Learning From Years Past
Spring has sprung, and garden centers and nurseries are bursting with life an color! And while I haven’t had a successful garden yet, I’m really hoping this is the year. In this post, I’ll address some things I’ve done in the past, and how I plan to do them differently this year.
If you’ve followed me from the beginning, you know that I have attempted a vegetable garden before. I tried to grow potatoes a few years back, but it simply disappeared in the container. Every herb I’ve ever planted has burnt to a crisp from the summer sun. Two years ago, I harvested a small amount of okra, but my cucumber plants only developed male flowers (crazy right?), and last year’s garden never happened because life was up in the air.
This year, in our new home, I’m excited to have a little more freedom with my gardening. I was able to keep an eye out for an ideal spot, make sure it’s not too sunny, and make a rough plan.
Table of Contents
- Starting Small
- About the Bed
- What I’m Growing
Starting Small
This is an area where I’m really having to practice some self-control. Believe me, I would love to fill my little back yard with fruit trees, berry bushes, root vegetables, and rhubarb. Luckily, financial constraints help keep me from going crazy.
This time around, I’m starting with a single bed. I have grandiose plans for the yard, which include chickens (eventually) and a fire pit, so I need to pace myself.
Garden Bed Construction
The bed is constructed with four wall bricks, two 8ft pine studs, and two 4ft studs. I only needed to make a single cut, and constructing the rest was simple. I put down a layer if cardboard for a weed barrier, placed the frame around it, and added the dirt in. I knew soil would be pricey, but I was prepared for it.
What I’m Growing This Season
Just before I planned my garden, a sweet couple from church moved back to their hometown. But when they left, they left us with good memories… and a fantastic salsa recipe!
Her generosity in sharing this recipe inspired me to grow al of the ingredients (save for garlic) in my garden. I have planted roma tomatoes, two varieties of tomatillos, jalapeƱos, serrano peppers, and cilantro. Luckily, the peppers, tomatillos, and tomatoes require similar care, so I can more easily manage the watering schedule.
Gardening Differently
The last time I had a garden, I was in an apartment- and a west-facing one at that. I had a hard time keeping plants from shriveling into nothing, and as an added bonus, my cucumber plants only produced male flowers. They were big and beautiful… just no fruit.
This time, I was able to watch my yard for a day or so to see which areas good the most light and shade. This helped me choose a spot that would hopefully protect my plants from the summer sun down here in Texas.
Another thing I’m doing differently is planting earlier. In years past, I’ve jumped in the garden train around May, and starting the wrong seeds that late in spring makes tings a little more challenging.
Another step I’m taking this year is planting purchased starts rather than seeds. I did have to direct sow my tomatillos, but those should do fine. In gardens past, I have always tried to start seeds indoors or direct sow them. So far, I have not had success, so I decided to give myself a head start this year. I know they won’t have been organically started, but its a price I’m willing to pay to see success this year.
Thank you for visiting Headed for a Homestead Blog. I’m Rebekah, your creator and author since 2023. As a new blogger in this big space, I’m still learning the ropes, and just as excited as when I began. I hope you’ll take some time to look around and maybe find a recipe or project you’d like to try.
If you like what you’ve found, make sure you follow me on social media for access to more content and resources. I’d love to get to know you and hear your thoughts.
