Leaf Grow

Today was a crisp and cool October day and we were totally motivated to work in the garden.  The soil is much looser after being rototilled but looks, at least to us, as though it could use some compost.  We went to our favorite local garden supply store to look for a compost system that would enable us to turn our coffee grounds and egg shells into natural bug repelling fertilizer.   At the store, a compost bin was priced at about $100 for a basic compost bin.  The store was also sold out of all its compost related systems.  They did sell "Leaf Grow" for about $5 a bag, and this being a local product consisting of organic leaf matter, we decided to by several bags to mix in with our soil.  After comparing the various composting solutions, we will likely either construct our own compost pile/box/system or just make a pile and surround it with chicken wire.  

We also discovered why everyone else is planting garlic.  Not only is it good for adding flavor to foods and oils, but it also repels animals apparently as an added benefit.  Having also read that marigolds serve to repel animals and wanting to have fresh flowers in addition to herbs and vegetables, we will try planting a combination of flowers and garlic around the boarder of our garden plot.  In addition, planting bulbs is also a good thing to do this time of year, so we may throw some of those in a section of the garden as well.