Thank you both SO MUCH for your pep talks!
It is great to here success stories, and I need all of the motivation I can get right now!
Tony, I hope to see your place one day - sounds like you have made amazing progress in five years! I sure hope to be able to say the same!
love2- it sure is good to know that i might be able to make a jungle out of this dust bowl!
I think i should provide some background...
i moved here 7 years ago from North Carolina, where I was really learning to be an adept gardener. After moving, i took up art full time with my (new) husband, and we have just now purchased and moved to this land. I feel quite comfotable with things like perennials and landscape gardening.
These veggies are something else, though! And so is the whole seed starting process.
I admit to having bit off more than I can chew right now...but I intend to eat that whole elephant!!! one bite at a time. We really want to focus on the sculpture garden aspect of our vision, as this could potentially be an excellent venue to display our work. ( I will send some photos if you want...)
And don't worry, I don't think I would ever actually go out and buy chemicals...we are hippie, vegan, artsy types: Sevin Dust just isn't in my future. We have been buying and eating (as much as possible) organic for several years now, and I sure have an appreciation for the price difference!
I like the advice about small victories!
I bought Howard's book when I took on this vegetable project, as it seemed to be the most specific reference available. I have been using his products (well, the garrett juice) because it seems logical and it is in keeping with his program. Admittedly, due to time and money constraints, I have not done EVERYTHING as suggested (ie, sugar, corn meal gluten in the soil).
I think right now I need day to day advice on specific problems.
You two seem very knowledgeable, and I know that this site is full of A+ gardeners (i have been visiting for awhile, but just joined).
One issue that seems unavoidable is that I need to build my beds up thicker (more soil). I had no idea how much settling would occur, and I need to add more compost mix.
Here is something you might know about: CATAPILLERS! I discovered the little buggers eating my onions today! I mixed citrus oil with garrett juice and sprayed at the end of the afternoon (will the oil burn the seeldings?) BUT, then it rained at about 9 pm, so I guess I have to go spray again first thing in the morning???
For the life of me, I cant figure out why the seedlings seem so stunted, tho! le sigh...
Again, thank you for your support and patience!!!
Merri
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