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Preparing the Main Raised Garden Bed

I let some of my broccoli plants go to flower this year to let the local bees have some of these beautiful flowers to feast on - they really love them. I am hoping to plant broccoli on my slope next year and just let them go to seed.

Mint- Friends don't let Friends plant mint in their raised beds, because you will never be able to get rid of the mint. I have been battling it now for 3 years.

Start with Compost

I added about an inch of compost over my entire bed. This compost is from my house and has been maturing for about 5 months now. I still have some left that I will add to the tomato and squash areas.

Bed is Prepared - Ready to Plant

I spread the compost out and now I am ready to start putting my seedlings in the ground. I didn't train my seedling very much this year. They were put outside during the day, and did experience some cold nights in the garage, so I think they will be fine. I haven't always paid much time to setting them out an extra hour each night to get them ready, and they seem to do fine. I do have some scrawny seedlings, so I will see if they make it. I don't have 'backups' this year, so I hope they do.

Spacing is 10 Inches Apart

My Watering Grid is at 10" spacing, so I will plant 8 rows each 4 deep, for a total of 32 bell-pepper plants in the main bed this year.

I leave the outside edges for my monthly crops like Lettuce, Bok Choy, etc.

Typical Look of My Seedlings

My seedling never look too happy the first day that I plant them. They are much smaller than anything you would get at a nursery, where the roots are typically root bound and the stalks are already pretty robust. These are young plants (10 weeks old) and are ready to start getting big and strong. With my experience from years past, I expect them to do great!

I Love Planting Day!

It feels so good to have these peppers in. I should have fruit coming ready by late July, and then through September.

Main Raised Garden Bed

The Main Raised Garden Bed is in FULL SWING!!!

I have Bell Peppers going, with new Bok Choy, Bush Beans, Lettuce, some 4 week old lettuce, and Sugar Snap Peas in full production mode from now until may.