HHEF gets a new start at Sion

After nurturing the soil for 30 years at our home on S. Spur, we moved and I have to start all over.

Here is what my garden looks like 25 March 2017.

I have one trench dug, 12" wide, 9" to 12" deep.  The ground was VERY hard.  I used a pick and shovel, then soaked the ground, then a pick and shovel again!  It is incredibly hard and not just a little discouraging.

I learned the City of Tempe was giving away free compost, so I drove to get a pickup load this morning and put it in the trench giving up on going any deeper with the trench.

Chicken Coop at Last

After building 15 coops in the Dominican Republic during 2012/1013  HHEF finally constructed a Chicken Coop, but using a different design----an "A" Frame.

The PVC pipe is suppose to be a feeder.  It remains to be seen if it will work as planned.

The nests are 5 gallon buckets with a moon shape cut out of the bottom.  

Two doors open at the back so you can reach in and get the eggs.  I expect the hens to be so contented with this coop and with the macho rooster picture as the final touch that they will lay 2 eggs a day!

This is the final resting place for the coop under a tree.

The 55 gallon barrel is the water tank for the coop.  The chickens will get water by water nipples.

There are things I would change in this design, but it turned out pretty decent I think.  Further updates will be given as I gain a little experience.

Rocket Stove and Storm Wall

We have been busy at HHEF the last 2 weeks.  We built a Rocket Stove and a Storm Wall along the north side of the house to protect the basement window wells from the big storm if we ever have one again.  The huge storm that hit Mesa last year came very close to sending tons of water down our window wells to the basement.  That would have been real bad.  The following a few pictures of our activities and the beginning of a chicken coop.

Rocket Stove.  

Pipe on the side for lifting and carrying.

Removable tin wind shield

Metal stove top embedded in concrete

Storm wall with flower pots

"A" Frame Chicken Coop

I have just started this project.  After analyzing 4 different designs including the famous Dominican Republic design, I concluded an "A" frame suits my budget and purposes best.

Future posts will so how it turned out.

2015 July

We spent a very busy June canning and preserving a lot of wonderful produce coming out of the Haws Haven Experimental Farm,  Our pantry is full of good stuff!  The following pictures show that everything is off except for the Butternut squash that is still producing some squash and actually is still producing some flowers.

The above pictures show that I have decided to prepare grow boxes using 4x8x16 fence block over the entire garden.  It looks nice to have straight rows and a confined area for planting and another for walking.  The planting area is 31 inches outside block edge to block edge.  The walkways are 12 inches clear.  I wish I could make them a little wider, but I would have to give up on a row.  I am in the process of adding grass clippings, leaves and manure in the planting areas.  

I managed to do all of this without uprooting the bell peppers and chilli peppers to keep a promise I made to my wife to not destroy her bell pepper plants.

I hope to plant pinto beans and black eyed peas within the next week in two of the rows and save the other rows for a winter garden to be planted in October.

I added a wash table and wash basin at one end of the garden to keep dirt from going inside the house.  The wash basin drains into a bucket that I carry to areas of the garden that seem to need it most.

Garden of Eden

This is the produce we picked from HHEF just today.  You will see in the following picture: 2 kinds of tomatoes, apples, melon, chilli, armenian cucumbers, onion, corn, and bell pepper.  Just today!  We have been picking a lot nearly everyday and have canned a lot from the garden and fruit trees.

I finally got a sign up for the "HAWS HAVEN EXERIMENTAL FARM" though I found out that people can interpret the abbreviation EXPERIMENTAL to EXP in a lot of different ways!

Over the last 2 months or so we have picked lettuce, corn, 2 kinds of  tomatoes, green bunching onions and granix onions, beets, chard, kale, zuchinni, parsley, bay leaves, butternut squash, armenian cucumbers, and I am sure other stuff I have forgotten about.  

The triple digit temperature is here, so in another month it will probably all be gone and I will be preparing for a winter garden.

HHEF is back up and Running!

When we returned from the Dominican Republic we had a lot of work to do in the Haws Haven Experimental Farm, but finally I have something I feel good about and am willing to share an update.  Here are some pictures of what the HHEF looks like today.

Homemade Water Nozzle.  It cost a little less than a commercial watering wand and shouldn't rust out.

Water source for the water wand

I built boxes using 4x6x16 block just laid next to each other.

I used leaves that had fallen off the trees mixed with dirt to fill the boxes. The flood irrigation surrounds the boxes, but doesn't over top and damage the soil or plants.

Butternut squash is just starting to come up on the right.  The left side of the box has turnips, radish, lettuce, beets, chard, onions.  I hope they can all grow together in the small space if I train the butternut to climb the chain link fence.

