With the warm weather that we have had this Spring gardening has been very much on our minds. Our typical frost free date is after Memorial day so we have been hesitant to do too much gardening yet but we have worked on some things.
We like to keep our gardening as economical as possible so we have been working to use what we have or what we can get cheaply. Here are some of the things that we have been doing so far:
- My Dad had an apple tree that he had grafted on as well as some cherry trees that had come up from the roots (so it is a true tree) of his big one, he generously offered to share so now we are one apple tree and 2 cherry trees richer at our house. We settled them into their new spot with lots of compost and manure and have been giving them lots of water.
- I decided that this year I would break done and get black plastic for around my tomatoes and peppers. I have liked to use newspapers as mulch but last year was so chilly I decided it would be advantageous to get something that heated up the ground. I mentioned my plan to my mom and she reminded me that my brother Luke can get used tarps from the lumberyard where he works (they throw them away) and they are black on one side. So yea! I have free black "plastic" for my garden.
- I mentioned this before but we got two loads of aged manure from my parents which is a great addition to our garden. Most owners of animals would be glad to give this to you if you are willing to scoop and haul it.
- We started seeds inside. With the quantity that we plant each year buying all the plants we need would be quite costly. It isn't that hard (and it is rather fun when you have the gardening itch anyway) to start plants inside.
I use all sorts of recycled containers to start them in. The only expense was some potting soil and seeds.
I am guessing a lot of you have gardens that are way farther along, I would love to hear what you are doing with your gardens right now!
