Square Foot Gardening

Picture from www.democraticunderground.com

This year I am hoping to have a successful vegetable garden. During the past I have tried every year to do some gardening, but have only grown a handful of fresh vegetables. In researching different gardening methods I have decided to try square foot gardening.

Square foot gardening was popularized by Mel Bartholemew; it is a very efficient way to create an organic vegetable garden. In the modest space of 64 sq ft (2 – 4’ x 4’ beds) you can grow enough fresh produce to feed a family of four.

Important Elements to a Square Foot Garden

• Create raised beds that are between two and four feet in width (possible combinations include: 2 x 2, 3 x 3, 2 x 6, 4 x4…). These dimensions allow the garden the entire bed at arms reach. When you walk on the soil it becomes compacted causing distress to the plant roots.
• The garden beds should receive full sunlight from 6-8 hours each day, and should be located in an area of well-drained soil.
• Soil preparation should include a mix of 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 vermiculite, and 1/3 compost. This is a lightweight soil that will maintain appropriate amounts of water and provide adequate minerals for growing plants.
• Create a grid system by dividing the garden in one-foot squares. The grid system will allow you to easily remove plants at the end of the harvest cycle and replace with additional plants. This system will also help eliminate wasteful planting.
• Plants should be planted with consideration of their final growth size and habits. Plants that grow on vines such as squash, watermelons, beans, peas, and tomatoes should be trained to grow on a trellis.
• A plant spacing guide can be found at “My Square Foot Garden” (http://www.mysquarefootgarden.net/plant-spacing/)

Other Square Foot Garden Sites

• www.squarefootgardening.com
• Edenspath.wordpress.com
• timssquarefootgarden.com
• journeytoforever.org
• frugaldad.com/2008/03/03/how-to-build-a-square-foot-garden
• beingfrugal.net/2008/03/10/building-a-square-foot-garden
• www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/04/21/an-introduction-to-square-foot- gardening

Shaker Style

The Shakers immigrated to the United States in the late 18^th century to avoid religious persecution. When they arrived in America they began developing a society that emphasized a belief in a personal relationship with God, simplicity, equality, industry and a striving for perfection. This emphasis created a legacy of perfectly, yet simply crafted pieces. The enduring beauty of Shaker furniture is a result of their attention to details, the utility of their furniture and a fine elegance in all the created.

Influential Elements in Shaker Design

• Simplicity - In direct contrast to many of the pieces found during the same period, which were influence by the Federal and Sheraton styles, the Shakers would remove all elaborations creating pure and highly functional pieces. Shaker decoration is integrated in the overall form of a piece, they would use the basic elements of design (scale, proportion, repetition/variation and symmetry/asymmetry) to create visual appeal.
• Open and uncluttered spaces.
• A limited color palette of earth-based neutrals, warm yellows, reds, blues and greens.
• Handcrafted furniture in cherry, chestnut, maple and pine.
• Handmade quilts, toys, dolls and other accessories.
• Establish a Place of Order - The Shakers believed that every object should have a designated place, which necessitated large quantities of storage. Cupboards and drawers would often line an entire wall. Oval boxes and woven baskets were used to organize small objects. Pegs on chair rails were available to hang clothing and furniture to keep the floor clean and bare.
• Symmetry and repetition - They relied heavily on patterns involving the repetitive use of similar shapes, forms or space to create unity and order within each design.

• Natural Elements – Fabrics included cotton, silk and wool. Hardwood plank floors finished with a clear varnish.
  
• Lighting included beeswax candles and sconces.
• Cleanliness was considered essential in the Shaker society and as such homes, furnishings and farms were meticulously maintained.
• Other elements commonly found in Shaker design include the “Hand within a Heart” motif (to represent our heart belongs to God and our hands were meant to labor), the Tree of Life, doves and bird, and clocks (signifying mortality).

Images may be found at--

• http://graphics.boston.com:80/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2008/05/13/1210706501_1007.jpg
• www.shakerworkshops.com

Mothers Who Know

In October 2007, I listened to a talk by Julie B. Beck entitled, Mothers Who Know, which had a significant influence on my life.  She taught how the world needs more women who recognize and fulfill their divine roles. I feel strongly that her words are true.  As I listened to her speak, my heart was filled with hope as I saw more clearly that the path I am on is exactly where I need to be.  This knowledge gave me the confidence to move forward in cultivating talents that will improve my abilities as a woman, wife, mother and homemaker.  I know that as a I become a "Mother Who Knows" I will draw closer to the Savior and will be filled with the eternal joy given to all who follow Him.

