We had such high hopes. We really can't blame ourselves for this first attempt gone awry, what with the insane rains this winter. But we think the little seedings might have survived if the backyard wildlife hadn't inhaled our helpless plants. Apparently the budding leaves of sweet peas and broccoli are bonbons for the ravenous rascals. While we hatch the plans for a Fort Knox-style garden bed for spring planting, we're busying ourselves with learning how to compost.
Composting has turned me into the kind of neighbor who jumps out of the car and begs for bags of leaves; it takes creativity sometimes in the desert!
view jen_g's profile
What happens when your compost bin starts composting?
The house I bought has one just like the pic, except it's full (ummm good compost no doubt) and the sides are warped and collapsing.
view hdtex's profile
Just from looking at your pics your soil looks like it has quite a bit of wood material in it, so adding compost would be great. I would raise the beds(add higher sides) and then add quite a bit of compost. I'm sure the roots from the plants on the other side of the fence(bamboo?) have spread into your garden and are probably not helping the soil situation. Try removing the roots and then placing a metal barrier between the two yards so that the bamboo can't invade your garden.
If you can consistently mulch your beds with compost or leaf mulch you'll have great soil for growing vegis.
If you can start your seeds indoors you will probably have better luck.
I would check out www.yougrowgirl.com she has some great advice on vegetable gardening. It's Toronto based, but still fairly relevant to all climates.
view heathermg's profile
I agree with the indoor start. Gotta get some girth on the stalks before you let your little seedlings out in the wild. We have a garden at the UC Village in Albany and everything was started at home in little pots first. After they grow to about 4 or 5 inches tall, then we take them outside.
Unfortunately, we haven't been over to the garden for a couple of months (since our tomatoes and lettuce ran out). I fear it's going to be ugly when we head back over.
view Tommy at dodoskido dot com's profile