the 5k garden

changes

2007-11-03T08:10:00.001-06:00

With so many changes in 2007 having been so successful, we are hoping to plan even more for 2008. Starting off with a landscape effort which will reduce our water by one third.

Two more trees, wildlife-attracting bushes, broad xeriscaped areas, and planting beds are all in the plan. Hope to share some of these sketches here soon.

garden gnome

2007-11-03T08:09:00.000-06:00

Gracie puts the 'guard' in 'guard'en.

caterpillar's share

2007-11-03T08:02:00.001-06:00

It's been a while since our last update. Traveling to Ireland gave us a breather and inspiration.

Upon our return we found the 5K Garden needing some attention. The neighbors were thrilled to harvest while we were gone. Tomatoes were top notch. Peppers aging nicely. Soon we discovered our caterpillar friends munching on everything. By this time we felt it was fair to provide them with 'the caterpillar's share'.

These photos are by the Mrs.

all in all, i built a wall

2007-08-26T20:05:00.001-06:00

Totally didn't expect to take this project on this weekend, however, Lowe's had a sale on all patio pavers. The path has always looked ratty and wind-torn. All summer I've been thinking about how i was going to go about fixing it up.

hens & chicks

2007-08-25T09:14:00.001-06:00

I planted these a few years ago after picking them up from my sister's green house. Succulents have really done well out here (duh!).

pine goo

2007-08-25T09:10:00.001-06:00

The pines in back seep out these incredible forms. I first noticed 'crumbs' that looked like someone had strewn popcorn all over the ground. I'm not all to certain if this is healthy or not. I'll be having it checked out when the arborist comes this fall.

pergola additions

2007-08-25T09:07:00.001-06:00

The pergola was completed, and the builders left us the scrap wood per my request. Some of the pieces made perfect for complimentary benches/foot rests/coffee mug-put'er-on'ers.

Just a few bucks at the hardware store and a few extra minutes is all it took.

garden lurkers

2007-08-25T09:05:00.000-06:00

butterfly

2007-08-18T08:33:00.000-06:00

We had a Two-tailed Swallowtail (Papilio multicaudata Kirby) visit the 5kGarden over the past few weeks. It seemed fine with me scurrying to find the camera, slamming doors and coming within a foot to take this photo.

As a matter of fact, most of the insects appear to be content with the food we've provided. I've brushed up against bees, wasps, and hornets, all of which are more drawn to the flowers than me, personally. I wish the mosquitoes felt the same way.

hummingbirds

2007-08-12T17:00:00.000-06:00

We put up a hummingbird feeder this weekend. Within 10 minutes, we had visitors. Suz found a handy recipe online. I think we have both the Rufous and Broad-tailed hummingbirds. The aggressive nature of the female Rufous has been quite intense, guarding the feeder and dive-bombing anything that comes close.

1. Mix 4 parts water to 1 part table sugar in a pan. Do not use honey, Jell-O or brown sugar. Especially do not use artificial sweeteners. Putting hummingbirds on a diet will kill them. They burn prodigious amounts of energy for their size and need real sugar. Do not use red food coloring. It is unnecessary and can harm the little hummers even in low concentrations because they eat so much nectar. If your feeder isn't red, tie a red ribbon on it as described in the Feeders section, above. Just sugar and water, that's all.

2. Bring to a boil then remove from the heat. Stir it while it is heating until all of the sugar is dissolved. Don't boil it for long because that will change the ratio as water is boiled off. The reason for boiling is not to make syrup, but to drive out the chlorine in the water and to kill mold and yeast spores that might be in the sugar. This will help make the nectar last longer both in the feeder and in your refrigerator.

