DRG

This past week the dudes’ house was all a buzz with activity. The dudes decided to take advantage of some vacation time to prepare for spring planting and tackle some major projects around la casa. The pool was destroyed in an organized manor so the salvaged materials could be used to establish the raised beds for the garden. The former pool area became the new(and hopefully) dog proof pen. Lastly we spread grass seed around the barren areas and salvaged the original dog fence for much needed trellis materials.

Regarding the pool demolition, Last year we planted peas in the midst of the pool and had a minimal amount of success. So based on that and the fact our furry friends needed a larger play area we opted to remove the pool. This turned out to be no small task! We couldn’t shoot cut the removal because the dudes saw that the sub frame of the pool deck was, intact and would make excellent materials for the proposed raised beds. We went about this in 2ways we’ll mention here specifically. The first way was to cut the deck boards, with a circular saw, so that we kept the boards between each truss. These cuts basically gave us a large amount of pieces approximately a foot long and 8inches wide. These pieces we’ll use for a nice boarder around the raspberries and some eagerly anticipated flower beds in the front yard. The second way once the deck boards were removed was to simply use a mallet and knock or pry with a crowbar the 2×8 sub-frame boards apart from each other. Again none of this was particularly easy but we had the time and the need for the free materials which made it all worth it.

In the end we still had some large sections to cut up and have hauled off but the end result was a huge boost for us and the dudes always try to see ahead to what will be needed on down the road. The dudes are novice farmers, at best, but we research and communicate daily to make sure the casa gets the best treatment.

The dog pen was a much easier task. The dudes sank the posts and hung the fence as per normal common sense procedures but made sure the fence was as tight as possible to the ground and from post to post. The biggest difference between this year’s fence and last years was basically two things the first, this fence was a clear foot taller. The dudes recommend a good tall fence for your animals. In our case it was necessary mainly to keep the local kids and neighbors from coming up and reaching over to pet them. The dudes have animals cooler than we are…unless there’s a cat somewhere, LOL. The second being that the dogs do tend to frighten vermin away so we made use of the vacant space from the pool, formerly filled, and extended the pen over. The pictures show the difference before and after.

Last but not least and the part were as excited about as the dogs are of their new running room, the raised beds. Most of the truss beams from the pool were 12ft in length. This was a big plus in that we didn’t have to measure anything when it came to the raised beds. Also, the 4×4 posts that were formerly the supports for the removed section of pool porch, made perfect corner pieces. All we had to do was align the beds how we wanted and then screw the pieces together. Simple and efficient.

Total cost for raised beds $30box of screws(way more than needed)The new dog pen fence was new but we saved bunches on trellis by reusing the shorter fence for the garden this year. Another article will follow this as we get these little processes done and up for you all to see.

All in all it was great vacation for us. The dudes got a lot of work done and still got to relax and enjoy some time off.

The dudes hope you have a wonderful planting season. And stick with us as we journey together and the never ending quest for knowledge, wisdom, and self-reliance. Check our facebook for more pictures coming soon!

After almost an entire week of nonstop working the dudes have accomplished great things! We were able to tear down the old deck where the empty pool was, pull up the original 5 ft. fence, lay down new 6 ft. fence with the supports at the correct spacing, and incorporate some eco-friendly practices with the whole process. One thing in association with being eco-friendly that we did as the porch was torn down, slats were cut out of the wood planks covering the deck which will be used as decorative border around a few of the raised beds. Also, the planks on the underside of the porch is being used for raising the beds for the strawberries, asparagus, carrots, blackberries, as well as a few other miscellaneous fruits and vegetables. The rest of the wood will be burnt including the nails and composted (not recommended by general public) as the nails are made of oxygen and iron and will breakdown with the thorough composting methods that are used.

As far as the spring planting goes everything is so far so good! There are some cold weather crops out as spoken of in an earlier post. Tomatoes were planted out but the same day the temperature dropped into the 30’s. Tomatoes are really sensitive to cold but they were getting to big indoors so the dudes tried their luck but they died…. Oh well! A few more were started the same day, lesson learned do not start tomatoes until March! Back to work next week for both of the dudes and still a LOT of work needs to be done in the garden so as much as possible will be squeezed in between our work schedules. Don’t forget to check the Gardening sections for specific growing directions on each plant. Before pictures of the vacation project will be posted now and later pictures will be posted Saturday so check back in with us!

