amitymamaThe Attachment Parenting Community

SummerJoy · 06-14-2004, 03:37 PM

Hi Ladies...Let me just say that I absolutely know NOTHING about gardening, repotting plants, composting, etc. Yet I am attempting to plant some tomatoes and green peppers today if this rain ever lets up

In terms of veggies... tomatoes, green peppers and zuchinni are about all I'm willing to try this summer considering my lack of knowledge. My piano teacher is kind enough to share with me her knowledge and some of her harvest...YUMMY!!!

Ok...so the woman who owned the house before us had a area marked for her garden. Because she knew she was selling the house she composted the area (as told to me by the neighbor) The area is approx. 8 foot x 4 foot. From what I see there are mostly pine needles ( I have nothing but pine trees around my house) and leaves. But the soils is dark and moist. So what do I need to do to begin planting? Do I still need to turn the soil over? Do I need to remove the pine needles and leaves? Now there are what I believe to be weeds growing in the area. (Could be something else but I wouldn't know). Do I pull all of that up or do I plant around it? I see the squirrels over in the area alot. Will they destroy my veggies or is there something I can plant/ put down to keep them and other critters out? I saw a plant at Lowe's today that is supposed to keep cats, dogs and rabbits out. It says they don't like the smell. I am thinking about getting some. How wide of a space to I need to have between my plants?

Frugal gardening~ is there such a thing???? I was walking around Lowe's today and I just got overwhelmed. I love the idea of gardening, but I don't know if I can afford it. I don't know anyone esle who does it except a friend, who is trying her hand at it, but I shared what I had with her. I know some people share their seeds and plants, but I don't know anyone. I know some of you are veterens in this, but how do you afford it? There is an area in front of my house that I'd love to do something with too, but I have way too many hobbies that I spend my money on....LOL

Ok..this is a novel. I've never written this much on any board I've ever been on...LOL. I'm sorry to bombard you all with so many questions. I promise I will look for a gardening class somewhere...LOL. But really..I am serious about this and I could use your help.

TIA!!!

DEandF · 06-14-2004, 05:04 PM

Read everything about gardening you can get your hands on! Mom bought me this little book of Flowers, it's actually turned out to be a great resource. We bought a Home Depot book the last time we were there-- 1, 2, 3, Landscaping-- it's written specifically for the zone you're in, and I've learned a ton from it. The library is another great resource, gardening books are at 712.something (Dewey Decimal System). My library also has copies of Mother Earth News, and I've learned something about gardening from each issue I've checked out...

And ask here!!! Good luck!

SummerJoy · 06-15-2004, 09:24 AM

Thank you Deanna!

mommy2maya · 06-15-2004, 10:35 AM

Gardening can be super frugal!! You can get by with a shovel and a couple of packets of seeds. You can't buy little plants at Lowes, probably $1-2 plant, which at this late date might be your best bet of getting a good harvest.

We bought a small rototiller, I think it was like $20, to turn our little plot, it works great! Umm, add $6 for the tomato cages, maybe $10 on plants, I have less than $40 in my garden, which includes 6 zucchini plants, 3 cucumber plants, 4 tomato plants, 2 pepper plants, and 3 green bean plants. Oh, and a bed of carrots. We are starting to get tons of veggies starting, so, I think our money will be well spent this summer!

We did lots of reading on line, and some gardening books from the library. Your state university probably has a website that tells you the best veggies for your area, and hints based on your area and climate. We also read postage stamp gardening, which was especially great for us since we have a tiny little plot to work with.

SummerJoy · 06-17-2004, 05:42 PM

Thanks Mary!!! I actually got a tomato cage yesterday for $3.95 and a few flower plants for 98 cents a piece. Now I just need to find a zucchini plant. I hope it's not too late to plant it.