It’s that time of year when I try to push the gardening limits with winter ending and spring starting. The greenhouse is getting final cleaning to prepare it for the real season that will begin soon. And hot houses and cold frames will appear in the backyard. Living in a zone 5 climate you learn to push your growing season.
photo credit: forestgladesiwander

As I was gathering up my materials for a Straw Bale Cold Frame I was also thinking of additional garden spaces for this summer. So I decided to try a method of using the Straw Bale Cold Frame to start my plants and then arrange it so that the cold frame would become a square Straw Bale Garden later in the season. I made sure my location for the cold frame was one where I would want a mini small space garden all season and began laying it out.

I placed four large straw bales in a square shape and put the bales in an area with a bit of a slant. This will catch the sun at a southwestern angle. I then placed cardboard inside on the ground to kill the grass. Next I put a large amount of rotted manure in the square and topped with more straw. Once again I put a smaller layer of manure and a layer of straw, Finally I topped with compost. My Straw Bale Cold Frame has a 2-foot filling and has space for the seedling to grow.

I watered the Straw Bale Cold Frame and put a 3-½ foot by 3-½ foot window on top of the bales. These windows were from an old trailer that was being torn down so I hauled them away for free. What I like about them is that they have a lever to open the windows. This will give me a way to supply fresh air to the cold frame and cool the air on a warmer day.

I will let this sit a few days them plant it with spring crops such as lettuce, cabbage, spinach and onions. Normally I would use black plastic and clear milk jugs in this cold frame to help heat the frame naturally, but the manure should supply the heat I need. This is almost a hot house set up. 
photo credit: faeryboots

My plan is to use the Straw Bale Cold Frame for the early spring season then when the regular planting season arrives  fill the straw bale square with more manure. I think this will make a perfect garden for melons or for gourds, both of which need plenty of fertilizer. I plant to add poles inside the straw bales for the plants to grow vertically on.

I also will  add flowers or vegetables to the straw bales by planting them directly into the bales. This will add more decoration to the yard and make more use of the space. Time will tell if I decide to plant flower or vegetables, but I think this will make a fun mini small space garden for my backyard.

Technorati Tags: small space garden, straw bale cold frame, straw bale gardening

Herb gardening will add a new look to gardening areas. But herbs seem to be misunderstood plants and are often overlooked. They are either grouped as a spice or as a weed. But herbs have many uses.
photo credit: net_efekt

They are beautiful plants that are hardy and easy to care for. They have crafting purposes, medicinal purposes, or culinary purposes. Their history goes back as far as records were kept and before. So when thinking about plants to add to your garden or flower beds include the herb.

What type of herb should you add to your garden? I personally think you should add a few of each variety. That would include culinary, herbal, crafting, annual and perennial. Each of these groupings are very general and your selection would be large. I would choose your favorites if you know herbs or go with the top three to five favorite varieties to begin with.

If you haven’t grown herbs before they are very easy to grow. Most herbs require less water than other plants and seem to grow in most soils. They also tend to have less insect problems, so herb gardening is a perfect choice for the beginning gardener.
photo credit: debaird™

Culinary herbs are an easy choice. What are your favorite herbs and seasonings? Oregano, Basil, Thyme and Sweet Marjoram are a few popular culinary herbs that many gardeners grow. You can try sesame or cinnamon but they are herbs that take a different climate and need more care to grow.

Medicinal herbs are plentiful but one that is beautiful and a wonderful addition to any garden is the perennial flower, Purple Coneflower. Many people grow St. Johns Wort, a delicate small flowered plant that grows into a small shrub. The list of medical herbs is long and which you choose depends on whether you are planting for the flower or for the medicinal herb properties. One word of caution if you are using the plants for medical reason, do a lot of research.

Crafting herbs also take in a large selection. It all depends on your crafting needs. Are you making soap, homemade paper, or natural dyes? So many of today’s popular crafts have an herb in the background. I must admit I grow more crafting dyes than any other herb. Lavender, rosemary, rosehips and roses, and horsehair are a few of my favorites.

You will also find a large selection of annual herbs and perennial herbs. I tend to mix the two and I grow them indoors and outdoors. They can be in the flower garden, vegetable gardens or herb garden

And one other area often overlooked with herbs are natural wild herbs. Plantain, Yarrow, Boneset, and Dandelion are a few of my favorites. Collecting wild herbs growing on my property is one of the most relaxing ways to spend a day.

Herb gardening is rewarding and a learning experience.  They are easy to grow both indoors, outdoors and in container gardens. Between their ease to grow and their many unique uses you will find that the herb is a must in any yard and garden area.

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Gardening should always be fun. Any gardening is work but if you plan your gardens well and use gardening shortcuts, you will have more time to enjoy your flowers and gardens.

This you tube shows how to plant containers and hanging baskets in a fun cheerful way. It reminds me that gardens and backyard are meant to be enjoyed. Sometimes when the weeds are fighting to overtake the gardens or all the vegetables are ready the same day we foget this.

Container gardening adds to gardens, backyards and patio areas. They are always a part of my yard and garden design.

Technorati Tags: container gardening