Peas just about to finish their very productive season

Yellow crookneck just sprouting.  In spite of the bird netting and chain link fence a bird did damage to one seedling

Bell pepper and Anaheim Pepper

Onion and Garlic

Onion on left, kale on the right.  How you ever tried homemade kale chips?

Lettuce going to seed.  I probably will not let it go to seed.  Rather I will pick the stem because the lettuce leaves are still good.

2011 June

I harvested all the corn this morning and blanched it for 4 minutes, put it in plastic freezor bags and into the freezor.  Good tastee corn.  These PICTURES also show other vegetables that are all coming off at the same time.  This is what you see in the pictures:  corn, zuchinni, butternut, chilli, pepper, cucumber, eggplant, tomatoes, marigold seed and 3 different kinds of desert flowers I grew in a bed and collected the seeds.  They are from seeds Sheredith gave me last Christmas.  I now have many times more seed then she gave me for the next planting.

I was awared the cook's hat because I was the cook at girl's camp last week.  I now spend more time in the kitchen and love my hat.

I taught a gardening class to the KBP ward last Thursday and give a class to the SGP ward this coming Tuesday.

I made my first contact with the East Valley Men's Center to get them started on their first garden project.

Garden Plan

Starting with the planting chart prepared by the UofA Agricultural Extension Service, I prepared a plan for my garden.
1. I selected varieties that grow well in my area and which my family enjoys.
2. I created a spreadsheet showing the varieties and the months they are planted and harvested.
3. I labeled each variety as W=winter and S=summer.
4. I "sorted" the spreadsheet by W/S and alphabetically by variety name.

The result is a spreadsheet showing me what to plant when and a layout of my garden into a Winter zone and a Summer zone.

Click here for a downloadable copy of the spreadsheet. GARDEN PLAN
Let me know what you think!

2011 April

I wish I had been keeping this blog up over the months just so I had a decent record. Here is a quick update.

The Wally's Worm experiment is over. WORMS

I have tried various watering systems in the past. I have flood irrigation to my yard which I consider a blessing. But the garden still needs supplemental watering. I think I have settled on a bubbler system for the summer garden. I installed a faucet at the corner of the garden and a PVC line with values and bubblers. I can adjust the bubblers as I water to ensure equal coverage throughout the garden. It works pretty well, though not automatic. Here are few pictures.

On another note the U of A agricultural service has a very nice garden planning chart I think is pretty good. CHART

Worms

I have wanted to try Vermicomposting for a long time. Finally I purchased some worms through the mail. There are many internet sites where you can learn all about worms and where to purchase them. This is one of the many sites for WORMS. I quote them here:

"Two breeds are used in vermicomposting: Eisenia foetida or Lumbricu rubella. Worm populations double each month. Mature redworms make two or three capsules a week, each producing two or three hatchlings after about three weeks. The hatchlings are tiny white threads about half an inch long, but they grow fast, reaching sexual maturity in four to six weeks and making their own capsules. Three months later they're grandparents!

This rapid breeding rate means the worm population easily adjusts to conditions in the worm box according to the feed supply and the proportion of worm casts to feed and bedding---their casts are slightly toxic to them, and as the box gets "full" they'll either leave, if there's anywhere for them to go, or they'll die off."

I include a picture of me receiving 2 lbs of "Eisenia foetide" in a plastic bag and a picture where I have dumped them into their new home. Their new home is a wooden sided box I built from scrap lumber held together with metal braces.

I have had them for a month. I was keeping a lid on the box, but ended up throwing so much garden waste into the box it is over flowing.

I am really worried about what is going to happen to my worms in the fierce Mesa, Arizona heat when the ambient temperature is well over 100 degrees. I put the box under a tree and have a long needle thermometer to monitor the inside temperature. I am hoping for the best. If you have a good idea how to keep them cool---let me know.

25 April 2011

The great Wally's Worm experimental is over! This is what went wrong. Generally speaking we have had pretty mild temperatures so far. However, I found the temperature reaching near 100 degrees F inside the box due to composting material. When that happened all the worms migrated as far from the middle of the box as they could hugging the outside boards. I watered the box which dropped the temperature. The worms seems really happy generally speaking, but then I noticed a lot of fruit lies and it was starting to stink. Then this morning I opened the lid and found a great big cockroach. I haven't seen a cockroach around here for a long time. That was the final straw. I dug a hole in one of the rows of my garden and dumped the whole pile into the ground. I think the worms will be happier and I know my wife is a LOT happier.

So ends the worms experiment. I know some people are doing it successfully, but I certainly haven't learned how to do it. Maybe another day.

