the neglected garden

One of the selling points when I bought my house was the ready-made garden spot in the back yard.  I had big plans for planting a lush vegetable garden, but we had not yet moved in during prime planting season.  And by the time I had unpacked and was ready?  Well, it was too dang hot.  This has been a summer complete with a local record-breaking 48 days of temperatures that reached above 100º.  They say we’re not done with them yet, and it’s nearly September.

Needless to say, the garden did not get planted.  On the days that I did get outside to do yard work, I focused on the front of the house and mowed the back only when it got so tall the dog got lost.

Going to have to start by chopping the weeds.  They were about 18″ high when I started.

Still have a lot of work to do even after using the weed eater.  I ran out of string before I finished, so I guess we’ll be making a trip to Home Depot or Menard’s this afternoon so I can finish once it cools down this evening.

I’d like to plant a fall garden, but I’m afraid I’m too late to prep and till the ground.  At this point, I think I’d be better off spending the time to prepare the spot for spring planting so I can get an early start next year.

What I can get going before winter hits is the compost pile.  That’s a project in and of itself! I have a feeling that was the purpose of this little fenced off area, but I can’t be sure.  The previous owners weren’t exactly forthcoming with information, and I didn’t ask about this.  I’ll need to figure out how best to protect the garage.  It may be as simple as piling a row or two of cinder blocks along the edge and keeping the pile from resting against the building.

Oh, the joys of home  ownership!

I do love having these spaces available, but I need to work on taking care of them better.