Protecting Your Plants- How Does Your Garden Grow?

Today is the last day of "How Does Your Garden Grow?". I hope you have found the posts so far informative. Today I am going to talk a little bit about protecting your plants once you get them in the garden. While sunshine, water and good soil are most important for helping your garden grow, plants do need some protection from outside threats.

Pests

Pests are one of the things that are difficult to keep away from your yummy new plants. Last year we had our biggest issue with deer. They ate all of our pepper plants and our beans. Talk about frustrating! So this year we had a plan. We built a 4 1/2 foot high fence out of cedar split rail. Then we put a welded wire fence on the inside of it to keep out the smaller critters. Then my husband put some natural deer deterrent around the perimeter of the garden. We haven't had problems with the deer jumping the fence so far, but if we do we may electrify the top portion of the fence.

Another pest problem are insects who like to eat on the leaves or fruit of plants. In the past years we have always used chemical pesticides, but this year we are trying to do more healthy options and switch to organic gardening. I have been doing a lot of research and found the website Organic Gardening pretty helpful. I am hopeful we will be able to control the pests with organic pesticides.

Cold and Weather

In the spring when your garden is just planted there is always the possibility of frost. We planted our tomatoes and peppers a little bit before the average frost date, just because my husband is a risk taker. There are a lot of different ways to protect your plants, but one of the easiest we have found is to save back the containers that your flowers, bushes and trees come in. They are already vented and are pretty easy to stack.  This spring we have had to put them out once because of frost and once because a hail storm was coming. If you use these, make sure you take them off the next day before the sun heats them up and fries your plant!!

They do also sell water filled cloches in the store for tomatoes and row covers can be used as well.

I wish you all the best of luck this year with your gardening and hope this series has inspired you!



*******************************

Don't miss any of the other posts from the gardening series- thanks for joining me!

"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 1- Stretching Potting Soil

"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 2- Stevie from Garden Therapy- Starting Veggie Seeds
"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 3- What To Grow?
"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 4- Annie from MamaDweeb Raised Garden Beds Vs. In Plot Garden

Raised Bed Garden Vs. In Plot Garden

Today we are lucky to have Annie from Mama Dweeb sharing with us about her experience about in plot gardening vs. raised beds! Annie and I went to high school together and she has such an awesome blog!!

************************

Last year my husband and I tilled up a huge area on our land for an in plot garden.  We planted a huge variety of veggies - corn, radishes, tomatoes, peas, green beans, kohlrabi, potatoes and squash, just to name a few. 

We thought our biggest threat was going to be the deer. We did not anticipate the soil and weather being our biggest adversary!

In the end, we only harvested a ton of tomatoes, a handful of peas, a few ears of corn and lots of kohlrabi and radishes. 

This is why I think a raised bed garden is going to be better than our in-ground plot: 

1. Less back ache

If we raise the raised bed high enough, we shouldn't have to hurt our backs nearly as much when we are weeding. 

2. Control the size

It was way too easy to over-plant our garden when it was in the ground. With a raised bed, we only have so much room to use. This keeps the size manageable and prevents us from creating more work than we can handle. 

3. Easier to water

If we put our raised bed closer to the house it will be easier to water. Last year we had yards and yards of hose strung out and it was a huge pain to water my plants every day. This led to over and under watering. 

4. Looks nicer

You cannot deny that raised beds just have this aesthetic beauty about them that in ground plots do not. Ok, maybe you can deny it, but I sure love the look of a raised bed! And I don't mind having a raised bed garden close to my house. 

5. Easier to keep pests out

This part is totally my hopes!  I hope that by raising the garden higher off the ground, the fence will keep the critters off my food.  Our fence last year was way too flimsy and they just crawled underneath. Maybe the problem was the fence - in that case, I am going to invest in a nicer fence. 

Do you have any tips about raised bed gardening for me? Please share! 

About the author: 

Annie is a Kansas mom blogger. She started Mama Dweeb  when her son was a baby.  Now she writes about parenting, technology, fashion/beauty and helps new bloggers with her Blogging Basics series.  


***********************************
Don't miss out on the other posts in our beginner gardening series.

"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 1- Stretching Potting Soil

"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 2- Stevie from Garden Therapy- Starting Veggie Seeds
"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 3- What To Grow?
"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 5- Protecting Your Plants

Want to Start Gardening? What to Grow- Guest Post by Austin

I am so excited that my brother Austin agreed to contribute to this beginner gardening series.

He has been busy for the past several years turning my parents' acerage into a hobby farm! He has learned a lot about vegetable gardening and hopefully it will help you decide what to grow!

*****************************************

What To Grow?

Deciding what to grow in your vegetable garden can be tricky, especially when starting out.  A lot of it will depend on why you are wanting to start vegetable gardening, so your reasons and goals should be your main guide.

