to the ground</u>, after whacking off a few new cucumber plants!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Caulking</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">Until this year, I didn't use caulking. However, I was sometimes loosing water from the boxes when I watered through the 4 corners.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">Below the soil level was no problem in most cases. The soil filled any corner cracks. However, when I want to water maybe once or twice a week - depending on the heat and lack of rain of course, I like to fill the box to the brim with water. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">This gives me the equivalent or better of a One-Inch Rain over the one square ft. Area of soil that the plant sits in. I pour a half-gallon or more per plant. I also mix my fertilizers like wise. Also, if I use a gallon per Garden box, I know exactly how much water I am using.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Since my hose puts out a gallon of water every few seconds, I can just point the hose, count off the few seconds, and water each plant easily and exactly. With the plant boxes in increments of 1 square ft, you can know exactly what your watering should be and even the soil mix and fertilizer amounts with a few simple calculations. No waste of water, fertilizer, etc and you have complete control. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wood Strips or Screen Trim</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wood Trim or Screen Stock is plated in Gold at the Lumber Outlets. It is about 1/8" thick, 5/8" wide, and 8 Ft wide. Along with the copper nails,<b> </b>it's great to nail the plastic to the bottom of the boxes as shown below. However, get a few scrap 3/4 (1x- nominal name) white pine and have a woodworker friend rip you a bunch of slats.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> One 6 ft board will give you enough slats for about 12 boxes. And cost you half the price of <u>One</u> Wood Trim at the store!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <b>|</b> <b>Do Not do this yourself if you are not an Advanced Woodworker or Carpenter. It is a dangerous procedure for those who have never had much experience with a power saw! |</b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">1-1/4</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">" Dry Wall Screws</span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>(Often called Multi-Purpose Screws lately)</b></span></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">These will be used to Screw the sides of the Garden Boxes together.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> One small box (1-1b Box should do about 20 Square Ft. Boxes.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Waterproof Glue</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">I like to use Waterproof - outdoor approved Glue. My first boxes tended to have the screws coming out on occasion but not severely so. But I use it now to avoid the nuisance. It is optional. I use Tite-Bond III (trademark). It's very good and not as expensive as Gorilla ( trademark) Glue. Which ever you prefer. <b> </b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <b><span style="font-size: large;">Tools You Need</span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Hammer </b></u> (Or a Small tack hammer instead is easier to handle but not necessary.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Small Handsaw</b></u> - to cut strips to length.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Power Drill</u> </b>- Can be done by hand but tedious to assemble boxes.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Power Drill - Phillips Bit </u></b>to help put in dry wall screws.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> End of "Simple Box Gardening" Part 2.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Keep watching for Part 3 coming soon where we will give you simple plans for building the Gardening Box and Photos of yours truly finally doing some work.</u></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://grandbobsgarden.blogspot.com/2012/09/simple-box-gardening-part-3-of-4.html">Go To Square Box Gardening # 3</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">All Rights Reserved. Copyright Robert<span style="font-size: small;"> Mader 2012</span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #8e7cc3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span><span><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: #8e7cc3;"><span style="background-color: white;">E-Mail: robertlee97@gmail.com</span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-2306441421143486152012-02-16T16:43:00.005-06:002012-03-11T19:10:37.786-05:00Start Tomato Seedlings and Others Easy!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">All you will need for this little project is some Tomato Seeds, Disposable Frozen Food Trays (cleaned), Some Clear Plastic Wrap, A hammer and Large nail for punching holes in the Trays, and a light soil mix. A dark, warm closet would be nice but you can use a box under the bed if you want.The large Under-The-Bed Plastic Storage Boxes work great. Just put your trays of seeds in them, close the lid, put under the bed and laugh at the Cats. They can smell fresh soil a mile away!<br />
<br />
<br />