Here at the DRG house talk everyday goes towards the outdoors and how much we are looking forward to this year. Warm weather has already shown its face a couple of times but as always it rains and the cool north air follows and the temperature drops down to the 30’s.

Today we are making homemade beer with a kit from a local brewery store. The last kit that was made was delicious! Comparable to some of the finest micro brews in the area. With a lot of research it has been decided that the dudes will partake in growing hops for our own little touch. The original plan was to grow fresh hops and barley. Turns out barley has to be a very specific type, so precise it takes a maltster to know the best kind of barley. Therefore, the decision has been made to stick with kit malts with our own hops and additives (spices, fruit, etc…) unless we are able to find someone locally that can provide us with what we need.

A two week break from work at the beginning of March is going to give us the time needed to be able to till, tear down a fence and restructure, plant early crops, plant cool season crops, and much needed chill time. Check out the gardening section for detailed instructions on growing all kinds of vegetables. The dudes hope everyone is well, good luck getting your early crops going and we hope to hear from you soon!

The dudes here at the house are getting very excited for the up and coming months just like the rest of you fellow gardeners. Hope you have ordered seeds and cleaned your pots off, we sure have!  The dudes traveled to a local co-op to get a little bit of information about a weed we have been having a problem with and some pricing information. Planning has also been partaking about where we are planting what.

This year will be the dudes first year to really get a LOT out of just the backyard. Organic seeds were purchased so we would be able to keep the overhead costs cheaper in the years to come. When seeds are grown each year from the harvested seeds they become an heirloom. Hybrid vegetable seeds are not consistent after the first grow, starting with a basic organic seed will allow the seeds produced to adapt better and better to the specific climate and disease each year. The vegetables the dudes will be growing this year are Onions, Broccoli, Lettuce, Spinach, Carrots, Potatoes (red and yellow), Peas, Beans, Cabbage, Garlic, Celery, Corn, Onions, Pumpkin, Tomatoes (Roma and Regular), Banana Peppers, Jalapeño, Cayenne, Bell Peppers, Okra, Asparagus, Watermelon, Cucumbers, and Artichoke.

Right now is a great time to clean your pots and seed starting gear off and start some indoor crops to plant out like Broad beans, Cauliflower, Leaks, Onions, Peas, Radish, Salad leaves, and Spinach. Broad beans, fruit trees and bushes, Garlic, and Rhubarb sets can be plated outside in milder winter areas. The dudes are about to till in there well-rotted compost and organic weed killer to prepare for spring. As long as the ground is not frozen and your boots do not stick to the mud the soil can be worked, otherwise use planks to walk on or stay off of it.

A lot of planning and preparation this month but the dudes are totally looking forward to this huge experience.  The dudes hope to not only feed ourselves but to also share our fresh vegetables with our neighbors, friends, and family. Stay in to touch and in tune we hope to be seeing you around happy planning and planting!

The first of winter’s chill graced us this past weekend. The first cold snap of fall sets the stage for falls chores. The Dudes spent the weekend harvesting and cooking, with plenty more to do. We are mowing less and therefore getting less lawn trimmings. However, harvest scraps are piling up and that’s been enough to make us want to build another compost heap bin. But all the excitement centers around the tilling!

The dudes harvested copious quantities of peppers, considering this was our first season as novice gardeners and the fact that we have made almost every mistake in the book! =D We aren’t sure as to the final weights from each kind of peppers we planted but it’s looking like we’ll have more than enough jars to get us through the cold winter that’s coming.

As to the tilling.

This past spring the dudes worked the earth of 2 plots in the backyard. Come next spring, we will have a total of 5 plots worked. Three plots being roughly 10feet by 40ft, the largest measuring roughly 55ftby 23ft. The dudes are excited to be preparing the ground for next year while simultaneously planting winter crops to harvest in spring.

Around the DRG house if a delivery truck comes through the neighborhood, chances are, we have a package on the porch. Today was no exception. Garlic and onions arrived today for our, much anticipated spring crops. Just last week we started two rows of 4seasons lettuce and now we will soon be adding onions and garlic too. These plants can and will make it through the cold months of the winter, either producing eatables or laying element for a thriving crop, early in the spring. Garlic, onions and lettuce are definite staple for any household and the DRG house is certainly no exception to this!