The first place to start in choosing what to grow in a garden should be what you like to eat.  I find it a lot easier to keep up with watering, weeding, and care of vegetables that I'm really looking forward to eating.

Certainly your tastes and situation should guide your decisions, but if you're struggling to decide, here are some recommendations and reasons to consider.

Grow a Staple

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are probably the #1 staple for home vegetable gardeners, and with good reason.  They are great used fresh or preserved, are fairly easy to grow, and can be very productive.

My personal preference with tomatoes leans toward preservation.  I love to have canned salsa, tomato soup, and diced tomatoes through the winter.

The first tomatoes I tried to grow were romas, but I didn't have much luck with them.  I had problems with fungus and rot on the tomatoes,which was probably because I had grown them along the ground without any support.  Processing the small roma fruits was time consuming, and I decided to make a change.

I've had a lot more luck with beefsteak tomatoes, and have switched to growing only that variety.  I grow them in tall cages with plenty of space for circulation and keep them well watered through the heat of summer, which has led to a bountiful harvest.

Good harvest of beefsteaks for processing.

Other garden staples to consider: Sweet Corn, Potatoes

Grow Something Easy

Garlic!

Garlic is very easy to grow, assuming you start it at the right time.  It takes a bit of weeding, but not much else.

The first time I grew garlic I planted it in the spring at the same time as onion sets.  That didn't do too well.  Afterward, I did someresearch and found that it was best to plant it in the fall, around the first frost date.  For the last 2 years I've done that, and it has been very successful.

My garlic patch today.

As a bonus, hardneck varieties produce scapes in the late spring, which are very delicious.  I planted my first hardneck garlic this last fall, so I'm very much looking forward to harvesting scapes in the next month or so.

My recommendation: mark your calendar for your first frost date, and plant some garlic.

Other Easy crops: Potatoes aren't much harder than garlic, I've found turnips to be quite easy also.  Some perennial herbs like mint are almost dangerously easy, and should be contained if grown.

Grow a Substitute

Lovage

I like using celery, especially in some canning recipes, but it won't grow here due to the heat.    This year I'm growing some lovage to try as a substitute for celery in my recipes.  I found it in a search for celery substitutes, and it seems like it should grow well for me.

Lovage may not work out great, but I'm very hopeful.  Finding alternatives that thrive in your growing conditions can be very rewarding. 

Other Substitutes: Swiss Chard and Amaranth can replace cooler weather greens for the hot summer months.  Coriander (Cilantro seeds) can begrown to provide a flavor similar to some tropical spices.

Grow Something Fast

Radishes!

Radishes are the fastest crop to grow in the garden, by a wide margin.  From seed to first harvest can be as short as 22 days!

I've grown radishes for a couple years, and find that it's important to have loose, non-compacted soil for them to grow in.  They really like to develop a long root from the part of the radish we're used to eating.

Radishes Harvested this morning.

I've also been harvesting and eating radish greens for the first time this year.  They are very good steamed and then topped with some vinegar or wilted in bacon grease.

Radish Greens from this morning.

Other fast crops: Nothing else is very close to the speed of radishes, but some things are still suitable for the impatient.  Spinach and Lettuce are fairly fast.  Once Summer hits, cucumbers can produce surprisingly fast as well.

***********************************

Thanks again Austin for the great information!

Don't miss the other parts of How Does Your Garden Grow?

"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 1- Stretching Potting Soil

"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 2- Stevie from Garden Therapy- Starting Veggie Seeds
"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 4- Annie from MamaDweeb Raised Garden Beds Vs. In Plot Garden
"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 5- Protecting Your Plants

Starting Veggie Seeds: Root Vegetables and Heat-Lovers (Guest Post from Garden Therapy)

I am so excited to have Stevie from Garden Therapy here to talk about starting veggies from seed!

She has an amazing blog with so many inspiring and creative ideas for gardening.

****************

One of the most rewarding ways to grow your own vegetables is to start them from seed plus it’s a great educational experience for kids big and small.  Root veggies like carrots, beets and radishes do the best when planted directly in the soil where they will grow as they have a delicate taproot that doesn’t like to be moved.  Other garden edibles appreciate the helping hand of growing up a bit indoors before braving the elements.  Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are good examples of great seeds to start indoors.

 Planting Root Vegetables: Carrots, Beets, and Radishes

Plant root vegetables in fertile, well-drained soil that has been sifted to remove any stones or hard debris that will obstruct the root growth (and make funny shaped veggies).  Sow seeds according to the plant depth and spacing as recommended on the seed packet for each variety.  Carrot and radish seeds are quite small and beet seeds come in clusters, so it will be necessary to thin out your plants when they grow.  You can do this by cutting (not pulling) out the seedlings that are the weakest, leaving the strongest lots of room to grow a yummy root.  Keep seeds moist while they germinate. Once sprouted make sure they get lots of sun (8 hours/day) and water (don’t let them dry out on hot days).  As they grow they will push up their shoulders from the ground so mound soil around them periodically.  Plant root veggies in spring and summer for a fall harvest or plant over-wintering varieties in late summer for a winter harvest.

