Counter Top Composter

Got some empty coffee cans? Well then let's go!

So forget about expensive store bought counter composters! Reduce, reuse, recycle!

Getting Ready for Raised Beds

I don't have the main plot ready, so I'm going to have to construct some raised beds pretty quick. I also don't have any cash or power tools. This could get tricky. I do have a lot of scrap wood in the barn though. 

I'm also prepping a spot next to the back door for an herb garden.

Another Season Begins

I've gone from patios and small porches to 10 rolling acres. I have no idea what I'm doing, and I lost most of my autumn prep time to extensive home repairs. Due to the terrain and poor soil quality, this years garden might still be in containers, or raised beds. While I get to know the land and figure out what I can or can't do here. It looks like it's mostly suited as pasture land. There's been some significant errosion and gully over the past 50-100 years. The gully off the back property line could one day be the next providence canyon. 

They say we might get another ice storm. But the daffodil sprouts tell me another story. So I've gone ahead and started some seeds. I've got 6 different tomatoes, 2 broccoli, 2 jalapeño, and 1  bell pepper.

Expansion Pack

I'm preparing to finally take my farming off the patio, out of containers, and into some actual acreage. Real soon. I've kept it under wraps, but I've been scouting for some land in our budget that isn't too far away from our families, or access to a metro. Or away from our daughter's current doctors. Although I dream of the rolling hills and black dirt of western Wisconsin. I've decided, for now, to stay in Georgia. I'll have to go to Stone Mountain or a little north to visit snow. I do wish to give my daughter the childhood I had. Or a quiet town like Viroqua. But family isn't sonething you can substitute. So, if I set my sights on the extended growing season, potential customers in Atlanta, Athens, and Madison. Well, I get excited all the same.

Finally Success

This is my first successful tomato plant, ever. I usually have an issue with blight, or tough plastic skin, but not this year. Maybe Kennesaw is prime tomato growing territory. 

This year I grew the Sweet 'n Neat variety and the only problem I had was with aphids and white flies. They had ants tending to them too which only added to my annoyance. Kennesaw is apparently loaded with ant populations of all kinds.

Still the little plant produced flavor packed red fruit that was gobbled up by my daughter. With a bite here and there for me. 

Mild Summer Days

Still replanting the long planters. Plus a chipmunk loves to visit and run amuck in my planters. What's an urban organic farmer to do?

No chipmunks allowed!

Yesterday's growth

Yesterday's growth

Today's growth

Today's growth

Orange bag used to protect planter

Collards still the main fare for slugs

Cilantro flowers

Bee balm

Mustard and cucumber

Photo by Rini

Photo by Rini

Starting Over

I had to replant one of the planters because it was looking kinda ratty. Now we have white and purple Alyssum, bush cucumber, and pumpkin. All the other planters are doing good, but the collard planter needs to be replanted too.