Garden Talk Topic: How-to Grow Middle Eastern Favored Herbs and Preserve Them
Jean Roman will discuss how-to grow typical Middle Eastern favored herbs at home. She will show how easy it is to grow them in containers, and how to continue growing them indoors over the winter months. She will also go into some detail on how to preserve them by drying them.
Jean will be speaking from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm
Click HERE for more information!
“Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace. ” May Sarton
Spring holds a promise for the newness of life! It’s when I look out and dream of new flower beds & anticipate the first crops springing up out of winter’s cold ground. As I scan the yard and realize all the work needing to be done at my new home, I admit… it can feel a bit overwhelming sometimes. Thankfully I have Dave & the boys, and we will get at it as soon as the nicer weather affords us the opportunity. I can’t wait to be able to spend time in my personal Eden.
Now I want to get into today’s topic! Have you ever hosted a plant swap or exchange? Maybe you’ve participated in a local community? I have hosted my own, as well as organized several for the City I worked for.
Hosting a spring or fall perennial plant swap is a great way to share and acquire new plants for your garden. It can be a fun and social event for you & your friends and family, or for your community.
Here are some tips & tricks and for my steps to help you plan and host a successful perennial plant swap.
Choose a date & time!
Plan the date and location of your plant swap. Spring is the perfect time to host a plant swap, as many plants are starting to grow and flourish. Choose a date that is convenient for your community, and find a location that is easily accessible and has plenty of space for attendees to set up their plants.
When choosing the date, take into consideration when most of your perennials are starting to pop out of the ground. You want them to be at least 6 to 12 inches high so they are mature enough to handle the transplant, but not too mature to go into a hard shock with transplant.
Mid to the end of April is an ideal time for a spring swap, and mid to the end of September is great for a fall swap. More on that coming 🙂
Let people know what’s going on… ADVERTISE!
Advertising your plant swap is essential for optimal attendance. The more people that know about your event, the more successful it will be, it’s that simple.
Posting in community or garden groups on social media is a great way to spread the word. If you have a budget advertising in your local newspapers is another great resource. Posting fliers on community bulletin boards also help to spread the word.
Utilizing an automated email platform such as MailChimp or Constant Contact is also a great way to promote your event if you have an email list from previous events.
PRO TIP: If you don’t have a budget, reach out to your local greenhouse and nursery, or even your hometown newspaper to sponsor the event. Offer them a spot to market their company at the event. Partnering with local businesses is a win win for everyone!
Set up a way for attendees to register!
Setting up a registration process is a great way for you the organizer to have an idea on how many people could potentially be attending your plant swap. It will also allow you to send out reminders.
Setting up a Facebook event is a great way to to do this. Another platform is Eventbrite is another great option.
Provide ideas on what to bring to swap!
Create a simple Q&A sheet for people on how and what attendees should bring, as well as how to prepare their transplants. I’ve share a list below you can feel free to use.
You want your plant swap to have a good selection of plants for attendees to choose from, so encourage people to bring a variety of perennials, including different types, sizes, and colors.
Perennial herbs are another great option for attendees to bring!
What about transplant containers?
I often save some of the pots I purchase my plants in each year for this very reason. You should advise your attendees to put the divisions in practical, temporary containers. These can include plastic or paper cups, tin cans, plastic containers such as the ones that salad mixes or cherry tomatoes come in, plastic plant pots/ terra-cotta pots or any other container you have handy. Just be sure to add drainage holes to water tight containers.
What plant is this? It’s all in the details!
One of the key things you will need to inform your attendees to do is to clearly identify the plants they are bringing. The plant information including care, size, and whether they prefer sun or shade, and any other pertinent growing conditions required is very important.
Encourage all attendees to provide information cards or handouts for each plant they bring to swap.
Make it fun… invite a guest speaker, specialty vendors, local garden clubs, etc.!
You can create a fun and social atmosphere by incorporating some local groups including garden clubs & Master Gardeners. You can even host an informative garden talk!
