4.1.11

I'm so excited about my recent project. I should definitely say "our" project because the whole family is involved. We are venturing into our first garden at our new home. We decided to go with raised beds. Trevor and I have been discussing where to put them, what to have them made of, etc. etc. Well, a couple of weeks ago, I was on a shopping journey and came across the only book at Lowe's that really focused on raised beds. The book is called All New Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew. I started reading the book and decided it needed to come home with me. It really caught my attention because of the emphasis on producing more in less space! Sounds great! Unfortunately, I should have done my research before the ordering/building of the boxes -- but, that's okay -- we are just going to go with it. I think it's going to work -- it may not be perfect, and I may not follow all the guidelines outlined by Mr. Mel, but I know it's going to be great!! Trevor and a friend of his did a super job of building the boxes. He had them ready to go all in one morning! We had ours made of cedar. I'm still debating whether or not to spray some type of clear coat finish on the outside (for sure not on the inside), but we shall see........ Mr. Mel says all you need for the perfect soil is a mixture ("Mel's Mix") of 1/3 compost, 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 vermiculite. It's been quite a process figuring out how much of this and that to get for our size of boxes to make Mel's Mix. He does his based on a 4x4 box (he talks about other sizes, but this is the prime size for a square foot garden (SFG)). We had already decided to have three 8x4 boxes (this was of course before I had found the SFG book). I had also chosen a height of 12-18" of soil. Mr. Mel says you only need 6" of soil for most plants. So now, we are going to use sand to fill the boxes partially, and then have our 6-8" of Mel's mix on top. He also encourages a grid (which he actually states, if you do not have a grid -- you do NOT have a SFG!). The grid allows for correct spacing of plants and also ease of replanting when the time comes. It's really all very interesting, and I'm not explaining the best -- I guess if you need a better picture -- check out the book! :) Basically, I'm just letting you know that I'll be sharing with you while we go on this SFG adventure -- and if all goes well -- I'll be sharing some produce, too!! Stay tuned!!!

the boxes have arrived!!

the girls helping daddy (DK was doing it rock star style!) three 8x4 cedar boxes

Thanks, Trev -- you did a great job!

this is where we placed our beds -- lots of sunshine! Mr. Mel suggests at least 3' between each bed

What are the girls up to these days?...........EVERYTHING!! They are really too much fun!! They keep me in stitches! That's not to say that I'm not ready for a little "chill out" time at the end of the day.....but, I try my best to appreciate them, watch them grow, observe their little personalities develop-- all that good stuff. Life truly flies -- and I don't want to miss out on a minute! They play pretty well together for the most part. Sure -- Darby Kate still doesn't love to share. But, she surprises me sometimes. Jorgia has come out with this screaming of a defense mechanism. It's rather ear piercing. We are trying to teach her otherwise.........we'll keep trying. They love to play outside --so, we are really looking forward to the upcoming warmer weather! This weekend is looking great -- I'm sure we will be outside a lot!

what a little jokester!

there she is with a big "CHEEEEEESE"!

sweet love

I'm pretty sure Jorgia was going for sugars -- she has reverted back into the biting scene a little. Hopefully that will be out of her system soon!! Love my girls!! :)