3. Cover and allow to cool before using or pouring into the storage bottle. We recommend making a large batch of nectar and storing it in the refrigerator in a 2 liter soda bottle (washed thoroughly first.) This makes refilling the feeder so easy that you won't mind doing it every few days.

garden bed update

2007-08-04T10:38:00.001-06:00

pergola: coming together

2007-08-02T18:51:00.000-06:00

Oasis is just about done with the project. Inspection with the city tomorrow morning should be followed by finishing touches such as the collars at the foot of each post.

pergola update

2007-07-31T20:47:00.001-06:00

Oasis is nearly done with the pergola. They feel they have roughly 4 more hours to go.

house of the rising sun

2007-07-27T22:07:00.001-06:00

first tomatoes

2007-07-27T17:49:00.000-06:00

This is what happens when I don't post for a week due to house guest: the 5k garden explodes. We've had zucchinis, cucumbers (more on this in a later post), corn, and now tomatoes. All of the plants have fruit, but the little runt that could, did.

These are Red Robins, a petite 8 inch plant that I picked up from Paulino's Garden Center.

horse radish

2007-07-27T17:38:00.000-06:00

I'm very excited about this post!

Back Story: My evil older brothers would feed me horse radish sandwiches when I was little. Funny thing was, I liked them.

Fast forward to today: A coworker gave me a plant for the beds. I just need to find a home for it.

a pergola?

2007-07-27T17:34:00.000-06:00

We'll soon be draped in shade. Thursday, the contractor from Oasis Decks cored the patio and dug the hole for the piers. Open hole inspection was today and the concrete is setting up as we speak.

beating 'em at their own game

2007-07-27T17:31:00.000-06:00

I had enough. The raccoons had destroyed most of the corn, so I gathered what i could salvage for a snack.

flower bed pest control

2007-07-22T10:24:00.000-06:00

Found these guys on the sappy stems of this flower. they appeared to be having a hay day chowing down on smaller white bugs. I'm not an entomologist. Anyone know of a bug man?

purslane must die

2007-07-18T17:34:00.002-06:00

The yard surrounding the house we bought was in pretty poor shape a few years ago. Pocked with dry spots, an irrigation system that needed attention, and weeds. Most annoyingly is purslane. With it's itty bitty seeds and ability to live in nearly every condition.

We spent the better part of a weekend pulling and filling the equivalent of 95 gallons of this cruel plant. I spent hours online trying to find an environmentally-friendly solution. I even called a Boulder County organic lawn service and asked them. They told me 'we'll get right back to you', but i didn't hear a thing.

I have found one product that kills purslane: Ortho® Weed-B-Gon MAX® Weed Killer For Lawns Concentrate. Having looked all over online, I came across a few research papers pointing to the active ingredient Dicamba.

Up next: Ortho has done it again, with Ortho® Grass-B-Gon® Garden Grass Killer. My lawn's Bermuda will soon become extinct.

UPDATE: Yes, a few of you are bright and tell me that these creatures can be eaten in a salad. Fine. Come and get yours. I'm not one to enjoy the bliss that is chemically treated gardens, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

critters!

2007-07-17T08:05:00.000-06:00

At first i thought "COON!" but the soft scent wafting through the breached bed told me it was skunk.

Must mean the corn's ready. Too bad it got most of the mature ears.

UPDATE: Consensus tells me this is a raccoon. Experts have advised everything from strychnine-laced cantaloupe, offered hav-a-heart traps (where I'd take them I have no idea, and traditional firing squad techniques. I think I'm going to go the route of feed the needy and electrify my fence for next year.

from flowers with help from bees

2007-07-14T09:14:00.000-06:00

ah, hail!

2007-07-10T21:41:00.000-06:00

Had a bit of a storm tonight. Three-quarter inch of rain, some pea sized hail and gusty winds. Probably took 30 minutes to blow over

bed update

2007-07-07T08:15:00.000-06:00

are you really independant?

2007-07-05T07:45:00.000-06:00

Some folks think they are independent after yesterday. Here's a site to inspire you to become more so. off-grid provides great literature on the virtues of wind, solar and bio energy.

garden update

2007-06-30T08:26:00.000-06:00

beds & baskets

2007-06-30T08:23:00.000-06:00

our new tree

2007-05-27T09:03:00.001-06:00

Finally, the tree is in. It's a Autumn Purple White Ash.

our new tree

2007-05-20T18:44:00.000-06:00

Suz and I went down to Cherry Creek Tree Farm this afternoon and picked out our new White Ash. The back yard needed a bit more shade as did the west side of the house. We are taking advantage of the town of Erie's tree planting incentive and discounted installation coupon we got in the mail. It's a 2.75" caliper and I'd really like to save my back.

