more dirt

After another episode of Sarah-Meets-Manual-Labor, I finally got my gardening table home. Behold:

Please disregard the trash behind the table. For some reason I didn't have the mental stamina to clean up and THEN take the picture. Although, strangely enough, I was able to take the picture and THEN clean up. I know. Weird. Today I painted the the grid, mostly because I want it to last in the weather. And although I may be chastized for this by my brother, I decided to run a length of twine long ways rather than use wood strips. This is primarily because I ran out of wood, but also because I didn't have a 10' long strip to begin with...I would have to piece from an 8 foot strip. And also, because I just needed to get to gettin' with this project. I can always tweak the grid later.

I purposely didn't remove my Sonic Route 44 Diet Coke with lime from the picture because I wanted you to see how nifty the table is. You can have your drink at your elbow as you garden. Folks, that's what I'm talking about.

This is the long view (obviously). See those eye screws? Ummm...I drilled a pilot hole and screwed those in myself. And the two foot strips that lay across the box? I cut those myself as well. At first I got this rusty old hand saw from the garage and spent approximately 17 years making two small cuts. After that I marched myself into the garage looking for a better method, which (better method) immediately presented itself to me in the form of a chop saw. Power tools do a heart good. My motto for this year is Get 'er Done.

Today I planted three varieties of tomatoes. I actually planted them horizontally (if you can imagine). I took this straight from Mel's book, which instructs that you strip the lower leaves of the tomato plant and then dig a 3-4" deep trench and plant the tomato horizontally with just the top peeking out at a diagonal. According to Mel, the entire stalk will sprout roots and this larger root system will produce a healthier, more vital, plant. Well, shoot, I'll try anything once...so horizontal it is. In a few weeks, when the plants are bigger, I'll need to construct a trellis system that will allow the plant to grow vertically. One of my favorite parts about Mel's book is when he talks about vertical gardening. He gives a list of the benefits of of vertical gardening. And first on the list? because it's SPECTACULAR (that's a quote). Mel, you had me at spectacular.

I also planted basil and rosemary. We use a lot of this when cooking, so I'm planning on saving oodles of money by growing my own herbs. With all of my savings I'll be jaunting around Europe in no time. Can't wait. (In all seriousness, I spent like $6 on basil alone last week. So...yeah...needed to plant the herbs.)

Tonight I'll be soaking some green bean seeds, which means that in the morning...I'll need another Route 44. It's required for planting. You understand.

Crossing my fingers on those horizontal tomatoes...

Comments

[Big Momma]

I am very intrigued with the horizontal tomato plants. You are doing a fabulous job!

[rebecca Ellis]

I am intrigued by your box, the paint job (love the lime green), the legs on the box, the horizontal tomato planting, and the herbs. But, I am especially delighted by your stream of consciousness dialogue. What have you published.....trade journals....magazine articles....books? If not, why not, and when?? You are talented...one wants to read on and on. You know what THEY say.... one always finds time for those things they enjoy doing and I can tell that you are passionate about writing. Looking forward to your next blog...I love to watch progress.... mentally and agriculturally.

[Mary Theodosis]

I'm building a garden. Hope to have it finished on Saturday. Judy Blackmon is helping me plant next week. I'll send you pictures.

[Tawna]

I actually planted a garden last week for the first time ever. It is not a cool, researched garden, but more of a "for the girls with a little help." But our watermelon seeds have already sprouted!