Inviting specialty vendors can also add value for attendees! This can also add revenue to your event by charging vendors a small participation fee. A plant swap is a great opportunity for people to connect with others who share their passion for gardening. Encourage attendees to share their gardening experiences, tips and tricks, and to make new friends.
Uggg… what about the leftovers?
There will always be left over plants. You should have a plan on how to distribute them. Sadly, there will be some plants that don’t find a home. In order to ensure those plants don’t go to waste, be sure to advise all attendees what to do with them.
You can have the attendees who brought them be responsible to take them back You can also have a free pile where they are placed, and then other people who may not have wanted to trade for them, will want to take them for free. You can also make arrangements with a local school or community garden, or ask attendees to take them home with them.
Connections matter!
If this is a community event, you will want to be sure to have an email sign up sheet at your registration table.
This will allow you to follow up with attendees and thank them for their participation. Sending a thank you email to all attendees will help in enticing them for future events.
You can also create a Google Form survey to all of the attendees requesting feedback on the event. For example asking them what they enjoyed, and what they would like to see at future events.
It also provides you the opportunity to invite them to future events you may be hosting for the community.
Here are some additional helpful tips on how to divide, care for and prepare your transplants for the exchange:
*The best time to divide a plant is shortly after it emerges in spring.
*Try to divide the plants as close to the plant exchange date/time as possible.
*Loosen the soil around the plants perimeter and then use a sharp spade or knife to cut through the roots to divide. Be sure to keep a large root clump with the plant to ensure successful transplanting.
*Put your divisions in practical, temporary containers: paper cups, disposable aluminum muffin cups, tin cans, plastic containers, plastic plant pots/ terra-cotta pots or any other container you have handy. Just be sure to add drainage holes to water tight containers.
*Give a tag/label with each division including: name/variety of plant, sun/shade requirements, mature plant size- height and diameter, water/soil requirements, zone hardiness, perennial or annual. A nice description for ‘new’ gardeners will be so appreciated.
*Make sure to plant/water as soon as possible once you have the plants in their new location.
How to harvest seedlings:
*Be sure the seedlings are at least 6-12 inches tall with at least 2 sets of true leaves.
*Get all the plants roots.
*Replant the seedling into a small container with appropriate drainage holes and gently water immediately.
Plants that divide easily and transplant well include:
*Hosta’s
*Day Lilies
*Bleeding Heart
*Peony
*Bee’s Balm (Monarda)
*Black Eye Susan, Shasta Daisies and any Coneflowers
*Columbine
*Sedum
*perennial Geraniums
*Helianthus
*Purple Bellflower
*any early blooming bulbs that have bloomed and died back at least half way- Snow Drops, Crocus, Daffodils, Tulips
PRO TIP: I always say, if in doubt, do without… so if you are not sure about one of your plants, ASK! Or look up in a good garden guild any special tricks that certain plants may have before you divide if you are not sure.
Hosting a spring perennial plant swap can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your community. By following these steps, you can ensure that your event is well-planned, well-attended, and enjoyable for all.
I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day,
Jean
“The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just on the body, but the soul. ” Alfred Austin
Who doesn’t love the happy face of the sunny sunflower? What so many people don’t realize is there are a plethora of different varieties of this beautiful flower. Did you know there are over 60 varieties to choose from? Unfortunately if you are looking to purchase your seeds from local stores, and don’t get me wrong here~ you all KNOW I am all about shopping local for what you can find~ but if you can’t find it local, then the next best thing is to shop from family owned companies online. Supporting locally owned businesses can be done is so many ways.
You can find many of these sunflower varieties from reputable seed companies like Baker Creek Heirloom, Annie’s Heirloom Seeds, Seed Savers Exchange, and so many others. If you missed my post on how to order seeds, you can find that HERE!
I’m excited to show you my Top 10 Types of Sunflowers I love to grow at my NEW YouTube Channel! Check it out!
Be sure to subscribe to both my YouTube Channel, and here at my blog so you don’t miss a beat friends!
