broccoli

2018 Winter Outdoor Soil Experiment

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The beginnings of our soil “experiment” start with our planter boxes which we had already established a few years ago and installed irrigation set-ups in each box (smartest thing we did in that garden!).   For now, just because this is new for us, we are only using one planter box to see how well it works.

20180121_155330.jpgWe purchased greenhouse domes made by Outsunny which fit our box which measures approximately 8’x4′.  Rory and Chewy really wanted to be in the photo. We added a little peat moss in and tilled the soil (yes, I know, gasp… we should be turning it by hand with a shovel, but to be fair, it’s winter and soil tends to be hard.)

 

 

 

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The basic of outdoor plants that we, in our household consume were planted
(in order from left to right):

  • Peas
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Broccoli
  • Beets
  • Acorn Squash
  • Onion (red and yellow, planted throughout the whole garden).

 

As the season progresses, updates will be posted.

Outdoor Garden Progress, Day 18

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It’s almost planting day, but not yet… we are anticipating planting on Earth Day (April 22).

So, without further ado, here is our outdoor garden… again.  ~18 days after planting (plus the grid, again):

The peppers are a little slow and stout but generally they take longer to germinate, so it’s expected.  Most everything in this big planter is up, so it will be ready to plant when the time is right.

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The below seedlings actually went into the tent for germination about a week after the original batch so they are still catching up but still doing quite well.

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The medium sized sunflowers are still having a little trouble, but I let them get a little dry last week, so hopefully they will catch up; however, the 5′-7′ flowers are all up and ready to go.

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Outdoor Garden Progress, Day 5

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We have had the sprouts under a T5 fluorescent light for 5 days now.  As I thought, the seeds are sprouting wonderfully!  Most of the peppers are taking their time, but for the most part, the other plants are up and running!

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Left Side:

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Right Side:WIN_20170331_17_06_36_Pro

Winter 2017 Indoor Soil Garden, Day 6

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Today I lightly watered all of the plants and put the miniature red potatoes on the top rack so that they can start rooting.  Once they start rooting, I will begin a potato bucket. I have never done this before so it will be an experience for sure!

I will be doing this for both miniature red potatoes and russet potatoes.

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The turnip and kohlrabi are flourishing!

I thinned out the sprouts today.

 

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The beets have decided to make an appearance, right on time (germination time between 5 to 10 days) and are doing very well.  I thinned them out.

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The Buttercrunch lettuce finally made an appearance!  Right on time as well (germination time between 5 to 10 days).20170318_140301

 

The Rapini (or) Raab Broccoli is doing very well, especially for being early!  I thinned it out.

 

 

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The radishes and Grand Rapids lettuce is doing well and I thinned them both out.