I am a little bit behind with getting this update out, so please forgive me. We were busy preparing for the garden this year and then, as life does, it took over. But here we are, ready to unveil what we’ve been up to! Oh, and check out the video here.
New Beginnings
This year, we decided to make some changes and additions to our garden. One of the biggest changes was doing away with the plastic greenhouses.
They served their purpose well when we needed them, but now it was time for something sturdier. We went ahead and built a cold frame instead. My family and I worked together on this project. We moved the remaining plastic greenhouse to the other side of the yard, and from there, we laid down a weed barrier before assembling everything. For the aesthetic touch, I added some paving stones. They didn’t fit perfectly, but with some creativity, we made it work by spacing them out and filling the gaps with landscape rock.
The Finished Look
Once everything was assembled, we loved the look and functionality of our new garden setup. It feels more solid and visually appealing. We also added a special shelving unit that fit perfectly inside the greenhouse, which we now use to harden off seedlings. This year, I grew the seedlings indoors using hydroponics, then transplanted them into soil before moving them to the greenhouse. I plan to use this setup to overwinter my citrus plants for the fall of 2024.
Adding Some Charm
To make the garden even more special, we added some lighting. I love spending time in the garden after dark; the lights bring a sense of peace. I also put up a new garden sign that reads, “Into the garden I go to lose my mind and find my soul.” It perfectly encapsulates the serenity I find in gardening. This year, I’m trying my hand at growing greens and using vertical cattle panels for squash and peas. We have a beautiful raspberry vine, spinach, dill, and a strawberry patch, but it looks like I’ll have to reinforce some parts to keep the squirrels out.
Inside the Garden
Moving inside, here’s a look at what we have growing. My Meyer lemon didn’t fare too well indoors, so I’ll need to work on that. This year, I’ve dedicated beds for collards, kale, arugula, lettuce, and hopefully carrots. I’m also trying out ginger and hoping my lemon balm makes a return. In other beds, I’m planting bush beans, squash, vertically growing peas, spinach, and radishes—my four-year-old’s favorite. The vertical cattle panels are a new addition, which I hope will help our vegetables grow lush and climb high. We also have two elderberries—I’m excited to make elderberry syrup! Other planned additions include eggplants, tomatoes, and even an elevated strawberry bed.
Final Thoughts
In the garden, it’s all about experimentation and learning. I’m putting my raspberries in a cage and planning similar setups for my cantaloupes and blackberries. We also have a pot ready for a kumquat. That’s our garden plan for 2024. Fingers crossed, everything goes as planned, though I’m prepared for the ongoing battle against squirrels and other pests. Thank you for joining me on this gardening journey. I hope you find inspiration and excitement in your own gardening endeavors.
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