The Garden Project is Complete! Full June Tour

#acrehomestead #cookwithme #homemadefood

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[donnamyers]

Becky, as a gardener of over 40 years, I don't think that you have a soil nutrient issue as much as you have that black ĺandsçàping paper issue trying to keep weeds out. Your soil is not getting proper watering and the black paper is a heat conductor and your plants are getting too hot. Do a test and take off the black paper on a couple of the raised beds and see if they start thriving better. I know weeds are a huge pain in the butt, but I do believe that's your problem. Your soil is getting hotter because it can't breathe properly.

[berryknobberry]

Becky, you don't know how much you've changed my family and I life. We ate out almost 7 days a week. You showed me that cooking can be fun and having delicious and healthy recipes.

[elliemcmahon]

Hey Becky, I'm not a gardener (yet) but I did do a soil science unit at university! I wonder if the landscape fabric could be preventing some of the microorganisms that live in soil receiving the sunlight they need. The microorganisms can aid the process of nitrogen in organic matter converting into available nitrogen for the plants. Look into the nitrogen cycle if you're interested. And thanks for all the great content!!

[jcdeco]

I don’t recall seeing a compost area. That certainly would be beneficial. You had a vision and I’m so excited for you to get it to fruition! It is beautiful.

[ashleywillenborg]

I met a pepper farmer in my home town. I asked him how he got his bell peppers to grow so big. He told me he puts a teaspoon of Epsom salt in the hole of every pepper he plants. I tried it last year. Only with pepperonci because my dog destroyed all of my other pepper starts. Anyway, I got hundreds of peppers off of 6 plants. I canned 40 pints of peppers and gave away 5 grocery bags full.
I did the same thing with 6 types of peppers this year. They are looking great and we have harvested several peppers so far this year.

[kayleverson]

Becky, during your garden tour I noticed that the soil in your beds may have too much wood mixed in. When the wood is not fully decomposed, it will bind up the nitrogen and your plants will show signs of nitrogen deficiency. Also, the black weed barrier may contribute to flower drop. Once the temps get really hot 90+ deg. some plants will drop their flowers or will stop putting out blossoms until the temperatures fall. Dark landscape heats up quickly. Love watching your garden adventures! 😊

[sarahreynolds]

This is just like what happened in my garden the first year I built my boxes. It WAS due to nutrient deficiencies and imbalances (too high of some things) even though I got my soil from a garden center who specifically mixed their soils for a special garden mix. Becky, I think you are spot on with amending as much as possible until it’s truly good soil! I hardly got any fruit, so I’m truly amazed at the quantity you’ve gotten so far!!

[marysmith]

If there’s one thing I always hear on your channel, it’s how you’re grateful for your blessings. Your stewardship is a testament that these declarations are not just words. That’s so positive and encouraging and keeps me coming back! ❤🙏😀

[karenhopper]

Landscape fabric reduces the air reaching the soil, and prevents any new organic matter from getting to the surface of the soil. It also does not allow for proper water to pass through. The worms and other organic matter that depend on air can die. When this happens it causes a reduction of nutrients for your plants and the soil starts to degrade. Which is not good for your plants. The ants are attracted to the landscape fabric and the moisture from the squash plants. You can use cinnamon, vinegar, or Diatomaceous earth to deter them naturally. I have tried the fabric in my garden and just have not had good success with it. The landscaping looks really stunning!

[setapart]

9:54 I think it would be really cute if you made a sign (or had a sign made) that says “Acre Homestead” for the top of the gate.

[kim]

Becky, honestly you and Josh have done much in such a small period! Your vision is beautiful and so perfect !!!! Now how you did this while having baby is a real feat!!!!

[kellicook]

One of the most common reasons for pepper plants turning yellow is watering stress. This can happen if plants are either overwatered or underwater. But when it comes to pepper plants the main culprit tends to be overwatering. Pepper plants like moist soil, but they don't like to sit in

[catmintable]

Blood meal or bone meal as nitrogen source takes awhile to break down and be available. The instructions on the bag/box indicate you can put it in water and feed as a liquid. That's a quicker source of N2. You could also use it as a foliar spray and apply to the leaves. You could tent the brassica bed and put fleece on to protect from the cabbage moths. Remember how cool our nights have been, retards the warm-weather plants' growth. Like I said before, you can mulch on top of landscape fabric. I think your soil is too hot (being surrounded by gravel and under black fabric) on a south-facing slope and the plants are not thriving. I'd put 3-4 inches or more of straw on top of the landscape fabric on the beds and see if the plants can recover with cooler soil.

[bibianaloza]

I learned recently that pepper and tomatoes are big nitrogen suckers and will compete for that nitrogen. I ended up moving my tomatoes from my peppers and amended the soil and both are thriving! Hope that helps!

[kimwatts]

How beautiful is that yard so amazing. Becky, you don’t really need to buy nitrogen. You have the best nitrogen in your backyard. Chicken poop. My in-laws had a garden and they’ve use chicken coop for generations. There’s a couple ways to do it. At least with chicken poop you know exactly what you’re getting and what’s in it because you know what you’re feeding them.

[angeleoness]

WOW GIRL THAT CAME OUT GORGEOUS! The view from your backyard is quite lovely as well. CONGRATS!

[belindamccreary]

Don't worry about the ants, they will actually serve as backup pollinators. I would suggest replacing the landscape fabric with some kind of mulch, and consider planting a legume as a cover crop in fall and winter. This will fix nitrogen in your soil and be more bioavailable for your spring planting. Lovely garden setup! I cook from scratch most days now, because of you! You helped me kick a multi-decade fast-food habit that was slowly killing me. Don't underestimate the difference you are making, Becky.❤❤❤

[authorgirlpetparent]

Incredible transformation! You might be happier with shade sails instead of umbrellas for the porch.

[heathere.]

Hi Becky! A few things:

It could be a water issue with your plants if youre on well water (even city water!). Have your water tested and that might give you some more insight on whats going on!


Instead of an umbrella for temporary shade on your back patio, look into sun shade sails! Theyre really cheap and cover a larger area for shade.


Ants in your garden are fine. Theyre just getting a drink from the flowers :)

[pammwaniki]

Those of us who thought that Becky was over ambitious about a garden this year coz of baby Acre, please let's gather here and repent😅
Your garden and landscaping looks impeccable Becky, congratulations!