My green thumb is BLACK!

[urban dreamer]

Hi!

I've been lurking around this site for a while and decided to go ahead and make myself known. I'm a member of BYC and SS Forum too.

My green thumb is pitch black although I have gotten lucky in the past. I would love to have a big rich vegetable garden but my knowledge and skills leave alot to be desired. In short- I need help! I have a little 6x6 area next to my chicken coops that receives mostly sun. I grew some massive banana peppers there this summer in a barrel. I would like to learn to grow more this spring. I was thinking about building a raised bed and I really want to grow tomatoes, onions, and squashes. My biggest problem is sun- our yard is surrounded by oak trees. So what should a real noobie do? What do you suggest a good beginner's garden should consisit of? What are the easiest things to grow in containers? ANY advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks, Urban Dreamer

 

[lesa]

Welcome! Welcome! There is nothing wrong with a black thumb- when people say I have a green thumb- I show them my black one. After a summer of weeding it won't come clean!!! It sounds like you have a nice little plot. You have chicken poop- great fertilizer! I would recommend growing what you enjoy. I keep growing zucchini- and I realized this year, that to be honest, I really don't like it! You have all of fall and winter to add compost to your plot- by spring it will be ready to plant. No real reason to do container or raised bed- unless you want to. Let us know where you are located- and your zone and we will be happy to help. Good luck!

 

[inchworm]

UD,

I also live in a shady, oak tree area. My thumb is pretty darn black, too. Since my soil was compacted, I went with a raised bed. In a way it's easier - way fewer weeds -- but it takes a lot of watering.

I have given up on all the sun lovers and now mainly grow spinach, lettuce, herbs, and I get a fair return on green beans. Kudos to you for getting any peppers!

Inchworm

 

[TanksHill]

I use the scientific method!! I just keep throwing seeds in the bed until something grows!!! :tools

I love the smileys over here!!!

gina

 

[urban dreamer]

I like the smilies too! :bun

I think I may have been over-watering my gardens too. I used to drown them every morning but with a new school year I haven't been getting out there everyday. Chicken poo is great fertilizer and there is plenty of it!

 

[vfem]

All a black thumb needs is some good old compost!

I've only been messing with gardening for 3-4 years... I killed EVERYTHING that ever grew near me. So you are not alone. TEG made me what I am today!

...and for only $19.95 you too....

Just kidding!