The load of dirt is out of the trailer & in the raised beds. One load is barely enough for 2 beds so I will have to haul another for beds 3 & 4. I figure adding compost will fill the beds to where I want them.
I pulled the truck & trailer around next to the beds & shoveled straight into bed #2. That’s the efficient way to do it, but it was in full sun & I am soaking wet & slightly overheated. I still need to get dirt out of the trailer corners & broom the tarp, but I am “done for sun” today. Once the shade hits late afternoon/evening, I’ll finish cleaning up the trailer & maybe plant something.
My niece suggested I grow a tomato or two in buckets next year. She has a small flower farm, some in raised beds, some in tilled soil. She got a load of 50% topsoil & 50% compost this year, but the topsoil has quite a bit of clay in it - dahlias aren’t thrilled. My first load of topsoil had no compost & a high % of clay. This 2nd load from a new source is much better. Anyway, she’s growing more & more veggies in buckets & likes doing it that way. I have a good spot for some buckets so maybe I’ll try it next year.
A cousin’s fiance, who farms nearby, has a large garden. One of his daughters planted 3 okra plants & he’s at a loss what to do with them. The first he picked were too large & therefore tough. I sent info for picking much smaller & offered to do pickled okra. He just got new chickens today so I’m not sure he’ll have time for picking okra! I have never done pickled okra, but the instructions are easy & I have jars, vinegar, spices, etc. already, if I can just get okra. I love okra flowers- would grow them myself, just for the blooms.
I started a flat of 72 Okra for Beau’s brother a few seasons back. He planted it ALL on some land of his FIL’s. They are STILL eating frozen okra three years later, LOL!
I’m having lunch with his wife, tomorrow. I’ll ask her if she can see the bottom of her freezer yet. I know she’s canning corn, today. :)
I have grown the red okra for the beauty of the flowers, too. They look like Hibiscus. And if you pick them and use them in floral arrangements, you don’t have to deal with that pesky Okra at the end of the season. ;)