June 26, 2011 – We got our piece of dirt and wasted no time getting our garden in. We have a plot in the back, about 75′ x 50′ and one in the front, about 50′ x 20′. Right now the plantings are spaced out much further than necessary. But I was in such a hurry!!! I also planted many things in various places around the property to learn the soil/sun/water conditions on our property better. I meant to keep a journal, and will definitely have to jot down some notes before winter planting and have a MAJOR game plan for next spring’s planting.

Our garden plot in the back. The back is lined by 7 fruit trees. To the left is our potato patch. The front fence is lined with corn. And the majority of our garden is planted in hay bales. This was suggested to us, since we were unsure of the soil conditions and drainage. The haybales work GREAT for warm weather crops. Our Tomatoes and Pepper plants are just flourishing. The haybales do NOT work well for cool weather crops. Peas, Beans, Cabbages…. I think the hay just puts off too much heat.

Our front yard garden plot is mostly a line of corn along the fence and several winter squashes. We are eager to harvest some Hubbards, Butternut, Pumpkins and Pink Banana Squash.

February 14, 2011 – We’re still hoping for our own piece of dirt prior to planting season. We have our eyes on one in particular and have put in an offer. I’m hopeful they will accept it or that we can reach an agreement SOON!

Here you see what caught MY eye.

This years working plan. 30′x55′.

I intend to PROCEED as if this will allll work out. So I have estimated the amount of seedlings I need to start. And using this simple online tool, http://www.chestnut-sw.com/growform.htm, I have a printed out calendar that tells me when to start my seeds, and transplant them for summer and winter gardening in my locale.

January 17, 2011 – Last year’s garden was… disappointing in the end.  While we DID get onions, zucchinis, sunflower seeds, peppers and a few heads of corn…. we got little else.  The summer never did really warm up… the sun hardly ever shone… and very few gardens thrived.

I did however experience a RICH harvest in other ways.  The ladies and I found many GREAT deals on produce from Yakima (because there was hardly ANY local produce) and my father found some friends that were VERY glad for us to come and pick their apple trees for nothing.

The ladies and I canned what we got and gained courage and experience with our canners.  And later in the fall my husband and I expanded to canning items we found on sale at the local grocers, and dehydrated a few items, such as potato slices, carrots and celery for soups, jerky.

It is now time to start planning for this years garden.  We will not be using the community gardens this year.  We are hoping for our own home and property by planting time and are praying fervently for it.  Until then, I can plan… and dream….

July 8, 2010 – We now have 3 plots! Our first two are slowly filling up, and our new one is getting tilled today.

A-1, Onions, Sunflowers, Peppers, Newly Planted corn.

A-3, Tomatoes, Newly planted Onions, Garlic, and Corn.

Getting Tilled Today

July 1, 2010 – A new friend, Floyd Willet, tilled my garden today. That saves me about …. 20 hours of hard labor with a hoe and shovel. I pray that the Lord mightily blesses Floyd for his kindness to me and my family.

A-3, Cleared and Ready to Plant

A-1, You can now SEE my planted rows and blocks

June 28, 2010 – Due to the weather we’ve experienced in the last two months, everyone is replanting now.
Here are some photos of my garden plot at the Community Gardens. A-3 was a complete loss, so I cleared it entirely to be re-tilled. A-1 is doing ok, but the plants are struggling with the enormous amount of grass that sprung up. I’ve been busy hoeing and raking a clear area around the plants, while I formulate my next steps.

A-3 – The Grassy No Man’s Land

New Tomatoes Ready to Be Planted and My Wedding Arch

My Arch and the rows of Sunflowers and Beans Spread Out Behind It

The Salad Bar

June 25, 2010 – I just planted this little garden in our Front Yard. 10 Tomatoes…. More to come later!

Fresh Planted Front Garden Row

June 4, 2010 – Working out in our Community Garden plots.

The Family in the Garden

April 13, 2010 – We started our seedlings in late January, early February. The house smells of dirt and tomatoes. I love it. We have lofty goals and are looking forward to the challenges to provide for our family.

Seedlings Growing in Our House

Plan for the 2010 Garden, Companion Gardening