Summer Garden

I am inspired by the Crochet Dude's garden layout. I may borrow the ideas for our garden up here this summer. Provided it works at high altitude. We'll see!

Here are some inexpensive ideas I've learned so far:

• Staking Tomatoes: I remember watching Martha Stewart stake her tomatoes to bamboo dowels with an "old pair of nylons, Donna Karan" (who doesn't have $20 nylons!). I have used plain wooden dowels and cheap nylons and they work the same. I plan to do the same this summer.
• Aphids: Use 2-3 Tbsp dishwashing liquid per gallon of water, spray.
• Mulching: I will be using shredded, decomposable newspaper as mulch.
• Organic Matter: I haven't gotten around to starting a mini compost bin (or even super mini), so I'll have to think of something new to prep the gardening bed. Learn how to compost here and here. It seems best idea is to have one outside/in the "greenhouse" and keep kitchen scraps in a 5-gallon drum with lid or coffee can until ready.
• Sprouting: Start seedlings inside (click here for high altitude seeds - or better yet, dry your favorite tomato, zucchini, pumpkin seeds. You'll have to buy the lettuce, onion, etc!). Reuse old egg cartons (be sure to water those more often) or mini-yogurt containers that come in 6 packs to start the seedlings.
• Sprouting Micro-greens: If you prefer micro-greens, start in an old "clam shell" container (that lettuce comes in), poke holes in bottom, add organic soil and seeds and you're off! Remove the lid after they poke their heads up (so they don't rot) and use as the water catcher on the bottom. Click here for a microgreen mini-tutorial.
• Propagation: Some seedlings can be propagated once in the ground. You will have to research this. We have taken basil, cut below the branches, stuck in a glass of water, and they shoot roots within a week.
• Seed storage: Take leftover dry seedlings and freeze in their packets in a ziploc bag, to keep for the next year.
• Potting Table: I am using my old drafting table in our new revamped "potting shed" in our little enclosed area out back (new use for old space). Super warm during the day and enclosed, it's the perfect spot for the table, still covered in plastic wrap from moving. Hey, that protects the wood! Click here for other "upcycled" projects.

Other, more general gardening tips:

• Find your zone at USDA hardiness zones via zip code (mine is 5). High altitude instructions may be found here.
• Plan well. Especially at high altitudes, create microclimates to help more sun get to the garden.
• Check out Craftzine for other inexpensive ideas, including keeping animals away and reusing coffee grounds and banana peels, and using recycled materials for bedding, drip-irrigation and mini-greenhouses.