© 2011 Joshua Stark
Well, it seems as if the latest incarnation of duckproofing - edging the raised beds with five-foot bamboo trellises - is working. Green beans and corn have been allowed to grow to about 10 inches, and I think I'm seeing some okra popping up, too.
I didn't plant the bed in a formal sense, though, so there isn't much in there. Basically, I threw in some seeds in a very rough pattern, and then covered them in ducked-up straw that I'd mowed over.
In the potato patch (a bamboo window blind formed into a cylinder and half-filled with straw), I don't see any potato leaves, but the plants I put in on top (radishes, nasturtium, and I can't remember what-else) are popping up like crazy.
From the successes I'm seeing, I envision a radically altered garden next year: A keyhole raised bed (with a stone base and four-foot walls), with three or four of these bamboo blind cylinders around.
As for my pickling walnuts, they have blackened nicely sitting outside in the grill, and today I'm canning them. Today, I'm also crushing the walnuts that have been steeping in the vinegar for the green walnut ketchup and chutney I'll be making next week. If you are interested in this or other green walnut recipes, definitely take a look at my Green Walnuts & You webpage.
Showing posts with label beds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beds. Show all posts
Friday, July 8, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
On with the fight! Duckproofing the garden
© 2011 Joshua Stark
In my attempts at urban homesteading, I'd come upon a small problem: My laying ducks eat everything we humans might, especially those things that come from plants. I've since also discovered that domestic ducks can jump high, that they can fly, and that they don't mind throwing their weight around to get what they want.
Basically, I'd reached the conclusion that, if I wanted both free-ranging ducks and a garden, I was going to have to build something like the key-hole raised beds I'd seen - at considerable cost. If you know me, you understand that the end of that last sentence rendered the concept out-of-bounds (although I am toying with a design that would include a first level of wall stones, then the next three or four levels of doubled-up cedar fenceboards...)
But earlier this year, I was inspired by two new ideas, and yesterday I put them to work.
The first idea was that one didn't necessarily need dirt to garden. A.G. commented on a post about rained-on straw bales, and mentioned bale gardens, a very interesting idea.
Next, at Little Master House's 1st birthday party, we noticed some interesting "raised" beds in the front yard of the Littlest Master's aunt and uncle's place. At first, we took little notice - both the front and back yards were beautiful, and there was so much from which to take inspiration. But as we were leaving, I noticed what appeared to be bamboo beach mats standing on their sides, shaped into cylinders, and filled with straw. From between the bamboo slats, I saw plants growing... wait, those are potatos!
Genius.
What I liked about the idea (in theory) is that my ducks could pick some leaves, and the rest could grow above their grasp. Then, when the potatoes were done, I could just remove the mat, "dig" the potatoes from the straw, and leave the pile for the happy ducks.
Well, a couple of weeks back, I walked into Big Lots and found bamboo mini-blinds for 50% off. Yesterday, I pulled off the hardware and used zip ties and river reed poles to form a cylinder, filled it with some ducked-up straw, and added potatoes.
My twist? On top, I put some worm compost, then planted some potato companion plants: Nasturtium, swiss chard, radishes, and a couple of bush beans. As part of the experiment, I put some of the seeds straight into the straw, and others into a little bit of compost.
Now I sit back and wait to see how the ducks will ruin this one.
In my attempts at urban homesteading, I'd come upon a small problem: My laying ducks eat everything we humans might, especially those things that come from plants. I've since also discovered that domestic ducks can jump high, that they can fly, and that they don't mind throwing their weight around to get what they want.
Basically, I'd reached the conclusion that, if I wanted both free-ranging ducks and a garden, I was going to have to build something like the key-hole raised beds I'd seen - at considerable cost. If you know me, you understand that the end of that last sentence rendered the concept out-of-bounds (although I am toying with a design that would include a first level of wall stones, then the next three or four levels of doubled-up cedar fenceboards...)
But earlier this year, I was inspired by two new ideas, and yesterday I put them to work.
The first idea was that one didn't necessarily need dirt to garden. A.G. commented on a post about rained-on straw bales, and mentioned bale gardens, a very interesting idea.
Next, at Little Master House's 1st birthday party, we noticed some interesting "raised" beds in the front yard of the Littlest Master's aunt and uncle's place. At first, we took little notice - both the front and back yards were beautiful, and there was so much from which to take inspiration. But as we were leaving, I noticed what appeared to be bamboo beach mats standing on their sides, shaped into cylinders, and filled with straw. From between the bamboo slats, I saw plants growing... wait, those are potatos!
Genius.
What I liked about the idea (in theory) is that my ducks could pick some leaves, and the rest could grow above their grasp. Then, when the potatoes were done, I could just remove the mat, "dig" the potatoes from the straw, and leave the pile for the happy ducks.
