November 2009 Blog Posts (8)

Get the Dirt on Soil

OK, so today I want to talk to you about Simple Soil Mix, as I like to say. I like to mix 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 manure of choice (I like horse manure), and 1/3 plain generic soil. This "generic" soil can be existing soil from your yard. Mix well, and you're ready to plant. Use bag manure from a garden center, rather than fresh manure directly from barnyard. Fresh barnyard manure, I have found, is too strong and will burn your plants or dehydrate them. Typically, raw manure would need to be… Continue

Added by Tom Butler on November 25, 2009 at 1:41pm — No Comments

Tom and the Beanstalk

Hey Folks it's Tom, your Garden Buddy!

I really enjoyed blogging to you about gardening last week. This week, I just wanted to share a "gardening fun" story with you.

Last May, I rode my Harley to Home Depot. As I was strolling through the garden center something caught my eye. The sign read, "Giant Beans 26 inches long". Like many of us, my mind slipped off to the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, in my case Tom and the Beanstalk. Before I knew it, I was on my Harley… Continue

Added by Tom Butler on November 22, 2009 at 3:06pm — 2 Comments

Preparing for your Spring Garden

Hey folks! If you don't already have a garden in progress, now is the time to start prepping for a Spring garden. So roll up your sleeves and let's get gardening.

First things first - location, location, location.

Choosing your location is very important. I recommend selecting an area that gets 5-6 hours a day of direct sunlight. Due to the rocky terrain in Austin, topsoil is next to non-existent therefore, I love raised beds for gardening. 6-8 inches of soil is… Continue

Added by Tom Butler on November 18, 2009 at 12:31pm — 5 Comments

Local CSA's

Last night, a friend of mine and I were having dinner and she mentioned the idea of the CSA, a Community Supported Agricultural program that offers weekly boxes, called "shares", of enough organic vegetables for a family of 4 for $30-40/week for either pickup or delivery, depending on the service. They usually require a minimal 4 week commitment, though. Some of them will also let you volunteer on their property in exchange for a share. Yes, the idea sounds a little like what greenling.com… Continue

Added by Elliot Jackson on November 16, 2009 at 10:30pm — 2 Comments

Earthtainer

I came across this nifty idea and thought I'd share... DIY plans for a self-watering tomato container!

http://earthtainer.tomatofest.com/

Added by Elliot Jackson on November 13, 2009 at 4:39pm — 2 Comments

Tomato Blossom Set Spray

I found this product online and am considering using this stuff to squeeze out some extra tomatoes before the temperatures hit freezing. Any thoughts? I am concerned with keeping my crops organic so I'm wondering if adding this hormone spray to the mix is considered a huge no-no. Thanks in advance for any info or ideas you may have.

Added by Elliot Jackson on November 13, 2009 at 4:30pm — 1 Comment

Free Seeds!

Get Free Seeds for Your Garden

Tip submitted by: janice urffer on tiphero.com

Wintersown is a website that offers free seeds for the cost of a SASE and two stamps. If you go to their website you can get the details. I sent for them and you can a lot of seeds for the stamps. They also have a seed sharing program. It's worth the stamps.

www.wintersown.org
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Added by Ty Mellon on November 9, 2009 at 8:26pm — No Comments

Composting...Do you do it?

Visted a friend who does composting and really raves about the benefits. I read this article and got some good ideas. I was just curious how many people out there are doing it? http://www.gardeningblog.net/2009/10/21/san-franciscos-new-composting-law/

I would be excited to get your thoughts/ideas. - Rache

Added by Rachel Butler on November 8, 2009 at 3:57pm — 3 Comments