So I started a new project this year it took me nearly 2 months to complete, it was “for the children.” But really I think it was for me. 
It is a garden nothing huge like the one I grew up with in Nebraska but good sized by city standards 30′x8′ and 12″ high. After I spent 2 days moving rock out of the way and determining the footprint of the garden. Papa & I trenched sprinkler lines over to the new bed and will be setting up a timer soon. He also helped me move 1.5 tons of castle wall block to build a retaining wall. Steve set 99% of the block initially, which had to be moved around for the next step so it isn’t as perfect as when he started. Then we had just over 1 whole dump truck load of soil brought in to back fill it, and thanks to good neighbors 
we had the dirt moved from the driveway and into the planter in about 7 hours (thanks Tim & Josh we will be sending over some goodies if this thing grows.) Finally I leveled the bed and Steve & I added and mixed in some organic mulched soil for some extra nutrients and water retention. We finally planted on April 21, our 8th Wedding Anniversary (we are so romantic, aren’t we?) Yesterday I saw our seeds coming up; spinach, lettuce, sunflowers & corn. We still are waiting for pumpkin, squash, watermelon, onions, 
carrots, chives and beans to make their initial appearance. I also planted live plants because it is getting so hot here already, so our tomatoes, sweet peppers, jalapeno peppers and strawberries are growing and seem to be getting well established. One plant(s) looks like it is the favorite of an outdoor creature. Our little cucumber plants are being gnawed right down to the ground. My natural pest control methods aren’t working for it thus far but we will keep trying before we bust out the “BIG GUNS.” I hope the kids learn to appreciate the importance 
of farming and gardening as well as a growing love for fruits and vegetables…I am so excited for our winter crop already, but that will be a post for when the tem
ps drop well below 100F.
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Update April 30, 2009 – As of this morning a couple of all the plants have finally broken up through the soil and look to be taking off. We are all so excited about having fresh fruits and veggies this summer and learning all about plant life.
