Planting Time!
Our planting into our bales was twice delayed - once due to the RMACAC Conference (which we wouldn't have missed for the world) and the second time due to ridiculous winds earlier this week. However, this afternoon was gorgeous, so we decided to dig in!
We started by putting our seedlings into groups - squash (we decided that trying to keep them separated into different types would drive us crazy), beans (divided into pole, bush, and dry), one "those not ready to transplant". At this point we were on a roll, and I totally forgot to grab my camera to document things!
Next we consulted the diagrams we'd made when planting and decided we'd follow that...kinda sorta. It seems I started a few more squash plants than we probably need (shhhh...don't tell the neighbors!) so we needed to adjust a bit. However, our chart was more of a guideline anyway, so we set the plants out where we wanted them.
Next our tools - a trowel and a bucket of soil (of which we used about 6 handfuls. Chuck used the trowel to split the bale in the appropriate spot, then I placed the plant. Unfortunately, it wasn't always that easy. Some bales were tighter than others, which required not just pulling apart the edges but also removing small tufts of straw. When it went smoothly, I was able to slide the plant into the hole, and when I pulled my hands out, the straw would close around the plant. When it didn't go smoothly, we would tug the straw apart really hard, the hole would somehow not be deep enough, and the plant would be more or less shoved in...with a little extra soil added to ease the pain.
When we were all done (at least for the day), we watered the bales and crafted a short trellis for the pole beans. I've never grown pole beans before, and I know we will need something more substantial, but those poor little guys needed some help.
So, now it is time to rest for the evening, and then we will grill up some steaks and roast Brussels sprouts and relax with a glass of V Merlot (one of the last bottles, as they have discontinued making it (sob).
We started by putting our seedlings into groups - squash (we decided that trying to keep them separated into different types would drive us crazy), beans (divided into pole, bush, and dry), one "those not ready to transplant". At this point we were on a roll, and I totally forgot to grab my camera to document things!
Next we consulted the diagrams we'd made when planting and decided we'd follow that...kinda sorta. It seems I started a few more squash plants than we probably need (shhhh...don't tell the neighbors!) so we needed to adjust a bit. However, our chart was more of a guideline anyway, so we set the plants out where we wanted them.
Next our tools - a trowel and a bucket of soil (of which we used about 6 handfuls. Chuck used the trowel to split the bale in the appropriate spot, then I placed the plant. Unfortunately, it wasn't always that easy. Some bales were tighter than others, which required not just pulling apart the edges but also removing small tufts of straw. When it went smoothly, I was able to slide the plant into the hole, and when I pulled my hands out, the straw would close around the plant. When it didn't go smoothly, we would tug the straw apart really hard, the hole would somehow not be deep enough, and the plant would be more or less shoved in...with a little extra soil added to ease the pain.
When we were all done (at least for the day), we watered the bales and crafted a short trellis for the pole beans. I've never grown pole beans before, and I know we will need something more substantial, but those poor little guys needed some help.
So, now it is time to rest for the evening, and then we will grill up some steaks and roast Brussels sprouts and relax with a glass of V Merlot (one of the last bottles, as they have discontinued making it (sob).
Back bales with squash - and a basket of petunias for some color.
A better view of the back squash bales.
These are also in the back yard - closer to the patio. Squash are planted - and we aren't entirely certain what else we will plant here. Perhaps some cabbage or beets...or maybe some cilantro or other herbs.
These front bales hold 4 pole beans and a couple of bush beans.
In front by the mailbox - two rows (closest to street) of beans and the close one is squash.
More squash up front :)
Larger front bale section with pole and bush beans. We will add chiles and perhaps cantaloupe to what is here...and maybe more.
Up close with our trellis of pole beans. Not bad for a first effort. We will add t-posts with cross-pieces later, but this will get us started.
More planting to come - and hopefully next time I will remember to take pictures of the process!
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I would love to hear feedback or about any adaptations you have made to any recipes.