I think the most important thing is just to start, to stop over analyzing and waiting for the “right” moment! This has always been my problem. So worried about judgement and “getting it right”. I’ve finally figured out you just have to start! Get messy, make mistakes, be okay with judgement but don’t wait - do something! Take action, stop talking about it and put it out there! Learn while you do and it will all shake out. Mistakes are part of the learning process and can only help you grow.
The action for me this season is beginning a new garden. I started digging the edge and it made me so happy to see the outline of what is going to be an amazing floral display next Spring. We don’t have a tiller and I decided I wanted to experiment with a no-till space so I am layering carbon and green material on top of this space. I have heard people refer to this method as lasagna gardening - makes sense!
I hope the earth worms find it and turn it into a luscious plot of soil for me by next May. the space for this new garden dig will include 10 6x4 beds.
The steps I’ve been taking are:
Edge my space
Gathering cardboard, remove any tape, break it down, soak it and lay it out on top of the sod
Add leaves and overturned sod from my edges
Add straw that’s been out in the elements and wet down again
Sprinkle on old manure compost
The heavy snow and Spring rains will keep it wet and the pile I am creating should break down nicely by planting time. I will continue to add to the layers over the winter. I hope this process will also help eliminate weeds and keep the integrity of the soil strong. It’s exciting to experiment with different methods and see what works best. This area of Minnesota has different soil than what I am used to planting in. They call it the “Driftless Area” since the glaciers didn’t cut through here. My partner in all things calls it “Gods Country”. I is beautiful here with the rolling hills and limestone cliffs.
I hope you start something today!
Enjoy the process! -P