Update 8.5.10

Wow! how time flies!
First off, the onion patch was completely stripped bare of all the seedlings by birds. (Apparently we are learning the downside of gardening right next to 20 acres of woods.)
The soil that I bought for the buckets was exactly that, soil, which is not the recommended growing medium for the water wicking. Needless to say, the one tomato plant that was planted several days ago did not survive, despite my best efforts.

Also, The new little greenhouse box that we bought, did not work. Two of the 36 seeds planted actually sprouted. Not sure if perhaps it was the seed starting soil I bought, or if the whole mini greenhouse thing is to blame.

Frustration. And, I wasted a ton of good seeds on that tray. hopefully, I can dig them out and re-plant them. Time is ticking down to the second growing season, so hopefully we can get this going soon.

Update 7.23.10

So today I was finally able to set up six buckets. One of them is also planted, but since the kids were at church I saved the remaining five to be planted tomorrow after work.
I also am going to start researching making my own growing medium. This bagged soil seems to be fine, but the cost is just nuts. There has to be a cheaper way.
I also read a short blog today about a gardener who is successfully growing all sorts of vegetables in those re-usable grocery bags. Those are super cheap, so that may be an interesting alternative to buying more buckets.
The broccoli and cauliflower couldn't handle the heat, and they burned up today while I was at work. Oh well, I had them, so I figured I'd try. The peppers and Tomatoes are doing fine in their pods. They are now at full sun and are growing what seems to be inches every day. Also the cucumbers and pumpkins seem to be handling the heat as well. Even the Swiss chard seems alright.
I am worried about the onion patch. None of the plants have stood up yet, meaning one, they are still in shock, or two something isn't right and perhaps it's just too hot.
Still waiting to see sprouts in the new flat of seeds.
Hopefully tomorrow Shanon will snap some pictures, and maybe the onions will stand up!

Garden Work Underway!

So earlier this week, I checked out the clearance Isle at walmart and found a raised bed kit for $8! Ladies and gentlemen, we have an onion patch!

Also, today we planted an indoor greenhouse, with a ton of different vegetables. Tomorrow I hope to fabricate all of the buckets, and maybe even plant a few before the day is out. Below are some shots of our work today.





































































































































































Below is a new pot of rosemary













Below are some of the older seedlings, just about ready to be planted.



















All shots taken by my awesome wife Shanon.

Welcome to our Garden!

Gardening has been an interest of ours for many years now, and now that we live in Florida, we thought it would be great to take advantage of the extended growing periods in this new climate! We hope that you will come along with us on this adventure!

We hope to share with you our successes, failures, and maybe even tips and tricks that we pick up along the way!

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