Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Sowing Seeds

2010 will make the third year Tanya and I have grown most of our vegetables. Living in So Cal we have a long growing season. Depending on the vegetable the harvest can be year round. An example would be Kale and Collard Greens; they are rich leafy greens that do excellent in winter. We have had a lot success growing in the ground along our back wall, but the weeds at times become difficult to control; so this year we decided to add above ground planters. We had some yard space under a bedroom window that was perfect. I wasn't exactly sure how to build and how large to make the planters, so I searched the net for help. I came across dozens and dozens of backyard gardening sites, all full of helpful information and suggestions. Many were sophisticated and some simple, but all produced beautiful and healthy vegetables. I decided to go with three 4x4 foot planters, each constructed with 4x6 inch pieces of wood. The job was very easy and took me no time to finish. All I needed was wood, 3 1/2 inch wood screws and a drill.
First I cleared the space under the window of any weeds, and then leveled the dirt.
The first planter went together in a jiffy, the 3 1/2 inch wood screws pulled the wood together securely and tight.
I was done all thee in less than and hour, all exactly 4x4 with a little bit of walk space between each to tend to the crop and any weeds that may pop up.

I then put a layer of weed block and wood chips for added weed control, and also look.

I filled each with grow mulch and soil. The hard part is done! Now just "Sow the Seed" and allow the Sun and the seeds do their work.
Growing your own food is simple and fulfilling, not to mention the health benefits. If you want to improve your diet and save some money; backyard gardening is the way to grow, and the fruits and vegetables taste so much better than what you get at the grocery store.
There is no better way to fuel your body for those long miles than home grown food. I can't wait to share pictures of what our planters will produce this year.
Provoke, Encourage, Elevate.
One Love,
Marc and Tanya


3 comments:

sister on the go said...

I wish I had this luxury but the south is full of dreadful ants. Not even pepper spray stops them.
I'm taking this year off!

Unknown said...

There has to be a way, the climate in the south is ideal for growing vegetables. Some of the best crops come out of the south. That's why our forefathers and mothers were used as slaves to work the fertile soil. It will be well worth the effort if you give it a shot.

Pamela Ann said...

Hey Marc and Tanya,
I miss you guys. Glad to see great things happening. The garden thing is a bit diffcult to manage out here.
My hubby has grown watermelon, okra, bell pepper, jalapeno peppers just fine. But the tomatoes, greens and lettuce arent survivng this heat and southern bugs.
I'll keep in touch.
Pamela