The excerpts below are taken directly from that address:

"The responsibility mothers have today has never required more vigilance. More than at any time in the history of the world, we need mothers who know... When mothers know who they are and who God is and have made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for good on their children."

"Mothers who know desire to bear children... children - not possessions, not position, not prestige - are our greatest jewels. Faithful daughters of God desire children."

"Some women are not given the responsibility of bearing children in mortality, but... the value women place on motherhood in this life and the attributes of motherhood they attain here will rise with them in the Resurrection.  Women who desire and work toward that blessing in this life are promised they will receive it for all eternity, and eternity is much, much longer than mortality."

"There is eternal influence and power in motherhood."

"Mothers who know are nurturers.  This is their special assignment and role under the plan of happiness.  To nurture means to cultivate, care for and make grow.  Therefore, mothers who know create a climate for spiritual and temporal growth in their homes."

"Another word for nurturing is homemaking.  Homemaking includes cooking, washing clothes and dishes, and keeping an orderly home.  Home is where women have the most power and influence; therefore, Latter-day Saint women should be the best homemakers in the world." 

"Nurturing mothers are knowledgeable, but all the education women attain will avail them nothing if they do not have the skill to make a home that creates a climate for spiritual growth.  Growth happens best in a 'house of order,' and women should pattern their homes after the Lord's house.  Nurturing requires organization, patience, love, and work."

"Mothers who know are leaders.  In equal partnership with their husbands, they lead a great and eternal organization."

"Wise mothers... are selective about their own activities and involvement to conserve their limited strength in order to maximize their influence where it matters most."

"Mothers who know are always teachers."

"Mothers who know do less.  They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally.  They allow less media in their homes, less distractions, less activity that draws their children away from their home.  Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world's good in order to spend more time with their children - more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing and exemplifying.  These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all.  Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world... That is influence; that is power."

"Mothers Who Know"

Cleaning Products...

Routine households cleaners need to be able to create a clean, fresh and sanitary environment, but it should not pose health risks to the family or the environment.  This balance can be achieved by using very common household items that have proven their effective cleaning abilities throughout the years.  

Some of these more vintage cleaners may require more time and energy to help maintain the home, simply because they are not as corrosive as their more modern counterparts.  The intense level of toxic material that are found in many modern cleaning agents can actually cause harm to the environment, the health of our family and be destroying the surfaces which you are trying to maintain.  

We should always begin cleaning with the most mild cleaner and slowly work towards more abrasive and toxic cleaners.  By maintaining a regular cleaning routine these products will be very easy and effective.

Some simple and financially wise cleaners that can be used routinely in the home are listed below:

1.  General All-Purpose Degreaser:  For cleaning simple spills and greasy fingerprints around the home, simply combine 2 cups of warm water with 2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle.  Simply spray the area allow a minute or two for the dishwashing liquid to penetrate the surface and wipe with a clean damp cloth.  This will be safe on countertops, wood and stone surfaces.  (PH Level is neutral 6.5-7)

2.  Bathroom, Kitchen Sink and Oven Cleaner:  A gentle, yet effective cleaner that will remove stains without scratching surfaces is a paste mixture of 3 parts water to 1 part baking soda.  To add additional cleaner power substitute water with dishwashing liquid, mixed with baking soda until you have created a think paste.  For more stubborn stains a touch (pea size amount) of toothpaste can be added for extra whitening power.  (PH Level will be somewhere between 7-9)

3.  Soap Scum and Mineral Deposit Remover:  Simply soak a rag in either vinegar or lemon juice.  Cover area with the rag for a few hours.  Wipe and rinse excess.  (PH Level will be near 3)

4.  Window Cleaner: 1 part vinegar to 1 part water.  (PH Level will be near 3)

5.  Hardwood Floor Cleaner: 1 part vinegar to 1 part water.  (PH Level will be near 3)

Alkaline household cleaners (PH 7-14) are best for cutting through grease, oil, fats, proteins and other common household dirt.

Acidic household cleaners (PH 0-7) are best for cleaning areas that will have calcium build up and rust (typically areas that have high levels of water use... bathrooms and kitchen sink).

The more neutral the product the easier it will be on our bodies and our environment.

** PH Levels for Common Household Cleaners

Chlorine Bleach   13

Ammonia  12

Oven Cleaner (Containing Lye) 12

Tub and Tile Cleaner 12

Borax 10

Baking Soda 9

Dishwashing Detergent 6.5-9

Vinegar and Lemon Juice 3

Toilet Bowl Cleaner 3