As a control, I also planted out a simple single-layer bed of taters, to compare the yields come harvest time. So let’s start there:


This is the raised bed at the end of the growing season, a few months back. Through early autumn I let the foliage naturally die down and turn brown, and then about a month ago Waits and I spent a chilly morning digging up potatoes. He is such a great little garden helper!

The average results from one plant – not bad! (don’t mind the baby artichoke on the left)

And the final haul, a very full colander of incredible, buttery delicious taters.

So yeah, I was pretty impressed with the way the raised beds went. The spuds were all pretty small, but I credit our strange summer weather – the same weather that stunted all my tomatoes, grrr – with that one. As far as quantity, I was happy. But of course, the real question still remained. How would they stack up (oh, ha!) against the towers???

That’s the tater tower at the end of the growing season, and again I waited until the greens had dried up and died down. I actually waited quite a while . . . all the way up until yesterday morning! That’s okay though, because it’s been dry here and potatoes won’t rot in the ground unless it’s really rainy. It hasn’t been rainy, but boy has it been coooold! Waits and I bundled up and got to work:

First layer, nada.

Beautiful winter birdies! They came out to investigate while I worked . . .

And Waits went exploring inside the henhouse . . .

I finally hit pay-dirt in the third box down/second from the bottom (*sigh* all too familiar).

. . . while Waits tried to make friends.

All in all, the three potato plants resulted in – collectively – a measly quarter-colander of spuds. Sad trombone! They were a bit bigger on average than the other bunch, but still on the small side:




BUT, at least now I know, and as far as I’m concerned it’s official. From now on I’ll be growing potatoes the old fashioned way – right in the ground!

What a strange year it’s been in the pacific northwest! A late-start summer that never fully matured, cool weather, early rains and bursts of heat made for a confusing fall and a totally befuddled garden! Since my last update I’ve torn out most of the flowers, harvested most of the veggies, and planted an entirely new crop of greens. Here’s a few of the final snaps, before we button down for the winter:

The tomatoes have been totally bewildered, but they finally started to trickle in around early fall. Waits eats them right off the vine as soon as they’re ready, so they rarely make their way to the kitchen. A wonderful trade as far as I’m concerned!

Second round of spinach.

Baby kales.

Baby romaines.

Last of the mini zinnias.

The cosmos are gorgeous . . . and totally out of control!

Oh beautiful, bountiful beets!

Last week I gathered the first real crop of cherry tomatoes – a whole basketfull! – and brought them inside for a special treat. Tomatoes in late October? Well twist my arm! What a perfect, simple supper:

I made raw blueberry cupcakes with cinnamon crumble:

There was raw cashew cheese with raw crackers:

Kids cake made with date sugar (vegan, gluten-free):

And raw raspberry cacao cake (amazing!):

Hope your Saturday was delightful!

This project appealed to me on many levels. Of course, I just love to garden, period. But I also work with a pretty small space, so I get excited by new ways of maximizing surface area. Up not out! Most of all, I really appreciated being able to up-cycle old “trash” into a new, useful purpose.

But there was just this one thing. See, tires are made with funky metals. And creepy chemicals. And even though I scoured the internet and couldn’t find anything that would definitively deem this idea as unsafe, well . . . I couldn’t help but be at least a bit concerned.

Still, I went for it. And those were seriously, SERIOUSLY, the most delicious potatoes I ever ate. And I was pregnant, and Waits is perfect, so, you know, tires are probably fine.


This year I was ready to get my tater on once again. And I wanted to try something different this time. So . . .



We used old some scrap wood instead. Damian built all of the necessary frames in under an hour. Really, it was that easy. He had this plan involving drill holes and dowels and interlocking boxes, but see, we have this toddler. And so we went with expediency. Expediency works good, apparently.


Back in early spring we found these taters at the FarMar that Damian was really lovin’ on – some sort of heirloom German variety. So I cut them in half and planted them. Again, so easy! I started with two frames (pictured above) and this time, I was careful to add the dirt very gently, not packing it down at all. I wanted a lot of air in there (you can read the “what worked and what didn’t” from the first potato tire project in this recap). I interspersed layers of compost for maximum plant (and people!) health.

