How does your garden grow?

Two years ago.. ok maybe 3 I lose count, we built some raised beds relatively cheaply with some lumber from Lowe’s.  Honestly we have yet to have a great gardening season. We’ve grown TONS of tomatoes but not much else.   While its really cold outside on some days, the sneak peaks of spring weather have been showing their lovely heads reminding us that planting season is right around the corner.

So this weekend we tackled our garden beds.  Last year I was pregnant during planting season and I had a toddler so we didn’t even ATTEMPT a garden.

So here’s what our garden looked like at this point.  Right now is a great time to weed out those gardens before the greenery comes through and you’ve got to really use some muscle.  We pulled all the dead grass, weeds and tomato plants out of the garden.

Not really sure why but Rett thought Tom’s shoveling was HILARIOUS. He cracked up every time Tom jumped on the shovel.  So cute.  After we pulled up all the mess, Tom went ahead and shoveled up the dirt and then raked out the huge clumps of roots and to stir up the soil.

We also found some worms!  Yay for worms!

We went ahead and added about eight bags of topsoil to the bed. We over bought top soil last year so that was convenient.  Then we used trash bags and stapled them to the sides and weighted down the middle with rocks and sticks to keep the weeds and grasses from getting their seeds started before we’re ready to plant.

Right now is a great time to start seedlings indoors.  Egg cartons make great plant starters and they also sell those cheap starter kits at Lowe’s.  You can also plant onions, potatoes and radishes right now!  We’re planning on having an above ground garden and an under ground garden so time to get that one started! 

I know in Oklahoma we cannot actually plant most veggies outdoors until mid April because of late season frost being a concern. There are tons of sites out there for growing and planting tips specific to your area. 

When planning out what you are going to plant this year, consider things you often buy at the grocery store. You can save tons of cash by providing your own fresh produce.  Your meals will be healthier and you can also give some free produce to friends when you’ve got too many goodies.  There are also programs to plant a garden for the homeless and donate your harvest. 

I’m excited to see how our garden grows this year!