With all of the boxes and tables constructed it is now time to transform this area into a more manageable garden. As you can see in the picture, this area is a mess. The biggest problem is that the boxes are on the ground, and that requires a lot of bending and kneeling to maintain this area. Another major problem is, with the boxes being on the ground the slugs have a feast. All pests in our garden are eradicated mechanically. The slug problem is addressed every morning by going around and snipping them with a scissor. Raising these boxes off of the ground will solve both issues, bending and kneeling, and the slugs.
The boxes and tables were built several days ago.
https://steemit.com/gardening/@thebigsweed/transformation-of-a-garden-get-off-of-your-knees
With all of the boxes and tables transported to the back garden, it's time to get busy.
The first step is setting the tables perfectly level. Blue-stone has been placed under each leg so that the table doesn't sink into the ground.
With the 2nd table set, the existing boxes that were on the ground will be placed on this platform.
Filling the boxes with soil is a rather expensive proposition, but once they are filled the real work is over.
We purchased all organic raised bed soil, organic top soil, and some organic mulch from our mulch pile. The rototiller makes easy work of this job.
With the boxes filled, it is time to start working on the ground.
This garden was built around 15 years ago, and the tree stump with the round table top on it, is no longer in the plans, it will have to be removed. We also plan on redoing the rock walls that encompassed this area.
Even with the stump being rotten, it still provided me with some great exercise.
Rock walls removed, good workout
Rock walls rebuilt around this section.
Another stump bites the dust.
After leveling off the ground, we placed landscape cloth over the soil. No more weeds. 😁
Now the fun part, dressing up the ground with mulch.
If you've got the time, I'm going to add a little sidebar about the mulch. Being a wood worker, it is wonderful to have a sawmill 13 miles from our farm. This place is the best, and I feel like a kid in a candy shop every-time I go there.
The mulch comes from the remnants of the milling process.
They mill only softwoods, which means that all of the mulch comes from conifer trees, or pines.
This is a picture I snapped off on the way into Beardsley's Sawmill.
These logs represent just of a fraction of the rounds they have on location.
At $17.00 for two bucket loads, you can't go wrong. My truck is puking.
I think I should bring a load down to New Jersey with me every time I go.
Could probably sell for $100.00, that would pay for the gas.
Sorry, if you're still with me, back to the garden.
Incorporated an area for my lovely bride's cherished sunflowers.
Flower boxes in place
Completed project and ready to plant.
Boy that was a fun project.
Hope you enjoyed! thebigsweed