As a control, I also planted a bunch of taters in another raised bed, one that wouldn’t have stacks added to it. This is the bed I asked Damian to build me when I got obsessed with azaleas back around May. It was supposed to feature artichokes and azaleas, but it’s been completely overrun by potatoes!



It will be interesting to see how the yields differ, come harvest. I’ve continued to add frames onto the tower, and now I’m at four which is where I’ll stop.

Theoretically, there should be taters developing all the way up the tower, and the tower plants should produce three times as many taters as the single-level plants. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see!




Anyone want to make any bets? Do you think the tower taters will make more, or do you think they’ll be about the same?

Now, if only I could get Petunia to quit taking dirt baths and laying eggs in my tower!

But I’m a shiny-side sort of gal, so I’m choosing to see the positive and notice that the season for greens has been extended this year. And you all know how I love me some greens!

Anyway, on to the garden:




Two months ago the northwest bed looked like this, which I described at the time as “blowing up”. Ha! Clearly, it has truly been blown. The borage has reached mammoth heights and provides great shade for the three varieties of kale, which are nestled in the center. I enjoyed that kale all through early summer, and just used up the last of it in a super exciting project, to be posted soon. Borage is a common companion plant and works especially well with brassicas. The little purple flowers are so lovely! If I had been able to find some extra time, I would have been picking them to use in my kitchen. Borage flowers act as both a culinary and a medicinal herb.



Also in the northwest box are calendula flowers, dill, and some mighty snow peas. The snow peas were wonderful just like they are every year, and we made many a stir fry (and many raw meals as well). They’ve pretty much died back by now; I need to get in there and harvest the seeds and clear out the dead brush.




The northeast box is a solid wall of aster tops – cosmos to be exact. You may remember that two months ago, it looked a little barren. Well no more! Still, there’s no sign of blooms which is pretty funny. At least I’m fond of green.

But there’s actually a lot going on under there:



Pumpkin! You may remember how much fun I had with my homegrown pumpkin last year, so I’m super excited for this.



Pumpkin on the run, haha. Okay, moving right along!




The southeast bed is thriving. Two months back this bed was all about the perimeter of spinach. Now that spinach has bolted and I let it go completely to seed. I’d just laid it down to compost right back into the soil, before this picture was taken. I’m wondering if I mightn’t get a fall round of spinach with those seeds!



The zinnias are amazingly, amazingly beautiful. In early spring I simply tossed out a bunch of zinnia seeds and a bunch of basil seeds, but none of the basil took. That’s okay. The zinnias are lovely and they make good companions for my tomatoes. Alas, my poor tomatoes . . .




It’s another rough year for my little red treasures. These late-start summers just suck the momentum right out of them. Poor babies!

But it’s not over yet and I’m not giving up. Tomorrow, we fertilize!




And finally, the southeast bed continues to provide its bounty. It was already doing great in this picture from two months ago, and it’s continued to thrive with an abundance of swiss chard, beet greens, bok choy, and snow peas. I need to harvest the dill, and the walla wallas and beets will be ready in the next few months. Aren’t the calendulas purty? They’re edible, too!





And that about wraps it up for the Bonzai Garden. What about you my friends? How are you growing this year? Is this heat hindering your grand plans, or are you keeping things under control? Do tell!

But be on the lookout for guard chickens. Squawk!

This month we’ve made it our mission to finally find alternatives for some of the less conspicuous, but nevertheless wasteful, objects in our lives. For example, this whole idea was inspired by my desire to replace my paper coffee filters with something I could reuse. And just last week, I picked up a seriously awesome hemp filter that I’m loving! Other people suggested I switch to a French press or cold brew system, both great options.

There are a million ways that you can tweak your life to lessen your imprint on this Earth. The great thing about “going green” is that it’s a journey, not a destination, and we’re all walking on this path together. Each of us makes our little changes, at our own pace and as our life allows. And working together, keeping each other motivated, all those little alterations add up to an enormous impact!

