April 16, 2012

an experimental garden....


Our summer garden didn't have too much success, most of our plants bolted or were overcome with pests that no amount of control would halt, though we did manage to get a few tomatoes and an abundance of fresh herbs so all was not lost.


With putting in a winter bed I really had no idea where to start with laying the foundations but I knew that it needed to be nice and simple and manageable for me to tend until I gain a bit more experience so I decided on a few greens and some more herbs that can be added to if necessary. 


I remembered a no-dig garden that a friend back home introduced me to a number of years ago so tried to replicate it here.  I initially lay down some newspaper and a thick layer of straw before adding a layer of compost and manure.  This was repeated twice and left for a week before finally transplanting some seedlings this weekend. 


I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent pottering around outside and realised that even if this garden succumbs like that of our summer garden, that it's all a process of learning by trial and error.  Time will tell whether I have gotten the process right or not.


Our dream is to eventually grow most of our own produce so hopefully with another few seasons under my belt the novice in me will have improved enough to see that dream start to become a reality.



Do you ever experiment in the garden?  Have you gone the no-dig route?

10 comments:

Amanda said...

Our vegetable patch had a terrible summer too with the scorching heat - everything bolted or got fried! Thankfully all my potted herbs were okay, except for coriander which I NEVER have any luck with :) I'm about to start planting some vegetables this week too ready for the cooler, wetter weather - am thinking of lettuce, spinach, spring onions... not surewhat else yet. I haven't gone the no dig route but someone I know has and she had lots of success with her plantings x

Tania said...

A little at a time is the best way...that way you don't get overwhelmed and it only takes a little time. But the learning part never really ends.
I've dabbled a tiny bit in no dig gardening, but I actually have more success here with digging in more nutrients into our orange soil that is so easily compacted (it goes hard like concrete). Originally we brought in some top soil and added manure, but now that the compost is going in, I think it's becoming the healthiest it's been. All a learning curve!

Jode said...

Looks great Tammi...i haven't tried the no dig garden although we didn't have a great summer crop either! Too many flucuations in the weather i think!
I just got the last of our winter seeds in so hopefully they do ok!
good luck!

Beth said...

I've never tried this method so I'm afraid I can't be of any help. It sounds interesting though. Even my herbs frazzled if I didn't water them daily during our Summer !
x

Zara said...

We've got a half filled no dig bed happening.although not much is happening in it at the moment.
Did you find it sunk a fair bit in the week before planting up?
Best of luck with the gardening. I hope the weather is on your side. x

Michelle said...

That's an awesome idea. I'm running out of gardening space. I grow lots of veges but I don't follow instructions or read up on how to grow them, so it's all luck for me when they grow :) I took some cuttings from a cool red branched tree at my poppa's house and I pulled one out today to check for roots and it had some, yay! x

Mama of 2 boys said...

You're spot on Tammi, as with anything new we undertake, it is trial and error. The best part is that you're giving it a go and enjoying the parts that do succeed... like the herbs and tomatoes. Well done with those by the way. Look forward to reading about how your Winter garden goes xo

Brave New Fiona said...

Ooo I am excited for you! I think this time in your learning is so exhilarating. You are doing what you have been shown, for the first time yourself and as it is with gardening, there is a wait and nuture phase. Please keep us updated in pics of your garden and food. xxx Fi

Catherine said...

I've never tried the no dig garden method but I think it sounds like a great experiment I hope that your winter crops are a great success and the weather is kinder to you:) xx

thejadeleaf said...

Every year is an experiment! Good luck xx