Distributed Gardening, Phase 1 Complete

Last weekend, my boyfriend James and I went collected a pair of hardworking men from the casual labor corner in Berkeley to dig his garden on Saturday and then mine on Sunday. James' garden is going to be about 10' x 12' and mine is about 14' x 12' or so -- it's just a couple feet bigger in either direction from last year.

The tomato seedlings (I swear, I will get some pictures up!) have now spent two nights outdoors! I have the seed start tray in the house still, with a full-spectrum lightbulb over the basil and pepper sprouts. Amazingly, the Wonderlights are starting to germinate so I even have a pair of them!

I may have to come up with a better irrigation system -- that means plunking down more money on garden gadgetry (likely made of plastic) in order to conserve water.

Gardens will be planted with:

Tomatoes (35 plants in my garden, probably 12-15 in James')
Peppers (jalapeno, cayenne, ancho)
Basil (purple ruffled, genova, boxwood)
Cilantro
Broccolini
Japanese cucumber
Arugula
Peas
Green Beans (french, purple bush)
Chard
Mini watermelons (you never know!)
Corn (in James' garden only)

Existing plants in my garden include:

• Arugula
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Strawberries
• Mint

The strawberries & mint are fighting for control of the garden and I have a lot more strawberry plants than I put in last year -- they are putting out beautifully. The berries are sweet and small and I have to fight Dobson -- the only kitty who helps himself to strawberries and sugar snap peas right off the plant.

Existing plants in pots include:

• Rosemary (two varieties)
• Sage
• Chives
• Strawberry (this guy has lived in this pot for 3 years - it's George's strawberry, left by his parents when they left him with me)

Total costs for garden to date:

• Tomato seeds: $60
• Other seeds: $25
• Seed starter tray: $10
• Tray tags: $6
• Fiber pots: $45ish (have to check receipts)
• Soil: $15
• Labor for my garden cost $90 ($60 for James garden)

Total: $165 paid by me, $150 paid by James (though I plan to pay him the $90 for labor in my garden)


Phase 2:

• Next steps will be to buy manure and sand to mix in with our very clayey soil.
  
• Plant the seedlings this weekend.

I may have to come up with a better irrigation system -- that means plunking down more money on garden gadgetry (likely made of plastic) in order to conserve water.