Garden Layout- Implementing the Plan

I've been to Atlanta and back again several times. I have been doing a SCS (spinal cord simulator) trial. I had electrodes inserted into my spine to combat my pain and post stroke spasticity. This is the preliminary step for a permanent implant. Maybe, I'll work towards stroke recovery again instead of backsliding into immobility. At least that's the goal for my arm and leg.

On the homestead front this week, it's all been Mel as she maps out her garden plan.She's been busy making new homes for the transplants and seeds for spring planting.

The transplants are beginning to show their first true leaves. We're so excited! There's something magical about sowing seeds and watching them grow. It's God's Grace to be sure. Of this blessing, I have no doubt. A new and sustaining life begins.

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 The gate into the garden area is finally fixed. Mel replaced the tree trunk pieces with pressure treated 4x4s. As much as I dislike putting the chemicals  in my soil, it's a necessary evil. It will make a more stable footing for the archway she plans to build. I bought some landscape timbers to use as fence posts. She'll just have to dig the holes for them. For now, Mel's portable fence posts will work.

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We talked about making kits for these and selling them like another Youtuber has done, but decided to make the design openly available to all. They are easy and cheap enough to build out of scrap 2x4s. Most homesteaders have a bunch of these leftover from finished projects. We use untreated wood and paint the portable fence posts after construction. The design is also available on our Pinterest account if you are interested.

I calculated just how much in cost and labor it took to rejuvenate and build the garden area closest to the house from hard packed red clay soil to the rich, fertile area it is now. The time frame was five years. We expanded a bit (4'x26'area each year) for a total of 500 sq ft of growing space. We also started a 1/4 acre orchard area two years ago. We were taking it slow until three years ago when I came on board this homestead. So the time frame began in earnest about three years ago. It was a bi-yearly progression of cardboard, 4 bales of straw, 3 bales of peat moss, and compost. Tilling it into the hard packed clay until the beneficial microbes and earthworms could have a stable enough environment to thrive and multiply in our organic garden. But all that work has paid off. We mulch in shredded leaves and compost each year from here on out to continue the growth cycle. 

The orchard is a different story. Cardboard, 2 round bales of hay, and compost times two years. We sow orchard grass and wheat in the open areas each spring. We've tilled the area twice since we've terraced it. Where the trees are we've sowed garlic, onions and leeks around them. Orchard grass is sowed around the fruit bearing vines and bushes. The orchard grass does triple duty as a erosion and weed deterrent, and  fresh greens for the rabbits. What they don't eat fresh (about 3/4s) is dried into hay for them. The wheat kernels are turned into fodder for the rabbits and chickens.

I believe in God's three Biblical promises (not literally) to provide a roof over your head, clothing on your back, and food in your mouth. These are basic human needs once met, you can freely commune with Him. That doesn't mean you won't have to work for it. He has provided for thee needs on this homestead. Everything else is gravy on your mashed potatoes.

Y'all have a blessed day!

Jo