On a more personal note. We at the DRG want to convey our most sincere thanks to all of you that have followed us thus far. Our original goal has always been to inform and enlighten ourselves and all of you out there. Our little suburban garden is both an experiment and an experience and we have immensely enjoyed all that we’ve done and have a lot of hope in the future for all things DRG. Eventually we hope to have market prices verses garden prices and home verses market produce comparisons. But for now please stay with us here on the site, we regularly blog on Facebook and feel free to use what we’ve learned to open up the earth and enjoy the bounty nature can provide. Again thank so much for your comments, suggestions and kudos. The dudes abide.

A lot is in the works for the dudes as the seasons begin to change. Tilling was started in the plot but halfway through, the tiller malfunctioned and we have been unable to finish. The search for property was started this month!! If any of our fans or readers know of any extremely well priced property with five acres or more located in Seymour, TN or close by shoot an email to the dudes at dude@duderockgardening.com or duder@duderockgardening.com. A lot of the house maintenance has taken place over the month of September and will continue on through October. The roof will be getting replaced due to the hail damage from back in May, the heaps will have to be turned and covered for the winter, and plenty of other things to prepare for the winter and early planting next year.

                The tiller that was being used has been handed down to the dudes. We are the third generation to have this tiller. A new belt was bought for it that seemed like it was going to be a quick fix so we could get the rest of the ground work down however, during tilling the back plot the middle gear that helps turn the lower gears and the rotors was sticking extremely bad causing all of the bearings to slip and tear up the two belts we attempted to put on. We have been able to pull almost enough funds together to be able to invest in a brand new tiller. The goal is to have the new tiller before the end of October so we can break the ground before the first frost. Any help with the costs of our venture would be greatly appreciated and in turn you will receive a DRG memoir. Visit the DudeGarden shop at Etsy.com for our gallery.

                Property is on the mind for the dudes! A lot can be done on five acres or more. We are interested in investing in some land so we can expand DRG to the next point. This is most definitely a short long term goal we can hopefully achieve within a year. There are several things that can be done once this is accomplished such as, cows, chickens, and other farm animals which would let us become even more self-sufficient as well as open the doors up for us for tons of other things. There is a larger scale project the dudes have in the works that would be taking up a very large portion of the land. We think it could bring the funding we really need to get DRG out there to consumers. We hope to provide organic vegetables, wine, beer, and a few other things we have in mind. Our plans will be revealed a little later down the road.

                The seasonal change is coming fast! We look at everything as a learning experience and do not let unfortunate things bring us down such as the tiller breaking down; this is only a slight set back. There is a lot of work ahead and our lives have only gotten busier but we are not going to let anything slow us down. The dudes would like to take a moment to make a special thanks to all of our fans and readers out there, we appreciate your support and enthusiasm. Happy growing we will hear from you soon!!

The entire world is full of adventures and great things. If you stop and take a deep breathe outside in the middle of nowhere, where sounds of the normal are not perceived and instead peace is distinctly heard; The sound of greatness.

The dudes spend august gathering funds and conserving energy to prepare for the month of September. A lot of tilling needs to be done as well as planting. We continue to harvest peppers, tomatoes and herbs. Due to the lack of preparedness this year we have not been able to utilize all of our herbs. Next year shall be different! The herb garden will be expanding and the fruits and vegetables shall be plentiful!

                The dudes have also been working on their first batch of home brew! All of our basic equipment was bought and a pre-mix pack. The instructions were followed and now we wait on the beer to ferment into a delicious summer brew. IT takes about two weeks for the mixture to fully ferment and another week or two for the bottles to carbonate.

                The dudes wish everyone good luck! Enjoy the cooler weather and take advantage of time no matter what it is you spend it doing.

Today was a great day around the house. The weather was more mild than in the past few weeks and we have been struggling with motivation. So rather than take a much desired hike, we chose to clean the house, get to know the dogs again and work on some much needed plans. The Dudes wanted to expand on our recycling operation around the house. Everyone participates, which really helps, and we had no weird smells. The only foreseeable problem was that one bin for everything fills up quickly. The other problem being that we need it neat and organized but not in the house.

