Who's Digging in the Dirt?

Good morning and how are you? Fine I hope. Today my thoughts are on growing something. The weather here is undoubtedly strange this year. The temperature predictions for today will be in the 80s! Actual prediction high 86 degrees! I think I'll hold off on planting some things because if history can be taken into account we will have a cold snap. Talking gardening today.



I have a gardening friend that inspires all to get their hands dirty and grow something Paul Nelson is quite the gardener. You can find his post here at the blog.


We have a tiller recall so we have to get that fixed so the tilling can begin!  I can't wait and that brings back memories of we children running behind granddaddy's tractor barefoot!  Those were fun times for us. The feel of that freshly plowed sort of sandy soil felt so good to the feet and we had to sift through it with our hands.  Yes a few dirt clods were thrown as well.  I can't imagine a child enjoying such simple things as that now, but if given the opportunity they would! A little Southern Tradition for you there.




I have a butterfly and bee garden and love to see the activity starting in Spring and running through until winter.




Do you test your soil?  It is one very important step to finding out just what you may need to have one of the most beautiful and bountiful vegetable gardens!


Excerpt from article found Here


Gardening starts with the soil.  Not knowing what's in your soil or what needs to be added is like baking a cake without a recipe--guessing at the ingredients won't give you the results you want.  It's the same with soil nutrients.  You could guess how much lime or fertilizer to apply, but you probably won't get the proportions right.  You might over-fertilize, wasting fertilizer (not to mention money) and creating pollution from the excess that ends up in ground or surface waters.


If you wouldn't bake without a recipe, why garden without a soil test?  They're relatively inexpensive ($6 per sample) and east to do.  Testing in the fall allows ample time to amend the soil before spring, but tests and soil improvements can be done any time of year.


Gather a few supplies:  a few supplies:  a sharp spade or garden trowel that's not dirty or rusty; a clean plastic bucket and some soil sample bags from your local Clemson Extension office (or resealable plastic bags).



 I love Zinnias as well as my mother.  She planted those yearly and I love the fact that they are so versatile.  I love to plant a cut garden of them too because they last so long!




Bee Balm now that is a newfound love of mine!  I love it!  It draws so any butterflies and honeybees until it is a must plant.  It is a perennial and that is a plus.  If you can grow it in your area I recommend it to you. 



Coneflowers in Hibiscus House





Hornworms
There are many things that love to eat your vegetables and fruits in the gardens.  Some like the worms shown in the picture above are one of those that can damage a crop of tomatoes in a day.



Strawberry Varieties grown here at Hibiscus House
You can read more about them here I have some tips as well.
I know something about them it's just getting outside to do it! lol...




The 20 Key Tips For Growing Yummy Fruit Board can be found on my posts here at Hometalk.
I love the fruit trees and grape vines



Grapes at Hibiscus House 2016 Harvest. I can't wait to see the harvest this year.



I can't wait to grow some beautiful vegetables!  How about you are you ready?  Grow your own it is work I won't lie about that.  Preparing, planting, weeding, watering, amending soil, these things take time and energy but oh the rewards are so worth it.




I can't wait until something is growing out there and hopefully there will be enough to share because that's what we do isn't it?  Grow and share.


Click link below to see more information.
Hibiscus House
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Go
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Comments
Join the conversation
4 of 26 comments
  • Lou Devillon Lou Devillon on Mar 17, 2017

    Hi Kathie! we use an electric fence. It works perfectly. The deer know not to trespass. They can sense even the low voltage, and will eat the grass just outside the fence .

    • Hibiscus House Hibiscus House on Mar 18, 2017
      That was what my grandpa did had to fence things in and out...I just remember hearing, "Don't touch the fence!"
  • Glenda Wall Glenda Wall on Apr 24, 2017

    great information

Next