Thursday, January 21, 2010

For The Lazy Gardener



I don't think I've mentioned this, but I have a lazy streak in me. I usually say that in jest, however there is some truth in it. I'm always looking for an easier way to do things. I probably would have been good as a cost cutting analyst.

I dreamed this up last summer. I thought to myself, "why should I have to bend over to plant and harvest stuff. So, I made this as an experiment. At first just started my watermelons and squash in it then transplanted them to the garden. Next I planted green beans in half then turnips in the other. They did good. I used a potting soil mix instead of dirt to cut down on the weight.

I think this spring I'll build a plexiglass cover and start a bunch of seedlings in it. I believe this would be just the ticket for the elderly or people with back issues who still wanted to garden but lacked the mobility to do so otherwise.

I took the top picture yesterday. X.

9 comments:

  1. What a wonderful idea. I used to have a yard where whatever you planted or whatever seeds you dropped, magically grew into the biggest, most beautiful fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Then, the house was sold and we moved here where I have been since 1997. I have an enormous back yard and planted the first couple years, but little white bugs took over and destroyed everything include the houseplants I had on my back porch. It was absolutely heartbreaking. Add to that, my back will take that bending and pulling for weeding anymore...so...no more garden.
    Mary

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  2. This thing is 4ft. X 8ft. We got a ton of green beans off of the 4X4 section that I planted in beans. Easy to manage and harvest. X.

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  3. Sounds like an idea. When I had my garden, we used to have fresh juices everyday. Never felt better. But here in New York everything is just so expensive...too expensive to buy all those veggies for the drinks.
    Mary

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  4. you know that is not a bad idea at all... sort of a mini green house.. I like it.. and even though the bending and squatting I am sure would do me good... I am like you and like the idea of the table... My sister once grew her garden in hay bales... I laughed at her at first until I saw what she produced that summer....

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  5. This is very neat! If I ever move to a place where I have outside-room but can't plant a garden, I will definitely be constructing one of these! Is that just a 2x6 around the outside? Also, what's on the bottom? Surely wood would just rot out?

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  6. It's all treated wood. The bottom is 3/4" plywood (treated). The sides are 2X8's although I think 1X8's would probably have worked. I just have a tendency of making things heavy duty. Everything is attached with screws and wood glue. Treated wood today is safe to use. A few years back they used some chemicals that were not that healthy. I also drilled holes in the bottom so it would drain ok. X.

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  7. This is almost as good as the chicken tractor that you made. Mom has a friend that loves to garden, but had issues last year. This maybe the ticket for her. Thanks so much for sharing!

    (((HUGS)))

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  8. That is awesome! That is also a very real solution to moles! (They're a huge problem around here.)

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  9. sounds like a great idea! Wow....why didn't I think of it?!!!!

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