April 19 2012,

Carla and I wanted plant a garden last year when we moved into our duplex but it was too late in the season and too hot to start growing.  We have a plot of land in our backyard (about 6’ by 12’) that is covered with weeds and with our two dog and our neighbors two dogs it an area of land that needs a little TLC (Tilling, Leveling and Clearing).

We want a small garden since we are first time gardeners and want something that we can easily maintain.  So we got to work Thursday night turning up soil in a 3’ by 4’ area of the garden and clearing out the weeds.  The ground was soft and seems to be good quality.  It took 45 minutes to clear the area. 

Since that night we have discussed many different options and challenges for growing our first garden.  We have three objectives: decide what plants to grow, prepare the ground for planting and finally protect the garden from the dogs.

Tomatoes and green peppers are the plants that we plan to grow right now.  In fact we already bought three sprouts of each.  Honestly we are thinking that we might plant more.  The plot of land is a pretty good size.

We do have a portion of the gardening area cleared and ready.  However, after doing a little bit of research, the area is not big enough.  These plants need to be three feet apart so we need at least five by eight feet area of land.

Finally how to protecting the garden from the dogs?  Now the dogs have no malice intent to tear up a garden.  But they cannot use reason to not sniff-out something that is new to “their” area.  The most feasible solution is to place a fence around the garden area.

The garden is off to a pretty good start.  We have a few things already going and the plan is in place.  I look forward to growing this garden.  I think it will bring some great produce.