Almost half way through July and I am happy to say things have been going pretty well. I am thrilled that we are starting to see major progress of the veggies.

Mini Vaca

Over an extended 4th of July weekend, the family went to visit the in – laws at the cabin. The garden was left to fend for itself. When we returned, I was surprised at how much the grass grew in the garden.

I refused to use toxic chemicals to kill the grass before we tilled and planted. Which I do not regret. I only wish I had looked up hacks beforehand. Lesson learned!

Over the long weekend, I met a kind and friendly family friend who is also a gardener. I asked if he had any recommendation on how to keep the grass at bay since it has been a growing problem (no pun intended).

The Solution

Although, I have been using straw, it was warned to watch out for weeded straw that would grow more weeds then it would prevent. Which makes 100%. I purchased 20 square bales for $1 each. I was told they were no eating grade.

With such a large garden, what could I use? Especially something that is cheap, easy to find and safe for the environment.

Carboard. *slap face emoji*

Why didn’t I think of this????????

Returning Home

Once home, after 4 days away, the garden was FULL of grass. Not surprised and slightly overwhelmed, I started trying to weed around the veggies as well as collecting cardboard.

Slow & Steady Wins the Race

While working through the garden to thin out the invasive grass and laying cardboard I found these gems!

Mini Harvest

With signs of things getting ready for harvest, some of the veggies were needing to be thinned out (beans & peas). One of the potato plants was showing signs of needing to harvest, so we pulled it up and checked it out.

Kale Chips Recipe

I took the leaves of the kale and cut them into small bits.

From there I used a colander and mixed in 1-2 tablespoons of Olive Oil & Garlic Salt.

I put the oven on 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

I baked them until dark green crisp (about 10 minutes)

My son LOVED them! They are a fairly alternative and healthy snack.

Moving Forward

I have been gathering the cardboard and laying it in the garden. I am edger to harvest to not have to worry about weeding as much. The tomatoes seem to be slow going but I am hopeful. With the size of the garden it will take a bit more pieces of carboard to cover it. Just under half of it is covered now. It looks odd if you ask me, but hey, if it keeps the weeds at bay – I am all for it!

Until next time,

Thanks for reading!

Manda R. C.