Here are some other ideas:


Plastic Sandwich Bags
Make your own!
or
Buy pre-made to support a crafter


Plastic Tupperware
Dudes, it’s all about the repurposed glass jars.
or
Fancy glass! (this company uses recycled glass and manufactures in America, w00t!)


Kitchen Sponges
Make your own!
or
Grow your own? (!)


Plastic Water Bottles
I say, just re-use a glass mason jar. Easy and CHEAP!
But,
Maybe you like something fancy? There’s a million billion options out there in glass, steel, and more. I couldn’t possibly list them all. However, I love glass and these are adorable!!!


“Java Jackets” For Hot Drinks
Make your own!


Menstrual Pads
Make your own!
or
Buy pre-made to support a crafter


Tampons
Switch to Diva (or other menstrual cup)


Paper Towels As Napkins
Make your own!
or
Buy pre-made to support a crafter


Paper Towels As Cleaning Rags
Dudes, just cut up an old bath towel!
or
Buy pre-made to support a crafter


Plastic Take-Out Utensils
Replace with reusable


Take-Out Chopsticks
Replace with reusable


Take-Out Food Containers
Bring your own from home. Like these! Just tell the restaurant ahead of time, when you place your order. If this sounds crazy, just think about how far we’ve come with cloth grocery bags. Be a pioneer!


Plastic Straws
Replace with reusable


Wrapping Paper
Use newspaper, brown paper bags (you can draw or write on it for decoration), pieces of fabric, or a cloth bag.


Toilet Paper
Make your own cloth reusables! Sound crazy? I know, I know. Read this on how to get set up.


Single-Portion Foods
Stop buying those big bags full of tiny bags of chips or trail mix or whatever. Buy in bulk and pack it up yourself in reusable containers. Stop buying the individual yogurts or the single-serving soy milks. Buy the biggest container (or make your own!) and portion it out at home. Make your own trail mix. Make your own granola. Make your own Larabars. Buy loose leaf tea. You get the picture!

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Clearly, this is by no means a comprehensive list, but it’s a great jumping off point. Got something to add? Leave it in the comments!

Also, check out ReUseIt.com. Oh my god I want, like, everything there. Hippy heaven!

I do most of my produce shopping at the Farmer’s Market, and secondarily at the local market or co-op. But the truth is, I live 5 blocks from a Trader Joe’s, and sometimes it’s just super convenient to pop over there for an emergency onion or whatever.

In this way, over time I’ve amassed a collection of those coarse plastic produce bags, the ones that usually house garlic and such. You know the type? These ones:



And I have been saving them, oh yes, because I saw in my little mind’s eye the perfect way to put that plastic back into action. So easy. So simple. So effective! The wiry plastic and diamond pattern lends itself so well to the project, it’s almost like it was meant to be. Meant to be: a Scrubbie.




1) Collect a number of plastic produce bags.

2) Stuff all of them into one of them. The Trader Joe’s organic garlic comes in a little yellow bag that’s just about the size of a sponge, and I had a whole bunch of those. So I stuffed one of them full, and then used the others to make a couple of “layers” of exterior. Not necessary, but I think it helps keep everything together.

3) Sew up the seem. I used dental floss! I didn’t even use a needle, though it would have been a lot faster if I had.

4) Fin.

See how easy??!



Enjoy!

I’ve yet to post any real pictures from the micro-farm this year, what with all the other goings-on around here. But this past weekend I finally transplanted the last of my indoor starts, so I thought I’d snap a few photos to share. We’re still in the process of tidying up after the big remodel, so you’ll have to forgive my messy black plastic. Eek! My manners . . . Many apologies.

This year I’ve planted four beds, each a mix of veggies and flowers that act as garden companions in a mutually beneficial symbiosis. We’ve got:



The bed at the northwest edge is totally blowing up! Ain’t it beautiful? Though I really need to thin out that kale . . . The bed includes snap peas, lacinto/dino kale, red russian curly kale, 6 butternut squashes, dill, calendula, and borage. I’ll late-start some broccoli for fall as well.