I certainly hope you are encouraged to garden. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day,
Jean
To see a really good article with several other varieties of sunflowers check this one out from Country Living Magazine https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/g32128958/sunflower-types/
“Help us to be ever faithful gardeners of the spirit, who know that without darkness nothing comes to birth, and without light nothing flowers. ” May Sarton
Welcome to Part 2 of my Easy 5 Step How-to Plan Your Spring Garden. If you missed episode 11 Part 1, be sure to check that out for some fundamental basics.
If you missed episodes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, 8, 9, and 10 of my Gardening 101 series, just click the links!
In today’s post, I am going to show you how to map out your garden. I do this every year so I can look back year after year. With that data, I can be sure to ensure I am rotating my crops effectively so I can rebuild my soil and the nutrients needed. It also helps me determine if I need to grow more or less of a particular crop.
This year is going to be an all new project. As you all know, we just moved into our new home this past December and I am creating an entirely new garden space. I’ve purchased 7 galvanized metal raised beds, (I am SOOO excited), so this is going to be a big project.
I will need to kill all the sod in the space, level the ground, install the ground cover, raised beds, and peestone. To say the least, it’s going to be some back breaking work… I’m so thankful for my boys and Dave who will be helping me install this. Each year the kids usually help me do yard work on Mothers Day weekend, so that is this year’s task!
I am also looking into a small greenhouse… but more on that. If not this year, maybe next. Fingers crossed friends!
This is what I will be working with this year. As you can see, it is a very nice sized space, and I love it is fenced in. Actually, it’s almost as big as my raised bed garden area at my previous home. But, you can see all the work that will be going into it. The table and chairs will be my reprieve in the garden… I cannot wait!
Planning your spring vegetable garden can be a fun and rewarding experience when done right. It allows you to grow your own fresh produce, save money on groceries, and enjoy the benefits of gardening. However, it’s important to take the time to plan and prepare properly to ensure a successful harvest. In drawing out your garden plot, you will have a much better chance at success.
Location, location, location!
The first step in planning your spring vegetable garden is to choose the right location. A sunny spot with well-drained soil is ideal for most vegetables. If you have a small yard or limited space, you can still have a vegetable garden by using raised beds or container gardening.
What are you planning to grow?
Next, you’ll need to decide which vegetables to grow. Consider which vegetables you and your family like to eat and what will grow well in your climate. Some popular spring vegetables include lettuce, spinach, radishes, peas, and broccoli. It’s also a good idea to choose a variety of vegetables so you have a steady supply of fresh produce throughout the spring.
How much space do you have, & how much space do you need?
When planning your garden, it’s important to consider the spacing requirements of the vegetables you’ve chosen. Most vegetables need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, so make sure to position your garden in an area that gets plenty of sun. Also consider the mature size of the plants and make sure they have enough space to grow and flourish.
If you are going to garden in a tillable plot, be sure to test your soil!
A soil test will give you an idea of the pH level, nutrient content, and other characteristics of your soil. This will help you determine which vegetables will grow best and what, if any, soil amendments you need to make. If your soil is heavy clay, you may need to add organic matter to improve its structure. If your soil is sandy, you may need to add compost or other organic matter to help retain moisture.
Get your soil prepared!
After you’ve decided on the location and vegetables, it’s time to start preparing the soil. If you have a small area to work with, you can use a garden fork or trowel to turn over the soil and remove any debris. If you have a larger area, you can use a rototiller. Clear the area of any weeds or debris, and add any necessary soil amendments.
It’s all in the timing!
Another important aspect of planning a spring vegetable garden is timing. It’s important to know when to plant your vegetables so they will have enough time to mature before the hot summer weather arrives. You can find this information in gardening books or on the internet. Some vegetables, such as peas and lettuce, can be planted as early as the soil can be worked in the spring, while others, such as tomatoes and peppers, should not be planted until the weather has warmed up.
Do you have a watering source??
When planning your garden spot, especially if this is your first time, be sure you have an accessible water source nearby. Even if you have to connect a couple hoses together that’s fine, but you do not want to have to worry about carrying water and using a watering can. Believe me, you will become quickly disheartened!
