Speaking of growing things, I'm almost positive that I've got all my flower and vegetable seeds for Gardens 2023. My two favorite varieties of pole bean don't seem to be available anywhere, so I'm going to be trying a yellow romano-type pole bean, and will also plant a lot of the filet pole bean seeds that I've saved from years past. Fingers crossed there'll be some success there, as beans are one crop I've had very good luck with almost every year.
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| sample of Gardening Plans 2023 |
Doing more gardening with less leaning has become increasingly important, and after pricing lumber to build a couple of new raised beds last Autumn, I ordered two metal raised beds. You've probably seen these advertised, as I think they are becoming increasingly popular: modular, powder-coated, corrugated tubs. Mine are Birdies brand from Australia, and a brief 20% discount for followers of an Australian YouTube gardening channel clinched my decision. I've assembled them and now it's a matter of placement, which is turning out to be tricky. Finding spots with adequate light is always a challenge here, and these tubs are not going to be moveable - at least not without a lot of work - so I need to choose carefully. Also, one totally unforeseen factor is that big metal tubs - even pretty, pale green ones - are very, very noticeable in my comfortably wildish landscape. I think my Occasional Helper used the term "comparatively industrial." I can think of places to put them where they would look quite nice (such as next to the house) but would not have enough light, and I can think of places to put them where they might have enough light but would be almost jarring to the eye. An odd problem! They will probably look more at home once things are growing in and around them, and will likely become cherished components of the gardening scheme here. But at the moment, the decision of where to put them is proving quite a challenge. Could you all just come by, take a look around, and give me your opinions? Thanks very much!
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Putting them where there is the best light is what you likely should do. As for 'jar-dom to the eye' part of it - could you get a piece or two of a pretty lattice that could be 'planted' in front of the container?
ReplyDeleteThey definitely need to go where there will be adequate light, it's just a question of where that might be. One possible spot is outside my perimeter fence (=accessible to all hungry wildlife) and also at the edge of the landing at the top of my driveway (=at frequent risk from delivery trucks turning around). Another option is to take a bit of paddock from the goats, but I don't like to do that without trading them more space somewhere else. But there isn't really anywhere else. It's a puzzle, but it will be solved soon.
DeleteHaving needed to move my one raised garden, I understand the importance of where to put one! (I ended up splitting the one bigger one into two narrower sections.) I'd love to see what yours look like!
ReplyDeleteQuite a project! My conumdrum would be where to find tbe dirt to fill them! It would seem so odd to have to buy that much dirt. I am okay with potting soil for planters, but those raised bed tubs are big! Best of luck figuring out where they will go. One thought: over time they will dull, likely get a little mossy maybe? I have my lettuce tub in view of the kitchen picture window and yes, it bugs me but it seems like a good spot, so there it is.
ReplyDeleteI would love to come by and brainstorm with you, if I weren't a couple of thousand miles away. Siting is so critical. But more gardening with less leaning will be so much better for you, once placement and filling have happened.
ReplyDeleteChris from Boise