tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post8071767733634557887..comments2024-03-28T15:55:53.792+10:00Comments on down to earth: Back in the vegie gardenUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-37530397615423639092013-04-04T20:44:30.213+10:002013-04-04T20:44:30.213+10:00Work shop sounds great I would love to come to one...Work shop sounds great I would love to come to one am planning to start a veggie patch in the next couple of month the plan long term is to feed the family from what we grow :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02213620336621126461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-28045836938748118532013-02-25T16:14:00.421+10:002013-02-25T16:14:00.421+10:00I can't wait for it to stop raining for I can ...I can't wait for it to stop raining for I can stat planting. I feel like I have learnt so much since my first attempt.Iliska Dreamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10719163569308739697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-35906684615692701592013-02-18T05:46:37.719+10:002013-02-18T05:46:37.719+10:00I think workshops are a great idea - there's l...I think workshops are a great idea - there's lots of people (me included!) who want to do all of the stuff you do, but doesn't know where to start! Nichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-31645870988832576632013-02-16T11:30:37.779+10:002013-02-16T11:30:37.779+10:00I just spent most of the day planning our first bi...I just spent most of the day planning our first big garden. We're doing raised beds, as the soil in the garden area (the best location the property for it) has been eroded after, literally, generations of gardening from the previous owners. I'm starting my own seeds and direct sowing the varieties that, I understand, don't take too kindly to transplanting. In addition to the garden itself, I've got planned a big composting area, and a space to construct a hoop house toward the end of summer (in the US). Also, we're really hoping to set up a rain barrel system (there is no water source where the garden is located). I'm excited and nervous--it's a ton of work and we've never done any of this before!<br /><br />Speaking of compost (which I'm especially excited about...haha), have you posted anything in detail about *your* compost pile? I'd love to read it if you have. Cheers!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-33708300158661195582013-02-15T19:07:08.593+10:002013-02-15T19:07:08.593+10:00It's almost time for us to start growing, the ...It's almost time for us to start growing, the sun keeps tantalisingly appearing giving me the urge to rush out and plant, but then the next day it can be -1 or lower so I'm fighting the urge. Unfortunately my greenhouse has as many gaps as panes of glass so I can't risk subjecting any tiny seedlings to a sharp frost.<br /><br />Patience must be my middle name for a couple more weeks I think :-)<br /><br />Sue xxSuehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04177854521955532744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-79294664260547247372013-02-15T04:01:02.423+10:002013-02-15T04:01:02.423+10:00I think workshops would be a great fit for you, an...I think workshops would be a great fit for you, and if I loved closer (on the same continent) I would definitely be there. We are growing simple things this year as we are expecting a baby right in the middle of summer. Carrots, beets, potatoes, greens at least. Things that aren't fiddly and won't require daily attention. It's a much reduced plan from our normal approach, but I am really looking forward to the simplicity of it.giselehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08338017331803429134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-77665812568218881492013-02-15T02:24:39.325+10:002013-02-15T02:24:39.325+10:00Hello Rhonda, I'd love to take part in your wo...Hello Rhonda, I'd love to take part in your workshop on organic vegetable gardening. Unfortunately you don't live round the corner... Have to look for a cheap flight to Australia!<br />In Germany there's definitely a market for workshops on gardening and cooking. Why shouldn't that be the same in your area? Wish you and Hanno good luck!<br />Best wishes from the South of Germany. Heike.Heikehttp://www.regenbogenkombuese.denoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-60986439198882639592013-02-15T00:30:23.889+10:002013-02-15T00:30:23.889+10:00Hi Rhonda, so great to see your pictures here, we&...Hi Rhonda, so great to see your pictures here, we're in a different climate zone and seeing your photographs makes me so excited about the garden season that is to come! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-71948230557494235992013-02-14T23:54:54.029+10:002013-02-14T23:54:54.029+10:00Hi Rhonda, Thank you for the post on gardening. H...Hi Rhonda, Thank you for the post on gardening. Here in the northern United States we are still snow covered. Next week we will be starting some of our veggie plants from seed. The only thing in the garden now is the garlic, which is planted in September and harvested in July. We have a small patch of asparagus which we will be expanding this spring. We grow peas,potatoes, 4 kinds of tomatoes, green & red sweet peppers, hot peppers, kale, rainbow chard, eggplant,Brussels sprouts and several kinds of lettuce. I also have a big herb garden.Since our growing season is only a few months long we grow enough food to freeze, dry and can. we also go to the farm market for things we do not grow. <br />I love the idea of a home workshop. I think that it is so much better to see first hand who something is done. Please post pictures of your workshop when you have it.