I've been gardening off and on over the past 4 years or so. The garden space is about 20 x 40 of direct sun and there are locations around the property for sticking in a plant or two.
This location is in Albany, Oregon (zone 8). Currently in the garden is around 8 clumps of asparagus spears going on their 4th year. 2 small blueberry shrubs (about a foot tall) produced nearly 2 cups of berries last summer and along side of those in planters is 1 miniature Lemon, 1 Lime and 1 Orange trees. I purchased them early last summer and will experiment leaving them out all winter as the nursery said they know of one individual who has done that with success. If they don't survive I will try a different tact next year. There is 3-4 strawberry plants left from a chicken attack (got rid of them). They did not do so well last summer, only a couple small berries. Should be totally recovered by spring.
This winter I began a project of attempting to grow vegetables year round with the help of my inclosed back porch. I'm heating the room maintaining around 65º F. I started seeds around the 1st of November. Of the 24 seeds planted only 5 made it. Must be that the seeds are old.
I have 1 very healthy and 1 coming along Brandywine Red Tomatoes. 2 Common Chives made it and 1 Roma Tomato. I'm a little anxious now because the plants won't fit inside the growing box for much longer and I will have to set up a different lighting system to keep them happy. I am considering doing a DIY upside down growing planter for the tomatoes - any suggestions about that would be appreciated. If that works it would mean much less space taken up and a lot easier care.
In my "new" back porch greenhouse I will be raising red wigglers in plastic tubs. Got 2000 coming next week. These critters will provide "worm tea" and "vermicompost" for my future gardening endeavors.
Erm, this is probably a long enough introduction and "Thanks Veggie Gardener" for being here.
Thank You
Emmett
This location is in Albany, Oregon (zone 8). Currently in the garden is around 8 clumps of asparagus spears going on their 4th year. 2 small blueberry shrubs (about a foot tall) produced nearly 2 cups of berries last summer and along side of those in planters is 1 miniature Lemon, 1 Lime and 1 Orange trees. I purchased them early last summer and will experiment leaving them out all winter as the nursery said they know of one individual who has done that with success. If they don't survive I will try a different tact next year. There is 3-4 strawberry plants left from a chicken attack (got rid of them). They did not do so well last summer, only a couple small berries. Should be totally recovered by spring.
This winter I began a project of attempting to grow vegetables year round with the help of my inclosed back porch. I'm heating the room maintaining around 65º F. I started seeds around the 1st of November. Of the 24 seeds planted only 5 made it. Must be that the seeds are old.
I have 1 very healthy and 1 coming along Brandywine Red Tomatoes. 2 Common Chives made it and 1 Roma Tomato. I'm a little anxious now because the plants won't fit inside the growing box for much longer and I will have to set up a different lighting system to keep them happy. I am considering doing a DIY upside down growing planter for the tomatoes - any suggestions about that would be appreciated. If that works it would mean much less space taken up and a lot easier care.
In my "new" back porch greenhouse I will be raising red wigglers in plastic tubs. Got 2000 coming next week. These critters will provide "worm tea" and "vermicompost" for my future gardening endeavors.
Erm, this is probably a long enough introduction and "Thanks Veggie Gardener" for being here.
Thank You
Emmett
I did find that deer really like beet tops this year. I do raised lasagna beds for the most part, hate to have to till any thing and haven't yet in my veggie garden. I go with getting good bugs from 
