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?
Interesting kinda a temporary cold frame type arrangement. Neat.
ReplyDeletePP,
DeleteIt works great for starting seeds inside the house with the lights.
OK, I haven't read anything on the straw bale technic. Can't wait to see what happens!
ReplyDeleteIzzy,
DeleteI 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/
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.
ReplyDeleteGail,
DeleteYes, 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.
That is a fascinating method, I can't wait to watch it happen. And thanks for the shout out, you are too kind.
ReplyDeleteAnd isn't it so much fun?? I was on it 3 hours yesterday, had a blast!
Today is cold and windy, go figure.
1st Man,
DeleteYou'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.
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 : )
ReplyDeleteMichaele,
DeleteI 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.
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
ReplyDeleteJUGM,
DeleteI'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.
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!
ReplyDeleteyour friend,
kymber
Sweet Kymber,
DeleteI'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
Oh I am looking forward to seeing the results!!!!
ReplyDeleteM.E.,
DeleteRight now I'm prepping the straw bales. It takes about 11 days or so. I will place updated posts on the process.
How exciting you can soon get started with your planting, Sandy!
ReplyDeleteI won't be gardening this year, but I'm saving the pepper seed you sent me for when I can.
Kimberly,
DeleteI 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.
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. :)
ReplyDeleteLeigh,
DeleteDon'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!
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.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Mac,
DeleteYour 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.