Why our garden looks like graph paper & what I'm enjoying
Square foot gardening, slow mornings, farmers markets, reading, and more!
A few years ago Peter got very curious about “square foot gardening”. We’ve been implementing and adapting (going off recipe) with it for a few years now, but every once and a while I step back and think “wow our garden looks weird”.
This method has allowed us to grow more densely and efficiently, rotating through crops over the season and year to year. It also allows for very easy harvesting of frequently used items (herbs, greens, etc.) if you plan your squares properly. Oh and the actual mid-winter graph paper planning is pretty fun too!
This being our third year using the method (loosely), we’ve taken a different approach with one of the beds. We still used the density and general area planning of the squares, but broadened the “squares” out to quarters of the bed with a double row of beans down the middle, a squash on each side of the beans on the far end and flowers in the rest. After planting we took the string down as this won’t be a bed we replant squares of. It’s bound to be a chaotic and risky move, but what the hell.
What I’m enjoying these days:
Chaotic flower arrangements with herbs subtly thrown in.
Slow Saturday mornings: coffee, music, lists, reading the MOFGA newsletter, and treking to the farmer’s market. I was talking with our farmer Abby, of Apple Creek Farm, and she said that sales have been down 50% this year due to all the rainy weekend days (14 weekends in a row). She’s one of the few reasons I miss instgram…lots of amazing farm photos.
Reading: God of the Woods for book club, so far recommend! Perfect reading for this season.
Swim in cold water: this one never gets old for me, but sometimes it’s just more accessable than others. Lindsay and I had fun swimming in Elbow pond last weekend while at Proctor reunion, even when it was raining.
Herbs: there is nothing like fresh herbs from the garden thrown on/in/near every meal. I made up some Summer Butter (recipe here) last weekend and have been slathering it on anything and everything butter worthy. If you don’t have access to the Fruit & Flower vinegar used in the recipe some ACV would do the trick!
Enjoy these long days.
xxx,
Frances