An Underground Operation

This post will be the first of many on our little mini-farm.  Though I grew
up on a fairly large one, the city has crept out and very little remains.  
No more tractors, combines, cows or barns...but life goes on.
We don't mind the houses and activity around us so much--in fact, we love
being so close to all the city offers.  How lucky to have the best of both worlds! 
Please check in regularly--latte in hand--and join me as I share how
we've kept just a touch of the farm on the edge of a city.

 It may not look like it but, underground,
there is a lot of activity going on.


Gardens aren't very pretty this time of year but I
 want to kind of "journal" my garden for you
throughout the season so I have to start at the
ugly beginning. 

    So far, I have planted:
  • 150 white onion (bulbs)
  • green onion (seeds)
  • 50 red onions (bulbs)
  • carrots
  • all kinds of lettuces
  • Swiss chard
  • radishes (red, white)
  • spinach (flat & curled)
  • 75 red potatoes
I would still like to get some broccoli in but we have
a rabbit issue so I'm holding off a little longer there.

(2009)
There is also my strawberry patch, and my
asparagus crop that has really been coming
along nicely.  Last year, it gave us more than
we could eat--and I love fresh, grilled aspargus,
less than 30 minutes after it's been picked!


The grapes and blackberries are my husband's crops.
Both of these were from his grandparents' home.
Also his area--the fence in the back there. 
We have used old fence boards to give it a
cute, rustic look to the garden but only lasts a few
years.  More on that this weekend--the goal is to
not only repair it but to complete it as we
now have enough to get the job done.
The currants have been on my family's farm
longer than I can remember, though we moved
them in '88 when the newer house was built. 
(My husband & I bought the house w/3 acres from my mom about 5 years ago)
Above is just one of the two sections that provide
wind protection to the south of my garden.  When
they are in bloom, the breeze carries the most
wonderful smell to the garden where I am working!
I have just trimmed them way back but they are
beginning to leaf out and will soon be full. 
They grow like weeds.
I've always approached my garden as a gift from God.
(2009)
The grapes and blackberries, the fence, and mulch
have all found their way into my garden as gifts.
(This is the first year I've run out of mulch for my 
pathways.  We'll see what God turns up with...)
Last fall, I was given a huge box of hundreds,
(like 500 or 600!) of garden seeds.  What a haul!
They should last at least another season or two!
I also give back to the garden; I like to call it 
my own little eco-system out there.  Any scraps
from our food that the garden gives us, go either
into the compost pile or to the chickens. 
Then it finds its way back to the garden as mulch
 and/or fertilizer.  Even when we trim the grape vines,
we put them through the chipper-shredder and
straight back into the garden. 
Like a quilter with her scraps, nothing
from the garden is wasted.
 (2009)
I'm no Master Gardener, but I do have a lot of
practical tips--tried & true!--that I've learned in my
years of gardening.  I plan on sharing these
with the gardeners out there.  I'd also
love to hear your own ideas so please join in!

Linked to:

Farm Girl Friday

Comments

Kelsey said…
Wow! You have quite the garden!! We started seeds for ours this past week and some are coming up :)
Debbie said…
Coffee grounds, and tea bags go into my compost pile. You have been busy, your garden will be wonderful to watch and red about.
Lindsay said…
I am so jealous! After years of talking about it, I am finally starting a small garden this year. Our planting area is so small that I'm limited to tomatoes, strawberries, and a few herbs, but one day I hope to have a space even as half as big as yours!
Brittany said…
This is so awesome! Makes me wanna get out and plant!
Katy Cameron said…
Hmm, can I book in once a week for dinner in the summer? :oD
annemarie said…
How wonderful - I miss having a garden. In Texas it is hard to be successful at gardening - temps are to extreme and soil is horrible - too much clay.
Michele said…
I have a black thumb, but I know I will enjoy seeing your gorgeous garden.
Alana Jo said…
We raise strawberries too! I love them!
Farmgirl Heidi said…
Hello Cheree,
I LOVE your garden. I look forward to gaining inspiration and insight from your posts. Thanks for sharing at FARMGIRL FRIDAY!
CrankyPuppy said…
Wow, I aspire to have a garden like yours some day. We're planting on top of a city lot where a house was torn down and the soil is awful. Raised beds for us only. This year will be the second year after planting our blackberries and strawberries, so I'll be following you to get some tips!