1. Prepare the Frozen Food Tray.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_EIH2lKvcM/Tz1bBnP3pII/AAAAAAAABAw/DI5_C9e14sQ/s1600/100_3831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_EIH2lKvcM/Tz1bBnP3pII/AAAAAAAABAw/DI5_C9e14sQ/s320/100_3831.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Using the hammer and a large nail (10 penny spike is good) punch several holes from the inside of the tray out. Round out the holes. The ragged edge should be to the outside. This will provide drainage and a means to water the trays later on when the plants are up. You may grow them for several days in these trays before you have to transplant them into a bigger tray or individual pots. The Aunt Jemima Breakfast Frozen Food Trays work great for me. They are actually paper covered with a plastic seal inside and can stand several months of use before deteriorating. You can actually give them a coat or two of spray paint and they can last several years with careful use.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">2. Prepare the Seeding Soil</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I found a good mix from "Organic Gardening" this year and I have used their formula with slight modification. It looks like it will work great and closely resembles the one I usually use. You might pick up the complete article at: <span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/blend-your-own-seed-starting-mix">http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/blend-your-own-seed-starting-mix</a></div><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Rodale Seed Starting Soil Mix</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>4 parts Screened Compost - ( I used Screened Cotton Boll) - Found at most Gardening Supplies.</li>
<li>1 part Perlite ( I screened this too - To get larger chunks out that can harm roots when Transplanting.</li>
<li>1 part Vermiculite</li>
<li> 2parts sphagnum peat moss and/or Coir - An "Eco-Friendly Peat Alternative made from Coconut Husks - Also used to make Floor Mats, Door Mats and Mattresses!</li>
</ul> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2pO0RE7S7r4/Tz1lPRLtZfI/AAAAAAAABA4/cLH139mk8FY/s1600/100_3832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2pO0RE7S7r4/Tz1lPRLtZfI/AAAAAAAABA4/cLH139mk8FY/s400/100_3832.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> a</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">I used a 24 oz empty Cottage Cheese Tub to measure out my Ingrediants. This amount seems to work well for me to make a sack full of mix. I put the ingredients in an old Dog Watering tray and mixed it thoroughly. I then added a half cup of water at a time and mixed until it had a nice damp feel to it through out. I ended up with about 8 quarts of mix. Which fit nicely into an empty 8 Quart</div><div style="text-align: left;">Perlite - Rezip Bag. I then glued a big white label to the front with the Seed Mix Soil name and formula. Rubber cement the sack area where you want to put the label and Rubber Cement the back of the label itself. Wait for both to become almost dry then stick down. I used a 3 X 6 notecard to make the label. Rezip garden product bags are great, because they keep the new mix moist and hold a reasonable amount of mix. I seeded almost 30 paper trays and used 3 sacks (24oz) approximately of my soil mix to fill the trays for seeding. I still have most of the Warmer Crops to seed and start so I will have to mix up a few sacks more. In just a week or two, most of the Cool Weather crops (Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflour, Spinach, Lettuce, Onions, Paisleys, etc. should be going into the ground. If the soil temperature is 40 to 45 degrees they will be ok. A little protection might be in order for a few weeks if the night temperatures do not stay above 40 degrees. I will probably set them in the hoop-house as transplants in paper pots until I feel safe about the weather turning towards spring.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">3. Load the Tray with Soil.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Load the tray with Seeding Soil Mix to about half full. Gently press it down.<u> Don't forget the sides.</u> Finish filling the tray to the top. Gently press the soil down again with a slight pressure of the hand. This is to press the air out of the soil a bit - not to seal it like concrete! G-e-n-t-l-y is sufficient.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VZWXRU0nL94/Tz15zg69AZI/AAAAAAAABBA/-6uXKVKuH6k/s1600/100_3839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VZWXRU0nL94/Tz15zg69AZI/AAAAAAAABBA/-6uXKVKuH6k/s320/100_3839.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. Make Furrows or Poke Holes in the soil. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Check your seed package. What is the recommended depth to plant the seeds. Use this same depth to plant the seeds in the trays. Disregard furrow width. Plant the seeds a minimum of 1" apart in a row. Make the rows about 3/4 to 1 inch apart. This is a pretty temporary home and in most cases, you will be soon be transplanting the small plants into a bigger and deeper tray or into individual pots so they have room to grow. When they become crowded, they will Stop growing and start crowding each other out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vzbYvL7bIUk/Tz18YF0W00I/AAAAAAAABBI/B9Ut_p3Rm5Y/s1600/100_3833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vzbYvL7bIUk/Tz18YF0W00I/AAAAAAAABBI/B9Ut_p3Rm5Y/s400/100_3833.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I just used a pencil and pressed down 6 furrows in the tray to about 1/4 inch deep. The recommended planting depth for Tomato seeds. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. Seed the Furrows (or holes). Here you see a little of both.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EkvnTCEffbw/Tz187c8divI/AAAAAAAABBQ/_JLS1FTd8zo/s1600/100_3834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EkvnTCEffbw/Tz187c8divI/AAAAAAAABBQ/_JLS1FTd8zo/s320/100_3834.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I placed the seeds as you might be able to see about 1 inch apart. I want plenty of room to be able to "dibble" out the baby plants when it is time to move them to individual pots or a deeper tray. [ A Cake Pan with holes is good if you want to move to a larger and deeper tray for a few weeks. You can use regular potting mix for transplanting.].