<br />Happy gardening from Susan, Michigan U.S.A. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-4926224553038477942013-02-14T23:54:00.100+10:002013-02-14T23:54:00.100+10:00I start every year with the determination to grow,...I start every year with the determination to grow, and then things get eaten by slugs and snails, or sat on by the cat...and I just lose enthusiasm again! I do have some thoughts this year that we might settle on growing just the things that we already have seeds for. Might be able to do some potatoes too mind, as our thieving next door neighbour has moved out! Robynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04175531371914205163noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-34507629285324487932013-02-14T23:39:32.983+10:002013-02-14T23:39:32.983+10:00Gardening season will be starting next month for m...Gardening season will be starting next month for me, and with all the snow and cold we have, it's so nice to look at your beautiful green pictures! Hope you keep us all updated on your fruit bushes and the avocado tree- it should be neat to see how it turns out! <br />This year I'm growing some less commonly known fruit varieties that are well suited to our climate- honeyberries and seaberries. Planning out the garden is so exciting! Curly kale is one of my favourite things to plant, and I would definitely agree with Hanno- it is the best tasting. Happy Gardening!<br />The Girl in the Pink DressThe Girl in the Pink Dresshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00250837836714463827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-589867246876051152013-02-14T22:14:41.988+10:002013-02-14T22:14:41.988+10:00Thanks Rhonda. I was thinking the same thing but ...Thanks Rhonda. I was thinking the same thing but then wondered if I was getting a little over-enthusiastic and Mother Nature was just teasing us.<br /><br />I might get a few punnets of seedlings and get started this weekend.<br /><br />Thanks for the prompt.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-91990896649459745252013-02-14T17:20:38.850+10:002013-02-14T17:20:38.850+10:00Looks like your proposed workshop is already full ...Looks like your proposed workshop is already full Rhonda! I think it's a fantastic idea, I'd come too but it's definitely too far for me in the UK. With all this hoo-ha in the UK about horsemeat in the burgers etc and school kids not being able to cook and them trying to re-introduce cookery from scratch into the school curriculum, you'd go down fantastically well here. Sue Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16463317651625459406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-69050402015121644152013-02-14T17:19:14.454+10:002013-02-14T17:19:14.454+10:00Raised/deep bed methods work best on heavy clay so...Raised/deep bed methods work best on heavy clay soils which should not be walked on as this compacts the soil. Also don't forget to add a good amount of grit as this will help aerate the soil.Jakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01208269163297762265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-52179435451569878462013-02-14T14:48:07.477+10:002013-02-14T14:48:07.477+10:00Many people think it's invasive but it's n...Many people think it's invasive but it's not. The problem with it is that you have to be sure where you want it to grow because if you try to dig it out later and leave a piece of root behind, it will regrow. But it doesn't run like bamboo. That clump you can see in the photo has been there for almost 15 years. It loves water so if you have a wet area in the garden it will be fine there.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-84820348095709211512013-02-14T14:14:57.523+10:002013-02-14T14:14:57.523+10:00Thank you for all the garden information. I am rea...Thank you for all the garden information. I am really getting excited to get our full garden in again!! I was wanting to plant comfy. Is it invasive? Do you have any growing or using hints about it that would be helpful? SarahAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-88109759495308218542013-02-14T13:10:22.238+10:002013-02-14T13:10:22.238+10:00Hi Rhonda
