A few summers ago, Katelyn and I went to Minnesota to visit my mom, "Nana" as she is known by the kiddos. While we were there, we helped her plant a square foot garden. It was so neat and organized and Kate loved playing in the dirt. Ever since then I have wanted to plant a garden. I love the idea of being able to walk right into your own backyard and find fresh, organic produce for so much cheaper than a trip to the grocery store.
Katelyn, a few summers ago, playing with Nana in her backyard!The following morning, after screwing the boxes together (thank you Nellie!) and stapling the weed barrier on, we arranged the boxes in the box yard. It was starting to come together. Another morning was devoted to mixing up to very large piles of compost, vermiculite and peat moss. It was tough work, but the result was a light and fluffy soil rich in nutrients. After filling the boxes and stringing a grid across tops, our boxes were ready to be planted.
4x4 Raised Bed Boxes
After a bit of rearranging, this is what we came up with. My step-brother's school had a plant sale with great deals on vegetable plants. We bought peppers and tomatoes there and then hit Walmart for onions sets, and seeds for peas, green beans and spinach. The next week or two were spent planting and caring for our little plants. It was so fun for the kiddos to go out in the backyard each afternoon and see what had grown since the day before.
Just starting to grow...
The peas grew so fast!
We were surprised one afternoon to come out and find these little treasures.It has been a few months now since we first started this adventure and we have a beautiful garden! It looks like we will have a bountiful harvest. The journey has only begun and we have high hopes for some delicious salsa once the tomatoes and peppers are ready to be picked.
The peas have since been eaten and the pole beans have taken over completely!
Long and lean pole beans!
Spicy Jalapenos... perfect for salsa!
Bell peppers
Banana Peppers
Lovely tomatoes!