It’s important to remember to water and fertilize your vegetable garden regularly. Most vegetables need about an inch of water per week. You can use a watering can or a hose with a sprinkler attachment to water your garden. It’s also a good idea to use a slow-release fertilizer to ensure that your vegetables get the nutrients they need throughout the growing season.
Wrapping it up!
Planning your vegetable garden can be a fun and rewarding experience if you take all these factors into consideration. By choosing the right location, selecting appropriate crops for your needs and area, tending to your soil, timing your planting, and providing regular care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh produce all season long.
Remember, gardening is a trial and error process and it’s okay to make mistakes. Keep learning and experimenting, and you’ll find that gardening becomes more enjoyable and productive over time.
I certainly hope you are encouraged to grow your own food. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day,
Jean
All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.
“It’s raining but the tulips are still managing to poke their green shoots out of the mud, a promise that spring is coming, and so is the sun. I suppose I owe it to them to at least keep my head up until then.”
~Quote adapted from one by Writers Block
Only 25 days until my beloved spring returns. The new life I long for along with all her secret promises will soon come up out of the ground. And this year, they are secrets. As you all know Dave, the boys, & I moved into our home this past December, so many of the flower beds were well into their winter sleep.
Of course I can identify most of the bushes, shrubs, and plants but I’m sure there will be many ‘spring’ surprises popping up out of their winter slumber. The one thing I am so excited about is the magnolia tree in our backyard right off our deck. I have always dreamed of having one, but they are such a slow growing tree, so I never planted one.
With spring comes new life… but presently life is dormant, still, and cold.
Winter is filled with dreams and anticipations of planning new garden projects. I am incredibly excited for what I am planning here in our new yard! I am very excited to share the whole process with all of you here, and of course on my social media platforms and at my NEW YouTube channel!
I am actually going to spread this topic into 2 parts. Today I’ll go over my easy 5-step how-to plan your spring garden. In Part 2, I will show you how to diagram it out!
Spring is one of new beginnings… fresh hopes… dreams of what will be…
The dream I’m ever longing after is feeling the dirt once again along with the warmth of the sun.
I thought with all this dreaming we’d look at something all of us die-hard gardeners are doing… planning our gardens.
Here is my Easy 5 Step How-to Plan Your Spring Garden tips to get you started in the right direction.
Gather all your seed catalogs, sticky notes, a pen and high-lighter along with a notepad. Once you’ve decided on the amount of space you have in your garden you’ll know what you need and the quantities.
Be sure to check out my YouTube video on How-to Place Your First Seed Order!
Decide on the varieties that you want to grow. The best way to do this is to plot out some time when you can sit and peruse your catalogs. Read variety descriptions carefully to determine light, soil, moisture and spacing requirements.
Draw your garden design out !
I always draw out my gardens so I have a visual to see. You don’t have to get as detailed as mine… I just enjoy the whole planning aspect. You can use graph paper or a piece of notebook paper. Be sure to think about your space and its limitations.
I’m going to go into great detail in Part 2 of this topic blog. So keep posted for more on this!
Determine available space.
When planning your garden you need to keep in mind space limitations and each plant’s growing habits. For example, a tomato plant should have three square feet for proper growth and maturation.
Think about your aisle ways when planning this. If your isles are two feet wide, then plan your tomato row with three feet and then two on both sides.
You’ll need a total of 7 feet minimum for a row of tomatoes. Look at the plant descriptions in the catalogs.
Soil testing is a good idea.
I advise, especially for first time gardeners, to test your soil. You can buy a simple soil test at most garden centers or take your sample into an agency that offers this service.
You will have better success if you know what your soil may be lacking. It could be something as simple as calcium/lime or copper.
Although there are many other aspects to getting your garden plan done, these are the basics to get you on your way! Keep posted for Part 2 coming in a just a few days!
I certainly hope you are encouraged to grow your own food. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!Until next time friends, eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day,
Jean
I would love for you to share with me what you’d like me to post on? What gardening, cooking, organization, decorating, or business related questions do you have?
Post them in the comments below, & I’ll do my best to answer them!
If you said yes, then head on over to my Pinterest page and follow me there!