The northeast bed is less impressive – for now. There are 9 mounds and each contains a vining veggie – 4 pumpkins, 3 acorn squash, and 2 watermelons! Each mound is encircles by a ring of cosmos. There’s also chamomile planted between the mounds, though I’m afraid it’s not going to take. On the far side along the fence are a few pickling cucumbers.



The southeast bed is my baby. My tomatoes! This year I’m growing beefsteaks, a white dwarf variety, and a big red heirloom. Interspersed are buds of basil and zinnias. The perimeter is spinach, save for the far side along the fence, which houses slicing cucumbers.



The southwest bed is doing very well too. There’s a lot going on in here: snap peas, 3 varieties of beets, 2 types of swiss chard, walla walla onions, bok choy, dill, and calendula. There will be mid-season additions of fall cabbage and possibly cauliflower.

A tiny tomato just transplanted – cross your fingers for it’s survival!

I planted the bok choys late and they’re just beginning to fill out, flanked by a thin line of walla walla sweet onions.

Calendula and dill are both powerful players for attracting beneficial insects.

And this is what I do every single morning – strap Waits to my back and go “thin out” the seedlings. Can you guess why . . . ?

I love spring time!

What about you my dears? I know some of you have some pretty impressive plots that put my mini food meadow to shame, and I know some of you are taking your very first stab at the world of “growing your own”, and I know a bunch of you are somewhere in between! So tell me friends: How are your garden’s growing?

Watering
This year I planted all my many sprouts inside of homemade newspaper seed pots. I adore this little DIY project because it upcycles old newspaper and it means I don’t have to buy any additional paraphernalia. However, there is one downside to my beloved paper planters: the leakage.

I discovered this during my first year using them. Every time I watered, I’d end up with a sloppy mess spilling out the bottoms. My answer back then was to line up my seedlings on baking trays, but I knew this wasn’t a permanent solution.

Why is there a spice jar amidst the sprouts?

Please meet my new watering can! I know it sounds strange, but bear with me here. It’s actually a perfect hack.

The problem with normal watering is that it’s too hard to control the stream. You end up with a gush of water in one location, that quickly soaks through and out the bottom. But with a spice jar fitted with its little hole-y lid, the water flow is slowed to a sprinkle – just like a miniature watering can!



It’s the perfect upcycled compliment to the perfect upcycled seed pot. Free solutions are the best solutions, don’t you think? I’ve been using this method with my potting table in my living room, and haven’t had a single drop overflow onto the floor yet!

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I may have been overzealous with my seed sowing . . .

Thinning
As my seedlings grow I’m filled with a mixture of pride and sadness. I’m so proud of their achievements (drink up that water little root nest! lean towards that light little leaflets! grow little guys grow!), but I’m dreading the inevitable. The thinning out, wherein I am forced to kill the vast majority of them. Shakespeare himself never conceived of such tragedy.

One is the loneliest number. Grow big so you can play with your pals in the planter!

But it’s all part of the process, and so I do my duty as the harbinger of death. I always look for the largest sprout that’s closest to the center of the pot. This gives the little guy the best chance of survival. Thinning is always a risk – if you select the wrong sprout and it dies, then you’re just out of luck. So choose wisely!

My hand, she is a bloody battlefield.

I’ve mostly been thinning tomatoes and squashes, which unfortunately go straight to the compost. But remember, many varieties can (and should!) be eaten. Sunflowers, spinach, beets, lettuces and other tender greens, and all the brassicas like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbages, kale and other dark greens – these are all contenders for a little spin in the blender. They make a mean green smoothie!

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These little dudes have doubled in size since I took this picture. Time to head out!

Moving
Spring is buzzing along and some of my babies are already big enough to transition outside. This is just a friendly reminder not to shock your seedlings with a sudden move. You’ll need to harden off to slowly to accustom them to the great outdoors.

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Another friendly reminder: keep a close watch out for seedling thieves!