LitFox Farm

Tag: VerticalGardening

  • Golden Raspberry Garden Setup: How I (Hopefully) Got it Right

    Golden Raspberry Garden Setup: How I (Hopefully) Got it Right

    Hey there, garden enthusiasts! Welcome back to LitFoxFarm, where I sometimes know what I’m doing. Today, I’m going to spill the tea on my latest (mis)adventure: setting up two golden raspberry plants from FastGrowingTrees.com. (I took advantage of their BOGO deal!)
    Spoiler alert: the rest involves two 24”x24” galvanized raised beds, an arch trellis from Amazon, and a whole lot of “what was I thinking?” moments. Oh, and I documented the chaos on TikTok because why not share the struggle?

    Affiliate Disclaimer: 

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. Thank you for supporting my blog and allowing me to continue to bring you valuable content.

    Choosing the Right Plants

    Golden raspberries – because regular raspberries are just too mainstream, right? I ordered mine from FastGrowingTrees.com, mostly because they had pretty pictures and I like shiny things, and I struggle to pass a good BOGO deal. But hey, they’re known for quality and customer service, so fingers crossed.

    Preparing the Raised Beds

    So, I decided on galvanized raised beds. Why? Because they’re shiny too. Here’s how I (mostly) managed to set them up without any major disasters:

    1. Location: I picked the sunniest spot in the garden. Translation: the spot that seemed the least likely to flood or be a squirrel playground.

    2. Assembly: These beds came with instructions. Did I follow them? Mostly. After some trial and error (and a few choice words), they were up and sort of level.

    3. Soil Preparation: I filled the beds with garden soil and compost, pretending I know what “well-aerated” means. If I can grow something here, anyone can.

    4. A Supportive Spouse: My ever-supportive spouse was there, offering helpful comments like, “Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” and “Should it be that crooked?” Thanks, love. Your unwavering confidence in my gardening skills is truly inspiring. (Insert eye roll here.) But seriously, their occasional extra pair of hands and moral support kept me from spiraling into self doubt.

    Planting the Raspberries

    Planting these golden beauties was supposed to be straightforward. Supposed to be. Here’s my best shot:

    1. Spacing: Planted them dead center because that’s what the pros do (I think).

    2. Planting Depth: Dug holes, placed plants, filled with soil. Not rocket science, but I managed to second-guess myself every step of the way.

    3. Watering: Watered them like they were thirsty toddlers. Here’s hoping they appreciate it.

    Adding the Arch Trellis

    Why an arch trellis? Because it looks fancy and I thought it would make me look like I know what I’m doing. Here’s the drama that unfolded:

    1. Installation: Positioned the trellis between the beds. It’s now securely anchored, or as secure as it gets when I do it.

    2. Training the Canes: These raspberries are going to grow all over the place. I’ll be there, gently guiding them, pretending I’m some sort of plant whisperer.

    Documenting the Process on TikTok

    Because what’s a gardening project without sharing every misstep on TikTok? Check out my clips [@litfox.lynzy] to see the magic (and mess) unfold. From unboxing to planting, it’s all there, complete with background commentary from my inner critic.

    In the End

    Setting up these golden raspberry plants was a ride. Will they thrive? Stay tuned to find out. If I can (hopefully) do this, so can you. Remember, gardening is all about trial, error, and occasionally getting it right. Until next time, happy gardening and may your plants be ever in your favor!

  • Maximizing Small Spaces: Essential Urban Garden Tips

    Maximizing Small Spaces: Essential Urban Garden Tips

    As more people seek sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyles, urban gardening has become a popular way to grow fresh, healthy produce right at home. Whether you have a tiny balcony, a small backyard, or even just a sunny windowsill, you can cultivate a thriving garden in the city. Today, I’ll share essential tips for starting your urban garden, including assessing your space, container gardening, vertical gardening techniques, and suggested plants for beginners.

    Introduction to Urban Gardening and Its Benefits

    Urban gardening allows city dwellers to connect with nature, reduce their carbon footprint, and enjoy homegrown food. The benefits are numerous:

    • Fresh Produce: Grow your own vegetables, herbs, and fruits without the need for long transportation, ensuring fresher and more nutritious food.

    • Sustainability: Reduce food waste and minimize environmental impact by growing what you need.

    • Mental and Physical Health: Gardening is a great way to relieve stress, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors.

    • Community Building: Engage with neighbors and fellow gardeners, sharing tips and produce.

