17 Days of Green – Grow Your Own

A major reason Andy & I left Alaska was to grow more food than we could in Denali. We hoped that by eating more locally, we could reduce our impact on the environment.

We picked a south-facing site between the existing rhubarb patch and 3 old apple trees.

We rented a sod-lifter to remove the grass instead of roto-tilling.

The garden site, cleared and ready.

Andy lays out salvaged beams for 6 raised garden beds.

We used 6-inch spikes to hold the old beams together.

We filled our raised beds with rich, organic soil from Long Wind Farm.

We added our own compost, too (aged compost on left, active pile on right).

A bit of organic fertilizer enriches the soil & gives plants a boost.

Completed garden beds, ready for planting. We mulched between beds to slow down the weeds.

Radishes grow quickly from seed. These lovelies are a "French Breakfast" variety.

An old sink finds new life as a garden washing station.

Romaine lettuces also grow easily from seed.

Broccoli starts purchased at our local nursery need support at first.

Tomato bushes need support, too -- these wire cages do the trick.

Our watering system is simple: a hose and a sprinkler.

An old-fashioned watering can is handy for spot-watering.

Our garden in mid-summer glory.

Pansies add glorious color to a veggie garden. Plus, they're edible!

Harvesting greens for immediate consumption.

Tomatoes, cucumbers and bean plants.

Carrots taste especially amazing straight from the soil!

Garden delight: dinner straight from the soil.

Mmmm... local food is not only green food, but delicious, too!

What about you? Do you grow any of your own?