2018: Year of the raised bed

This is how I plan to have a garden this year. It is an expansion of last year's container approach. I built most of these beds over the winter, but one bed, the second one from the left in the photo, I built last Fall as a test of concept. 

I've already harvested several kale plants and some broccoli.  There's some Romaine and Red Leaf lettuce still to harvest. I may still get a few more broccoli florets.

My concern was pest control. Not just insects, but furry critters, too. The first bed was largely successful, so now I have six. 

I also built into two of the beds, a little area for flowers. I planted marigolds both for its insect repellant qualities and the aesthetics. 

I've also incorporated a watering system. Right now, it is not on a timer. Because the source of water is on the other side of the driveway, I may leave it that way, connecting the hose only when necessary.

Now I'm going to go watch my plants grow.

14 Reasons Why Raised Beds are the Best Way to Garden

Raised bed gardening is not a new concept. Traditional gardeners used to double dig their beds to form rectangular or circular mounds 1-1 ½ ft. high, with sloping edges. A standard practice in areas receiving plenty of rain, it ensured good drainage, besides providing a bit of extra space for growing vegetables.

Source: 14 Reasons Why Raised Beds are the Best Way to Garden:

Garden Diary - March 12, 2017

It's been a few weeks since I planted a small container garden. Here are the updated pictures:

Some critter took out the kale and broccoli transplants.

I can almost harvest the kale in this pot. Nasturtiums are coming along nicely.

Again with the kale, it is also possible to see the carrot seedlings in this container.

There are some carrot seedlings growing under the canopy of the scented geranium leaves.

Another good looking container; this one with broccoli, cabbage and cilantro. Nasturtiums are clearly visible in the front left.

This container got knocked over by an elderly driver, but it has bounced back nicely. All the seedlings that were in here did not survive the accident though

Large pot 1 is filling out nicely.

Large pot 2 is just going nuts. The plants in this container are growing tall and spindly, though. Probably not getting enough light.