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How to handle the winter time blues

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DanaM:
Thanks Pat I have a raised bed garden but its all-in-one, so you guys have multiple beds ???

Pictures please :)

Grunt:

--- Quote from: DanaM on February 09, 2010, 02:53:39 pm ---Thanks Pat I have a raised bed garden but its all-in-one, so you guys have multiple beds ???

Pictures please :)

--- End quote ---

Picts as soon as the ice melts Dana. Can't even see the beds.
Found another way out of the winter time blues. Spent a couple of days at my fly tying bench. Wooly Buggers in 10,12 14's, Pheasant Tail nymphs, Rubber legged Copper Johns, and Squirmy Wormys. All in 16, 18's. Now I got to wait to fish them or go out to the river with my chain saw or my axe and rip or bust some holes in the ice.

Jesse:
I'm with Dana I never heard the term double dug until now. Makes good sense though. I also like the idea Pat mentioned of separation so the soil doesn't get compacted.  Right now mine is just one big raised bed. I had to haul in the soil from work as the soil on my land is like a black silty sand. I live in a low area. We have had great results with our garden. For the soil the best mixture I know of is what we call 50/50 its 50% compost and 50% topsoil  then after that is spread we cover it heavily with a good 3" of peat moss and then bagged manure. Then just till it in deep until its nice and fluffy about 18" deep. Seems the fresh manure has to much nitrogen and makes big plants with little vegetables :) Better once it has composted that's why we get the bags.   You got me thinking now. The garden really does need new boards so I think i will make it all separate raised beds. I have access to white cedar logs for free which should make it at least a few seasons before they rot.

Pat B:
If you have fresh manure add it under the top layer of soil. As it composts it will create some heat that will aid germination and as the plants grow and the roots get longer they will benefit from the nitrogen, somewhat weakened by composting. Generally cow or horse manure isn't too hot if mixed with soil but usually contains weed seeds. Chicken manure is excellent but must be composted first or it will burn anything that touches it. Rabbit manure is as good as chicken but will not burn your plants.
  Look up the  "The Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening"  by Rodale Press. I have had my copy since 1980. All the info is still pertinent and they have probably added lots more since then.
 My cloches are made with 2x4 fence wire. I cut it so I can fold it in half lengthwise to make a tent shape the length of the bed. It is the same size as the bed when folded. When temps drop I add clear plastic film to continue the growing season. I use the 2x4 wire so the rabbits don't get in.
  The best soil you can use is soil you make your self. Top soil usually has too many weed seeds so I stay away from it. A mixture of soil, manure, lime, leaf mold and other organic materials works best. A soil test is a good idea. Last year I didn't till my garden(also promotes weed growth) but dug a hole for each plant and mixed in 30 year old dried manure we got from an old cattle barn. Boy did those plants jump! ;D
  Weed seeds like from crabgrass can stay underground for 60 years or more. As soon as you turn the soil and the light hits them, they will germinate.

Timo:
I raise chickens for eggs and meat,so I have plenty of manure from them.I normally just use it sparingly with decent results.

How would be the best way for me to compost it?( I am a simple man so keep it so.) ;D

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