Well, a couple of weeks back, I walked into Big Lots and found bamboo mini-blinds for 50% off. Yesterday, I pulled off the hardware and used zip ties and river reed poles to form a cylinder, filled it with some ducked-up straw, and added potatoes.
My twist? On top, I put some worm compost, then planted some potato companion plants: Nasturtium, swiss chard, radishes, and a couple of bush beans. As part of the experiment, I put some of the seeds straight into the straw, and others into a little bit of compost.
Now I sit back and wait to see how the ducks will ruin this one.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Reviewing the year
© 2010 Joshua Stark
This blog began as a series of notes regarding my attempts at gardening, and then raising ducks, in the back yard, and so it's only fitting to do a review, occasionally, to consider what has been working, what hasn't, and how I should prepare next year's Spring garden. Of course, this being California, the gardening never really takes a break, but since all the harvest festivals have just taken place, it feels like a good time for a review.
First things first: What did we like to eat? The pear tomatoes did well, as did the bigger heirlooms (I've got to look up the name!). The zucchinis were very good (duh!), as were the green beans. Some bell peppers were okay, and the first hot peppers were great. The boysenberries and pomegranates, of course, are in a class by themselves. The Swiss chard was terrific.
Next: What didn't we like to eat? The mild jalapeños, for sure (they tasted like bitter, fleshless bell peppers), and the hot peppers after the bell peppers took off (I think cross-pollination is the culprit). Come to think of it, many of the bell peppers had thin walls, and little flavor, themselves. We just didn't like the tomatillos all that much - we had a couple of salsa verdes, but not a ton. I think we just prefer pico de gallo. The radishes were violently bitter.
For me, the next step is to consider what grew and what didn't grow. None of the squashes grew strong enough to make much of a showing, nor did the cucumbers; they were constantly trying to stay ahead of the wilt I'd tried to eliminate by bringing in all new soil. Now in their defense, the birdhouse gourds and butternuts didn't have a chance to show me much, because they were clipped clean by the ducks. But, what leaves I saw on them did get the same wilt as the other squashes.
In fact, the duck raids early on really distort the success of the garden this year. I just didn't build high enough beds, and very early, the ducks flew in and ate almost all the greens.
The corn also came up stunted, the green beans just didn't produce, and the tomatoes and peppers took a long time to ripen, but this I attribute to last year's weather (cool all Summer).
So what, then, grew well? Of course, the Swiss chard that survived the duck-tastrophe, the bell peppers (though later), and the pear tomatoes and tomatillos. Also, it looks like the onions will do nicely. The orange tree has grown some, now that I pump the duck pond under it, and the pomegranate and boysenberry are taking off. The walnut continues to reign supreme in the yard, but our harvest was severely curtailed this year by squirrels, rats, and codling moths. Our roses, too, grew well this year, and I plan to harvest hips for rose syrup this week. And it goes without saying that the ducks grew well, too - two eggs per day.
At the end of my reviews I like to list proposals for next year's garden. In my case, some bamboo fencing around the raised beds are in order, to keep out the marauders, and another attempt at greens (spinach to collards). Also, I will only try to grow one squash this year, out of a pot, and trellised almost immediately. Tomatoes will again make the cut, as will corn and green beans. I also plan to dedicate a good chunk of land to potatoes, yams, and alliums (onions, garlic, and leeks). Peppers I will grow, but separating the hot ones and the bells. And with my successful worm bins, I plan to provide soil amendments in the form of 'casings' (worm poop) in addition to the pondwater from the oh-so-generous ducks.
What of your gardens? Do you have any tips or tricks from your reviews to share? Let's hear 'em!
This blog began as a series of notes regarding my attempts at gardening, and then raising ducks, in the back yard, and so it's only fitting to do a review, occasionally, to consider what has been working, what hasn't, and how I should prepare next year's Spring garden. Of course, this being California, the gardening never really takes a break, but since all the harvest festivals have just taken place, it feels like a good time for a review.
First things first: What did we like to eat? The pear tomatoes did well, as did the bigger heirlooms (I've got to look up the name!). The zucchinis were very good (duh!), as were the green beans. Some bell peppers were okay, and the first hot peppers were great. The boysenberries and pomegranates, of course, are in a class by themselves. The Swiss chard was terrific.
Next: What didn't we like to eat? The mild jalapeños, for sure (they tasted like bitter, fleshless bell peppers), and the hot peppers after the bell peppers took off (I think cross-pollination is the culprit). Come to think of it, many of the bell peppers had thin walls, and little flavor, themselves. We just didn't like the tomatillos all that much - we had a couple of salsa verdes, but not a ton. I think we just prefer pico de gallo. The radishes were violently bitter.