We really wanted to pick up a second: a Golden Rain Tree, but the only one they had left was half dead and wilted dry. we passed on the $80 offer. It had a limb that was torn from it and had a year to heal over. I wasn't sold.

We should see it in place by Memorial Day.

Bed Update

2007-05-20T18:41:00.000-06:00

Just a photo reference on where the 5K Garden is at. Most everything that was put in a few weeks ago is up. All the remainder plants are in the soil and ready to go.

iris

2007-05-20T09:14:00.000-06:00

I've grown fond of iris over the last couple of years. The folks had them around the yard growing up. Even pockets of water iris by the pond never fully gained my attention.

They always seemed old fashioned, wind burned and short-lived. And, they still are. but for a brief moment, the glance we get from the blossom has made me stop and take notice. So much so, I'll be installing a border this summer along the path to the back yard.

day on the farm

2007-05-20T09:05:00.001-06:00

Spent a weekend back in Ellis County. Charlie gave us the tour of things he's planted, and things that just grow wild. After the moisture they received this winter, you can see the evidence of plants waiting for the right opportunity to surface.

Thanks Charlie for spending the morning with us.

the season of sisters

2007-05-05T17:30:00.000-06:00

Starting to see a few things climb up out of the dirt.

"Corn" & "Lettuce" live together in the southwest bed.

And due east you'll find "Spinach" & "Onions" live together in the southwest bed.

Well, to tell the truth, I have about 275 of the 300 onion sets stowed throughout the garden. We'll call this the season of sisters.

lawn furniture

2007-05-02T17:50:00.000-06:00

So, we're planning to do some major work to the back yard: Pergola, coupla trees, etc.

I usually get into trouble when I run across these "idea generators".

Watching it all grow

2007-04-29T13:18:00.000-06:00

This week, we started to see new life in the garden. Sugar Bon peas, lettuce, spring spinach, and onions are all starting to push through the surface. Last week's rain really helped.

Rocky Mountain National Park

2007-04-29T13:12:00.000-06:00

Suz and I took a short day trip up to the national park last weekend. The alluvial fan has to be one of our favorite spots to hike. This past year's snow really has the meadows draped in green. You can get a good sense that the spring flowers will likely be out soon.

Christmas Cactus Bloom

2007-04-29T13:10:00.000-06:00

It's late April, and our Christmas Cactus we received from the neighbors is in full bloom.

Charlie quipped "must be Orthodox".

slow soaker

2007-04-24T16:49:00.000-06:00

Getting some rain this morning. About a quarter inch before i left for work. Had some pea-sized hail last night in Boulder at the office.

Gutters are running.

This picture was taken south east of the corner of 75th and Valmont. Out the back of the coop is a chicken run about 4 feet wide by 2 feet tall by maybe 20 feet long. Chickens don’t mind the rain.

Lawn gets aerated tomorrow, followed by spring fertilizer. The rain is welcomed. Just checked the gauge ... 1 1/4". I'll take it.

1st planting for 2007

2007-04-17T20:55:00.000-06:00

Sunday was full of sun and sweat. I built a raised box that can move each year with the rotation. In it I planted carrots and leeks. The same bed is home to peas and spinach and soon to be onions.

I noticed that some of the farmers in Boulder County started to plant corn this weekend, so i took it upon myself to sew my first planting. Adjacent the corn is a few rows of lettuce.

Burpee said we're a Zone 5 and that is why my potatoes and onions (300 sets!!) will be here this week, rather than a month ago.

post-earthrace: return to kansas

2007-04-15T07:52:00.000-06:00

What do you do for 4 days on the open water? After having spent nearly 9 days with the crew in San Diego?

Take the time to relax. Drive the coolest boat on Earth. Greet an albatross just before making landfall.