“A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust.” — Gertrude Jekyll
Welcome to Day11 of my Gardening 101 Series! Today I am going to share with you my Top 10 Favorite & Easy To Grow Herbs & How-to Care for Them for the Home Gardener.
If you missed Days 1 through 10 in this series, be sure to go through my past posts to see them all!
Herbs are by far one of my favorite things to grow! So many of my favorites are perennials and so easy to care for.
Today I’m going to discuss my Top 10 Herbs & How to Care for them. Herbs are super easy to grow, but do require some care when harvesting and thinning.
Let’s look at my favorite Top 10 Herbs for the Home Gardener and how to care for them!
Check out my YouTube video below to see my favorite herbs & how to care for them! Be sure to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE!
f you missed episodes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, 8, 9, and 10 of my Gardening 101 series, just click the links!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to visit me at my YouTube Channel for more recipes & how-to gardening tips & tricks! You won’t be disappointed. Don’t forget to subscribe here & there so you don’t miss a beat!
I certainly hope you are encouraged to grow your own food. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Happy Day,
Jean
All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.
A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust. — Gertrude Jekyll
Welcome to Part 2 of my Raised Bed blog posts. If you missed Part 1, just click the link! In part 1 I gave an easy how-to build a raised bed, today I’m going to discuss the benefits of raised bed gardening.
Again, as you all know I am an advocate for raised bed gardening for many reasons, and today I’m going to share those reasons with you. If you are an experienced gardener who has always worked in a tillable garden plot, then I am going to show you how to work smarter, not harder as well as showing how much time & effort you can save with raised beds.
If you are a novice or someone who is thinking about starting a garden but just don’t know where to begin, then I am confident that you will be opting for a raised bed garden over a tillable plot.
I know some of you who may be reading this don’t have a space for either a raised bed or tillable garden. Don’t worry, I’ll be touching on how you can grow a nice variety of vegetables in containers. Stay tuned for my YouTube video on How to grow in containers coming next week! Be sure to sign up for my emails so you don’t miss a post, podcast, or video!
So, you may be asking, “What exactly is raised bed gardening?” Here’s a simple answer.
Raised bed gardening is a method of growing plants in soil that is elevated above the surrounding ground level.
1. Raised beds improve drainage and soil quality!
Having better drainage allows plants to develop better root growth which equals healthier plants. This ultimately produces healthier soil for the plants you want to grow!
2. Secondly, raised beds are a great option for gardeners with limited space or mobility issues!
Raised beds can be built to any height desired, therefore allowing for a comfortable height providing easy access. This benefit can provide the opportunity to make gardening more accessible for those with physical limitations. The raised beds themselves can be designed to be wheelchair accessible, and the soil is typically at a more comfortable height for those who have difficulty bending over. This makes raised bed gardening a great option for older gardeners or those with mobility issues.
This photo was taken from Facebook page Happy Gardens
3. Amending your soil is so much easier!
Raised beds allow for better control over the soil, and the ability to add organic matter, which leads to healthier plants. Because the soil in a raised bed is not compacted by foot traffic or heavy machinery, it is able to retain more moisture and nutrients, leading to healthier plants and better yields. Additionally, the soil in a raised bed can be easily amended with compost or other organic matter, providing plants with the ideal growing conditions.
4. Raised bed gardening also allows for better control of pests and weeds.
Because the soil in a raised bed is not in direct contact with the surrounding ground, it is less likely to be overrun with weeds, and pests are easier to spot and remove. Additionally, raised beds can be enclosed with a barrier, such as chicken wire, to keep out larger pests, such as rabbits or deer. They also help to control pests and diseases by keeping them out of the soil, and they make it easier to control the pH and nutrient levels of the soil.
5. Raised beds can be easily customized to fit any space, so even small gardens can have raised beds.
Raised bed gardening also provides a more efficient use of space. Because the soil in a raised bed is concentrated in a smaller area, more plants can be grown in a denser space. This makes raised bed gardening a great option for those with limited outdoor space, such as those living in urban areas or those with small yards.