</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6, Lightly cover the seeds with a more seeding soil to the recommended depth. Again press the soil down gently to firm in the seeds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OjWna5O4KoQ/Tz1-VO1_VrI/AAAAAAAABBY/mnlKeb416Bw/s1600/100_3836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OjWna5O4KoQ/Tz1-VO1_VrI/AAAAAAAABBY/mnlKeb416Bw/s320/100_3836.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7. Label the Tray.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rjxKBsoW7Po/Tz1_V4fSXLI/AAAAAAAABBg/xyfQSbMdaGE/s1600/100_3840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rjxKBsoW7Po/Tz1_V4fSXLI/AAAAAAAABBg/xyfQSbMdaGE/s320/100_3840.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've tried several methods. This seems to work the best. Use 3 x 6 card stock and cut a piece about 1" wide by as wide as the card (3"). Print the Plant name, date, and any other info you like. Run a strip of rubber cement along one end of the tray. Set it aside to dry. Turn the label over and apply rubber cement to the back and allow to dry a little. Press the label to the tray. This will produce a very good bond. If you want to protect the label from dampness just run a few strips of scotch tape across it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">8. Gently Water in the Seeds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MThskleaf-4/Tz2CBvDadgI/AAAAAAAABBo/0mRM7fqaq1I/s1600/100_3844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MThskleaf-4/Tz2CBvDadgI/AAAAAAAABBo/0mRM7fqaq1I/s320/100_3844.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Use a fine mist and dampen the surface of the seeded tray well. Short of actually trying to wet it down. I found these neat little watering spray bottles in the gardening section of the Dollar Store. They cost a $1.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Their easy to handle and hold about 12 ounces of water. Plenty good for our use. It is adjustable from a jet to a fine mist.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">9. Use Plastic Wrap or a Freezer Bag to make a little greenhouse and a warm, draft-free seed sprouting atmosphere </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3NikmPQDHvE/Tz2DDr62NdI/AAAAAAAABBw/mbmjNfnioM8/s1600/100_3845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3NikmPQDHvE/Tz2DDr62NdI/AAAAAAAABBw/mbmjNfnioM8/s320/100_3845.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just slip it into a Freezer Bag of the right size and leave one end slightly open to allow fresh air to pass in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am using a foot square or sow of Plastic Wrap. I scotch tape the wrap from the under side on the back and both sides near the middle and leave the end loosely open for fresh air. I never have a "dampening-off problem. I also pull the trays out of the Freezer Bag or fold back the Plastic Wrap for an hour each day to the fresh air, then close the ends slightly but still leave a little air hole. Then put them away back in my closet cabinet specially built to hold plant trays. It also works as a small handy pantry when the plant sprouting season is over! You may see it in one of my other plant starting articles. Lettuce is one of the few plants that need a little light to sprout. The herb, Summer Savory is another. Most Garden plants in my experience do not.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">10. The finished product!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tcFmTDNIK20/Tz2DEY_r0xI/AAAAAAAABB4/RI8sJwJxGy0/s1600/100_3846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tcFmTDNIK20/Tz2DEY_r0xI/AAAAAAAABB4/RI8sJwJxGy0/s1600/100_3846.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Addendum: Feb 19, 2012:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The day after planting the Tomato Seeds, I seeded Cabbages. This is the result. 3 days later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Wdnmj9syIs/T0Hz5HY4-QI/AAAAAAAABCM/6YgxY8FpFac/s1600/100_3849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Wdnmj9syIs/T0Hz5HY4-QI/AAAAAAAABCM/6YgxY8FpFac/s320/100_3849.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"> <b> A Close up of the Baby Cabbages Sprouting</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vJ_lSYEVyW0/T0Hz4qayZgI/AAAAAAAABCE/6IC-qVmnHac/s1600/100_3848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vJ_lSYEVyW0/T0Hz4qayZgI/AAAAAAAABCE/6IC-qVmnHac/s320/100_3848.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Showing most of the tray with the center plants in </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>focus. About 1/3 of the total has sprouted all ready.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Now I will need to rush them under a plant light and be sure they remain warm and damp and get plenty of fresh air. The sprouting will continue to finish very quickly. After the plants start sprouting well, I remove the plastic covering completely but <u>they must remain out of cold drafts and still get fresh air.</u> They still need lots of protection. I will set these under a lamp for a few days then place them in my planter where they will receive light, warmth, and protection from strong sun for several day or weeks of growth. When the plants seem to be getting crowded and have their "Real" leafs, I will be placing [transplanting] them into 2" pots. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Addendum: February 26, 2012</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>This is how the Cabbage Seedlings look 10 Days Later:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lg0bzXX95D4/T0qlpc7uFSI/AAAAAAAABCU/oAc-UCqgrrk/s1600/100_3850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lg0bzXX95D4/T0qlpc7uFSI/AAAAAAAABCU/oAc-UCqgrrk/s640/100_3850.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>These Cabbages are about Life-Size in this Picture</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Appendum March 6, 2012: The Cabbage Seedlings are getting their true leaves and are going into pots tomorrow. I will put them in the Hoop House to adjust to muted sunlight for about a week then set into the garden. Likewise the Cauliflower, Broccoli, Lettuce and Spinach.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks for stopping by! Your comments are welcome and you may e-mail me personally at RobertLee97@GMail.Com if you have any gardening questions. Your e-mail address stays with us. We do not market names! I would especially like to hear more from the Wichita and Wichita Metro Area. Tell me about your garden. Let's compare notes! I am looking to start an All Kansas Gardening Club. Plant Exchanging, Sources, Vegetable and Plant Marketing, Farmers Market News. Etc. Your ideas are very welcome.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b>Cheers! Happy Gardening!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Bob</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">GrandBob</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div> <br />