In a previous article we mentioned acquiring a few 30 gallon barrels, to be used for collecting rain water for the garden. The aforementioned barrels former contents where suspect and rather than risk any contamination we decided on using them for the recycling. We had 3 barrels left over. The barrels are used for glass, aluminum and plastic, respectively.

Making these took just a few steps. The first step was to cut the tops off so that it is like a trash can. It’s important to make sure the outside is clean,as-well-as the inside. You don’t want to attract bugs, vermin or the E.P.A. Plus the neighbors will appreciate you not having an environmentally conscience eye-sore.

After the top is off lay the barrel down and but it up against a door or post. Cutting the top off is tricky so be careful! The holes in the bottom only need to be an inch wide. The dudes tapped the holes in each barrel for release of any rainwater or left over fluids in the recyclables. A more detailed explanation will be posted to the reusing section under ecofriendly.

Remember, each day brings new opportunities. It could be said that each person is defined by how they spent there energy. How we lived and what we left behind. The dudes strive to be conscious of our world, the known universe and most importantly getting the most out of our time and energy. We recycle not because we are overtly environmentalists. We recycle for the same reason we compost, because we’re selfish and if there’s a way to reuse something we’re gonna do it! Lol

Point is we are the dominant species on our planet, in our time, and the dudes want our mark to be one of conscience not consumerist.

The dudes have been enjoying the good weather. Some days it rains and some days it does not. Both days are enjoyed; while the ones it is raining we spend snoozing, the ones it does not we spend working!

The grape plot for next year has been tilled completely and buckwheat has been sown. This feat took us about eight hours to completely finish. The thickness of the roots of the grass makes the ground hard and is tougher for the tiller to cut through. The clouds in the sky were black and you could feel the moisture in the air so, the dude grabbed the two pound bag of buckwheat and started spreading the seed slowly to make sure it comes up thick. The plan is to till this back into the ground plant crimson clover, till IT into the ground and let it breakdown over winter leaving tons of nutrients for our grapes to come.

Vegetable plot one is coming a long so good. The dudes look forward to doing a lot more in the ground, so it seems, the vegetables in the ground are doing so much better than the vegetables in the pots. One of the sunflowers has reached at least five feet tall if not taller and the rest are not far behind. The dudes pumpkin patch may be a little over crowded so, to expand the amount of space we used twist ties to trellis them up on stakes. We are not really sure if this will help, harm, or be just as effective as growing on the ground. The dudes will have very few carrots coming out of our carrot patch because, some a lot of the seeds were washed out during heavy rain. The cucumbers are trellised up with sisal lines and will be topped when they reach the top. The tomatoes have also been trellised which they will need for when they start bearing fruit. Lastly the peppers which are taking to the ground very well and have grown quite a bit in a short period of time.

New pictures will be up tomorrow showing all of the new growth and some of the things the dudes have been up to. Check the Reverberation section for our Primus review which was an awesome album!

The past few weeks have been very hectic at the DRG house. A lot of work has been done including trellising, a new dog fence, weeding, mulching, pruning, and fertilizing. Also the DRG household has done some room re-arranging to provide more comfortable living quarters for residents. Everything looks great and all are happy at the DRG home including the Dogs. A lot of new improvements to the garden will be coming up in the next month or two and a lot of new experiments will be taking place for canning and cooking. Both computers are still out of commission and it has proven to be very difficult to write and construct articles and pictures on one laptop. Hopefully this issue will be resolved fairly soon so our fellow gardeners can stay informed on growing methods and current DRG progress.

The dog fence was put up a few weeks ago and although we were hoping to contain them comfortably in the pen, they managed to escape. The fencing will have to be revised and added onto to properly contain the dudes’ animals.

The residents of the DRG house moved downstairs where there is a lot more space and the temperature is lower. In attempt to create a more productive environment for DRG, office space was added upstairs and properly organized for thoughts, ideas, and writing. The computers are being worked on as the funds are available. It looks like to be able to fix both workstations a copy of Windows 7 OS will have to be purchased. The computers will be reformatted which should fix any errors we are currently having.

We look forward to the days ahead to see more progression in growth and to experience the new meals we will create! Check our facebook for new pics! Happy Growing!