Last garden update for August

It's been a busy month so here are a few pics of the new garden spot in the side yard.  This year I got a head-start in planting.  In September I'll have a few more Peppers, Tomatoes and new Greens to add the the side-yard project.

Cucumber

Pumpkin

Tomatoes, Peppers and Zucchini

I don't have pictures of the herbs or the greens I recently planted.  It's been a bit rainy here and the pictures just aren't doing the new growth any justice.  I might have to ask for a new camera for my birthday!

What is Sustainable Living?

Sustainable living means different things for different people.

The wikipedia definition states: "Sustainable living is a lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual's or society's use of the Earth's natural resources and his/her own resources."  Also, "Proponents of sustainable living aim to conduct their lives in ways that are consistent with sustainability, in natural balance and respectful of humanity's symbiotic relationship with the Earth's natural ecology and cycles. The practice and general philosophy of ecological living is highly interrelated with the overall principles of sustainable development."

There are so many online resource to get started living a sustainable lifestyle, such as Mother Earth News, Lighter Footstep, Sustainable Living Magazine and Homegrown.org.

You don't have to live on a farm or become completely "off-grid."  It can be as simple as recycling at home and work or BYOB (bring your own bag) when you head off to the grocery store.

My Florida garden started out small and only in containers.  I have since graduated to a small area in the side yard with a few pots still remaining.  My goal for the current garden is to let nothing go to waste and become less dependent on store-bought produce.

Some people refer to Urban Sustainable living.  Not everyone can live in the country and raise chickens.  There are many simple ways to reduce waste, live a sustainable lifestyle and even save money in the process.

~Skip bottled water. Buy a filter such as AquaSauna or britta and filter your own water.  Use reusable bpa-free bottles or containers.
~Turn off lights and plugged in items when not in use.
~BYOB to the grocery store or farmer's market.
~Put leftover food in reusable containers.  Reduce or discontinue use of plastic bags.
~Plant a tree.  It seems so simple but it will offset tons of carbon, provide shade and benefit local wildlife.
~Buy used products when possible.  Check out your local thrift store or browse craigslist.
~DIY beauty products such as facial cleansers and body soap.  Not only will you save money by avoiding pricey items, there is little or no waste in production and storage.
~Start a veggie or herb garden.  It's that simple!

City Farming: September Preview

September is right around the corner.  I'll be posting every day in September with "How To" growing instructions for my favorite veggies...Not to be confused with Mary's Top 5!

No matter how big or small your space you can have a garden just about anywhere.

Apartment dwellers might find satisfaction in a simple herb garden or a more elaborate patio container garden.  I've done it.  It's possible.  My friend Bridigit has had a brilliant start on her apartment garden and has given me permission to share.

Patio containers

Basil

Having a yard, large or small, may increase your yeild or at least provide space for more options.  My sister Jennifer shared a few pictures of her recent success in the garden. 

Tomatoes

Armenian Cucumber

Stay tuned for germination tips and more vegetable gardening!

Adding to the Ever-Growing Garden

With the new seed arrivals at Mary's Heirloom Seeds I've decided to try my hand at Little Gem Lettuce, Spinach and Pak Choi.  These greens will help me attain my goal of no longer relying on addiction to store-bought produce.

The greens are planted in a container because it is SO HOT here in Florida and I want to have more control over watering.  Greens do best when planted in fall or early spring (in the south).  I might get a little crazy and plant Swiss Chard while I'm at it.

I soak most of the seeds overnight in small glasses for better germination and a great head-start.  Labeling is important so I know which seeds are planted and the success rate for each variety.

Happy Friday!

Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.
~Thomas Jefferson

Vertical Gardening

No matter how much space is available, a vertical garden adds pizzazz to any space.  While browsing the web I found a amazing pictures I just have to share.  It's always important to recycle, reduce and reuse whenever possible and this vertical garden certainly does just that.

Using an old over-the-door shoe rack they have managed to plant a few types of lettuce and herbs.  The rack is sturdy and will require much less water than if planted in a medium to large pot.  I might have to try this.

Below are several other options for Vertical Gardening.

My trip to the farmer's market

I went to a local farmer's market on Sunday.  I'm waiting no-so-patiently to harvest my veggie.  I've already seen a few mini cucumbers and maybe a new pumpkin.

In the mean time I made another trip the the market and scored a bag of produce to tide me over for another week.  I purchased radishes, zucchinis, bell peppers, onions, cilantro and my hubbies favorite...jalapenos.

I've been away from the garden since Sunday but I'll be back tonight or Thursday.  I'm pretty certain Hurricane Irene will stay out at sea and bring south Florida a bit of cooler weather.

On Sunday I made Tomato Cages

 Sunday was an adventurous day! It's amazing what you can accomplish when you turn off the tv and resist the laptop ( as much as I resisted I was still drawn in once or twice).

I started with a 50 foot roll of fencing material then cut 5 foot long pieces to make cages 18 inches in diameter.  Instead of bending the ends to make hooks to hold them together I used electrical ties.  When I am done using the cages I can simply cut the electrical ties (I call them zip ties) and store the cages easier.

Materials

I snipped the ends off when I was finished.

Thanks to my amazing hubby, no one was seriously injured during this process. 

I have not installed the cages in the garden yet but I have a very good reason.  Florida may be hit by a hurricane this week but we won't know for sure for a few days.  I'm not all that worried but I'll be cautious for now.