For me, the next step is to consider what grew and what didn't grow. None of the squashes grew strong enough to make much of a showing, nor did the cucumbers; they were constantly trying to stay ahead of the wilt I'd tried to eliminate by bringing in all new soil. Now in their defense, the birdhouse gourds and butternuts didn't have a chance to show me much, because they were clipped clean by the ducks. But, what leaves I saw on them did get the same wilt as the other squashes.
In fact, the duck raids early on really distort the success of the garden this year. I just didn't build high enough beds, and very early, the ducks flew in and ate almost all the greens.
The corn also came up stunted, the green beans just didn't produce, and the tomatoes and peppers took a long time to ripen, but this I attribute to last year's weather (cool all Summer).
So what, then, grew well? Of course, the Swiss chard that survived the duck-tastrophe, the bell peppers (though later), and the pear tomatoes and tomatillos. Also, it looks like the onions will do nicely. The orange tree has grown some, now that I pump the duck pond under it, and the pomegranate and boysenberry are taking off. The walnut continues to reign supreme in the yard, but our harvest was severely curtailed this year by squirrels, rats, and codling moths. Our roses, too, grew well this year, and I plan to harvest hips for rose syrup this week. And it goes without saying that the ducks grew well, too - two eggs per day.
At the end of my reviews I like to list proposals for next year's garden. In my case, some bamboo fencing around the raised beds are in order, to keep out the marauders, and another attempt at greens (spinach to collards). Also, I will only try to grow one squash this year, out of a pot, and trellised almost immediately. Tomatoes will again make the cut, as will corn and green beans. I also plan to dedicate a good chunk of land to potatoes, yams, and alliums (onions, garlic, and leeks). Peppers I will grow, but separating the hot ones and the bells. And with my successful worm bins, I plan to provide soil amendments in the form of 'casings' (worm poop) in addition to the pondwater from the oh-so-generous ducks.
What of your gardens? Do you have any tips or tricks from your reviews to share? Let's hear 'em!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Cutting back
© 2010 Joshua Stark
I have trouble cutting back in many ways. Ask my wife, and she'll say I can't pass up a "free" craigslist posting, and I have too many seeds and kitchen gadgets. However, this post is about cutting back old plants to make way for the new plantings.
I babied a terrible patch of corn and beans this year, to the detriment of their bed-mates (squashes and cucumbers), because I kept detecting the potential for great reproduction. The corn never grew more than 40 inches or so, and of the 15 plants, we harvested about one-half of an ear. But, the corn was the trellis for the green beans, since I like growing the three sisters together (corn, beans & squash), and the green bean plants, after a slow start, looked lush. So I kept them on, even though I saw only a couple of flowers on the vines through much of the Summer.
Then, about mid August, I decided I'd had enough. There was some grey wilt on the squashes, but my reticence toward actively working the bed had led to an aversion for the space - I just didn't want to work in it, because I knew it would entail giving up on the patch of corn & beans. However, this aversion, coupled with the thickness of the patch, had allowed the wilt to impact my zucchini crop. I headed over to the patch, and found dozens of flowers on the beans. Great! And, crap! My resolve thoroughly crushed, I let them stand.
I harvested maybe about 8 beans. Meanwhile, my zucchini and cucumbers never recovered from the wilt.
Last week, I yanked the patch of beans and corn, and cut back my other plants. I'll give the squashes and cukes one more week, and then the whole patch gets root veggies and alliums.
Next time, I'll know to be more direct in gutting those that aren't making it. I've got worm bins and ducks who are more than happy to compost the lot, so it won't be a total loss... it's just so hard to cut back.
I have trouble cutting back in many ways. Ask my wife, and she'll say I can't pass up a "free" craigslist posting, and I have too many seeds and kitchen gadgets. However, this post is about cutting back old plants to make way for the new plantings.
I babied a terrible patch of corn and beans this year, to the detriment of their bed-mates (squashes and cucumbers), because I kept detecting the potential for great reproduction. The corn never grew more than 40 inches or so, and of the 15 plants, we harvested about one-half of an ear. But, the corn was the trellis for the green beans, since I like growing the three sisters together (corn, beans & squash), and the green bean plants, after a slow start, looked lush. So I kept them on, even though I saw only a couple of flowers on the vines through much of the Summer.
Then, about mid August, I decided I'd had enough. There was some grey wilt on the squashes, but my reticence toward actively working the bed had led to an aversion for the space - I just didn't want to work in it, because I knew it would entail giving up on the patch of corn & beans. However, this aversion, coupled with the thickness of the patch, had allowed the wilt to impact my zucchini crop. I headed over to the patch, and found dozens of flowers on the beans. Great! And, crap! My resolve thoroughly crushed, I let them stand.