6. You can design beds for your specific plants!
Raised beds can be designed to suit specific needs or preferences. For example, raised beds can be designed for specific types of plants, such as vegetables or flowers, and can be tailored to suit the specific growing conditions required for those plants. This allows for a more customized and successful gardening experience.
7. Lastly, you can ditch the tiller and many other expensive garden tools!
Raised beds eliminate so much of the hard work that a tillable plot requires. There is no tilling, minimal wedding, and much less space needed with raised beds. You can even ditch the hoe! Many of the larger and ultimately more expensive garden tools are not needed with raised beds.
Well, I could go on and on, but these are the primary benefits I believe raised bed gardening offers in comparison to standard gardening methods. The improved soil quality and accessibility make it a great option for a wide range of gardeners, while the pest and weed control and space efficiency make it a practical choice for those with limited outdoor space. The ability to design raised beds for specific plants and conditions also allows for a more successful and personalized gardening experience.
I certainly hope you are encouraged to grow your own food. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Happy Day,
Jean
All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.
The lesson I have thoroughly learnt, and wish to pass on to others, is to know the enduring happiness that the love of a garden gives. – Gertrude Jekyll
As all of you who have been following me for the last decade know, I am all about utilizing raised beds. In my personal opinion, it is the best way for a home gardener to utilize space, grow food, and have the best experience possible with gardening.
Many of you also know we recently moved to a new home and I am about to create my new potager, AKA a kitchen garden. I’m French so I prefer to call it a potager LOL! You can read my how to blog on How to create your own potager or kitchen garden if you missed it!
I am super excited to share the whole process with you here and at my YouTube Channel.
This blog is going to be broken into 2 parts as there is a lot of content and I don’t want to overwhelm you with so much information all at once. Some of you may be experienced gardeners who have always gardened in a large, tillable spot while some of you may be just starting out and don’t know where to begin.
In today’s post I am going to discuss the how-to build raised beds, and in Part 2 I’ll discuss the benefits of raised bed gardening.
There are many materials you can use to make raised beds, or you can purchase premade ones. In years past I have always built my beds with lumber. In my new garden I’ve purchased 7 galvanized metal ones… and I’m super excited! Here is a photo of the ones I purchased off Amazon. They are 2 feet high, where I’ve always had them just 1 foot. I’m getting older and my back isn’t getting any younger either, so I opted for a bit more height. You may be thinking that it will take a lot more dirt, which means more money, but I have some easy and FREE ways to avoid that! Read on to learn how friends!
Raised beds have gained a lot of popularity over the last decade. It is a gardening technique which encourages better drainage, soil quality, and pest control. They are also a great option for gardeners with limited space or mobility issues. Building a raised bed is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a weekend. So let’s get rolling with this informative how-to blog post!
Step 1: Choose the perfect location!
Raised beds should be placed in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. They should also be located near a water source and in an area that is protected from strong winds.
Once the location has been chosen, the next step is to decide on the size and shape of the raised bed. The size of the bed will depend on the amount of space available and the number of plants that will be grown. A common size for a raised bed is 4 feet wide by 8 feet long, but they can be made in any shape or size.
Step 2: Let’s prepare the ground!
The area should be cleared of any grass or weeds. This can be done in several ways.
The area must be cleared of any grass or weeds. This can be done in several ways.
Option 1: First, choose an organic weed & grass killer. You can make one with vinegar. If you are not concerned with being organic, then use any weed and grass killer. With whatever you choose to use, cover the area with the killer liberally and let it do its job for at least 24 hours before moving forward with the next step.
Option 2: You can cover the area with pieces of cardboard and then cover with black plastic woven ground cover. This will kill anything growing and is less harmful to the soil.
Option 3: Combine both options 1 and 2.
Use good materials when filling your beds for optimum growth!
Mulch your beds after planting with grass clippings. This keeps the moisture & heat in while breaking down and adding much needed nitrogen to your soil!
You can also mulch with straw. It will provide the same benefits to your soil as the grass clippings!
As the season goes on the soil will compact and settle. Each spring you will need to add more composted manure and some garden soil.
