Gardening: Some Trial and Error Using Earth Boxes and Other Containers

I spent a lot of time “preparing” to garden, but doing nothing to start because I was so afraid of failure.  Then, someone told me that much of gardening is trial and error.  Honestly, it freed me up as perfectionist to not get upset or discouraged when things don’t work too well.   Here are a few of the trials and errors I have been working through.  

I started my morning today with a little gardening.  I added some tomato plants I bought (1.77 for 4) since my tomato seedlings did not take (still working on getting the seedling thing down).  I put 2 in an Earth Box ($40) which is a “fool” proof system.  What appealed to me is that everything is included in the package except the dirt. It was easy to put together (There are videos on their site.).  The site provides guidelines for planting which I appreciated a lot since I am a novice.  Another aspect I like is the watering system—you can never over or under water!  You simply add water in the tube at the top which becomes part of a reserve under the plant.  When it is full, it begins to overflow at the bottom.  This system allows for you to “forget” to water if you are super busy or to go away a few days without worrying about your plants.  Check out the Earth Box website if you are interested in learning more about this system.  It is ideal for container or patio gardeners. 

I also re-potted 2 tomato plants in some inexpensive containers I found at Wal-mart (under $5 each).   I did it in part to save money (a lot cheaper than an Earth Box) and to test if there is any difference in the plants between the two systems.   These containers also have a water reserve at the bottom.  

In addition, I separated the 2 inexpensive containers into 2 locations to test out which place (if any) seems to do better (front or back of house).  Wal-mart also had some bamboo in the garden area for under $3 which I bought to make a tomato support system later on.    

I am having some trial and error with where to put my plants.  I wanted to put them on my deck, but it is in need of repairs (hopefully they will get done this summer).  I put them on my back patio, but they were clearly not getting enough sun.  I moved them (luckily the Earth Boxes have an option to add wheels) right off the patio and into the grassy area.   I also made the error I using the white side of the plant cover.  Since normally we have such hot summers (it has been unseasonably cool) and it seems like my flowers at the back of the house get scorched, I thought white (reflecting rather than absorbing) would be better.  Today, I use my extra covers and re-covered them using the black side. 

I re-potted the 2 additional cilantro plants I had.  I put those in the garden area because I have heard that deer do not like the smell, which keeps them away from the other plants.  I also have lavender and marigolds in the garden area.  They deter garden pests of all kinds. 

So far, I am enjoying gardening immensely, even with all the trials and errors.   It is a great outlet for me in the summer months when I am not working.   

Benefits of Growing Aloe Vera

I grabbed an aloe plant at my local nursery this week.  Growing up in Florida, we often had aloe plants.  For a fair skinned gal like me, they came in handy.  I remember one house we lived in there was a live plant growing in a partial wall dividing the dining room and living room areas.  Most of the time there was a plant growing outside of the house though.  We used it whenever someone had a sun burn. Now that I live in a cooler climate and rarely go outside without sun screen, I forgot about aloe until one of my children got sunburned a couple years ago. I remember spending a pretty penny on some pure aloe at the drug store for him. 

As a prepper, I felt adding an aloe plant to my supplies would be beneficial.  Before re-potting it in a cute little terracotta container, I spent some time reading about it.  The Garden Helper has a concise but helpful overview.  Then, I found this amazing blog called We Love Aloe.   It has information, recipes, and news exclusively about this powerful plant.

 

I learned that aloe is not only helpful for sun and other burns, but it has many other health benefits.  Aloe can be used for cuts and rashes (including poison ivy).  Also, many people use it as part of their beauty routine.  For instance, We Love Aloe gives instructions on how to create a mask to fight acne and how to use it to improve your hair’s condition. When ingested, aloe builds up immunity to viruses (like flu) and cleanses the digestive system.   For much, much more, take some time to peruse their website. 

The “Reading Aloe Leaves” section is especially beneficial.  It reveals when a gardener needs to adjust watering or sun exposure as well as when to prune the plant. Fortunately, aloe is easy to care for.  In the winter, for instance, you may only need to water once every week or two.  

Along with the aloe, I re-potted some cilantro I found at the nursery. (I tried growing from seeds, but so far no luck!) The plants are looking a bit droopy, but I hope being in a new home will bring them back to life!  I put a little arrangement together, including an adorable watering jug, on my deck. 

Planting Potatoes in Burlap Sacks

I was hoping to be able to use my solar oven today. Instead, I spent time with some good friends (one is visiting from out of town).  I did not waver from my goal of doing something self-sufficient each day this summer though.

I am gardening for the first time, primarily with containers.  The downside is the initial expense of the containers.  Fortunately, I found an inexpensive way to plant potatoes--thanks to the Internet.  

I purchased burlap sacks at a local nursery for only $1.00 each.  The only difficulty with this task was getting a sweet little black & white cat to move off her sleeping perch on top of them. Also, be sure to give the sack a once over look. Some of the sacks I came across had large rips on one side.

My nursery also had potatoes buds.  I bought 2 different kinds for $1.75 total.  I have enough to plant 4 sacks. 

The only other expense is something to plant them with.  I used a bag of Miracle Grow for vegetable gardens (cost about $7.00).  On Youtube, I saw videos where people used compost (free if you make your own), straw, and even shredded paper.  For now, I am sticking to the Miracle Grow.  

I planted 2 sacks in the cool of the evening.  It was super quick and easy.  Anyone with a porch, deck, or balcony can use this method.   All you do is fold the sack down til it is about a 10 inches high.  I filled in the bottom 4-5 inches with soil.  I placed the potatoes in and added a few more inches of dirt.  Finally, I watered.  

According to the videos and information I reviewed, I will need to roll the bag up and add dirt periodically as the plants grow.  Eventually, the whole bag should be full of potatoes!  

One of my fellow prepper friends convinced me that potatoes are the way to go.  In a long term crisis, the ability to grow your own potatoes would be essential.  First, growing potatoes in sacks like these take up little space and can be stored just about anywhere.   Second, you can keep the process going easily by setting a few potatoes aside after each harvest to re-plant.  Third, potatoes are an excellent staple that can be used as a whole nutritious meal or as a compliment to other foods.  

Still need convincing you should grow potatoes as part of your own self-reliance plan?  Check out this website on the health benefits and nutritional value.