Winter Garden Prep

I decided to build a protective structure for the plans. I used recycled stuff from my house and I got a thick plastic sheet from the hardware store. It's not perfect but for less then 10$ I was able to make a protective barrier that will also bring some more warmth to the plants.

Ty Regis Cuffy Schwoeffermann

Growing Plants in Sheet Mulch

I am in the process converted a 20" x 35" space into a garden from a large patch of grass. I am now planting plants there and it seems to be going well. Some of my plants were transplants. Tomatoes I got donated from a friend did not do very well because I planted them late in the summer and the grass under the sheets had not totally died yet. I also got some basil plants, curry, lavender, tea, and various flowers. I started some leafy greens like cabbage, kale, and lettuce and they are still growing now. I do think the sheet mulch worked great. I am now planting cover crops to help the ground survive the winter and transition to spring growing faster.

Ty Regis Cuffy Schwoeffermann

Share Your Yard

Ever wanted a beautiful garden in your yard but don't have the time or energy to build it. Do what many people are doing share your yard. Set up a meeting with someone via this Portland yard sharing website. Then make agreements that fit for both parties. Next thing you know you will have a garden built where there was just grass.

Young gardeners are excited to begin practicing techniques but lack space or land of their own. By allowing your extra land to be worked you are contributing to a healthier food system and can bring food security to a community that does not have much.

I started yard sharing this summer and I am learning a lot from the experience. I am planning to continue working on this land for two years until is self sufficient and growing on its own. I started with sheet mulching to kill the grass. Now the plants are taking roots and doing well.

Ty Regis Cuffy Schwoeffermann