Wolf's Den

Since Nature decided to finally give us a break after 3 days of rain, I took advantage of the nice day to get my seedlings and more seeds in the ground.



I built a raised bed this year, out of cinderblocks. Four across, and three deep, making a raised bed approx. 72"w x 56"l. Over the summer, I'll work on another, abit smaller, across from it, for my herbs, as I figured out, there's not enough room in this one.}:P



I'm not sure which comm it was that I'd mentioned using an 'iron' headboard as a trellis for my green beans, but there it is in the corner. Recycling at its best, you could say. The bed itself has a layer of rock, then a layer of leaves, then topsoil augmented with homemade compost, then more topsoil, and more compost, topped off by a thin layer of mulch/topsoil mix. I also filled in the 'holes' in the blocks to plant things in as well, thereby using all space available.



At the back, I planted sweet corn, only 6 of which actually germinated, so I planted more seeds as well, in the hopes of more growing and better pollination(less I'll have to do by hand). Then I planted Broccoli, and yes, I know it's too close together, I fully expect to lose at least half to squirrels. But the hubby wanted some, so we're giving it a try. In the back right corner, is the solitary 'Chianti Hybrid' Sunflower that managed to sprout and survive, very bummed about that. Down the right side, back are Cucumbers, front are Zucchini. Right side is Radishes. Center and along the front is 'Red Sails' lettuce. Left side is Romaine at the middle/back, and Butter Crunch, middle/front, with more Red Sails in the very front.



Better view of the 'iron' headboard and the 'Green Lake' Green Beans. At the very back, is a couple Cucumbers as well. Really wanted to add some Sugar Snap Peas, but, alas, there's no room, so maybe next Spring, I'll expand down another block or so.

The bed gets full sun much of the morning, and part sun until evening, when it gets mostly sun until the sun is down. It's built 2 inches off the fence and surprisingly, drains very well. It was damp, but not soaked. Unlike the ground it's built above, heh.

If I have my way, to the right, where you can see part of the old dog kennel, I will have a greenhouse.

Everything is basically organically grown thus far. No chemicals, not additives, my own compost, I even put worms in it as I was clearing leaves from the back of the house, which the rest still need clearing when they dry back out, heh. Hopefully, I can sustain this and augment the organic veggies I buy from the Farmer's Market with homegrown as well.

As I was adding celery scraps to my compost jar in the kitchen, I noticed that a carrot top had started sprouting. So on a whim, I took it out and planted it. We'll see what happens. At the least, it rots and is an additive, naturally, at the most, I get a carrot out of it. LOL.

I also found no less than 3 White Oaks that the squirrels buried in potted plants I over wintered indoors, that will be transplanted into their own pots, until they are larger, then planted at the top of the back hill. Can't hurt, and we all could use a few more Trees.

Max decided to give me his best 'Dead Kitty' impersonation.



Aries hung out mostly on the back step.


After playing in the dirt, I came in and made myself a salad. Mixed spiing greens, organic celery, bacon, italian mix cheese and raspberry hazelnut vinegriette.



And now... I bead.