<br />
</div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-53810705351166069862012-02-13T14:45:00.002-06:002012-02-16T02:34:19.389-06:00Time to Start Cool Weather Seedlings Indoors - and Other Vegetables<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="background-color: #38761d; color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">News Flash - February 15, 2012</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Brand New USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map has been finally published! Due to Global Warning Symptoms, great changes have been made in the traditional map. The seed packages of your favorite Garden Seed Companies </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: large;">have been produced too early to</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: large;">be useful this year. </span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Some states have changed as much as </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">2 zones.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: large;">My area near Wichita, Kansas is rated as 6b but because of my own microclimate. (Well protected from the North Winds, I am gambling and using the Zone 7 rating that begins about 30 miles further South on the Oklahoma border and a snip of South Central Kansas. To check your new zone, view this map and just input your zip code. Your updated Zone will come right up. Go To: </span><a href="http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/"><span style="font-size: large;">http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/</span></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It may look terrible dreary outside about now ( February 13 ) But here in South Central Kansas, <span style="color: #1f497d;">it’s time to start seeds for cool weather plants like Cabbages, Spinach, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Celery, Parsley etc. So start your seedlings indoors right now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Start Tomato and Pepper seedlings indoors from February 15 thru February 29.</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> These can be started even later but will be set back a little from setting them out a little late. The New USDA Plant Hardiness Zone for the Wichita area and on South is Zone 6b but I use 7 because it is so close and for other reasons.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Earliest Set out dates: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Tomatoes – With protection – (Cloche, Cold Frame, Etc. – April 1<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Tomatoes- No protection – from May 1. I have set out tomato plants as late as Mid June to 1<sup>st</sup> of July but you are really pressing your luck to see them produce into the first frost. Romas may make it, the others are iffy.<span style="color: #1f497d;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peppers: Sweet Peppers can be set out from about May 15 to June 1. Anytime earlier than May will still be too cool and the Peppers will not grow. They will just set there until the weather is warmer! I found that I can plant Hot Peppers even later and they will have enough time to mature before first frost.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I checked this information out with the Sedgwick County Extension Office in Wichita. As with all gardening, early set-out times are a Gamble. You may be caught with a late freeze. Always check your weekly forecast and be sure to cross your fingers!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">One method you may have heard about how to protect tender plants (such as Tomatoes) from the cold is to set them under 2 liter Soda Bottles with the bottoms cut off. 2 Cautions:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 30.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Leave the caps off during the heat of the day – your plants may cook otherwise.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 30.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 30.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Drill about 6 quarter- inch holes about an inch above the soil base to allow fresh air to come in during the heat of the day. Again, with the caps off. so your plants won’t cook! Again. Always remember to cap them up during the night and Remove the caps at sunup! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">When to Set Out Cool Weather Plants:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Two Weeks before Last Freeze<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> Broccoli<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> Cauliflower<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> Parsley<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> Swiss Chard<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> Beets<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> Turnips<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Four Weeks Before Last Frost<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Cabbage<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Collards<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kale<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kohlrabi<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Lettuce<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mustard<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Onions<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Spinach (up to 6 weeks !)