Spring Gardening

I haven't written about gardening here at FH&L though it is a love of mine. Where I currently live gardening is very difficult. Plus I really haven't had the time to give my garden the attention it needs either. We didn't have any landscaping around the house at all when we moved here and we still need to do more work. 

Here in AZ raised beds are a good way to grow vegetables because the soil is not the best for growing. Raised beds allow for easy additions of compost and amendments and really are nice looking giving a neat and clean appearance to your garden area. You can use a variety of things for raised beds and it need not be difficult or labor intensive. 

I purchased 2 old galvanized horse troughs on Craigslist to use as raised beds for a few veggies and salad greens.  In the wintertime the height of the troughs allows for the soil to be warmed by the sun and gives me extra growing time I wouldn't have. The same is true in the summer though and the troughs over heat from the sun. The horse troughs have an added bonus for me....they are tall enough that I don't have to get down on my knees to garden and that my friends, is a big plus for a grand mother! 

We drilled a few holes in the bottom of the troughs for drainage and I fill the bottom with plastic bottles and drink containers (with the lids on tightly) to save using so much soil. We used a lot of compost, about 75%, and I added organic fertilizers. It is best to allow the soil mix to sit and decompose for a few months if you have used a lot of compost like I did, but not necessary. You can plant immediately. 

The Shed has a beautiful raised bed garden you have to see! They used stone for a long lasting bed. Anyone would love a garden that looked this good.

Clover House created raised garden beds for their garden. Initially it is a little work and investment but well worth it! 



Then they covered it to keep out the frost.



Summer Acres started onions from seed and saved some money. They also planted Strawberries. 


Diana Rambles used a pallet to create a lettuce garden. Very creative use of space and materials I might add. 

For spring planting you will need some seedlings. You can start your own and save some money. Egg shells are a good and fun way to start your seeds; Back 2 Basics gives us this trick. You will find lots of gardening tricks and tips at Back 2 Basics.

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