So the debate between the double digging and the sheet mulching experiment is settled. Even though I accept double digging as the best option for soil preparation in the long run, the sheet mulched beds in the squash patch have done extraordinarily well. The prep was super easy and we planted straight into the freshly made beds. We made the beds and planted in early march and we are harvesting large zucchini already. I don't think this is the best option for all vegis but the zuchs and pumpkins seems to like it just fine. Tomatoes are doing well too.
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| pink banana squash |
(Re-cap on the recipe: nice thick layer of horse manure, cover with cardboard, lay on a generous amount of straw, water well until soaked through, then add a few inches of compost, plant seedlings)
It's only the beginning of the season and we have more zucchini than we can eat. After making the traditional quick bread I decided to try chips in the dehydrator. They are delicious. A great way to process any excess vegis but especially those extra large zucchini you find hiding in the garden.
Slice thinly and dehydrate plain or brush with olive oil and sprinkle on a pinch of sea salt. (If you don't have a dehydrator you can do this on a cookie sheet in the oven on warm over night.) Store in an air tight glass jar.
I can't believe you already have zucchini! Ours are languishing here and I'm not quite sure why.
ReplyDeleteGood Idea to make chips. Thanks
ReplyDeleteDo you ever have problems with blossom end rot with your zucchini? I've had a couple of years when my zucchini failed and I've been wondering if I need to lime before planting...???
ReplyDeleteReally useful info - I'm planning to plant some zucchini tomorrow and am thinking about using cardboard as sheet mulch (partly to foil scratching chickens!). Good to have your experiment to draw on...
ReplyDelete