Wheat Grass

Wheat Grass Web Site No1 Wheat Grass Web Site No2 Wheat Grass Web Site No3 Wheat Grass My brother, contributed the following information and pictures about Wheat Grass. HHEF thanks him for this contribution. There is absolutely no mystery to growing wheatgrass. Wheat seed is very vigorous and no special care is required. Here is basically what I do, not that it is required, or "best", it is just what I do. I attached some pictures ... 1. Put about 1/2 cup fresh hard red winter wheat seed into a wide-mouthed quart jar, and cover the seed with room temperature water. 2. Put a porous lid on the jar, cover the seed with cool water and soak the wheat seed for 8 to 12 hours. 3. Drain the water. 4. Sit the jar on the counter. 5. Rinse and re-drain the seed again every 8 to 12 hours replacing the lid loosely and sitting it on its side each time. Do this until there are 1/4" tails on the wheat seeds (about 2 days). NOTE: The proceeding steps are completely optional. Wheat seed is very vigorous and can be sown in the open garden and raked in if desired. 6. Plant your wheat seed like you would any other large seed. Cover it with from 1/4" to 1" of soil. Sunlight or open shade is preferable to indoors, but that will work also. 7. If you consider that birds or drying out may be a problem, cover the newly planted soil with a light cloth of some kind and weight down the corners, just like you would with any other plantings. 8. After the seedlings are 1/2" high water them like any other seedling, every day or so, depending on the weather. 9. Harvest the grass, when it is about 7" tall, using a knife, just like you would lettuce or other greens. Wheatgrass is only used as "juice", at least as far as I know. I've tried cutting wheatgrass into small pieces and adding it to salads, but that wasn't too satisfying. The above links are some things people are saying about the benefits and uses of wheatgrass juice. Neither my brother or HHEF endorse or support any of these claims. The reader will have to make up your own mind as to whether wheatgrass juice is a good thing. "Buckwheat" is not the same as "wheat", and consuming the sprouts or greens of buckwheat should be vigorously opposed, as many articles indicate. You should avoid eating buckwheat greens which can cause a painful photo sensitive rash. Plants are very powerful and should be used with care

2010 February

PLANTING:
10 February 2010 After waiting through our long cold winter here in Mesa (that's a joke), I contracted gardening fever. I planted the following seeds directly into the soil using the board method: Golden Bush Scallop squash (organic SESE item 53104); California Wonder Bell Pepper (Organic SESE item 46102); Buhl Corn (Organic SESE item 41111); Sweet Baby Watermelon (Henry Fields); and Red Champion Radish (Henry Fields); Giant Pink Banana Squash given to me by Lyla (seed from Snowflake); and the following seeds harvested from food we bought at the grocery store: water melon, acorn squash. I also transplanted the following which I had started in cups in January. Tomatoes (Organic from SESE); Bell pepper, Egg Plant, Armenian Cucumber, Straight 8 Cucumber; and Marigold (2nd generation HHEF seeds).

16 February 2010 I rototilled and planted about 100 SF of Wildflower seeds in the front of the house.

13 February 2010 I conducted a gardening class at Haws Haven Experimental Farm. About 30 people attended. I started talking and getting excited about my subject and spoke for 1.5 hours. A lot of people stayed around for another 1/2 hour, so I guess they weren't totally disappointed. We talked about soil, fertilizers, composting, seed anatomy, germination, sprouting, planting methods, sources of seeds, harvesting seeds and harvesting crops. I hope to put together a power point with music, videos, and slides that will be easier to put together and show anywhere. I had a lot of fun even if no-one else did!

Bell Peppers

HHEF purchased from Southern Exposure Seed Co.
Bell pepper: CAROLINA WONDER: Certified Organic introduced by SES 1999
75 days. Green to Red
Premium grade fruits are typically 4-lobed, weighing 1/4 to 1/3 pound, 3" x 3-1/3"

Cauliflower

HHEF purchased Cauliflower seeds from Southern Exposure Seed company Jan 2010
EARLY SNOWBALL:
50 DAYS. Highly recommended for the mid-atlantic. The best performer in trials of spring planting. Can also be used for fall planting. Good coverage of the curd by rapper leaves. Head is denser than other early snowball varieties. Plants are compact.

Cabbage

HHEF Purchased from Southern Exposure January 2010
Cabbage: EARLY FLAT DUTCH Pre-1875, possibly pre-1855.
85 days Does well in southern and coastal areas because of its heat resistance. Excellent variety for sauerkraut and the best variety for storage. Large, flat heads weigh 6-10 lbs, averaging 11" diameter with medium core and few outside leaves.

HHEF also purchased from Southern Exposure Seed in January 2010
RED ACRE cabbage certified organic seeds
76 days Small, compact plants produce round, 5-7" reddish-purple heads, weighing about 3 lbs. Adds a festive color to cole slaw. An excellent storage variety with resistance to cabbage yellow. Heads may sunburn in hot weather, so best for early spring and fall crops.

