Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Update Straw Bales, Asparagus, Beans



Update on Straw Bales
We installed a drip system on top of the straw bales.  The next steps will be to install the t-posts, plastic, wire, and plant the seeds and seedlings on top of the bales.  We’ve slightly delayed that process a day or two, due to weather.  The weatherman has us targeted for high winds, thunderstorms, and hail. We didn’t want to install everything and have the winds tear up all of our work.


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Look at this, asparagus popping out of the ground.  We planted the asparagus roots last year, several stems popped up.  We didn’t harvest the asparagus then.  This year we plan on harvesting the asparagus and eating them as part of a meal.





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Finally, Beans….our dog kept watching Bulldog Man and me while we ate our meal.  He wanted to chew on the corn cob while I held it.  He’s such a sweet little piglet.
 




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20 comments

  1. We always let our asparagus beds go a full two years before harvesting but I think that is because the wife wants the beds HUGE. She loves asparagus but I can only stand the stuff we have grown ourselves. I just don't like much store bought asparagus...

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    1. PP,

      It's a good idea to leave the asparagus grow for two full years.
      I can't wait to cut the asparagus and roast it. We love asparagus here, along with just about every vegetable.
      Nothing beats fresh home grown food.

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  2. I still have not planted asparagus but I love it steamed with some lemon juice sprinkled on it.

    I can't wait to see how your straw bales do. Will they totally break down this year or will you be able to reuse them next year?.

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    1. Mamma Bear,

      I love it steamed or roasted.
      I'm not sure if they will totally break down this year. The research I did complete showed the bales being reused. After this garden season I will test it and let you know :-)
      Give my favorite Marine a hug for me.

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  3. I really want to try the purple asparagus, but I have never seen it for sale anywhere... of course, I have never been able to grow it for more than one year, either.

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    1. John,

      I haven't seen purple asparagus locally for growing. I know Territorial Seed has the seeds for growing. Here's the link http://www.territorialseed.com/product/16479/new_for_spring_2014
      Are you heavily fertilizing the soil before, and during the growth of the asparagus?
      I believe you have to heavily fertilize and constantly water this type of asparagus. And when you cook this type of asparagus it changes to a white color.

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  4. Planted asparagus seeds in a pot not sure if they will ever grow but I can hope! Looks great look forward hearing more about the hay bale system.

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    1. M.E.,
      It will take at least 2 years before you really get asparagus to harvest.
      We are going to try to advance more in the straw bale system this evening if the weather cooperates.

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  5. We just ate some of our first asparagus of the year. Oh girl you can't beat fresh! It's to die for and you think about it for days after the meal :)
    I saved seed from my asparagus ferns last year. I haven't started them yet. I don't have shelf space but I think it would be neat to grow your own if you have the patience :)
    Hope we don't get tornadoes tonight :/ Take care and Beans is adorbs :)

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    1. Kelly,

      This will be the first time I've grown asparagus, and I'm so looking forward to trying it. This year, I will save the seeds from the ferns.
      It does take patience growing these little buggers :-)
      Beans is a ham always for the camera. I'm hoping no tornadoes too. Y'all be real careful with this weather too!!!

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  6. Please let us know how the straw bales work out. It's an interesting process. Now that I see your asparagus I really want to start some seed. I just don't know where we'd put it though. We need a dedicated place for them, same for berries.
    You take care. The wind's really whipping up but there's no clouds. I can see the stars and the moon just fine. I guess it's time for us to get ready for the spring weather. As long as the tornadoes stay away I don't really mind the storms.
    Hugs to you and yours,
    Sci

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    1. SCI,

      I sure will let you know how the straw bales work out. How about placing some of your asparagus seeds in some buckets??
      I'm like you, I don't mind the storms as long as the tornadoes stay away.
      Hugs to you and Mars,
      Sandy

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  7. I am interested in your new garden. Keep me informed please.

    That Beans is a sweety pie.

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    1. Gail,

      I sure will keep you informed, hopefully these bales will produce some nice looking vegetables. It's great to have a garden raised like this then you don't have a lot of bending and kneeling to do to work the garden or harvest your vegetables.

      Beans is a "HAM", lol

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  8. What a cutie Beans! Miss Izzy wouldn't even look at the cob of corn unless it had meat attached to it! Glad Beans is not as picky. Can't wait to see the progress of the straw bales.

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    1. Izzy,

      I adore this little dog. He's brought Bulldog Man and I so much happiness. It sounds to me like Miss Izzy is a smart dog :-)
      Beans is so laid back, and loves everything. He's like Mikey (only the dog version) from the cereal commercial.

      I have more updates on the straw bales, and will post them in the next day or so.

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  9. There is such a thrill in the springtime when I discover my first asparagus shoots coming up. And then when we get consistently warm weather (some time off yet, I'm afraid), they grow like crazy, like you could almost stand there and watch them grow! I love the stuff. Unfortunately for me, all our kids loved it too. But they're grown now, so they'll have to get their own asparagus. :-)
    Sweet doggie pic. Glad he got his corn on the cob.

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  10. Cranberry Morning,

    Yes it's a thrill when spring finally arrives and you have new sprouts growing in the garden. This is the first time I'm growing asparagus, I can't wait to harvest it and have it with a nice meal. Thank you for stopping by, I hope I get to see more of you.
    Beans (dog) loves food all together, he's such a loving dog.

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  11. I've never grown asparagus, as the hubs does not like it. I love the last shot, Sandy!

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    1. Mary Ann,
      Me either, this was the first time. And it tastes amazing, I had to cheat and cut one of the asparagus out and try it.

      Beans loves to try any and everything were eating.

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