It feels like spring (time change), looks like spring (gray and bits of green), but it ain’t always spring-ish when it comes to the weather. I’ve been happy as a lark to get back outside and into my city gardening even though it’s 21-degrees outside. Yes, I say city gardening because that’s where I’m at, like it or not. Today, I’m tackling chores to get garden ready and have some sweet helpers to boot. Want to join me for Life Update #7?
While I’m trying to do my best to keep up with different demands, I also am trying to do what brings me joy. Some demands are included in that genre, but you get the idea. I’m sharing my latest vlog in the video below and consider you part of my family to join in because I share more of my story in here.
As you can imagine, the Ohio winters can be brutal on outdoor structures. And, if you recall, I share several tutorials for gardening:
- DIY Raised Garden Beds
- Arched Garden Trellis
- Free Build Plans for Garden Arbor
- Pallet Compost Bin Tutorial
- DIY Rain Barrel
- Garden Shed Remodel
- DIY Bike Garden Shed
- plus many more
GETTING DIRTY
First, keep in mind I’ve had this garden since 2014 when I was still hoping to move back to the countryside. My goal was to teach my six kids how to garden and make the most of a mow-less-grow-more idea. Since then, I’ve replaced the beds and they’re needing it again after 7 long seasons. While I shared my latest update in Life Update #6, here I’m tackling amending the soil. (READ ALL LIFE UPDATES HERE)
Of course, the only day it wasn’t raining means it’s 21-degrees (feels like 18) and I have to head out first thing. And trusty Loula is right there to protect me. I just love her.
Thankfully, after I did a bit of hoeing while my kids tackled their homeschool assignments, the youngest two came out to help. Remember I said it was freezing out? One is in shorts and the other is barefoot… haha. (see video) We are hardened winter folk and they love our barefoot journey.
Next, once we have the weeds pulled and I take out the perennials I want to move around, my youngest and I head to the compost bins to load up and spread it on the garden first.
Then, after that, my oldest three help me on the following Saturday spread the composted manure. What a blessing to be able to go and get as much as we need from my Mennonite friends. I explain more in my vlog above.
This is horse, cow, and chicken manure mixed with calcium. It is odoriferous for a time, but not like fresh and dissipates after a few days. Unless it rains… refreshed whew.
REFRESHED
The plants are happy, and it gives the bed a couple of weeks to create a stronger biome when I’m ready to add seed and plants. When I step out the next morning to yet another beautiful sunrise, I’m delighted to see this view.
While I still need to repair more upright posts, I can take a breather that I’m nearly done. Oh, and my farm cat, Lily, is delighted to be reminiscing in her Au de Manure while Loula eats it. sigh… Our dog, Teddy, used to do the same. However, Loula quickly learned to not steal Feces Pieces or Bum Drops. (credit to my sis & nephew for those dubbed terms)
Gotta love pets.
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Likewise, I love to hear from you. How is your garden growing? Not only are you invited to leave some comment love and questions below but also pin and share for others to find city gardening inspiration.
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While you’re at it, here are more posts and projects like this city gardening:
How nice for the resource from your Mennonite friends! It looks so good and I can’t wait for the pictures of bountiful veggies!! Why do animals like to roll in or eat poo?? My dogs have been digging in our front beds and I gotta say I do not love the fecal and urine smell or the mud that comes in on their paws!
Thank you for sharing….even if I lack the energy it still motivated me to see and be happy for your accomplishments. Blessings!
For sure. They have a ton of it and I think it helps them too. I’m most likely going to have bountiful flowers, but I’ll take it. I’m gauging whether or not I’ll remove the garden next year. If I sell, it’s at least a selling point. If I stay, my kids are not really wanting to help, and I want less. As for the dogs… I HAVE NO IDEA! I used to have a male dog that I would bathe and instantly after I washed him, he’d trot to our barn and role int he manure pile. haha!
It’s so exciting to be getting things ready for summer! We too have been cleaning out beds, spreading manure and pruning fruit trees! And of course this morning, we woke up to a few inches of snow!🙄
Although, this time of year it’s usually melted by afternoon time. I told my family that this was Mother Nature’s April Fools Day prank!
Yes! I always wanted fruit trees on a different property, but that wasn’t meant to be. Now I just want to do nothing. We had flurries this morning and I don’t want to see them again until next winter. April Fools for sure! 😀