sinopa's homestead

**sinopa27** · 01-02-2011, 12:59 AM

announcing the beginning of Sinopa's homestead. This year I plan on turning my yard into a garden. Eventually, I do not want grass that has to be cut. I want every space in my yard to be growing something I will have for my family to eat. I don't have a tractor. So my idea is to grow veggies from organic soil bags. Last year I planted tomatoes in organic soil bags and had more tomatoes than all of my friends and family. I saw this idea in Mother Earth News magazine.
1. Cover ground with cardboard
2. Cover cardboard with black garden fabric.
3. make rows to plant using organic soil bags.
4. place concrete stepping stones between rows for a walk pathway.
5. place garden stakes, fences and trellis' in needed areas.

Has anyone done this before? Any ideas?
Thank you
Sinopa

**frugalfranny** · 01-02-2011, 01:07 AM

No, haven't done it.

I did dig up almost all of my front yard so I wouldn't have to mow. Have flowers out front. If I had 'edible things' others would help themselves..........and I am not feeding the neighborhood!! Besides, it is the north side.

I haven't used the cardboard.......but do use newspaper for new areas.

Keep us posted on how it goes.......will be interesting.

**sinopa27** · 01-02-2011, 01:11 AM

thanks about the newspaper idea. that would be easier also. I may plant some flowers. I will research to find out which flowers deter bugs.

**frugalfranny** · 01-02-2011, 01:24 AM

Originally Posted by sinopa27

thanks about the newspaper idea. that would be easier also. I may plant some flowers. I will research to find out which flowers deter bugs.

And if you are doing veggies, check out which ones are better when planted side by side and what to avoid. Peppers will cross.

I did a post A LONG TIME AGO..........if still available. What should be planted by what.........

Tidbit of info here.........but much more available.......

Companion Planting

**sinopa27** · 01-02-2011, 01:48 AM

Originally Posted by frugalfranny

And if you are doing veggies, check out which ones are better when planted side by side and what to avoid. Peppers will cross.

I did a post A LONG TIME AGO..........if still available. What should be planted by what.........

Tidbit of info here.........but much more available.......

Companion Planting

thank you so much! I thought I only had to worry about cucumbers crossing. I will check out the post!

**Darlene** · 01-02-2011, 08:22 AM

Here's an FV thread with a few links on companion planting. Great companion planting chart

Great use of your space! Can't wait to read more.

**Josephhgoins** · 01-02-2011, 08:28 AM

I had a friend who used to garden a lot, she would put the news paper on top of the dirt as well and only have a whole where the plants she planted could come up. She would then cover it all with saw dust that she got free from a local saw mill.

The newspaper kept weeds from coming up so no hoeing and the sawdust and newspaper together kept moisture in the dirt where it was needed.

The best part was that there was no cleanup at the end of the season, they just tilled it all under and it added to the soil.

Also, in lieu of buying seeds if you only need a few, keep in mind that in some cases you can save the seeds out of produce you bought at the store.

**NikoSan999** · 01-02-2011, 09:10 AM

Haven't done it but thought about it...I think it would be a fantastic idea...back when I used to live in a lot more country setting people planted flowers in between the plants ever so often..normally marigolds.
If you do this I hope you keep a post log of how it's going and pictures...I think it's a great idea.
Mother always said 16 layers of newspaper by the way..don't know why 16 but 16 nevertheless

**daylily** · 01-02-2011, 10:06 AM

Remember, you don't need to worry about peppers or cucumbers crossing unless you plan to save seed from them. Sweet corn taste will be affected if the super sweets cross with not-so-sweet corn but the others are not a problem.

**sinopa27** · 01-03-2011, 01:48 AM

Originally Posted by daylily

Remember, you don't need to worry about peppers or cucumbers crossing unless you plan to save seed from them. Sweet corn taste will be affected if the super sweets cross with not-so-sweet corn but the others are not a problem.

i do plan on saving the seed, so thank you so much!!

**sinopa27** · 01-03-2011, 01:49 AM

Originally Posted by NikoSan999

Haven't done it but thought about it...I think it would be a fantastic idea...back when I used to live in a lot more country setting people planted flowers in between the plants ever so often..normally marigolds.
If you do this I hope you keep a post log of how it's going and pictures...I think it's a great idea.
Mother always said 16 layers of newspaper by the way..don't know why 16 but 16 nevertheless

i got it!! 16 layers of newspaper. I having people saving newspaper for me now. lol!

**sinopa27** · 01-03-2011, 01:51 AM

Originally Posted by Darlene

Here's an FV thread with a few links on companion planting. Great companion planting chart

Great use of your space! Can't wait to read more.

thank you....I saved the links.

**sinopa27** · 01-03-2011, 01:54 AM

Originally Posted by Josephhgoins

I had a friend who used to garden a lot, she would put the news paper on top of the dirt as well and only have a whole where the plants she planted could come up. She would then cover it all with saw dust that she got free from a local saw mill.

The newspaper kept weeds from coming up so no hoeing and the sawdust and newspaper together kept moisture in the dirt where it was needed.

The best part was that there was no cleanup at the end of the season, they just tilled it all under and it added to the soil.

Also, in lieu of buying seeds if you only need a few, keep in mind that in some cases you can save the seeds out of produce you bought at the store.

i think I am going to use that black fabric on top of the newspaper so it would be more permanent. I won't be able to till the soil as of yet. thank you!