His stories keep rolling in. What an amazing trip. Although the Earthrace is still on, we will get the inside scoop. And believe you me, Dad includes details.

The wind farm in Maui is a great juxtaposition. Returning to Ellis County, and it's proposed wind farm. A nonsensical debate has risen, led by bias scare tactics and jealousy. Hawaii strives to keep clean, whether it be biofuel or wind power. If only the opposition in Hays would think past their selfishness, and understand the greater good.

For those keeping tabs, THIS MAP will track their moves.

earthrace: reaching maui

2007-04-13T07:17:00.000-06:00

Earthrace made it into Maui and back out headed South. As the approached land, Mom commented that Dad made a few cell phone calls. Just awesome.

A few of us siblings tracked them in on, and i tried to find as many Maui beach cams as i could to catch a glimpse. And I did, just as they past the break water for the harbor. It's that little grey blob behind the sea cruiser which was anchored all evening.

Dad caught the next available flight home. He's in San Fran this morning. I may have a house guest tonight. Darn. A winter storm may cause delays into Kansas.

earthrace: a note from the boat 4

2007-04-12T18:25:00.000-06:00

April 12, 2007

"current eta just before 4 PM Hawaii. Rockin and rolling. Very lite so feel all the bumps. Marty found a coconut in the larder."

UPDATE: "Dad called at 7:25 and they are off the coast of Maui. They will go around the north side and after they make the turn, it will take an hour and a half to get to dock and tie up."

"At 4 PM we will be at our turn NW of Maui. Pete estimates that we will be tied up at 5:30 on the south side. We see glimpses of Maui through the low overcast. Only three ships since San Diego."

Don't Forget: My brother wrote to mention that he found a possible web cam of Ma'alaea Harbor, Maui. He said he's been in contact with the camera operator and hopes they'll help watch for Earthrace coming in Thursday.

I just found another cam of Ma'alaea Bay. It might be a clearer shot of the boat.

this cam seems to have a little more resolution and is located at Kihei

For those keeping tabs, THIS MAP will track their moves.

earthrace: a note from the boat 3

2007-04-11T17:32:00.000-06:00

April 11, 2007

"Saw first albatros late yesterday. see dolphins, terns, shearwaters,and gulls along the way. all fueil in barrelsand shuttle has been transferred. W onderful cruising sea. Just rocjin and rollin,"

"It is about 11:00 AM here and we heard some thing go under the boat and the vibration get bad. Stopped all and Pete dived in to check. Came up with armload of rope and fishnet. All is well, no damage."

Just a note, he blames his typos on the boat's movement.

For those keeping tabs, THIS MAP will track their moves.

earthrace: a note from the boat 2

2007-04-10T17:52:00.000-06:00

April 10, 2007

"The computer says we will be in Maui late evening on the 12th...very smooth and nice boating since we are now in the following trade winds and sea... Boat performing well and other than the rough days, comfortable"

My brother wrote to mention that he found a possible web cam of Ma'alaea Harbor, Maui. Might possibly be able to view Earthrace coming in Thursday.

UPDATE: Looks like they expect to arrive around 3:30PM Maui time. They've hit a bit more rough water.

For those keeping tabs, THIS MAP will track their moves. I was told that the extra barrels we loaded on to Earthrace take an hour to transfer to the main tanks on the open water. You might catch them not moving from time to time.

earthrace: a note from the boat 1

2007-04-09T20:32:00.000-06:00

Mom received a short message from dad while on the Pacific:

April 9, 2007

"the weather is rougher than I thought it'd be. we're about 1/3 way to hawaii."

"first sunshine today. nice day here now with rolly pacific swell from the north. I'm having more fun than i should have."

"if the water is calm i'm cooking dinner tonight...The boat bounces and makes me make mistakes"

For those keeping tabs, THIS MAP will track their moves.

earthrace: easter sunrise like no other

2007-04-08T08:58:00.000-06:00

Earthrace' rear hatch might not have much of an Easterly view, but I can only imagine what the crew woke up to this morning.

