My Huge Organic Smyrnian Garden

When I first moved to my little house in Smyrna, I did my darndest to grow a few things. I had only a tiny bit of luck. Having grown up in South Florida, I was used to sand... not clay and chunks of rock.

Now, a few years and lots of free organic amendments later... check it out!

I have at least a hundred varieties of plants growing in the yard now. And plenty of food.

This week's project: two gallons of traditional brine-fermented pickles with my homegrown cukes.

Here are a few images from the backyard:





I'd say my garden this year is about 2000 square feet. Wish that empty lot in the "historic" downtown could be used for a community garden for the folks that don't have any space - that would rock.

Of course... now all I need is a few hens...

-DG

Early Gardening Suggestions?

Over the fall and winter, I've prepared plenty of space for planting. I have lots of mulch, good compost and raised beds.

But I'm still a little "iffy" on Smyrna's climate. I know some plants can't stand frosts, and others tolerate them.

Does anyone know when I should start my tomato/pepper/tobacco seedlings indoors?

And are there any crops I can put out this month? I read instructions on the seed packages that say things like "This selection prefers cool weather. Plant as soon as the ground can be worked in the spring..."

But the ground here can be worked almost all winter! Does that mean I can plant peas right now? Or kale? I'd love to get something started, but I really don't know when to start. I imagine March would be the safest... but hey, the ground CAN be worked right now, even as I type this...

I'm sure someone here knows! Thanks for any advice.

Gardening in Smyrna

Well, I suppose if Gunner can post on economics, I can post on gardening. If we're really heading into the next Great Depression, gardening might soon become more than a hobby for a lot of folks. So... let's jump in and get dirty!

First of all - it's Fall! I'm originally from South Florida (zone 10!) so this is the time I would be planting if I was still there.

Now that I'm in TN, however, I'm learning to work with the seasons, the clay, and the variety of different fruits and veggies that thrive here.

This last week I've been taking advantage of the leaves to "sheet compost" some new planting beds in my backyard. In order to do this, you lay down some newsprint and/or cardboard, then stack leaves, hay and other compostable material on top of it. This is also called "Lasagna Gardening." Basically, the idea is to kill the weeds and improve the soil at the same time.

This is my first attempt. I like the idea of killing crabgrass and re-using cardboard that would normally be disposed of. I just wish I could find a source of more free "green" compost, like chicken manure, rabbit droppings, grass clippings, rotten fruit, etc. Leaves are easy to find, but the "active" ingredient of nitrogen-rich material is a taller order. Anyone have any ideas?

And please... share any suggestions, gardening tips, etc., as we head into Winter! I'd love to know more about your garden.

Happy planning.

-DG