I harvested maybe about 8 beans. Meanwhile, my zucchini and cucumbers never recovered from the wilt.
Last week, I yanked the patch of beans and corn, and cut back my other plants. I'll give the squashes and cukes one more week, and then the whole patch gets root veggies and alliums.
Next time, I'll know to be more direct in gutting those that aren't making it. I've got worm bins and ducks who are more than happy to compost the lot, so it won't be a total loss... it's just so hard to cut back.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Raised bed-building Revolution
© 2010 Joshua Stark
This year, I built raised beds, and I must say I learned a ton. Unfortunately, what I learned included some cost, both financially and emotionally, but it was worth it. I'm a changed man, raised-bed building-wise...
In years B.D. (Before Ducks), I'd built raised beds for gardening, but without any sides; I'd merely build up mounds of dirt, and was very satisfied with my results. However, with the imminent invasion of the greens-loving critters, I decided I needed to build up some walls, a fortification against the marauding Welsh (harlequins). So I looked at prices for wood.
Well, raised bed "kits" were out of the question, as most were over $150, so I settled on redwood for my first bed attempt. At four feet wide by eight feet long by eleven inches high, my materials still came out over $90.
I'd gone about that first bed backwards - trying to draw out a plan, get perfect 90 degree corners, sink in the corner posts, cut exactly 8 ft. blah, blah. Looking at it, I realized what I was making: big boxes for dirt. The next bed I'd just cut all my boards, lay them out, screw them together on top of the dirt, no frills.
For my next bed, then, I decided that I didn't need it to last for years, so I'd buy simple pine 2x4's, which lowered my costs considerably. My efficiency increases for the actual labor (work during the day, don't care about perfect corners, etc.) gave me some serious confidence boost. And at just over $30, I thought I'd done well in the money department. But, I still felt bad knowing that in two or three years I'd just have to replace it.
Then, I noticed I'd walked into the fence material. I glanced at the prices: $2 for a five-foot piece of cedar seven inches wide. $3 for a six foot redwood seven inches wide.
Whoa.
Here were two woods that I knew would last in the dirt. Though considerably skinnier than the 2x4's, I instantly realized that it didn't matter... I wasn't building homes, I was building small walls for dirt. My mind, torn open by the revolution in cost cutting for long-lasting materials, fell upon the notion of support beams: River reed! I also had some leftover pieces of redwood from the duck ark that could be used as supports.
So my next bed at the edge of the pond would be made of fencing. I quickly realized that this choice had another advantage, in that its thin dimensions were much easier to cut with hand tools and much easier to move around. I decided to try a different pattern for my bed, and the ease of use of the materials allowed me to cut a different pattern.
First, I marked the spot where I wanted the walls to go (you can use yarn tied to sticks at each spot where a corner would go... I just stuck the sticks, without the yarn).
Then, I determined how much wood I'd need by measuring where I wanted the walls to go.
The other measurement is with a protractor, measuring the angle at each corner (skip this if making a square or rectangle).
Next, I cut off the dog-eared top of the fence board (if you think I just threw them away, consider this link to post on saving everything), and cut my boards (at the appropriate angles) to their proper lengths.
Last, I attached the boards to each other, as I put them in place. I used multiple river reed stakes to keep the boards in place while I attached them, and I mostly used screws, but there are many different fasteners out there.
If I'd wanted to, I could have built walls twice as thick for double the cost, and still have come out at half the price of the redwood 2x4's.
The two things to keep in mind when building a raised bed are: 1) the pressure on the wall will come from the inside out and it won't be much at all; and 2) you ain't makin' a piano. If you screw up a corner, or a nailhead gets bent, don't get bent, yourself. Don't do anything. Cover the corner with a plant or a rock. Put another nail there next to the messed up one. Believe me, the person who will notice that when surrounded by the beauty and bounty of your garden shouldn't be your friend, anyway.
Now, as I consider other beds I will build (possibly trying a potato hay bin again, or a marshland pond filter), and even considering a stepped section of the lawn, I'm set free by the notion that I can build a sturdy, long-lasting wall for at least half the cost I'd previously considered.
That, at certain times in a person's life, can be a liberating revelation, indeed.
This year, I built raised beds, and I must say I learned a ton. Unfortunately, what I learned included some cost, both financially and emotionally, but it was worth it. I'm a changed man, raised-bed building-wise...
In years B.D. (Before Ducks), I'd built raised beds for gardening, but without any sides; I'd merely build up mounds of dirt, and was very satisfied with my results. However, with the imminent invasion of the greens-loving critters, I decided I needed to build up some walls, a fortification against the marauding Welsh (harlequins). So I looked at prices for wood.