My sunburn from San Diego is really pealing now. Earthrace can really reflect the UV. Now it's snowing at home and the garden isn't getting much attention. All the more time to keep tabs on that boat.

For those keeping tabs, THIS MAP will track their moves.

earthrace: easter eve 2

2007-04-07T19:40:00.000-06:00

6:10pm PT

Earthrace has left San Diego for Maui. They are aiming for 3.5 days.

ROCK ON EARTHRACE!

For those keeping tabs, THIS MAP will track their moves.

Haiku: Pawnee Buttes Sand Cherry

2007-04-07T18:39:00.000-06:00

prunus besseyi

Unseen on the rocky verge.

Has always been there.

_C. Kraus

earthrace: easter eve

2007-04-07T14:27:00.000-06:00

1:27pm PT
Just talked with Mom, who talked with Dad. They have Earthrace back together again. They discovered a slightly bent shaft which they hope was what caused the vibration. Sounds like they were off for a test run. If all is well, they'll be Maui-bound this afternoon.

For those keeping tabs, THIS MAP will track their moves.

square foot gardening

2007-04-07T08:44:00.000-06:00

So, my buddy Bruce calls me the other day. We share gardening woes and triumphs. He recently stumbled upon a book All New Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew. Bruce's garden is growing in size this year. Last year, he put in his second bed, and the plan this year is to try Mel's techniques.

The Square Foot Gardening practice is interesting. I've not heard of plotting in squares before. Just co-mingling early, mid and late season plants to make the best use of the limited garden space.

earthrace: good friday

2007-04-06T12:50:00.000-06:00

"Another Friday in San Diego with Earthrace" Dad said. The crew is working tirelessly looking for the cause of a vibration. He had to jump off the phone as he and Ryan were on the pier awaiting Earthrace' return from another test run.

I've been drawing up a memorial logo for Julio David Galeano Contreras, or known to his family as "Pajarito". If they choose to use it, I'll post it here.

earthrace: continued

2007-04-05T19:30:00.000-06:00

Just got off the phone with Dad. They will be spending Thursday night in San Diego. They discovered a timing glitch with the port engine causing it to not fire correctly. Cummins is on it. They hope to have it repaired first thing in the morning THEN they'll be off.

earthrace: San Diego

2007-04-04T17:39:00.000-06:00

I flew out to California to meet up with Dad and Earthrace. What a rush!

Upon arrival Sunday morning, we received news that the Baja Bash had slowed them up a bit. She arrived around 5:30pm PT into a slip at Driscoll Boat Works. We greeted the ground crew and small crowd including the local press. I pitched in where I could, washing their dishes, toting barrels, hauling trash, etc. Trying to stay out of the way and being in the action is a tough job. A crew from the transmission company and an engine tech from Cummins was there ready to start work. They had hoped to make small repairs, replace the screws (again) and shove off by midnight. Word had been passed that the gearbox would need to be replace, and it was.

While this was happening, a fuel truck full of biodiesel was busy filling the ship's tanks and the extra 35 gallon barrels we loaded up as extra for the long journey. Earthrace's hopes are to pour on the coals (soy coals?) and reach Hawaii faster.

The crew wrapped up by 4am, caught a few winks and were back at it by early Monday morning. They shoved off at 11am, but I got a call from dad saying their was a leak and a vibration. Crap.

These repairs took the afternoon to fix. and by 5:45pm, they shoved off again. Great timing! As I needed to run to the airport and catch the last flight back to Denver. I had just cleared security when Mom called. Dad had just called to tell her they were headed back to port. The batch of diesel was bad. Clogged the engines. Everything had to be flushed, scrubbed and refilled. Crap, crap.

And here they wait. Dad said he spent that night on the boat, while the crew found a hotel room. Tuesday night, he got a room himself.

Tonight should be a go!

Here's to the crew: who never once complained about the 50F water, the crazy hours or the abuse from Baja. Their spirit and team work will make this race a success.

earthrace: here I come

2007-03-29T18:51:00.000-06:00

Earthrace has made some amazing strides after having been cleared of all (non-existing) charges by Guatemala, regaining some time up the west coast to Acapulco, making some necessary repairs and now on their way to the US.

