I’ve been in garden-mode (along with work, family, and social-mode) this past month which has been keeping me quite busy despite our rainy chilly days. I started my first compost bin at the beginning of this month and things are getting pretty compost-y in there! I also started my herb and vegetable seeds a few weeks ago in egg crates and I’m happy to report that I have my first sprouts! If you’re interested in doing the same, stay tuned to the end for my quick How-To.
Several years ago I jumped head first into container gardening and shared my experiences with it here on the blog. This year I jump head first into the real thing. I’ve got plenty of space to do it outdoors and I’m going big with it. I’m going at this venture a little more experienced and educated to ensure that all my plants survive and there’s plenty of space for them to grow. I’ve planned for a 25ft by 25ft garden that will be a nice space to get my hands dirty in, unwind (with wine) after work, and provide a lot of my own ingredients and meals.
But boy, do I have my work cut out for me! Finish tilling, add fencing, restore a bench that will be inside of the garden, secure an archway for my cucumbers and green beans to grow on, add stepping stones, build a vertical pallet planter for the herbs, and get myself a solid pair of rain boots. Haha I destroyed my Chuck Taylors with mud while attempting to till soil in the rain. I also need to learn how to preserve, can, and pickle some of the items I’m growing. I hate seeing things go to waste and I want to be able to enjoy items from my garden even through the winter.
Over the next few weeks I’ll start to share some of my DIY projects that are apart of the garden, as well as any tips and tricks I pick up. I’m not an expert so I can only share my personal experiences, but I highly encourage you to try starting your own garden.. even if it’s just basil in a pot on your kitchen windowsill.. It’s still a rewarding experience. Feel free to share any of your own tips and experiences that you have so we can all learn from one another.
What are you growing in your garden this year?
Egg Crate Seed Starters
Supplies:
Egg crates (the biodegradable type – NOT styrofoam)
Scissors
Ink pen
Seed starter potting soil
Seeds
Masking tape
Cut your egg crates in half and save the top as a tray for the bottom. Poke a whole in the bottom of each pod for drainage.
Fill almost to the top with potting soil, lightly pat down, leaving a little room to add your seeds and more soil. Avoid packing the soil in or your seeds may have a tough time germinating and taking root through the tough soil. Plant seeds according to the amount and depth recommended on the back of the package and cover with a bit more soil. Label each pod with masking tape to make it easy to remember what’s what.
Mist each pod with water and you’re done! Continue to care for them based on package instructions.
Also, there’s not much need to place a tray underneath the egg carton and it’s lid tray because you shouldn’t be watering heavily enough for water to drain out. Just keep the soil… moist (my least favorite word).
Happy gardening!