Well, raised bed "kits" were out of the question, as most were over $150, so I settled on redwood for my first bed attempt. At four feet wide by eight feet long by eleven inches high, my materials still came out over $90.
A terribly expensive way to keep out ducks... note the white fencing, another expensive way to keep out ducks... the free river reed poles are the only thing in this picture that actually keep out ducks (sigh).
That first bed taught me a number of lessons, the first being that I wouldn't be making four of 'em (my original plant) if I wanted to stay financially stable. I also learned that one shouldn't build beds after dark when one is tired, even if that is the only time one has available for a few weeks and one is frustrated at any attempts to accomplish anything in the backyard. Despair is not a good mental state for woodworking.
Wow... Bob Vila, I am not.
Ah, well. I ain't building a piano (my woodworking battle cry).I'd gone about that first bed backwards - trying to draw out a plan, get perfect 90 degree corners, sink in the corner posts, cut exactly 8 ft. blah, blah. Looking at it, I realized what I was making: big boxes for dirt. The next bed I'd just cut all my boards, lay them out, screw them together on top of the dirt, no frills.
For my next bed, then, I decided that I didn't need it to last for years, so I'd buy simple pine 2x4's, which lowered my costs considerably. My efficiency increases for the actual labor (work during the day, don't care about perfect corners, etc.) gave me some serious confidence boost. And at just over $30, I thought I'd done well in the money department. But, I still felt bad knowing that in two or three years I'd just have to replace it.
That there is just about the only plant a duck won't eat... tomatillo. If you are a friend of mine, start researching tomatillo recipes, because you can guess what you'll be getting this time next year.
Walking down the wood aisles of the local, annoying and gigantic home stuff store, I was stuck. I felt I could either jeopardize my already-tight finances by building an extravagant home for some beans and corn, or I could build something that wouldn't last or look very good.Then, I noticed I'd walked into the fence material. I glanced at the prices: $2 for a five-foot piece of cedar seven inches wide. $3 for a six foot redwood seven inches wide.
Whoa.
Here were two woods that I knew would last in the dirt. Though considerably skinnier than the 2x4's, I instantly realized that it didn't matter... I wasn't building homes, I was building small walls for dirt. My mind, torn open by the revolution in cost cutting for long-lasting materials, fell upon the notion of support beams: River reed! I also had some leftover pieces of redwood from the duck ark that could be used as supports.
So my next bed at the edge of the pond would be made of fencing. I quickly realized that this choice had another advantage, in that its thin dimensions were much easier to cut with hand tools and much easier to move around. I decided to try a different pattern for my bed, and the ease of use of the materials allowed me to cut a different pattern.
That cost me about twenty bucks.
Here's what I did:First, I marked the spot where I wanted the walls to go (you can use yarn tied to sticks at each spot where a corner would go... I just stuck the sticks, without the yarn).
Then, I determined how much wood I'd need by measuring where I wanted the walls to go.
The other measurement is with a protractor, measuring the angle at each corner (skip this if making a square or rectangle).
Next, I cut off the dog-eared top of the fence board (if you think I just threw them away, consider this link to post on saving everything), and cut my boards (at the appropriate angles) to their proper lengths.
Last, I attached the boards to each other, as I put them in place. I used multiple river reed stakes to keep the boards in place while I attached them, and I mostly used screws, but there are many different fasteners out there.
If I'd wanted to, I could have built walls twice as thick for double the cost, and still have come out at half the price of the redwood 2x4's.
The two things to keep in mind when building a raised bed are: 1) the pressure on the wall will come from the inside out and it won't be much at all; and 2) you ain't makin' a piano. If you screw up a corner, or a nailhead gets bent, don't get bent, yourself. Don't do anything. Cover the corner with a plant or a rock. Put another nail there next to the messed up one. Believe me, the person who will notice that when surrounded by the beauty and bounty of your garden shouldn't be your friend, anyway.
Now, as I consider other beds I will build (possibly trying a potato hay bin again, or a marshland pond filter), and even considering a stepped section of the lawn, I'm set free by the notion that I can build a sturdy, long-lasting wall for at least half the cost I'd previously considered.
That, at certain times in a person's life, can be a liberating revelation, indeed.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
What's coming together, and what needs to be done...
In the backyard, that is.
Well, here's a pic. of the pond that has been taking an inordinate amount of my time - plus the raised beds and other projects either in the works, or on the list:
First, the raised beds are all built, except for the potato bed, which is only half-built (it's the pile of straw on the left edge of the picture). The pond edge is done, too, except for some rock-filling. The back fence has been cleared of ivy, and I've planted the sierra currant and put some other flowers back there with it. The boysenberries (on the trellis next to the grass bin) just need watering, and though you can't see them, the pomegranate is bright with big flowers, reminiscent of a flamenco dancer's dress.