Dad just got news that Earthrace should be in San Diego by noon Sunday, make a few more repairs and leave Sunday night or Monday morning. This is fantastic: the race is on and I will get to go! I just booked my flight and room.

More to follow.

Earthrace Update: Tragedy at sea

2007-03-24T09:25:00.000-06:00

Earthrace left Barbados in pursuit of the world record for circumnavigating the globe. What followed was a chain of events which have marred their effort: Bad props on the first leg, an oil leak followed by a collision at sea with a small fishing skiff off the coast of Guatemala. What has been reported either in the Captain's blog, the Ground Crew blog (which can be found at Earthrace.net. or any news account (Google News Search) has given us details to the accident. Today, we've read that both parties have reached a settlement, however, Skipper Bethune must await a hearing which has been delayed multiple times.

Dad was to meet the crew in San Diego this past Thursday and climb aboard for Maui. He's since put his plans on hold until he receives further notice. We are unsure if the race will continue. If it does, I suspect they will restart the clock at Acapulco or San Diego. A monumental task of organizing fuel transport, parts for repairs has already proved difficult, putting them on hold or changing tack must be an additional strain.

God's Speed Earthrace.

Photos by Lance Wordsworth-Ground Crew Cinematographer

Rainy Day Post: Garlic

2007-03-24T09:15:00.000-06:00

Much to my surprise, garlic started cropping up in the old perennial bed. This is a legacy plant from the previous owners. We've not had any garlic for 2 years. As a matter of fact, we never got to enjoy the leftovers from our first year garden, given the soil conditions for that bed being pithy and poor.

I asked Charlie about transplanting the garlic to a more suitable bed, given that these are in the Northeast bed (my melon/cukes bed: Plan). His suggestion was to leave them undisturbed. They should be maturing nicely once the melons take off, and shouldn't be competing for moisture.

My plans are to amend the soil slightly, adding a bit more organic matter, but hope that the drainage is beneficial for melons and cukes.

Earthrace in Kansas

2007-02-25T12:59:00.000-07:00

The Hutchinson News ran an article on Dad today.

This picture was taken last fall when he traveled to the West coast to train aboard Earthrace.

Help Earthrace!

2007-02-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

Seven ways you can save the planet and help Earthrace break the round the world speedboat record using Bio Diesel

1.Donate Air Miles-We need air miles to buy the plane tickets for the ground crew. Ground crew needs to follow and support Earthrace. If we don’t use the miles we will return them. Donate by going to the front page of Earthrace.net and clicking on the appropriate airline.

2.Help with Housing-We are in need of a place to stay in Acapulco, San Diego, the Marshal Islands, Palau and Singapore. Know anybody in these areas that can help with ideas? Send me an email at yachtwork@gmail.com

3.Unused Time Share Weeks-Pledge your unused Time Share weeks. We only need a week or two in each port on our racecourse. If you have unused Time Share weeks we can use them to support the ground crew and give the race crew a place to shower during the pit stops. If we don’t use them we’ll send them back.

4.Sell legs on Earthrace-We have select legs open. Want to participate in a world record setting extreme sport? Know anybody who does? The cost per leg is between 10k and 30K depending on the distance. Make Earthrace part of your vacation plans and join us for a leg while helping to save the planet.

5.Make a donation, or buy DVD’s, posters and hats--Small donations add up. No large sponsors have built Earthrace. It’s all been through small donations from people just like you. People that want to help save the planet and are willing to make a small contribution. Go to Earthrace.net to donate or to do some online shopping.

6.Help us find fuel-Call around to your bio diesel provider and ask for fuel for Earthrace. We still have legs that need fuel donated and the only way this will happen is for you to help with the cause. As many of you know our main fuel sponsor dropped out just before the race start leaving Earthrace in need of Bio Diesel.