Planting Heat-Lovers: Tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplants

Heat lovers like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants like to be started indoors between 4-6 weeks before the last date of frost.  Starting seeds indoors gives them a jump-start on the growing season, and ensures that your plants will have lots of time to produce fruit before it gets chilly outside again. 


Start seeds in homemade newspaper pots set in a plastic nursery tray or even a plastic salad box.  Newspaper pots can be made by wrapping 5” strips of newspaper around a wooden pot maker or a household item like a glass or a can. Wrap the paper strip around the form leaving 1” of paper overhanging the bottom.  Crimp and fold the overhanging paper so that it tucks into itself and makes a pot that holds its shape when you remove the form.  Use a bit of tape to hold it if necessary. 

Fill each of the paper pots with seed starting mix, a light, disease-free soil mix made specifically for seed starting.  Don’t use garden soil that can have many fungi, bacteria and critters that can attack little seedlings. Plant each pot with 3 seeds, cover with soil, and water well.  Keep pots moist until seeds germinate and the little green sprouts come up.  Sadly you will have to choose only one strong seedling per pot to keep by cutting (not pulling) the others with clean scissors.  Keep your seedling in bright sunlight until it gets 2-3 true leaves (the plant will initially have 2 “seed” leaves which are rounded then grow the “true” leaves which look quite different), then transplant the whole pot, newspaper and all, into a larger plastic nursery pot filled with a container mix soil.  Grow your plant into a teenager in this pot and when kit’s warm enough (as determined on your seed packet) you can move it outside. 

These tips will hopefully have enough information to get you started keeping in mind that there are variances to different vegetables and climates that you can determine by visiting your local nursery.  Read seed packets for the most specific information on planting seeds and transplanting seedlings. 

For more information on seed starting check out Garden Therapy’s Seed Starting Series including Seed Starting 101, Homemade Seed Starting Containers DIY Projects,  The Best and Worst Store Bought Seed Starting Containers and Seed Starting Outdoors Under Umbrella Greenhouses.

Don’t forget to visit Stevie at Garden Therapy for more DIY garden projects, yummy recipes, and crafty goodness.  You can also find Garden Therapy on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Etsy.

*******************

Thank you so much Stevie for sharing that information with us!!

Don't forget to check out the other posts in our "mini gardening series"!

"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 1- Stretching Potting Soil

"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 3- What To Grow?
"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 4- Annie from MamaDweeb Raised Garden Beds Vs. In Plot Garden
"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 5- Protecting Your Plants

Stretching Potting Soil- How Does Your Garden Grow?

Welcome to the first day of my beginner gardening series- "How Does Your Garden Grow?" I am very excited about the posts we have coming up in this series and I hope you find it helpful!

I am going to start the series out by talking about how to stretch your potting soil.

I love planting annual flowers every year- geraniums, petunias, impatients, and so many more. They do get a little costly though. And also potting soil can be a little expensive.

Here is a great way to stretch it.

Take your pots or planters and fill them all the way up with organic materials such as grass clippings or leaves.

Add  potting soil to the top of it until it is about an inch from the top. The leaves will compress and there will be plenty of room to transplant your flowers.

I like to let mine sit for a couple days and add a bit more soil as it compacts.
Transplant your annual flowers and enjoy.

There are a few benefits to this process:

Spending less money on potting soil and more money on beautiful flowers!

It uses up organic matter that would just be hanging out behind my bushes (those darn leaves get everywhere).

And it makes the pots lighter and much easier to move into place.

I hope you found this helpful!

Don't miss other posts in this series!

"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 2- Stevie From Garden Therapy- Planting from Seed

"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 3- What To Grow?

"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 4- Annie from MamaDweeb Raised Garden Beds Vs. In Plot Garden
"How Does Your Garden Grow?" Part 5- Protecting Your Plants

Thanks for stopping by!

I will be linking to some of these parties!

Scout's Sweet Sunday #5

After a short delay I am pleased to announce that Scout's Sweet Sundays are back!! I am doing it a little bit differently though. This is no longer a link party but more of a feature party! I plan to feature projects I see that inspire me.

Some weeks I may make it fun and even do a theme!

I also plan on doing a short recap of what I posted about that week to keep everyone up to speed!

So here we are, without further ado!!

Scout's Sweet Sunday Features:

Artsy Fartsy Mama Quiet Flip Book by Creating Sarah

I love this book- and the technique for the embroidery! She has a link to the pattern she used.

Sunny Shirred Dress by Freshly Completed

She is making a pattern for this to sell- so cute!! This one reminds me of the Wizard of Oz!!