The pond still needs a water feature (to appear on its left side in the pic). The raised beds, boysenberry and pomegranate need their irrigation dug (the black pipe coming out of the pond). The workshop in the background needs to be cleaned out (the remains of my huge mistake of storing walnuts in there last Winter), and the lawn needs to be seeded. Last, I need to add plants to my raised beds. Any suggestions?
Well, here's a pic. of the pond that has been taking an inordinate amount of my time - plus the raised beds and other projects either in the works, or on the list:
First, the raised beds are all built, except for the potato bed, which is only half-built (it's the pile of straw on the left edge of the picture). The pond edge is done, too, except for some rock-filling. The back fence has been cleared of ivy, and I've planted the sierra currant and put some other flowers back there with it. The boysenberries (on the trellis next to the grass bin) just need watering, and though you can't see them, the pomegranate is bright with big flowers, reminiscent of a flamenco dancer's dress.
The pond still needs a water feature (to appear on its left side in the pic). The raised beds, boysenberry and pomegranate need their irrigation dug (the black pipe coming out of the pond). The workshop in the background needs to be cleaned out (the remains of my huge mistake of storing walnuts in there last Winter), and the lawn needs to be seeded. Last, I need to add plants to my raised beds. Any suggestions?
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Can you believe this $#!%?! (warning: graphic pictures) and also New Plants
© 2010 Joshua Stark
After much work building raised beds to keep the ducks out of the vegetable garden... all along, I had no idea who the real culprit would be...
Those sure as heck aren't duck prints. And if you look closely, you'll see that what was left wasn't duck poop, either.
All my work, and my dog betrays me...
In better, cleaner news, we picked up a couple of native plants for the yard. Slender sedge (on the right, below) I hope to put at the edge of the pond and the raised bed, and the sierra currant (on the left) will go in the shady spot at the back fence.
After much work building raised beds to keep the ducks out of the vegetable garden... all along, I had no idea who the real culprit would be...
Those sure as heck aren't duck prints. And if you look closely, you'll see that what was left wasn't duck poop, either.
All my work, and my dog betrays me...
In better, cleaner news, we picked up a couple of native plants for the yard. Slender sedge (on the right, below) I hope to put at the edge of the pond and the raised bed, and the sierra currant (on the left) will go in the shady spot at the back fence.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Finishing raised beds, and planting
© 2010 Joshua Stark
The backyard is looking less like it was hit by a bomb, and more like a garden-in-waiting. Here it is, with the latest raised bed (about $25 in materials). Note the new pond liner, too.
I should explain the strange-looking structures in the back, I suppose. On the left is my 'cleanin' tub', for cleaning fish and game, but that isn't it's permanent location. The tower of crates to the right in the background is my worm-bin, high enough for the ducks not to raid it, and with a rock on it to keep other animals out.
Speaking of the worm-bin, we looked in it today, and although it had become home to a crowd of ants (which I will hopefully take care of by just moving stuff around a bit more), it had also shown good worm activity. I'm hoping my two tiny contributions of worms (100 worms, total, give or take) will start to reap benefits, as they reproduce. In researching worms, (those of you who know me don't blink at that statement), I found out that their eggs hatch in 21 days. Hopefully, they've been laying a lot of eggs.
The bed on the right in the back has been planted with corn, cucumbers, gourds, radishes, bok choy, and lettuce. I'm hoping to plant the next bed with onions, tomatoes, peppers, basil, and other friendlies.
The big front bed, just behind the pond, will get some nice perennial flowers, along with some herbs and a few other plants (not sure yet). The pond edges will get some waterplants, mostly horsetails and tules and sedges - things that the ducks won't eat. We hope.
Immediately to the left of the pond will be a higher water feature, where I hope to keep duckweed to supplement the ducks. I had an interesting encounter trying to get duckweed at a local nursery... they accidentally gave me water fern, and neither of us were smart enough to know the difference. But, the ducks sure did. Water fern is as invasive as duckweed, but ducks don't like to eat it, so I don't want it.
We also found a surprise under our giant redwood tree when we came home one day:
Yes, that's a graphic description of a half-eaten striper on our lawn. Judging from the bite marks, I agree with my brother-in-law's suggestion that it was dropped by an osprey. Pretty cool! And gross, too, I suppose. Also, it probably would have just barely been legal, (18 inches), so it was a good-sized fish.
The backyard is looking less like it was hit by a bomb, and more like a garden-in-waiting. Here it is, with the latest raised bed (about $25 in materials). Note the new pond liner, too.
