The day before the free pot episode, I ordered a few yards of potting soil for the greenhouse. After all, the free buckets in the greenhouse need to be filled, and since I’m not in the business of growing dirt, I had to truck some in.
The only problem was, as soon as it was delivered it started to rain. And for the past few days the potting soil has been sitting under a lovely neon green tarp in my driveway much to the Handsome Husbands horror.
But I’m working on it. Slowly but surely.
Here’s a peek into the greenhouse. It’s in a bit on a transition stage right now. Over the weekend I’ll be harvesting the remaining spring crops; radish, lettuce and spinach, and then re-planting the gutters with some warmer weather veggies. I’m not exactly sure what vegetables those will be yet, but I’ll figure it out soon enough.
I lined the sides of the greenhouse with the white bakery buckets I score at Albertsons. I had Monkey Boy cut out the bottoms of the buckets, then added potting soil and planted them with sweet peppers I started from seed. I’ve tried to grow peppers outside in garden boxes in the past with unfavorable results, so I’m really excited to see how the peppers will perform with the added heat of the greenhouse.
The strawberries I planted in gutters back in early March are just now starting flower. Although they look long and leggy right now, I think once the fruit starts to appear they will drop down and hang over the side of the gutters.
Earlier this week I purchased 6 tomato plants. The Handsome Husband killed my first batch of tomato plants I started from seed and it’s still to chilly to set batch number 2 outside. I figured my only option was to buy a few larger plants to tide me over until the new ones are ready to plant.
With the addition of the new, larger, tomato plants, I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m able to harvest some greenhouse grown tomatoes by early June. Yee-Haw!
A few days ago someone asked what my plans for the stock tank were. I wasn’t sure at first, but in the end I set 5 food grade bakery buckets sideways on the bottom of the tank, filled it with potting soil and planted tomatoes and basil. I often use this trick when I’m filling large pots as well. By adding something on the bottom of the container it does two things.
1. It helps with air circulation
2. You don’t have to use as much soil to fill your pot.
It’s suppose to rain all weekend here in Western Washington, but that’s okay, I’m sure I’ll find something to keep me busy.
Peace Out Girl Scouts,
Have a great weekend!
♥ Mavis
Learn more about how to grow food in containers and on a small scale with the book Grow Great Grub By Gayla Trail. Amazon has it currently priced at only $13.59 {32% off}.
*Amazon prices are subject to change at anytime.
Jules says
Every time I read your blog I get hungry.
Kim says
Have you heard of Master Cho’s Natural Farming techniques? Sounds like you would be able to do it. Relatively simple to do and CHEAP!!