26 Aug 2024

As the storm clouds gather this Sunday afternoon, I’ve taken the opportunity to prepare my raised garden bed before the weather turns. There’s something satisfying about using this quiet, blustery moment to get the garden ready for the coming season.

I started by laying down a base of cardboard, followed by shredded paper from the shredder. On top of this, I added some of my home-made compost. This will soon be topped up with three or four bags of good-quality garden soil, all prepped for planting tomatoes and cucumbers.

I’m also trying something new this season—using chopping boards to divide larger pots into two spaces. This allows me to plant two seedlings per pot instead of one, optimizing space. I’m eager to see how this experiment goes!

For me, veggie growing is all about re-purposing what’s on hand and using materials that might otherwise end up in the landfill. It’s an eco-friendly approach, and I encourage everyone to find creative ways to utilize what they already have.

So, as I sit here, waiting for the storm to arrive, I feel content knowing that I’ve made good use of the day. Let’s hope the storm doesn’t last long, and soon we’ll be back to tending the happy veggie patch!

Sunflowers: A Garden’s Bright Delight

Sunflowers have always been a favorite in my garden. Their bright faces bring joy and color to any space, attracting bees, butterflies, and other wildlife that make the garden feel alive. Not to mention, they provide plenty of seeds for the wild parrots that frequent my area, making the garden a bustling hub of activity.

Sunflowers hold a special place in my heart. They were my brother’s favorite flower, and we used them as a bouquet at his funeral. Their ability to follow the sun is both symbolic and beautiful, a reminder of persistence and hope. In his honor, I’ve started seedlings in my mini greenhouse, growing giant sunflowers that will stand tall and proud in the garden.

I’m also growing the multi-stemmed Teddy Bear variety, which adds a whimsical charm to any garden corner. To get creative, I’ve been using leftover egg cartons as pots. Once the seedlings have grown a few inches, I can cut out the individual cartons and plant them directly into the soil. It’s a simple, eco-friendly solution, and a fun way to involve some repurposing into the gardening process.

Gardening always brings a sense of renewal and joy, and these sunflowers are no different. Here’s to watching them grow tall, following the sun, and brightening up the garden even more.

Happy veggie patching, everyone!