Broccoli

2010 HHEF purchased these seeds from Southern Exposure
Broccoli: DeCicco
49 days. Introduced about 1890. Produces 3" to 6" diameter central head and side sprouts which extend the harvest period. Use the young leaves like collard greens once the head is 1/4 developed.

2010 January

January was a great month for very little work and a lot of harvesting.
We had a lot of rain so we didn't have to water much.

Harvesting: Chard,onions,cabbage,lettuce,white ice-cycle radish,parsley,cilantro,carrots. We dried a lot of cilantro, cayenne and parsley and put into bottles. We picked a head of cabbage and made a nice batch of sauerkraut.

Activities: Racking leaves,mowing them to assist decomposition, adding to compose pile

Planting: 15 January planted in cups: Tomatoes,banana squash, merigold, egg plant, and coriander. This picture is after 1 week. Everything came up. I will put into the ground February 15.

We also canned 12 dozen quarts of pinto beans. Having them already canned makes for quick meals.

We ground up a lot of cayenne pepper from our harvesting this year. Even with plastic gloves and a mask, my eyes were burning and I had a hard time breathing. I finally went outside to finish the job. We have a LOT of cayenne pepper powder!

I discovered the "SOUTHERN EXPOSURE SEED EXCHANGE" company. They have over 700 open pollinated varieties. They do not knowingly buy or sell genetically engineered seeds or plants. Quoting them: "The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families, and kingdoms poses great biological risks, as well as economic, political and cultural threats. We wish to support agricultural practice that encourages healthier soils, genetically divers agricultural ecosystems, and ultimately, people and communities."

They encourage people to save their own seeds for replanting and give instructions how to do it, They also encourage seed exchange between the backyard gardener and small farmers. They also have interesting tidbits about the history of heirloom seeds; where they originated, etc. I am excited to get some seeds from them and start my own heirloom seeds.

I am now keeping track of the seeds I purchase to preserve the pedigree of the seeds I use and save. You can look under "Seeds" of the opening page of this blog to get links to the seeds I am keeping track of.

Activities for next month:

Vegetable Beds: It’s time to prepare the beds. Turn under 3”-4” mulch, compost or well-rotted manure then add per 100 sq. ft. 3-5 lbs. soil sulfur or 6-10 lbs gypsum, and 3 lbs ammonium phosphate (16-20-0). Water the area well.

February Vegetable Planting: Sow Seeds: asparagus (Martha Washington), beets, carrots, Swiss chard, leaf lettuce, onions, cantaloupe, corn, potatoes, radishes, spinach, watermelon. Set Plants: peppers (California Wonder, Yolo Wonder, Sweet Bell Boy), tomatoes (Early Girl, Better Boy, Champion, Celebrity, Columbia, Pearson Improved, or Rowpac

Trees & Shrubs: February is the last month for pruning fruit trees. It’s fertilizing time for fruit trees, nut trees, shade trees, shrubs, vines. Fertilize citrus with 21-0-0 ammonium sulfate or other citrus food formulas.

Mildew: powdery mildew may appear on new rose growth, grapes, cucumbers. A fungicide or sulfur powder will help protect new leaf growth. For control, try a mixture of 1/3 tsp. baking soda, a dash of dish soap, and 12 oz of water. Spray every 3-4 days.

December 2009

December 5 a cold front came through followed by 2 weeks of fairly cold weather. Most of the peas froze before we had a chance to harvest anything. We did harvest a few green beans. The butternut squash seems to be taking the freeze surprizingly well. Things effected badly by the frost were: Green beans, peas, acorn squash, zuchini squash, cilantro, tomatoes, bell pepper.

We are harvesting: Bunching Onions, lettuce, beets, cilantro, parsley, chard and carrots. I also harvested 1000s of Marigold seed. The turnips, peas, brocolli and cabbage are growing nicely. The sweet peas are finally starting to bloom and are a beautiful red color.

The granex onions are doing well. They are about 6 inches tall and just about ready to spreadout into a larger area. Here is a current video clip. I made a mistake saying I planted Nov 15. I really planted them on October 15 and hope to harvest 15 June.

I am washing and sterilizing plastic cups that I used before for starts. I plan on starting tomatoes and other things in the house next month to get a head start on the spring garden.

Here are pictures. of what the garden looks like in December 2009.

November 2009

The garden is growing great. We are finally starting to pick lettuce, chard, cilantro, radishes and parsley. It won't be long and we will be picking green beans, squash and peas.

October 2009

The good news for October is that everything I planted came up! I feel a lot better about gardening today. The weather is cooling down and the garden looks great. The board method of planting was great. We are on our way to a great garden. Here are some Pictures