We got alot of planting done this weekend. Planted sixteen cucumber plants, ran some chain link fencing next to them to support the vines. Planted 36 total tomato plants as well. There are 16 of Uncle Nick's heirloom plants, 16 Roma plants grown from seed and 4 cherry tomatoes. Ricky also ran drip irrigation to each plant. It may be hard to see, but the one pic shows the individual sprinkler head that is ran to each plant. This way we can water direct to the roots without wasting any water.

We got some free mulch the other day. A neighbor had a tree cut down, and they dumped the wood chips in the yard. Little did I know it would be 2 dump truck's full. This picture is about a half of what we started with. We were able to get all of the paths, watermelon/pumpkin/cantaloupe patch's covered. Plenty more to spread.

Got alot of work done this weekend. The sprinklers for the corn are all set up. There are 2 for the bed, on opposite corners. We set them about 5ft off the ground to get over the corn once its grown. The one picture is Ricky adjusting the spray pattern on the far end sprinkler. We also got a refrigerator for the shed, thanks Jeff, no more trips to the house for cold beer!!!!!!

Well, I knew we started to early, and here comes some late frost. Funny picture, its not easy to find 40 plus buckets and cans to cover this many plants. They did well the first night, 04/13. Got one more night to go, then things look better. Well the blog is somewhat caught up from what we have started this winter. I will keep adding as we go, enjoy.

Alright, I though that starting my own plants from seed may be a little of out control. Well, Ricky came up with one to put the seedlings to shame. He came up with a whole irrigation system for the garden. Including a 5 valve system with programmable controller. He is going to set up lawn style sprinklers throughout the garden to cover as needed. Five different zones to take care of the different watering needs of the various plants. Several advantages in this. First is, no moving hoses or forgetting to water!!!! Second is putting water on the plants and not on our walking paths. Some initial investment, but should work great. And after the drought we went through last year, the plants should do great.

Going to try something new this year, a compost tumbler. Had a compost bin last year ( in pic behind ), it did ok, but the tumbler is supposed to work alot better. I had a 55 gallon plastic drum, we then cut a door and added hinges and a clasp. We but some metal fins on the inside to help the tumbling action. I was going to mount it with a pole running through the middle to turn it, but my assistant gardener, Ricky, suggested putting it on some casters I had sitting around. Great idea, It takes a little work to turn, but the advantage is not having the pole in the middle of the barrell. Its already breaking down into good compost, and it hasnt even been warm yet.

Finally the self raised broccoli and cabbage are in some dirt. Good luck to them, they are about 1-2 weeks early. At this point, we have about 140 ft of potatoes planted, and 50 ft of yellow and red onions planted. Carrots are on the way, but it is way to moist.

Here is the side table on 04/05. Broccoli and cabbage are begging to be put outside. Its still a little cold and very wet outside, but they have a date with some dirt today. I would rather see them die outside then under these lights.

At this point, 03/07, the table is full. Had to add a 2 ft fixture to the left of these 4ft fixtures. Im already thinking about a 2 tear design for next year.

At this point this is a mix of brocalli, cabbage, herbs and some flowers planted in egg cartons. The egg cartons work great!!!

This tray contains our first crop of cabbage, Oregano, Parsley and Cilantro. Plants were started on 02/10. This picture was taken on 02/23. Everything came up great, oregano was a little slow. To bad we started these way to early, but we are learning.

We decided to try starting our own veggies from seed this year. We set up a couple of lights/ table/ heating mat in my spare bedroom. This pic is from feb. 16th. Just getting some cabbage, broccali and marigolds going.

This is my first attempt at doing a blog, so we will see how it goes. I have some catching up to do, so there will be a bunch of post in a couple of days to get things rolling.

Here is my garden last year before the drought. It was very cramped and unorganized. The 2008 garden will not have the same problems!!!