The past couple of days have been rather busy. I combined all those bags of composted steer manure with the bale of peat moss and spread a 2" layer over the empty garden beds. This still didn't quite raise the level of the soil to the tops of the boxes, so I'll buy another yard of compost in the spring. I'll need it then, as I'm planning on converting four of the 4'x4' beds into two 4'x10' beds. I've decided I'd rather have the extra 16 square feet that is now being taken up with pathways, and plant more vegetables.
I had moved two half-barrel planters to the back garden last week, planning on filling them with sweet potatoes next spring. But I changed my mind (as usual!) and decided to move two blueberry bushes and put them in the barrels instead. These are rather old bushes, and one was looking...well, old. Hopefully they will thrive in the barrels, planted in a combination of compost and peat moss. I've already begun feeding them our coffee grounds and crushed eggshells. I think they look so pretty against the new cedar fence that I'm going to bring a third barrel back there and buy another blueberry bush for it next spring.
I'm anxious for spring to come, so I can get the raspberries planted in that bed that's ready and waiting for them! I've almost convinced myself to fill both of the other two beds with strawberries next year....maybe June bearing in one, so I can get all the jam and frozen berries done at once, and day neutral in the other bed for eating fresh throughout the summer.
Oh, I want some blueberry bushes! My parents grew blueberries, and they were so nice and easy to pick(much easier than rasberries and strawberries!).
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see your garden next year....I bet it will be fantastic! I've never made any strawberry jam before, but I sure like eating it! (Hint!)LOL. Anyway, you can blog about anything and i'll read it....You're the best, granny.
ReplyDeleteBlueberries are the easiest to preserve...just pick 'm and freeze 'em! Two years ago I got a gallon of berries from these bushes, this year I got a cup. They needed some TLC!
ReplyDeleteEG, strawberry jam is my favorite, and I like both the freezer and the cooked jams. Keep hinting...if the berries come, so will the jam!
ReplyDeleteThe barrels and the fence do look good. I am anxious for spring too, to bad it is many months away. I wish you could take me south with you. :-)
ReplyDeleteWell hey, Dan, let's go! The more the merrier. Just think what kind of a garden I could have if I took you and Sinfonian with me, LOL
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you decided to keep "talking." Taking a peek over here has become part of my morning ritual.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, being silent has never been one of my problems! I've "met" so many nice people through this blog, it's as though we're all sitting around the kitchen table having a friendly discussion over a cup of coffee each day! It's going to be impossible for me to stick to the topic of gardening, but hang in here with me and I'll be back blogging about that in the spring. In the meantime, it will just be my ho-hum daily doings ;-)
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