 Asparagus Squares from Sweet Pea

These look just so good and asparagus is in season.

T-Shirt to Skirt Refasion by Second Chances By Susan

I can't believe this skirt used to be a t-shirt- what a transformation!

Veronica Dress by Craftiness is Not Optional

This dress is just darling- I love the collar and the piping. It doesn't hurt that the model is a cutie pie! Can't wait for the tutorial.

If you were featured feel free to grab a button and show it off!

<a href="http://www.xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com" title="Scout's Stitches Featured Button by Scout's Stitches, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6810664332_75a71ce46e_m.jpg" width="140" height="140" alt="Scout's Stitches Featured Button"></a>

And in Case You Missed It-
This week on the blog:

Upcycled Pumpkin Spice Cardigan Tutorial
Book Review Guest Post at Garden Therapy

Garden Therapy Book Club Book Review

I was fortunate enough to be chosen to review the book "The Year Round Vegetable Gardener" by niki Jabbour for Garden Therapy's April Book Club.

You can check out that review and reviews from 2 others at Garden Therapy!

Have a great Day!!

How Does Your Garden Grow- April 25th- 30th

I am really excited to announce a series that will be taking place here at Scout's Stitches running from April 25th to April 30th.

This series is aimed at the beginning gardener. My goal is to provide tips, inspiration and information to help my readers get out there and make their gardens grow!!

I am super excited to announce the guests we will have-

Annie from MamaDweeb

Stevie from Garden Therapy

and
My brother, Austin, who has a small hobby farm (and doesn't have a blog!)

I will also be sharing some tips that I have learned (even though I am still a beginning gardener myself).

I hope this will provide a lot of inspiration for you all!

Wordless Wednesday- My Life

Sorry about my serious lack of posts lately.... I haven't been feeling that inspired.

I have been working on some projects- I will be able to share them soon hopefully!

Until then- here are some snapshots of what my evenings have been like lately!

I hope you all have a very good day!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Scout's Sweet Sunday Features and A Change of Plan!

Hello Readers! Thanks for coming to see the features from last week's party! I was somewhat sad to have my last linky party but doing it helped me realize what I really enjoyed about the party.

My favorite part was choosing the features for all the great posts that were linked up. And so I am happy to announce that Scout's Sweet Sunday is not over, it has just changed. Not a linky party anymore, but I will share 5 of my favorite recent projects from bloggers that follow me!

I am pretty excited about it! It should be fun to explore my followers blogs and find some great projects they have done!

Now on to the features!

Remember if you want to pin any of these projects- go to the original post to pin it!

Burlap Bird Silhouette Frame at Silo Hill Farm

I love this- especially the use of sheet music- I can picture the bird just singing away!!

 Sock Bunnies from A Creative Cookie

So cute and so cheap and easy! This would be a fun project to do with kids for easter!

 Coral Sundress by Sew Easy Lemon Squeezy

I love the color and the springy feel to this dress.

Spring Moss Wreath at Sweet Pea

I love the moss and the birds nests- such a great way to greet spring!

Thanks so much for linking to my little party and being great readers!!

Grab a button and show it off!

<a href="http://www.xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com" title="Scout's Stitches Featured Button by Scout's Stitches, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6810664332_75a71ce46e_m.jpg" width="140" height="140" alt="Scout's Stitches Featured Button"></a>

Thank you all so much for stopping by!! Have a great Easter!!

Ham and Bean Soup with Knoedels- From Zoe's Kitchen

This soup was a staple at my husband's house when he was growing up.  He loves it so much and I have grown to like it a lot too. Plus it is pretty healthy, cheap and easy to make!  I use dried beans because they are easier to prepare for this meal.  I have cooked it both in a crock pot and regular stove top. I will share with you the crock pot version today.

Ham and Bean Soup with Knoedels

2 cups dried beans (I use pinto beans, you can use navy beans too)

1 lb ham diced

1 onion, chopped

6 cups water

2 tsp salt

2 tsp pepper

For knoedel (if you are gluten free like me, just leave these out)

1 cup flour

1 egg

1/4 tsp. salt

water

For Garnish

1 onion, chopped

White vinegar

Directions:

Rinse and sort beans. Throw out any shriveled beans. Add beans to large stock pot with 6 cups water. Bring to hard boil, cover and let sit for one hour.

Drain water and add beans to crock pot with 6 cups water. Add ham, onion and salt and pepper.

Let cook over low heat for 6-8 hours.

Turn crock pot heat to high to bring to a low boil. Mix together knoedel ingredients with just enough water to make the dough soft. Drop by small spoonfuls into soup. Let cook until done.

For Garnish (This is what really makes this soup yummy!)

Mix onion and white vinegar in a bowl. Spoon some over the soup and serve! So good!

I will be linking up with a few of these parties!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!