As you plant your garden year after year, you will be taking nutrients out of the soil which is why you will need to replenish the composted manure and garden soil each spring and fall if you choose. Also, each fall when you remove all the plant debris you will ultimately be taking soil out.
Step 3: Let’s get building those raised beds!
Once the ground is prepared, the raised bed frame can be built. The frame can be made from a variety of materials such as wood, brick, stone, or even recycled materials. The most common materials used for raised beds are wood and stone. If using wood, it is important to use rot-resistant wood such as cedar or redwood, as they will last longer.
As these are both more expensive the alternative is to consider using hardwoods, which is what I’ve always done and had great success. My beds have lasted years! I recommend using oak or another hard wood for the sides of your wood beds. If you choose to use a stone material, cinder blocks are a good choice.
Again, common sizes are 4 feet wide by 8 feet long by 1 foot high. Another nice size to work in are 4 x 4 making nice, easy to work in squares.
The frame should be secured in place with stakes or anchors.
PRO TIP: If you are planning to use beds higher than 1 foot high, than add a layer of plaster planter pots between the cardboard layer and the sticks. This will make it so you don’t need as many of the other layers!
Step 4: Filling your bed!
There is a very simple formula to filling raised beds. You can think of it as a layering, like a lasagna of materials.
Layer 1 is the first layer at the bottom of the bed. I recommend using a layer of cardboard. This will break down and add carbon to the soil.
Layer 2: Lay a single layer of large sticks or branches on top of the cardboard. These too will compost and add carbon to the soil.
Layer 3: Cover the layer of sticks with straw.
Layer 4: Cover the layer of straw with leaves.
Layer 5: If you are building 4 foot wide by 8 feet long beds then add 2 bags of organic composted manure, spread evening over the leaves.
Layer 6: If you have any compost sprinkle that on top now.
Layer 7: The final layer should be at least 6 inches deep of good soil. You can purchase bags or go to your local greenhouse or other supplies and purchase good, clean topsoil.
As the season goes on the soil will compact and settle. Each spring you will need to add more composted manure and some garden soil.
As you plant your garden year after year, you will be taking nutrients out of the soil which is why you will need to replenish the composted manure and garden soil each spring and fall if you choose. Also, each fall when you remove all the plant debris you will ultimately be taking soil out.
I certainly hope you are encouraged to grow your own food. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Happy Day,
Jean
All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.
“A garden requires patient labor and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them. ” Liberty Hyde Bailey
If you are a novice or experienced gardener, then you know the importance of good gardening tools. They really do play an important role in successful gardening. Good tools also have an impact on how much you may enjoy gardening. The difference between cheap, flimsy tools versus sturdy, well manufactured tools can mean the difference between a sprained wrist, unnecessary cuts, and pulled muscles!
Gardening is a wonderful hobby filled with so much fulfillment, so having the right tools for the job is essential. The last thing you want to do is get an injury because the poorly manufactured garden hoe broke or bent while you were working in the garden soil. Or, the hand trowel snaps cutting your hand because you hit a large rock under the soil where you couldn’t see it.
Let’s look at what I believe are the Top 10 Essential Tools for the Home Gardener are for both a flower and vegetable garden. Watch this YouTube Video for all the details!
In conclusion, having the right tools for gardening is essential for success. A gardener should have a good pair of gloves, a hand trowel, a garden fork, a garden hoe, a garden rake, garden shears, a garden hose, a garden sprayer, a garden wheelbarrow, and a garden trellis. With these tools, a gardener will be able to maintain a beautiful and productive flower and vegetable garden.
I certainly hope you are encouraged to grow your own food. Even if you start with only two or three of these things, that’s a great start!
If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!
If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!
Happy Day,
Jean
All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.
Tina Marshall
Everything Organic
A blog about my spiritual journey in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Livegood
"If we want to explore deeper oceans, we first have to leave sight of the shore.”
Learn to grow at home
Online marketing, tools, services and informations
The Musings of a Writer / Freelance Editor in Training
Past to Future in a Picosecond
Hi, I'm Avisha Rasminda Twenty-Two years old, Introduce Myself As A Author , Painter , A Poet.
For Dragonflies And Me 