Project Cold-frame

I do realize that this blog seems to be headed in the direction of some kind of amateur yard-work assignment, but I assure you that it will cover additional topics soon.  Finishing the garden projects is at the forefront of my to-do list because these things need to be completed in early spring.  It is sort of a project curb appeal too if you will...  Anyway, coming soon I will cover other topics such as: preserving an animal skull (death stinks - quite literally) and refinishing a piece of furniture (much easier than I anticipated) but both of these projects are not quite finished. So, without further adieu onto today's project the cold-frame.

I've mentioned that I live in Evergreen at about 7500 ft above sea level.  I also will now admit to having the blackest of black thumbs, but I have been planting seeds with my daughters for the last 3 seasons and I am starting to get an idea of what I can and cannot grow in a shorter growing season at a high altitude.  To begin I've learned that I cannot grow squash.  Tomatoes are impossible and lavender won't even sprout.  On the other hand rhubarb and chard grow really well up here as do spinach, radishes, carrots, cilantro, raspberries and lettuce.  This season we planted various lettuces, spinach, kale, chard, rhubarb, radish, green beans, basil, and a type of yellow strawberry (I'm not sure if it will grow yet). To work with the shorter season I focused on plants that do not need as much time to grow (mostly) and I purchased an inexpensive cold-frame to help extend my time a little.  Some of the seeds were planted in an area exposed to the elements because the cold-frame isn't large, but I did transplant my sprouted seedlings inside and they survived through frost and snow.  In hindsight, I wish that I would have purchased two frames.  In case you are wondering... I purchased all my seeds through Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co because the seeds are all non-GMO.  I've also found that these seeds actually sprout! I know it sounds silly, but I've planted sooooo many seeds to no avail in the past.  We planted a couple of weeks ago and things are looking beautiful!  The girls are really excited to see the seeds that they planted sprout into life.

To those of you wanting to start your own garden my best advice on this subject would be to read the instructions on your seed package and try different things.  We all have different obstacles in regard to our own locations for planting, but do not be discouraged.  If you live at a lower elevation your success will come much easier!  My first season only my carrots grew and I am becoming more able with each passing year.  Below are pictures from planting day.

Project Terrarium

Recently, I visited a floral shop (for lack of a better name) here in Evergreen.  I plan to make a special visit there soon to create some terrariums with air plants, but I'll make a separate post about that project as well as that store after my visit.  I can say that it was beautiful and I'm hoping to provide some good tips from the owner - who was awesome.  Anyway, I digress... After that visit I felt inspired and wanted to create a couple of my own terrariums in the mean time.  ***At this point I do have to note that I am on a budget and it would not be possible for me to create every terrarium at a shop or through ordering numerous pieces of glassware from West Elm and other retailers, although, I do want to mimic the look in my own home.  I made a trip to Home Depot and found some very inexpensive succulents as well as the other gardening supplies I would need.  At Target I found some glass jars with lids in the kitchen section for $13 and $8.  You could probably find even better deals on glassware from garage sales or may even have some pieces already in your collection.  Here is the list of all the items you will need:

• Plants - * read the labels carefully for water and sunlight needs
• Glassware or any planter you'd like to use
• Soil
• Activated charcoal 
• River rock or decorative stones (optional, but it does help with soil drainage)
• Moss - I am going to transplant some from my yard, so it isn't pictured in my project

Then, it is as simple as layering in the ingredients.  I let my daughters do most of the work.  They started by creating a layer of stone along the bottom.  Then we placed about 2 inches of activated charcoal on top of the stones.  After, we filled the remaining area with soil and transplanted the plants.  When you add the moss you want to cover the surface of the soil around the plants.  Water according to the needs of your plant selection and place in a sunny area of your home. 

*After creating my terrariums I have noticed an excessive amount of moisture in the soil and have opted to leave the lids off of my jars because the plants I chose do not need a lot of water.  

Voila! Inexpensive terrariums that look beautiful.

Project Compost

My kids go to a Montessori and the curriculum is chock full of Earth friendly works that make me feel guilty as a parent that I'm not incorporating more of this kind of agenda at home - it is their generation that they are working to preserve right?  I should probably work harder to leave something for them and my potential grandchildren...  Anyway, we started recycling a while ago, but one of the next steps my 5 year old wanted to take was to start a compost bin.  For months she has been telling me that we can compost tissues that she has blown her nose in and random bits of food she hasn't finished.  She has even gone far enough as to try to save these items for our future compost pile.  I decided that we were finally going to purchase or build one this spring.

After doing a little research I decided that it would be better to purchase a sealed unit because we are in the mountains and raccoons, mice, and chipmunks are an issue.  It is hard enough to keep mice out of the house without placing a welcome sign in the yard.  I settled on an inexpensive two compartment tumbler from Home Depot because it was in stock and it seemed as though none of them had great reviews.  My husband put it together over a beer and there were a LOT of screws.  It was ready to go we just needed to add our Brown (carbon rich) and Green (nitrogen rich) materials.  I read a few sites, but found this one to be the most informative.

It is all set up and we are using it daily.  I have to say that I do high recommend getting a smaller sealed container to keep under the kitchen sink so you don't have to make frequent trips outside.  The pictures below are from my cell phone - I promise to start using my actual camera soon!