I wish I could have started a garden this year..

[lildreamer316]

but we've been so strapped I couldn't even afford the basic materials (I'd need to do a raised bed setup in the backyard). I hope we can do it next year.
How's everyone else's doing, if you have one?

[ccharles000]

1. my mom has one it is doing ok.

I had one little flower it died. :(

[hibbing]

2. container gardening

Hi,
Do you have a cat? Do you know anyone that has cat(s)? I have been making containers out of those gigantic plastic litter containers for a few years now. I planted some cucumbers in a couple this year and am amazed at the huge cucumbers I am getting from a container plant and even more amazed by the taste difference between store bought and home grown. I did not think it would be so much better. Free container and a 3$ bag of soil tossed in to fill a couple. I am doing cucumbers and tomatoes in the things and lettuce in some old flower boxes. Something for you to think about, if you have any questions, feel free to pm me.

Peace

[noamnety]

3. I put mine together almost entirely for free

I had a garden going, but I doubled its size nearly free this year. Someone on craigslist had a cedar fence to get rid of, damaged in a storm.

I pulled all the boards apart with a crowbar, and sawed them into 4 foot lengths. (Ignore the nice saw there, my BIL works for Bosch so we get deals, but you can also get free circular saws off craigslist and they would work fine)



I got free topsoil off craigslist from people who got too much delivered. And all my plants are from seeds, except lovage and dill - which, you guessed it, someone was giving away free on craigslist.



When I thinned out my plants (tomatillos, herbs) I in turn gave them away free on craigslist and when I have too much produce I'll be posting that up as well.

[lildreamer316]

5. Ohh! I like!

Duh, why didn't I think of craigslist (hits head against wall).
Great inspiration, thanks!

Look what I found already!!http://greensboro.craigslist.org/zip/1279185847.html

[noamnety]

6. That's encouraging!

I liked the fencing because it was cedar, which has magic weather resistant properties so it doesn't decay like normal shelving might - but I'd use free stuff before paying for cedar at a store. If you use something like that, be prepared to replace it every few years if need be.

[handmade34]

4. I understand

I want a garden too! I have to work on the road and my sister lives in my house. I sent her lots and lots of seeds and stuff, but she's not as into it as she should be. (I bought her 50 chickens and she sold most of them-ugh) I so miss having a garden and fresh vegetables.

spelling

[HopeHoops]

7. A raised bed isn't very expensive.

You don't need fancy wood. I made a 16x4x1 bed for herbs this year. I used regular pine board and 2x2s with 2x4s as cross supports to frame it into 4 4x4 boxes (no divider, just the cross support). Then I put inexpensive metal corner brackets around the corners and flat brackets where the 8' boards came together. It is screaming strong. Packaged soil is VERY expensive in terms of unit price. I had screened top soil delivered at a very reasonable cost and mixed a few bags of humus into the top layer.

You could build a 4x4 box to get started. Two 8' boards and a couple of 2x2s would do it. You would be amazed at how much you can grow in a 4x4' space.