7.Volunteer your time-Earthrace depends on volunteers stepping forward and helping in many different ways. Picking up crew from the airport, spending time on the Internet getting Earthrace publicity, help link us on more pages, showing up to support Earthrace during her race tour, calling local media to help arrange more coverage, calling your local Bio Diesel supplier and asking for donations of fuel, and any other ways you can think of to help us achieve this record breaking circumnavigation.

See Earthrace.net or email yachtwork@gmail, for more information!

that's my brother!

2007-02-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

The Hays Daily News ran a letter to the editor from our very own haiku poet.

Anderson Farms closing its gate

2007-02-16T07:21:00.000-07:00

Sad note to report: Local agritainment venue, Anderson Farms in Erie, Colorado will be shutting down after 10 years of grass roots family business.

Suzzette and I visited Anderson Farm during thier 2006 fall festival. We spent the better part of the afternoon tracing our way through their corn maze, enjoying fresh roasted almonds and kettle corn, exploring the pumpkin patch via restored Oliver tractors.

Their web site's message tells me they are joining the ranks of many farmers by auctioning off their possessions. Yet, they were successful, and an area favorite. Catering to group outings, birthday parties and field trips. According to the article, their 2006 annual draw at the gate pushed 100,000 people.

I guess home-spun business isn't for Erie. Perhaps we should embrace an Applebee's instead.

Composting for convicts: County jail turns food scraps into rich soil

2007-02-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

It's an article describing Boulder County's Jail and how they're composting their kitchen waste, then amend their own on-site gardens.

Read the article

Note: You'll need to register to read the whole article.

Photo Credit: Jack Watson

Wintered over spinach

2007-02-11T09:39:00.000-07:00

Last fall, I read a tip in Organic Magazine about planting a fall crop of spinach and wintering it over.

Well, the Northeast bed is now exposed and I'm happy to report, all is well. I did not mulch the spinach as directed, as I was not expecting the several feet of snow we have had since December.

This bed was the former owner's perennial bed. This year it will contain melons and peas. Its soil is the poorest of the 4 beds by far.

Haiku: Watermelon

2007-02-11T09:25:00.000-07:00

Here he is once again, farmer/rancher/gardener/big brother, with another haiku.

Artist blogger boy.

Lacking in cool blog-site stuff.

Sees pink and green light.

_C. Kraus

Dream in Green

2007-02-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

In the summer of 2006, i received a cutting of ivy from a relatives yard. This specimen comes from somewhere near Ripon, England, brought to Studley, Kansas by my homesteading ancestors who were English sheep ranchers
( Cottonwood Ranch ). It was then passed to Aurora, Colorado by way of Hays, Kansas.

I do not want it in my yard, but I think I have found a solution. With my junk resources, I probably will make this a bit more interesting, but it serves as inspiration.

Haiku: Beans

2007-01-30T18:14:00.000-07:00

Edemame beans.

Always yield a few green pods.

To those who grow them.

_C. Kraus

Recipe

Zone Changes

2007-01-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

The National Arbor Day foundation's site has a simple map of the US hardiness zones, and shows the shift from 1990 - 2006. Notice that my home state of Kansas is mostly zone 6 now.

National Arbor Day Foundation Hardiness Zone Changes

A few more seed sources

2007-01-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

A friendly reader informed me that i had neglected 3 of his favorite seed catalogs:

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Territorial Seed Company
Seeds of Italy

catalog season

2007-01-21T13:33:00.000-07:00

Well, with 2 feet of snow on the ground, I thought I'd spend some time looking at this year's line up of garden catalogs. So far, here's who has me on their mailing list (in no particular order):

Burpee
Kelly Nurseries
Johnny Seeds
Gardner's Supply Company
Dixondale Farms
Clyde Robin
Miller Nurseries
Wildseed Farms
Mantis Garden Tools
Gurney's
Stark Bro's
Burgess Seed & Plant Co.

Yard Hand

2007-01-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

Not entirely sure that Suz will let me construct one of these in the front yard, OR if the HOA would let me grow my lawn long enough... But this hand reminds me of something my classmates and I created in Hays in grade school.