I should explain the strange-looking structures in the back, I suppose. On the left is my 'cleanin' tub', for cleaning fish and game, but that isn't it's permanent location. The tower of crates to the right in the background is my worm-bin, high enough for the ducks not to raid it, and with a rock on it to keep other animals out.
Speaking of the worm-bin, we looked in it today, and although it had become home to a crowd of ants (which I will hopefully take care of by just moving stuff around a bit more), it had also shown good worm activity. I'm hoping my two tiny contributions of worms (100 worms, total, give or take) will start to reap benefits, as they reproduce. In researching worms, (those of you who know me don't blink at that statement), I found out that their eggs hatch in 21 days. Hopefully, they've been laying a lot of eggs.
The bed on the right in the back has been planted with corn, cucumbers, gourds, radishes, bok choy, and lettuce. I'm hoping to plant the next bed with onions, tomatoes, peppers, basil, and other friendlies.
The big front bed, just behind the pond, will get some nice perennial flowers, along with some herbs and a few other plants (not sure yet). The pond edges will get some waterplants, mostly horsetails and tules and sedges - things that the ducks won't eat. We hope.
Immediately to the left of the pond will be a higher water feature, where I hope to keep duckweed to supplement the ducks. I had an interesting encounter trying to get duckweed at a local nursery... they accidentally gave me water fern, and neither of us were smart enough to know the difference. But, the ducks sure did. Water fern is as invasive as duckweed, but ducks don't like to eat it, so I don't want it.
We also found a surprise under our giant redwood tree when we came home one day:
Yes, that's a graphic description of a half-eaten striper on our lawn. Judging from the bite marks, I agree with my brother-in-law's suggestion that it was dropped by an osprey. Pretty cool! And gross, too, I suppose. Also, it probably would have just barely been legal, (18 inches), so it was a good-sized fish.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Spring cleaning! and building, and digging and...
© 2010 Joshua Stark
Well, one week later than I'd hoped to start, I was able to get into the back yard and work on some issues I'd put off during the weather.
The biggest task was cleaning out the ducks' run, which I accomplished although both ducks and children are extremely interested in digging, and constantly jockeyed to get right in front of me.
I'd read in Dave Holderread's amazing book, "Raising the Home Duck Flock", to leave the run over winter, adding hay every couple of weeks, instead of cleaning it out. I did so, and beneath a half-inch or so of slimy hay, I found the wonderful humus he'd promised:
Over in the garden section, I placed that stuff, along with the old hay from inside their house, into the new raised bed I'd built. Here are the two 8x4 raised beds:
Next, I hope to finish my duck pond, and install a potato bed using only hay.
Well, one week later than I'd hoped to start, I was able to get into the back yard and work on some issues I'd put off during the weather.
The biggest task was cleaning out the ducks' run, which I accomplished although both ducks and children are extremely interested in digging, and constantly jockeyed to get right in front of me.
I'd read in Dave Holderread's amazing book, "Raising the Home Duck Flock", to leave the run over winter, adding hay every couple of weeks, instead of cleaning it out. I did so, and beneath a half-inch or so of slimy hay, I found the wonderful humus he'd promised:
Over in the garden section, I placed that stuff, along with the old hay from inside their house, into the new raised bed I'd built. Here are the two 8x4 raised beds:
Next, I hope to finish my duck pond, and install a potato bed using only hay.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
A new garden
© 2010 Joshua Stark
I've been shoveling and shoveling the past few weeks, a bit at a time, working on new raised beds and a duck pond, and things are starting to come together. It makes for a muddy time, exacerbated by three mud-loving critters roaming around the yard, but hopefully we'll get some grass seed put down and they won't make such a mess in their pond.
Here's a pic:
The bed in the background is a 4' x 8' raised bed, to keep out the ducks. The flat spot next to it will be another one of the same dimensions. The big hole in the foreground will be the place for the pond. Hopefully, on the left side, there will be a water feature (maybe a wooden bucket with a little waterfall). The runoff will flow toward the big raised bed on the right, with (hopefully) some water plants in there.
Between the two sections I plan to have a few more, smaller, raised beds, and perhaps a little hill of native plants and flowers.
It's not a gigantic space, but I do hope to get good food out of this.
I've been shoveling and shoveling the past few weeks, a bit at a time, working on new raised beds and a duck pond, and things are starting to come together. It makes for a muddy time, exacerbated by three mud-loving critters roaming around the yard, but hopefully we'll get some grass seed put down and they won't make such a mess in their pond.
