Although our winter was insanely cold, we didn't have a very hard freeze when it finally started to warm up here. Thus the bugs are out in force because they didn't get killed off by the cold wave. I've often read about using neem oil on plants to combat aphids,...
Meet our newest acquisition
Now that all the paperwork has finally been finished, I'd like to introduce you to our new orchard! Our name for it perhaps is a bit dramatic since it's only around 1000 sq. meters or a quarter of an acre. But it's only 10 minutes walk from our front door and has 19...
Decorating with your bush & shrub trimmings
Spring has sprung in Germany and the weather this week has simply been GLORIOUS! We've had highs in the 60's and 70's...and this weekend it's supposed to be up to 80F. Hard to imagine that spring is truly here after our -18C winter - but hopefully this lovely start to...
How you doin’, garden?
You might recall in my last garden update (20 days ago exactly) that we had finished tilling our raised beds, had the majority of the weeds out of them and were basically just waiting for the last frost to pass by or to get our tunnels built before we put anything in...
Still growing strong – 2009 Seedling Journal Vol. 3
This update is LONG overdue, but what can I say. The plants are doing really well. I separated and replanted some of the bigger plants today into bigger pots; White Runner beans, Rouge pumpkins and spaghetti squash. Next time we start those seeds will make sure to...
Those raised beds are fit to grow in
I've been a bit lethargic about posting the last few days. The words just weren't forming any sort of decent sentences is my brain. Everything seemed boring. It didn't help that I've been running around here like a maniac the past few days, trying to cram as much into...
I have to say it was a good day
I'm not sure where the sun disappeared to today. The forecast was calling for a nice spring day with temps in the low 60's (15°C.) It was about 50 and overcast instead, but at least there was no rain. We got the day started with a trip to Hagebau, the little home...
No more folds for a while – 2009 Seedling Journal Vol. 2
We planted more seeds yesterday. I folded about 30 pots in a couple hours. Does it seem excessive yet? We're wondering ourselves. But we actually have a lot more planting to do. Most of the seeds left will be planted directly in the ground, though, (carrots, more...
No greenhouse love for you
When we woke up this morning, we thought we had our weekend all planned out. Get up, feed Mack, walk the dog, down some Burger King (I know, the healthy choice, right?), drop off the dead computer at the PC repair place, and finally visit Hornbach to buy the twin wall...

Recycling a little junk mail – making origami newspaper pots
After posting new photos of the seedlings, some were asking about the newspaper pots I use. They are completely free (aside from the soil we buy to fill them with although one could use their own soil and compost) because I use papers that come to our house every week...