I hope you go ahead with the workshop, ...Hi Rhonda<br /><br />I hope you go ahead with the workshop, I would love to come along :)<br /><br />EmmaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-5103121193537395612013-02-14T12:52:51.885+10:002013-02-14T12:52:51.885+10:00I was just wondering if anyone else has problems w...I was just wondering if anyone else has problems with canetoads in there vege gardens? They seem to love burrowing into the damp soil at night, which is a real nuisance when you have young seedlings or seeds. I find myself on the war path every night, dettol spray, nightie and gumboots!!<br /><br />Kind Regards<br />JoJonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-56859898854830529282013-02-14T12:46:56.136+10:002013-02-14T12:46:56.136+10:00Oh yes Rhonda, there's a market for it, i thin...Oh yes Rhonda, there's a market for it, i think everywhere. I would even take a day off work to attend but i think you are a bit far away. If any of the ladies around Melbourne are keen on running a similar workshop I'd be in like a flash. Your garden has certainly recovered fast from those very bleak photos you posted not long ago. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12605358521258969537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-88918998656388046902013-02-14T10:59:13.129+10:002013-02-14T10:59:13.129+10:00Hi Rhonda, Firstly my apologies for lack of commun...Hi Rhonda, Firstly my apologies for lack of communication of late...I have been popping in for visits but just no time or brain energy to comment sometimes... Looks like you've had a lovely start to the new year. I'm sure your garden will be growing, lush and productive in no time. I think it's a truly fantastic idea that you open your home for workshops, There is no better place to learn homemaking skills than in ones home!<br />All the best<br />Karen xoGooseberry Jamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00671764088273792304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-57082826471360265172013-02-14T10:29:18.834+10:002013-02-14T10:29:18.834+10:00Hi Rhonda
Workshop count me in, I would have to t...Hi Rhonda<br /><br />Workshop count me in, I would have to travel from Victoria, but would enjoy a short break on my own, or with a like minded group travelling up from Melbourne.<br /><br />I still have alot in my garden yesterday picked potatoes, tomatoes,zucchini, beans, snow peas, apricots. With plenty to come.<br /><br />My experiment this time is for three square foot gardens on top of my tomato garden, and the zucchini, beans, snow peas garden. I have already found it interesting to limit myself to a few vegetables for each square. So far I am growing broccoli, cauli, onion, lettuce, (all from seed). I also have basil mini capsciums, garlic, spring onions, marigolds (so cute) and bush beans. See how I go. All well so far.<br /><br />DiAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-29924598034824066452013-02-14T10:23:36.024+10:002013-02-14T10:23:36.024+10:00I was also going to ask why you started planting e...I was also going to ask why you started planting early this year. I am anxious to get started, but we are still getting quite a few heavy downpours up here in the tropics, so think I will still wait a few more weeks. africanaussiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16660727599623626163noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-71237321739557612632013-02-14T09:42:48.317+10:002013-02-14T09:42:48.317+10:00Rhonda, the workshops sound like a fabulous idea. ...Rhonda, the workshops sound like a fabulous idea. I've found there are more and more people wanting to learn how to do and make things, and they like to see examples and designs of gardens, and how things are done.<br /><br />At present I'm not growing a lot; I wrote today about a rat problem and we're really going to have to rethink a few things around here!Roots and Seedshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11496050725815960078noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-33560564307512575642013-02-14T09:12:49.039+10:002013-02-14T09:12:49.039+10:00Julia, I'm gardening on clay in Tasmania - we&...Julia, I'm gardening on clay in Tasmania - we've found the best way to get a good depth of soil going is to lasagna garden (layers of straw/othermulch/compost/manure, any topsoil we can use) and you can plant directly into this. We're also trying hugelkultur on two new beds this year but I'm not sure yet if it will work!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-43272862469775544952013-02-14T09:05:50.985+10:002013-02-14T09:05:50.985+10:00Oh I wish you guys lived in Melbourne, I'd com...Oh I wish you guys lived in Melbourne, I'd come to your workshop in a heartbeat :) <br /><br />I'm going to try a different version of our vegie patch this year. We previously had a no-dig bed, about 3 metres square, but during the last few months of pregnancy and the first few months after the birth of my 2nd daughter it got so neglected and overgrown with weeds, we ended up just harvesting what we could (we still got a stack of strawberries, tomatoes and potatoes!) and then composting the remains and we now have no vegies growing. My plan is though, to do a couple of raised beds as like a boarder along a couple of walls of our garden shed. I'm thinking we'll do them about 50cms wide and each wall is about 3 metres long. <br /><br />As far as what to grow, I'm thinking we'll do some carrots, maybe try onions (my Dad has grown onions the last few years with great success, I'm keen to give it a go), beans and maybe try broccoli :) <br />Larissa Jadehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03358389402166363168noreply@blogger.com