Planting a Victory Garden

Even though it's a bit late in the gardening season, today I purchased a cedar frame from Natural Yards so that I can create a backyard Victory Garden. I will plant some hot weather plants and then followup with a fall planting. I will journal about gardening and keep you informed of my progress. The blog site will also provide links to resources that I find helpful.

I have not gardened for some time, although I enjoy it, because life with husband, kids, career had gotten so busy. This year I am focusing on educating myself on sustainable living. After much thought, I decided to revive my love of gardening and grow some of our food in our own backyard. I am using a raised bed because it allows a reduction in work effort which I need for my garden to be sustainable to my life style.

I will add a rich gardening mix of 1/3 compost, 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 vermiculite or perlite. I will introduce some night crawlers into my garden to take advantage of the castings which are a great natural fertizer. I also plan to embed a soaker hose to make watering easier and more efficient. I am considering using Mel Bartholomew's strategy of Square Foot Gardening. I am looking forward to an enriching experience. Please stay tuned for continuing updates.

-Joy