flatlander
11-22-2008, 04:10 PM
Hi. I'm a long time gardener and desendant of several generations of farmers. Due to pretty adverse weather and soil conditions out here on the plains, I converted to raised beds about 15 years ago and have been "tweaking" that system ever since. Currently I have about 450 square feet in raised beds, plus a potato patch and a two long beds for brambles and asparagus. I try to grow what we use the most of, so I have 2 beds of onions (Texas Sweet), garlic, and as many tomatos as I can stuff in 3 beds. The tomatos are generally evenly split between hybrids and heirlooms. This past year I've added a beehive to the mix and planted a 25x100 foot patch of alfalfa, hoping that will help keep the bees going. I've also been "worm ranching" for about 15 years and use the castings for seed starting. The biggest problems I have out here are the weather and the animals. The deer and raccoons have my place scoped out pretty well.
Rich
Rich