Snails and Beer

We usually have a lot of snails that like to eat the vegetables we plant in the garden.  A friend told us she had heard of two ways to keep them away.  First method was to put crushed eggshells around each plant since the snails would not walk over them.  Next was to bury small containers level with the soil and put beer in them.  Supposedly the snails would crawl into the beer.

So we tried it!

And Guess What!..............It worked and has still worked as the vegetables have gotten larger!

Here is a photo of the first snail Jerry caught in the beer.  However, yesterday he caught 10!!!!  They must like the inexpensive beer we get at Trader Joe's!

Our garden is growing.....

Easy Garden Containers

Jerry has been really working hard in our garden.  He started a lot of the vegetables as seeds.  We purchased some of the seeds last year and we bought a few more this year. I didn't take pictures of the seed pots, but they are the six pack containers that plant stores sell plants in.  Our local nursery Shore Gardens will give them away if they have empty ones.

Then he transplanted them as they grew in some pots that were a little larger.  As they grew even larger and needed to be transplanted in the actual garden, we did not have enough space.  Below is a picture of some of these containers with the transplants in them.

So, we considered him building planters with wood our neighbor was going to throw away, but it was the end of the school year of teaching for Jerry and he had a lot of paper work to do.  So.....we got the two empty plastic storage containers from the garage.  Jerry drilled holes in the bottom of the containers, filled them with organice potting soil and planted the starter plants.  He added the wood under the containers for drainage.  So far they seem to be working really well!!!! and the plants seem happy.

 

Jerry uses the following vegetable food that we purchase at Shore Gardens.  Our garden has grown very well using this food.

Of course, our two trustworthy helpers, our grandsons Henry and Canaan were so happy to help their Papa Jerry with the transplanting, feeding and watering. 

We love them both being together this summer. 

Why try to explain miracles to your kids when you can just have them plant a garden.  

Robert Brault

How to Make Worm Compost Bin

About 3 years ago, Jerry and I decided we wanted to compost the vegetables, fruits, etc., rather than throw them in the garbage.  We did some research on the internet and it was quite confusing.  Then as we were shopping at our local Farmer's Market that is in our town on Sundays, we noticed a little table with a "worm" sign.  The worm lady, Ruth sold us a bin with dirt and worms in it and told us what to do.  She made it so simple.

At one time we had three of them but have gone back down to two.  It is easy to make one and I hope we show it to be easy in the steps below.

Supplies above:  Plastic bin (these can be purchased at stores like Target, etc for about $4.00).
                           Drill
                           Shredded Newspaper or Newspaper torn into 1 inch strips (Black and White Print is better than Color Print Paper)
                            Dirt with worms in it (plastic bag)

Drill holes in the bottom, on the sides (about one inch down from the top edge), and also around the plastic top that closes the bin.  The holes let air in and keep it from being smelly.

I am holding some of the worms for you to see. We think they are called Ruby Red Worms but a local plant nursery would know which ones work in compost.  I grew up fishing using worms as bait so holding them doesn't bother me:):)

 Next, put some shredded or torn newspaper on the bottom (just make sure holes were drilled in the bottom of the bin first) and wet it down.

Now you can put in the dirt that the worms came in.  If you bought just worms add loose dirt from your garden.

The fun is just starting!   Now, take your compost and put it on top of the dirt/worms. This is our fabulous compost bucket that we keep in the kitchen......I got it for free!!!!! from our neighbor as it was missing a screw.  I was so excited.  However, before we got this one, we used a plastic coffee container. For a dedicated worm bin, please do not add meat, dairy, fish, citrus, nuts/nutbutter or grains as compost.  Eggshells, coffee and used tea bags (as long as no lemon in the tea) are also great to add along with the vegetables and fruit. I am not sure about onions....I do not use them but there is probably info online about adding them.

This picture above shows Jerry pouring the compost on top of the dirt/worms.

Above is view of a layer of the compost on top of the dirt and worms.  You can see the holes that were drilled in the sides and along the top edge.

Jerry is shoveling dirt above from our little garden area to put on top of the compost...as shown below. 

 He is using his hand to take it off the shovel and spread it around.

Next is the layer of newspaper.  Either shredded or torn into strips is ok to use.  Just need to cover completely.

You can basically put the worm bin on top of a table or in a dirt area.  It is best if it is elevated so the liquid (sometimes called the worm tea) can be collected in a container; or on top of a dirt area and the tea will nourish that area it sits above.  Jerry elevated ours on top of the stone and the wood under our lemon tree.

 Now it is time to sprinkle water on the newspaper to dampen it.  It is importan to keep the layers moist as the worms could die if it is too dry.  Now put the top on the bin making sure holes were drilled in the top.

Worm Bin Finished and placed under the Lemon Tree by my great gardener!!!!!!
Continue adding your compost/dirt/newspaper/dampen with water  and soon the bin will be full of rich soil.
**It is important to not make the layers too thick.  If you have a lot of compost, just make more bins.    **This allows the worms to have time to eat the layers steadily.
**The Worm Bin should be in a shaded/sun area.  It needs to stay moist.

Composting, along with recycling paper, glass, metal has really reduced the garbage for our household

Feed the worms and they will return to you  dark beautiful soil for your garden.

Jerry's Garden

The blog is called Jerry and Kay since we do a lot together.  He is definitely the gardener and keeps our garden watered and fed.  He feeds the worms in the compost box each day.  This is just part of his life ....see our beautiful garden below.

Two Types of Kale, Lettuce and Swiss Chard Above

Our Long Producing Lemon Tree!

Left to Right: Cilantro, Grapefruit Tree, Cosmos Flowers

Left to Right: Worm Compost Box, Lettuce, Chard in background, Cosmos and Calendula Flowers

Calendula Flowers and Herb Garden..Tall Marjoram, Lower Oregano, Chives

We didn't plant as much for this winter but always look forward to our summer garden.  Soon, there will be zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, yellow squash, and more herbs.

We also plan on soon planting an Orange Tree in an area behind the Lemon and Grapefruit Tree....and maybe try a Kumquat Tree in a big pot!.   Kimquats are so delicious1

"I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden." ~Ruth Stout

Garden of Greens

We planted this Kale from a started plant about a month ago.  The Swiss Chard in the back corners of the box and the Loose Leaf Lettuce peaking over the front corners of the box were from seed.  Jerry built the box from some old fence wood a few years ago.  This kale grew magnificent! We will start eating and juicing it this week!

Front View of the Garden of Greens

Top View of the Greens 

  

  

 

 

 Eat Healthy!!!!