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">When to Set Out Warm Weather Crops<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">2 Weeks After Last Freeze<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Corn<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Cucumbers<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Basil<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Eggplant<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Melons<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Okra<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Peppers<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Pumpkins<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Squash<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Tomatoes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-16091009374208104722011-12-28T11:37:00.006-06:002012-02-13T14:31:22.542-06:00How to Make a Miniature Kitchen Table Greenhouse<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b>How to Make a Miniature Kitchen Table Greenhouse </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Here it is, the depth of winter and I'm caught with Stevia plants that I need to keep alive till Spring when I can set them out safely. At the end of last fall, after harvesting the only Stevia plant I had - which is an annual in the Midwest U.S.; all I could do was save some of the more viable stems and try to root them. My success rate was about 40%. So. Now what? How can I keep them alive till Spring without spending a lot of money on a heated greenhouse? I decide to build a miniature greenhouse that could be set in any room and keep my plants alive till Spring.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> I needed something small, easy, and fast to protect my new Stevia starts until I could come up with something better. I took my little potted starts and put them in an ordinary rectangle cake pan. Shoved them into a semi-clear plastic grocery bag, And put them under a goose neck desk lamp with one of those fancy new corkscrew fluorescent lights. They give off good plant light but little or no heat. The light was the Equivalent of a 100 watt light source but uses about 27 watts of electricity. This kept my plants pretty snug until I could come up with something better. I then planned out and built this tiny greenhouse. The size of a Cake Pan. The plants go in the pan, and the little greenhouse just sets over it. That's it. Keep the lights on about 12 to 16 hours a day and water when necessary.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Your new babies should thrive. Oh. Keep in a warm room. Normal temperature for humans is great. Take the plants out on occasion and mist them if the seem to be too dry. They can be damp in the soil and still be hurt by dry air in a home especially with gas heating. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uCKxhWW7I9Q/Tvs2gQRXaMI/AAAAAAAAA-o/jceCZ5TEmQ0/s1600/Warm+and+Snug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uCKxhWW7I9Q/Tvs2gQRXaMI/AAAAAAAAA-o/jceCZ5TEmQ0/s400/Warm+and+Snug.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> <b> MATERIAL:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">A Sheet of fairly Clear Plastic - About 3 Ft x 4 Ft.</u><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">This can be gotten from a $1 Painting sheet at the Dollar Store or Storm window material at the hardware store, or (more expensive ) rolls of plastic at 2, 4, 6 mil thickness in rolls at the Big Box store or local hardware store.</span></li>
</ul><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">About 20 Sturdy Thumbtacks or Carpet Tacks</u></li>
</ul><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><u><br />
</u></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><u>5 ft of 1x2 or 1 x3 fairly Clear Lumber.(I used cabinet grade plywood strips because that is what I had handy.)</u></span></li>
</ul><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><u><br />
</u></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><u>Standard Size Rectangle Cake Pan. </u></span></li>
</ul><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><u><br />
</u></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">10 ft. of Heavy Wire - #9 or approx. 1/8 inch thickness.</u><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> Aluminum is easy to bend but more expensive than regular wire for farm use etc. Sometimes called clothesline wire but must be stiff, not braided plastic covered type.</span></li>
</ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">1" Wire Brads</u><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> (small headless nails )</span></li>
</ul><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Waterproof Wood Glue ( I use Titebond III (R).</span></li>
</ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b>TOOLS</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">Hand Saw</u><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> to cut the wood strips to length</span></li>
</ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">Hand Power Drill </u><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> to drill holes to hold wire hoops in wood strips and </span><u style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">Drill Bit</u><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> slightly larger than wire thickness. Wire should fit snug in the hole. Not tight or loose.</span></li>
</ul><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><u>Tape Measure</u></span></li>
</ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">Scissors</u><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> to trim plastic to size</span></li>
</ul><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Small Hammer</span></li>
</ul><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u style="color: #20124d; font-size: x-large;">Wire Cutter</u><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> (or Hack Saw) to make a nice clean square cut.</span></li>
</ul><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><u>Drawing Compass</u> A $1 cheap Dollar Store School Compass will work fine. A pencil is usually provided.</span></li>
</ul></div><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">First cut the wood strips. Measure the length and width of the cake pan at the widest parts (Top edges) and add about 1/4 inch to the length and width of the pieces so the pan will easily slide in and out of the wood frame. </span></div><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7QRWj_zEf2s/TvtA6-NSByI/AAAAAAAAA-0/lgabwRo-3S0/s1600/Try+for+Square+Corners+and+Accurately+Spaced+Holes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7QRWj_zEf2s/TvtA6-NSByI/AAAAAAAAA-0/lgabwRo-3S0/s320/Try+for+Square+Corners+and+Accurately+Spaced+Holes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> I used thinner wood strips on the ends because I didn't need the thickness to support wire hoops. It helped make the whole thing a little lighter. First glue the ends. Then hammer in about 3 brads. Also try to keep the frame squared up as possible. Make 2 diagonal measurements from one end to the other and then from the opposite corners (diagonally again.) The two measurements should be within a 16th of an inch or so and the frame will be square. If not, check for accurate measurements on the strip lengths. </span></div><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Next, Drill two wire hoop holes on each end straight across from each other. Then two evenly spaced holes on each side evenly spaced and across from each other. Try to keep the holes straight up and down in the wood and centered.</span></div><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b>How to Make the Hoops</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Once the wood frame is finished. It is time to make a <u>Template</u> to measure off your wire and to shape it to make 4 nice hoops. Measure across from one hole in the frame to the opposite hole. This is the measurement that will give you the diameter of a circle. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Draw out the Circle on a board or heavy cardboard or your wife's kitchen table...lightly so you can erase it before she catches you!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hFZ1aZrc280/TvtNUarBl0I/AAAAAAAAA_U/isP3LplseAU/s1600/Start+Bending+From+the+Center+Following+Lines+of+Template.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hFZ1aZrc280/TvtNUarBl0I/AAAAAAAAA_U/isP3LplseAU/s400/Start+Bending+From+the+Center+Following+Lines+of+Template.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Cut the circle in half. This is the curve of your hoop. Draw down from the ends of the half circle a straight line on each side. The straight lengths should be around 7 inches or so long. Measure the total length around the template. Start from one straight end and continue up around the curve and down the other side. This gives you the length of wire to cut.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDLMyFdWfng/TvtNT8eJV_I/AAAAAAAAA_M/1ptwCnCybbk/s1600/Start+from+Even+Straight+Wire+Pieces+From+Aluminum+Closeline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDLMyFdWfng/TvtNT8eJV_I/AAAAAAAAA_M/1ptwCnCybbk/s320/Start+from+Even+Straight+Wire+Pieces+From+Aluminum+Closeline.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Cut 4 wire lengths to this measurement. They should be somewhere around 29 or 30 inches. </span></div><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tishuN4bayc/TvtEn3CTT2I/AAAAAAAAA_A/v_8CBd9q63Q/s1600/Micro+Greenhouse_38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tishuN4bayc/TvtEn3CTT2I/AAAAAAAAA_A/v_8CBd9q63Q/s400/Micro+Greenhouse_38.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Bend the wires to match the Template. You now have 4 nice hoops.</span></div><div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"></span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8sprN9TOqYY/TvtQCJzCooI/AAAAAAAAA_g/oXfLsXGVFR4/s1600/The+Hoops+Should+Seat+in+the+Holes+at+the+Mark+or+Ta%255Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8sprN9TOqYY/TvtQCJzCooI/AAAAAAAAA_g/oXfLsXGVFR4/s400/The+Hoops+Should+Seat+in+the+Holes+at+the+Mark+or+Ta%255Be.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Insert the wire hoops into the wood frame. They should fit snug but not tight so you can push them into the holes without bending the wire. I have used a piece of tape to indicate on the wire when it is completely in the hole. All wires should inset to the same length. From at least 1" to the full length of the height of the frame. The longer the better but also the harder to get in. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">When all the wires are installed in the wood frame. Lay the plastic cover over the hoops and even out on the ends and the sides. Snug up the plastic cover, Thumbtack to the bottom of the frame. Trim off the extra. You may now set the little greenhouse frame over the cake pan full of little plants. Set a light over them and you are fixed to go! I find that a desk lamp at each end gives plenty of light for starting new seedlings, cuttings, etc.</span><br />
<div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Copyright 2012 Robert Mader</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">All Rights Reserved</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">For any additional questions, just e-mail me at </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">RobertLee97@Gmail.Com</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0