"I'm Leavin' On A Jet Plane"

Well, I'll be heading to the airport around 4 a.m. to catch a flight taking me to New York. Manhattan to be exact. My trip was a gift given to me by a dear friend in behalf of the efforts that I put forth to pass a math class that I had failed 3 times. I guess the "4th" time is the actual charm!!! It was a VERY welcome surprise and will be a much needed respite before heading back to school next month and starting the next phase of math.

I am leaving my garden in the hands of my 15 year old. I spent time with him in the garden this evening instructing him how to water the plants and look after things for me while I am gone. Fingers crossed. To help lessen the load on him, I purchased an 18 gallon plastic container. I filled it with water and showed him how to fill the watering can and how to water the plants at the root not on the leaves. I figured it would be safer to water from the can than from the hose and possibly damage the already flowering fruit. I further instructed him to fill up the container each evening so that all he will have to do is to fill up the can and water. Again, fingers crossed!!! I keep hearing George Michael's song: "You Gotta Have Faith" rattling in my head.

On the day that I purchased the 18 gallon container, I had another brainstorm

 

 

Why not use some of these containers in the garden. They are sturdy, and tall which would provide a good growing base for the heavier fruited vines and what have you. I could place them against the sections of my fence for support for the vined vegetables like beans. They would also appear to be nice and spacious for onions, and potatoes and other root vegetables. Plus, they would be a lot cheaper and more convenient until I can get raised beds. I know that I won't be able to afford a lot of raised beds or the materials to make them, at least not right away, but I don't want that to deter me from planting. So until I can get the raised beds going, I am going to use these containers. I just have to make sure that I have enough drainage holes and read that if larger containers are sat on bricks it will provide even better drainage. I can grow a lot of potatoes and onions, and beans in one of these babies!!!

I also thought that these storage drawers were interesting:

Already sectioned off, seems deep enough and with two side by side some nice plants can come out of it. When I think of all the drawers that I threw away from old chest of drawers I could kick myself. I think that flowers would like nice in something like this for the chill center.

Just trying to think of some ways to use what is available, more easily accessible, or already on hand.

And speaking of hands, let's hear a big round of applause for the already "budding" appearance of the plants that I just germinated last Sunday. Say hello to my little friends:

The Pumpkins:

The Beans: Kind of Blurry

And More Beans:

Don't know why those shots came out so blurry but hope that you can see the growth.

Well, that is all for "Ye Olde Homestead" today. I hope to see you guys in a few days. Till then, take care and for Goodness sake, Miss Me!!! :-)

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