We turning our backyard into an urban farm. In related news: we are not moving out of town after all. Before we can start this urban oasis, we need to dig. A lot. A lot of grass digging. Above you can see a photo of exactly how much grass I have dug. I would like extra credit for the fact it was 100 degrees when I dug this portion. Dirtiest Husband In the World dug about an equal share. All the rest.
Here's our method. Hoe, dig, pitch axe out your grass. I prefer hoeing. Obviously. Pick up your grass pieces and put down unmarked cardboard. (Most restaurants will have lots of suitable cardboard boxes they won't mind you taking off their hands.) Load up the top with your compost, grass clippings, leaves, what have you. This whole area is currently our compost pile. We are going to keep adding to it and then throw down some mulch, more compost, throw in a few composting worms for good luck and have ourselves a good soil party. No one likes to dig... in August... in San Antonio. But if we want to have all our beds ready by fall, its now or never.
There are big changes coming around here. Stay tuned for the next chapter: How we persuaded our neighbors to allow us to keep 12 chickens. It hasn't happened yet- but I have a good feeling about how it will all wrap up.
Hoeing is effective for digging, preparing a good bed. When the soil is dry, hoeing is tough. But at least, it is good to flex our muscle, do exercise and perspire... Good luck to the adventure.. ~bangchik
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