2012 was not a good year for my garden. We had very little measurable rain for most of the Summer. A majority of Wisconsin was in a drought. Our well couldn't handle us, the animals and the garden....so, the garden went without.
Thanks to our heavy clay soil...we still had some hardy plants produce for us. I had a bumper crop of sunflowers, squash, gourds and pumpkins.
With plans and dreams for next year, we set out to increase my garden size. Al really wanted to try out his new plow...but, he did more than double my garden for me.
When you live on a farm of any size with animals, you have an abundance of...manure. We had a huge manure/compost pile that Al spread on the new garden.
Look at that rich soil - aged for a year or so - organic and natural. He did about 12 loads on the new and old garden. With this goodness on top, snow cover and Spring melting and rains, hopefully, I will have some really fertile ground to dig in.
Honestly, this is probably too much garden for me. I'm up to the challenge - just don't ask me next July about the weeds. :)
Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.
Thanks to our heavy clay soil...we still had some hardy plants produce for us. I had a bumper crop of sunflowers, squash, gourds and pumpkins.
With plans and dreams for next year, we set out to increase my garden size. Al really wanted to try out his new plow...but, he did more than double my garden for me.
When you live on a farm of any size with animals, you have an abundance of...manure. We had a huge manure/compost pile that Al spread on the new garden.
Look at that rich soil - aged for a year or so - organic and natural. He did about 12 loads on the new and old garden. With this goodness on top, snow cover and Spring melting and rains, hopefully, I will have some really fertile ground to dig in.
Honestly, this is probably too much garden for me. I'm up to the challenge - just don't ask me next July about the weeds. :)
Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.
thanks for the 'manure spreader' memories! :)
ReplyDeleteJealous of all that manure :) I know that sounds strange! Found you on Clever Chicks. Come visit me at Little Homestead on the Hill...your Illinois neighbor :)
ReplyDeleteHi! I'm in Wisconsin too, but on the west central Wisconsin side. (We used to live in Rhinelander, and actually bought a Chesapeake puppy from someone in Ringle.) Lots of things in our garden didn't do well this year either, but we actually had a bumper crop of tomatoes. We have access to sheep, chicken, and buffalo manure and also cover the main part of the garden with chopped up leaves for the winter.
ReplyDeleteHi Jacky! That is already some rich looking soil before you added the compost! What a nice, large garden that will be! I know what you mean about the weeds! Have a great day! Blessings from Bama!
ReplyDeleteOur garden was terrible this year! I love your flat garden spot.
ReplyDeleteThat soil looks amazing - we're working hard to improve our heavy clay here, but it's a marathon, not a sprint. If you're interested, I would love you to link up on my hop: http://www.backyardfarmingconnection.com/2012/10/the-backyard-farming-connection-6.html
ReplyDeleteMy mom used to have a garden this size. I still don't know how she handled it with two small kids at her side! I can barely keep up with my very small plot! I have high hopes for next summer as well. We shall see how that goes. Good luck to you!
ReplyDeletethat looks like an over whelming garden! I wish we could have gave you some of the rain we had this summer ;)
ReplyDelete