April 2010

Well it is drizzling.........we had no rain/snow in March so this is welcomed being it is so dry.
Was able to get the pre-emergence out there when it was over 50s. Hope got it in time so prevent the crabgrass from taking over. The other day was able to clean up the old stuff in the flower beds(most of them - a few more to go) There are grass mixed in there that need to be cleaned up.
Will have to get a quote to spread some black dirt and also mulch for the plants. Will have to gave a plan of attack to get the yard work and plants in. I am seriously considering getting bales of 'hay' 'straw' and see if I succeed in getting this going.
There is so much to do before June............so will keep you posted with my progress.

March 2010 - Straw Bale Gardening???

Last year, gardening fell on the wayside. Deer, rabbits, and lack of attention - kept me from a bountiful garden. I did my usual container gardening for my flowers for the front entrance steps and back patio area. A no-brainer - just water and fertilize.

Seed catalogs have been arriving and the planning seems to be getting the better of me. Also, I came across 'straw bale gardening'. I did some research and watched some video; this has gotten me curious. I am not too excited about how to prepare the bales.

1. Straw bale and NOT Hay bale.
2. Preparation before planting - many suggestions.
3. Ammonium nitrate for one. I am not too excited about using this. Other alternative is soil and manure or 'human pee' Yuck!............but I have checked it out and there are videos and website that suggest this. I have to think on that.
3. Should take about 10-20 days to prepare the bale............needs lots of watering to condition this.

For now, I am at the thinking and research stage. I plan to journal through the season and we shall see what I end up doing.

Stay tuned!!