Saturday, March 22, 2014

So It Begins............Spring



Thursday and Friday turned out to be beautiful days here in this part of Oklahoma.  Thursday, I picked up all the garbage which blew in on the property, and branches that had fallen.  I was also able to pull out the tractor (aka: the Zen Machine……..the name came from 1st Man over at Two Men and a Little Farm) and cut the grass and leaves on the property.  The property looks so much better after running the tractor across it.  Granted, there are areas of brown and patches of green, and this will change as we start getting rain. 
It looks to me like spring is starting to grace us with her presence. 
More birds are visiting the bird feeder and bird bath.  I make sure to top off the bird feeder daily.  

My greenhouse has been totally setup inside the house to start my seeds. I’ve planted a variety of tomatoes, peppers, and several different types of herbs.  The new T5 lights have been installed and will be turned on once there are signs of growth. 


Bulldog Man and I picked up several bales of straw, and started conditioning them for planting in the near future.  This will be the first time we’re using straw bales, making for a great experiment.   
Today, we picked up several more T-posts for the end caps of each group of bales, along with wire to run from T-post to T-post.  I’ll need to pick up some plastic in the next several days.  The plastic will be used over the top of the straw bales (to protect the seeds/seedlings from cold weather, making almost a greenhouse effect).  


I’m debating on what seeds/seedling to use on the straw bales as part of the growing experiment.
Stay tuned.  In the next several days and weeks, I will provide updates on the straw bale experiment.

Have you planned out what you’ll be planting in your garden this spring? 

SHARE:

22 comments

  1. Interesting kinda a temporary cold frame type arrangement. Neat.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PP,

      It works great for starting seeds inside the house with the lights.

      Delete
  2. OK, I haven't read anything on the straw bale technic. Can't wait to see what happens!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Izzy,

      I watched several videos and read up on this type of gardening by Joel Karsten. Were going to give it a good try, and see how things grow. I'll keep posting on my blog with updates on this experiment for us.
      Here's one of the sites we checked out: http://strawbalegardens.com/

      Delete
  3. I read of a woman who planted her potatoes on top of the ground and covered them with straw. Harvest time, remove the hay and pick up potatoes. I have not tested it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gail,

      Yes, you may have read that post here because we did it.

      Now were testing growing vegetables on top of straw bales. This should be interesting.

      Delete
  4. That is a fascinating method, I can't wait to watch it happen. And thanks for the shout out, you are too kind.

    And isn't it so much fun?? I was on it 3 hours yesterday, had a blast!

    Today is cold and windy, go figure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1st Man,

      You're welcome on the shout out :-)
      It's a lot of fun driving the tractor and cutting the grass than push a mower over all of this property.
      I will be posting updates to our experiment.

      It's cold and windy here today too.

      Delete
  5. I will definitely be looking for more posts about the straw bales. I started some seeds also, even though I told myself I was NOT going to do that this year. I never listen : )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michaele,

      I never listen to myself either. I told myself not to plant a lot of seeds this year. That didn't work, lol......

      I will be posting as I move along in the process of the straw bales garden.

      Delete
  6. I will be interested in hearing about the Hale bale experiment. We got away for a few days and are in SC at the estate. Its COLD here..supposed to be 29 Tuesday Morning..Brrrrrr

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JUGM,

      I'm so glad to hear you were able to get away for a few days. Yes, this weather is terrible. It's cold and raining here.

      Hopefully, in the next day or two I will post another update on the straw bales.

      Delete
  7. hey Sweet Sandy - we are pretty excited about spring here, too...but then got dumped on by 3-5cms of snow the other day - arghghgh! and expecting 20-30cms this wednesday. i'm glad you enjoyed your time on the "zen" machine and like the others - i'm very interested in your straw bale experiment! much love and hugs to you and yours!

    your friend,
    kymber

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sweet Kymber,

      I've been hearing the weather forecast for the north eastern part of the U.S. and Canada. Stay warm my friend, you're in for more snow today.
      Yes, I loved starting up the Zen machine for the first time this spring. Now It's raining and really cold so I need to slow down on gardening and working on the property.

      Sending hugs and love to you both.
      Your Friend,
      Sandy

      Delete
  8. Oh I am looking forward to seeing the results!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. M.E.,

      Right now I'm prepping the straw bales. It takes about 11 days or so. I will place updated posts on the process.

      Delete
  9. How exciting you can soon get started with your planting, Sandy!
    I won't be gardening this year, but I'm saving the pepper seed you sent me for when I can.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kimberly,

      I started most of my planting inside because it's still cold. Today, temperatures have dropped and it's raining hard.

      Enjoy those seeds, and when you do plant them let me know what you think.

      Delete
  10. Tractor and greenhouse envy here! You've really been productive! I've got my early spring planting done: potatoes, lettuce, radishes, turnips. Just waiting for a nice day to do some more. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Leigh,

      Don't be envious, our weather just took another turn toward cold.
      I try to keep things going here. Just this morning I did an entire pot of beef broth. Enough for 20 quart jars, after I get this canned then it's time to do more chicken and veggie broth.

      Oh, how exciting you were able to get your potatoes, lettuce, radishes and turnips in the ground. I was only able to get onions in the ground, the weather is just terrible. Soon the weather will change and be so nice outside. Then were both off racing to get things planted. Have a great evening!

      Delete
  11. My cat decided the top of my mini greenhouse (similar to yours) makes a good perch .. however, I've had to put it away so she doesn't completely wreck it. Our seeds are planted in plastic topped food containers which sit in the windowsill .. so far .. so good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mrs. Mac,

      Your cat must really like your greenhouse being up on the top and having the warmth from the lights. Animals, they can be so funny. My dog walks as far away from the greenhouse as he can. He's so silly.

      My only window sill available is in the kitchen and it's to small to do that.

      Delete

BLOGGER TEMPLATE CREATED BY pipdig