Friday, June 18, 2010

Rapid Growth in The Redneck Garden

So, this is probably just my rookie gardener showing, but I just can't stop being amazed at how quickly my garden has taken off this season. All the transplants were done on 5/16 & the seed starts (lettuce, spinach, radishes & carrots) were sewn on 5/22. For the new visitors, you should know that I garden organically, there are no chemical fertilizers used, ever. Take a look, tell me what you think & let me know how your garden is doing.

5-22

6-16

5-22

 6-16

5-22

6-16
(Yes, the lettuce finally bolted)

5-22

6-16

5-22

6-16

5-22

6-16

5-22

6-16

There are more, but I think you get the picture. Hey, I know it's early in the season, but things are looking pretty good in The Redneck Garden. We are already harvesting heavily from the herbs; parsley, basil, dill, fennel, chives, marjoram and lots of cilantro. There have been some challenges too, like the lettuce seedlings that were decimated by birds, some critter eating the tops off my radishes, the scallions that never showed at all and the habanero that is still only 3" tall. Overall though, the garden seems pretty happy. I think my latest incarnation of Terra Vida Living Soil has given everything a great start. Stay tuned for more updates as summer (if it ever really does get here) progresses.

In case anyone is wondering, here's a list of the edibles:
  • Hinklehatz Red Pepper
  • Crookneck Squash (3)
  • Jalapeno Pepper
  • Lemon Cucumber (2)
  • Poblano Pepper (5)
  • Green Bell pepper (2)
  • Yellow Bell Pepper
  • Habanero Pepper
  • Ambassador Squash
  • Tomato, Green Grape
  • Tomato, Yellow Dagma's Perfection
  • Tomato, Ernie's Round Pink Beefsteak
  • Tomato, Pink Stump of the World Beefsteak
  • Tomato, Beam's Yellow Pear
  • Tomato, Unidentified Volunteer
  • Black ChuChu Eggplant
  • Blue Lake Bunch Beans (2)
  • Strawberries: Chandalier, Sequoia & Eversweet (1 each)
  • Radishes, Rainbow
  • Carrots: Purple, White, Red & Yellow
  • Baby Leaf Spinach
  • Sea of Red Lettuce
  • Sweet Baby Romaine Lettuce
  • Dill
  • Fennel
  • Parsley (2)
  • Sweet Basil (4)
  • Chives (2)
  • Marjoram (2)
  • Rosemary (2)
  • Cilantro (4)
Hope you enjoyed the Redneck Garden update. Leave a comment & let me know how your garden is doing.

Matt

15 comments:

  1. i love those double decker containers on top of the tires! the redneck garden has expanded this year and everything is looking fab. some really interesting varieties, too! keep us posted on how things progress matt!
    -elayne

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  2. Wow, you are getting some awesome growth! Such a terrific list of edibles. Let me know how the Lemon Cucumbers do. I am interested in trying them next year in my garden.

    I can't wait to see the next update on the Redneck Garden.

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  3. Have to say Matt, that you getting some serious design going here! I also love the stacked bucket/galvanized veggies idea. Awesome!

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  4. Pretty impressive that you were able to fit that many edibles into such a small space. Nice work Matt!

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  5. Wow! Thanks for all the positive feedback folks. The bottomless buckets inside the steel tubs are working out great. The tomatoes are happy and the around the rim plantings are doing well too.

    The ones on top of the tires were set up so they'd get enough sun as this is along side the house with a fence & neighbor's house that casts a shadow our way. Now they get 5 hrs of sun plus reflective heat from the wall.

    Still can't believe how much I have going out there. If anybody tells you they don't have room to grow some veggies, show them this blog!

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  6. Wow! Things are *really* going strong around there! I LOVE your double-deckers, Matt!

    Chris

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  7. Hahhah! I like the "how to recycle" instructions on the yellow containers. I bet they didn't figure on those being recycled as garden spaces!

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  8. I'm another who's saying your redneck garden either needs a few coors cans strewn about or it needs a new name. It's looking very pretty.

    I'm just getting my garden in. Had to chicken-proof and get compost first.

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  9. The Redneck Garden is looking awesome! What a great selection of edibles. Love the stacking as well! Keep the pictures coming, dude (and happy Father's Day!)

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  10. Mark: I've always thought that was a nice touch too. The city quit using those bins years ago & it turns out they make a pretty good planter ;-)

    Genevieve: Coors cans I can do. Stay tuned for future additions.

    Laura: I looked at that list again and had to go outside and see where they all were, LOL. May have to patent the bottomless bucket planters. They sure are working out well.

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  11. Do you do consultations, Cuz? I SO DIG IT that IT'S NO DIG!!! For some of us, it's in the blood. For others, in the brain. But I think you have got EVERYTHING goin' on! Right on, Matt! oooxxx Jill
    PS: Can't get that Name/URL thing figured out -- you know I ain't bein' anonymous.

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  12. I love your tiered planters! Great use of space! Looks fab too!

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  13. Matt your garden looks amazing. You are growing quite the variety of herbs and vegetables. I'm looking forward to the tomatoes:)

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  14. I love it! Very cool gardening! I'm guessing beer was consumed while making said garden, correct?

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  15. OMG!!! I cannot believe the cool folks commenting on this post!!!

    Cousin Jill, you will never be anonymus ;-P

    Laura, Glad you are digging it. It's been fun for me, but I'm really just getting started.

    Melanie, I read your blog all the time. Positive comments from Master Gardeners are majorly appreciated!!! Gardening in our mild, Mediterranean climate versus Prince George is no contest. BTW, my kid's BF is in PG.

    Dirty Girl: You have just raised The Redneck Garden to a whole 'nother level ;-)~ Consumption was definitely part of the creative process!

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