In grade school, a bunch of my classmates and I decided to make an apple w/
a worm out of the dormant buffalo grass on the play ground. About 10 of us
used our hands to rake it up and just piled it in an outline form...it was
pretty cool until the bullies from the older grades ruined it.. The teachers
made them put it back...

_Thanks Jeremy for the link

Order Experience With Burpee

2007-01-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

After some trouble with my browser timing out, I decided rather than placing my order online, I wound up calling Burpee and placing it verbally.

I know this is the busy season for them, but customer service told me there was nothing they could do to see if my Internet order came through and that i should call back Monday to see if I've place 2 orders rather than 1.

Wish List: revised

2007-01-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

So, with a little consultation from my brother, I've rearranged, added and removed a few things from yesterday's post. I have a little wiggle room for impulse buys later in the spring and summer. I just hope i can find a good place for the sunflowers.

Here's the new wish list:
Potato
Kennebec
Red Pontiac

Watermelon
Fordhook Hybrid

Cucumber
Sweet Burpless Hybrid

Spinach
Baby’s Leaf Hybrid

Lettuce
Simpson Elite

Peas
Sugar Bon

Pepper
Jalapeno M
Anaheim Chili

Carrot
Nantes Half Long

Zucchini
Sweet Zuke Hybid

Tomato
Lemon Boy
Roma VF

Corn
Checkered Choice

Onion
Onion Sets Collection

Squash
Early Acorn Hybrid

Wish List 2007

2007-01-15T09:54:00.000-07:00

To start a new year, I'm starting a journal to track our garden's progress.

What better way to start than with my wish list and plan. The catalogs rolled into my mailbox as another snowstorm hit the Denver Metro area. It seems that I get antsier as we get more snow and cold.

Considering my bed rotation and reflective energy off of the west side of my house, I think i have a good plan. I wintered over some spinach. We'll see how it does once we get some of this white stuff melted off.

Below is my starting list of 'wants'.

Potato
Kennebec
Red Pontiac

Watermelon
Fordhook Hybrid

Cucumber
Sweet Burpless Hybrid

Spinach
Baby’s Leaf Hybrid

Lettuce
Simpson Elite

Peas
Sugar Bon

Pepper
Jalapeno M

Pepper
Anaheim Chili

Carrot
Nantes Half Long

Zucchini
Sweet Zuke Hybid

Tomato
Fourth of July
Roma VF
Yellow Pear

Corn
Checkered Choice

the 5k garden

changes

garden gnome

caterpillar's share

all in all, i built a wall

hens & chicks

pine goo

pergola additions

garden lurkers

butterfly

hummingbirds

garden bed update

pergola: coming together

pergola update

house of the rising sun

first tomatoes

horse radish

a pergola?

beating 'em at their own game

flower bed pest control

purslane must die

critters!

from flowers with help from bees

ah, hail!

bed update

are you really independant?

garden update

beds & baskets

our new tree

our new tree

Bed Update

iris

day on the farm

the season of sisters

lawn furniture

Watching it all grow

Rocky Mountain National Park

Christmas Cactus Bloom

slow soaker

1st planting for 2007

post-earthrace: return to kansas

earthrace: reaching maui

earthrace: a note from the boat 4

earthrace: a note from the boat 3

earthrace: a note from the boat 2

earthrace: a note from the boat 1

earthrace: easter sunrise like no other

earthrace: easter eve 2

Haiku: Pawnee Buttes Sand Cherry

earthrace: easter eve

square foot gardening

earthrace: good friday

earthrace: continued

earthrace: San Diego

earthrace: here I come

Earthrace Update: Tragedy at sea

Rainy Day Post: Garlic

Earthrace in Kansas

Help Earthrace!

that's my brother!

Anderson Farms closing its gate

Composting for convicts: County jail turns food scraps into rich soil

Wintered over spinach

Haiku: Watermelon

Dream in Green

Suggested Reading: The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals

Haiku: Beans

Zone Changes

A few more seed sources

catalog season

Yard Hand

Order Experience With Burpee

Wish List: revised

Wish List 2007