Raised Beds

I've always wanted raised garden beds, but we never got around to it.  Alas, this year The Farmer found time.  He and Angel built four of them.

Since I'm expecting a baby next week, we decided to let the kids plant and maintain the gardens this year.   We're starting smaller to keep it manageable for them.  After putting the beds in place, The Farmer poured black dirt.  Riley and Angel worked on spreading it. 

So far, it's been a great project.    They were able to choose what they wanted to plant, within reason ;-)  They sowed and weed (without being told).  The produce is growing and they're very excited about it. 

I love looking out the kitchen window and seeing the fruit of their labor.  It's also been a wonderful botany lesson. They came to me a few days ago wondering why the carrot seeds have not yet erupted from the ground.  After re-reading the package, they learned that when sowing carrots and radishes together, the carrots will sprout when the radishes are ready to harvest.  

Yesterday, the zucchini flowered after a very hot muggy weekend and rain showers.  Every day there is some new discovery.  It's great!!  God is good....