Sidetracked Charley

The  2018 Polytunnel Gardening at 8000 plus feet altitude is never easy but living a good drive from organic food sources has made it essential. When I began this exploration only iceberg lettuce was available at the store nearest me. Over the years I can now get it in gourmet varieties in plastic boxes when seem to be subject to recall from time to time due to various ills trapped inside. And it is hugely expensive. Not that gardening is cheap. It was on the internet I first came across the concept of the poly tunnel developed by an agricultural school in Kentucky to extend growing seasons for large farms.  A friend in Utah built one and sent me info on one he adapted.  Soon there were YouTube videos touting small backyard versions. The first I built was small and just covered two 4 x 4 beds of greens. Success meant they grew. A few years ago I finally upped my commitment to 11 x 20. Other refinements were also made like going from 4 mil plastic to 6 mil, and cr...

Garden Progress May 9, 2015 I got the top on the high bows on the 8th of May. The cover had been on the low bows over the 4 x 4 raised high beds since the 12th April. Seeds for lettuce, spinach, carrots, snow peas, and beets as well as sets for onions and garlic were planted. May the 1st I planted starts for rainbow chard, butter crunch and Romaine lettuce. My goal this year was to not over plant. And to be ahead of last year. I almost did not do a garden last year. I had two cataract surgeries to sandwich the garden between. The surgery is quick and easy and very immediately satisfying but there are these restrictions which you dare not violate. Though a friend tells me in India those with restored sight walk back to their homes on the same day and pick up work in the fields the very next. In the United States no heavy lifting or inverted poses or exercise beyond walking for three weeks. Gardening is heavy work. Especially when I wanted to do a larger bow structure than I previ...