    Tips for Assessing Available Space and Light Conditions

    Before starting your urban garden, evaluate your available space and light conditions:

    • Space Assessment: Measure your gardening area, including balconies, patios, windowsills, and any other potential spots.

    • Sunlight: Observe how much sunlight your space receives throughout the day. Most vegetables and herbs need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Use a sunlight calculator app or simply take note of sunny spots.

    • Vertical Potential: Identify walls, fences, and railings where you can implement vertical gardening techniques to maximize space.

    Recommendations for Container Gardening

    Container gardening is perfect for small spaces. Here’s what you need to know:

    • Container Types:

    • Pots and Planters: Available in various sizes and materials. Choose those with good drainage.

    • Grow Bags: Flexible, breathable, and great for root health.

    • Repurposed Containers: Buckets, crates, and even old furniture can be turned into planters.

    • Soil Mix:

    • Use a high-quality potting mix that retains moisture and provides good drainage.

    • Enrich the soil with compost to add nutrients.

    • Avoid using garden soil, which can be too dense for containers.

    Overview of Vertical Gardening Techniques

    Vertical gardening is an excellent way to maximize space and increase yield:

    • Trellises and Arches: Ideal for climbing plants like beans, cucumbers, and peas.

    • Wall Planters: Use mounted planters or pocket systems to grow herbs, strawberries, and small greens.

    • Hanging Baskets: Perfect for trailing plants like tomatoes, strawberries, and herbs.

    • Vertical Towers: Stackable planters or towers that allow you to grow multiple plants in a compact space.

    • DIY Solutions: Use items like shoe organizers or pallets for creative vertical gardening setups.

    Suggested Plants for Beginners and Small Spaces

    Starting with easy-to-grow plants ensures early success and boosts confidence. Here are some great choices for beginners:

    • Herbs: Basil, mint, parsley, chives, and thyme thrive in containers and require minimal care.

    • Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, and kale grow quickly and can be harvested multiple times.

    • Tomatoes: Cherry or dwarf varieties are ideal for small spaces and containers.

    • Peppers: Bell peppers and chili peppers are compact and productive.

    • Radishes: Fast-growing and perfect for small spaces.

    • Beans: Pole beans can climb trellises, making them excellent for vertical gardening.

    Conclusion

    Starting an urban garden is a rewarding journey that brings fresh produce and a sense of accomplishment. By assessing your space, choosing the right containers, and implementing vertical gardening techniques, you can create a thriving garden even in the smallest spaces. Start with beginner-friendly plants, and soon you’ll be enjoying the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor.

    Thank you for joining me on this journey at LitFoxFarm. Stay tuned for more tips, tutorials, and updates as we grow together!

    Happy gardening!

    Lindsay

  • LitFoxFarm: A Sustainable Urban Gardening Journey | Growing Guides, Tips & More

    LitFoxFarm: A Sustainable Urban Gardening Journey | Growing Guides, Tips & More

    Hello and welcome to LitFoxFarm!

    I’m Lindsay, an avid gardener with a passion for sustainability and a dream to turn my small urban(ish) space into a thriving, productive farm. Nestled at the tippy top of New Jersey, LitFoxFarm is my journey of transforming a 1/4 acre backyard and front yard into a green oasis filled with fresh vegetables, vibrant flowers, and sustainable practices.

    Why LitFoxFarm?

    Gardening has always been a part of my life, sparked by fond memories of helping my grandfather raise worms and cultivate a small garden. Despite the challenges and a few humorous mishaps along the way, my fascination with growing things never faded. Today, I’m combining my love for gardening with my passion for sustainability, aiming to create a farm that not only feeds my family but also brings joy and inspiration to my community.

    What You Can Expect

    At LitFoxFarm, we believe in the power of variety and the importance of sustainable practices. Here’s what you can look forward to:

    • Growing Guides: Detailed guides on how to grow a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers, even in small spaces.

    • Sustainable Practices: Tips on composting, rainwater collection, and organic pest control to keep your garden eco-friendly.

    • Project Updates: Follow along as we expand our garden, introduce new crops, and implement innovative farming techniques.

    • Community Connection: Opportunities to connect with fellow gardeners, attend workshops, and share experiences.

    Join Me on This Journey

    Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, I invite you to join me on this journey of creativity, craftsmanship, and sustainable living, all nurtured with a touch of love. Let’s get our hands dirty and grow something beautiful together!

    Thank you for visiting LitFoxFarm. Stay tuned for more posts filled with tips, tutorials, and updates on our progress. Together, we can cultivate a greener future, one plant at a time.

    Lindsay