Fall garden & this week's bargain(s)

Well, as usual I hit a few Estate Sales this past week. I got a mini crock pot & coffee grinder. I will use the crock pot for cheese waxing when I make hard cheeses & the grinder for smelly things like dried onions, celery & garlic. I had stopped at another sale on my way home Friday & saw a potting bench that I thought I would like. But, they wanted $40 & weren't willing to come down yet.

I have been wanting one for quite some time. I could have asked my husband to make me one but he's got so much going on & it isn't a priority right now. To start plants, I usually pull out a garbage can & put a small plywood table top & have a small rolling shelf I put things that I reach for as I go along. The garbage can is just low enough that it strains my back. A full morning or afternoon of potting makes me reach for the Advil.

Anyway, I had to run to the grocery store this morning so I decided to run by the Estate Sale. The company that put this one on usually has everything 1/2 off on the last day. It was still there! So I got it for $20.

She isn't the prettiest thing in the world but it's the PERFECT height and will definitely work until I get a pretty wooden one in the distant future. Sure wish I had had this a few weeks ago when I started my fall sets.

Speaking of which, here's what I use to start my seeds:

Paper towel or toilet paper rolls cut in approximately 2" lengths. I use take out containers from fancy restaurants or Fresh Market to hold them. I put as many will fit without crowding, and then fill 3/4 w/potting soil. 

I then put seeds in & cover with more soil. I put the clear lid back, label on & place on the bottom shelf of my grow shelf that husband built me earlier this year. Once sprouted & after the 1st true leaves appear, I transplant to 4" pots that my FIL saves for me. I keep them on the grow shelf until they get a few more leaves & they start to look like they're true plants. I then start conditioning them by placing them outside each afternoon for about an hour.

I left them out for about 3 hours yesterday & about 4 today. Taking in & out is really a pain. So, I think I'm going to leave these on the patio table under the umbrella until ready to plant. They get a bit of morning & afternoon sun but are fairly shaded during the day.

Here's what I've got for my fall garden that I will plant in 2 weeks. Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts, Romaine, Copenhagen Cabbage & Chinese Cabbage.



I've got waaay to many plants for my little city garden so I'll be giving most of these away. Plus I'm going to plant peas, beans, carrots & other lettuces directly from seed.

This will be my 1st fall garden ever! Wish me luck.