One Third of an Acre

Our house rests on a third acre.  Aside from asphalt and buildings, the better part of that acreage is cultivated with gardens. Each year I find myself replacing grass with new beds and, consequently, I've reduced the time it takes to mow the lawn by more than half, to less than 45 minutes. That's not to say that I don't enjoy a well-manicured lawn. It's just that I now admire it on someone else's property, without regret.

Making the best use of a sloped back yard

My backyard garden, as my children would say, has evolved into a small farm. Last year I harvested over 1,600 lbs. In year's past I've offered my surplus to co-workers, neighbors, family and friends.  But with so much produce last year I was able to donate to a local food pantry and I'd like to double that amount this year. Another goal is to do a better job freezing, drying and canning for winter use.

Even though I know I should scale down this hobby, the temptation remains to experiment with new structures, try different varieties and improve techniques to battle the inevitable challenges. Each year I hope to begin downsizing but, without fail, my gardens continue to expand rather than contract.

Postscript #1 - I woke up to newly-germinated seeds: Ailsa Craig Onions,  Sweet Spanish Yellow Utah Onions, Shallots, Zaatar Oregano, Greek Oregano, Common Oregano, and Violas. 

Starting Herbs

Mason jars are decorative, affordable and versatile! 

Today I sowed a few herbs: 

Oregano (Common, Origanum vulgare): American Seed Company, 2015. Planted three 4-packs barely covering the seeds.  Expected germination time, 8-10 days. Characteristics: perennial, has milder flavor than Greek variety, pretty pink to lavender flowers, also called wild oregano, pot marjoram or wild marjoram, 24-30" tall, pinch to keep bushy, small dark green leaves, harvest just before bloom, ideal for containers, bring inside for winter use.
See: https://www.botanicalinterests.com/products/view/6110/Oregano-Common-Organic-HEIRLOOM-Seeds

Oregano (Greek ,Origanum heracleoticum):  Fedco Seeds, 2015.  Planted seeds into three 4-packs barely covering the seed.  Expected germination time, 7-14 days. Days to Maturity, 80-90. Characteristics: perennial, full sun, likes light alkaline soil, spreads slowly as clump, strong oregano aroma and flavor, dark green leaves, deep purple-brown stems, 18" tall, flowers edible. Clip leaves throughout the growing season and use fresh or dried.
See: http://www.fedcoseeds.com/seeds/search?item=4648&listname=Oregano&cookies=no

Oregano (Zaatar, Origanum syriacum): Fedco Seeds, 2015.  Planted seeds into two 4-packs barely covering the seed.  Expected germination time, 7-14 days.  Days to Maturity, 85-90. Characteristics: annual, full sun, likes alkaline soil, in the mint family, Middle Eastern herb used often with garlic, salt, olive oil, crushed sumac seeds used on bread. Has great flavor that blends hints of oregano, thyme and marjoram. 
See: http://www.gardenbetty.com/2013/10/wild-zaatar-oregano-an-update/

Parsley (Triple Moss Curled, Petroselinum crispum): MI Gardener, 2015. Plant four 4-packs, seeds planted 1/4" deep. Expected germination time,  21-28 days.  Days to Maturity, 70. Characteristics: biennial, full sun to partly shady, 12" tall, flavor is extra rich, deeply cut, bright green leaves.
See: http://www.seedsnow.com/products/parsley-curly-triple-moss-curled

TIP OF THE DAY!!  Using room temperature water that has been sitting overnight to release chlorine, the soil of germinating seeds must be kept consistently moist. Occasionally, I will cover them with plastic wrap, but this method can grow fungus. I prefer to leave the containers uncovered and adjust the surface moisture levels daily with an old water bottle or spray bottle. Once the seedlings emerge, I allow the soil to dry out a bit and bottom water using a watering can.

"Dollar" stores are a great place to buy watering cans and bottles!