Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Getting ready for the veggie garden

One of the things (among many) that I truly enjoy doing is gardening.
Gardening for good food 
(vegetables and fruit).

Since my parents were here for 3 weeks, 
I decided to pick my dad's brain and put him to work, since he gets bored easily.
(can you tell which genes I got?)
Exactly,
my dad.
So this was our daily "special time".
Dig, cut, plant.
He grew up in a farm in Southern Italy, 

so he is has a lot of knowledge about plants...plus he likes to be outdoors.
We made our garden area about 16x10.

Dug and removed quite a few roots that were in the way.
I use cinder blocks instead of wood, as they won't rot and we can move them around as needed.
I moved our compost bin right inside the garden area, 
DIY compost bin-project HERE
and also we are about to install our rain barrel directly next to the garden.
DIY Rain Barrel-project HERE
Collecting rain water for watering is much, MUCH better than city water, as rain water does not have any chemical (like city water does).
I am also planning on removing the extra dirt from under the sunroom, so we can enclose the area for storage

and to help me fill some of the garden area, before I buy some.
 I am expecting a load of free woodchips anytime soon to add to the top of the soil. 
Woodchips are free, just contact a near to you tree cutting company.
These are the best to keep weeds at bay, and help the soil retain the water.
So far I didn't spend any money for the new garden.
I planted seeds (from last year) indoor, and they should be ready to be planted outside in a couple of weeks.
Also we will be working on a firepit area.

Stay Frugal,
Daniela

11 comments:

Audrey said...

Looks like a lot of work, but so well worth it. Composting and water collecting is very smart. Good luck with you garden.
Thanks for visiting Timeless Treasures with a nice comment.
Audrey Z.

chateau chic said...

I'm sure all your hard work will pay off, and it's always great to have a project going when Mom and Dad are visiting.
Mary Alice

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Daniela,
There is no way that your or my Dad could be ever contained to a chair and stay indoors all day... They need that action and the outdoor!
Oh, the battle with those tree roots in the soil... That is the hardest part before getting down to any planting.
Great plans you got and by mid summer you will not even be able to see the 'before'... We soon forget hard labor when it pays off in a big way.
Hugs to you,
Mariette

Cranberry Morning said...

How nice to have your parents there. What a lot of work you got done. So good to see garden prep happening somewhere. Were still waiting for snow to melt. I've got to make a compost bin this year. Yours looks great.

Libby said...

Oh, it's going to be such a lovely space! What a pleasure to be able to have your parents for 3 weeks. I know you were overjoyed.

p.s. What are you planting this season?

Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse said...

I have a feeling we've been spending our days doing the exact same things. I created a space in the garden... Only for herbs for now, but you might inspire me to do more... My back needs a rest, though!

Anonymous said...

You are so flippin' inspiring! You never cease to amaze me. I suck at gardening but after reading your blog, I actually want to plant a garden! I might have to stop reading your posts -- LOL!! Love you, Daniela!!

Carla from The River said...

I am like your Dad too. :-)
It all looks like a lot of fun. I love to be outside and in the garden too.
I am going to go check out your rain barrel idea. Thank you for sharing.

One More Time Events said...

Sounds like you really had some good quality time with your Dad… very nice…can't wait to see the garden in bloom!

Unknown said...

Amazing that you haven't spent a cent on that - and I never knew that about wood chips - wonder if they offer this in Canada too !!!
Happy weekend
Hugs,
Suzan

andi filante said...

Love this post. I can't wait to start gardening...we have so much going on though, I doubt I'll be able to do too much until next year. That makes me sad. :(

-andi