Breaking Ground!!
I spent the better part of Saturday May 18th digging up and rototilling the new plot for my sweet corn. I didn’t realize how much time it was going to take just to prepare an area. I ended up measuring about a 15ft by 20ft area. Although it was two days ago I forced myself to sit down and write out this journal. The primary reason for my journals is to remember what I did, and how I did it. This journal is not only for me but also for those out there who are interested.
Welcome to my Garden!!
After speaking to the neighbors who have been long time residents, I discovered that an above ground pool once sat in the space I’m now trying to use as a garden. This would explain the several remnants of brick pavers I found as I was tilling the area. I also discovered a layer of plastic that must have been used as a weed barrier at some point. As I was rototilling the area I kept digging up pieces of plastic. I think I’ve gotten it all and once I completed the tilling I had some pretty loose soil. Oh, I almost forgot to mention I also used the leaf compost I’ve been building up for the past several years. I just added this mixture as I was tilling. This leaf and yard waste compost added some much-needed filler to the new plot. I was also able to move the very large compost to another section of my yard. Which I have been meaning to do but never had a good time to move it.
I also discovered this area was a little heavy in the rock department. As I was tilling the area I also dug up a bunch of rocks in the area. With some help from the girlfriend we were able to comb through the area and clear most of it up.
Hauling compost
On Saturday we also visited Midwest Organics Recycling to pickup two truckloads of compost. I added an entire yard of compost to my newly tilled garden plot. The GF also hauled a yard of compost for her multiple garden plots. I’m not sure my poor little truck has hauled so much weight before. Talk about a low rider! Check out how low this one is!
That pretty much sums up our Saturday May 18th. Our initial plan was to get a third load of compost. After shoveling and hauling two yards both of us were exhausted. We never made it back for the third truck-load. In fact I never got to planting anything on Saturday. We both just crashed and took it easy the rest of the day. Why didn’t you tell me gardening is a lot of work!
Planting seeds
It wasn’t until Monday night after work when I finally got around to planting my corn seeds. Ah, so that is what you are growing, I totally forgot to mention early on what I was planing on growing in this plot. After reading the descriptions of the various varieties of corn I selected “Golden Bantam”. I think it may have been the delicious description on the package that sold me. Light yellow kernels are tasty and tender. The package says heirloom variety and is from Valley Greene.
So that’s it folks, stayed tuned as we watch my very first attempt at growing corn. I’m actually pretty excited myself. I’m hoping it turns out well. Today, Wednesday as I’m writing we received a bunch of rain. The rain barrels are full and ready for watering.
Thank you, Dave
