All the raised beds do very well in the rainfall because they drain well. But when inches of rain fall on a slope, there is bound to be wash out. Which is what happened to the newly tilled garden. (Disclaimer: I already knew tilling destroys the structural integrity of soil = not good.)
We had heavy rainfall the other day and unfortunately, it showed the weakness in the tilled bed. The water caused small ravines everywhere and the softer dirt washed down the hill to the bottom of the garden, leaving mud.
Basically, the garden is no good for growing because everything would wash down the hill in a rainstorm. I know this because last year shortly after planting, we had heavy rainfall and all my onion starts ended up at the other end of the garden.
I figured out the solution: Mulch it! Fill the bed with mulch like I did the raised beds. After all, I did put a border around it.
It brings me joy to see things growing and blooming in the garden. Like the blooms on the chives and the strawberries.
So today was spent planting more seeds in the raised beds. I put kale, chard, spinach, and green beans in the same garden I planted the onions.
Then I started seeds in pots so they wouldn't have to wait to grow. I have no clue when I will be able to get mulch compost for the gardens. I started my squash, melon, cucumbers, and more lettuces. I am hoping they do well enough in the pots to transfer out into the garden, but if not, then I will direct sow when I can.
Tonight, the kids planted their gardens. I was so tempted to use the bed for potatoes, but I had promised the kids they could have gardens and I couldn't break that promise.
While they did that, I spread more dandelion greens into the small bed I had put small seedlings into. And the other one next to it now has rocket seed (arugula). I took nasturtium seeds and put them in two sweet potato bins, and in the other two, I planted marigolds. Then, I decided that the raised bed where I will plant tomatoes will have a row of sunflowers on the south end. While the north end of the large raised bed will have peppers and a sunflower variety.
As for other news, three of the kids seem to have a small cold. So naturally, they all think they are dying. No fevers, just runny noses and sore throats, small coughs and sneezing. It is probably the same cold that Leandra had the last week or so.
I have done some research to see how I can help Caleb with his behavior issues without medicating him. I found that B-1, B-6, Magnesium, Iron, Omega 3, Vitamins C and E, and zinc all can help. So I bought him a good multivitamin, omega 3 oil, and a magnesium supplement and pray we can get some relief from his irrational behavior and difficulty such behavior brings on the family. I know it will take a lot of time for his body to adjust, but it will be worth it.
Now to figure out how to get my children to actually do their school work.
I know, right?
ReplyDeleteSounds like you’re off to a great start! I love the prepping/planting phase. I’ve been hauling mulch to my garden the past couple weekends. Have you heard of the documentary Back to Eden (I think it’s called?) It’s a no-till, deep mulch, reduced weed plan. Aiming for that over here! :)
ReplyDeleteYes. I have. Although I have forgotten a lot of the points made. I just know science is proving tilling destroys so much. I think the modern idea of tilling is not quite the same as it was in Genesis.
DeleteAll that’s hard work! At least now you know what needs to be done with that garden so you don’t have floating seedlings. It looks
ReplyDeleteLike the girls really thought about their seeds. Look forward to seeing what comes up!
They did think a lot about their seeds. I had to hurry them up because the sun was starting to set.
DeleteHmm it won’t show my name, it’s Sarena btw
ReplyDeleteoption. You know the slope of the tilled area. Plant larger crops in furrows so the rain does not run down the slope. Curve them if needed to capture the rain run off.
ReplyDeleteI considered this. I think that once plants have roots established, it wouldn't be a problem. What I need to do is prevent the wash out. I thought to run the furrows east to west, but then I worry the water would pool and drown the seeds. I think I might need to terrace it.
DeleteHow fun, good luck on the supplements for Caleb. It is surprising how complex our bodies are and how sometimes we just do not get what we need or what we need is not manufactured within our bodies for some reason. Although the easy way is just give him everythng he wants lol, I am glad you are NOT taking the easy way out.
ReplyDeleteAnother idea for the rock garden is to level the sides with rocks, fill it in and make it a raised garden! I know that would take time but perhaps in the long run it would happen. Meanwhile, like Dad said, plant in curved furrows to keep the run off from running off with your seeds. Have you thought about using shredded paper or newspapers for mulch? They would definitely stop the soil run off and you can usually find people who et the paper and maybe have a ton of old papers. You can also buy blank newsprint paper on line, I would shred it to give it bulk and then use it as mulch. Just some ideas.
I agree! I have to do something. It wreaks havoc on family life. There have been a lot of studies regarding the omega oils. I wanted to get the 3/6/9 oils, but need to figure out if they use pork gelatin or beef.
DeleteI do plan to make it a raised garden. The rocks are about 6 or so inches which would be plenty height to hold the compost. Composted mulch is free to us from Searcy. Al is going to get some tomorrow and Friday before work.
sounds like a plan.
ReplyDelete