Here's a pic:
The bed in the background is a 4' x 8' raised bed, to keep out the ducks. The flat spot next to it will be another one of the same dimensions. The big hole in the foreground will be the place for the pond. Hopefully, on the left side, there will be a water feature (maybe a wooden bucket with a little waterfall). The runoff will flow toward the big raised bed on the right, with (hopefully) some water plants in there. Between the two sections I plan to have a few more, smaller, raised beds, and perhaps a little hill of native plants and flowers.
It's not a gigantic space, but I do hope to get good food out of this.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Sometimes things work out just like the book says!
A quick post: My earlier attempt at growing corn and pole beans together ended poorly... don't grow an early variety of corn with your pole beans, especially if you ultimately have a mild Summer. My corn grew stunted (poor soil), and died early, leaving my beans with little support for the rest of the year. However, I planted a second round, and they took together nicely. Here's a pic:
And, a closeup of the crop:
Very exciting stuff!
And, a closeup of the crop:
Very exciting stuff!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Stuff I've learned
Just a quick compilation of ideas for next year, before I forget them:
1. Pole beans climb well on river reed, just keep the smaller branches on the reed;
2. Pole beans climb well on corn, but make sure you plant the corn at the right time, and use slower growing corn, so it won't die out well before the beans;
3. Re-grade the whole garden to allow for better water flow;
4. Raised beds!;
5. Have a pile of soil for mounding that is easily available;
6. Tomatoes go on the NorthEast side of the garden.
Good for now.
On another note, my ducks have so completely and effectively eaten bugs in our backyard, that they are having more trouble foraging, and are now eating more of the food we buy them. What they have left are what look like leafhoppers, and houseflies, and I think it's because those two are too fast for them. A glance at our porch light at night reveals the brutal effectiveness of our three ducks. Almost nothing comes to flutter at the light...
1. Pole beans climb well on river reed, just keep the smaller branches on the reed;
2. Pole beans climb well on corn, but make sure you plant the corn at the right time, and use slower growing corn, so it won't die out well before the beans;
3. Re-grade the whole garden to allow for better water flow;
4. Raised beds!;
5. Have a pile of soil for mounding that is easily available;
6. Tomatoes go on the NorthEast side of the garden.
Good for now.
On another note, my ducks have so completely and effectively eaten bugs in our backyard, that they are having more trouble foraging, and are now eating more of the food we buy them. What they have left are what look like leafhoppers, and houseflies, and I think it's because those two are too fast for them. A glance at our porch light at night reveals the brutal effectiveness of our three ducks. Almost nothing comes to flutter at the light...
Monday, January 12, 2009
A Big New Year
© 2010 Joshua Stark
Kicking off 2010, our family has decided to make some pretty monumental changes to our behaviors and goals. On the garden front, this involves a makeover that will, hopefully, conserve water while putting us on track for a day's worth of food per week from our soil and ducks. Just think about it: Cutting 1/7th of your food bill & knowing exactly where your food came from and how it was handled.
We won't achieve this lofty goal, I'm sure, until midsummer, because we don't have a single thing in the ground (besides the trees and berry, of course), and this is due to a huge transformation of the garden area currently taking place. Among other things, we are moving to walled raised beds, and I am installing a permanent duck pond to replace the kiddie pool they currently use. The new pond, though larger, should improve our water conservation by its design, which I hope will allow only a quarter to a third of the water to be changed each day. In addition, we may add another, duck-prohibited water feature, where we would grow duckweed to supplement their feed, and possibly have a small waterfall.
Right now, the yard has gigantic, muddy spots, and looks lumpy and ravaged... well, here's a pic:
The reason I'm showing you is because this should be transformed into something pretty and in fairly short order, and I'd like to use it as blog fodder.
Happy New Year!
Kicking off 2010, our family has decided to make some pretty monumental changes to our behaviors and goals. On the garden front, this involves a makeover that will, hopefully, conserve water while putting us on track for a day's worth of food per week from our soil and ducks. Just think about it: Cutting 1/7th of your food bill & knowing exactly where your food came from and how it was handled.
We won't achieve this lofty goal, I'm sure, until midsummer, because we don't have a single thing in the ground (besides the trees and berry, of course), and this is due to a huge transformation of the garden area currently taking place. Among other things, we are moving to walled raised beds, and I am installing a permanent duck pond to replace the kiddie pool they currently use. The new pond, though larger, should improve our water conservation by its design, which I hope will allow only a quarter to a third of the water to be changed each day. In addition, we may add another, duck-prohibited water feature, where we would grow duckweed to supplement their feed, and possibly have a small waterfall.
Right now, the yard has gigantic, muddy spots, and looks lumpy and ravaged... well, here's a pic:
The reason I'm showing you is because this should be transformed into something pretty and in fairly short order, and I'd like to use it as blog fodder.
Happy New Year!
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